Editor's Edict

I’m at one of my “office” cafes, Solar de Cahuenga on Cahuenga and Franklin in Hollywood. As I stare out the huge picture window to my left to ponder “Harmony”, this month’s Gazette topic, I’m aware of the lovely blue sky that seems to rest its elbows on the forest-covered mountain-top with ridges that remind me of the indentations in my molars. Los Angeles whizzes by at street level as this café is situated at a busy crossway with roads to Highway 101 to the North and into the “glitz and glamour” of Hollywood Boulevard to the South. There’s a bit of a breeze today and the Palm trees sway with each gentle nudge. I take this all in and I think, “There is Harmony here”. Is it possible then that Harmony is merely a perception? I mean, really, how do we achieve harmony…is it something we create like a pretty mish-mashed ball of red, yellow, orange and blue PlayDough? Is it something we welcome like a friendly neighbor offering a hot cherry pie? Or … is it just outside our window? The guy behind me who just called his doctor to confirm an appointment tomorrow may not see harmony outside our window. If I was feeling ambitious today, I’d turn to him and ask his opinion…alas, I won’t because that would probably just be weird. Instead, I’ll take the harmonious feeling I’ve just acquired and pop it into a little container with a yellow plastic top to be played with whenever I might need it.

Enjoy your May/June 2009 Brown Betties Gazette!

~xo

Peppur Chambers
The Hot One

peppur@brownbetties.com

Brown Bettie Nika Names Her Way
Comedienne. Actor. Model.

by Peppur Chambers

What’s in a name? In this case, when the name is “Nika”, you get a humble woman full of passion, determination, and a whole-lotta funny. Nika (AKA Shenika Williams) is a powerful entertainer on the rise and she’s solidly confident with knowing her current journey is leading her to the top.

What do you love about comedy?
Comedy has always been an outlet for me. Whether it is as a spectator or performer, I love to laugh and make people laugh. It's a God-given talent, and I always have to remind myself it's not about me, but how can I use this gift to bless people. During these dire times, it's important for people to laugh and know that things are going to improve.

What do you love about performing?
I absolutely love the instant response you get from the audience during a performance. Yes, I'm an "audience whore". When I perform I feel this unbelievable, sometimes overwhelming, wave of energy. Oh yeah, I love the lights, costumes, make up...I just love the stage.

When was the moment that you knew you were good at what you do?
Honestly, I don't think I'm really good at stand-up comedy yet. I've only been doing it seriously for 2 years. When I study the masters, (Pryor, Martin Lawrence, Murphy), I am in awe at their impeccable timing and innate ability to make a room of people laugh at the same time. I haven't even scratched the surface.

Do you have a favorite club where you like to do Stand Up? What do you like about the club? Lights/mic/stage/people/nights, etc.
I don't have a favorite club. I will perform anywhere there is more than one person, a mic and a space that resembles a stage. I am always testing new material on people unbeknownst to them. Or, if I meet a character, I will mimic them in one of my bits. Comedy is a slice of life which I enjoy reinterpreting on stage.

What is your dream as a comedienne?

My dream as a comedienne is to rule the world. Or if that's unattainable, touring and selling out arenas like a rock star. Eventually after touring, I will have my own sitcom which will lead to movies. Then I will take over the world for sure. Watch out Will Smith, I'm coming for you!

What is your dream as a person?I have so many dreams, but my ultimate dream is for people to learn how to love and honor one another. I know that sounds cheesy, but Hey, I'm a dreamer!

You are from Florida originally; what have you taken from home that you've used in your performance?

I'm originally from Liberty City, one of the worst inner cities in America. Coming from a rough neighborhood, I have several childhood experiences that are not always flattering, but they're funny. When I talk about my drug-addicted uncle stealing my grandmother's frozen chicken to sell it for crack…It's awful, but nevertheless comical.

How do you describe your style of comedy?
My style of comedy is uninhibited, energetic, smart, edgy..... It's ME! When I am onstage, the only way for me to be funny is be myself. Everyone has an opinion on how a female should be on stage. It's a double standard. But I don't censor myself if I feel like saying "Shit" 100 times, I will. I don't like to feel stagnant because when I'm not having fun, the audience isn't either.

Doing Stand Up has a formula to it (my opinion), how have you learned to create and perfect your formula? Who have you studied?
I have my 100 days of open mics. For 100 days, I videotape myself performing new material, then I study it. With anything, you have to study your craft. By the way, I dislike this process because I don't like to see myself on screen, but I force myself to look at it from an objective perspective. So next time I do the joke, it's more tight in the delivery, wording and timing. I've studied Pryor, Martin, Rock, Murphy, Robert Klein, and any up-and-coming comedians. I'm always studying the art of laughter. It's really an amazing thing! To make a room full of different people with different sensibilities laugh at one joke that you thought of.

You are also an actor and a model; how have these parts of you affected your craft? Stand up allows me to talk about my frustrations as a struggling actor, and annoyance with the modeling industry's strict stipulation of being super skinny. However, I am an actor first, then a model...then a stand-up comedienne. Modeling and stand up are sometimes interchangeable depending on how much I weigh at the given time. People are literally laughing at my pain! No pain, no gain right?

How did you develop your stage name?My stage name is still a work in progress. My real name is Shenika Williams. My agent informed one day it was a little too ethnic (I wanted to tell that heifer, “Bitch, I'm Black”). So I dropped the SHE and just went by Nika which means “Victory”. Nika was also written along with a traditional abbreviation of the Greek words for Jesus Christ on the cross: ICXC NIKA, meaning “Jesus Christ Conquers”! It's all in the name!

What's next for you?
I don't know what's next for me. I have some things I would like to happen, but it seems to always work better when I allow God to direct me. But wherever it is, it's on some next level shit times 1000.

Peace ‘n Blessings.

See Nika live online:
www.myspace.com/nikawillwww.youtube.com/nikawill1

Contact:

Trust & Obey Productions

10907 Magnolia Blvd. Suite 461

North Hollywood, CA 91601

(818) 754-0275

Father Knows Best
By Roscoe Chambers

I'm the proud father of (you guessed it) Peppur Chambers. Our family has been in the Human Resources and owners of an Executive Search firm for several years. And because “FATHER KNOWS BEST” I’ve been asked to contribute to the award winning “Brown Betties Gazette”. I will attempt to provide pertinent information pertaining to employment search strategy for job seekers, various employment articles, and postings of open job opportunities nationwide.

Greetings Readers,

Now, let’s talk about that “Extended Inshoance” as some may call it. Let’s be clear, in a nutshell “COBRA” is extended healthcare that is offered by the company when you leave the company for whatever reasons. However, if you select COBRA you are required to pay the premium for healthcare benefits and no longer eligible to receive benefits at the reduced rates provided by your employer. At the time of termination your HR representative should provide the appropriate documents and explain the program accordingly. If you don’t receive this information ……ASK for it. COBRA is good for 18 months; however, at the end of 18 months you can request to extend the coverage.

Having said that, our economy has obviously gone through some major hits over the last year. The new administration has taken on some major legislative changes in hopes of not only stimulating the economy, but also protecting families who have lost their jobs (or who will lose their jobs). Remember, until recently, the number one reason that families would go bankrupt was medical debt. Thus, encouraging hard-hit families to keep their medical coverage, even though they may be out of work, is a smart decision - and a meaningful one across the board.
But now that President O-BAM-A is in the house, he signed the new “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)” into law in February of this year. This is a great thing for the ever-growing number of Americans who have lost their jobs over the last year. But like most COBRA legislation, it does create more work for employers……..But who cares!

Roscoe Chambers II is also the President of The Kennedy Group, LLC, an executive search firm that takes a broad approach in the staffing of various industries and disciplines covering levels from middle- to upper- management. Please contact him at Rchambers07@gmail.com

Enterprising Bettie

A Journey of a Million Miles:
Being in Harmony with the Flow of Life
By Sidney Gaskins

Butterflies are one of my favorite creatures. Their beauty and transformation have always amazed me. Maybe it is due to the butterfly decal my Mom had in the rear window of our 1970’s Ford Station Wagon. I like to think that the process of butterflies sprouting those beautiful wings is similar to the Life of a human being.

We all have a time when we will sprout wings. Metaphorically speaking, it comes at different times for everyone. The transformation from caterpillar to butterfly occurs without struggle or strain; it is just a part of the cycle of the caterpillar to butterfly. There are over 160,000 types of butterflies in the world, just as there are differences in people. From the beginning a caterpillar is a voracious eater consuming food, (ever read the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar?). In the next phase, it ceases to consume food and goes into a “mummy-like” state. Some caterpillars go into this phase by covering themselves with a cocoon, hiding in dirt, or simply suspend themselves from trees using a silk pad attached to a tree. Whatever way they choose, the caterpillar goes into a world of its own until it is time for it to emerge completely transformed.

The life of a caterpillar is not unlike the Life of a human. At the beginning of Life, we take in everything from food to noises to faces. At some point, we break away and begin creating our own cocoon. It could be the cocoon of our friends, family, neighborhood, college, trade school, or job that serves to give us what we want. What happens in that cocoon can dictate our characteristics when we emerge, if we emerge at all. If the cocoon is too tight, gets damaged, or if there is an accident, the contents may be skewed, miss necessary elements, or not see the light of day. The cocoon is there to serve as a place for growth and development of the things necessary to survive in the next phase.

Once the butterfly appears, it is miraculous and it instinctively goes on its way. Some butterflies are great navigators, flying upwards of 1800 miles to their Fall destination where they’ll meet up with others; while some stick around pollinating the plants. No matter what, each type does its job without fuss, fight, or complaint because it is in harmony with Life. For you, having harmony means your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings are in agreement. Harmony is not elusive; you can create harmony with these four ingredients:

1. Focus on Your Goal
2. Be Aware of What and Who Surrounds You
3. Put Your Feelings in Check
4. Fly, Fly, Fly

The next thing you know you will be in the flow of Life, your wings will appear and you too, will be miraculous.

Copyright © 2006-2009

Enterprising Life, LLC. All rights reserved.Enterprising Life, LLC. is a professional coaching and consulting enterprise that helps individuals, families, and businesses create fulfillment in life and the workplace, while achieving prosperity and productivity.

Contact Info: www.EnterprisingLife.comunstoppablelife@gmail.com

Two Sides
by Shantai Nicole

Shantai offers her two cents on the two sides to relationships and everything that comes with 'em.

How do you know if a man is truly interested?

First, I believe that you already know when a man is interested in you. When he's interested he:

· Calls you all the time (to the point where you rarely worry why he isn't calling)
· Pursues you by giving you lots of attention and compliments
· Wants to take you places with his friends and family
· He wants to both share his feelings with you, and hear and listen to your feelings (well, sometimes!)

I'm sure you know these are the signs of a man who is truly interested.

What I don't think you understand is, if you're looking for an answer about a man's interest level, then the question is "how do you know when a man is not really interested?" Here are some telltale signs:

· He doesn't call often
· He goes for entire weekends without inviting you somewhere, or asking to be with you with out a great excuse
· He doesn't let you know what he's doing with his spare time (because he might be interested in or dating someone else)
· He talks about how he's not looking for a "serious" relationship

Now, knowing all this, there's something that is way more important than trying to guess whether a man is interested in you.

You could spend hours worrying as you try to get into his head and figure out what in the world he might be thinking and feeling from the time you've spent together. But why put yourself in this position? Why wait around and wonder if he'll like you? Besides, aren't men "supposed to" pursue and court the woman?

Well, there's a way around worrying about all this. The way around all the guesswork is to stop guessing and instead start doing the things that always work to create intense attraction inside a man. When a man feels a deep level of attraction for a woman, all his old "logic" goes out the window. A man who used to be certain that he didn't want to be in a committed relationship, who didn't like talking on the phone, and who didn't like public displays of affection can instantly be transformed by the attraction he feels. When a man experiences a deep level of attraction for a woman, he literally can't control how he feels. Or what he does.

Which means...

When you do the things that are sure to make a man feel that gut-level attraction that goes deeper than just his physical attraction and desires... He'll do and try anything to be close to you. The trick here is knowing what it is that makes a man feel this kind of attraction for you. Sorry ladies, that part you are on your own about…

I’m going to try and switch it up for you from time to time, but until next time, best to you in life and love.

P.S. It's not the dark ages anymore. Being alive and single at this time can be a huge blessing.



Shantai Nicole
www.LadySentertainment.com
Twitter: LadySNM

Love, Hate, Want, Need
By Bettie Brown

Miss Bettie Brown tells us what she loves, hates, wants or needs.

Love and Needs:

I was at Sephora at Hollywood & Highland looking for some foundation for a photo shoot when I came across reality star and tattoo artist, Kat Von D’s line of make up. The line looks gnarly and yummy and sassy and sultry all at once. She has a red lipstick that looks fantastic and has a wonderful name: Painted Love

Sephora.com says: "...this edgy color collection exemplifies old-Hollywood glamour with an L.A. vibe. From pin-up perfection to rocker chic, this limited-edition lineup allows you to tap into your bad-girl side and unleash your inner artist."

Love that!

I was only browsing for this particular Sephora journey, so I did not road test the lipstick nor did I purchase. However, I will soon and I’ll tell you all about it because you can never have too many red lipsticks in your life.

Need it!

My current favorite is still MAC's "Film Noir" topped off with Plush Red a divine gloss by NYX (that I found at our favorite wig shop, "Superstar Hair" on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City) . This deep moody combination makes for a perfect pout every time...especially at showtime!

~Stay Bettie-licious!

In My Solitude

Harmony
By Cecilie Davis Carter

I can finally say that I’ve given up my license to drive. Instead, I now have a Chauffeur. He picks me up every morning and takes me wherever I need to be. Even when there’s traffic, He gets me to my destination unscathed. Not only does He guide my every move, but He is also an amazing companion. When the weather is bad or there is loud construction on the road, He talks to me and makes me feel balanced, at ease and harmonious. I always feel comfortable in His car. He lets me vent about my problems, issues or concerns, and He gives me great advice. Sometimes when I’m down or in a bad mood, and I lash out at HIM, He forgives me. We seem to have gotten closer since I’ve been riding in His car. When I’m in trouble, it’s as if He’s always there. After we talk, I always feel happy and content. I feel like I can really depend on my chauffeur. If you don’t have His number, I’d be more than happy to give it to you. I was lucky enough to have gotten His number one day when I took a wrong turn and had to ask for directions. He’s easy to reach. If He seems like he’s busy, or not at home, just leave a message, and He will definitely get back to you. But remember you have to give up your license. There’s no room for both of you in the driver’s seat.

In my solitude, I am full of love, peace, faith and HARMONY.

Be Well.

Cecilie is a writer, actor, producer living in Los Angeleshttp://www.rutherfordroadpictures.com/

Brown Bettie Knows Best

You, my sister, have seen the lows, you’ve rolled around in the ashes of scorched heartache ready to hang yourself with a wet rope soaked in lonely crocodile tears, and yet no one has applauded you on how well you are doing at doing something wrong. Well, because I’ve been through it too, and because everyone needs a pat on the shoulder, I salute you with these tips that will remind you whole-heartedly that you are doing everything absolutely wrong to find love. I hope these little morsels of loveless encouragement will coax you down from that painful chair of desperation, give you the strength to remove your noose and smile through your snotty haze as you nod and say, “Hey! That’s what I do!”

Ready? Let’s begin. And remember, you are not alone, my dear:

TIP 5: Look for love when what you want is sex
If your engine hasn’t been oiled in awhile, make sure you go out on the prowl looking for love; and then be really shocked when you attract a “good mechanic”.

Harlem’s Love Story…
For your reading enjoyment, find the ninth installment of “Harlem’s Awakening”…This is the “True Hollywood Story” (as it were) behind the love affair between Joe and Harlem that plays out in the cabaret, “Harlem’s Night” performed by the Brown Betties.


Chapter 10 – A Manor of Speaking

Harlem ran up the freshly-swept concrete stairs to her Brownstone. Before she could turn the key, the door flew open and there was little Tilda full of smiles and jumpin’ with excitement.

Tilda was tiny and looked much younger than her eighteen years. Her smooth coconut skin glistened as the sun kissed her forehead. Her fingers moved quickly as she tried to tell Harlem something.

“Slow down!” Harlem signed back to her. Tilda had been deaf since birth, but had just learned sign language only eight months ago when Harlem enrolled her in St. Augustine’s School for the Deaf.

Tilda said, “The new costumes have arrived!” Now it was Harlem’s turn to jump with excitement. She and Tilda had spent weeks designing the beaded bodices of the new corsets that would debut with the new numbers for the Brown Betties’ performances.

That reminded her. She had to come up with a plan, or a really good excuse that would not only explain to Cora how Harlem was the owner of a brownstone that took up half a block and was formerly known as Lady Magdalena’s Manor…and how she and Tilda were the outfit behind the sultry Brown Betties who were quickly becoming the hottest dancers outside The Cotton Club.

She and Tilda headed for the drawing room where she could see the corsets laid upon her long maple table surrounded by several high-backed chairs upholstered in dark purple satin – Harlem’s favorite color. Rich magenta curtains complemented the room in a way that always made Harlem smile. She was about to pour herself and Tilda a brandy and soda when the doorbell rang.

Both women looked at each other with hunched, questioning shoulders as neither of them was expecting a visitor this evening. They both walked to the great oak door; Harlem waited while Tilda swung it open. Both their mouths dropped as they stared into the hazel eyes belonging to Honey. She carried two suitcases, a baby, and announced oddly, “I’m home!”
(c)2007 Pen and Peppur LLC

Momma Said

by Vicki Rogers (My momma)

Harmony.

I’ve just returned from the movies where I got my Trekkie fix. I love Star Trek! This particular film is great and made me think about my article for this month because I am in Harmony!
Let’s stop for a moment (before we begin). “Harmony”--- what an interesting word in our English language. Language has always fascinated me as language is a culture’s galaxy. The choice of one word over another guides our trajectory as we fly through our cultural cosmos. … … simply … fascinating.

Ok. To achieve Harmony at least two things have to come together as a cohesive unit. A duet or chorus, as it were. Things that once joined, seem like they had never been separate. Like peanut butter and jelly, movies and surround sound, and showers and shampoo:

~It’s great to have a harmonious PB & J sandwich, thus not causing gas to the consumer.

~It’s marvelous when, even though I waited in a long line at the box office, I stimulated the economy and got my “Trek” on with fabulous surround sound.

~It’s fantastic how showers and shampoos can make the world of difference in bringing harmony into a household. Yes, my guy just returned from the dreaded hygiene-forsaken annual fishing trip, or the week long “ManFest” as I like to call it. It’s a week of rollin’ with the guys, void of water unless they are pulling a fish out of it. However in search of a harmonious reunion, my guy stripped at the door and headed for the bathroom after a quick pat on the back and peck on the cheek. No screaming required and I really enjoyed that!

Do not mistake harmony for a lateral word. This word is a metaphor for growth within any relationship. It not only suggests success but achieves it. Harmony’s mobility is upward and it implies or requires cooperation which is, itself a positive action…just like going to see Star Trek!