The insider

IT is that time of the year again, when everyone is focusing on the holiday season and all that comes with it--the shopping, the hustle and bustle, the children's expectations and the joy of gift-giving.

In the cover story (Page 148), megastar Beyonce and her mother, Tina Knowles, apparently have given themselves an early gift by launching a fashion line that includes a variety of items, ranging from jeans to evening gowns. The mother-daughter team has created the House of Dereon fashion label, named after Beyonce's grandmother.

Their idea is to make their line different from some other celebrity lines by actually designing the fashions themselves. For years, Tina Knowles has designed costumes for the group Destiny's Child, and now, working out of studios in New York and Houston, she sketches styles, selects fabric swatches and trims, and oversees production. Beyonce, who is described by her mother as "a fashion icon." brings her own ideas that add some "flavor" to the styles.

While Beyonce and her mother are enjoying their special gift, what would the holiday season be without toys? As we have done in the past, the story on Page 72 focuses on "Toys For Adults," featuring a collection of interesting items for "the big kids." How about Apple's new video iPod? Or Panasonic's 3CCD SD Camcorder? Or the Brillian Corporation 65" HDTV, the ARCHOS 30GB Pocket Audio/Video Recorder and Player. And for sports fans, there's the NBA Skybox by Maytag and the NBA XXL Hannspree TV.

Although there is a great deal of commercialism associated with the holidays, many people believe that the reason for the season is in the spirit of giving and helping those who need a helping hand. Perhaps nowhere is that more evident than in the homes of those who have opened their doors to the displaced and dispossessed victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In "After The Hurricanes: Opening Hearts & Homes To The Evacuees" (Page 164), the Christmas spirit is evident in the efforts of three families who have welcomed victims of the disasters to live with them until they get back on their feet.

Another heartwarming story of giving ("The Gift of Life," Page 80) comes from Virginia, where two longtime friends literally strengthen their ties after one, without hesitation or reservation, donates a kidney to save his fraternity brother's life. In the spirit of the season, theirs is an amazing display of love, commitment and self-sacrifice.

In other features, we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Atlanta Life Financial Group; introduce to some and present to others Hollywood's new, sexy leading men; take a look at the ABCs of home-schooling; celebrate the life of artist Lois Mailou Jones; and we put the spotlight on Harry Lennix, who has been called "Hollywood's hardest-working man."

Keeping with the spirit of the holiday season and in recognition of the millions of people who need some encouragement in the face of one disaster after another, "The Healing Power Of Gospel Music" (Page 54) is perfect for those who are in need of a good dose of hope and inspiration--those who are looking for a source of strength to triumph over tragedy. If you are troubled, or just want to hear some soothing, healing music, consider the inspiration from the likes of CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Byron Cage, Kirk Whalum, Israel Houghton, Hezekiah Walker, Anointed and Mary Mary.

Happy Holidays!

COPYRIGHT 2005 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group