If you were out and about last night and were wondering where the city was and you were not at Around the World at Andrew Blair’s - You A. Missed out and B. Most likely enjoyed a semi-quiet night somewhere else.

Around the World - A celebration of drinks and food from around the world, along with music to help you get down, the much anticipated but completely one-sided Duke/UNC game (Ouch UNC, ouch…) and of course, what is a party without Brotha Fred?!

Now, when I was it was packed - I mean it was packed. Check out pics from the tented area and inside Andrew Blair’s:

The biggest and best thing I noticed during the night was the diversity in people that were in attendance and the amount of new faces! Charlotte is a small town when it comes down to it and going out as much as I do, I see a lot of the same people (which is normally a very good thing) but last night was different. I had several conversations with people last night about this - Either people are coming out of hibernation or people are really embracing time for themselves and to get out, be social, and mingle. Whichever option it is, I L.O.V.E - LOVE it!

So, if I met you last night and you are reading my BLOG, first, thank you for reading and second, thank you for coming out! This is EXACTLY what I envision for future events - Diversity, high-octane fun, low drama, and an amazing time. Thank you to those that participated and came out and made that happen.

Check out a small snap-shot of my pictures of party people below…

Stay tuned to 704events.com for future events like this and click here to get email updates of upcoming events!

I feel as though, we, as a culture, fail terribly at a few things - The ability to truly let loose and be free, be able to laugh at ourselves, and the ability stop caring what other people think about us. True, sometimes these qualities can be obtained by ingesting ‘liquid courage’ but why does it have to? Why do we need drinks to make us become confident?

Loft 1523 is changing that mindset and giving Charlotte locals the tools to gain confidence, have fun and meet new friends. Trust me - I did all 3 within 20 minutes of being there - It is possible!

Wednesday night was the kick off to Karaoke Madness at Loft 1523 organized largely by Loft 1523 rock star, Craiggy B. Each Wednesday, from 9pm to 2am, patrons of Loft 1523 will be given the opportunity to showcase beautiful voices and not so beautiful voices, reminisce about old and fun songs, and undoubtedly laughs (and no, not about other people’s singing in a mean way).

Hold up - Wait a minute! Before you even start throwing out excuses, there is no cover…

THE Craiggy B

Karaoke is hosted by the absolutely hilarious and funny as hell, “Billy the Karaoke Kid” aka “Cabbieoke”. He had us smiling and laughing all night and is the absolute perfect host!

All I can say about Wednesday night was that I had an absolute blast and I truly didn’t want to leave. For instance, I paid my tab and then decided to have one more drink. Speaking of drinks - Try my new favorite drink that Craiggy B invented for me - The Craig Scarlett. It tastes exactly like sweet tea. Yes, it is one of those drinks where it seems like it has no liquor in it - Until you have 3-4…

Overall, the vibe was so light-hearted and upbeat, but relaxed and intimate. I can say, without a shadow of doubt, that everyone was mingling together last night and no, not everyone knew each other when they arrived.

Before you even question me - YES, I did ’sing’ karaoke. I use ’sing’ loosely because I chose a song that you really don’t sing because my singing voice can make angels cry. Ever heard of the song ‘Ode to My Car’ by Adam Sandler…? Yes, yours truly and Craiggy B serenaded Loft 1523 with that very song. We got laughs - That is what mattered…

Check out some of Loft 1523’s party people from last night and a special treat - Craiggy B signing ‘Whip It by Devo’. Craiggy B not only allowed me to share this on my BLOG but to upload it to the 704events.comYouTube account. Now, how is that for cajones?! If Craiggy B can allow me to do all of that, I am pretty sure that anyone can handle singing away from the roving video by yours truly. Before you say it - The blackout nature of the video was not intentional - It looked a lot better on my camera while it was recording. I am a work in progress yet - CLEARLY…

If you are wanting to stay tuned into the happenings with Karaoke Madness - Click HERE to join the Karaoke Madness group on Facebook!

P.S. - I definitely will be dropping in as much as I can over the next few months, so if you are dying to try karaoke or need someone to sing with that will make you sound like Beyonce of Josh Grobin - Find me and I will make your dreams a reality - That’s just how I roll.

P.P.S - If you STILL need ‘liquid courage’, don’t fret. There is amazing drink specials each week. How about $5 JagerBombs - Yeah… A few of those will give you all the ‘liquid courage’ you need.

As I write this, I am less than a week away from my father’s 10 year anniversary of the day he lost his battle to cancer. Admittedly, I spent several years being the victim and being angry about the situation and the manor that he lost his life.

One day, it all clicked.

It doesn’t serve my father’s memory to be bitter and it doesn’t do anything to stop other people from going through the torment that I did. I got over myself and my emotions to look at the greater picture - Finding a cure.

On Saturday, the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer kicked off their training and fundraising season at the Junior League of Charlotte for their Great Start Party - A celebration to the journey that walkers and participants will navigate through over the next 8 months, as well as a networking and educational source of what the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer entails, what walkers need to know, and what to expect.

The need to find a cure for breast cancer, much less any cancer, has never been as urgent and the facts and statistics are truly troubling and equally scary:

- Every 3 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer
- Breast cancer takes a life every 14 minutes
- 3 million women are currently living with breast cancer and of those 3 million women, 1 million do not know they have breast cancer
- Breast cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death for women
- Breast cancer strikes at any age and any gender

At the beginning of the introduction meeting, there was a quote that put me into tears and really put the emotional anguish into perspective; while highlighting the true determination and will to make the negative aspects of cancer into as much of a positive as there can be:

“I walk for my mother… Who never complained, who never gave up and who never gave in! I walk because it’s important to her. I walk because she did not ask me to. I walk because she is the grandmother of 4 girls. I walk because I can’t wait away. I walk to acknowledge my mother’s strength and her 11 year survival.”
- Avon Walk Participant

I want to make it clear that you don’t have to be directly affected by breast cancer to participant. I participated last year because I want to find an end to cancer. I don’t know a single person who has not been affected by cancer and recently, it has affected my ‘family’ again; in the form of my best friend’s mom - My dedication to find a cure personally has never been stronger.

If you would like to participate in this year’s Avon Walk for Breast Cancer or gain more information about the walk, please visit www.AvonWalk.org or call 704.377.3144 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              704.377.3144      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              704.377.3144      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Additionally, you may email Lucas Coe at Lucas.Charlotte@AvonWalk.org.

In being both a participant and partner of and to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, I will say that each person at the office is warm, caring and is completely dedicated to helping walkers achieve their goals to make the Avon Walk a success. For many it is emotional and for many, it propels them to new levels of confidence and a massive sense of accomplishment.

Event follow-ups from the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Great Start Party and Karaoke at LOFT 1523 will be posted in the next 24 hours - Stay tuned!

I like to go out as much as anyone; Sometimes I am out more than the average bear and/or more than anyone should go out, but that is all in a day’s work. Many places I go out to are high intensity, cannot hear yourself think, crowded venues, which are great for some nights but in reality, I am all about places I can chill, throw some back, and enjoy the group I came with and undoubtedly, pick up some new friends along the way.

Tempo Charlotte is one of those places.

I attended the Special Ed event on February 13th (yes, this BLOG is INCREDIBLY late) and admittedly, it was my first time at Tempo and I truly didn’t know what to expect. Regardless, I am sure if I would have had expectations, they would have been exceeded.

Walking into the actual club from the entrance area, you are welcomed to a large dance floor, with a vast stage and a separate DJ booth. There is ample, intimate seating and a VIP area; two full bars and a few pool tables. What I loved was that the space is open and spacious and as well, really comfortable and inviting. One of the coolest parts for me was the large outdoor space that is had which can fit well over 200 people where there is another stage and an outdoor bar. Now, since I was there in February and it was extremely cold (listen to the Wisconsin girl bitch about cold weather), it was non-functioning but I am really excited to visit during the spring and summer months when I can only imagine how live it must get!

Around 11 p.m. is when Tempo picks up and gets pumpin’, which is typical at many venues and unfortunately, I had to leave to go to another venue before the concert even started. In reality, I didn’t want to leave because I really cannot relay how comfortable and at ease I was at Tempo and am still astonished by the friendly nature of EVERY person I encountered - From patrons to staff. When I walked up to random tables and asked what patrons thought about the location, I was invited to sit down at each table and got into conversations with almost everyone. That may not seem like much but really, when a random chick walks up to you and asks you about why you are where you are and what you think of it, you would be surprised of the bitchiness I sometimes encounter; especially when girls think I am using my job to run game on their boyfriend (that is ALWAYS interesting…). While I asked for the positives and negatives of Tempo, there was not one bad thing that anyone could say. The describing words that I was told was friendly, sexy, upscale, chill, fun, intimate, exciting, and relaxing.

One thing I blatantly noticed? Maybe it was just the night I was there but it was extremely female dominated - Where are you at fellas?!

So here are the basics that you need to know about Tempo:

1. Tempo is located at 4809 Wilkinson Blvd - Right next to Coyote Joes. I know; Wilkinson Blvd. doesn’t always have the best reputation for safety but rest assured, I never once felt scared, nervous, etc. and there is great on-site security. Plus, this section is notoriously bad.
2. Tempo is open Friday night through Sunday night.
3. Check your drama at the door because Tempo is not a drama-filled hang-out (should anywhere be really?) and serves to a grown-up and mature crowd. There are stipulations to dress, so make sure to check Tempo’s website before you come to make sure you are in check.

In conclusion - If you like enjoying drinks specials, celebrating the weekend, and like having fun, I highly suggest you make Tempo your Friday night destination for Flirtacious Fridays this Friday. (Note this event is every other Friday starting with this Friday, March 5th) Check out the flyer below and see why you need to come out for 1-2-3-4-5 night. $1 domestics? Yeah, I am pretty much diggin’ that… Please note that for Friday you need to be 25+.

P.S. - I was so impressed with the locale, I am working through ideas to host an event at Tempo sometime in the summer or fall. If you know me, that says a lot.

Transmission Fields – A View from Within
Band Profile by Jay Garrigan | Brought to you by Guest Blogger Mike Rumph

Sometimes, the right people are already in your life - you admire each other’s music and become friends outside the music scene, but the same people who enter your life may not be in your band… yet.

This certainly seems to be the evolutionary story of Transmission Fields, a band born out of the songs of Lee Neitzel and realized within the entranced rhythmic musings of Jason Perkins, the grinding rock bass of Jason Weiss, the aural perfection of Neil Hunter’s guitar riffs, and the sonic wizardry of keyboardist/guitarist Jay Garrigan.

The members of Transmission Fields paths’ first crossed when Lee Neitzel moved to Charlotte in 2004 from the harsh edges of the Chicago music scene, where the musical landscape proved to be both highly competitive and opportunistic. After relocating to Charlotte, Lee began writing songs and playing acoustically in a music scene that seemed to be both communal and inviting.

Lee soon met Jay Garrigan one night as the latter’s band, Poprocket, was promoting a show by playing a quick three-song set at a Charlotte bar. After hearing the first riff, Lee became a Poprocket fan and the two struck up an ongoing friendship based on a mutual admiration of each others’ songwriting. Ironically - since Lee and Jay were the first two members of the band to meet - Jay was the last to join Transmission Fields primarily playing atmospheric parts on vintage moog synthesizers and baritone guitars.

Lee Neitzel then met drummer Jason Perkins while shooting photos of The Situationals, a local Charlotte rock outfit. Lee quickly formed a band called Lee Neitzel & The Black Sea with Jason Perkins on drums for an opening slot on a show Jay Garrigan had put together to support his own solo work. Both bands were short-lived, but afterward Lee Neitzel began to seek out potential band members who were interested in forming an atmospheric indie pop band and weren’t afraid to experiment in sounds. Perkins - a blazing hot rock drummer with a rhythmic ability steeped in finesse - was an automatic natural fit.

Jason Perkins then suggested to Lee that his bandmate (as they were then both in the post-rock band, Holster), bassist Jason Weiss, fill out the low end. Transmission Fields - for all intents and purposes - was thus borne. Soon after, the band put together their first record “Words, Numbers and Phonetic Sounds” to much local and some regional critical acclaim.

Six guitar players later the band met guitarist Neil Hunter via an ad on Craigslist. Neil’s exacting tones and technical expertise on the guitar made him a perfect fit for Transmission Fields. Both Lee and the Jasons agree that it seemed that Neil Hunter was a member of the band from the very first time they played together.

Transmission Fields is now very happy to find a home in Spectra Records, a strong indie label with a global reach and nurturing artist environment. While Transmission Fields collectively feel a bit like rookies outside of our home of Charlotte, NC, we feel we have tremendous potential and have been given an opportunity of a lifetime! We’ve already begun to bust our collective asses, and while we have no idea or clue about the façade of money or fame, we really are excited that more people will get to hear our music – which to us is really the whole point of joining Spectra Records – we’re very eager to share our music and performances. Look for us and see what we are doing at transmissionfields.com.

Check them out on YouTube:

If you follow my personal Facebook, you know that I have a love affair going on with Chad Ocho Cinco of the Cincinnati Bengals – (Hang with me; this does have something to do about Valentine’s Day). He, hands down, is one of the most dynamic people I have come across in a long time; he is absolutely hilarious, fun to observe, doesn’t care what people think, and has a smile that makes me weak…

Until last week.

I witnessed him whine (which is an understatement) on his UStream about being single and lonely, (as well as complaining about being hungry and having no food in his house, that it was raining and he didn’t want to go to McDonald’s and get wet, and that his smoke detector battery was out) which instigated some feelings in me – I am single this Valentine’s Day, too, but what good is it for me to complain and be sad – Is it really that big of a deal?

The debate will continue – I have learned that there is absolutely, positively, without a shadow of doubt no common ground when it comes to Valentine’s Day, so the best option is to play the fence. So, this blog is for everyone – The lovers, the haters, the hopeless romantics, and the people who just like reading my shenanigans and writing. We have some sweetness, mixed in with misery loves company, with a dash of survival of 2/14/10 while being single.

Like my ‘What We Know For Sure About Nightlife’ blog, I reached out to my friends, clients, associates, partners, social media rock stars, my mom, and pretty much everyone in my path to weigh in on three questions:

1. What is the sweetest thing your significant other did for you on Valentine’s Day or any other day?
2. What is the worst thing your significant other did for/to you on Valentine’s Day or any other day?
3. What are your tips for surviving Valentine’s Day being single?

PS – Referring to the last ‘What We Know for Sure About…’ blog, no matter how much you beg, plead, try to blackmail me or pay me, I am not giving up who said what – Sorry and yes, that did happen. Well, I did throw myself under the bus (read below) and my mom (also read below), but that is it. Again, some initials have been changed to protect identities because some of the stories are well, pretty personal and no, before you ask, I am not going to tell you what ones are fake initials.

TheSWEETNESS

I have to say last year when my girlfriend didn’t get pissed about me working on Valentine’s Day was sweet. That is why she is still my girlfriend. That is night life ladies – It never stops. – SR

Last semester, I was working a full-time job and going to school full-time and didn’t have time for much else. My boyfriend and I were supposed to have plans one night but I overslept our date. After sleeping for 13 hours straight and realizing what I did, I jumped out of bed and called him to apologize. When I dialed his number, I heard his phone ring downstairs. He had cleaned my whole house and was in the process of making me breakfast. - KA

This is something my friend’s boyfriend did for her. Remember back in grade school when you would decorate a shoebox as the mailbox for Valentine’s Day and everyone would drop their Valentines in for you? Well, he decorated a small box for her and left in on the coffee table in the living room and every day for two weeks, he dropped in little cards/gifts/flowers and on Valentine’s Day, he put in an engagement ring. It’s hard to top that in cuteness. – SI

There is no Valentine’s Day for me because every day I love my wife. She has given me 3 gorgeous children and the support and love that men dream of. – DK

I had the flu a few months ago and am a stay at home mom with a 3 year old and newborn. My husband took 4 days of a work and ran the entire house – Cooked, cleaned, took care of the kids and me, so I could recover quickly. - NF

My husband is the quintessential blue collar guy who has never qualified as romantic or sweet, but last year he surprised me by making me dinner and asking me to marry him again. - SC

Last year I went out for a surprise and we ended up at the Mint Museum for The Warhol exhibit. Very surprising. Flowers. Then to Longhorn for my favorite food – Steak! - AS

I was working and couldn’t spend Valentine’s with my girlfriend and since it was our first Valentine’s Day, I wanted to make it special but couldn’t. She surprised me by flying in to where I was to spend time with me and concocted the whole plan with my crew. I am a man and yes, I cried. I ended up messing up things really bad but now you all are very lucky to have her. - TW

My boyfriend shaved an ‘R’ in his chest hair to be cute and funny! - RS

One morning I woke up to my girlfriend staring at me. It sounds creepy but when I opened my eyes she said something along the lines of ‘I am the luckiest girl in the world to be able to wake up another day next to you’. - ZT

The best Valentines was being in high school, waiting to see if you would get a carnation sent to you… That anticipation was the best… When it was still innocent and this old woman wasn’t jaded… –KH

The best would probably be getting the ‘Back to the Future’ collection on DVD (I friggin’ love those movies) and the best I did bake chocolate covered strawberries and cookies. – JH

My best Valentine’s Day was spent dateless with my single buddies at the strip club. – RD

Last year, my girlfriend made me a scrapbook of our relationship so far from pictures, receipts of places we have gone, and writings of our inside jokes. This Valentine’s Day I am doing something like that for her. The first page says ‘I want to spend the rest of my life with you’ and inside the pocket on the back of that page, I put her engagement ring. I hope she doesn’t know this is me. - JJ

TheNASTINESS

My ex-boyfriend proposed to me on Valentine’s Day and it was the best feeling I have had in my life! Until I read the inscription on the engagement ring, ‘The rest of our lives, Emily’. My name is starts with a ‘S’. He gave me a recycle engagement ring. – SE

My ex turned out to be a mastermind player and told me he was spending Valentine’s Day with his parents, so I decided to join my single friends for dinner. Just as we sat down, I saw my boyfriend walk in with another girl who was not his mom. He didn’t notice me the entire dinner, so I decided to send him and his girlfriend dessert on me and told the server to tell him ‘Thank you for making this easy on me’. I am not sure what was said, but I did see her throw the dessert at him and dump wine over his head. That was the best $20 I ever spent! – MS

I planned a semi-quiet Valentine’s Day for my ex because of the big plan I set up and the money spent on her. When she came to my house and I told her what I had planned, she stormed out and broke up with me because she expected to get engaged and do something where she would be the center of attention. Too bad because I arranged with her work to give her a week off so on the 15th we could leave for New Zealand and I was going to propose there. - SG

My boyfriend broke up with the day before Valentine’s Day with no reason given. His friend later told me that he broke up with me because he didn’t want to put the effort in to provide me with a good Valentine’s Day. - JN

My flight was delayed coming back from a business trip on Valentine’s Day due to weather. I left a message at my girlfriend’s house and cell phone telling her about my status and that I would be about 2 hours late and told her how sorry I was, but our plans were still on but just pushed back. She carved ‘I don’t buy excuses’ on my front door and spray painted ‘I hate you’ on my driveway. - TM

I would have to say the worst Valentine’s I had was when a ex-girlfriend didn’t show up for dinner. She had stopped by to put my flowers and card at the front door in a bag but shortly after, she called and told me to read my email and then she hung up . The email said she wanted to break up because she had feelings for her roommate and felt she needed to tell him. She told him and he denied her, but after that his girlfriend didn’t trust him living with her so he moved. – JD

My girlfriend told me to meet her at a restaurant at 630pm for dinner that she made reservations at, so I thought I would come early and do a little decorating with flowers around our private lounge area and table. I got there at 6pm and found her tanked at the bar making out with another dude, who she told me was her ‘modeling manager’. – PM

My buddy set me up on a blind date with this girl on Valentine’s Day – He said beyond a shadow of doubt, we would be the real deal. He was wrong because when I met her at the bar for drinks, she drank to excess over her ex-boyfriend breaking up with her and when I walked her out the cab the bartender called for her, she threw up all over me. She brought no cash or credit cards with her, so I got stuck with her cab fare and her bar tab. - GJ

TheADVICE

Valentine’s Day for singles – Get a friend or small group of friends together who also share being single with you and celebrate your love for each other by doing your own version of Valentine’s Day. For example, going out to dinner, watching a movie, going out for drinks! Valentine’s Day is the best day to find other singles out that is for sure. As long as you are with someone special in your life, no matter who it is, mother, sister, father, brother, be grateful that you have someone to love and someone who loves you back and you are not alone! Make the best out of what you do have, rather than dwelling on what you don’t have. And half of the time you don’t even know if every couple out there is truly happy in their relationship. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. – DD

Get wasted at The Bartender’s Ball. - HJ

I’m convinced that drinking on Valentine’s Day just opens you up to a greater risk of contracting an STD. There’s that pressure to hook up so you don’t feel lonely and if you’re all liquored up… Well, you get the picture… – KH

Go out with friends! Do not sit at home feeling sorry for yourself…You deserve to have a good night, too! There is no need to make it an “Anti-Valentines” night, instead, just have a fun night out with friends. - LC

I always tried not make it the stereotypical pity fest that you see in the movies. I would just invite friends over (guys included) for the “Lonely Dish Dinner” where everyone had to bring a dish to pair up with wine so it wouldn’t be lonely anymore. We would then eat, drink and have fun. Actually, there were some relationships that came out of the dinners. – SI

Treat yourself to something… anything…special. Something you normally wouldn’t do and enjoy your alone time or “me” time! - AH

It’s better to be alone and love yourself than to be in an unhealthy relationship. Valentine’s Day is for people who are single and looking to get laid… When you’re married it is a perfunctory holiday card or whatever that really doesn’t mean much… Valentines is best when you are truly in love and still trying to woo that person… I think it carries more meaning before you get married. There is less expectation… – KH

Suggestions on a good Valentine’s day when single would be to do something nice with a close friend of the same or opposite sex. Even if you don’t have a significant other you can still have a good time with a friend who also is single. So take them out to dinner, go to a movie, go ice skating, plan a nice movie night, just do something fun so you aren’t by yourself. – JH

Vodka. – NC

Chick flicks. Ice cream. Wine. Take-out. – CC

As a single, my suggestion for making it through the day (year after year) is to start with Bloody Mary’s at about 10:00 am, head into the trusty Bud Light at about 2:00 pm, and then hit the martinis at about 8:00 pm. Works every year. –BBB

Straight from Kim’s Mom:

Not sure how to classify this… Could be good or bad? Since it is my mom, I think I can call her out a little bit and I will pay the personal repercussions later…

Yes, one year your father gave me a red tool box for Valentine’s Day.

Straight from Kim:

In the last collaborative blog, I hid my answers; but not so much this time because I got called out… BAD… by several of you who said that I wasn’t brave enough to share my answers – Oh, contraire!

Sweetest Thing: I was dating someone who was on the road for most of the year for his job – Wednesday through Sunday/Monday. Not pleasant. After not being able to see him for 3 weeks, much less talk, it started taking a toll on us. One morning, we had a big conversation about taking a break until we were in a place where we could dedicate more time to each other. We decided to work it out in our minds, sleep on it, and talk the following evening. The next afternoon, I received an overnighted envelope and inside, I found a letter from him and a bunch of Post-It’s, napkins, receipts – Anything in his path he could apparently write on. He was so upset about the thought of ending our relationship that for the rest of the day, he wrote out all the most random things he loved about me, missed about me, and wanted for our future.

Worst Thing: Finding out I was being cheated on by my boyfriend… By his 3 other girlfriends who found out about each other and me. He had us all in his phone under code names and figured out all of our schedules and how he could hang out with us all living in different cities but in the same area – One of the girls cracked the code. I found out he didn’t work because some of his ‘girlfriends’ provided him with money and he lived at home with his parents, though he told me his parents were living with him until their new house was built. He of course denied it to me, said that I was the best girlfriend he ever had, how he wanted so much to make things work (blah, blah, blah) and when I denied him, he slung out some of the nastiest comments I have ever heard. Karma came to him in the end – One girlfriend who ridiculously bought him a brand new Saleen Mustang, asked him to take it in for ‘work’ – The work was a brand new paint job, rims, and several body-kit upgrades totaling over $10,000. She put the name on the account as him and he was left to foot the bill. Last I heard, he is still living with his parents (and now in his mid-30s) and is still unemployed. (Word to the Wise: DON’T cheat - No matter how slick you think you are, people WILL find out!)

Tips for Singles: At the end of the day, if being single is your biggest obstacle – You are in good shape because things can be much worse. I know; it’s tough and there isn’t a worse feeling than being lonely. Know that there are MILLIONS of people who are feeling like you. Don’t give up and don’t stop looking for Mr./Ms. Right. I firmly believe all the dating BS (which is A LOT) will be worth it when I find that someone special and someday, I will be able to laugh about the past and realize it was just the journey so I will know when things are real. You never know when you are going to meet someone, so be optimistic. Lastly, I have gotten burned more times that I care to count or remember but one thing I don’t do is take my past relationship issues into a new relationship. So, if you are single and still fuming over an ex’s actions, know before you can get involved again, you need to get over your past and forgive. A new relationship doesn’t deserve your pasts issues.

So, that is it! Like this series of blogs - I know many of you do! Keep sending your feedback to kim@704events.com.

The tragedy in Haiti has shocked the world, created a renewed sense of community service and dedication and Charlotte, an ever giving and loving city, is not exempt from the support. Over the next few weeks, I am going to highlight a few of the local businesses that are taking action and donating to relief efforts, which will inevitably be continuing for years to come. One glimmer of hope - Within this hour, a victim of the earthquake was rescued. Severely dehydrated but alive. Can you imagine? Being trapped for nearly a month - Praying and hoping to be rescued? This is what it is all about and a testament to never give up and to never lose faith - No matter what.

If a local business you know is contributing to the Haiti Disaster Relief, please email kim@704events.com with the information regarding efforts. I will continue to add to this blog entry with additional information that is sent to me.

Urbana Cityspa & Teabar - Updated - February 8th, 2010

Urbana Cityspa & Teabar, the massage spa and teabar located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Huntersville, North Carolina, announces Hearts & Hands Helping Haiti. Urbana’s Valentine-month fundraiser aims to contribute to Haitian relief efforts in the aftermath of January’s devastating earthquake. It will run throughout February, culminating in a March donation to Partners in Health.

“Valentine’s month is a special time at Urbana, and we would like to give a portion of our gift card sales – a Valentine – to this group, which has a 20-year track record of helping Haitians. Our staff has been touched by the recent news and wants to give something back to people who so desperately need every bit of assistance that can be provided,” says Urbana’s president, Nancy Goodwin.

Since the late 1980s, Partners in Health has operated clinics, alleviated disease, monitored health conditions, taken mobile health care to residents in the poorest areas of Haiti and created programs to provide housing, food and clean water. The group has long-standing affiliations with Harvard Medical School, and its efforts now extend to 12 countries. Staff members in Boston and Haiti currently are working to coordinate relief efforts in Haiti, using the skills of doctors, nurses and community health workers on the ground there.”

In February, Urbana will take 10% off the purchase amount of any gift card of $50 or more with the mention of Hearts & Hands Helping Haiti. Urbana will also donate 5% of the sales to Partners in Health, allocated for Haitian relief.

For more information or to purchase a gift card that is usable toward massage or for premium teas that can be shipped nationwide, call Urbana Cityspa & Teabar at 704.710.8000. To learn more about Partners in Health or to donate directly to the organization, go to www.pih.org.

There is not hotter topic of conversation right now than health care. Regardless of your political views, you have to admit there are some serious flaws in our health care system and that there is a vast number of people who are underserved and have illnesses that go untreated due to lack of money and lack of insurance.

Community Health Services is changing that and have been providing preventive health care for children and adults with limited means in Charlotte since 1955. Community Health Services provides affordable, accessible and high quality health care for those that are uninsured, underinsured or lacking access to health care.

Last night, was Community Health Services Casino Night at the Extravaganza Depot, which was presented by the Community Health Services Young Professionals. It was an opportunity to fundraise to strengthen our community, while enjoying drinks, food and of course, play-money gambling for some amazing prizes!

704events.com was a sponsor at last night’s event and I am proud to say that the turnout was great! Walking in, I noticed the crowd was very jovial, upbeat, and fun. And wow, there were some serious gamblers but with the grand prize being a week long trip trip anywhere in the world, who can blame them! I am not sure how much money was raised, but I will give you an update as soon as I find out.

If you would like to donate your time or donate financially to Community Health Services or just to learn more, please contact Rachel Smith at (704) 248-3712 or email rachel.smith@chs-nc.org.

A little off topic but relevant, I do have to say that the decorating that Extravaganza Depot did for the event was absolutely phenomenal! You can see some of the decorating in the pictures but it really isn’t done justice. Definitely a venue to keep in mind for events you may host!

Here are a few action shots from last night’s festivities:

Movies are one of the great American loves and past times - To me, they give us a way to escape, laugh, cry, think, debate, evoke passion, and get educated. Though my close friends will know I am a work in progress with movies (I haven’t seen the Goonies, It’s a Wonderful Life, Star Wars, etc.), I am actively trying to get back in the game.

I spent my Tuesday night at Mez and the EpiCentre Theatres for the media night of the upcoming Oscar Night America - Charlotte. You may be wondering why a media night would kick-off a month before the actual event, but yesterday was significant as the Academy Award nominations were announced yesterday and gauging by the talk on my Twitter page and Facebook page, there is quite the uproar that The Hangover was left out.

My evening was very mild, which is beyond appreciated. I took my rented Brad Pitt (a.k.a. my friend, Lucas) where in typical ‘Kim and Lucas fashion’, we held up the bar and made friends pre-movie. The drinks - Awesome and the appetizers, equally stellar (the Marghertia pizza and Mez Shrimp Cakes were definitely our favorites and come highly suggested).

While there, I had a chance to catch up with Mark Mathis of FOX Charlotte and caught up about our newly formed partnership; which we are both incredibly excited about! He gave some great ideas of how we can effectively partner together by incorporating more video between us and doing more presentations of upcoming local events and happenings through FOX News Rising. If you have additional ideas, please email them to kim@704events.com.

The EpiCentre Theatre’s are truly amazing and instead of getting into a long, flowery explanation, which I am notorious for, I will give you to the point details in why the EpiCentre Theatres are awesome and could revolutionize your movie going experience:

1. You can bring in food from Mez to nosh on during the movie.
2. Soda is an option but how about some drinks? Yes sir - Head to the bar before the movie and get a drink and refill if needed at the bar.
3. The seats are very comfy and spacious - Your right arm rest includes a small table and a giving cup holder.
4. Our movie was slighted to start at 7:10 and the actual movie began at 7:15. EpiCentre Theatres cut out the pre-movie advertisements.
5. After 7 p.m., the EpiCentre Theatres move to 21 and over.
6. You can purchase tickets online a week in advance and you can chose your seats, both online and at the door. There is VIP seating ($12/ticket) and General Admission seating ($9/ticket)

We saw, Up in the Air, starring George Clooney, which still has me in deep thought. I am definitely no Roger Ebert but I can tell you I really enjoyed the movie. It will make you think, make you grateful for what you have, and will teach you about living the life you want. Guys - This is NOT a chick flick. Don’t get me wrong…

So, are you ready for the real thing?

On Sunday, March 7th, the Oscar Night in America - Charlotte event kicks off at Mez from 7:00 p.m. until after the Oscars are over and is just like the actual Oscars with celebrities, great food, exotic drinks, and swag bags and including a silent auction. The Oscars will be shown on a live feed in HD straight from Hollywood in the EpiCentre Theatres - No interruptions.

Dress-code? Red carpet glamor (channel your inner Brangelina!) Tickets are $75 per person. There are VIP table’s for 10 available for $1,000 and you can also sweeten the deal and get a private VIP, which is a roped-off, lounge area with personal drink service for $1,500.

For tickets, please call 704.777.4842 or visit www.onacharlotte.org

Please note that this is the ONLY party in town that is sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.

Oscar Night in America directly benefits United Family Services’ programs and it’s shelter for battered women.

In closing; a note to Mark Mathis: The part of Up in the Air you gave me a head’s up on? Draw-dropper. You were right; when it happened, I knew and it still hasn’t left my mind…