Music, Media and Business Career Opportunities in Birmingham

RISE 2 THE TOP!
GAIN A LEVEL 2 IN PR, MARKETING AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT IN 12 DAYS!

* Are you involved in the music, entertainment or creative industries?

* Are you an aspiring singer, MC, DJ, music producer?

* Do you aspire or run your own business, music label or events?

* Are you looking for employment or getting into further education?

If so, then Rise 2 the Top! is equipped to empower and inspire your learning capabilities through its FREE part-time vocational course.

You will gain you hands on experience to put these skills into practice on your OWN project, business, idea or oneself from the assistance of creative industry professionals.

Individuals will be awarded with a level 2 qualification for completing the course and assistance in their chosen career or business.

Contact Info:

To register a place on this course go to http://www.rise2thetop.co.uk

REGISTER NOW AS SPACES ARE LIMITED!

Flawless and George Sampson Interview for StreetDance 3D the movie

One of the UK’s best dance crews Flawless being interviewed by Queen of the Crop and Sankofa Centre

George Sampson is one of the UK’s biggest dancers since winning Britain’s Got Talent 2008

Rise 2 the Top! – FREE PR, Marketing & Event Planning Course

RISE 2 THE TOP!
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES PUBLIC RELATIONS (PR), MARKETING & EVENT PLANNING PROJECT

* Are you involved in the creative industries?

* Are you an aspiring singer, MC, DJ, music producer?

* Do you aspire or run your own business, music label or events?

* Are you looking for employment or getting into further education?

If so, then Rise 2 the Top! is equipped to empower and inspire your learning capabilities through its FREE 4 week part-time practical course in PR, Marketing and Event Planning course.

Aimed at 19-24 years old Rise 2 the Top! will gain you hands on experience to put these skills into practice on your OWN project, business, idea or oneself from the assistance of creative industry professionals.

Individuals will be awarded with a certificate for completing the course.

Contact Info:

To register a place on this course call 0121 236 1817 or email rise2thetopproject@gmail.com to complete a registration form.

REGISTER NOW AS SPACES ARE LIMITED!

Course Details:

The course will consist of a series of workshops, practical seminars and guest speakers throughout May and June.

Project 1: Tuesday 4th May – Weds 26th May

Project 2: Tuesday 1st June – Weds 24th June

Time: 11am – 4:00pm

* This programme is funded by the European Social Fund

Real Deal Comedy Jam Tour ‘Valentines Special’

The Real Deal Comedy Jam TV Pilot aired on FLAVA (Sky channel 367)
FRI 19th FEB @ 9PM! SPREAD THE WORD!!

The time for lovers is nearly approaching and what better way to show them how much you love them by purchasing ticket(s) to the UK’s no.1 urban stand comedy show to share flutters of laughter together.

The first Real Deal Comedy Jam Tour for 2010 kicks off in London (Sway), Bristol (Colston Hall), Birmingham (Town Hall) and Nottingham (The Pulse), which promises to be not only a comedy show, but also an entertainment show extravaganza not to be missed!

Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment and witness a show like no other. Dont believe me? Ask the 28,000+ people who have ever seen a show or the 2million+ who have visited the website in 2009 alone.

LINE-UP:

***DREW FRASER*** – Known as the “Comedy King of New York”. Some of his many credits include ‘Def Comedy Jam’, ‘Bad Boys of Comedy and BET’s ‘Comic View’.

***ANNETTE FAGON*** – One of the UK’s finest female comediennes. Raw to the core!

***KURT METZGER*** – Star from US comedy tour ‘White Boys in the Hood’ and one of P-Diddy’s ‘Bad Boys of Comedy’.

***WAYNE ROLLINS*** – A man of many guises. You don’t know which one he’ll be.

***KAT*** – Needs no introduction. The Real Deal Comedy Jam’s no.1 host

ENTERTAINMENT:

***SMASH BRO’Z (Dance Act)*** – One of the UK’s number one street dance groups.

***QUE*** – UK RnB sensation who sold out his UK tour in 2009. Ready to sign with record label Universal.

**************Limited tickets available**************

TOUR DATES:

Thursday 11th February 2010 @ Sway, London
Tickets: From £15.00
Box office No: 0844 870 0000 | 0207 404 6114 (TheTicketSellers)
Opening Time: 7:00pm (Doors Open) Show starts 7:30pm
Address: 61-65 Great Queen St, London, WC2B 5BZ
Online booking: www.theticketsellers.co.uk / www.swaybar.co.uk

Friday 12th February 2010 @ Colston Hall, Bristol
Tickets: From £20.00 (Concession & student discount available £15.00)
Box office No: 0117 922 3686 / 0117 935 5764 (Genesis Music & Clothing)
Opening Time: 7:00pm (Doors Open) Show starts 7:30pm
Address: 13 Colston Street, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5AR
Online booking: www.colstonhall.org/boxoffice

Saturday 13th February 2010 @ Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
Tickets: From £17.50. (Concession & student discount available @ £2.50 off ticket price)
Box office No: 0844 847 2294 / 0844 870 0000 (TheTicketSellers)
Opening Time: 7:00pm (Doors Open) Show starts 7:30pm
Address: Station Street, Birmingham, B5 4DS
Online booking: www.alexandratheatre.org.uk / www.theticketsellers.co.uk

Sunday 14th February 2010 @ Nottingham Trent University Student Union, Notts
Tickets: From £15.00. (Concession & student discount available @ £10.00)
Box office No: 0115 848 6200
Opening Time: 7:00pm (Doors Open) Show starts 7:45pm
Address: Byron House, Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4GH
Online booking: www.ticketsellers.co.uk

For more info: www.realdealcomedyjam.com

It’s been a long time since I left you…..

I know, I know, I know!
A weh yuh di deh? Where have you been? What’s been crackalacking? You must be saying, or not. I know guys. I missed you too.

To be honest I’ve been extremely busy, ill, tired and lazy to even think about writing a blog. Actually, though, I wanted to still rep Michael Jackson and keep my blog of him still up there. And Nathan (Director of RDCJ) was on my case to get it done, so pressure from all angles. Anyhow, I’m back now and ready to talk about things good and bad in the entertainment world.

Well I won’t start from the past month, that’s long, and I’ve missed so much since my last blog (June ’09), so ill start from what’s been happening over the past few weeks.

I’ve got to start with the splendid and most successful Real Deal Comedy Jam (RDCJ) tour – the September tour thus far.
The RDCJ was an electrifying hit in London, Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester featuring some of the finest current and future comedians around to-date: Tony Woods, Tony Roberts, Eddie Kadi, Kevin J, and never least, Kat B.
I had so much fun, but it was very hard work making it a success. Its not all fun and games, you know. Yet I love it all the same.
So thank you all once again for those who came out to support the tour. It’s because of you why we are the UK’s no.1 urban stand-up comedy show – period!!!!
If you want to know the good, the bad and the ugly that went on the September tour read Nathan’s blog here. I won’t reveal my say on what went on ’cause what happens on tour stays on tour;)

It looks like Chris Brown is on the come back. He’s currently got a banging new single from his forthcoming album, Graffiti, featuring Lil’ Wayne called, “I Can Transform Ya,” produced by super hit beat maker Swizz Beatz.
I’m pleased he is back to what he does best. We can only wait and see if his latest offering is a hit or miss. What do you think? Do you think he can salvage his career?

As we’re on the subject of Chris Brown, you all need to check out hilarious comedian Oskamill’s YouTube channel. He has one of the best TV stations on YouTube, which has numerous video spoofs on artists, such as Chris Brown, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Lil’ Wayne and more. One of my fav’s is the spoof to Jay-Z’s song “Run This Town.” The video’s about Rihanna and crew searching for Chris. He does a great impersonation physically and vocally of Jay-Z and Kanye West down to the tee. Fu-un-nyyyy!!! Click here to watch them, and also add him to you YouTube too.

Oh, oh, oh, I’ve got to talk about Kanye West’s performance at the 2009 VMA’s, even though its timmmmmmee ago. All I want to say is if that were me the award would have been whacked on his chin. Then I’d say, “There’s your front page spread you’ve been searching for, you bitch!” Just wanted that off my chest. Lol. I love him though – musically.

So what did you all think of the MOBO’s? Is it a NO-BO-selecta or a YO-BO-selecta?
I watched it (was supposed to have been there, long story, but ill get to what I did do instead later) with a positive note for once.
Normally, I am mostly disappointed with the set-up and organisation of the event, which maybe put down to lack of support and/or possible investors strict guidelines or their interference, even though that’s no excuse, but it is what it is. Anyway, the pluses for me were the the wonderful presenting skills from Reggie Yates, lthe ocation and venue. It was a very good look coming out of London and moving to Scotland. The Scottish are the most friendly and welcoming people you’ll meet in the UK. The crowd/fans showed that.

The stage set-up was good, it added that glamour, star-studded music award factor, which it has always lacked. And… Emmmmm… I can’t think, that’s it. I felt they copied too much of other awards ceremonies, like the VMA’s and BET, when the whole idea is to be individual. Why pay someone to organise and event if all they are going to do is imitate other events. Don’t get me wrong everyone copies now and then. But there is copying ideas blatantly and copying ideas to evolve. They could have done much, much better than that. They should have called me to organise the event. I’m being serious.

Also what was up with the cheap MOBO stand and behind the scenes footage? The MOBO stand looked like they got a local primary school to conjure it up. Backstage looked like the back of a factory – cold and damp looking. It looked dry as hell. It did not have that exclusive look of, ‘I so wish I was there to hang with the acts.’ More like ‘when can we get out of here?’

The performances weren’t bad, though. I think that’s what salvaged the night, only just. My favourite of the night was Chipmunk. He is destined for BIG things. I look forward to seeing how his career progresses.

As for winners and losers, I was not pleased with some of the choices. Like JLS winning best song over Chipmunk. What!!!?? I’m not hating on them, as I am very pleased for their success and hope it continues. To me they are just good, mediocre, and not great, that’s all – my opinion. And what about Titchy Stryder and Dizzie Rascal winning nothing! Come on now! And I soooo wanted Donaeo to win something. All I will say is music industry politics. However, i am very pleased for N-Dubz. Always knew they would make it big mainstream. They just needed the bigger heads to invest in them, as they did all the real grind work themselves. They are damn hard workers and know the business side of the entertainment industry. From day dot, they wrote and produced their songs releasing it on their own label. Look who’s reaping the dividends now, eh. Keep shining guys. In fact to all UK British Black/Urban acts. C’est Magnifique!

I’ve skipped through scrutinising most of it, as I got bored and almost scared to death half way threw it. Someone please tell me what or whom the hell was that dunduss, ginger hair, twis mout (speaking in patois), presenting the Michael Jackson (R.I.P) tribute? Oh, I forgot Lie-toya Jackson. I’m not going to waste my typing time writing about what I think about her, I know you all think the same.
Besides that not bad. A good look for the event was it being aired on BBC1 and BBC3. We can only wait and see what the MOBO’s has in store for us next year.

Whilst the MOBO’s was on in Scotland, I was in Scotland too celebrating my birthday. I wanted to try something different from the norm, like partying. Been there, done that. So I was gratefully treated to a luxurious 2 day VIP spa break at the Peebles Hydro Hotel, which included each day 3 spa treatments, champagne and breakfast, lunch, 4 course meal, use of all spa facilities, etc, etc. The fresh air, the scenery and the people alone made the stay more enjoyable. Totally sublime. After my experience I felt so revitalised. I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday gift.
All I can say if you haven’t heard/been to this place, you need to go whenever you get time off. If you want the indulgence where you’ll enjoy the life of the rich, then this is the place you need to be to get away from it all. Let me know what you think if you do go.

Only 3 months to go before the year-ends. But it’s not too late to see the Real Deal Comedy Jam’s final tour of the year. That’s right, you thought we were gone, huh!? Well blaaah! we are back to put the sparkle and laughter to the festive season. The year wouldn’t have ended with a bang otherwise. Like P-Diddy says, “we wont stop, can’t stop.” This show is going to be like no other RDCJ tour before, memba I told yah! (Why do I talk slang, ‘cause anyone who knows me would laugh at me saying that. To me, it reads better when i am trying to express emphasis it what i am saying, you get me. lol).

So put in your diary and get your ticket(s) earlier for the December tour, which kicks off on Sun 27th Dec @ Colston Hall, Bristol, Mon 28th Dec @ The Town Hall, Birmingham, Tues 29th Dec @ Sway, London and hopefully in Manchester @ RNCM (date TBC).
Ill be counting down the days to the tour (81 days to be exact) and to a year I have never seen fly by so quickly. That’s why there is no time for skylarking, people. Stop talking about doing this and that. Just do it, and then you can talk it!

And on that note I’ve got to go and complete the many tasks I have for today. But before I do, take look at the photograph, not picture, below that I took from my suite at Peebles Hydro. I just had to lift my head from the pillow and that’s what I would see. Enjoy!

See you in a week or two.

Keep shining!!

My Top Choices:
GeeWee TV – interactive mobile directory. Free to register!
Black Caribbean Enterprises – Business enterprise book
A Piece of Cake Book – Book based on true story (memoir)

To keep up-to-date on Nzinga go to Queen of the Crop™ or her networking sites Twitter, Facebook, Myspace and WordPress

REAL DEAL COMEDY JAM SEPTEMBER TOUR

If you love to laugh then the only place to get it is at the Real Deal Comedy Jam tour this September!

The Real Deal Comedy Jam tour kicks off in London at Sound, then Bristol (Colston Hall), Birmingham (Alexandra Theatre) and Manchester (RNCM) for one night only!

Five of the funniest international comedians will be showcasing their talent on the evening plus much, much, more. This time around the quality will be higher……the production will be bigger making it the best Real Deal Comedy Jam thus far!!!

100% guaranteed night of hard hitting stand-up comedy from the production team nominated for the ‘Best Production 2009′ by the Urban Comedy Awards (UCA).

Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment and witness yet another achingly funny show not to be missed!

The show will be featuring the following comedians:

New Kid on the block ***Kevin J*** – Star from MTV Base ‘Kojo’s Comedy Funhouse’.

African sensation ***Eddie Kadi*** – UK award winning comedian.

US Comedian ***David Arnold*** – Star comedian from the latest Def Comedy Jam series.

US Comedian ***Tony Woods*** - Legendary comedian from Def Comedy Jam & P-Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy.

Hosted by the Real Deal Comedy Jam crowd favourite ***Kat B*** (Back by popular demand).

**************Limited tickets available**************

TOUR DATES

Wednesday 2nd September 2009 @ Sound, London

Tickets: From £15.00 (Concession & student discount available)

Box office No: 0844 870 0000 / 07944 343 641

Opening Time: 7:30pm (Doors Open) Show starts 8:00pm

Address: 1 Leicester Square, London, WC2H

Online booking: www.theticketsellers.co.uk

Friday 4th September 2009 @ Colston Hall, Bristol

Tickets: From £12.50 (Concession & student discount available)

Box office No: 0117 922 3686 / 0117 935 5764 (Genesis Music & Clothing)

Opening Time: 7:00pm (Doors Open) Show starts 7:30pm

Address: 13 Colston Street, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5AR

Online booking: www.colstonhall.org

Saturday 5th September 2009 @ Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

Tickets: From £17.50 (Concession & student discount available)

Box office No: 0844 847 2294 / 0844 870 0000 (Old Skool Daze ticketline)

Opening Time: 7:00pm (Doors Open) Show starts 7:30pm

Address: Station Street, Birmingham, B5 4DS

Online booking: www.alexandratheatre.org.uk / www.theticketsellers.co.uk

Sunday 6th September 2009 @ RNCM (Royal Northern College of Music), Manchester

Tickets: From £10.00 (Concession & student discount available)

Box office No: 0161 907 5555

Address: 124 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9RD

Opening Time: 7:00pm (Doors Open) Show starts 7:45pm

Online booking: www.rncm.ac.uk

For more info: www.realdealcomedyjam.com

Sponsors:

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MICHAEL ‘THE KING OF MUSIC’ JACKSON

I cannot believe I have to write this… R.I.P. Michael Jackson.
The world mourned on Thursday 25th June 2009 the unexpected death of ‘The King of Music’ Michael Jackson.
When I heard this disturbing news, which is slowly sinking in that it is real, I was on the road with my cousin testing her new Mercedes AMG 6.3 V8, when I arrived home and saw over 20 miss calls on both phones. I thought why am I so popular this time of night (it was about 11:30pm when I got home). My Mummy called me about 11:45pm to tell me the news. I immediately felt sick, literally. My stomach was churning. Even the next day I had to force myself to eat cornmeal porridge. I was still in denial. As I watched the news report it did not seem real. It was though I was watching a movie. It just could not be real I kept telling myself.

To describe my overall feeling was that music was dead. I felt my childhood and adolescence memories had been wiped away. You see, Michael was the artist that anytime I heard his music it brought back memories of joy. I have never heard his songs play without dancing – NEVER! Now I am finding it hard to listen to his music because it will make me cry, which I haven’t done yet. I feel wants his funeral takes place I will be shedding tears.

Why Michael Jackson is ‘The King of Music’ – PERIOD!
He has influenced generations of people. For example, there have been great singers in the past that my parents and grandparents know of that I don’t. Yet with Michael, everyone knows the name Michael Jackson. You could be in China and not speak the language yet say ‘Michael Jackson’ and they will understand. His name was like another language – guaranteed conversation and broke racial and uncommunicative boundaries.

•    He broke every honourable record in music/entertainment
•    Biggest/most selling album of all time! – Thriller album – Guinness Book of Records
•    Biggest selling double LP – Dangerous album – Guinness Book of Records
•    He is the most successful artist of all time – Guinness Book of Records
•    Performed in front of the largest concert/arena crowd.
•    Biggest selling straight to video film – Moonwalker
•    Twice inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
•    Has received the most Grammy awards in one night – 8
•    Earned the highest royalty rate of any artist – 37% from album sales
•    Sold over 750 million records (It will hit 1 billion no doubt)
•    Was the first Black artist shown on MTV, which broke their racist barriers for not showing Black music. They had no choice because of his huge following.
•    He has the best video(s) of all time – Thriller, Beat it!, etc
•    He has influenced more singers and entertainers than anyone
•    He was a philanthropist raising millions for 39 charities he supported.
The above is just a small amount to his accolade of achievements in his short life. He will be breaking many more records posthumously.

Before I go, because just writing this is upsetting me, I want to share the most touching, yet slightly disturbing words, i’ve read by someone who was close to Michael his ex-wife Lisa Marie-Presley. Read her blog.

Lyrics of Wisdom by Michael Jackson:
“So tonight gotta leave that nine to five upon the shelf
And just enjoy yourself
Groove, let the madness in the music get to you
Life aint so bad at all
If you live it off the wall
Life aint so bad at all (live life off the wall)
Live your life off the wall (live it off the wall)”
Off the Wall – Michael Jackson

“There comes a time
When we head a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
And it’s time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all”
We are the World – Michael Jackson

“I’m Gonna Make A Change,
For Once In My Life
It’s Gonna Feel Real Good,
Gonna Make A Difference
Gonna Make It Right . . .”
Man in the Mirror – Michael Jackson
“I am tired of this devil
I am tired of this stuff
I am tired of this business
Sew when the
Going gets rough
I aint scared of
Your brother
I aint scared of no sheets
I aint scare of nobody
Girl when the
Goin gets mean”
Black or White – Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson I dedicate this blog to you. You are the first, last and everything of music and entertainment. May your soul rest peacefully. R.I.P.

My Top Choices:
GeeWee TV – interactive mobile directory. Free to register!
Black Caribbean Enterprises - Business enterprise book
A Piece of Cake Book – Book based on true story (memoir)

To keep up-to-date on Nzinga go to Queen of the Crop© or her networking sites Twitter, Facebook, Myspace and WordPress

Queen of the Crop’s Weekly Blog – GREETINGS ALL!

Greetings All
Welcome to the Queen’s Corner blog, where you’ll read about what’s interesting in the news, entertainment and comedy – with my point of view!

Website:www.queenofthecrop.co.uk
Blog: www.queenofthecrop.wordpress.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/queenofthecrop

Email: info@queenofthecrop.co.uk

THE REAL DEAL COMEDY JAM ‘SPRING TOUR’

The warm air of Spring will be filled with laughter this April as the UK’s No.1 urban stand-up comedy show, the Real Deal Comedy Jam, brings yet another smash hit tour featuring some of the UK’s and US’ star-studded hilarious comedians.

The biggest Real Deal Comedy Jam tour thus far with a 5 day UK tour back-to-back covering Nottingham, London, Cardiff, Birmingham and Bristol, making it the ultimate urban comedy tour in the UK to-date.

LINE-UP:

**MELANIE COMARCHO** (Headliner) – The number 1 urban female comedian in the US!

**JASON ANDORS** – Star of P-Diddy’s ‘Bad Boys of Comedy’ and the infamous Apollo

**LITTLE MAN** – New Kid on the block making noise on the UK comedy circuit

**RICHARD BLACKWOOD** – One of the most successful comedian’s to come out of Britain

**KAT** – Needs no introduction. The Real Deal Comedy Jam’s no.1 host

ENTERTAINMENT:

**TWIST & PULSE ** (Dance Troupe Duo) – Award winning dance duo

**STATUS 1** (Dance Troupe) – One of the UK’s number one street dance groups

********LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE (AND THEY GO FAST!!)********

TOUR DATES:

Wednesday 21st April @ Nottingham Trent University Student Union, NOTTS
Tickets: From £15.00. (Concession & student discount available @ £10.00)
Box office No: 0115 848 6200
Opening Time: 7:00pm (Doors Open) Show starts 7:45pm
Address: Byron House, Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4GH
Online booking: http://www.theticketsellers.co.uk

Thursday 22nd April @ Sway, LONDON
Tickets: From £15.00 (Concession & student discount available £15.00)
Box office No: 0844 870 0000 | 0207 404 6114 (TheTicketSellers)
Opening Time: 7:00pm (Doors Open) Show starts 7:30pm
Address: 61-65 Great Queen St, London, WC2B 5BZ
Online booking: http://www.theticketsellers.co.uk / http://www.swaybar.co.uk

Friday 23rd April @ Millennium Music Hall, CARDIFF
Tickets: From £20.00 (Concession & student discount available £15.00)
Box office No: 0844 870 0000/ 07980 795 976
Opening Time: 7:00pm (Doors Open) Show starts 7:30pm
Address: Millennium Plaza, Wood Street, Cardiff CF10 1LA
Online booking: http://www.millenniummusichall.co.uk

Saturday 24th April @ Alexandra Theatre, BIRMINGHAM
Tickets: From £18.50 (Concession & student discount available @ £2.50 off ticket price)
Box office No: 0844 847 2294 / 0844 870 0000 (TheTicketSellers)
Opening Time: 7:00pm (Doors Open) Show starts 7:45pm
Address: Station Street, Birmingham, B5 4DS
Online booking: http://www.alexandratheatre.org.uk / http://www.theticketsellers.co.uk

Sunday 25th April @ Jester’s Comedy Club, BRISTOL
Tickets: From £20.00. (Concession & student discount available @ £10.00)
Box office No: 0870 444 4400 / 0844 870 0000 /0117 909 6655
Ticket office Address: Bristol Ticket Shop, 26 Union St, Bristol, BS1
Opening Time: 7:00pm (Doors Open) Show starts 7:45pm
Address: 135-137 Cheltenham Road, Bristol BS6 5AR
Online booking: http://www.ticketsellers.co.uk / http://www.bristolticketshop.co.uk

For more info: http://www.realdealcomedyjam.com

Nephrotic Syndrome

R.I.P. Taiviann Alize McDonald Smith
28/11/02 – 01/09/09

During September 2009 a good friend of mine lost his niece on Tuesday 1st September to a terrible disease called Nephrotic Syndrome.

Taiviann Alize McDonald-Smith was only 6 years old at the time of her death having been diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome since age 4.

Even at a young age Taiviann was very aware and well educated about her illness and could easily explain her symptoms and medical treatments to anyone she would meet.

Taiviann loved to dance and was an affluent dancer who was awarded a scholarship from the Birmingham Royal Ballet and was associated with dance group ‘Steppaz Dance Troupe’, whom she would often perform with to create awareness of Nephrotic Syndrome to raise funds for causes such as Anti Guns & Knives, ‘Stop the Violence’ and ‘Violence Against Women.’

Nephrotic Syndrome is not hereditary and is not linked to any DNA make up. In fact, this condition is not completely understood medially and therefore no cure is yet available. What is known is that Nephrotic Syndrome is caused by the immune system being infected, which can be triggered by something as simple as a common cold.

This is a condition that needs to be shared and we need to educate ourselves about it!

ABOUT NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

Nephrotic Syndrome (NS) occurs when there is a malfunction in the kidney’s filtering system (glomeruli) causing valuable protein in the blood to leak into the urine (proteinuria). This leakage causes fluid to accumulate in the body and prolonged leakage has been shown to cause kidney failure.

One of the most common causes of Nephrotic Syndrome is Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a disease that attacks the kidney’s filtering system, causing serious scarring.

Nephrotic Syndrome is not itself a disease, but it can be the first sign of a disease that damages the tiny blood-filtering units (glomeruli) in the kidneys, where urine is made.

Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome

Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome can occur at any age but is most common between the ages of 1-1/2 and 8 years. It seems to affect boys more often than girls.

A child with Nephrotic Syndrome has these signs:

* High levels of protein in the urine
* Low levels of protein in the blood
* Swelling resulting from buildup of salt and water

Nephrotic Syndrome in Adults

Nephrotic Syndrome is a condition marked by very high levels of protein in the urine (proteinuria); low levels of protein in the blood; swelling, especially around the eyes, feet, and hands; and high cholesterol. Nephrotic Syndrome results from damage to the kidneys’ glomeruli (the singular form is glomerulus). Glomeruli are tiny blood vessels that filter waste and excess water from the blood and send them to the bladder as urine.

How is Nephrotic Syndrome diagnosed?

Nephrotic syndrome is usually fairly easy to diagnose, simply by measuring the amount of protein in the urine (it may be necessary to take urine samples over a 24-hour period to make these measurements).

The proportion of certain waste chemicals (such as creatinine or urea nitrogen) in the urine may show the extent of the damage to the kidneys. A kidney biopsy may be needed, especially in cases that don’t respond to treatment.

What’s the treatment for Nephrotic Syndrome?

This depends on the type of underlying disease. Minimal change disease usually responds quickly to a short course of steroids and, although recovery may take several weeks, most children don’t have any permanent kidney damage.

To reduce the swelling, the child’s intake of fluid and salt may be restricted. Drugs, known as diuretics, that make the kidney produce more urine may also be given to help reduce swelling.

Occasionally, other medicines are given to prevent loss of protein, such as ACE inhibitors, which are usually used to treat high blood pressure.

In other types of nephrotic syndrome, steroids may be less effective and other medicines, such as powerful drugs that suppress the immune system (for example, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil and cyclosporine) may also be needed.

For more information about Nephrotic Sydrome you can go to Nephrotic Sydrome Trust/NeST at www.nstrust.co.uk

POEM DEDICATED TO TAIVIANN BY HER GREAT AUNT LYNETTE WEBB

While you were sleeping,
Looking back on a lovely day you’d had at carnival in your own special way.
You were a cowgirl on the float that passes that day,
With all your glee and happiness you smiled and waved.
I never got a photo was all that I could say.
So while you were sleeping you quietly passed away.
No wish upon a star could have planned your death for you,
But in your own way you were just passing through,
But left everyone that met you with a memory or two.
Your leaving has left so much tears and a lot of pain,
But we will draw so much strength when we meet you again

Queen of the Crop – Wk 22 June

He did it! Chris Brown changed his plea from not guilty to guilty at the final stages of his trial in order to not face prison time. What a lucky sod! Just as I was looking forward to hearing Rihanna’s testimony his lawyers put forward a plea bargain. For months Chris has pleaded his innocence, but he knew if she talked he may have had to spend up to 5 years in the pen! Instead he is ordered to stay away from Rihanna (at least 50 yards, but 10 at industry events), sentenced with 5 years probation and 6 months community service (singing and dancing no doubt) and he must register in a domestic violence programme. I can now put that story to bed, finally. Listen to the verdict here.

I was in stitches the other day when I listened to the Charlamagne’s interview with Cassie, when he told her blatantly – and with truth – that she is talentless. Not only did he, but also the listeners. Unfortunately, one of her aids (Bad Boy Ent. or Atlantic Records rep) was fired for not stepping in and having the interview stopped. Personally Cassie and her peeps knew exactly what type of interview to expect from Charlamagne, so i think this is just another of Cassies cheap stunts to get in the public eye. The interview said it all about what the majority thinks of her. Listen for yourself

I was sickened to read about Shell’s (petrol company) involvement in the mass torture and execution to a Nigerian tribe called Ogoni tribe during the early 1990’s, due to their peaceful protests against Shell for causing environmental damage to the Niger Delta. Ken Saro-Wiwa Jr (who is the son of one of the murdered activist Ken Saro-Wiwa – a respected TV writer and businessman) has been fighting this lawsuit for over 10 years with Shell for sponsoring human rights abuses and conspiring with the Nigerian government in the arrest and execution of his father and eight other activists. Shell made an out of court settlement of 9.7 million to Ken Saro-Wiwa Jr who will divide the money with the families of the activists. And there are more lawsuits to follow. hell faces separate legal action in New York by another Ogoni man and Amsterdam by a group of environmental campaigners. What pees me off the most is that this measly settlement to Shell is a drop in the ocean. They earn more money in an hour for this to really hurt them, yet they drag it out for years. I will not be using them again for petrol.

I finally finished reading Cupcake Brown’s book ‘A piece of Cake’ on Sunday and feel gutted, even though I could have read it in one sitting. I am eager now to read another book. Any suggestions? Now that I have finished I will be writing to her to praise her for sharing her inspirational story to the world. I have never read a true story that has touched and inspired me so much. If you haven’t read this book you need to read/purchase NOW!

Anyway people, have a blessed week. I maybe too hungover to write the blog for Mon 29th June, as I will be partying hard all weekend including at Deeper Than Funk! on Friday 26th June @ Bobby Browns, B’ham, so hopefully ill be up and running on Tuesday. To all that will be attending don’t be afraid to show some love. And lets get Deeper than Funk!

See you all next week

Words of Wisdom: “The pessimist invents trouble; the optimist enriches the environment.”

My Top Choices:
GeeWee TV – interactive mobile directory. Free to register!
Black Caribbean Enterprises – Business enterprise book
A Piece of Cake  – Book based on true story (memoir)

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