An Online Portfolio

To whom it may concern,

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 21:19:00 -0400

I am a senior dual majoring in journalism and public relations at Eastern Michigan University.

Aside from introduction classes, I have taken Feature Writing, Graphic Communications, Copy Editing, Writing for Electronic Media, Advanced Reporting, History of Journalism, Technical Communication, Social Media, Public Relations and Public Responsibility toward those degrees.

Although I am a full time student, I am employed at the campus newspaper, the Eastern Echo, as a staff writer, reporter and copy editor.

I also have experience as an intern and have the skills necessary for a vigorous work schedule. During my time with Talk of Detroit and Uptown Magazine I had the chance to work directly with high-profile people. I learned first-hand how to get what’s needed for a story from a range of people. I also worked with the magazine and maintained the customers, social sites, writers and events.

I found that my transitions from college to internships to my present position as a copy editor were all growing stages and through those stages I have matured my skills in writing, reporting and editing my one works. There is always room for growth.

Thank you for your time!

Sincerely,

Ashley Hutcherson

Enclosure: Resume

Game Store Charms All

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Walking into Get Your Game On, you’re welcomed by the store’s character, which consists of deep-stained wooden floors, exposed brick with colorful chalk drawings and walls lined with games from current and past generations.

Although it is not a new business, the location is. The original shop, which for four years was located on Packard near State Street, moved to the intersection of South State Street and North University Avenue for better foot traffic.

The store is known for having Magic: The Gathering playing cards, but it has plenty of other products that keep gamers satisfied. The Wii, PS3, Sega Dreamcast and Nintendo 64 are a few systems that games are made available for.

Thomas Lewis, a study abroad student at Eastern Michigan University from the United Kingdom, found the store several months ago and fell in love with it.

“I enjoy the people that come in,” Stu Parnes, GYGO manager of three years, said. “Not everyone is a regular but we’re happy to have them none the less.”

If you aren’t into role playing games, they have a variety of board games and activities from different age groups like the Days of Wonder board game or Warhammer.

They also have buy-and-sell program for those looking for cash or needing to get rid of old video games and manuals.

“I have an account,” La’vantae Nelson, a regular at GYGO, said. “That’s how I sell my Xbox 360 games here.”

GYGO isn’t another Game Stop or Best Buy; they offer customers a place to enjoy the games they love. They host tournaments in the basement, including a There is a Magic: The Gathering tournament Saturday, Sept. 29 at noon.

Dan Buckingham had been a regular for years before working for the company.

“I guess [Magic: The Gathering] brought me here,” Buckingham said. “I used to go to the old location a lot and then I had the opportunity to work here and I took it.”

For more information, check out their website at
www.getyourgameonline.com.

Original Post:

YouTube is a website that many of us choose for it’s...

Thu, 31 May 2012 21:54:00 -0400

YouTube is a website that many of us choose for it’s variety of “something to pass the time”, but when you look past the funny clips and how-to videos there are hundreds of talented people out there making videos and posting them to the site.

Tori Kelly, Scott Hoying and Kevin Olusola have individual accounts on YouTube, but came together to remake the Coldplay song entitled Princess of China featuring Rihanna.

The trio slowed the tempo and added a since of power to the song. Olusola masterfully strummed his cello, spurring drama. Also adding his beatbox skills to the already amazing song. Hoying and Kelly harmonize leaving one with a feeling of content. All while Kelly contributes the background of her acoustic guitar.

Scott Hoying and Kevin Olusola are both members of Pentatonix, an a cappella group that earned a contract with Sony BMG through NBC television show, “The Sing Off”.

Tori Kelly debuted her talents on YouTube and then to the world via “American Idol”. Although Kelly didn’t make it far on Idol she hadn’t stopped posting her original songs and remakes to her YouTube account. She released her first EP on May 1st.

Out of the hundreds on YouTube, they came together and created beautiful music.

Weekly Obsession

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:26:05 -0500

This week we are totally obsessed with Toms. These Eco-friendly slip-ons are also vegan-friendly and absolutely comfortable. The wrapped and woven shoes come in different styles that the whole family will love, from animal print and sequins to plaids and patterns. There is something for everyone.

Toms has a program titled, One for One Movement, for every pair of shoes bought Toms donates a pair. Find out more about the program by clicking the link. http://www.toms.com/our-movement/

Toms shoes $44-150, Available at Neiman Marcus Troy. 248.643.3300.

Law receives mixed opinions from community

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:38:00 -0500

Michigan is taking action toward its educational institutes; Public Act 62 asks the state to distribute funds as they relate to education.

Michigan Representative Chuck Moss introduced the act to the Committee on Appropriations in February. The bill was later passed and was made a law in June.

Article 3 covers state and financial aid for higher education. Eastern Michigan University is scheduled to receive more than $64 million in funding for fall 2012. Roughly $3.3 million will go toward tuition restraint, while the rest will be split between school aid funding and general funding.

Aside from monetary aid, the act also focuses on students’ needs. Under section 262 of article 3, educators are required to notify their students of information necessary such as textbooks and course syllabus before the start of each semester.

“I have never had an issue getting my course information,” fifth-year senior Carmen Ogden said.

Although there are students like Ogden who have no problems with getting what they need from their professors, others have been affected by the lack of communication with educators.

“My professor expected me to have read a book for class and be ready for discussion on the first day, but they never responded to my email asking what the book was,” junior Janee Griggs said.

Senior Allie Theisen had similar experiences.

“I would email professors over the summer to talk about the class and I’d get a delayed response or I wouldn’t get a response at all,” she said.

EMU’s website offers brief descriptions about courses but does not host the information needed to get the materials for those courses. Students then search through local bookstore databases such as Ned’s Bookstore for their class and potentially required texts.

“Some professors send the book information the night before class,” Africa Schawmann, an Early College Alliance student, said, “then when you come to class with the book, they hold up a different one.”

Sophomore Amelia Parnis said, “I had no idea what I needed for class until I got there.”
The law suggests educators find less costly editions to their required text. Universities must review required texts that have been written by the professors themselves for financial conflicts.

The act also requires faculty to submit course materials for review.

An anonymous faculty member believes this added clause is the government’s way of monitoring what is being taught in the classrooms. The professor referred briefly to a University of Michgan course of 2003 titled “How to be gay,” which did not make it to the start of fall semester.

Faculty members consider the true problem comes from class scheduling and the lack in preparation for classes. Some say the constant dropping and adding of classes by students affects the process. Also the well-known “TBA instructor” adds to frustrations.

“Not knowing what classes we have is a problem,” communications professor Chris Meloche said.

Political science professor Barry Pyle said, “[Failing to provide information] shouldn’t be illegal; it’s not as simple as the law would like.”

Many faculty and students alike don’t know about the law yet but have formed opinions about it. The option to fix the ways students and professors communicate may help with this. The legislative approval over section 262 shows a consideration for students not seen before.

“Although it’s a good idea, this seems to be a burden on professors,” said English professor Laurie Walker.

Senior Scott Gorman said, “A lot of the course details are on Emich, but maybe they can improve the way we get info.”

Original Post:

Passion for Fashion

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:06:00 -0500

Jessica Simpson proved herself a fashionista back in 2005 when she started her shoe collaboration with Nine West co-founder Vince Camuto. The collaboration later blossomed into the Jessica Simpson Collection with her line consisting of clothing, shoes, accessories and handbags.

Aside from her website Jessica’s collection is available in Dillard’s, Macy’s and Belk to name a few. While her collection is being sold nation wide her company—which includes music, body care and clothing line—has more than 750 million dollars in revenue.

“I’ve always loved fashion, and I think that this is probably any girls dream to be able to create stuff to make women feel beautiful.” said Simpson.

The passion for fashion is shown through her.

There are stories written throughout history about shoes, clothes, jewelry and their makers. Fairy tales, like the Twelve Dancing Princesses, The Emperors New Clothes, or even Dorothy’s amazing ruby slippers started the obsession with shoes for girls; dressing up in mom’s shoes and jewelry and thinking ‘one day I’ll get to wear stuff like this’.

“My work is tearing sheets out of magazines, to putting together great colors, to going fabric and vintage shopping. It’s a great project for my mom and I to do together,” Jess shared with AhlanLive.com.

At 31-years-old, Jessica has done pretty well for herself. Now she can focus on her tight-end boyfriend, Eric Johnson.

http://www.jessicasimpsoncollection.com/

Source(s): Ahlan, Jessica Simpson Collection
By: Ashley Hutcherson

Weekly Obsession

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:00:05 -0400

Animal Prints are all the rage this season, but why stop at prints when you can have this ferocious bag. The exotic fur clutch is from the VBH fall collection. With gold accents, this purse is defiantly at the top of the food chain. If you wear it with strap or without, the bag will make a fierce addition to your wardrobe.

VBH Fur bag, $4,300 available at Neiman Marcus Troy. 248.643.3300.

Original Post: http://www.talkofdetroit.com/fashion_entry/1223/weekly-obsession

My Review of Super 8

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:31:00 -0400

PAST MOVIE REVIEW

By: Ashley Hutcherson

“Super 8” is a movie based in the late 1970’s. The movie is about a group of kids doing what kids do best, having adventures.

These kids are smart and fearless reminding us of the gangs in “Stand By Me” and “The Goonies”, but the young people of “Super 8” stumble across something a little more intense and unexpectedly Sci-Fi.

J.J. Abrams (Lost) is the writer and director of Super 8 and Steven Spielberg is the producer. The film stars Elle Fanning (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) as Alice, Zach Mills (Changeling) as Preston, Joel Courtney as Joe, Riley Griffiths as Charles, Ryan Lee as Cary and Gabriel Basso as Martin.

The screen opens up to Joe on the day of his mother’s funeral, this scene gives a brief background of his life leading up to then and profiles each of the characters, but also leaves us wondering what exactly just happened…

The title of the film “Super 8” refers to the type of film the gang used to capture their movie.

After sneaking out and “borrowing” one of their parent’s cars, the gang heads to the train station. For once the chubby friend is the boss; Charles takes the lead as the producer/director of their film, putting personal feeling first and saying everything that comes to mind, as well as endangering his friends for the sake of the when he wants to get footage of a train.,

The train, with what seems to be government cargo, whips past and a man, who later is discovered to be a scientist, drives his truck on the tracks causing a big explosion. The camera was still filming when the explosion occurred.

When the tweens were reviewing the takes a few days later, it was revealed that something rather big escaped from the train…and may be the cause for all the weird things happening throughout town.

There is a preteen love triangle between Joe, Alice and Charles. Oh to be young and in love. Alice’s father seems a bit on edge about the whole situation, what is that all about?

Whilst all the personal drama is stirring, the creature from the train crash is kidnapping people, including members of the gang.

With brave faces, the group forms a rescue mission, where they go into the lair of the beast… team work at its best. Plus more explosions courtesy of Cary, the braces wearing special effects guy… The question is, do they make it out?

“Loving, Playful, and spectacularly well made, “Super 8” is easily the best summer movie of the year—of many years…” wrote Lisa Schwarzbaum of Entertainment Weekly.

“In “Super 8”, Abrams makes us care. This movie, a true beauty, will put a spell on you,” wrote Peter Travers of Rolling Stone Magazine.

A.O. Scott of the New York Times wrote, “What you see—I’m not spoiling anything, just advising you not to leave your seat too soon—is a final cut of the Super 8 movie whose making has framed and punctuated the action of “Super 8”.”

Could these young actors become our generation’s brat pack? That would be a nice change of pace for Hollywood’s worn-out story lines and overly familiar faces.

“Super 8” is being presented by Campus life on September 23 at 8 and 10:30 p.m. in the Student Center. It will be released on DVD this November.

Check it out.

Dulcinea /Dul-suh-nay-a/ Detwah is an emcee originally from...

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 01:10:00 -0400

Dulcinea /Dul-suh-nay-a/ Detwah is an emcee originally from Detroit.

Detwah always had a love for music, she played the clarinet and sang in the choir until she was 13 years old.

She moved to New York for dance, but found herself back in music.

Dulcinea has been an emcee for two years now, but it had always been a dream of hers. Detwah wrote poetry since she was a young girl, after watching her older sisters sharing lyrics and formatted words. It gave her inspiration when it came to writing rhymes herself…She wanted to be like them.

“I’ve always wanted to be an MC but I was always too scared – especially after going into dancing professionally and becoming known as a modern dancer I figured I would look silly going into a music career.”

Detwah was born and raised in Detroit and says her EP “Cool Kid” is her ode to the city.

Her EP includes a self titled track.

Her music invades all genres, but “Cool Kid” has retro hip hop vibe. Check her out. http://www.dulcineadetwah.com/

What’s next for Dulcinea… She’ll be back in Detroit this November to perform songs from her EP as well as recording the video for “Cool Kid”.

By: Ashley Hutcherson

Original Post: http://www.talkofdetroit.com/music_entry/1260/dulcinea-is-a-cool-kid

Harry Potter destroys Box Office

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:47:56 -0400

Warner Brothers’ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 made $168,550,000 in its weekend release. The final Potter film tops Paramount’s Transformers opening weekend, which brought in $21,250,000.

The series ends with a definite bang, breaking more than 15 Box Office Records around the world. About 32 million dollars’ worth of tickets were bought pre-box office in the U.S. alone. Most theatres were sold out before the movie was even released.

HPDHp2 is the shortest of the 8 movies to be released, running a little over two-hours, but that didn’t stop the exceptional job the writers did and it’s known through great reviews and tons of praise.

“It has been extraordinarily fun, and now the decade-long saga has reached its grand finale.” said Claudia Puig, of USA Today. “The best has been saved for the last.”

Rotten Tomato rates it a 97 percent and its Audience a 93 percent.

Yahoo! pulls together different Newspaper and Magazine Critics giving the film an average grade of an A-.

New York Times’ Manohla Dargis said, “Fans of the books know how it turns out, and moviegoers can guess. Meanwhile this declaration, especially given the casualties to come, may fill you with feeling and also make you cry.”

“I did, partly because it’s been unexpectedly moving growing older with these characters and actors perhaps simply because it’s invariably poignant watching children become adults,” Dargis continues.

Source(s): Yahoo! Movie Box Office, IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, New York Times

By: Ashley Hutcherson

Check it out: http://www.talkofdetroit.com/news_entry/1169/harry-potter-destroys-box-office

Roc Stea’d, comprised of two girls (Brittany, MC known for her...

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:55:00 -0400

Roc Stea’d, comprised of two girls (Brittany, MC known for her rocking style and heavy lyrics and Jessica, singer known for her steady head and melodic voice). These ladies have definitely rocked Detroit.

The vibrant artists have been working together for seven years and have recently gone on tour with artist, Yung Joc.

“It was definitely a learning experience,” said Brittany. “We learned what it takes, the behind the scenes… a great opportunity.”

Their latest showcase was on Sunday at Saint Andrews with Dusty McFly and Jay Beretta. They performed their newest song, Stack Big Faces which is available on iTunes.

One raps, the other sings and they both can tear up the dance floor, making them the ultimate triple threat.

What’s next for them… a mixtape entitled “No Red Lights” to be released in August.

Check Them Out: http://livetmg.com/rocstead/
By: Ashley Hutcherson

Weekly Obsession

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:10:00 -0400

Comic book heroes have been making their return to the big screen. But Batman, Captain America and Thor are nothing compared to this heroine. Wonder Woman has made her impact in the cosmetics world. The Amazon Princess has a MAC Collection including shadows, lip sticks, nail polish, glosses, pigments, mascara and powders. A definite POW! in color.

Available at Macy’s and on http://maccosmetics.com

Weekly Obsession

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 01:22:00 -0400

Bright lipstick has made its way into fashion trends. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics has a lip tar that leaves a lasting blast of color. While they have bright colors, they also have nudes as well. There is nothing like OCC’s lip tar, just one tube can last for months and you can mix them together to make your own colors.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, $13 Lip Tar Lip Gloss. Available on their website OCCmakeup.com and now at Sephora.

By: Ashley Hutcherson June Ambrose is a celebrity stylist turned...

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 01:20:00 -0400

By: Ashley Hutcherson

June Ambrose is a celebrity stylist turned designer. June’s family immigrated from Antigua—the Caribbean—to the United States when she was a teen. Ambrose did not have much access to fashion until after the move.

“Studying fashion was a privilege I did not have.” said Ambrose. “There was no FIT, only books on costume-design—and I read them all!”

She found her inspiration through life; the streets of New York were her reference pages.

“In LA, your car is your armor. In New York, our sidewalks are our runways,” said Ambrose. “We define ourselves through fashion.”

The door was opened to her in 1994 when she started an internship at MCA Records (Geffen), before the hype of dressing celebrities. She witnessed the sync between music and fashion and in a way, June made it work.

June Ambrose soon was behind the scenes, dressing everyone from Mary J Blige to Jay-Z. Ambrose has been known for her stylish ways.

After years of styling with other people’s clothing, Ambrose decided to try her hand at designing, which led to a book about style and fashion, Effortless Style Survival Kit.

Then she found herself guest starring on Oprah, the View, Regis and Kelly. She also was a judge on MTV’s Rock the Craddle.

Author, stylist, designer and mother of a future stylista; June Ambrose is truly the master.

Link: http://www.talkofdetroit.com/fashion_entry/1174/june-ambrose.-fashion-guru

Black History museum comes to EMU

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 01:16:00 -0400

By: Ashley Hutcherson

The Center for Multicultural Affairs and Detroit Urban Renewal are sponsoring the Black History 101 Mobile Museum’s “Necessary!” Tour from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, in room 310A of the Student Center.

The museum was formed more than 20 years ago and has been touring to grade schools, colleges, seminars and cultural events throughout the United States.

“We wanted to showcase the rich history,” said Erika Buckley, a CMA member and grad student at EMU. “To let students see the positive and local resources in Detroit.”

Some of the exhibits feature the Jim Crow era, the Civil Rights Movements, the time of black empowerment and many others. Their collection of more than 3,000 artifacts ranges from pictures, newspapers and magazines to dolls, vinyl records, ceramic sculptures and clothing. Some of the clothing includes suits that belonged to famous figures, a Ku Klux Klan hood and others.

“My mission is to raise the consciousness of the human family by sharing artifacts that celebrate the contributions, achievements and experiences of African Americans,” said the founder of the traveling museum, Khalid el-Hakim, on its website. “I want people to walk away as inspired as I’ve been as a collector and student of this history.”

The Necessary! Tour is an exhibit highlighting the work of Malcolm X as well as other human-rights activists. This tour includes nearly 150 artifacts, many of which date back to the period of slavery, while others are more recent.

There will be signed documents from Malcolm X, along with photos, magazines and other types of writings.

There is a portion dedicated to hip hop and how it was inspired by Malcolm X and other substantial leaders. Richard Griffin, also known as Professor Griff of Public Enemy, sang praises of the Mobile Museum for its possible impact on younger generations and for their willingness to spread the word.

“Learning about different cultures is always an exciting thing. So I’m really looking forward to attending this event,” junior Isra Daraiseh said.

Fred Hampton Jr. will be a speaking at 12:30 p.m. Hampton is a political activist and the son of a Black Panther. He will be talking about Malcolm X’s influence on activists today.

“I’m elated,” said Felicia Kyle, vice president of EMU’s Black Student Union. “It’s always nice to have something like this. To inform people, young and old about our history and to make it accessible through a mobile museum is great.”

Sophomore Courtney Rice said, “I’m fascinated with Malcolm X and what he’s done as far as liberating black people. Hip hop started as just a way of free expression and now it’s grown to be so much more and to have that recognition is good.”

“They’re setting a spotlight on black culture and history, I think it’s really cool that they put this together,” sophomore Ashley Biggs said. “It’s a great way to start off Black History Month.”

Sophomore Jacob Speck said “I wish that it was going to stay the entire day, that way more students that have class during those times could have the opportunity to see the museum later.”

The Necessary! Tour has already visited the University of Michigan Ann Arbor and Dearborn campuses in addition to other colleges and universities in the surrounding areas.

Learning Beyond the Classroom credits will be offered to EMU students who choose to attend the event.

Link: http://easternecho.com/index.php/article/2011/01/black_history_museum_comes_to_emu

PRSSA runs career clinic at EMU

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 01:13:00 -0400

By: Ashley Hutcherson

Eastern Michigan University’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America held its 13th Annual Student Development Conference last Friday on the third floor of the Student Center. This year’s theme was, “It Only Takes One Spark.”

Following the introductions, people began to break into groups choosing either to do the resume critique or go to a workshop.

“The conference is an excellent way to help students,” said EMU public relations professor Lolita Cummings-Carson. “It only takes one spark to affect you, one spark to give you the encouragement to go out and be successful. We are here to remind the students and to help them with that.”

In the resume critiquing room, students were offered one-on-one critiques of their resumes, giving them the opportunity to get useful information and ask questions.

Christina Bester of Global Educational Excellence was one of the critiquing professionals.

“It’s important to tailor your resume to the employer,” Bester said.

“I liked the resume critiques, very helpful, very personal,” Chase Johnson, a junior, said. “I got valuable information all in one place.”

All of the workshops took place in a lecture-styled setting with the speaker using either PowerPoint presentations or props.

The Tips and Tricks Workshop, which was given by EMU’s communications lecturer Margie Brooks, was about interviewing techniques.

Brooks gave points about how to dress and what not to do at an interview.

“If you get asked to go to lunch with an interviewer, be sure not to order spinach,” she said. “Pick something simple and easy to eat. No alcohol and after you finish, place your silverware and napkin on the plate. There’s the first impression.”

The second workshop was about responding to job postings and how to create a professional and effective cover letter. The speaker, Mark Gallup is also an EMU communications lecturer.

“Employers know that they won’t be getting everything on the list,” Gallup said referring to detailed job postings.

He gave major tips for cover letters and outlined how to set them up. Gallup said it is important to first show appreciation to the recipient for reading the letter. After this, you should list your skills and mention the specific position you would like. Gallup also explained it is crucial to stand out by “being bold.”

The conference even attracted students from different universities.

“I really enjoyed the workshops,” U of M Dearborn student Dan Williams said. “I’m a senior and I can use those tips in the future.”

The keynote speaker was EMU’s very own Tim McIntyre, vice president of communications for Domino’s Pizza. McIntyre is also the spokesperson for many major companies throughout the U.S.

His speech, which was themed with the event, was about a moving childhood memory that later sparked his interest in public relations.

Throughout the speech, McIntyre gave advice on what to expect in the industry.

“You cannot talk yourself out of something you behaved yourself into,” he said referring to certain celebrities in the media. Also saying, “It’s better to be how you want to be perceived.”

McIntyre had been working with the media for more than 20 years and still had the same spirit and love for the craft as he spoke.

“Sparks come from within,” he said.

Meghan Sears, a junior at U of M Dearborn, said, “I loved the speaker, Tim McIntyre. I also liked the workshops, there was a lot of pertinent information for the field.”

Afterward, there was an internship fair including companies such as Habitat for Humanity, Quicken Loans and 89.1 WEMU. Some of the internships were paid and others even offered college credits.

“We’ve had this conference for a while now, but we dedicate this one to Melissa Motschall, our adviser that passed,” said Brittany Meier, president of EMU’s PRSSA.

Link: http://easternecho.com/index.php/article/2010/12/prssa_runs_career_clinic_at_emu

Interview with Diggy Simmons

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 01:09:00 -0400

By: Ashley Hutcherson

During one of the hottest days this summer, it was only fitting to see one of the hottest up-and-coming artists blaze through Detroit. Recording artist Diggy Simmons sat down with TOD to discuss his “image” and his new album. Simmons, who is signed to Atlantic Records has already released two mix tapes; The First Flight and Airborne.

With so many hip-hop artists blending elements of pop and techno into their albums these days, how do you define your style of music?

“It’s just me, I don’t talk about anything that I don’t do… down to the beats, I pick and the production, it’s just me and that’s what I bring.”

What are the Top 5 artists you admire/are listening to right now?

Kanye West, creatively– he takes risks. I’m also listening to Jay-Z, Lupe Fiasco, and Kendrick Lamar, a dope artist from California. And I can’t forget Nicki Minaj.

As a second generation artist (like Willow Smith), do you feel pressure to live up to the success of your uncle and father?

“A lot of people ask that, do I feel the pressure or do I feel the hate? Not at all. I’m just having fun. I’m really independent. I’ve just taken a lighter approach, I don’t worry about that.”

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the hip hop industry?

“I have to keep in mind, not everyone is gonna like you. You just need to have tough skin and persevere. And on the flip side there are people that will like you. You really just gotta do you.”

We saw the AT&T commercial that featured you and your music, how did you get involved with the project?

“AT&T teamed up with my management and made it happen. The song, Great Expectations, was on my mix tape and AT&T heard it when everyone else did. It was great timing for what they wanted…”

What’s next for you?

“Copy, Paste is available on iTunes… and my album is Coming Soon!”

Link: http://www.talkofdetroit.com/tod_exclusives_entry/1191/tod-interviews-diggy-simmons

Review of Glee: The 3D Movie

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 01:07:00 -0400

By: Ashley Hutcherson

The movie is exactly what it sounds like…A concert. The film is documenting the Glee Live! concert which is touring the U.S. this summer.

Usually I don’t feel the effects of 3D, but I really felt like I was in the crowd.The New Directions performs 23 songs (including “Don’t stop believing”, “Dog Days are Over”, “I’m a Slave 4 U”, and my fav. “Don’t Rain on My Parade” to name a few…); more than five of the songs are solos from the show.

I appreciated the solos… In the show I’m used to seeing Rachel take the lead in most songs. It was a good opportunity to showcase all the talent on stage.

The cast of New Directions includes Lea Michele (as Rachel Berry), Naya Rivera (as Santana Lopez), Kevin McHale (as Artie Abrams), Chord Overstreet (as Sam Evans), Amber Riley (as Mercedes Jones), Dianna Agron (as Quinn Fabray), Cory Monteith (as Finn Hudson), Heather Morris (as Brittany Pierce), Chris Colfer (as Kurt Hummel), Harry Shum Jr. (as Mike Chang), Jenna Ushkowitz (as Tina Cohen-Chang) and Ashley Fink (as Lauren Zizes).

Not just the cast of Glee got a spotlight in the movie the fans did as well! Fans shared their thoughts of the show…Some show off their gLeek attire, while others are screaming with excitement.

Fans of all sizes, ages and backgrounds find enjoyment in the show.

Glee seems to have helped open the door for a lot of people, giving them the confidence and a chance to shine. The 3D concert also gives insight to the fans…We transition to a girl with Asperger syndrome with new found confidence, a Dwarf “cheerio” and a new “Proud and Out” young man.

They stay in character during the whole movie which was kind of refreshing…We see the group talking amongst themselves backstage in hair and make-up.

The surprises kept coming when they brought the choir room to the stage… And in turn the infamous Holly Holliday (Gwyneth Paltrow) came out.

The warblers performed three songs, including fan favorites Teenage Dream and Raise Your Glass. The cast of the Warblers include Darren Criss (as Blaine Anderson), Riker Lynch (as Jeff), Curt Mega (as Nick) and Titus Makin Jr. (as David) and of course Mini Warbler, Kellen Sarmiento was featured…

Glee: the 3D Concert comes out this weekend. Check it out!

Link: http://www.talkofdetroit.com/tod_exclusives_entry/1235/tod-reviews-glee-the-3d-concert

Review of 50/50

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 01:05:00 -0400

By: Ashley Hutcherson

“50/50” was as expected – funny with a touch of heart felt drama.

The movie stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Inception) as Adam, Anna Kendrick (Twilight) as Adam’s therapist Rachael, Anjelica Huston (The Addam’s Family) as Adam’s Mom, and Seth Rogen (The Green Hornet) as Adam’s Best friend Kyle.

Gordon-Levitt plays 27-year-old Adam, who is diagnosed with spinal cancer. If everything could go wrong, it did.

Adam found out from a doctor who used more medical terms than anyone should use… Most of them sound made up!

His girlfriend makes up excuses not to see him, she also cheating on him and blamed the infidelity on his illness.

I was happy to see he put that woman in her place.

Rogen’s take as the best friend was similar to his other roles, over the top. He doesn’t really show emotion towards his friend, when it comes to his illness. He acts this way throughout the movie up until the night before Adam’s surgery… where he gets drunk.

Adam’s mother appears overdramatic and worrisome in the beginning, constantly calling and badgering him.The truth is revealed later in the movie where we find that her husband has Alzheimer’s…

The movie is titled after the chance Adam has of surviving this rare cancer.

The dark humor actually brought light to the somewhat dreary plot. I mean who really wants to watch something about cancer.

I liked that they developed the supporting characters a bit; showing that they have hearts and worries too. There was even some romance, but I won’t ruin the whole movie.

Overall the movie is dirty but wholesome. It shows the truth behind cancer…The struggle. You laugh, you cry.

50/50 hits theaters September 30th. Check it out.

Link: http://www.talkofdetroit.com/tod_exclusives_entry/1218/tod-reviews-5050

Interview with Cheron Mans

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 01:03:00 -0400

By: Ashley Hutcherson

Radio is the first broadcast network to spread the word and is still used 100 years later. Detroit has many radio stations, but FM 98 takes the cake. We spoke with Cheron Mans of Detroit’s WJLB. The Radio DJ had just finished her slot on the air when she shared with us her aspirations.

When did you get your start on WJLB, how did that come about?

I was the Morning Show Host in Lansing on WQHH Power 96.5. Radio Personality “Reggie Reg” heard me and called the request line and said he was looking for an afternoon traffic reporter on WJLB. I went on to do the Quiet Storm. Now I’m Asst. Program Director, Music Director and Midday Personality.

Who was the biggest celebrity, in your opinion, that you have interviewed?

I’ve interview many celebrities, but the biggest would have to be Usher! I was so nervous, but he was very gracious.

Have you ever said something on the air that you might have regretted?

Not really…

Is there anyone that you haven’t interviews, but would like to?

I would love to interview Oprah Winfrey! I have a list of questions I would ask her.

What’s next for you, do you plan on staying in radio or exploring other aspects of broadcast?

I love radio; I’ve put a lot of years in this business.  Although I have other interests, I’m looking forward to growing and becoming a Program Director one day.

Listen for Cheron from 10am to 2pm everyday on channel 97.9.

Link: http://www.talkofdetroit.com/tod_exclusives_entry/1236/tod-interviews-cheron-mans