Urban Image Magazine August 2014 Issue by Urban Image Magazine

August 2014

Hash Tag This 22

Water Everywhere, But None for Us 30

Eating Good for Cheap with Leanne Brown 35

100 Ways to Build Wealth Part 3 43

Team Naturals 50

Fashion Victims 63

Ask Aswanu

Ask Aswanu 74

Access Denied 80

UIMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Round the Way Girl 88

Dumbest Shit 99

Home Coming King 101 5

Deszion’s Star Design 108

UIM’s Movie Reviews 112

UIM’s What's Da Word Mix-Up 114

Southern Hospitality 122 6

Nicky Parrish: A Southern Star on the Rise 127

Mike O Word Assassin 133

Jonah Rocks 139

Poetic Justice Column 143 7

Dear Readers, How is everybody doing? I hope ya'll enjoy the newest edition of Urban Image Magazine. We're excited! This issue is special to us because; for the first time, we are featuring ads from major advertisers as well as some up and coming clothing outlets. If you see something you like; click on the link and you can go shopping right from the pages of Urban Image. As an old friend of mine used to say, "Times is hard." So, on the cover of Urban Image this month, we have Leanne Brown who authored a cookbook showing us how to make delicious meals for 4 dollars. Good and Cheap...now that's what's up. And ladies, have ya'll been paying attention? Cesar Sosa has been taking ya'll to school on how to look absolutely fabulous! This month he teaches you about your body shape and gives you tips on how to draw attention from the parts of your body you hate and accentuate the parts you love. Be sure to check his article out. And remember, you're beautiful! We have alot of goodies for you in this issue. We have the beautiful songbird, Nikki Parish between our pages this

month. Believe me, if you watch BET, you've seen her in the commercials and re-runs of "Showtime at the Apollo." And for the men, make sure ya'll check out the men's room for quick tidbits about women, sports articles and "Men's Stuff." Hey, thanks for the feedback. We encourage and appreciate it. Remember, this is your magazine, we want your input. Write in, you just might see your comments in our upcoming issue. As always, all of you independent artists, hit us up! Urban Image is your stage. Together we can make it happen. Until next month; Peace and Love,

My name is Richarh Aswanu AKA Daddy Rich. I am the CEO and founder here at Urban Image Magazine and GangstatLit. Writing is not a phase in my life, it defines who I am. I’m a man on a mission. I want my freedom! This is why I write! I have been locked down for 8 years but have published 3 books thus far. I have my own style that separates me from other authors. I created Urban Image to serve as a publication you can be proud of. It is our aim to dissolve the negative stereotypes associated with the “Urban Community”. We will inform, educate, entertain and inspire our readers.

Meet our Staff

In addition to providing you with thought provoking content, Urban Image Magazine will showcase talents who haven’t had the opportunity to reach mainstream media outlets. Urban Image Magazine was founded as a life changing movement for all that are involved in our mission. We are a stage for those without a platform to have a spotlight. Published to be accessible online, this magazine is designed to serve as a catalyst to success, a place where you can network with like-minded people who are in pursuit of their dreams

Hello, my name is Denetra “Queen GangstaLit” Key better known as D Queen or Boss Ladii. I am the president here at Urban Image. I am a mother of three and also a 15 year nurse by profession. I also am our magazine layout designer… so I hope you enjoy my art. There are some topics that arise in life that strike a cord with me and I will write on those issues. My articles and blogs are to shed light on issues that are dear to my heart! I apologize in advance if I offend. But my pieces are based on my opinion. Our opinions reflect that we are individual children of God. One promise I can make is that I will report on the topics of my choice in as accurate fashion as I can. I welcome you to leave your comments good or bad in regards to my work. I actually appreciate it! Your views give me insight. Thank you for visiting our page. While your here please take the time to browse around and look at our past magazines and blogs. Thanks again and God Bless! 14

KIMBERLEY R. JASPER was raised in Jamaica Queens, New York and still describes herself as a true New Yorker through and through despite currently residing in Humble, Texas with her family.

After self-publishing her first

novel, she is now fulfilling her

purpose and passion as a writer.

From horror fiction with a

mystical twist to erotic thrillers, this author can do it all with well -seasoned finesse.

Angela Williams is just now beginning to explore the possibilities opened to her. She is an avid reader who sometimes lets her imagination run wild. A lover of animals she shares living space with two dogs and a cantankerous cat. No stranger to being told what can’t be done she tries to empower those around her. She believes that you’re never late for your dream, you always arrive right on time. At the present time she is residing in Chesapeake, VA and working on a book of poetry.

BLESSEDselling Author E. N. Joy is the writer behind the five book series, “New Day Divas” and the “Still Divas” three book series, which have been coined “Soap Operas in Print.” She has written women’s lit and erotica under the name Joylynn M. Jossel and street lit under the name JOY. When she's not penning these addictive series for her adult Christian fiction readers, she's penning children's and tween's stories. Her children’s story, The Secret Olivia Told Me, received the American Library Association Coretta Scott King Honor. Book club rights were acquired by Scholastic Books and the book has sold almost 100,000 copies. Elementary and middle school children have fallen in love with reading and creative writing as a result of the readings and workshops Joy performs in schools nationwide. Currently, Joy is the acquisition editor for Urban Christian, an imprint of Urban Books in which the titles are distributed by Kensington Publishing Corporation. In addition, Joy is the artistic developer for a young girl group named DJHK Gurls. Joy pens original songs for the group that deal with messages that affect today’s youth, such as bullying. You can visit Joy at www.enjoywrites.com. 16

If you needed a license to be a comic, this guy has one! Get this… his father was a notorious and very volatile pimp and his mother was a Jehovah’s Witness… a schizophrenic Jehovah’s Witness. Which means, if she knocks on your door, she'll answer it too! If that doesn’t earn him the right to do stand up, then nothing will! As a skilled and accomplished screenwriter Amaru can adapt to his environment and make any situation into a humorous story. His comedic story telling can be mesmerizing at times. The screenwriter in him makes him visual but the kid and the quick wit in him makes for a good time at any club. Amaru is the type of comedian who will the say things you didn't even know you wanted to say. The audience can be very diverse, black, white, in between. Amaru is able to connect with everyone in an attendance. It's more like listening to a friend telling you funny and relevant humorous stories about life, than simply listening to a "comedian" do "stand up". If Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor and Michael Duncan Clark decided to have a kid together, it would come out as Amaru. He's edgy without being crass, obviously loves his kids like crazy, and his smooth baritone delivery make him easy to listen to.

Catalin Munteanu -I guess you could draw more parallels between myself and a cocktail. To my way of thinking, Bartending is a lifestyle and encompasses everything that comes with a lifestyle: habit, culture, conduct and morals to name a few. I am just a passionate about Bartending as I am about Barista itself and looking forward to pouring my time and effort into what would be very possible become the bartender's best online friend member of Romanian Bartending Association (RBA), Coffee Ambassador ”Enjoy Your Coffee” of Finland, SCAE Member (Barista), member of Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), member of Barchaeology, pro-member on Stars of the Bars, member of World Flair Association (WFA), member of Responsible Bartenders of America (RBA) 17

Larrod Evans was born in Baltimore, MD but bounced around from state to state. He takes pride in his cultural diversity and his biggest influences are his mother, Hip-Hop and traveling. His interest consist of music, art, sports, reading, the outdoors and cooking. He also has a degree in culinary arts and makes a mean pizza! Despite being incarcerated, Larrod maintains self-discipline, is optimistic and works hard towards his goals. He is currently working on various T.V projects and will be launching his publishing company Chapter 34 later this year.

http://www.ycmc.com/men/shoes.html? dir=asc&order=price&siteID=K7JfLdX0RlcRx.lkLvkpUAUfCS5fZXXAQ 21

Hash Tag This By: Angela Williams

On April 15, 2014 200 Nigerian school girls were abducted by the Boko Haram. The editor of Urban Image Magazine thought that we were remiss in our duties by not addressing the issue; I am not in total agreement. I am ethnocentric in that I place missing Black American girls and women first. Don’t misunderstand me because those missing Ni-

gerian school girls are very important, but so are the 64,000 missing Black American girls and women. The Boko Haram was founded by Mohammed Yusef in 2002. The organization wants to establish a “pure” Islamic state ruled by Islamic Law or sharia. They want to put an end to what they consider Westernization, basically elimi-

the influence of Western culture. As I write this attacks have intensified and an attack has been made on the country’s capital, Abuja. Unfortunately, many fear the school girls will not return to their families. The kidnappings have been seen as a way to bring about political and religious changes.

raged is what they were in response to a horrible tragedy that occurred in another country on another continent. The tragedy plastered the news and social media. However, our missing females got no airplay. Their families weren’t consoled by celebrities and people in power nor was there aide coming from other nations. Once again it seemed While my heart goes out to those kidnapped and their families, my heart that if you were a Black female from the also aches for the missing Black girls and U.S., then you don’t matter. women right here in my homeland, the According to the National Crime InUnited States. In the days that followed formation Center more than 270,000 the Nigerian abductions many celebri- minorities have been reported missing ties and those in power jumped on the since 2010. That’s a huge number and #BringOurGirlsBack bandwagon. Outmore than 40% of those missing are 23

Black girls and women. They don’t have a hash tag campaign calling for the authorities to find them. They’re not trending on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or some other social media. No celebrities decrying the violence they may be facing or faced. The only thing these girls and women have are family and friends who keep searching and praying for their return. There has to come a time when we finally open our eyes and acknowledge that the American society views the Black female as unimportant and justi-

fied in being forgotten. We have to acknowledge that the media could care less about a Black female. The few voices that fight to remove the cloak of invisibility on human beings who just happen to be Black and female are constantly being drowned out by those who don’t care about us. We can sit and say we’re concerned about those missing knowing full well that when we close our house door it leaves our thoughts because it hasn’t touched us personally. We have to always remember that the face on a missing poster can be some-

What We Have!!! By: PJ. Fleming

It has been proven that as we get older-from a toddler to teenage yearswe utilize the things that we were taught as adolescents. However, we can't demonstrate what we don't have; we can't teach what we don't know. Our youth today had minds that polluted. They don't know that we are a powerful, resourceful, inspirational race. They don't know what we have, because they are not being taught.

day begun, let us march on til victory is won. Stony the road we trod, bitter the chast'ning rod, felt in the days when hope unborn had dies; yet with a steady beat, have not our weary feet, come to the place for which our fathers sighed? We have come over a way that with tears has been watered; we have

For example: "Lift ev 'ry voice and sing, till earth and heaven ring. Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; let our rejoicing rise, high as the list'ning skies, let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us, facing the rising sun of our new 26

come, treading our path through the bloodof the slaughtered, out from the gloomy past, til now we stand at last, where the white gleam of our bright star is cast. God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who has brought us thus far on the way; Thou who has by Thy might, led us into the light, keep us forever in the path, we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee, lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee, shadowed beneath Thy hand, may we forever stand, true to our God, true tour native land." What We Have...is The Black National Anthem,

titled Lift Ev'ry voice and Sing. The lyrics quoted is our - Africa American, Black, Negros, etc.national anthem, also known as; The Negro National Anthem. Pay close attention to the words created with passion and love by our ancestors. These words were created as a reminder, of what they've been through and endured, the road traveled and the destination they were trying to get to. it was meant and is still meant to serve as a reminder for what they fought for, what they died for. What most don't know is the tremendous affect our history

continue to have on our lives today. There is plenty of information for men and woman from our history whom committed their lives to the service of a vision that could have easily been viewed as impossible. the bloodshed, the lives lost, the families broken, the families in mourning, the beatings, the raping, so much given and even more taken for us to be able to live with the freedom that we experience enjoy, and abuse today. Sadly, pessimism has become all too common in the hearts and minds of our youth today. It is true when it is said

that history repeats itself. Anyone with eyes can look and see the things from the past arising again today. True enough, it is nowhere near the type of adversity that our ancestors faced back then. However, our children are succumbing to the trials that have no comparison to the things endured to the past. Our youth have no hope, they really don't have anyone to look up to...to aspire to become like- a role model. Our dreams and aspirations are rooted to the things that we have learned.

Water Everywhere, But None for Us By: Angela Williams

In March Detroit started sending out notices that they would start shutting off the water of those $150 in arrears and/or 60 days past due. The city filed for bankruptcy in July 2013. It is estimated that the city is $18-20 billion in debt. Local 4 Defenders, local news in Detroit, claims that outstanding debt on water bills is at least $150 million. It seems that the DWSD (Detroit Water and Sewer Department) is on a mission to collect it all.

TIONS, says it’s a human rights violation and the powers that be don’t see it as such. Joe Guillen of the Detroit Free Press quoted Darryl Latimer, deputy director of the DWSD as saying, “I think that water may be a human rights issue. That’s not our issue. Water is a human right, But delivering to your home, purified. Who pays for that?” So if that’s how the people in charge feel what

It’s a sad state of affairs when the United Nations, yes THE UNITED NA30

residents have? The average water bill in Detroit is $75 for a family of four- nearly twice the US average. The rates will be increasing 8.7% in July. So those already behind will continue to struggle.

them. Also on the list are a lot of vacant buildings. Just a couple of questions: 1) Why is the water still on in vacant buildings and 2) Who’s going to pay those bills?

At the time of this writing mainly residential homes had been shutoff. However, on July 10, 2014 it is said that crews had started off commercial accounts in arrears. It’s pretty ironic that a city that couldn’t pay its bills on time is demanding that its citizens pay past due amounts immediately. It’s also ironic that the city owes a water bill of over $420,000 and it hasn’t been paid in full….. guess the bankruptcy protected

The DWSD did announce that it would introduce a financial assistance program on July 1, 2014 in partnership with a non-profit organization. Unfortunately, it might not be operational until August. There is nearly $1 million available for low-income customers who need help. Money has been accruing in an account that has been funded through a voluntary program where 50 cents is donated from paying residential custom

ersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bills and varying amounts from commercial customers per Curtrise Garner of the DWSD. In order to be eligible one must live in a single family dwelling, must have received a shutoff notice and be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or participating in public assistance programs. Not only are people without water, but the chances for diseases have increased. No running water means no flushing toilets and no hot water for cleaning dishes, clothes or bodies. Diarrhea can be a huge health problem, something as simple as washing hands with soap and water can help keep diarrheal diseases at bay. Cholera can be another problem. Cholera is an acute infection of the intestinal tract. Symptoms include severe diarrhea that can lead to acute dehydration and possibly death. Intestinal worms could be a health problem too. Trachoma is a possibility. Trachoma is an

eye infection that is spread mainly through poor hygiene causes by an inadequate water supply and unsafe sanitation conditions. This can lead to blindness. These may seem like things that happen elsewhere in undeveloped 32

countries, but this can happen in Deey rule us. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time we take care of troit, Michigan located in the United home. If it can happen in Detroit, no city States. We can champion human rights is safe. in other countries and forgive their debts, but now we need to champion human rights here and stop letting mon33

With Leanne Brown By: Richarh Aswanu

Leann Brown's new cookbook, "Good Eating for Cheap" has attracted alot of attention lately. Aside from her cheap and easy to make recipe's, it's her compassion and understanding of the economy that compliments each dish like your favorite spice. In this interview she reveals what inspires her to contribute to society and her friends and the vision behind her latest project.

Richarh: Hey how are you...or better yet, what's cookin'? Leanne: I have had the most amazing two months, so I'm doing pretty great â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and cooking all sorts of wonderful new things all the time. Just a couple months ago, I was struggling to find

work after graduating from NYU, and then my cookbook exploded into popularity on the Internet. Now it looks like I'm going to get to keep writing cookbooks, which is my dream job! It's amazing how quickly your circumstances can change. 35

Richarh: What motivated you to pursue this project?

and Cheap is about!

Richarh: Social media has gravitated towards Leanne: I moved from Canada to New York to your recipe's, did you expect this much attenget a master's degree in Food Studies at NYU, tion? mostly focusing on things like government Leanne: I always hoped that some people food policy, which I had an interest in. In Can- would find Good and Cheap helpful, but I ada, we don't have a food stamps program; knew the hardest thing would be getting peoinstead, you get regular welfare benefits, and it's up to you to budget for food yourself. So food stamps — or SNAP, as it's called these days — were pretty interesting to me, but the more I learned about the program, the more upset I became, so I decided to create a free PDF cookbook, Good and Cheap, to try to help out. I think what it comes down to is this: in food studies classes, we talk about the food movement a lot, but it's really a middle-class thing. The poor have really been left out of the food movement! But there's no need for that, and certainly no sense in it: everyone deserves to eat healthy, delicious food. Being on food stamps can be tough, but there are still things you can do to make your life better right now if you're in that situation. That's what Good

ple to even notice it existed. Thankfully, social media took care of that for me! The first place it took off was Reddit in April — more than 90,000 people downloaded the free PDF of my cookbook in just a few days! Then it went quiet for a while, so I took some time to improve the book, now that I knew people really had . 36

an appetite for it. In June, I launched a Kickstarter project to fund a print run of copies, but I had pretty modest hopes. I started out asking for $10,000, which would have been enough to print about 1,000 copies of the book. By the time it ended in July, the project had been seen all over the Internet, and supporters pledged over $144,000 in total. It's beyond my wildest dreams â&#x20AC;&#x201D; enough to print more than 35,000 copies of the book.Richarh: Are you working with any organizations to promote your cause?

tions in almost all 50 states! Another 27,000 copies are available to those non-profits for just $4 apiece (basically my cost), so the book will really be getting out there. I couldn't do it without relying on those food banks, churches, and other agencies â&#x20AC;&#x201D; they're actually connected to the people I want to reach. At the same time, there are 46 million people on food stamps in America, so we're only touching a tiny fraction!

Richarh: Making your book free to download was a very noble thing to do. What inspires Leanne: The deal with the Kickstarter was that you to share your knowledge of food with the most people who bought a copy of the book world? for themselves also bought a second copy to Leanne: Thank you so much! Honestly, I gave donate to a family in need. I have more than the PDF away free because it was the easiest 6,000 donated copies of the book now that I'll way for me (just one person) to reach so many others. Cooking is my greatest personal be distributing to organizations throughout ability, and I think it's a critical skill that a lot the country. I have requests from organiza-

people are missing, so I figured, why not share? After all, it's not like my recipes are any good to anyone if they're locked in my head! And when you're talking about recipes to help people who are living on food stamps, well, it just wouldn't make sense to charge for that. Richarh: The most obvious misconceptions concerning cooking nice meals at home is that it's expensive. What's another myth you uncover about cooking inside your book? Leanne: That it's difficult! Now, I know cooking isn't easy at first — I was terrible at it too, when I first started. But like anything, you get better at it with practice. There's a woman on the internet — I think she lives somewhere in the South — who is learning to cook for herself using my book. She's struggling, but also improving all the time! Richarh: Do you have a relationship with local farmers markets for fresh produce and the like?

cooking. If you have access to a farmer's market or a community garden, you can get great produce for a pretty good price. You just have to figure out what to do with it, but that's why I wrote my recipes! If you're on SNAP, many farmer's markets now accept EBT cards, and the best thing is that many cities have programs to help make farmer's markets more affordable to low-income families. In the most common deal, if you spend $5 at the farmer's market on your EBT card, they'll give you an extra $2 to spend. In NYC, they call HealthBucks, and in Philly, it's called Philly Food Bucks. That idea is spreading across the country rapidly.

Leanne: Yeah, I'm a member of a farm share program. For about half the year, in the summer months, I pay a farm in upstate New York to deliver a selection of fresh vegetables every week. It's actually a pretty good deal, and a great way to force yourself to try new vegetaRicharh: By having a Culinary Arts degree and bles, but you have to be able to adapt your 38

just 33 cents per egg. And you can use eggs in all kinds of dishes. It's important to buy ingredients that you can use in a lot of different dishes (like eggs!) so that you don't waste stuff. Also, don't bother buying drinks. They don't satisfy your hunger, so they're just a waste of money, and they usually contain a lot of sugar. Richarh: All this food talk is making me hungry...what was the last meal you cooked? a genuine passion for food, I understand the value of healthy eating but have struggled with the budget in the past. What should the consumers keep their eyes open for in the aisles to cut their grocery bills? Leanne: Meat is expensive, and eating too much of it can be bad for you, so I'd cut back on that. Nice vegetables can be very affordable when they're in season, but it means you have to be adaptable â&#x20AC;&#x201D; cook with tomatoes and zucchini in the summer, but squash and potatoes in the winter. Eggs are my favorite budget food: even if you get organic freerange eggs (which taste much, much better!), they're still usually about $4/dozen, which is

Leanne: I'm developing new recipes for the next version of my book right now, and today I made some Chinese dumplings. Last night, I made beef stroganoff, which is one of my husband's favorites. Because beef stroganoff is really meat plus noodles plus a sour-cream based sauce, it's actually relatively unhealthy, but it sure helps people survive long Russian winters! Richarh: Name three ingredients you can't live without. Leanne: Eggs, butter, salt. Eggs are really versatile, and they're cheap and filling. Just a small amount of butter adds a ton of flavor to any dish (restaurants use a surprising amount of it â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that's why everything tastes so good!), 39

and it helps things get crispy and brown. Salt, again, you only want in moderation, but it brings out other flavors. When you make your food from scratch, you're still using vastly less salt than in most commercial foods, because they're using salt to mask flavors and preserve things, whereas you're using salt just to bring other flavors out.

choose someone to cook at a dinner party though, I would have to choose Amanda Cohenâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;she has an amazing vegetable-centric restaurant here in NYC called Dirt Candy and she has so much respect for vegetables, I really admire her.

Richarh: Since I was a young boy, I watched my mother cook, which inspired my love for food. When she turned her back I'd snatch her famous chicken wings. What inspired your inner foodie?

Richarh: What's your favorite food? Leanne: I love Indian food, maybe a dozen different dishes. The way that Indian cooks use spices is so different from western cooking, and I'm still learning to master it.

Leanne: Almost exactly the same thing, except that my mother was more of a health-food nut, back before I thought it was cool. At the time, I'm not sure I appreciated what she was doing, but it abRicharh: Who's on your dream dinner solutely set me on the path I'm on toparty guest list? day. I was talking to a guy recently who Leanne: Well I sure would love to meet came up with a great term for people who didn't grow up in a household and cook for Michelle Obama, but I'd where other people cooked. He called probably want a few of my friends them "food orphans," and that really around to help keep me from making an struck me. I don't want us to have idiot of myself in her presence. If I could 40

another generation of food orphans.

I've also promised to work with some volunteers on a Spanish translation of Richarh: What upcoming projects can we expect from you in the near future? the PDF. After that, I'd love to find other ways to help people learn to put food Leanne: For now, I'm concentrating on on their own tables, but no firm plans getting the printed copies of Good and yet. Cheap out to thousands of families. That's going to take the rest of my year. Richarh: Thanks for the interview and be sure to keep in touch.

Ain't nothing like having company to get you to do the shit you need to do around the house. Like, pay the rent. The light bill. Feed the kids.~ Amaru

100 Ways to Build Wealth Part 3: Build your Financial Walls By Clifton Cook

Building the walls that will support your penses during retirement. Current tax financial future requires an intimate un- code allows couples to invest $6,550 per derstanding of tax-free growth, conyear and $3,300 for singles using pre-tax sistent investing and avoidance of padollars. This money grows tax sheltered rental bailouts. Clearly all of these topics and withdrawals for medical expenses are very different. However, they play a are tax free. From a tax perspective, it's major role in your planning. Failure, at the best savings vehicle out there. You this point, is not an option. Your willing- do need a high deductible health plan ness to adhere to the advice that follows (at least $2,500 for families and $1,200 is crucial. Now is the time to be discifor singles) to be eligible, but with the plined and steadfast average deductible on P/E is an abbreviation a typical employer in your resolve. that stands for Price to sponsored plan at Earnings ratio. This is $1,850 for families, You know that taxused to determine the more Americans qualifree growth is a surevalue of a stock relative fy. It's time to utilize fire way to boost to the potential of mak- the best retirement wealth. Yet, two ing money from the thirds of Americans in plan you've never ownership of a stock. heard of. You go to charge of making health-benefit deciHSAbank.com to gain sions for their families don't understand more information on 22 low cost Vanhow health savings accounts can help guard funds that can be used to start them. Health savings accounts (HSA) lets you on your way to building your taxyou stock away for medical costs, but free health savings plan for retirement. their real appeal is as a long term savYou can change the name of the benefiings plan for retirement. According to ciary multiple times, so this financial Fidelity, couples may need to set aside tool can be used to create an educationas much as $200,000 to cover health ex- al fund for future generations. You can 43

withdraw the cash for your own noneducational expenses if you must. The 529 is the only vehicle out there that removes money from an estate but allows you to take it right back at any time. You will owe taxes and a 10% penalty on earnings if you use the money yourself, but that is a small price to pay for flexibility. However, all withdrawals are tax free if the funds are used to cover educational expenses. Remember to stay steadfast in your resolve to not only systematically save, but also invest in options that will allow you to reduce your taxable footprint as you age.

by T. Rowe Price. Now that you have determined how the future looks you need to cast a wide net to capture as much income as possible. Increase your expendable income by utilizing peer-topeer lending sites, which connect you with would be borrowers who are willing to pay you higher-than-average interest rates to loan them money. This may seem dicey. However sticking with the Lending Club's highest quality loans can dramatically reduce the chance of default. Lending Clubs average default rate has been a minuscule 0.004% since 2008. These investments have returned a net 5.3% annualized. Consider creating a second pay check with rental property. More than 1 in 4 people who successfully retire early earn rental income. this source of wealth helps delay tapping into your accounts early, and it's inflation adjusted. The average monthly rent in the U.S. is $1,089 vs. $900 for mortgage (plus property tax). Some of the best deals are in Chicago, Philadelphia and Miami. Lastly, tax-exempt municipal bonds now offer a yield of more than 2% for intermediate-maturity issues vs an after tax equivalent of about 1.5% for regular bonds. (That is, if you are in the 28% tax bracket)

Being a consistent investor means systematically setting aside funds that are ear marked for the purpose of building wealth that you can use in the future. The future has a number of unknowns; therefore it is logical to wonder if you are actually saving enough. If you need motivation to save more, don't look at the size of your nest egg. Rather look at how much income your nest egg will create during retirement. T. Rowe Price offers a free income calculator that helps you project into the future. Thirty five percent of 401(k) investors who use the income calculator change their savings habits, and three quarters of those There has been an increase usage of tarpeople boost their savings an average of get- date funds and indexing has made 25% according to information provided 44

investing easier, cheaper and boring. Consider letting loose by taking on some stock with the income you have generated using the money making options I have already outlined. Check out investing in Linkedin. Facebook is the reigning social media stock but Linkedin has a more reliable user base. Linkedin is one of the few social internet companies to truly hold a defensible position. Walt Disney owns the highly profitable ESPN and the Star Wars franchise, which is set to launch three more films. Walt Disney earnings are growing 13% annually - five points faster than the S&P 500.

tortoise. Fast economies don't deliver the biggest gains. Actually equities in the slowest growing nations have done the best since 1900, partly because these shares tend to be cheap. Europe, which has been the biggest tortoise for the last two years, typically trades at a premium to the S&P 500; today it's P/E is 10% lower. For a value minded approach go with T. Rowe Price European stock (PRESX). related research show that slow can be better in emerging markets as well. From 1976 to 2013, equities in the most slugest countries in the developing world beat stocks based in rapidly growing economies. This again Sky works supplies radio-frequency partly owing to being undervalued, with components for the growing number of a big stake in martyr places like Mexico smart phones that are tasked with inte- and South Africa. American Century grating electronic devices located within Emerging Markets Value (AEVVX) sports our homes. This component maker will an average P/E of around 8 vs. 10 for the benefit from the economy of scales as developed world. more and more manufacturers move to smart electronic appliances. Plus, Sky- An unknown author coined the phrase, works stocks is up 33% annually for five "There is no greater love than the love years. Yet it trades at a (Price to Earning) of a parent for their child." Judging by P/E of just 13. Remember that just be- the average debt incurred by parents to cause equities are cheaper than they support their children during the colliwere last week doesn't mean they are a gate process; it seems this saying holds bargain. Some stocks deserve to see true today. Statistics released by the U.S. their price fall. If you want to make an Department of Education indicate the opportunistic purchase, do it when pric- average loan obtained by a parental es are cheap relative to a measure of guardian to cover higher education exvalue such as earnings. Also bet on the penses exceeds $40,000 over a four year 45

period. There are several factors that should be considered before taking on the cost of educating your dependent child. Inmost cases dependent children have a longer life expectancy than their guardian; therefore they will have more time to repay any debt associated with

higher education. Evaluate your ability to assist your dependent after you have structured a sound plan to address your retirement needs. You can help the kids with college without hurting yourself by saving in a 529 account in your name with the child as a beneficiary.

#TEAMNATURALS: By: Deszion Nasir

One of the biggest problems naturals (shoot, relaxed sistas too!) face are the magic tricks played by the ever elusive disappearing and reappearing edges around our hairline. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen the memes:

ON THE EDGE(S?)

Yeah, we joke about it, but it really is a Satin bonnets huge issue. We see it in little girls too, Surprised to see this on the list? Well, I now, much more often than we used to. was too until I thought about it and it truly made sense. Some of us are using That doggone traction alopecia. bonnets with cotton around the edge and Wearing those lace front wigs, braids, the cap can be too tight or rubbing and weaves too tight will case this, but against our hairline. There are satin bonnets with satin edges that are better. did you know there are some other Turn your bonnet inside out so that the causes of this that may be contributing edge around your hairline is actually to hair loss that you probably weren’t satin. Or try a REAL silk scarf. Real even aware of? Check out the list and silk doesn’t slip like a satin bonnet will. see if you’ve been doing any of these Or you can always use a satin pillow case if pillow case if you’re a wild busy things: sleeper. Leaving chemical treatments on too Too much styling product long There is a reason products have direc- Yes, back in the day many of us loved tions and warning on the labels. They slicking down our baby hairs. Oh, I are preventing the consumer heartache http://www.lacewigsbuy.com/full-lace-wigs-indian-remy-humanknow it ain’t just me! I’ve seen some hair-straight-wigs-14-1b-fs0013.html? and pain but despite the warnings, many exaggerated baby hairlines that were the tad1=BJ&tad2=bj19&siteID=K7JfLdX0Rlc-CI5d81t71G.B1S_pXxw_Lw women are not taking heed and use most, but all that gel day in and day out products incorrectly with devastating being slapped on your edges is not alresults. ways healthy. Put down that brush, back If you want your hair dye to give you a away from the slicked down edges, stronger, richer color, then try a bolder and give your hair a break! The color or a higher quality brand instead smooth look is not for everyday and of leaving the chemicals on longer. your edges need to breathe, so rememWe’ve all done it, whether we choose to ber you are no longer a baby and neither admit it or not, but keeping a chemical on our tresses longer than the instructed are your edges. For the natural sisters, time is not safe even if we don’t see the afro hair gets torn up when we brush it damaging effects immediately. Since too often. I know, I know, we love the our edges are the most fragile, they are slick look, but brushes (yes, even the the hairs that most often suffer the con- natural boar ones we love so much) can sequences of straightening and leaving split our hair shaft over time and cause the color on longer. It’s not worth it. breakage. Let’s be honest. When you’re 51

trying to get those edges down, are you tension. REALLY being gentle with those tender Treat the area as you do the ends of hairs or are you using the wrath of God your hair. Most healthy hair journey almighty to tame them babies down? women are diligent about moisturizing and sealing the ends of the hair first and being extremely careful with them, alFlat irons/Straightening combs You already know. You haven’t had so. But a lot of times, the edges and your hair straight in a while. You want nape area are neglected when applying to do a length check. But you’ll be moisturizer and conditioner – especially DARNED if you’ll have that silky the area behind the helix of the ear. Be straight look and kinky edges. So you sure you fold your ear down if necessary spray on some heat protectant and lay it and care for that area. The edges and on those poor edges 3-4+ times trying to nape require just as much attention as get them to blend in with the rest of your the ends do, so treat them the same. hair. Them you tie it down. This will  Check your sleep head gear. A lot eventually cause breakage too. of bonnets have exposed elastic on the interior which can wreak havoc on your So now that we know of some less edges! If you own one of these either thought of ways that your edges might turn it inside out or replace it with one of be damaged, let’s talk about some pre- the bonnet styles that has fabric covered vention: edges. If you wear a scarf, pay attention when you tie it! Be sure you don’t catch  Ease up on the tension. Most ladies any hair in the knot. Also check to be utilize protective styling to retain the sure that the nape is completely covered most amount of growth; however these by the bonnet or scarf, sometimes we styles place the most amount of tension place the head gear above our ears which on the edges and nape of the hair. Pony- means that the nape of our hair is extails, buns, wraps, cornrow braids and posed. wigs – they are beautiful and do help the It is okay if they are not hair to flourish but if you are having an “perfect”! We all like our hairstyles to issue with your halo, do not do these look neat, and few of us want bushy, “fly styles continuously. Be sure you do not pull to tightly when wearing a ponytail away” edges. So we apply gels and or bun. Definitely avoid sleeping with glazes, then brush our edges and nape the hair pulled taught. If you are wear- into place. This is so counterproductive ing a wrap style, switch up the direction to having the healthiest edges possievery few days so that one side doesn’t ble. The gels are drying and cause always receive the highest amount of buildup and brushing causes breakage 52

and thinning. Smooth them into place with a moisturizing hold product such as Bee Mine Bee Hold Curly Butter.  Invest in a silk or satin cap to wear beneath your wig(s). If you are a die hard wig wearer, do not use the nylon wig caps on a daily or regular basis. They pull at your halo hair and zap the moisture from your strands leading to breakage and even damage. If you can’t find one in stores, try the Beauty Town Luxury Unisex Satin Dome cap available at online retailers such as Hair Wig Harlem and Golden Mart Beauty Supply. Try massaging those areas with castor

oil. I have witnessed several women who use castor oil to help the edges of their hair to fill in. The proof is in the pudding with this one. I love a good ol’ tried and true method!

Ran into an old Asian friend. As an old joke, she was like, "10 dolla, love you long time." I was like, "Bitch, I'm fuckin' 40! I got 10 minutes... maybe. You might owe me change when I'm done."~ Amaru

http://filthyfragrance.com/?siteID=K7JfLdX0RlcMqf1qOanu3_Quzb7bwN7Mg

Fashion Designer's Secrets to Help You Look Fab By: Cesar Sosa

Clothing that Compliments You: Every woman has something to complain about when she looks in the mirror. If you don't, god for you! Butif you are like most women, once you fix the one thing that bothers you, anoter seems to emerge. The journey never ends. The closer we get to perfection, the more annoying other imperfections feel, exhausting, isn't it?

personal style, you must determine what your shape is. Okay, don't roll your eyes, but yes, I am going to ask you to asses your body and then compare yourself to a piece of fruit.

The shape of many women can be described as bearing a similarity to either a pear or an apple. Now, take a look in the mirror and deIn my personal experience, designing beauti- cide which of these two you resemble most. If ful garments for women, I came up with my you're a pear, you tend to carry your weight own theory that will help you look fabulous at around your hip and bottom area, and if all times. Here I share my secrets with you, you're an apple, you tend to carry your weight but don't tell anybody, keep them for you. around your upper body. Determining Your Body Shape: What's is the ideal body shape today? I bet you're saying, "It depends on who you ask." If you look at many fashion magazines, you will likely see the ideal as tall and thin. If you ask the average male he will say a woman who is "curvaceous." And if you ask yourself? Hmmm... that may take a little while to answer. But here's the ideal: In order to begin to build a wardrobe that expresses your 56

Once you know your shape, your next job is to figure out how to use fashion to accentuate the parts you love and help hide the parts you don't. By discovering how to draw attention away from problem areas, you then have the general knowledge you need to dress in the most flattering way for your body type, no matter the occasion. Whether you're a pear or an apple doesn't mean you're overweight. Apples simply carry their weight in their upper bodies, and pears tend to carry their weight around their hips and bottoms. The secret is to use your clothing to make your figure more proportioned on top and bottom.

No matter your shape, you can use my personal secret advice to make the most out of your clothing. The most common fruit: The pear. the most common shape for women is the pear shape. What that means is the widest part of your body i below your waist, around your hips. You can be tall, short, heavy, or skinny and still be pear shaped. If you're a pear, your fashion goal is to elongate your figure so that you look les bottom heavy. The first step is to balance your hips and shoulders while showing of your curves. The secret here is to accentuate your top half. For example, if the eyes are drawn to the cute top you're wearing or the scarf around your neck, it takes the focus off your bottom half.

But, what if I don't fall into either category? Some women are cut pretty straight up and down; others are fairly proportional. FortuAlways wear something darker and slimming nately, you don't have to be either one or the on the bottom, like dark jeans or slacks, or a other to make this information work for you. 57

dark knee-length pencil skirt or A-line skirt. And no, that doesn't mean that you have to always wear black on the bottom, but make sure that the bottom is solid in color and darker than whatever you have on top. As a pear, you want to direct attention to your tops. Wear fun colors, prints, or detail at the neck, they all serve the purpose of drawing the eye away from the hip area. Just make sure that your tops don't end at your hips because that draws unnecessary attention there. My suggestions; Go for clean, tailored lines on the bottom:

Whatever you wear on the bottom should be more tailored, such as flat front pants. With skirts, the A-line or flared skirt is a great piece to use as a base to accentuate a beautiful selection of tops. Stay away from pleats, side pockets, or anything that is going to add dimension to this area. If you wear a belt, make sure it is slim and the same color as your pants, a wide belt draws more attention to the area you are trying to deemphasize. If you belt a dress, make sure the belt sits higher up at your waistline rather than your hips. Better yet, wear a top that's gathered around the stomach. Doing so hides 58

sleeves on top are also great for pear-shaped usually larger-breasted and their upper arms bodies. and shoulders are broader too. Their legs tend to be thin and their butts tend to be flat. When you keep it simple on the bottom, you As an apple, you want to emphasize your have so much room to play with tops and ac- strong points, your bust and legs, while camcessories. Try a fun scarf around your neck, a ouflaging your weaker ones like your midfabulous necklace, or a great pair of earrings. section. Keep it all in balance. Since the idea is These items all serve to draw the eye up to to draw the eye toward the parts of your body your best feature - your face. that shine, and away from those that don't; you want to show off your great legs. The next popular fruit: The Apple Apple-shaped women are fuller around the You can wear patterns, just follow these middle. If they gain weight, it shows up guidelines: around their belly and upper body. They're

Any large pattern is going to draw attention, so don't wear a large pattern on top. Wear a small subtle pattern instead or save the patterns for the bottom. A great print skirt with a solid sweater set is a great way to express yourself while also flattering your figure.

If you have a fuller chest area (and are comfortable accentuating this area), draw attention to it: Doing so keeps straying eyes from your midsection. Wear a sexy V-neck. (Ooh la la!). Wear bras that support your bust. And any straps on your tops should be wide enough to cover your bra straps.

If, like most apples, you have great legs, short skirts are in order: If you're in the office, the shortest your skirt should be is above the knee. If you're going out for a night on the town, go a little higher! A-line skirts work with your figure:

Since they flare out from the waist, A-line skirts offer balance and proportion to your upper half. If you don't have much of a backside and you want to give the illusion tht you do, wear pants with back pockets: Your jeans should have a rise lower than your natural, wider waist. Don't wear pants with pleated fronts, as that only makes your mid60

look larger. Don't wear pants that are too tight, even if you have nice legs, because that makes your top seem too large. Remember, while you want to emphasize your better attributes, the challenge is to do so while keeping your overall look in balance.

at the point of your hips instead of your true waist) bypasses any constricting fabric around the tummy area and makes your torso appear longer and leaner overall.

If you're an apple with great legs, you can get away with anything on the bottom, even Go for longer jackets: knits. As far as the top goes, stay with materiYour jackets should be on the long side, never als that offer more structure, like a straight ending at waist level. Make sure they come cut cotton blouse, or something blousy like down to your hips to create a long, lean line silk. Both of these camouflage the midsection. right over your waist and tummy area. And You want to avoid tight knots on top because opt for single-breasted jackets that you can they cling and accentuate this area. keep unbuttoned. A double-breasted blazer that needs to be buttoned to look right only I hope that you find this information useful. makes you look larger on top. Remember, have fun with fashion, follow my golden rules and you will always look fab. Opt for drop waists: Dress to be happy and be random. A dress with a drop waist (that narrows down

Fashion Victims By:Cesar Sosa Summertime is BATHING SUIT season, which some women can't wait for and others dread. Don't dread it. The fact is that everyone has flaws. To prove my point, here we present to you the Fashion Victims of this month; bathing suit disaster.

Halloween in Summer? Janice Dickerson WTF? She is going around scaring people with her body. Yikes! My eyes hurt looking at her out of shape figure. If her BATHING SUIT could talk, it would be screaming; "Janice, I don't fit you!" Looks like she can hardly breathe. I say this is what happens when you wear your 12 year old daughter's clothes; a Fashion Victim, very painful to look at. In addition to her out of shape figure, her bottom piece makes her rear end look ten times bigger. A one piece bathing suit in a dark color with an interesting neckline would have done her justice, by creating more of an illusion of length and drawing attention to her chest area. Her bottom piece has alot going on, which draws attention to the hip area. Besides being an ugly bathing suit, it makes me say; "Oh my God Becky, don't look at that girl!" 63

Our second victim is Serena

Williams, hot

body, but not so much her two piece bathing suit. It is hard to notice her body when there are loud prints on her bathing suit. Stripes going up, stripes going down, angles, horizontally, dots, squares, I'm lost... Her bottom piece is way too high. hey Grandma, where did you leave your cats? A one piece bathing suit would look better, no prints. She is screaming for attention. Perhaps she was trying to hide her hips. But instead, al eyes go straight there, like a target. Even in bathing suits fashion is involved, this time Serena forgot all about it. If you want to wear a nice bathing suit with prints, make sure they make sense. Hey Paris, Chip the Clown called. He wants his sunglasses back! Ladies, accessories are a compliment to your body and outfit, pay close attention. Paris is wearing some enormous sunglasses and they make her face look small. As a result, her whole body looks out of proportion. Accessories that kill, in this case all I can see when I look at her is those big sunglasses. Perhaps she is trying to hide her whole face. If so, she succeeded. The little things matter the most, pay attention to detail. Her top has no shape to it, it makes her bust look flat. If you are small busted, try wearing a bandeau top or triangle top, some styles come with padding if you want that extra boost. Or you can be like Paris, wear giant sunglasses to deflect the attention from your bust. Sorry Paris, but you need a new stylist. 64

Rihanna I hate the print on her bathing suit. It makes her look older. It looks cheap. She has nothing to hide. Her body is sublime, but her bathing suit is not doing her any justice. At least her lipstick matches some of the very colorful, ugly print she has on. Rihanna, please burn it, welcome to the Fashion Victims club.

Ask the designer... Ladies, feel free to ask any questions you might have regarding fashion and style. Do you need advice? Are you ready for a new look? Email us your questions to info@UrbanImageMagazine.com Do you know how to create a whole new wardrobe? If your question is selected, you will find your answer in the following issue. Feel free to send a picture if you are looking for a new hairdo or if you need make-up tips to help you look your best. Our designer, Cesar Sosa will be happy to answer all of your questions. See you next month. Dress Happy!

Sexual Expressions with Deszion

THE PROBLEM WITH FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS

Okay, so this time I’m just going to forego the him and her thing and just TALK about the friends with benefits thing because it’s becoming a sore spot on my timeline and in my inbox.

someone you kind of or really really get along with-just not enough to commit to. Or someone isn’t ready…it just HAPPENED that way, (insert random reason for how the whole thing started.)

I’m just gonna say it: In 95% of The issue is not just that someone cases it’s just a REALLY REA LLY bad usually catches feelings. This is a given. idea. The premise of it is great: No There’s no way you can continuously strings, free (nothing is free) sex, with sleep with someone and no one develops 69

some type of emotional attachment. If it’s been months and you don’t think your partner has a head tie to you, tell them you met someone cool and you’re gonna hang out with them. Watch their eyes change. They might say it’s cool, but watch them eyes. OR, they might flip it and start asking questions immediately, throwing you off your square. Then here come the typical “We just friends, though,” response. That won’t really make it better. Even though it’s true. It doesn’t matter…but it does. They’ve developed a sense of possessiveness over something that, even though it wasn’t theirs, they’ve felt an air of exclusivity that’s about to be encroached. Then of course there are those situations where the other person may have accepted the FWB label in the hopes that eventually you’re going to change your mind about them, i.e. the “Lil Kim” syndrome. They take all the B.S. and whatever just to be close to someone even though it’s CLEAR that the other party isn’t into them like that and they become bitter.

were there before the main, and will always feel they have the “real” connection. They usually do. But it wasn’t enough of one to become the husband/ wife, was it? Don’t say THAT to them FWB can eventually turn into the side- though; they’ll be ready to fight. piece, but will never look at themselves If you’re going to go ahead with the a such because most of the times they process anyway, take a look at the chart 70

above and realize that most men and the last few years behind this situation. women look at these situations differ- BEWARE… ent. BUT BE WARNED, MORE WOMEN ARE TAKING ON THE ATTITUDES OF MEN WITH THESE THINGS. I’ve seen some cryyying dudes over

Should I be worried if my girl is taking notes... while watching CSI?~ Amaru

Ask Aswanu By:Richarh Aswanu

Welcome to Ask Aswanu. This is the place where you can write in and ask me just about anything. From relationship/sex issues, to parenting problems, and things going on with your family and friends. I don't have a degree or anything, but I've experienced alot in my time on this earth and I promise I will give you the best advice I can from a real perspective. I hope what's printed here will entertain you, educate you, touch your heart at times and make you laugh. Hit me up, I hope I can help. Peace and Love, Richarh Aswanu

Hey ya'll what's happenin'? Welcome to the second edition of Ask Aswanu. We had a pretty good response from last month and our readers hit us with some good issues. I'm going to always be honest and tell you what's up from a real perspective; Dear Richarh, Umm, this is in response to your comments from last month about how a man and a woman can't never be "just friends." I don't agree and I think you are being narrow minded and shallow. I

have had a male friend for almost 17 years. I have been drunk and I have passed out around him many times and we have NEVER had sex! You don't know what you're talking about. Friends Forever Dear Friends Forever, Thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it. But I'm sorry Baby Doll, I'm sticking to my guns. I tried to word it nicely and be sensitive to people's feelings. But since you want to try an attack my view, I'm going to say it so you can 74

understand it. If ya'll have been friends for over 17 years and he hasn't tried anything it's because of one or more of the following; You have a strong feminine odor, you are very unattractive, he's gay, or he has inside knowledge that you've had more partners between your thighs than the merger of AT&T and Cingular Wireless. It is what it is, and lease don't challenge me in such a manner unless you can handle my response. Peace and Love, Richarh Aswanu Me and my live-in girlfriend have been together for over three years now. I am still in love with her and I'm even more attracted to her than I was when we first got together. Our sex is falling off. She hardly gives me any. She always has some kind of bogus excuse why we can't get it in. She always walks away to answer her phone, and now she needs more privacy all of a sudden. She doesn't change her clothes in front of me anymore and she closes the bathroom door when she used to just leave it open. She's been spending more time out with her friends than she used to and she keeps talking about this guy at work. She says they're just friends and that I should stop being jealous and insecure, but she always comes home talking about something funy he said or

did at work. One night last week, he called her cellphone at almost 3am. She told me it was nothing and he needed a ride home from work. I'm not new to the game, I think she's cheating, but I'm not sure. I don't want to lose the woman of my dreams over a hunch. Lost in Love Dear Lost, See, I'm glad you wrote in so that our female readers can see that there are good men out there who love their women. Now, with that said; I know you've heard that song by K Camp that's been getting heavy rotation on the radio. Cut her off! She's F*%$#in him! Yeah, he needed a "ride" to work alright. You pointed out how she wants her privacy and feels uncomfortable undressing in front of you. Her and homie aren't just having sex, they're together. They just haven't figured out their living arrangements yet. She feels like she's violating HIM when YOU see her body. SMH. Look here bruh, it happens to the best of us. There is nothing you can do when your woman decides to step out on you. It's how you react that determines if you're a player or a sucker. Let her go! You already know what time it is. I've been there, when we're in love we don't want to see it. Then our pride kicks in, "naw not me, mine won't cheat on me, I puts it down." I don't know if

you turned to me for verification or what. But she keeps mentioning some other dude, she's going out more and more and she ain't givin you none. She's giving it to somebody. That's obvious. Your real issue is making a clean break, with less drama as possible. Let homie have her. Trust me, in the end she's going to play herself. Everybody thinks the grass is greener on the other side until they step in some shit. Peace and Love, Richarh Aswanu

purse and everyone sits around looking stupid when I bring it up. I don't know what to do. I just can't bring myself to throw them out into the street. Torn Are you serious? If you don't do something, it sounds like all ya'll gonna be out in the street. Look here, my "petty" ass would be unpluggin' cell phone charges, curling irons, video games and whatever else belongs to their shiftless asses and toss it out onto the porch. If they didn't get outside fast enough, it'd be a rummage sale going on. All of their Dear Richarh, grown, stankin asses need to find someI have been trying everything I can to be where else to stay. I'm sorry, Cuz be nice and look out for those around me dine came home one day and all the who I love. My best friend and her boylocks would be changed. Ain't no way. friend lives with me along with my You're footing the bill and somebody's cousin. All three of them have other stealin'. All hell naw! They don't care family who they can stay with but, the whether they have a place to live or not, choose to live with me. I enjoy their and ny taking your rent money, they company, but bills are getting tight and don't care if YOU have a place to live eithey aren't chipping in. My friend and her boyfriend don't work. He "hustles" ther. I can't have people like that around on the side a lil here and there and he me. It's a shame, you can't be nice these days. Always remember, the only ones pitches in a little bit every now and that can steal from you are the ones then. My cousin works part time at the close to you. And I bet they triflin asses mall and every time I ask her to help help you look for the money when it with bills or groceries, or even to help comes up missin. On another note, me clean up, she cops an attitude and dude's hustling? He needs to take that calls me "petty." On top of all this for stuff on someplace else. You be done the past 2 months some of the rent got your door kicked in by the police, or money has came up missing from my worse, some robbers and he ain't even 76

payin no bills. C'mon you trippin', you can't let people take advantage of you like that. Put all they asses out! Peace and Love, Richarh Aswanu Dear Richarh, I just don't know what to do. I love my baby daddy with all my heart but he just won't quit doin' him. He's always runnin the streets with other girls. He keeps a good job, he always make sure the baby has everything she needs, but he won't quit screwin' around on me. I want to be with him for the rest of my life, but I want him to see what it feels like to be cheated on. I think I'm just going to find me a friend on the side and see how he likes that. What do you think? One foot out the door Dear One Foot, Alright, look. I hope this don't get me in trouble with our female audience. I don't take this question lightly. This is a serious issue and it's why there are so many broken homes in our community today. Listen; there is a double standard, it's not fair, but it exists. Don't play yourself tryin to get back at your baby daddy. Ya'll have to be in each other's lives forever. It takes young males a long time to mature. I'm not making excuses for him or condoning his actions. He's wrong. It's just that you have his child forever. A child changes the whole

game. So whatever you do, you have to do it with class and grace. If you want to move on, fine. But move on gracefully, find yourself a good man. Don't just go out ito the streets and play yourself like a ho. Keep your dignity as a lady. Cause see, you'll always cross each other's paths because of your daughter. He's gonna come right back around to you one day. Never keep him from his daughter, don't play childish games or stoop down to his level of promiscuity. And when he grows out of his phase, you'll have his respect. He'll come crawling back to you with his tail between his legs begging for forgiveness. And yo might not even want him back, but you'll have the option to choose. I admit, as men, we act a fool. And our baby mama's play a hell of a game trying to get revenge. Some sleep with our friends, some choose our enemies and some just wild out with a bunch of different dudes losing our respect in the process severing the ties forever. When baby daddy finally grows up, he goes and finds himself a woman he respects. Carry yourself like a lady at all times and that woman will be you. Look at what Stevie J and Mimi are going through and learn from their mistakes. Stevie has been acting a fool for

years. And rightfully, Mimi got tired of it and found herself a new man. Everybody was feeling for her. She moved on gracefully, we respected her. Everybody was on her side until she played herself like a ho with this new sex tape. The tape wasn't leaked. Mimi tellin a bold faced lie. That tape was shot with a professional crew, different camera angles and all. She knew exactly what she was doin, she wanted Stevie to SEE her having sex, she wanted to rub it in his face. Well unfortunately, Stevie J and the rest of the world has seen

her. She tried to play her baby daddy and played herself like a ho in the process. Do you see what I'm trying to show you? Nikko don't care about her. He's leaving soon as the sales slow up and Mimi's going to be somewhere looking stupid, still trying to find another Stevie J. Baby daddy's are forever, these other cats come and go. In the long run, nobody suffers like the child. Peace and Love, Richarh Aswanu

ACCESS DENIED: SIX THINGS THAT FLIP A WOMAN’S “OFF”SWITCH By: Kimberley Jasper

I usually attempt to cut guys some slack and remain cordial despite a possible lack of interest when I get approached. The fact still remains that most of them won’t get anything but a simple wave before I proceed to keep it moving. There are often times when I can simply say, “I’m not interested” or “I have a man” and the guy will back off immediately with an apology. Then there are other times when their persistence does not always pay off. Check out this list of things that a guy can do to flip a woman’s “off” switch. Once I got arrested for disturbing the peace. I will admit I was snoring pretty loud.~ Amaru

1.CAT CALLING It’s all about the approach. Many men will lose the deal before it even gets started. If you are asking for her number prefaced with a few cat calls, you definitely don’t deserve the digits. Not only should you not get the number, but the woman should walk away as fast as possible. If you are bold enough to be disrespectful with the way you approach a woman, you may be bold enough to disrespect her at any time…just sayin’. 2.YOU AND YOUR CREW If you step to her with Chris, Joe, and the rest of your homeboys around, not only is it just way too much pressure, it really shows a lack of maturity. If you want her number, you should have enough tact to pull her to the side, or better yet, tell your boys to step off while you get her info. It doesn’t take a whole crew to pull a woman, as a matter of fact; it’s a complete turn off. Some of your boys are misrepresentations of who you are, leave them behind when you approach a woman. 81

3.TOO PERSISTENT

Persistence is not always a good thing. If I’ve already stated that I’m in a relationship (even if I’m not), please don’t proceed to put in your bid. The infamous question “will he let you have friends?” is not only disrespectful but appears desperate. I always reverse the question and ask “if I were your girl, would you want me to become ‘friends’ with some dude I just met?” While they are looking confused and attempting to muster a comeback, I proceed to walk away. Give your fellow man some respect and back off when she says she’s taken.

4.WACK PICK UP LINES Again I say, approach is everything. Note to men: ALL pick-up lines are played out. No man should utilize a pick-up line. Ever. Ultimately most pickup lines result in fake digits or no number at all. They can be seen as desperate or just wack, which correlates to your personality and that may or may not be true. Don’t ruin a good introduction with a bad approach. No, it did not hurt when I feel from Heaven and no my legs aren’t tired from running through your mind all day. Please, just stop with the pickup lines, it’s a bad move. Real bad. 82

5.NO INTRODUCTION See a pattern? Again, it’s the approach. I once had a guy approach me without saying hi or even what’s up, he simply asked “hey can I call you?” There was no introduction, he just went straight in. While I admire the consideration of my time, I can’t stand when I’m in a rush and a guy wants to go into a full conversation I’m not even interested in having. I would really like him to be a bit more polite. His lack of an introduction shows that he lacks the tact that I would appreciate in a man I’m going to consider giving my time to. 6.THIRST While some women may like the persistent approach, it’s probably considered the ultimate turn-off for most. No one likes to feel pressured, especially by a stranger on the street. So if a woman is walking away or showing no interest, don’t press the issue; just respect her by backing off. Any further pursuit may appear overly desperate and get you labeled as “thirsty”. Thirst is never attractive when approaching a woman and can become bothersome real quick. If you continue to ask for her number after she has stated that she’s “in a relationship”, not interested or has simply walked away, persistence is not only irritating, it is borderline scary.

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State Fair Turkey Legs By: Denetra Key

"These spicy turkey legs are sweet and hot--just like the smoked turkey legs you get at the fair or theme park!"

1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon black pepper INGREDIENTS:

1 large sweet onion, sliced

1 (2 liter) bottle lemon-lime flavored

4 turkey legs

carbonated beverage

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon steak seasoning

2 tablespoons hot sauce DIRECTIONS: 1.Preheat an OUTDOOR GRILL for high heat, and lightly oil grate.

2.In a large pot, mix the lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage, sugar, hot sauce, red pepper, pepper, and onion. Place the turkey legs in the mixture, and bring to a boil. Cook 30 to 45 minutes, until the turkey has reached an internal temperature of 180 degrees F (80 degrees C). 3.Remove onion slices from the mixture, and arrange on the prepared grill. Place turkey legs over the onions. Drizzle with honey, and season with steak seasoning. Cook, tuning once, 20 minutes, or until a crisp browned crust has formed on the turkey legs.

Enchanted By: Catalin Munteanu

3 cl Bacardi White 1 cl Chambord 2 cl Lemon & Lime Juice 2 cl PHD Vanilla Syrup 3 cl PHD Raspberry Puree 1 Egg White 2 Dashes PHD Fruit Bitter Garnished with pomegranate, orange peel and vanilla sugar

Mix the all ingredients and shake them continuously for 30 seconds into a dry shake. Then add ice and shake them one more time and the pour it with double strain into the glass which was already chilled. Garnished with pomegranate, orange peel and vanilla sugar.

UIMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Round the Way Girl By: Richarh Aswanu

Lavonnique: Niccas be doing the most one dude had the nerve to tell me call the coroner cuz I'm dead sexy...what a cornball

Richarh: What's the craziest excuse you've ever given to avoid a date? Lavonnique: I once told a dude who kept pressing me to go out with him again I had a funeral to go to.

Richarh:Give me three things that turn you all the way off. Lavonnique: My number one deal breaker is bad breath body odor and dirty shoes in that order Richarh: Hey cutie, what's goin down wit cha? Richarh: Name three things that piss you off Lavonnique: Just laid back chilled at the nail quicker than anything. shop boo Lavonnique: Lying pisses me the hell off , chicks that get mad when their dude check Richarh: What's the dumbest shit a dude has me out. A female that calls my phone quesever said while he was tryin to holla at you in tioning me about her man the club? 88

Richarh: You look so luscious, you know that? I love my women nice and soft. I just want to bite you. Where you want it at? Lavonnique: Definitely my ass. It's my favorite spot on my body.

Richarh: If you had to choose one position to have sex in, and it was the only position you could use for the rest of your life, what would it be? Lavonnique: I'm definitely a backshot girl. I love that doggy style babe Richarh: Now, I've been thinking of starting another business on the side soon. I'm pretty good with clippers and razors, things of that sort. You know, I have some barber skills. So, I've been considering trimming coochie hairs for living. Shampoo's, tapers, bald fades, waxing, whatever. Happy endings $50. You interested? Lavonnique: Hells yeah I'mma just come for the happy endings ..forget the coochie trimming I can trim my own cooch .

Richarh: Describe the way you act in a relationship, how do you treat your man? Lavonnique: When I'm in a relationship with a man I treat him with the utmost respect. House clean hot Richarh: Okay, before we go. One last quesmeal on the stove breakfast and head in bed. I tion; Are you into sex, or do you like to make consider us a team so I treat him accordingly. love? Richarh: Umm, why did you and your last Lavonnique: I'm more into sex than anything. dude break up and what reason would he give I like that raw sweaty blow your back out type if we asked him? action. All that kissing and foreplay is for when I get old. Lol. Lavonnique: Me and my dude broke up because he went to prison. He will tell you the same thing

Soccer Fever By: Lonnie Hall

Though I am not a huge soccer fan, I have been taking notice because of the massive media coverage of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil and the inaugural season for the Indy Eleven. Last year, the North American Soccer League awarded Indianapolis an expansion team owned by Ersal Ozdemir. The Indy Eleven organization put together a great promotional campaign in 2013. They held a special event in downtown Indianapolis at Monument Circle using many Hoosier connections to draw in a fan base. The U.S. men's soccer team exceeded the expectations of many during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. They managed to make it to the knockout round where they ultimately lost to Belgium. Now, there's hope for the U.S. to go further when the 2018 World Cup rolls around again. Soccer has had a hard time catching on in the United States. In the 1980's & the 1990's we saw some soccer leagues having to fold. I first started noticing soccer during the 2014 Olympic's when the Women went for Gold. In 1997 it was abig deal when David Beckam signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy. This opened the door for other Europeans to come to the United States to play soccer. More Americans are watching soccer. With the U.S. men's team soccer team advancing as far as they did and the close match with Germany, Soccer Fever is catching on in the United States. And now I have a team to pull for in soccer, the Indy Eleven. I am Indiana to the heart and I will keep my eye on them in hopes they grow to be a championship team. With the heavy promotion of the FIFA Cup this year and EA Sports' FIFA Cup video game; the future is looking bright for Soccer in the U.S. 92

Did You Know... By: Richarh Aswanu

that women with a thin layer of hair on their upper lip get REALLY wet down there? It's a biological fact. It's a result of higher testosterone levels, which produces sexual discharge. She's a gusher!!!

a woman's butt sticks out 25% more when she's wearing a pair of sexy heels?

you burn about 200 calories during 30 minutes of vigorous sex?

women are more likely to reach orgasm just before or during their period?

it's harder to lie to someone you're attracted to?

80% of women masturbate, and 80% of the women who do climax by clitoral stimulation rather than vaginally?

it takes a woman's engine about 20 minutes of foreplay to warm up, then another 20 reach it's peak? Be prepared to put in some work if you want to put a smile on her face.

a woman is more likely to cheat during ovulation than at any other time? Know her cycle.

the average woman will have sex more than 3,000 times during her child bearing years?

30% of women who engage in oral sex...swallow?

I hate when this condescending phrase is said in regards to religion... "God don't make no mistake!" I hate it! I know a bunch of disabled kid's who would disagree with ya! I saw someone tell a child with special needs that before and I tell ya... the kid looked up and said, "Are you fuckin blind? I'm missing a foot! You saying someone in his office messed up some paperwork or something? Cause this is clearly a booboo."~ Amaru

Hell naw! I laughed hard as hell when I read this one. A'ight here we go; police in Okany, Ga were called because a dog was locked inside a car in the grocery store parking lot and it was 99 degrees outside. The police could smell the strong odor of liquor on Wesley Mark Terrell. When they asked for his DRIVERS license, he told the police the dog drove him to the store because he (the Dog) wanted some corn. Now this dude was trippin'. Micheal Heart of Korbin, Ky was arrested for stealig beer and public intoxication. I guess he was drunk as hell and that wasn't enough. While he was in the holding tank he asked to use his CELL PHONE . He ordered himself a pizza from Dominoe's. But here's the thing; the pizza was delivered to the arresting officer. So Michael was also charged with impersonating a police officer and theft by deception. 99

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The Homecoming King By: Larrod Evans

Welcome to the locker room with your sports enthusiast. In today's team meeting we will discuss the homecoming of LeBron "King" James. After 4 season's in South Beach with the Miami Heat, LeBron James opted out of his final two years to return home to Cleveland. This was a very strategic move that not only gives him the chance to groom their young roster, but it puts his family in a better space. James decided that his mission wasn't complete until he delivered a championship to his hometown. Many critics were skeptical of the Dan Gilbert post decision letter and wondered could their relationship be repaired. Honestly, I think that James could really care less. The King has 101

capitalized on the value of his skill set, earning himself the maximum salary for the first time in his career. The fans of Cleveland could not be more happier to see their prodigal son return to the Kingdom he built in the first place. However, after winning in Miami, can

the King lead the royal court to the ultigins for Love is what LeBron needs. Bemate prize? I mean, Kyrie Irving is a spec- sides, Love's production and will trumps tacular talent and the youth of his counter Wiggins and Bennett's potential and parts can either help or harm a smooth youth. transition. The impact of his return has brought a direct shift of the NBA's elite The results will not sway the determinateams (East). James has recruited the tion of LeBron in his quest of winning a services of his sharp shooters from Miami, Championship for Ohio. Whether or not James Jines and Ray Allen. But the big- Minnesota decides to pay the King's rangest possible recruit would be the acquisisom for Love; LeBron's new but old tion of forward Kevin Love via trade from chance to rule again begins this October. Minnesota. Would this be a move to later haunt LeBron and the Cavs? Many people think that the trade of the Cavs last two #1 picks; Anthony Bennett and Andrew Wig-

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This Month in Sports by:Twan Barber

Germany captures the World Cup

Derrick Jeter played his last All-Star game

WNBA East All-Stars defeated the West

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Shoni Shimmell wins MVP (First Native American to win the award)

St.Loius Ram Michael Sam won the Courage Award at the ESPY'S

Rory McElroy wins the Open Championship (His 3rd major)

This was the Police APB for Oscar Pistorious aka The Blade Runner: Be on the look out for a white male... bald... approximately 6ft.1" in height... scratch that... he may or may not be 3ft 4"~ Amaru 105

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AIRES The first half of the month might be off to a slower start, but the second part of this month should more than make up for that. Love planet Venus is in Gemini until the 18, your third house of communication and socializing. If you're single, you might be more in a casual dating mode, or you could meet someone while out and about with friends. Coupled Rams will want to use this time to just reconnect through dialogue and book some long-overdue date nights.

TAURUS Book that exclusive reservation for two! Love planet Venus is in Gemini, your posh second house. You're in the mood to dress up and hit the town, or to exchange luxurious gifts with your honey. Heading out for a date or to meet someone? Al fresco craft cocktails on a starry rooftop, your cutest â&#x20AC;&#x153;little white dressâ&#x20AC;?and a cute air of urban sophistication set the perfect backdrop for your summer lovin'. GEMINI Who's got the winning hand? Why you do, Gemini. Love planet Venus is in your zodiac sign making you sparkle with wit, moxie and

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flirtatious energy. Look 'em dead in the eye Watch out for drama when the Sun in your and say something blush-worthy (you don't emotionally detached eleventh house will opREALLY need the stars for encouragement, do pose intense Pluto in your dramatic fifth you?), and enjoy adorning yourself with some house. Some deep-seated emotions you didhead-turning new looks. n't even know were there could suddenly come surging up—either from you or another CANCER person. A friend could also confess a crush The Sun squares off with volatile Uranus in (awkward, perhaps?) or you might find youryour house of men, fathers and long-term self feeling jealous of a pal whose attention is goals, which could bring up some "daddy isdiverted toward his/her new love interest, sues," or evoke rash reactions toward anyone leaving less time for bonding. Either way, a who seems like an authority figure. Step conversation could get heated, possibly burnback, Crab: is your partner or love interest ing a bridge—or leading to white-hot sparks really trying to call all the shots? Maybe with a platonic acquaintance. You could meet you're struggling to cope with that phase of someone through mutual friends, or find uncertainty that goes along with the dating yourself attracted to a larger-than-life person process. Sure, if it's been seven years and at a party. Just make sure that you're not your mate is pulling the "I'm not ready” card mistaking a big ego for charisma! despite your coterie of cats, shared bank accounts and common-law legal status, you LIBRA might want to reevaluate, and even cut bait. Libras didn't invent the trademark on sexy But the propensity for knee-jerk responses is independence, but it's never too late to join high today, so be aware! that party. For the last nine months, you've LEO proven this point, as spicy, assertive Mars This month’s love forecast is more friendly made an extended visit to Libra. It's been a fire then romantic rager, as cosmic couple long and titillating foray into matters that Venus and Mars visit more casual, social Libras often avoid: embracing conflict, being zones of your chart. Love planet Venus is in decisive, initiating sex, planning dates, or Gemini, your eleventh house of platonic coneven enjoying a stretch of being alone. nections. And spicy Mars is in Libra, your third house of communication. You’ll be in SCORPIO the mood for “talking dates”—sharing con- If your mojo's been in slo-mo, that will soon versations ranging from sustainable farming change. Spicy Mars has been in Libra, your to celebrity breakups, with witty banter foggy twelfth house, since December 7, and sprinkled in. And though you may enjoy flirta- on July 25, this extended cycle finally ended. tion with a friend or two, taking it to the next Even better, Mars will move into Scorpio until level might not be high-pri on your list. Go September 13, awakening your lusty nature ahead and enjoy just connecting with anoth- and bringing back your gutsy edge. You've er human soul, agenda-free. earned your rep as the zodiac's sexiest sign— and now you'll remember why. That Scorpio VIRGO swagger is back, and the world will certainly 109

take notice. SAGITARRIUS Coupled Sagittarians may have seen your bond tested a bit, as Jupiter pushed you to stretch and evolve into someone who could stick around for the long haul or make better longterm choices. As the zodiac's free spirit and wanderer—some even call Sagittarius the "bachelor" sign—commitment is not an easy feat for you. If you don't get cold feet, you certainly get itchy ones. It's not that you're disloyal, but you hate the feeling of being tied down, caged up, hemmed in or basically told where, who or what to be at any time. These past 12 months, you may have grappled with competing desires for closeness/security and your thirst for freedom. (Go ahead, begin the speculation about Sagittarius Jay-Z's "Drunk In Love" collabo with an edgy new Beyonce, or the reasons behind his world-famous Solange elevator assault.) You may have had to confront a deeper issue in your relationship, perhaps even with the help of a therapist— around intimacy, trust or merging. CAPRICORN You're in relationship high season this month, Capricorn. The Sun is traversing the most pairdriven zones of your chart all month, visiting your relationship sign (Cancer) , then your intimacy house ruler (Leo) for four weeks. And lucky Jupiter will make its switch from your committed partnership house into your zone of sex and intimacy, where it will heat things up for another year. For the most part, you're golden, Capricorn. However, there are three dates where the Sun in Cancer will clash with other planets, leading to some potentially messy moments if you don't play it cool.

AQUARIUS If you're in a relationship, enjoy the chance to turn up the heat with your honey—perhaps on a sexy getaway, since sultry Mars is spending its last of nine months in Libra, your travel sector. Nothing turns on a freedom-loving Aquarius more than the open road, so the opportunity to book that vacation now, before Mars enters your career sector and channels all that intense energy into your professional pursuits. PISCES Spicing things up even more, sexy Mars is wrapping up a nine-month run through Libra, your eighth house of sex, intimacy and intense bonding. Mars first entered Libra on December 7, 2013 and it stayed this way until this July 25. During this time, you’ve really felt the heat, perhaps with an awakened lust—and some fun new playmates to help you explore that. The possessive eighth house could have stirred the green-eyed monster, too. Perhaps you battled bouts of jealousy, competitiveness and suspicion with Mars here—and since the eighth house rules investigation, your research might have turned up some interesting tidbits on the object of your lust.

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UIMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Movie Reviews By: Jeff Russell Heaven is for Real Starring Greg Kinnear. Todd Burpoa (Kinnear) is a preacher, wrestling coach, GARAGE DOOR repairman, a devoted husband and a father of two. Based on a true story. Todd's son (Colton) has a ruptured appendix. He is rushed into emergency surgery and during surgery he goes to heaven and meets God. He returns to tell his amazing story. Touching, 3 stars.

Bad Words Produced, directed and starring Jason Bateman. 40 year old Guy Tribly (Bateman) finds a loophole in the Golden Quill Spelling Bee for 8th graders. He makes a mockery of the contest to seek revenge on his father who he's never met. I was laughing out loud at some of the scenes. Hilarious! 4 stars.

Sabotage Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Terrance Howard. DEA agent Beacher (Schwarzenegger) is out for revenge against the Mexican cartel who kidnapped, tortured and killed his wife and son. This movie has some great action. Definitely worth a look. I was pleasantly surprised. 3 1/2 stars.

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The Other Woman Starring Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, Kate Upton. Carly (Diaz) decides to surprise her boyfriend and discovers he is MARRIED! Then the most unlikely friendship between Carly, Kate (Mann), and Amber (Upton) is formed. They seek the ultimate revenge on the cheating husband. 3 1/2 stars.

Noah Starring Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly. This epic BIBLICAL STORY about Noah and his ark is the best movie of the year! Hands down. This film is a must see. Russell Crowe is brilliant and Jennifer Connelly puts on a performance of a lifetime. Home run! This movie is down right awesome. 10 out of 5 stars!

On the way down to hell, I'm still talking shit. "And anotha thang... somebody turn on the air in this Mutha fucka!" I see the Devil, "Ah, if it ain't the prince of darkness. Why you have to tempt all 3 of my wives? You couldn't have left me one? And my mama still don't believe me about that incident with the plunger and the chicken grease. Damn it's hot down here! Ayo! What up, Mr. Hefner! If it ain't, George W." *Slaaaaap!*~ Amaru

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UIMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Whats Da Word Mix-Up By: Larrod Evans

From what movie did Charlize Theron portray alien wournos towards Tia during their cycling encounter.

ACNOKCH 3

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EOAN LUXF

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HET ORAD 5

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15 NIETMSU 1

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What’s Goin On Today This Month By: Talia Rice

other trades in the NBA were insignifihe King is back! No, not God I’m talk- cant, no one was checking for anybody ing about LeBron James. Ever since the else. slaughtering of The Heat during the His beautiful wife Savannah almost let championship everyone has been zero- the cat out of the bag days before ing in on LeBron and whether or not he (damn social media!) however people

were not sure if it was real or legit. Finally he released a statement claiming he was going…going back…back to will stay with The Heat. It was announced that he was a free agent and Cleveland. You could hear everyone in literally the ass kissing began. All of the Cleveland scream at the top of their 117

lungs. I ain’t mad at them though I would be excited too, hell when was the last time an Ohio team won anything? Let me rewind back four years for the non-sports heads out there. The Cavs is where LeBron started. He turned himself into a household name and became a little too cocky for everybody’s taste. He decided to up and leave the Cavs which is fine but it was how he did it that put a bad taste in fans’ mouths. He threw a big ass conference just to announce he taking his talents to Miami. I consider myself a sports fanatic but those fans got so pissed they burned his jersey. It ain’t that deep boo. Even the owner Dan wrote a vicious and nasty letter, posted it on their website and kept it up for the four years he has been gone. I know it is all business and LeBron got the maximum deal from it but the owner would have had to come up with more than an apology before I could call him boss. Is it the year of the ride or die chick or are females getting tired of their men embarrassing the hell out of them in

public? There is Karrueche Tran crying on television about her relationship with Breezy, then Tiny goes HAM on T.I. on social media and Joseline…well Joseline is being Joseline, totally oblivious to Stevie J’s antics. I’m not in their stilettos but if I were I would take a page out of Phaedra Park’s book. Her husband has been outted for snitching and will be going to prison for eight years due to bank fraud. Phaedra was not there for none of it. She had better things to do than watch him get in trouble. Somebody has to bring home the bacon right? I declare that the season of ride or die chicks become deceased. Too many of you trying

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to damn hard to be like Jay and Bey.

black people since we did create it. Despite the talent these artists may have it Instead of silently bowing out of acting doesn’t matter because they are the and getting his ish together Columbus wrong shade. They don’t understand it, Short has decided to continue to drag we invented this, people vehemently his own name through the mud. His in- shout at the tops of their lungs. In this tention was to explain his actions from day and age why are we still on this the nightclub where he tried to not pay ownership kick with rap? If you can spit for the bill he accumulated but somethose sixteen bars I will rock with you – one forgot to tell him that drugs and in- period. If people are not feeling Iggy terviews doesn’t mix. He was lit off just because she is porcelain white and something. I honestly believed he could not an American then turn her ish off, do nothing to appear ugly but I was simple as that! Until next time. wrong. Hip Hop is a culture, a movement that I have been hooked on since the beginning (yes I am old enough to remember the beginning of rap!). But after all of these years can we say hip hop is just for blacks? From The Beastie Boys to Eminem to Iggy Azalea people have been real vocal about the fact that hip hop should only be reserved for 119

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"SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY" By: Larrod Evans

The winter of 97' was a cold one to say the least. If you've ever experienced Chicago in December, then you already understand. Don't get me wrong,the East Coast gets chilly too. The only difference is those fierce winds blowing off of Lake Michigan that relentlessly cut at your body. I was eighteen and Navy boot camp was my home at the time. Yup, ya boy was in 8Ball was the Navy back in the day! the first Upon ariving at boot camp, it was evident that artist to we were all from different places. From the lingo to the gear, it was as diverse as the ingers on 'We Are the World.' Bald fades and uncreased Girbauds were from Houston, Dickies and Chuck's straight outta Cali and Timbs and hoodies repped the NorthEast. Before we knew it, we were all brothers gettin' the job done. During our downtime, debates concerning our re-

8Ball and MJG's underground banger "Lay it Down" has been rocking the clubs since it's release in 1993 giving BIRTH to that Down South Crunk Sound that has evolved into what it is today... spective stomping grounds became a 122

topic of discussion...mainly who was the nicest on the mic. One day, during one of our usual heated debates, two of the quitest guys in our unit, (Love and Jones) gave their two cents. Love kicked it off with "Ain't a mu 'F@#$%A cold as Ball and G." Aside from the West Coasters and

us cats from the East, you saw a sense of respect from the other regions. I'm sure I wasn't the only one, but my response was in the field of, "Who the hell is Ball and G?" Me, being a connoisseur of Hip-Hop, I kinda felt embarrassed about not bein up on Ball and G. It turned out that Love and Jones were from Memphis Tennessee, Orange mound to be precise; the exact same place that birthed the dynamic duo from the South. Love and Jones began taking us on trips through the South though vivid tales of

"Friend Or Foe" also fueled the success of "On Top Of The World" as the Memphis natives warned Players and Hustler's of the dangers of haters and fake friends... the streets of Orange Mound every chance they got. After we graduated, we all RENTED A LIMO and hit the streets of the Windy City. It was only right that our first destination was a record store. We were like kids in a candy store grabbing our favorite albums in an attempt to justify our musical opinions. In an odd twist of fate, 8Ball and MJG jumped off 123

the playlist. When "Mr. Big" the hit underground smash from thier 1993 album, "Coimin Out Hard" came blaring through the speakers, we all went crazy. "Mr.Big, "On Top Of The Mr. Big, they call me World" went Gold, Mr. Big." That was led by "Space Age my official introducPimpin", a smooth tion to one of the coldest duo's in Hip- single that has Hop history. turned out to be a At the time I didn't realize how much of players ANTHEM for years to a milestone they were for the Memcome. phis rap scene. Bursting through the underground in 1991 with "Listen To My Lyrics", they didn't become a force to be reckoned with until two years later with "Comin' Out Hard." Signed to Tony Draper's independent label Suave House out of Houston they dropped solid albums back to back, cementing their status as some of the South's BEST RAPPERS . "On Top of the World" was released in 1995 and peaked at #8 on Billboards Hot 200 and was certified Gold. It also produced the song "Space Age Pimpin." Lines like, "Step outside, because my ride is awaiting" caused the song to became a classic amongst players from all over the highly underrated and if you don't believe me, check out "My Homeboy's Girlfriend" country. on his debut solo album "Lost." Now don't get it twisted, ya man MJG ain't no slouch Ball and G CONTINUED to drop that authentic southern music fans have grown either. He has that aggressive in your face style that tells it like it is, but he could also to love. 8Ball could spit, flat out! His laid back drawl made it evident that he was a mellow it out on some player ish. In the player nicknaming hisself the "Fat Mack." early 2000's, they signed with Bad Boy He is considered a heavy weights sharing and dropped two solid albums. With a combined net worth of 15 million dollars a category with Heavy D, Big Pun and Biggie Smalls. 8Ball is a smooth, confident I'd say they're doing fine. MC who didn't allow his weight to slow 17 years later, after experiencing that him down. Ball's story telling ability is 124

good 'ol fashioned southern hospitali- I'm from Tennessee, Memphis Tennessee ty from my fellow soldiers Love and precisely/ A Southern brother that will Jones, I still thank them for putting break you off break you off politely... me up on 8Ball and MJG; two cool, laid back players from the streets of North Memphis who made an impact with their stories, game and culture.

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Nicky Parrish: Southern Star on the Rise By: Richarh Aswanu

BET has been playing the commercials and reruns of last season's Apollo as the new one is beginning. And ya'll have seen her. She had on the turquoise dress with her hair swooped down in the front, short on the sides and blonde in the back! At first, when I heard her begin Whitney Houston's version of "I Will Always Love You," I was nervous. That's not easy for anyone except the late superstar herself to accomplish. But soon as the sister hit them notes? I literally had goose bumps on the back of my neck. She has the voice of an angel from heaven up above, and I just had to talk to her. I went straight to the phone and had Denetra reach out for an interview. She was so gracious to accept. Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to introduce you to Nicky Parish...

Richarh: Hey Lady how have you been? Nicky: All is well in the life of Nicky Parrish I must say, I have no complaints. My family is doing well, careers is flourishing and I am in good health so what else can I say?

Richarh: We hear you’ve been working on an album, please tell us about it, and what influenced the title? Describe some of the songs on there.

Nicky: I haven’t come up with a title for the cd just yet, I am taking a different approach Richarh: So, what have you been up to since than I did with my first album. On this one, I your appearances on the Apollo last season? am waiting until the project is completed beNicky: I am currently working on my second fore I name it but basically this album is an album for everyone meaning that no matter studio album, while still performing live throughout the city, state and other states. I the age, gender, ethnic background or walk am also working on the new “Nicky Parrish” of life, there will be something that each person can relate to on this album. brand. 127

Richarh: Why aren’t you signed to a major la- and an honor to be able to share the stage bel? Have you been approached or are they with the movers, shakers and legends in the just living under a rock? music industry but it is indeed a surreal feelNicky: There is no definite answer as to why I ing that is almost hard to explain to a certain extent. To be able to share the stage with am not signed to a major label but there is artist that I listen to and hear on the radio is more to signing to a label than what meets the eye. It’s not a process that happens over- always a blessing and a great opportunity that night. The process can be long and sometimes I dare not take for granted. I can honestly say tedious but touring with Smokie Norful gave that it is like living a dream.

me first hand insight on the ins and outs of Richarh: What’s the best piece of advice any the music business so before I sign with a ma- of them have ever given you? jor label or even consider signing with a major label I want to make sure I have all of my “ducks in a row” so to speak. Signing to a label is one thing but doing what it takes to not get dropped by that label is a totally different ball game but that’s why I am working on re-branding myself so when that time comes that I am fully prepared. I wouldn’t say per se that they are living under a rock but with everything in life, it is about timing and divine order. Richarh: Do you sing both gospel & R&B Nicky: Yes I sing both, I am blessed to be able to sing both genres of music. Like most singers, I developed my voice and started singing in the church at an early age. Richarh: What’s the experience like sharing the stage with so many greats? Nicky: Of course it is always a privilege 128

real the Nicky Parrish at all times. Richarh: What made you decide to perform that song? Nicky: Whitney’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” will forever and always be the best to me. Me personally, I wanted a “wow” factor when going on the Apollo and I knew that if I could master that song and the techniques needed to perform it that I would have a great chance of doing well and of course, like many girls and even guys growing up, Whitney was always an artist that I looked up to and greatly admired. Richarh: What went through your mind when Gladys Knight told you that your voice came from “up there”, referring to it as a gift from God? Nicky: The best piece of advice I have ever been given is to always be myself. I know it sounds very cliché’ but it is honestly holds true because we are living in a day and age where so many artist lose their originality and creativeness trying to be mimic or be someone else; whether this happens because of a personal choice or a decision from the record label, I feel for me that being myself is always the best option because I want my fans to get

Nicky: First, to be able to stand in front of Gladys and perform was the greatest honor, I mean it is Gladys Knight, a living legend but to hear her say that my voice came from up there sent chills throughout my whole body, I had to keep reminding myself to keep my composure because I literally wanted to cry, scream, run all at the same time. It was another one of those surreal moments that can’t be put into words. It is not many people

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am so thankful to be able to say that I am of that number.

Nicky: The vision and the ideas are still there but I have to have my priorities in order first before I pursue any major task and my main Richarh: What inspires you to sing? priority at this present moment is to finish my Nicky: I have many inspirations that inspire second album but after my album is completme to sing but my mother is one of my greated, then I will be delving deep into the Nicky est inspirations. Many do not know that my Parrish entertainment mom is a singer company, so keep your and she had an eyes, ears and hearts opportunity to open. take a full paid Richarh: So when can we scholarship to colsee more of you? What lege to sing that do you have coming up she later turned in the future? down to pursue marriage and start Nicky: First I would like to thank you for reacha family. For her to ing out to me and giving put her own perme an avenue to reach sonal wants and readers and fans around aspirations last for the world that I would my family speaks otherwise not be able to reach. I sincerely from volumes to me so the bottom of my heart she would be conthank you but My websidered my greatsite est inspiration but www.Nickyparrish.com for myself I view will be up and running music as an outlet very soon so all of my performance dates, vidand I use my music to express myself whether it be emotional- eos and music will be posted there. I can be followed and reached on YouTube, Twitter, Faly or physically . It always good to have an cebook and Instagram with the user name outlet to use when dealing with the many cir- Nicky. (dot) Parrish so look out for me on cumstances life can throw your way. there. I must say that I have some big things in the making so you will definitely be hearing Richarh: I also hear that you have inspirations from Nicky Parrish very soon. to own your own entertainment company. Howâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that coming along? 130

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THE HATTORI HANZO OF URBAN LIT: MIKE O WORD ASSASSIN By: Deszion Amani Nasir

These creations are the brainchildren of the force known as Mike O. A genius of words from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, this witty author has taken society's obsession with social media, drama, and urban literature and turned it into a plethora of visual insanity we can't seem to pull away from. Travel into Mike O's world with me; just for a minute. Bring an open mind. I'll bring a flashlight...

Deszion: Mike O...wow. You know, your written presence and your online presence are both mighty powerful. You can't fake that. You'd slip up somewhere. What do you contribute that to? Mike O: I really just have a no nonsense street background that I can't say I'm proud of, but my mistakes I acknowledged and accepted so I connect with those who do the same. Real is all I deal with and regardless of people saying everybody fake cause they

be the ones that can't connect. Accepting your flaws is human, but I definitely don't condone glorifying mistakes because even though I made it through it, I don't wish those footsteps on nobody. Deszion: I read somewhere that you were a social media junkie. I have to admit your Facebook timeline is one of the most interesting ones I've ever seen and it stays jumping. Do you think our obsession with it helps

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make your work so popular since it focuses a lot on online media? Well, that and your talent, of course... Mike O: Definitely people's obsession with the social media helps me get a chance to display my talents. Writing statuses/tweets for me is all business. I fell in love with words since I sculpted the first of my soon to be many cautionary street tales 1000 Grams from the footsteps I left behind in the game. Since then, my Fakebook Chronicles and Tweet Files short story series have made a significant impact and I owe it all to people's obsession with the social media mixed with my twisted mind. I modernized crime that's all, cause ain't nothing new up under the sun but technology.

dipped in blood (evil laugh)

Deszion: In the Tweet files, one of your main characters is a serial killer. I know when I write about killers, I have to take my mind to a pretty dark place to kind of...get inside that character's head. What do you have to do to get inside that dark place? Is it hard to come out sometimes? Mike O: The streets is a dark, cloudy place I spent about twenty years engulfed in, so I seen a lot of death around me. With Daniel Jones, the main character, he didn't start out a serial killer but an online publishing clique picking on his best friend set him off. Being that they all claimed to ride together, Daniel felt it only right that they die together. The writing flow really comes easy as bad as it sounds. The tip of my pen is

Deszion: What story has been your favorite and why? Mike O: It's hard to pick a favorite when I put so much of myself into each story. But if I had to choose one, it would be Smokin Mirrors. The story is set in the 90's which is an era I'm an expert in running the streets day and night. There are just so many twist and turns in the life of a real street hustler, I wanted to craft a tale for readers that was closer to how things really go down in that life. And Chuck Jenkins, the main character, is hands down bout that life.

Deszion: Have you ever gotten too close to a character? Meaning, you felt too attached or related to closely to someone's storyline that it was hard to finish or left you emotional? Mike O: Never will I get too close or emotionally attached to my characters to not let them be held accountable for their actions. They make choices and those choices have consequences. I'm more attached to karma than I am my characters so I have no problems just sitting back watching their story unfold. My characters are emotional, not me

Deszion: Who are you trying to reach with your work? Do you have a par 134

ticular audience you're trying to shoot for and are you trying to send them an overall message? Mike O: I am trying to reach lover's of urban literature who may have been turned off by the same old storylines, as well as the up and coming readers of the genre. There is a message in the choices and consequences of each character in each story. Life dishes messages and teaches lessons daily, so my stories are no different. I put you there and show you how it really goes down, ruff, rugged, and raw.

Deszion: What are your future goals, projects and dreams? Mike O: My future goals are to grow with each story and to put a 100% in each key stroke and make every word count. Fakebook Chronicles full story is due out soon, which will end the short story series. I'm not sure if any other authors have attempted to turn a short story into a full story, but I think I pulled it off. Also, the sequel to Smokin Mirrors is due to be released this year. I'm planning one more project but I'm gone let my readers help me decide which one. 1000 Grams II or finish the Tweet Files Deszion: Your fans on Facebook love series with a full novel like I'm doing with Fakebook Chronicles. you. Why do you connect with them the way you do when so many authors UPDATE: FAKEBOOK CHRONICLES IS OUT NOW! GO GET IT!!! don't? What do they give you and what do you give them? Mike O: Readers make authors, and without them there would be no Mike O. I don't think I'm any better than anybody else, and I respect others opinion which in return mines are respected and a connection is made. They give me the platform to showcase my talents, and in return I keep them entertained. Now if I can just get them to click share on my book links to help me grow, it would help ensure my longevity in publishing. 135

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JONAH ROCKS!!!! By: Deszion Nasir

So, I’m trolling along on my Faceboook timeline the other day, and I come across what looks like the a little kid playing on a set of drums. I’m instantly smiling. Awww… I love it when kids get interested in music! I decide to click on the link and see what’s going on; what little diddy this kid is hammering out. I’m amazed. And shamed. This kid is NOT an amateur by any stretch of the imagination. This boy is 5 years old and doing an almost unbelievable cover of “Toxicity” by System Of A Down. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z4PKBNzmuo&feature=player_embedded

Needless to say, I had my next story. This incredible drummer is Jonah Rocks. I pulled his Bio straight from his official website and learned some amazing info: Who remember paste in elementary? I ain't even said that word since kindergarten! It's called mayonnaise now.~ Amaru 139

-From

Jonah Rocks.com:

we decided to put a few of his vids up on YouTube. People began watching them Jonah is an 9 year old self-taught drumand sharing them. In no time, he had demer. He's never had a lesson, and plays veloped a large following. songs as he hears them, and how he thinks they should sound. He doesn't When Jonah was four, Craig Northey, "play it like the record", he plays his Doug Elliott, Pat Steward and Murray way. He doesn't have to learn how to Atkinson of the Canadian band Odds, play a song; he just has to hear it. Jonah came to visit Jonah and *play band* spends between 1 - 2 hours per week with him in the basement. It was a rockplaying drums. in' good time that he will never forget. Jonah is proud to call them his friends. Jonah started playing drums when he was 3 years old. At first we thought it In January of 2010, Jonah's System Of A was cute, but soon realized that there Down's Toxicity cover went viral. The was something going on here. He wasn't video received over 1 million hits in one just making noise, he was making music. day, and over 3 million in 3 days. We Within a few weeks, he was playing co- could not keep up with all the emails we vers of his favorite songs. It was so cool, were getting. Jonah's video was shown 140

on evening news programs all over the world. We were contacted by every talk show, news program, etc., inviting Jonah on television. We graciously declined. When he grows up, he can make those decisions himself. For now, he's just a little boy who loves to play the drums, among a lot of other things. :) Jonah has been very fortunate to have been invited to meet Eric Singer of KISS and fellow band members a couple of times. He's met Mickey Curry, drummer for Bryan Adams as well as Bryan and fellow band members. In September 2011, Jonah was invited by Travis Barker to come and meet him in Vancouver, BC. Jonah spent an awesome afternoon hangin' with Travis and company, playing drums and flying around the arena on Travis' flying drum kit. That evening, he attended the Blink182 concert, but not as a member of the audience - Travis had Jonah on stage, playin' drums! Jonah met some of his favorite drummers that day; Jay Weinberg (Against Me), and Branden Steineckert (Rancid). March of 2013 Jonah finally got meet his friend Dan Moyse and Sum 41. He had a great time jamming with the band at the sound check!

Jonah chooses all his songs, and he decides when he wants to “do a YouTube”. When he’s not playing music, Jonah loves to go ice skating, play soccer, ride his bike, and play video games with his friends. Say what?! Self taught? Playing like that? I also read in another article written by his father that a lot of people think his vids are edited, but dad states: “If Jonah messes up, we keep filming; if he drops a stick, we keep filming. It’s all there. Watch the vids. That’s all him.” Indeed. By 9, Jonah has played with some pretty impressive names in the game: KISS, Bryan Adams, Travis Barker-Blink 182, Sum 41, Against Me, Rancid, and those are just the ones I came across at press time. I can talk/type about him all day, but the best way to see how fabulously wonderful Jonah is would be to experience it: Jonah w/ Sum 41:http://video.search.yahoo.com/ video/ play;_ylt=A2KLqIH6Lp5TX0IAOF_7w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTByZ2N0c mxpBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDdmlkBHZ0aWQDBGdwb3MDMg--? p=jonah+rocks&vid=1d274d5a5d711ccc3b42ffb0327c5931&l=3 %3A29&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts3.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid% 3DVN.608019076964224294%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=http%3A% 2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv% 3Di1sc3jn9qvs&tit=Jonah+Rocks+Jamming+with+SUM+41+durin g+the+Soundcheck&c=1&sigr=11apvqijf&sigt=11l33sk8r&age=0 &fr=mcafee&tt=b

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Jonah with The Odds- Someone who’s Cool (4 years old):http://

2C+7+Year+Old+Drummer% 2C+Jonah+Rocks&c=29&sigr=11a14ujdb&sigt=11kjh86vm&age =0&fr=mcafee&tt=b

video.search.yahoo.com/video/ play;_ylt=A2KLqIH6Lp5TX0IAT1_7w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTBzYmZpb nA0BHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDdmlkBHZ0aWQDBGdwb3MDMjU-? p=jonah+rocks&vid=f620d5dbdfc81fd03143328607fc217f&l=4 %3A08&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid% 3DVN.607996562745003365%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=http%3A% 2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv% 3DpqXQL5pet_0&tit=Odds+-+Someone+Who%26%2339% 3Bs+Cool% 2C+4+Year+Old+Drummer+Jonah+Rocks&c=24&sigr=11abq9h5 8&sigt=11tidkvoq&age=0&fr=mcafee&tt=b

I could go on and on and on…

Jonah covering Green Day, 21 Guns: http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/ play;_ylt=A2KLqIH6Lp5TX0IAVF_7w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTBzY2FuY mVtBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDdmlkBHZ0aWQDBGdwb3MDMzA-? p=jonah+rocks&vid=ce8e48093bcbd79f90ec759548bf0383&l=5 %3A34&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts3.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid% 3DVN.608010117663362454%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=http%3A% 2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv% 3DRNDWOQJuajA&tit=Green+Day+-+21+Guns%

But I love to see a child so young take such an initiative and see a parent encourage him so much to the point that he blossoms to this point. He’s going to be great. He’s ALREADY GREAT!

Look out for this kid, I’m telling you! JONAH DOES ROCK!!! Check him out at http://www.jonahrocks.com

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to queen II Wow! You just don’t get it. What else do I need to say to you to get you to open your eyes? You have a choice and instead of taking the path of encouragement

you’d rather take the path of destruction That’s fine because it’s your life, But I have to ask a few things. Are you okay with being called a bitch, a hoe, a dime, a thot, a sidechick and other names

I have no clue about? Honestly, are you okay with that? Don’t get an attitude with me because I’m questioning you. Oh, I understand what you’re going through because I’ve been there. I know the pressure of trying to conform just to fit in and be accepted. The fear of not being “down” with your so called friends. Too scared to walk alone because the thought of being ostracized causes 144

a pain so deep words can’t begin to describe it. Faced with the decision to walk the way you know is right or walk the path that is easy. Pressure to decide right now because if you don’t they’ll leave and label you as a person non gratis. Trust me I know. I made the easy decision for a moment, but every day it gnawed at me that this just didn’t feel right. My heart wasn’t in the name calling and destroying my sisters. So I withdrew into a self-imposed exile. Alone with my thoughts I realized I had put my crown of real jewels on a shelf and replaced it with a crown of fake gems. Anger was there, but it wasn’t necessary because it served

no purpose for me. I stripped bare of all that wasn’t me, I stepped under the water to let it cleanse and revive me. In my nakedness I saw who I was. Stepping forward I dressed and 145

put on my crown of real jewels. I viewed myself in the mirror and saw I was a Queen, a Real Queen. Looking back at me were Queens who had paved my way and those still guiding me. A Queen isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afraid to admit her mistakes. A Queen knows that other Queens will uplift her, protect her and guide her. A Real Queen never gives up on another Queen. So the decision is still yours. Will you squander your potential to fit in with the wanna bes? Or will you take the path of true Queendom and encourage you sisters? Wanna be queen or I Am a Queen? The choice is yours.

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"People Before Profits" By Kevin Smith

we the people the victims of the new Babylon caste system involuntarily forced into the degradation of financial segregation we build the wealth for the privileged one percent of an ungrateful nation and as we break our backs everyday for menial pay the Plutocrats sit on capitol hill protecting their forty percent hemorrhaging government funds to the one percent while thumbing their noses at the working class by biasly refusing to raise the minimum wage but wait they say if we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like who represents our state we need to vote for change but what happened when showed up in force against President Bush to impose our voice they disenfranchised our votes further breaking the backs of the working class but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time we took the slack out come together and end the financial apartheid theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve imposed on our kind 147

by using nelson Mandela and south Africa as a model they broke the backs of a whole oppressive murderous regime lets stand up because the monkey of oligarchy cannot ride your back unless its plagued by oppressive slack so stand up

and fight back by doing what they think you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t standing shoulder to shoulder with your brothers and sisters no matter their race religion or color and scream from the waters of the pacific ocean to the steps of capitol hill until our eyeballs pop out of socket people before profits!

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Summers Down South Eartha Watts-Hicks

My childhood summers spent Down South Were lessons in appreciation. The moment I stepped my polished shoes Onto my family’s red dirt acre Ghetto red bricks appealed like castle stone. By day, I’d race in white “tennis shoes” My dust cloud far behind my barefoot cousin’s. Board games? Bored games. Can’t easybake mud pies, but they’ll just have to do. We never bring sunscreen; I’m easily baked by noon. Quenching my thirst at the water pump,

I’d kill for an ice cube. By nightfall, call me the mosquito feeder And avid reader; there’s only Channel 2. Early rest on the makeshift bed Rags that feel like nails Till I rise at the rooster’s call and Walk the eerie walk in the dim of Dawn.

Out to the outhouse Where I handle my private business In the company of busy flies The long journey back I am anticipating my room, my toys and color TV Home to the projects to watch the Brady’s And play with Barbie. 149

No Dreamhouse. And still happy just to be me.

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