THE MOGUL GROUP

Miller Lite and The Gidewon Foundation Present "Goodness to Greatness" MLK Holiday Celebration 1.16.2012

2012-01-03T20:08:00.004-05:00

Miller Lite and The Gidewon Foundation Present

"Goodness to Greatness"

MLK Holiday Celebration 1.16.2012

RSVP: www.thegarnercircle.com/goodnesstogreatness

#MLKgreatness

Attire:Business Chic

Your Invited: MLK Youth Empowerment Summit and Health Festival (Jan. 7th)

2011-12-29T09:36:00.004-05:00

Image via Wikipedia

On Saturday, January 7th, 9:00am– 4:00pm The King Center (449 Auburn Ave.) will host their annual King Youth Empowerment Summit and Health Festival which includes a host of wonderful activities for the entire family. Come out and enjoy FREE entertainment, FREE health screenings, FREE workshops and much much more!

Celebrating the 26th Anniversary of the National Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday in 2012!
THEME: Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Mission Still to Fulfill

Join us for the King Holiday Observance WEEK, January 7 - 16, 2012

Keri Hilson, Chris Tucker, Akon, Gucci Mane and More Come Out to Devyne Stephens This Christmas Holiday Party

2011-12-23T12:21:00.002-05:00

Devyne Stephens 4th Annual “This Christmas” Celebration Closes the Holiday Season on a Fabulous Note

(Atlanta, GA, December 23, 2011) -- Noted philanthropist and entertainment mogul, Devyne Stephens and a host of his celebrity friends toasted the holiday with the biggest charity event of the season on Thursday night at the historical Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta, GA. The highly anticipated 4th annual “This Christmas” celebration was true to form the biggest Christmas event of the 2011 holiday season. Known for being one of the most talked about events of the year “This Christmas” paid homage to Grammy award-winning, multi-platinum producer, Polow Da Don, Vice President of Writer and Publisher Relations in Atlanta division of BMI, Catherine Brewton, basketball legend, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, and national news anchor, Monica Pearson for their commendable impact in the areas of entertainment, sports, and media. Each honoree thanked Stephens for the nomination and commended him on the great community efforts of his Devyne Intervention foundation.

Thursday night’s black tie gala exceeded expectations welcoming a host of celebrities, politicians, tastemakers and key influencers to an indulgent holiday extravaganza, including a lavish cocktail reception and star-studded awards ceremony. Jack Sawyer and Lovette Russell served as Master and Mistress of Ceremony with Martin Luther King III and actress/director Jasmine Guy presenting as well. Stephens himself made a surprise announcement regarding his upcoming partnership with the Woodruff Arts Center. “Our foundation is dedicated to helping youth express themselves through music and various genres of art, so it was a great opportunity for us to work with the Woodruff Arts Center. I’m excited to collaborate with the Woodruff Art Center on the first African American art gallery in the city,” Stephens says.

Noted celebrity and executive guests for the 2011 “This Christmas” charity gala included: Chris Tucker, Keri Hilson, Gucci Mane, Akon, Mayor Kasim Reed, Dallas Austin, Cynthia Bailey and Peter Thomas (RHOA) , comedian Rodney Perry, actress/singer Demetria McKinney, America’s Next Top Model finalist Dominique Reighard, super producer Jazze Pha, Olympic medalist Elana Meyers, rap artist Diamond, Brandi D (formerly of Blaque), rapper Young Dro, Princess (formerly of Crime Mob), Bernard Bronner, Lisa Wu-Hartwell (formerly RHOA), V-103’s Kenny Burns and Baby Yu, Dr. William Torres, Bill and Cindy Voyles and many more.

Proceeds for the 4thannual “This Christmas” were donated to Devyne Intervention. Under the leadership of founder Devyne Stephens, the foundation works to inspire and support the positive development of youth through the power of music.

Photo Credit: Prince Williams of ATLPics.net

Kandi Koated Spades App Tops iTunes Charts

2011-12-21T13:29:00.000-05:00

Kandi Koated Spades App Tops iTunes Charts

Thousands have purchased and made Kandi's Spades App a consistent Top 10 iTunes card app

ATLANTA, December 21, 2011 - Just in time for Christmas, Kandi Burruss (hit songwriter from The Real Housewivesof Atlanta) introduces the perfect holiday gift "Kandi Koated Spades" App.

Since its launch, Kandi's spades app has attracted a record breaking audience in the African- Amercian gaming community. Kandi Koated Spades remains in the Top 10 of all paid card games in iTunes for the past 2 weeks, with Uno ranking #1.

Top 10 iPhone Card Game

Launching as the the first multi-player iPhone game targeted to African-American community, developed by urban gaming company Konsole Kingz, Kandi Spades has familar features like "Reneg," "Deuces Wild," and "Jokers" and also has a chat feature.

Available now in the iTunes Apps Store for downloa. One can gift (by iTune) to family and friends with iPhone and iPads.

Download Kandi Koated Spades here in iTunes:

http://kkspad.es/qWsdfR

For more info on game, visit: http://www.kandikoatedspades.com
Download game here in iTunes: http://kkspad.es/qWsdfR

About Konsole Kingz

KONSOLE KINGZ (KKZ) has emerged as leaders of the urban video gaming space. The company focuses on a unique combination of promotions, event planning, gaming tournaments,viral marketing, and editorial pieces to connect with and understand the urban gamer.

Ludacris & Jonas Jennings Coats for Christmas-Event

2011-12-21T02:00:00.000-05:00

Ludacris and former NFL Star Jonas Jennings give the gift of warmth for Christmas

Nearly 300 children received winter coats, hats, gloves, scarves and earmuffs just in time for Christmas, thanks to Grammy-winning rapper/actor Ludacris and NFL star Jonas Jennings. Children of all ages attended the Coats for Christmas event, hosted by the College Park Housing Authority in College Park, GA. The recreational room at the Rhunette Lindsay Senior Complex & Jack Longino Senior Mid-Rise Buildings was transformed into a Winter Wonderland with Santa's elves, life-sized Christmas characters, a popcorn machine and the famous OMG photo booth. Youth ages 0-18 were treated to dinner (food & beverages), soulful Christmas music, arts and crafts and had the opportunity to take pictures with Ludacris and Jennings.

The 2012 edition of Coats for Christmas was a collaborative effort between the Ludacris Foundation and Jonas Jennings. "I have always believed that charity begins at home. This is where I grew up," Jennings explained when asked about his choice to focus on the College Park community. Ludacris took time out to thank the media for covering a positive event. "We appreciate you covering this event because it allows us to show others the positive things we're doing in the community, which allows us to lead by example," Ludacris said.

The event marked a ten year anniversary for the Ludacris foundation serving the Atlanta community.

Pictures courtesy of Prince William/atlpics.net

About the Ludacris Foundation:

Founded in 2001 by multi-platinum selling, GRAMMY® award winning artist and actor, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, The Ludacris Foundation (TLF), is a 501c3 non-profit organization that serves as Ludacris’ vision to help youth help themselves. TLF has been named one of the top twenty "Leading Philanthropy Foundations" by Black Enterprise magazine and featured in The Robb Report, as well as The Chronicles of Philanthropy. TLF focuses on core principles of: spirituality, communication, education, leadership, goal setting, physical activity and community service.

About Jonas Jennings: Jonas D. Jennings is an eight year, NFL veteran who recently retired from the National Football League. Born and raised in College Park, GA, Jennings attended Tri Cities High School, where he made a name for himself in sports and academically. In 1995, Jennings was selected to the AJC top 50 in Georgia and was the honorable mention All-State pick. He graduated from the University of Georgia before being recruited to the NFL. Jennings has consistently served as an advocate for the community donating over $150,000 to schools, organizations and the underserved in College Park, GA.

DeVyne Stephens Presents "This Christmas" Annual Gala @ The Woodruff Arts Center on 12/22/2011

2011-12-20T13:42:00.000-05:00

Devyne Stephens "This Christmas" Holiday Gala benefiting Devyne Intervention Foundation.

This year the annual gala will honor four influential figures that have made a huge impact in the areas of entertainment, sports, and media. Honorees include Grammy award-winning, multi-platinum producer, Polow Da Don; basketball legend, Julius “Dr. J” Erving; and national news anchor, Monica Pearson; and Vice President of Writer and Publisher Relations in Atlanta division of BMI, Catherine Brewton.

Event Details:

Thursday, December 22, 2011 - Devyne Stephens "This Christmas" Holiday Gala

Dress Code: Black Tie

Location: The Woodruff Arts Center Galleria | 1280 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30309

We encourage to tweet about the event

using the hash tag #ThisChristmas

BREAKING NEWS - Gaddafi killed as Libya's revolt claims hometown

2011-10-20T08:53:00.002-04:00

Gaddafi killed as Libya's revolt claims hometown
8:52am EDT
By Rania El Gamal and Tim Gaynor
SIRTE, Libya (Reuters) - Former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi died of wounds suffered on Thursday as fighters battling to complete an eight-month-old uprising against his rule overran his hometown Sirte, Libya's interim rulers said.
His killing, which came swiftly after his capture near Sirte, is the most dramatic single development in the Arab Spring revolts that have unseated rulers in Egypt and Tunisia and threatened the grip on power of the leaders of Syria and Yemen.
"He (Gaddafi) was also hit in his head," National Transitional Council official Abdel Majid Mlegta told Reuters. "There was a lot of firing against his group and he died."
Mlegta told Reuters earlier that Gaddafi, who was in his late 60s, was captured and wounded in both legs at dawn on Thursday as he tried to flee in a convoy which NATO warplanes attacked. He said he had been taken away by an ambulance.
There was no independent confirmation of his remarks.
An anti-Gaddafi fighter said Gaddafi had been found hiding in a hole in the ground and had said "Don't shoot, don't shoot" to the men who grabbed him.
His capture followed within minutes of the fall of Sirte, a development that extinguished the last significant resistance by forces loyal to the deposed leader.
The capture of Sirte and the death of Gaddafi means Libya's ruling NTC should now begin the task of forging a new democratic system which it had said it would get under way after the city, built as a showpiece for Gaddafi's rule, had fallen.
Gaddafi, wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of ordering the killing of civilians, was toppled by rebel forces on August 23 after 42 years of one-man rule over the oil-producing North African state.
NTC fighters hoisted the red, black and green national flag above a large utilities building in the center of a newly-captured Sirte neighborhood and celebratory gunfire broke out among their ecstatic and relieved comrades.
Hundreds of NTC troops had surrounded the Mediterranean coastal town for weeks in a chaotic struggle that killed and wounded scores of the besieging forces and an unknown number of defenders.
NTC fighters said there were a large number of corpses inside the last redoubts of the Gaddafi troops. It was not immediately possible to verify that information.
(Writing by Jon Hemming and William Maclean; Editing by Mark Heinrich)

credit - Reuters http://reut.rs/pvpYYt

DEVELOPING: Conflicting reports emerged on Thursday that Libyan strongman Muammar Qaddafi has been captured or killed.

"Qaddafi is dead. He is absolutely dead ... he was shot in both legs and in the head. The body will be arriving in Misrata soon," media spokesman Abdullah Berrassali told Sky News.

Libyan TV channel Libya lil Ahrar, meanwhile, said the ousted dictator was in custody.

The Transitional National Council's UK spokesman, Mahmoud Nacua, warned that there was "not enough information" to confirm Qaddafi's capture, and a former TNC spokesman in Britain, Guma al Gamati told Sky News that "this is not confirmed."

Sirte -- Qaddafi's hometown and the last bastion of his supporters -- was the last holdout against TNC forces. The town's capture, which both military officials and new regime political sources said was expected later Thursday, would pave the way for the TNC to officially take control of Libya and move its headquarters away from its Benghazi stronghold in the east to the capital, Tripoli.

White House officials are monitoring the developing reports, but are unable to confirm the status of the former Libyan leader.

Libyan fighters captured Sirte Thursday, two months after the fall of Tripoli.

Reports of Qaddafi's capture follow Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's visit to Libya Tuesday. She said in Tripoli that she hoped Qaddafi would be captured or killed.

Spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said Thursday the State Department has been unable to confirm the reports about Qaddafi.

Col. Roland Lavoie, spokesman for NATO's operational headquarters in Naples, Italy, said the alliance's aircraft Thursday morning struck two vehicles of pro-Qaddafi forces "which were part of a larger group maneuvering in the vicinity of Sirte."

NATO officials, speaking on condition of anonymity in accordance to alliance rules, said the alliance also could not independently confirm whether Qaddafi was killed or captured however.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/10/20/muammar-qaddafi-captured-in-libya-commander-says/print#ixzz1bKHhOp1A

BREAKING NEWS - Steve Jobs Resigns as CEO of Apple

2011-08-24T18:53:00.003-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

Title says it all. More to come. For now, the letter:

To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:
I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.
I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.
As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.
I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.
I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.
Steve
credit - techcrunch
CUPERTINO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Apple’s Board of Directors today announced that Steve Jobs has resigned as Chief Executive Officer, and the Board has named Tim Cook, previously Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, as the company’s new CEO. Jobs has been elected Chairman of the Board and Cook will join the Board, effective immediately.
“Steve’s extraordinary vision and leadership saved Apple and guided it to its position as the world’s most innovative and valuable technology company,” said Art Levinson, Chairman of Genentech, on behalf of Apple's Board. “Steve has made countless contributions to Apple’s success, and he has attracted and inspired Apple’s immensely creative employees and world class executive team. In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Steve will continue to serve Apple with his unique insights, creativity and inspiration.”
“The Board has complete confidence that Tim is the right person to be our next CEO,” added Levinson. “Tim’s 13 years of service to Apple have been marked by outstanding performance, and he has demonstrated remarkable talent and sound judgment in everything he does.”
Jobs submitted his resignation to the Board today and strongly recommended that the Board implement its succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO.
As COO, Cook was previously responsible for all of the company’s worldwide sales and operations, including end-to-end management of Apple’s supply chain, sales activities, and service and support in all markets and countries. He also headed Apple’s Macintosh division and played a key role in the continued development of strategic reseller and supplier relationships, ensuring flexibility in response to an increasingly demanding marketplace.
Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced iPad 2 which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.
credit - yahoo

Grand Opening - The Green Room - Terri J. Vaughn, Roger Bobb, Shannon K. Nash and Adonal Foyle Open The Green Room With Help From Angie Stone & more

2011-08-22T18:53:00.004-04:00

Actress Terri J. Vaughn, best known for her role as teacher Lovita Jenkins on The Steve Harvey Show, along with Business Manager and Attorney Shannon K. Nash, Film Producer Roger Bobb and retired NBA Player Adonal Foyle (not pictured) have opened The Green Room, a specialty theatrical bookstore and performance space nestled in the Buckhead section of Atlanta, also known as SoBu (South Buckhead). The opening was celebrated with their spouses and Vaughn’s mother and sister, as well as a whole slew of musicians and actors.

A number of A-list celebrities walked the green carpet to the Green Room, including Jasmine Guy, Angie Stone and Malinda Williams.

Tommy Ford and Clifton Powell catching up.

Angie Stone sang Wish I Didn’t Miss You Anymore and Brotha with the help of JaQuitta Willams of CBS Atlanta and Diamond Stone, her daughter.

3 members of Soul 4 Real brought us back to the ’90s with Candy Rain and Every Little Thing I Do.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed showed up and gave a few words.

Anthony David also blessed the mic.

The Green Room offers performers, newcomers and experienced, the opportunity to have a relaxed spot to network with other artists as well as enhance their craft. To check it out, head to 25-D Bennett Street, Atlanta, GA. For more pictures from the event visit Freddy.com

credit - www.freddy.com

ONE Musicfest Announces Chrisette Michele, The Cool Kids & Anoop Densi to perform!

2011-08-17T07:02:00.008-04:00

ONE Musicfest is pleased to announce Chrisette Michele, The Cool Kids and Anoop Densi to perform.

This line up is a music lovers heaven...

Chrisette Michele

The Pharcyde

The Cool Kids

The Foreign Exchange

Anthony David

Tortured Soul

Anoop Densi

Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest with Special Guests

and married with Park Tavern's Annual Crab & Shrimp Fest...

:: Saturday August 27th, 2011 ::

Park Tavern // Piedmont Park

www.onemusicfest.com

And featuring...

Doors at 12pm

Performances begin at 1pm SHARP

More information and details can be found online at www.onemusicfest.com

Group Discount Ticket Packages Available for parties of 10 or more people. If you are interested in purchasing group discount tickets for 10 or more people, please call us at (800)-793-9040.

Hashtag: #onemusicfest

ONE Music Fest Highlights

Over twelve hours of non-stop Music

Multiple DJ Stations

Special Guest DJs

Multiple Local Bands

Crab & Shrimp Festival Infusion

The 80 Proof Video Confession Booth

X Box Gaming Station

Mixologist Lesson - "The Art of a Cocktail"

Live Art Installation

Give Aways & Contest

Massage Chairs

Henna Artists

OMG Picture Booth

Real Time Big Screen Twitter Boards

Atlanta's biggest Tweet Up Event ....and more

TICKET PRICES WILL INCREASE NEXT WEEK. RESERVE YOUR TICKETS TODAY

Single Ladies Trailer

2011-06-01T10:08:00.000-04:00

Single Ladies Trailer: "Check out VH1's new comedic drama series produced by Queen Latifah that asks the question what do women really want in a relationship?"

Hello Moguls,

Tell us your feelins about the new show. I want to know what you like or disliked about the show.

Where to party in the A

2011-06-01T09:41:00.004-04:00

As we all know there are many places to party in the A. But we want to hear your honest assessment of where do the A listers go. What is the dress code, what is the line like? We will be attending different parties and sending links of real time footage at these different events straight to our blogsite. We want you to post pictures and live footage as well. Give us ur feedback. We will be taking the clips and reviewing them to find out who really getz it N!

Hotel Restaurant Week, April 2 – 9 Atlanta, GA

2011-03-31T11:26:00.004-04:00

Hotel Restaurant Week will celebrate its first annual week-long evening dining event. The event is geared toward attracting diners to hotel restaurants – a great dining option with a number of great Atlanta hotels to choose from. During Hotel restaurant week there are no passes to buy or coupons to carry – diners simply make a reservation at the hotel restaurant of their choice and select from a special three (3) course dinner menu for $25, plus tip and tax. You can see the menu here.

Participating Restaurants are:

Au Pied de Cochon
Lobby
Room
Spice Market
Paces 88
Livingston
BLT
Park 75
eleven

I’m really excited about the menus at Livingston and Park 75. Livingston is giving you a choice of Trout, Short Ribs, Shrimp Ravioli or Smoked Pork. By the way, I just had some of those Short Ribs a couple weeks ago and they are divine! I also love that you have a choice of wine or dessert as part of the three courses. So, if you aren’t a sweets person, you could totally enjoy a glass of wine instead.

I’ve had the pleasure of a brunching at Park 75 and it was one damn fine brunch, so I can only imagine how good dinner would be. If you go, don’t miss the Panzanella salad complete with roof top basil pesto. Yes, they actually grow their own herbs on the roof top. I had a tour of their roof top and it is quite amazing. See pic below of Chef Robert showing us his honey stash on the roof top. The Lamb tenderloin with Morroccan cous cous sounds wonderful as well. And, their house made doughnuts (lemon meringue? yes please pics below) are not to be missed.

credit - atlanta-restaurantblog.com

YouTube Video of the Day: Twin Children Discuss Important Matter in Utter Gibberish

2011-03-30T16:02:00.003-04:00

Image via CrunchBase

by Brenna Ehrlich

Although I’m generally of the opinion that children don’t really count as real people, the boys in this video appear to be having a conversation of great importance.

Buzzfeed is already out with an amazing interpretation of the above video, which imagines the sibling spawn discussing the escape of the Bronx Zoo cobra.

Let us know your translations in the comments. Here’s one YouTube commenter’s interpretation: “Get away from me you clone! You stole my sock!”

Can you do better?

credit - mashable

6 Common Email Marketing Mistakes Small Businesses Make

2011-03-30T08:54:00.000-04:00

by Todd Wasserman

If email seems a little old school to you, you’re right. Email turns 40 this year, and it’s being outpaced by texting, instant messaging and Facebook messaging. As Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg pointed out last year, email is too much of a “cognitive load” for younger people.

Yet you probably haven’t given up your Gmail account yet, have you? That’s because, despite the stigma of being a middle-aged technology, email is still useful and universally accepted. In fact, those who make a living from email marketing say there’s never been a better time to do what they do.

“Email marketing is getting more exciting because of some of the things you’re able to do with it,” says Chip House, vice president of relationship marketing at ExactTarget, “because of the ability to bake in social sharing. You can follow me on Facebook or tweet about this.”

For small businesses, email still represents a cheap, effective way to establish or maintain a relationship with clients. But there’s the rub. While the medium is fairly neutral-to-positive, the content has the power to either attract or repel. So before you hit “send” on your next batch email newsletters, take heed of these six common email marketing mistakes.

1. Emailing Without Permission

Getting an email newsletter that you didn’t sign up for feels like an invasion of privacy. As House notes, small businesses often start their email marketing campaigns by buying a list and then hitting everyone on that list. “There’s probably not a worse thing you can do,” he says. “You get started off on the wrong foot, and people expect to start receiving spam from you.” The moral? Don’t take shortcuts (even expensive ones). Build up your list organically by having an opt-in form on your website or, if you have a brick-and-mortar business, using a sign-up sheet.

2. Having Ineffective or Irrelevant Subject and “From” Lines

You can’t guarantee that someone will open your email, but a good way to make it unlikely that they’ll open it is to use a boring subject line. Mark Schmulen, a general manager at Constant Contact, says a subject line should promise short, digestable information that is likely to be of interest. One example: “2 Things Facebook Can Do to Help Your Business.” The reader only has to worry about reading two things and, if the email is properly targeted, there’s a good chance he’ll click through to see what it’s about.

The “from” lines are also important. Schmulen points out that few people are likely to open an email if they don’t recognize the sender. Plus, make sure you use an email address that uses your company’s domain — a Gmail or Yahoo address is a tip-off that the company is small-time, he says.

3. Blasting Irrelevant Content

Make sure your emails are relevant to the audience you’re blasting them to. Suppose you have a family and you signed up to get email from a travel firm. If you get a few emails with information about singles vacations, it’s not only going to be irrelevant to your needs, but it’s likely to sour you on the company, too. At that point, Schmulen says, “even if the fourth one is for families, you’re already checked out.”

4. Not Looking at the Numbers

You just sent out a batch of emails — any idea how many were opened? How many bounced back? If you don’t have that information, you’re operating in a vacuum and have no way to determine if the program is a success. Make sure you’re analyzing and comparing the numbers, which can help you get the most out of future email blasts. Metrics can provide useful information to boost email marketing efficacy, including the best day and time to send the email, the most effective subject lines and the content that most resonates with your audience.

5. Having No Purpose

According to Schmulen, many people start an email marketing program with only a vague notion about why they’re doing it. “They haven’t really thought about what their true goals are or what’s in it for the subscriber,” he says. So what are your goals? To educate? To start a dialogue? To inform your consumers of news and events in the industry? Having a purpose will dictate your content, so figure it out before you start typing.

6. Providing No Entry for Dialogue

House says that a good email is like a good tweet or a good blog entry — if people like it, they will pass it around. So to maximize the chances that your message will be shared, write provocative and interesting content. And don’t be afraid to ask your readers for their own content. “It’s important to state your point of view,” House says, “but you should ask readers to share their thoughts, too.” A good conversation sparked by an email marketing campaign can easily go online and manifest on Twitter and Facebook.

credit - mashable

Amazon Cloud Player Lets You Play Your Music From Anywhere

2011-03-29T10:27:00.001-04:00

Amazon has just entered the streaming music business with the launch of Cloud Player, a music player that lets anyone upload their music to Amazon’s servers and play them via the web or Android.

The new Cloud Player service adds a new “Save to Amazon Cloud Drive” button for saving MP3s to the cloud, as well as an option to upload music from a hard drive to a user’s Cloud Drive. Users are given 5 GB of free storage but can get 20 GB if they purchase an album through Amazon. It’s $1 per GB after that.

Cloud Player comes in two flavors: an app for the web and an Android app counterpart. Both players allow users to upload their music, create playlists and organize their music. And because it’s a cloud-based platform, users can access their music and settings from any compatible computer or Android device.

The most comparable service to Cloud Drive is probably Grooveshark, which also lets you upload your music, though Amazon has several major advantages in its MP3 store, its longstanding payment system and its stronger brand recognition.

Google and Apple have been rumored to be hard at work on their own cloud-based players, but it looks like Amazon beat them to the punch. Amazon’s Cloud Player will certainly face stiff competition when Google and Apple launch their own streaming music services, especially given Google’s control over Android and Apple’s control over iPhone and iTunes.

credit - mashable

20 Essential Online Resources for Finding New Music

2011-03-28T16:16:00.001-04:00

Back in the oft-mentioned “day,” we only had the radio and helpful record store clerks to satiate our musical hunger pangs. Now we have the entirety of the web.

Still, with this veritable diner menu of choices (read: overstuffed), it can be hard to find what one is looking for, impelling one to perhaps choose whatever is safest and most familiar, rather than seeking out something new, and perhaps, more delectable.

Luckily for you, oh consumer of tunes, there are scads of music discovery services out there, just waiting to help you make a more adventurous decision. In fact, according to a new survey from Orpheus Media Research, 54% of music lovers surveyed have used such a service.

Mashable has gone ahead and assembled an impressive menu below of such services, one that’s sure to satisfy both casual diners and gluttons alike. Check them out and then let us know what jams you discover.

1. Get Curated

If you’re the kind of person whose every decision needs to be backed up by fact and research, it may be best to turn to an expert when it comes to seeking out new music. Luckily for you, there are tons of people out there whose job it is to tell you what to listen to.

First of all, there are the institutions. MTV recently launched a new site called Hive that centers entirely around music. (Yes, we hear you commenters, “MTV doesn’t play music anymore” – just calm down for a second and read.) Featuring artist interviews and new online video programming (including the resurrection of 120 Minutes as 120 Seconds), as well as new elements such as MTV’s music discovery tool, the Music Meter, Hive is meant to be a resource for music fans.

Spin magazine is also taking steps to become a more modern resource for music fans — via a new integration with “Pandora for music blogs,” Shuffler.fm, which lets readers listen to all the music on the site while surfing, as well as a slick new iPad app [iTunes link], which also allows you to read and listen at the same time.

Outside of the confines of old media reborn, there are also tons of web-only solutions for music discovery. Epitonic — one of the first curated MP3 resources — recently relaunched, bursting with handpicked jams, reentering a space that now includes the iconic Hype Machine, as well as RCRD LBL, a site and daily newsletter featuring free music, and MySpoonful, which bills itself as “DailyCandy for Indie Music.”

RCRD LBL also just recently kicked up its content a notch by partnering with artist-to-fan site Topspin to offer the yet-to-be-launched RCRD Deals, which will bring Gilt-like, music-related deals to RCRD LBL’s newsletter.

Add these sites to your Google Reader and subscribe to these newsletters for a daily shot of expert opinion.

2. Hunt and Gather

If you’re not down to take someone else’s advice when it comes to your musical taste, there are also sites out there that replicate the record shop experience, allowing you to comb through the racks to find your new favorite band.

First of all, there’s We Are Hunted (to which MTV’s Music Meter bears a resemblance). This site allows you to surf through an online, listenable music chart of up-and-coming acts to build your own charts that you can share with friends and other music lovers. The site also has a “Discover” tool, which helps you find new music based on what you like and dislike on the site. (We Are Hunted also recently released an iPhone app called Pocket Hipster [iTunes link], which uses The Echo Nest’s API to comb through your musical library and suggest new tunes.)

Similar to We Are Hunted is TheSixtyOne, a “music adventure” that crowdsources content from independent musicians and presents the visitor with a stream of songs (featuring artist info) that he can then “heart,” comment on, share and even download.

One can also create playlists sorted by mood (mellow, happy, rocky, smooth), as well as follow friends. TheSixtyOne is in no way a passive music-listening experience, but one that will draw you in and captivate you for a goodly amount of time. The creators also have an iPad app — Aweditorum [iTunes link] — that replicates the searching and digging experience of visiting TheSixtyOne.

So, music lovers, block out an afternoon or evening and start hunting and gathering tunes — all from the safety and relative isolation of your computer chair. All that’s missing is the judgmental clerk scoffing at your decision to buy that record.

3. Listen To Your Friends

Some of us have friends who have rad musical taste, some of us have friends who like Justin Bieber — for those of you in the first category, read on, because there are myriad ways your friends can help you find tunes.

Music subscription service Rdio is the most top-of-mind choice for those us who want to tap into the musical brain of our compatriots. The service allows users to follow friends and trusted influences, and to check out their collections of cached and listened-to jams.

For those of us who are a bit skint when it comes to cash (Rdio costs $4.99 per month on the web, and $9.99 per month on mobile), there’s also Blip.fm, a service that allows you to be a “DJ” of sorts — and to follow other DJs — and share music to social streams like Facebook and Twitter.

And there are even more options for those light on cash: Disrupt.fm is a much more startup-y, indie site that requires you to share a song on Facebook before downloading it for free, and then there’s mFlow, a “Twitter meets iTunes” that allows you to share music to your social streams, and rewards you with credits to acquire music when friends purchase songs you share.

For those of your who prefer a bit of a more “lean-back” deal, online radio service (and Y-Combinator startup) Earbits also makes it super easy to share music with friends. With an interface similar to TheSixtyOne’s pleasing, image-heavy experience, users can check out music from up-and-coming (and relatively unknown) musicians via the web, iOS [iTunes link] or Android. If you like a song, you can share it with friends via Facebook chat, your Facebook wall or Twitter (on the web — mobile sharing options are more limited).

Music recognition service Shazam also recently added a layer of sharing magic with Shazam Friends, a new update [iTunes link] for the service’s iPhone, iPod touch and Android apps that lets users check out which songs their friends have discovered via the service.

Use all of these services to keep up with your pals’ musical going-ons, or, you know, ask them to make you a mixtape — depending on their level of Luddite-hood.

4. See a Show

One of the best ways to discover new music is to go see it live — opening acts can be a veritable gold mine all on their own. The web makes it super easy to track when your favorite bands are blowing through town.

Songkick, for one, is a wonderful resource. A kind of concert-going social network, Songkick lets you track favorite bands from your Last.fm, Pandora and iTunes, get email alerts when your top acts are playing near you, buy tickets to shows and create show calendars that you can export to Google calendar, Outlook or iCal.

The site also lets you share your experiences via a “Gigography,” so that you never forget that one show — you know, the one where you fell in love with that dude whose name you no longer remember?

SuperGlued is another great, concert-planning website and app that functions much like SongKick. SuperGlued’s iPhone [iTunes link] and Android apps, however, are the most useful of its suite of offerings. The apps have a feature called “Recommended” that scans your iTunes and then suggests shows to go see based on your musical tastes. That feature is extremely useful when one is trying to find a show to go to on Saturday night, but one has no idea who’s playing.

Armed with these apps, there’s really no reason to toil away in a realm of mundanity, listening to that one song on repeat. Download, bookmark and subscribe — your ear, and your neighbors, will thank you.

credit - mashable

Send/Receive Files Between iPhone, iPad, iPod touch & Any Other Device Over Bluetooth With Celeste [Jailbreak]

2011-03-24T14:21:00.002-04:00

Image via CrunchBase

By Taimur Asad

The wait is finally over! The much talked about app for transferring files between iOS devices is here at last! Dubbed as Celeste, it allows iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users to send and receive files via Bluetooth from just about any handset, be it Nokia, BlackBerry, Sony Ericsson, or even your Mac/PC.

Celeste brings the long-awaited missing feature to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.

Send and receive songs, photos, contacts, and more. Celeste works with any Bluetooth transfer-capable device, and integrates perfectly with your built-in iOS applications.

Just like magic.

You will, of course, need to have a jailbroken iPhone or iPod touch to install it. Follow our step by step guide posted here to jailbreak your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch with Redsn0w on iOS 4.2.1 (or untethered with GreenPois0n RC5), or with Limera1n on iOS 4.1, or with PwnageTool on iOS 4.3 (Sn0wbreeze if you are on Windows) if you haven’t already.

You can head on over to Cydia and try it for yourself. Celeste is available for $9.99 via the ModMyi repo (Requires iOS 4.2 and over).

Check out our iPhone Apps Gallery and iPad Apps Gallery to explore more apps for your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

credit - redmond pie & iclarified

Google Doodle Celebrates Harry Houdini’s 137th Birthday

2011-03-24T11:15:00.002-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

Google is today celebrating what would be the 137th birthday of legendary illusionist Harry Houdini with a doodle similar to the posters that announced Houdini’s magic acts.

Houdini was born as Erik Weisz in Budapest, Hungary in 1874, but his family moved to Wisconsin shortly thereafter. Houdini started out as an illusionist and a circus act at a very early age, but he gained notoriety for his escape acts, in which he was able to escape handcuffs, shackles, chains and straightjackets.

Perhaps the most well-known Houdini stunt was his escape from the Chinese Water Torture Cell, in which he would escape a water tank while suspended upside down and shackled, while holding his breath for 3 minutes. The exact nature of Houdini’s torture cell and the way in which he escaped is still a mystery.

Houdini died due to complications after a ruptured appendix in 1926. His name is still synonymous with escaping from extremely tough situations.

credit - mashable

The Steed Society, Inc. Presents - Female Success Factor Panel & Meet & Greet 03.26.11

2011-03-23T19:03:00.003-04:00

The Steed Society Inc., in Conjunction With Rolling Out Magazine, Presents Female Success Factor

Atlanta - In honor of National Women's History Month, the Steed Society Inc. and rolling out present Female Success Factor: A Celebration of Successful Women Living Their Dreams. Female Success Factor will feature a dynamic group of female entrepreneurs, corporate executives, entertainers and innovators who will set the stage for a day of inspiration, motivation and intimate panel conversation on Saturday, March 26, 2011, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Atlanta History Center.

This free seminar attracts participants and attendees from the corporate, civic, literary, media, independent and academic worlds to discuss professional growth and personal empowerment as it pertains to women. Female Success Factor sets the stage for panelists and guests to be open and honest about their particular paths to success, sharing the challenges and triumphs of their rise through the ranks, insight into how they stay focused and motivated, the skills and lessons they have found most valuable, and goals that still lay ahead. Moderated by Steed Media Group's senior vice president of strategy and development, Yvette Caslin; and urban lifestyle blogger Tammie Reed, TV host of Talking with Tami, the Female Success Factor experience guarantees that attendees will find revelation, kinship and courage in the journey of this dynamic ensemble of powerful women.

The program will address the skill sets and strategies utilized by women who are successfully navigating today's professional landscape. The topics will include:

The Journey to Success and Purpose
Redefining Success and Balance for the Whole Woman (working mom, business woman, wife, etc.)
Being Respected and Demanding Respect as a Female
The Value of Serving as an Example of a Successful Woman

The Steed Society Inc. is dedicated to ensuring the continued growth of our community by providing meaningful and inspirational programming. We don't want you to miss these representatives of the greatness that exists among women in particular, and throughout the business world as a whole. Join the Steed Society Inc., rolling out magazine and a plethora of some of this city's truly successful women for Female Success Factor: A Celebration of Successful Women Living Their Dreams on Saturday, March 26, 2011, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Atlanta History Center located at 130 West Paces Ferry Rd, Atlanta.

Special thanks to African Pride's "My Pride. My Way" campaign, GlamBar Salon, So Taste-T Cupcake Bar, and the Steed Society Inc. To join the conversation the Twitter handle is @RollingOut, the event's hashtag is #FemaleSuccess, Facebook is /FemaleSuccessFactor and the website is www.FemaleSuccessFactor.com.

TO RSVP FOR THIS FREE EVENT:

femalesuccessfactor.eventbrite.com

Media Contact:

The Garner Circle PR

Pr@TheGarnerCircle.com

-or-

Daniel@TheGarnerCircle.com

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Friday, March 25, 2011: Female Success Factor - E.I.T. (Entrepreneurs in Training) stops by the campus of Spelman College from noon to 4 p.m.
Saturday, March 26, 2011: Female Success Factor partners with African Pride's "My Pride. My Way" campaign for Cupcakes and Conversation, where Female Success Factor attendees can talk one-on-one with a featured panelist, network and join in the viral conversation. Cupcakes and Conversation will serve as a prelude to the panel and will take place at The Atlanta History Center from 11:00 a.m. to noon.
Saturday, March 26, 2011: Female Success Factor: A Celebration of Successful Women Living Their Dreams panel discussion and Q&A from noon to 4 p.m. There will be giveaways intermittently and a light fare will be served following the panel sessions.

|| 2011 Female Success Factor Panelist||

Charlene Bastien - National Marketing Director, Strength of Nature Global, LLC
Ebony Steele - syndicated radio personality, Rickey Smiley Morning Show
Kaira Akita - comedic actress (Tyler Perry/ BET), style + brand strategist, and community leader
Marcia Paige - Corporate Advertising Director, Moroch
Nicole Garner - Founder & President, The Garner Circle PR & The Garner Brand
Shanti Das - CEO, Press Reset Entertainment, former EVP of Urban Marketing at Universal Motown Records & Author of THE HIP-HOP PROFESSIONAL: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO CLIMBING THE LADDER OF SUCCESS IN THE ENTERTAINMENT
Sheri Riley, Founder & Chief Partnership Sraegist of GLUE Inc
Stacey Key - President and Chief Executive Officer, Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council
Terrinee Briggs - Attorney at Law, CEO Collective Renaissance Guild

ABOUT THE STEED SOCIETY, INC.

The Steed Society, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to empower the community through motivational, educational, and cultural initiatives. Female Success Factor is a Steed Society Initiative.

SIGNATURE FEMALE SUCCESS FACTOR EVENTS:

Female Success Factor Seminar

Top 25 Women Awards

High Heels in High Places: a High Tea Series

ABOUT ROLLING OUT MAGAZINE/MEDIA

Rolling out, the nation's largest free urban weekly, is a digital and print magazine that focuses on the black experience in response to entertainment, politics, fashion, culture, sports and lifestyle points of interest. Headquartered in Atlanta, rolling out is positioned as the voice for the African American experience, using its newspaper as a platform in the marketplace to express urgency in reform for education, finances, entrepreneurial endeavors, and other issues prevalent in the Diaspora. For information on rolling out, please log on to www.rollingout.com.

[SPECIAL THANKS]

TASTE-T CAFE

CUPCAKES

[PREVIOUS FSFs]

Quick Links...

www.FemaleSuccessFactor.com

facebook.com/FemaleSuccessFaco

T: @RollingOut

Grand Opening of FlyKix ATL

2011-03-23T18:56:00.001-04:00

Date: Saturday March 26, 2011

Address:
275 Peters St SW Ste A
Atlanta, Georgia 30313

[INFOGRAPHIC] The iPhone 5 Rumor Roundup

2011-03-23T02:16:00.000-04:00

By Taimur Asad

Folks at NoWhereElse have produced a very nice looking infographic that illustrates all the rumors and possibilities for the next-generation iPhone 5.

An all new design? 4-inch display? Dual-Core CPUs? iOS 5? HDMI output? NFC? LTE? Well we will have to wait for WWDC 2011 in June to find out exactly what are the folks in Cupertino up to this time around. Personally, I would love to get one in white!

credit - redmond pie

Mogul Men - Ensure You Keep Getting Some

2011-03-22T09:23:00.003-04:00

MANSaver

An app that remembers all the relationship milestones that matter, and that don't

Even when a man is in a happy relationship, it can be difficult to remember all the important dates, the forgetting of which makes it likely you'll be left with nothing but your palms. Let your phone handle all the remembering, with MANsaver.

Designed to keep you in your lady's good graces against all odds, MANsaver’s an app that saves you from what they term Often Forgetting Important Relational Dates Syndrome, by alerting you to all "key relationship milestones", which’s also great advice if you buy your gf a car, and she breaks up with you. Start by saying if you’re married or just dating, plus when you started seeing each other, and it'll instantly generate a calendar and fire you notices five days in advance of love-minded holidays ranging from critical (V-Day) to lesser-known brownie point-scorers like "Cuddle Up Day" and "Letter Writing Day" -- the one day she'll allow you to get some mail bonding. You'll also be alerted to personal benchmarks, from your first month together, to such shameful cheesiness as 111, 333, 777, and even 1,234 days together, at which point it's probably time to pop Wilson the Volleyball, and build a raft.

MS’ll also put extra effort into your faux-romanticism by using its “suggested text” function, which offers syrupy messages to go along with your date reminders, such as "If hugs were leaves, I will give you a tree", although once she figures out you didn't even write such beautiful poetry on your own, you'll be getting some of her palm, too.

MANsaver from April Vickers on Vimeo.

Enter Your Relationship Status + Start Date

It's dead simple. Just enter those 2 pieces of info...and watch MANsaver do the heavy lifting for you. No need to log lots of calendar events or phone reminders. Your wife or girlfriend will soon be singing the praises of your incredible knack for being sentimental.

See Every Potential Anniversary, Holiday & Milestone

The app auto-generates every imaginable anniversary, holiday and relationship milestone. You know all of those crazy "100 days of dating" and "3 months of marriage" dates that girls seem to pull out of thin air...well MANsaver has you covered even on those.

Push Notifications + Sentimental Text Message Drafts

You'll make Romeo look like a chump! Every relational date comes with push notification reminders 5 days before as well as the day of. In addition to that, MANsaver hooks you up with sentimental text message drafts, creative date scenarios and sweet gift ideas.

MAN Saver does the heavy lifting for you. Sawing timber, domesticating lions and scaling Everest vicariously are more important things for men to be doing than trying to constantly remember their plethora of relational dates.

Get saved immediately at MANsaver.com

AT&T Acquires T-Mobile US For $39 Billion

2011-03-20T16:59:00.001-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

AT&T, the second largest mobile provider in the United States has announced they intend to purchase T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom for a staggering $39 billion worth of cash and stock options.

The German Telco had been looking to offload the American arm of T-Mobile for a while now, and while many thought Sprint would be the likely purchasers, AT&T has struck a deal. With existing T-Mobile frequencies being compatible with those of AT&T (GSM), the purchase makes more sense than any involvement with Sprint, who’s current network runs on the CDMA standard.

The deal is expected to be completed in the next 12 months with us all wondering what this means for a US cellular market which is already short on competition.

Full (super-long) press release below.

DALLAS, TEXAS AND BONN, GERMANY — March 20, 2011— AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) and Deutsche Telekom AG (FWB: DT) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which AT&T will acquire T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom in a cash-and-stock transaction currently valued at approximately $39 billion. The agreement has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies.

AT&T’s acquisition of T-Mobile USA provides an optimal combination of network assets to add capacity sooner than any alternative, and it provides an opportunity to improve network quality in the near term for both companies’ customers. In addition, it provides a fast, efficient and certain solution to the impending exhaustion of wireless spectrum in some markets, which limits both companies’ ability to meet the ongoing explosive demand for mobile broadband.

With this transaction, AT&T commits to a significant expansion of robust 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) deployment to 95 percent of the U.S. population to reach an additional 46.5 million Americans beyond current plans – including rural communities and small towns. This helps achieve the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and President Obama’s goals to connect “every part of America to the digital age.” T-Mobile USA does not have a clear path to delivering LTE.

“This transaction represents a major commitment to strengthen and expand critical infrastructure for our nation’s future,” said Randall Stephenson, AT&T Chairman and CEO. “It will improve network quality, and it will bring advanced LTE capabilities to more than 294 million people. Mobile broadband networks drive economic opportunity everywhere, and they enable the expanding high-tech ecosystem that includes device makers, cloud and content providers, app developers, customers, and more. During the past few years, America’s high-tech industry has delivered innovation at unprecedented speed, and this combination will accelerate its continued growth.”

Stephenson continued, “This transaction delivers significant customer, shareowner and public benefits that are available at this level only from the combination of these two companies with complementary network technologies, spectrum positions and operations. We are confident in our ability to execute a seamless integration, and with additional spectrum and network capabilities, we can better meet our customers’ current demands, build for the future and help achieve the President’s goals for a high-speed, wirelessly connected America.”

Deutsche Telekom Chairman and CEO René Obermann said, “After evaluating strategic options for T-Mobile USA, I am confident that AT&T is the best partner for our customers, shareholders and the mobile broadband ecosystem. Our common network technology makes this a logical combination and provides an efficient path to gaining the spectrum and network assets needed to provide T-Mobile customers with 4G LTE and the best devices. Also, the transaction returns significant value to Deutsche Telekom shareholders and allows us to retain exposure to the U.S. market.”

As part of the transaction, Deutsche Telekom will receive an equity stake in AT&T that, based on the terms of the agreement, would give Deutsche Telekom an ownership interest in AT&T of approximately 8 percent. A Deutsche Telekom representative will join the AT&T Board of Directors.

Competition and Pricing
The U.S. wireless industry is one of the most fiercely competitive markets in the world and will remain so after this deal. The U.S. is one of the few countries in the world where a large majority of consumers can choose from five or more wireless providers in their local market. For example, in 18 of the top 20 U.S. local markets, there are five or more providers. Local market competition is escalating among larger carriers, low-cost carriers and several regional wireless players with nationwide service plans. This intense competition is only increasing with the build-out of new 4G networks and the emergence of new market entrants.

The competitiveness of the market has directly benefited consumers. A 2010 report from the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) states the overall average price (adjusted for inflation) for wireless services declined 50 percent from 1999 to 2009, during a period which saw five major wireless mergers.

Addresses wireless spectrum challenges facing AT&T, T-Mobile USA, their customers, and U.S. policymakers
This transaction quickly provides the spectrum and network efficiencies necessary for AT&T to address impending spectrum exhaust in key markets driven by the exponential growth in mobile broadband traffic on its network. AT&T’s mobile data traffic grew 8,000 percent over the past four years and by 2015 it is expected to be eight to 10 times what it was in 2010. Put another way, all of the mobile traffic volume AT&T carried during 2010 is estimated to be carried in just the first six to seven weeks of 2015. Because AT&T has led the U.S. in smartphones, tablets and e-readers – and as a result, mobile broadband – it requires additional spectrum before new spectrum will become available. In the long term, the entire industry will need additional spectrum to address the explosive growth in demand for mobile broadband.

Improves service quality for U.S. wireless customers
AT&T and T-Mobile USA customers will see service improvements – including improved voice quality – as a result of additional spectrum, increased cell tower density and broader network infrastructure. At closing, AT&T will immediately gain cell sites equivalent to what would have taken on average five years to build without the transaction, and double that in some markets. The combination will increase AT&T’s network density by approximately 30 percent in some of its most populated areas, while avoiding the need to construct additional cell towers. This transaction will increase spectrum efficiency to increase capacity and output, which not only improves service, but is also the best way to ensure competitive prices and services in a market where demand is extremely high and spectrum is in short supply.

Expands 4G LTE deployment to 95 percent of U.S. population – urban and rural areas
This transaction will directly benefit an additional 46.5 million Americans – equivalent to the combined populations of the states of New York and Texas – who will, as a result of this combination, have access to AT&T’s latest 4G LTE technology. In terms of area covered, the transaction enables 4G LTE deployment to an additional 1.2 million square miles, equivalent to 4.5 times the size of the state of Texas. Rural and smaller communities will substantially benefit from the expansion of 4G LTE deployment, increasing the competitiveness of the businesses and entrepreneurs in these areas.

Increases AT&T’s investment in the U.S.
The acquisition will increase AT&T’s infrastructure investment in the U.S. by more than $8 billion over seven years. Expansion of AT&T’s 4G LTE network is an important foundation for the next wave of innovation and growth in mobile broadband, ensuring the U.S. continues to lead the world in wireless technology and availability. It makes T-Mobile USA, currently a German-owned U.S. telecom network, part of a U.S.-based company.

An impressive, combined workforce
Bringing AT&T and T-Mobile USA together will create an impressive workforce that is best positioned to compete in today’s global economy. Post-closing, AT&T intends to tap into the significant knowledge and expertise held by employees of both AT&T and T-Mobile USA to succeed. AT&T is the only major U.S. wireless company with a union workforce, offering leading wages, benefits, training and development for employees. The combined company will continue to have a strong employee and operations base in the Seattle area.

Consistent with AT&T’s track record of value-enhancing acquisitions
AT&T has a strong track record of executing value-enhancing acquisitions and expects to create substantial value for shareholders through large, straightforward synergies with a run rate of more than $3 billion, three years after closing onward (excluding integration costs). The value of the synergies is expected to exceed the purchase price of $39 billion. Revenue synergies come from opportunities to increase smartphone penetration and data average revenue per user, with cost savings coming from network efficiencies, subscriber and support savings, reduced churn and avoided capital and spectrum expenditures.

The transaction will enhance margin potential and improve the company’s long-term revenue growth potential as it benefits from a more robust mobile broadband platform for new services.

Additional financial information
The $39 billion purchase price will include a cash payment of $25 billion with the balance to be paid using AT&T common stock, subject to adjustment. AT&T has the right to increase the cash portion of the purchase price by up to $4.2 billion with a corresponding reduction in the stock component, so long as Deutsche Telekom receives at least a 5 percent equity ownership interest in AT&T.

The number of AT&T shares issued will be based on the AT&T share price during the 30-day period prior to closing, subject to a 7.5 percent collar; there is a one-year lock-up period during which Deutsche Telekom cannot sell shares.

The cash portion of the purchase price will be financed with new debt and cash on AT&T’s balance sheet. AT&T has an 18-month commitment for a one-year unsecured bridge term facility underwritten by J.P. Morgan for $20 billion. AT&T assumes no debt from T-Mobile USA or Deutsche Telekom and continues to have a strong balance sheet.

The transaction is expected to be earnings (excluding non-cash amortization and integration costs) accretive in the third year after closing. Pro-forma for 2010, this transaction increases AT&T’s total wireless revenues from $58.5 billion to nearly $80 billion, and increases the percentage of AT&T’s total revenues from wireless, wireline data and managed services to approximately 80 percent.

This transaction will allow for sufficient cash flow to support AT&T’s dividend. AT&T has increased its dividend for 27 consecutive years, a matter decided by AT&T’s Board of Directors.

Conditions
The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals, a reverse breakup fee in certain circumstances, and other customary regulatory and other closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in approximately 12 months.

Advisors
Greenhill & Co., J.P. Morgan and Evercore Partners acted as financial advisors and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, Arnold & Porter, and Crowell & Moring provided legal advice to AT&T.

Conference Call/Webcast
On Monday, March 21, 2011, at 8 a.m. ET, AT&T Inc. will host a live video and audio webcast presentation regarding its announcement to acquire T-Mobile USA. Links to the webcast and accompanying documents will be available on AT&T’s Investor Relations website. Please log in 15 minutes ahead of time to test your browser and register for the call.

For dial-in access, please dial +1 (888) 517-2464 within the U.S. or +1 (630) 827-6816 outside the U.S. after 7:30 a.m. ET. Enter passcode 8442095# to join or ask the conference call operator for the AT&T Investor Relations event.

The webcast will be available for replay on AT&T’s Investor Relations website on March 21, 2011, starting at 12:30 p.m. ET through April 21, 2011. An archive of the conference call will also be available during this time period. To access the recording, please dial +1 (877) 870-5176 within the U.S. or +1 (858) 384-5517 outside the U.S. and enter reservation code 29362481#.

Transaction Website
For more information on the transaction, including background information and factsheets, visitwww.MobilizeEverything.com.

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T │DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available athttp://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/RSS. Or follow our news at @ATT.

About Deutsche Telekom
Deutsche Telekom is one of the world’s leading integrated telecommunications companies with around 129 million mobile customers, approximately 36 million fixed-network lines and more than 16 million broadband lines (as of December 31, 2010). The Group provides products and services for the fixed network, mobile communications, the Internet and IPTV for consumers, and ICT solutions for business customers and corporate customers. Deutsche Telekom is present in over 50 countries and has around 247,000 employees worldwide. The Group generated revenues of EUR 62.4 billion in the 2010 financial year – more than half of it outside Germany (as of December 31, 2010).

About T-Mobile USA
Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile USA, Inc. is the U.S. wireless operation of Deutsche Telekom AG. By the end of the fourth quarter of 2010, approximately 129 million mobile customers were served by the mobile communication segments of the Deutsche Telekom group – 33.7 million by T-Mobile USA – all via GSM and UMTS, the world’s most widely used digital wireless standards. Today, T-Mobile operates America’s largest 4G network, and is delivering a compelling 4G experience across a broad lineup of leading devices in more places than competing 4G services. T-Mobile USA’s innovative wireless products and services empower and enable people to stay connected and productive while mobile. Multiple independent research studies continue to rank T-Mobile USA as a leader in customer care and customer satisfaction. For more information, please visit http://www.T-Mobile.com. T-Mobile is a federally registered trademark of Deutsche Telekom AG. For further information on Deutsche Telekom, please visitwww.telekom.de/investor-relations.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. In addition to these factors, there are risks and uncertainties associated with the T-Mobile business, the pendency of the T-Mobile acquisition and the ability to realize the benefits of the integration of the T-Mobile business. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update or revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise. This news release may contain certain non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations between the non-GAAP financial measures and the GAAP financial measures are available on the company’s website at www.att.com/investor.relations.

© 2011 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.
credit - redmond pie

Here’s How Mike Tyson Will Cure Your Angry Birds Addiction

2011-03-17T10:22:00.004-04:00

On the day of the iPad 2 release, Mike Tyson looks to cure users of their Angry Birds Addiction.

iPad Release Sports Comedy Funny Parody Spoof Apple Video Game Boxing hilarious Best Animal Planet Taking on Tyson Kevin Wildes Mike Heavyweight

How to Replace Your Wallet with Your Phone

2011-03-16T10:17:00.000-04:00

Kevin Purdy —

If you like your wallet, by all means, hold onto it. But if you'd like to travel lighter and worry about one less thing to remember, you can put replace most of your wallet's functionality with your phone. Here's how to switch over everything except your cash, and maybe one card.

Image via visualpun.ch.

There are already great, convenient things your phone can do to stand in for your wallet, but the future looks even better. Near Field Communication technology (NFC), built into at least one Android phone and more to come, will eventually allow your phone to handle wallet replacement even better. In the meantime, you can consolidate your membership cards, hold sensitive scraps of paper, carry photos of your loves ones, and even make money change hands, all from your phone. Here's how to slim down or entirely cast off your back-pocket leather shackles.

Discount, Club, and Membership Cards

Some stores make their membership cards mandatory, or make items nearly unaffordable if you aren't using their member cards. Rather than stuff them in your wallet or clutter your key chain, load them into an app that recreates them on your screen.

We like Key Ring for this job (available for Android, iOS, and WP7). Scan in your cards' bar codes, or type in the UPC numbers if the card is too weathered. Key Ring lists and quick-sorts your cards, which show up in a big way on your screen. You can also see coupons and discounts found for the store you're pulling up from another tab.

You might be put off by the idea of showing your phone to a clerk, or scanning it yourself. Having tried it a few times, in both (relatively old-school) Buffalo, NY, and (definitely more wired) Austin, TX, it's not as awkward as you might think—or at least just as awkward as fumbling in your wallet and trying to forcibly pry a card from a snug pocket. The key is having your rewards screen pulled up before you're at the front of a line, just as you should do with a physical card.

Install Key Ring: Android, iTunes, Windows Phone 7

Your Sensitive Data

A wallet isn't all that bad a place to keep some sensitive data—just ask security expert Bruce Schneier. If you're stashing PINs or other means of getting at your sensitive stuff, consider switching over to using secure apps on your phone instead.

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We're big fans of LastPass as an all-systems, all-browsers password solution. Less known about LastPass is its "Secure Notes feature," which stores and encrypts anything you can type behind the same barrier as your passwords. You can stash bank account information, health insurance PINs, and other data in their numerous mobile apps,. Most of those apps require a (relatively cheap) premium subscription, but non-premium members can simply browse to the LastPass mobile site to quickly pull up something they need.

If you're not keen on moving into LastPass' system, there are good stand-alone mobile solutions, too. Wallet for Android (original post) protects your passwords and other sensitive data with damn-strong AES-256 encryption, and won't give up any goods even if your phone is lost or stolen. Another app for iPhone also with the Wallet offers similar encrypted storage for credit card information, passwords, and other data you'd potentially keep in your actual wallet. In fact, it seems like searching out "wallet" and "encryption" on most any semi-smart-phone's app market should turn up an app that can give you a place to stash your secrets, provided you verify the app maker's identity.

Photos

This one's pretty easy, but it's mostly on you. If your wallet always has a quick-access photo of your wife, children, or favorite animal, your phone can have the same. On iPhones, you'll set that photo as your "lock screen," under the Wallpaper section of your Settings. If you've got more than one photo you like to show off, create an album or folder, then head into the Photos tab of your device while it's connected and synced to iTunes. Photo by Bryan Gosline.

Money

Phones can't dispense physical cash, so you'll still need that, plus at least one credit card. But if you're cool with a binder clip or something simple for carrying cash, you can still use your phone to pay your friends, perhaps for dinner tabs or wagers about, say, living without a wallet.

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The best, most universal solution is PayPal's mobile app (iPhone, Android, BlackBerry), which allows users to "bump" phones together to exchange funds. But even when bumping doesn't work—or doesn't quite feel right—sending money to a recipient is almost too easy, once you have their email address. Wing them some cash drawn from a bank account or credit card, and you're no longer in pizza debt.

Receipts

iPhone users have QuickPic as a mobile scanning solution. Still many users, on nearly any mobile OS, can turn to the ubiquitous capture application Evernote, you can use to grab pics of your receptes and sync them to a folder on your desktop or Evernote's web site. It can even use Onscreen Character Recognition (OCR) technology to make text within the receipt searchable. Handy.

Business Cards

If you happen to be talking to another likeminded, wallet-ditching smartphone user, and you both have Bump installed (Android/iPhone), you can trade contact details and other data by tapping phones. If not, consider the low-fi solution that worked for me, and people I met, during SXSW this past week: simply ask for an email and tap out a quick "Hey" message.

credit - lifehacker

African Pride "My Pride. My Way" relaunch - Watch it LIVE!

2011-03-15T16:53:00.002-04:00

Tune in Wednesday, March 16, 2011, from 7:00pm - 10:00pm to catch the much anticipated
"My Pride. My Way" African Pride Hair Care Relaunch
hosted by spokesmodel Toccara Jones and Lance Gross.

To join in the conversation the Twitter handler is @myAfricanPride ,
Twitter hashtag is #MyPrideMyWay and FaceBook is facebook.com/myafricanpride -
Stay tuned in and win prizes though out the event just like you were there!

Live TV by Ustream

TECH - iPad 2 Shortages Hit Web & Retail Stores

2011-03-15T14:08:00.001-04:00

Image via Wikipediaby Christina Warren

If you want an iPad 2, prepare to wait awhile. Strong demand online and in retail stores has led to sellouts in most locations and extended online delays for all models.

Online orders originally promised delivery in two to three days. Hours before units even became available for purchase in retail stores, the estimated shipping time surged from two to three weeks, and then to three to four weeks. As of Tuesday morning, the online Apple Store is showing a four- to five-week backlog for online orders.

In retail stores, units are few and far between, with most stores selling out. This includes retail partners like Best Buy, Walmart, Verizon and AT&T. The one exception seems to be Apple’s Austin pop-up store.

Although Apple’s temporary storefront is still drawing in the SXSW crowds, stock is being replenished — at least for the time being — on a daily basis.

After selling out of iPad 2 units Sunday, crowds gathered to wait in line before the store opened at noon Monday. At 4:45 p.m., I stepped into the store after a brief wait (only a limited number of customers are allowed inside at a time) and was able to pick up a 64 GB Wi-Fi-only iPad.

At this time, nearly five hours after opening, the store only had 64 GB units in stock, but both colors and the 3G options for Verizon and AT&T were available.

Friends in Atlanta have reported a far different experience. Best Buy stores are sold out, contrary to what the e-mail blast sent to customers said, and no one seems to know when they will be getting more in stock. The same is true for the four Apple retail store locations.

With the original iPad, the strong demand for the device forced Apple to delay its international rollout. Online availability continued to be tight through the summer. In late July, I ordered an iPad 3G that took three weeks to ship.

If the launch is any indication, Apple might be facing the same situation with the iPad 2. Apple’s channel inventory for the original iPad was below company targets until late in the middle of the first quarter (November 2010 for Apple). Reports indicate that the company has made significant investments in shoring up production of the second-generation product, however, the addition of a white color and a 3G offering for both AT&T and Verizon might mean that it will take some time for the right units to get to the right stores.

If you’re really hankering for an iPad 2 and have a few days to spare — head to Austin — I hear there’s some big music event taking place.

[via 9to5Mac]

credit - mashable

For the First Time, More People Get News Online Than From Newspapers

2011-03-15T09:08:00.001-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

The Poynter Institute, a landmark of American journalism research, has determined that as of the end of 2010, more people get their news from the Internet than from newspapers — and more ad dollars went to online outlets than to newspapers, too.

In surveys, 34% of respondents said they read news online within the past 24 hours (as opposed to 31% who favored newspapers); and a full 41% said they get most of their news online, 10% more than those who said they got most of their news from a newspaper.

And of course, the 18-to-29-year-old group overwhelmingly cast their vote with the web; 65% said the Internet was their main news source.

Poynter’s annual State of the Media report showed that the web was the second most popular source of news; local television news is still the number one source for the majority of people. Local TV also led in revenues, with digital media coming in second.

Also, online news media was the only medium that saw growth year-over-year; from radio to television to newspapers and magazines, every other medium saw a decline in audience.

In general, it can be said that text-based news audiences are dwindling. Only 40% of people in Poynter’s study said they read the news in an online or print newspaper, a 12% drop from five years ago.

Last year marks the first time online advertising outpaced newspaper advertising. The sector grew 13.9% between 2009 and 2010 to reach a $25.8 billion total. Not all of that ad spend went to online news publications; in fact, search advertising continues to dominate the online ad spend landscape.

We’ve been watching the web’s impact on journalism for quite some time — both how the Internet is affecting newsrooms and newspapers and how it’s changing the way viewers and readers get news. With many outlets beefing up their online and mobile strategies even as print sales decline, the figures from Poynter’s research are nostalgia-inducing and predictable at the same time.

After all, once The New York Times admits print’s days are numbered, it’s pretty much a long, slow and painful downward spiral to the point that the newspaper, like the vinyl record, is a relic for collectors and anachronists.

For now, though, we continue to look forward. Poynter’s research showed that almost half of Americans in a survey said they got at least some of their news on a mobile device or tablet. And as tablet makers, app makers and news outlets continue to perfect the news consumption experience on that form factor, we’ll have a whole new breed to analyze and fret over this time next year.

Image courtesy of zoetnet.

credit - mashable

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