Urban Suburban Magazine - June 2011 Issue- Nashawn Kearse

urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

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Publisher/CEO/Creative Director George Clifford Blackmon ______________________________________ Masthead Creation – Nouveau Concepts ————————————————————— Content Manager—Stacey Martinez ___________________________________________ Project Manager – Jamika Richardson ___________________________________________ New Business Development 215-878-3227 ___________________________________________ Advertising & Sales 215-878-3227

_______________________________________

Contributing Writers Manuel McDonnell Smith C Double R Kyle Leishar George Clifford Blackmon Amanda Cruz Francella Slater Bishop Dawn Brown Sande Webster James Brantley Lolita Clark David Pope Eva Bunkley Brandy Davila Michael Davis Sara Imbody Adrian Moody Chicki Brown Contributing Photography Lois Mauro Jamika Richardson Greg Tarves (Cover Shot) Urban Suburban is published quarterly by MoMac Media LLC. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE EXPRESSED WRITTEN 5 urban magazine.com CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHER. Publisher assumes nosuburban responsibility for returnPhiladelphia of unsolicited manuscripts, photo’s or artwork. Printed in the USA

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CONTENTS Philadelphia’s BEST KEPT

6 25 9 29 11 12 23 28 14

NEWS Murder on the Mayor’s Block Will Jewell Williams be the New Sheriff?

ART A Legacy of Art - The Family Tiberino

Iron Chef & King of Philadelphia Restaurant Profile

- Garces Restaurant Group Amada

Eating Out - An Appreciation of Picnics

HEALTH More to Lupus Than You Know

MUSIC Concert Review - Lil Wayne

Money Minutes - Future Planning

33

He Say She Say - Self Sexual Gratification

15

Book Of The Month - Tyme To Throw Stones

21

Home Away From Home Experience Beauty & Diversity in the Bahamas

HOT Or Not

30

Still sexy and sassy after all these years….Life after BET…What is this filmmaker, actress doing?

FOOD

18

19

31 Cathy SitaRam

Maiden Voyage by James Brantley

BEAUTY TIPS Beauty Tips by Eva

STYLE Tenshi Beauty Bar

27

Is that Legal?

Investigating Unemployment Discrimination

41

Learning For Life 5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Daycare

40

Path Lighting - A Good Place

34

Nashawn Kearse - He’s got Next

35

Inspector of Gadgets

37

Is Publishing Dead or Just Morphing?

SPECIAL SECTION URBAN SUBURBAN FILM FESTIVAL

44 BIFF Day 46 Dreamcatcher Series 50 Film Festival Team Members 52 The Films 58 Interview with Greg Santarsiero 7 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

Contributing Writer and Photographer We are all agents of change.

Over the course of our lifetime all of us have participated in some type of change. Some of these changes are small, planned or unplanned. Whether we know it or not we have participated in a real or perceived change that impacted someone’s life. Now is the time to move from making unrealized or unplanned changes to planned changes. As we grow and become more aware of who and what we are, we should become more aware of our ability to impact society with real life changes not just political changes and family oriented changes and changes to humanity. Each of us leave a defined footprint in this world; it is time to make this footprint count. No more talking, no more finger pointing and no more blaming. I just can’t get the John Legend song out of my mind. You know the song. “If you’re out there”...I’m calling on every woman, calling every man...the future started yesterday and WE are late” Towards the conclusion he simply says.”Believe Again, it start within”.

As I think about the start of Urban Suburban Magazine, I ponder the pearl of wisdom that a mentor shared with me as I discussed the final stages of our magazine launch, my mentor’s words were simple and to the point. “If you are going to start a magazine “tell our stories accurately, protect the truth and guard of our legacy”. Now, I am not one to shrink under pressure but it gave me pause to think. What is more important than your legacy or an image?

Our goal is simple: provide informative stories, news and inspirational tidbits that impact our community in a positive light. We will not push a specific point of view put offer a forum of diverse ideals to our communities as a whole. We will challenge our community to think about the following issues:

1. School Vouchers - After 10 years and several billion dollars, why vouchers need to be moved to the forefront of any discussion of public education.

2. Better Fiscal Management of your tax dollar - Why we need more publicly approved referendums to occur? Not every public official is a good money manager. Not every governmental solution is a good one. Not every politician has managed, owned or operated a business so don’t assume they will manage your tax dollars wisely. It’s your money.

3. Neighborhood Gentrification - Maintain your property value by making simple quarterly and yearly upgrades. Take pride in your neighborhood by not littering and cleaning up debris.

4. Spiritual Renewal and Saving—Get reconnected, reinvigorate your family. Don’t spend every dollar you earn on materialism.

6. Support - Look from within and support causes important to you and your community.

7. Diversity - Respect and learn from our unique human experiences These are just a few of the many topics that I look forward to discussing with you on over the next few weeks and months. Let’s make a positive change and begin the discussion based upon the premise it’s broke and it needs fixing. I’ll see you soon……...Enjoy the magazine….

G Clifford Blackmon 8 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

Lois Mauro, of Ardmore, PA, has always enjoyed photography. A mostly self-taught artist, her interest turned into a passion about 10 years ago. Looking through the camera lens, she searches to record something she’s drawn to, whether it is the composition, the light, or an interesting subject. Her photography has been shown in many juried exhibitions and is owned by both businesses and private collectors. She also has experience in the commercial world, shooting events and providing images for businesses. Ms. Mauro has a Masters in Music, and taught piano for many years. Photography for her is another medium of expressing beauty and magic.

Chanel is a relationship expert/columnist. Write topics concerning the male/female relationships on a weekly basis and offer advice concerning that specific topic. I write featured articles on Relationships and I am also the creator and writer for "Ordinary Woman Doing Extraordinary Things “series.

Chanel Rhoads-Reed is the creator of the www.crazyazzwomen.blogspot.com blog.

The blog discusses real issues concerning the male/female relationship. She is also the Relationship Expert for Crème Online Magazine and she has written articles for EURweb Online Magazine. Chanel occasionally co-host "Beauty Shop Talk Wednesdays" on the Dedan Tolbert Show. Chanel has Bachelors in Marketing and Masters in Organizational Leadership.

Manuel McDonnell Smith is a Multimedia Content Editor with NewsCore, the content sharing service launched by News Corporation in November of 2009. This new division is tasked with aggregating the company’s global editorial intelligence and redistributing it in real time. From the New York City Bureau, Manuel is responsible for coordinating the cooperative multimedia efforts of News’ global portfolio of sites including wsj.com, foxnews.com, and sky.com

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 lead him to a life of always trying to stay on top of the latest and greatest technologies and seeing how they work. Call him a geek if you will he doesn't mind at all

Philadelphia’s Best Kept │ NEWS

Murder on the Mayor’s Block by

Manuel McDonnell-Smith

“W

e‟re moving forward, we‟re getting things done, and preparing for a great future”. Despite the chilly wind that whipped across the Schuylkill that morning, and the hum of the buzzing traffic below, the assembled crowd of citizens, media, top politicians, and even a marching band quieted to hear the words he would use to mark this great occasion. “Welcome to the New South Street Bridge” Mayor Michael Nutter exclaimed in celebration of the opening of the brand new span, delivered not only on-time, but under budget.

Projects like this are proof of a New Philadelphia, under new city leadership he explained, “Almost three years ago, I promised a new day” he boasted to cheers of an approving crowd. I wonder if he thought of me as he made that statement, because he had to have seen the police and paramedics just outside our door early that morning.

was facing those of us that were left. Still, this was my city, I believed in it, and in fact, I voted in every election. The right vote, for the right person could turn it all around, and I wanted to see it.

I‟m Robert Lancaster, life-long Philadelphia Resident. As you all celebrated this “new day”, of Saturday, November 6, 2010, it was unfortunately, my last. Just before he dashed off to the bridge‟s ribbon cutting ceremony, my relatives found me beaten, and dead in the second floor bedroom of my home on the 2300 block of North 50th Street, just a few steps down from the home of my neighbor, Mayor Michael Nutter.

In a town like Philadelphia, you can‟t help but to know people, especially after being here so long. It was slow, but I always had a contractor or two working on the property, trying to get it back into to shape. But eventually, as with most home repairs, there was always a disagreement.

Maybe it was the quality of their work, or the fact that I would miss their pay dates due to my frequent trips down south. Some of them would be so angry that they would stalk outside my home, alerting my neighbors to the fact that there was a problem.

“We‟re moving on up, mooovin on up”, the theme song of The Jefferson‟s used to say. Everyone thought the show was a joke, but that was exactly what I did. Life was never a joke for me, I worked hard, and hustled after graduating from West Philadelphia High School. Eventually, my wife Dee and I had enough to “move on up” to Wynnefield. Having the tiny shops of City Line Avenue just to the north, and the views of Belmont Plateau we‟re not just enough for us, we purchased the best house on 2300 North 50th Street. A mixed-race block, it had been a long time home to the city‟s elite citizens even before the Mayor‟s family moved in. There were professors, doctors, judges, and even a Rabbi that lived on the block when we moved in. But even they loved our home, I didn‟t invite them all inside, but all of their kids ran over to swim in our backyard pool during those blistering hot summers.

To hear them tell it, I let the house crumble. My neighbors were always about the “show”, they said this was one of the best blocks in the city, and they always wanted it to look like that. It wasn‟t too long after I moved in that they began complaining about the cars that on the driveway, and sometimes on the street in front of the house.

Just the tiniest nick, or bit of rust, and people get ready to dump perfectly good vehicles. See, I was always good with my hands, mechanically inclined Old vehicles to them, I planned on fixing them back up, and probably selling‟em. I did the same thing with the properties they said I owned in North Philly, “Slumlord” they liked to say, but I saw the potential. So every morning, I loaded into my white pickup, with the ladder on top, and made my rounds.

There were so many good memories in that home, that I could still see every time I walked in. Channel 6 interviewing my son on the lawn just before he graduated from Central High School, and hmmm…you should have seen Dee, making all the neighbors and the cameras marvel at the gown she had on that day. She was the Queen of our home, and wanted

With two daughters and a son, you know I couldn‟t help but have more than a few grandchildren. And I loved them, as they did me. So although I had all of this stuff going on in Philly, I would go down to spend every holiday with them. And seeing Dee too, slowly visits of a few weeks at a time, turned into a few months at a time. I was getting to be an old man, and I couldn‟t move as fast as I used to. Being untouched, and uncared for took its‟ toll on my home. It wasn‟t until the chimney fell down, bringing down the side wall and damaging my neighbors‟ home that I knew how bad it was.

Growing up through the civil rights movement, I knew how important the right to vote was for our people. On that Tuesday, going through the crowd of TV Cameras waiting for the Mayor to come cast his ballot, I greeted my neighbors, as I always did on election days. With all of the back and forth trips to the South, you can understand why folks were not too bothered by the fact that they didn‟t really see me the rest of that week.

The thing folks remember most about winter, is that the sun rises real late. It makes people rise later than usual. Not too long before 9 that morning, my nephew came looking for me. He didn‟t expect to see what he found. A call to 9-1-1 was made expecting to save a life, but when paramedics arrived, they discovered that they needed to call the coroner.

Police say officially that the motive for my murder is unknown, but some speculate that an angry contractor was responsible for ending my life.

Either way, detectives have just gotten around to releasing a wanted poster for 43 year old Edward Gause. Formerly of Philadelphia, he is known to also have an address in Baltimore, but has not been seen in this city since the incident. They‟re asking anyone with information to reach out to the Homicide unit.

One of my closest neighbors told a reporter "I don't think a person deserves to die like that", and it‟s true, no one does. Fact remains that it‟s too late for me in this case, but you can do me a favor. Keep an eye on my neighbor for me. He pledged that there would be a new city, with new ways of doing things, new opportunities for its citizens, and safer streets.

He fell short on that last promise to me. For you though, there‟s still time to make sure that he holds true to all of them.

to make sure that everyone knew it. So even when the kids, and Dee got older, and moved down South, it was too hard for me to leave all that I‟d built up here. Sure, Philly was going through a rough patch, jobs were scarce, people were moving out to the suburbs, and a rising tide of crime 9 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

Urban Suburban S

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1 - Ray Custom Shirt maker, 337 Montgomery Avenue, Bala Cynwyd PA 19004 215-667-3509 2 Katz Deli Kitchen 225 City Avenue , Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 (between City Avenue and St. Asaphs on King Grant 610-668-1600 Open Daily 7am to 4pm 3 Long Stems, 56 Montgomery Avenue, Merion Station, PA 4. Touche Accessories, Anderson & Coulter Avenue , Ardmore, PA 19003 5 Rittenhouse Square and Shirts photo by Lois Mauro 10 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

ide - Where is it?

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1. Plate Restaurant 105 Coulter Avenue Ardmore, PA 19003 (610) 642-5900 2.Sweet Green 68 Coulter Avenue Ardmore, PA 19003 (610)6429400 3.Urban Outfitter’s 117 Coulter Ave. Ardmore 19003-2410 (610) 642-3807 4. Amada Restaurant 217-219 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 625-2450 5.Rittenhouse Square Photo’s by Lois Mauro 11 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s Best Kept │ ART

VIEW FROM AN ARTIST

by JAMES BRANTLEY

Maiden Voyage Try everything once! If that doesn’t succeed become an Artist. This is not an easy choice, living life as an artist is very challenging. Less than five per cent that seriously apply actually succeed. Success can be measured in four ways: documentation i.e. materials that provide certification, collections i.e. museums, corporations, public a n d p r i va t e . A l s o c r e a t i ve accomplishment, development of your voice and monetary acquisition.

It’s rare that an individual obtains all four. Most of us go through life in complete obscurity.

But we continue our quest to raise the bar of conscience no matter the consequences.

I remember a great man said “The Truth Crushed To The Ground Will Rise.” We do this because we’re obsessed with learning. There are 12 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

people that have the ability to help us transform our facility to see, hear and understand our environment socially, spiritually and physically more clearly.

These people are very important because they represent the best in us. Nothing of worth is ever easy to attain. The evidence of our accomplishments are in your museums, art galleries, book stores, newsstands, your homes and in our studios. Actually, when you really think about it, you can’t avoid examples of an artist’s work. We are thoroughly integrated into the fabric of the worlds’ culture.

It’s an honor to be called an ARTIST. Studio painting with its hypnotic hold on its dreamer produces images that bridge the gap between

conscious and un conscious thought.

In the slippery hands of facts my eyes are blinded by the light after so much darkness. The value of color fusion, the importance of composition, the ability to see and record three dimensional space on a two dimensional plane is intoxicating. My paintings represent efforts to make marks that make sense and take you on an incredible adventure. To produce predictable images, investors (i.e. institutions, public and private), as well as personal collectors, wield a powerful influence over the artist. Through the enviable trappings of financial success and civic meritorious achievement, the artist appears to be helpless, acquiescent.

My concerns are: Where does personal creativity begin and outside

photos: Opposite page: On the corner Top:Lois Mauro Bottom Lois Mauro right: Steppin Out

authoritative influence end?

The true quest of an artist is to generate a balance in this atmosphere of control. Conceptual landscape painting and how it gives meaning to a lifetime of visual gymnastics, is my intended goal of study. Time is an enemy and an ally in and outside my studio. The balance of sustaining a career in art and supporting a family was a constant demand. I’m recently retired from public service and so I’ve found a new devotion to serious studio painting that I haven’t experienced since my days at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

Experi mental compositional arrangements are a large part of what I do along with push pull color perspectives. Abstract principles are married to figurative painting in acrylic or oil on canvas, panels or paper.

in our attempts “The Artist” creates a voice that is recognized above all others. Like Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro, who are my early influences, my paintings, like theirs, depend on five basic principles.     

LIGHT COLOR FORM TEXTURE PERSPECTIVE

“View Paintings” using the urban or rural format are the foundation point of my liberation into establishing my voice. I am looking for universal concepts of expression that celebrates our common bond with nature. Push, pull your eyes across my surfaces to find yourself. V

Visual artists are charged with the awesome responsibility of defining our physical, spiritual and conceptual world. We have a language all our own, born out of paint, stone, wood, clay, bronze, ink graphite and many other materials. If we’re successful

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Philadelphia’s Best Kept │ FOOD

Iron Chef and

Newly Crowned

King of Philadelphia

(well, sort of as it related to restaurants)

Imagine popping out from under “The El” Westbound at 40th Street, to the sight of four people, packed into the oldest VW Beetle that you‟ve ever seen, drinking brews and laughing loudly. Ha!, you know this West Philly tale I‟m about to tell you already. But you don‟t. See, this VW is on the inside of one of the city‟s trendiest bars, and is the beginning of an incredible story about an amazing chef.

Just the sight of a VW Bug ushers in instant memories, and expectations of good times coupled with extraordinary fun. That‟s precisely why Jose Garces knew that the lovingly restored coupe‟ would be the perfect vehicle to greet, and drive in the customers to experience his re-imagined fresh Mexican menu at Distrito, which is not easy to miss on 40th and Chestnut, the new gateway to the city‟s trendy University City District.

For the record, his public relations team is quick to remind you that Garces is more than just one restaurant, he‟s owner and executive chef of seven restaurants in both Philly and Chicago, and they are all counted as among the city‟s best. They include authentic Andalusian Tapas bar Amada, gourmet café‟ and market Garces Trading Company, Latin-Asian eatery Chifa, and his beloved Distrito, which was named to Esquire‟s list of 20 Best New Restaurants in 2008.

“These past few years have been an amazing time in my life” says Chef Garces. “I have experienced a tremendous amount of personal and professional growth, and I feel incredibly luck that I‟m able to make a career out of doing the things that I love.” If its love that Garces serves up in his restaurants, then the secrets to lovemaking must be contained in his stunningly impressive cookbook “Latin Evolution”.

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The book contains Modern recipes through which Chef Garces provides authoritative, much-needed context for the newly ubiquitous flavors and cooking styles of Spain, Mexico and much of South America, exploring the history of these cuisines even as he shapes their future.

An American chef born to Ecuadorian parents and raised in Chicago, Chef Garcesbegan his culinary training in the kitchen of his paternal grandmother. In developing his personal cooking style, something he says is an ongoing pursuit, Garces spent years perfecting different cuisines in top-rated professional kitchens. “I‟ve been privileged to work with some of the finest chefs in America and Spain,” says Chef Garces, “but my passion for cooking comes from my early memories of preparing meals for my family with Mamita Amada. Even when I was a child, I was drawn to the joy of cooking a great meal. I have always loved the way that food can transform a person‟s whole outlook and really make their day.”

The customers and critics love Garces and his food back, having recently been named “Best Mid Atlantic Chef‟ by the James Beard Foundation in addition to being featured on and in some of the nation‟s most prestigious programs and publications including day Show, Nightline, The New York Times, Travel & Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine and Wall Street Journal.

But it‟s never just been about the titles to Garces‟, better known to some as “Iron Chef Garces”, after becoming only one of six chefs ever to hold the prestigious title after besting 10 Chefs on TV‟s epic food battle program “Iron Chef America” on the Food Network. “My constant challenge is to find the possibilities that new ingredients and techniques offer”, while honoring what has come before.

My mantra is simple: „authentic‟ and „innovative‟ are not contradictory. My recipes are a highly personal mix of my family history, culinary training and personal creativity. That‟s how my cuisine evolved.

Those techniques are sure to keep pleasing the palates of both Garces and his customers. In his constant goal of always taking cuisine to the next level, his new Gourmet Food Truck is on the roof literally, of the Whole Foods Restaurant in Wynnewood. Crowds know, and gather for Garces‟ good food, wherever it might be.

Written by Manuel McDonnell Smith'

Philadelphia’s Best Kept │ FOOD

So many great choices, so little time which restaurant from the Garces Restaurant Group do I choose?

Urban Suburban Restaurant Profile | Amada

Where is it?

217-219 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 625-2450 When can I go?

Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30 am - 2:30 pm Mon-Thu 5 pm - 10 pm Fri 4 pm - 12 am Sat 4 pm - 2:30 pm Sun 4 pm - 10 pm What will I be eating?

Tapas, Calamari, Barramundi, Sea Bass and two of my favorites Lobster Paella and Paella Valenciana Do they accept Credit Cards?

Yes Can I make reservations?

Yes Do they serve alcohol?

They have a full bar.

What is their website address? www.amadarestaurant.com

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30 Days in June 2011 Philadelphia Youth Orchestra's Bravo Brass 8th Annual Festival Concert Saturday, June 4 8:00p at Church of the Holy Trinity, Philadelphia, PA NKOTBSB Sunday, June 5 7:30p at Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

Greater Philadelphia High School Film Festival

Scott Associates Garden Day Sunday, June 12 1:00p to 6:00p at Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore, PA

Saturday, June 4, 7:00p to 10:00p at Filmtech Film School, Philadelphia, PA

The Cradle of Liberty Thursday, June 23 6:30p at National Constitution Center, Philadelphia



Katy Perry – The California Dreams Tour Friday, June 24 7:30p at Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia,

Taste of Philadelphia June 25-27: Penn’s Landing hosts a food and music feast to kick off Wawa Welcome America!

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2011 Urban Suburban Film Festival Comedy Show Screening June 23rd, 2011 TWU Brookens Hall 7:30pm to 12am

Philadelphia Comic Con 2011 VIP Package Friday, June 17 12:00p at Pennsylvania Convention Center Join tens of thousands of fellow fans as they converge at Philadelphia Comic Con 2011 Wizard World Convention to celebrate the best in pop culture.

Urban Suburban Film Festival June 23rd – 26th, 2011 www.urbansuburbanfilmfestival.com

Philadelphia’s Best Kept │ Music

I Am Still Music Concert Review

Revenge dropped and there was the gorgeous Barbie. Now I was there to see Lil Wayne but Nicki Minaj blew the doors off the hinges by giving an outstanding performance of Pink Friday and even her catchy verses found in other artist‟s hits. Minaj is one of the

Lil Wayne

most animated andentertaining performers I have ever

Four hours on the phone,

seen and if given the opportunity I highly suggest seeing

$69.75 dollars and acceptable

her. Yes Nicki Minaj was incredible but it still bothered

Wells

later

me that Wayne was on the stage for a minimal amount of

landed me smack in the mid-

time when he was the headliner. Sure he came out at the

dle of the Lil Wayne I Am

end to “encore” but that did not suffice. For the next

Still Music tour. To kick off

week I was annoyed with Wayne, not because he wasn‟t

the tour Maybach Music

great, the man was implausible. I will always have respect

dropped and Rick Ross appeared to set the mood for the

for what he‟s turned out and distributed to the music in-

night with an electrifying performance including features

dustry; appreciation for being one of the biggest ground

like Philly‟s own Meek Millz, Diddy and DJ Khalid. To

breaking artists of my time, of ever. It wasn‟t until a

be honest I was not there for Ross however he gave an

week‟s passing that I realized he deserved so much more

enticing set and literally sold himself to me, seeing as I

respect and praise. When I thought about it there was a

bought his Teflon Don album later that week. I recom-

reason Wayne did not perform last, there was more logic

mended giving his latest album and previous works a lis-

behind his minimal time on stage. Lil twist and Chanel

ten for self-made rap. After Ross‟ set fans prepared for

came out during Wayne‟s set individually to have expo-

one of the greatest female entertainers to enter the game

sure and Nicki performed last to boost her success fur-

but when the lights dimmed I‟m Goin In sounded and

ther. Each Young Money artist was given a richer taste, a

the man himself surfaced. Fans exploded when they real-

shot to see that they too can stand where Wayne is today.

ized Weezy surprisingly took the stage next. There wasn‟t

From that you can tell that Wayne truly cares about his

a mouth closed or hand down and I thought we were in

artists and their talents. He truly wants Young Money to

for an hour with Lil Wayne alone but that‟s where I was

succeed and will do whatever it takes to get them on his

mistaken. After insisting “he was not shit without us”,

level. I had failed to see this at first; the show was not all

cameos from Young Money‟s Lil Twist then Chanel and

about Lil Wayne purposely, he simply was a part. Wayne

about 8 songs later Wayne exited the stage with I‟m Sin-

made it that way to help others, to be a stand up man.

gle leaving us to assume he would return after the band

For this it is a must to see Weezy because not only will

transition into another Carter song. The trapped door

you get more bang for your buck but you will get to wit-

opened and a half purple, half pink cotton candy emulat-

ness his character.

ing wig emerged. Roman‟s

Fargo

seats

Written by Amanda Cruz 17 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

Excerpts of Tyme to Throw Stones By Michael Davis Before Huey took another step, Stack pulled his hand out of his pocket. He snatched up an eight-inch switchblade knife. Held it shoulder high. He flicked it open. Held it higher. The new steel blade flashed against sun streaks striking through trees.

Stack lunged at Huey with amazing cat-like speed and agility. Tried to stab him dead in his back. But Huey and his companions' voices turned. Screaming followed.

Jumping back in unison, triggered by the flashing steel, the crowd watched and calculated. Primitive warning signals beat faster.

In an instant between recovery from shock and brutal recognition, Stack's knife had found its first mark in Huey's lower stomach. Stack ripped it down through his shirt and pants, taking along slivers of skin and body tissue. Stack viciously sliced into flesh. He cut a deep gash from his pelvis to the lower inside of his thigh.

Stack withdrew his blade about five inches above Huey's knee. Huey buckled. Stack dropped the knife, bloody, onto the street. He stood his ground for a moment, then backed up slowly toward his group.

Wide-eyed, the other black boys thought about running.

Instead, they retreated closer to Deputy Jim, who had drawn his gun. A collective gasp filled the heavy, slowmotion air. Quiet hushes followed muffled, rushing-air sounds. Soon, open air was punctuated with shrill screams from girls and women.

Huey looked at his leg, sliced and twitching. Blood gushed out from his wounds through spaces in his 18 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

ripped clothes. It spilled onto the street, forming puddles and streams. He fainted and collapsed, dropping his head hard. His neighbors went quickly to his aid.

The massive white crowd finally understood what had happened. It hit them in their faces all at once, in a sudden subconscious moment made real. It sunk into the crowd. Their emotions cocked back like a giant rubber band, armed with bullets and blades, pulled to a lethal stretch, primed to release at breakneck speed. The crowd snapped. They sprung. Surged toward Stack. Picked up speed.

Blam!! Blam!! v

Order your copy www.madwritingcom

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Money Minutes │ FUTURE PLANNING

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE Written By Franchella Slater

Our lives are filled with celebrations from baby showers, graduations, weddings, birthday and so much more that we save and plan intricate details. However, the subject of being prepared for death is a conversation that is often taboo and when it comes to the funeral ceremony, some families are in a complete state of denial.

The purpose of planning is to relieve the financial burdens, ease the decision making process for loved ones, relieve stress and provide peace of mind. In order to dispel some of the myths, as a consumer you should look for a funeral home that provides seminars and free counseling for people in various stages of life.

Here is some advice for young families with children still living at home: 1. Make sure the parents have a Last Will of Testament listing the guardianship for the children if there is a premature death of the parents.

2. Get a family life insurance policy that

provides coverage for the entire family including the children.

3. Add a death benefit to your homeowner’s insurance policy so that the mortgage is paid off, leaving one less financial burden.

4. Talk with a financial planner to discuss your situation and needs if necessary.

For older adults over 65 years of age or children caring for older parents here are a few tips:

 

Communicate with family members about wishes for life and death.

Read the fine print of life insurance policies to verify face amount and beneficiary. Nearly twenty percent have never updated amounts or the beneficiary on their insurance policy leaving ex-spouses still entitled to the funds. Make sure the policy has not lapsed for nonpayment.



Get a Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney just in case the older adult is not in sound mind and decisions need to be made regarding their health or finances.

It also helps to discuss preference of a burial service or cremation service. It should not be assumed that everyone wants a burial, especially with more families relocating from their hometown. Many people never go back

to the cemetery after the burial and others like to keep the cremated ashes.

Documents including Last Will and Testament, bank accounts, life insurance, house deeds, pensions, bonds, CD’s, trust funds for children, and car titles should be set- aside in a secure place. Perhaps, you don’t own a house or a car and you have very little money in the bank, However, you do have personal items, like books, furniture, jewelry and music collection that might not have an exact dollar amount, but it has sentimental value. All these items can be listed in your Last Will and Testament, and alleviates an argument between family members about who should receive those items.

Another important reason to plan is the fact that it guarantees the cost of the funeral service. Death is inevitable and it is not a matter of IF, it is WHEN. It is better to talk to your family and loved ones while you have the chance. v

For more information visit (www.slaterfuneralhome.com) Franchella N. Slater, BA, FD Supervisor Slater Funeral Home Ltd. 1426-32 Fitzwater Street Philadelphia, PA 19146 W) 215-545-3055 F) 215-735-2278 fslater@slaterfuneralhome.com

www.slaterfuneralhome.com For over 50 years, Slater Funeral Home, a family owned and operated business in the Avenue of the Arts section of South Philadelphia, has been educating the community about properly preplanning funerals and estate settlement. Slater Funeral Home Ltd., the premier funeral home within the “Avenue of the Arts” section of South Philadelphia.

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Hot or Not │ BEAUTY TIPS

Hotter than you can imagine Beauty Tips by Eva Two Time Emmy Award Winning Make Up Artist

T

his is a beauty article like no other! Today I will give you three tips to help you slow the process of aging in your face because I believe that the face arguably the most telling part of the body in determining age. If I told you that I have proven methods that will halt the aging process in your body that wont cost you hundreds of dollars, would you be interested? Many of these methods if put into place immediately in your life wont cost you a cent and can dramatically reduce the effects of time on your physical appearance. Through my many years working as a professional make-up artist and skin care enthusiast, I have learned a lot about skin and how to preserve it.

Beyond the skin, I have extensively researched how to preserve a youthful vibrant appearance in your entire being.

This article is a brief peek into a more in depth study I have done on techniques to halt the process of aging in appearing on your outward appearance. This is designed to go beyond the basic cleanse, tone, exfoliate, moisturize that we have been told throughout the years. There are a myriad of factors that play into how we age...some which are more in our control than others and there are specific actions that we can take to preserve our youth that we may not have been aware of. I believe that 40 can be the new 20 and 70 can be the new 40 if you know what to do and you work it!

I said I was going to give you three tips and they are all going to be in the same family of wrinkle prevention.

Obviously, wrinkles are one of the main tell-tale signs of age and we would all like to prevent them if we can, right? The warm weather is coming and with that comes all type of fun in the sun activities such as relaxing by the pool, vacations in exotic locations, cruising with the top down and long lunches on the patio

22 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

1

st tip is please, please, please wear your shades at ALL times when you are out-of-doors. Not just to protect your eyes from damage, but to protect your skin as well!

Yes...you sunglasses protect your skin just as much as they protect the health of your eyes!

The action of squinting paired with the harsh effects of the drying sun can sear those lines, known popularly as crows feet, into your face! Also, if you are a glasses wearer or in need of corrective lenses and have passed them up for vanity's sake, you aren't doing yourself any favors in the long run!

The more often you crunch your cheeks to your forehead in that horrid squinting expression, the more you build up those muscles in your face and crinkle that delicate skin around the eyes and train it to fold. Not good if you want to slow the telling signs of creeping into the 30 or 40 something arena.

M

y 2nd tip I am going to give you may seem obvious but has a similar but equally destructive activity that you may not have thought about... The action of smoking... not to mention the unpleasant side effect of cancer, causes wrinkles which we all know make you look old. Those lines around the mouth from the constant pursing motion that occurs when you clutch that cigarette with your lips in a literal death grip, creates those tiny striated lines around the mouth which aren't sexy! Now, the shocking part two of this tidbit is the distant cousin to the cigarette...the seemingly harmless - straw! Think about it...to suck on a straw uses the same muscle action as smoking! The lips make that same awful pursing motion that create the same

unwanted lines around the mouth a.k.a. wrinkles! So the next time you are at a restaurant, think twice about asking your waitress for a straw and just make sure you have a clean glass!

For more information visit:

http://anointedhands.com

M

y 3rd and final tip may require a bit more effort on your part. We have all heard the saying It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile!...so smile!... or some similar expression. Well...that is actually false (according to anatomynotes.blogspost.com).

According to Dr. David Song, a plastic surgeon in Chicago, it actually takes one more muscle to smile than it does to frown!

12 vs. 11 to frown! By no means am I telling to you stop smiling...I wish I could get you to stop frowning however...but that another conversation. My main purpose today is to fill you with an new sense of awareness which I feel translates to empowerment in your decision making process and arms you further with your conscious decision to look younger longer! I have people ask me quite often what they can do about the crease lines around their mouth. My answer to them: Smile all the time and no one will know the lines stay there when you aren't smiling! Sounds impossible huh?...Happiness‌ peace...contentment‌and joy all come from within. My suggestion: Seek fulfillment in your life and run after it with all you have. Cut out all the yah-yah that makes you unhappy. You will find yourself smiling more often (i.e.: looking younger more often than older) and the lines will fade into the bliss :o)

Jamie Foxx

Eva Jane Bunkley is a Two-Time Emmy Award Winning Make-Up Artist based in the Metro Atlanta, Georgia area and co-author of the book The FabJob Guide to Becoming a Make-Up Artist. She is currently working on a book on anti-aging techniques. v

Charles Dutton

Cecily Tyson

Tichina Arnold

23 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

Home Away From Home │ TRAVEL

Experience Beauty and Diversity in The Islands Of The Bahamas Life in The Islands of the Bahamas is as culturally diverse as it is vibrantly beautiful, from the carefree Out Islands to exciting Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahamas Island. With world-class restaurants, award-winning spas and resorts, an assortment of physical activities such as deep-sea fishing, golf and scuba diving, and miles of white and pink sandy beaches that are lined with the clearest waters in the world, the Bahamas offers visitors the opportunity to do everything or nothing at all.

Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in Bahamas, where he stated how the serene, pristine and tranquil environment gave him the feeling of being close to God. v For more information on travel packages, activities and special travel accommodations in the Bahamas, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com.

To purchase one-of-a-kind items and mementos from the Bahamas, visit www.eshopbahamas.com.

With 700 islands sprinkled out over 100,000 square miles of ocean, the Bahamas also offers visitors the largest assortment of vacation spots of any tropical destination. The islands are as distinct as they are similar. And once you set foot on one, chances are you‟ll learn even more about yourself.

Easy access to the Bahamas is a key reason for this tropical playground‟s appeal as a year-round vacation destination. Just a short hop by jet from Miami or a memorable voyage by cruise ship, private or charter boat, the Bahamas can be reached quickly by air or sea. Visitors from the U.S. also enjoy the convenience of not having to exchange currency before leaving for vacation in the Bahamas. Items such as perfume, jewelry, crystal and fine china, and leather goods are duty free and cost 25-50 percent below U.S. prices in the Bahamas.

Christian faith-based groups and organizations from around the world have also found enlightenment and spiritual reawakening in the Bahamas. As one of the most popular destinations for weddings, honeymoons and worship gatherings, the Bahamas has played host to some of the most influential spiritual leaders in the Christian faith such as T.D. Jakes and Dr. Tony Evans. The Bahamas also helped to inspire one of the greatest Christian influencers in American history, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, who drafted his 24 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

www.bintlfilmfest.com SAVE THE DATE: 1- 5 DECEMBER

25 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s Best Kept │ FOOD brownies, will please just about anyone.

Want a more substantial meal? Serve gazpacho or another chilled soup, in cups, for a starter. (FYI, gazpacho is delicious spiked with a little vodka!)

Grilled fish, chicken and vegetables are all perfect picnic fare. Kids love chicken strips with a dipping sauce and a simple pasta salad.

Composed salads, like Niçoise (tuna, potatoes and green beans) and Cobb (chicken, avocado, bacon and blue cheese) are easy to put together, travel well and are always popular. And, don‟t forget your favorite beverages. Try homemade lemonade and iced tea as a refreshing alternative to soda.

Here are some additional suggestions for a safe and easy picnic:

Remember picnics?

Dining al fresco on a warm, lazy day in a favorite spot, it seemed as if food always tasted better and time slowed way down. One could literally smell the roses.

For most of us, picnics are a thing of the past, a fond childhood memory. Today we imagine them to be too much work when we have too little time; plus, there are all those food safety concerns we keep hearing about. We at The Coopermarket are here to tell you, though, that planning a picnic can be a welcome step outside the daily grind, and well worth the small amount of effort required. Delicious meals can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish and your destination doesn‟t have to be a day trip away. Wonderful picnics can be had in a local park, at the beach, at an outdoor concert, in your back yard, or simply on the porch or deck.

Inspiration for your menu is as close as the local farmer‟s market. Warm weather foods naturally lend themselves to simple preparations. Flavors and colors are big and bold and often need little enhancement.

Perfectly ripe, sliced tomatoes are glorious on their own or paired with a quick vinaigrette or sliced fresh mozzarella and basil. Corn on the cob may not work for a picnic but slice the kernels off and toss with several other chopped vegetables and/or beans, dress, and you‟ve got a great salad.

Add a piece of cheese, some olives and a loaf of crusty bread for a delicious, light meal. For dessert, fresh peaches, plums, or berries, along with your favorite cookies or 26 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia





  

Dress salads with a vinaigrette (oil-based dressing), not a mayonnaise or dairy-based sauce; use mustard (so many flavors are now available) or fruit chutney as a sandwich spread.

Don‟t skimp on the ice packs; make sure that you place them both below and on top of the food in your basket or cooler.

Do not reuse food that has been unrefrigerated for several hours or more.

Fork and finger-food is much friendlier than anything that must be cut with a knife.

Use containers that seal tightly and make sure you bring plenty of napkins – and a trash bag.

So, gather some friends or family and plan a picnic. Have fun, be creative, the sky‟s the limit. Then simply relax and enjoy an afternoon or evening out of doors - and out of your routine. We think you‟ll be glad you did.

by Sara Imbody for The Coopermarket 302 LEVERING MILL RD. BALA CYNWYD, PA 19004 PHONE 610-664-2252 FAX 610-617-8687 www.coopermarket.com

302 LEVERING MILL RD. BALA CYNWYD, PA 19004 PHONE 610-664-2252 FAX 610-617-8687 www.coopermarket.com

Planning a summer celebration?

- Wedding - Shower - Anniversary - Engagement - Birthday - House-warming - Pool party - Bris/baby naming - Office party - Family reunion - Block party - Week-end at the shore - Intimate dinner for two - Fourth of July BBQ

Let us do the cooking for you!

Fresh-Delicious-Handmade Food

27 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s Best Kept │ NEWS

Will Jewell Williams be the new

Urban Suburban Magazine was recently politicking with current Pennsylvania State Representative Jewell Williams. Jewell Williams is current State Representative for the 197th Legislative District, a former Temple University Police Officer, Chief of Criminal Operations in the Sheriff‟s Department for over six years and Community Activist.

Urban Suburban Magazine recently had the opportunity to ask Jewell a few questions.

Q. What was your most important accomplishment as a State Representative?

Jewell Williams (JW): I‟ve introduced many bills that have passed that I‟m proud of. Two stand out. One that was aimed at helping city workers secure their pensions and another that helped increase marketing monies to help attract tourist to the Greater Philadelphia. Hospitality is one of the city‟s largest industry employing more than 12,000. When the tourism and convention business declines as it did in the past few years so many workers, businesses directly and indirectly related to conventions and tourism feel it in the bottom line.

Q. You are currently seeking to become the Sheriffs of Philadelphia? Why seek an office that many people think should be disbanded or abolished?

JW. I don‟t believe that the office should be eliminated. I believe that we need an independent office to execute the orders of the courts. It is important that the courts are independent to protect people‟s civil rights. Further I believe an inherent conflict would exist in the tax lien sales if the Sheriff worked for the Mayor because the Mayor is a party to the tax lien sales.

Q. Do most people understand the role of the Sheriff‟s Department in Philadelphia?

JW Perhaps not. Duties include court orders to execute the sale of property that is in default of tax and/or mortgages. The city (Revenue Department) petitions the court to put a property for 28 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

In Philadelphia?

sale to collect the back taxes and/or lenders to regain properties that in default. Sheriff‟s deputies also transport defendants from county jail(s) to and from court for hearings and/or trials. They also protect the witnesses, prisoners, judges and court personnel from harm. The department is also charged with serving writs and protection in court rooms including Traffic, Juvenile, Family, and Civil courts and in the criminal justice court Q. What would you define as the most important role of the department?

JW. To protect the public‟s interest and safety and civil rights.

Q. How will you correct some of the accounting and or bookkeeping issues that both the current City and State government have complained about?

JW. I will hire a certified public account to oversee all the financial matters of the sales. There are many costs involved in selling these properties including protecting the financial interests of the property owners and other parties involved.

Q. Do you see an expanded role for the Sheriff Department? I mean do you see the office practice becoming more involved in the community?

JW. Not expanded but more pro-active by helping homeowners from planning and doing a better job of understanding when and how to protect themselves from losing their properties. I would hold informational sessions around in the communities to help people learn of their rights.

Additionally it is important to note that I started, during my tenure as Chief of the Criminal Division, many of the out reach programs that the Sheriff‟s office such as the Sheriff Office program at the churches and the school education program Q. What section of the city do you reside? Where were you born?

JW. I was born and raised in North Philly and I live just a few blocks from there now.

Q. What do you think about term limits are effective?

JW – I think that every time an incumbent runs for office we face term limits. That‟s one reason that primary elections are so important and when, especially in Philadelphia, citizens should exercise their right to vote. Voters need to vote their convictions.

I don‟t plan to be Sheriff for more than three terms.

Q. What is Philadelphia lacking in terms of leadership? How can an everyday citizen help?

JW. I see leadership every day. Leadership from block captains that fight to maintain the beauty and safety of their streets. Scout leaders, civic associations, business groups, leaders of Home and School Associations, crossing guards. Every day someone can step up to help, take a chance and do the right thing….that‟s leadership to me.

Q. What is the first thing that you like to do accomplish in the Sheriff‟s office?

JW. Get a handle on the outrageous overtime expenditures, get the department into the 21st century technology-wise, try to educate the public on how best not to default on payments, and mediate between the lenders and the owners to work a way to keep people from losing their homes. I also want to organize the shifts among the deputies so that prisoners are driven to the courts efficiently and not hours before their court appearances.

Q. What is the best advice you've ever been given?

JW: Prayer first, think about yourself, help people every day and be accountable.

Q. What excites you most about Philadelphia?

JW. The vitality, the people, the future.

Q. What is the one item you would not want to lose?

JW. The respect of my children.

Q. What is your favorite restaurant in Philadelphia?

JW. Patterson‟s, Phillip‟s Seafood, and Morton‟s.

JW. Wow, that‟s some question. The Department is responsible to carry out the orders of the court as defined by the City Charter.

Contact: Harriet Lessy 215 985 2899 www.JewellForSheriff.com

29 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

Is That Legal │ Discrimination

which blatantly warned that applicants must be currently employed, that unemployed applicants would not be considered for employment. It was thereafter seen that other employers had policies that restricted them from considering applications from jobseekers who had been unemployed for six, nine or more months. It is hard to imagine that any responsible or forward-thinking employer would engage in such an obviously poor and unconscionable business practice, but many do.

Investigating unemployment discrimination, why Moody & Shields Group, LLC is ideally suited.

According to Pennsylvania‟s Department of Labor and Industry, the Commonwealth‟s unemployment rate for December 2010 was 8.5%, down only 0.1% from November, 2010.

Among those 8.5% unemployed workers are a great number of highly skilled, broadly experienced and strongly motivated individuals who find themselves unemployed through no fault of their own, unwilling victims of a faltering economy. One would think, then, that this would is an employer‟s market in which employers can pick and choose from among the best, brightest and most qualified of Pennsylvania‟s unemployed.

Incredible as it seems, however, many employers deliberately screen out,.... discriminate against,... unemployed persons. According to the National Employment Law Project, the systematic exclusion for job consideration of unemployed workers was first detected when job opening announcements were made

30 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

State and federal anti discrimination laws prohibit employers from discriminating against job applicants on the basis of their race, sex, ethnic or national origin, color, religion, genetic profile, age or disability.

Employment status discrimination would not appear, at least superficially, illegal. However, closer examination suggests that such employment status discrimination might mask other forms of illegal discrimination, such as race, age or sex discrimination. In some cases, it might operate to have a disparate impact on minority or other legally protected groups.

The Moody & Shields Group LLC. is a full service law firm assisting general and business clients. In addition to representing clients in matters involving Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Employment / Labor Law, Real Estate, Estate Planning and Administration, Criminal, Sports and Entertainment, Family Law, and Intellectual Property Law, the Firm has also represented a great number of clients in Civil Rights matters, on both the trial and appellate level. Owing to the diversity of experience and knowledge of its attorneys, The Moody & Shields Group attorneys are amply experienced to examine potentially discriminating circumstances and discover whether apparently

permissible discrimination is actually masking impermissible, illegal discrimination.

Leading the Moody & Shields Group are seasoned attorneys Adrian J. Moody and Stacy L. Shields. Adrian J. Moody, Esquire and Stacy L. Shields, Esquire, who lead the Moody & Shields Group of attorneys, have extensive experience in representing clients in Civil Rights matters, including Employment/Title VII matters. Assisting the Group is Paul B. Birden, Jr., Esquire, who is experienced in Civil Rights litigation support and appellate matters. If you s us pect that you ha ve be en discriminated against in your application for a job for which you are qualified, contact the attorneys of the Moody and Shields Group, LLC, who look forward to serving you.

Article Written by Adrian Moody, Esq

1613 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 TEL: 215-735-7400 FAX: 215-735-1628 www.moodyshieldsgroup.com

Philadelphia’s Best Kept │ HEALTH

While most Americans are aware of the signs and health

But there is hope.

risks of breast cancer and heart disease, relatively few are aware of

Early diagnosis and proper medical care greatly improve the quality another significant health problem that strikes mostly young women of life for people with lupus. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration recently approved the drug BENLYSTA, the first between the ages of 15 and 45. The disease is lupus. Lupus a treatment approved for lupus in over 52 years. “This is a historic chronic (lifelong) disease in which the immune system, for time for those living with the challenges of lupus and their families unknown reasons, becomes out of balance, causing inflammation who have waited more than half a century for a treatment and serious tissue damage to virtually any organ or system in the breakthrough in lupus,” said Annette Myarick, CEO of the LFA‟s Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter. “This is a significant first step body. Even though approximately 1.5 million Americans have toward reaching our goal of developing an arsenal of safe, effective, lupus, two-thirds of Americans report they are unaware of lupus or and tolerable treatments.” its potentially disabling and life-threatening health effects. People of color are at greatest risk for developing lupus. The disease is two For information about lupus or available programs and services, contact the LFA, Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter at 866-517-5070 or to three times more common among African Americans, Hispanics, visit lupustristate.org.

Asians and Native Americans than among Caucasians.

What is most troubling about the lack of awareness of lupus is that early recognition, diagnosis and treatment of lupus often can prevent serious consequences, such as heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA), Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter, funded in part by the PA Department of Health, is undertaking a regional campaign to educate the public, health professionals and policy makers about lupus and its impact on individuals, families and society.

Why is awareness of lupus important? To save lives! Consider these facts: •Lupus can attack the body for years before the disease is diagnosed. Symptoms of lupus mimic common illnesses and often are dismissed as nothing serious.

•More than half of the people with lupus suffer four or more years and visit three or more doctors before receiving a correct diagnosis.

•Awareness of lupus is lowest among women 18-24, the age group most likely to develop the disease.

•Late diagnosis and delayed treatment contribute to poor outcomes and increased morbidity and mortality.

•Lupus is a serious disease that can damage vital organs, such as the kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. The disease can cause seizures, strokes, heart attacks, miscarriages, and organ failure leading to significant disability or death.

31 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s Best Kept │ ART

A Legacy of Art The Family Tiberino Often referred to as the Wyeths of West Philly, the Tiberinos are a family unique and apart. Mother Ellen Powell passed in 1992 and now is the spirit of the Ellen Powell Tiberino Museum in Powelton Village. Joe, the husband and father owned “Bacchanal” in 1985, a saloon where both the visual and performing arts played host to a community of artistic devotees. Two sons, Raphael and Gabriele, are both graduates of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts as was Ellen Powell. Daughter Ellen went to both Moore and Fleisher Art Memorial. The three are a testament to Ellen Powell who is an internationally known painter and her legacy. Her art referenced both protest and peace. Ellen Powell and Joe did a relief sculpture together in 1986 memorializing the MOVE bombing in their West Philadelphia neighborhood. Her drawings and paintings of later years possess an elegance of storytelling that is both engaging and unforgettable. Joe’s art is also as a teller of history moving from a quiet elegance early on to more vibrant and arresting images today. He also was strongly involved with political art that made a statement with regard to civil and human rights. Both parents laid a foundation of not only artistic superiority but also civic responsibility.

Raphael, the oldest, is involved with his own art as well as that of the family. It is his mission to take it worldwide as a family of social conscience and artistic excellence. Raphael has taught mural painting through the Mural Arts Program headed by Jane Golden. His pen and ink West Park Cultural and Opportunity Center. She has also done two major murals in different buildings at the Ellen Powell Tiberino Memorial Museum. Ellen is currently working on small mosaics for upcoming shows.

Ellen

who creates three-dimensional ceramic faces as part of sculptural relief and glass compositions presents art that is both unusual and exciting. she also worked on mosaic mural projects during the last five years as a mentor. This involved working with children from the West Park Cultural and Opportunity Center. She has also done two major murals in different buildings at the Ellen Powell Tiberino Memorial Museum. Ellen is currently working on small mosaics for upcoming shows.

32 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

Gabe, the youngest, explains he had no choice but to become an artist.

“From the time I was born I lived in an environment erupting with a multitude of artists and creat ivit y. ” A fter attending the High School f o r C r e a t i ve a n d Performing Arts, he became a student at the prestigious Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

There, in May of 2005, he received his certificate and won the award for the Best Figurative Painter in the Student Exhibition. In 2008 PAFA bought his painting, “Tioga Street” for their permanent collection. Since 1998, he has been a part of the Mural Arts Program where everyone in the city and especially the visitors can see and experience his inspiration on a grand scale. “It is important that my art resonate immediately with people, in their hearts and in their minds. For this reason, I will continue to paint for the rest of my life. Moe Brooker, one of Philadelphia's most recognized artists both nationally and internationally, says of Gabe. “His talent as an artist is far more mature than his years. He is young, yet he handles paint like a much older painter.

His insight, visually, is beyond his years. I think you are going to hear a great deal from him in years to come.”

On any given Friday evening, visit their Powelton village home and garden where you will become part of a very special moment. Throughout the habitat (there are five buildings that make up the complex) there is art, more art and even more art. Several visits are necessary to absorb all that is before you. A more diverse group would hardly be found anywhere, yet all who come enjoy! The music, the art, the food and drink. Certainly the conversation is stimulating both intellectually and socially. And so we come back again and again. And we know that Ellen Powell Tiborino is looking down on us with much joy and satisfaction. She knows our lives have been enriched by the Museum and the family who have made all this possible, not just for tonight but for a lifetime. The family Tiborino have created a legacy not just artistically but politically. We, in Philadelphia, have much to be thankful for.

On this day and for many years to come. May the Tiborino light shine on all of us and may we share with others the beauty that has been shared with us.

Written by Sande Webster

Hot or Not │ STYLE

BLAZIN RED HOT

Okay ladies!

Spring has sprung, and summer is just around the corner, that means it’s time to wake up that hibernating hair and give it a kiss of vibrant color.

Color Confidence: At Salon Tenshi, fabulous hair, is healthy hair, so before we apply any color, the first thing we do is prepare the palette. No matter how great your color - dry, damaged hair is NOT sexy.

One way we protect the hair and scalp is by adding an essential oil treatment into every color. The treatment hydrates the scalp, promotes shine and moisture, and fills in any dry areas that might not absorb color because of its porous condition. At Salon Tenshi, getting color actually makes hair healthier!

Whether your hair is color-treated or not, I recommend adding an oil treatment to your home hair care regimen, in between salon visits (we carry Phyto oil treatments at the salon).

Color Aside: Even if you’re not craving color, the best way to wear your summer hair is to keep your ends freshly trimmed, and keep the hair pumped full of moisture. At Salon Tenshi, we’ve created the “Ultimate Scalp and Hair Therapy” 2 part oil treatment. Here’s how it works: Part one is for the scalp, it helps exfoliate dead skin, dandruff or scalp buildup. Part two is for the hair. In part two, we massage the oil all the way down the hair shaft. The oil is chosen based on the condition of the hair (consultation appointments available).

Once you’ve had your treatment, our specialized dryers have three different settings to ensure a polished finished product.

1. Red chromo lighting - has the ability to penetrate at the depth where the hair follicle resides. This process helps promote blood circulation and stimulates the cells that promote nutrition and hair growth. Also, it disposes of build up.

2. Blue chromo lighting - acts as a bactericide treatment for scalp disorders. It also helps relieve the scalp from any irritation that can be caused from dryness, itching, and tenderne

3. Ozone therapy - helps eliminate unpleasant odors and further treat dandruff by eliminating bacteria off the scalp. Come in for a consultation to find out which settings, color, and products will work best for your hair. Or come in for a haircut that will make you feel fabulous!

I created Salon Tenshi 2 years ago, to offer my clients the best of everything. We provide a relaxing atmosphere, a high level of service, and the latest in hair and beauty products. Please check out our website at www.salontenshi.com to find out more about Salon Tenshi and to find out about our organic line of beauty products, sold at the salon and at the Tenshi Beauty Bar in Philadelphia, please visit www.tenshibeautybar.com.

Check out Tenshi Beauty Bar located at Piazza at Schmidts, 1001 N. 2nd Street Philadelphia, PA, 19123 215-688-2210

Written Brandy Davila

33 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

Q & A with actress and filmmaker Cathy SitaRam

by George Clifford Blackmon

Cathy SitaRam is a gorgeous filmmaker and actress, who is mostly known for her filmmaking in the US Virgin Island and as host on BET’s NYLA.

I had the opportunity to ask Cathy a few questions.

Q. What film project are you currently working on?

We're working on a project called "Sum of Zero". It reads like a Foxy Brown in the Virgin Islands. Espionage, Intrigue, Betrayal, Greed, Romance, Adventure, Billions At Stake all set in the beautiful US Virgin Islands. We have very few narrative films coming out of the Caribbean and I'd like to help fill that void.

Q. Aren’t you in several commercials?

Yes, the government of the US Virgin Islands shot an international commercial for St. Croix. I'm in it. But I have been working to promote the VI since doing my first Obie Award winning tourism commercial for the VI when I was 16.

That was my first job ever.

Q. What other projects have you been working on?

My production company has earned the 2010 prestigious ADDY Award for Excellence in Television. We have a knack for PSAs wherein we portray real people experiencing extreme hardships but finding a way to muddle through the difficulty. It's just a one minute slice of life but these short films still give me as director the opportunity to render the human condition.

Q. What do you miss about living on the mainland?

I miss New York. The energy and cutting edge aggressive attitude. Here in the VI we're uber laid back.

visibility waters or even hiking in the rainforest heading to the tidal pools.

Q. Explain the name Hey Penny Pictures?

My company's name is HeyPennyPictures, named after Hay Penny Beach, a mile long stretch of the most tranquil running beach known to man situated a stones throw from my home. I go running on that beach in the early morning.

Q. What is your daily beauty regimen?

My beauty regimen consists of thinking beautiful thoughts and creating a mental rampage of positivity that invigorates and encourages every cell in my body. I think a positive person is a beautiful person, irresistible even. The rest is perception. Clairol and Maybelline help a heck of a lot too!

Q. What is the best advice you've ever been given?

Its all about the journey and never the destination; live in the now. Enjoy the hardships and count it all joy. Boldness has its rewards. Look for the Wow! effect, the Oh my God moments, in everything. Thoughts become things choose the good ones.

"The path to enlightenment has been made up of many steps. Most commonly, it begins with festering misunderstandings that lead to pain, the pain then

Q. What is your fitness regimen?

leads to growth, growth leads to clarity, clarity leads to

I work out 3-4 times a week. I reserve the weekends for fun

How about just skipping to the fun part." - Mike Dooley

which means meeting friends on the driving range for a round of golf, going fishing, splashing around in 100% 34 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

fun, fun leads to joy, and joy leads to true illumination.

Q. In your opinion, what makes someone beautiful?

A forgiving spirit, a generous mind, an understanding that we're all in this together and that there is no separation save the one we imagine.

Q. Who would you love to work with in the future?

"How about anyone. I'm always looking for the next job." That's what Samuel L. Jackson told me at a party on Sunset Boulevard. I think he'd be a blast to work with.

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HE SAY SHE SAY│ Relationship comes to women, masturbation and ways to please by self sexual gratification.

There is no such thing as abnormal masturbation, according to the sexologists there is no abnormal way to masturbate because we are such diverse creatures it would be hard to define “normal”.

Women and men masturbate in various ways. It could be with their hands, rubbing up against something, using sex toys, wearing special clothing, fantasizing, use porn magazines or looking in the mirror while pleasing themselves.

Self Sexual Gratification Is it a good thing or a bad thing?

Masturbation is the safest form of sex. You can‟t contract a sexual transmitted disease. However, men shouldn‟t use too much pressure, force or pull too hard or they could injury themselves and cause damage to the skin of the penis. Women who like to push their sexual side to the limit must also be aware of not only their sexual tolerance level, but also their body tolerance level. Some women can get caught up in the heat of the moment and could damage their internal walls. Some women like to test their sexual tolerance when their masturbating and go much larger than what they are accustom to and can cause great harm to themselves.

Solo sex could be a good thing because it teaches one about their body. It could also improve your sex life with your partner. You can teach your partner how to please you through self exploration.

However, too much solo sex could also lessen your desire to have sex with your partner. Excessive masturbation may make you alienate your partner and could cause serious problems in your sex life.

Self sexual gratification is a great way to please yourself and a great way to test your sexual limits when done in moderation. It can spice up your sex life with your partner or help you have a satisfying sex life when you don‟t have a partner.

I‟m just saying.

This is a taboo subject to most, probably because most people do it and just won‟t admit it because of embarrassment. But if you think about it, most of us had our first sexual experience with ourselves, especially men. Men are more open about masturbating than women. However, today women are more open when it comes to exploring their sexually side with or without a partner.

It‟s a new millennium and new day when it come to women doing it for themselves, literally!

Today more and more women are exploring their sexual side more than ever before. Additional, women are hosting sex parties, experimenting with sex toys, and are more openly discussing how they please themselves sexually, especially single women. Because we live in a time and age where sexually transmitted diseases are running rampant a great majority of single women are choosing self sexual gratification instead of risking their lives for a one night stand. Times have changed when it

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C Double R! To read more articles by C Double R! please visit www.crazyazzwomen.blogspot.com. If you would like to ask C Double R! any questions, comments or topic suggestions please contact her at cdoubler2@gmail.com.

Nashawn Kearse Desperate Housewives, Entourage, The Soprano’s and The Wire

He’s got Next!!!

A

ppearing from the shadows, you notice a dark figure. As the contours of his face slowly begin to appear, you’re sure you know him from

somewhere, but the intensity of the moment does not allow you to think. All of a sudden, bright lights pop on and another foreboding character appears in the room. Normally a person would rise up in an occasion like this, but his hands are firmly tied behind his back and secured to a chair. Music rushes to crescendo as the figure gets closer, until finally you realize that the approaching shadow is R&B songstress Jazmine Sullivan. And the man tied to the chair, he’s the dude from Desperate Housewives, Entourage, and some of your other favorite shows you’ve seen over the years.

From Broadway Stages to HBO, rising actor Nashawn Kearse has been in demand, and his true fans will tell you that it’s about time that the solo spotlight found this talented performer. "He demands your attention with just his voice" said veteran producer Angelique Marshall, who has worked with Kearse on several film and stage projects.

"His range is just so wide, from serious 'hood to serious comedy, you can just feel his passion for acting. Seeing him in action, you know what there is nothing else that he wants to do".

“Growing up in Brooklyn, a normal dream for a normal kid there is to become a basketball player”, explains Jay-Z in his book “Decoded”. But for Nashawn, who grew up in the same 1980’s Brooklyn streets, it was always about the arts. "It began early for me; I began dancing as a kid.” Quickly mastering the art of motion, the budding young performer began to audition for other roles that would keep him off the streets and on the stage. Encouraged by his mother, he finally discovered the place that would cement his path towards Hollywood. “I went to an audition at City Kids Repertory Company. There were a lot of kids who were there", he recalled. Along with Nashawn, those “kids” are now household names from Hollywood you know, like Malik Yoba (“New York Undercover”), and Donald Faison (“Scrubs”). Faison and Nashawn became close friends, so close that Faison is Godfather to Nashawn’s son.

“I thank my mom for getting me where I am today”, Kearse told me in more than one of our conversations. Raising him as a single parent in Brooklyn, the two developed a close bond that continues to this day. So when he landed the recurring role of “Caleb Applewhite” on the ABC-TV hit drama “Desperate Housewives”, he first dropped to his knees, praised God, and then called his mother. “It was with her help, encouragement, and financial support sometimes that enabled me to get where I am today”.

He says the best thing about the Desperate Housewives role was being able to work with acclaimed actress Alfre Woodard who has been one of his show business role models, but not his greatest one. That honor is reserved for the legendary Sidney Poitier. "I just love him as an actor, as a man, and just where he came from to where he is today. I first became a fan watching him paired in the classic comedies with Bill Cosby (Uptown Saturday Night, Let's Do It Again), which got me interested in me watching more of his serious roles, and in every film it seemed as if his characters just began getting better and better". Nashawn has yet to meet Poitier in person, but says playing him on stage or in film is top of his list of dream roles.

Beyond “Desperate Housewives”, his acting skills have been on display for the past 15 years in both television and film. Especially on cable television where’s he’s been a regular on the HBO Original Production scene including roles in “The Sopranos” and “Entourage”. And if you haven’t seen NaShawn, then you probably heard him as a voice in the video game hit “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas”. Even with the glamorous film appearances, he still makes time for regular performances on the stage, where we talked with on the debut of the acclaimed Kash Goins play, “Single Black Female”.

“Nothing is better than the instant gratification you get from the stage. Being in front of people live is totally different, in fact, a lot of people who do just television can’t do stage. It roots you as an actor, and prepares you for film, in fact, there’s another level of respect among actors who also perform on stage.”

Off stage, Kearse is relatively reserved. Producer Marshall explained, “Your first impression of him is stand-offish. But once you get to know him, he’s definitely one of the most sociable personalities I know…he definitely does not like to be bored”. This is probably good news to the ears of his large female fan base. In fact, “Nashawn Kearse Shirtless” is the top Google result that returns when you search for the actor.

Breaking out in laughter when we informed him of the fact, he explained that it’s the result of some old modeling photos that are still circulating online. Besides, it’s not the photos, it’s the personal information on the web that bothers Nashawn, “It’s just a little discomforting to know that there’s all this information about you that’s accessible without people even really knowing you” Other than the photos, and some light twittering, Kearse remains private about his personal life, although he confirmed one special lady in his life, I’m definitely not single”, he said.

With Sullivan’s Music Video, several television appearances, an upcoming feature film role and time on the stage in between them all, you realize quickly that Nashawn’s passion for acting will keep him in the spotlight, “I’m always happy to just be playing someone other than myself’, he said before leaving our last interview. “It’s always good to be able to give back in acting, it’s our art form”.

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May I have some Customer Service, please…

It seems like with every new piece of technology that arrives in the store brings with it two things 1) higher anticipation for the next great thing, 2) What to do with my old thing.

However, I realized that one thing gets overlooked severely. That one thing is a very simple thing that most others just don‟t think about and that is customer service.

When people go out and spend money on a brand new gadget they go into the deal knowing that one day their new toy will fail them. That cell phone won‟t make your phone call or that laptop won‟t connect to the internet.

When that happens you are desperate to get their problem fixed and most often than not that means a call to customer service. A call not many people look forward to.

Long ago, companies took pride in customer service. Handling situations directly with the customer and getting the problem fixed was priority number one. Now , customer service seems to be a tossed aside kind of job, a lonely place where people sit for hours at a time getting yelled at and not really solving many problems.

On average, the wait time to getting the situation completely resolved is 6-8 weeks.

Eventually companies get so frustrated and just have you ship the piece of equipment to them and then they “fix” it and send it back to you. That isn‟t so bad but sometimes you still don‟t get the problem fixed. At which point some companies kind of throw up their hands and say “I don‟t know what else to say”.

Some companies these days outsource their customer service to another entity taking you even further 38 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

away from the manufacturer in which to get it fixed. A lot of times computer companies have their customer service reading from a script to help you diagnose your problem. God forbid you ask them a question as it would throw them off of their script. How is a script going to help you solve a problem?

Now I am sure the script does work for certain things, but something is missing.

Apple for example has a buffer between themselves and the customer and they're called “Apple Geniuses”.

You take your Apple product to an Apple Store and a person who Apple has deemed a “Genius” takes your equipment and tries to solve the problem. However if it can‟t be fixed there they tell you to contact Apple and have them solve the issue.

Then you can run into the dreaded “we no longer support this equipment” responses from customer service. Now while I can understand that a life cycle of technology is quite limited, but one would think they would at least keep some type of support for those don‟t want to keep spending thousands of dollars on the next laptop on the market. Some people just like the one they have and want that laptop to keep working.

Now of course you are going to have those who have never ever in their lifetime had a bad experience with customer service.

To them I say you are so lucky not to have to deal with the long hold music, the “I will pass this onto my supervisor” only to be hung up upon, or the dreaded “your call is important to us but your wait time is 30 minutes, we are experiencing heavy call volume please hold”. That is the worst as you sit there and watch your life tick

away on a clock just wanting to get your internet back on, or how to fix a simple problem that after they fix it you are still mad you had to wait all that time.

Customer service is a thankless job and at times when I have to deal with them I try and be as polite as possible for I know that their job is not very fulfilling. However I am not taking shots at the actual customer service people, who at times don‟t seem human, instead I am taking shots directly at the companies of the major technologies who provide subpar customer service centers and employ a mindset that makes them feel they can do whatever they wish to the customer and suffer no repercussions. Most of the times they are right, people will suffer and suffer and still line up for the next iPad that comes out or the latest iPhone that comes out and deal with all the same problems all over again; All in a quest to have the latest and greatest piece of technology to show off to their friends.

With everyday bringing us some new fantastic advancement in technology whether it be for personal or professional use customer service still seems to be stuck and mired in archaic and medieval times. Hopefully the companies can see this and respond by actually caring about the customers who purchase their equipment and allows them to continue to bring us closer to a future we often see in the movies.

Now if you excuse me I have an approximate wait time of 15 mins with my cable company over why my TV picture froze. I am going to bet they just tell me to reset my cable box, but I just want to make sure they get their monies worth out of me. Until then I shall see you on the brighter side of life and surfing the internet..

Written By Kyle Leishear

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Unless you‟ve been living under a rock lately, I‟m sure you‟ve heard about the dramatic changes happening in the publishing industry. Independent and chain bookstores are closing at an alarming rate. The second largest bookstore chain, recently filed for bankruptcy. Sales of hardcover books are down 40%. Editors at the Big 6 houses are reserving contracts for their big moneymaking authors, as the mid-list shrinks. The current situation has become so dire that Huffington Post, the Internet newspaper, now includes “bookstore obituaries” as a regular feature.

At the same time, the sale of e-books is up 400%.

Nine years ago, when I started writing, my only goal was to get an agent and sign with a major publisher.

During the first few years of my writing career, I had conversations with writers that had or were considering selfpublishing their books. The idea of dealing with the frontend details of publishing my own book turned me off to say the least. I knew that self-published books couldn‟t get shelf space in the major book chains. Many reviewers wouldn‟t review them, and I‟d heard stories about authors ending up stuck with boxes of unsold books stacked in their garage.

No way did I want any part of that. Fast forward to 2007.

Rumblings had begun about Amazon.com‟s newest electronic gadget – the Kindle e-reader. At that time no one, except perhaps for Jeff Bezos himself, imagined this little gadget would be the game changer in an industry already

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plagued by antiquated policies and procedures, ridiculously long wait times between contract and release, decreasing sales, and increasing competition from DVDs, smartphones, video games and all things electronic.

As an author trying to break into the business, I kept my ear to the ground, fascinated by what I was hearing about the possibility of getting my books into the hands of readers. I submitted to editors and agents for several years and even signed with two well-known agents but got no offers. The whole process had begun to wear me down.

By 2009, with Kindle dominating the e-book market, authors were beginning to take notice, and many had taken the plunge into the electronic world. The financial perks of direct e-pubbing were a definite lure. Traditional publishers generally pay authors 6-15% of the cover price of their books. E-publishers like Kindle offered 35% at the outset and now have raised that royalty rate to 70%. Ebooks are eternal, whereas paper books have a limited shelf life before they go out of print.

The increase in electronic books has sparked a debate among readers, writers and those in the publishing industry about the necessity for gatekeepers (editors and agents) to protect readers from an in influx of bad books.

Those on the other side of the debate insist that gatekeepers aren‟t necessary, because readers are smart enough to determine for themselves what is good and bad. The bottom line is what‟s good will sell and what‟s bad won‟t.

Simple.

The other debate getting louder by the day is what I call “the cold, dead handers versus the “e-people.” These are the folks who staunchly declare that their paper books will have to be pried from their cold, dead hands before they switch to electronic reading. They melodramatically pontificate about the feel and smell of paper books and fight anything that hints of electronic progress.

Personally, I don‟t think books will disappear completely, but as I look back at my vinyl albums, 8-track tapes and cassettes packed away in the garage, I‟m not so sure. What‟s important is the ability of authors to be able to sell their stories to readers . It‟s the words that make the story, not the paper they‟re printed on. All of the current flap about the smell and feel of books will eventually fizzle out. Honestly, when was the last time you saw anybody sniffing and hugging a vinyl LP with tears in their eyes? Change is hard for some, but change will eventually come whether we like it or not.

We might as well embrace it and enjoy it.

In July 2010, I took the plunge and joined the ranks of electronic authors and published my debut novel directly to Kindle. My second novel released in November 2010 on Kindle and the Barnes & Noble Nook e-reader. Hollywood Swinging, my third release, hit the cyber shelves on May 1, 2011.

This is an exciting time for authors, but e-pubbing isn‟t for the faint of heart. This isn‟t a deal where you simply

take your Word manuscript from your hard drive and toss it into cyberspace. The preparation is very much the same as getting a paper book ready for release. Professional editing is a necessity. The quality of the cover is a determining factor in the success of the book. Formatting of the manuscript for each of the different e-book sites can test the patience of a saint. Promotion and marketing is a neverending chore.

But for those writers with the fortitude to learn the language and requirements of this new market, the doors are wide open.

Chicki Brown Author of

HOLLYWOOD SWINGING Kindle: http://amzn.to/lpgC8m Nook: http://bit.ly/kx0ihv Smashwords: http://bit.ly/mGIpaG

Watch the video trailer on YouTube: http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2m1Lj1kyGM

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Order your copy Author of

HOLLYWOOD SWINGING Kindle: http://amzn.to/lpgC8m Nook: http://bit.ly/kx0ihv Smashwords: http://bit.ly/mGIpaG

Watch the video trailer on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2m1Lj1kyGM

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Path Lighting│ A Good Place

A Good Place Have you ever wondered, “Why did that person have to come into my life?” Think about the amount of time you spent with and on them; and even how much money you would have saved on them. It probably could have been enough for a down payment on a house!

Maybe that’s why you’re still renting. Have you ever asked yourself, "Could my life have been better if they weren’t in it?" Perhaps there are some people you have met that rub you the wrong way and you wonder why they even exist. If we are really honest with ourselves, we would have to admit that there are some people that we wish we have never met. There were times when I had to look back and ask God if He was showing me some good in that relationship or something about myself and using them to get me to a certain place?

One Sunday morning while driving to church with my daughter, I was singing along with a beautiful worship song on the radio. I just felt God’s presence and was in my “happy place.” This morning was going smoothly; not all my Sunday mornings start off this way. An SUV that had been traveling alongside of me suddenly pulled into my lane with less than two feet between us. I slammed on the brakes, and immediately left my happy place. I called the driver an idiot! As the worship song continued to play, I realized that I allowed the driver’s stupidity to move me out of a special place with God. Like this driver, some folks come into our lives to take us out of a good place, when life is good and we are in our “happy place”. We allow them to stay too long so that they practically destroy us. You find yourself wondering where did they come from? And why wasn’t I more selective? And how can I get them out of my life?

What’s good about God is that although negative people come and move you out of your “happy place,” they can’t take you out of God’s presence. It may take some time for you to recognize this…perhaps even years… but God can use those very same people to propel you into your destiny. We are always plagued with regrets from past relationships, but I recently read that our worst failures need not be the last word for our lives. Though we can’t change the past, God can

guide our future. Remember, God’s presence is a good place…a happy place. Isaiah 48:17 reads, “Thus says, the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go.” If you allow Him to lead and when you follow, you’ll learn to be thankful for…the heartaches, the disappointments and even the people who you once wished you had never met.

Written by Bishop Dawn R. Brown, Founder and Pastor Cathedral of Holiness Missionary Baptist Church Pennsville, New Jersey http://www.cohmbc76.com/

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Learning For Life

5 Things

Learning 5 Things You Should Consider When Choosing a Good Daycare Center for Your Child.

1. When you visit the facility, the things you need to check are the following; the number of adults who work in the facility, the number of children they care for, cleanliness, the kind of food they serve to the children, and license and accreditation information.

facility long enough to observe how the staff interacts with the kids. You want to know if the center promotes the same values you have in your own home.

5. Call the Department of Social Services or the Department of Health and Human Services in your area and inquire if the facility has a good standing record. Invest the extra time to do some background checks on your own. It will prevent you from future headaches and heartaches.

La Mor A' Dore Academy Inc. is a certified Day Care Center that offers quality care!

Whether you are a working dad or busy mom our safe Day Care is the place to leave your child.

2. You may also ask the staff how long have they been working in the facility. If it has fast turnover, it is probably not a good sign. It means your child will have to adjust to a new caregiver all the time.

Another important detail is to see if the facility has contingency plans in place in case of emergency.

Located 6010 Larchwood Ave Philadelphia Pa 19143 215-397-4262 Mother and Daughter owned and operated.

3. Check the staff qualifications. Everyone who works in this type of environment should be properly screened. Make sure that they were background checked and fingerprinted. Ask if they have proper training in child care. They should know how to administer CPR.

4. A good child care facility requires its staffs to attend classes and constantly update their skills and knowledge of the business. Stay and observe.

Do not just walk in and walk out. Stay in the

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Laura McLemore and Lolita Clark

Urban Suburban Film Festival “It’s all about the film” June 24th – 26th 2011 Crowne Plaza, City Avenue, Philadelphia

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by Maria Ulacia

Philadelphia’s Caribbean Partnership

US Virgin Islands Day On Friday, June 24, 2011 at the Crowne Plaza, City Avenue

BIFF Day on Sunday, June 26, 2011 Crowne Plaza, City Plaza

Featuring Former BET Host and filmmaker Cathy SitaRam

Featuring at 14 Filmmaker from the Bahamas

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BIFF DAY on Sunday 26th, 2011 Featuring films from

AT THE END OF THE WORLD Bahamas / 2010 / 5 mins

The small island of Bimini in the Bahamas, has attracted explorers and travelers from all over the world, resulting in a rich history and a unique tapestry of tales that live on through its inhabitants. This short

CRAZY LOVE BAHAMAS / 2010 / 72 mins

When Charlene's husband, Lionel, seems to lose the romantic spark, she seeks ways to revive their flames. When this does not work, however, her friends share their view on dating, romance, and the obligations of men to their women. This sets Charlene on a course for disaster.

documentary explores its most famous and popular story, of how Nobel Prize winning author Ernest Hemingway captured the hearts and minds of Bimini residents.

GRANDPA'S QUEST Acklins / Crooked Island, Bahamas / 2010 / 6 mins BENEATH THE BLUE USA / 2010 / 102 mins

Dolphin experts confront the US Navy when its sonar program is suspected of causing the animals' deaths.

In this wonderful family tale, 'grandpa' tells his grandchildren the story of how he was given favour to begin dating their grandmother. It was no easy task!

CONTACT ZONE USA / 2010 / 14 mins

GUS OUTDOORS- LIZARD TOWN Bahamas / 2010 / 30 mins

During an opening reception at a art gallery in New York City, the curator and janitor have a one night stand.

Six year-old naturalist and host Gus Nightingale goes on a quest to the Bahamas archipelago to meet some of the country's many spectacular creatures. Children will be captivated as Gus explores the pristine islands of the Bahamas in search of lizards, iguanas and snakes.

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Dreamcatcher Series Panel Discussion Group @ Crowne Plaza

Saturday, June 25th, 2010 1:00pm to 3:00pm Dreams into Realities The process that transpires a dream into a reality is not a simple one. It takes tenacity, creativity, ambition and overall courage. The Women in Film’s panel this year will be used as a vehicle to achieve the following task; Cultivate the attendees raw talent and potential by enlightenment; Highlight obstacles each individual may face during their journey; Provide support to ensure a sense of obligation to fellow women and sisters but continue to pave the way for the next generation of talented creative young women.

Terra Renee

President of African American Women in Cinema

Confirmed

Karen McMullen LaQuanda Plantt Life Coach

Founder of Elle Q Casting

Confirmed

Confirmed

Janette Smith Former Host of DIY

Confirmed

Check out this dynamic panel on Saturday, June 25thth, 2010 49 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

The 2011 Urban Suburban Film Festival is back and we thank you for all your support.

“It’s all about the film”.

It’s our time again. Time for filmmakers, lovers of good quality films and industry insiders to travel to the City of Philadelphia. The Urban Suburban Film Festival, the month of June and independent films are a perfect way to begin your summer fiesta. It is our goal to provide you with the best various of diverse film independent from filmmaker’s throughout the world.

encourage independent filmmaker, we will continue to produce the festival. Our festival is truly all about the film and the people who make them. What a perfect beginning to summer. So with a 80 plus films in hand we will continue to focus on ensuring that filmmakers regardless of race, creed, color, gender or sexual preference have a venue to display their work collectively not separately, it would not have been possible without the support of willing sponsors. We have been rewarded by our willingness to focus on “City Avenue” and the businesses that line this historically rich residential neighborhoods along City Avenue. Our wonderful existing partners such as Saks 5th Avenue, Crowne Plaza and Employee Benefits Consulting Services Incorporated.

Welcome our new partners US Virgin Islands, Cruzan Rum, MoMac Media and Mirror Media Solutions. It goes without saying that without a talented team nothing can be done successfully. I want to personally thank our team members because without them we could not have made this event a success. While the festival is all about the film, the festival is about the diversity of the city, the suburbs and the uniqueness of each person.

Sincerely, George Clifford Blackmon,

Change and economic factor’s have forced the cancellation of many festivals across the country. Because of your willingness to support our efforts to 50 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

President, Co- Founder, Chief Executive & Strategic Partnership

Marketing

USFF THANKS ALL OF WONDERFUL SPONSORS

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Welcome to the 2011 Urban Suburban Film Festival Good evening, and welcome to the 3rd annual Urban Suburban Film Festival. We want to thank everyone for attending and showing their support to the various artists who have a passion for filmmaking. Philadelphia continues to thrive as one of the most competitive media markets in the country. With the various film festivals throughout the year, we continue to provide a platform that is targeted to the minority community. Part of the mission for our festival is not only to make it “all about the film�, where every artist has opportunity to showcase their work, but to also provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs and businesses associated with the event, to collaborate with talented individuals and increase their awareness in the community.

We are committed to providing an environment for aspiring filmmakers, to get access to industry professionals, by way of networking and implementing workshops, that will be hosted by the industry’s hottest artists. We were also committed to providing opportunities to meet leaders in the film industry, via actors, actresses, casting directors, and more.

We continue to be grateful to get some many good film submissions, which highlight the diversity of our event. So as we kick off the 2011 festival with some phenomenal films, and rewarding workshops, please enjoy yourselves, and once again, thank you for coming out. On behalf of the Urban Suburban Film Festival, we would like to thank you for your continued support, participation, and submission of your film. It is our honor to continue to showcase your work, and give recognition to all the creative and talented artists. We wish you continued success in your future endeavors and thank you for your support.

Sincerely, Andrew Harmon, Co- Founder, Senior Creative Director, Student Programs and Judging Panel

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Urban Suburban Film Festival Team Members Angelique Marshall Senior Creative Director Workshops & Panel

Felicia Harding Creative Director Woman’s Panel

A native of Philadelphia, Angelique Marshall's passion for the arts began while attending Philadelphia's Creative and Performing Arts High School, where she majored in Drama & Film/ Video. She continued her education at Penn State University, where she obtained her BA in Communications and sharpened her skills as an editor, producer and director. During this time, she served as a Production Assistant intern with Rel Dowdell's critically acclaimed feature length film Train Ride. She also interned with a major market news station, WPVI Channel 6 in Philadelphia. These opportunities lead her to obtain a Production Assistant / Assistant Assignment Editor position with another major market news station, F0X Philadelphia for the Good Day Morning Show. Before leaving FOX, Angelique showed her creativity and skills by producing and editing 5 volunteer segments, a ponds & garden segment, and a music segment.

As a freelance agent, Angelique has worked on a slew of independent projects as a Treatment Writer, Executive Producer, Assistant Director, Production & Stage Manager, Producer, Casting Director and Editor. Her credits include A Diamond in the Sky, Lost Money, The Strip, Getting My Way, A Sweet Sensation, and "Happy Holidazs",Secret Society the Stage Play,Computer Love, Prisoner, The film adaption of the stage play VI Degrees,Trying to get Heaven on 15 cent.

Angelique has also worked as a personnel director for music videos, Marketing Manager and Event Planner for the International Black Film Conference in Philadelphia,( Executive Producer for a televised talent competition, The Talent Throw Down, Senior Creative Director for Philadelphia's Urban Suburban Film Festival, and Promoter for the Seagrams Gin Tour with Mary J. Blige, Jagged Edge and Carl Thomas. Angelique's most recent projects include feature length- "Coochie Wars", Assistant Director of the Urban Philadelphia Play Festival for the award winning Stage Play Seven Deadly Sins, and VI Degrees as well as a Teen Televised Talk Show called Generation Next a spin off of the hit show Urban Expressions. Outside of Angelique's production experience, she has obtained a Master of Science Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Springfield College.

Early on in her childhood, Le Harding identified her passion to change the world, but never imagined becoming a filmmaker. The Philadelphia native always had a passion for writing and film, even though her initial career aspirations were to become a lawyer.

Throughout her youth, Le’s mother did a great job of keeping her busy and emerged into the arts. This resulted in Le attending creative outlets such as Freedom Theater, several community based dance programs, and participating in several writing and oratorical competitions. As a result of her experiences attending these various programs, Le knew that a career in the ―arts‖ was her destiny. Le has worked on several projects over the past few years inclusive to the Play-Station Killed the Puppet Le currently holds a Bachelor of Arts or Science in Women’s Studies and Political Science from West Chester University. In addition, she obtained a Master Certificate in Professional Communications from LaSalle University and is currently pursuing a second Bachelor of Arts in Film Media Arts from Temple University. Le is currently the Creative Director of the Women’s Panel for USFF. In addition to this role, she is the Founder and President of The Republic of Argyle Media Group. She oversees both the development and production of all film and writing assignments. Currently, Le and her partners are working the following for the Republic of Argyle Media Group: a television pilot, reality show, two short films and three books.

Manuel McDonnell-Smith Media & Website Coordinator

Manuel is a Digital Journalist with News Corporation’s NewsCore Unit based in New York. He has contributed to the company in many roles including seven years on the National Desk of FOX News, and as a member of the company’s Diversity Business Council.

A native of Philadelphia, he enjoys contributing to the social and cultural fabric of the city through the work of several civic organizations including USFF and the National Association of Black Journalists. On weekends, he can be found enjoying classic films with his seven-year-old daughter. Together, they live in the city’s Mt. Airy section.

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Urban Suburban Film Festival Team Members Diane Turner-Blackmon Director, Festival Coordination

Diane Blackmon is an administrative and organizational professional with over 15 years of experience in planning and executing large functions. As a professional specializing in organizational planning her goal is to achieve maximum efficiency for decision makers and staff members so they can focus other important task. Diane has expertise in taking care of all the details associated with organizing events while maintaining budgetary guidelines.

Jamika Richardson Project Manager

Jamika attended Delaware State University. With over 10 years experience working as a Financial Executive, Jamika has worked in some of the world’s largest banks. Currently Jamika has decided to take some time off of her career to start and raise a family. Jamika devotes all the her spare time to winning the fight against cancer as a Mind/Body Volunteer at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Eastern Regional Medical Center. Jamika is a board member of Encouraging Paths a nonprofit organization for inner city youth. Jamika is heavily involved in the first phases of a new nonprofit for urban teenage girls called My Sisters Keeper. Jamika along with her Husband Gregory Richardson are the owners of PhotoTek, a Photography studio in Philadelphia PA. Jamika has been studying photography under her Husband for the last three years and has managed over 50 projects in the last year.

Starling Underwood

Starling Underwood is a 33-year-old married father of one. This life long resident of Philadelphia graduated from Thomas A. Edison high school in 1996.

He went on to Shippensburg University on a Football Scholarship. He transferred after his 3rd semester, to the Art Institute of Philadelphia to follow his dream of working in broadcast television. This is was his dream since a local news crew visited his school for a Christmas play in the sixth grade. After graduating from the Art Institute in the fall of 1998. He interned for Comcast Sportnet in Philadelphia. Starling took a job outside the business with The Southeastern Transportation Authority for monetary reasons. He returned to the business, in the spring of 2007 as a Freelance Videographer for The Philadelphia Phillies. This lead to a brief stint with Comcast spectator, also as a freelancer. Shooting Events at the Wells Fargo Center. Including Sixer and Flyers games. Determined to put his fingerprint on the industry. Starling is now a full time News Photographer for NBC40 News in Linwood NJ. Never one to stay still. Starling is building his own video production company in his free time, working on small film and documentaries.

Film Festival Assistance

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2011 Urban Suburban Film Festival—Philadelphia PA June 24th-26th 2011 1 in 3 directed by Lagueria Davis

Amanda directed by Michael Tanner Cusumano

World Premiere

World Premiere

Categories: Narrative Run time: 14 min. | USA www.amandamovie.com Categories: Narrative Run time: 1 hour 50 min. | USA www.1in3movie.com 1 in 3 women have or will be a victim of domestic violence in her lifetime.

That’s a staggering statistic. Ophelia Metz is one of those women. When she opts to leave her cycle of violence, with her two children, she finds she has no place else to go, but into shelter. Sydell Thomas, a shelter worker, becomes Ophelia’s Advocate upon her arrival.

AMANDA is the compelling story about a girl named Amanda, a popular and carefree seventeen year old high school student who had it all. A wealthy family, great friends and a handsome boyfriend, Ryan. However, Amanda risked all of that when she decided to drink and drive, and in an instant she lost it all. Amanda's life turns from carefree teenage bliss into her own living nightmare as she tries to come to terms with the tragic results of her own decisions.

Family directed Eva Jane Bunkley David is Dying directed by Stephen Lloyd Jackson World Premiere

http://www.davidisdying.com Categories: Documentary Run time 1 Hour 30 min. | USA Categories: Narrative Run time: 38 min. | USA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNqEDdVk4UI

A young, successful hedge fund manager has just been told that he is HIV positive. He is informed of the possibility that his unborn child could also be infected and so too the child’s mother, his long-term fiancée, Carla..Through an intense therapy session with his psychiatrist, David takes us on a pernicious journey that starts twelve months prior - the women, the sex and the demons. David knows that he will die. He must live with that. However, he must also resolve the ghosts of the past before he can face his end. 'David Is Dying' is a dark, disturbing psychodrama, which illustrates the ugly side of love and tragic passion.

All Hell breaks loose when Seth brings his fiancée, Robin, home for the first time to meet his mother and five sisters. Everyone in this quirky thriller has ulterior motives that will keep you guessing until the very end!

Rebirth of The Hip Hop Nation: The Movement directed by: Phala Herron Nazarine

DaCypher directed by: Domenick Cucinotta Categories: Documentary Run time: 23min. | USA DaCypher follows a group of emcees from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA who started their own hip-hop cipher. Within this sub culture there are a lot of moral dilemmas with culture and religion which result in tension between the group and the outsiders. DaCypher is a fresh breath to the hip hop scene today and will bring you back to the park where it all started.

Categories: Documentary Run time: 1 Hour 15min. | USA A collection of interviews in underground clubs and hip-hop concerts with old, new, and true school hip-hoppers illuminating the culture of this music and linking ―activism‖ with the messages in rap. ―Rebirth‖ dares to challenge both the players in the film and music industry as well as the viewers on what hip hop is, was and should be. Appearing in the film: KRS ONE, Brother J Xclan, John Forte, Rev. Al Sharpton, Stic Man (Dead Prez), Roekwon & Rza (Wu Tang Clan), Lauryn Hill, Dres (Black Sheep), Bun B, McShan, Nappy Roots, Shop Boyz.

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2011 Urban Suburban Film Festival—Philadelphia PA June 24th-26th 2011 A Love Supreme directed by Evan Houston

Fields of November directed by Chad Ritchie

Categories: Narrative Run time: 1 hour 8 min. | USA Categories: Narrative Run time: 23 min. | USA How do you define true love? Do you pursue someone you love no matter what? Or does your happiness lie within the happiness of that loved one, even if you are not with them? ―A Love Supreme‖ is the story of a man confronted with exploring these notions of true love. After twelve years in prison, former high school basketball star Saul returns to his old neighborhood hopeful to meet his daughter, Abigail, for the first time. When Saul learns that the young girl is unaware of his existence, he struggles to decide what role he will now play in her life. In the end, Saul decides that sometimes the most important decisions in life are not about making yourself happy.

Nine Minutes and Thirty Seconds directed by Selton Shaw World Premiere Categories: Narrative Run time: 23 min. | USA

One year after the death of her soon-to-be husband, Sarah shapes her life according to a strict routine, not allowing herself any shred of normalcy. Upon abruptly meeting someone from her fiances past, in the midst of one of her daily cycles, Sarah's borderline compulsive habits are skewed, resulting in drastic shifts that lead her down a dark and grief stricken path.

Jump directed by Gary Celima World Premiere Categories: Narrative Run time: 23 min. | USA Jump takes place in an unidentified city where a recent rise in the number of suicides has the citizens concerned about 'what is going on.'

The presence of a stranger in their midst does nothing to alleviate their worries. Is she an angel? The devil? Or a manifestation of their own fears and guilt? The answer: she has been sent to save one young man, but at what cost?

Every nine minutes and thirty seconds

The Day God Walked Away directed by Phille Van Leeuw The Heritage & Architecture of St. Croix: A CHANT Walking Tour directed by: Cathy SitaRam

Categories: Narrative Run time: 1 hour 40 min. | Categories: Narrative Run time: 24 min. | USVI Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism (CHANT) and award winning director, Cathy SitaRam takes viewers on a historical journey through St. Croix's towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted. Historian Wayne James charts a course along the yellow brick sidewalks, stopping at major landmarks to tell their unique story.

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This lushly photographed film opens on an idyll of children, white and black, playing by a forest waterfall. But paradise swiftly turns to hell— more precisely, Rwanda, 1994—as screams signal the arrival of genocide. Jacqueline, a Tutsi mother of two of the children, works for a Belgian family in Kigali. The family flees the machete-bearing Hutu thugs, but they can’t protect Jacqueline—they leave her to hide in the attic while looters strip the house bare. Eventually, Jacqueline ventures out to search for her children and takes refuge in the tall grass near a pond, hiding from the voices that boast of raping and hacking up their victims

2011 Urban Suburban Film Festival—Philadelphia PA June 24th-26th 2011 Dating While Black by Van Elder-Writer/Director/Producer

Five Pounds directed by Michael Peer

Categories: Narrative Run time: 23 min. | USA Dating While Black is a very honest and comedic look at the dating process of through the eyes of several individuals. Two former coworkers, Eric and Alex, have been recently laid off of their jobs and they run into each other on a job interview. While searching for new jobs, they forge a personal relationship that involves Alex, a womanizing ladies’ man, helping the naive and recently dumped Eric understand women better. Along the path are various dating scenarios from different characters that come in and out of the lives of both Alex and Eric who all demonstrate the struggles, strains, and triumphs of Dating While Black.

After discovering a duffel-bag full of marijuana, Alex, a 20 something year old college student, decides to take advantage of what has fallen into his hands. Alex soon sees how thrilling and easy selling drugs can be but is not aware of the harm he is causing to himself and others, especially to the rightful owner. Unknown to Alex, Ben, the young drug dealer who stashed the bag, is now in a world of trouble as he has to come up with 15 grand to cover for the five pounds he lost. Soon, these two radically different worlds collide and no one is left unscathed

Which Shall It Be? directed by Jonathan Albert Murphy

A Hollywood Zone directed by Cesar Palacisos

Categories: Narrative Run time: 1 hour 40 min. | Brazil Impoverished but loving parents of seven children are offered a way out of their poverty. In return for a house and some land they must choose a child to give away - Which Shall It Be? They embark on an emotional tour of their house to select one of the sleeping offspring.

World Premiere

http://www.moescreenplays.blogspot.com Categories: Documentary Run time 23 min. | USA An aspiring singer life changes when by mistaken identity is thrust into the limelight only to discover everything that glitters is not gold in the Hollywood Zone.

Zoo Weather directed by Davron Mananov World Premiere

Obsolesk directed by: Fernando Toscano

Categories: Narrative Run time 17 min. | USA

Categories: Narrative Run time: 23 min. | USA In a dystopian future, a man clings to his obsolete belongings only to have his life is torn asunder when he refuses to cooperate with bigbrother government.

It is the coldest day of the year. George's mother has left his father.

George girlfriend has left George. Old friends are calling him a clappyhead. Let us follow George as he goes through his day through the bitter cold and through the bitterness of society in this dark comedy that is sure to bring all sorts of emotions out of the depths of the past memories forgotten in time and space. When the weather at the Zoo is always the same nippy cold that it always is, you know you are experiencing the common Zoo Weather that we must all endure. The lions will always be inside, away from view.

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2011 Urban Suburban Film Festival—Philadelphia PA June 24th-26th 2011 Change directed by Bret Roedemeier

The Moment of Truth directed by Steven Crowley

World Premiere

World Premiere

Categories: Narrative Run time: 10 min. | USA A down-on-his-luck book author finds inspiration from an up-and-coming homeless man, but must first figure out the man's 'currency' before he can use the man's ideas for his next book.

Categories: Documentary Run time 1 Hour 30 min. | USA Kitchen Table directed by Cara Hagan Andy Meyers, the subject of the film, has decided he wants to end his life in front of a camera for the world to see; much like his idol Bud Dwyer.

His depression and array of ailments from his bout with diabetes have driven him to the edge. Andy recruited his counselor turned filmmaker to document the suicide and also the events of his final days. The hired crew decides, at the last minute, they cannot be part of Andy's suicide but instead try to talk him out of it. The director is left with no crew and a confused Andy. Does the film go on? Does Andy Meyers kill himself in front of the cameras?

The Bellman Equation directed by Gabriel Bellman

Categories: Narrative Run time: 23 min. | USA Kitchen Table is a funny little piece about what happens when the men have left the picture and the women are left to their own devices! Two 1950's homemakers share various facets of their friendship and day-today experiences in this comedic, yet poignant short

Forever No More directed by Earnest Rhea

Categories: Narrative Run time: 23 min. | USA

Categories: Narrative Run time: 26 min. | USA A professional squad of female art thieves find themselves caught in the middle of a heist gone bad. Trapped in a fine arts gallery with hostages, while FI & Interpol agents are closing in, long kept secrets start to surface and a bond that was once forever could soon be ‌no more..

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What is the Bellman Equation? This film searches for the mathematician who helped invent the Atom Bomb and invented the field of dynamic programming while being persecuted by McCarthy. A 12 year odyssey by the grandson of Richard Bellman, to solve the many issues surrounding Richard Bellman's life and death. Bellman remained an enigmatic figure to all who knew him, and his stature as one of the great mathematicians in history brings his grandson to some interesting revelations.

2011 Urban Suburban Film Festival—Philadelphia PA June 24th-26th 2011 The Human Web directed by Benedict Dorsey

Head directed by Chris Falkowski

Categories: Narrative Run time: 23 min. | USA Clay is just a regular guy with a wife that he loves however buried within him is a dark alter ego that has been surfacing more and more lately. As his wife is able to keep it at bay by feeding him a large bowl of medically prescribed pills she can't help but think that she has completely lost control of him.

Categories: Narrative Run time: 23 min. | USA

EL OSO directed by Sam Sero and Jarryd Meyer

Struggling to make sense of life and burdened by internal conflicts, he finds himself slowly drifting into a world of drugs, betrayal, and revengea world eagerly introduced to him by his best friend, Wes. Wes manipulates CJ through CJ's girlfriend and his blind faith in their friendship. As CJ begins to lose himself to this alien life, he distances himself from his family members, each of whom also struggles with coming to grips with their own painful realities.

LABRANZA OCULTA (The Silent Walls) directed by Gabriela Calvache World Premiere

Categories: Narrative Run time: 7min. | USA A film about the greatest male prostitute of our generation

23rd & Union directed by Rafael Flores World Premiere Categories: Documentary Run time: 23min. | USA '23rd & Union' is an experimental docu-drama that weaves real interviews with fictional characters to investigate the motives behind the ethnically-motivated 2008 murder of Degene Berecha in the popular Seattle restaurant 'Philadelphia Cheese-Steak'.

Inhabitant directed by James Howarth World Premiere Categories: Narrative Run time: 23 min. | USA Labranza oculta (The silent walls) is a documentary about those who build history behind walls of silence. The workers restoring the seventeenth-century Alabado House surprise and charm us by telling their tales, sharing their dreams and aspirations. We accompany their daily routine: molding the bricks and cutting the cane with the methods of seventeenth-century builders. As witnesses to these personal stories, we travel into the lives of the forgotten. It reminds us that history is built by people, the anonymous mass that sweats and toils.

Bar Basics 101 directed by: Timothy Bowe World Premiere Categories: Comedy Run time: 2min. | USA

Categories: Narrative Run time: 1 Hour 26min. | USA Mark Jacobs, a schizophrenic, believes a creature controls his will, forcing him to commit unspeakable acts. As his mind spirals out of control, he suspects that his girlfriend, Alena, and his friend, Ray, are lovers. Are they conspiring against him, or is Mark delusional?

Bar Basics 101 is a comedic short that gives the appearance of a training video. It teaches you how to properly kick a drunk man out of your bar.

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2011 Urban Suburban Film Festival—Philadelphia PA June 24th-26th 2011 Art for the Living directed by Cara Hagan

Day before Yesterday directed by Patricia Chica

Jan is a visual artist who explores her experiences with grief through her work. Featured in this film is a sculpture made in essence of her husband Dan, who died of cancer four years prior to the making of this film, and the completion of his honorary sculpture. Through her art process, Jan recalls her time with Dan while he was alive, her struggles during his long illness and how her life has been changed after his death. In the end, Jan reveals how art can heal the soul and lift the spirit.

Snow On Tha Bluff directed by: Damon Russell World Premiere

Categories: Documentary Run time: 12 min. | Canada MySpace.com/DayBeforeYesterdayMovie DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY follows the story of a woman suffering from total memory loss. Found unconscious in the middle of the downtown Montreal strip, she was brought in by police who proceed to interview her. Does she remember who she is and where she came from? Can anyone else remember? We are carried through the story by the woman’s haunting voice-over narration as she describes the utter loneliness she experiences, until a visit from someone who claims to know her sheds unexpected light on the woman – and her past.

Remember O Goddess by Yoon Jung Lee Categories: Narrative Run time 1 Hour 19 min. | USA Categories: Narrative Run time 1 Hour 19 min. | USA Snow On Tha Bluff tells the story of Atlanta robbery boy and crack dealer, Curtis Snow. When Curtis steals a video camera from some college kids in a dope deal, he gives the camera to his best friend, Pancho, and they start documenting their lives.

Mountain Man submitted by Alexandra Santoro

In the midnight, one man reports a disappearance of himself at a police office. His memory begins at a moment when he is left alone in an apartment.

Teddybear directed by: Marcus Liberski A young couple is struggling with the consequences of having a baby.

While the father is constantly tending to his own needs the mother tries to hold the little family together. This results in traumatic events with the baby as the center point and victim of the parents reckless behavior.

Ignore Me directed by Jill Schaeffer World Premiere Categories: Student Documentary Run time: 6 min. | USA The story of how a couple cartoon rabbits and a bucket of glue helped a young artist find his voice.

Categories: Narrative Run time 14 min. | USA There are countless organizations and activist groups in Orange County that aim to protect our environment. Naturalist for You headed by Joel Robinson takes a unique approach that focuses on personal inspiration over political activism. He believes that connecting individuals to nature first hand is much more powerful than signing petitions and lobbying congress. Driven by breathtaking scenery of Orange County's 'unknown' canyons and waterfalls, 'Mountain Man' will take the audience on a journey through the natural beauty in their own backyard.

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5 Afternoons Directed by Natasha Ngaiza Categories: Narrative Run time: 12 min. | USA What happens when an aging militant and a lonely business major meet once a week for tea? Tia Washington is a hard-working college student getting ready to graduate at the top of her class. On the outside she seems to have everything under control, but when she is forced to assist Juanita Norris, a crass, older woman from a rough neighborhood she is confronted with her biggest challenge yet.

2011 Urban Suburban Film Festival—Philadelphia PA June 24th-26th 2011 Contact Zone directed by Gustavius Smith

Where Hope Works Ted Alcorn

Categories: Documentary Run time 15 min. | USA The Rescue Mission of Trenton is the agency in the city of Trenton that serves the homeless, the hungry and the addicted. But listen to a few stories, and you realize what they actually do runs much deeper.

Categories: Narrative Run time: 14 Minutes | Bahamas During an opening reception at a art gallery in New York City, the curator and janitor have a one night stand.

Coming Home directed by Aksel Stasny

Truck Farm directed by Ian Cheney Categories: Documentary Run time 37 min. | USA TRUCK FARM is a whimsical, musical documentary about the wild world of urban agriculture, as told through the journeys of a 1986 Dodge pickup that has been transformed into a mobile garden. Using green roof technology, heirloom seeds, and Granddad's old pickup, Ian Cheney used the only land he had to grow vegetables in America's biggest city. From its home in Brooklyn, the Truck Farm heads out across the city to see New York's quirkiest urban farms, taking viewers on rooftops, barges, old ball fields and into Manhattan art studios to explore why city people are getting back to the land.

Eatala: A Life in Klezmer directed by Debora Kodish

Categories: Narrative Run time: 12 Minutes http://cominghome-shortfilm.com/ After leaving the nursing home, Demeter finds his way to his former house. Natalie is told of the all too familiar situation and returns home to find her father. She tries to convince him to return to the nursing home only to find that his escape was a ploy for her company.

ANGEL OF MARS directed by Nicolas Dumesnil

World Premiere Categories: Documentary Run time: 37min. | USA 'Eatala' is a loving portrait of Elaine Hoffman Watts, a renowned klezmer percussionist. The film shows how Elaine (her Yiddish name is 'Eatala'), a feisty and determined musician, has broken barriers - as a musician, a working mother, and in her persistent devotion to her family's klezmer music. Drawing on performance footage, family movies, historic photographs, and interviews, Eatala traces a klezmer tradition sustained over four generations in a single family - with a good dose of humor and joy. Eatala features performances by Elaine Hoffman Watts, Susan Lankin Watts and an all-star klezmer band with Josh Dolgin, Jay Krush, Rachel Lemisch, Hankus Netsky, Henry Sapoznik, and Carmen Staaf.

A Week in the Life of a Humanitarian Assistance Organization directed by Symon Lord World Premiere http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angel-of-Mars/190182774354757 Categories: Documentary Run time 29 min. | USA The streets shake for a moment. Something has hit the ground... An immense wave emanates from the impact, shattering every musical instrument it comes across. Instantly, a golden tint drapes New York City as an otherworldly day has dawned... That morning, Philippe Mars ran to his store‌

Red Handed directed by John Thornton II Categories: Narrative Run time 11 min. | USA When Lu, an average, hardworking, law abiding citizen hooks up with Brent, a man working at Citizens Bank, she believes her days of living with the bare necessities have come to an end. But when she discovers that he is happily married, and that he's actually trying to rip her off, she decides to get even.

Categories: Narrative Run time 29 min. | USA 'A Week in the life of a Humanitarian Assistance Organization' seeks to show how a humanitarian and or/ developmental assistance organization operates. Individual agencies of the UN and international charities provide both humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of wars and natural disasters and developmental assistance to help relatively poor countries to help build their economies, civil society and systems of Government.

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2011 Urban Suburban Film Festival—Philadelphia PA June 24th-26th 2011 Whatever Happened To Us directed by Michael Melvin

I’m Afraid I am Hitler directed by Nicolas Dumesnil

World Premiere

Categories: Narrative Run time: 39 min. | USA http://www.whateverhappened2us.com A cinematic soundtrack a tale of falling in love, being married and facing the challenges of divorce. Whatever Happened to Us a couple's experience in the early years of marriage when the husband is preoccupied with the issues of the world it begins to take a toll on their relationship. The story is woven together and told through original music.

Categories: Narrative Run time: 20min. | USA http://www.facebook.com/imafraidmovie "I'm Afraid I am Hitler" is a psychological drama that portrays the frightful journey of a lonely man, believing himself to be the most brutal leader history has ever seen, and his longing for redemption

A Love Supreme directed by Evan Houston World Premiere

After You Left directed by Jef Taylor

Categories: Narrative Run time: 8min. | USA Recently released from prison, former high school basketball star Saul is hopeful to meet his daughter, Abigail, for the first time. When he learns that she is unaware of his existence, he struggles to decide what role he will now play in her life.

Categories: Narrative Run time: 20min. | USA http://www.afteryouleftfilm.com

Close directed by Tahir Jetter

A man in his mid-thirties searches for meaning in the aftermath of a relationship. An improvised drama created in the shadow of the events on which it is based, 'After You Left' is a realistic and intimate exploration of love and loss, as well as a personal reflection of the moment in which it was made.

World Premiere Categories: Narrative Run time: 8min. | USA One night after a casual 'visit,' Angela is all but ready to leave Derek's apartment. Derek, however, is determined not to let her go without a fight. A drama about a common moment in a relationship, 'Close' explores the intense frustration that comes when the person you desire does not see things your way.

The Coochi Wars director Angelique Marshall World Premiere

EXTINCIÓN II.- La cuadratura de los círculos

Categories: Narrative Run time: 1 Hour 15min. | USA A tale about relationships.

Categories: Narrative Run time: 10 min. | Spain Life is too brief to be wasted in quarreling 62 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia

Urban Suburban Styling with writer, producer and filmmaker Greg Santarsiero.

I recently had a chance to ask this former Saint Joe’s Student and Jersey native a few candid questions .

By George Clifford Blackmon GB— Is your fitness routine any different when filming?

GS—Though I’m not a morning person, during the production of IGU in Atlantic City and the post-production of the film in NYC, I worked out early in the AM and I loved it. Training really opens me up creatively and helps clear my head. At this point, after training for more than 17 years, I think I’m completely addicted to endorphins.

GB— What is the best advice you've ever been given?

GS—My Dad used to tell me when I was a kid that the only thing that could ever hold me back was me. That I had to ask myself every day, “How bad do I really want it?” Those simple words, challenging myself every day and calling myself out are such an important part elementally of who I am. That hunger and that desire to be more than what society deemed I could be is really engrained on my soul. I think Mark and I have always shared this desire to prove to the world what we were capable of.

GB. -What film project are you currently working on? When will it be finalized?

GS -Currently we’re working on bringing Ice Grill, USA to the masses. After creating a strong regional underground buzz and doing well in the festivals, we’re working on a means of making the film accessible this spring via DVD and online streaming while still maintaining the ownership rights. We think IGU’s upside is big, and we don’t want to settle for low level distribution and sell it short. We’re looking to change the established paradigm for distributing truly indie film.

Beyond that, we have two projects we’re currently developing—“Of Quiet Desperation” and “Grief”. Both are indie feature projects we’re hopefully looking to finish and secure financing for in 2011 and shoot in 2012.

GB—. Who is on your team?

GS—The core of Enlightened Party Multimedia consists of myself and my cocreator Mark Bernardi. We go back to elementary school together and began the journey we’re on more than 10 years ago, when we were still in college…

Just a couple of Jersey boys with a big dream, a chip on our shoulder and an insatiable drive to create something of consequence.

Beyond us, and obviously our mothers, families and friends, we have so many associates and supporters who have helped us along the way—super editor Andy Ford, phenom cinematographer Gus Sacks, technical wiz Eric Gana, photographer Alex Errico, marketing guru Andy Robbins, industry insider Alison Matheis, producer Anthony Vorhies, all around go to guy Jerry Ryan and so many more. Plus rising star actors on our squad like Connor Fox, Tyler Noble, Los Jones, Rory Dunwoody, Michael Angelo Ortiz and Ray McKnight have shown so much support during our journey.

GB—Who would you love to work with in the future?

GS—Man, there are so many extremely talented artists out there, I could go on forever. Honestly, one of our greatest motivators is to create a platform for some of the amazingly gifted actors and artists that we’ve encountered on our journey, helping them to shine and launch themselves. It is in that way we feel like we’re responsible for much more than our own ultimate success and prosperity.

GB—What excites you the most writing or filmmaking?

I’ll always identify first as a writer. The idea that we can take crazy ideas conjured up on yellow legal pads in the wee hours of the night and turn them into something real and substantial is still a process that blows my mind.

GS—What was the most frustrating part of filmmaking?

GB—The business stuff… The back end. Figuring out how to “crash the party” and go from being an outsider to an insider. The day Mark and I can just sit back and focus on creative, we’re going to be really dangerous.

GB— So, I understand you are engaged? When is the big day?

GS—Tara and I have been together for more than ten years now. She’s my muse and my rock and I owe her a lot. She’s believed in me and my quest since day one, when she first met me as a kid bouncing at a nightclub in AC. I always say we’ll get married the day after I make some real money, so hopefully that day won’t be too long from now.

GB—What do you miss about Saint Joe’s?

GS—How easy life was… How naively idealistic I was. Plus I actually see the value of a Jesuit education now. Like my Pops said, “They don’t teach you what to think, they teach you how to think.” SJU was where I realized I wanted to be a filmmaker and bring the written word to life, for that I will forever be indebted to them.

GB—What is your fitness regimen?

GS—I train with weights five days a week, kind of a hybridized style of bodybuilding and powerlifting. There is something so empowering and addictive about the process of making yourself better gradually one meal at a time and one workout at a time. I also love the fact that it is an athletic pursuit that you can do for the rest of your life. It really gives me balance.

As far as nutrition goes, though I love to eat, I try my best to follow a high protein, balanced diet. I’ve been lucky enough to be affiliated with Universal Nutrition, an amazing New Jersey company, for more than seven years, so I use exclusively their supplements.

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