By: Dove --- When popular Los Angeles Power 106 radio host Kurt "Big Boy" Alexander set out to lose weight 10 years ago after a challenge from Will Smith, things seemed to kick off in the most inspiring way. After a loss of over 100 pounds, one-fifth of his beginning weight, Big Boy garnered a huge donation for charity from Smith for his efforts. But sadly, the thrill didn't last long, as Big ...

By: Dove --- Known for his sentimental lyrics and tortured, loverboy persona, Carl Thomas is every bit the sexy Gen-Xer that most women say they'd love to have in their ear on those cold winter nights. Just over a decade after his chart-topping hit "I Wish" plucked the heartstrings of R&B fans everywhere, Thomas is back with his fourth studio album Conquer, and a whole new story to te...

By: Darrell W. Butler - TFW/Parisi Sports Performance Coach; ACE, NFPT CPT --- It must be hard to be a carbohydrate. They’re always getting mixed signals. One day you love them and they’re all that you can think about, but then the next day you cut them off completely and blame them for all of your problems. You may even resort to shameful stereotypes by declaring that “all carbs are...

Editor's note: Last year, we had so much fun with The Yule Logs advice on gift-giving that we asked them back to give us some party tips. It might not be such a good idea to let these holiday crooners run wild with the pen, but for better or (mostly) worse, they've come up with another kickass list for you to enjoy... Party at your own risk! Top 7 Ways to Improve Your Holiday Party By: The...

By: Dove --- The good people at Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos have a few surprises in store for travelers in 2012 and beyond, and the other day in NYC they showed off a few unique amenities! On December 8, 2011, hundreds of VIP party-goers convened at Exit Art for a night of music, spirits and mounds of cotton candy. There were also prizes to be won, including a Fender guitar package, Sou...

By: Dove --- When it comes to entertainers who multi-task, Grammy award-winning artist/actor Chris "Ludacris" Bridges is among the few who have succeeded in music, film and entrepreneurial efforts simultaneously. Since his early days as an Atlanta radio show host, Ludacris co-founded a successful record label (DTP); released seven critically-acclaimed albums and six popular mixtapes; and ...

By: Dove and Shelby Earl --- Hailing from the Pacific Northwest myself, I knew that songstress Shelby Earl would have a challenge on her hands trying to narrow down a list of places to visit in Seattle, Washington. If you've ever heard me gush about the area, and prattle on about the wonderful food, live music and clean air, then I've probably told you that if you visit the city in August,...

By: Isha "Ice" Cole --- Author Lendy Demetrius has had a passion for writing since he was a teenager. Inspired by writers such as Eric Jerome Dickey, Victoria Schmidt and Douglas Adams, the New York native became a published author at just 21-years-old with the 2002 novel There Could Be Joy and Pain in the Long Run. Life seemed to be on the right track for Demetrius, until a few years ...

By: Dove --- It's fantastic to create a list of "firsts" in your life, especially when it means making history. In Spring 2011, Chef Danielle Saunders became the first African American woman to win The Food Network's Chopped competition show [Season 7, Ep. 2], and followed up by taking home an even more challenging Grand Finale win in the Chopped Champions series this Fall. As the forme...

By: Dove *photos courtesy of GrubStreet --- As a New York resident of nearly eight years, I've done my best to venture into the concrete jungle in search of new restaurants to enjoy. However, I'm most definitely a creature of habit, and once I find a good spot, they tend to see me time and time again. Thankfully, I finally invested in a VIP ticket to New York Magazine's annual "Taste" so th...