DigiMax

DigiMax Business Copy Store (DigiMax) supplies the Detroit business community with all of their marketing, promotional and print needs.The key to having a successful business is formulating a company that will fill a void in the marketplace. No matter how huge a corporation may get, it is still dependent upon someone else to handle the intangibles for them. DigiMax has provided the opportunity and service to the surrounding community and Greater-Metro Detroit area with innovative marketing and technology.


Also come and participate in the Arabic classes every Monday taught by Prof. Little


Don't forget your copy & coffee...!!!


DigiMax Business Copy Store
18461 W. McNichols Detroit, MI 48219
Tele: 313-255-4300
Fax:313-255-4300
Website: http://digimaxbusiness.com/

Best Kept Secret: Volume 1

This will be the first of many columns I write when it comes to some of Detroit's best kept secrets. Though exclusivity is the prevailing niche these days for small sit down eateries. American Bistro is a good case to start the Best Kept Secret of Detroit columns off with.

American Bistro located on the West Side of Detroit on what is proudly known as the "Avenue of Fashion" at 19416 Livernois, Detroit, Michigan 48221. If you've haven't visited this place already I high recommend doing so. Great food and amazing ambiance.

Downstairs

Upstairs

Patio

Black Milk: Losing Out

Understated Elegance

A subject that's not always exposed and brought to the attention of others because the name itself represents an incognito way of style and living. Understated Elegance upholds the principles of "less is more". I've noticed that not bringing attention to myself at most times is more appealing than trying to prove my significance to others. (Now-a-days we live in a world where people are desperate to prove their significance.) I hope that makes since to you, a good example is practicing the methods of reciprocity while focusing on the approach of letting everything come to you.

This isn't just for style and fashion, it's also a lifestyle. But to incorporate how it works, a impressionable gentleman with a impeccable look, will present himself in a way that shows you that he's all about business, and has built a professionalism around his attire. It may be a tailored blazer, or watch, or shoes that don't scream look at me I'm expensive, the look will compliment the attire. Or when it comes to the lifestyle aspect of understated elegance, the way you carry yourself can speak volumes rather than doing it verbally. This will only create an impressionable image that draws curiosity. Understated Elegance....

The Count of Monte Cristo

Composed by Alexander Dumas: It is primarily concerned with themes of hope, justice, vengeance, mercy, forgiveness and death, and is told in the style of an adventure story.The story takes place in France, Italy, islands in the Mediterranean and the Levant during the historical events of 1815–1838 (from just before the Hundred Days through to the reign of Louis-Philippe of France). The historical setting is a fundamental element of the book.

Donald Glover & Childish Gambino

Childish Gambino


Donald Glover


Mystery Team


"you use to have to act street now you have a choice"

Bently GT

It's In the Morning

Robin Thick, Snoop Dogg

Good alarm for waking up in the morning!!! Haha

Absurd Shirts

Our New line is looking to hit the venues summer 2010 but just a sneek peek at ABSURD SHIRTS CLOTHING.

Brand Motto: Beyond The Box
COMING SOON!!!!



Men V-Neck Shirt

Stardom Exposure

Stardom Exposure is a gateway company looking to expand and bring forth the full potential of artist/ talent and independent labels/ companies. Our mission is to positively expose clients to a commercially acceptable standard. With our cutting edge vision for marketing and promotion, we put our clients in the position to be targeted by Public Companies, Major Record Labels, and Mainstream Media.

U-Curve Theory

Now i was actually gonna wait until my excursion from overseas to post this blog, but numerous research and reading has gotten me interested in the subject. It's titled the U-Curve theory. Destined to experience this phenomenon, it's related to the subject of culture shock, once you've chartered the destination of a different culture. I was told that once you experience a different culture, you go through the process of adaptation and relation. In the U-Curve theory, you start off excited about the trip to a different country/ culture. But that excitement soon diminishes due to home sickness and lack of knowledge of other cultures. Below is a link that explains in more in depth details the range of culture shock and adaptation of new scenery for individuals who pursue the voyage.

http://www.articlealley.com/article_233393_22.html

Update: Urban Post follow-up

For those who follow or stumble across my blog, I apologize for my sabbatical from not updating you on current events. Reason being is because I've been doing a little extra traveling, and focusing on school, but looking forward to relinquish some new things that could benefit a lot of people. Along with some places I've visited these past couple months. Plenty of new venues to check out, books to recommend, and events and festivities to check out in the near future. So more post/ articles will be coming soon, and I appreciate the patients.

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

If you haven't seen (1987) movie Wall Street with Michael Douglas, and Charlie Sheen, please go to whatever free movie site you know of and watch it.

Plot:
Bud Fox is a Wall Street stockbroker in early 1980's "New York with a strong desire to get to the top. Working for his firm during the day, he spends his spare time working an on angle with the high-powered, extremely successful (but ruthless and greedy) broker Gordon Gekko. Fox finally meets with Gekko, who takes the youth under his wing and explains his philosophy that "Greed is Good". Taking the advice and working closely with Gekko, Fox soon finds himself swept into a world of "yuppies", shady business deals, the "good life", fast money, and fast women; something which is at odds with his family including his estranged father and the blue-collared way Fox was brought up. Bud Fox is an ambitious stock trader who will do just about anything to get into the big leagues. He has been actively courting Gordon Gekko, one of the biggest stock speculators on Wall Street. Gekko manipulates the market using inside information and his motto best describes his approach: greed is good. Nothing will stop him from pursuing a good deal and he takes advantage of Bud's burning to desire to succeed. Soon, Bud finds himself getting information from any source and using to gain an advantage. It all comes to a head however when Gekko targets Blue Star airlines, the company where Bud's father has worked for 24 years, secretly planning to break it up and plunder the employees' retirement fund" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094291/plotsummary


Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (sequel)
Gekko is released from prison and back to business as usual, but now instead of Charlie Sheen being the eager guy seeking entry into the world of stock brokers; Shia LaBeouf will be the new guy. Below is the trailer of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

The Fix - President Obama makes his NCAA Tournament picks (and the Fix does too!)

The Fix
- President Obama makes his NCAA Tournament picks (and the Fix does too!)

Obama, in a clear attempt to get in good with the ole Fix, had a string of kind words for the Georgetown Hoyas. "I think they're getting better," Obama said of the team "Coach John, Thompson III does a good job and I am feeling pretty good about Georgetown making a little run." Us too!
Obama picked the Hoyas to lose to Kansas in the Elite Eight with Kansas State, Kentucky and Villanova rounding out the Final Four. His championship game is between Kentucky and Kansas with the Jayhawks emerging as the champions.

Taio Cruz Break Your Heart

And I know karmas gonna get
Me back for being so cold.
Like a big bad wolf im born
To be bad an bad to the bone.
If you fall for me
Imma gonna tear you apart
Told you from the start

I'm only gonna break break ya break break ya heart. (x4)

Detroit Expected to earn $2.8 billion from ASAE

At times, it irritates me to hear individuals from all over the country tarnish the great City of Detroit. Not only those who live outside the city, as well as the state, but natives to the area. In recent news, Larry Alexander; President of the Detroit Conference & Association bureau accomplished something of monumental proportions. Recently proposed a bid to get the American Society of Association Executives to establish a conference in the city of Detroit. What does this mean for you? This means a surplus of economic growth for the City of Detroit, $2.8 BILLION to be accurate. This will not only stimulate Detroit's economy but provide jobs for individuals who are in need of employment. Estimated of +1000 job opportunities, ranging from hospitality industries, event coordinators, promotion, real estate investment, along with many other profit business ventures.

Now to more explain the ASAE and how it will bring revenue to the City of Detroit. This conference is deemed as the Super Bowl of all leadership conferences. Some of the powerful leaders in business, CEO and partners of major corporations gather at these conventions to better their companies to it's best potentials. 3,500 CEO's will be at this conference, along with their teams of colleagues. So if I'm crunching the number right, your looking at +7000 plus of CEO's and Associates. Investor will need to book events, hotels are getting ready now for the conference and looking to hire a double in staff. So for those who are business owners with venues, I would prepare for the festivities that will be occurring.

Urban Prep Acadamies

"Urban Prep Academies is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates a network of all-boys public schools including the country’s first charter high school for boys. Urban Prep’s mission is to provide a high-quality and comprehensive college-preparatory educational experience to young men that results in our graduates succeeding in college. The schools are a direct response to the urgent need to reverse abysmal graduation and college completion rates among boys in urban centers. While most of Urban Prep students come to the schools from economically disadvantaged households and reading 3 or more years below grade level, Urban Prep remains committed to preparing all of its students for college and life." http://www.urbanprep.org

Before each semester begins, each student is given a watch that will enable them to time management. This gives the students at Urban Prep not to be late. Very clever I'd say. This prestigious Academy currently has a 100% graduation rate of students attend for year colleges institutions. This college prep academy puts young African-American boy in the position to learn and achieve on a competitive/ committed level. Walking the streets of Chicago with shirt and tie with royal blue blazer with crest engraved on the upper left pocket, distinguish themselves from others. Letting others know that they're serious about their education and ready for the next step in the academic world.


The Urban Prep Creed

We believe.
We are the young men of Urban Prep.
We are college bound.
We are exceptional-not because we say it, but because we work hard at it.
We will not falter in the face of any obstacle placed before us.
We are dedicated, committed and focused.
We never succumb to mediocrity, uncertainty or fear.
We never fail because we never give up.
We make no excuses.
We choose to live honestly, nonviolently and honorably.
We respect ourselves and, in doing so, respect all people.
We have a future for which we are accountable.
We have a responsibility to our families, community and world.
We are our brothers' keepers.
We believe in ourselves.
We believe in each other.
We believe in Urban Prep.
WE BELIEVE.

The Ultimate Preppy President

Though the title may catch giggles, understand that the word Preppy is a shorten version of preparatory. An adjective or noun traditionally in relation to Northeastern Private University Preparatory Schools. Mr. Kennedy is the reason the Ivy-League look is prevalent today. Now understand, JFK didn't always anguish the style preparatory/ Ivy-Style look. It was a grooming process. Stories have been told that in Kennedy's earlier years of college, John was known for his messiness, particularly with clothes. He would show up with his shirt untucked, or without socks, or wearing a rag of a necktie, according to his boarding school roommates. I really appreciate the fact that it took a grooming process to generate the look that Kennedy has displayed giving his accomplishment in the political office. I personally never started out with a bow-tie/ silk tie in my wardrobe growing up, (though my mother wood have me wearing dress shirts everywhere, but that's a different story) but you learn to eventually understand the the etiquette's of attire. Given my private school days, I understand the process and the reason I tend to dress so casual today. Photo below is President Kennedy with his son on the White House Patio.

Check out the sunglasses Kenny's wearing. These are what you call Club Master sunglasses. Malcom X really brought this style into existence and I would say that Kennedy respectfully followed. But all in all, it's a good look.

This photo is my all time favorite. Growing up as a kid, taking the boat out for a old fashion fishing trip is something I treasure. I can remember like it was yesterday, waking up at 4am, to prep the boat for a long day of fishing or sailing. Some of the best times I've had with my dad, PRICELESS. Here, young Kennedy prepping the boat for sail on the open water.

"Brooklyn Girl" C.Hamilton "

I consider myself an A&R of good music and good artist. I heard Charles Hamilton and instantly knew that his song Brooklyn Girl would be a hit prior to seeing his view count on Youtube. Every day a star is born. I have high expectations for Mr. Hamilton. He's simply keeping it real, and projecting the atmosphere of beautiful women with in the great city of New York. Uniquely marketing his video, it's a day in the life of New York and his association with the opposite sex, in a very respectable way. "When they look at me, I don't look away, I spread LOVE it's the Brooklyn way". -C. Hamilton. Hence: Lacey Duvalle in the video, the girl at the magazine stand, it's a good look for her as well...

LIFE...3-21-2010

From the various shows like Man vs Wild, Myth Busters and many more, I have a great appreciation for what the Discovery Channel does. Life is a highly anticipated show that's going to be airing on March 21. I recommend you watch this beautiful display of life and all it's abundance.

Sloppy Love Jingle

Bartender!
"Yeah I hear your wise ass, give me a minute."
I'm trying to get this round over here.
"What do you think I'm just working for you here?"
Actually, will you, will you send a drink, to the lady at the end of the bar? Yeah that one right there.
"Here you are man."
Yeah, yeah. It's on me. Tell her it's from Travie.
"It's from this guy over here."

From the second she shimmied in
I was intrigued by her essence
And my first instincts to make sure that my presence was felt
Simple and plain
I'm probably jumping the train
But all I could see was my name engraved on her belt
Hit the pause button
Damn!
I don't even know this girl
And I'm already practicing my sweet-nothins
But that's a classic trait of a soft-spoken, heart-broken, fellow like my self best believe (pussy)
I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve
But that night the Jagermeister had my sleeves rolled up
Wait a minute, hold up
I think she caught me grillin' now I'm spillin' my drink (don't look don't look)
I knew our feelings were in sync so now she gave me the wink
The only problem is, I'm not your ordinary, average Romeo
A Cyrano de Bergerac (shut the fuck up)
In fact, I remember back in fifth grade
I tried to read the book of love, but sadly
The introduction didn't grab me
So I left it on the shelf and kept moving
Assuming that this planet rotates
I'll just procrastinate until the day I bump into my soulmate
Who would've thunk I would be pissy ass drunk when time came for collision
So I made the decision to just keep my composure (cool cool)
Until she started getting closer
And then I felt this weird feeling underneath my left shoulder, and then I
Slipped, tripped, busted my lip and fell in love
The minute that she stepped in the door
The type of girl I'd have to make a couple mix tapes for
To me she equaled MC squared and everything else was mathematics
I never took the time to practice


(GCH)

THE RAP STAR IN CHIEF

Jay-Z, with his wife Beyoncé at his side, tries out the seat of power during their grand tour of the White House. Now where Mr. Carter is sitting, is known as the situation room. This is not apart of the tour of the White House for those who don't know. In the situation rooms, powerful members of Obama's cabinet reside in 5,000 sq foot conference room which is run by the National Security Council and use for the President Of The United States and advisers. The Situation Room is equipped with secure, advanced communications equipment for the President to maintain command and control of U.S. forces around the world. Mr. Carter and Beyonce also had a brief meeting with the President. This is just simply a reference to Jay-Z political connects. I'm very appreciative of this event because it show the direction of where African Americans in this country are headed. This is quite simply put a monumental accomplishment.

NBA Dress Code: Domino Effect

Now I'm not exactly sure who started the dress code first, but I know a few years ago NBA Commissioner David Stern was very sever and strict when it came down to the new dress code requirement for NBA players. Though many protest to the idea, mostly those who have a very hoodlum attire didn't wish to participate. But given that NBA players are still under contract they work for a corporation, Mr. Stern's new rule fell through. If you think about it, it was a really good thing for most players. Cleaning up their look and presenting themselves with a more approachable image. With a nice clean look,the endorsements will follow. (it's all about marketing people, and if you look the part you'd get paid) I have to give acclaim to Kobe Bryant on his cover with GQ magazine.

Very nice sophisticated look, which let's you know what directions he's heading now that he's entering his veteran status in the league. Lebron James is another who has a nice clean image when it comes to rocking a nice tailored suit. It's like a domino effect that is going in the right direction for our NBA athletes.

I would put D.Wade in this category but he still needs a little help on the fashion tip. I can somewhat interpret the style he tries to emulate but the thing is, he's trying a little too hard. Simplicity sells Mr. Wade. Sometimes I don't know if I can take his style seriously at times, or let me just say he has his moments. But this is just my opinion, feel free to comment if you disagree. Still a great basketball player and still in my top-five for his ability to play the game.

Exploring the Instument

Over the past year, my ear for music has drastically changed. Along with my appreciation for those within the music business. I've recently picked up on playing the guitar an though me and my guitar have our ups and downs I still find myself enjoying the beauty of creating something with just a few plucks of a couple strings.

Not taking all the credit for myself, but I just happen to know individuals who were patient enough with me to teach me some of the small but important techniques needed to develop the skill I possess. What's really got me attracted to the guitar is the ability to escape from all your problems/ boredom at the end of the day. Being able to play cover songs or create something new and knowing your in the mist of becoming an avaunt guard pending on how you interrupt your instrument. Like the great John Coltrane, I like to explore with my guitar instead of just simply playing it, come up with new ways to play the guitar. So those of you who are familiar with playing the guitar and/ or are beginner, certain sites I would recommend would be www.chordbook.com and www.ultimateguitar.com <--- good for tabs and chords for cover songs.

Shwazye & Mike Posner

If you know me I'm sure you've probably heard me singing a Shwazye tune, rather it be livin it up, or Corona & Lime, but I can't go a day with out quoting the songs. LOL. But lucky for me, I stumbled across this performance along with the opening act from Mike Posner. Drug Dealer girls is probably one of the favorites, but those of you who might not know who Mike Posner is,I would recommend checking him out, he's from Southfield, MI. Recently signed with Sony. Check out some of the photos from the concert.

Bob Johnson Michael Jordan Bobcat Business Deal

Hopefully the photo is not mis-leading in any since, but Nelly is irrelevant in this column I'm doing, with all due respect. But in this photo, is Bob Johnson(Johnson, who founded BET and sold it to Viacom for $3 billion in 2001, announced that he had been looking for someone to buy the Bobcats earlier this year.) to the left in the gray suit, and as we all know Micheal Jordan to the right in red.(good for Nelly to be in a position to be sitting next to these two powerful men, but he's still irrelevant to the story)
If you've followed this story, I'm sure you will then be aware of the long process it took to establish this transaction. Johnson recently finalized a "definitive agreement" to sell majority interest of Bobcats Sports and Entertainment to Michael Jordan and MJ Basketball Holdings, LLC. The deal is subject to NBA approval. Jordan has overseen the team's basketball operations in recent years, and has a great valued interest in the success of this team. This was a good deal and shows the magnitude of how good business is done amongst the African-American community.

F.Y.I Details on the purchase price were not available. But we're talking about a multi-million dollar deal...!!!

Rule of Croquet

The point of croquet, of course, is to use your mallet to hit your ball through the wickets and into the stake(s), and finish doing so before your opponent(s). Croquet is usually played as a team guy, with two or three people to a side. The order of play is always blue, red, black, yellow, followed by green and orange if six croquet balls are being used. In team play, blue/black/green goes against red/yellow/orange.
Each player has one shot per turn but can earn extra shots by scoring a wicket or by striking another ball, which is known as a roquet. Scoring earns one bonus shot and roquetting earns two. New bonus shots can only be earned on the final bonus shot, and there's a limit of two at once. With the optional "deadness" rule, a roquetted ball can't be struck for a bonus again unless the striking player has first scored another wicket. If a ball stops out of bounds, place it inside the boundary in a direct line from its position.Croquet was an event at the 1900 Summer Olympics and roque, a variation on croquet, an event at the 1904 Summer Olympics. The World Series of Croquet is held annually.span style="font-weight:bold;">

Pure Michigan

Those who know, truly understand that the hard working and Great City of Detroit. This great city offers great opportunity along with an entertaining lively hood.Lifestyles for rising professionals in Detroit reflect those of other major cities. This dynamic is luring many younger residents to the downtown area. Luxury high rises such as the three Riverfront Towers have views of Hart Plaza and Canada. The New Center area contains examples of historic housing redevelopment. The newly re-opened Westin Book-Cadillac Hotel includes a number of luxury condos. The east river development plans include more luxury condominium developments. A desire to be closer to the urban scene has attracted young professionals to take up residence among the mansions of Grosse Pointe just outside the city. Detroit's proximity to Windsor, Ontario, provides for views and nightlife, along with Ontario's minimum drinking age of 19.

My First Major Commercial

My first professional commercial for Wayne State University. Not trying to gloat it was a good look for agencies when I applied. It's been seen primarily on the east coast but usually on major networks. It's sometimes funny because they actually aired the this commercial during this years Superbowl. My phone starting ringing of the hook, and text messages came one after another of friends and family telling me they saw me on TV. It's really good exposer and I was shocked it had gotten such a reaction. But still nothing but good reactions for the most part. If you ever thought about getting into the modeling or acting industry, I would recommend checking out The Igroup Talent Agency. You can sign as a non-exclusive client, so your able to sign with other agencies if you wanted..I would give you the contact info but you can google it..LOL...!!!

Offense For Defensive Damon..!!

It's official ladies and gentlemen. Johnny Damon was discovers with that Detroit Tiger's Royal D emblem. That's right, after countless hours of talks between agents and 7 million dollars later, the contracts have been established and the trade finalized. Many people in the detroit area have been quite cynical of this deal, but let's look at the real number. The trade for Granderson wasn't really a bad one. Yes he was a good center fielder, and ironically the lead of hitter. Let take under consideration why he was the lead off hitter. He was very fast and but really swing the bat worth ...(explicit)...
The numbers never lie. A good buddy of mine who I will quote explains this situation clearly. "Lets look at the facts...Curtis Granderson in 2009 struck out 141 times. In comparison Johnny Damon had his highest number of strike out's he's ever had last year...98. It gets much worse for Grandy, in 2006 the year the Tigers won the Pennant he struck out for a grand total of (ready for this) 174 times. Thats 174 possible at bats that could have driven in runs to win us the World Series in 06. Let's look at other facts...Curtis batted an absolutely awful .249 last year...Damon by contrast batted .289 which exceeded one of his all star years in 2002 where he batted .286. Now I'm not saying Damon had an all star year last year but .286 is very respectable in contrast to what Granderson was producing batting average wise. Sure he hit 30 hr's, but did that really help us when the majority of those homer's were 1 run shots." (Joe Kish) Simply put this is a trade for good offense swapping for good defense the Yankees need in right field.