Gardner's 'Pursuit of Happyness' Never Ends

Author/entrepreneur rose from homelessness; offers advice


By A. Scott Walton
Times are tough, to put it mildly.
And from the perspective of author/entrepreneur Chris Gardner - whose rise from homelessness to high cotton in the corporate world inspired a major motion picture starring Will Smith - neither raising the white flag of surrender to circumstances, nor waiting for some heroic rescue from the recession, are viable options.
"The cavalry ain't coming," Gardner said bluntly in an exclusive sit-down with EyeSeeStyle.
So, it's best to learn new modes of fending for ourselves in this economy.
Gardner's latest book about the secrets to his success comes at a most opportune time. "Start Where You Are" offers professional solid advice on how to free themselves from conventional career choices and transition into work that fulfills them personally and financially.

Gardner's visit to Atlanta has a purpose. On Saturday, October 2 (3 p.m.-6:30 p.m.) he's hosting "MasterCard's Financial Education Seminar" at the Hyatt Peachtree Atlanta Hotel. The session is free and open to the public, but guests must RSVP (1-800-694-9891) to guarantee themselves a seat.
A centerpiece of Gardner's presentation will be his "C-5 Complex" prescription for financial security, and how the baby steps you make toward a fulfilling career can actually leave a positive footprint for others to follow.

Rev. Al Sharpton Keeps it Real with A. Scott Walton

Check out “yours truly”, A. Scott Walton, talking live on satellite radio with Rev. Al Sharpton about my Atlanta Voice reports on the legal storm surrounding Bishop Eddie Long. (Original air time: 2:15 ET Thursday)!!!!!
LISTEN HERE!

GQ Salutes Atlanta's 'Drunks', 'Crunks' and Zombies

By A. Scott Walton
According to GQ magazine, what Atlanta lacks in its quantity of great cocktail bars it compensates for in quality.
After an exhaustive search for the “25 Best Cocktail Bars in America”, GQ lists just one Atlanta venue in its October issue. Cities like Seattle, Chicago, San Francisco and New York (of course) are mentioned at least twice.
With nearly 35,000 miles logged and 400 cocktails consumed in the process, GQ heralded the “cocktail revolution” underway nationwide by ranking Buckhead’s Holeman & Finch Public House No. 10 on its list.
GQ writes that the mixologists at Holeman & Finch are to be trusted “completely” with your drink desires.
“On one visit, a (frat boy) grabbed the menu from us, tossed it aside and said, ‘That’s not what it’s about, man. Just tell them what you like.”
The GQ story ads that there’s a chance that H&F could help refine what’s perceived (by New Yorkers) as a frat row atmosphere in Buckhead. “Fearless” cocktails singled out include: the Pig-Pik Sour (bourbon, bacon sugar, egg whites).
Cheers!
Can you think of any Atlanta cocktail bar that GQ glaringly omitted?
COMMENT BELOW...
MONSTER HANGOVER: GQ also singles out another Atlanta phenomenon - the new AMC Channel horror series "The Walking Dead" - as a show it's "frothing" to watch this fall. Filmed locally over the summer, "The Walking Dead" and its fixation on zombies should distract us from buff vampires, at least temporarily.
NIGHTMARE SCENARIOS: In another prominent entertainment note, GQ singles out the new album from Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy - "Thug Motivation 103" -as one of the season's soundtracks. Recorded in the basement of a local producer accused of murder, Jeezy's latest sounds to GQ like "a hip-hop version of the Stones' 'Exile on Main St.' or Dylan's 'Basement Tapes'.

"Twist" gives Dickens a vibrant spin in Atlanta

By A. Scott Walton
Have you seen "Twist" at Atlanta's Woodruff Arts Center yet?
Did it render you virtually speechless too?
(Above left: "Twist" author William F. Brown, director-choreographer Debbie Allen, producer Tena Clark and composer Gary Prim)
How many times did the Charles Dickens classic "Oliver Twist" - reworked into a Depression-Era New Orleans tale - put you on the verge of tears, elation, panic or gut-busting laughter?
To call "Twist" a spell-binding two-plus hours of singing, dancing and acting would be putting it mildly. Its indescribable mix of anguish, intrigue, visual and redemptive story-telling gave EyeSeeStyle serious pause.
Do we dare declare that it's "Broadway-bound"?
Rather than ruin the surprises in store for "Twist" patrons, here's just a sampling of observations from heavyweights attached to the show or the local theatric scene, and a few photos from the "Twist" premiere last week...
(Below left: producer Michelle Seward, lead performer Alaman Diadhiou and producer Tena Clark)

Debbie Allen, director-choreographer of “Twist”: “It’s just been an amazing journey putting this all together…I was destined for this. My family was from the Port Allen, Baton Rouge area. Going to New Orleans was like going to New York when I was a little girl. So I have all the culture and history and the language of that part of the world in my bones. It’s in my DNA.”

Alaman Diadhio, title character, age 10: “I’m so excited for so many people to see all the work we’ve done. This is my first big show where I’m the star. I think that every (performer) brings joy and happiness to the audience, and that’s what makes it great.”

Camille Love, City of Atlanta Director of Cultural Affairs: “Atlanta keeps outdoing itself. (The show’s) just delightful. It’s got a lot of energy, It’s a very good story told very well and performed very well.”
(Below left: Arts enthusiast Liz Lapidus and Tony-winning Director Kenny Leon)
Kenny Leon, Tony Award-winning True Colors Theatre Founding Artistic Director: “I’m guardedly excited to see what (director-choreograher) Debbie Allen’s put together. I’ve known her for a long time and I want to see how the choreography meshes with the singing and the acting. We need more premieres like this so we can encourage more artists to live in Atlanta and work in Atlanta.”

William F. Brown, author “The Wiz”, “Twist”: “This has taken a long time. We started working on “Twist” 15 years ago. Now that’s it’s made it to Atlanta, and it’s such a great production, it gives me a good feeling about the future for the show. And it takes me back.”

Atlanta Hawks Forward Williams Calls for "Strike"

NBA vet gives "rolling" mandate to celebrity friends
By A. Scott Walton
Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams has a point to make before his fifth NBA season begins.
The “R-word”, as he calls it, has no place in anyone’s vocabulary.
The sharp-shooter who starred on the North Carolina Tar Heels’ ’05 NCAA Championship team is teaming up with Special Olympics to stage a benefit bowling event that he hopes will increase awareness about the impropriety of uttering the word “retarded”.
On Thursday, September 23 (6:30-9 p.m.) at Atlantic Station’s 300 Atlanta lanes, Williams will play host to celebrity friends and guests ($40 per person) for the “Strike the R-Word” event. All participants are eligible to win prizes, and prompted to remember what they’re gathering for.
“This is part of a campaign to discourage people from using it,” said Williams, during a break between workouts to prepare for the start of training camp later this month.
“It’s offensive to people with mental disabilities and the people who care for them. And it’s offensive, obviously, to anyone who gets called that. It’s not the best choice of words. I could think of a thousand better ones.”
Supporting Special Olympics is nothing new to Williams. As part of his upbringing in suburban Seattle, he voluntarily ushered children with special needs on boat trips and assisted as an athletic trainer.

“I’m not related to anyone with a mental disability,” Williams said. “It’s just a cause I became involved with and always had fun with.”
Speaking of fun, “Strike the R-Word” attendees can compete to win a special prize for Most Gutter Balls rolled.
Williams said he might walk away with that one.
“I wish I could say I’m a good bowler, but I’m really not,” he confessed.
“Just come out dressed casually and be ready to have a great time,” he urged the public. “If nothing else, you can enjoy yourself laughing at me!”
For details about “Strike the R-Word” at 300 Atlanta (2175 Savoy Road, 30341), call 770-414-9390, ext. 117 or visit: www.specialolympicsga.org.

Will Downing: Up Close and Personal

EyeSeeStyle Exclusive: Singer launches latest CD right here
By A. Scott Walton
For a man who was stricken with a life-threatening muscular disorder just three years ago, the dapper balladeer Will Downing looks mighty good. And he sounds even better.
In a suite atop the Loew's Atlanta hotel today, EyeSeeStyle was treated to a listening session with Downing and his manager. In a nod to his most faithful fans, Downing chose Atlanta for the national debut party for "Lust, Love and Lies: An Audio Novel" . He has a return engagement here on Friday, November 5, as part of the "Sexy Soul" tour event at Atlanta Symphony Hall.

With "Lust, Love and Lies", Downing proves that he's overcome both the rare, chronic illness Polymyositis, but also any fear of rejection he's faced personally or professionally. Downing confides that it took a lot of persuasion to get record execs to sign off on this, his 14th album in 22 years. Luckily, he's got a seductive way with words.
Party Shots: "Lust, Love and Lies" Launch at Loew's

Will Downing Dives Into "Lust, Love and Lies"

Soulful singer speaks 'passionate' truth for the masses



















By A. Scott Walton
Chances are, you’ll wear a silly grin after hearing selections from Will Downing’s newest release, “Lust, Love and Lies”.
That’s because most fans of adult contemporary music have experienced the personal dramas that Downing weaves into what he fondly calls “an audio soap opera”.
Downing debuts “Lust, Love and Lies” (Peak/Concord) Tuesday with a personal appearance at the Loew’s Atlanta Hotel in Midtown (8 p.m.-until). He’s also scheduled to headline an October 2 concert at Atlanta’s Symphony Hall, where he’ll stitch “LL&L” material into a repertoire that spans 14 albums in 22 years.
(Click HERE for special access info for Downing's Atlanta engagement at Loew's.)
“Lust, Love and Lies” happens to be sewn together, in a novel fashion, by Downing’s spoken word interludes. But the soulful singer says, modestly: “I’m not reinventing the wheel here. It’s the same ‘boy meets girl’ story that’s been sung about millions of times.”

The main difference: Downing digs into the details, while refusing to reveal whether the tour de force is biographical or not.
“Two people meet in a club, let’s say, and at first there’s that lust factor. We bypass the ‘like’ and get to the love factor of it in a matter of time. Then, sometimes, things go wrong. And that’s where the lies come in.”
Check back with EyeSeeStyle this Wednesday for an exclusive video interview with the mind behind "Lust, Love and Lies"...!
The reigning queen of Atlanta's jazz scene, Rene Miller, organized Downing's set at Loew's as part of her personal quest: the Power of Me initiative.
She stresses that Downing's true story is about triumph over near tragedy.
Due to the rare and severe muscular disorder (polymyositis)Downing was stricken with in 2007, Miller said, "He had to record much of that previous album from bed or from a wheelchair. But he produced it successfully, and he overcame his struggle with illness.
"When he walks on that Loew's stage, I'll remind everyone that he's a champion. And the music speaks for itself."

Esquire taps Atlantan as 'Best Dressed Real Man'

Real Estate Agent's 'Italian' recipe earns $20K prize!
By A. Scott Walton
Atlanta – the biggest city in the U.S. that still seems starved for sartorial validation – gets a heaping dose of salutation in the October 2010 edition of Esquire.
The venerable men’s fashion, lifestyle and entertainment magazine has just declared Angel Ramos as this year’s winner of its annual “Best Dressed Real Man” competition. Ramos, a “luxury real estate” agent, earns a $20,000 grand prize that includes a $10,000 Kenneth Cole wardrobe, an IWC chronograph and VIP seating at a New York Fashion Week runway show.
According to an online Esquire preview of the issue that’s slowly rolling out to newsstands this week, Ramos found the designation “humbling”.
“It just shows that you don’t have to be a millionaire or someone famous to be acknowledged for your style…anyone can do it,” he said.
Aspects of Ramos’ style that Esquire latched onto included: The Uneven Tie; Bold, Vintage Eyewear; and The Functional Pocket Square.
Ramos, who has since re-located to Miami during the process of being judged against thousands of other entrants, confessed: “I use my pocket square to wipe the sweat.”
Perhaps now – given Ramos’ coronation and connections to the city – Atlanta can wipe its brow and relax.
SMALL MIRACLES: Taste of Atlanta issues "shot-mixer" challenge
BE "SURREAL": High Museum makes a move on the co-eds
Special Ed: Life + Style Expo at Buckhead's 103 West
Block of Ages: MLK’s neighborhood gets re-gentrified for TV
Raw Deal: MF Buckhead revives discount sushi night for upscale crowd
Meat and Greet: East Atlanta Struts Its Funky (artsy fartsy) stuff…
Tall Order: Atlanta Hawks center opens downtown bistro
Honest Engine: Apache Café’s “Music Store” Caters to College Crowds
Heavy Metal: South DeKalb theatre revives “Steel Magnolias”

Jeffrey Fashion Cares Defines Fall Style

Lazaro Hernandez, Sara Blakely and Jack McCollough
By A. Scott Walton
The panoramic views from atop Atlanta’s new 12th & Midtown plaza are stunning enough. But it’s hard to remember an occasion that transfixed the high-style set as much as the Jeffrey Fashion Cares benefit runway show did Monday night at the stunning venue.
Guests who’d paid premium ticket prices that benefited AIDS and cancer charities for an 18th straight year had more than just the chicest fall styles selected by retail icon Jeffrey Kalinsky. They were also treated to glimpses of what fashion fiends like themselves will be wearing come autumn.
CBS Atlanta News reporter Kim Fettig (above) with marketing guru Liz Lapidus
Major pieces by the acclaimed design duo that helms the Proenza Schouler label were shown prominently, along with apparel from the A-list of brands that Kalinsky cultivates. Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough served as the event’s Special Guest Designers, and their forest-toned, slim-fit outfits seemed most appealing for modern times.

Modern Luxury marketing agents (above) Paige Smith and Jenni Williams

Spanx founder Sara Blakely was hailed as the Honorary Chairperson for the big money benefit. One could only guess how many Fashion Cares patrons wore her body-shapers Monday night; but the abundance of slinky cocktail dresses there hinted that some silhouettes 'help'.
(Above) B-52's lead singer Fred Schneider



Hernandez struck a coy pose when asked what Proenza Schouler will propose for Spring 2011, which will prefer shortly during New York Fashion Week.

Fashion Cares media wrangler Caren West (above left)
“All I can say is we’re going a little softer and more feminine,” he said. “You’ll see things that look a little preppy, like a school girl. There’s an innocence to it, but it’s also sexy. Very sexy.”
Photos: A. Scott Walton

Halle Berry Mending Severed Atlanta Ties

Oscar-winner forges epic links with local heroes

By A. Scott Walton
The picture wasn't so pretty back in 1996, when actress Halle Berry was engaging in a bitter divorce from former Atlanta Braves slugger David Justice. During that period, yours truly was on the receiving end of several surreal calls from Halle and her agent, Vince, to explain their side of the story.
If the historic cover story on Halle Berry in this September's Vogue is any indication, though, the Oscar-winner has withstood all her tests of time. There had not been a Black woman on the cover of Vogue (American) since Naomi Campbell's appearance there in 1990.
Right now, the prospects of Berry aligning her star power with those of other legendary talents with deep Atlanta roots appears bright. The most enlightening news coming out of the revealing Vogue piece is that Halle Berry will soon team with Morehouse College grad Samuel L. Jackson and Alliance Theatre director Kenny Leon for a Broadway production about Martin Luther King, Jr.'s final night alive.
In "The Mountaintop", Berry will play an invisible ghost/servant hovering around the infamous Lorraine Hotel room.
As she jokes with Vogue, filming "Catwoman" was a major career misstep.
But Halle Berry once again proves, there's always the next act.


TAX DELECTABLE: Just when you thought the well of celebrity chef ‘cook-off ‘ concepts had been drained, here comes another. And for once, it’s for a good cause.
The non-profit Atlanta Community Food Bank will benefit greatly from Friday night’s “Food Rave” at the Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery (199 Armour Drive) in Buckhead. At this August 27 (7-11 p.m. )event, an all-star cast of local chefs will serve nibbles to guests who can cast votes for the winner of the 2010 Rave Review award.
Food artisans donating their signature dishes to the event include: Chef/Owner Alex Friedman of P’cheen International Bistro & Pub, Executive Chef Delroy Bowen of the Georgia International Convention Center, Executive Chef Keira Moritz of Pacci Ristorante and AltoRex Rooftop Lounge, Executive Chef Lance Gummere of The Shed at Glenwood, and Personal Chef/Caterer Latoya Starks of Noorish Personal Chef and Catering Services.
A “surprise” roster of entertainers will perform during the proceedings. And a premium liquor-beer-wine open bar will available to ticket-holders as well.
Best of all, a portion of proceeds from the event got directly to the Food Bank; so each $55 ticket qualifies as a tax write-off.
For more details, visit www.atlantafoodrave.com, or call 404-856-0157.

PHAT CHANCE: Just in case you still consider Kimora Lee Simmons a relevant force in the fashion world, it may interest you to know that she is no longer the chief designer for Baby Phat clothing. Since late last week, the reality show diva has been Tweeting about her abrupt exit from her corporate-controlled label.In vague terms, the former wife of rap/streetwear impressario Russell Simmons is telling fans that her departure from the firm boils down to 'limited choices'. What remains to be seen is how much traction Ms. Simmons can maintain in the industry now that she's a figure-head for the label no more.
Washiongton Post: Michelle Obama's 'cleanse' diet
Shine!: Kate Spade devotes new shoe to Halle
Houston Chronicle: Kelly Rowland talks 'power' dressing

MTV: 'Takers' star took wardrobe seriously

AllHipHop: Pharrell Williams wrapped in trademark dispute
New York Mag: Beyonce 'vomited' on Jay-Z's shorts?

Halle Berry Photos: Mario Testino, Vogue.com