Greta Prince: Discover Her Greatness And Unique Style

Local R&B singer Greta Prince has slowly been making a splash since opening for legend Mary J. Blige at the 2012 Essence Music Festival. She even released a single shortly thereafter "You Should Know." Now as 2014 closes out, she has another single "Forever" , an album in the works, several local and Christmas concerts and performances. Also book your tickets for the 2015 Essence Festival as Miss Prince will once again be there.

I met this sweet down home young lady with big brown eyes over 10 years ago. I knew she was studying music but I didn't realize how talented she was until I heard her sing. She had/has those unique, strong pipes and vocals that you don't hear often. Greta showed me back then that she would be someone special.

She decided to pursue her music full time a few years ago when she was laid off from her job in Charlotte, NC. Now Prince resides in Atlanta, GA and has come along well. She has gained numerous musical and performing opportunities since her first Essence appearances and continues to grow as an artist.

Her biggest musical influences are Patti LaBelle (her absolute favorite) and the aforementioned Mary J. Prince loves strong, powerful, but versatile voices. She  loves Mary J. Blige's style; passion when she performs, and her music. Greta also love opera, so African American opera singers Jessye Norman and Kathleen Battle have influenced her with their grace and poise.

Greta performs in Atlanta weekly at a few more intimate spots, plus she puts on her own concerts with the band she works with for the major holiday.

Prince's EP is expected to drop sometime early next year.  She loves hip hop, especially from the 90s so it'll have some hip hop influences track wise.  Greta also loves acoustic music, guitar and piano in particular so she's working on something that features these instruments and vocals.  She also wants to sing about love and relationships in a positive, healthy way.  This was her style in "You Should Know." as she doesn't male bash, and her songs are very positive and uplifting, from the vocals to the lyrics.

Greta and her band play at a few spots in Atlanta weekly for several months now.  She was recently a guest performer at a jazz Christmas concert.  Additionally, she is hard at work on her EP and the 2015 Essence Music Festival performance.

Greta would like to give thanks and honor to her Heavenly Father first and foremost. Second, her mom for sacrificing for her and her brother:  pushing Greta to continue to pursue her dreams,utilize her talents, and for just being there.  Next is her big brother for all of his guidance in helping her maneuver through the business aspects of the music industry and being her biggest supporter. Also she shouts out her church families in Georgia and North Carolina for their continued prayers and support.  Finally, her lil niece for making her auntie Greta feel like a superstar already and ALL of her family.

Greta is definitely a rare talent, and a very grounded , humble , positive and family oriented young lady. She is taking the positive and clean route in her music: proving you don't have to be trashy and negative to make it in the music industry. She is taking us back to a happier time in R&B and in music.

Connect with Greta Prince via Facebook, www.facebook.com/greta.prince, Twitter: iAMgretaprince and Instagram @iamgretaprince and on reverbnation www.reverbnation.com/gretaprince. Her songs and performances can also be found via iTunes, Google Play and YouTube. Please check out this young lady and stay encouraged as good wholesome music still exists.

2014 Christmas Letter

This is the piece I honestly look forward to writing each year. I get to wish everyone associated with me a Happy Holiday season. Many prefer cards and that is fine. I prefer the letter format because it is more extra personal, and it is available at anytime. Plus it ensures I don't leave anyone out.

2014 was a resurrection year for myself in many ways: physical, mental, social, and spiritual. I finally got back on track with my fitness goals after a year at Anytime Fitness. I lost over 50 pounds but more importantly, I gained tools to help me sustain my weight loss better. I am eating more cleanly and loving it. Additionally I have made several fitness connections in the Spartanburg and Rock Hill areas, including my running club. I plan to continue toning up in 2015, and running at least one half marathon.

I attended two weddings this year. Both were coworkers of mine and were both different but enjoyable. My day will come but until then, I will enjoy the happiness of others.

Having a strong social circle has been a blessing to me as I get invited to many outings and events, and almost always feel welcome.

I have learned to do more cooking this year, including my own hash and macoroni and cheese recipes. Hopefully these and my grilling skills will help me to return the favor and host more gatherings in 2015.

Service organizations were big for me this year. I was still heavily involved with Smokin Rita and Friends, then became involved with Save Our Children Movement Inc and The Nemo Group. Service to others and helping young children are both near and dear to my heart.

Employment wise, I completed my 11th year at the Robert Allen Group. I was more successful with finding side income, including reconnecting with two of my long time mentors.

My writings were strong, diverse and aimed at covering many hot and controversial issues. I plan on starting an e-book and continuing to find ways for folks to take me seriously as a writer.

Family wise, everything is overall well. There were plenty of new additions. My mom decided in her 60th year on the planet to learn smart phones and even joined Facebook, which she loves most days. For the first time in 20 years, I was able to take her out for her birthday and Mother's Day. She still prefers the comforts of her home, but she made more of an effort to reach out in 2014.

Life hasn't been perfect, but it has been good. I can sit back and reflect on a lot of positive things from 2014 and carry them over into next year.

Happy Holidays to everyone out there! I love you all and I feel grateful for those that allow me into their presence. God bless each and everyone!

How To Complain About A Company Or A Service

'Tis the season where we are out in the public much more through shopping, eating out and just being exposed to good and bad customer service. Those that know me well, know I will not hesitate to go above an employee's head and as high as the corporate office if necessary. I have done this a few times and have gotten various results, even have corporate reps and executives call and personally apologize to me, then rectify the problem.

There are right and wrong ways to get your way and let your voice and thoughts be heard. Here are some of the right ways.

1. Be proactive not reactive.

Don't lose your cool instantly but don't waste a lot of time in reporting the incident. If you're out and about, report it immediately, then go up the ladder until you get satisfaction. Prompt and quick, polite action can get you far.

2. Make your complaints at appropriate time periods and methods.

Emails and voicemails only go so far. Make sure you speak to a live person and or manager. Try not to call first thing in the morning or at the end of the day, or near a weekend. Your complaints will be best heard when the other party is most alert and focused on the task at hand.

3. Remember all pertinent information, and if out in public, record a video of the incident.

YouTube and WorldStar HipHol have been putting companies and people on blast for quite some time now. In addition to video evidence, gather employee and manager's names, descriptions, exactly what the problem is and how it was mishandled.

4. Diffuse the blame and make it interpersonal.

I realize this can be difficult. However, be sure to let customer service reps or anyone not directly involved that you are complaining against their company and NOT necessarily them. Often they are doing as they are told. This is when you need to do #5.

5. Climb the ladder as far up as necessary.

Know the basic hierarchy and try to stick to it when making complaints. Keep it in house if possible. If not, continue to make your voice heard and be relentless until this happens, even if you have to reach owners, CEOS, and the like.

6. Know your rights, regulations and use them.

You can do a lot of good for yourself when you understand the code of conduct and decorum. For example, restaurants have to comply to health and labor regulations, and phone services have to comply by the FCC. If it goes to the point of using legal council and law enforcement, by all means use your judgment and do it! You don't want to be the enemy, but places of businesses need to know you're no pushover.

OK well go get them and good luck!

Have you ever complained publicly about a company or a service? What useful tips do you have to add?

Celebrating Birthdays for a whole month vs Celebrating Christmas Early

Christmas season is in full swing, well has been since the end of October. And it irritates me.

Not the holiday itself, mind you. It is the fact that people forego the entire month of November holidays (Election Day, Veteran's Day, and finally Thanksgiving) and began celebrating Christmas. Many folks have completely lost sight of the reason and meaning for the holiday.

Now many are aware of my month long birthday celebrations. I was challenged as saying that what I do is no different than folks celebrating Christmas early and being called a narcissist. Well for those folks that don't get it, let me break it down for you all.

1. I began celebrating my birthday the first of July (no sooner) and do not overlook any holidays in the process, especially not the 4th of July, Independence Day.

2. I celebrate, but I don't make a huge spectacle of my birthday.  I usually do the majority of my postings and stuff on that day (7/11) or a couple of days following. Most of my celebrating involves a private party or two, taking advantage of birthday freebies and maybe a road trip. My celebrating is very low-key. Plus I usually only take a couple of vacation days for my birthday, and have often worked on that day.

3. I haven't forgotten the significance or importance of being alive and seeing another year. That is important, and we should be thankful for everyday.  People celebrate Christmas early for all the wrong reasons: often to make them think of happier times and even positive things such as giving and family.  However, Jesus Christ is the reason for the season. 
4. Christmas is so commercial and corporate nowadays. Traffic is all over even the slowest roads, shopping centers and malls are packed. Many go broke just over Christmas and trying to impress others. None of that takes place during my birthday.  I'm taking advantage of free and discounted items, many of which take the entire month. Plus,  I'm just having extra, but not more expensive or annoying fun.

5. Jesus deserves more than one month,
or even a couple of months. He should be honored year round. However, it shouldn't be at the expense of a holiday that has gotten out of control. I won't let my own birthday get like that.

Here's the simple principle; celebrate each holiday as they come, and don't overdo any one of them, including your own birthday.  Remember what is important to others and yourself, and make them all good seasons.

The NBA Lockout: Views from the man of random intelligence

It is officially Thanksgiving, and there is lots to be thankful for. However, during the down times, one of the escapes we look to, the NBA, is currently not on. Unfortunately, it may not be on until February, if at all this season. 

Personally, I believe if an agreement is not made by the middle of the January, perhaps the entire season should be lost. At that point, the most games you would get would be 40/team, and millions in revenue and ads would already be lost. Plus there would be much more risk for injury due to lack of conditioning and being around your teammates. Look how many injuries have occurred in the NFL this year due to their lockout. They only lost 1 preseason game,  but they lost out on the proper conditioning and coaching that keeps players in better shape. Plus this is professional basketball. Many players are already talking about going overseas to play ball. The NBA is in trouble indeed.

It is definitely a sad state of affairs. The NBA is at a peak moment of excitement, unseen since the 90s when Michael Jordan's Bulls dominated the decade.  Since then, the Western Conference with Kobe Bryant's Lakers, The Dallas Mavs, Spurs, have been on the forefront. The past few seasons, teams such as the Celtics, Heat, Bulls, Magic, and even the Miami Heat with LeBron James and Dwayne Wade, have made the league balanced and much more exciting.  Now we may miss out on that because of greed. Greed, plain and simple, by owners and players alike. 

David Stern has performed an admirable job of building the NBA's image into a clean, competitive one. But now he may have to build from scratch.  For those reading this that don't fully understand the lockout, here it is in a nutshell. It is the millionaires (players) versus the billionaires ( owners) .  Thus far, both sides are greedy and can't reach middle ground on an equal share of team revenue. Something will have to give. But when?

Chris Rock made a joke in the 90s about being rich and being wealthy. Shaq, Kobe, and those are rich. But those billionaire owners such as Mark Cuban of the defending champion Dallas Mavericks are wealthy billionaires. And they write the lucrative checks to these pro players. 

What both sides fail to realize is that even more money is being lost by continuing to postpone games. We're approaching the time where the much anticipated Christmas Day matchups are coming, and the All-Star game in February. The Christmas matchups obviously will not occur unless an agreement is met soon, and the All-Star game could be as late as April, just like in 1998-99, also a lockout season.

Now I will still watch the NBA, play fantasy basketball and be a fan even with a reduced schedule.  But I honestly look forward to 2012, when the NBA starts slowly returning to the fine, exciting league it once was. 

Happy Thanksgiving and I'm thankful for all that read my posts!

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