Book Review- H.O.T.E.L.

Title: H.O.T.E.L.
Author: Brian M.W.
Publisher: Lulu.com
Price: $27.00 Hardcover
ISBN: Not located in book

Some movies have you on the edge of you seat wanting more… you just can’t stop looking… you want to know what happens next and you won’t be satisfied until you see it to the end. Well, there are books that have you turning from page to page. You just can't get enough. One of those books is H.O.T.E.L by Brian M.W.

H.O.T.E.L stands for Hunt, Observe, Track, Eliminate, and Learn. These are rules that every hunter must follow if they are to come out of the hunt victorious. These are the same rules that Jason Hastor who is a billionaire follows, but Jason is also insane and money plus insanity equals a whole lot of trouble.

Jason is haunted by the fact that his father picked the hunt over his family and he decides to follow in the footsteps of his father to see what is so special about the hunt. What could possibly have a man forget those that mean the most...his family? Unfortunately, he thinks that in order to get that answer he has to hunt the most dangerous prey of all, MAN! So he builds a hotel that will help him on this insane journey of murder and mayhem to get answers.

Derrick and Jacky Johnson decide to go on a much-needed vacation. Derrick is trying to get his creative juices flowing for a book he’s writing and Jacky wants to go to see if she can resist the temptation of sleeping with the smooth and mysterious Mr.Hastor. They think that they have picked the vaction spot not realizing that Jason has picked them and a few others to see if they are worthy of the hunt. Are they worthy of dying by his hands?

I know the setting and mood sounds familiar, but I think that this author really put his mark on it. His word play is very clever and he patiently started to build the story from beginning to middle and finally to a very interesting end. At first my impression from the beginning was that it was a little boring but after completing it, he was getting somewhere with all of his explainations.

The author claims to be the first black author to reach the status of Steven King, Dean Koontz and many others that are famous for their horrifying lessons in life... I will wait to see if that is true. Thus far he is definitely on his way.

Agasa Elitou- Reviewer

Goldengirl- Leaving a Little Gold Dust on Her Listeners

I was going through our many emails on Myspace when I came across one that was very interesting to me. “When can I get my interview and be featured in your mag?” asked Goldengirl.
Know as the “Chick with the Diamond Whip”, Goldengirl has been heating up the airwaves at Power 99 in Philly for more than 10 years. Her talk show, “Lovetalk & Slowjamz” is one of the sexiest shows in the tri-state area bring listeners seductive and raw conversation about what else... SEX. People call in to comment on topics ranging from making love to your wife, and/or to the outrageous threesomes in the park during the day.

Celebrities from Ice T to Jermaine Dupri have shared themselves with the Black Barbee (another name she is known by). The conversations are raw and real and the show keeps listeners talking at the coffee cooler for days.

Goldengirl has also become very popular for her “Lock Down for Love” segment when callers send shout outs to their loved ones. The show’s popularity increased when Lil Kim served her bid at the Federal Detention Center in Philly. Every night she would tell her to stay strong and keep her head up and according to Lil Kim, “She got me through plenty of nights. I will always love her because she gave me so much support.”

Goldengirl is also very active in her community— always giving back by using her celebrity to inform the youth on the importance of education and safe sex. Her “28 Schools in 28 Days” kicks off for Black History Month.

What caught my attention about Goldengirl is how people feel that they can be open with her about anything no matter how outrageous or troubling the conversation may be. In 2005, Stephen Poaches spoke with her about his then missing girlfriend Latoyia Figueroa. The conversation became very heated. Shortly after, he was captured and is now serving time for her death and the death of their unborn child.

I emailed Goldengirl and told her that I definitely wanted to connect and after several plays of phone tag and schedule changes, we met up at the studio to chat with Philly’s own, as she was doing what she does best.

Never meeting or seeing the her in person, I was surprised that such a big personality came from such a petite lady. We sat and listened to her converse with a caller that said he had a sexual experience involving double penetration. By her response, it was clear why people were drawn to her. She is very down to earth and a great listener. She was showing no judgment making them feel secure while talking so personal on the radio.

During her break, we experienced Goldengirl on a more personal level as she shared herself to us for you.


How did you get the name Goldengirl?
I got the name from my brother Goldenboy who worked at the station forever.

How does Goldengirl fit your persona?
Perfectly! There is no better way to describe me and many others have agreed.

You have been known as the “Chick with the Diamond Whip”, how did that begin?
The whip thing is a moniker that has been with me since I started in VA (Virginia) and it was something that caught on. Initially, it was a sound effect and I was carrying a little tiny whip around and people started getting more interested in it. The whip has grown into a diamond whip, a gold studded whip and other custom made whips.

Tell us about your recent endeavor with your book Sex and Celebrities: The Truth, The Whole Truth, and The Naked Truth. Explain the truth?
Well, Heather it’s exactly that— it is what it is. The truth to me is when you don’t lie. You don’t hold back and add to a story to make it something that it is not.

Explain the whole truth?
There are several parts to the book. There are three parts as I would describe it and one of those parts is the sex and celebrities and that is the story that they told me from their own mouths, therefore the whole truth is what I put in my book. I also share my experiences with the celebrities. Another part is the sex guide and that is as real as I can get and I am not going to lie.

Are you a sexpert?
Yes I am!

What makes you so and what are the responses that people have to your sex expertise?
For the most part, people love the advice that I give them. They are now willing to pay for the advice. I went and got an office so that I could speak with them one on one. The response has been very good.

The book is very interesting and the relationship with you and Ralph Tresvant of New Edition is an eye catcher, how did that begin without giving too many details?
It began in Philly. I wasn’t actually interested in them but my friends were and I had to hook them up so that they could meet them. I was interested in Bobby Brown because he was the man and I was trying to see him (laughter). With Ralph it wasn’t planned.

Were you the woman that he wanted to be “Sensitive” for?
(laughter) You know what—I was probably one of the ladies as far as I know.

What is your relationship today?
We are cordial and everything. I don’t call and talk to him but when he comes to town he calls me. He was a little nervous about my response and if I still felt negative from our past. It also was in regards to when I was going to talk about in the book.
Do you think that your pass has harmed you in anyway?
No, not at all. Where I am now is where I am supposed to be.

How does your family feel about your accomplishments?
My family is very proud of me. Regarding the book, I am not sure how many of them read it and I would not encourage them to do so, but they are proud at how far I have come.

Let get back to you... What is your special gift to the world?
My special gift is to help people and that is children and adults. Empowering is my main talent.

You are very involved in the community and you played a big part in the Latoyia Figueroa case, do you want to elaborate on that?
My next book will be my conversation with a killer. It still boggles my mind why he called me and Latoyia situation really affected my life...

Explain.
Just to give you the reality of it all, I suffered from sleep deprivation a year after. The call from him rang in my head and it still does. It’s hard to explain but I hear about similar stories like Lacy Peterson, and I am reminded of Latoyia. There have been many people that have come to me since then to help them find their kids. I have helped find young runaways that were not dead.

How long have you known you were able to connect with people so intimately?
I didn’t know that I was able to do this. It is a gift and a curse. I have to be careful not to really hurt anyone. I have to be careful not to give a tongue lashing that would hurt people but help. I have to sum it up by saying that God speaks through me.

You seem to be a ray of hope to those doing time why is that?
One of my friends and I started it together. We know that people are depending on those shout outs and we like to keep it going.

What is the relationship between you and Lil Kim since your dedications to her?
She really loves me and we speak often. She is coming to town soon and we will be working together. She really respected what I was doing. She feels that she is forever indebted to me. We are really cool.

What are some of the positive things going on that you’ve heard about?
There are so many things that are going on. Be sure to check out my “28 Schools for 28 Days” where I bring along nationally known speakers and artists that are able to bring hope to the children in the urban community.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Definitely helping my people and doing as television show. Still doing radio of course...

What are the last few words that you would like to leave with the readers?
Keep your faith and anything that you want you can have. Be helpful to each other and we can achieve that together. Remember to B.I.G. Believe in God as he is going to be there always.

Heather Elitou- Interviewer

Book Review- Rap-Up

Title: Rap- Up: the Ultimate Guide to Hip-Hop and R&B
Author: Cameron & Devin Lazerine
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Pub. Date: 2/28/08
Price: $16.00
ISBN: 978-0-446-17820-4

Rap has taken the world by storm no doubt. Since its debut in the late 70's (early 80's) it has captured the imagination of children and adults alike. Many adults today in their middle ages are children of the first generation of rap. In Philadelphia, PA African American mayor Michael Nutter was once known as “DJ Mixmaster Mike” during his mixing and scratching days. Therefore, hip hop has long before come out of boom boxes and dance clubs in the hood; it is now in the world of politics.

Hip Hop has become the music that fuels the nations as of recent years. It is used in every aspect of the media and it has far reached outside of the hood. It has crossed the seas and touched others across the world. Hip hop has become a movement!

The style of music that was once considered a passing fad has been going more than 20 years strong, diving into the world of business. For most, Rap music has been positive in the lives of the youth with more than just dance moves. B-boys and B-girls have become entrepreneurs creating brand names bringing in millions of dollars. From food to fashion, major corporations have been more than pleased with the revenue that they have received from advertising with hip-hop.

Hip hop has also been a reason to stop and think about society as it grows and changes every day. Many think that crime of the inner cities is connected to hip hop, but it no longer resides in this heavy populated area. Loud beats, baggy jeans, and gun crimes are now reaching the suburbs causing specialists to dig deep into the understanding of the music and how it affects people’s way of thinking because the rebellious lyrics just may be a cause for alarm.

Rap-Up, written by the Cameron & Devin Lazerine who are also the creators of Rap-Up Magazine endeavors to give us an overview of the hip-hop movement. It is an informative book that gives you the history behind your favorite artists yesterday and today. Learn how:

L.L. Cool J got his start
Run DMC connects with Def Jam
Salt-N-Pepa became female icons
And much more

The Lazerine brothers gradually bring us from yesterday into the future with the scoop on Jay-Z, Beenie Seigel, Eve and 50 cent.
Although this book keeps you very informed of the artists and their contributions to hip-hop, it fell short in giving us the culture of hip-hop which is the very essence that makes it the phenomenon that has taken over the music industry.

For those of you who are looking to learn some of the methods of the big players in the game there is plenty of information on how each artists brought something unique to the table and changed certain ways of doing things for the better. Learn from the pros and build your own plan to succeed in the Rap Game.

related articles Who is the Grandfather of Hip Hop?

Aalim Elitou- Reviewer

Literary Review- Passin'

Title: Passin’
Author: Karen E. Quinones Miller
Publisher: Grand Central publishing
Publishing Date: 2/15/08
Price: $13.99
ISBN: 0-446-69605-6

If you are looking for your average run of the mill boy meets girl book, then Passin’ is not the book to read. Passin’ is one of the most controversial books written by Karen E. Quinones Miller thus far. You can expect a lot of talk around the topic of this book. This story has color that goes beyond the issue of black and white.

Shanika Ann Jenkins is so light that she is often mistaken for a Caucasian. The family tradition of only marrying those of light skin and good hair are passed down to Shanika giving her blue eyes and blond hair as well. She is very proud of her African American heritage and quick to put anyone who doubts that she is African American in their place—until she applies for a job in New York.

What is she to do when she could get the job of her life but they are only looking to hire a white woman? Does she pass for white? This is what she has to ponder when she interviews at Paxon & Green PR firm.
The company is looking to hire someone that is African American—but they have to look African American (dark skin, thick hair, etc.). But what if she decides to fill out the application and say that she is white?

Life begins to take on a new meaning the moment that she makes her decision causing her to meet new people in high places—Shanika is living the life! One of the highlights of her new found life is meeting Tyrone, who she falls in love with. Things are going great until tragedy strikes and she is forced to reveal her secret life to him and his family. Shanika is now forced to look at herself and realize that life is better lived in truth and that the deeper you live within your lie, the harder it is to climb out of it. Would it be easier to just say that she is black? It may sound easier than it really is.

Will changing her identity be a mistake? Will she lose the love and trust of her mother and brother? What happens when she runs into a family member on the street? How long will she live the lie?

This book is definitely a must read! There is not a lot of drama but the novel is not slow. A lot of interesting questions came to mind as I was reading such as:
* What would be the reaction of white readers to know that some blacks pass for white?
* How often do people pass in society and for how long and why?

Thank you Karen for such a great book and I hope that there is a part 2!

Question: Is it ever legitimate to pass? Do you think that passin’ shows a lack of cultural pride? I look forward to your response in the comment block…

Agasa Elitou- Reviewer

Book Review- Leftovers

Title: Leftovers
Author: Laura Weiss
Publisher: MTV Books
Pub. Date: 1/12/08
Price: $12.00
ISBN: 1416546626

Laura Weiss has done it again with her follow up to Such a Pretty Girl. Leftovers is a “discuss amongst your friends” book that has all the elements needed to create a hot novel for teens.

Blair and Ardith are two friends that are definitely from different sides of the track but their friendship leads them down the same tracks of self-destruction and sweet revenge.

Each girl comes from a dysfunctional background: Blair is well to-do but when her parents seem to clash and her controlling mother takes it too far by "killing" her best friend, Blair is ready to explode. And Ardith has to deal with parents that are totally out of control and a reckless brother who doesn’t take his sister or the law into consideration. When both of their crazy lives begin to clash, and someone that they are endear to gets hurt, both girls create a plan that takes everyone off their high horse and has to face the consequences of their actions.


Leftovers is pretty much written for teens but the books is an awesome read for parents because it allows you to see life from the eyes of the youth. We all know that teens will face peer pressure but how do they handle life after sexual abuse, divorce, attempted rape and the murder of their best friend? Will they crumble under pressure or will they conquer their demons and continue life the best they know how?

The point of view reading is definitely pulls you in because you are dying to know who they are confessing to and what will be the reaction of the listener? Immediately you think that it may be a psychologist but the interesting twist will shock you.

It is suggested that you read the first book, Such a Pretty Girl in order to understand the point of these girls revenge but it is not necessary.

Overall, the book is a must-read because it takes you into the lives of teens today and what they have to face. It would be more interesting to read it with your teen girls and discuss their opinions.

Do you remember what it was like to be a teen? Did you have to face peer pressure that caused you to go over the deep end? We would like to know…

Heather Elitou- Reviewer

Happy Holidays!!!

Infinite Magazine wishes you a Happy Holiday and a great New Year! Be sure to check out http://www.infinitemag.net/ in the year 2008!!!


Infinite MagaZine

Literary Review- Keeping Misery Company

Author: Michelle Larks
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
Cost: $14.95
Pages: 358
ISBN: 978-1-60162-948-7



Old secrets, lies, drama, and faith are put into one book called Keeping Misery Company by Michelle Larks. Michelle takes you into the lives of an ordinary looking Christian family and demonstrates just how out of order they are but the power of faith keeps them together.

Ruth Wilcox is the daughter of Chicago minister, Reverend Isaiah Clayton and Queen Esther, a wife to Daniel Wilcox, a mother, and grandmother. Ruth grew up knowing one world and that was the church. She looked up to her mother and father and only went against their wishes once and that’s when she married Daniel who was a bus driver and a player.

Daniel thought that he could mold Ruth into the woman that he wanted her to be and it didn’t hurt that church girls were supposed to be freaks in bed. However, Daniel married a minister’s daughter who was not your average church girl. Ruth is a woman who had family values and believes in being righteous everyday. Daniel’s main issue with Ruth was that she seemed to be more involved with their children than their fastly dwindling relationship. Ruth cooked and cleaned for her husband, but she didn’t do what he wanted the most and that was to spend time with him in and out of the bed.

Ruth and Daniel begin to sleep in separate rooms and live separate lives. Ruth feels like the marriage could be repaired but Daniel thinks that it’s just too late, especially when he meets Lenora, a young sexy lady that fulfills Daniel needs and desires.

After an emotional divorce Ruth has to look towards her faith and move on with her life but that is not as easy as it sounds because old secrets within the family begin to surface and Ruth is left to repair everyone’s faith, thus Keeping Misery Company.

I think that this book was well written and it definitely shows that there is good and bad in family relationships. The one thing that bothered me as a reader is in the beginning, Ruth knows that she is the main cause to her husband staying out late and his infidelity because she admits to letting go of her looks and paying more attention to the kids.
Daniel asked her on plenty of occasions to spend time with him. Ruth promised that when their youngest child went to college that she would make that commitment but she did not follow through leaving Daniel no other choice but to feel that he has to get the attention from elsewhere.

Why is he considered the bad guy for asking for what he wants from his wife? Was he or was he not deserving of the attention that he wanted from Ruth? Wouldn’t a woman ask for the same thing and expect to receive it?
Daniel did do some dumb things but I don’t think he should have been made out to be a bad person throughout the story. If Ruth had been performing her wifely duties then Daniel wouldn’t have left.

Check out the book and tell me what you think…

Agasa Elitou- Book Reviewer

Music Review- LaFonda Go Hard or Go Home

Lafonda is the Bronx Bombshell making waves up in the NYC. We all know that the industry is hurting for something real and this sister as a positive force is ready to heal. With the new kids on the block that seem to be afraid to speak or sing words of encouragement and upliftment on their CD’s, Lafonda gives us a vision of a real woman with her lady like style. Not to mention that she is a true talent that has a nicely toned and funky today sound.

Her smash single, “Ooh Ahh” which comes from her latest CD, "Go Hard or Go Home" has been well received in the clubs, and has become one of iMAG's faves. Out of all the CD’s, that were sent to iMAG within the week, Lafonda’s "Go Hard or Go Home" received the most attention because it was pleasing to hear an artist with the courage to be real-- reminiscent of Jill Scott, Alicia Keys, Rihanna and others that precede her.

Although her image does not particularly match that of her message, don't let her sassy look fool you, and don’t let that stop you from checking her mix CD out.

More About Lafonda

• Performed on BET’s 106 & Park- “Wild Out Wednesdays”
• Featured on various website and print publications
• Featured on several mixtapes

Visit and listen to her sounds at her myspace: www.myspace.com/lafondaforever.com

Share your thoughts on the CD...

Aalim Elitou- Reviewer

More Drama After the Sopranos!!!

One of the most talked about and followed shows that ever hit the (originally aired on) HBO network has to be The Sopranos, an award-winning American television drama series created by David Chase. It is a show that gives you an inside glimpse on the life and times of a crime family that is connected with other crime families and the stress that goes along with holding down an empire.

Tony Soprano is a regular guy with the irregular responsibility of keeping the violent less violent than they truly are with seemingly fairly little success. He suffers from violent outburst which is less than a good role model for non-violence. Throughout the seasons we have learned that there is truth to the old saying, “there is no honor among thieves”.

If you watch the news that’s being broadcast on major networks worldwide you know that the creator David Chase of the popular mob drama is being sued by a former New Jersey municipal court judge Robert Baer's who claims his ideas helped Chase create The Sopranos plot and he is seeking both credit and compensation in a twice dismissed five-year legal battle.

Mr. Baer claims that in 1995 he had an idea for a TV show about organized crime in New Jersey years before the show was even brought to the TV screen. He suggested it to Mr. Chase and gave him a crash course on the North Jersey mob. Baer says that he arranged meetings with police detectives and other experts and escorted him around mob sites in the Newark-Elizabeth area of north New Jersey.

Chase called the claims "grossly distorted, petulant and self-aggrandizing", and said Mr. Baer provided a "modest service", arranging to introduce him to individuals who were experienced in certain facets of organized crime.

It is true that certain people in the movie industry aren’t exactly pay friendly and there is a lot of hocus pocus in the business. It could be for this reason that despite the fact that his lawsuit has been twice dismissed he has managed to get those dismissals overturned and a jury at the federal court in Trenton, New Jersey, has been sworn in.

What do you think the outcome will be? Will three be the charm or will this be the third dismissal? Tell us what you think just hit the comment button and reply.

By Aalim Elitou

On the Set of I Am Legend

Finally the movie is here! The crew at iMAG was on the set as people tried to escape New York. I Am Legend, has become one of the most anticipated movies of 2007. The movie is an American post-apocalyptic science fiction horror film directed by Francis Lawrence that stars none other than Philly’s own Will Smith. Smith plays Robert Neville, possibly Earth's only survivor of a man-made virus. He works to create a cure but is stalked by nocturnal mutant survivors of the plague.

It is the fourth film adaptation of Richard Matheson's 1954 novel I Am Legend; following 1964's The Last Man on Earth, 1971's The Omega Man and 2007 direct-to-video I Am Omega. Warner Bros. Pictures began developing I Am Legend in 1994, and various actors and directors were attached to the project, though it did not enter production due to budgetary concerns. I Am Legend entered production in 2006 in New York City. Filming for I Am Legend was mainly on location in the city including a $5 million scene at the Brooklyn Bridge is the most expensive scene filmed in the city to date. (wikipedia.org)

I Am Legend was released December 14, 2007 in the United States and it brought back fond memories. We first began to film when the many people of NYC were trying to escape the island because of the plague that was vastly spreading. As we reached the Brooklyn Bridge, we had to wait for rescue helicopters that were suppose to help everyone evacuate but to our surprise no one was leaving.

Helicopters and the waterfront piers are blown up in order to keep people back as the risk of infection is too easy to spread and leaving the civilians seemed to be in the best interests to the government.

There were more than 1,000 extras who endured the weather just to be a part of this mass production and interestingly enough, the movie American Gangster, the film featuring Denzel Washington which was released close to the end of the year was being filmed at the same time in Harlem. There were many people who were a part of both movies that week.

We had the opportunity to meet with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith (who is not featured in the film). Will Smith is a showman and a great lover of his fans and the people that he works with. He performed and joked for more than an hour. His showmanship lifted the moods of the people who had to get ready for more long hours in the very cold weather.

This movie thus far is a must see and the reviews have been nothing but positive from the performance of Will Smith to the overall production of the film. When you go to check it out, let us know if you spotted the iMAG team!!!

What did you think of the movie???

By Aalim Elitou

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

The New Bonnie and Clyde Learn the Art of Cheating

The new Bonnie and Clyde darlings (named by Philly police) of credit card and fraudulent identity theft have made international news with their recent arrest after stealing a great deal (close to $100,000) of money from their neighbors who live in the upscale condominium complex in Philadelphia, PA.

How did they do it?
According to investigators, Jocelyn Kirsch, 22, a Drexel University student and Edward Anderton, 25, a University of Pennsylvania graduate, obtained most of the mailbox and door keys of their neighbors. That allegedly allowed them to get personal information and steal their neighbors' identities. Police said they don't know how the couple was able to obtain all of the keys to the mailboxes and condo units. "What they may have done with the keys is maybe enter and place that software on unknowing parties computers, and then wait to recoup whatever information they could from that software," Sweeney said.

They were living the high life. They vacationed in Europe, the Caribbean and North America.
But police said their high living was financed with other people's money -- that of several of their neighbors at the upscale Belgravia Condos in Center City.

"These are two young people who have been given substantial gifts in life," said Philadelphia police Detective Terry Sweeney. "They're like a parasite that infested themselves in the building and then, basically, spread throughout the building," Sweeney said.

Authorities became aware of the alleged operation which they said had been on-going for about a year when a woman in the condo building was called by a UPS store about a package she said she didn't ordered. When Anderton and Kirsch came to pick it up, the police were waiting.

Police confiscated real and fake drivers' licenses, credit cards, nearly $18,000 in cash, ID-making machines, a book titled 'The Art of Cheating' and software that can be used to get information from a computer.

They were arrested on some charges and released on bail but are expected to face additional counts soon. But there is more bad news for the couple. It appears they're the focus of multiple federal investigations as well.

The most interesting thing about this story for iMAG was that the book, “The Art of Cheating” came across our desk in October for review. This little book has ways of cheating listed from how to fake an orgasm, cheating on a diet, getting away with perjury, calling in sick at work, getting away with tax fraud, getting away with office theft, and getting out of paying your way.

What would make a person write such a book?
Well according to the author, Jessica Dorfman Jones, “Whether we want to admit it or not cheating is an inescapable part of the human condition.” And although most may agree, others feel that her book contributes to the weakened society that is built on “fake it till you make it” and “good guys finish last”. Whether it be your career or just finish first in a contest, this little book is suppose to assist you in being the best in cheating that you will ever be. There are many people that are looking for ways to get the upper hand because of the benefits that await those that get to the top.

Who would buy this book?
That would depend on the individual. From employee to employer; student to teacher; if a person is looking to lie and connive their way to the top then this book is a great how-to guide. If a person is looking for the best way to get out of work then they will purchase the book for the best schemes but keep in mind that the boss may be reading it also. The book becomes valuable to not only the con but also the one that is the possible victim because they are ahead of the game.

Is the author condoning cheating?
From the title you would think that the author is praising the art of cheating and to some point this writer would agree but it is very interesting to note that she has added a section for those who may be conned to look out for particular signs so that they would know when they are bait on a hook. In addition, there is a section within each chapter in which she gives you the downfall of the potential crime which should make a person think before they commit to their plans and “Would I Lie” tells of cheaters who were caught and the consequences of their actions. Therefore it is truly hard to determine if she is on the side of the criminal or the victim, but one thing is for sure and that the person reading this book has an option and they will come out a either a great asset to society or a menace.

Overall, this book will certainly bring awareness to everyone who reads it just ask the new Bonnie and Clyde of the 21st century, and karma is definitely a kick in the ass.

What do you think of the book? Do you think that a book on cheating is wrong? Do you think that the book is a benefit or a curse? Share your thoughts...

Heather Elitou- Reviewer

The Truth About Grant Money and Non-Profits

This article is dedicated to anyone in the community who wants to open up a non-profit corporation and obtain grant money.

A non-profit corporation which many call “nonprofit organization” is a corporation formed to carry out a charitable, educational, religious, literary or scientific purpose. A nonprofit can raise much needed funds for important causes by receiving public or private grant money or donations from individuals or companies.

Everybody has great ideas for their non-profit corporation. They want to turn their vision into a reality; they want to open a wayward home for girls and boys; they want to feed, clothe and shelter the homeless; they want to stop domestic violence and stop people from going to jail.

These ideas are all great but are these people setting themselves up for failure?

What is the truth about grant money? Could it be that there is “no grant money” for certain people to open a non-profit corporation? Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying that there is no grant money available for non-profit organizations. But what I am saying is that there is very little grant money available for certain people and certain purposes. Everyone should do extensive research before opening their doors.

Grant money is extremely hard to retrieve because it comes from the state and federal government; therefore, it’s closely monitored. Even after filling out stacks of paperwork about your potential goals for your non-profit, it’s like winning the lottery. And if you are one of the lottery winners, there’s no guarantee that you will ever win it again.

You have to dig for this money and many people are not willing to do that. They are also not willing to pay others to do it either. Others will tell you they will dig for it for a fee only to get your money and your hopes up and leave you at the end with nothing.

Once you accept funds with your 501C3, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), (http://www.irs.gov/) aka “the government” has a hold on you.

The IRS is not there to assist you! The IRS is in a position to: 1) audit you at anytime, 2) close down your non-profit venture, or 3) send you to jail if they feel like it.

People who work in the non-profit sector make very little money and continue to have that “poor man’s mentality.” The only action plan they have is to open up these non-profit organizations and start to beg for grant money.

The grants that are passed out to a very few non-profits are so small that when these organizations run out of money, they refuse to pay their employees for 90 to 120 days.

Non-profits are just that not-for-profit. That means chances are you are going to end up spending your own money to make your non-profit work.

The options should not be to open a “not-for-profit” corporation but it should be to open a “for-profit” business.

The only way you will succeed with a non-profit corporation is to write a business plan and run it like a business.

Many people have actually put their lives on hold because they seriously think they can receive grant money. So in other words they have set themselves up for failure.

No one should ever depend on grant money to open or run a non-profit corporation.

Cathy Harris is a motivational speaker and business consultant. She is the author of book series “How To Take Control of Your Own Life” (http://www.howtotakecontrol.com)

Literary Review- Style A to Zoe by Rachael Zoe

Title: Style A to Zoe “The art of Fashion, Beauty, & Everything Glamour”
Author: Rachel Zoe with Rose Apodaca
Genre: Fashion
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication Date: October 2007
Cost: $24.99
Page Count: 183
ISBN- 10: 0-446-57999-8

I love fashion and everything that has to do with it! In addition, I love good books. So when iMAG received Style A to Zoe from famous fashion stylist Rachel Zoe I was all over it! It was a fashionista’s dream come true. I had to be the one to write the review because fashion is what I love and I am always open to learn more.

I had no idea the amount of people that Rachel styled and you get the point when you see the images of celebrities like Naomi Campbell, Cameron Diaz, Keira Knightley, Anne Hathaway, Joy Bryant, Lindsay Lohan and many others sporting her styles. She even had the pleasure of styling Mary J. Blige.

Style A to Zoe gives a lot of great ideas such as:

*Five glamour essentials for under $50
*Day-off essentials
*How to know when it is time to let something go
*How to pimp up your closet
*Emergency fixers each stylist should have

Some of my favorite chapters are:

Introduction: Dream On where she tells you how she got onto the stylist road. I also liked to play dress up and see what I could do with my clothes to make them look different. I get a lot of magazines and gaze at the images just as Zoe describes. I connected with that chapter

Chapter 6: Behind Closed Doors tells you how to make your house represent you! In this chapter she incorporated a nice little segment about how to organize your living.

In the last chapter she gives you the A to Zoe the important things to remember!

Zoe’s personal touch to the book gives her an A+. I felt like I was speaking to my own personal stylist one on one. This book is definitely the book for you if you need help looking chic, what to wear, making your home match you and primping your closet.

Take out the time and read this book and be sure to tell me what you think…

Tweety Elitou,
Writer, Reviewer & Total Fashionista