“Child Support The Comedy” Premieres August 14 at The Historic Senator Theatre in Baltimore

There’s a new film reaching our local theaters and I had the pleasure interviewing the director of this indie film. Mr. Frankie Jones was pleased to give me the scoop on his newest creation. This film is folks who may relate to the feeling of having their pockets emptied by the most evils of evil; a revenge seeking baby mother. Child Support The Comedy premieres for all to see this August 14 at The Historic Senator Theatre.

What’s the basics of Child Support The Comedy? What’s the movie about?

Frankie: Child Support The Comedy is about a character named Corey who’s subjected to pay child support because he’s not in a relationship with his vindictive baby mother. While Corey does not have a steady job due to being laid off, he struggles to pay his dues. After receiving a notice from the judge to pay one thousand dollars for child support with in 24 hours or be condemned into jail, Corey and his best friend come up with various plans to hustle up some money.

What inspired you to produce this film?

Frankie: I hear all kinds of Child Support Stories, and for the most part, its always frustration or anger that’s coming from the person who’s talking about it.  Since I wanted my next film to be a comedy, I figured “Child Support” was catchy and its topic is real. I thought maybe I could come up with a storyline in a comedic sense to get a small message out there to people. It was also a challenge to make this film because its my first comedy.

Is this your first indie film? If not, what are some of your other works you’d like to share with the Doc’s Castle Media readers?

Frankie: This is my third film.  The first was Family Faith and Money, based on my book Family Faith and Baltimore Money. The second film is One Song.

Should we expect more movie from you soon?

Frankie: You can definitely expect more movies. We will be having a casting call in August for a new project.

Are there any other events we should look forward to from you in the upcoming year?

Frankie: You can expect more movies and projects in the upcoming year.

Do you know anyone who’s experiencing what Corey’s going through in real life?

Frankie: Its a lot of people who I know that can relate to Child Support The Comedy or are going through similar situations.

Doc’s Castle Media seeks to inspire positivity and productivity in the people of our city. From your experiences, could you share a few words about what motivated you to keep pushing to make Child Support The Comedy or any other film you’ve created?

Frankie: First and foremost, what motivates me the most is God because he wakes me up every morning and gives me the strength and talent to be able to do what I do. Then, of course, there’s my family that motivates me. Connecting with my friends while bringing our ideas and creativity together to create a great production also motivates me. I just like helping people take steps towards something that they always wanted to do.

What are your links for people to keep up with what’s new coming from Frankie Jones Movies? (Social Media, websites, etc.)

My website is www.frankiejonesmoves.com

Twitter: @frankiejones122


PREMIERE FLYER

What’s the funniest child support experience you’ve heard? Leave your comments below.

The HashTag That Lasted All Week: #ImSoBaltimore

Is it over yet?

For the past two days, I’ve watched my city shine with pride as people participating in a game online through their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. My online friends shared memories of growing up in Baltimore by posting photos and statuses about moments they remember while living in Baltimore under the #hashtag #ImSoBaltimore.

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I recall there being other hashtags, like #ImSoDC and #ImSoHarlem. But because majority of my time lines are recipients of Baltimore City, I rarely saw those posts. So like a throwback Thursday turned into an entire week of nostalgia, I was swimming in Baltimore pride all week.

Just the other day, we complained about how we hated where we were from. Two weeks ago, we screamed of how no one will ever make it out of this city with the lack of support from other people who live here. But what I see, with the addition of support from people who attended Artscape, we’ve gain quite a supportive presence by showing our pride in where we come while simply posting statuses about things done in and only in our city.

I spent most of my Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday liking other people’s posts, thinking to myself: I remember doing that or saying I wish that place never went out of business. We aren’t just the home of the Wire. We’re more. We just needed to let others know for a sec.

I miss Baltimore the way everyone remembered it. We talked about it like we don’t do these memorable activities anymore. It opened up my eyes into looking for new memories to capture while I continue to live here. Although, I already have started picking up the habit of doing things that can only be experienced here, I hope that others developed that sense to do the same. We can create more of these Baltimore memories.

Check out some of the things people said while participating in this week’s popular #hashtag. (All these status updates were taken from my Facebook time line. These were not submitted to me. I simply stumbled across them.)

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We had a few downers who complained about this online burst of  Baltimore pride, of course. It never fail to have someone representing that “crab-in-a-barrel” mentality. I’m glad someone chose to speak up about it, though.

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IKR! Just log out because it’s not over yet. Baltimore for life! We’re SO BALTIMORE!

What are some of your memories about Baltimore? Share some in the comments below.

Did you participate in the #TwitterPurge? Read WTF #TwitterPurge on Doc’s Castle Media.

The 3rd Annual Natural Is Beautiful Summer Bus Trip

Natural is Beautiful Expo goes to a whole new level by allowing their event goers access to a special field trip to their 3rd Annual Natural is Beauty Expo in New York via coach bus!

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It’s just a few bucks to spend the day in the Big Apple. The expo is held smack in the middle of Times Square at the Marriot Marquis. Spend the day away from home while continuing to embrace your natural beauty. How about it this July 19th? For more Ticket information, make sure you check out their official Natural is Beautiful Events website.

I attended the Natural Hair Care Expo held in April 2014 and really enjoyed myself. To read more about my experiences, make sure to read 2014 Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo on Doc’s Castle Media.

Doc Attends The Real News Network Grand Opening

Now let’s learn to be more politically correct here. Knowing that the majority of my audience are 20-something-years-olds, a lot of the people I carry a conversation with lack awareness for what’s really happening in the media. Just the other day, I asked one of my friends were they going to vote and they didn’t realize there was an election going on. Now that’s a problem. That exact incident weighed heavy on my mind at last night event as I attended The Real News Network’s studio grand opening.

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It was such a nice little shindig. Multiple people took part in the celebration and opening of the year old independent online news site in downtown Baltimore, MD.  From rappers, noteworthy guest speakers, poets and even a special appearance from actor/film director Danny Glover, we all came together on one night to recognize what’s really important while streaming our concerns to the rest of the world from the Real News Network website. We’re came together to show that we care about our community’s well being. Along with the extravagance of being blessed with the presence of some very important faces, we still participated in celebrating something that I love so much, hip-hop. It was a very good night.

I saw some familiar faces, too…

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As I attended the grand opening, I wrangled up a few important messages that caught my ear. The messages constantly being pushed at last night function by the keynote speakers were

  • “we should participate in what’s happening in our communities,”
  • “we should become the government that we want instead of bashing what we have,”
  • “we should always love who we are,” and
  • “we should work hard to become who we are and not let anyone stop us from doing what we love.”

With every speaker and performance, there was a sense of power that came with their presence; the kind of power that makes you want to leave from the event and create a masterpiece of your own. You can’t tell me I wasn’t ready to go write an opinion essay after I left out of there. My notebook gained 4 more pages worth of “scrap literature.” Praise be to the motivation!

I look forward to learning more about The Real News Network. It’s still pretty fresh to me. But when something is unfamiliar, I don’t hesitate to learn more about it. I’m thinking of a way to somehow volunteer my services for them. They’ve also mentioned the need for a lot of help from people in the community so you should find your place in getting involved with The Real News Network, as well.

Take a stand! The Real News Network will also be having their part 2 to their grand opening tonight. If you’re seeking to get involved sooner opposed to later, go check ‘em out! RSVP at the Real News Network’s event page on Facebook and follow the address below:

235 Holliday Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

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Have you attended any of the Beet Trip events? Read Beet Trip is the New Wave on Doc’s Castle Media.

Beet Trip Is The New Wave

I felt like I traveled back in time for a few hours to the 1980s yesterday, except there was a slight millennial twist in my Back To The Future moment. I attended for the first time Beet Trip, a beat and rap cypher event held at The Living Well, just few block north of Baltimore’s Station North Arts and Entertainment District. Last night’s event was Beet Trips 15th episode.

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I wish I could have had the opportunity to grow up in the 80s to hear MCs battle it out in cyphers to human beat boxers. But the closest I could get to that was last night when I experience young Baltimore MCs form a circle while taking turns passing the mic to exchange freestyles to new age beats created by 3 star Bmore producers. I regret to have not grab such talented producers names or information. But I’m sure to be spotted at this event again. I definitely won’t make the same mistake. If you recognize anyone in any of these photographs, let them know that they’re now Doc’s Castle Media’s anonymous stars!

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The atmosphere was, like I said, “old school with a new age twist” and the crowd was extremely exceptional for it to be held in an art gala like The Living Well. I assume Beet Trip was the absolute place to be if you’re big on attending Baltimore Hip-Hop events because I spotted plenty of familiar faces in the Baltimore Hip-Hop Scene. To name a few people:

Butch Dawson
Kaseo
Leon Dominick
FluX
Jimmy Apoet
Flaco
OG Dutch Master
Kemet Dank (aka Dank God)
Lor Bluntz
Neish of 23rd Sense
and so many more…

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Beet Trip is held every first and third Thursday of the month and it’s only $3 to attend. The next episode will be June 5, 2014. Will you be there?

2443 N. Charles St.
Baltimore, MD 21218

Live Forever with Modelz of Distinction’s Immortal Fashion Show

I’m on the roll with these fashion gigs. I have another to share with the viewers of Doc’s Castle Media. Did you hear about Towson University’s sponsored model troupe Modelz of Distinction? Well, they’re currently on fire. This weekend, they’ll be hosting another fashion event titled Immortal.
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I’ve labeled this organization as “on fire” because word of mouth as reached me numerous of times regarding MOD. It’s about time that Doc’s Castle Media hop in on the excitement. I mean, just read the words from MOD’s very own secretary Kara Achilihu:

Our shows have grown with each year, reaching full capacity each time. Our shows not only include models ripping the runway, but feature an array of talent such as musicians, dance teams, poetry slams, raffles, prizes and more. MOD also participates in community outreach, performing community service and social events such as car washes, talent shows, cookouts, etc. We were most recently featured on WPB Radio twice, as well as a feature in The Towerlight, Towson University’s student newspaper.

They’ve been doing the damn thing. Lets give credit when it’s due.

Kara submitted a little snippet of last years show. I wish I attended. There’s so many beautiful people, both men and woman. Doesn’t it make you want to walk the stage, too?

So what are you doing this Saturday, May 10 at 7:15pm? If you’re doing the usual, stop right now and switch your plans. Indulge into something different by supporting this local event. Even if you’re going for the buffet, show your support by attending Modelz of Distintion’s Immortal fashion show. I bet you’ll feel fancy once it’s over.

Read about my experience at Baltimore’s 1st Fashion Truck Rally, Boulevard of Chic on Doc’s Castle Media.

Fun at Baltimore’s 1st Annual Fashion Truck Rally

I did something new last Saturday. If you live in Baltimore, sometimes you’d consider this city as a place where it’s pretty hard to find something new to do as recreation. I spend my summers looking for places to go. It’s really hard to find something fun to do without having to repeat the same activities over and over. But there’s warm weather on the rise so I should be able to do a lot more this season. This Saturday was officially the kick off to my season full of events, starting with the Boulevard of Chic Fashion Truck Rally.

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I had fun experiencing, for the first time, shopping from a fashion truck. It was indeed a moment of discovery. Imagine all the goodies a girl can buy from a truck that’s similar to your neighborhood’s infamous Ice Cream truck, except all your fashion treats can be found there. Yup, this is what I was apart of this weekend.

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Check me and Doc’s Castle Media’s featured blogger Brianna of Rebellious Rebel flicking it up for the camera.

I met the owners of some of Baltimore’s local small businesses, exchanged some business cards, took some photos and bought some jewelry. It was cool. I hope that there will be other fashion truck rallies in the future. If there should be, I’m in there like swimwear! Check out my video of all the nice things I saw this weekend.

You Can Catch Me On The Boulevard of Chic

I can be such girl at times…SIKE! I’m rarely that! For the people who truly know Doc, they are aware that I am far from being a girly girl. I prefer to be more laid back and let my beauty speak for itself. Ha-ha!

But with this invitation to attend the Boulevard of Chic on April 26th, I could become a girly girl in a matter of a few hours.

BOC

Boulevard of Chic (BOC) is a Baltimore’s first and only fashion truck rally. Meant to be a shopping opportunity for women of all ages, BOC will offer the best trendy apparel from local entrepreneurs through this fashionable celebration. BOC’s mission is to bring savvy entrepreneurs and artist together to promote the “Shop Local” trend. The experience alone should be the attention grabber for those who like to snag their goods from different places, and not shopping at the mall or shopping center. It’s such an awesome opportunity for those who are fashion scavengers.

I was invited to be a VIP blogger for this 1st annual event. I’m ready to see all the nice things I can buy while attending BOC. So if you have any time this weekend to come out and buy some new things for your closet, Boulevard of Chic is the place to be. You’ll definitely catch me shopping for something unique to add to my collection. I hope to see you there.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

12:00 pm-6:00 pm (General Public)

1220 Key Highway Baltimore, MD 21230

 Have you read about my experiences at the 2014 Natural Hair Care Expo? Check it out on Doc’s Castle Media.

2014 Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo

I spent my weekend the natural way at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore for the 2014 Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo. It was a great experience to be a part of something so empowering, especially when I’ve never been to such an event. I had to wake up early Saturday morning to do my hair. I had to look fly.

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I took it upon myself to attend the expo because I am a natural hair gal, myself. I spend hours of my time perfecting my natural curly bush. So I felt it was my duty to not miss out on this chance to learn some new hair tips and purchase some new goodies for this nappy head. I was in there in no time, accompanied by two of my lovely friends, one of them being the beautiful Karyn of NaturalHasStyle, a hair blog on Instagram that showcases all hairstyles natural.

 

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Check out Karyn’s pretty hairstyle. Her pinned up puffy Marley Twist.

See more of her funky styles on her Instagram.

 

The event was delightfully free-spirited because it made me proud to say the hair on my head is real and majority of the people at this event hair is real, too. There were so many beautiful black people proud of their manes. I’ve never seen so many bushy heads in one place in my life. Sometimes the ignorance I receive from people who are unaware of this natural “movement” can cloud your reality of how many people who are for it. Being around a bunch of people who don’t understand my cause to be natural might have blinded me from the many that actually care. I guess I was brought back to life.

While at the expo, I bought some goodies. I now have new jewelry and some fancy smelling Shea butter for my body and hair. Everything I bought was from local businesses. You know, I love supporting the locals.

 

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I had to get a pic next to the sign, too. Ha!

The message constantly pushed to those who attended Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo was there is beauty in what you are. There’s power behind being natural. We are wearing our hair naturally to make a statement that we aren’t false. We’re more comfortable in being real. We’re proud of who we are. We’re letting others know that. It was very empowering and nice to see people in support of one another.

The Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo is held in the spring at a different location every year. I’ll be lurking on Google around this time next year to make sure I don’t miss it. But the current tour hasn’t ended. The next hair care expo is being moved to Eastern Shore. So make sure you mark your calendars for May 4th to attend the Natural Hair Care Expo at the Hampton Inn (address below.)

121 E Naylor Mill Road
Salisbury, MD 21804

Visit the Natural Hair Care Expo website for more details.