RED INK MAGAZINE #52 August 2023

CEO / Publisher:

Edi tor-in-Chie f:

Contributing Edit ors:

Bibi S. Khan (Naz)

Michael Devine

Heidy Ardon

Sheldon Riley (2wist)

Althea

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Graphic Designer:

Art Director:

Photographers:

Bibi S. Kh an (Naz)

Bibi S Khan (Naz)

Wayne Winston

Rob Herbert

Ra ymon d Taylor - 516.375.3 987

Marlon Ajamu-www.ajamuphoto.com

Sa m Davis

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Marketing Team:

Aaliya

Aliza

Mikayla

E MAI L: RED INK MAGAZINE@ YAHOO. COM

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We invite your comments regarding our issues and reserve the right to edit your response for content and space. All responses must be sent with the writers full name, address and contact number. All advertisers assume responsibility for the content of their advertisements. RED INK Magazine assume no responsibilities for any misprint images.

- RED INK Magazine RED INK 2019-2022. All rights reserved.

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A Short Reflection: * About Us: MISSION STATEMENT

Chief Editor

Like a Phoenix from the ashes, RED INK Magazine has risen. It is here to deliver incredible images and stories of your favorite artists, actors, singers, bands, events, models. designers and lifestyle news from the Caribbean and beyond. RED INK Magazine will always represent the people and culture of the Caribbean and West Indies, but we will not hesitate to include interesting people and culture from the rest of the world.

RED INK Magazine will be one of the trendsetter when it comes to delivering Caribbean entertainment and lifestyle news to the people. We will provide updates on concerts, events and music festivals. There will be introductions of new and upcoming artists from Reggae, Soca, Hip Hop, R&B and other genres. And let’s not forget interviews and bios of all of your favorite performers that you know, love and follow.

We hope you all love the new internet based format; the times have changed and so have we. You can now enjoy short video clips and links within the pages of our publication. Yet, know that even though the magazine is online, it is designed to be read like a traditional magazine, turning pages and enjoying incredible, visually stunning spreads, and let’s not forget about our beautiful centerfold models that will grace the center spread of the magazine each month.

RED INK Magazine is here to stay and we aspire to be “THE” Caribbean Entertainment Magazine providing all of our readers with the stories and interviews they crave, the beautiful imagery they desire, and the design standard that we refuse to compromise.

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~Michael Devine

TONY BENNETT

Iconic Vegas Performer and Grammy Winning Artist died at age 96

Tony Bennet was born, in Long Island City, Queens, NY on August 3rd , 1926 with the name Anthony Dominick Benedetto. He lived the life of one of the most recognized Jazz and Pop singers of all time. His time finally came to an end on July 21st, 2023, when he passed away at his home in Manhattan. Tony was one of those artists that committed early in his career to continue performing his artistry until the day he died, and he lived up to that goal, with his last performance taking place alongside Lady Gaga at Radio City Music Hall at the age of 95. He also broke the Guinness World Record for the oldest person to release an album of new material, at the age of 95 years and 60 days. If there is anything that sums up the life and times of Tony Bennett, it would be consistency and dedication.

Tony served his country honorably during World War II, seeing active front line action, including serving as an infantryman during the Battle of the Bulge. He was directly involved in the liberation of the Kaufering concentration camp, a subcamp of Dachau, a place where American POWs were kept alongside Jewish prisoners. In his autobiography he wrote ” I saw things no human being should ever have to see.” After the war was over, he was punished and demoted for socializing with a black friend he personally knew from high school, because of the segregation laws that were in place at

the time. To pass the remaining time in his military service he began singing in the Army Services Band Unit which entertained the troops.

When he came out of the war and returned to NY he sang wherever he could, even while waiting tables and he was actually discovered in 1949 by Pearl Bailey who asked him to open for her in Greenwich Village. Incidentally, she had invited Bob Hope to the event and he decided to take Tony on the road with him. He decided to shorten the stage name to Tony Bennett. In 1950, He cut his first successful demo “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” and was signed to Columbia Records. Tony Bennett quickly made a name for himself as a crooner, up there with Frank Sinatra. As a matter of fact, he was warned by Columbia Records to make sure not to emulate Sinatra too much, because he had just left the label. His first big hit was “Because of You,” selling over a million records in 1951 and becoming a diner jukebox hit. Over the next few years, Bennett had multiple chart-topping number one hits.

Tony Bennett became one of the top Nightclub musicians of his time, singing at the classiest Jazz Clubs and being one of the first male pop singers to be featured at a concert in Carnegie Hall. During this time Bennett also began his famed career of headlining top Vegas venues. He began this legacy in 1952 at El Rancho Vegas’s Opera House as Milton Berle’s opening act.

He performed everywhere in Vegas, From the Sands, to MGM, to the Cosmopolitan on New Years Eve. He headlined at The Sahara, Dunes, Desert Inn, Golden Nugget and Encore Theater at the Wynn and eventually he was the main headliner at the legendary Circus Maximus showroom in Caesars Palace. Even when he returned to New York to focus again on recording in the late 1970s

and early 1980s Tony Bennett never truly left Las Vegas and was always known as one of the kings of the nightclubs and lounges. His career was one for the record books, and over the course he earned himself 20 Grammy Awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Award. He earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and earned 2 Primetime Emmy Awards. Throughout his career he headlined at the dozens of Casino Showrooms, and legendary ballrooms like Radio City Music Hall and Carnegie Hall, and he sold over 50 million records. To say that Tony Bennett worked hard and earned his legendary status would be an understatement.

Although he lived a very full life and performed for over 70 years, his work was never done. He was the consummate professional and even continued performing for the last 7 years of his career while battling Alzheimer’s and only pulled out of the spotlight late in his 95th year because of failing health. Tony Bennett, you will be remembered forever, by the families of people you directly touched in World War II, and by the fans who adored you in Las Vegas and New York and throughout the world. And those memories will allow your legacy to live on forever more. Rest in

Peace Sir. By Michael Devine u

ORLANDO FLORIDA

Aug 19th 2023

Venue: Level 13 Event Center

5043 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL

Top1100 SONGS this month

1- Karma by Taylor Swift

2- Calm Down by Rema & Selena Gomez

3- Sure Thing by Miguel

4- Flowers by Miley Cyrus

5- Last Night by Morgan Wallen

6-Creepin' f/The Weeknd, 21 Sav. by Metro Boomin

7- Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift

8- Eyes Closed by Ed Sheeran

9- Dance The Night by Dua Lipa 10- Cupid by Fifty Fifty

Top1100 MOVIES this month

1- Barbie

2- Oppenheimer

3- Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One

4- Sound of Freedom

5- Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

6- Insidious: The Red Door

7- Elemental

8- Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

9- Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

10- No Hard Feelings EVENT

REEVESTOCK

Music Festival

Venue: Elkin’s Hidden Amphitheatre

August 4th & 5th, 2023 Elkin, North Carolina

HOTSPOTS this month

NIGHTLIFE OUT

AVLFest 2023 August 3-6

ARidge mountains

Legal Sea Foods Harborside

Address: 270 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210

Ph: (617) 477-2900

www.legalseafoods.com/l

August 3-6th, 2023. Presented by Asheville-based Wicked Weed Brewing and Worthwhile Sounds, AVLFest will fill 20+ area concert halls, clubs, and outdoor venues alike with an exceptional multigenre lineup of local, regional, and national talent. Performances are set to take place throughout the 4-day festival with wristbands granting pass holders access to 100+ shows, discounts at numerous local retailers and restaurants, as well as presale access and discounts to two separately ticketed performances by Kurt Vile & the Violators and Watchhouse (formerly Mandolin Orange). Committed to supporting local community causes, AVLFest is partnering with several local nonprofits including RiverLink, Black Wall Street, Homeward Bound, and Campaign for Southern Equality. In addition to raising awareness for their respective missions, a portion of proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to benefitting these nonprofits. https://avlfest.com

50 YEARS OF HIP HOP

Celebrating a genre founded by DJ Kool Herc in the Bronx NY

Hip-hop will celebrate its 50th birthday in the biggest way possible this summer in The Bronx on Aug. 11th 2023. Hip-Hop 50 Live will be at the famous Yankee Stadium. A slew of the genre’s most decorated artists, including RunD.M.C., Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, and Ice Cube, will take center stage to celebrate hip-hop’s origin.

Along with the names mentioned above, there will be several commemorations of the event, including Queens of Hip-Hop, headlined by Eve, Trina, Remy Ma, and Lil Kim, along with a Pillars of Hip-Hop set paying homage to the early architects of the genre such as Kurtis Blow, Melle Mel, Roxanne Shante and more. Other performers include T.I., Fat

Joe, Common, A$AP Ferg, EPMD, Ghostface Killah, Lupe Fiasco, and Slick Rick, while the DJ set will feature Clark Kent, Marley Marl, Mannie Fresh, and Battlecat.

“I am honored to hit the stage in the Bronx, the birthplace of Hip Hop and celebrate all of my heroes,” said RUN in a press release. “Aug 11th is Hip Hop’s 50th birthday! So…’Up in the Bronx’ where it all started we will be celebrating this historic moment in history! I am honored to pay tribute to the culture that allowed this little shy kid from Queens to grow up and become The Mighty King of Rock! Thank you Hip Hop!!!” said DMC.

SINEAD O’CONNOR

‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ Singer Died At Age 56

Sinéad O’Connor was born, Sinéad Marie Bernadette O'Connor on December 8th, 1966 in Dublin, Ireland. Sinéad O’Connor’s life was equal parts amazing success and crazy controversy. Her early life was that of torment and abuse, at the hands of her mother and eventually she became a child of the system popping in an out of an asylum home for Juvenile delinquents called the Grianán Training Centre run by the Order of Our Lady of Charity. It was here that as a way to discourage her from sneaking out and shoplifting that a nun gave her a guitar and taught her how to play. At the age of 15, she recorded a song with the band Tua Nua called “Take My Hand.” She had met the band through one of the volunteers at the home, but even though she had an incredible talent the band decided that 15 was too young for her to tour with them and she eventually went on to form her own band called Ton Ton Macoute.

It was her performances with her band that eventually got her noticed by the music industry. After being signed to Ensign Records in 1986 she co-wrote a song with U2’s guitarist, The Edge, titled “Heroine” for the soundtrack to the movie Captive. Soon after in 1987 Sinéad released her first album The Lion and the Cobra which like her life was equal parts success and controversy. The first album earned Gold status but it also began her pursuit of activism and on the cover of the album, was Sinéad’s beautiful face with a freshly shaven head, as she was determined to challenge society’s view of what was beautiful. Her second album went double platinum and incidentally became the highlight of her career. The album was titled “I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got,” and featured the song “Nothing Compares 2 U,” which was written by Prince and became the song that O’Connor is most famous and recognized for. In 1991, Sinéad O’Connor was named Artist of the Year by Rolling Stone magazine and she was presented with the inaugural award for Classic Irish Album at the RTÉ Choice Music Awards, which she in turn dedicated to “each and every member of Ireland’s refugee community.” The song’s incredible success, however, led to more

controversy in the troubled singer’s life when she publicly rejected the four Grammy nominations that she got for the song, because they were “too commercial and for destroying the human race.” The activism and anti-society views spiraled from there.

Soon after, she was banned from a New Jersey arena when she refused to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” because she believed the lyrics promoted war. In 1992, after singing a version of Bob Marley’s War she tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II on US television while appearing on Saturday Night Live in an act of protest against child sex abuse in the Catholic Church. This lead to an obvious backlash from the huge Catholic population both in America and Ireland. The backlash was enormous and crushing. She was eventually nicknamed the Joan of Arc of Rock Music. Unfortunately all of O’Connor’s activist efforts were not as memorable and

She was a supporter of feminism one year and then against it the next, she supported the Irish Republican Army and then claimed to be too young to understand it, she then got ordained as a Catholic Priest by an obscure sect that is not recognized by the Catholic Church called the Latin Tridentine Church. Soon after this she converted to Islam. During this time she changed her name multiple times as well, changing it to Magda Davitt and then to Shuhada' Sadaqat. During her time as a Priest and after the ripping of the Pope’s picture she said that the Catholic Church was doomed to fall, but that she meant no disrespect because she believed in Jesus and then when she converted to Islam she criticized publicly anyone who was outspoken about Christian or Jewish faith and called all non-Muslims “disgusting.” Ultimately her fickle nature and quick changing activist views were determined to be symptoms of her mental instability and she came public with her battles with Mental Illness and suicide attempts. She wrote a memoir that became a bestseller titled Rememberings. Her troubled mind led to a troubled career which never really recovered after the 1992, Saturday Night Live

incident. Although she continued to tour and produced dozens of albums which were met with mixed reviews, a few garnering Grammy nominations but most failing to impress. In the book Rememberings she spoke about that eventful night in 1992 that changed her life forever and said,” Everyone wants a pop star, see? But I am a protest singer. I just had stuff to get off my chest. I had no desire for fame."

Ultimately Sinéad O’Connor was an incredibly talented singer, that had an unfortunate set of circumstances that created a path she could not deviate from. However, it is clear that through the controversy she created a legacy that will never be forgotten and has songs credited to her that will forever be timeless. Sinéad O’Connor, you were taken far too soon and had so many challenges in your life to deal with. You will live on forever in the hearts and souls of your fans, heck, the President of Ireland spoke out fondly on your behalf. Your troubles are now over, may you Rest in Peace.

By Michael Devine u

MIKALA JONES

Hawaii has lost an iconic member of the island’s Ohana. Mikala Jones, an Oahu native born in 1979 died on Sunday July 9th, while surfing in the Mentawai Islands off the western coast of Sumatra. He was in the barrel of the wave, as he was famous for photographing, when it closed a little bit too fast and he was thrown from his board, which cut his leg deeply with the fin. The cut severed his femoral artery and although he had people with him, there was nothing that could be done to save his life.

Mikala was an iconic surfer who was equally famous for his legendary photos and videos that he captured inside the barrel of waves in exotic locales all around the world. His breathtaking pictures have been featured on the covers of every Surfing magazine and his videos are iconic and recognized all over the world. Splitting his life between the North Shore of Hawaii and Bali, Indonesia allowed Mikala to always have unlimited access to the best waves and halfpipes that the ocean had to offer.

Legendary surfer and wave photographer died in surfing accident at age 44

Surfing wasn’t just a business it was a family affair and way of life. His sister Malia was one of the first female pro surfers to also become a model, and his daughter Isabella is following closely in her dad’s footsteps; both as a surfer and a photographer. On Isabella’s social media, she posted some lovely tributes to her father. Among the many messages, she expressed that she knows her father passed doing what he loved most in life, and that his life lessons have taught her so much and of course how much she loves and misses him. Everyone that has commented

on social media since the tragedy has had nothing but kind words to share and stories of teaching and inspiration that they received from Mikala over the years. Mikala Jones, you were taken from the world by the sea at far too young an age, and you will be missed dearly by your family, friends, and fans. You will live on eternally in the hearts and minds of those who knew you and we can only hope that your journey continues in the hereafter, and you find even more amazing waves to surf wherever you may be. Rest

in Peace.

By Michael Devine u

M M I I S S S S A A U U G G U U S S T T 2 2 0 0 2 2 3 3

Photography by Frank Rivers @frankphoto301

Swim-wear design by @bfyne

PAUL REUBENS

Actor best known as Pee-wee Herman, died at 70

Paul Reubens was born August 27th, 1952 in Peekskill, NY. Best known for his iconic character Pee Wee Herman, Reubens got his start in show business in the 1970’s as part of the LA based improv comedy team called The Groundlings who used to perform in a sketch comedy theatre. Eventually the team came up with a challenge of sorts to each come up with their own “comedy club” persona, and Paul created Pee Wee Herman as a nerdy guy that would never make it on a comedy stage. The character with his signature laugh and witty catch phrase “I know you are, but what am I,” became such a hit that he was picked up by HBO to do a comedy special in 1981. This eventually led to his breakout with the major motion picture “Peewee's Big Adventure” in 1985. The movie was a modest success but became a cult classic, with a huge following of fans. This paved the way for Pee Wee’s Playhouse, a sindicated children’s show and two more movies; “Big Top Pee Wee” and “Pee Wee’s Big Holiday.” The character of Pee Wee Herman was so Iconic that it was actually Pee Wee who got a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame rather than Paul Reubens. And “Pee Wee’s Playhouse” was nominated for more than 20 Daytime Emmy Awards, although it never won any.

“The inspiration behind ‘Crown’ is about what we see happening on a daily basis,” says Samory I. “People losing themselves, or manipulating their image and their values, for worldly gain and acceptance in society. We remain Rasta no matter how hard the wind blows or the tide rises.”

It wasn’t all giggles and witty remarks for Paul Reuben however; and his reputation was scarred in 1991 when his infamous arrest for publicly masturbating in an adult movie theater in Sarasota, FL began circulating through the headlines. It was a definite roadblock for Paul’s career, but it turned out not to be a wall.

He eventually got back on track after a few years and with much support from his peers in the celebrity world who came to his defense and called his actions reckless but not dangerous or inherently criminal. And ultimately he regained his access to the spotlight, with reruns of “Pee Wee’s Playhouse” returning to network television after a few years of being blacklisted. Over the years between 1992 and the 2023 Paul Reuben was trying to get out of his type-cast character who was

last seen in 2016’s Netflix movie “Pee Wee’s Big Holiday.” During this time Paukl Reubens tried with moderate success to make a name for himself as a more serious actor, by portraying a vampire in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie and also the father of the penguin in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns. It should be noted that the original Pee Wee Herman’s Big Adventure was Tim Burton’s directorial debut. Paul also ha da recurring character role on Murphy Brown and had roles on primetime shows like The Blacklist, Gotham and dozens of other shows. He also starred alongside Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz in the 2002 film Blow, playing the flamboyant hairdressing drug dealer, Derek Foreal. Ultimately overlooking his lapses in judgement, he led a very lucrative and successful career. He made countless people around the world laugh at his antics, and his catch phrases including “I know you are but what am I,” became staples of youth lingo throughout the 1980s and 1990’s. I know I personally used that line many times growing up. He also inspired kindness and acceptance to children through Pee Wee’s Playhouse. Paul Reubens lost a secret six-year bout with brain cancer on July 30th and will be remembered and missed dearly by his fans, family, and peers. Paul Reubens, Pee Wee Herman it was a privilege to grow up watching your antics, may you rest in peace.

By Michael Devine u

MADI SIMMONS

Old School Roots Reggae Artist Keeps On Troddin

Veteran Reggae singer Madi Simmons is a lover of “old school” roots Reggae. After the positive reception of some of his recent songs Madi decided to release an E.P. with an “old school” feel, encouraged by Nederlands producer Jouke JoJo Yspeerd Some of the tracks are updated versions of songs he wrote in the past that have never been released.

“Hailing from the United States, Madi Simmons entered the performing scene at the age of 16. He started out playing the drums, songwriting, and singing. throughout his life, Madi's key musical influences have been Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, John Bonham (Drummer), Bob Marley, and Peter Tosh, and that's just to name a few. There are many other influences that you can hear in his voice.

Madi has got a wide musical range and can send your mind to a nostalgic place......with vibes that remind us of Black Uhuru and a voice that combines Gregory Issac, Peter Tosh, and Dennis Brown into one, Madi Simmons is still pushing out his sweet reggae music. Mainly known for playing drums and having a strong vocal delivery, Madi learned over the years to perfect that one drop among other styles, though as you will hear, his preference is to use his voice.

He has toured quite a bit in the last 20

years, performing on stages from the Pacific Northwest, California, Hawaii, and from the Midwest to the West Coast. Madi has appeared at major events such as Cougar Mountain fest, Benbow Summer Art fair, Unity fest, North Country Fair, and even Reggae On The River as an Emcee and performer. Now he is sparking interest in Europe and other parts of the world” (Excerpt from bio).

“Keep On Troddin”” by Madi Simmons is available on the Sharmad Productions label was released on May 30th and is available on all leading download and streaming platforms. By

Jen Cheshire Reggaewerx PR u

ROOTS "A Jamaican Dance Production"

Experience the soul-stirring magnificence of ROOTS, where modern contemporary and Afro-Caribbean folk forms intertwine with jazz, reggae, and dancehall. Witness the vibrant energy and passion as talented young Jamaican dancers unveil the rich tapestry of their island's heritage.

From the mesmerizing "Cry of Africa" to the captivating independence dance drama, "Jamaica Love," ROOTS immerses you in a world of raw emotion and untamed artistry. Transcending bor ders, this breathtaking showcase delves into the struggles and optimism of a nation, resonating

profoundly with audiences worldwide. Discover the essence of ROOTS, an unforgettable dance experience like no other!

Campion College Dance Society

ROOTS "A Jamaican Dance Production"

Get Your Ticket:

Aug 5th & 6th, 2023

@ The Parker Ft. Lauderdale FL

West Coast Rapper Snoop Dogg has released a strawberry-infused GIN called INDOGGO

Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus, simply put, is an icon and legend of Hip Hop. With a career spanning over 25 years, he has released hit after hit, and is an ever-constant presence in pop culture. Snoop has stayed extremely relevant and, now more than ever, has built a significant multi-cultural and cross-generational following.

In 1994 he wrote "Gin & Juice:” it was about good feelings and real experiences; it just naturally became a global anthem. Snoop has always wanted to create his own spirits brand, so it was only fitting that he created the world’s best tasting gin. In his quest for flava, he remixed seven botanicals, and infused natural fruit flavors, thus creating his masterpiece.

This juicy gin, with its laidback California style, is like no other gin in the world. It’s gluten free, low calorie with no sugar, and will leave you wanting more. Easy to mix, easy to drink, hard to forget.

INDOGGO™ Gin is the ultimate remix of seven premium botanicals infused with all-natural ingredients including strawberry, no sugar with a slightly sweet and fruity finish. Bottle Size: 750ml

COCKTAIL RECIPE THE REMIX INGREDIENTS

2 oz. INDOGGO™ Gin

3Muddled Strawberries

3/4 oz. Lemon

1/2 oz. Simple Syrup

Top with Crushed Ice Strawberry slice.

RECIPE

1. Muddle strawberries in a cocktail shaker.

2. Add INDOGGO™ Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and ice cubes.

3. Shake, then strain into a rocks glass. Serve with crushed ice.

4. Garnish with strawberry slice.

Healthy Eating

AT THE HEART OF THE MATTER

Hello again RED INK foodies! In this issue we hope you enjoy our wonderful recipe selection for this month. We are always happy to share with our readers a fun recipe for you to try. Enjoy!

Instructions:

Step 1

In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.

Step 2

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over high heat on the stove-top.

Step 3

Place the coated chicken in the pan in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.

Step 4

Cook the chicken until golden-brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 5

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 6

Add the onions, red bell peppers, and green bell peppers to the pan.

Step 7

Add the chiles and Sichuan peppercorns.

Step 8

Cook until the vegetables soften, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 9

While the vegetables cook, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, and chicken broth in a small bowl.

Step 10

Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 11

Return the chicken to the pan.

Step 12

Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture in the pan.

Step 13

Bring the sauce to a boil and cook until the sauce has just thickened, for about 30 seconds-1 minute.

Step 14

Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

*Disclaimer: I am not a physician or medical professional. If you have any medical issues or concerns, please always consult your doctor before committing to a challenge. The challenges are intended for introducing small lifestyle changes in a fun and easy format.

RECIPE: Szechuan Chicken

For the stir-fry:

• 1 pound chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, and cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

• salt, to taste

• pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 1/2 cup yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 25 small dried red chilies

• 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns, optional

• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

For the sauce:

• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 1/2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1/4 cup chicken broth

F F oorr Y Yoouurr P P lleeaassuurree

Aries (Mar 21 - April 19)

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Gemini (May 21 - June 21)

Cancer (June 22 - July 22)

Leo (July 23 - Aug 22)

Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22)

Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22)

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18)

Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20)

In August, Aries will dream for a while, and they will succumb to their ideas of a perfect life. During this period, certain blocks that have been following you for a long time will also surface, and even mild health problems with your back will show up. That's why you should focus on yourself and start solving your problems; this month is the perfect time to solve many of them.

In August, Taurus will be full of passion and can look forward to many new love experiences. Due to your composure and peace of mind, you will spread positive energy in your surroundings, and you will get in touch with interesting people with whom you will be on the same wavelength. However, long-term problems accumulate at work, and you may also face unpleasant disputes with your superiors.

August will bring many unpredictable twists and turns to Gemini, but these will be based only on irrational foundations. Therefore, do not let your feelings engulf you, and you better think about everything in advance and rationalize. During this period, you will be prone to impulsive behaviour and if you are not careful, it can backfire on you in the form of an unpleasant quarrel with your partner.

August will be a challenging month for Cancer. You will be betrayed by one of your closest friends, and it will knock you down. You will deal with it, but it will be necessary to close up for a while and process everything gradually. Reading slightly spiritual books will be the right choice for you this month, as it will open your eyes in the sense that you will be able to forgive and move on in your life.

August will be a month full of success for Leo. You will prosper not only at work but also in your personal life. You will shine with positive energy, positively affecting surroundings, and you can expect very interesting invitations to VIP social events. Wherever you walk in, you will be a welcome guest that everyone will want to chat with. Just don't let fame rise to your head.

In August, Virgo will face mood swings. Therefore, this period will not be ideal for making important life decisions that need rational consideration and insight. On the other hand, your intuitive actions will not hurt. If these are ordinary things, on the contrary, it will make the situation much easier for you. You will do things the way you feel at that moment.

In August, Libra will be very sociable. Empathy will awaken, and thanks to that, you will become favourite mentors to your friends. This month you would do everything for others, so it will be fulfilling for you when your friends confide in you, and you will be able to advise and support them.

August will bring a portion of stubbornness and drive to Scorpios. You will achieve whatever you set as your goal this month. However, you will have a tendency to have no regard for others and have no boundaries, which might be problematic, especially at work.

August will bring out some sexual energy and passion in Sagittarians, which they will have to give vent to. The best thing you can do is go on a holiday abroad where you can switch off and let yourself be led by your desires. You can look forward to incredible erotic experiences because you will crave to explore new areas of your sexuality which will open in you this month.

August will bring a lot of mood changes to Capricorns. You might feel as if you are on an emotional roller coaster that will not have a good effect on people around you or your partner. You will also have problems with jealousy and with a desire to control everything.

In August, Aquarians will take everything too seriously and personally. You will also start being overly perfectionistic, which will motivate you, but also any failure of reaching your goals will put you down, and you might even have anxieties. You will lose track of what you actually want in life, and you will be looking for help from your close ones.

You will definitely not lack an urge to be social this month. Pisces will want to spend every free moment by some shared activity with their friends or partner. You will enjoy being playful, and you feel comfortable and confident talking with a higher number of people as well; they will listen to everything you say.