Category: Stories

10 Songs That Needs to Be On Your Traveling Playlist

You’re leaving on a jet plane, and though you probably know when you’re going to be back again, you don’t know who’s going to be sitting in the next seat and what sounds you are going to have to put up with. From crying babies, snoring, to the incessant small talk of the person sitting next doling out way too much information can be a recipe for an unpleasant flight.

When you want to drown out all of the background noise while you’re flying and catch up on some shuteye, the obvious solution is to pop in your ear buds and play some tunes. Music has incredible healing powers, and here are ten soothing songs that you should add to your playlist to make your flight as peaceful as possible during your next executive ground transportation NYC travels.

  1.  America – Simon & Garfunkel
    There is something so soothing about Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel’s harmonies, and they are perfectly captured in this song.
  1.  Fade Into You – Mazzy Star
    Mazzy Star’s bluesy voice accompanied by the mystical sound of the guitar, drums, tambourine and piano make this song an absolute must for a flight.
  1.  Wildflowers ­– Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
      As soon as you hear Petty’s opening guitar in this classic song, you will feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
  1.   Mellow Mood – Bob Marley
    The tone that this song creates is right in the title. Bob Marley’s enchanting voice mixed with some chill drums and guitar are just what you need hear to set a well, mellow mood, on your flight.
  1.  Only Time – Enya
    Enya is famed for her enchanting music. She truly has the voice of an angel, and it’s as if she picks up a magic wand and casts a spell of relaxation over you with this incredible song.
  1.  Harvest Moon – Neil Young
    Is there a more peaceful song than Neil Young’s Harvest Moon? Maybe; but you’re going to have a tough time finding one. This is an absolute must for your flight playlist.
  1.  Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
    Just sit back and feel the calmness flow over you when Stevie Nick’s sultry voice washes over you in one of the most beloved Fleetwood Mac songs of all time.
  1.  Weightless – Marconi Union
    The rhythms, bass lines, and harmonies were thoughtfully laid out in this song to calm breathing and slow mental activity, and it’s amazing for a flight.
  1.  Cluster One – Pink Floyd
    There aren’t enough words to explain how mesmerizingly relaxing this instrumental from The Division Bell is.
  1.  Peaceful Easy Feeling – The Eagles
    This song is sure to give you a peaceful and relaxed feeling on your next flight.

With these songs on your playlist and a comfortable ride to and from the airport during your corporate ground transportation NYC trip, you’re sure to have the most stress-free, blissful travel experience possible.

NYC’s Power 105.1 FM Radio Host Angie Martinez To Reveal Memoir, My Voice

Angie Martinez My Voice

The Ride of Fame is hosting a special bus tour around New York City, making stops at Bryant Park, Hot 97’s home in Flatiron, the East Village and Washington Heights; each stop representing a milestone in Angie’s life. The Ride of Fame is a continuing worldwide series of mobile monuments dedicated to public figures highlighting and promoting their respective cities with their business and personal endeavors. Angie Martinez will tour the city and read inspirational anecdotes from her brand new memoir, My Voice. My Voice serves as an inspiration to young Hip Hop fans everywhere, as Angie reflects upon her humble Washington Heights upbringing, her shocking departure from Hot 97, her interactions with high profile celebrities and a side of Angie Martinez her radio fans have not yet seen.

Angie Martinez’s bus tour will pick up her “special celebrity friends” along the way

WHO: Angie Martinez – Radio Host, New York’s Power 105.1FM

WHERE: First Stop: Bryant Park – Corner of 44th Street and 6th Ave.
Second Stop: Old Hot 97 (ESB / Flatiron)
Third Stop: 126 East 14th Street
Last Stop: Washington Heights Dyckman and 200th St

WHEN: Tuesday May 17th, 2016 – SOCIAL MEDIA #MyVoiceTheBook(Instagram and Facebook) @RideofFame (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)

DETAILS: Angie will be available for one-on-one interviews along with photo and video opportunities. To RSVP and to request an interview or more information on the special guests please contact: Sara Fitts, [email protected] , (212) 205-6634 or Josh [email protected] (212) 938-0836.

About Angie Martinez
Angie’s nearly 20 years of on-air hosting experience has led her to become the media trailblazer she is today: multimedia host, spokeswoman, actress, recording artist, entertainment personality, author and philanthropist. Angie Martinez is recognized as one of the most influential personalities in popular culture and multi media. Originally known as “The Voice of New York,” Angie is well respected — and praised — for her unique ability to get up-close and personal with larger-than-life personalities. And most recently, Angie dedicated herself to training for and completing the 2014 TCS New York City Marathon in support of The PitCCh In Foundation, where her team raised over $200,000 to benefit inner city youth. Fans can tune into The Angie Martinez Show on New York’s Power 105.1, weekdays from 2pm – 6pm, and on Miami’s The Beat 103.5, middays from 10am–2pm. Fans can also access The Angie Martinez Show through iHeartMedia.com and the iHeartMedia app.

Trisha Yearwood Talks Mother’s Day for Those Remembering Their Moms

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This past weekend, Trisha Yearwood looked forward to Mother’s Day in a different way during T’s Coffee Talk  (her weekly Facebook Live chat timed to Trisha’s Southern Kitchen on Food Network). After losing her own mom, the holiday has taught her to appreciate the moms in her extended circle more than ever.

“When you have your mom, you never think about the people who don’t,” Yearwood said (at 06:40 in the video link above). “It just doesn’t occur to you that Mother’s Day is tough for people. Now that I’ve lost my mom, Mother’s Day is tough for me. I’m a bonus mom of three girls, so I celebrate that way, but I miss my mom… If you have your mom, not just on Mother’s Day, call her every single day. Do not take it for granted. If you don’t have your mom, find a mom and hug her, and you have all my strength on Mother’s Day.”

Also last weekend, the Country star (whose current single “Broken,” is now a Top 20 hit on Mediabase’s Adult Contemporary Chart), helped honor another love in her life. As the American Country Countdown Awards were handed out at the “Fabulous” Forum in Irvine, CA on Sunday, Trisha delivered the news onstage directly to husband, Garth Brooks that he’d been named Touring Artist of the Year. Watch her surprise announcement at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa this past Sunday here.

As Des Moines shows wrap up, the deadline also approaches for fans to submit videos to be featured in an upcoming episode of Trisha’s Southern Kitchen. Each day this week until Friday May 6, Trisha will post a question for fans to respond with video answers using #TellTrisha. Participating in the conversation gives fans a chance to have their videos featured in the show. 

Andra Day, Coca-­cola & Mcdonald’s Collaborate With Shazam to Present New Visual­-recognition Technology

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Coca-Cola and McDonald’s recently announced a first of its kind collaboration: the Rise Up ESSENCE® Festival program. The program, set to launch today, features Grammy nominated artist Andra Day and the lyrics of her single, “Rise Up” and the film ‘I Rise,’ on close to 40 million Coca­-Cola cups in select McDonald’s restaurants across the nation. Today all the entities have announced they have partnered with Shazam to feature new visual recognition technology for content distribution.

This is an extension of the highly anticipated national “Share A Coke and a Song” program that will include music lyrics on the packaging of Coca­-Cola®, Diet Coke®, Coke Zero™ and Coca­-Cola Life® beverages, which will be available in the stores.

McDonald’s, Coca­-Cola, and ESSENCE® Festival have partnered with the app, Shazam to feature new visual­-recognition technology for content distribution. Each cup becomes a portal to an exclusive digital experience where music enthusiasts can scan the specially marked Coca-­Cola cups and watch the short film, “I Rise” featuring music by Andra Day.

The Rise Up ESSENCE® Fest program offers people the chance to win prizes and view exclusive digital content that focuses on perseverance, community and achievement from Andra Day and others.

Coca-­Cola cups at participating McDonald’s restaurants will exclusively feature Andra’s image and lyrics of her song “Rise Up.” When music fans and McDonald’s customers purchase Coca­-Cola fountain products at McDonald’s restaurants, they will learn how to enter the Coca-­Cola Rise Up ESSENCE® Fest Sweepstakes* for a chance to see Andra Day perform at the 2016 ESSENCE® Festival in New Orleans, June 30­-July 3.

“I am overjoyed to be a part of this program,” said Andra Day. “The reach of Coke and McDonald’s is undeniable and I’m thrilled these iconic brands are joining forces to inspire local communities through messages of peace and motivation in unique ways. It’s an added bonus that they are using the lyrics to ‘Rise Up’ as a part of those messages.”

To celebrate the launch of this event, Day will join the press and her fans at the McDonald’s in Times Square on 220 West 42nd St in New York City. Today at 3:30pm, fans and media will get a first look at the Coke cups with Andra’s face and lyrics. The event will be hosted by WBLS radio personality Shaila Scott from “Middays with Shaila”. Fans will be greeted by Brooklyn United Marching Band and dancers. Day will be available for questions from the press.

The ESSENCE® Festival creates special moments for women to focus on themselves, rejuvenate, and connect with others. The inspirational message of Day’s “Rise Up” directly correlates with the excitement that McDonald’s and Coca-Cola want for their customers leading up to the ESSENCE® Festival. During the festival, attendees will experience exclusive daily performances, celebrity appearances and prize giveaways, brought to you by Coca­-Cola and McDonald’s.

William Rhodes, Director of Marketing, McDonald’s USA stated: “When we conceived this program, our goal was to develop partnerships that could offer memorable and exclusive experiences to our customers. We are beyond excited to launch this campaign.”

Dan White, Vice President, U.S., The McDonald’s Division of The Coca­-Cola Company noted that, “For this year’s ESSENCE® Festival program, we wanted to captivate the essence of the ESSENCE® audience with a strong and positive message and bring it far beyond the actual event. Andra is perfect. Her song is an incredible modern day empowerment anthem, and bringing it to people in their everyday moments makes it so special. Andra’s lyrics exemplify the mission of this campaign – to empower and connect with our fans. Our desire is to spark a social media discussion for fans to join in and share empowering stories.”

“Shazam is excited to partner with world­-class brands like Coca­-Cola and McDonald’s,” said Greg Glenday, Chief Revenue Officer, Shazam. “We are witnessing more large-­scale activations connecting fans with breakout artists like Andra Day. It’s great to see both global brands leverage our proprietary technology to build evangelists within their most desired audiences.”

The short film, “I Rise”, focuses on African­-American women sharing the incredible strides they are making in their communities. “Through this film, we want to showcase the remarkable contributions Black women are giving to the betterment of their communities. That is #blackgirlmagic and I’m happy Coca­-Cola and McDonald’s want to be a part of our story,” stated the film’s director, Yoruba Richen of Promise Land Film. Those featured in the film are Andra Day, Brandice Daniel, LaToya Cantrell, Kyemah McEntyre, Nzingha Prescod, Bene Vera, Kimberly Goldson, Kathryn Finney, and Michaela Angela Davis. The program’s short film is anticipated to generate hundreds of thousands of views.

Later today, Day will also join ESSENCE® Magazine’s Entertainment Editor, Cori Murray and filmmaker, Yoruba Richen for a private screening of the short film “I Rise.” Coca­-Cola and McDonald’s want to give press an opportunity to watch the short film the same day it will appear on the McDonald’s cups.

Click here to view teaser of “I Rise”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wpx7i7G3Yc0

Drew Barrymore, Hillary Duff and Company Support Child Safety at Safe Kids Day 2016

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Safe Kids Worldwide announced today that Safe Kids Day, presented by Nationwide, will be celebrated in homes across the country and at more than 220 local events throughout the spring. Safe Kids Day events will bring together families, celebrities and donors to raise awareness and funds to prevent childhood injuries. It is also a time for families to take action to protect their children.

Safe Kids Day supports the life-saving programs of Safe Kids Worldwide, a nonprofit organization working to protect children from unintentional injuries, such as drowning, fires, burns, poisoning and traffic injuries. Preventable injuries are the leading cause of death to children in the U.S., but with education and simple precautions, most injuries can be prevented.

In addition to celebrating at a local event, families are encouraged to take action to make their homes safer during April. Families can choose their top five safely actions from a master checklist of activities with #MyHigh5.

“Do you have a fire escape plan and have you practiced it like kids do at school? Are your medicines out of reach? Usually, parents have these items on their Things-to-Do list, they just find it hard to make it a priority. Safe Kids Day is a perfect opportunity to make it happen,” said Kate Carr, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. “We want every kid to be a safe kid.”

“At Nationwide, we’ve been protecting what matters most for 90 years,” said Nationwide executive vice president and chief marketing officer Terrance Williams. “We partner with Safe Kids because nothing is more important than the safety of our children. That’s also why we started our Make Safe Happen ® program – to raise awareness about childhood accidental injuries and provide tips and tools to prevent them from happening.”

Celebrity artists, actors and sports figures are lending their names and voices to help bring attention to the things parents can do to make sure their kids are safe. Many will take to social media to help spread the word and join the Safe Kids Day national celebration to be held at Smashbox Studio in Culver City on April 24.

Safe Kids Day Celebrity Heroes include:

Malin Akerman
Tom Arnold and Ashley Groussman
Drew Barrymore
Rebecca Budig and Michael Benson
Boy George
Mark-Paul and Catriona Gosselaar
Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin
Tamera Mowry-Housley and Adam Housley
Sir Elton John and David Furnish
Cobi and Kim Jones
Robbie and Claudine Keane
Stacy Kiebler
Alysia and Louis Montaño
Piers Morgan and Celia Walden
Alysia Reiner and David Basche
Nicole Richie and Joel Madden
Ashley Simpson and Evan Ross
Kelly Rowland and Tim Witherspoon
Terri Seymour and Clark Mallon
Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson
Christie-Lynn Smith and John Fortson
Gwen Stefani
Sharon Stone
Leonor Varela and Lucas Akoskin
Mark and Rhea Wahlberg
Vanna White
Henry Winkler

The 2016 Safe Kids Day campaign fundraising goal is $1.3 million. Proceeds from Safe Kids Day support the local, state and national injury prevention efforts of Safe Kids Worldwide. Safe Kids Day is presented by Nationwide and supported by Johnson & Johnson, FedEx , Chevrolet, Kidde Fire Safety, Safety 1st and Tide.

Three Time Emmy Award Winning Hairstylist Lavette Slater Appears on ABC’s the Fablife

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Three Time Emmy award winning hairstylist Lavette Slater was featured as an expert on the 90’s throwback hair-themed episode of ABC’s the “FabLife” show. Ms. Slater discussed hair trends, styled three models hair and shared tips on how to create the stylish, sophisticated do-it-yourself looks.

The first look was inspired by the 90’s scrunchie. Ms. Slater stated, “In the 90’s the scrunchie was often worn in many colors and was more of a teen style”. Fast forward to 2016 she wanted to create a more sophisticated and grown up look. She looked at Selena Gomez as a muse and recreated a look she had worn with a scrunchie. She styled the models hair in a high ponytail with a chic messy long braid with an all black scrunchie to cover the base. She used virgin Indian hair 30″ long from Perfect Locks hair extensions to create the look.

The second look was the popular 90’s favorite, crimps. Ms Slater stated, “Crimps in the 90’s was also for teens. Young girls often crimped their own hair at home with their crimping iron, fast forward to 2016 crimps are more strategic and placed in different spots. The look I created for the Emily is strategic I gave her a deep side part with a section that I crimped in the side sweep and also a sleek ponytail with crimps in the ponytail.”

The last look was the ultra trendy braided cornrows. When describing what influenced the look Ms. Slater stated, “In the 90’s cornrows were small, it was more like your own hair braided into 6 or more rows. Cornrows 2016 is bigger but less rows. For Arianna I added hair from Perfect Locks and blended with her own hair to create the look.”

When asked about the controversy of other ethnicities wearing braided styles Ms. Slater said, “I don’t think there is a cultural misappropriation, anyone can try a style and love the culture. It’s what is being said that makes the issue. Cornrows have been around for a very long time, styles come and go and come around again sometimes people call it something different but it’s the same style upgraded a bit.”

If you have not had a chance to watch the segment, check out the link below.

http://fablifeshow.com/beauty-biz/throwback-beauty-trends/

About Lavette Slater

Lavette Slater is a three time Emmy Award Winning Hairstylist, Makeup Expert and On Air TV Beauty Expert with over 15 years of creative experience; she is best described as an ambassador of beauty; the highest rank official of all things that makes us beautiful. At the height of her career as the Supervisor and Key Hairstylist at ABC’s “The View,” this 10x Emmy Award Nominee and Winner of the 34th, 35th and 36th Annual Creative Emmy Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Hairstyling, has styled the tresses of actors such as Chandra Wilson, Glen Close, Jennifer Hudson and top political figures; Hillary Clinton and our elegant first lady, Michelle Obama. With her artistic vision and impeccable attention to detail, Slater’s skills extend to hair extensions as well as a multitalented makeup artist, which includes professional airbrushing, tanning, contouring and tattoos. Slater has the ability to effortlessly capture the essence of her clients’ personality and star power by creating a look that is unique to them.

As a master of her craft, Slater has been credited for giving show ideas for on-air segments on the popular television show “The View” . Her styling finesse is no stranger to a few well known publications; Marie Claire, People, US Weekly, Essence, and Hamptons Magazine to name a few. Slater made a mark in publication history for being the key factor to Kate Gosselin’s extreme transformation from long to short; People Magazine named her style “One of the most memorable style moments of the year”.

Slater is constantly working on her own innovative techniques and pushing the boundaries of hair and beauty. Her vision is to create her own line of wigs, cultivate new make-up trends, and provide her audience with easy do-it-yourself tips for all things hair. Slater is on track to expanding her legacy and making sure that the picture of that hairstyle you want; that subtle exquisite look you see in the media, you will recognize it and know it was done by, Lavette Slater, beauty master.

Ms. Slater is currently working on hosting and producing the 2nd taping of her successful celebrity panel series, Salon Diaries (SD). The first installment of Salon Diaries was held in 2014, at Trump Towers and the turnout and atmosphere was fun, exciting and full of commentary, to say the least. This year, Salon Diaries will be raising money to donate to the Salvation Army Central Maryland in an effort to assist in the rebuilding of Baltimore after the riots.

Ms. Slater is also working on her reality makeover series Creating A New You, where she styles and transforms her participants with a brand new look from head to toe. She also gifts complimentary beauty products, offers expert beauty advice along with a fresh new hairstyle as well as a beat face. Each episode caters to people with refreshing stories, compelling journeys and guest that just want a fab new look!

Lavette Slate is expanding her brand and will soon launch a natural hair additions.

To keep up with Lavette Slater check out her social networks and website below:
Twitter:@LavetteSlater
Facebook: LavetteSlater
Website: http://www.LavetteSlater.com

South African Vocalist Lira Releases New Album Born Free

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Elegant. Soulful. Radiant. Few words come close to describing the rich, silky sound of South Africa’s preeminent female vocalist of the 21st century, LIRA. Widely regarded as one of South Africa’s top adult contemporary artist, LIRA has racked up an impressive series of achievements since launching her musical career nearly a decade ago, blazing a trail of accomplishments that few artists in the history of the continent can lay claim to: the first African to be appointed Bobbi Brown Cosmetics’ brand influencer, gracing the covers of an infinite number of fashion and lifestyle magazine and maintaining the largest social media following of any South African vocalist, with 700,000 Facebook fans and 350,000 Twitter followers. Her flawless dossier boasts a multitude of accolades and nominations from South African Music Awards, MTV Africa Awards, BET Awards, Channel O Awards and MOBO Awards as well as Glamour Magazine South Africa’s “Woman of the Year” – all of which have left an indelible impression on Africa-at-large.

Purchase ‘Born Free’

LIRA is already a beloved superstar in her homeland, now with Born Free the charismatic songbird is ready to introduce international ears to her alternative R&B sound.

Born Free offers a persuasive testament to the human spirit’s ability to transcend in the face of obstacles and seemingly insurmountable odds, and her confident and vibrant, inspired performances bring the songs’ upbeat lyrical sentiments to life. While LIRA’s music reflects her abiding love for such seminal influences as Miriam Makeba, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone, and sits comfortably alongside the contemporary work of such performers as Sade, Maxwell and Lizz Wright, but LIRA’s singular voice and deeply personal perspective make her a one-of-a-kind recording artist, as well as a top-flight concert attraction.

When asked to elaborate on the significance of the title “Born Free” Lira says, “I grew up in a world where I faced so many limitations. I realized defining freedom for myself and subsequently living it was what I needed to do. In exploring this, the concept of “Born Free” became clearer. I want people to realize how powerful they are and that they can own their freedom. This album has become more than a body of musical work, it seeks to inspire and create change – physically and most importantly, mentally.”

Born Free masterfully blends a new sound with the smooth urban direction synonymous with the LIRA brand. “This is my best record yet” adds Lira,”and listeners should expect to hear the definitive growth and boldness which that brings.”

Reared on a steady diet of American soul luminaries LIRA’s music is a glowing testament to her immense growth, eschewing despair for lyrics replete with hope, love, and a profound sense of interconnectedness. One listen to Born Free will confirm why LIRA has been embraced in a world as harsh as South Africa. The multi-lingual young artist’s distinctive, effervescent song craft combines breezy melodicism, irresistible rhythmic drive and uplifting, personally-charged lyrics that allow such memorable tunes as “Rhythm of Your Heart” “Listen” and “Be About It” —to fulfill her goal of making music that’s “beautiful, uplifting, empowering and celebratory.”

As part of a new cadre of African artists making waves stateside LIRA sees herself as an ambassador of the new Africa: a land where, despite a recent history filled with obstacles, a future brimming with infinite possibilities lies. LIRA feels that this pressure to thrive outside of convention has bred a unique brand of ingenuity that will propel her and her fellow artists to the world stage.

“We’re proud of being African, but there’s also a desire to be a part of the world. Part of the way we can raise the consciousness back home is when people see us rise on the world stage. We don’t do it for the individual, we do it for the entire group.”

Karen Rodriguez to Perform at Hispancize’s Positive Impact Awards

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Karen Rodriguez first garnered national attention on season 10 of American Idol back in 2011. Her performances of “Hero” by Mariah Carey, “If You Had My Love” by Jennifer Lopez, “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars, and “No Me Queda Más” by Selena crowned her the first bi-lingual finalist on the show.

Her popularity on American Idol catapulted Karen’s career as a singer-songwriter leading her to sing background vocals on Marc Anthony’s smash single “Vivir Mi Vida” and co-writing three songs with Romeo Santos for his album Formula Vol. 2 (“Odio” featuring Drake, “Trust” featuring Tego Calderón, and “Gone Forever”). In addition, Karen also wrote the Spanish translation of “Somebody” by Natalie La Rose featuring Jencarlos Canela and Kevin Roldan, which they performed at the 2015 Latin American Music Awards.

Karen Rodriguez’s performance at Hispanicize follows a string of successes and media appearances by the singer-songwriter, whose Spanglish cover of Adele’s “Hello” went viral last December becoming the #1 streamed song on Spotify in Latin America, reaching No. 5 on the US iTunes Latino chart, No. 7 on Billboard’s Latin charts and Top 10 on Billboard’s Latin Digital chart. Rodriguez’s renditions of Drake’s “Hotline Bling” and Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself” have been featured on mass media outlets such as: Latina Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Pop Sugar, Vibe and Refinery 29. Karen’s Spanish cover of Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself” was premiered exclusively on SiriusXM’s Viva and Caliente channels this past February.

Hispanicize’s Positive Impact Awards honors Latinos from all corners of the U.S. who dedicate their lives, time and money to ensuring that their communities have access to the resources and support Latinos need to succeed. This year’s moderators include Ismael Cala, anchor and producer for CNN en Español and Yarel Ramos, host of NBC UNIVERSO.