URBAN LUX MAG WHITE HOT SUMMER 2014

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The spoTlighT series JAzz At LiNcoLN ceNter orchestrA with wyNtoN MArsALis “Modern life, Modern Music”

Friday, July 25, 8:00PM • Atlanta Symphony Hall • Tickets from $45

don’T Miss This suMMer’s addiTional spoTlighT series perforMances curaTed bY WYnTon Marsalis:

heaTh broThers QuarTeT plus JereMY pelT augusT 23 “...immensely sophisticated...”

The New York Times

Jason Marsalis vibes QuarTeT

sepTeMber 11 “Serious musicianship...deeply satisfying.”

Chicago Tribune

Marcus roberTs Trio sepTeMber 18 “a majestic bluesiness...”

Jazz Journal

liMiTed, vip TickeTs! Premier Seating • Post-Performance Reception and Toast with JLCO and Wynton Marsalis • Wine and Desserts *Based on availability, valid for July 25 perfomance only.

The full 2014 season schedule is available aT NBAF.org The 2014 Spotlight Series is supported in part by Bank of America and Merrill Lynch.

nbaf.org

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Lentheus Chaney EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Clorissa X. Wright MANAGING EDITOR Dennis Malcolm Byron LIFESTYLE EDITOR Clyde Anderson FINANCE FEATURES EDITOR Monica Compton TRAVEL EDITOR Brice Esso STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Ish Holmes STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Carlton Powell DIVERSITY FEATURES EDITOR Janssen Robinson FINE ART EDITOR Dr. Rondrick Williamson HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITOR

FOLLOW US EVERYWHERE! @urbanluxmag Š Urban Luxury Media, LLC 2014. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without the written permission of the publisher Urban Luxury Media. The views expressed in Urban Lux Magazine are those of the respective contributors and are not necessarily shared by the magazine or its staff. The registered office of Urban Luxury Media is 6040 Dawson Blvd., Suite F, Norcross, GA 30093. All information contained in the magazine is for information only and is as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Urban Luxury Media cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such format. Readers are advised to contact manufactures and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this magazine. If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Urban Luxury Media a license to publish your submission in whole, or in part, in all editions of the magazine, including licensed editions worldwide and in any physical or digital format throughout the world. Any material you submit is sent at your risk and, although every care is taken, neither Urban Luxury Media nor its employees, agents or subcontractors shall be liable for loss or damage.

Published four times a year by Urban Luxury Media, LLC 6040 Dawson Blvd., Suite F, Norcross, GA 30093

LET’S CONNECT. . .

CONTRIBUTORS

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A N OTE F ROM THE E D ITOR

Photo: Lee Jones Photography

white

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summer

IT wasn’t very long ago, January 28th to be exact, that the city of We’ve got you covered on the gourmet food tip too. With this time Atlanta stood frozen under a blanket of ice and snow.

Tempers flared and cabin fever had hit historic proportions. Everyone anxiously awaited the sure-bet warmer months of the year to make an immediate appearance.

In celebration of the hot days of summer and taking a stand against January’s foreign weather, we present to you our WHITE HOT SUMMER 2014 issue.

of year full of family gatherings and impromptu invites, it’s best to have your summer menu on the up and up. To ensure that your dish ends up the talk of the town—and everyone’s palate—we’ve curated some show-stopping recipes that you must try.

You’ll also gain advice on jump starting your summer body, staying safe in the summer heat, how to really wear white, AND we introduce you to First Lady Michelle Obama’s hair stylist, Johnny Wright.

All of this and so much more awaits you. Pick your favorite beach In this issue, we went to forbidden places with sizzling Latin or poolside ­(we suggest the pool atop Hotel Victor overlooking sensation Enrique Iglesias as he spoke about his SEX AND LOVE Ocean Drive when visiting SoBe), grab a reclining chair and enjoy your white-hot summer, one page at a time. album and world tour.

Lentheus Chaney

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C O N TRI B UTORS

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1: AMELIA PAVLIK

5: SALAH ANANSE

2: TIA AIKENS

6: STEVEN SUMMERSIL

3: LAMAR DIXON

7: KRISTIN ROSENAU

4: MELANIE MUELLER

8: DAVID W. BRADBURN

As a freelance writer and editor, Amelia has a weakness for all things fitness and wellness. Her “spare” time is spent writing about a range of lifestyle topics for regional and national magazines, teaching everything from cycling to resistance training classes, and trying out the latest spa treatments and boutique fitness classes for her weekly blog. Learn more about her editorial and fitness experience at @fitbelleatl.

A 21st century muse who has always embodied the arts, Tia has served as a source of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding for many. Her progression has led her to currently release inspiration through writing. Tia’s mission is to always inspire individuals to do their best and live their truth. @sungoddess7

Lamar is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. When he’s not thinking of ways to integrate Old Bay seasoning into cocktails, Lamar spends his time memorizing scenes from Martin and hosting the Just Different and Live For Tonight lounge series. @Marlicioso410

Melanie is founder and creative director of Mel Boteri, a company inspiring women to discover their unique style and to express it confidently through one-of-a-kind custom and bespoke accessories.

In addition to being an entrepreneur, self-taught designer and business school graduate, Melanie recently added “writer” to her resume. @MelBoteri

Salah Ananse is a DJ, producer, vocalist and tastemaker with almost 20 years as a producer/DJ on the underground scene. Salah Ananse’s talent has put him on bills with notable DJs such as Vikter Duplaix, ?uestlove, alng with opening for artists such as Dave Chappelle and The Roots. @salahananse

Steven Summersill is a certified strength and conditioning coach.

He created his company Summer Body Workouts in 2006. With the gift to relate to people and the passion of fitness, he has accepted the challenge to help people find the best in themselves and has proven to get his clients the results they desire. @SummerbodyWO

Kristin Rosenau is a photographer, writer, and baker of all things sweet. She began an affair with butter and sugar fresh out of college and has experimented her way through the kitchen ever since.

Kristin is author of the website PastryAffair.com @pastryaffair

David W. Bradburn is a gay fiction writer whose first self-published novel, Past Lives, Present Woes, can be found on Amazon.com.

David also enjoys dabbling in poetry and spiritual prose. @DavidWBradburn

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CONTENTS

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10 LUX APPROVED Summer Gourmet

14 LUX INSIDER White Hot Cocktails

17 LUX MARKET WATCH White on White: How to Wear It

18 FIND YOUR INSPIRATION

Expert Advice, Thoughts and Ideas to Consider

24 FASHION White Hot Summer

36 FEATURE

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Enrique Iglesias: The Truth About Sey & Love

40 STYLE Johnny Wright: The Mane Man

42 CULTURE The National Center for Cival and Human Rights

44 COMMUNITY #HEAVYTRAFFICK: Atlanta’s Human Trafficking Epidemic

46 LUX AUTO Topless in Atlanta: 2014 Lexus IS-F Convertible

48 LUX ESSENTIALS Jump-Start Your Summer Body

50 LUX DESTINATIONS

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Hotel Victor South Beach

52 LUX LUV Paul C Brunson: Life Lessons Revealed

54 DIVERSITY CORNER A Diverse Beat: HITP and Atlanta Weekender

ON THE COVER: ENRIQUE IGLESIAS

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LUX APPROVED

SUMMER GOURMET IT’S the perfect time of year to celebrate family and create great summer memories with friends. If presenting a show-stopping dish is a must at the backyard soirée, be sure to include a couple of true summer time originals when planning your menus this season.

Story by LENTHEUS CHANEY

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honey ginger coconut popsicles ingredients: 3 (14-ounce) cans full-fat coconut milk

cooking instructions: In a heavy-bottomed medium-size saucepan, stir

1 (4-inch) piece fresh ginger, finely grated

together the coconut milk, ginger and honey. Bring to a

1 cup (12 ounces) local honey

boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the honey is completely dissolved. Reduce heat to low

tools: popsicle molds wooden popsicle sticks

and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the ginger to infuse the mixture.

Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, preferably into a large liquid measuring cup or other vessel with a lip (for easier pouring). Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then divide it evenly among popsicle molds.

Cover the molds, insert sticks and freeze until firm.

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LUX APPROVED

roasted strawberry red wine popsicles

Photo and recipe by KRISTIN ROSENAU

ingredients: 16 ounces strawberries, hulled and quartered

cooking instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional) 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 cup sweet red wine

In a bowl, mix together the quartered strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and sugar. Spread evenly over a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the berry juices have thickened. Remove from the oven and

tools: popsicle molds wooden popsicle sticks

cool to room temperature.

Place half of the roasted strawberries and juices in a food processor and process until smooth. Stir in the red wine.

Spoon the remaining half of the roasted strawberries into the popsicle molds. Evenly pour red wine mixture into molds until close to the top. Freeze popsicles for at least 45 minutes before inserting popsicle sticks. Freeze for a remaining 4 to 6 hours, or until completely frozen.

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key lime popcorn clusters

ingredients: 8 cups popped popcorn 4 whole graham crackers, finely chopped 1 jar (7 ½ ounces) marshmallow crème ¼ cup butter or margarine 2 tablespoon grated lime zest 1 tablespoon key lime (or traditional lime) juice

cooking instructions: Line a nine inch square pan with foil and combine popcorn with gram cracker pieces in a large bowl. Set two tablespoons of graham cracker to the side to be used later in this recipe.

Microwave marshmallow crème and butter in large glass bowl on HIGH for one minute. Stir until butter is completely melted then stir in lime zest and lime juice.

Pour marshmallow mixture over popcorn, mixing thoroughly. Using damp hand, firmly press mixture into prepared pan and sprinkle the reserved two tablespoons of graham cracker pieces on top and refrigerate for two hours or until firm.

Lift foil from pan, break the popcorn mixture into clusters and enjoy!

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THE LUX INSIDER

White Hot Cocktails THE ART OF MIXOLOGY is sweeping through the bar throughout Atlanta. Using the world’s Georgia’s capital with bars, restaurants, and lounges hiring some of the best to do it in order to keep the trend, well, white hot! Playfully termed the “Minister of Libations,” our Lux Insider and award-winning scribe Ale Sharpton (@AleSharpton) happily accepted the challenge of finding three very unique recipes crafted by some of the best behind

finest tequila, vodka, absinthe, whiskey, and even craft beer, here are some tasty sips you can take a shot at mixing at your next gathering, or kick back and get them mixed for you when you go straight to their source. Whatever way you choose, this is a quenching way to cool down your Urban Lux White Hot Summer! Cheers!

Story and photography by DENNIS MALCOLM BYRON aka ALE SHARPTON

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COCKTAIL: The Street Sweeper MIXOLOGIST: Miles Macquarrie LOCATION: Kimball House Famed mixologist Miles Macquarrie has taken his illustrious reputation to Downtown Decatur’s hot spot Kimball House. His Street Sweeper featuring Bulleit Straight Rye Whiskey and some other exotic ingredients hits the spot!

THE FORMULA: 1.5 oz Bulleit Straight Rye Whiskey .75 oz Cynar .75 oz Aperol 2 dashes orange bitters (I use homemade bitters, but Reagan’s is very good) Herbsaint Legendre rinse Mixing glass filled with ice Old Fashioned glass with one large cube of ice Stir whiskey, Cynar, Aperol and orange bitters in a mixing glass with ice.

Take Old Fashioned glass with big cube of ice and rinse with Herbsaint.

Strain mixture into Old Fashioned glass and garnish with a lemon peel.

COCKTAIL: Siesta de Las Palomas (Nap for Doves) MIXOLOGIST: Mercedes O’Brien LOCATION: Gunshow Mercedes O’Brien, the winner of the Peach Jam 2013 Cocktail Competition with her “Helmet and the Feather” concoction, used El Jimador Reposado as a base for this one.

Make sure to check out her mixology skills at Chef Kevin Gillespie’s restaurant, Gunshow, where Mercedes shoots from the hip using ingredients from a cart she pushes to your table to make drinks in front of you!

THE FORMULA: 1.5 oz. El Jimador Reposado .5 oz. Strega .5 oz. Lime Juice Shake and strain into salt-crusted Collins glass, add rocks. Top with Lagunitas IPA and a lime wheel (optional).

COCKTAIL: Tropical Death MIXOLOGIST: Navarro Carr LOCATION: The Sound Table With cocktails usually termed with happy names, the liquid chemist at Old Fourth Ward’s The Sound Table—Navarro Carr—wanted to spice things up a bit with his Tropical Death creation, featuring curry powder and coconut oolong tea-infused Cathead Vodka.

THE FORMULA: 1.5 oz. Cathead Vodka (infused with a coconut oolong tea for about 90 minutes) .5 oz Victory Prima Pils .5 oz. Pineapple Syrup 2 dashes of Grapefruit Bitters .5 oz. Absinthe 1 Egg White Pinch of Curry Power Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and dry shake for 2-3 minutes. Add ice and shake for 25-30 seconds. Double strain into a cocktail glass.

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If it’s not Epic... it’s just another event.

Corporate & Social Events | Weddings | Bar/Bat Mitzvahs 404.991.9128 | epicevents@metrocafes.com | www.epiceventsatlanta.com

A Metrotainment Cafes Concept

LUX MARKET WATCH

Story by MELANIE MUELLER

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FYI

FIND YOUR INSPIRATION EXPERT ADVICE, THOUGHTS AND IDEAS TO CONSIDER

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I NEED TO WALK OUTSIDE

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a poem by DAVID W. BRADBURN

I need to walk outside under the southern sun and smell the purity of the blooming magnolias. I need to feel the breeze as it carries the caged bird’s spirit away up, up high on the mountaintop.

Where God holds Maya close and speaks with profound clarity that her words were a healing balm, her Love met pain and her Love won out.

I need to walk outside where the sun burns away the rape of a sevenyear-old child and her silence is lifted by a teacher; never to be hushed again. All the world to learn from Maya’s life well-lived.

You did so much in a time where many were stopped in their tracks.

Sang spirituals to those who needed it, your tall countenance danced across stages gracefully, portrayed an Emmy-nominated character in Roots, won three Grammy awards for your poems recorded, wrote about your pain in poetic autobiographies like none other.

Most importantly Maya reminded all of us to, “Listen to yourself and in that quietude you might hear the voice of God.” I need to walk outside today and just listen, just meditate with each new step, and like Maya, I will not only survive this world, but thrive.

M

aya Angelou is a celebrated poet, memoirist, novelist, educator, dramatist, producer, actress, historian, filmmaker, and civil rights activist.

Raised in St. Louis and Stamps, Arkansas, she experienced the brutality of racial discrimination, but she also absorbed the unshakable faith and values of traditional African-American family, community, and culture.

As a teenager, Dr. Angelou’s love for the arts won her a scholarship to study dance and drama at San Francisco’s Labor School. At 14, she dropped out to become San Francisco’s first African-American female cable car conductor.

She later finished high school, giving birth to her son, Guy, a few weeks after graduation. As a young single mother, she supported her son by working as a waitress and cook, however her passion for music, dance, performance, and poetry would soon take center stage.

In 1954 and 1955, Dr. Angelou toured Europe with a production of the opera Porgy and Bess.

She studied modern dance with Martha Graham, danced with Alvin Ailey on television variety shows and, in 1957, recorded her first album, Calypso Lady. In 1958, she moved to New York, where she joined the Harlem Writers Guild, acted in the historic Off-Broadway production of Jean Genet’s The Blacks and wrote and performed Cabaret for Freedom.

Soon after Malcolm X’s assassination, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. asked Dr. Angelou to serve as Northern Coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. King’s assassination, falling on her birthday in 1968, left her devastated.

With the guidance of her friend, the novelist James Baldwin, she began work on the book that would become I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. In 1970, I Know Why the Caged Bird URBANLUX

Sings was published to international acclaim and enormous popular success. Her accomplished work includes more than 30 bestselling titles.

A trailblazer in film and television, Dr. Angelou wrote the screenplay and composed the score for the 1972 film Georgia, Georgia. Her script, the first by an African-American woman ever to be filmed, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

She served on two presidential committees, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Arts in 2000, the Lincoln Medal in 2008, and has received three Grammy Awards.

Dr. Angelou received over 50 honorary degrees and was Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University.

Dr. Angelou’s words and actions continue to stir our souls, energize our bodies, liberate our minds, and heal our hearts.

- courtesy mayaangelou.com

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FYI - ECONOMY

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ummer is here and more has changed than the seasons.

If you haven’t noticed, we’re working to recover from one of the worst economic downturns in history. While some Americans are actively working to improve their circumstances, many are waiting for things to blow over and get back to normal. The reality is, this is the new norm and it’s not going back to how it used to be, therefore if you don’t create new ways to earn, you just might miss the boat. If everything has changed, why would you depend solely on one method of earning a living from the past and only have one source to generate cash flow? We’ve seen many people fall victim to layoffs and downsizing so the picture should be clear. We have to do something different or we’ll get the same results. That’s the definition of insanity and you can’t be insane and make it to the next level.

Co ld Ha r d Cash TO keep Yo u Co o l

What’s the next level? It’s what I call financial freedom! This doesn’t mean you have to be multi-millionaire, but for me it means doing what I want to do, when I want to do it, where I want to do it, with whom I choose to do it with and for as long as I’d like to do it.

I have a client who loves to cook. She happened to work at an office that didn’t have a many choices for lunch, the cafeteria food wasn’t very good and it was expensive. I instructed her to make five delicious sandwiches, pair them with a bag of chips and photograph them. Next we created a website for her, connected a shopping cart and she began selling five sandwiches a day at $10 each. She’s now making an extra $2500 a month doing something she loves and does well. She solved a problem and filled a need. The question is, can you?

For you, it may be the ability to have all your needs met and your wants satisfied (or at least the majority of them). If you’ve been working in your industry for at least 4.5 years which is the equivalent of about tenthousand hours, according to Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers, you are an expert. Experts solve problems and fill needs which in turn create cash flow. Maybe you’ve been doing customer service, sales, repairs, cooking, writing, analyst, manager, trainer etc., but haven’t embraced the idea that you are an expert. Now is the time to identify what that gift, talent or skill you have that can generate a new stream of income for you.

Les Brown once told me, “A mouse with one hole to crawl into is a sad rat.” I embraced his message and created a plan of action that would help me identify a product or service that I could use to make more money. Let me give you an example of what I’m talking about.

Story by CLYDE ANDERSON

The reality of the world is that nothing happens until someone sells something. It dose not matter if it’s an idea, a concept, a tool, a t-shirt or even a sandwich. You can’t continue to constantly play the role of consumer. At some point you have to be a creator and build something that can provide the freedom you seek. Remember, the results come from the actions and you have the opportunity to determine which outcomes you desire to see. Once you couple that with planned action, be prepared to start making cold cash to keep you cool this summer.

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Online sales in the U.S. are expected to reach $370 billion in sales by 2017. Wouldn’t it be nice to get your share?

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FYI - PULSE

Summer: Beware Story by DR. RONDRICK WILLIAMSON

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HOW TO STAY SAFE IN THE SUMMER HEAT

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s we say farewell to spring and welcome summer, most look forward to vacation time, long days at their favorite amusement park, relaxing at the beach, sun bathing and plainly spending time in the sun with family and friends.

All of this sounds fun, but one must be aware of the hazards of summer.

Summer heat can be extremely dangerous. Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States.

The body is normally cooled by sweating, but in some cases, sweating is not sufficient. Labor-intensive activities in hot weather can raise the body temperature beyond levels that can normally be cooled by sweating. Heat rash and heat cramps are among the early signs of heat illness but they both can quickly progress to more serious conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

A heat rash is nothing more than a red or pinkish rash normally found on body areas covered by clothing. Although heat rash is most commonly seen in children, adults in hot, humid climates are not exempt. Heat cramps are brief, involuntary, painful muscle cramps.

They usually occur during heavy activity in hot environments and are a direct result of poor fluid intake.

More serious conditions that can occur with prolonged heat exposure are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms of heat exhaustion occur following long periods of exposure to high heat resulting in dehydration. Two types of heat exhaustion exist—water depletion and salt depletion. With water depletion, one would experience extreme thirst, frequent muscle cramps, headaches, and loss of consciousness. Nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and dizziness are all attributed to the salt depletion form of heat exhaustion. Even though heat exhaustion is not as serious as heat stroke, one must still take caution as it can progress to heat stroke.

Heat illness can be prevented if one pays close attention to the warning signs. To avoid heat related illness and make your summer much more enjoyable, one should:

GET PLENTY TO DRINK

• Stay hydrated. Sweating removes needed salt and minerals from the body. Drink more water, juice and sports drinks. Avoid drinks with caffeine (tea, coffee, and cola) and alcohol.

WEAR LIGHT CLOTHING AND SUNSCREEN

• Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. If you will be in direct sun, use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and follow package directions. Reapply every two hours while in the sun.

SCHEDULE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES CAREFULLY

• The hottest part of the day is the late afternoon. Plan your activities so that you are outdoors either before noon or in the evening.

DON’T OVERDO IT • If you are not used to working or exercising in hot weather, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Take frequent, regularly scheduled breaks.

Warning: If your doctor limits the amount of fluid you drink, or if you take water pills, ask him or her how much you should drink when the weather is hot. If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage.

Of all the heat related injuries, heat stroke is the most serious. Heat stroke causes damage to the brain and other internal organs. The body’s natural temperature control system fails. Nausea, seizures, disorientation, and coma can occur in a heat stroke.

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FASHION

Photography: Ish Holmes and Brice Esso Models: Tiffanie Boyd, Jessica Rios, Lia Youn, Auriana Roberts, Brice Esso, Carl Keita, Blake Ballard and Deng Duot Deng Styling: Kudzi SirGarde Karidza Makeup: Kimberly Cruz Location: Centennial Olympic Park - Atlanta Clothing available at: Vitesse Exchange and Threadz Boutique

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Photography by ISH HOLMES Models: INDIRA ALI, KELSEY NYCOLE and KY for Badd Queens Makeup by SHERILYNN MARILYN Production Assistant: BRANDON D. MINCEY Styling by LENTHEUS CHANEY Wardrobe provided by Ocean Pacific.

Shot on location at Old Mill Park (Roswell, GA) and Cameron Ridge Estate.

WHITE HOT

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FEATURE - ENRIGUE IGLESIAS 36

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ENRIQUE IGLESIAS

the truth about SEX & LOVE

Story by CLORISSA WRIGHT

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ailing from a musical family Enrique Iglesias, the Madrid-born Spanish crooner, set out on a global tour that’s making waves. A pioneer in his own right, the heir to the Iglesias musical throne proves that 20 years in the industry is just the beginning.

With his latest album SEX AND LOVE sizzling worldwide, Enrique beams with pride that he writes his own songs and creates the intoxicating music he’s become known for. Finding joy in collaborating with other musicians, his latest album features artists and writers from other genres. To add fuel to his already well-oiled machine, he’ll tour the US this fall with good Kicking off a busy summer and fall, 2014 will deliver a dose of friend and fellow Latin artist Pitbull what the Latin lover’s fans have been craving. ~ continued on pg. 38

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EMBARKING on this year’s tours, Enrique looks forward to the diversity of his fans. The love he receives from every country and every city is unique.

Some are more energetic as they sing along, some like to sway their hips and dance more, some like to party more— all things that make touring fun and exciting. The aptly titled “Sex And Love Tour” captures and delivers all things sexy, hot, crazy and irresistible.

With singles like “Turn the Night Up,” “There Goes My Baby” and “I’m a Freak,” your imagination doesn’t have to travel far to paint the picture of what will radiate from the stage. Always charming, Iglesias is known to show physical affection through hugs and kisses with his concert fans, elevating the in-person experience.

His third Billboard Top 10 album, SEX AND LOVE features other A-listers like Jennifer Lopez, Flo Rida and Romeo Santos. It’s no surprise that it debuted high on the US Billboard charts, Canadian charts, Latin pop charts and more.

Regardless of one’s native language, this title encompasses the two things that are understood worldwide.

Conscious that as a crossover artist it can be hard to make a song translate, he knew that regardless of where you were raised, you’d understand that language.

P r o c lai m i n g t h at he ’s “ re a dy for s o m e act i o n ” o n h i s “ I’m A Fre a k” c o lla b o r at i o n w i t h Pi t bul l , t he pa i r ta k e s u s o n a j o urne y a nswe ri ng a ll the f ei s t y b edroom que st i ons m o s t wo m en ar e t oo a fra i d t o a sk.

T h e c at ch y b eat k e e ps you e xc i t e d wh ile t h e l y r i cs , “ From t he hot e l ro o m , t o t h e DJ boot h, on t he b a th ro o m s i n k , I gue ss I’m j ust a fre a k ,” el ect r i f i es your se nse s.

“Each collaboration I’ve been part of was its own special experience.

I’m extremely thankful that I’ve gotten to work with some truly talented individuals and personal role models of mine.” - Enrique Iglesias

The accompanying music video blows the hinges off of shyness as the Spanish Casanova places kisses in naughty places and flagrantly spells out his definition of a good time.

On the Flo Rida collabo, “There Goes My Baby,” Enrique takes us along for another voyeuristic ride. Reminiscing that he, “get so high when she go down, down low.”

For those nights when you just want to feel true love through song, pressing play on Heart Attack will take you there. A man on the edge fighting for his relationship pleads, “I thought I’d never want you back, but I don’t want to live in a world without you.”

One thing is for sure, while Enrique is a mysterious creature, he’s not shy when it comes to putting it all out there. Water skiing naked, enjoying an occasional fun film and christening the world with his goodness are just a few ways the pop star expresses his wild side. His lyrics unlock doors, hearts and maybe even the occasional medieval chastity belt. His beats sing to the body like an Indian snake charmer beckons a cobra. He’s even put his stamp of approval on a line of super racy undies (for sale on his site) with printed messages like: “I Like It” and “Tonight I’m Fu*#@ng You!” It is safe to say that this hit album has something to please everyone’s palate. It takes you high, then higher.

It brings you to a climax then explodes with expression.

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It opens your heart then speaks to your soul—all-encompassing of a great record.

Warming the ears of fans since 1995, he writes from his core. His music is a reflection of his life, his moods and his personal experiences—good or bad. Very humble about his successes, Iglesias takes his peers and fans opinions to heart, using that energy for fueling new projects.

When we talked to Enrique about the current state of Latin music he said, “I think the heart and spirit of Latin music hasn’t changed at all, the only difference is a few technological advances.”

At a different speed than his famous father, the younger Iglesias continues to renew the charts with fresh, relevant tunes.

Recently adding pop artist Demi Lovato to the Dublin leg of the tour, Enrique proves that all generations of Latin music can fuse together and deliver a timeless experience for fans.

Enrique recently joined forces with Atlantico Rum which was founded in the Dominican Republic. Introduced by a friend to the hand-crafted spirits’ creators, after one taste they forged a partnership. Produced and bottled in South America, Atlantico Rums boast a complex blend of cane juice, malta and molasses translating to tasting notes of tropical fruits, oak, vanilla, toffee and citrus flavors. Lending his name to the high-end brand is more than just a business decision—it’s an absolute partnership.

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Enrique’s brand expands to SEX AND LOVE sandals, a smart phone Freakout app, t-shirts, tote bags and more.

Enrique is a smart guy; there’s and no need to worry abut his ability to run a successful business while remaining a true artist. Having turned down opportunities to judge the popular singing competitions: American Idol, X-Factor and The Voice, we know that his love for music and his fans trumps everything. He confesses that touring and creating albums makes him happier than anything else in the world.

You may catch him between tour dates on a boat in Miami or strolling the streets of his hometown in Spain. You might even catch him relaxing in Cabo, his favorite vacation spot with a little Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Juan Luis Guerra or Dire Straights playing in the background.

Turning 40 next year, in true Enrique style he plans to have a low key day with close friends and of course a bottle of Atlantico Rum in the mix. Citing a long list of things still on his bucket list, he plans to spend all of 2015 touring and penning new chart-toppers.

Are there wedding bells ringing in the future for this heartthrob and his legendary tennis pro girlfriend Anna? He simply answers, “Who knows what the future holds?”

As the Sex And Love Tour continues its international and US run this year, be sure to catch Enrique with Pitbull in Atlanta on October 22.

Visit enriqueiglesias.com for additional tour dates and information on concert ticket sales.

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STYLE

JOHNNY WRIGHT: THE MANE MAN

Story by CLORISSA WRIGHT

CHICAGO born and bred, there’s a man who’s THE authority on all things hair. As if styling First Lady Michelle Obama isn’t the pinnacle of one’s resume— Johnny Wright’s skill, drive and talent have catapulted him to the top of the hair industry.

When one googles his name, everything from SoftsheenCarson to Michelle Obama to Sex and the City creator Candace Bushnell populates. We’ll take an educated leap and guess that he’s got more than just a pair of shears up his sleeve.

Jumping into his world today, most know him as the exclusive stylist for Mrs. Obama. The two became acquainted during President Obama’s first campaign.

They met when he styled her for photo shoots with Essence and O Magazine. Subsequently, they hit it off and even after he moved to Los Angeles following his dream of working in the film and TV world, they kept in contact. After her husband took office, Mrs. Obama requested that he to move to DC to take on the role of her permanent hair stylist. Not too shabby for a youngin’ from one of the nation’s toughest cities.

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“As much success as I’ve achieved, I know that there’s so much more in me. I’m still a rising star.

When the day comes, that I’ve really arrived, I’ll know it deep.” - Johnny Wright IN his words, starting out as a “kitchen beautician” in his parents’ basement, Johnny’s career spans an impressive 26 years. The veteran stylist reminisces that his life really changed once he went to hair school and obtained his cosmetology license. After gaining professional credentials, he became more marketable and able to do more things in the industry—outside of the salon.

Working with an amazing team at the Frederic Fekkai Salon, he expanded his knowledge, learning round-brushing techniques, servicing a more diverse clientele and becoming a texture specialist. It’s also where he met his partner, a colorist who also works with the First Lady. “It opened me up creatively,” says Wright of his continuing education experience at the acclaimed salon.

Opportunities to work with celebrities came about and everything took off from there. For him, being a star-struck stylist lasted a very short time and the pressure to perform at a high level dissipated a little more with each satisfied high-profile client. Performing at the same level for all of his clients, his ultimate goal is a satisfied customer—whether she’s an everyday woman, a celebrity or the beloved FLOTUS. Proving that there is a scope broader than just behind the chair, he has worked with the Softsheen-Carson company for over 13 years. Starting out as a technical consultant, Johnny worked his way up to his current position as their artistic style director.

This role has introduced him to the development process for new products and ideas. As a proud ambassador he feels that Optimum is making a positive impact with the AfricanAmerican community and hair product consumers.

When starting a healthy hair journey, every woman should: • Keep the heat off of hair as much as possible • Deep condition regularly • Cleansing is important • Keep it moisturized • Use products that don’t weigh the hair down

Not forgetting the Lux men of the world, Johnny shares a word for the gentelmen: • Cleansing is important, the Magic Shave line offers great maintenance products for men’s grooming • For bump prevention, good hygiene is necessary, most men ignore their skin. They should definitely indulge in facials and a regular routine • Keep a nice, clean shave. There’s more to it than just taking a quick shower • Keeping your scalp healthy is important for the health of hair Healthy skin and hair is NOT just for women! Develop a daily cycle

Through Softsheen-Carson’s “Make Me a Master Stylist” program, he educates and mentors up and coming stylists. He instills in them to think beyond working behind a chair—that there is a whole world beyond the comb.

The sky is the limit as he plans the upcoming years. Looking to have more of a television presence and developing his own line of hair products are atop the to-do list. Standing for love and happiness, he lives by the motto, “Do what you love and love what you do.” Johnny says that it keeps him happy as he’s literally living out his destiny.

JOHNNY WRIGHT TRIVIA: Would love to style... Hoda Kotb The year’s best red carpet hair? Rihanna, Beyonce, Cynthia Bailey and Lupita Favorite designer for this summer? Damir Doma Go-to summer look? Gladiator sandals and shorts Favorite summer vacation spot? Capetown, South Africa All-white party or a black tie affair? Black tie Johnny’s Urban Luxury? Being happy within himself!

Follow Johnny on Instagram and Twitter: @JohnnyWright220.

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CULTURE

The NATIONAL Center for Civil and Human Rights Story by CARLTON POWELL

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TLANTA welcomes its first National Center for Civil and Human Rights to its steadily emerging downtown area! This engaging cultural attraction connects the American civil rights movement to today’s global human rights movements. The Center features four immersive and thoughtprovoking exhibit spaces, including a continually rotating gallery of items from the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. collection, where visitors can view the personal papers and items that belonged to the late Dr. King.

The Center also provides designated event spaces and educational

programs inspiring visitors to join the ongoing dialogue about contemporary movements for human rights around the world.

The highly anticipated Center for Civil and Human Rights officially opened to the public on June 23, 2014. Serving as a connector between past and present, The Center shares powerful stories of individuals, civil and human rights movements, and invites visitors to reflect on how they can create a more just and humane future for all. This cultural institution creates an immersive visitor experience through light, sound, images and the written word, all designed to inspire patrons and stimulate dialogue.

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“THE CENTER uniquely and boldly connects historic freedom movements and iconic individuals, as well as everyday people, with the human rights issues of the present, thus sparking ongoing dialogue around the possibilities of the future,” said Doug Shipman, CEO. Designed with multimedia displays, compelling artifacts and interactive activities, The Center’s exhibits are created to empower people to take the protection of every human’s rights personally. “When we connect to others and to their circumstances, that emotional connection often compels us to lend our support, to take action even though we may never know or meet those who are affected, as evidenced by the courageous stories of many individuals featured in the exhibits.

The Center draws on that innate characteristic of our humanity to inspire and empower visitors to help create a better world for us all,” continued Shipman.

THE MISSION The mission of The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is to empower people to take the protection of every human’s rights personally.

Through sharing stories of courage and struggle around the world, the center encourages visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the role they play in helping to protect the rights of all people.

THE VISION The National Center for Civil and Human Rights harnesses Atlanta’s legacy of civil rights to strengthen the worldwide movement for human rights.

Atlanta played a unique leadership role in the modern American Civil Rights Movement. Through harnessing Atlanta’s legacy and galvanizing the corporate, faith-based, public-sector and university communities, the center will serve as the ideal place to reflect on the past, transform the present and inspire the future.

The Center was first imagined by civil rights legends Evelyn Lowery and former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young and was launched by former Mayor Shirley Franklin. The effort gained broad-based corporate and community support to become one of the few places in the world educating visitors on the bridge between the American Civil Rights Movement and contemporary Human Rights Movements around the world.

Established in 2007, The Center’s ground-breaking 43,000-square-foot facility is located on Pemberton Place, adjacent to the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium, on land donated by the Coca-Cola Company.

The Center will house four primary exhibitions: • “Voice to the Voiceless: The Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection” presents a rare collection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s personal papers and items. The exhibition gallery—an intimate, peaceful room—sets the mood by projecting the expression “I Have a Dream” in glimmering light upon a black granite wall in twenty-five languages, thus highlighting what has become a worldwide call to action for civil rights. This allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the thoughts, emotions and memories of the great Dr. King. The exhibit will be rotated continually, offering a well-rounded view of Dr. King as an icon and as a man.

• “Rolls Down Like Water: The American Civil Rights Movement” brings the amazing history of civil rights to generations who were not alive to experience that tumultuous and transformational time. It comprises a series of eight sequential exhibitions that bring to life the defining moments of the modern American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

Using experiential technology, vibrant colors, sound, interactives and the written word, the narrative of these historical events is captured in a dramatic and memorable way.

• “Spark of Conviction: The Global Human Rights Movement” is brought to life in the expansive, lightfilled Human Rights Gallery, which illuminates both individuals and global human rights issues. The exhibition, which features interactive displays and videos, is designed to allow visitors to experience a personal connection to individuals who are taking a stand in the contemporary fight for human rights.

• “John Lewis Series” by Georgia artist Benny Andrews: A fourth temporary exhibition space will feature two inaugural-year exhibits celebrating selected works from this powerful, iconic series of paintings depicting scenes from the life of John Lewis.

Normal operating hours are 10 a.m. To 5 p.m., seven days a week. Adult tickets are $15 and child (ages 3 – 12) tickets are $10. Memberships start at $50 per year and include unlimited free admission for one year, access to members-only events, and special discounts.

For more information on The Center for Civil and Human Rights, please visit civilandhumanrights.org.

You can also join the conversation on civil and human rights on Twitter and facebook @Ctr4CHR.

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COMMUNITY

#HEAVYTRAFFICK atlanta’s human trafficking epidemic

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Story by LAMAR DIXON

N THE NIGHT of April 14, 2014, members of the Nigerian Islamic terrorist organization Boko Haram stormed the Government Girls Secondary School in the town of Chibok in Borno State, Nigeria, shooting the guards and killing one soldier. On campus to take a final exam in physics, approximately 276 female students, between the ages of 1416, were kidnapped. Forced into Islam and marriage with members of Boko Haram, weeks later on May 9, Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau released a video stating that they planned to offer the girls for sale in the region at a “bride price” of 2,000 Nigerian naira each— the equivalent of U.S. $12.50. In Shekau’s words, “There is a market for selling humans.” At the time of publication, the girls have not been released.

While the political implications of the kidnapping for Nigeria and the world are numerous, the crisis has shed light globally that slavery still exists through human trafficking—the trade of humans, most commonly for the purpose of sexual slavery, forced marriage, or labor or commercial sexual exploitation. In the most gruesome cases, humans have been trafficked for the extraction of organs or tissues, including surrogacy and ovary removal. In an interview with World Policy Journal, Pierre Lapaque, West Africa’s representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, said “Trafficking for sexual exploitation remains the most frequent form of slavery, accounting a 58 percent of all cases worldwide.”

Thousands of miles away from the political strife of Nigeria, in the gleaming southern metropolis of Atlanta, Georgia, a precarious dichotomy has been established between the city’s tourism and adult entertainment trade and the human trafficking epidemic.

Historically, as one of the few cities in the Bible Belt that allowed for totally nude dancing, an undercurrent of sexual titillation has been woven into the city’s fabric. From scandals at the former gentlemen’s club, Gold Club, the invention of “making it rain” by Atlanta crime boss Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory, and it’s extremely close relationship with the local and national hip hop scene, strip clubs have long surpassed peaches as Atlanta’s claim to fame.

Actress Jada Pinkett-Smith has been working on completion of a documentary for CNN on human trafficking and how individuals are lured into the sex slave trade. During the course of her research, she

visited Atlanta and interviewed several former strippers in who were lured into sex trafficking. In a Facebook video on her experiences interviewing the women, Pinkett-Smith remarked, “I think the thing that caught me was that one of the ladies—a really bright young girl—the gateway to trafficking for her was stripping… [She] went to the strip club and was making money and even decided, hey, a couple John’s here and there, it’s my thing I’m in control. I got this.

Only to fall into the trap of no longer being in control and ended up being trafficked.”

On the heels of the ubiquitous nature of Atlanta’s strip club culture, local pimps have achieved almost mythical status through street fame or a litany of hip-hop shout outs. Considered the “granddaddy” of Atlanta pimps, Charles Floyd Pipkins, better known as ‘’Sir Charles’’ was a local celebrity and appeared on songs by Too Short and in the documentary Pimps Up, Ho’s Down featuring Ice-T. Momma Dee, part of the cast of VH1’s reality show, Love and Hip-Hop: Atlanta, and mother of rapper Lil Scrappy, claims to have been under his tutelage in learning the pimp game before striking out as a madam herself.

Sometimes romanticized and celebrated as flamboyant hustlers or smooth talking ladies men with women at their beck and call, the ugly nature of pimping and human trafficking is rarely put on wax. In a 2011 profile in the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Keisha Head, now 33, detailed her experiences at age 16 as one of Pipkins’ former trafficking victims—a six month period which often involved beatings, threats of violence against her daughter if she didn’t make her $1,000 per night quota, and numerous rapes by johns. In 2002, at age 57, Pipkins was sentenced to 30 years under the Federal Racketeering and Corrupt Organizations act (RICO) act for running a long-time violent prostitution ring in Atlanta, involving children as young as 10. This was the first time the law has been used in a child prostitution case. At sentencing, Pipkins said he never forced anyone into prostitution and that he had merely helped the girls find jobs dancing in strip clubs.

“Those who trap these kids know exactly what to say to lure them in...” - Mary Frances Bowley

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WHILE HUMAN TRAFFICKING under the guise of “pimping” in Atlanta’s yesteryear may have been considered another avenue of low level street hustling, the Atlanta metro region’s rapid growth in size and business has resulted in a multimillion dollar underground economy and firmly cemented the region as the country’s human trafficking capital. According to FBI statistics, Atlanta ranks among the top 14 cities in the United States for domestic minor sex trafficking.

A 2013 study published by the Urban Institute, a nonpartisan research organization, detailed the size and inner workings of underground sex work and child pornography in eight major U.S. metro areas: Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, Miami, San Diego, Seattle and Washington, D.C. Over the five year span from 2002 to 2007, the region was only one of two studied whose trade grew. Atlanta’s illegal sex economy ranked number one among the regions studied with an estimated value topping $290 million (Miami was a distant second at $200 million). According to Meredith Dank, the lead author of the report, the many events and conventions in the area bring people to town with lots of time and money.

The report also detailed that human traffickers regularly move some of their victims through multi-city “circuits” of which Atlanta has easy access due to the region’s major highways and busy airport. It also gives insight into sex outlets controlled by various ethnic or national groups. Korean massage parlors mostly run by Korean immigrants and with workers who are often older women smuggled into the country from Korea, are typically part of a “highly organized and structured” national network.

Secret brothels servicing only Latino men, and sometimes only from certain Mexican towns, also operate throughout the area.

Forced to service as many as 50 men per day, the workers are women lured from Mexico by human traffickers.

Aside from the structured sex outlets, the report states that Atlanta has a “significant amount of pimp-controlled prostitution on the street and online through websites such as Craigslist and Backpage,” the report says, calling the trade “highly profitable.” One pimp the researchers spoke with in Atlanta made on average about $33,000 per week.

The Atlanta Police Department has established a Human Trafficking Unit and works in tandem with the Department of Homeland Security to combat the problem.

However, with the fragmented nature of the area’s several counties and jurisdictions with separate police departments, in addition to an information problem in tracking victims from foreign countries, or who are domestic runaways—a coordinated effort to combat the problem has been elusive. Male victims are also underserved, with resources focusing mainly on underage girls sold for sex. The Georgia Care Connection Office, the state’s anti-child prostitution program, served no male clients in its first two years.

In 2011, Steven Lemery of Douglasville was convicted of trafficking and pimping a number of teenage boys between Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. Lemery’s actions likely would have gone unnoticed if one of his victims had not gone to a rape crisis center with cigarette burns on his arms and chest after refusing to have sex with two men Lemery booked as clients.

Despite the shortcomings of government efforts in fighting human trafficking, the community at large has rallied to bring awareness to the issue. Perhaps the highest profile is Tyrone, Georgia based Wellspring Living. Mary Frances Bowley, the organization’s president has become one of the leading anti-trafficking voices both locally and nationally, and was consulted by Pinkett-Smith for her URBANLUX

upcoming documentary. According to their website, Wellspring’s mission is to “confront the issue of childhood sexual abuse and exploitation through awareness, training, and treatment programs for women and girls” and reaches this aim through running a holistic assistance program for young women who have been identified as victims of commercial sexual exploitation, including residential, therapeutic, educational resources and career guidance.

The anti-trafficking crusade has also birthed creative responses. So far this year The Junior League of Atlanta presented “Stop the Candy Shop,” a documentary examining domestic minor sex trafficking in the city. Street Grace, a partner of the Attorney General’s office, established “Georgia’s Not Buying It,” a campaign dedicated to eradicating the commercial sexual exploitation of children.

The commercial features sportscasters and several members of the areas pro sports teams.

In Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, Human Trafficking Notices in English and Spanish placed throughout the facility describe the signs to look for if individuals or someone they know may be being held against their will and resources to contact. Airport employees from TSA agents to concessions workers are being trained to recognize possible sex trafficking.

Human trafficking is a complex problem involving money, power, and sexual desire —but is undeniably modern day slavery.

“Those who trap these kids know exactly what to say to lure them in, quickly enslaving them,” said Mary Frances Bowley, director of Wellspring Living to Atlanta’s CBS 46 in January. “And those who buy these young sex slaves are no better.”

Without a broad sea change of thinking in regards to sexual exploitation, Atlanta’s “new south” is starting to look a lot like the old.

Get involved and help make a change.

You can find more information about antitrafficking resources in Georgia by visiting: polarisproject.org/state-map/georgia.

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LUX AUTO

TOPLESS IN ATLANTA WITH this summer set to come into full blaze—err—bloom, the

rear suspension; and sport pedals make driving this slick machine that much more enjoyable.

best way to cruise down Atlanta’s streets is by going topless. Of course, we are referring to the gorgeous 2014 Lexus IS 350 F Sport convertible automobile, which won us over immediately at first sight. Sitting in soft leather seats (which are ventilated to help you stay cool), drop the power-retractable roof in approximately 19 seconds Fittingly for this issue’s theme, this coupe dressed in “Ultra White” and it’s officially time to take on Atlanta’s white-hot summer days The optional F Sport package kept heads turning complete with dark in grand fashion. Also factoring in the dual-zone control; pushgraphite 18-inch alloy wheels with summer tires, sport grille, front button start and stop; state-of-the-art Navigation System complete with Lexus Enform with AppSuite (Yelp, Bing, Pandora, iHeart lip spoiler, and dual chrome exhaust tips.

Radio, SiriusXM, NavWeather, etc.); Intuitive Parking Assist; and a Under the hood, the IS 350 is as fast as it looks, packing a 3.5 premium audio system with eight speakers and Bluetooth, you will liter DOHC, 24-valve, V6 engine peaking at the power of 306 truly appreciate all the amenities this piece of fine machinery flaunts. horses. Controlling their reins with six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission boasting three driving settings Ultimately, the 2014 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Convertible will ensure (Power, Normal, and Snow); a double wishbone and multi-link your summer will be topless, Urban Lux style.

2014 LEXUS IS 350 F SPORT CONVERTIBLE MSRP: $47,140/$53,850 as reviewed MPG: 19 city/27 highway, 22 combined For more information, visit Lexus.com

Story by DENNIS MALCOLM BYRON Photos courtesy of LEXUS URBANLUX

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This exquisite estate is perfectly situated in a cul de sac, offering you seclusion and privacy. A delightful space to entertain, with a 2 story open floor plan that overlooks picturesque views of the spectacular heated and flagstoneaccented surround pool. The main estate features 2 master suites, floor to ceiling windows, 4 spacious secondary bedrooms with private baths, a large extended mud room, and a gourmet kitchen with Viking appliances. The magnificent guest home boasts dramatic 24 ft high ceilings, a full kitchen, au pair suite with laundry room, 2 additional bedrooms and baths, and a pool shower for guests w/ separate changing room. Your outdoor living space features a hot tub, covered patio, and a gas grill which will give you endless days and nights of fun with family. This is a one of a kind opportunity!

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LUX ESSENTIALS

Jump-Start Your Summer BODY SO ladies, the wake-up call usually happens when you try

on that swimsuit and your body is not exactly looking like what you’ve envisioned for the summer. And fellas, this happens when we go out wearing a tank top, and we see that buff dude wearing the same size as us. Yeah, we’re swimming in ours; actually more like drowning.

But the real question is, how bad do you want it? I’m going to be blunt with you. You need to work out at least four days a week. Don’t kill yourself if you’re just beginning. Know that what you do may cause soreness and that’s normal. Don’t let that deter you from continuing on. I’m going to give you some key exercises to do in order to work on the areas that we seem to admire most during the summer.

What do we do? It’s already July! Can we make a difference in our appearance while this white-hot summer is in full swing? The answer is YES!

Story by STEVEN SUMMERSILL, CSCS Photos: Mckenzie Houston

SIDE PLANKS are hard enough, but in order to really get those oblique’s working, add a knee up to it. Hold yourself up on your side with

the palm of your hand. Stabilize your body by placing your top foot flat on the ground in front of the bottom foot. Once you are set, raise and bend your bottom knee up towards your chest, squeezing your abs and oblique’s. Return the bottom leg back to its’ original position. This exercise not only works on core stabilization, but also works on your elbow and shoulder stabilizers.

THE PUSHUP has been a staple in everyone’s workout. So, it’s always good to learn variations of that exercise. The Tiger Press Pushup

is a progression of the regular pushup, but adds an element of core stability and lower body movement. When you go down into your push up, using your hands, push your butt back to your ankles. Then, press forward using your feet and hands back into the low push up position.

Press the body upward into a pushup. This progression transforms what is essentially an upper body exercise into a total body exercise. This will cause you to burn more calories and get your heart-rate even higher.

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KETTLE BELL SWINGS are one of my favorite exercises to do to help get nice strong legs. If you are used to doing squatting or dead

lifting, definitely add this to your routine. To get started, stand with your feet about shoulder width apart, toes pointed out. Grab the kettle bell using both hands with an overhand grip. When you swing the kettle bell forward, make sure that you maintain an arch in your back, and squeeze your butt tight in order to get a ‘pop’ out of your hips. As you lower the kettle bell between your legs, tilt the hips back and slightly bend the knees. You should not have to muscle-up the kettle bell with your arms. The force generated from your hips should provide enough momentum to get the kettle bell up.

IT’S always good to try something new to keep you motivated, not to mention, continually shocking your body. The key is to always switch things up in your workout and never allow your body to get used to the same thing. Remember, what you eat is very critical to reaching your goals and ultimate fitness. Whether you want to lose weight or put on muscle, the eating habits you keep have to match your fitness goal. I promise you, with persistence and a positive attitude, you will see a change. You have to want it bad enough! So how bad do YOU want it?

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LUX DESTINATIONS

HOTEL VICTOR A Cool South Beach Sleep Spot for Hot Summer Nights FROM the minty, sweet mojitos to suites with This Miami hotel debuted in 1937 and recently underwent million-dollar views of the sparkling turquoise waters of the Atlantic, the Hotel Victor is the place to sleep and be seen in South Beach.

an $8 million renovation. Aside from the under-two-hour flight time from Atlanta, here are five reasons why you should indulge in a summer visit to the Victor.

Story by AMELIA PAVLIK

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THE LOCATION

Situated on Ocean Drive, the Victor is right in the middle of the SoBe action. An endless selection of cafés and bars are within easy walking distance. In the hotel’s complex, choose from new eat spot additions including Sugar Factory and Sushi Couture by Mikasa — and there’s a Pinkberry that will ensure that your frozen yogurt cravings aren’t neglected. Oh, and did we mention that the beach is right across the street? Whether you want to go for a morning run or just lounge around in the sun are minutes away.

THE ROOMS

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a cozy bungalow room with a pool view or a penthouse suite with a sweeping view of the ocean, the Victor has you covered. The decor for the 91 guest rooms and suites is beach modern and embraces calming neutrals like grays, whites, and blues. Comfortable luxury is the name of the game at this hotel, so rest assured that your room will be outfitted with beds featuring 300-thread-count linens, robes, an LCD flat panel screen TV, a docking station for your iPod, a mini-bar outfitted with the finest drink options and Dean and Deluca snacks, and Gilchrist and Soames toiletries. And if you’re a fan of bubble baths, be sure to ask for one of the guest rooms outfitted with an oversized marble soaking tub. You won’t be disappointed

THE POOL

If you love the idea of going to the beach — without dealing with all of the sand — the Victor’s pool is the place to be. Located on the second floor of the hotel, the pool overlooks Ocean Drive and the expansive Atlantic. Grab a mojito from the pool bar and settle into one of the chaise lounges or the cozy cabana beds for two (or more).

And if you get a little hungry, there’s no need to go anywhere. Just order a salad or another small bite from the poolside menu.

THE SPA

After a night of experiencing all that SoBe has to offer, retreat to the hotel’s peaceful Spa V. The space offers a full range of services including massages, facials, body treatments, and manicures and pedicures. Our favorite? The 60-minute Relax Me Massage. Also, take a moment to curl up with a cup of hot tea and a magazine in the spa’s relaxation room, and be sure to experience the Hammam, a co-ed Turkish steam bath. You’ll leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on the day of pool or beachside lounging ahead.

THE EXTRAS

This is one of the areas where the Victor shines. As a guest, you’ll enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast each morning of your stay, as well as free Wi-Fi, and use of communal Mac computers and iPads. Want to get your sweat on? The hotel offers a fitness center that features all the cardio and weight equipment your fit heart could desire. And if you’d rather get your workout in while enjoying the breezy SoBe air, grab one of the Victor’s bicycles — also complimentary for guests.

To book your getaway to the Hotel Victor, visit hotelvictorsouthbeach.com.

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LUX LOVE

PAUL C. BRUNSON life lessons revealed Story by TIA AIKENS

(1) Become aware of the success stories of others because the common thread is that these people listened to their intuition (2) Surround yourself with individuals who inspire you to do more (3) Reduce external distractions that do not benefit your personal goals. Applying these three golden nuggets There are various pictorials of success that will definitely produce positive results. A frames one’s motivation towards a particular large population of individuals seeking a life goal. Brunson describes success as the road coach are concerned with relational issues. not the destination. He also says, “When you We have all found ourselves in relationships value what you do, that is success.” Truly, where we are compromising more than living in the moment is valuable and when complementing. We should not lose the we can honor what is in the now, we will essence of who we are for another, but the always experience the success of life. Our question is how we stay true to ourselves thought process serves as the catalyst to our without overcompensating. Brunson simply life experiences. We all have the power to states, “Every concession needs to be choose to think positively or negatively. returned with another concession.” The Paul is a promoter of creating life mantras to wisdom and insights that Paul shares is quite produce the results one envisions. simple. We just have to apply them to our lives to reap the benefits.

Paul shares that famous quote by American author Napoleon Hill, “Thoughts are Paul is an outstanding life coach, matchmaker things.” Therefore, Brunson states creating and philanthropist. He is committed to life mantras is about “positioning yourself so applying the principle of investment and it is that you will have the greatest outcome.” An producing remarkable results within himself individual literally has to create a positive and others. Contributing to the community state of mind to manifest positive results. began when he was a child when his mother Our belief system is the foundation of all planted the seed of giving. Paul continues our life experiences. Paul communicates that to nurture that seed and the results are “our belief becomes our reality and that is transforming the lives of thousands. indisputable.” In layman’s terms, the world that we live in began as a thought or idea, Creating a strong family/community nucleus and we have the capability to utilize this requires tremendous commitment. However, bridge to transform our lives.

Paul encourages us to work hard, identify what we can control, identify what we cannot control The mission of a life coach is to assist an and surrender. Brunson operates in the universal individual in transforming and expanding awareness that we are all interconnected thus, one’s life so their specific goal(s) are we are living to assist others. Like Paul, if we achieved. In order for this to transpire one fully embrace this truth we can live our position has to follow their intuition and this is easier in life and see our dreams fulfilled. said than done.

Learn more about Paul C. Brunson, be inspired Brunson offers three insights that will assist anyone by his passion and follow his journey by visiting in following their internal navigational system: paulcbrunson.com.

Brunson is a man of great wisdom and insight and he honored me with a dynamic conversation concentrated on success, life mantras, the principle of investments and the difference of compromising and complementing.

W

hen life calls for a boost of positive energy, a certified life coach is sometimes engaged to give guidance on career and relationship challenges.

We sat down with the modern day matchmaker and life coach, Paul Carrick Brunson, to discuss his thoughts on achieving success in love, personal goals and business objectives.

Paul is also an award-winning branding expert, and if self-actualization is your mission, then Brunson is the ideal investment.

Described as a servant-leader, Paul has advised over 600 clients through social media and live events. He has also served as a matchmaker for over 4,000 clients. His involvement in relationship and communitycentered platforms also allows him to share his wisdom with the masses. Paul and his team of experts encourage clients to transform their lives through creating life mantras, listening to their intuition, investing in themselves, and taking enormous risk.

Additionally, he highlights the importance of curiosity, taking responsibility for the choices one makes and focusing on experiences verses material possessions.

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DIVERSITY CORNER

DIVERSE BEATS Story by SALAH ANANSE

WITH the most recent explosion of Electronic Dance Music (EDM)

as a viable, moneymaking genre on American airwaves, the face of dance music in this country has changed. What started as inner-city parties full of Black, Latin, gay and straight youth has morphed into festivals with homogenous seas of affluent white youth.

The “hottest” DJs regularly helm parties in Miami, Vegas, Ibiza, etc. with entry fees regularly exceeding $250. EDM has come to rival Hip Hop as the soundtrack of American affluence. With that being said, many fans today have no idea that their beloved House and Techno was birthed from Black youth movements in Chicago, Detroit and NYC and not Europe.

These facts make it all the more impressive that HOUSE IN THE PARK (HITP)—a free house and soul music party in Atlanta—has survived for its 10th anniversary. Let me add to that. HITP has not only survived, it’s flourished. A gathering among 100 friends has grown into a yearly event that brings together more than 10,000 people. The City of Atlanta has even recognized August 31, 2014 as HOUSE IN THE PARK Day! This growth and love has also paved the way for the creation of The Atlanta Weekender, a four-day festival in Atlanta’s 4th Ward district that provides events leading into HITP.

Photos: Carlos Bell Photography

HISTORY OF HOUSE IN THE PARK House In The Park began in 2004. It was patterned loosely after Chicago’s Chosen Few/Old School Reunion Picnic. HITP’s founder Ramon Rawsoul is a native of Chicago. He wanted to bring that same energy to Atlanta. For the first installment, he tapped Kai Alce, DJ Kemit, Cullen Cole and Salah Ananse to join him at Candler Park.

Being a transplant, he wanted to tap DJs that would attract a cross section of music lovers. The formula worked. By year two, the party had to be moved to a larger space. Perkerson Park served as the home of HITP for six years. By year eight, HITP needed even more space. So the party was moved to Grant Park which can easily hold attendees in abundance of 10,000.

Each of the HITP DJs curated a party leading up to the big event. It worked! Since it’s inception, The Atlanta Weekender has welcomed Ian Friday, Karizma, Sadar Bahar, Jamie 3:26, Ron Trent, Josh Milan, Moodymann and more!

THE SOUND & EXPERIENCE The DJs and performers at HITP and The Atlanta Weekender cover the spectrum of soulful dance music. From disco to Warehouse Classics, Afro House to deep Detroit, Levan to Knuckles to Vega, they have you covered. The HITP novice may be overwhelmed by the community, love and support they’ll experience on the dance floor. People come to dance and they welcome you to do Although Cole left in the second year, the core collective of HITP the same.

DJs has remained the same throughout its history. Rawsoul is proud of the fact that he’s built something internationally known with talent The success of HITP and The Atlanta Weekender is not only a testament of the resolve of their founders, volunteers and talent, it’s a from Atlanta. testament of Atlanta’s support of underground music.

HISTORY OF THE ATLANTA WEEKENDER This year The Atlanta Weekender runs August 28-31st with HITP With HITP’s impending move to a larger space in 2012, and a falling on Sunday, August, 31st. noticeable rise in out of state attendees, the idea came that there needs to be expanded offerings so house lovers would consider Atlanta a For more information please visit houseinthepark.org and destination every Labor Day weekend. atlantaweekender.com.

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