April 2015 Issue - Urban Suburban Magazine

WITH THE SECURITY OF BLUE. When you enroll in a health plan, you can feel good choosing Independence Blue Cross. That’s because you’ll have the health plan accepted by over 90% of doctors and specialists. All with industry-leading wellness programs designed to keep you healthy while reducing costs.

Visit ibx.com to learn more.

Did you know that regular visits to your dentist for preventive care can reduce your overall dental and medical spending?

Take charge of your oral health with iDental coverage from United Concordia.

Because healthy habits mean healthy savings. iDental has five affordable PPO dental plans for individuals and families, offering: 

Reduced out-of-pocket costs



A large, national network of dentists



Peace of mind for both expected and unexpected dental care expenses



Friendly, knowledgeable customer service

Get a FREE quote today by calling (866) 568-6099 or visiting iDental.com.

ADV-0063 0313 • Dental plans are administered by United Concordia Companies, Inc., and underwritten by United Concordia Life and Health Insurance Company.

Administrative and claims offices located at 4401 Deer Path Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110 (866-568-6099). Specific plans, policies or their provisions may vary or be unavailable in some states. Policies have exclusions and limitations which may affect any benefits payable. See the actual policy or your account representative for specific provisions and details of availability. Visit the “Disclaimers” link at www.UnitedConcordia.com for additional information and a complete listing of the products available in your area.

www.blackcatcoffeebar.com Coming May 2015

54 Guide to Home Automation

Connecting the Dots

by Shawn Hawes

Gadgets Go Explore!

The importance of learning to read at a young age...

22 Spring into Philly

Travel 20 Home Away from Home

Business Profiles 11 More Business Profiles

Education

Getting to the core

by Janette R. Smith

Press yourself to identify at least one thing that glaringly stands out as something you do, or participate in that does not give you peace, nor align with who you are down deep inside. THAT question will lead you to the next steps toward getting to your ‘core.’

24 We Love to Read

Can Nelson Diaz’s campaign ideas propel him to become the city’s first Puerto Rican to hold the office?

6 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia

Janette Smith is an Emmy, Telly and Aurora award-winning journalist with 22 years experience in the broadcast industry, reporting and anchoring at WCPO-TV Cincinnati, WFAA-TV Dallas, and WAGA-Atlanta.

Kyle Leishear has been a Tech & Gadget enthusiast his whole life. Even as a child when he would break something he would try to fix it. That led him to a life of always trying to stay on top of the latest and greatest technologies and seeing how they work.

Denise James is a seasoned journalist whose passion is telling stories that reflect people’s truths in empowering ways. Denise began her career at WGPR TV & Radio in Detroit.

WGPR was America’s first black owned television station. There she hosted a live morning talk show, reported for the evening news and produced special segments focused on people and issues shaping the times. morning talk show, reported for the evening news and produced special segments focused on people and issues shaping the times.

Dr. Irene Okech holds a PhD in Public Health and an MBA in Healthcare Management Policy. Her research interests are in Pediatric health outcomes, & Maternal and child health policies. A young and upcoming leader, she is also a spokesperson for the disparities faced by women and children in rural Africa. Dr. Okech is the co-founder of Imbako Public Health, an organization that seeks to allay disparities in healthcare and education faced by women and children in rural Kenya.

Candace Smith is a native Philadelphian and graduate of Syracuse University (BA) and City University of London (MA). After spending a few years living in London, Candace returned to Philadelphia and continues to forge a career as a freelance journalist, writer, blogger, actress, and host. Besides interviewing intriguing personalities for Urban/Suburban Magazine, she is also currently contributing her knowledge and skills to various artistic movements, publications, websites, and podcasts such as REP Radio, AFFRM, Tinsel and Tine, and Hipolitics.

Matt Schmidt works as the Graphic Design Team Lead for Urban Suburban Magazine. Since he graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2010, he has been designing various material, from logos to brochures, for clients within the Philadelphia area.

Jennifer S. Matthews is a noted author, motivational speaker, and is trained as a financial coach. She is the author of the award-winning book “12 Ways to Put Money in Your Pocket Every Month Without A Part Time Job”.

Margarita McKissick has 15+ years of professional experience as a writer and public relations professional.

She is currently working on her Ph.D in Philosophy (focusing on today’s youth), she earned her Master’s degree with high distinction in Public Communications at American University, and her Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a focus on radio and television broadcast from Cheyney University.

urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 7

Our featured

New Contributors Janette R. Smith Janette Smith is an Emmy, Telly and Aurora award-winning journalist with 22 years experience in the broadcast industry, reporting and anchoring at WCPO-TV Cincinnati, WFAA-TV Dallas, and WAGA-Atlanta. Before the days of reality TV -Janette gave news ‘new life’ by truly becoming a part of each story, as a result Janette has done and seen things most of us would only dare to imagine; including bull riding (for 2.7 seconds ) and living at sea on the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis for 4 days. (The Stennis is featured in Transformers II) Ms. Smith also worked in the entertainment industry for 6 years hosting “ASK DIY” - a syndicated home improvement show for the D.I.Y. Network, as well custom specials about Habitat for Humanity on HGTV. Fulfilling her passion for making a difference in the lives of people all over the world, Janette spent 6 years overseeing the media department at Creflo Dollar Ministries as the department’s Executive Producer. In 2007 she put that passion to work as the Media / Web Director for Grammy award winning, Platinum artist Fred Hammond at Fred Hammond Family Ent, Corp. Janette’s most recent screen credit is as Producer and Actor in the Fred Hammond family film, “Christmas... Who Needs It.” This independent film was a break-out star featured at the 2007 Hollywood Black Film Festival.

Janette is a graduate of Alabama A&M University and is currently the owner and Managing Director of her own media, marketing and branding company - Mirror Media Solutions and host of the internet radio program “Janette Smith Online.”

Shawn Hawes A proud Philadelphia native, Shawn N. Hawes is the Public Information Officer for the Philadelphia Prison System. As the prison’s Spokesperson, her responsibilities include acting as the contact person for media, maintaining a positive relationship with the public and providing representation for the PPS with the media and as a designee of the Commissioner of Prisons. She serves as a resource for the staff, public and institutions regarding media-related questions, general procedures, and data. Ms. Hawes also conducts tours of the facilities for dignitaries, the general public and for reporters to view and experience the daily operations of the jail.

Shawn is a graduate of Philadelphia University and has been accepted into the Graduate Program for Criminal Justice student at Saint Joseph’s University.

She is also the mother of two fabulous young women, Melanie and Khelsea, and the grandmother to their amazing sons, Riley and Aidan. Shawn likes to travel, read, do yoga, eat really great food and shop.

8 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia

Publisher’s Opinion Sometime life is complicated only because we make it complicated.

Change is a very real part of life.

The reality is that life doesn’t offering any guarantees or certainty.

In our lifetime, many of us will experience sickness, professional successes, tragedy situation and hopefully a whole lot of happiness in between. As I glaze out upon the landscape of Philadelphia I see change happening all around. I see twenty something, thirty something and forty somethings forging a new sight line for the City of Philadelphia. I see the energy of vision, hard work and determination pushing individuals and families towards success and endless possibilities. What I don’t see is enough tolerance, forgiveness and open mindedness toward diversity. Often times, successful or educated people believe all you need is determination and a good strong work ethic.

No, sometimes you need the following:

Inspiration – Sometimes inspiration can come

from within your community or neighborhood. Ultimately don’t be afraid to explore or borrow an idea from another community. You never know because that Ideal could work or benefit your community plus very few ideals are original so don’t be afraid to implement a “Neighborhood Watch” or “Clean up Committee”.

Invest in yourself - Take a chance and invest in yourself. The reward or payoff may not happen overnight but continue to save your money in order to buy that building. Guess what paint that store front, replace those old windows, purchase a new sign and maybe just maybe you see the payoff eventually.

Forget Fads - Don’t worry about the gentrifica-

tion. Focus on the things you can control and don’t about the things you can’t control. You know your neighborhoods and your city better than most.

Where is the best place to park? Is it close to SEPTA? Can I walk to center city? Is it clean? It’s up to you to take advantage and understand what important to existing residents and new ones as a resident, property and business owner.

Welcome – You can’t learn if you’re not open to listening and discussing issues. No one person has all the solutions. So contrary to popular opinion, it will take our collective efforts to succeed where many have failed. We need to discuss educational options, safety options, job opportunities, houses plans and shared open spaces. Then you have a better under-

Breezy's Cafe

standing of exactly how similar we are rather than the image of how different.

Most of all be willing to revitalize your neighborhood, rethink how you deal with people, and retool your approach do how you do business.

Continued prosperity. urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 9

10 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia

North City Congress

North City Congress, a non-profit organization supporting the North Philadelphia community since 1963, has a vibrant senior community center and supportive in-home program for older adults in our community. Monday through Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm the North Broad Street Senior Center (NBSC) is alive with the kinetic energy of the many people who come through our doors each day. NBSC members come to exercise, dance, craft, engage, eat, learn, grow, explore, make new friends, share talents, travel and support their community. And knowing that growing older at times is not easy, our Center Counselor is here to help should you need to talk or access the programs, support groups, benefits and resources you may need as you age. Stop by or call 215-978-1300 to schedule a tour.

NCC In-Home Support Program (IHSP) can help if you are 60+ years old, reside in North Philadelphia and have difficulty or need assistance leaving your home. Some of the services we can help with are information, benefit assistance, minor home repairs, transportation to medical appointments, and home delivered meals. If you would like to find out if you or someone you know is eligible for help through IHSP please call 215-978-1360. NCC IHSP program is one of five IHSP programs in Philadelphia.

North City Congress 1438 N Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19121.

Monday – Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm 215-978-1300 www.north-city.org

urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 11

Matt Schmidt Caricatures In 2011, Matt Schmidt began drawing caricatures at the Philadelphia Zoo. After 3 years, Matt has drawn for weddings, birthday parties, festivals, mitzvahs and more. He is also available for holiday parties, corporate events, or any other event. He has worked events for companies such as Chick-Fil-A, Philadelphia University, and AmerisourceBergen.

Matt can entertain small or large groups. He can draw an average of 20 faces per hour in black and white and 10 faces in color per hour.

To see more testimonials, and samples, please visit

mattschmidtcaricatures.com.

Entrepreneur Works Together, PDP, CCW and CMP function as one, providing a comprehensive array of business development services for microenterprises, including: business skills training courses and workshops, technical assistance counseling, peer group education and support services, small business microloans, peer microloans, and networking opportunities.

In 2009, the new name, Entrepreneur Works, was conceived to unify our organization and its various entities that work seamlessly to promote the growth of microenterprises. In order to convey that all three bodies—PDP, CCW, and CMP—harmoniously function as a single organization, with the single mission to nourish entrepreneurs, Entrepreneur Works was born.

Entrepreneur Works' mission is to provide entrepreneurs of microenterprises and small businesses in the Greater Philadelphia region with the support and tools they need to thrive!

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/EntreprenWorks http://www.myentrepreneurworks.org/ Don’t forget about the 13th Annual Taste of Success EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE NOW! WHEN: Monday, April 20, 2015 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: International House Philadelphia 3701 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104

urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 13

Two Christmases ago I purchased what some may consider a silly gift for my then 3 year old grandsons.

I bought them both a Kindle Fire, which could be loaded with books, games, videos, music, etc. I made the purchase after lots of “what do you think?” conversations with both sets of their parents, who pretty much thought it was the dumbest gift ever, for a kid for Christmas.

16 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia

Eventually, I ignored my daughters and ordered the gadgets for my baby boys. So, its technology renders ME helpless and irritated as I tried to figure out of the functionality of the devices. I kind of thought it would arrive ready to go. Not so much. Thankfully, with the help from tech support and their annoyed parents, who spent way too much time telling me “this is dumb.

They can’t even read yet! ‘I’m so over this…send them back”. Well, we got those babies locked and loaded in time for Christmas morning fun/ learning time! To everyone’s surprise, those Kindles (and the headphones I that had the sense to purchase) were the hit of ALL of their gifts. All roads lead back to their devices. As you may well know, the book function on tablets can allow the reader to read to himself, follow along or it will read the story to you. My boys listened to the stories, played matching letter games, sounding words, you get the idea. Two years later, they still can be found with their Kindle in bed or in some corner working or playing but

always learning on the low.

Let’s face it, learning to read is tough. Teaching someone to read is harder. The easiest thing someone, like me, who loves a good book or magazine, can do is to their share love of reading and hope that it’s contagious. My mother and grandmother loved to read, there were always tons of books, magazines and newspapers around. I remember lying next to my mom on Sundays reading the Sunday paper alongside her, hurrying her to turn the page. “You can’t possibly have read that article already, Shawn. Did you understand what you read?” I did and I had, and I was so anxious to find out what happened next, that I would absorb ever word quickly, deeply. I’m like that today; I mourn a book and its characters when it’s done. Because unless (God willing) there is a sequel, they’re dead to me once the book ends. My daughters (especially baby girl) did not get that reading gene.

I will give her what I consider great books or magazines to read and she’ll reply, “I don’t read”. Say what, now?

“Listen, I say often, ‘don’t repeat that to anyone else, ever.”

My oldest love has come into being reader; she’s quite selfish with her books, though.

“Dude, you’re not going to reread those books, I tell her as I try to put them in a bag.

‘Let me take them to work and donate them to the prison libraries.” Her response, well, I cannot print that, but let’s just say; she’s not pro-programs in penal systems. I, on the other hand, am PRO-programs, especially those that teach and increase literacy.

Currently, the average reading level for the inmates at the Philadelphia Prison System (PPS) is 5.2. That’s 5th grade, 2 quarter literacy.

For almost 60 % of the almost 8,000 incarcerated adults in the City of Philadelphia is, their reading level is FIFTH GRADE! How does one function as an adult with reading proficiency equal to that of a 10 year old child? It gives you an idea why a lot of them are behind bars, doesn’t it? Basic literacy and numeracy skills are available at the PPS for those who want to participate in classes. Some of the inmates are mandated by the court to participate in educational programs however, judges will often place in the order that they work on obtaining GED by enrolling in the pre GED course. But

guess what, until January of this year, GED tested students on their proficiency through the 8th grade. As of January 2015, you must be proficient through the 12th grade. If one cannot read nor do math beyond 5th grade, he will not pass the exam. I bet that’s frustrating to a person with anger management issues. However, our genius Education department, headed by the recently retired Deputy Commissioner Reginald Hammond and new DC Blanche Carney, and encouraged by one of the most innovative Prison Commissioners in the country, Louis Giorla, implemented the TABE program at the PPS. This test allows the PPS to determine the actual literacy level of an inmate and have them work towards an appropriate and obtainable level of growth. This expands opportunity for success, reduces the feeling of failure and promotes the educational programs as a workable component in reentry of an inmate/returning citizen.

Back to basic, thanks to those Kindles that I bought for my grandsons, reading is normal for my boys.

They read (or try) to read everything. I can’t even send a text or type an email without one of them over my shoulder asking why does your work tell you about what’s going on all of the time? Or why did my mom text you and say, I hope YOU’RE not cooking?” We can still spell words during a conversations but you have to spell fast and well, let’s just say some of us can’t always keep up with a phonetic conversation. “Wait, c-h-u-ck-y-c-h….what? Start over!” Here’s where I should mention how much money I have spent on my daughters’ education? But I won’t, because I may get angry, demand a refund and I’m saving that for another article. Teaching kids the fundamentals of reading and writing is tough work, especially for those of us who don’t want to do kindergarten homework. *points at self* Geez….let’s just wait until mom gets home to finish, never flies. But remember as you are trying to figure out the difference between a long U sound and a short U sound, that’s it’s so important to do right and be diligent teacher cannot do it all, it has to reinforced or the learning will be forgotten. Sometimes, you may have to sit aside and relearn some things before you can help with home. There’s a Kindergarten Homework for Dummies book out there for sure! My grandbabies

urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 17

are currently above reading level for their grade. One reads at a 3rd grade level already –probably higher because he’s the guy reading my email. The other is above reading level AND has the most beautiful handwriting. My handwriting looks like chicken scratch. I try really hard, too.

May I make a suggestion? In the summer when school is out and kids are complaining that they’re nothing to do, have a couple of their favorite books around. Little black boys in particular, have been found, to stop reading over the summer months.

The result when they return to school is that they find themselves behind the other kids who have been working on their literacy while on school break. Even a little as one book a week matters during a break.

Make them earn playtime by reading and then writing a summary of whatever book or article that they read.

Work on the spelling later, as long as they can express in their own words what they have read.

Chapter books are cool because you can take turns reading a chapter, and then let your baby read a chapter. He can practice reading out loud, which helps reduce embarrassment when it is time for them to read out loud in class. A chapter book also lets you do cliffhangers at bedtime; they will be geeked to get ready for bed the next night, so that they can find out what happens next. Another great idea is to order personalized books-ones that put your child’s 18 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia

name into the story. My guys received a great Avengers hardback book that included them as superheroes fighting with their favorite good guys.

All you do is submit their names and a photo and they become a part of the story. I cannot tell you how cool they thought those books were. You can Google “personalized children’s books”, you will get lots of results on how to order. The only caveat, you will be forced to reread the books until they memorize them.

Make reading not such a big deal making it the norm in your household.

When you’re driving, have them read the signs or the directions (just have maps programmed in advance on your phone or you’re screwed) but they think they have helped and will learn some new words in the process.

Unfortunately, there so many people in custody-mainly young black men, did not develop basic reading skills.

Someone failed them at school and at home. For as many programs that are available in jails and post release from custody, the majority of inmates and returning citizens will not take part due to several reasons. Some are embarrassed about the knowledge they lack, some do not think literacy is important in the long run, and some believe that they cannot learn. It brings to mind the saying, “it’s easier to build up a child than to fix a broken man.”

Very recently, a 19 year old man, no a BOY was being processed into the jail and was asked by his social worker to sign his name. When he wrote it instead, she asked again for his signature. “I don’t know how to do that” he replied, ‘ain’t nobody never showed me how to connect the letters”. He’s in custody for attempted murder, so I guess someone bothered to show him how to load a clip. Imagine if someone showed him how to download stories, or how to borrow a book. Or if someone had showed him how to connect the letters…

Shawn Hawes Bio

A proud Philadelphia native, Shawn N. Hawes is the Public Information Officer for the Philadelphia Prison System. As the prison’s Spokesperson, her responsibilities include acting as the contact person for media, maintaining a positive relationship with the public and providing representation for the PPS with the media and as a designee of the Commissioner of Prisons. She serves as a resource for the staff, public and institutions regarding media-related questions, general procedures, and data. Ms. Hawes also conducts tours of the facilities for dignitaries, the general public and for reporters to view and experience the daily operations of the jail.

Shawn is a graduate of Philadelphia University and has been accepted into the Graduate Program for Criminal Justice student at Saint Joseph’s University.

She is also the mother of two fabulous young women, Melanie and Khelsea, and the grandmother to their amazing sons, Riley and Aidan.

Shawn likes to travel, read, do yoga, eat really great food and shop.

urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 19

Today, instead of spending vacation outside of the country more and

more families are slowly realizing the practical advantages of going on vacation within the country. Specifically, Orlando in Florida is fast regaining its popularity amongst local tourists. This is primarily as a result of one factor: vacation packages! That’s right, demand for vacation packages to Orlando have gone up in recent years. Numerous travel businesses now give flexible package selections that allow you to pick the number of days; options for transfers; and also the accommodations, for example Best Western inside Disney World (if you wish to visit Disney land together with your children) or Lake Buena Vista Best Western hotels If you wish to visit the other sites), and so on.

If you too have plans to visit Orlando, one of the leading tourist destinations within the US, the best way to maximize your visit is through tour packages. These are preplanned and pre-arranged vacation packages that consist of everything important to complete the vacation. On the other hand, to the uninitiated, the selections can be really bewildering. In case you have no concept where to start, then here is a fast guide to assist you choose the best vacation package.

Check the key features of the tour package

Of course, the most crucial step would be to look for the major features of the package. Commonly, tour packages supply the following: accommodations, transfers, free breakfast, all-access passes to any or all the major theme parks in Orlando. The tour packages then present combinations of these to make up the options list provided to 20 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia

the customers. In case you wish to have a choice of accommodation (for example, you prefer Lake Buena Vista Best Western hotels for if you want to tour Orlando or stay in a Best Western inside Disney World), then travel companies nowadays offer you flexible options.

For example, do you desire a Best Western Lake Buena Vista hotel with a double room, a king-sized bed, a view of the theme park, and so on? Your tour package may possibly contain any of these based on what you opt for. The wider the options, the better the package will be.

Watch out for freebies and discounts

One of the ideal ways to tell that you are looking at the right tour package is if it includes a lot of discounts and freebies thrown in.

The concept is simple- clients tend to opt for tour packages which are more loaded with features than those which are really minimal.

For instance, given the selection of tour packages in a Best Western inside Disney World, would you pick one with free dancing lessons or one that doesn’t? Therefore, the main criterion that should be followed in picking the right package would be to decide on one that provides much more, for the same cost. Your youngsters will appreciate free stuff and your wallet will appreciate the savings.

Check and compare with other related packages

Finally, one more vital thing you must do is to compare prices. At the end of the day, it’s your budget that will determine the kind of choices you will make. Thus, before deciding on the tour package you will get, try to compare costs first so that you may have an concept if what that you are paying for is too pricey or too good to be true.

The Museum is a place where Swedes, Swedish-Americans, and people of all nationalities who appreciate Swedish contributions to history, art, architecture, music, science and technology can come together.

Now you can find your favorite Swedish food items in our Museum Shop. Items Include crisp bread, lingonberry preserve, vanilla sauce, blueberry soup, a variety of candies and chocolate, plus lots more.

The Philadelphia Zoo is one of the premier zoos in the world for breeding animals that have been found difficult to breed in captivity. The zoo also works with many groups around the world to protect the natural habitats of the animals in their care.

22 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia

Founded in 1812, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is a leading natural history museum dedicated to advancing research, education, and public engagement in biodiversity and environmental science.

Founded in honor of America’s first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of the oldest and premier centers of science education and development in the country.

Today, the Institute continues its dedication to public education and creating a passion for science by offering new and exciting access to science and technology in ways that would dazzle and delight its namesake.

urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 23

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.”

— Joseph Addison

24 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia

The Space Between: Interracial Romance

by Victoria H. Smith

When Drake started the night at his father’s campaign fundraiser, he never imagined he’d end it being conned into buying drugs on the West Side. Losing high-stakes poker has its consequences, but he’d repeatedly face them just to hear Lacey Douglas sing. Drake sees Lacey light up the stage, and he has to have her. But his intentions for being on her side of town turn out to be the reason he can’t.

Chicago native Lacey has dreams of the opera, but life has its obstacles. Lacey has come to know her hardships as part of living in the real world and accepts them fully. When Lacey meets the intense and invigorating Drake, a fire is lit inside her, unleashing those dreams again.

I Wish You More

by Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld Some books are about a single wish. Some books are about three wishes. The infallible team of Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld have combined their extraordinary talents to create this exuberant book of endless good wishes. Wishes for curiosity and wonder, for friendship and strength, laughter and peace. Whether celebrating life’s joyous milestones, sharing words of encouragement, or observing the wonder of everyday moments, this sweet and uplifting book is perfect for wishers of every age.

The Negro

by William Edward Burghardt Du Bois About the Author William Edward Burghardt Du Bois (1868-1963) was an American sociologist, author, and cofounder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). His pioneering work The Philadelphia Negro: A Social Study was originally published in 1890 by, and remains available from, the University of Pennsylvania Press. Robert Gregg is Associate Professor of History, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. He is the author of Inside Out, Outside In: Essays in Comparative History.

The New Jim Crow

by Michelle Alexander

Once in a great while a book comes along that changes the way we see the world and helps to fuel a nationwide social movement. The New Jim Crow is such a book. Praised by Harvard Law professor Lani Guinier as “brave and bold,” this book directly challenges the notion that the election of Barack Obama signals a new era of colorblindness. With dazzling candor, legal scholar Michelle Alexander argues that “we have not ended racial caste in America; we have merely redesigned it.” By targeting black men through the War on Drugs and decimating communities of color, the U.S. criminal justice system functions as a contemporary system of racial control—relegating millions to a permanent second-class status—even as it formally adheres to the principle of colorblindness. In the words of Benjamin Todd Jealous, president and CEO of the NAACP, this book is a “call to action.”

urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 25

Automotive

Changing vehicle oil on a regular basis is an extremely important task which offers a number of benefits to vehicle owners.

Oil plays an extremely important role of providing lubrication in the Improves engine stability and life This is another important benefit offered by regular oil change to vehicle engine. Apart from lubricating engine parts, the oil also owners. It improves the life of the engine thus making it functional for

performs other important roles like cleaning of engine, reduc- years to come. Oil change on a regular basis keeps engine clean. Clean ing pollutants, stopping the formation of sludge and cooling engine shows less signs of ageing and offers an excellent performance for the vehicle. But, if it is not changed on a regular basis, it can a longer time period. result in engine failure and engine wear and tear thus causing huge loss in terms of vehicle performance.

Increased performance

Some of the major benefits offered by oil change include im- We all know that performance of a vehicle majorly depends on the condiproved gas mileage, improved engine stability and life, in- tion of the engine. If it is good, performance increases. creased performance etc. All the benefits have been discussed below in detail.

Improvement in gas mileage

This is one of the major benefits offered by routine oil change.

If the engine oil is not changed from a long time, it becomes less viscous and starts losing its ability to lubricate and protect elements of engine. As a result, friction occurs between moving parts of the engine thus causing wear and tear. The more will be the friction, the more the engine needs to work in order to overcome that friction. On the other hand, new oil is extremely viscous, smooth and allows engine to move smoothly with smallest friction.

28 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia

Stops noise produced by vehicle

Regular changes of engine oil also prevent the parts of an engine from coming into contact with each other. This helps in reducing the noise made by the vehicle. Moreover, it also reduces the temperature of the engine.

Thus, it becomes clear that regular oil change offers a number of advantages to vehicle owners. Getting oil change performed by an auto service center is a good decision. There are many auto service centers offering such services to vehicle owners. One needs to do a deep research in order to find a reliable service center which uses quality products and motor oil.

Individuals can take help from internet in this regard.

Open 365 days a year from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Adventure Aquarium continues to offer new opportunities for families to explore, discover and play. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, you can count on new hands-on activities, new animals and exhibits and new moments of magic.

30 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia

They have grown into one of the best children’s museums in the nation, have become experts in play and have had Their programs for under served families in the region nationally recognized.

Come to the Fort for live music, bar, buffet and WAY MORE FUN than should be legal! Learn the Charleston and experience the incredible ambiance of Fort Mifflin after dark. Come as you are or as you might have been circa. 1925. 8 PM – 11 PM The joint will be jumpin’!

Shofuso is a 1.2 acre Japanese garden listed as the third best Japanese garden in North America by Sukiya Living, and named the “Best Hidden Tourist Attraction”

by Philadelphia Magazine.

Because Shofuso reflects conditions of seventeenth-century Japan, it is not accessible to wheelchairs or scooters. urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 31

Philly has had Italian, Irish, Black, and in Colonial Days, even a French mayor. Can Nelson Diaz’s campaign ideas propel him to become the city’s first Puerto Rican to hold the office?

by Manuel McDonnell Smith If you want to know just one thing about Nelson Diaz, it's that he likes coming in first. “My life has been a story of firsts,” begins the first paragraph on his campaign website. “The first Puerto-Rican to graduate from Temple Law and pass the Pennsylvania Bar exam, one of the first Latinos to serve in the White House, the first Latino – and the youngest person – elected as a Judge in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the first Latino confirmed by the United States Senate to be a General Counsel.

As Diaz races for first position in May's Democratic Mayoral Primary, he sits down with Urban Suburban Magazine and reveals why he's counting on your vote to help him achieve yet another starting role.

UbSub: With six confirmed Democratic candidates to choose from, we ask why Nelson Diaz and why now?

Diaz: Because I’ve been a servant of the community for over 45 years.

I’m the only candidate who has had experience in reviving public housing [as General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development], in advocating for ending patronage [as a lawyer & judge], and I’m also the candidate who brings the most national and international experience (and connections) to the job, having worked for two U.S. Presidents [Mondale & Clinton].

34 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia

UbSub: A resume’ like yours give you the experience and authority to speak on many subjects. But you’ve made education your almost singular campaign focus. Why? Diaz: I’ve been able to succeed and rise from poverty due to opportunities that came only from education. Because of school, I’ve met teachers and mentors who guided me in growing from a child to contributor to my cities and communities.

UbSub: Your story of rising to success via public education is a story that will resonate with many older voters, but Philadelphia's current school system is failing too many of today's kids. What is your plan to change that?

Diaz: My plan is three-fold. First, I’d move to abolish the SRC (School Reform Commission). It’s been 13 years, with not much reform. SRC has rather become another misnomer for patronage. Second, I’d work on restoring social services to the schools. Many students have extra needs that are barriers to success. By providing wrap-around social services like nursing, mentoring, and tutoring, we can help them break through. Third, I’d encourage school principals to be more “entrepreneurial” in efforts to support their schools, first by partnering with community organizations in their neighborhoods that can bring in the social services.

UbSub: Hmm, you make no mention of Charter Schools? Where do you stand on the them?

Diaz: The question is what do we do with kids who do not get into charters. Every kid deserves a shot at a quality education. I’m pro-

posing a moratorium on new charter schools until we work out a solution on the [fair] financing of all public schools.

STAR POWER

UbSub: Let’s talk about another issue that you speak with passion about. Poverty.

Diaz: I know what poverty feels like. Until the age of 15, I was a very sickly kid, suffering from asthma and pneumonia because of roaches and other issues caused by sub-standard housing. In fact, I didn’t event have a chance to sleep in my own room and look out of my own window until the age of 15. That's when my family was able to move into public housing. It was not until then that I was able to imagine making it into the middle class. I began to get better grades and became more athletic.

UbSub: Public Housing helped you to become more athletic?

Diaz: From my window in Harlem, I could look down onto the court and see some of the best basketball games being played in the country. I was thrilled.

UbSub: Ahh, we definitely understand that. In other issues, you’re a big advocate for investment in cultural programs. What’s your plan for cultivating the cultural scene in the city?

Diaz: Let's start with the parades. Outside of the Mummer’s Parade, there’s not much attention for the other ethnic and cultural parades in Philadelphia. Some of that has to do with timing. Maybe we can schedule them at better times other than just on a Saturday afternoon in order to gain more exposure.

UbSub: Speaking of parades, your hometown of NYC comes to a stop for the annual Puerto Rican Day parade. In Philly, you wouldn’t even know it was happening unless you stumbled across it.

Diaz: That's one of the reasons that I advocate for a largest commitment from the Mayors of Philadelphia and the Island of Puerto Rico. I've always supported the [Puerto Rican Day] Parade. In the past, I've been Grand Marshal and even President of the Parade, helping to bring in additional financial support for it. The city can use events like these to help reconnect the younger generations to their cultures, and reinforce the contributions of the ethnic cultures to the history of our city.

UbSub: So you propose using culture as a catalyst for additional economic development in the city.

Diaz: From 1973-77, I was president of the Spanish Merchant’s Association. While there, I was instrumental in developing "El Bloque de Oro", also known as "The Golden Block" of Latino Business on North 5th Street. Today, it's still one of the landmark Latino commercial developments in the city. Later, I took many of those same principles learned there to my work in the Goode Administration and put them to work helping to revitalize other neighborhood commercial corridors around the city like 52nd Street and Germantown Avenue.

UbSub: Will neighborhood business development be a cornerstone of your economic improvement plan for the city?

Diaz: Our region is too economically divided with a lot of the development relegated only to Center City. I plan to refocus some of those efforts back into the neighborhoods. Along with making city’s tax and economic development polices a lot more friendly, we can give people the opportunity to dream again of moving from the lower up to the middle class.

UbSub: Our magazine’s readers embrace the “Urban Suburban” concept of upward mobility, following your dreams, and living life to it’s fullest potential. Is there a special message you’d like to share with them?

Diaz: A vote for me is a vote to look forward. With my plans, we can begin calling the City of Philadelphia the City of Opportunity, that everyone feels like they can live, work, and play in. This is our city, and we all need to play a part in doing something to make it better.

EVA LONGORIA Prominent activists Eva Longoria and Henry Muñoz III founded Latino Victory last year in an effort to boost the number of voices of Hispanics in elected office. The nonpartisan group offers support to Hispanic candidates running for local, state and federal offices and is working to build a permanent base of donors to support Hispanic candidates.

Backed by the Latino Victory Fund would be making history if elected. Philadelphia would get its first Latino mayor if the 67-year-old Diaz, a progressive Democrat and former common pleas court judge, wins his race.

The Latino Victory Fund supports Latino candidates across the country. We are creating a movement that builds power in the Latino community so that the faces and voices of Latinos are reflected at every level of government and in the policies that drive our country forward. The Latino Victory Fund engages Latino voters and donors to support Latino leaders in order to elevate and advance American values. Please contribute and support us today!

http://www.latinovictory.us/our-candidates/ urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 35

Real Estate

Investing In Real Estate the Right Way

by Oscar Neon

You are here

because you are considering getting started as a real estate investor. You’re probably also thinking that it seems rather overwhelming when you look at the whole picture. Well, never fear because you’re about to learn a few things, and the more you know the easier everything will seem.

Before making an investment in real estate, analyze the current market and do your research. Investigate as many as 100 individual properties in that area; track your notes with a spreadsheet or database. Things to list include current pricing, projected rent earnings, and repair budgets. This information will help you find the best deal.

Make sure that you set realistic goals based on the budget that you have. You should not set a goal to buy ten houses in the span of a month if you only have a hundred thousand dollars to your name.

Set reasonable expectations to avoid setbacks at all costs.

Marketing will be crucial to your success. Marketing is what generates your leads. Without solid leads, you are not going to find good deals on properties. Therefore, if something is not working in your investment plan, turn to your marketing strategy first to see what is going on and what can be adjusted.

Create an LLC if you’re positive that you’re getting into real estate.

This creates a layer of protection for both yourself and your investments going into the future. There are possible tax benefits to incorporating your business as well.

Location is very important in real estate. Property conditions and other issues can be fixed. Investing in a property that is located in a bad neighborhood will probably lead to failure. When looking to purchase real estate, always make sure you investigate the area and its property value.

See if there are all of the stores and schools that you’ll need around the real estate that you’re thinking of getting for your family. You don’t want to move to an area where you’re not near anywhere that you need to go to. It would cost you a lot in traveling expenses, so keep that in mind when you move anywhere.

How does it feel knowing you’re getting serious about investing in real estate? You never know, you might just be the next Donald Trump.

Of course, make the investment decisions that are right for you, and always be aware of the risk and reward. You are going to do just fine.

urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 37

Imagine, you’re in a hotel room with your dogs, displaced from family and friends, feeling alone, emotionally hurting with a gun in your mouth, ready to end it all. Then, God speaks to you. Over 20 years ago, this was Officer Michael Holmes situation while waiting to testify in one of the biggest police corruption trials ever in Savannah, Georgia. This experience set him on the journey that would lead him to his purpose driven mission of Bent And BrokenŽ.

42 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia

“I’m a typical guy,” says Holmes, “I thought I was a one man island, that I didn’t need anybody, that I could stand alone. I had a good job, nice income; just about everything I thought I could ever want.

Then I was involved in a major corruption trial and when it was over I thought I was a hero; why should I feel bad about anything?

I did what I was supposed to do, I could now move on with my life and be happy, but I was wrong. I was one of the guys that didn’t go to prison and I thought that was great. The guys that went to prison did something wrong and they deserved the punishment they got.

When everything was over I realized that I’d lost as much as them; I just didn’t lose my freedom because I didn’t do anything wrong. In hindsight I still lost about everything they did; my family, the place I called home, and my dad. I had sleepless nights; my self- esteem was at an all time low, I totally shut down. I wore a mask, hiding from friends, family and going to work letting everyone think that my life was just fine. I was determined to be strong, I didn’t want people to know what I was going through but inside I was hurting emotionally. I was catching hell.” Michael wrote an award-winning book titled Twelfth Man Standing that told his story. He thought it would help him heal, it didn’t. “I didn’t know what to do.”

“I started praying harder and asking God for understanding, I read the bible more and talked with God every chance I got. I wanted to know what I did so wrong to hurt as bad as I did. That’s when God took me on my own personal spiritual journey. It brought me closer to Him and helped me understand what was happening. I was asking why, and God answered that it’s not only you; there are lots of people who are hurting emotionally.”

Bent And Broken®, launched in 2015, is a program designed to help those who are hurting emotionally due to the Loss of a Loved One, Being Displaced, having Low Self-Esteem, and Family Issues.

Holmes identified these four categories because as a 20 year law enforcement officer, many of his service calls were to households where the people he met fell into “one or more of these four categories.” He realized that people everywhere, white, black, rich, poor, face similar situations.

Five years after hearing God’s voice on that fateful day, Bent And Broken® was officially launched. After much prayer God gave Michael the name Bent and Broken®.

“I had a dream and basically that’s where it came from.”

Michael wrote a four week bible study guide to help people become unbent and unbroken. A lot of time, research and effort were poured into the guide to ensure it contained the best possible information. The purpose behind Bent And Broken® is to bring emotionally hurting people closer to God by using basic Bible principles.

“It shows what God showed me to become unbent and broken. He wants me to share what I’ve learned with others so that they won’t hurt as bad as I was, they can use this to understand things happening in their lives and what they can do to feel better about themselves in order to move forward. I want people to understand that I

don’t own this, I believe that God is using me to do what He wants done.”

Michael also received visions of artwork and quotations. “These images are just tools used for the message to travel. These are the images that God showed me of a bent and broken man.”

The study guide can be followed as a group or individually; some people may not be ready to share they’re pain. Holmes offers his services to show others how to follow the process to become unbent and unbroken because it’s important to follow the process.

The response to Bent And Broken® has been positive. People visit the website and Facebook page where an inspirational quote is posted every Sunday. Michael encourages sharing the information since most people, especially men, will not tell you when they are hurting and afraid.

Holmes would like to see his “bent and broken” program in churches, institutions, and outreach program. Its concepts are for anyone who seeks God. Michael believes he now knows his life’s purpose. “I’m happy because I know God wants to use me to help others by sharing my journey and that feels good. I encourage you to give the Bent And Broken® Study Guide a try. I don’t think you have anything to lose.”

A percentage of the proceeds from Bent And Broken® are donated to The American Red Cross and Domestic Violence. Holmes has identified these two charities because they help those that have been displaced, lost everything or are in need.

For more information on Bent And Broken® please: Visit our website at www.bentandbroken.com Like us on Facebook Email us at bentandbroken@att.net Write us at P.O. Box 743281, Riverdale, GA 30274 Or call us at 470-377-2131.

urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 43

How many times have you set out to do something and realized you really could use a guide? How nice would it be to have a resource you could turn to for frank, nonjudgmental advice and conversation about sex and relationships which is informative and entertaining?

Not everyone has a friend who offers a ‘safe space’ for sharing your most intimate and erotic questions and secrets. That’s where Ava G. steps in.

Blue Print is the beginning of a new understanding for men and women alike. It serves as a guide to achieving a better understanding of the differences, needs, and desires between the sexes. Available 44 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia

on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.com later this Spring, Blue Print focuses on sexual perils and experiences, and includes the advice of Ava G. Black based on her own personal observations and revelations. No apologies are made for the lessons learned, shared, and exposed.

No matter if you are single, married, male, or female, Blue Print will offer you the opportunity to be a voyeur into the bedrooms and minds of ordinary people looking to get the most out of their bedroom adventures.

An excerpt from Blue Print, Chapter 4 - The Cougar Code: By the way fellas - less really is more. Quiet is so much sexier than stupid. If you only knew just how often you’ve talked yourself out of some good p****y, you’d be crying real tears right now. For goodness sake, just shut the hell up! That’s first-class advice for every man, no matter his age, but especially the older variety, thirty-two and up. Young ones can get a pass because even if they are complete idiots they are still learning and can make up for it in the bedroom, so who cares.

Stupid and old is never a good combo. Those guys get no passes. It’s a wrap.

What men need to understand about women in general, is that we have needs too. One major difference between us is that our needs typically extend past the bedroom to include a bunch of pseudo-scary emotional stuff which makes men uncomfortable. However, for the cougar, they do not extend past the sex.

Cougars are focused and driven on physical pleasures only. We have no needs outside of the bedroom that don’t focus on accessibility and getting back into the bedroom! This desire and intent to keep the relationship strictly sexual works perfectly with younger men in their prime because we both have the same goal amazing, non-stop sexual escapades with little to no recovery time! Stamina is the only thing that gets me emotional! I get all flustered just thinking about it!

That’s about all the emotion a cougar is ever going to give you.

Fortunate to have been included in the first round of guests invited to read the book before publication, I found Blue Print to be informative and entertaining. With lots of laugh-out-loud moments I found myself wondering why I hadn’t figured out some of this on my own. Exclusive to Urban Suburban until now, Ava G. is sharing secrets both men and women can benefit from.

A perfect way to start a free-spirited summer!

urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 45

There are lots of different factors

that can make you feel stressed at work. There are difficult circumstances in the workplace and even in your personal life that can in some cases be simply beyond your control. Finding yourself in this certain scenario can be extremely stressful.

However, it's important to realize that when things seem really hard, it's never ever impossible to discover techniques to help you manage it. It's important to realize that when things seem really hard, it's never impossible to find ways to help you deal with it. One thing you can do to help you relax and rest your mind is to learn to meditate.

Meditation can be a great way to help ease all the tension inside you.

If you're new to the idea of meditation, it can be a good idea to start by finding out about simple meditation techniques. Understand that you don't need to be a meditation expert before you begin to enjoy its many benefits. You only have to make time to practice meditation regularly.

Ways to Start on Learning how to Meditate

Do you want to wish to learn about meditation from your home? There are lots of meditation courses that are now being offered online. It's important to know that learning to meditate does not have to difficult.

You can simply do it within the comforts of your very own home, with the use of your computer or laptop and the internet. Start the process of discovering the various ways of meditating by browsing online.

46 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia

Nowadays, some people who are learning to meditate choose to sign up with online meditation classes and other kinds of mind training exercises. Learning online can be really practical, as there's no longer a need to go out there. You may also be able to conserve {time and money using this strategy. You can save on your transportation expense, since there's no need for you to go anywhere anymore. You can simply get started on learning how to practice meditation right where you are right now.

Smart Tips to Get Started With Meditation

Understand that spending time preparing for your meditation practice can help you achieve a deeper and more relaxing meditation experience.

Find a special spot for your practice. Go for a peaceful area where you will not be disrupted. Having serene surroundings can help make your meditation experience more stress-relieving.

Find a schedule for meditation. When is the most convenient time for you to relax and meditate? Many people say that it's best to practice meditation in the hours of sunrise and sunset. It can be a good idea to spend a few minutes for meditation just before you get up from bed. This can be a good way to start your day. Understand that the benefits of meditation can last throughout the day.

You might also want to meditate just before going to bed. Meditation can be a great technique to help you feel less stressed, which can help you get better sleep at night

Be careful and ask if they are fake???

Simulated diamonds or lab diamonds have grown in popularity over the past few years and are now, a popular alternative to natural diamonds. Due to the rarity and highly improbable conditions needed to create a natural diamond, they are naturally more sought after. But man made diamonds also have their own set of advantages that may convince you to invest in one,

1. Lab diamond and natural diamonds are the same thing

What a lot of people don’t realize is that natural and lab diamonds are incredibly difficult to tell apart.

Since they both carry the exact same molecular structure, even highly qualified gemologists are not able to tell the difference without extensive testing.

2. Lab diamonds are bigger and clearer

Unlike natural diamonds, chance and randomness rarely plays a part in the synthesis of lab diamonds.

Due to the highly controlled production conditions, scientists are able to create diamonds that are clearer and bigger, with greater regularity.

3. Lab diamonds are much less expensive

This is a given due to the fact that the production process of a man made diamond does not take millions of years like their natural counterparts. You can expect a price reduction up to 25% of a natural diamond and considering the quality of the stones, they will always make a fantastic bargain.

48 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia

6. Colored lab diamonds are not as expensive

White diamonds are the most difficult to grow inside a laboratory and therefore, are much more expensive than the colored versions. Lab grown blue and yellow diamonds are only about 10% of the price it would cost for their mined versions.

4. The environment is not harmed in the production of lab diamonds

If you do a bit of research on diamond mining, you will notice that these operations are massive in scale and often tend to leave the surrounding environment in tatters. As for artificial diamonds, they are made with a modest amount of resources and created inside laboratories with minimal or no damage to the environment.

5. Lab diamonds are guaranteed to be free from conflict

The majority of natural diamonds are mined in war ravaged parts of Africa. These diamonds often leave a trail of violence, abuse and in some cases, even civil wars. Even the diamonds from conflict free zones are extracted from the earth employing underprivileged labor and human rights violations. Lab diamonds are a subject to such controversy and are created by qualified and trained professionals and leave absolutely no doubts about their origins.

7. You can expect greater clarity from lab diamonds

Once again, the fact that lab grown diamonds are created in controlled conditions ensures a higher probability for clearer and larger stones. While flawless natural stones are extremely rare many manufacturers of lab diamonds have managed to refine their techniques enough to ensure flawless or near-flawless quality. In addition, some manufacturers add a special coating to prevent damage to the stone as well as to increase its ability to reflect light. Aside from flawless clarity, you can also expect for greater resistance to damage as well as a brighter sparkle.

While some of you may not be convinced to consider giving your fiancĂŠ-to-be a lab grown diamond, others might find them an economical solution that can be enjoyed with a clearer conscience. There are plenty of reliable online stores that offer beautifully hand crafted lab grown diamond jewelry as well as exquisite and flawless loose stones to use on your own designs. urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 49

Relationships

Dating

Have you got an upcoming date? Dates can be and are a nerve-wracking experience for many of us, no matter how many we’ve been on in the past and no matter what age we were when we started our dating lives. It’s natural to want to impress the other person with both your looks and personality.

To avoid date night stress and resulting clumsiness or awkwardness, there are a few things you can do to prepare for date night and calm yourself down.

Out and About

If you do have the time to venture outdoors before your date, treat yourself to a day of pampering and treats.

Start the morning with a visit to your favorite beauty salon for an indulgent treatment such as a body wrap or a massage. A simple manicure can also do the trick. Better still if you can bring a friend along so you can catch up on some gossip while you’re at it.

Splurge on a lovely lunch or afternoon tea with your closest friends, a la Sex and the City style. Don’t go overboard with the food though as you don’t want to be bloated for date night. Choose something light like salad or soup and a non-alcoholic beverage.

If possible, steer clear of the date topic as this often brings up embarrassing date stories that could get you feeling really nervous for the night ahead.

Chances are you’ve already selected your outfit for the night. Buying

52 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia

one at the last minute isn’t recommended anyway, however, why not invest in some new accessories? Pop into your nearest jewelry store to pick out some goodies to match your outfit.

At Home

Don’t have the time to be out and about during the day? Or do you simply prefer being on your own before an evening spent in the company of a potential suitor? Stay at home and treat yourself to a spot of pampering on the spot. Alternatively, prepare yourself on the eve of your upcoming date night.

Get some music on the go which is sure to make you feel good and at ease. From cheery pop music to intense classical music, anything can do the trick. Then pour yourself a glass of your favourite beverage and treat yourself to a sweet treat or savoury snack.

Mind it’s not something with a strong smell, however, as a peck on the cheek and potentially more is bound to be on the cards that evening.

If you do have a bath and have the time to bathe, do so. Lie back in candle light as this has an intensely soothing effect. Soak, cleanse and moisturise your skin with essential oils, an exfoliating scrub and luxurious body butter. Make sure you have all these beauty products to hand!

Apply your makeup and outfit while rocking out to your choice of tunes. Spray perfume in the air and walk through the mist. This is the best way to apply perfume evenly.

As a finishing touch, don’t forget to brush your teeth and renew that layer of lipstick or gloss. Now blow yourself a kiss in the mirror. Feeling relaxed and fabulous? You’re good to go!

Today we are going to take a look at a few products that will help turn your home into a home of the future. Not unlike what a lot of people thought would happen back in the 1960’s. Sure we don’t have automatic food makers or instant lace shoes but we are getting closer. Today’s technology and advancement in home automation allows you to control your home and make it become very efficient. So without further adieu let’s take a look at a few products that can help turn your home into a home...of....the...FUTURE!

54 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia

Nest Learning Thermostat, Nest Protect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector

Belkin WeMo

The Nest Learning Thermostat $249.00 at Amazon is like a piece of digital art that controls your temperature. It was, after all, designed by the guys who created the iPod. It has Wi-Fi built in so you can remotely control the temperature from phone, tablet, or PC. At $250, it’s not cheap, but Nest will look right at home in any smart house. Nest really put a lot of thoght and effort into these products.

Nest however didn’t just stop at the thermostat. They hit the lab and learned from their first product to introudce a new product that attacks another silent killer in a home.

Nest’s second product premiered late last year a modern look at the smoke and carbon monoxide detector.

Whether hard wired or battery powered, the $129 Protect units are networked across the house to communicate if something goes wrong, they’re controlled by the Nest software on your phone, and best of all, change the way you get alerted to danger. Instead of a screaming buzz, a nice calm voice allows you to get to safety without the need of a headache.

Belkin has released several products in its WeMo line that use Wi-Fi to talk to your home router and then to the Internet. The line consists of a $50 WeMo Home Light Switch$44.71 at Amazon, an $80 Motion Sensor that allows motion to activate devices plugged into WeMo switches anywhere in the house, a $50 outlet control switch, and a $70 baby monitor. All can be controlled with Belkin’s mobile apps for iOS and Android. Belkin has other products on the WeMo roadmap, including kitchen appliances, door locks, and garage door openers.

Other products for the home Besides these products there are also a slew of other products to help you update your home. Including programmable deadbolts, and even door locks that can open up through a program on your phone. Don’t forget the Roomba the robotic vaccumm, and a few other similar type of products.

Home automation is upon us it just all depends on which features of your home you want to automate and help you out around the house. Each new technology that pops up allows you to take further control of your home and even your bills.

You can keep an eye out on all the new technology coming your way via my website TheTechnoFiles.com. You can also see some of the reviews I have done on my YouTube channel as well. Hope you enjoyed the article and I shall see you in the FUTURE!

Revolv Smart Home Automation Solution We told you about a lot of home automation protocols and even recommended you stick with just one. But Revolv is calling us liars already by providing a $299 hub that talks to multiple protocols. You can access and control devices across the spectrum using the Revolv app on your iPhone (with Android coming soon)—including the Nest thermostat, Sonos speakers, Philips Hue lightbulbs, and more.

urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 55

58 urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia

I will always be intrigued by the headline-esque lifestyle stories of repositioning that go something like this: “Sheila and Dave Johnson have lived the life most people hope for. These high school sweethearts have traveled to every continent together, raised four very successful children and now enjoy nine extremely loving grandchildren. Both retired now, Sheila and Dave enjoy the spoils of a home-based pastry business that Sheila started on a whim. Perfect right? Everyone who knows them thought so too, until they announced at their 42nd wedding anniversary that though they love and respect each other – they are getting a divorce.” Doesn’t sound familiar? What about this one: “After running a successful dental practice for 15 years, Dr. Robert Vaughn closed up shop and moved to Salt Lake City, Utah to teach science at a local High School.” As a certfied life strategist, these types of stories leave me searching through the details like an investigator at a crime scene. “How did they get from point A to point B?” Many times, we find that beneath the surface of those types of drastic life shifts is evidence of someone who was making a seasonal life stage shift, or more disconcertingly - had not been living in their full truth along life’s path.

“Who are You…at the core?” This question scares many people because no one really wants to participate in self-inspection; it’s too painful, too difficult, too ugly and often reveals just too much truth to digest. Unfortunately, being too scared, unwilling or just plain too lazy to find out the answer to that question will lead you far from where you hoped or believed you would end up in life. Some people are so far removed from the ‘core’ of who they are that, in essence, they have been playing a role of sorts on the stage of their lives. They have developed into the person they thought they should be, have been told they should be, or shamed themselves into becoming.

Living life to meet someone else’s expectations, or fulfill another’s dream is nothing short of you turning on yourself. You should be living under an umbrella of hope, fueled by purpose and passion about your future. You were sent here and are uniquely designed to fulfill a specific purpose in the earth. This is why some people can comprehend complex scientific equations, some can excel in brain surgery, and some are the best teachers you’ve ever met. We ALL are here on assignment. Selling yourself out for anything less than that makes you your own traitor; you have become someone willing to trade who you were created to be for the version of you that pleases those around you. This internal disharmony can create great stress, dis-ease, depression and even generate fear. This is not to say that

you won’t have seasons of life where the ‘job’ you take won’t fully align with your greater purpose. We must work through being able to take care of or immediate and basic needs. Still, you should be dream building on the plans to get you into your seat of purpose.

Outside of just vocations, you should be striving everyday to speak, represent and live authentically as the reflection of the heart inside you. This isn’t shaped or formed by the people you want to impress or please, but be youand draw TO you your intended ‘tribe.’ Some people become tired of faking it. They ‘wake up’ and realize that they are not living authentically, and that perhaps some decisions they made in life did not line up with (or were completely out of alignment with) the path they know God was leading them toward. So, “Who are YOU…at the core?”

What is it you are created for? Do yourself a favor and begin work in the spiritual and in the natural to answer this question, no matter where you are in life. If you determine you are on track- Great! If you find you need to investigate further, do so prayerfully and courageously. NEVER beat yourself up! Believe you have done the best you can to this point, but it’s time to do even better. Do not be afraid to seek out help through counselors, therapists and life coaches, especially if you have traumatic events that shape the way you see yourself. There is no honor from us living in fear and under a facade. It’s time to REALLY live free. Where do you start? Press yourself to identify at least one thing that glaringly stands out as something you do, or participate in that does not give you peace, nor align with who you are down deep inside. THAT question will lead you to the next steps toward getting to your ‘core.’

Janette R. Smith is a Certified Strategic Intervention Empowerment Coach ( Life Strategist and Mindset Mentor). She leads a group coaching community called “The Empowerment Tribe” (found on MeetUp.com and FaceBook) She also does oneon-one coaching via Skype, Google+ and via Phone. www. UBeEmpowered.com

Author, Janette R. Smith

urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 59

How Do I Know If I Have Pre-Diabetes?

By Gretchen Scalpi

In order to know whether you have pre-diabetes or not, it is helpful to understand exactly what pre-diabetes means. The term pre-diabetes is used to describe the state between normal blood sugar and type 2 diabetes. At one time, physicians used to refer to pre-diabetes as “having a touch of sugar,” or “borderline diabetes”. Fortunately, these terms are no longer used! Somehow having a touch of sugar does not convey the urgency or importance of taking steps to correct a potentially serious health issue.

perhaps notice that they are a little more tired than usual. Often the person having a routine medical checkup learns quite by accident that their blood sugar is in the pre-diabetes range. The person who feels a little more tired than usual may not make the connection between the fatigue and the pre-diabetes.

Here are some red flags that may or may not occur with pre-diabetes, but you should see a doctor if you have any of these symptoms: * increased thirst

A person with pre-diabetes may go on to develop type 2 diabetes.

While type 2 diabetes is a permanent condition, pre-diabetes is not.

In fact, if the right steps are taken to treat pre-diabetes early, you may be able to reverse the condition and never develop diabetes at all. The easiest way to find out if you have pre-diabetes is to get your blood sugar checked. For this test, you will have to fast overnight and have your blood drawn at the lab. A fasting blood sugar between 100 and 125 mg/dl is indicative of pre-diabetes. For the record, normal fasting blood sugar is between 70 and 99 mg/dl, and a fasting blood sugar greater than 125 mg/dl is indicative of diabetes.

* increase urination, particularly at night

If you have gotten a blood sugar reading in the pre-diabetes range (100-125 mg/dl), you should have the fasting blood sugar test repeated a second time to see if the result is still the same. If it is similar a second time, that is a confirmation of pre-diabetes.

Pre-diabetes may or may not have symptoms that accompany higher than normal blood sugar. Don’t assume that a lack of symptoms means that everything is fine. I have interviewed hundreds of people with the diagnosis and learned that many people had absolutely no idea that they had pre-diabetes. They may feel just fine or

* fatigue that does not improve, even with more sleep * blurred vision that is not permanent The most important thing to know about pre-diabetes is that you cannot ignore it. If diagnosed, don’t believe that it will get better on its own or go away. Blood sugar levels that remain in the pre-diabetic range can cause complications that are usually associated with diabetes. Take positive steps to reverse pre-diabetes sooner rather than later. Learn how to get started with a healthy lifestyle plan that includes proper diet and exercise.

Gretchen Scalpi is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, author and Certified Wellcoach®. Gretchen has worked with hundreds of clients in her own private practice since 2002. She is the author of the “Pre-Diabetes: Your Second Chance at Health” and “The Everything Guide to Managing and Reversing Prediabetes”. urbansuburbanmagazine.com Philadelphia 61

MAY is LUPUS Awareness Month!

KNOW pus.

– so s u p u l o know t d e e n le

op

More pe

we

NO lu h t i w e r a futu e v a h n ca

Join us at WORLD LUPUS DAY RALLY

Thursday, May 14 • Noon to 2 p.m.

Love Park (15th & JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA)

Register to WALK TO END LUPUS NOW Be part of the largest Lupus walk and raise money for Lupus education and research programs.

SOUTH JERSEY Sunday, May 17th Ocean City, NJ walktoendlupusnj.org

DELAWARE Sunday, June 28th Wilmington, DE walktoendlupusde.org

PUT ON PURPLE

Show your support for those battling Lupus.

Wear purple on Friday, May 15

Help Us Solve The Cruel Mystery TM

JOIN THE FIGHT TODAY!

Get our Put On Purple Starter Kit at lupustristate.org

FOUNDATION OF AMERICA PHILADELPHIA TRI-STATE CHAPTER