We’re ready to rock 2005 with four hot sizzling quarterly issues that will keep Miami on the map, and what better way to start off than with a
wonderful cover story on page 10 about Miami Mardi Gras! Those of you seeking a roof over your heads should be checking out my website - www.nowrealestate.info – I can lead you to owning your own home! You’ll find all your favorites in our new quarterly styled magazine such as Reggae Trax is on page 14, the beautiful Sunshine Girl on page 17, the insightful world of the Horoscopes is on page 20, and Urban Trax is on page 22. Also check out the photos in Now In The Mix, which is on pages 30 & 31 and Street Talk on page 12!

The New Year has come in with many losses; from a terrible fire in a night club in Argentina that took the lives of over 180 teenagers to the devastating floods and earthquakes that rocked South Asia. Another tragedy closer to home was the loss of first black Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, an advocate for minority rights who became the first black woman elected to Congress and later the first black person to seek a major party's nomination for the U.S. presidency. The Rev. Jesse Jackson called her a ''woman of great courage.'' Yes indeed, the year 2004 has proven to be one of gigantic proportions when it came to Natural Disasters. Mother Nature has touched every part of the world in some form or fashion, letting us know her wrath and reminding us that she has the upper hand. She is not playin’ so we all need to get to prayin’ for ourselves and for all who suffered through 2004! Let’s also not forget the plight of our brothers and sisters in the Sudan. For all who wish to donate to the victims of the Tsunami or to victims across the Diaspora who have been terrorized by mother nature and human nature this year log on to www.NetworkForGood.org and see how you can be of service.

Little bits of good news; congrats to Newlyweds Kelis and Nas! Nas and Kelis married in Atlanta attended by family and friends. Ice Cube's "Barbershop," will be developed into a half-hour comedy series and be on the lookout for Formula 50, the G-Unit star's grape flavored drink, to be released around the time of his new album in March

Writersandpoets.com has signed author Brandon McCalla to a Three-Book Deal - Diamond Drought, considered America’s first hip hop soap opera by many, is a story that takes place in present day Brooklyn, NY. It focuses on the life of Rich, a young drug hustler trying to pull himself and his family out of a life of crime. Grammy-winning soul veteran Roberta Flack is transforming two abandoned buildings in Harlem, New York, into a music school!

Peace!

Paul “Hollywood” Williams