By PT

Photo . The Social Network-The Movie and SBC

In 30 short days, on October 1st,  we will witness a film that chronicles social networking technology history –  “The Social Network-the Movie.” A drama, directed by David Fincher and adapted from Ben Mezrich’s 2009 book, The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook, A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius, and Betrayal will be released in theatres. The film “The Social Network” does not have counsel from the site’s founders; Dustin Moskovitz, Chris Huglers, Marck Zuckerbert, Chris Cox and Edwardo Saverin.  However, Saverin consulted for the book development.

Social Media sites are designed to encourage social interaction and there are too many sites to count in the market. Albeit, the champagne supernova of social networking, Facebook, has demonstrated what successful social entrepreneurialism and social incorporation is.

Photo . Source: Sopho’s “Security Threat Report 2010

Facebook launched February 4, 2004; initially available to Harvard Students only, today it has grown to over 500 million monthly unique visitors  (July 2010) worldwide, overtaking Myspace (www.myspace.com) in 2008 with estimated revenue of $800 Million (2009).

The ensemble cast and film scored by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross offer some of SBC’s favorite personalities; actor, designer, singer, Justin Timberlake, The beautiful, Brenda Song, Model, Actress, Musician the lovely, Rashida Jones, The handsome Italian/Hongkongese British actor, Max Minghella, and Daughter of Don Johnson and Melanie Griffin, Model/Actress, Dakota Johnson.

Unfortunately, you don’t get to 500 Million friends without garnering a few haters, and making a few enemies.  With robust success often controversy follows and Facebook has been no stranger to criticism or controversy:

Photos . Facebook.com Respective Fan Pages

The history of facebook’s founding fathers is one of innovation, stellar marketing abilities and overall creativity as a history maker and social network pioneer to be applauded.  It’s the story of college youth coming together to create a genius body of work that will forever shine in technological social history, regardless of intention.

“The Social Network – The Movie” in theaters nationwide October 1, 2010.

By PT

Hill Headlines . "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill". 12 Yr Release Anniversary

If you’re a Hip-Hop head like SBC, then don’t miss the last weekend to Rock the Bells (RTBs) at this national festival. Saturday, August 28th take the Ferry to Governor’s Island, NYC or Sunday, August 29th drive to Merriweather Pavilion, Columbia, MD, rain or shine, it’s hands in the air.

RTBs inaugural event was held in 2004 in Southern California, inspired from the infamous “Club Utopia,” which embraced the ideologies of “real” hip hop.   Is “real” hip-hop commercial hip-hop these days?

Experiencing RTBs you’ll witness ol’ school hip-hop DNA:  at least one mic drop, the presence of turntables, (scratching wasn’t invented on Ipods or MacBooks), crazy cadence and flow, with phat beats, talented, intelligent emcees will tell hip-hop tales or simply entertain you with rhythmic bars that chronicle everything from the day-to-day, to clever metaphors that expand your consciousness to higher levels.

Though the national festival is monetized by way of Southern California, many of the showstoppers are 1980′s and 90′s East Coast hip-hop icons. The movement united by love of the culture…perhaps?

Chang Weisberg, the brainchild of the Rock the Bells festival, spread his love for hip-hip in 2007, releasing Rock the Bells, the movie. Weisberg personified his entrepreneurial, make-it-happen, hip-hop spirit, by documenting his with Guerilla Unions’ fight (the festival production company) for the arrival of ALL NINE Wu-Tang Clan members (with O.D.B) to show up and perform as planned at the festival.   Available on DVD, view the trailer here, Rock the Bells, The Movie.

Rock the Bells and Hip-Hop, Shine Brightly!

National Dance Day . Sat., July 31, 2010 . Photo . M6Fitness

By PT

MOVE something this weekend with National Dance Day (NDD) an inaugural event developed by Nigel Lythgoe, co-creator of the dance show, So You Think You Can Dance. Lythgoe explains, “NDD was created to promote health and self-esteem through the art form of dance” now recognized by an official act of congress.

Nationwide dance events will take place in Chicago,  Dallas, Boston, Phoenix,  Philadelphia,  Atlanta, Tampa, Sacramento, Nashville, Salt Lake City, San Diego, Birmingham, Orange, New Jersey and more.

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, a long-time proponent of the Bill and the First Lady, Michelle Obama’s aims in reducing child obesity introduced the Lifelong Improvements in Food and Exercise Act, in January 2010, to promote exercise and diet changes.  “30% of Americans are obese and childhood obesity has tripled in the last 30 years, holding a National Dance Day is a terrific way to promote fitness and fight obesity says Norton who will host an NDD flash mob from 1 to 5 p.m. on the National Mall between 3rd St. and 4th St. SW.  All dance forms are welcome, participants include  featuring local dance enthusiasts, representatives from dance schools, renowned organizations and former “So You Think You Can Dance” finalists.

In addition to a plethora of performers, Step Afrika, DC’s Official Cultural Ambassador, direct from their Central America tour, will grace the National Mall stage, west side of the Capitol between 3rd & 4th Streets at Madison & Jefferson Streets at 6:14 pm. Step Afrika is the world’s internationally renowned authority on the art of stepping.

“Step Afrika! Is honored to be participating in National Dance Day,” says C. Brian Williams Executive Director. “We view National Dance Day as a great opportunity to share and engage with the public. As DC’s Cultural Ambassador it is our pleasure to provide District residents and visitors alike a unique cultural opportunity through the arts.”

MOVE something and Shine Brightly across this country tomorrow, support National Dance Day!

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Transition is a change in energy and productivity from one stage to another.

Embrace It!

By SBC

SBC defines peace as the harmonious rhythm in your body, mind and soul.

Finding your passion and living in peace is essential for growth!

Shine Brightly!

By SBC

May 16 . 17 2010 . Metro Pavilion . NYC

The SBC team was present for the 5th Annual Makeup Show - May 16 . 17th, 2010, NYC.

Thousands attended the two-day event at the Metropolitan Pavilion for the Powder Group’s production of the Makeup Show.

SBC  is super hyped about the innovation and great brands that were present for Professionals and Stage Production makeup.  You’ll see more on the Makeup Show on SBC site upcoming, but here’s a glimpse of what you missed;

Famed Director of Makeup, Roque Cozzette of  KETT Cosmetics, beating a face with their airbrush system, “HOT!”

M.A.C Cosmetics Keeps it Sexy, but What’s the Message?

Ricky’s NYC was present with their MATTE ELITE Makeup Line, an NYC moderately priced staple!

Smashbox had isles of trials, CLASSIC!

Dominick Briguglio, Director of N. American Sales for Stila Cosmetics, shadows are a required!

SBC’s Fav Innovation Find – a Oil Blotting Bronzer – We Love! Love!

www.maicouture.com

SBC loves the tinted moisturizers from BECCA COSMETICS, amazing!

SBC found some treasures at the Makeup Show and can’t wait to share them you you, Shine Brightly!

By SBC

Photo . M.A.C. Cosmetics

The Makeup Show NYC has been a testament to the changing face of the makeup industry in the last half decade, from the advancement of exciting new technologies to the growing number of makeup artists working today. The Makeup Show NYC is excited to announce its 5-year anniversary show taking place on May 16 & 17 from 9am–6pm daily, located at Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, NYC.

The Makeup Show attracts both local and international artists from every area of the industry, from the passionate beginner to the seasoned professional, discovering the latest products, trends and techniques to honing skills for editorial beauty and fashion jobs, to airbrush secrets, FX, makeup for HD TV, film and theater to the perfect bride.

The Makeup Show NYC will host over 40 events including a special keynote series with renowned makeup artists Charlie Green, Joanna Schlip, Tegan Taylor (Avatar), Louie Zakarian (Saturday Night Live), and a rare appearance by Make Up For Ever creator Dany Sanz.

The Makeup Show NYC will also feature over 70 pro-makeup industry companies including:

Diamond Sponsor Make Up For Ever,

Platinum Sponsors Inglot and Temptu Pro,

Sponsors Crown Brush and Alcone,

Lounge Sponsor Smashbox,

and Media Sponsor On Makeup Magazine.

Other brands include: Becca Cosmetics, Dermalogica, Embryolisse, Eve Pearl, Face Atelier, Graftobian, Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, Korres Natural Products, L’Oreal, M.A.C Cosmetics, Mai Couture, Mario Badescu Skin Care, Naked Cosmetics, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics.

Learn from the mavericks and mavens of the makeup industry!  Shine Brightly!

By SBC

MOTHER LOVE, a natural nurturing wonder of being soft and pink that only women contribute so beautifully to the universe. The ability to create and mold, instruct, guide, love and protect unconditionally is part of the beautiful life experience of being a Mother.

The dictionary defines a Mother (n.) as a female person who is pregnant with or gives birth to a child. Albeit, we know that being a Mom is much more than having a child.  There are many Moms’, Ma’s, Mama’s and Mommy’s that may or may not have given birth, yet so generously provide (v.) MOTHER LOVE to all they encounter.

Comment & Share Please – Which Mother image reflects MOTHER LOVE to you and why?

Damien Hirst . Sculpture - The Virgin Mother

The Great Illusion . Mother Nature

Gustav Klimt . Mother and Child

Paul Hellard . Animation Mother

Big Love

Regis Art Studio . Mother's Love

Mother Earth Love

SBC salutes and thanks the Goddess Mothers that provide MOTHER LOVE to all.

By Shadine Ménard

7 Days . 10am - 9pm

The quest to find the best nail service providers in Manhattan continues with Vada Spa. A full service spa, a Spalon, Vada provides affordable options for every day pampering, as well as many special packages for Mother’s Day.  If you’re still searching for a Mother’s Day present, just book an appointment to appreciate the special Mother(s) in your life, 212.206.1572 . www.vadaspa.com.

Mother’s Day Special Packages

include massage, mani/pedi, facials and hair.  Choose from packages titled “I Love You Mom, World’s Best Mom, Sweetest Surprise for Mom, Mother’s Delight, Super Mom, Mother Daughter Retreat and Mommy to Be,” prices range from $90 – $180.

Spalon . Vada Spa

Services .  Body treatments, nails services, facials, hair removal, teeth whitening and more.

Location .  387 Avenue of Americas/6th Ave

Vibe .  Casual and relaxed

Price Range . Affordable

Point of Difference . Choice of complimentary red or white wine upon arrival and a plethora of affordable spalon treatments

The receptionist is very personable and knows how to take care of patrons. The wait time is practically non-existent if you book an appointment in advance, which is how it should be. It’s a bit apprehensive that the nail tools are not taken from a sterilized box in front of the client, but one can only trust that the staff is telling the truth when they assure that the tools have been sterilized. Once the choice of polish has been made from the vast array of Essie and the newest OPI colors, nails are buffed, shaped and polished nicely. The nail technicians pay attention to the clients’ wants and needs, from the water temperature and shape of nails to the offering for more wine. Laura, a technician at Vada Spa, stands apart from the rest with her sweet demeanor, professionalism and complimentary remarks for her clients.

The entire staff and place deserves praise however. It’s easy to feel relaxed in a place where you witness regular clients being greeted as friends with a “awww, where’ve you been?” showing that their absence was noticed and that they were missed which in turn prompts them to share the latest going on in their lives. The latest pop hits by Jason Derulo and Akon play on low while you sip wine served in a goblet that takes away any worry of spilling and reflects the chill atmosphere.

There’s no rushing the patrons at Vada, but they do make sure you are running on time so that it is still convenient for you. While there, why not take advantage of the $35 “Out to Lunch” facial. Yes, thirty-five dollars for a facial in New York City. Rena, who has been doing facials for over two decades starts with a pore-cleansing steam and mask that include no painful extractions or scrubbing. A repairing moisturizer follows, leaving your face glowing and leads to others inquiring about your newfound radiance.

Finish your spa romp with a knot-reducing, soothing massage of your choice. While in the private treatment rooms, all you hear is the soothing instrumental music and the occasional whisper of your masseuse. SBC recommends Ivan, a masseuse, for his soft touch and, for those who rather a stronger kneading of their muscles, Maria does a good job. With body treatments ranging from $40 massages to the priciest $90 couples massage or holistic treatment, it’s no wonder if you’ll feel even better after paying your bill. A few hours of treatments at Vada Spa feels like an entire day of pampering and take it from SBC…it’s worth it!