Three Throwbacks for Thursdays #4

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking at my old high school, Boys & Girls High, which is located in the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.  Although, I’ve been returning annualy for the past few years, walking the halls always brings back memories.  This week’s throwbacks are dedicated to Brooklyn, and the artists that help put BK on the map.  Shout out to my cousin B-Lyte (dancer for Special Ed).  Look for her around 1:08 in the blue sweater and yellow turtleneck. LOL!

Spry Lee Scott visits Avenue Pink

Tune in Monday, May 4th as your favorite fashion dude, Spry Lee Scott calls in to talk with the ladies of Avenue Pink for a special announcement.  The ladies will also be talking to author, Thembisa Mshaka about her book “Put Your Dreams First”.  The show starts promptly at 10pm, so make sure you’re listening!  Don’t be late either, because Spry will be connected at the beginning of the program.  See below for details on how to listen.

1.  Log on to www.avenuepink.com

2.  Call in and listen @ 347-843-4884

3.  Email questions during the show to questions@avenuepink.com

BET Upfront

Last week, I hung out with my client, April Woodard of Inside Edition, who was a guest reporter for BET Upfront.  This is where the network presents their new shows to potential advertisers.  Surpringly, I was really impressed with the large selection of quality (yes, I said quality) programming that will be made available to the public beginning this Fall (2009).  Their line up includes reality shows for singing sensation, Monica and actor, Terry Crews; an inspiring show that allow celebrities to give back - hosted by MC Lyte; and a late night talk show with our favorite curvy comedian, Mo’Nique (just to name a few).  They also introduced a new network named Centric, which is aimed to attract more mature/post-BET viewers.  Believe it or not, I’m excited.  Pictures from the event posted below.

Three Throwbacks for Thursday #4

We’re still stuck on groups, but not just any group.  This week is all about those co-ed sensations that had us splitting the pages of our Black Beat Magazines with our BFF’s.  The groups that ignited debates about who’s the hottest pick; where both guys and girls would declare that this “act would be nothing”, without……. (fill in the blank!)

Curvin B. Chance Foundation

Although I cannot support every single cause that I believe in, there are some that hit close to home, that I must assist in achieving its goals.  One in particular, is The Curvin B. Chance Foundation, Inc. Not only is one of my dearest childhood friends, Michi Everett, the Vice-President, but it was started in memory of her brother-in-law; a man whom I have always admired.

My fondest memories of him include two things - his passion for education, and his strong sense of family values.  I remember many weekends in my teenage years of “my crew” wanting to hang out, but having to wait for Michi and others to finish their Saturday learning sessions that Chance had set up to expand their learning beyond their schools’ classroom.  He was also one of the major driving forces behind Michi’s pursuit of higher education, and graduating from Spelman College.  When I visited Atlanta to attend the graduation, I recall Chance insisting that we all sit down and eat dinner together every night, and discuss each person’s day, as well as current event.

Having the privilege to know such a man personally, it is no question why I choose to support a foundation in his namesake.  Although I am unable to attend the annual scholarship fundraising soiree, I am doing my part to spread the word, and help get others involved.  Click th link to find out ways in which you can support the organization.

FYI: The Curvin B. Chance Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit scholarship organization that has been established in loving memory of Curvin.  A memory that encompasses so much to so many each and every day in all aspects of our lives.  It is in his honor and his caring spirit that we offer this opportunity.

Mr. Curvin B. Chance was a Chemistry major at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.  We encourage you to find out more about Curvin by clicking About CBCF.

The Curvin B. Chance Foundation, Inc. seeks to offer a tuition scholarship for the school year 2010-2011 to a student, who is currently attending NCCU, who resides in North Carolina and majoring in Chemistry or Mathematics.  In addition to the tuition scholarship, the Foundation will offer academic scholarships in 2009-2010 of no less than $1,000.00 to deserving students seeking a college education who reside in North Carolina, New York or Georgia.

Three Throwbacks for Thursday #3

Last weeks throwbacks dealt with couples who were better apart, than together. This week’s throwbacks is all about groups who are better together, than apart. Nuff said!

PS. There’s an added bonus at the end of this next performance!!!

Sticks and Stones…

This week, a friend of mine shared a story with me that was not only disturbing, but I could not get it out of my head.  It tells of an 11 year old boy who committed suicide after being teased repeatedly in school (video below).  I immediately thought of the kids that I come in contact with on a daily basis.  Although being ridiculed by your peers is a part of growing up, it can sometimes be taken out of hand.  I feel that it is extremely important to arm our young people with the tools necessary to overcome the scars left by constant tormenting.  It is just as important to talk to those who do the teasing, and help them understand what type of emotional damage teasing can do.  After the video, I’ve offered some suggestions to incorporate in you daily routines when dealing with the young people in your life.

1.  Constantly remind them how special they are! Use positive words like wonderful, intelligent, important to describe their worth.

2.  Tell them how pretty or handsome they are! Knowing that they are physically attractive is just as important.

3.  Be specific! Let them know what special traits/characteristics make them unique.

4.  Give hugs! Even as adults, physical signs of affection are needed.

5.  Promote self-love! Ask them what they like/love about themselves.  Motivate them to discover their own self worth.

6.  Encourage them to talk to you! Ask them about their day.  Don’t settle for “it was okay”.  Ask for details of things that happened throughout their day.

7.  TURN OFF THE TV! You’ll discover that spending quality time with a child means so much to them.

8.  Teach them to be sensitive! Help them understand the power of words, and the affects they can have on others.  (At your discretion), share the above video with them and use it to stimulate conversation.

My prayers go out to the family of Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover!

Three Throwbacks for Thursday #2

As you can see, I’ve changed Throwback Thursdays to Three Throwbacks for Thursday.  I was inspired by last weeks entry. so, from here on, I will be posting three related videos.  Fell free to chime in and let me know what vids you would have chosen!  Here’s this week’s entry….

I promised myself that I would not comment on the whole Chrihanna situation, just because everyone’ s doing it, and it has gotten quite redundant.  However, in the spirit of coupledome “couple-doom”.  I want to reminisce on the duos’ that made great music together, but somehow just couldn’t seem to get along.  Maybe Chris and Rihanna should take notes from their horror stories, and let it go!

Although I’m not sure if the last duo was ever a couple, they should both be charged with assault for this performance.  Can you remember any other disastrous duets?

Ask Spry… Men’s Shirt Collar?

Hey Spry,

I am doing a photo shoot and will be wearing a suit and a shirt with no tie. I would like for my collar to stay up during the shoot and hold its shape. What type of shirt should I be looking for or what do I do to make sure I have that “look” that Im going for?

- Luke

Hey Luke,

Although you want to purchase a shirt that is of high standard, the type of shirt that you buy is not as important as what you do to it to make the collar stand on it’s on.  When buying a shirt, look for good quality cotton blend shirts.  If you’re prepared to dish out some dollars, Brooks Brothers or Thomas Pink is the way to go.  However, you will find that stores like Nordstrom’s or Express (love thier colors) also offer shirts with good craftsmanship, at lower price points.

Whatever shirt you choose, what’s most important is that you properly prepare to allow your shirt to give its greatest performance.  Using a spray starch when ironing will increase the stiffness of the shirt.  Also, the type of collar stay you use is important.  Grown men do grown things!  Therefore, it’s time for an upgrade.  Throw away the plastic ones that come with the shirt!  Step your game up by purchasing brass collar stays.  I buy mine as a set, and get different sizes for different shirts.  Finally, we turn to one of my favorite “must have” items for assistance; double-sided tape! Take a small piece, and put it behind the collar.  This will allow you to manipulate the collar, and place it where you need it to be.

Hope this helps!

Spry Lee Scott

Throwback Thursdays #1

First, let me just say thank you to everyone who has been visiting OHMYSPRY.COM!  Although this week was the unofficial, soft launch, you all have shown me so much love!  Thank you for your kind words and support.  Thank you to old friends and new ones!  I hope that we will all grow together, and that through this website, I can encourage and motivate you to follow and accomplish your dreams!

With that being said, the first “Throwback Thursday” was inspired by all the positive energy that I felt from you all.  I’m actually posting 3 videos this time.  The 1st video is dedicated to you, for our seasoned, or newly developed friendships.  The 2nd talks about what I plan to do, and hope that you all will do it with me!  The 3rd is a special thanks to all those who continue to support me in your own unique way.  I hope you all are dancing in your chairs, trying to remember the words and old school moves.  PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT, AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK, AND WHAT “FLY GEAR” YOU WERE “ROCKING” AT THE TIMES WHEN THESE SONGS TOPPED THE CHARTS!

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