Archive for the ‘Sports’ Category
NFL’s Carolina Panthers Josh Norman chats w/ ChristieOhh!
Friday, April 19th, 2013I had the pleasure of interview Josh Norman with the Carolina Panther’s not to long ago. I was totally impressed with his passion to give back and how he jumped right into the league and started his organization “Starz 24.” He was humble, nice and I’m looking forward to amazing things coming from this great guy!
Josh is a native of Greenwood, SC, Josh attended Coastal Carolina University in Myrtle Beach, SC. Josh’s professional football career launched in 2012 as the fifth round draft pick where he was considered one of the best cornerback prospects.
In January, 2013, Josh launched his nonprofit organization, “Starz24.” Starz24 has a primary goal to provide as many children and teens the opportunity to success through participation in sports. The organization is dedicated to provide social, recreational, and athletic outlets to children and teens. Josh believes every child has the potential to excel in all areas as long as there is the effort and encouragement.
Stay up-to-date and donate to Starz24 @ www.starz24.org Follow on Twitter @J_No24
Images: professionalfootballweekly.com, bigstory.ap.org,
4/27 Starz 24 presents 2013 Charity Basketball Game Myrtle Beach SC
Friday, April 19th, 2013Business Mogul, Philanthropist and Executive Glenn Toby
Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012I must say this interview was an honor! Glenn is a phenomenal business man but most importantly he continues to give back. Check out our Certified Interview!
ChristieOhh: You and your family fell short to homelessness; did that spark your ambition to be successful?
Glenn: There are a few things! The strength and integrity, the ethics, morality and respect my mother and grandmother had for us. We were raised by all women so we became men young. That was the most part to keep it pure heart and have a direct connection with God. The other part of it was not a vindication or revenge; it was an assurance to make sure I never return to those circumstances. It was like my parents were our legs and they ran us as far as they could, I had to take the journey to get to the finish line.
To get access to the systems that drives the universe and the world; wealth, education, wisdom, knowledge, integrity, discipline and the secret systems. I had to break those down. A lot of black people don’t have access too; economics. We don’t know a great deal about economics, we don’t know a great deal about our history; most of us and how to interface and bring that into the world community. Most of us develop on how to have a black community, how to be great in the hood but I looked at it on a world level.
ChristieOhh: What made you take your career path?
Glenn: I was a musician first…one of the original rap guys with Dougie Fresh, Master Flex, Kurtis Blow. I saved a lot of money, all of my money and started investing. I had the honor of managing LL Cool J with Charles Fisher who was my partner. We played support, we played advisor and transitioned to R. Kelly’s record deal. In music I had the honor of discovering David Banner. Then I met a guy by the name of Alonzo Shavers who was a certified NFL Agent. And I brought money to the game, marketing, business and sales. He did most of the negotiating and we developed a business.
We sold the first one and that gave me funding to do this BIG business where we manage and develop infrastructures. So, I’m still managing celebrities and athletes and world leaders and wealthy families. What I did was just rounded it out! We have that and just try to create wealth to give back through “The Book Bank Foundation.”
ChristieOhh: Yes! Tell me about “The Book Bank Foundation” and what you have going on?
Glenn: It’s something we founded years ago in honor of my mother. We attack a disease of ignorance, illiteracy and poverty by using positive role models, seminars, direct people and research. One of the biggest things we do is called “Shelter from the streets,” we invite the world to come to NYC this December. We will go to all 5 boroughs and do an intervention piece for the people who are in subways, tunnels and sleeping on the streets. We go into the shelters and we get on buses and we do a healing, a revealing, and we deal with the need with a seeding for the forest to grow strong.
ChristieOhh: After all the awards, accomplishments and wealth, how do you remain so humbled, focused and so kind?
Glenn: The kindness is a reflection of my heart. Don’t know if I’m always humble because sometimes I rumble. I’m a warrior for business, a warrior for piece, a warrior for people and humanity. I have fun.
The secret to my game is, “It’s all fun to me”
ChristieOhh: I have to do best advice with you! What is your best advice to that person who wants it bad but doesn’t have a network or feels like that chance won’t come?
Glenn: I would say, do research, study, and practice. Humble yourself to work with other people. In a better working situation you will gain experience, access and wisdom which is better than just getting the dollar.
ChristieOhh: I have to ask, the election is coming up; what are your views?
Glenn: Well, I would have to say economically, in terms of my achievements I would be a republican based on my economics, money policies and my accomplishments. I vote as an independent and go for the best candidate but I’m a Democrat at heart. With our economy and world politics I feel no one President in this administration or the next are going to change things.
I love the President; I think he’s a good man and a good person. I think the opportunities and changes he’s made in the world has not been appreciated or acknowledged. But we do need a change whether it’s his administration or God bringing to call another hand. I’m about what’s best for the people!
Follow Glenn on Twitter @GlennToby and check out www.gtn.com and his wiki is CERTIFIED!
Images: imdb.com; accessathletes.com; myspace.com
Olympic Finalists, National Record holder Haiti’s Samyr Laine chats w/ ChristieOhh!
Sunday, September 23rd, 2012Samyr Laine is a Triple Jumper who competed for Haiti in the Olympic Finals and holds a National record.
“Laine currently resides in Alexandria, Virginia, speaks fluent French and is currently working on his book “A Foot in Two Worlds” (Thinkworks Publishing). Laine is working on his Jump for Haiti Foundation which will focus on mentor Haitian children and developing more Haitian athletes.”-Wiki
Our chat was fun and energetic to say the least!
ChristieOhh: Tell us a little about yourself! What do you have going on?
Samyr: I just got back from London competing in my first Olympic games and advanced to the finals. But considering that it’s the off season far as track and field is related I’m finishing my autobiography and working on my foundation “Jump for Haiti” which will provide sporting and education for children in Haiti. I’m just resting so that when I get back to training I can win Haiti’s first medal in the Olympics since 1928.
I’m just trying to keep improving and growing. I graduated from Harvard, got my Masters from Univ. of Texas and went to Law School at Georgetown. So I feel good to just relax my mind a little bit and just focus my time on track and field.
ChristieOhh: Awesome! What are some of the obstacles you have faced?
Samyr: For starters, way back when (lol) I got cut from my high schools track team. So to end up where I am now almost didn’t happen. But there’s also the fact of balancing law school with academics and passing the bar examine while competing all over the world..it was challenging. Just having to perform that balancing act. I have a great support team in Glenn Toby and my family so that made it easier on me!
ChristieOhh: What are you looking forward to now?
Samyr: I’m looking forward to growing, continuing to improve, continuing to develop as an athlete and as someone who can make a tangible difference in Haiti and hopefully other nations. I want to expose kids to sports and the lessons that can be learned through sports. I just want to continue to keep helping people and touching people in a positive way.
FUN FACT:
Laine was a college roommate of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and was the 14th person to register for the site. -Wiki
Stay up to date with Samyr via his website www.samyrlaine.com and Twitter @LaineTrainHaiti
Images: bloomberg.com; repeatingislands.com; pulse2.com
Gold medal Olympian and World Champion Natasha Hastings talks games, fashion and more.
Friday, September 14th, 2012ChristieOhh: How does it feel to be an Olympian and World Champion among other amazing titles you have won?
Natasha: It very humbling & a blessing! I’ve been running since 9 yrs old. For me to have dreams and for my dreams to come in my career is something you can’t put into words. To think that I have accomplished what I have by 26 yrs. old and more coming is amazing to me.
ChristieOhh: How do you train for a competition? Any rituals?
Natasha: I do try to do visualization, planning my race and rehearsing in practice, doing things over and over. I always say a prayer. I do listen to music, upbeat, fast songs to keep me going. I need something that gets my adrenaline going.
ChristieOhh: What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far?
Natasha: I would say my Gold medal from the games. At 9, I had dreams of becoming an Olympian at 22 I did! It was a big thing for me to share with my family and friends. Although, it’s a relay medal; I do plan to go to Rio and compete on an individual level & add more Gold to the collection!
ChristieOhh: What are your plans for the future?
Natasha: Right now, I’m on my off season. My aspirations going forward even past track are to go to school and become a Chiropractor. I would love to stay around sports and personal training. Giving back to kids in a must on my list! I’m 26 years old and I feel like I’ve never worked. (lol)
I am launching an accessory store named Spiked Sugar where we will carry cool and trendy accessories and will have a special line for teen girls. We will be donating a portion of the proceeds to help future Olympians and young girls.
ChristieOhh: I hear you’re a girly girl and love fashion! Who is your favorite fashion and shoe designer?
Natasha: Right now, I’m kind of into BCBG! Shoes… it’s a tie between YSL and Christian Louboutin. Red Bottoms are extremely painful but I always say, “Beauty is pain!”
ChristieOhh: What’s a must have accessory for you?
Natasha: Lately, I’m finding that I’m into scarves. I’m wearing them on my hair, neck…I’m doing a little belt thing. I wear them all year around; they can be worn many different ways.
ChristieOhh: 3 things you can’t live without?
Natasha: Fake eyelashes, lip gloss, nail polish
ChristieOhh: Celeb Crush?
Natasha: My boyfriend of course; William Gay NFL Player for Arizona Cardinals (blush) Idris Elba & David Beckham
“Everyday is an opportunity to get better at whatever your craft. I am off for 6 weeks and I kind of got the bug feeling like I haven’t been doing too much. Everyday gets better and takes advantage of every opportunity God gives you.” Natasha
Follow Natasha on Twitter @NatashaHastings














