September 2010
Special Edition
CONTENT
ON THE COVER
Rebecca Deville
Model Photographer Stephe Jones
9 10 21 32 39
The Story of Alma Whaley by Harold Whaley
Feature An AmerItalian’s Guide To Italy by Fidel Amos
Exclusive Interview Walter Briggs WB Cigars
Health & Fitness Using Your Own Body Weight To Improve Your Strength by Joanna Nicholas
Tatoos To tattoo, or NOT to tattoo by J. McCarty Smith
Stephen Jones Senior Editor
Jon L. Miller Associate Editor Hank Byrd Entertainment Editor Harold Whaley Digital Advisor Janet McCarty Smith Content Editor Anthony Jones Jr Reporter Charles McGhaw Graphic Designer DeLaney Milan Contributing Editor Francisco Medina Contributing Editor Joanna Nicholas Health & Fitness Jess Jones Marketing Associate
Contraband Magazine welcomes submissions from models and members of the creative community. All model submissions must be accompanied by (1) proof of age (18 or older) and (2) a copy of the model始s release form. Submissions for models under the age of 18 must have the signature of a parent or guardian. Contraband Magazine is not responsible for the return of unsolicited material. Please follow these submission guidelines and submit to: Stephen Jones contrtabandmagazine@gmail.com Thank You!
No need to say more!
Sweet Lisa’s Cafe
Contraband Magazine September 2010
e
918-592-4423
The Story of
Alma Whaley by Harold Whaley Alma started reaching out to souls spiritually at the tender age of eight years old. Born with a unique, anointed, soprano voice, she excelled in her vocal endeavors while still learning to master learning to ride a bicycle. Her journey has been long and labored and still she has managed to successfully find an outlet for her passion. By the time she retired from one of the most successful grocery chains in Florida, Winn Dixie, she was involved in all of the community efforts of the local gospel music scene. Performing throughout the week and on weekends, she would tirelessly find herself leading a choir and engaged solo singing engagements as double duty. The mother of 3 children has seen her share of ups and downs in her life. Losing a granddaughter who was called to glory at the young age of 3, caused Alma to restructure the path of her life. After living most of her life in Florida, she decided to listen to the voice of reason (God) instruct her to set sail and create new beginnings in a new land, Tulsa, Oklahoma. For the past 9 years Alma has dedicated her life to her surroundings in Tulsa. First teaching pre-school children at one of the most respected facilities in Oklahoma. Instructing pre-school children has given her a passion for life that is unmatched. Even though the caring of little people can be quite demanding, she still has found time to parlay her energy in other directions also. Some of her moonlighting efforts over the past 9 years include being a spiritual servant of God. She is a woman of prayer and has been a shield to many who have crossed her spiritual path. But several years ago saw Alma catch the acting bug after attending one of the most celebrated events in Oklahoma's entertainment history, "DFest". DFest gave her a candid look into the entertainment industry. After that event, she was cast as a lead actress by Virginia Stewart (Sadie) for a local UPN network soap opera entitled "Sadie's Coffee Shop", which by designed was filmed at a coffee shop in the historical district of Greenwood, in downtown Tulsa. After several episodes of acting, she focused more on her education, and her dedication to helping provide education to some of Oklahoma's youngest future leaders. As we move ever closer to the halfway point of the year 2010, Alma Whaley is still belting out glassshattering, angelic notes and continues to pave the way for a future generation, while looking into the possibility of standing before the camera in the near future. Contraband Magazine September 2010
Italy
Contraband Magazine September 2010
An AmerItalianʼs Guide To Italy. by Fidel Amos Note to the American reader: My first taste of Italy came over 30 years ago. I was barely old enough to talk, barely old enough to walk, and nowhere near old enough to comprehend the fact that I was in a country few would ever get the chance to visit, let alone live in. Being the product of an Italian mother and an American father (both multi-continental, multi-career parents), I was fortunate enough to live there for nearly a decade before moving away in my early teen years. Even after leaving I was able to go back and visit on several occasions, including a few weeks ago. I speak Italian fluently and have Italian-born friends and family residing in several cities there. It is because of this past history that the views, experiences, connections and insights I have formed in Italy may not be as easily obtainable for the average American reader. Contraband Magazine September 2010
However, to maximize your chances of achieving the best possible experience while there (whether it be a vacation or a transfer), Iʼve put together this guideline for you. Well, itʼs not so much a guideline as my thoughts poured out on paper in no order whatsoever…in either case, I hope it will help you to gather a sense of how to enjoy Italy… and how not to.
Leave the United States in America As simple as this may sound, as easy as it is for you to believe that this is something you wonʼt do, many Americans often forget this one important rule: every other country in the world isnʼt the U.S.! There are many commodities, comforts and freedoms that we enjoy on a day-to-day basis that simply donʼt exist in other countries. Assuming that they do exist, or getting upset once you find out they donʼt is both foolish and, well, a totally American thing to do. I could stand here and tell you that the U.S. is the world leader in technology, science, political agendas
PRESORTED FIRST-CLASS MAIL U.S. POSTAGE PAID Tulsa, OK PERMIT NO. 418
www.ignitecreative.us Ignite Creative is a small advertising company with big creative ideas. We can help you propel your advertisements to the next level.
Call or Visit Us at: Phone: 918.810.6239 www.ignitecreative.us
6SRWOLJKW 8UDQ 0XVOLX Email
$ ZRUOG WUDYHOHU ZLWK D IODUH IRU VWRSSLQJ OLIH LQ LWV WUDFNV 8UDQ 0XVOLX EULQJV WKH VXEMHFW RI KLV YLHZILQGHU WKURXJK WKH OHQV DQG LQWR ODUJHU WKDQ OLIH IRFXV 6XEOLPHO\ LQYRNLQJ XV WR ³VWRS DQG VPHOO WKH URVHV´ 6LQFH ILQLVKLQJ WKH ,7 EUDQFK RI WKH (OHFWUR 7HFKQLFDO +LJK 6FKRRO LQ 8UDQ KDV IXOO\ VXEPHUJHG KLPVHOI LQWR WKH ZRUOG RI SKRWRJUDSK\ 'XULQJ KLV \HDUV LQ ,UDT DV DQ $UP\ FRQWUDFWRU KH VWLOO IRXQG WLPH WR IUDPH KLV VXUURXQGLQJV DQG VKDUH WKHP ZLWK WKH ZRUOG &RQWLQXLQJ KLV ZRUOGO\ WUDYHOV KH FXUUHQWO\ UHVLGHV LQ .RVRYR DQG ZH FDQ RQO\ ZDLW H[SHFWDQWO\ IRU WKH QH[W JOLPSVH WKURXJK KLV XQVKXWWHUHG H\H
6KHDKDGLQ -HIIHUV Contraband Magazine September 2010
Contraband Magazine September 2010
http://www.dollarperview.com
GFD.CC Fellow Filmmakers GFD.CC Dear Fellow Filmmakers, Help spread the word! GFD.cc is on the scene looking 4 filmmakers and movie takers. Send out these desktop photos to anyone you think may like one.. And ask them to spread the word. Help me in my quest to put an end to 1 way distribution by making GFD.CC a household name. Made by and 4,”True Independent Guerrilla Filmmakers”. This is your site, where you can sale your movies without getting pimped for your hard work. The revolution is now and hell yeah it is being televised, so you need 2 tune in sweet pea. Lets stop singing and start swinging. Protect your Blood Money by any means Necessary. Fight now or you will still be crying latter. GFD.CC needs revolutionaries now. But we must stand together and hold are ground if we ever want 2 be paid when we put our films down on a distributors desk. When I was at the 2006 Film Festival De Cannes last May I heard it from the horse’s mouth, "Tony, I'll tell you straight. Why would I buy a film when I can get ten for free and keep all or most of the money?" So who's pimping and who's slipping-you decide. Remember fellow artisans, this is the business of show. So lets show them we mean business. Sincerely, General Tony Topaz Filmmaker GFD.CC TT
WALTER BRIGGS
Photo by WB Fiance Deborah Haugabrook
A
by Hank Byrd
R
unning a successful business is
a challenge, with many businesses going “up in smoke” within their first year. For Walter “WB” Briggs, the owner of WB Brand Cigars, smoke is not a sign of failure; itʼs a welcome sign of success. Briggs, the dynamic personality behind the WB Brand Cigar empire, is a man accustomed to being the first when it comes to accomplishments. From being the first African American quarterback to command the New York Jets, to helming the first African American owned cigar brand, Briggs has never followed a prescribed set of trends; heʼs set them. This trailblazing attitude can be traced back to the childhood lessons taught to him by his grandfather, “Wally”, as his grandfather affectionately called him, taught him at an early age about creating his own path in life. “Wally, if you ever go somewhere and you see a path, go away from it. Leave your own path”. Contraband Magazine September 2010
native of Hackensack, New Jersey, Briggs grew up in the projects as the youngest of four children to an alcoholic father and a hardworking single mother who, at age twenty, went to the Rutgers University to achieve her degree in nursing. Briggs fondly recalls accompanying his mother to her college classes due to the lack of adequate daycare. Through his motherʼs hard work and an ironic twist of fate, she purchased her first home across the street from the man who managed the project housing complex where they lived and struggled for many years. This lesson in hard work and determination would follow Briggs for the rest of his life. Oddly, Briggsʼs childhood isnʼt filled with grandiose tales of gridiron machismo, but of his true passion…performing. As early as age 9, Briggs has always found solace as an actor/entertainer and holds a degree in Fine Arts form Montclair University. Acting in Off-Broadway productions of Shenandoah, The West Side Story, The King and I, and Your Arms Too Short to Box with God, Briggs http://www.wbbrandcigars.com/
fell in love with the stage and eventually landed a role in the film All the Right Moves, opposite Tom Cruise and Craig T. Nelson. After his stint with the Jets, Briggs went on to play with other professional teams such as the British Columbia Lions, Scranton Wilkes-Barr Stallions, and the Barcelona Drags, but found his way back to entertainment via numerous appearances for ESPN sports, NBC TVNFL Live, Fox News, Hard Copy, Sports Forum, WXIN Fox 59 and the nationally syndicated show The Daily Buzz. From 1999 to 2004, Briggs was the host of the Dayton Dragonʼs Baseball Team, the AAA Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. Briggs is also launching his own production company, where he will be writing and producing productions such as the urban gospel play: Yo Scrooge, Whoʼs Got Your Soul? Through his eclectic, yet successful experiences, itʼs hard to imagine how Briggs would segue his experiences into the cigar industry. However, after attending several celebrity golf tournaments and entertainment events, Briggs, a cigar connoisseur, could see how cigars were not only a huge part of that culture, but very profitable. After the urging of his mentor: legendary sports correspondent, Bob Costas, and his best friend/cousin Ramona Oquendo, who he attributes a huge portion of his success and has dedicated a line of cigars to her called the “Ramona Lisa”, which will be released next month, Briggs was able to get the financial backing he needed to start WB Brand Cigars. With the slogan: "Premium cigars for the discerning customer”, Briggs has managed to parlay his faith in God, sports celebrity, and b u s i n e s s s a v v y i n t o a p r o fi t a b l e enterprise. It has paid off. Celebrities such as Chevy Chase, Steve Harvey and
several sports figures and musicians are enjoying the WB brand. “I donʼt want to be the rock star of the cigar industry. I want to be that classic soul crooner” Always ahead of the pack, Briggs is about to do something no other cigar brand has been able to do: position his brand firmly in the African American community with an upcoming partnership between WB Brand Cigars and Hip-Hop Star Ludacris and his Conjure Cognac brand in September. With African Americans comprising anywhere between 60%-80% of the total American Cognac market, this is not only a smart business move, but another example of how Briggs is blazing his own path in a relatively exclusive industry. “The economy sucks for everybody, but just as I enjoy a great cigar, I want people to enjoy the finer things in life” Prompted by the pain of two divorces and the joy of being a father, Briggs decided to chronicle his experiences in his autobiography: Disposable Hero, which explores not only Briggʼs experiences with sports, homelessness, drugs and the dark side of the entertainment industry, but it reveals the drive and undeniable will of this true man of God. When speaking about his amazing life, Briggs is humble and introspective: “Just like football, I want to eventually walk away from this life and live to tell about it; leave a legacy for my children. I wasnʼt always the best student, the best husband or the best man, but I was blessed to meet all of the right people, and know in my heart that with the love of God, I would never fail.”
with love,
Conjure
Model: Christina Goldsmith
Contraband Magazine September 2010
3
Jacinto, the last human city, has been destroyed. The Locust Horde has pushed the stranded remnants of humanity towards the brink of extinction, and a fearsome new enemy has risen, threatening to destroy them both. The story of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad comes to an explosive conclusion in Gears of War 3 Learn More
First Batch Of Call of Duty: Black Ops Screens Dispatched
Coming 11.09.10 Look for the game on shelves for Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 November 9, 2010.
IT'S NOT ABOUT US
Practice Time IT'S ABOUT YOU! IT'S ABOUT WHAT IT TAKES FOR YOU TO ACHEIVE YOUR DREAMS AND GOALS. IT'S ALL ABOUT PRACTICE FOR US AND THE KIND OF TIME YOU ARE WILLING TO COMMITT TO THE PROCESS. WE ARE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE A DESIRE TO HELP YOU BE ALL YOU WERE CREATED TO BE. AT PRACTICE-TIME WE PRACTICE WHAT WE PREACH. Contraband Magazine September 2010
EACH DAY WE REMIND OURSELVES OF THE "YKAYRAY" MOTTO: "IF YOU DID WHAT I DID, YOU COULD DO WHAT I DO". SO WE DO WHAT WE DO TO HELP YOU OBTAIN THE PRIZE. WHATEVER THAT MAY BE TO YOU. WE ARE A PART OF EACH OTHERS SUCCESS. SO PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE NOW.
An AmerItalianʼs Guide To Italy - continued
and civil liberties. I could rant that we have more CDʼs, DVDʼs, barbershops, nightclubs, open gun laws, buffet lines, workout crazeʼs, fashion designers and movie theaters than anyone else out there. I would be half boasting…but I would also be half correct. In my thirtythree years of life Iʼve travelled to nearly two-dozen countries, including South K o r e a , G e r m a n y, I t a l y, M e x i c o , Switzerland, Austria, France and Canada…and yes, we are ahead of the game in more ways than one when compared to the rest of the world. Weʼre also way behind in more ways than one in several of those afore mentioned areas…but Iʼll save that discussion for another article. One advantage, however, that Iʼve noticed most other countries have is the ability to accept the fact that the country theyʼre visiting will most likely be entirely different than where theyʼre from. This allows them to not only appreciate the sights, sounds and cultures of different nations, but to Contraband Magazine September 2010
appreciate their own even more. This is something that you the average American reader should do as well before you even set foot on the airplane flying out of the U.S. Youʼll be able to soak up Italy for what it is on the outside, while maintaining that proud, red-white-and-blue mushiness on the inside. Phone Cards, The Celly, Textorama, Monster Bills In this day and age weʼre more than likely to have three main items on our person at all times when visiting other countries: our passport, our wallet (or purse), and our cell phone. I wonʼt go into detail on the first two, as theyʼre simple to use, easy to carry, and shouldnʼt need much instruction other than the fact that you shouldnʼt lose them! The cell phone, however, can be a pretty tricky thing to use when youʼre not making a call from inside the good
An AmerItalianʼs Guide To Italy - continued
ole US-of-A. If you only plan on visiting for a few days, donʼt bother with your cell phone. Turn it off and keep it in your pocket so you can still turn it on and access your contact list when you need to, then buy a phone card. Youʼre on vacation for crying out loud, youʼre not going to need your stupid phone! Catch some rays, catch some zʼs, catch a lover…do something. Youʼre in Italy… enjoy it! Many American cell phone companies offer overseas plans for those of you who will be traveling/living outside of the U.S. for extended periods of time. But be warned, these overseas plans can easily turn your average phone bill into a money-munching nightmare. This isnʼt because your phone company is out to screw you (ok, maybe they are), it is simply because they have to raise the cost per minute, cost per text, and cost per megabyte you use according to whichever country Contraband Magazine September 2010
youʼll be traveling too. I canʼt tell you which plan and which country will cost you more or less, but I can tell you to find out before you leave. Getting your phone ready to use will be a hundred times easier to do stateside than it will be once you get to Italy. Another way to avoid the “bill of doom” is to buy an inexpensive phone for use while youʼre there. Youʼll be able to get a SIM card from a local phone company (TIM, Wind, Vodafone, etc.), and this will give you not only a local number, but also the ability to use that phone on pay-asyou-go credit. Several American cell phones also allow you to simply open up your phone, remove the SIM card you currently have inside (from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc.) and replace it with the SIM card you just purchased from a local Italian company. A word of caution however, this does not work with every phone! Again, do some research on the phone you own before you leave. You should be able to easily find that information on the Internet, youʼll find
ZaCie.Co@gmail.com
Recording and Engineering
Website
Model - Janea Anderson Make-up/Hair - Rebecca DeVille
Health and Wellness by Anthony Jones
In the corporate word there is something that is called a ʻbalance scorecardʼ. Its a way of measuring how well the company is doing. The goal is to even out the success in all areas. Using the same technique you can evaluate happiness in life in many different areas. There are five different areas of health. They all interact with each other to for the basis of your total health. The areas of health are Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social, and Spiritual Health. Physical Health is the way people take care of their body. A few examples are the way people groom and clean them selves. It also includes sleeping habits and how they eat. Activity and stretching their body is also an important aspect. You should look at your body as a tool that need to be maintained to serve you well. Emotional Health is the way you respect your emotions. To respect your emotions you shouldnʼt be embarrassed by them. How to manage and to act orderly is another way of good emotional health. Good emotion health includes how to respond to other peoples reactions. Mental Health is the way people challenge their minds. Improving your ability to concentrate is a good way of challenging your mind. Another good way is improving your study skills and learning to solve problems. You must know when to take a break is also the key in challenging your self Social Heath is learning how to communicate well with other so they can be understood. Which is good way to develop good relationships that points you to the good path in life. Negative peer pressure which usually come from bad friendships can usually end up to negative choices in life. Good social health can build confidence. Spiritual Health is a way of exploring more than just their religion. That could also include the their own sense of greater purpose, and discovering
the sense of duties outside of the physical area. This process can work with or without religion. Your five areas of heath can interact with each other. When your depressed emotionally you tend to not want to do things. Or when you get a good nights rest your whole body seems to be rejuvenated. A spiritual way that your body interacts is the month and day you were born. Being born in late September or in early October relates to the Zodiac Sign Libra. Libraʼs often think like a scale and like to balance thing with their emotions and with object or people. Maslowʼs Hierarchy of needs is an important in good health and wellness. Physiological need are the nee for oxygen, food, and water and a constant body temperature. These are the most important because if a person was stripped from one of these they would not be able to live. Another aspect is safety needs. Most adults hardly have any awareness of they security needs except when its in a time of emergency. Some people seek love and affection. Maslow states that people despises loneliness and alienation and people seek to overcome it. Esteem in another aspect in Maslowʼs theory. This includes respect that a person gets. Most people feel self-confident when they have respect from others. Good self-esteem is good when making choices in life. Another need is to do what a person wants to do like playing music, or writing. They theory is most of the time represented in a pyramid. The lower, lager bottom is the most basic and the highest, smallest is the last prioritized. If you put them in order, its shows the way they five levels are prioritized by the average person.
Contraband Magazine September 2010
An AmerItalianʼs Guide To Italy - continued
that itʼs good for so many other things than just looking up porn.
The American Look, The Suit, The Dinner Outfit So…now youʼre in Italy. Youʼre soaking up the culture, your cell phone is working, and youʼre not sticking out like a soar thumb American. Or are you? Look at yourself. How are you dressed? Are you wearing your New England Patriots jersey? Are you wearing your Air Jordanʼs and your backwards Abercrombie & Fitch baseball hat? Take them off. As a matter of fact, take everything off, sit down on the edge of the bed, and read the rest of this guideline before standing up to get dressed again. Thereʼs nothing wrong with representing your favorite football team, and thereʼs nothing wrong with representing arguably the greatest player to ever pick up a basketball. But representing them in Italy might not be the best thing to do. Sure, sure, we could sit here all day and discuss pride of country and style of dress. Sure, you could decide that you want to look American, and that youʼre going to wear whatever you feel like wearing because doggone it; itʼs your God-given right as an American to do so. If thatʼs the way you see things, then thereʼs nothing more I can say. Put your clothes back on, and go have fun. If, however, you Contraband Magazine September 2010
decide to do in Rome as the Romans do, but arenʼt exactly sure how to go about doing so, then get up off the edge of the bed and go look out the window of your hotel. Spend a few moments observing the people outside. Not the other tourists like you…the locals. As you can see, most Italian men and women dress with a certain flare that sets them apart from the men and women of other countries. Iʼm not saying that they walk around in tuxedos and Versace dresses all day while cooking breakfast and cleaning the house, but their day to day outfits are, well, more Italian. See how they tuck in their button-down shirts? See how they often wear ties, or jackets, or nicer shoes…even when theyʼre just out eating lunch? See how the women have on full dresses, oversized sun hats, not daisy dukes, short, tight mini skirts, and a plain tight T that says, “I ʻheartʼ Me”? Good. Now go back to your suitcase, dress like they dress, and go have fun. You might be wondering why Iʼm so adamant about this. Why would I take so much time to talk about something as simple as the attire that one should wear while vacationing in Italy, when I could be teaching you how to cook Spaghetti Carbonara or telling you how to say, “where is the restroom” in Italian? Itʼs because having lived in Italy, Iʼm privy to a few reasons that have
To tattoo, or NOT to tattoo by J. McCarty Smith …THAT is the question for many women today, as the impulse to get “inked” increases with societyʼs challenge to “re-invent” oneself….create a new image….It is important that when making a decision to tattoo one considers facets of body art such as safety, permanence, career, etc… I, personally wanted to know what inspires women to get tattoos, how they feel once they get them, and whether or not men find tattoos sexy on women. In my search, I polled some men for feedback, and found that 58% of the men I polled said “Yes,” they find tattoos sexy on women. Twenty-Nine percent said emphatically “No.” One felt that tattoos are a distraction from the “natural contour and texture of the female body.” The remaining percentage said it “depends on the tattoo, the size, and Contraband Magazine September 2010
where itʼs located on the body.” I also ran across two (2) of which Iʼd like to share. Whatever the motivation or inspiration for tattooing YOUR body, be sure it is a decision and a “tat” that you can live with! --J. McCarty Smith Women Getting Tattoos to Feel Sexier Ink is getting more feminine & more visible Shana FranklinThe 33 News April 14, 2010 Source: Copyright © 2010, KDAF-TV Sexy and strong. That's how people with tattoos say being inked makes them feel. Twenty-something Larissa Nyland says, "Our whole generation is like totally tattooed." Fellow Gen Yer Lauren Dickinson joined the ranks of millions today getting her first tattoo at Tiger Moon Tattoo in Dallas. She told us it's just for her, a reminder to "Seize the day." Dickinson's "No Regrets" motto printed on her wrist is now a permanent marker. And with the ink barely dry, like other people, she is empowered. Statistics show more than 30% of the people with tattoos say the tattoos make them feel sexy. Almost 20% say they make them feel attractive. Another 20% say tattoos make them feel strong. Chelsea Metcalf has three and says, "I feel really good about myself." Artists at Tiger Moon Tattoo see it all the time: women who feel hotter after getting
tattoos. Jerimiah Odom says, "We can tell. It's just a confidence thing. It's the way they're carrying themselves." Odom says more and more women are requesting tattoos in visible places and increasingly flaunting them vs. hiding them. Celebrity tattoos are also on the rise, so are feminine ones. For Victoria Head, designs like a paisley point out her girly side. Victoria Head says, "Especially like all the colors and the bright colors and flowers and stuff like that." Newbie Lauren Dickinson is forever changed today and already, she says, for the better. Her first words of inked inspiration won't be her last. Lauren Dickinson says, "It feels good." Women and Tattoos: Are They Sexy? Published August 30, 2008 by: Summer Banks Source: Associated Content Lifestyle At some point in the past decade there has been a shift in the world of tattoos. More and more women are sitting in the tattoo chair and inking up for life. With women changing t h e f a c e o f b e a u t y, t h e question is presented….Are Tattoos Sexy on Women? This topic hits close to home for me, a woman with tattoos covering her upper arms, lower arms, the back of the neck and wrist. On a recent trip I was confronted with a man who stated he felt less “manly” with women around him who had more “ink” than he did. This sparked a
Contraband Magazine September 2010
thought in my mind. Are women who get tattoos considered manly? The debate will no doubt have an equal number of people on both sides of the fence. Some men will feel that women are just as sexy, if not more sexy with tattoos, while others would never take a second look at a woman with an ankle tattoo let alone covered shoulders. The Placement of the Tattoos Many women choose to ink their skin in the more traditional spots. The ankles, lower back and breasts are three of the top choices. But does the placement spot for the ink make a difference in the level of sexuality the tattoo portrays? I, for one, am lucky to be married to a man that loves ink on the female body. He embraces the fact that I want to cover both arms and my back with tattoos. As a matter of fact, he is the one that forced me back into the chair recently after a long hiatus away from the needle. But not all women are so lucky. The tattooing world is growing, expanding and changing. Women are getting ink and in the traditional male spots on the body. The only thing left to do is embrace the change and accept the fact that women have just as much reason to tattoo the world of their arms as do men. The next time you are out of the home, take a look around you. Do you see them? They are everywhere….The women changing the face of beauty.
Halo: Reach Coming To PlayStation 3
By Eddie Makuch
In a completely unexpected
move announced minutes ago, Halo studio Bungie, revealed it will bring Halo: Reach to Sony’s PlayStation 3 a week earlier and $10 cheaper than that of its Xbox 360 brother. “We’ve wished to harness the massive power of the PlayStation 3 for one of our games for ages now and truly felt Reach, with its epic scope, was a perfect match for the system,” Brian Jarrard, creative director on the Halo: Reach project told Blast Magazine this morning.
What’s more, the studio said it plans to offer the game for PS3 enthusiasts at a cheaper price point of $49.99 on September 7, a week before it comes to Xbox 360. “We wanted to make up for lost time with the PS3 crowd and saw this as an opportunity to dazzle the fans both creatively and where they truly care; in their wallets,” Marcus Lehto, marketing manager of Halo: Reach said. Reach coming to the PS3 will mark the first time in over a decade the studio has developed for anyone except Microsoft but Bungie promises that its team of engineers and designers know
how to program for the PS3 backwards and forwards. “We set up two teams after Halo 3 launched in September of 2007; one for Xbox 360 and one for Playstation 3 and since then have had only great things to say about the PS3,” Tom Patrick, a programmer for the project said. Backlash over the announcement is already permeating the Internet, as forum postings on sites like Halo-fanboys.com and TeamMasterChief.net all have scathing things to say about Bungie migrating the franchise to the longtime competitor.
An AmerItalianʼs Guide To Italy - continued
inspired me to caution you as I am… and I will dispense with those reasons now. A) Just like the rest of the world, Italy has its share of pickpockets, thieves, and various other forms of low lifeʼs. Sending out an “Iʼm American” signal will only paint you as a bigger target than the average European tourist, and that will cause them to want your belongings more than theirs. This is not something I can explain. Itʼs something that just is. Itʼd be like sitting next to a woman on a city bus full of men just because youʼre a woman, or getting the back of a random Yankee fan in a bar full of Red Sox fans just because youʼre from New York. People are more likely to bond with one of their own, and less likely to hurt someone they can relate to directly. B) There are certain establishments that will treat someone dressed like a tourist, well, more like a tourist. And thatʼs something that you simply donʼt want. Waiters, waitresses, bartenders, and bouncers Contraband Magazine September 2010
are more likely to spend more time speaking with a local then they are speaking to someone who takes ten minutes to order an appetizer or figure out whose name theyʼre trying to drop at the door because they canʼt speak the language. Again, this is something thatʼs hard to explain, but take my word for it…it happens. C) Some folks that are more than likely to want to hassle you more if they think youʼre American: the police, beggars, hari Krishna, drunks, and the guys that sell fake purses on the corner out of a folded up sheet. True, they may only hound you for a minute or two, but when it happens ten times a day that can add up to precious minutes cut from your sun tanning on those topless beaches youʼve been hearing about.
Learn More www.izigg.com/txtmarketing
Contact: Dana Grundy email:mobilemarketing@cox.net
Contraband Magazine September 2010
Contraband Magazine is looking for an extremely funny person to write lines for “G�and his friends Contact by email: contrabandmagazine@gmail.com
Created by MICHAEL R WILSON
Contraband Magazine September 2010
Advertisers Click Here To Download Your Contraband Magazine Media Kit
http://www.stephenjonesphotography.com