UT students reach out to East Knoxville area in Walk for Education

KNOXVILLE, TN – The University of Tennessee’s Black Graduate and Professional Student Association (BGPSA) will host a Walk for Education on Saturday, October 24, 2009 from 11 am to 5 pm. The Walk for Education will take place in the Five Points of East Knoxville.

Walk for Education participants will depart from the Five Points shopping center on Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., where participants will canvas the surrounding neighborhood from 11 am to 1:30 pm. Beginning at 2 pm, a free cookout will commence at the Malibu 7 parking lot on Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. as a social gathering in which community members and Walk for Education participants will network and reinforce information provided during the walk.

Walk for Education participants seek to engage the East Knoxville community by establishing positive relationships between UT students and East Knoxville community members. Participants will share information about resources and academic programs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The Walk for Education ultimately aims to build and strengthen the relationship between the UT and East Knoxville communities through visibility and open dialogue regarding educational opportunities.

Walk for Education co-sponsors include UT’s National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Information from Pellissippi State Community College will also be available, as community colleges serve an integral role in providing educational opportunities to adults and high school graduates, providing a pipeline to 4-year institutions.

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For information on the Walk for Education or to schedule an interview, contact Jonathan Reid at jreid1@utk.edu.

A Conversation with Donna Brazile...

The Black Cultural Programming Committee, along with the Howard Baker Center for Public Policy and the Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated presented Donna Brazile to the University Center auditorium this evening, Monday, October 19th. The Louisiana native is the former campaign manager for Al Gore's 2000 Presidential campaign and served as a delegate for the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Ms. Brazile gave an inspirational speech that not only gave insight to her own background, but also on many of the current political issues. She began by declaring that "We have much unfinished business--" this one statement summing up the thrust of her lecture.

Being that this is her second visit to Knoxville, she told the audience how much she enjoyed watching the sun rise in the Smokies, and hoped that she could "stay long enough to see both the sun rise and set." Moving on, she goes more into depth about these particular themes in American politics: the responsibility of the individual, the current accomplishments of President Barack Obama, and the need to listen to the other person's point of view--even if you do not agree with it. The individual American citizen, according to Brazile, isn't to wait for someone else to "save you," but rather to "be the leader" you want to see and "work to bring about the change you wanted to achieve." On the topic of Barack Obama, Brazile elaborates on the President's career thus far, commenting that his "honeymoon" was over quickly because he had so much work to embark upon. This "work" includes the recent banning of torture, the closing of the secret CIA camps, and the overturning the gag rule prohibiting non governmental organizations from receiving U.S. funds if they provide abortions or lobby for abortion rights in their own country (TIME, 2009). On the issue concerning the controversy over Obama's receiving of the Nobel Peace Prize, Brazile offered this thoughtful comment: "The Nobel Prize was given not to a man, but to a movement."

While on the issue of healthcare, Brazile touches on her background to show how lack of access of healthcare caused her mother's death. For her mother, raising nine children, professional healthcare was not always a realistic option. The healthcare plan for those in Brazile's mother's generation was that of "do what you can," which may or may not be enough. Brazile implies that healthcare is a responsibility of the country, that it is more of a question of what is right and wrong than expense. She went on to point out that "complaints" arise whenever legislation is created to help others, compared to the lack of dissent with the former administration's policy of funding wars that ran up the deficit. A notable phrase of Brazile's summed up her sentiments exactly on the issue--"we need to come up with policies that leave no on behind"--an obvious allusion to certain "no child left behind."

One key characteristic of Brazile's speaking style were her usage of cooking terminology to illustrate her points. In one example using "ingredients," she illiterates the missing key ingredient of politics in the U.S.--the ability to sit down and have a conversation without attacking one another. As U.S. citizens--and everyday people--we need to "become more open to people we disagree with." Again, she referred back to a more moral base in politics--not conservatives, not liberals, not right and left, "just wrong and right."

Other notable comments made by Donna Brazile were:
"Don't get consumed by negativity"
"If you don't vote, don't complain!"
"Don't complain unless you are willing to take a stand."

Some of the questions that were asked of Brazile were (including partial answers):
"Why did you refer to Barack Obama as the first biracial president?"
--"Because he is--he is representative of the American experience."

"How do you feel about disenfranchising the voters of ford and michigan during the Democratic Primaries?"
--"I have no regrets. You do not change the rules in the middle of the game, they are there for a reason. It sets a bad precedent."

"How did you become involved with politics?"
The day after Martin Luther King Jr. was murdered, she woke up and decided to become involved in politics. Her first experience involved helping a local activists get a playground in the neighborhood. She went door to door asking residents if they were registered to vote." Today, she has been involved with the American political system for forty years.

Meet the Greeks!!!

The “Meet the Greeks!” program hosted by the National Pan-Hellenic Council of the University of Tennessee was tonight at seven o’clock pm at the University Center Auditorium.

This program allowed for the minority Greek letter organizations to introduce themselves to the UT community or, as one member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Ahkeeia Payne happily stated—“let people get to know the Greeks a little bit better!” Shawn Turner, the current president for NPHC played as the event’s host and mediator. Opening up the program with the usual UT mandated policy on the fire exits, Turner gave a brief history on the origins of NPHC, and stated the council’s aims and goals. NPHC is composed of these nine Greek Letter organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. In the UTK council, the only two organizations not present are Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. The Gamma Gamma Chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha Sorority, Inc. is affiliated with UTK council on campus, however the national organization is not a standing member of NPHC nationally.

Shawn Turner then moved the focus of the program to the seated panelists representing each of the present Greek letter organizations on campus: George Carpten IV for Alpha Phi Alpha; Britney Holmes, president of Alpha Kappa Alpha; Brandon Holbrook Northington McMurry for Kappa Alpha Psi; Michael Russom, the immediate past president of Phi Beta Sigma; the vice president of Delta Sigma Theta Dominique Boyd; Angelica Guzman president of Lambda Theta Alpha; Joshua Woods for Omega Psi Phi.

Each of the panelists gave a brief history of their respective organization, the organization’s motto (“To be of service to all mankind”—Britney Holmes”), goals, aims, current projects, and requirements. Also included were highlights of each chapter’s achievements, such as the Chancellor Citation Awards for both Alpha Phi Alpha and Phi Beta Sigma, Lambda Theta Alpha’s raising of $5,000 to a local battered women’s shelter. After the introduction of each organization, Host Turner then read questions submitted anonymously by those in the audience or asked openly by those sitting in the audience. These questions included:

“When and where does your organization do community service?” (Depends)
“Does your organization penalize members for being homosexual or bisexual?” (No)
“Does your fraternity or sorority uphold GPA requirements within the organization?”
“Will legacy guarantee me in an organization?” (“No!”)
“”How often does your organization have intake?” (When needed)
“How many hours does it take to qualify for the application process?” (Varies)
“How similar are UT’s organizations to those on HBCUs?”
“How does life change after you become Greek?”
“How do you feel about the stereotypes that surround your organization?”
“What happens after undergrad?”
“How does the organization feel about accepting non minorities?”
“What are the expected financial costs in becoming a member of your organization?”
“What made you (the panelist) join the organization that you are a member of?”

The answers to these questions ranged from predictable to interesting. For example, on the inquiry about the role of legacy in the application process, a resounding “no” basically came from all the panelists. On the inquiry regarding the personal choices of the panelists on their respective organizations, Brandon McMurry recounted the story of how one of the founders of Kappa Alpha Psi ended up dropping out of school, and told how this story resonated with circumstances in his life. Other panelists told of how they grew up around family and church members who were Greek, or in researching the histories of the different organizations—Dominique Boyd and Michael Russom—the actions, beliefs, and stances of their organizations resonated with them. Another great question that elicited great responses from the panelists dealt with the issue of stereotypes with Greek Letter Organizations.

Although the answers from the panelists were in some ways similar on this issue, in other ways each panelist gave their own individual twist in their responses, such as Brandon’s examples of how easily stereotypes can be created—“How many of yall like chicken?”—or George Carpten’s illustration of how members of Alpha Phi Alpha are depicted as “nerds.” All in all, the program was informative, surprising, and eye opening. Vastly better than my first “Meet the Greeks” experience!

Quote For Your Day

I already know that the last time I put up a quote was probably an eon ago, but this is for all those students who, like me, are practically falling asleep in class only to have your professor ask you some random question--as if you actually read last night's 300 page homework assignment:

“Wow. ... That's a good question. ... Is `I don't know' an acceptable answer?”
Dave Chappelle

Enjoy the Fall air Knoxarazzi!

NAACP Game Night

Last night NAACP sponsored a game night in NO LIMIT CLEMENT, in order for "students to take a break from the everyday grind and stress that comes from being at UT," according to the president, Robyn Davidson. Although I was a little skeptical at how many people were actually going to come (I was early), to my pleasant surprise, the basement was actually packed at one point last night--and those present actually played some of the games, instead of just looking around and (or) bouncing. Never doubt the power that spades, dominoes, and free food have on the residents of Clement Hall, I guess. Classic games such as Monopoly, Cranium and Scrabble were only a few of the games that were available to play, but it seems the most popular attractions were: XBox, Spades, and Dominoes. Me--I preferred the X-Box simply because Spades and I do not actually see eye to eye, and I have a higher chance to win at any game on the Xbox then I ever--in my entire life--will be able to have playing Dominoes. Although at first glance it seems that the basement was teeming with underclassmen, that was actually not the case, proving that even us oldheads still come to functions such as this one. On top of all this goodness came another little bonus, there was also a raffle, and lucky people won goodies such as the $5 and $10 gift cards to Fye Music and Subway. All in all, I would say that it went very well to be on a Tuesday!!

Hilarious (or otherwise known as a bad case of judgement)

Polk Undercover Drug Investigators Play Wii During Raid

By STEVE ANDREWS | News Channel 8

Published: September 21, 2009

With guns drawn and flashlights cutting through darkened rooms, Polk County undercover drug investigators stormed the home of convicted drug dealer Michael Difalco near Lakeland in March.

As investigators searched the home for drugs, some drug task force members found other ways to occupy their time. Within 20 minutes of entering Difalco's house, some of the investigators found a Wii video bowling game and began bowling frame after frame.

While some detectives hauled out evidence such as flat screen televisions and shotguns, others threw strikes, gutter balls and worked on picking up spares.

A Polk County sheriff's detective cataloging evidence repeatedly put down her work and picked up a Wii remote to bowl. When she hit two strikes in a row, she raised her arms above her head, jumping and kicking.

While a female detective lifted a nearby couch looking for evidence, another sheriff's detective focused on pin action.

But detectives with the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the Auburndale, Lakeland and Winter Haven police departments did not know that a wireless security camera connected to a computer inside Difalco's home was recording their activity.

The recording obtained by News Channel 8 showed several members of the county's High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force entering the house shortly after 8 a.m. According to the search warrant, their mission was to search for drugs, stolen property and the fruits of any illegal drug activity.

Now there are questions on how the impromptu bowling tournament might affect the case against Difalco.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd denies it will have any effect.

"That absolutely is not true; that doesn't invalidate the search at all," Judd said. "Now the defendant would like for it to invalidate the search, but unfortunately for him, it won't."

Judd, who watched the video during an interview last week, called the situation an embarrassment.

"I'm not pleased that they played that Wii bowling game," Judd said. The sheriff's office oversees the drug task force. Judd said he initiated an internal administrative investigation of the incident.

"That is not appropriate conduct at a search warrant," he said. "But I am less pleased with the supervision that didn't walk in and say, turn that off. That's what supervision should have done."

Task force members played the video game at various times during the day, for a total of a little over an hour of playing time. The competition proved to be quite competitive at times. A task force supervisor from the Lakeland Police Department, gun at his side, pumped his fist after picking up a strike on the first ball he threw. The video showed he continued bowling frame after frame, competing with another undercover detective.

"Obviously, this is not the kind of behavior we condone," Lakeland Police Chief Roger Boatner said. "There was a lot of down time, but that does not excuse the fact that we should act as the consummate professionals."

"Certainly this was a case of bad judgment," Auburndale Police Chief Nolan McLeod said. "We will handle it appropriately."

Winter Haven police Sgt. Brad Coleman said Chief E.C. Waters had not viewed the video. "If there is any indication that someone did something inappropriately, we will do something about it," Coleman said.

Court records show detectives placed Difalco's home under surveillance as far back as December 2008.

"We knew he had weapons," Judd said. "He's a bad guy."

His history includes an extensive arrest record dating back to 1995. Difalco, 43, served three years in state prison from 2002 to 2005 for trafficking drugs, owning and operating a chop shop, and grand theft.

In what Judd called "brilliant police work," the task force placed Difalco under surveillance and took him into custody, away from his home and weapons, during the early morning hours of March 6, in the parking lot of a Circle K convenience store on Highway 98.

Documents filed with the court say, in the March raid, detectives removed methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, weapons and more than $30,000 in stolen property.

The 11 charges against Difalco include trafficking methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and operating a chop shop.

According to sheriff's office records, 13 detectives and three sergeants spent nine hours searching Difalco's property, for drugs, stolen property and signs of any illegal drug activity.

The raid cost taxpayers more than $4,000.

Judd, Boatner and McLeod agree the bowling was inappropriate. But they challenge the notion that taxpayer dollars were wasted.

"It was an expansive scene, a lot of searching to be done, a lot of waiting," Boatner said.

"The nature of a search warrant is hurry up and wait," Judd said. "Am I trying to defend the fact that they were bowling, not at all. That was inappropriate."

Not just inappropriate, but Tampa defense attorney Rick Escobar would argue the moment detectives turned on that video game and effectively seized it, they turned the search warrant into an illegal search.

"I've never seen anything like this," Escobar said after he viewed some of the video. Escobar does not represent Difalco and has no connection to the case.

"All the citizens are thinking, 'Wait a minute, we are paying these people to go out and protect us and here they are playing bowling on our time,' " he said.

"The real question here is have they seized property that wasn't described in the search warrant?" Escobar asked. "Clearly if they're using it, they've seized it and for totally improper purposes, because it's for entertainment. Investigations are not for entertainment."

Difalco's attorney declined comment.

Chip Tulberry, a spokesperson for the Polk County State Attorney, declined to comment on the video, or the validity of the search warrant.

"That's a discussion that will occur in court," he said.

News Channel 8 reporter Steve Andrews can be reached at (813) 221-5779.




Now, you have to admit that that article was funny. What would the world be like if more cops simply used the things that they were confiscating--such as a wii, the xbox, weed, cocaine--rather than harassing us all the time. Instead of arresting people left and right, giving out bogus tickets for speeding and parking, racial profiling us minority folks, they could just have a great time like the rest of us. the world would be a better place.....(signs remorsefully)

Where They Do That At?

Representing Memphis, K. Michelle. This is an AMAZING song and she's amazing. Love it! I listen to this song everyday

GET RIGHT WITH GOD!

She is so cute! Tell it baby!

Football Time In Tennessee!

Even though I won't be in attendance at the game or any of the games for that matter, I'm excited about this season. You can thank Lane Kiffin for that. With that said we better win with all that trash he was talking, because mane if we lose to Western Kentucky which I've never heard of...you know the rest.

But um what yall wanna know? VOL WALK starts at 10:35 AM @ The Torchbearer, down Peyton Manning pass, then they making a left on Philip Fulmer Way into Gate 21A. Nooooow I don't know if that's different from before except for the Torchbearer starting point but um now you know!

If you can't make the game it'll be on the SEC Network...don't know the channel....I probably ain't got it but I'll be watching with my Eric Berry jersey on (I am not a Stan I just had to buy it for work). AND since we're talking bout work.....

HIT CALHOUN'S ON THE RIVER up SATURDAY preferably between the hours of 4-10pm because that's when I'm working and I need money....please and thank you!

GO VOLS!

Quote for the Week!!!!!!!

Ahh. Senior year. Should be the best year of my life so far—again, anyway—since graduation is just around the corner, right? Unfortunately, I seemed to have joined the ranks of fifth year senior, so there goes actually graduating on time (goodbye four year scholarships!!). Getting back on track, I’ve been having an inner debate on what exactly I should write on since I am now a full fledged member of Knoxarazzi, and very much worried about whether writer’s block is going to be my downfall this year. Thankfully, I did divine on one idea that should not be too hard for me to keep up with, and those of you who have at anytime visited my facebook page may already be familiar with this, with slight modifications: Quote for the week!! This one goes out to all my would be seniors who would prefer to graduate this year but for whatever great reason, you aint. Enjoy!!!

“It was but yesterday I thought myself a fragment quivering without rhythm in the sphere of life.

Now I know that I am the sphere, and all life in rhythmic fragments moves within me.”

Kahlil Gibran

How many of us resign ourselves to the fringes of life, never considering ourselves the center of attention, containing no gravity, floating along watching the fireworks of others who have reached that impossible plateau of success and fulfillment? Or even worse, how many of us feel that we do not even deserve recognition for our place in this show we call life? I guess what I trying to say here is, why do we work so hard at dimming our own lights? Yes, I used to be one of those pitiful creatures who became addicted to not only hiding my glow underneath a giant comforter, but I’m also guilty of unplugging the lamp completely and throwing it in the closet! As if it never existed! Even if you are one of those people who claim to not let anything tarnish your silver lining in life, at one time or another ALL of us have been guilty of this. Is it because you were afraid of letting others know who you were? Or were you just unsure of your words, your opinions, you talents, because they are untested and you would rather choose silence to rejection? Fellow UT students, all I want you to know today is this—you are NOT an insignificant fragment, but the center of your own play, production, movie—basically, your life. From the moment you are born to the day you close your eyes forever, you ARE alive!! Inside you dances the very essence of life itself!! Remember that the next time you look at someone else’s light and consider yourself fringe—you are the star in your own movie, so act like it!!

That was pretty sappy, even for me, but I hope this encourages anybody and everybody who has ever at any time forgotten that they deserve star treatment.

Have a good year!!

Morning Manna: Double Minded Service

From : Intouch Ministries

1 Kings 18:16-21 (The Message)

¹⁶ So Obadiah went straight to Ahab and told him. And Ahab went out to meet Elijah.

^17-19 The moment Ahab saw Elijah he said, "So it's you, old troublemaker!"

"It's not I who has caused trouble in Israel," said Elijah, "but you and your government—you've dumped God's ways and commands and run off after the local gods, the Baals. Here's what I want you to do: Assemble everyone in Israel at Mount Carmel. And make sure that the special pets of Jezebel, the four hundred and fifty prophets of the local gods, the Baals, and the four hundred prophets of the whore goddess Asherah, are there."

²⁰ So Ahab summoned everyone in Israel, particularly the prophets, to Mount Carmel.

²¹ Elijah challenged the people: "How long are you going to sit on the fence? If God is the real God, follow him; if it's Baal, follow him. Make up your minds!"

Nobody said a word; nobody made a move.

The Old Testament presents idolatry as a serious issue, but who in the modern civilized world gives it much thought? The worship of idols seems archaic, but the truth is, all of us will struggle with this heart issue.

During the days of King Ahab, Israel was pulled in two directions. They’d previously served the Lord, but Ahab had recently instituted Baal worship. When Elijah challenged the people to make up their minds about whom to serve, they were speechless.

You may be thinking, This doesn’t apply to my life, but modern idols come in many different forms. When we depend on—or give priority to—anything besides the Lord, it becomes our god.

Does something in your life have a higher value than the Lord? He gives us relationships, possessions, and meaningful work, but we are constantly tempted to cherish the gifts more than the Giver. An accurate measure of priorities is the use of our time. Do you reserve a part of each day for God, or is every minute consumed by the demands of life?

On what or whom do you depend? The Lord gives us His strength and provision, but so often we choose to rely on ourselves, others, or even money. The tendency to worry or control is a sign of self-reliance rather than dependence upon God.

Double-minded service will not work (Matt. 6:24). We must make up our minds and follow through with actions. If we really believe that the God of the Bible is the only true God, we ought to give Him our whole life, follow Him faithfully, and serve Him with all our gifts and abilities.

Social Networking With Knoxville Urban League

The Knoxville Area Urban Leage Young Professionals will be hosting its first YPLAY Game Night & Social Networking event September 18 @ Rothchild Catering from 9pm - 1am to raise money for the Urban League's Shoes for School event, which provides shoes for inner city children at the beginning of each school year.

Enjoy a night of card games (Spades, Uno, etc.), table games (monopoly, connect four, dominoes, etc) floor games (twister, musical chairs, etc.), video games (Play Station, Wii, etc.), dancing, mingling, and networking.

Food and adult beverages will be available.

Entrance to the event is $10. Serves a wonderful purpose AND you get to actually connect with people on a business level.

Word From the Editor....

Jesus Be A NOVEL IDEA because seems like the only thing going on highly publicized on the black scene is a party.

I can't be going to all the parties. I shouldn't be going to any parties to be frank. So I'm going to challenge the next group to actually do something UNIQUE!

I don't want a forum on "Black Love", I don't want a talent show with no talent. A fashion show perhaps. There have been some but I never went. Those haven't been played out.

Somebody do something classy. I'm going to suggest the AKA's get on that one. Can yall have a garden party or a tea party where we can dress up and wear pretty dresses and not have to listen to Gucci Mane?

How many times must I say this: EVERYBODY CAN'T HAVE A PARTY! SOMEBODY GOTTA NOT HAVE A PARTY!

If there's no special occasion you need to NOT have a party.

If you know NO ONE is going to come you need to NOT have a party.

If you JUST had a party and you're not a party promoter....YOU NEED TO NOT HAVE A PARTY.

Somebody....anybody....not have a party.

It's only the....1st...2nd week of school though. Lets hope people start brainstorming and use the money they gain from having parties to actually host a CULTURAL event.

I have a proposition!!!!!!!!!!! Let me write it out before I actually say it though

In Summary....

Tonight was the LAST party I'm going to. I just over did it and it was hot hell and MANE I just can't stand it.

Plus taking pictures of people in a club isn't very "journalistic".

Ummm what else can I say. I'm tired. My hair is nappy (as is usually the case) and I smell like a million bucks.

I'm going to bed.

First days of classes....doing the most on my end.

TOMORROW @ 12:12 THERE IS A SCRIMMAGE @ NEYLAND STADIUM.

I WON'T BE THERE. I REFUSE. I JUST CAN'T BE HOT ANYMORE. I'M GONNA HAVE AN UNCALLED FOR STROKE. THAT'S NOT WHAT'S HOT IN THESE STREETS. I NEED MY LEFT SIDE TO WORK LIKE MY RIGHT SIDE.

THE ENNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNND

FIRST WEEK OF CLASS PARTY PHOTOS

THE SUM TOTAL OF IT ALL....

NOT A LOT

BUT I'M NOT CJ. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

CHECK HIS OUT THOUGH!

Skool Daze Photos

Well it was a success. It was so hot everyone got complimentary Soul-Glo jherri curls courtesy of Murder Rho. Talk about folks looking a hot mess! Actually, lets not because I was one of those folks too. Yall had to have seen that picture. I won't direct you to it but trust me it's NOT in my album.

Luckily for yall I ain't take pictures of people looking throwed because I HATE getting FB messages talking about "Can you take this picture down?" Imma just ignore you if you're ugly and that solves the problem.....

If you STILL think you look ugly in the picture...take that up with your parents. I thought you all looked pretty awesome.

Good times though! I was confused though because I recognized not enough people. Guess I should take the hint and exit stage left with a cap & gown on.

Give me till May. I'll be out of your respective hairs....

The Ques Having a Party? Tonight?

Well I didn't get an invite. I wouldn't have went anyway (nothing against them) but yeahhhhh....you have about 33 minutes (11:11 pm) ladies to get in free. Otherwise it's $5.

It's at the Catalyst. Yo tell me how it goes.

See I guess the fact that they ain't get a Coolbreeze flyer I didn't pay no mind. This is not a Coolbreeze plug....I'm just saying. You can't help but notice those flyers.

Back to filling out my calendar.....

SKOOL DAZE: THE OFFICIAL KIKK-OFF PARTY

Ok so this is going to be the first official back to school kick off or in Kappalish "kikk-off" party.

It's gonna be on a Monday (Aug 17) and classes don't start till Wednesday. Everyone ought to be back on campus by Monday though...THEN Splash Jam is gonna be on Monday too. SO it's gonna be like "I'm already hype from Splash Jam! Lemme go to this party right afterwards!"

Smart thinking guys. You'll get all the money and all the freaky freshman wearing bikinis and doing the hydraulic in some jean shorts....anymore.

My only problem with this party though....it's going to be at the Copa Cabana. Now if we can find a way to not let the locals know there's a party there I think there will be enough breathing space for legitimate people. That was rude. I meant to say "COLLEGE STUDENTS". They don't have correct ventilation in there. Makes you wanna pass out and die.

NOW DON'T LET THAT SWAY YOU FROM GOING! It's gonna be nice because you'll get to see everyone!

Another plus: FREE FOR LADIES BEFORE 11:30pm! If it's free it's for me!

AND apparently there's free "Whipped Kream for the ladies! lol" Whatever that's supposed to mean....if it's actually Cool Whip my fat arse will take it.

And then check this out they made a video too! It's not a youtube video so I can't exactly post it up on here but here's a link: http://bit.ly/lSZR7

For more information click this link: http://bit.ly/3xQscy

Last Things First: Upcoming Parties

For some reason EVERYONE wants to have a party back to school week. I don't know how many times I have to say this, but mane "EVERYBODY CAN'T HAVE A PARTY. SOMEBODY GOTTA NOT HAVE A PARTY".

I say this not as a "hater", but as a person who just doesn't want to go to every party so I'm kind of scared that I'll go to the one party that NO ONE goes to

and it's all lame & I wound up paying to get in AND I really should have used that money to get gas or pay off my ridiculously high credit card bills...BUT NOOOO I wasted it on a wack party.

Who's going to claim having that party? No one of course. I'll be the judge of that!

Until then though the next couple of posts will be free press for those throwing them.

Summer's About Over

Hey folks! This is THE KIKI JONES. The editor-in-chief of this fabulous site/blog. Of course I haven't been writing because it's summer time and there's really no one here. Excuses. I know but it's a legitimate excuse.

In any event summer is coming to a close and it's ABOUT THAT TIME for Knoxarazzi to get back to business as usual. As of right now there's nothing really to say. Of course there are going to be beaucoup parties. PAUSE: Someone tell me what "beaucoup" means. Did I even use it correctly? Let me actually check and see... YES I ACTUALLY DID! And I spelled it correctly too. Beaucoup - in abundance. WORD FOR THE DAY!

However people, I want to "EXPAND" Knoxarazzi's scope (as was the original intention) to cover more than parties because ya know they're basically all the same. BASICALLY. AND taking pictures of the same people doing the same pose wearing the same clothes (yes I've noticed) is getting....TRITE.

That's not to say I won't be taking pictures at parties, but I'm hoping to do more. So if you want anything covered. Anything of substance.....if you just want to have your name put out there for business or even vanity purposes...HOLLA ATCHA GIRL! I think that would be fun. I like to meet new people, just not for long.

We have a lot of stuff planned so direct your friends to this site. We'll take care of your curiosity. Got any questions, comments, concerns...we can answer that. Well I can answer that. Send me a message of Facebook: LaShara KikiJones Quinn or an email lasharadquinn@gmail.com

Chances are I won't respond to your email for at least a 2 weeks but maybe I'll check my email & you get lucky. Until then. Adios! Wait! Come back! AND favorite us in your browser.

THANKS HUNS!

The Rock Has A New Home

They moved The Rock Yesterday. Now it's over there by the Music Building. I think that's the business because now you can be like

"I just painted The Rock now I can jump on this bus and be out"

I've only painted it once and that's enough.

And in the immortal words of someone who just didn't really give a damn...

"Whoop whoop yay yay who cares?"

Have a good rest of the summer

Who Are The III Kings?

Attending a III Kings Inc. party gives patrons the impression that they are in attendance at an effortlessly planned event. Good music, good crowd, and good times. However behind the scenes a lot of hard work and planning is involved. David Burgess, Kalen White, and Darnell Tennial are the “III Kings”. These young men have worked hard to make a name for themselves in party promotions within the African-American community on the UT-K campus.

The drive, creativity, and talents that they individually possess has resulted in them developing a virtual monopoly in the party promotions arena. Within their company they possess all the necessary tools and connections to properly promote and execute any event, which is why the majority of parties have their hands somewhere in the mix.This is where the questions arise: Who are these III Kings? What motivates and inspires them? How did they start? What do they have planned for their future and III Kings Inc.? This is their story.

Based out of Knoxville, Tenn, III Kings Inc. specializes in entertainment promotion and planning. From graphic flier designs, party and business promotions, disc jockeying, and photographic services III Kings Inc. is the first choice for most organizations to promote or collaborate on events. What with the members of III Kings Inc. being no strangers to UT-K, one an alumni, one a current student, and the other a constant fixture on campus, most students relate to and associate outside of the business realm with these fellows.

David Burgess

“Our first party was on November 22,2008...the Presidential Black Affair...” recalls Burgess, the oldest partner in III Kings Inc. and 2005 graduate of UT-K. “I'm really against splitting parties on campus. I don't like going against fraternities and sororities since I'm a member of one, so felt that it was only natural that we join forces.”

Prior to that date the “III Kings” were sole proprietors of their own entertainment/promotions companies: Burgess with DB Entertainment, White with Kal3n.com Promotions, and Tennial with Coolbreeze Entertainment. Three well-known promoters having three separate parties on the same night meant decreased profit for promoters and a split crowd for those in attendance.

Burgess used his wisdom, business savvy, and close ties with both White and Tennial to unite them all into one entity. Burgess' decision not to split the proverbial baby led to the lucrative business venture that III Kings Inc. has to date. Where did his natural inclination toward business and being self-made stem from? Burgess credits his upbringing. “I've been involved in business since the age of seven. Not the entertainment business, but working for my father. He owned a store and laundromat, and at age 12 I was managing both of those businesses.” Later on during his college career, Burgess became involved in party promotions. His membership in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, helped him build lasting connections with club owners and other promoters in Knoxville.

A natural leader and businessman who is respected, admired, and seen as a “big brother” by his partners, Burgess is the brains behind the operation. Already an owner of two commercial properties and with his unassuming demeanor and unparalleled insight he will continue to lead III Kings to higher heights.


Darnell Tennial

“Basically we said [the black population] at UT-K wasn't big enough for everyone to be throwing parties at the same time. So we, the top promoters, decided to combine together”, says Tennial. Better known as DJ D-Nell, Tennial is the unofficial face of III Kings Inc. Acting as both sole graphic design artist and DJ for the company, one could say he is the hardest working man in party promotions. At least here at UT-K.

He can be found behind his $1200 turntables moving the crowd at parties to fashion shows. His adoring fans can't seem to get enough of him so you're also likely to see one to two girls at his side while he's at work: “It's kind of nerve wrecking though, because it's like 500+ people at a party and when somebody comes up trying to talk to me I can't really switch up my music”.

However in the privacy of his own home in West Knoxville, Tennial is far from distractions and is able to design the amazing party fliers he's famous for. Turning his passion for graphic design into a career is Tennial's primary goal. A self taught graphic designer, Tennial hones his skills with a major in graphic design at Pellissippi. “I don't plan on [djaying] for long because I get money everyday from graphic design. It's where it's at”.

Kalen White

Cool, calm, and collected best describes White, a fifth year Computer Engineering major. Naturally charismatic, it is only makes sense that White is III Kings Inc. primary connection with the public. A fixture at most events (III Kings sponsored or not) White makes sure III Kings Inc. is never too far off party goers mental radar.

One must wonder though how White managed to get into a business so far off from his major. “After co-oping I realized I didn't want to be sitting behind a desk doing some computer engineering stuff. I didn't want to be working for some big corporation for someone else. I wanted to be my own boss”. Which is exactly what White is doing. Contrary to popular belief amongst III Kings. Inc. patrons they do not promote purely for their egos or the money it brings.

“The main reason we're doing this is because this town can make you feel alone as a black person. We help to connect the black community and give students a reason to actually remain in Knoxville instead of going back home”. “A lot of people see us as hustlers, but it's not even like that. It's business. They don't want to take you seriously because you're friends but when I come to you with a contract telling you this is what needs to be done it needs to be done. This is a real business. I could care less about people thinking '[III Kings Inc.] throws the best parties, we're doing this because this is what we like to do.”

In addition to party promotions, III Kings Inc. has already put into motion expansion into other areas. .From adding tattoo artists to their brand name [III Kings Tattoos], and plans for expansion into other cities [Nashville, Chattanooga, Memphis, and Dallas] these young men are on the path to national recognition.

***My feature story on the III Kings. Not journalistically correct but this is my blog so I don't care. I'll edit it later though. I actually listen to Morgan Hardy. :)***

SPOTLIGHT!

I don't know if he wants to be on BLAST Ave. like this but I'm not even checking AJ. He was really getting it. 

GET IT AJ! Now somebody have a talent show so he can win the grand prize.

3rd Annual "Who Wears Short Shorts?" Birthday Bash

The Kings Are Back in Business! Who's birthday is it? No idea. I want some cake. Re-Up Day Imma get some cake. I would like to say "I'll be there" but what the hay I'll be there. No I won't. I'm so lazy. Ok ok MIGHT BE THERE!

Last Pictures of Spring 2009

I don't know what most of these were about so I put them in one strange album with folks dressed in Halloween costumes in a forest and women holding yellow roses. You know what the business was though. That's all that matters

Election Day Obama Won Party Junt @ The BCC

AKA Date Auction Pictures

I'm pretty sure it had some snazzy name but I wasn't there so I don't know. Lee where the pictures of the dates? I hope it wasn't some of the folks in the picture looking average off the street as hell.

Diva Opals Spa Day!!!

WHATHAF homies? All these events I ain't heard nothing of! All I take it party pictures and not even those anymore. This is what happens when you're off campus I guess

Phi Beta Sigma & Zeta Phi Beta Sunday Dinner & About 5 Pictures @ CBC

Yall can't getcha own album with only 5 photos. I ain't see no Bible reading popping off anyway so we'll make it all BLEND!

Obama Inauguration 2009 @ BCC PICTURES

Sponsored by NSBE & the NAACP

Phi Beta Sigma's Relay for Life Cookout Pictures

Another LeeE Photoshoot. All at Clement Hall. Really cute pictures.

More Delta Probate PARTY Pictures

I didn't want to be a total jerk and erase from memory all the photos Lee ever took because I'm sure he uploaded them at the library and if you're anything like me you want every picture ever taken of you. So I'm in the process of transferring them. Ever so slowly.

Be happy. BETTER BE

Hold Up HOLD UP! How you Hard With Progeria?

This some gangsta ish right here....where yo mama at?

It's The First of The Month

Welcome back hunnies! Clearly, I know everyone isn't back but today starts the first session of summer school @ UT and I'm so glad about it. I won't be in school, but at least there will be enough people here to get something or another started.

As of right now there is NOTHING going on in Knoxville that I know of. Saturday the Malibu was "poppin" to quote the young folks, however I was not "paying" so I went back home. Hope yall had fun.

Ay yo. We need some theme music for this special day though and you already know what it is: Bone Thugs In Harmony.

Whoever directed this video must have been the graphic designer for NO LIMIT records CD covers. Ultra bootleg

Peaces PEOPLE!!!!

Delta Probate Party Pictures!

I don't know...it was somebody else's party too....III Kings. However I don't know what it was called so it's the Delta's Party. Not a lot of pictures. Lot of pictures of me but it'll do.

AKA Probate Pictures

I'm so late with this. At least I think I didn't post them. In an event here they are.

HARD KNOX NEWS: Ex Vol Released From Jail for alleged robbery at gunpoint

Ok so apparently something is going on in Knoxville we're just not in the "MIX"

According to www.govolsextra.com 

Former University of Tennessee basketball player Ramar Smith made a $15,000 bond this morning and was released from a Knox County jail after a one-hour stay....

Smith, 22, was charged in connection with the 6:43 p.m. Monday home invasion robbery at Steeplechase Apartments, 5800 Central Avenue Pike, according to KPD spokesman Darrell DeBusk. 

DeBusk said something was stolen during that home invasion, but he declined to identify what was taken.

Police also were trying to determine if the home invasion robbery was connected to a Tuesday night shooting at a South Knoxville apartment complex that left one person in critical condition.

According to court records, Smith and another person entered an apartment at Steeplechase and robbed a man of his personal property at gunpoint. The victim knew Smith, records state.

Authorities were called to a reported shooting at Woodlands Townhouses of Knoxville, 3700 Spruce Ridge Way, at about 11:41 p.m. Tuesday, according to police.

They found Charles Corn, age unavailable, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the living room of his apartment, according to DeBusk.

Smith is from Mount Clemens, Mich., and was dismissed last year from the team by UT coach Bruce Pearl. Sources at that time told the News Sentinel that the dismissal resulted from Smith’s violation of UT’s substance abuse policy and academic shortcomings.

Prior to his dismissal, Smith had been an All-SEC freshman selection. After his departure, Smith had been playing basketball in Europe.

Well...can't say I'm surprised. I'm just like...why the hell would you come back to Knoxville if you AIN'T FROM KNOXVILLE and you've been playing basketball in Europe. That nigga just dumb throughly. They would pick this ugly ass picture...perfect. LMAO

Happy Last Day of Finals y Cinco de Mayo!

Yet and still I have no idea what exactly "Cinco De Mayo" is celebrating (even though I've been told). However, it happened to fall on the last day of finals aka last day of class foreal foreal AND I'm going to live it up!

I'm getting back to keeping this up to par since I'll still be around it can serve as some kind of portfolio. So my 2009 people who I think I'll miss dearly...you can come by here and find out what's happening at UT-K. I won't know everything because I won't be kicking it tough with the little ones seeing that I should have graduated this May but still. I'll know more than you!

Have fun everyone! Safe trips home a must! Don't get wasted today. ANDDDD I might see you all on the 8th!

Much love!!!!!!

AKA SPRING WEEK!

Starting tomorrow......APRIL 5, 2009 - SUNDAY....the Zeta Delta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated will have their SPRING WEEK!

It's called uhhhh AKANOPOLY....I don't like that name too much but who am I?

Yeah but anyways......here's the events!

Sunday- 4/5
"Free Praise"
Church Service at Panhellenic
11:00 am

Dinner to immediately follow

Monday- 4/6
"Pass Go, Collect $200"
Booth on Pedestrian Walkway
11:00 am - 1:00 pm

"Income Tax"
Investment & Money Management Program
7:08 pm
Law Building Rm. 132

Tuesday- 4/7
"Parker Bros."
Booth on Pedestrian Walkway
11:00 am - 1:00 pm

"Hats Off"
Male appreciation Dinner- Panhellenic Building
7:38 pm

Wednesday- 4/8
"Park Place"
Booth on Pedestrian Walkway (On the spot nominations for Jade Awards)
11:00 am - 1:00 pm

"Boardwalk"
The Annual Jade Awards- UC Ballroom
7:38 pm
THE ATTIRE IS COSMOPOLITAN!!

Thursday- 4/9
"Luxury Tax"
Booth on Pedestrian Walkway (We're taking donations for the Boys & Girls Club)
11:00 am - 1:00 pm

"Kommunity Chest"
Community Service- Closed to Sisterhood

So get excited! yay! I wanna go to the Jade Awards though. I got this ultra cute dress for no apparent reason because I can't wear it anywhere really...but now I have a forum to stunt. Thanks AKAs!

That's Funny!

While searching for a boredom buster (how lame of me to say that)I found this interesting little article....

Pearl's ex-wife expanding salon business

Whether University of Tennessee men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl decided to stay in Knoxville or leave for Memphis, his ex-wife seems to be doing just fine where she is.
Less than five months after opening a hair and nail salon in West Knoxville, Kim Shrigley is already expanding.
Shrigley, who opened Alimony's Hair and Nail Salon last November, is more than doubling her space to about 2,300 square feet from 950 square feet. She is adding a full-service spa that will include facials, waxing and massages. She's also putting in another pedicure chair and two additional nail stations.
"It's quite a big jump. We outgrew this site very quickly, and the space next door was available," said Shrigley, who recently finished painting the new space herself.
Shrigley funded her business at 7115 Kingston Pike with money from her divorce from Pearl, who was considered a top contender for a vacancy at the University of Memphis. The salon is decorated in bright green colors with black decor. The business's name, Alimony's, is written on the store front with green cursive and a red heart on top of the "i."
A nurse by profession, Shrigley in June dreamed up the idea of a salon because it would allow her flexibility to care for her two younger children. She and Pearl also have two older children.
"It's great," she said. "It's fun, all good stuff."
The spa is expected to be open in about 10 days with a grand opening slated for May 4.

HA! Kim is gutter!!!! She actually named the salon Alimony's.....

It's cheaper to keep herrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!! I love it!!!!! But foreal though wouldn't nobody go there if you'd never been married to Bruce...and if you look at it that way you could also say you'd never got a shop if you hadn't been married to Bruce. Either way....she wins

New Direction

See I don't really update this because in my mind...originally this was going to be an UNBIASED blog that covers "black" events.

BUT I'm like the most opinionated slightly rude person I know annnnnd it's pretty hard for me to bite my tongue and be all ladidadi!

SO instead......I'm going to cover events. Might not actually go to them. Give my biased opinion ALL the time unless you deal with my underhandedly and let me in for free.

AND you know basically make it a forum for me to express myself.

See I wanted to start another blog just for me but I'm not......I gotta little following here. Sooooo that's what's up.

Kappa Week 2009

Finally. Can I say that? I really don't know...well I can't recall the Kappas having a week since....a was a senior in high school. HA! But here it goes! If you're in Knoxville on Sunday that's when the week starts off!

INCASE YOU CAN'T READ THE FLYER....here's what it says with my interpretation.

SUNDAY - MARCH 22, 2009 -12:30pm - until
CHURCH at Overcoming Belivers Church w/ Pastor D. Arnold

Yall can make it to that, because mane church at 12:30...that's like waking up from a Saturday hangover time. Not saying that's what yall do but I remember. I won't be there though...Church really does go on "UNTIL". That's probably why I don't go there anymore...do it even start at 12:30? Let me shut up. ;)

MONDAY - MARCH 23, 2009 - 8pm
Forum on Stereotypes at the Law Building Room 132

Ok so I might be at this. I don't know what kind of stereotypes they'll be discussing, but probably just racial or sexual. Who else is BORED with these Greek week discussions on "being black" or "black love". I mean gotdang I'm tired of discussing being black. Do white people sit around talking about being white and white love? Is there more to life than race? I'd like to think so. MAYBE I won't be there.

TUESDAY - March 24, 2009 - 3pm - until
Community Service at Walter P. Taylor Boys & Girls Club

I won't be there. I don't like those kids.

WEDNESDAY - March 25, 2009 - 5pm
Women's Appreciation Day/Dinner at the BCC

Free dinner for the LADIES catered by Pauline's. Ok so I'll be there if I don't have to work because I dig free food. But I think I do have to work so womp womp

THURSDAY - March 26, 2009 - 5:30 pm
KAY UNITY Basketball Tournament in the HYPER

Ooo I'm going to this! And they're having a 3 point contest. Can I participate? I don't know if I can still shoot 3s but Imma try! PLUS I know this is gonna be a perfect photo op.

FRIDAY - March 27, 2009 - 10pm
The Dream Kruise

I ain't got no money, I ain't got no date, I don't want a date, I don't wanna go basically. I got this ultra fi dress though but still. Maybe I do....if someone would take me. Any takers? You can reach me on facebook.

SATURDAY - March 28, 2009 - 1pm
Cookout @Fiji Island

I have to work but if I didn't I'd be there! You should go though since you know I can't and all that there.

AND to end the week........

10pm @ Club 106.........STOOPID FRUITY KOLORS. A III Kings & Pretty Boy Nupes Collabo.
Hmmmm sounds fun.

Ok so think about it. Be there or don't be there. Doesn't matter to me. I'll be out and about. Hopefully getting my record photography on.

The real question is "Will there be a new line?" Because I'm ready to see some new guys. Nothing against the old ones but you know!!!!!!!!!!