LaTavia Roberson featured on cover of Consciousness Magazine

Edition - 2018 Vol. 14 Issue 4

Feature Contents

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06 Comedian D.L. Hugley

06

Legendary comedian discuss Police, Racial Profiling [Interview]

08 Actress, Adventurer & Enthusiast Aliyah O’Brien 11 Former NBA Player Mark Blount Real-estate agent and Entrepreneur shares Business Tips

13 Health: The Misconceptions of Dyslexia 14 Grammy-Winning Singer LaTavia Roberson

LaTavia speaks about Business, Philanthropist work and Motherhood

18 Emmy-Winning Actress Regina King 20 Sports: Phil “The Gift” Health [Interview]

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14

World renowned Body Builder discuss his Will, Determination & Drive

26 Pulse of Perseverance [Book Review]

Regular Content Just Thinking

By Dorothy Robinson

Life is full of surprises, happiness, heartaches and pain.

Life is more important than you think it is.

What you make of it…

I could go on and on but I must stop there.

And always remember, Life is no game.

Take it serious not delirious.

Cover Photo: LaTavia Roberson - Photographer: Jamaal D. Lathan

Consciousness Magazine 3

04 Editor’s Page 05 Letters/ Awareness 11 Words of Encouragement 11 Business/ Profile 12 Environmental Elements 13 Health Solutions 20 Sports Community 26 Album-Book-Movie Review(s) 26 Know Your Rights Teen: College Spirit Section

Editor ’s Note :

Giving and Touching Hearts

CONSCIOUSNESS

“Urban Inspiration”

STAFF

Founder & Editor Aaron Robinson

Senior Vice President Mozella Malone

Administrative Asst.

Julia M. Robinson Josephine Robinson Consultant Frank Robinson Fred Robinson

Public Relations Marketing / Promotions A&M Marketing Group

Advertising Agency A&M Marketing Group MediaBids

Photographer

In life when it comes to giving back to the people, there are those individuals who pursue a work to be seen and those who pursue a work from the heart and don’t desire any attention. On my journey, I have always had a heart to give without looking for any accolades or anything in return; it’s a gratification for me.

Welcome to this new edition of Consciousness Magazine. In this edition, we highlight those significant individuals who are continuing to make a tremendous difference in their community. These individuals have a heart to give and continue to touch the heart of their peers around them.

As always, I hope you enjoy the content in the publication in hopes that it inspires you. Enjoy!

A&M Marketing Group

Graphic Design / Web Designer

A&M Marketing Group

Illustrator / Comics Eric Plaut

Proofreader

Tocarra Eldridge

Writers/Journalists

Tocarra Eldridge Dr. Shanessa Fenner Elder Lee M. Harris, Sr. Sirrocco Hogue Darnell Jodan Eric Plaut

Special Correspondent Lashana Barker Russell Norman Hector De La Rosa

Reviews

Aaron Robinson Founder & Editor

Tocarra Eldridge Darnell Jordan Hector De La Rosa Aaron Robinson

Contributors Don M. Winn

Syndicated Content Allison Kugel

About Consciousness Magazine™

“Keeping our Pen on the Pulse of the Community” Consciousness Magazine “Urban Inspiration,” is committed to raising the level of consciousness of the residents in our community. The mission of Consciousness Magazine is to promote understanding, make a difference in society, touch hearts, as well as, emphasize positive celebrities and significant social figures through strong articles and compelling visuals. This publication embraces ethnicity and multicultural, in hopes of bringing different cultures together in peace and friendship.

Consciousness Magazine 4

Views expressed by advertisers and/or press release are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Consciousness Magazine™. Consciousness Magazine™ will not be held responsible or liable for advertisers misinformation, misprints, or typographical errors, etc., herein contained.

Consciousness Magazine™ requires that all advertisement be in compliance with all applicable laws and be truthful and not offensive or detrimental to individuals, groups, or businesses. Consciousness Magazine™ reserve the right to revise, delete, objectionable words or phrases, and refuse any advertising it deems unacceptable.

Subscription rates; $24.00 per year (6 Issues) Consciousness Magazine™ ISSN:1553-5568 is published

by Robinson Publishing, Inc. Postmaster: Send address Change and Subscription Orders to: P.O. Box 2496, Kankakee, Illinois 60901, Phone: (312) 715-7884 Email: info@consciousnessmagazine.com. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the Publisher. ©2018 Consciousness Magazine™. All Rights Reserved.

Letters Congratulations for always bringing out such great editions that relate to everyone no matter what walks of life you’re enduring.

This is a magazine that touches inner souls and encourages many to know that there are all kinds of resources for everyone. I love everything, from the content to the designs. Keep up the great work!!!

Consciousness Awareness:

The rise of fentanyl, carfentanil and other synthetic opioids

Sherrice Hardin Chicago

Over the years, I have gained an appreciation of learning from others. I always try to remain a student of life. I learn a lot from CM inspirational articles/interviews. Thanks for sharing these inspiring articles/interviews.

Micheal Reese Chicago

Continue to publish great media. You guys have been around for numerous years and never have changed the course of your mission. That is great to see and great to know that there is a publication out here that cares about people and life. Continue to inspire and empower others. Thanks for being an inspiration to me and my family.

Kevin Rouch Houston

The articles that were highlighted in the Tony Little cover story are outstanding! I never knew all of the trials-and-tribulations that this icon battled. To see someone on his caliber beat the odds is astonishing. I love the way you capture essence and the character of the individuals you all interview and the articles that you place.

You are doing good giving insight to your readers. That difference is important.

Mitchell Michaels Chicago

Write to us: We want to know what you’re thinking.

Send emails to info@consciousnessmagazine.com. Include your name, address, and telephone number. Letters may be edited for clarity and/or length. For Customer Service and Subscriptions visit us at www.consciousnessmagazine.com.

Heroin isn’t the end of this chain.

Synthetic opioids, which have dramatically increased in availability and popularity, can be far more powerful than heroin -- and therefore easier to move without detection.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid which can be 100 times more powerful than heroin, was detected in more than 50% of opioid overdose deaths in 2016, according to the CDC. The New York Times estimated that fentanyl deaths were up 540% over the last 3 years. Some synthetics, like carfentanil, are so potent that first responders risk overdose by physical contact with an addicts clothing.

Carfentanil has been used as a chemical weapon.

Fentanyl poses new challenges to law enforcement, in addition to first responders and health care workers.

New production techniques have spawned new distributions systems, which our law enforcement officials are working to confront.

D.L. Hughley Shoots Straight on Police, Mark Fuhrman and Racial Profiling {Exclusive Interview}

By Allison Kugel

Hailed as one of the most prolific standup comedians of the past three decades, D.L. Hughley has never been afraid to dig into ethnic stereotypes, economic disparity, relationships, politics… nothing’s off limits. His words are explicit and paint an accurate portrait of societal contradictions and pain in fast forward.

From his legendary standup material and his nationally syndicated radio show, The D.L. Hughley Show, to his upcoming Netflix series, The Fix (a hybrid game show/ issues-based panel talk show), D.L.’s platform as an outspoken advocate of civil rights is unconventional and tinged with off-color language. But as he shared with me during our conversation, he believes that to reach people with a heavy message, you’ve got to get them to let their guard down through laughter.

His latest book, How Not To Get Shot: And Other Advice From White People) pulls no punches and offers no apologies, as Hughley puts forth his satirical and bitingly sarcastic take on racial profiling, police shootings, President Trump, and the advice that white people often give black people on how to adequately assimilate into American society.Nothing is off limits as he covers topics like black names versus white names, dressing black versus dressing white, how white people advise black people to talk to the police, neighborhood profiling, “the race card,”and a host of other hot button, racially charged issues. D.L. goes in.

The book doubles down on D.L.’s already controversial public platform. It is filled with humor, sorrow and irony, and it will make you a bit uncomfortable no matter what side of the fence you are on.

Allison Kugel: Did the motivation to write your latest book, How Not To Get Shot (And Other Advice From White People), come from a place of fear, love, hope, anger…?

D.L. Hughley: I think all those things. Fear, frustration, anger…they all kind of mirror each other. When I was writing this book, I realized that society would never take a good look at itself unless you make it feel good; unless Consciousness Magazine 6

you give them something to make their ears tickle a little bit. My overall thought was to be clear enough where it doesn’t seem trite, and to be satirical enough where people can’t tell if I’m being serious or not. And I needed it to be angry enough to mirror the people who go through these things all the time. Watching people of color being slaughtered at the hands of police is nothing new. I grew up in Los Angeles, so it happened quite often. Everybody always wants to say they want to start this conversation, and this book is my contribution to that conversation.

else. It taught me to have compassion for people who, for them, that was their natural experience. While I knew that I wasn’t born for that, that [gang] experience was organic to a lot of people. So, it was knowing that I was in that situation and not of it, and to have compassion for the guys who didn’t see any other way to live. When I was eighteen or nineteen years old, stuff got so bad, I tried to get into the Los Angeles Police Academy. I just wanted things to be different. I was reaching at anything to not give into the frustration that was all around me.

Allison Kugel: Do you feel safe living in the United States?

D.L. Hughley: I don’t think I ever… black men and safety don’t go together. There are a lot of words that black people use to describe how they feel, but I don’t think “safe” is one of them.

Allison Kugel: Do you fear that this book is simply going to preach to the choir rather than reaching a wider demographic of people?

D.L. Hughley: I think that people who have already made up their mind before a question is even asked, they have a certain perspective. But a lot of the book is based on statistics and facts, things that have happened and their outcome. There are always a lot of white people who want to tell you what they would do if they were black, but they can only tell you what they would do if they were black from their current perspective (laughs). They can’t tell you what it’s like. I’m sure that a lot of people who have had positive experiences with the police can’t believe that the police that pull them over are the same policemen that interact with me. They can’t believe it because it’s not their experience. But my hope is that people can at least look at this book and see that things aren’t the same as their own experience. You don’t have to have that experience to know those things do exist.

Allison Kugel: What do you tell your kids when they ask if they’re safe?

D.L. Hughley: That we’re going to do the best we can to make sure. I think that America’s never seen a person of color that lost their life where the powers-that-be were compelled to do something about it; where they were actually moved to action. Whether it was Emmett Till or Trayvon Martin, I think they have a certain kind of distance when it comes to black people dying. The first thing they’ll say is, “Well, if you wouldn’t have done this?” or “You shouldn’t have done that.” The impetus for me writing this book was going on Megyn Kelly’s show (Megyn Kelly TODAY). I went on Megyn Kelly’s show and we were going to talk about the police and policing, and she had Mark Fuhrman (disgraced detective in the 1995 O.J. Simpson murder trial) on the same show. She didn’t tell me he was going to be on, and he went on before me. They had Mark Fuhrman on to talk about policing.

He got fired for lying. He lied so much that he got a murderer off. He got O.J. off! And this is how we start the conversation about policing, and about good police versus bad police? Even other police will tell you that Mark Fuhrman was a bad [cop]. That’s how they decided to start the conversation that day. That’s when I knew I would write this book.

Allison Kugel: Does fame and money insulate you at all from racial profiling and police harassment?

D.L. Hughley: It didn’t insulate Bill Cosby’s son (the late Ennis Cosby). He was still shot down by violence. It didn’t insulate Tupac when he was shot. There was a member of Earth Wind and Fire who was shot by the Santa Monica Police Department for holding a fireplace holder. I think when you’re black and nobody knows that you’re famous, it doesn’t matter anyway. Before they see anything else, they see that you’re black.

Allison Kugel: There was one page in the book where you ask the reader, “Who can say the “N” word?”

Allison Kugel: You’ve discussed in great detail, your [Read full interview at http://consciousnessmagazine.blogspot.com] previous affiliation as a gang member with the Bloods in Los Angeles. What was the life lesson from that experience Photo Credits: Book Cover Art: William Morrow, an Imprint of for you? What was the major takeaway?

D.L. Hughley: The takeaway was a level of independence HarperCollins Publishers;D.L. Hughley Portraits: Shannon McCollum. and compassion. One of the things that I always felt bad Allison Kugel is a syndicated entertainment and pop culture about when I was growing up was that even when I was journalist, and author of the book, Journaling Fame: A memoir in that situation, I knew I wasn’t of that situation. I knew of a life unhinged and on the record. Follow her on Instagram that I didn’t belong there. I knew I would do something @theallisonkugeland visitAllisonKugel.com.

Consciousness Magazine 7

Actress Aliyah O’Brien Discusses Inner Wellness & Homeopathic Remedies Interviewed and written

by Tocarra Eldridge Photo Credit: Shimon Karmel

R

ecently, I had the opportunity to interview artist, adventurer, enthusiast and actress Aliyah O’Brien. This was one of the most inspiring and empowering interviews that I have conducted over my years as a journalist. Her warm and inviting spirit is unforgettable. Nonetheless, Aliyah shares personal insight on life and homeopathic remedies that will enlighten many.

For those who may not know, Aliyah has had starring and recurring roles in NBC’s series Taken, Audience Network’s Ice, Freeform sci-fi drama Beyond, ABC’s Rookie Blue and A&E Bates Motel. She has also played leading roles in movies such as While You Were Dating, Lifetime’s Forced Exposure, Hallmark’s An Ice Sculpture Christmas, and Engaging Father Christmas, just to name several.

Here is what the astonishing actress has to share with the readers regarding health and wellness, along with a brief chat about her role as Detective Christine Rollins, an experienced investigator, in the ABC series Take Two. Tocarra Eldridge: What interested you to want to seek out health remedies when it comes to having sicknesses and other ailments?

Aliyah O’Brien: Well, it’s interesting because I grew up in that world. It was sort of a natural progression. When I was younger, I never had antibiotics in my life because to my parents thought antibiotics were the devil. [Laugh] With that being said, of course there’s a time and place for that absolutely. When we got sick when we were younger we had this really good homeopathic doctor friend that we would go visit. We also had this book and a big box that I remember loving that was full of homeopathic remedies.

If you were to get a cold or something, you would go to the book to look up your symptoms, diagnose yourself and then follow up with the homeopathic remedy. I’m fortunate that I’ve never had anything really severe go wrong health wise, I think that’s a product of my focus on internal wellness and use of vitamins, supplements and superfoods, as well as healthy eating. Also, having a general positive outlook is a really good remedy within itself.

Tocarra: Absolutely. Unfortunately many people are unaware of the health remedies that you speak of and natural health solutions. You just spoke about your feelings on antibiotics, do you have any other thoughts on over-the-counter medication and medication prescribed by the doctor?

Aliyah: There’s a time and a place where those kinds of medications are good for pain management and treatment for numerous things. I think health is an inside job.

Something that we need to start looking at is the root cause

of things. How do I build a foundation of a healthy body so that I don’t need to be going to get all of these medicines or getting medications to cover up or fix in a pinch. I don’t actually have a doctor because I go to the doctor so little, but I haven’t felt the need for it. I do see a naturopath and other wellness practitioners when need be. Some people think it takes a lot of time, energy and money, but really it’s less expensive to eat good food and to take care of your body, than to have major problems down the road.

I think doctors are amazing and play a very important role in our society. Our bodies are constantly breaking down and they need help, especially for major things that are way out of our scope. My wish is that more doctors were trained to take a more holistic approach to treatment that addressed the root of the problem, diet, lifestyle, mental emotional wellbeing etc. I think it would be amazing if our public schools incorporated more classes on self-love, compassion and belief in self. It would be incredible if the medical system was designed to really empower individuals to heal themselves and address what’s really causing the problems in their lives. Of course the choice is on the individuals too – to want to make change and heal themselves. In a society where we’re always so busy and want things to be fast and convenient, it’s hard to take the time to really look inward and make positive changes. But sadly it might take something tragic like cancer or heart disease to make us stop and really look inward. My hope is that it doesn’t get that far and we wake up more and more to the importance of self-love and what it means to really take care of ourselves – mind body and spirit. Life is for living right?!

Tocarra: Yes, it really is. You are most definitely passionate about personal development. What are some interpersonal tips that you will share with an individual who anticipating making a positive change in their life?

Aliyah: Oh gosh! There’s so many things. I just had an interview that I shared with the woman, the one thing that I do each morning – I think the most important thing first and foremost is that we love ourselves more. I think that it’s hard, and to say that, I’m consistently working on it. It’s not that I’ve mastered it by any means. Every morning I will drink a super food drink, and that’s like a routine that I would do daily. I’ve attached this little ritual with the routine that my wellness practitioner friend Claire suggested. You can do it whenever you brush your teeth.

Pick something that you do everyday then attach a selflove practice. My ritual is that I stand with my feet on the ground and I feel self-rooted and connected to the earth.

Then, I put my hand on my heart and I start tuning in with myself and with my heart. I start with myself [by saying] ‘I’m willing to love myself deeply and fully today.’ I feel

Consciousness Magazine 9

it, I connect with it, and I just imagine the light radiating out of me. I stand there until I really feel the love.

Often I will add things... intentions, prayers, feelings I wish to have that day and I find it really helps to voice them out loud (I know, some people cringe at how cheesy they would feel doing this, but that’s part of the problem, we’ve made it weird to love ourselves out loud. I dare you to try it!!) For me it’s very grounding to do this every morning.

Tocarra: Wow, nice! That was some good information right there!

Aliyah: Yeah, and it’s so simple. It’s free, it’s simple and it’s so important. I think a moment of connection like that can change your whole day.

“

Making changes is to always start small and always have compassion for yourself along the way.

”

Tocarra: Wow! That’s deep. Many people desire having healthy eating habits. However, I’m sure you’re aware, they have such a challenge when it comes to making those healthy food choices. What advice would you give to these individuals regarding overcoming this barrier?

Aliyah: The advice I would give in general to making changes is to always start small and always have compassion for yourself along the way. Know that, “Yes, I am doing it!” “I’m making a positive change!” Change doesn’t happen overnight; change happens in small daily actions. Make little small choices, and eventually those small choices will add up and become big choices. You don’t have to become like a raw food vegan overnight.

That may not even be where you’re headed, but just start including more vegetables. Depending on where you’re at, make small little changes and do some research and eventually that adds up into some big changes. When I do things, at first they are hard and then they become a habit.

You have to be gentle and understanding in the process.

Maybe it’s tricky in the beginning but eventually it will become a habit. I cut out refined sugar years ago. At first it was hard because sugar is in everything. Eventually I just didn’t even want it. It wasn’t like NO! I don’t believe in, [saying] “No, you can’t ever have it!” Listen to your body and ask your body what it wants.

Eddie Cibrian. Would you like to tell us a little about this amazing character?

Aliyah: Yea! Sure! She’s great! I like her a lot. She’s a pro.

Detective Christine Rollins is a secondary detective on the LAPD. She’s earned her stripes, so to speak. She earned the respect of the position that she has. She really is fighting for justice. She’s always trying to uphold the truth and she likes to have a little bit of fun too. She’s fun to play.

Tocarra: In the past you have played other cop/detective roles. What makes Detective Christine Rollins interesting and unique from detective roles you have played in the past?

Aliyah: Well actually, she is the first detective I’ve ever played. I played a cop before and I played like a lot of other professional types [of characters]. In the past, I played a lot of bad girl characters, which can be very fun. It’s really nice and refreshing to play a character that is really is trying to do good.

Tocarra: Playing a detective in film, have you discovered or learned any insight about detectives, like their everyday lifestyle activities?

Aliyah: It’s funny; someone asked me in an interview recently if I’ve done any [shadowing]. I’m like no! But I should! That sounds like it would be fun. At the same time I wonder if real-life detective worlds look anything like TV detectives worlds. [Laugh] I wonder how similar they are? I think I learned a little bit of what it’s like to be a detective through the role, because it’s new to me.

Occasionally, there is a word that I have to look up and I’m going, “what does that mean?” It’s very specific to the police force, so I am learning through that and about the investigative process, I’d say. I don’t know that I’ll be solving any real life crimes any time soon.

Tocarra: Thank you Aliyah! This has really been a wonderful interview.

Aliyah: Thank you for giving me the opportunity! I really do feel that my purpose in life is to truly learn how to let my light shine and to inspire others to do the same.

Visit Aliyah O’Brien at www.aliyahobrien.com Follow Aliyah O’Brien social media pages at: https://twitter.com/aliyahobrien https://www.instagram.com/aliyahobrien/ http://aliyahsadventures.tumblr.com https://www.facebook.com/actressaliyahobrien

Tocarra: Aliyah, let’s talk a little bit about you acting career. You were recently cast as Detective Christine Rollins in the ABC series Take Two alongside Rachel Bilson and Consciousness Magazine 10

Business Profile

Former NBA Player Mark Blount Q&A Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson –Editor

Advice for individuals who have goals and vision

Definitely take the time and understand what you are getting into. [Find out] how much it’s going to take financially; you may not see that. Make sure that you find the correct investors out there that can help you to make your business bloom. Be able to present to them your marketing plan and everything you need to get into the business. That would be the first step for them to do because a lot of small businesses fail because there are resources needed to help in continuing their performance to be successful.

Inspired entrepreneurship After retirement, I just wanted to be able get into some businesses that I thought I could be successful at. I learned quite a bit from them. I didn’t have the background coming from the NBA to get into real-estate franchising.

They proved to be very successful for me and I was able to grow and become an entrepreneur in my own way.

Concepts “Starting a Business”, “Growing a Business” and “Exiting a Business with Profits” [They came about by me] going through the everyday process of starting and figuring out what I was going to do and taking time to put the due diligence into the small businesses that I had. Then, being able to sell them and be successful and to move on and figure out what I wanted to do next. That’s where that whole concept of the Triple Double theme came from and also being able to share that with everybody. I thought that would be a good idea.

Affordable and effective marketing approaches Personally, once you find your passion and what you want to do, it’s about staying on the everyday task. I used my location area of being able to get the word out and also utilized the local media. Another aspect is adding a charitable cause to it - the holiday seasons or summer seasons - being able to bring traffic to my residential real-estate, making sure that people know that some of the funds are being used to not only help my business but also I’m giving back to the community.

Encouraged to service and give back to others For me, just getting into basketball, understanding the game and what it took to get to the NBA, and understanding the level of determination and the process. I didn’t do it on my own, so I was able to start Seven Wellness. It’s very beneficial for low-income kids in the areas who don’t have the funds or the time from their families to do stuff like that in the summer time. I orchestrated a small camp and brought in some trainers and played different sports with them to make sure they understood the kind of food they need to put in their body to have the energy to play sports in school and everyday life.

For more information on Mark Blount, please visit www.MarkBlount30.com

Words-of-Encouragement

Inspirational Quote

By Smokie Norful (Gospel Singer)

God’s timing is perfect! Most people die in the process because they don’t believe the promise. If you just believe the promise, don’t die in the process.

You’re closer than you think. Everybody who has got to a point with their dream they will all testify about the same thing…that they never seen it coming. They didn’t know it would happen, and then it happened. You’re closer than you think.

(Excerpt taken from a prior interview with Consciousness Magazine.)

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Call 312-715-7884 or visit www.consciousnessmagazine.com Consciousness Magazine 11

Environmental: EarthTalk

Waste Problems What can we do to solve the e-waste problem caused by so many of us tossing our cell phones out and getting new ones every two years?

Sandy Bartram, Beverly Hills, CA

Antibacterial soap products aid in killing bacteria. But rumors that they are no more effective in doing so than traditional soap and water, coupled with concerns that such products could actually be harmful to human health and the environment, prompted the U.S. Food & D r ug Administration (FDA) t o undertake studies, the results of which were released in 2016.

As to the possibility that these products can cause harm, the ingredient that has some scientists worried is triclosan, an antibacterial and antifungal agent that has been shown to negatively affect hormone regulation in some animals. Human health relies on a well-functioning endocrine system to regulate the release of specific hormones that regulate metabolism, sleep and mood, as well as growth and development. When certain chemicals disrupt the system, they can do major damage to the physical process of maturation.

When you use a product containing triclosan it absorbs through your skin or mouth and enters the body.

One recent study found triclosan in the urine samples of 75 percent of the U.S. children and adults screened. Researchers also found

that triclosan may contribute to the growth of antibiotic-resistant germs in the body. This can cause your immune system to weaken and become more vulnerable to serious illnesses and disease.

the agency found that the costs of antibacterial soaps likely outweigh the benefits, and now manufacturers will have to justify the use of triclosan in their products or pull them from store shelves.

More than 95 percent of the consumer products containing triclosan are disposed of in sewage drains. As a result, the substance is now prevalent in our nation’s waterways. In fact, according to a U.S. Geological Survey study of 95 different organic wastewater contaminants in U.S. streams, triclosan was one of the most frequently detected chemicals. This is particularly worrisome because triclosan is lipophilic, meaning it can be absorbed through fatty tissues like skin—and therefore many aquatic animals may be carrying triclosan in their bodies as well.

The implications of these findings are that anti-bacterial soaps may not be widely available in the U.S. for much longer. The non-profit Beyond Pesticides reports that as a result of these negative studies, many major manufacturers “have quietly reformulated their products without triclosan.”

As for the controversial question of whether antibacterial soap is more effective than traditional soap and water, the answer seems to be no.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), washing your hands thoroughly with ordinary soap and warm water is still just as effective at warding off infection as treatment with triclosan. A 2016 report by

CM Corner w/Aaron Robinson

Says the FDA’s Theresa Michele: “Following simple handwashing practices is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illness at home, at school and elsewhere…we can’t advise this enough. It’s simple, and it works.”

CONTACTS: FDA, www.fda.gov/ forconsumers/consumerupdates/ ucm378393.htm; Beyond Pesticides, www.beyondpesticides.org.

Gary Hines (Sounds of Blackness)

Meeting Gary Hines, director of the Grammy Award-winning choir is always a pleasure. He is a man filled with love and kindness and always Consciousness Magazine 12

keeps it in his heart to motivate, inspire and encourage others. He is a wonderful individual! Listening to his music projects always inspire me!

HEALTH Solutions

5 Misconceptions About

Dyslexia

By Don M. Winn

So many of us with dyslexia have not felt heard or understood until very recently, with the influx of new data about our condition.

One of my personal goals is to promote dyslexia awareness because despite new research about the condition, many misconceptions and inaccurate beliefs are still rampant. Why is it important to set the record straight?

Because dyslexia is not something that can be “cured” or reversed by any means: diet, exercises, medication, herbs, or talk therapy.

It’s very important to make sure that parents whose kids have dyslexia have realistic expectations for their loved ones and the resources to understand the full scope of their children’s needs.

How disheartening it would be for a dyslexic child who had faithfully followed some form of “treatment” if a parent or teacher showed disappointment or frustration because the child’s dyslexia did not “resolve.” The last thing dyslexic kids need is more shame.

In one of my older dyslexia-related blog posts, a kind reader sent in her child’s experience with doing some kinesthetic exercises to help integrate both sides of his brain. There are lots of tried-and-true left/right brain integration exercises like the one her son benefitted from, and they can be quite effective for a number of situations.

In this child’s case, he had been reversing some of his letters when writing, and so was thought to be dyslexic.

After the exercises, though, his issues happily resolved.

While I’m certainly delighted that her child no longer struggles to write, can all parents of struggling readers/ writers expect similar outcomes?

Misperception #1: “All kids who reverse their b’s and d’s have dyslexia.” Actually that is not the case; science has proven otherwise. Please refer to the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity if you’d like to know more. Personally, I have trained myself to overcome letter reversal in my printing (I can’t write cursive), but I am still quite dyslexic, and have all its other complications, I assure you! In addition, not all dyslexics reverse similarly-shaped letters.

Therefore, kinesthetic exercises or other techniques which can potentially help some struggling students to strengthen left/right brain activity will not remedy dyslexia.

It is also not a dietary problem. No amount of bone broth, medicinal herbs, green juices, or other wholesome foods will reverse dyslexia. While I eat an unprocessed diet with plenty of plant foods, and encourage others to do the same, it’s not because I believe that food impacts dyslexia.

Misperception #2: “Dyslexia can be outgrown.” Nope. Kids with dyslexia are not developmentally delayed, nor is the problem temporary. Dyslexia is a life-long difference in the way the brain processes information.

Misperception #3: “Dyslexia is really about social anxiety or lack of maturity.” Not a chance. Having a student repeat a grade and teaching him/her the very same way will not improve the student’s skills. Social maturity will not improve the student’s ability to read. Like many of you, I repeated first grade, which left me even more behind and plagued with lower self-esteem than ever.

Misperception #4: “People with dyslexia see things backwards, therefore dyslexia is a vision problem.” No, people with dyslexia do not “see” things backwards; our brains process language information differently. Vision therapy does not improve dyslexia.

Misperception #5: “Kids with dyslexia are lazy. They just need to try harder.” This is one of the most poisonous. To decide that dyslexic kids have character issues, or aren’t motivated enough to do good work is profoundly harmful. Lack of awareness about the disorder among educators and parents has often resulted in kids being branded as “lazy.” Nothing could be farther from the truth. Instead, the findings of fMRI studies provide evidence that people with dyslexia are not poorly taught, lazy, or stupid, but have an inborn brain difference that has nothing to do with intelligence. If students with dyslexia do not receive the right type of intervention and/or classroom accommodations, they often struggle in school—despite being bright, motivated, and spending hours on homework assignments. In almost all cases, kids with dyslexia are actually working much harder than their peers, and should be acknowledged for doing so.

Visit Don M. Winn blog at www.donwinn.com

Consciousness Magazine 13

LaTavia Roberson BUSINESSWOMAN

&

SINGER AUTHOR

Interviewed and written by Tocarra Eldridge Photographer: Jamaal D. Lathan

Consciousness Magazine 14

R

ecently, I had the opportunity to interview LaTavia Roberson, who is an amazing singer, flourishing entrepreneur and most of all, a delightful mother.

LaTavia is a founding member of the best-selling girl groups and Grammy Award-winning R&B group of all time Destiny’s child.

Recognized as a star before her time, LaTavia is proof that one can overcome obstacles and struggles. As an ultimately strong woman, she never gives up on her dreams and goals that she set out to accomplish. She is a true believer that one can excel and make their dreams come true as she continues to soar like the phoenix bird, while accomplishing amazing endeavors in television, radio and the music industry.

Here is what LaTavia Roberson has to share with the readers regarding her life, career, reality shows, philanthropist work, and so on.

Tocarra Eldridge: I’m so grateful that you are willing to conduct this interview with Consciousness Magazine today.

LaTavia Roberson: No problem, thank you!

Tocarra: You produced two new reality shows. Would you like to tell us a little about these amazing endeavors?

LaTavia: I’ve been so blessed to be able to get the opportunity to be able to do these things. I’ve always loved to be behind the scenes. One is about my life and other single mothers – what we as women deal with every day when the men go to work. Another one is about men in the industry and what’s going on with their lives. These men have had wonderful careers and have had great songs. No one knows what’s really going on with them, because this industry is like really really really mean at certain times!

Nobody pays attention; they don’t care about what has happened to these wonderful men. We see women on TV all the time. I just want to bring light to that because I’ve wondered what has happened.

Tocarra: Nice! After leaving the R&B group Destiny’s Child, in one of your interviews you mentioned that you struggled with depression, molestation and addiction.

How did you overcome these obstacles?

LaTavia: I know it may sound very cliché but I did look to God. I was told by God that I didn’t leave the group.

I was dismissed from the group; I did not leave. I looked to God and I was told to give back. That’s why I take this journey so serious. I speak to young girls about being a part of the [music] industry, and being women of empowerment. It has lead me to do something that is so wonderful to my soul, to my heart…something that I am

dear to. That’s what helped me get through a lot.

Tocarra: What would you say to struggling women who may feel as if they want to give up on life?

LaTavia: The only thing that I can say to those young woman that feel that they want to give up on life is be true to yourself, know who you are, and love who you are.

Don’t listen to anything somebody says to you that is very harsh. Love who it is that you look at in the mirror every morning when you go into the bathroom and you look at yourself. Love who you are! No one is going to love you more that you can love yourself. If you don’t love you, nobody else can love you.

“

Do what it is for you, not for everybody else.

”

Tocarra: Absolutely! I agree. LaTavia, you have taking out the time to invest your knowledge and time into aspiring artist. What lead you to take out the time to reach back to help them to become successful?

LaTavia: The reason why I take out my time to reach back out to other aspiring artist is because I’m somebody that has been at their low. God told me to give back; I think that it’s important. I think that it’s a very positive things for me to reach out to single mothers and for me to reach out to aspiring artist. I’ve always wanted people to have the best for their lives. I think that they need to understand that there is a point in their lives - that you just need to be passionate about what it is that you do. I don’t have a problem inspiring them to reach for their goal. I think it’s important for them to do what they want to do but understand that it’s a cutthroat industry and they just need to do what they do that pleases them. Do what it is for you, not for everybody else, and then everybody else will fall in line because it is what you want to do.

Tocarra: Do you have any advice or words-ofencouragement that you would like to share with aspiring vocalist, songwriters, actresses, etc.?

LaTavia: Yes, the advice that I have, I almost just touched on it a little bit. For anybody that’s an aspiring artist, vocalist, actor, singer, or anything, just make sure that it is something that you want to do because if you love what you want to do then the people will love you. Make sure that you love it as much as you want the people to love you. If you don’t love what you’re doing, then people are not going to pay attention. Stay true to yourself.

Tocarra: You are also a public speaker and is involved

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in Philanthropy works as you spoke of a few moments ago. What was the inspiration behind you wanting to give back? What gives you that push?

LaTavia: The thing that makes me want to give back so much… I only speak about things that I’ve been through, because I’ve been through a lot. While at my lowest, God told me to give back; give back, give back, give back!

Even if I don’t have anything, the one thing that I do have, the one thing that I can give back, is myself. It made me be this great person that I love. I feel great when I give back - when I’m talking and when I give myself to people. There’s no dollar sign that could be placed on that.

I’m a regular person just like everyone else. And yes, I go through things like everybody else go through things, yes I do. It gives my heart justice to be able to do that.

Tocarra: You have made many great accomplishments.

What’s next for LaTavia Roberson?

LaTavia: What’s next for me is to continue to be a great mother, first of all. I love being a mother more than anything. I love that I’m a woman that stands on her own two feet. I am doing and accomplishing things that I’ve never thought that I could do. Being an entrepreneur, going out to speak to these young ladies about becoming entrepreneurs, starting my own businesses, and being behind the scenes - I love that! So, the next thing that’s for me, we never know! I’m about to finally put out my book and executive produce my own shows. I love that!

Tocarra: Thank you so much for your time.

LaTavia: My pleasure! Thank you very much!

Follow LaTavia Roberson social networks: https://www.twitter.com/IamLaTavia https://www.instagram.com/iamlatavia https://www.facebook.com/OfficialLaTavia

Consciousness Magazine 16

Donate Today!

Your contribution will help a youth.

Gospel Singer:

Christopher “Reese” Gray

Christopher Gray is a multi-cultural musician, songwriter, producer, and recording artist.

Being the 6th of seven siblings, he comes from a very talented family of singers and musicians.

Christopher was born and raised in the innercity part of Jackson, MS USA. Through the hard times and struggles with poverty, Christopher often remembers one of the most significant days of his life when his mother sought out to invest in it. She purchased for Christopher and the rest of his siblings a portable keyboard with all kinds of tunes in it from various cultures. This was the start of destiny for him.

During his early years, he began to write and compose various works. He received a great deal of recognition from music programs at the schools he attended from elementary school to the collegiate level. Not knowing that he would one day be a singer, he always considered himself “just a pianist,” in which he was pretty good at. Since he was a little boy, Christopher took voice lessons not knowing exactly why he was doing so.

It wasn’t until later in his young adult life that he found himself in the struggle of his life: Christopher found himself in a state whereas he couldn’t keep a job secured and it left him in a state of feeling lost in the wilderness. One day he found grace with the Lord, who opened his eyes to his purpose in life. Christopher began to lead the praise and worship services at his church, in which he played the piano and sang.

Christopher developed as a singer very quickly and soon after began to work on his first solo album, So You Can Receive. Since then he has released 1 album, Jesus Lives, which is available on iTunes. More music is to come from the mass musician!

Website: www.cmgraymedia.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChrisGraySinger Twitter: www.twitter.com/chris graysinger

Consciousness Magazine 18

Actress Regina King Shines in

Seven Secondson Netflix

By Allison Kugel - Photo Credit Diana Ragland

Regina King: I was actually drawn to the role of [prosecutor] KJ Harper (played by Clare-Hope Ashitey), and [series creator] Veena Sud was sure that she wanted me for the role of Latrice. I liked the pilot script and decided to take that dive into the emotional pool.

Allison Kugel: You play the mother of a teenage boy who is killed by a police officer. What was your creative process in tackling such an intense role?

Regina King: Being a mother myself, and the mother of a black

young man, there are certain fears you have that are unique to

W

ith an acting career spanning four decades and multiple awards and nominations, Regina King has effortlessly embodied countless memorable characters across the big and small screens.

From thought provoking films like Boyz n the Hood, Poetic Justice, Jerry Maguire and Ray; to lighter fare like the Legally Blonde and Miss Congeniality franchises, Regina King brings a special sparkle to every role she’s tackled. On the small screen, King’s presence in past television series like Southland, The Boondocks, The Leftovers, Shameless, and her Emmy- winning turn in American Crime, have highlighted some of the more significant social issues of our time, both with ironic humor and with poignant drama. Wherever art is imitating life in a significant way, Regina King has been tapped to play a pivotal role in the project.

What audiences may not know is that King is also an accomplished television director, with a growing resume of credits including smash hit television shows from Scandal and Greenleaf to The Good Doctor and This Is Us. Her most recent Emmy-nominated performance as Latrice Butler, grieving mother of a teenage son who is the victim of a death by auto, hit and run by a group of Jersey City police officers, is a true tour de force and a defining role in a long and treasured career.

Allison Kugel: What drew you to playing Latrice Butler in Seven Seconds?

having a black child in America. You have fears as a parent when your kids are growing up, because you can’t control everything.

But there are those experiences that are specific to black children that are not the same for others. You experience a bit of it, yourself, as a child growing up in America. Unfortunately, it’s our culture and something you grow up with.You then carry that perspective with you throughout your life. So, I had that going into this role. I also spoke to a mother whose son was murdered by a police officer.

Hearing her pain up close and personal, and her feeling safe enough to share it with me, I would say that combination of things was how Latrice was birthed into Seven Seconds.

Allison Kugel: Is the story a fictional account or based on true events?

Regina King: It was based on the truth as far as the regard for black American kids and the law, and how they are regarded in America. That part of it is true, of course. So many examples have had similar outcomes to this story, but it was not taken from one specific person’s story.

Allison Kugel: While you were shooting Seven Seconds, did you think about the parents of Trayvon Martin, Philando Castile, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice and so many young men who’ve lost their lives in similar circumstances? And did you feel a responsibility to reflect these parents’pain in your performance?

Regina King: There was a responsibility to accurately portray their pain, their lives, and their stories, absolutely.

Allison Kugel: Do you think a series like Seven Seconds has the power to impact hearts and minds for change, or to simply reflect what is going on in society?

Regina King: I think both. What’s reflective for me is not reflective for you. Seeing it in a television show or in a movie creates an opportunity for each of us to see the other’s perspective. I feel that the series American Crime (the ABC series for which King won an Emmy) was very similar in that way.

Allison Kugel: Do you take a role like this home with you?

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Regina King: I tried not to take it home with me. But again, a bit of this lives with you. It is the narrative of a part of the fabric of what America is. Unfortunately, you are always living it. It took a lot out of me; I’ll be honest. It was the closest to an experiential role I’ve ever had. I’ve known people who have been victims of police brutality, but no one who was closer than a friend or a distant family member. Because it was a friend or a distant family member, I wasn’t with them in their day-to-day struggle of what that experience brings. You go through life hoping that you never personally have an experience like that, but you know that the odds are greater than not that you will, because of who you are.

It’s crazy to even say this, but you feel blessed or lucky that your child has made it to twenty-two (King is referring to her 22-year-old son, Ian).

Allison Kugel: What is so remarkably upsetting about your statement is that even if you are regarded by society as successful, you are thanking God that your son has made it to the age of twenty-two.

Regina King: Made it to twenty-two without having a criminal record, and without having an experience with the police where you may not survive; you may not come home. Unfortunately, that is something you feel gratitude for. He has had an experience with the police pulling him over, and him having to sit down on the curb. He was let go after they ran his license plate and his ID. He was pulled over for being nineteen and driving his girlfriend home. That’s not a normal reason to be pulled over.

Allison Kugel: Let’s talk about your most recent Emmy nomination for Seven Seconds. Now that you have an Emmy win from 2015’s American Crime, is the pressure off somewhat for this upcoming ceremony, or are the nervous butterflies still there? And what’s the feeling in your body when you’re sitting there listening to the names of the nominees being called out?

Regina King: All three times being nominated felt different. But there is nothing like the first anything, right? It’s totally surreal.

The second time is kind of like, “Nah-uh, really?! How did I find a hundred-dollar bill again in the exact same place?!” It’s one of those feelings. Not to be frivolous about it, but it’s like, what are the odds?

Allison Kugel: I don’t think it’s a luck thing. You really are such a gifted actor, and your performance in Seven Seconds was a tour de force.

Regina King: Well, I mean, what are the odds of walking by that same corner again and finding that same bill?

Allison Kugel: Do you let that stuff, like awards and accolades, or critics, shape you at all? Do you ever find yourself being very conscious of, “What are the critics going to think?” “What are the nominating committees going to think?”

Regina King: First and foremost, I’m focused on doing good work.

I’m not thinking, “Ooh, this is gonna get me an Emmy!” (Laughs) Allison Kugel: What do you see as your higher purpose in all that you do, from parenting your son to your work. And what spiritual philosophy do you subscribe to?

Regina King: Overall, just trying to walk in my truth. I recently did a panel talk (Entertainment Weekly’s Women Who Kick Ass Comic Con Panel) and [actress] Chloe Bennet said something that I definitely subscribe to. She said, “At this moment in time I can feel a certain way and say a certain thing, and then in 2022 I might contradict

that just because I’m in a different place at that point. ”For me, I can only be in my truth right now, in this moment. If I am walking in that truth, if I share an opinion right now about something, in the year 2022 I will not say, “I didn’t say that in 2018.” I would know I said it, because in that moment it was true for me.

Allison Kugel: Right. You would say, that was me then. I saw this beautiful tribute on your Instagram feed to actress Marla Gibbs.

Marla gave you your first big job playing her daughter on the show 227, when you were fourteen years old. You thanked her for all that she did for you as a mentor. You say, among many other things, “She taught me how to be a professional.” I want to ask you about some other influential people you’ve worked with over the years, and what your takeaway was from working with these people. Let’s start with Tupac Shakur, who you worked with in 1993’s Poetic Justice.

Regina King: I would say he’s a man that walked in his truth. Man, did he ever. That would be the biggest takeaway, in that he was just unapologetic, and it was beautiful.

Allison Kugel: And working with Tom Cruise in 1996’s Jerry Maguire?

Regina King: An example of a consummate professional. If you hear anybody say that they don’t like that guy, hmmm, I don’t know. I’d have to go back and look in the books on that person.

He’s a good guy, and he is a professional. He is that same example of what Marla [Gibbs] was, and I saw from him that it exists when you’re on that mega level.

Allison Kugel: And working with Jamie Foxxin 2004’s Ray? Regina King: Jamie is super talented. The first thing that came to my mind when you said “Jamie,” is that he’s a caring guy. He takes great care with things that he does, and with the people that he works with. That’s the reason why he’s so good at embodying a character, because he takes care with the details.

Allison Kugel: I also came across a picture you posted with your son. You were waiting in line together to vote in the June primaries, and it was his first time voting. Finish this sentence for me: “I hope that in my son’s lifetime…”

Regina King: The first thing that came to my mind is that he wants to have children, but he goes back and forth between asking if it’s irresponsible to bring children into this world. And I see where he is coming from with that.

Allison Kugel: Tell him that you have great faith in the next generation to lift the consciousness of this planet.

Regina King: Oh, I tell him that all the time, that I have great faith in him and his generation. Literally, from year to year with the conversations that we have, it goes from, “When I have kids,” to, “Man, I don’t know if I want to bring a kid into all this.” Just because of certain things that happen in the world. It’s the same reason you don’t want to turn on the news half the time.

Catch Regina King’s Emmy-nominated performance in the limited series, Seven Seconds, streaming nowon Netflix. Follow her on Instagram @iamreginaking and on Twitter @reginaking.

Allison Kugel is a syndicated entertainment columnist, and author of the book, Journaling Fame: A memoir of a life unhinged and on the record. Follow her on Instagram @theallisonkugeland at AllisonKugel.com.

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Interviewed by Aaron Robinson {Editor}

Phil “The Gift” Heath takes time out of his busy schedule to speak about his will, determination, and drive.

INSPIRATION My whole goal was to take myself year by year and transform and really just look a lot better with my shirt off. That’s what I started with, next thing you know I was doing amateur shows winning all of them, and then became pro and started winning shows. [I was] not like a Lebron James or Kobe Bryant coming out of nowhere in high school and actually doing big things in the pros. I’d say my 3rd year as pro in 2008 is when I placed 3rd as Mr. Olympia. That’s when I realized this could be really special. In 2011 I was able to win it.

CHALLENGES Number one is the eating. My very first year of body building, I was finishing up my 5th year in college, and to understand that you have to eat every 2 and a half to 3 hours, [which] is very difficult when you’re trying to go to class, work a part time job and then learning what to eat.

You really have to become organized. Going to the gym wasn’t as hard, because I was always into playing a sport, but the food was hard. Even ‘till this day, it’s a challenge.

TRAINING PRACTICES Every time you read a magazine about someone’s training, they never talk about how they recover from that hard training session. My whole focus was to say…after a hard session, what could allow me to still get out of bed the next day. I researched to see what type of massage therapy I needed and also what other things that I could do. Everything had purpose. I had acupuncture for my spine, electronic stimulation, tissue massage, different trailing and stretch exercises, just everything you could imagine.

CAREER ADVICE There are different types of body builders. Someone is going to be in there that you may aspire to be like because maybe they look like you or have the same structure or height as you. Do a lot of research. Just research and have a positive attitude, give it a try and don’t worry about anybody else. If somebody tells you that you can’t do it, they don’t know your heart; they don’t know your mind and soul. I tell people all the time you can’t measure a person’s heart. Just go in there with the right attitude and kick some butt in that gym, and get after it every day. Sometimes it’s going to suck; you’re going to have those bad days, but you’re much better off in there than at the bar on happy hour. It’s much more cleansing.

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THE GOLD STANDARD—OR FOOL’S GOLD Written by Eric Plaut

All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players, They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages…

--Jaques (Act II, Scene VII) As You Like It (1599)

By William Shakespeare

Shakespeare has the nobleman Jaques briefly discuss each of the Seven Ages of Man. In this order, they are: Infant, Schoolboy, Lover, Soldier, Justice, Pantalone and Old Age. Now we will fast-forward to almost 350 years into the future. Within that time, technology has advanced by leaps and bounds. One does not need to go to the theater just to see a stage production—whether it is either comedy or tragedy. Film, for over the past century, has given us the advantage as well.

I always enjoyed motion-picture comedies. Usually they were the later ones in the silent-film era as well as the “talkies” from the 1930’s and 1940’s. Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy were my favorite comedians. Buster Keaton was second in my book while the Three Stooges took the bronze medal.

One of the best Stooge shorts debuted in 1941. All the World’s a Stoogefeatures a wealthy couple Ajax and Lotta Bouillon (played by Emory Parnell and Lelah Tyler). While they tend to represent the “gold standard” in society, each of them has a different view of life. Ajax is a disagreeable Pantalone—which is defined by Wikipedia as having “greed or status at the top of the social order.” His wife Lotta, however, always seems to be in her own world. She’s only interested in keeping up with the latest fad—this time she wants to adopt a refugee from overseas. Their butler Botters (Olaf Hytten) is disgusted by both of his employers.

The short opens up with Lotta receiving a letter saying she’s getting a refugee “from the war-torn battlefield of—somewhere.” Her husband Ajax arrives at the breakfast table with a toothache. He’s outraged to hear his wife’s news. And to add insult to injury, even his breakfast seems to literally mock him.

His oatmeal spits milk into his face, then he scalds his cheek with a hotcake.

Meanwhile at the dentist’s office of Dr. I. Yankum (Richard Fiske, a character actor who was killed in France in 1944 during World War II), the Three Stooges begin a new job as window-washers. The inept trio barely start work before they land in trouble. First Curly literally “takes a dive off the

scaffold” then, while attempting to clean the glass, he accidentally soaks Dr. Yankum with a bucket of water as the dentist opens up the window. The dentist storms off drenched, looking for the manager in order to fire the Stooges.

Moe Howard, the boss Stooge, makes his kid brother Curly and middleman Larry Fine clean up the mess. While they do this task, Ajax Bouillon walks into the office and sits down in the dentist’s chair. His eyes are shut so he doesn’t recognize the Stooges, who tell him the dentist has stepped out. Ajax doesn’t care who’s in the office—he just wants his tooth pulled!

The Stooges comply, and Curly knocks out Bouillon before he can tell them which tooth is hurting. After some wild attempts, they manage to yank out Ajax’s bridgework. “You stripped his gears!” Larry says as they try to put the dental gear back in with quick-drying cement. But the cement dries too quickly and the Stooges “have to blast” it open with dynamite. The dentist and the building manager (John Tyrell) arrive just before the TNT blows up. Bouillon’s toothache is gone but so are the Stooges, who escape down the scaffold and hide in Ajax’s car.

Bouillon discovers the trio hiding out in the back seat, not realizing that they were the ones who actually pulled his tooth.

Moe explains how the Stooges are “refugees”, so Ajax decides to teach his wife a lesson. He has Moe and Curly dressed up in sailor suits while Larry wears a dress. The Stooges are now referred to as “Johnny, Frankie and Mabel.” Lotta is overjoyed with the three “children”, but she and Ajax soon learn to regret it.

During the brief stay at their new home, the Stooges resort to crooked ways: swiping cigars, playing a rigged game of dice with Botters the Butler (who loses his pants) and stealing a bottle of hooch from the liquor cabinet. Their mannerisms slowly infuriate Ajax who becomes—courtesy of Moe—on the receiving end of more food: a plate of watery spinach, a pitcher of milk and a pie. The party guests, who witness the pie in the face, are delighted to see Ajax get his “just desserts”.

The Bouillons realize their mistake of having the Stooges as their “refugees” a bit too late. Their “gold standard” rapidly plummets, and their society value is now worth its weight in “fool’s gold!”

EPILOGUE

We all seem to be searching for the “gold standard.” Sometimes, however, we may end up winning the silver or bronze instead. Just make certain it isn’t that so-called “fool’s gold”—or as my friend Jeff once dubbed it as “tarnished tin.” In other words, be careful what you wish for! You might think you’re getting the gold standard even though you end up with fool’s gold. So, in conclusion, remember that old saying: All that glitters is not gold!

Consciousness Magazine 24

Review

Book: Pulse of Perseverance Written By Hector De La Rosa @Here_2_Edutain_

The opposite of picayune mere short of pithily, Pulse of Perseverance is a paperback heavily groomed with three times the piquancy, three times polychromatic and probing styled writing, and three times the powerhouse authored by three past master doctors: Pierre Johnson MD, Maxime Madhere MD, and Joseph Semien Jr. MD. Pulse of Perseverance is extinguishable in biographical content for its stasis in buoy and the ability to dissect, leaving incisions on the reader’s soul that requires stitching. It is astonishing for these three men to take what they feared most of being vulnerable, inexpert, to showing infliction and be able to express it as a narrative for public consumption without being shamed.

Rather than relying on social media gimmickry to get worldwide attention, these doctors made a name f o r

them in an utmost positive manner without succumbing to societal norms of young black men leading destructive lives. Dr. Johnson, Dr. Madhere, and Dr. Semien butcher every generalization in becoming the few elite of black physicians and the first as a collective to write a book.

In all, the growing pains of each memoir serves inspirational yet medicinal to young readers especially of different ethnicities and sociocultural backgrounds that aspire to achieve success, greatness, and pursue a career in the medical field. Pulse of Perseverance is a restorative, pompous, and triumphant read making all three doctors renowned patricians of not only their profession, but of their ancestors, generation, and of the future generations to come.

Parental Advisory: Views and opinions expressed in album, book or movie reviews within this publication reflect the opinion of their respective author and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher and editors.

Know Your Rights!

1. Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.

Article 27 2. Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.

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