Urban Image Magazine July 2013 Issue by Urban Image Magazine

4... Editorial 6...10 Things Paula Deen Can Do 9...What Influences Us 12...CBeautyArt 15...What’s Going On? 21...Nine Months and A Day

24...Motherhood from a Teenager to a Grown Woman with Teens: A Real Prospective 29...The Choking Game: It’s Really Not a Game! 32...Say What Now? 34...Welcome to a Gluten Free Life 39...Sexual Expression 42...Ask Emiaj 44...Shuga’s Love Lives On 50...Is there a such thing as too much water? 53...Kickin it wit Dez : The Fly Girl behind FlyKickz 62...Pleasure Principles 68...Not Role Model Material

72...Deszion Star Design 80...The Bad Boy Factor 85...Edward Snowden: Whistleblower or Double Agent? 90...Make Love Like a Lesbian: Part 2 Oral Sex...the “Other” Oral Sex 95 ...The Locker Room: Sports and Sexuality 3

Welcome to Urban Image Magazine! As always I am very pleased to present to you our newest issue. Usually I would take the “safe route” and give you a synopsis of what to expect in the current edition, but this month I decided to step out on a ledge and express my views. Quite honestly I’m nervous. This is the most difficult thing I have ever written because I am not just representing myself. I’m representing the views of Urban Image as a whole. My mother always taught me to say what’s on my mind and not to sugar coat things. I’m going to speak for Urban Image Magazine and the rest of “Black Media.” I’m going to say what’s on everybody’s mind; Fuck Paula Deen and everybody who ran out and bought her book! I knew the old country ass, collard green cookin’ bitch was racist in the first place. She represents a style of cooking that descends from black slaves and she exploited it, making millions off of the recipes our ancestors created in the southern kitchens over two hundred years ago. I know, I know ...what I said wasn’t “professional” and as a publisher of a magazine I shouldn’t talk like that. Whatever, sometimes we focus on being professional so much that we loose touch with reality. I'm just being honest and expressing how I feel. Did y’all see the Today Show interview? She didn’t even apologize. All she did was attempt to victimize herself. She claimed she was confused by what all the young kids in her kitchen were saying. Are you serious? She knows the difference between “Hey my nigga, what’s happenin?” and Hey, nigger, run out back and fetch me some wood for the fire place. I’m not goin for that phony, fear induced apology she made. She had to squeeze out the two tear drops I saw run down the creases in her wrinkled little face. She

said it herself, she is what she is. The only thing that she’s sorry about is the billions of dollars she lost in sponsorship, canceled books and TV shows. That’s what made her cry. But seriously fuck her… and when I say that I am saying forget about her. Really I think it is being blown out of proportion. Let’s look at the facts; she said the word “ nigger”. Now, when she said it did you lose your job? Did it prevent you from feeding your kids? Did you suddenly fall deathly ill? Has it stopped you from progressing in life in any way shape or form? So fuck her! Let’s keep it movin. The word “Nigger” can only have the power that WE give it. Think about that for a while. Peace and Love,

10 things Paula

Deen can

do to get in good with the black community By Richarh Aswanu

PeoPle ain't Perfect. We’re just PeoPle. We are all products of our environment. We can't help where we were raised and the values embedded in us by our parents. Black people are very loving and forgiving peoPle. We’ll give anybody a second chance. i honestly believe that under all the controversy Paula is a sweet ole Woman Who can make a mean cobbler. so i’ve compiled a list of thing she should do to give a new image 1) Tell her son to find a black woman and make her some little yellow grandbabies. *DO NOT move to step two until it is confirmed that she’s pregnant

2) Hold another press conference and apologize: Black people hate to be played like we’re stupid; just admit that she is a racist and state that she is tryin to change and ask for the help and support of the black community. (Be extra careful not to say the word colored) 3) Move into the White House as Barack and Michelle's personal maid and cook.

4) Get caught up in a sex tape scandal with the Reverend Al Sharpton, Charlie Wilson or Herman Cain (This will definitely get her fired from the White House, she should hold a press conference where she confesses that she has always had a thing for black men.)

5) By this time her son’s black girlfriend should be showing; she needs to get spotted by TMZ shopping for baby items with the girlfriend. Then immediately she should announce the news of the baby on Twitter. 6) Post a YouTube video of her burning the confederate flag while she denounces everything it stands for.

7) Take two of her former black employees to come forward with allegations of a secret affair. You have to move fast on this one. The allegations should be one week apart. Deny the first one, after the second one decline to comment for two days, then confess to both of them. 8) This step is important and very convincing repent for steps 4 and 7 by joining a predominately black Baptist church. Then immediately launch a promotional tour for the come back of her cooking show. Where she travels church to church catering church functions. 9) By this time her “lil yellow grandbaby” should be born. She should tweet hospital pictures of her holding the baby (Be sure to include her son and his girlfriend in the photos)

10) Become an activist for Civil Rights. Start a petition for the early release of Jessie Jackson Jr. or something.

What Influences Us by: Darrell Freeman Jr.

In life we deal with a lot of influences, such as faith, trust, materialistic things, role models & etc. From the beginning of time we been easily influenced by wickedness & sins of the flesh. It’s our own greed that’s leading us on a journey towards destruction. That greed has us losing site of what’s important & participating in activities that feels right but aren’t right. As the gates of heaven emerge open and Lucifer heaven’s fallen angel declares war on God & his holy kingdom. He begins his mission to steal, kill & destroy. From the sins of Adam & eve to the wrath, racism, terrorism & ignorance of today’s wicked world. Our children & children’s, children are plagued by materialistic envy & greed. This world has become a world of what you have, instead of what you have to offer. Our heavenly father sent his only begotten son to give us everlasting life. That’s how strong our father’s love is for us. Jesus was mocked, tortured & beaten for our sins. Yet we still continue to let the wickedness of this troubled world influence us. Despite it all our father continues to bless us. He continues to love us, he continues to watch over us. Thru it all. 9

Thru all our ups and downs.

Thru all our trials and tribulations Thru the heartaches, failures, disappointments, Humiliation, struggles & mishaps we’re still standing Thru it all god has blessed us to see a better day. God tells us don’t give up, after the storm, there’s better days. So many of us fall short of our blessing because of our lack of faith. We fall short because we refuse to see things thru. Hard times is nothing new to us. Thru it all, god will never leave your side. So why are you stressing, why are you worried.

Relax & give god the glory. Thru out our trials in life, we forget god’s right there. Sometimes we don’t realize we can’t do it alone. We refuse to acknowledge we need help & We end up making things harder than they truly are. Foolish pride & self - pity can make you miss your blessing Thru it all, god’s still there for you. Even when we turn our back on him. He still cares, thru it all, he’s still fair. Thru it all he still blesses us, although we don’t go to church 10

Although there’s so many things that influence us, no one’s love is greater than the love of our father. Every day he shows us his love by waking us up. It’s time we return the favor & acknowledge his love is what influences us to live right.

CBeautyArt Column for

Urban Image Magazine BY :

Christopher Brown

The CBeautyArt Column would like to welcome all our readers to another highly celebrated issue of Urban Image Magazine. As you know my name is Christopher Brown, Art Columnist for UIM, and this month I am here to introduce you to Michael “TONY B.” Bernardi, Executive Business Affairs for FLESH-N-BONE GLOBAL.

Doing it big in the Industry is how Tony B. likes to put it down! Starting an AMAZING career in promotions with Mo Thugs Records in late “97” things started to sky rocket. The 40 million plus worldwide record selling group was launched into stardom with awesome sounds that broke fresh and clean into the industry. The American Music Award winning group based their offices in Maple Hts., OH. where Tony B. began his upward rise. After Layzie Bone of Bone Thugs-NHarmony put him down with the team, Tony B. had the benefit of working with a combination of talent and business minds which catapulted them straight to the top. 12

Current projects are a new medical marijuana strain called Phifty Caliber Kush, which puts them in a league of their own! I would like to thank Michael “TONY B.” Bernardi for his continued support of the arts. To hear the live interview featuring Michael “TONY B.” Bernardi go to www.youtube.com/CBeautyFilm For more information go to www.CBeautyArt.com STAY TUNED FOR MORE UPCOMING ARTISTS!

What’s Going On? By: AJ Whitsett

Hello readers and welcome

her present in the car. An-

to another installment of

other woman approached the

“What’s Going On.” The last event and he shot her. few months I’ve covered

Zawahri had the woman in

stories about shootings around the country and yet again there is another tragic shooting at a college in California. On

June 7 2013, At Santa Monica College in California, a single gunman,

the car take him to Santa

John Zawahri, 23 years of

Monica College in which he

age, shot and killed a to-

shot at a city bus and a

tal of 5 people and injured police officer on the way. many more. His first vic-

Once at the college the

tims were his father and

gunman started taking aim

brother in which he shot

at random people and tar-

and killed and then set the gets. He shot into a vehihome on fire. He then hi-

cle killing an elderly man

jacked a woman’s car with

and injuring his daughter. 15

He shot another woman on

CT that did the shooting at

campus on his way to the

Sandy Hook Elementary

campus library. He entered

School was mentally handi-

the library and fired about capped and had access to 70 shots but all occupants

guns. Why is it so easy for

were able to hide or es-

people to acquire a weapon

cape. Police exchanged gun- if they don’t have the men-

fire with Zawahri to even-

tally capacity to handle

tually shoot and kill him.

it? There is a huge debate

.The gunman had on his per- in Washington right now son, an AR-15 semi automat- about guns and gun reforms ic rifle, dressed in tacti- that Sandy Hook and Aurora, cal clothing, at least 40

CO set afire. As stated in

30-round magazines, and

the May Issue of Urban Im-

a .40 revolver. He also had age Magazine, I have chila note expressing remorse

dren myself and whether it

for killing his brother and be elementary school or father. It was also said

college, I can’t be getting

that mental illness may

a phone call telling me

have played a role in the

that my child’s life was

events.

taken by another person

Now this leads me to wonder that went on a random what is happening with peo- shooting spree that ple and the carefulness or

should’ve never been closed

carelessness of guns and

to a weapon like that in

weapons. The gentleman in

the first place. It’s not 16

just

about you being care- opinion, it seems as if the

ful with your guns so that

US Government is doing this

you won’t hurt yourself but as some sort of a publicity also so someone does not

stunt and also maybe to

gain access to them and

show the world the power

hurt someone else.

that this country may have.

It was also believed that

It also will totally dis-

this gunman acted alone

guise the fact that we may

with no ties to any anti-

have a problem with nation-

Semitic, paramilitary, or

al security by way of home

anti US Government groups.

grown terrorists with for-

Well the same thing was

eign connects but like I

said about the Boston Mara- said it’s just my opinion. thon Bombing and later the US Government elected to try these gentlemen in a regular us criminal court rather than deem them as US Enemy Combatants and I’m willing to bet that if Zarawhi was still alive it would’ve been the same for him. In my 17

In other news, in Chicago

were shot and killed from

the crime rate has spiked

June 15-17. In a three day

to unbelievable levels here time span, that is just ablately. Throughout the year solutely absurd. Now if you Chicago had a lower than

are familiar with Chicago,

normal crime rate but ear-

even just a little bit it

lier in the year 8 people

is not a secret that the

were shot and killed in one city has a long standing

weekend in January. Earlier reputation for a being a this month the city had one relatively violent city but of the worst weeks in vio-

48 shot in one weekend will

lent crimes since. 41,

make the most violent city

thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right, 41 people

cringe a little bit.

were shot and wounded and 7

I think the gun control 18

is an old saying, “You live by the gun, and you’ll die by the gun.” Well it was sword but, you know what I mean. It makes sense and as long as people continue to feel this way, these use-

less violent crimes commitreforms being discussed in

ted with guns will never

Washington DC is definitely dissipate. It will always justified with some of the

be a discussion about gun

events that’s happened in

control. Put the guns away

the past 12 months. I defi- and talk about it. I don’t nitely feel that something

condone fighting but you

has to be done about this

live to fight another day.

problem and I am a believer Just talk about it. See you in the 2nd Amendment but

next time.

some of these “Right to bear arms” fanatics re-

fuse to acknowledge that it is a problem in fear that their precious little guns will be taken away. There 19

I had no clue what to write about this month. Single parents... great topic, but I can't relate. Growing up I came from a two parent household. And in my adult life I have no children. Granted, I have friends who are single parents but I am clueless as to what they go through daily. I admire their devotion and determination, as well as the countless sacrifices they endure to make sure their children have their needs and wants met. So, I pretty much decided I would pass on participating in this month's topic. Then one day it hit me.... my mother was a single parent for nine months and a day. You see, I was adopted by two awesome people. And if I wasn't nosy at 13, then I would have found out properly at 18. Discovering I was adopted was bittersweet. Even though I was happy, learning I was adopted made me feel that my life was a lie. I loved my parents, but now there was a new and unseen person who now was a part of my life. I didn't like her very much growing up; however, now I har-

bor no ill feelings toward her. I now feel a sense of gratitude. For nine months she nurtured me and protected me. She did what she could to make sure I was born healthy. It must have been difficult carrying a life that she was going to give up the moment it was born. I am beginning to realize that she did love me enough to carry me in her womb. And maybe, just maybe, that love continued when she signed away her rights to me. The one thing that I've noticed about single parents is that they don't make the popular decision, they decide what is best. In my younger mind I was of the opinion that she made the easy decision of giving me away, but I see I was wrong. I now realize she made the best decision for me. Sometimes I wonder what she thought that first time she heard me cry, knowing that she couldn't comfort me. How hard was it for her to enter the hospital, literally, full of life and leave with a part of her gone. I 21

hurt now because I know for nine months she carried me and cradled me in her belly, but she couldn't hold me for a second after I was born. My heart aches because never did she feel my arms around her and hear me whisper "I love you, Mommy". No matter how hard I may try, I can't hate her or dislike her nor can I love her. I can sincerely say I have enormous gratitude for her decision to let me go and because of her sacrifice I was much-loved. So to Patricia W. wherever you may be, thank you for the gift of life and love.

Adoptive Family Structure

Percent

Race Distribution of Adopted Children

Married

70.2 %

White

37 %

Unmarried Couple

1.6 %

Black

23 %

Single Female

22.7 %

Asian

15 %

Single Male

5.5 %

Hispanic

15 %

Other

Adoption Type Breakdown

Percent

Number

Private domestic adoptions

38 %

677,000

Foster Care adoptions

37 %

661,000

International adoptions

25 %

444,000

Reasons for choosing to adopt

Foster

Private

International

To provide a permanent home for a child

86 %

70 %

90 %

To expand family

61 %

60 %

92 %

Infertility

39 %

52 %

72 %

Wanted sibling for a child

24 %

16 %

36 %

Had adopted childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s siblings

11 %

N/A

Statistics obtained from: http://www.statisticbrain.com/adoption-statistics/

Motherhood from a Teenager to a Grown Woman with Teens: A Real Prospective By: Denetra Key

When people speak on teen pregnancy or “babies having babies” they usually focus on the socio-economic factors of this epidemic. People always focus on the negative ways that it will affect the mother and child’s lives or the vicious cycle of generation after generation of unwed teen aged moms that tend to plague families. From my perspective after becoming a teen age mother my senior year of high school that is not the say all end all. However no one ever stops to analyze the long term effect of the relationship a woman forms with her child while they are growing up in life together.

and knowing that I loved them and they loved me unconditionally. I thought that bond was Although being a teen mother makes the jourone that would never be broken. There was no ney of life more trying it does not serve as a greater love. termination for success. Many young women use the fact that they are a mother to catapult them to new heights because they now have someone that is depending on them. My children were my own personal motivation to make it no matter how hard times were. My motto was that if we had to go through hard times “we’d do it together” and I knew it would only be temporary because I was gonna figure out a way to make sure my babies had! I reminisce on them being babies knowing that all they had in the world was me… 24

I never was one of those parents that was out on the town all the time. If I was not at home I was at work making it happen for us and they benefitted well from my work ethic. They came before the bills and everything else.

lem.

My oldest although she has been with me the longest and probably knows me better than anyone on the planet. Has less respect and more contempt for me then a stranger in the streets. I have really had to evaluate why our There was a time that I worked over time for relationship has taken such a downward spia whole year and didn’t pay rent because the ral these last couple of years. I have come to landlord got caught up on a real estate realize my lack of adult friends and treating scheme. I know that the responsible person her as my buddy growing up has led her to not would have saved all respect that I am MOM and she is that loot, but not daughter. She me… No me and my doesn’t see my augirls balled out of conthority over her trol that year. I simply because I shopped… we went treated her as my out to eat almost every friend for so many day! We took trips. I years. mean we clowned. I used to call her my What is most trourock! Because she bling to me is knowing was that one that that after all of the sacrifice I made and how consoled me after that no good nigga went I struggled to raise my now almost grown out and cheated on me or beat my a@#. She young ladies the gratitude is no more. I rewas that child that would buck a dude that member when they were young children how was trying to fight me and say “Get off my much they seemed to love and admire me. Momma!” But putting her in those situations Now, that has all been replaced with neck predisposed her to my vulnerability. That has rolling, attitudes, and back talking. now back fired. I often wonder where I went wrong. My chil- You’d think that at the age of seventeen a dren are spoiled, very spoiled. There has never child would get it. That they would see all been a time in their lives that either my par- that their parent has gone through to get them to this point, especially being a single ents or myself have not made sure they had everything they have wanted or needed. But I mom, and when I say single mom I mean no do not feel that that is the core to this prob- help. I had three babies’ daddies (not because I was whore but I simply learned to not make 25

the same mistake twice.) There was never a time when I got support from not even two of them at the same time. I had Dad’s that were either unable to pay due to incarceration or chose not to pay because they just didn’t want to.

down. I couldn’t deny it she worked a full time and part time job all while she was going to school and raising me. My daddy was there financially but we didn’t get along back then because he let the bottle get in our way.

Although moms got cussed out on a regular One’s dad took the buyout at his job while I was in the solitude of my bedroom, I (CHRYSLER mind you) just because he did- never was disrespectful to her to her face. I n’t want to pay child support on her and that had way more sense than that. My momma was after he had been there 20+ years and was would have killed me. Yet even though the relationship with my oldest did turned to viomakin that looooong money. Despite all the scuffle I have gone through mine acts like I have done absolutely nothing for her ever. I remember when I was seventeen and packed up my stuff and called myself moving out of my mother’s home because she was getting on me about staying out all night. ( That was the summer I got pregnant too,mind you )I wasn’t gone a day before I was sneaking back home while she was at work to get toilet paper and food because the friend that I was staying wit’s mother didn’t keep her house stocked up like my momma did. Let’s just say that run away event didn’t last long.

lence over this past fall and I literally tried to kill her butt, I believe respect has diminished even more. She doesn’t even fear me anymore!

Meanwhile I have her other sisters; one being fifteen, soon to follow in her disrespectful footsteps and the other being seven, all taking This is totally different though. Although I wanted my mom to back up off me and let me commentary on the situation. Seeing just what they can or cannot get away with. By the time do what I wanted to do I still in no way I get the oldest two raised I will be totally thought I was on her level. I still knew she was Momma and she was holdin that thang grey headed. 26

So what advice do I give to all the young mothers out there in hind sight of my mistakes? Set boundaries: They are your children not your friends Get you some friends cause you damn sure gonna need ‘em Try not to let your children in on grown up situations: Try to limit your number of mates: (but don’t stay with someone that’s mistreating you by any means)

Hell we done been through a lot of bad apples in my home. What your kids see you go through with men has a direct effect on your relationship with them. Put them first but don’t forget about you: Every parent needs some me time. You deserve to go out every once and a while with grown up friends or to get a sitter to just go on a date by yourself. Although they are your everything…don’t let them be your EVERYTHING: That way if your relationship turns sour you can still find your peace. Find your own happiness; don’t find your happiness in anyone else because they are sure to let you down. Let your kids know you are human you have made mistakes and you want them to learn from mistakes Let them know that you have been there done that There’s nothing new under the sun therefore nothing that they can experience in life that you in some way shape or form have not already experienced in your day. To summarize you ARE gonna make mistakes. Everyone does…its learning process…and we all stump our toes along this journey we call life. Hell there are a lot of pebbles in the road. However if you do your best and never give up then none can say you didn’t try. The biggest advice I can give; is to love your children unconditionally, support them to the best of your ability, and give them support and encouragement in all their endeavors. One day even if it’s when their grown and have their own they will see you for the great mother that you are and have been all along. As for me and my hateful heffas… just keep us in y’alls prayers for real!

The Choking Game: It’s Really Not a Game! By: Talia Rice

Aja Chandler – 11 yrs old – alone in bedroom Sean Hill – April 26th R.J. Monroe – 15 yrs old – Dec. 4th – found in bedroom Gage Witek – 12 yrs old – Sept. 2012 Paige Klick – 13 yrs old – found in bedroom closet Twan’ya Boyd – 9 yrs old – found hanging from own belt in home Glan-Luc Jordan – 12 yrs old – Aug. 2011 Kimberly Wilson – 15 yrs old – Aug. 18th Isaiah Shell – 14 yrs old – Aug. 2012 Your child’s name here – age – date

Imagine your child’s name on that list. Imagine waking up or coming home from work and seeing that your child has hung themselves.

Really? How is this better? That is why parents we need to stay up on what our kids could be or are getting into before we are one of these parents with kids on lists.

The parents that have suffered that loss do not live in the present day, The Choking Game is also called every day that date next to their the pass out game, space monkey, the child’s name is the day they live and fainting game, scarf game, space cowwill live repeatedly forever. boy, California game, cloud nine and purple hazing. What do you know about the choking game? Ask your kids what they know about the choking game and see what they say. Do not feel bad if you did not know about it or should you feel bad that you did not? Eightysix percent of parents claim they have no clue kids were participating in this deadly game. Eighty-six is a high number! There is not an accurate number on how many tweens or teens have died from playing it because they were assumed to be suicides that were causing the deaths, not a game. How does The Choking Game Work? It’s kind of ironic that it is called the choking game when it is nothing like a game kids should be playing. The majority of kids are trying this by themselves which is even more deadly because no one will be there to release the pain. Basically the teen uses a belt, scarf, rope or whatever they can tie a knot in and wrap it tight around their neck. The goal is to get a brief high. In these kids’ heads this is better than getting addicted to drugs and alcohol.

Can you detect it? A lot of kids who are dying from it have not tried it before. So they are dying on their first time playing the game! However watch your kids anyway. Check for these behaviors or

symptoms: 

Mark or bruises on the neck



Bloodshot eyes



Wearing clothing that covers the neck even in warm weather



Confusion after being alone for a period of time



Presence of unusual items



Severe headaches



Secretive behavior



Bleeding under the skin of face/ eyelids Other signs include: wear marks on furniture, linens/ropes tied around doorknobs and the frequent need for privacy

Police are noticing that the kids who are high achievers in schools, participate in many activities and sports are the ones mostly doing this. As I’ve mentioned earlier these kids do not want the risk of getting caught doing drugs or alcohol or the addiction connected to it. In Oregon a study was done with 8th graders and it revealed 6% have played the game. That is 1 in 16 students. My daughter just completed the 8th grade, that number put this all in perspective. Parents, wake up!

Two child victims have won $1 million from a stupid 17 year old camp counselor who choked several campers telling the kids that it was a game. It was four campers in total aging from 9 -12 years old. The young boy was not supposed to be a counselor however during the camp they realized they did not have enough counselor to children ratio so they gave him a upgrade to camp counselor where he specifically asked for the young campers. That should have been the biggest red flag ever but they were more concerned about parents finding out that they did not pay attention. Also they were suppose to run background checks; if they would have looked on his Myspace (who still uses MySpace anyway?) they would have noticed a picture of him with a knife to his lips and a caption that read, Be quiet. This is going to hurt. The poor babies said he attacked them and choked them to near death. Luckily none of them died.

Look at the title, this is not a game! Kids are dying so parents I need you to do a few things. Open your eyes and realize that this may be happening under your roof. In my house there is no such thing as privacy. No closed doors, no computers in rooms because I don’t want to run the risk of putting them in a situation where this or anything negative becomes a temptation. Open communication; remember that you are the parents STOP TRYING TO BE YOUR TEEN’S FRIEND! To get more information on this And don’t be nonchalant about it, visit GASP’s website. That is Games don’t be afraid to talk to them because Adolescents Shouldn’t Play. it is easier to talk to them while they are alive than speaking at a podium at their funeral. Look at those names at the beginning please. $1 Million Awarded to Choking Victims

Welcome to a Gluten Free Life! Imagine waking up one morning and not be able to no longer digest your favorite foods. Those foods are pizza, sandwiches, cookies, and even some potato chips; that is just to name a few. Well that was me about a year or so ago. My day started off pretty normal; my daughter and I had a few appoints and we needed to get an early start. This meant that we would have to stop for breakfast. I ordered both of us a biscuit and went on our way. About twenty minutes after eating I started feeling sick. My stomach began to hurt as if someone was twisting up my insides. Then I broke out in hives. This had never happen to me before so my daughter and I headed over the emergency room. At first it thought that it was an issue with my gallbladder but that was removed a year prior. That feeling felt the same. The doctors decided to do an allergy test. That is when they found out I have glutenintolerance. What is a gluten-intolerance? Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that prevents the gastrointestinal system from properly absorbing nutrients. Gluten intolerance is a form of Celiac Disease it can show up in one’s early childhood or it can be triggered by pregnancy, infections, or surgery. Gluten intolerance can range in severity from minor to extreme symptom from eating grain-based food.

Gluten is a protein in grass type grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. Grain based food are breads, pastas and crackers. Some do not know that it gluten can also be found in sauces, medication, lipstick ,imitation crabmeat and other items that are not grain based. I have come accustomed to reading labels now before I buy. I look for the big bold letter GLUTEN FREE. Is this a fad others are trying or a serious illness? To some this is a fad, they have found out how much weight they can stand to lose when they remove the gluten from their diets. To me this is a serious illness. Majority of the people who have gluten intolerance are malnutrition. They see it as if they are just removing breads from their diets. Gluten also produces certain proteins that we need. We cannot eat everything and have to be very aware of the food we eat. Example: When I go to a friend’s cookout I have to bring my own bread, meat, chips and sauces. This is only fair to them so that they are not forced to the foods that I have to eat. While some may say “Oh I feel sorry for you.” Don’t feel sorry, just because I can’t eat the same things that you may eat. I am still able to eat good food. I am so thankful for friends who own businesses who cater to gluten free.

Cinnamon and Honey Gluten Free Pancakes and Honey Honey Drizzle:

flour.

4 tbsp canola oil*

Step 3: Scoop roughly 1/3 c of batter and pour onto a hot griddle to make your pancakes.

4 tbsp honey 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Prep Time: 10 minutes,

Pancakes:

*You can use safflower oil which has a lot more vitamin E than canola. **you can make the drizzle while cooking the pancakes so that they would both be hot and tasty at the same time. If you prefer the drizzle cool, you may want to make it first.

3/4 c brown rice flour

Pancakes:

1/4 c potato starch

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl and set them aside.

Cook Time: 10 minutes Makes 10 pancakes Difficulty: Easy Ingredients:

1/4 c tapioca flour 1 tbsp baking powder 1 tbsp white sugar 1 tbsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp of salt 2 eggs 2 tbsp canola oil* 2 tbsp honey 1 c almond milk

Step 2: Whisk the eggs, oil, honey, and milk together in a bowl until they are thoroughly mixed then pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredients and stir they have completely mixed and have become a nice batter. The batter may seem a little more runny than normal. This is fine. If you're concerned, simply add a tablespoon more of rice or tapioca

Tip: to get nice fluffy pancakes, wait until lots of little bubbles appear in the batter and then flip. Once you flip, resist the urge to press your spatula down on the pancake. The less it's touched, the fluffier it will be! Now that you've made the pancakes, you're ready for the drizzle! Drizzle Recipe: Stir the oil, honey and cinnamon together in a small saucepan over a medium-low heat for about 5 minutes then increase the heat to a medium-high until the mixture begins to bubble and boil. Once it's at a boil, reduce heat to low and continue to stir periodically while the drizzle simmers. Pour over your pancakes whenever you're ready and enjoy!

Gluten Free Strawberry Cupcakes Recipe Ingredients Cupcakes 1½ cups good quality gluten-free flour* 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon kosher or fine sea slat ½ cup Vegenaise 1 cup sugar 1 cup dairy free milk or water (I like to use a combination of half coconut milk and half water) 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 cup fresh strawberries, very finely chopped Frosting ¼ cup Vegan Gourmet cream cheese alternative ¼ cup Earth Balance 1 tablespoon coconut oil ¼ teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice ¼ cup finely chopped strawberries 4 – 5 cups (or more) powdered sugar Garnish – optional Strawberries Mint leaves * You can make your own gluten-free flour blend by whisking together 1 cup superfine white rice flour, 1/3 cup potato starch (not potato flour), 3 tablespoons tapioca starch and 1 teaspoon xanthan gum Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 12 standard sized muffin cups with paper liners. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a mixing bowl and whisk to combine. In another mixing bowl whisk together the Vegenaise, sugar, dairy free milk, lemon juice and vanilla until smooth. 36

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredient and stir to combine. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken up. Stir in the strawberries and divide the batter among the prepared cups filling each cup almost full. Bake for 30 – 35 minutes or until golden brown, the cupcakes feel firm to the touch and a tooth pick inserted into the center comes out clean. The strawberries will make these cupcakes very moist. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes then remove to a wire rack to finish cooling. While the cupcakes cool, make the frosting. Combine the Vegan Gourmet cream cheese alternative, Earth Balance and coconut oil in a mixing bowl of an electric mixer, preferably fitted with a paddle attachment, and beat at medium-high speed until smooth. You may have to scrape down the sides of the bowl a couple times to ensure the mixture is completely smooth. Add the salt, vanilla, lemon juice and strawberries and mix to combine. Sift in 4 cups of powdered sugar and mix, starting on low speed, to combine. You may need to add more sugar because you want the frosting to be the consistency of either stiffly whipped cream or buttercream frosting. Refrigerate the frosting for about 10 minutes before frosting the cupcakes. Frost cupcakes and refrigerate until serving time. If desired garnish with strawberry slices and mint leaves just before serving. Servings This gluten free recipe makes 12 vegan cupcakes.

E. AhDai

Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich Prep Time: 15 minutes 3 Tbsp tomato paste Cook Time: 30 minutes 1 tsp apple cider vinegar Total Time: 45 minutes 1 tsp canola or other neutral oil Yield: Makes enough for 2 large or 4 regular sandwiches. 1/2 tsp tamarind paste Vegan, Gluten free if you use GF bread, Low 1/4 c. water Fat, Refined Sugar Free, Soy Free 2 tsp maple syrup Ingredients: Directions: 1 can jackfruit in Preheat oven to 400 degrees. brine, drained Add onion to a skillet over mediand rinsed well um low and heat until it is carawith the solid melized and browned. Add garcenter pieces relic for the last minute or so, until moved (as shown fragrant. above) Mix together dry rub spices and 1/2 onion, minced toss jackfruit pieces in mixture 2 cloves garlic, until coated. Add to a medium minced saucepan and heat over medium Sandwich bread or heat for about five minutes to rolls toast spices. For the dry rub: Mix together wet sauce ingredients and add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to saucepan, along with onion and garlic. 1 tsp paprika Simmer jackfruit in sauce for 15-30 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper minutes until well heated and softened. 1/2 tsp ground mustard Using a fork, shred the jackfruit pieces 1/2 tsp black pepper into small stringy bits. Spread mixture pinch garlic powder evenly on a cookie sheet and bake for 15 pinch onion powder minutes until slightly dried out and tough1 tsp salt ened. For the wet sauce:

with

HIM: She never initiates any sexual contact. I just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand why she thinks her only job is to lay there. Sometimes you need to get MY engine started, too!

HER: The man is the hunter and the aggressor. Whenever a woman is aggressive with sexual advances, she gets called all kinds of whores, sluts, etc.

Okay,

people, this

SHOULD

be an easy

one

time.

this

Yes,

men like to

hunt initial-

ly…

however…

most men

LOVE when

shows

woman

man on she jump

that

her

he turns her

much

that

can’t

help

but

him.

It’s

great for his ego, it makes him more eager to please you after you stir him up, and, done creatively, it can surely spice up what may otherwise be a slowly waning sexual chemistry within the relationship. Most men don’t care for sex being treated as a chore, especially when their woman is simply laying there and receiving. Ladies, give back, lol. Men are often not all that

complex in what makes them happy: Feed me, Freak me, Be supportive. It’s highly doubtful your MAN – not some random you may have dated- is going to think you’re a whore for initiating sex. If he DOES… trust me there’s something else behind that. The saying is simply true that most men love a freak in the sheets. 40

You also don’t want him thinking you are reserving all your sexual energy for another man. That can open a whole unnecessary can of worms simply because you don’t want to “give in” and initiate the contact first. A lot of times we as

women

used to being in

charge, or having

to be independ-

ent, that we don’t

want

relin-

quish our hold

ANYTHING

and be seen as

weak…but

get

have to learn that

showing affection

shouldn’t

competition

battle of the wills

with our mate.

Sometimes

simply

don’t

know HOW to

initiate it because

the men we have

been with were

dominant in the

bedroom.

munication

Com-

tween each other

be-

can address these

issues and get you on the same page. If she won’t initiate sex, why? Women, don’t be scared to tell him the truth, no matter how odd or petty you might

think it is. At the end of the day, you’ll both be happier once you come to some kind of understanding and hopefully have a whole lot of great sex to go along with it!

Dear More than Just Friend,

Dear Emiaj, Hello how are you doing today? I hope this email reaches you in great spirits. I need some advice on how to handle a situation. Lately I have been sleeping with a close friend of mine. When I say close we have been close for some years now, but we just recently started having sex with one another. I have noticed lately that they are starting to have more feelings than before. I am not sure how to approach this situation, because I want it to stay the way it is. Can you please help me? More than Just Friends

I suggest that you talk to

your friend. I am sure there are more feelings there. People try hard to have sex without heart strings being attached, but find it is almost impossible unless it is a one night stand or even a mutual thing. Example: You have your own boyfriend and he has a girlfriend. Now keep in mind I do not condone cheating in any form. I know you want things to stay the same, but the day you

started having sex with your

what are you afraid of? Are

friend the game changed. This you afraid of really falling for is a case of the friends with

this person? Love and relation-

benefits. How would you feel

ships are things that are very

if you saw him with someone

beautiful if you find the right

else? Let’s say that you are out person to share it with. with your other friends and So talk to your friend, I am he shows up with someone else. sure they are waiting for you He is doing all the things that to acknowledge what they are you long for… then he introfeeling right now. What is the duces you as his “friend”. Now worst thing that he can say? you are forced to act like you No. If he says that then reare just his friend when clearmove the sex from the equaly you are not just friends. tion, and go back to being I feel like you are scared of friends. Oh and yes there is what the outcome could be. Be still friendship after sex. realistic with yourself. Ask Emiaj yourself; what about this perPlease feel free to email me at son makes me call them friend? Are they there when-

AskEmiaj@gmail.com

ever you need them even without the sex? Have they ever done anything to make you think they wouldn’t be a good mate in the long run? If you answered yes to question one, and no to question two, then 43

By: Brandy Adamson

Hopefully the holidays will bring more 1 of a kind cakes and lots of online holiday shopping in our boutique!

Is there a such thing as too much water? BY: Daezel Mae

Drinking water flushes toxins from your body. Though water doesn’t necessarily neutralize toxins, the kidneys do use water to get rid of certain waste products. If you don’t drink enough water, your kidneys don’t have the amount of fluid they need to do their job properly. Bottled water can cause tooth decay is a myth. Bottled water in and of itself doesn't cause the teeth to decay, but it usually doesn't contain any fluoride, which is added to tap water to help prevent tooth decay. “Fluoride is an important element in the mineralization of bone and teeth. Drinking water can help keep your skin moist is a myth. While it used to be believed that staying properly hydrated led to youthful, vibrant skin, the reality is that the amount of water you drink probably has very little to do with what your skin looks like. “Unless the individual is severely dehydrated, drinking large quantities of water will not prevent dry skin. 50

Drinking water helps you lose weight. Drinking water won’t specifically trigger weight loss, but it can aid in the process. Water replaces other calorie-laden beverages in the diet, causing you to reduce your overall number of calories. Plus, it can make you feel fuller, so you may eat less at each meal. Water, particularly cold water, may even play a role in increasing your metabolism.

Everyone needs to drink eight glasses of water a day is a myth. Though water is the easiest and most economical fluid to keep you hydrated. It’s impossible to set a single requirement for how much water the hypothetical average American needs each day. The amount you need depends on how much you eat, what the weather is, and how active you are. So instead of setting an estimated average requirement for water, as it has done for other nutrients, the Institute of Medicine has set an adequate intake of 125 ounces (about 15 cups) for men and 91 ounces for women (about 11 cups). Note that this is not a daily target, but a general guide. In most people, about 80 percent of this comes from beverages; the rest comes from food. As for the often repeated nutrition advice to “drink eight glasses of water every day,” there’s little evidence to support it, but this would be one excellent way to fulfill most of a person’s fluid requirement. If it is hard to get that much down just cut up some fresh fruit , even veggies and herbs to flavor your water. Tasty, healthy so drink up!

There’s nothing like a beautiful woman with a head on her shoulders who is out there “getting it” for herself. Not only is she a model but she is an artist and an entrepreneur. She has that “I’ll do it myself” attitude that I can relate to. Instead of hiring someone else to be the face of FLYKICKZ she decided to throw on her custom painted sneakers and pose for the camera herself. That’s the entrepreneurial spirit we embrace at Urban Image and we just had to have her on the cover. So we reached out to her for an interview and I was thrilled once I learned she was willing to do a lil Q&A with us. So I am honored and very proud to introduce you to Dez: the fly girl behind FLYKICKZ.

By: Richarh Aswanu

R i ch a rh : If y o u d o n ’t min d me a sk in g , h o w o ld a re y o u ? D ez: I ’ m in my ea rly 2 0 ’s. . .lo l

Ri ch a rh : W h a t w as it l ik e g ro win g u p in N ew J ers ey , I w as su p p o sed to g o o u t th er e a f e w ti mes b u t n ev er mad e it . D ez : I co u ld n ’t te ll y o u about th e re st o f Je rsey b u t g ro win g u p an d T ren to n as a k id I can r e me mb er b e ing ab l e to p lay o u tsid e fo rev e r w ith my fa mi ly an d ju s t h av in g so man y g re at ex p eri en c es. It w as n o wa lk in th e p ark a s y ear s p ro g r essed b u t my f am ily a lw ay s m ad e su re I s tay ed o n t rack .

Ri ch a rh : Co u ld y o u tak e a s ec o n d to tel l u s ab o u t y o u rs elf ? L et th e r ead e rs g e t to k n o w y o u a li l b it. De z: I’ m Dez th e O wn e r , Des ig n e r an d Mo d el o f F ly Ki ck z . I sp ec ial ize in cu sto m sn e ak e rs alth o u g h I a m a c re ato r o f man y th in g s f ro m k i ck z to can v ase s an d ac cesso r ies . 53

R i ch a rh : W h a t’s y o u r fav o r ite sp o t to ch ill a t wh en y o u ’r e h om e in Tr en to n ? D ez : I ’ m p r etty lo w k ey so wh en I ’m in T ren to n I’m d e f k ick in g i t w ith my fa m o r o n th e h u n t fo r a n e w p ai r o f sn e ak e rs . R i ch a rh : W h en y o u we re a littl e g i rl , wh a t d id yo u w an t to b e wh en y o u g rew u p ? D ez : I c an ’t r e me mb er ex act ly wh at I wan ted to b e a s a k id bu t I d o re me mb e r in g co lo rin g an d d esig n in g an y th in g I co u ld g e t my h an d s o n so p e rh ap s I’v e alw ay s w an ted to b e an art ist . R i ch a rh : So , h o w d id y o u co m e u p wi th th e id ea to p a in t sn e ak e rs? De z: I wo u ld se e al l th ese cu s to m sn eak e rs in v id eo s an d in m ag azin es an d th in k to my se lf I c an d o th at . My f irs t f ew d es ign s w e ren ’ t th at g o o d b u t wi th p rac t ice an d p atien c e I g o t b et te r. R i ch a rh : I k n ow h o w lo n ely it c an b e wh en y o u a re co min g u p w ith id e as to p u sh y o u r co mp an y f o r wa rd . Do y ou h av e so meo n e y o u can b o u n ce y o u r id e as o f f o f, o r d o y o u fin d y o u rs el f p acin g th e flo o r try in g to h ash it o u t o n y o u r o wn ? De z: As an o n ly ch i ld I ’ m u se to o p e ra tin g alo n e so I d o m o st o f my c rea tin g th at way . I n f ac t, I f in d th at I cr eat e so me o f m y b est id eas wh en I ’ m b u sy d o in g o th e r th in g s , it s ee ms mo re n a tu ra l th at way an d I can c rea t iv ely b u ild o n i t v ersu s s ittin g in th e stu d io fo r ho u r s try in g to f o r ce th e cr eativ e p ro ces s. 54

Ri ch a rh : W h en y o u d ecid ed to l aunch F LY KIC KZ did you r ec eiv e a lo t o f su p p o rt f ro m y o u r f a mily an d fr ien d s? D ez : My m o m ac tu ally re assu red me th a t F ly Ki ck z w as th e rig h t n a me fo r m e b e cau s e as a k id sh e k ep t m e in a p a ir o f Fly K ick z . . .lo l I ’v e a lw ay s b een a v e ry o u tg o in g p e rso n so my fa mily an d s ma ll ci rc le of fr iends kne w once I set my m in d to it I’d “Ju st Do It ”

f i rst step p ed o n th e s cen e b ec au se I was th e g i rl in cu t o ff sh i rts , sto ma ch al l o u t, with fit t ed p an ts an d k i ck z sh o w casin g sn e ak e rs an d sel lin g p o ste rs {O f m y se lf} . In fa ct man y th o u g h t I w as th e sp o k e s m o d el fo r th e co mp an y b ecau s e I w as o n all th e p o st ers an d p ictu res b u t so o n en o u g h th ey rea liz ed I w as F ly Ki ck z .

Ri ch a rh : W i th a ll th e b u sin ess Ri ch a rh : Do y o u an d h u stl e g o in g f ee l it ’s c ru ci al to o n o u t th e re o n th e h av e a st ro n g su p e ast co ast ( New p o r t sy ste m to b e Yo rk ) , h o w d o y o u su c cess fu l in b u si s et y o u rse lf apa rt ? n es s? D ez: I D ez : My sty le , o rig in al co n cep ts d e fin i tely b e liev e an d d es ig n s defi th at having a n it ely se t m e st ro n g te am wh o ap ar t. I’ m n o t fo in sp i re s y o u to d o cu s ed o n co n cep b e tte r an d b e b e ttu ally b ein g b et te r t er can th en th e n ex t p e r m ak e y o u fee l lik e n o th in g is un - so n ; I’ m mo re co n ce rn ed wi th a tta in ab le with h a rd wo rk an d b e in g b ette r th an I wa s wh en I at d ed i ca tio n . t en d ed my l ast ev en t , d esig n ed Ri cha rh: Wha t st ruggles did y o u my las t p ai r o f sn e ak e rs and f ac e in g ett in g F L YK ICK Z o f f p a in ted my las t c an v as . I ’ m ju st th e g ro u n d ? Dez : Th e f act th at t ry in g to b e b ett er th an m e. I ’ m a wo man wh o p ain ts k i ck z is Ri ch a rh : Do y o u d o mo s t o f y ou r so me wh at co n fu sin g to so me b u sin e ss o n lin e o r d o y o u h av e a p eo p l e alth o u g h th e ir a re alo t o f sh o p o u t th e re? D ez : My b u si d o p e fe ma le sn e ak e r cu sto mi ze rs n es s is m ain ly in a g a m e . So me p eo p le d id n ’ t q u it e u n d ers tan d my sty le wh en I 55

wo u ld cr eat e a b lu ep rin t fo r th e m to rev i ew an d o n c e th ey O K the d es ig n I ’d p ro v id e an est im at e r ec eiv e p ay m en t Via P ay P al o r in p e rso n an d b eg in p a in tin g . It ’s a ll p r etty si mp le . Ri ch a rh : P lease ex cu se me , I h av e o n e h ell o f a sen s e o f h u m o r . Th e re ’s alw ay s so me so rt o f b lo o p e r o r fu n ny ex p e ri en ce in conduc ted online how eve r I d o th e co u rs e o f d o in g b u sin ess just s ell a lo t o f my wo rk at th e l ik e an y th in g els e in li fe . H as an ev en ts th a t I a tt en d . y b o d y ev e r sen t y o u a r ag g ed y Ri ch a rh : Ho w m u ch d o es a p ai r a ss p ai r o f sh o es to cu s to m ize ? o f FL YK IC KZ co s t? D ez : Pr icin g ( If n o t co u ld y ou sh a re a fu n n y d ep en d s o n h ow s i mp le o r co m ex p eri en c e y o u’ v e h ad in th e p l ex th e d esig n b u t I ’ m al way s co u rse o f y o u r b u sin e ss) D ez: I w ill in g to cr eate a d esig n b as ed m ak e su re to em p h asi ze B ran d o n a cl ien ts p ric e r an g e . N ew , N ev e r wo r n an d Fr esh o ut th e Bo x . .. lo l Ho w ev e r I h av e had Ri cha rh: Wa lk us th rough th e a fe w p eo p le t ry to g iv e me fak e p ro cess , st ar t to f in ish o f h o w sn e ak e rs to p ain t an d I’d k in d ly so meo n e can p u rch as e a p ai r o f F L YK ICK Z f ro m y o u r co mp an y ? h an d th e m b a ck w ith th e sc re w f ac e an d say “ So rry I can ’t p ain t D ez : A fte r v isit in g my w eb site th ese” . . .lo l an d ch eck in g o u t my wo rk if so meo n e wan t ed me to r ec re ate a d es ig n fe atu r ed o n my si te th ey wo u ld . . . Co n tac t m e v ia p h o n e o r e mail , le t me know what th ey h av e in m in d de sig n wis e, i f th ey n e ed ed me to su p p ly th e sn e ak e rs , an d wh a t siz e th ey wo re and I wo u ld g iv e th e m an esti m ate b as ed o n th at in fo r ma tio n . Ho w ev er , I f so meo n e wan t ed a cu s to m d es ig n o f th e ir o wn , w e wo u ld talk o v er th e id e as , I 56

Ri ch a rh : I n o tic e th at y o u cu sto mi ze N ikes . Do you do any o th e r b r an d s o f sh o es o r d o y o u hav e an ex clu siv e co n t ra ct wi th th e SW OO SH ? De z: I p u r ch ase my sn e ak e rs ju st l ik e ev ery o n e else so n o co n tr ac t. .. Y E T! I d o p ain t o n a v a rie ty o f sn e ak e rs ju st d e p en d s o n th e c li en t , th e d esig n an d o f co u rs e th e co n cep t .

h av e

Ri cha rh: Do you lik e re tro sn eak e rs fro m b a ck in th e d ay , o r d o y o u lik e th e n ew s ty les th at h av e b e en co min g ou t l ate ly ? A lo t o f th em lo o k lik e sp a ce sh o es to m e . D ez : Th e h isto ry o f g rea t sn eak e rs rep e ats it sel f in sty l e with a lo t o f n ew co lo r way s an d sm al l a cc en ts o f co u rs e. Ho wev er I

Ri ch a rh : I re aliz e th at d i f fe ren t ev en ts o r activ it ies c all fo r a ce r t ain d r ess co d e , b u t wh i ch d o yo u p re fe r; j ean s an d sn eak ers , o r sk i rts an d st ile tto s ?

to ad mi t th e q u a lity o f so me of to d ay â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sn e ak er s a ren â&#x20AC;&#x2122; t q u ite a s g o o d as th e k i ck z I wo re as a kid an d so me o f th e n ew stu ff i s kin d o f in te res tin g . Ri ch a rh : W h a t is y o u r fav o rit e sn e ak e r o f a ll ti m e? D ez : Th e N ik e Du n k Hi , o r Jo rd an 1

D ez : Bo th , h o wev er I r ar ely we ar j ean s u n les s th ey st r etch an d so me ti mes I wea r my sk ir ts with K ick z . I ju st d o wh at I wan t . .. lo l

Ri cha rh: I see tha t you sport so me n i ce li ttl e t rin k et s in y o ur p h o to s . A re th o s e y o u r d esig n s a s we ll? D ez : Th an k y o u . I cu sto mi ze a lo t o f m y ac cesso ri es f o r my p h o to s, t ru th fu lly I t ry to p ro mo t e my lin e an y way I can .

n es s is h an d led th en y o u can enjo y p lay ti me th a t mu ch mo re . P lu s, Fly Ki ck z is fu n to m e; I g e t th i s b o o st o f en e rg y wh en Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; m a t sh o w s p ain tin g liv e an d m eet in g p eo p l e wh o lo v e an d en jo y my wo rk . I co u ld d o sh o ws a ll y ear Ri ch a rh : W h a t o th e r p ro d u c ts d o r o u n d . y o u see y o u rself d ev elo p in g in Ri ch a rh : W h en I fi rst sa w y o ur th e futu re? Dez: I would lik e to p h o to s , I co u ld s ee th e d e te r mid es ig n cu sto m su n g la sses i f g iv - n a tio n in y o u r ey es . Th a tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wh a t en th e o p p o rtu n ity . d rew m e to y o u. Ev e ry p e rso n wh o is d o g g ed in p u rsu in g th ei r Ri ch a rh : Ho w d o y o u ju g g le g o al s h as a f ir e b u rn in g in s id e o f b u sin e ss an d p lay ti me? Do y ou th em . W h a t fu els y o u r d esi re to g e t to g o o u t mu ch , o r d o es F L YK ICK Z t ake u p mo st o f y o u r su c ce ed ? D ez: T h e o p p o rtu n i ty to d o it my way , m ak in g my own t im e? D ez : I b el iev e o n c e b u sip a th g iv es me th is ap p etit e to 58

g o o u t th e re an d g et i t. I w an t to be able to say to mysel f I did

h u stl e?

m y p e rso n al p ro b le ms ce ase to ex ist; I’ m at e as e in th er e .

m o d el an d I’ m l ik e wh y c an ’t I d o b o th . . .lo l

D ez : I ’v e b e en f o rtu n ate enough th at o r a t le ast I tr ied . to h av e m en an d wo men resp ec t Ri ch a rh : In a pr ev io u s in t erv ie w m y g rin d . P eo pl e can s ee b y the y o u said y o u h av e an ar t stu d io . w ay I c ar ry my s elf th at I b eli ev e Wh a t all d o y o u h av e g o in g o n in in wh at I d o an d I ’ll wo rk h a rd to g e t my jo b d o n e . A t th e en d o f th er e? D ez: I h av e Fly Kick z Sn eak e r A rt c an v as es ev e ry wh e re th e d ay , y o u h av e to b e mo re th an a p re tty f ac e an d my wo rk f ro m th e wal ls to th e flo o r, an a weso m e g lass t ab le th at in c lin es sp e ak s fo r its elf . to mak e Ri ch a rh : p a in tin g H av e y o u e asi er , f ac ed an y K ick z all in ch all en g es m y clo s et a s a b u siw ait in g to n es swo man b e p a in ted th at y o u fe el an d lo t s o f m en wo u ld sh e lv es n ’t h av e to f ill ed wi th d e al w ith? p a in t. D ez : As a m an p eo p l e Ri ch a rh : Is ex p ect y o u y o u r art s tu to l ik e d io lik e a sn e ak e rs b u t p e ace fu l re a s a wo man t re at fo r wh o lo v es y o u ? D ez : an d ap p re ciWh en I’ m in a tes h e r k ick z it c an b e a lot for th e stu d io I feel l ik e I ’ m in an so me to co mp reh en d . I h av e p eo o th e r wo rld . Th e min u t e I walk th ro u g h th e d oo r o f my stu d io al l p l e say to me wh y d o n ’t y o u ju st

Ri ch a rh : Be in g a b e au ti fu l wo m - Ri ch a rh : Re al ta lk , I tip my h at an in b u sin ess fo r y o u rsel f , is it to y o u b ec au se th er e is mo re to h a rd to g et men to r esp e ct y o u r y o u th an “ju s t 59

b e au ty ” . W h at ad v i ce d o y o u hav e fo r any young lady out th er e wh o th in k s th e ir lo o k s w ill g e t th e m th ro u g h li fe?

n es s? D ez: B eliev e in y o u r d rea ms an d asp i ra tio n s and cont in u e r esea rch in g an d le arn in g . M o r e i mp o rt an tly , n ev e r b e a f raid to a sk q ue stio n s o r a sk fo r D ez : Th an k y ou , I ap p rec iat e th at . To th e y o u n g lad i es co min g h e lp . u p I ’d say w ith ti m e lo o k s will Ri ch a rh : H ey D ez , th an k s fo r f ad e so mak e su re y o u stan d fo r y o u r t i me . I h o p e o u r re ad e rs g o t so me th in g p o sit iv e an d g r eat b e - to k n o w y o u an d y o u r b r an d a l itc au se If y o u d on ’t stan d fo r t le b et te r. B efo r e w e g o , is th er e so me thing an y th in g y o u ’d lik e to say? Take y o u ’ ll f all fo r an y th in g so st riv e th e flo o r… Dez: Th an k y o u to U rb an I mag e Mag azin e fo r th e to b e mo re th an ju st a p re tty o p p o rtu n i ty to b e fe atu r ed in th e f ac e . m ag azin e an d fo r Su p p o rtin g Ri ch a rh : A re the re an y tip s, o r is F ly Ki ck z . Be su re to v isi t my th er e an y th in g y o u co u ld say to w eb sit e fo r mor e o f my cu sto m h e lp a wo man o u t th er e co n te m- wo rk w ww . Ia mF ly Ki ck z .co m p l atin g sta rt in g h e r o wn b u si-

Pleasure Principles By: Abman Glaster

ELAINE

In a daze Elaine sat at the dining table. She lost her appetite, after the meeting with Riley Washington, a private investigator she had retained to spy on her husband. He had just presented factual evidence that confirmed her suspicious.

Washington to get to New Orleans, on the next thing smoking, to find out that something.

RICHARD & MARCELLE Arriving at a private airfield, just 30 minutes outside of New Orleans, Marcelle and Richard were chauffeured in a Rapide, the first 4 door, 4 passenger sports car from Aston Martin. The driv“Your husband’s jet had filed a er? A woman so beautiful and artfully put together that it was almost intimidatflight plan for New Orleans.” Riley’s words now echoed in her head. Then he ing to be in her presence. Then again every woman they’d encounter over the produced documents attesting to that next 48 hours would be of this magnifact. How he’d gotten them she was still tude. oblivious to. She wasn’t mistaken. RichBefore long the Aston Martin ard had said that him and Marcelle Rapide was pulling up to the rambling would be hosting a weekend seminar for stone structure of turrets and bell towers investors in Hollywood Florida. In fact atop a hill that rose from 115 acres of this was a seminar Marcelle and him had sweeping pastures, which required $1.5 million of landscaping, much of it to enbeen hosting for the past couple of years. sure the privacy of the guests. Or so she thought. A former monastery built in 1613 made Elaine felt sick to her stomach. the transition, first to a convent, then ironically enough, now to a chateau/ There’s no need to lie, unles Richard boutique hotel, ran by the legendary was trying to hide something. And she Madame Fontaine whose cadre had just shelled out $10,000 for Riley 62

of exotic women were imported from all across the world to be auctioned off exclusively to the rich and social elite. There were more than 200 heavenly angels from more than 120 countries.

subdued style was apparent in the master bedroom, where custom Greek wainscot and upholstery, with bronze nail head trim, covered the walls. A gold plated, European classics chandelier, hung above a custom oversized ‘emperor’ bed dressed in Anichini linens.

Every 3rd weekend of June the Madame Fontaine hosted this auction dubbed ‘Pleasure Principles Weekend.’ An event that ran Richard and Marcelle The villas other amenities includ$150,000 each. ed high vaulted ceilinged dining and Under the direction of French inte- great room, as well as an exercise room and a stadium style media room with a rior designer, Jacques De Gaulle, the 120 inch screen TV, a billiard room, a chateau’s art deco motif in the lobby gave way to the opulent ambience of a bar, a steam bath and sauna, and a terSouth African palace; a regal tone with race with a hot tub and fire pit. A private elevator conveyed guests to and from dramatic lighting, cream white pillars that rose floors of ink-black marble, and the suites elevator lobby, where a hand painted, Pompeian style mural and a conversation areas with thickly cushsculptural water fountain was on disioned seating and veils for privacy, where beautiful women lounged. Most play. The elevator also provided access to the chateau’s tower VIP check in of them in the nude. lounge and the 2 acre ‘Garden of the Chateau Grandeur was built to Gods’ pool area. house 165 rooms and 35 suites, includAfter taking in the rich ambience ing a trio of 2nd floor retreats, where Richard grabbed the $16,000 bottle of rates were $50,000 a night. Two of Glenfiddich 50 year old malt whiskey, which Marcelle and Richard had realong with a shot glass from among the served for the next 3 years. Ted Muehling’s glistening tortoise colRichard’s was the 4 bedroom Conlection off the dining table. He headed stantine Villa with its hand painted Dorfor the master bathroom, which continic columns and marble accents drawn ued the Grecian theme with its hand upon Greco-Roman architecture. The painted columns and travertine walls, 63

and an oval shaped soaking tub rimmed with Esmeralda onyx. And there she was, a compliment of the house, soaking in bubbles that reeked of rich lavender.

cigars American aficionados have coveted, that citizens of other countries were free to enjoy. For disadvantaged Americans a box of pre-embargo Havanas remains the holiest of Holy Grails because This is what life was all about, Richard thought as he poured himself a such a prize was legal to purchase and possess in the United States. For those glass. For the next 30 minutes he and the ebony, Jamaican doll, played which fortunate enough to afford the $100,000 price tag. hole felt the best to him. Meanwhile Marcelle was in the 4 bedroom Claudius Villa. The living room housed a pair of modernized Louis XIV style armchairs, a cream color palette, along with other nods to French classical style that gave the place a royal feel. The living room also held a grand piano and an imported stone fireplace. In the master suite was a custom bed set beneath a grand chandelier and a hand carved Crema Marfil tub resting on Mosaic tiled floor. In the dining room a hand painted metal leaf chinoiserie mural caught the light cast by a Niermann Weeks crystal chandelier. The custom walnut dining table accommodated 10, and each end sat a woman bearing their treasures. One was of Asian descent. The other; an olive colored princess, who was of the Mediterranean persuasion for sure. On the table was a box of Cuban

The treasure trove comprised 8 cedar boxes of 25 cigars each and a cedar cabinet of 50 cigars for a total of 250. Specifically the collection contained 6 boxes of Dunhill Seleccion Suprema Don Candido No. 505 (3x30), 2 boxes of H. Upmann Dunhill Seleccion Suprema No. 201 (4x36), and one cabinet of Monte Cristo Seleccion Suprema No. (6x42). Housing this assortment? Daniel Marshall--the master artisan, who, since 1982, has handcrafted humidors for celebrities, royalty and brands including Tiffany & Co., S.T. Dupont, and Alfred Dunhill, designed a 100 cigar, curved lid signature treasure chest humidor. This work of art was fashioned with rounded corners of vavona burl, inlaid with ebony, and protected by Marshallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glasslike, trademark 1,000 coat finish. This custom made humidor boasted a solid

gold medallion featuring a platinum filiNancy Avery, daughter of Texas’ gree of their Martin & Abraham compa- senior senator John Kelly, was the one ny logo. to introduce him to the JetPass. She had hired Riley to spy on her husband The Mediterranean delight was closest to him. She rose from her seat to Mitchell Avery, the private owner of 7 pour him a glass of ‘Richard Hennessy’ state prisons. 1 in California, 2 in Florida and 4 in Texas. as he clipped a cigar, put it to his lips and flicked a butane lighter to heat the tip. Marcelle looked up to the ceiling and released a cloud of smoke that carried with it all of his frustrations built up over the past year. The glass was handed to him just as the China doll took him by the hand and lead the way to paradise. P.I. RILEY WASHINGTON While en route to Teterboro Riley had placed a call for them to have a jet fueled and ready for take off in under 30 minutes. “And Carl phone ahead to New Orleans’ Kennedy airport. Tell them I need a car waiting on the tarmac. A Charger Hemi. Black with tints,” he specified. 15 minutes after reaching Teterboro Riley was airborne in a Hawker 4,000, one of the more comfortable and spacious mid-size business jets. This particular one could seat 8 with considerable stand up stretch out comfort. Two -type captains were at the controls.

She was the very first customer Riley took on when starting his P.I. firm ‘Sharp Eye Washington.’ The name was a tribute to Richard Pryor’s character in the film Uptown Saturday night, Riley’s favorite movie from the blaxploitation era. Well anyway Riley had been doing some P.I. work since returning from the Iraq war. Mostly small jobs for insurance companies and the like. Nancy Avery paid him handsomely to watch her husband’s every move. And being that Mitchell took frequent trips around the country, she purchased a FlightOptions JetPass Select, which offered 25 hours of flying time to and nearly anywhere in the country, at a moments notice. A $97,000 value. Not even a fraction of the $41 million divorce settlement she eventually won for Mitchell’s adulterous ways. The photos Riley were able to capture were indisputable. Many of them of Mitchell in some very compromising sexual situations.

That case had gotten Riley on the map, both in popularity and financially. Nancy generously shelled out to him 3% of the settlement, just over $1.2 million. After that nearly all the wealthy woman from New York to California, whose husband even blinked the wrong way, had showed up in his office.

ing photos of Richard Martin, one of the most successful black investors in the country

For the past 4 weeks Riley had been following the man’s every move, and all he could detect was that the man had an unrelenting work ethic. Richards day started out at 5 am with a 2 mile run Last month the delectable Elaine through Central Park. Then he’d make it Martin had showed up. She had broke to the gym for an hour of strenuous pulldown into tears right there in his office, ups, dips, and push-ups, along with an while rambling off about her suspicions. hour of light weight lifting. Still, he’d The typical stuff. Sex wasn’t the same. be the first to show up at their lower Husband’s hours were getting later and Manhattan office. And most nights he’d later at the office, so he says. The excus- be the last guy to leave. es were more and more lame. Most Always straight home. alarming, though, was the late night Riley sort of envied the man. Very calls to their home, where the caller rich, very powerful, hardworking and in would just hang up. Always from an unperfect shape. Richard Martin was what available number. all men strived to be, and what all womRiley had explained that many an hoped for in a man. wealthy people experienced these sorts of things. He suggested that she maybe should consult with a security firm and get a body guard of some sort. “A woman’s intuition it’s called,” Elaine had stated emphatically. “Trust it,” she said further, while sliding a check for $5,000 across Riley’s desk. “Your retainers fee, Mr. Washington” Along with it was an envelope contain66

Not Role Model Material BY: Nikki G

When folks tell you they do not want to be seen, portrayed or illuminated as a role model….believe them. Once again Rhi Rhi and her bad gal behavior has been the recipient of shots fired because she is not portraying the life that young girls should look up too. Rhi Rhi has insistently said that she does NOT want to be received as a role model.

The girl is young, beautiful and rich….she ain’t got time fo dat!! She is doing her in a major way. Even celebrity women who we assume, because that’s what it is, want to be or should be perceived as role models back slide into behavior that would, could and have been called into

question. Probably before but definitely during and after the Incredible B mega star and somewhat wholesome Beyoncé KnowlesCarter hit the superdome stage to perform at the Super Bowl half time show she was pummeled online. This comment made by one concerned viewer, Kathryn Jean Lopez went viral: “I don’t want to linger on this, but last night’s Super Bowl half-time show was ridiculous — and gratuitously so. Watching Twitter, it was really no surprise that men made comments about stripper poles and putting dollar bills through their TV sets, was it? Why can’t we have a national entertainment moment that does not include a mother gyrating in a black teddy? The priceless moment was Destiny’s Child reuniting to ask that someone “put a ring on it.” As I mentioned on Twitter last night, perhaps that case might be best made in another outfit, perhaps without the crotch grabbing. It seems quite disappointing that Michelle Obama 68

would feel the need to tweet about how “proud” she is of Beyoncé. The woman is talented, has a beautiful voice, and could be a role model. And she is on some levels — on others she is an example of cultural surrender, rather than leadership.” Now, we can compare who should and shouldn’t be considered a role model all day. Beyoncé and Jay-Z had a semi-public relationship/ courtship and didn’t have a child until they were joined in holy matrimony which is supposedly the proper way to do it; yet and still her she is being blatantly referred to as a bad mother….not role model material apparently. Disney and Nickelodeon produced Miley Cyrus and Amanda Bynes aka The Fallen have definitely let their true freak flags fly. Miley Cyrus the nation’s dedicated twerk-a-teer has announced via her new track “We Won’t Stop” produced by hip hop beat maker Mike WiLL Made It, a very popular hip hop producer with tracks like Juicy J’s “Bandz Will Maker Her Dance” and Lil Wayne’s “Love Me” to his credit. The pop-rap track informs the masses that she is “about that life” and it’s her mouth so she can say what she wants to and most definitely isn’t caring about her image or appearing to be crossing over to the dark side and we all know what the dark side is….and it’s also grounds for not being role model material. I see the posts, I read the tweets all of the chatter 69

about Miley acting like she’s a person of color and such. I don’t define myself by being able to twerk, dance to a hip hop beat, give the finger in a video or act a fool for the camera but that’s just me and I am a person of color. However, I

do think that Miley is doing Miley and she is allowed to and doesn’t have to subscribe to anyone’s rigid criteria for role model. And Amanda is well….loosing it. Not to say that as women we haven’t all desired or thought dayum I want (insert name here) to (insert verb here) my vagina. But to tweet it across the globe to a person; that is from what I can tell, not thinking about you for no other reason put to cause a stir is not…well role model material. Amanda Bynes once carried Nickelodeon with her one woman comedy show at the tender and youthful age of 13. At that time in her life publicly she probably could have been per-

ceived as a role model but just like us real people on this earth, celebrities evolve. They evolve into grown-ups that drink, smoke, have sex, twerk, get married, break up, get abused, rob, steal, go to college, drop out and some more stuff just like everyone else and are not meant to grow old on the pedestal just sit there, look pretty, smile for the camera and move over for the next big thing until they disappoint the masses and are kicked to the curb. Being a role model is a fictitious title in the minds of people who need someone to look up to that cannot find it within themselves or locally. For them no one will ever fit the mold because they are obviously missing the fact that a “role” is just that a part, a muse and no one can stay in a role forever. You grow, you evolve and those watching need to do so as well.

BY: Deszion Nasir

AIRES (21 MAR.-20 APRIL) For Aries this month work is more likely to go well and you will be able to make some profit out of it. Meet people or settle deals with new partners and co-workers, thus creating new alliances, which will open up alternative horizons. Aries born will also have the opportunity to take or plan a trip in a far away country. Better to join some regular course where you could learn

more to bring forth your talent. Try to adjust yourselves according to situations. There may be some unusual events and you will have to work extra hard to set things in order. You might get opportunities to go on short journeys in the first half of the month. Aries zodiac sign born will gain a lot of success in business by the end of the month. A hesitating nature would prevent from developing a romantic relationship. It is time for you to realize the importance of love in

life. The month brings a special sur- You are serious from your nature and prise as far as health is concerned for this helps you achieve a lot. Gemini Aries people. born shall be able to concentrate better in business after succeeding in givTAURUS ing it a right direction. You'll have to (21 APRIL-20 MAY) deal with a hostile person who has heaps of initiative. He or she will inStars are favorable and Taurus born terfere in a work matter which concan expect some rewarding times cerns you directly. Your financial staahead. You are advised to take all the tus will also follow this increase as you career, finance and investments relatwill not only gain some money from ed decisions with utter caution. Your an unexpected source, but also receive intuition may play role in risky gambonuses for your overall work. Gemini ble, which can bring in modest profits. zodiac sign born will be given the reYou must watch your step! If you act sponsibility of an important assignin advance, you can manage the situament which would be the beginning of tion. Taurus zodiac sign born should good things to come. Aggressive enertry a different formula every day and gy goes on the rise and you are prone see what suits the most. Your to 'jump to conclusions' and make asknowledge will be heightened with sumptions. Nurturing love life will not your continuous efforts in exploring only bring unlimited joy but also cenew areas. Those Taurus born who are ment the bond. Avoid health problems married may have conflicts with their one has to take a preventive care. At spouse. A lack of mutual understandthe same time exercises are must. ing would be major cause of disputes. Proper dietary habits will guard your Still, doing a good job in a visible posihealth to some extent. tion can get you some attention. This month your health could suffer the CANCER consequences of stress, but mostly be(JUNE 21-JULY 22) cause of possible sexual disturbances. Cancer people must carefully consider GEMINI the next step and start taking notes. (21 MAY-JUNE 20) This is a fortunate month to make some extra money on the side. 73

Monetary position is also likely to matters. Show your capabilities at improve because of an important pay- your work and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to anment. Cancer born might want to re- swer any questions that are posed by consider their ability to be prosperous superiors concerning your situation. Try starting a new hobby or pursue a in the future as well. Some of you will new interest. Things will turn out as be buying something expensive for you wish, if you follow your honest yourselves. New friends are very likeway of dealing with things. It would ly this month and can create big time be better to keep on moving forwardgood luck in career by providing imwithout taking much mental pressure. pressive networking in the days and Your stars show 'friendly strangers' months to come. Cancer born is more in all forms. In relationships you will likely to get a good one than ever be- get the chance to meet old friends and fore. Gather all the information and spend time with them discussing old make a choice. This is a favorable pe- times. Enjoy your time with them and riod for engagements, marriage, show your feelings. Throughout the births, or beginning a new love rela- month you are likely to enjoy a sound tionship. In terms of health, those health. down with ailment may have speedy VIRGO recovery. You may end up overindulging in eating or drinking which may (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22) be the cause of many problems. If you are considering changing the LEO job, you should postpone it. Situations that you have never experienced (JUL. 23-AUG. 22) might come up this month. EveryYou can show how gifted you are as thing will come back to normal again you command attention and present and you will be able to continue with the wonderful goals you are working your plans. Money will come in from toward. Self-employed people could recently concluded deals. Recent acget recognition for their recent eftivity on the financial front is set to forts. You are advised to seek expert continue and you will be made an ofadvice on how to handle the situation fer that is of benefit to you. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t especially if it pertains to financial want to 74

make any fast decisions and then be left alone and without a program for your future. On career front, a new business associate may give you solutions. Some of the natives may be likely to donate huge amounts for devotional purposes. You would be true to your word and will do things in right manner. However romantic life in particular needs a special care to bloom the lovely flower of love. Health needs extra care in this month. Watch out against gastric troubles and putting on excess weight. LIBRA

(SEPT. 23- OCT. 22) You will be fascinated and attracted by the possibility to set up short term projects which could help you advance in your career. Use your energy in a positive way. You can work harder than usual. You would be having a good time no matter whether your pocket is filled with money or not. You'll be able to get a new position or obtain a promotion. At professional front setting ambitious goals would drive you to achieve success. Friends may be instrumental in helping you to 'connect' to the things

you'll need this Month. You definitely need to play right now without thinking about the past or worrying about the future. Those doing business shall have to struggle very hard for getting success. There are strong indications that you will be successful in turning it into a life long bond. You can take up a new activity or start an exercise program that will benefit your health. You have to safeguard your health. SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 22) You will move forward towards progressive direction. This month is not very auspicious for your financial position. It would be better to keep on working without many expectations. Expect a great deal of personal satisfaction, success and reward. Your enthusiasm and determination will be the key. Take your decision according to your capacities. You must try to control risk taking tendencies and extravagance so that you could have savings for future. The issues in the domestic sphere are likely to remain and cause anguish. Colleagues and associates will be helpful and the selfemployed will expand their 75

enterprise profitably. You are likely under the scanner of vigilance authorities. Indications of meeting the friend whom you love more than heart and soul are high on the card. Be conservative while eating food. Exercise more care while driving vehicles. SAGGITARIUS (NOV. 23-DEC. 22) You can and should get back to business starting around balances demand extra attention now. If you work for yourself, a push from the stars will let

CAPRICORN (DEC. 23-JAN. 20) You will face certain drawbacks that might make you set your plans aside for a while and concentrate on aspects of life that need you. Show confidence in your great ideas and show how they'll have positive impacts and others will follow suit. Your financial situation will be very profitable as your income will increase in a steady pace. A good moment for making new contacts; these could be influential soon as regards your future choices. You will benefit from this by altering your lifestyle and improving quality of life. Those looking for new opportunities can expect an encounter which will be important for their career. Family atmosphere would be full of happiness and prosperity. Good planning can likely to make you enjoy special moments with partner. Following good health tips will keep you physically fit. Health remains satisfactory only if you take preventive care.

you reason with colleagues and superiors. Make the most of this opportunity. Your public communications skills will fetch more income. A bump of enthusiasm and energy into your work picks up your spirits and gives you much to be thrilled about. A 'change of plans' is possible and 'adapting fast' can save time, money and grief. Even your extra hard work may put you on top. Your energy will be more directed towards entertainment and leisure. Think patiently while finalizing your future professional plans. This month AQUARIUS is good for Your Love/spouse will ex(21 JAN.- 19 FEB.) tend the fullest cooperation to you in Your sign enjoys the precious all your affairs. Excise care will help characteristic of having a clear mind you to maintain your health. and a 76

positive attitude. Financial issues and career matters will be stable this month. You will have the chance to show that you are here to stay and gain everyone’s respect. Regain your balance and all problems will be solved. Strong determination and decision-making trait helps in overcoming a challenging situation. This period may necessitate adjustments to new circumstances in your work surroundings. You will decide to go out to a distant town to take up a short course on the subject of your specialization. Fair to good, Professional opportunities are likely. Job opportunities, salary increment, promotions are in store this Month. Understanding emotions and feelings of partner enables you to infuse a new spirit in your relationship. Balanced diet could help you a lot, don’t overeat in party or some function etc. PISCES (20 FEB.– MARCH 20)

lucrative opportunities with attractive financial possibilities. Friends can be most helpful in 'holding down the fort' should you be called elsewhere. Try to be less scatty and focus on precise definite aims. You feel gifted, brilliant, imaginative, and stimulated to expend your energies toward your goals. Your hard work shall definitely yield positive results. Business professionals should avoid new partnerships. A great month; you'll have ingenious ideas which you can put into action with those around you. Your family will be standing with you in your decision. Do your work according to your needs and situations. The good news is that your focused attention would remove all hiccups. There shall be probability of your going abroad. Those single and searching may succeed in finding their life partner. Those already facing health problems will get some respite in later half of the month.

This month will open up some 77

The Bad Boy Factor By: Kimberley Jasper

Mary J. says it best, “Bad boys ain’t no good, good boys ain’t no fun…” There is just something dangerously irresistible about a bad boy. Besides the fact that they tend to be more physically appealing in the confidence they exude, it is the underlying promise of thrills and excitement that attracts us. Women can’t seem to resist the not so subtle charms of a real bad boy. A real bad boy emits an intensely masculine energy that attracts women like bees to honey. Smoldering eyes, deep voice, rugged masculine appearance, even all dressed up and clean shaven, a bad boy can be spotted a mile away by the devilish grin that plays deviously beneath his nose. But bad boys aren’t for the young and inexperienced; it takes a real woman to handle the antics of a bad boy. Let’s be clear, in no way am I referring to the type of bad boy that abuses or mistreats women. I am talking about the smooth operator, sweet talker, accidental heartbreaker and breath taker. The hustla, the playa, the mover and shaker. This man is as elusive as Big Foot and cannot be tamed, but that never stops a woman from trying. Now you must weed through the jerks disguising as bad boys in order to find the real ones. Real bad boys have jobs, take care of their children (if

they’ve ever been caught slipping), and handle their business in every aspect. This includes the woman, or women, in their lives. Now, they may not be the most romantic men you’ll meet. You may not get flowers or love notes, but you will surely know that you are loved. Bad boy love is intense and addictive. Much like the bite of a vampire, the effect is incurable. Here are just a couple of reasons why woman love bad boys: He’s a protector, not a softie. Women don’t like wimps. One of the most important characteristics of

she will have no worries when she’s

any bad boy is that “take charge”

out with him and it is a major turn-

attitude. A bad boy exhibits domi- out on. He can be her knight in shinnance and authority that borders ing armor without all of the corny the “tough guy” persona and makes chick flick flare. Women love to feel a woman feel safe. She knows that safe and protected, like a priceless jewel. Bad boys are fierce protectors of what belongs

to them and when they are being protective, you are important to them and that makes a woman feel real special and that is always a good thing. The thrill of excitement. The 81

sions and is very action-oriented, she might be more likely to find a “bad boy” who is more aggressive in his life. This type of aggression

allows him to explore the grey areas in life and not simplify everything to reason why bad boys have so

black and white. A man operating

much appeal is because they are to-

in the “grey” areas will display just

tally unpredictable. Every day holds

enough backbone to be the man

something new and exciting for them

with confidence. They are secure

and they are eager to share that

enough in their role as a man to send

with you. A woman that had led a

you flowers (without a card or note),

rather cookie-cutter life will eventu- take you out and be proud of you in ally yearn for something different

public. Hands down, bad boys are

and more exciting. A bad boy can

more fun. Up for a challenge. Wom-

be the gateway to the unknown,

en are designed to nurture. Howev-

things they have only read in risqué

er, instead of doing this with chil-

novels. There will be times when a

dren, they often end up doing it with

woman won’t know if she’s coming

bad boys. Up for the challenge of

or going and that in itself is an ad-

making a bad boy go good, they di-

venture worth taking. If a woman

ve right in. Women can get

needs a strong man who makes deci-

easily bored and look for some- controlling; they just know how to one who really needs some good love get what they want. They speak and attention. Deep down, bad

clearly and confidently, they look

boys bask in it, but are often aloof

you in the eye and are passionate

and non-expressive about it. They

about what they believe in. Most

prefer to show their love by being

importantly, they still know how to

present rather than making

grand gestures that may come off as disingenuous. Women like to think of themselves as the exception to the bad boy rule. He can be a bad boy to everyone except them and therein lies the challenge. A challenge most women are more than up for. In a nutshell, bad boys are brash, cocky and they march to the beat of their own drum. Living on the edge without

treat a lady and that is extremely

concern or care about being

irresistible.

“politically correct”, they can border rudeness, but it’s just them having the nerve to say what’s on their mind. Bad boys are often rugged and in-control. That doesn't mean 83

Edward Snowden: Whistleblower or Double Agent? By: Daezel Mae

Edward J. Snowden, the contractor, had shared detailed data showing the dates and Internet Protocol addresses of specific computers in mainland China and Hong Kong that the National Security Agency penetrated over the last four years. The data also showed whether the agency was still breaking into these computers, the success rates for hacking and other operational information. Mr. Snowden told the newspaper that the computers were in the civilian sector. In common language... Here’s what we do know: Snowden was a contractor who allegedly looked at documents he wasn’t supposed to see, took them,

fled to another country and is now claiming he did so because he was trying to bring an injustice to light. On Friday, Attorney General Eric Holder called the NSA leaks “extremely damaging.” "The national security of the United States has been damaged as a result those leaks," he said.. "The safety of the American people and the safety of people who reside in allied nations have been put at risk as a result of these leaks," Holder said. "We are presently in the process of that investigation, and I'm confident the person who is responsible will 85

be held accountable."

it is asked to surrender Mr. Snowden, 29 had written Mr. Snowden to the United States. He also indicated in Internet postings that that the Hong Kong governhe was interested in Chiment would look into Mr. na’s language and culture Snowden’s disclosure that and suggested that being the National Security Agenassigned there could be a cy might have gained covert good career move. He said access to the main hub of he chose to fly to Hong Internet servers here, loKong, a semiautonomous re- cated at the Chinese Unigion of China, because of versity of Hong Kong. its history of tolerating Protesters marched in Hong free speech. Kong on SaturSnowden, fled day in support to Hong Kong of Edward J. with a batch Snowden. Saturof classified day’s march was material he organized by allegedly more than two stole from dozen groups the NSA. The advocating free former Booz speech, democAllen Hamilracy and perton contractor initially sonal liberties on the Insaid it was his conscience ternet. Many of the groups, that drove him to expose including the Democratic the “massive surveillance Party of Hong Kong, have machine the U.S. government long been outspoken critics is secretly building.” of China for restricting In his first comment on Mr. individual liberties. “He Snowden’s case, Hong Kong’s should be given the right chief executive, Leung Chun to stay in Hong Kong,” Al-Ying, indicated Saturday bert Ho, a former chairman that Hong Kong would follow of the Democratic Party, established procedures if said in a speech at the 86

start of the rally. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We must not let anybody intervene â&#x20AC;&#x201D; we must be able to show that Hong Kong will not give in to pressure from other governments. President Obama has defended the electronic eavesdropping programs, saying they were closely monitored and were a useful tool in fighting terrorism. But former Vice President Mr. Cheney said that Mr. Obama could not mount an effective defense because of investigations into the Internal Revenue Service treatment of Tea Party groups and continuing questions about the terrorist attacks on an American diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya. 87

Make Love Like a Lesbian: Part 2 Oral Sex...the “Other” Oral Sex By: Richarh Aswanu

The Locker Room: Sports and Sexuality By : Your Sports Enthusiast Antwone Barber

Somewhere amongst the sweaty bravado and usual competiveness of sports fans and athletes celebrating a win or dealing with defeat anew wave of discussions lingers between lockers and your favorite sports gathering halls. The topic of sexuality or sexual orientation and its presence in today’s sports has become a bit obtrusive in the views of some people. The talk of homosexuality and its emergence on the big stage and bright lights of our sports has become very relevant.

In recent headlines and all media sources the openness of NBA center Jason Collins became the first openly gay active athlete. Followed by WNBA’s Brittany Griner who told the media that during her playing days at Now true, this is a very sensitive topic Baylor University she was asked not to regardless of one’s religious doctrine display her, or shall I say inform anyone of her sexual orientation, and that beliefs or morality. The coming out party (so to speak) has not only made it her head coach relevant, but the subject matter has generated strong debates, and discussions in lock rooms across the globe. Whether you view it as right or wrong, its bearing has drawn a reaction out of us all. Maybe not from a personal standpoint so much, yet as a sport fan community, I would say yes it has. 95

knew of this ( The University and head coach denied knowledge of Brittany’s statements.) Although there has been support for these athletes amongst their peers for the amount of courage they displayed. One question still remains. Are we as fans really ready for this in sports? Speculations of more athletes coming out has been the discussion since ex NBA player Don Amechi revealed that he was gay. begun to eyeball the small minded What if some of those elite athletes we judgmental pack in which we usually run in, therefore changing its mere pocome to love and somewhat respect sition for dominance. While this topic were among those speculated? How become the very straw that has broken we as die hard sports fans react? Would the very essence of our love for our ignorance.

sports diminish or could we continue to weigh them simply on their talent, and relinquish that “what have you done for me lately” syndrome.

While sports continue to evolve into great paths for new beginnings for our young athletes, will the stagnant fear of a less tolerable chosen profession Fairness towards individuals may have (sports) start to hinder the true effectiveness of one person’s quest for Is this Your Fear? equality, or that pure shot at a level It playing field?

Your

Business????

Whether or not we as sports fans believe in it validity. We must now respect it. All the while asking ourselves what if it was our son or daughter’s journey.