Urban Image Magazine June 2013 by Urban Image Magazine

Welcome to Urban Image, I‘m more geeked about this issue than the one we dropped last month. We are growing at a fast pace. We have new writers joining our team and more people are visiting our site every day. Most importantly we’re having fun. We are really enjoying ourselves and again I am inviting you to become part of the experience. Don’t be shy come on in. Our analytics are telling us you’re peeking. Quit looking and join in on our conversations. Voice your opinions and let’s get some good dialogue poppin off. We’ve been getting a lot of good feedback. We appreciate your input. We always want to know what you like and what you don’t like about Urban Image. We’re doing this for you…We’re gonna give you what you want. If there’s something you want to see in our blogs, our monthly issues, or our social media pages-- Say It! We’re gonna kick your suggestion around and if it’s good you’ll see your idea in motion. Film makers, models, rappers, singers, authors and entrepreneurs…where y’all at? Urban Image is a big stage. One of our missions is to give talented people that are “Under Ground” a place to shine. Hit us up and if you’ve got your ish together it will be featured in our mag. We are trying to build a reputation for show casing good talent. We have a lot of things planned for the future but it gonna take your participation and support for our vision to become a reality. In this edition I discuss our humble beginnings understanding of how Urban Image was born. The story

with our very own Tyrone Freeman to give you a full features never seen before pictures of me behind the fence at CIC in Pendleton, Indiana. And no I was not trying to look “hard”, the sun was in my eyes. I founded Urban Image from prison and I am proud of it. I want to change my life and thanks to God, my staff and our readers, it’s happening. Believe me, I am very grateful. I feel through this magazine I have another chance at life. What do ya’ll think about our new layout? Denetra’s been putting that thang together. We’ve got some goodies packed in this issue for you. AJ wrapped up the most news worthy events of the past month in “What’s Going On” and Talia Rice contributed a very informative piece on Human Trafficking. I was shocked as I realized the problem was more widespread then what I had ever imagined. Please Ladies take heed to the relationship articles written by Angela Williams and Deszion Nasir. These sistahs kick some real life stuff. I’m sure I’m gonna raise a few eyebrows with my series of articles for men “Make Love like a Lesbian”. I’m not even going to explain, its good reading, you’ll just have to check it out. Look in the sky…it’s a bird…it’s a plane…Naw it’s a DICK! Nikki G is off the chain as she wrote about and epidemic that has got to stop men with nothing going for themselves except a strong sex game are taking advantage of women all across the globe. I was crackin up as I read her article. I hope y’all dig it. Hey I’m not gonna hold ya’ll up any longer. Until next time I’m gone.

Can I Live: Jay Z...The Next Level By: Antione “Twon” Barber Your Sports Enthusiast

The next great sports phenomenon that will change this game forever…. With Jay Z emerging into the world of sports, what can this for his legacy. After staking his claim as a superstar rapper and successful business man, the guy from the Marcy Projects has once again found himself in the fold of adversity. Some critics might say in his role of sports agent will he come in and accept his role, or will h become the Lebron James of this game. However, with a successful resume like his, not to mention the relentless grasp he has held on the music industry as an entertainer, and an executive for the last eighteen to twenty years. If that is any indication of what to expect, I would say he’s headed to the top in this field also. For starters his first order of business was to get his team, and let’s just say he’s looking to

form another dynasty. Jay has recently inked deals with notable athletes in three sports signing New York Yankees young star Robinson Cano, New York Jets second round pick West Virginia’s QB Geno Smith, and Indiana’s very own WNBA’s Tulsa chic point guard Skylar Diggins.

Now with his hand in the mix. What type of impact will this have on the African American athleteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marketability and longevity? For starters their careers after retirement. Jay has had huge success in the music

weighed with the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big Dogsâ&#x20AC;?. The industry should beware of his upside. Can his popularity alone be enough? Will his past successes be enough to help those small market athletes transition over, or land some of those lucrative endorsements which usually are reserved for those athletes that only reside in the top five percent of their respected sports. What impact will this have on those agents of color that are not known as Jay Z.?Hopefully the

and fashion industry, as well as a business man. We have all seen the shape and direction of other known superstars like Rihanna and Kanye West whom he was very influential in their success.

success of Jay Z and his RocNaiton sports brand is not priJay was a minority owner with mary predicated on the backs of the Brooklyn Nets, and a huge just African American athletes, staple in them landing back in but that his vision dominates Brooklyn with a brand new state the sports in general reacting all ethnic boundaries globally. If by of the art casino resort arena. Some would say that his insight chance you are a non-believer for career expansion should be like Scott Boras who has the 13

chatter to twitter as to Jay Z’s arrival. May I suggest he join all those haters who doubted him in music, fashion, and business, and just realized that they “Can’t Knock the Hustle.” To which all is right in this journey. May Jay Z help enrich a generation of young men and women athletes, and entrepreneurs to carve out a different yet prosperous lane of success.

You may be the victim of “Dictimization”

Call 1(866) D-I-C-K-T-I-M TODAY! You may be ENTITLED to some compensation

Don’t wait! Call the law offices of V.A. Ganitis NOW! 15

A F@#%N Problem By: Nikki G

The true meaning of giving a save you from the oncoming man a pass for his indiscre-

dickness sickness. Reality tv

tions, laziness, joblessness, homelessness, pennilessness and every other lessnesses I didn’t mention is the

phantom dicktamization. It creeps in like a thief in the

has shed more light on what

night and robs you of your

women have described for

common sense and logical

decades as dickmatized.

sensibilities. Commonly you

Look at the highly publicized

don’t realize you are suffer-

love triangle of MiMi Faust

ing from dicktamization at

vs Joseline Hernandez on

the time, it’s usually a hind-

Stevie J. Could there be any

sight diagnosis though most

other reason for these two

often than not those around self-proclaimed “bad bitches” you can spot the symptoms

to be playing tug-of-war over

right away but are unable to this dude? If you caught the 16

recent episode of Love and

comedy Waiting to Exhale.

Hip-Hop Atlanta you would

That’s why those women

have heard Joseline tell

were suffering from lack of

Stebbie that gifts and money oxygen to their brains by do not make her happy at all holding their breath. Pipe and all she really wants in

dreams or I guess pipe night-

the world is for him to keep

mares would be a more accu-

his promises to her and just

rate description. Lela Ra-

make her happy by eliminat-

chon’s character “Robin”

ing the stress he’s heaping on had unfulfilled relationship her with all of his lying,

after relationship. She even

scheming and whoring

dated a crackhead that kept

around. According to

stealing from her. Her heart

Joseline the only two things

and mind was really wrapped

Stebbie J got going for him is his money and his “beefcake,” she’s dick-

up in maintaining her position as side chick to Leon’s character “Russell” who was

matized and she’s paying a pretty penny for it. And for those of you who don’t indulge in reality tv just surf your cable channels for the romantic 17

her on again off again mar-

right into her lap since her

ried lover who then ended

last encounter turned gay.

up impregnating her and

Eventually it did with a real

bouncing. Whitney’s charac-

relationship attached. Pray-

ter “Savannah” was also play- er works. ing the role of side chick to a married womanizer who was leaving his wife throughout the whole flick. Thank-

A better definition of being dickmatized is being in a re-

lationship with someone and overlooking all

fully she

of their flaws

wised up in

and faults simp-

the end. An-

ly because of

gela’s char-

the way they

acter

slang that

“Bernadine”,

thang. The male

a supportive

equivalent to

ride or die wife, got dumped by her cheating husband who put a ring on his white side chick and attempted to leave her penniless and broken…that didn’t work out and Lorraine’s character “Gloria” was praying some good dick would fall like manna from the sky

this would be “pussy-whipped” songs and books have been written about it, wars have been fought because of it and nothing is going to change ever. The power of the “P” both male and female can be extremely intoxicating when used for good as well as evil. As defined in the Urban 18

Dictionary, dicktamized is “when a person ignores the fact that the man they are dating is an asshole/abusive/ worthless because they just want to be in a relationship or just want the sex. It’s the converse of the term pussywhipped.” As an example this quote was included: "See, a woman who's dickmatized says shit like 'oh, no no, he don't be hitting me, I

dickmatized means almost

just be walking into the

complete disassociation with

punches and shit,' now that’s friends and family because dickmatized" – Sommore.

that good dick in your life is

Well said.

all the communication you

Signs that you and or a

care about. (3) Things you

around your man which also

out, catching the latest

friend might be dickmatized, used to care about you no longer care about like going (1) You plan everything means you will break previ-

flick, hanging out with

ous planned events/

friends and family, having a

arrangements to be with

social life. (4) Your life now

your man. (2) You no longer

revolves around Mr. Good

keep up, call, talk or care

Bar, work…maybe, food and

about your friends. Being

Mr. Good Bar and most like 19

ly in that order. (5) You have purgatory of dickmatization made up your mind for the

is staying focused on the big

last time that this dude is

penis picture and think with

bad news, bad for business

your head and not about his.

and just simply got to go.

Now I know I said purgatory

He’s an addict, an asshole,

which is defined as a “hellish

an abuser or whatever he is

situation” nothing about

and you have had it. You’ve

great sex would equate to a

had a tribunal with your girls “hellish situation”; however, and the verdict is in…he’s

when coupled with all of the

got to go. What they don’t

outer lying bits and pieces

know is that your boy totes

that make it a bad state of

around a secret weapon that affairs in which you realize has mind control capabilities you need to get out whatev-

that will temporarily wipe

er that may be. The dude

out any concerns or deci-

may have chronic bad

sions that may impact him

breath, be a great kisser but

negatively at any given time just by exciting any one or all of your five senses be it sight, sound, smell, taste and or touch. Think Men In Black and their memory wiper thinga ma jig the neuralyzer. The trick to escaping the 20

but a bad lover or vice versa, is the total opposite or whatbad manners, can’t read,

ever it is that makes you

stutter, socially inept, you

wanna break it off until he

don’ wanna be seen in public drops them drawls and it’s all with him, a bad dresser and/ good in the hood. You’ve got or all of the

to get over the

above…a

dick hump be-

popular myth

cause you may

about dick-

possibly be

tamization is

blocking your

that there

blessing. In-

has to be

deed, Mr.

something

Right might be

negative go-

lurking about,

ing on. Some people have

laying in the cut and thinking

something good going on but that you’re happily involved refuse to accept the good

with this dude and working

and suspect their being

with his idiosyncrasies when

hoodwinked and sabotage

in fact you’re tolerating the

the relationship or are irri-

dude because he knows how

tated and annoyed by the

to blow your back out just

fact he’s a good cook, cleans right and that’s all there is well, is respectful, wants to

to it. Fight the penis power,

take you home to meet his

free yourself, get some bat-

momma, treats you well, is

teries, open the drapes, let

supportive, loves PDA and

some sunshine in and exhale.

the like and want a man that 21

Mr. Aswanu has been incarcerated for the past 8 years…” My jaw dropped as I thought “No way, how is it that this man incarcerated and has his own magazine?” I was amazed and instantly curious. I was sitting in front of my computer as I stared at the monitor in disbelief. I flipped back to the website and I couldn’t help but observe how nicely it was put together. He has a staff and all I could think was “How? Does he have a computer in there or something?” My mind started reeling with questions as I pulled my e-mail back up and He seemed kinda mysterious for forwarded my cell number. some reason and I was intrigued. I wanted to speak with him, so I After 4 or 5 days, I received a preasked, “How can I arrange a paid phone call from the Boss phone conference with the “Boss Man himself. I learned that he Man?” And the response was was in prison for consecutive sen“Ok, forward me your number tences. One for battery resulting and it’ll take a week for him to in serious bodily injury (he broke add you to his phone list.” And I a confidential informant’s jaw, replied, “Phone list???” I was nose, and eye socket). The other confused. Then an e-mail came was for possession of cocaine back, “Yes, he doesn’t have a cell with intent to deliver, for a total phone anymore. He’s trying to of 34 years in prison and five stay out of trouble.” And I years of probation upon his relaughed to myself as I typed, lease. “Stay out of trouble?” I figured maybe he got himself caught up I expected to talk to some with some text messages or some thugged out character who would Facebook drama (which is why I get on the phone and say “Yo, don’t do social media.) And the what’s up?” But I was taken by surprise when “The Boss Man” reply was, “Oh, I am so sorry. greeted me by saying, “Hey Mr. Freeman, how ya doing?” 24

I pulled the phone away from my ear in shock because he didn’t sound like some kind of “criminal”, he sounded very professional, somewhat charismatic. So we began to conversate. I found Mr. Aswanu to be a very genuine person and I could hear the passion in his voice. He is very humble and he really believes in his vision.

Richarh: (laughs) Shoot, I needed a platform to promote “Mack’s Revenge.” It was the first novel I wrote. I got right on my cell phone and called up some of the major magazines to buy some ad space. Most of them said it would cost around $7,500 for a full page ad. Shit, I couldn’t afford it, so I put my dream of seein my book cover in a nationwide mag out of my He let me know a little bit more about mind. hisself and his situation. I was captivated by his story Tyrone: This is when and I asked him if you had your own cell he would let me do a phone? story on Urban ImRicharh: Yeah, I was age; what the magaon facebook going zine is all about and hard every day, trying how it was born. At to network, build confirst he said he wasnections, and promote n’t sure, that he’d my book. I came have to think about across several smaller it. And of course, bemagazines, and I confore we got off the tacted them for adverphone, he gave me tising and they an assignment. He charged between $300 told me since I was and $500. I couldn’t afrecently divorced due ford that either. And to my wife’s infidelinobody seemed interty, that I’d be perfect to write an article on women who cheat. He wanted to ested that I’m in prison trying to build “see what my hand was like. After he my own publishing company from approved my article for the May issue, nothing. A couple of mags said they he gave me a call and let me conduct would run my story if I paid them. So I said, “Fuck it, I’ll start my own shit.” the interview… Tyrone: Back to the cell phone thing, Tyrone: So what made you decide to how did you get a cell phone in priscreate an online magazine from prison? on? 25

Richarh: I’ll tell you this. (laughs) They come in by several different ways and when they come in, they’re expensive. That was back in 2010. A regular $19 flip phone sold for $400. Now they’re like 6 or 7 hundred, depends on if it takes and receives pictures. Some dudes even got Pan Techs and smart phones. They’re too much trouble, so I don’t fool with them anymore.

can’t have cell phones in here, so I had to hang up and tuck my phone real quick. She seemed like a real important contact for me to have, so I called her back as soon as the police left, and I told her I was incarcerated and that I had to hang up because the police were comin. Aw man (laugh) she cussed me out in a high pitched voice. She told me she doesn’t have time for jokes, that it had been a rough day in her office and she hung up. She said there was Tyrone: Wow! So back to starting your no way I was locked up. We had a very acown… tive Facebook page and she saw the webRicharh: Yeah, I went on Facebook and site. She just didn’t believe it. But I called posted that I was going to start a magaher back and calmed her down and exzine. I had like 1,800 friends on my page plained the whole situation and it was all and the support poured in. So many peogood. I get that response a lot, but nobody ple wanted to help and be a part of it. I freaked out like she did. thought it would be like a little online newsletter or something, but it grew into a Tyrone: I could only imagine. I was in disbelief myself. So how do you get it to work full blown mag. It happened faster than out? How did you get the cover designed, what I expected. the layout, the website? Tyrone: What kind of reaction do you get when people realize you’re incarcerated? Richarh: I’ve really been blessed. I met everybody on facebook. I met a very talRicharh: Aw man, (laughs) I’ll never forented lady who does graphics and I inget the reaction I got from Holly Jackson. boxed her. I told her my vision for the That shit was funny as hell. Some kind of magazine and she believed in me. I kept it way we came across each other on Facereal with her. I told her that I couldn’t afbook. And she gave me the number to her ford to pay for her graphics. She was very office, so we could discuss how we could sweet and excited. We agreed that she network. So I called and within the first would do several covers in exchange for minute of our conversation the police advertising and once we sold more ads, I were headed towards my cell. Again, we would pay her I think $50 a cover. Then, I 26

met Jeff. That’s my big bruh. Homie has been here from day one. He worked with me on the cost of designing the site, he maintains and keeps it running. The site crashed right before our latest issue, and he worked on it until he got it back up. He ain’t changed a bit. I’m glad to have him on my team. I was working with a group of control freaks. Jeff stays level-headed. He gets frustrated sometimes but he stays focused and he never got caught up in the drama. Tyrone: Drama? Richarh: Aww yeah. At first it was a soap opera. Since my “graphics lady” was trading her work for ad space, she tried to have a say so over our control. She would literally call me and my ex and scream and shout about what we were posting on Facebook. Her and my ex were fighting for control. And as more people came into the picture, they both accused me of forgetting about “who’s helped me get things started.” Then, another talented lady came into the fold and she brought that extra bit of professionalism we needed, but then it became a 3-way power struggle. But intentions reveal themselves and none of the three are a part of Urban Image anymore.

Tyrone: Ok but it’s still not clear to me. How do you make the wheels turn? Richarh: It’s simple really. We have Emiaj, she’s the one that dubbed me “the Boss Man”, but if you really want to know the truth, she’s the boss. (laughs) I don’t have a cell phone anymore, so I can’t just call the writers up and say “Hey, where’s your article?” And I can’t run conference calls anymore. Emiaj just naturally slid into that spot. She manages the writers. I’m too happygo-lucky, I’ll give anybody a chance, but so many people have come and gone. I’m not in the position to judge people’s character. I suck at it. I can’t see from in here. But Emiaj is out there. She has a better view. She’s proven to be trustworthy. So I let her handle that. The people she chooses tend to stay around. I call her like every two weeks, but mostly I communicate with the staff through Denetra Key, she’s our new vice-president. Oh yeah, and she’s my baby mama and best friend. (laughs) Tyrone: That’s cool. So how do you organize an issue? Richarh: I come up with a basic outline of what I want in the magazine. Like current events, relationships, family issues and book reviews, maybe even some

sex topics, and Denetra posts the list on our group page and our writers comment on the subjects they want to write. Some even come up with topics that aren’t on the list. I kinda let the magazine take its own shape. I let my writers do their own thing. When you try to control stuff too much, it doesn’t work. But anyway, the writers e-mail us with their articles and Denetra mails them to me. I read every article to make sure it fits within the magazine. I might even feel like we need a certain type of article to balance it out. Once I give my approval, Denetra does the layout and Jeff uploads it to the site and does his thang. And I can’t forget about Martine, she does our covers.

“It’s not her dream,” so it was impossible to get her to put in some work. That’s why I’m so thankful for Emiaj. At least she kept the blog going when there weren’t any monthly issues dropping. I mean, one time there was like 9 months where I wasn’t able to do anything with Urban Image. I didn’t have a clue what was going on. But after I got ahold of Emiaj, I learned she was still doing a little here and there as she had time. She took it upon herself to keep the party jumpin. I don’t think you understand, I love her for that shit. I love that woman to death. And theres gonna be a time for me to be there for her and I’m gonna be there 1000%! Tyrone: That’s pretty moving…

Continued on page 127

Tyrone: As we went through the archives, I noticed the issues are spread Richarh: It is. And Jeff too. There wouldn’t be no Urban Image without out pretty thin. either of them. He’s our webmaster. Richarh: Yeah, those days are over. That dude has kept the site running The main problem was the cell phone whether he’s heard from me or not. issue. I thought I’d have the support And we been going for almost 3 years. of my fellow inmates, but a lot of There’s even been a time where I was them started hatin on me after I start- out of touch and he paid the monthly ed doing books and magazines. I got bill to keep the site up. I appreciated robbed. I bought another cell phone, that shit. Think about it. I’ve never me the police found that one, got another either of them in person, and they’re one, and it got stolen, got another one, here for me, they’re here for Urban and the police found it. All this went Image. They believed in me and my on over a couple of years’ time. vision. And when I think about it, I Whenever I would lose a phone, the get watery eyed. Urban Image is all magazine would fall apart. I couldn’t I’ve got. This is what I plan on leaving call anybody. I couldn’t keep up with to my kids man. the inbox. My ex wasn’t really feeling Tyrone: I could only imagine. the magazine. Like she always said,

Five Summer Must Haves for Your Closet By: Talia Rice

Summer is so around the corner. What is in your closet or what should you have so you can be that style diva? You don't have to break bank either. I go to my favorite store Charlotte Russe and find the cutest things (off the clearance rack) for $5 to $15. My heels, which I will not get into how many I have, cost no more than $15! It's all about the sale baby but lets get into what will work for you! 1. Flats. For the people like myself who are obsessed with heels close your eyes. For the rest of you it is great to have a pair of flats in the closet. You don't have to go all out, a basic color will do. However if you have a buckwild streak go for the polka dotted pattern or striped or floral. They are comfortable, fashionable and so lovely for your pockets! 2. Maxi dress. A woman must have at least one maxi dress in her closet. A maxi dress can go from day to night just add some funky assessories like a chunky belt, leather or jean crop jacket. Pull out a pair of wedges and boom you are ready to do your thang. 29

3. Skinney jeans. People assume skinny jeans are just for skinny people. No! This is not Abercrombie & Fitch. Personally I think they look better on women with curves. Skinny jeans on skinny people make me think of crackheads and eating! A pair of skinny jeans are versatile. Rock either high tops or wedges which will pick up that ass and make it look delicious! Wear your man's wifebeater, fancy top or add a chain for the belt and strut around like a rockstar! 4. A simple dress. NOT the bodycon dresses, I'm not quite sure about them yet but the ones that flows like butter off your body. You don't have to show all your goodies, be classy! Choose a bright color. I don't know why my sistahs are scared of bright colors. The darker your skin the better these colors will pop and illuminate that skin. I mean you could go basic but why? It is the summer, show out and let the world see you! 5. Confidence. There is nothing more sexy on a woman than confidence! This knocks everything out the box. Heard of the saying, wear the clothes, don't let the clothes wear you? It is true. You can throw on a garbage bag (although I don't advise it) and if you are a confident bish it will look exquisite on you. So before you buy any clothes get a dose of confidence, it's free. If you don't have it, fake it until you get some baby! 30

What’s Goin On? By: Aj Whitsett

If you caught last

mindset of “It won’t

month’s edition, you

happen to me” or “It

may have read my arti-

won’t happen in my

cle entitled “What’s

neighborhood.”

Going On?” I started it

Reporting on cur-

off talking about

rent events seems to be

Marvin Gaye’s song and

a never ending uphill

how the song came to be battle with skates on and the impact that

so to speak. There is

song had on people with always something newsthe things that were

worthy to talk about;

going on during the

to get a deeper insight

time it was released.

about how people truly

Well it seems to be in- feel. evitable these days to go around with the

Last issue I talked about the Boston Mara 32

thon bombings and some of the events that happened that day in around Boston. Well since that time we have had a few things occur that are, in my opinion, unthinkable 2004. I say again, acts of criminal activ- these ladies were being ity. held captive for 10 whole years in that On May 6 Amanda Berry house. It is believed emerged from the home that sexual assault was of Ariel Castro in going on in the house Cleveland, OH. Amanda along with physical asBerry along with sault. It is also beMichelle Knight and

Gina DeJesus were all being held against their will for up to 10 years in that house. Two neighbors seen this and went to help Amanda and a baby out of the house and call the police. The police arrived, searched the house, and find the other two women in the home. These young ladies were abducted back in 2002 and

lieved that he fathered children with the women and punched one woman in the stomach repeatedly until they miscarried. 33

Reports are still coming out about other things that may have happened. There are stories about chains, handcuffs, and dog leashes that were hanging from the ceiling in the basement. Let’s not forget that this is the same place, Cleveland, where they arrested Anthony Sowell for the

of involuntary manslaughter, 1 count of infanticide, 2 counts of conspiracy, 21 of 24 counts of abortion of an unborn child of 24 weeks or more and 208 of 227 counts of violation of informed consent of an abortion. In

all, Gosnell was found guilty of 237 crimes. murder, rape, and kidnapping of 11 women in which the bodies were found buried underneath his house.

When 3 women are missing for 10 years and in 1 place for the entire time leads me to wonder along with the In Philadelphia, a bodies of 11 women burdoctor by the name of ied under 1 house leads Kermit Gosnell was to wonder and ask “What found guilty of 3 is God’s name is going counts of murder, which on in Cleveland with were infants, 1 count the police department?” 34

I know the Chief of Police, the Mayor of Cleveland, and possibly even the Governor of Ohio are getting any sleep over this. Even now the ordeal is over with these 3 young ladies and the families of the 11 victims can get some final closure, it still sets a fire ablaze under the feet of the political leaders of Ohio and Cleveland. It is, what people like to say, “Bad for business.” I would love to see what happens with Cleveland further down the line, how it affects the livelihood of residents, the atmosphere of the city, the view of the city from outsiders, etc and other things like that. This is a terrible, terrible thing that I would not wish onto my worst enemy and I pray to God that these three ladies

get all the need to get events that inside that the last 10

help they over the took place house for years.

The doctor in Philadelphia; this entire story in all actuality has me speechless. It was actually very difficult to write anything about the story in this article other the facts gathered about the ordeal. It makes you wonder what could possible go through a man’s head that would make him want to kill three innocent babies, and abort 21 more past the halfway mark of the pregnancies? I wonder how he slept at night. For the sake of humanity I can honestly say I hope something is mentally wrong with him because I truly don’t believe that a perfectly sane person, with no 35

history of mental instability of any kind could possibly go through with atrocities that he committed and go grocery shopping after a day’s work like nothing happened. Between these stories along with the Boston Bombing I wrote about last month, Sandy Hook Elementary School, and Aurora, CO just to name a few, it leads you to wonder…

“What’s Going On” in the world today?

TEN THINGS WOMEN REALLY WISH MEN WOULD DO MORE OF OR JUST DO PERIOD By Kimberley Jasper

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen many of these lists informing women of what men like, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like, what to do or not do and so on, yet I could not find one telling men what women really want. I believe that men want to know the same things about us that we want to know about them so here is a list of the 10 things we really wish you would do more of or just do period. Always remember that it is very important for you to do what you did to get us if you want to keep us. Most women understand that every man is not the romantic type, but we still need to feel like we are special to you. Although words are important, we need to see the action to back it up and vice versa.

COMMUNICATE

Although it is a widely known fact that a woman can use up to 20,000 words per day compared to a man’s 7,000, we don’t necessarily want to use all of them in one day. It may seem as if we like to do a lot of talking, but the truth is, we really just want you to listen to us. It is so much more important that we are heard. We don’t like to be brushed off, see you roll your eyes in your head when we begin to speak or hear you take a deep breath. It is an immediate turn off. If you regard her with an open mind and allow her to speak her peace, the conversation will flow much smoothly and be over quicker than you think. When we talk, listen the first time, and it will not be repeated. 2.

COOK

One of the sexiest things you can do for a woman is cook. While it is in our nature to nurture, we love to be catered to just as much as you do. Show her your appreciation with a meal prepared by you. If you don’t cook it, at least volunteer to help her in the kitchen. We don’t expect you to be an expert chef, but find a meal, perfect it and present it to her as your specialty. I guarantee dessert will be on her that night. 39

KISS

This may not seem like such a big deal, but there is nothing more loving and erotic as a kiss. Women have more than one erogenous zone and the mouth is on the top of the list. Kissing makes us feel closer to you, it makes us feel wanted and desired. Kiss her often and hold her close while doing it. Something magic will happen. A smile, a voluntary massage or an invite for more. You’d be surprised how far a little kiss can go. Not just on the lips, but her hand, her neck, shoulder, anywhere you feel she needs attention at the time. Believe me, the reward for that simple gesture will be great. 4.

EXPRESS YOURSELF

If you love her, say it. Not only do we like to hear it, we need to hear it…often. Just as you need reassurance and a little incentive to keep the wolves at bay, so do we. If it’s true, and you feel it, say it without fear and totally unprovoked. We don’t always want to hear, “I love you too” although it would be nice for those of you who neglect to return the sentiment. “I love you” is always nice to hear when it’s from the heart and not just because we said it first.In the words of Brownstone: If you love me, say it. If you trust me, do it. If you want me, show it. If you need me, prove it. 40

SURPRISE HER

Women absolutely love surprises. It never has to be a grand gesture for all to see, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all in the little things. Surprise her at work with flowers, run a hot bath for her, give her an impromptu massage or make her breakfast in bed. These little gestures and more like them make a woman feel like a woman. It makes her feel special and honored by you, appreciated. The buzz from that feeling goes a long way so pour it on, she probably really deserves it. 6.

PAMPER HER

This is not something that needs to be done all the time, just every once in a while to keep her on her toes and the romance going. Never do the same thing twice in a row, but always do something. Candle lit dinner, foot massage, box of chocolates or even a little note in her purse. Just a little gesture to let her know that she made a good move in choosing to be with you. The return on this little investment of your time is of astronomical proportion. 41

DATE NIGHT

Women are needy creatures by nature. Of course there are different levels of need for different women, but we all have needs. One of those needs is attention. Undivided attention, a little one on one time. Date night once a week, or at least twice a month depending on your schedules, will give the two of you some much needed “alone” time that doesn’t always take place in the bedroom. This is an opportunity for you to show your lady that she is special to you. When you take the time to plan a date, it shows that she is a priority in your life. This is also another one of those “dessert” guaranteed moves. For some women, between work and taking care of busy families, this is the only opportunity to get all dolled up. You will find her excitedly looking forward to your time together and feeling closer than ever to you. Keep this up and you can take the crown when it comes to the matters of her heart. 8.

CHIVALRY

Chivalry is not dead and men are not pigs. Act like a man and make her feel like a lady. Take a moment to open the doors for her or extend your arm for her to hold onto after a long night in her heels. Open the car door for her, help her take off her coat, hold the umbrella for her and put the toilet seat down. These are all gestures that make her feel special to you, delicate. She may holler 42

about “independence”, but deep down she wants to be treated as a delicate flower, like fine china. Like something precious you don’t ever want to lose. This is the “knight in shining armor” we speak of. A man valiant enough to win our hearts, one worthy of the prize. We don’t need Prince Charming, but we do desire to be treated like a “fair lady.”

DRESS UP

Everybody’s crazy about a sharp dressed man. Especially women. Yes, you look great in basketball shorts, sneakers and a tee, but it is always nice to see a man in his Sunday’s best. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a suit and tie, but it does have to be a crisp, fresh look. Don’t just take my word for it, rapper Jay-Z aptly puts it, “Get a suit, get it tapered up”. I agree. In other words, take pride in your appearance and take care of yourself. Swap the usual all white tee for a button up, make good use of the iron, a brush and the nail clippers. Please don’t forget the cologne. A strong, clean, masculine scent is a must. Don’t overdo it, a little dab will do ya and your lady will surely appreciate the effort. Hint: Now that you’re all dressed up, find someplace for us to go! 43

10. COMMITMENT

Wait, don’t take off running yet. If you love her and she truly is the one for you, don’t drag it out and risk losing a good thing. If you want her to be your wife and mother of your children someday, put a ring on it. The two of you can discuss the parameters of the engagement, but the gesture of a true commitment is pure gold. There is no such thing as “like we’re married”, either you is or you ain’t. If you love her enough to make her your life partner, then make it official and honor her with the privilege of your last name and the title “Mrs”. There is truly nothing like it, not even close. Make it official. Seal it with a ring and a kiss!

Almost Engaged By: Angela Williams

An Interview with

OpenMindz Productions: The Makers of

“Bullets over Brownsville” By: Richarh Aswanu & Denetra Key

The critically acclaimed movie “Bullets over Brownsville” has taken the world by storm, showing the reality of the Ghetto world staged in the Infamous Brownsville Brooklyn neighborhood, this movie sheds light on the critical mindset and daily struggle of Urban America. Bringing to life real life situations that affect our urban communities as a whole. Our very own Richarh Aswanu, had the priviledge of speaking in depth with OpenMindz Production team, cousins Damon Diddit and Natural Langdon in a candid interview on their film and the independent film game...

Natural: I had so many movies that I liked growing up but my Favorite is Grease. Richarh: What’s it like as family working together? Damon: As film producing partners we treat it more like a business relationship than family. But just Richarh: How are y’all cause I had several faknowing that we’re rebrothers doing? Tell vorites for different lated and able to do everybody where y’all reasons based on how business together from real quick. the movies affected me makes everything tightartistically and emoNatural Langdon: Feeler and stronger for us. tionally, but, during my ing great we are from Natural: Dee is my Brownsville in Brook- younger years if I had to I would say Stand By cousin but we are like lyn New York. Brothers, its about Me starring River Damon Diddit: Yes, compromise and trying Phoenix and Corey Brownsville and East Feldman. But during to do what's right for New York. those years I never saw the project we are Richarh: What was myself making films I working on. We have your favorite movie was just infatuated with worked together in growing up? What was cinema, so it wasn’t just many capacities so its the movie that made one film that inspired also about knowing you say “Ok, that’s it me but the culmination personalities. I’m doing films?” of hundreds of movRicharh: How do you Damon: That wouldn’t ies…well maybe thousands. be easy to answer be50

settle differences in

that so usually the one who’s more passionate about an idea or method is the way we usually lean…just going off that spirit or emotion. But ultimately we trust opinion when working and respect each on a project? others decisions so if Natural: I'm the oldest whatever I say goes! No, seriously we try to figure out what's right for the project hear each other out and also if one of us are passionate about something then we look at it closer. Damon: Yeah, differences are inevitable and we understand

We are the Voice of the Voiceless. Richarh: They say a great film begins with a great story. How do you know when you have the right one? Natural: We have so many stories and ideas that we build on a daily bases but when the characters start talking in your sleep and you cant think about anything else but the script and content your working on, that’s when you know.

Damon: Yeah, You it makes sense its easisimply feel it… er. because for months Richarh: What does you’ve ate, slept and OpenMindz bring to lived it. But ultimately the world of film? time will reveal. Damon: A different Richarh: Your film and fresh perspective. “Bullets over BrownsNatural: We Bring creativity, passion, Edutainment and a fresh perspective from mainstream media. 51

ville” deals with real life experiences that happen every day in urban communities

across the nation. What do you think we can do as a whole to change the conditions of our neighborhoods?

tell.

ing but there are so Richarh: In your opin- many stories in the ion where you able to community we just give a raw uncut depic- touched on a few topics tion of life in Browns- that’s prevalent in Brownsville and Natural: We need to ville in you film? deal with the real issues Damon: No, unless we around the world. like how the hell did we would have just rolled Richarh: Being an artget in this situation and ist myself, I understand deal with the that somemental health times things issues that go don’t turn undiagnosed out exactly and untreated. the way We need to deal they are in with the ecoour minds. nomics in our How close community and was the fintake responsiished prodbility for how and cameras non stop for a uct to what you enviwhere we spend our few days out there and sioned? money. Who in what delivered that raw and Damon: I would say we support and Change uncut than yes. about 50% and that’s the poor slave mentali- [laughs] But we feel being generous. But ty and realize we have like we captured that nonetheless as artists greatness within us. raw essence of the you get over that quickDamon: Umm… probably better to just watch our next movie. You know, we’re filmmakers we can show you better than

‘Hood infused with our ly and learn to be satiscreative storytelling tal- fied with the final prodents. uct because going from Natural : Yeah, it was fantasy to reality is a raw and uncompromis- process that’s 52

designed for constant changes based on factors and variables we can’t control that. Natural: The great thing about this medium of expression is that you expect it to change during different phases of the process so the good thing about that is your mind is constantly being challenged to adjust, adapt and create. But for the most part we had a great script and we stuck close to that vision as much as possible.

Richarh: In doing my research I discovered that you guys have obtained international recognition for your film, and that it has been screened in Europe and Africa. How does it feel to sit in an audience of completely different cultures and see their reactions to your work?

was bigger than Brownsville community to the world has let alone America. been a true Blessing. Natural: I will say one of the greatest accomplishments is to see people of other cultures respond to our work and realize the story translates and is relevant in foreign places I thought I’d never get a chance to see. We’ve not only had the opportunity to travel but we’ve shared our culture on many levels.

Damon: Yes, it is a blessing and it makes you really appreciate and respect the power of art and its profound communication to

Richarh: How does it feel knowing Can’t wait for the next movthat doing something you love is literally taking you all ie. Richarh: Africa is someDamon: It was a great expe- over the world? rience. It gave us the confi- Natural: It feels amazing not where I’ve always wanted to go. dence to know that we creat- only to travel but to show ed something universal that the levels of talent in our 53

Where exactly in Africa Richarh: It amazes me was “Bullets over that you guys have been Brownsville” screened? to Europe and Africa the world of all cultures. with your film and that you have won “Best InDamon: In Ouagadouternational Film” in two gou, Burkina Faso. Uncountries, but a lot of fortunately, we weren’t people in the US don’t know about your work? Why do you think that is? Systematically, what is the industry missing for independent film makers to bust through? able to attend because of a mishap in flight reser- Natural: The craziest thing to me is that peovation. But the movie still screened there so ar- ple around the world tistically and spiritually have embraced the movie and showed love & we were there. support while people in 54

our own communities don't but I attribute that to us being conditioned to bring each other down, the crabs in the barrel syndrome. We need that grassroots push and word of mouth support & promotion. The distribution model is changing and our Mom & Pop stores are the bootleggers so we have to find a way to convert the Bootlegging in to numbers and get the voice of the streets to the mainstream market place. Damon: It’s ego of America…we’re so far ahead of everyone yet so far behind! Richarh: One of my missions is to give independent film makers a place to shine. I know there are a lot of film makers out there

to create their work as well as being a catalyst for other filmmakers to get funding and go from script to screen Damon: Sur- and beyond. prisingly, Damon: I agree the once you cre- market is wide open ate a place and the void is slowly for filmmak- being filled we just ers to shine have to support each and promote other more so OUR stoit, they will ries can be told because find you. mainstream America Richarh: Do y’all feel won’t. Damon Diddit of OpenMindz Productions

ing a filmmaker to recommend someone that they know.

but I can’t find them. Where do I need to look? I mean, I have googled “black film makers, independent films, etc.” I have a hard time finding people with cameras trying to make it happen. Natural: We appreciate you for that. There are alot of Black Filmmakers out making movies I think joining Facebook groups for Urban/ Black/ Independent could be a good start and also ask-

like the market for independent black/ urban film industry is wide open? It appears to me that there is a giant void waiting to be filled. What do y’all think? Natural: Yes its wide open the key is creating a platform for the audience to see and support the projects in order to keep working. Our goal is to provide opportunity for others with talent 55

Richarh: I miss the whole movie going experience; where the film is highly anticipated and the weekend it came out everybody rushed to the theatre to see it. When the movie started the sound track was jamming, the chicks were dancing in their seats and the bruthas were bobbin their heads. It was a party atmosphere. I miss those days a lot.

Natural: I have two… Grease, because it was fun young and fresh and Rocky, because Natural: We are going when I hear it today I get the eye of the tiger. to have to create that same feeling but with a Richarh: And Damon, I noticed that the qualidifferent platform some how using the in- ty of this film is excellent, if you don’t mind ternet to bring that divulging the infortype of hype back to mation what are you the experience. using to edit right Damon: Yeah, technol- now? ogy has forever trans- Damon: I edited the formed the way we so- entire film in Apple’s Final Cut Pro and cially interact with some of the compositeach other as well as experience movies and ing was done in Adobe After Effects. for all we know 10 years from now you Richarh: Has technolomay ask a kid if they gy, more specifiwant to go to the movie cally softtheater and their reply ware made it might be, “what’s easier to that?” So it’s all about produce the experience on a dif- films? ferent platform. Damon: Yes. Richarh: Hey Natural, That’s the I see that you are the beauty of the one that does the sound digital revotracks so let me ask lution, techyou; what is your all- nology time favorite movie helped bring sound track of all the manutime? Mine is “Above facturing the Rim”… cost down Do you think those days are over or are they coming back?

Natural Langdon of OpenMindz Productions

which allows more people to create and produce films. Unfortunately, the downside is that not everyone can produce quality films. Richarh: What were your major road blocks in getting your film out there and how did you overcome them? Damon: The same road blocks all other films face…Distribution. It just comes to a point when you have to take matters in your own hands and distribute the product yourself.

So far, we’ve toured 24 major cities in the Northeast, Midwest and South, distributing the movie independently. Natural: There are so many roadblocks but the biggest one is getting advertising money. Regardless of how good your product is, if no one knows about it doesn't matter. The key to getting your work out there is to except the fact that people will discover it if its good. You have to be willing to do what others aren't we went on a tour to bring the movie in to other markets in the USA. You have to be resilient.

what you put out but don't expect the festivals to market and promote your movie. Use them as a platform to bring your audience to there event to see your project. Also, hustle and create the experience you want your audience to have. We have been involved with some great ones PAFF, Berlin Black Film Festival, Queens Independent, MSVA.

Damon: I don’t agree with the way most film festivals handle their selection process and think it’s becoming too politiRicharh: Do you guys attend the Independent cal…definitely for the independent filmmaker. Film Festivals? If so More on that in our upwhich ones? coming documentary, Natural: Yes, but I have but yes, if u get in go inmixed feeling about film to it very focused and be festivals all I will say ready to fully campaign about it is you get in your project. 57

Richarh: In what direction are you trying to take your films and what impact are you trying to leave on the industry? Natural: I’m just growing as a filmmaker to perfecting my craft that will be a lifetime achievement and explore stories that allow me to explore the human experience. I want Openmindz to have created a platform to support other talented filmmakers on the

Natural: Don Cheadle, Kevin Spacey, Leonardo DiCaprio, Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Mos Def and Jeffery Wright.

and be willing to put the extra work in! Stay thirsty my friend. Richarh: Is there a certain organization to join? Damon: The organization or fraternity of do it yourself. But its always great to network with different people that do what your doing.

Richarh: Besides the usual “Keep trying and Stay focused”, what grind. Richarh: For others advice do you have for looking to get in the Damon: I wanna proaspiring film makers? game how do you go duce films that some kid Damon: Learn the craft about getting a project can look at 100 years first. Watch a lot of funded? from now and be inmovies (start from the spired. Damon: That’s usually late 1920’s to the preRicharh: If you had an sent)…seriously a lot of the hardest part. There’s many sources unlimited budget and movies and different used traditionally such could have your own types. And most im“Dream Team” of actors portantly learn the Film as personal loans from family, credit cards, etc. to cast in your next film; Bizzness…misspelled but now a lot of people who would purposely. There’s a are using Crowd Fundreason why it’s called they be? ing methods with some Showbiz. Damon: Denzel Washsuccess. (kickstarter and Natural: Write your ington, Don Cheadle, indiegogo) . own scripts and make Leonardo DiCaprio, Natural : Again, be willKerry Washington, the your movie, learn your ing do it yourself! craft. Invest in yourself list goes on. 58

Learn how to fundraise through parties. Your network is your Net worth.

fundamentals of filmmaking then use what's available to create your masterpiece. Get a team of people that want to make a movie just get it done BY any Means.

Richarh: What is the minimum budget it takes to make a high quality independent film, such as yours? Richarh: I’ve learned I’ve been told $10,000. that in order to conDamon: It depends on nect with the brand people like to connect your talent and skill with the person; what level since you’ll be can you tell us about cutting cost doing most of the work such yourselves for our as camera, sound, ed- readers to feel like they know something iting, etc. But numabout who y’all are as bers don’t matter in this case, just start it. people. Natural: There is No minimum or max budget it really takes to make a quality movie. The key is to get it done and use your resources & make it happen. There is never enough money just get started and get it finished. Learn how to edit learn the

Natural: I'm just a man following his dreams and passions while facing my fears in insecurities in order to make a difference in my families lives. Damon: I’d recommend watching our documentary OpenMindz on the Grind 59

www.openmindzonthe grind.com and all our online interviews etc. A picture is worth a thousand words. Richarh: What projects do you have coming up? Damon: Another feature film in the works and a few TV shows in development. Natural: Currently, we have a Documentary about filmmaking struggles, poverty and ambition. That should be released late this Summer 2013. Richarh: Before we go is there anything you want to say or anything you want the people to know? Take the floor… Natural: Go to www.bulletsoverbrow nsville.com and buy a movie also Support Independent filmmaking! We want to thank

Urban Image Magazine for this opportunity and we appreciate your support. Damon: Also donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just follow your dreamsâ&#x20AC;Ś chase them!

Human Trafficking: Modern Day Slavery By: Talia Rice

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knew something was wrong when a pretty little white girl ran into the arms of a black man.â&#x20AC;?

for them to think about saying anything to anyone let alone a police officer.

creating a market for it so the demand keeps going and no one pays attention to it. Same goes for the labor; cheaper labor means companies products will come out sooner and they do not have to use a lot of money. It’s all about greed at the end of the day. Most of the organizations that use another source to make their products or clothing have no idea of the conditions the workers are in and they don’t care as long as their pockets got deep throatitis.

This doesn’t happen here, only in the other countries! Obhowever people who are on the viously not. And it happens outside looking in feel that the more than you think. We have victims to strip those red colored glasshad a choice especially in the es we have been wearing for so U.S. because this is the land of long making us think that this is the free right? Wrong?! Don’t a great place to live and there ever assume a 6 year old or a is no way in hell this atrocity Organizations using human traf21 year old male is happy about would go on here! fickers. being raped, beaten and working How trafficking exists and boom- Ladies you are going to hate me for scraps. Currently there are ing. but that pretty over 21 million victims worldThe reason why wide.. Marinate on that for a human trafficking minute. is continually Only one percent is even identi- growing is because fied. unfortunately Can’t they tell authorities?! there is a demand Once again it is not that simple. for it. The indiThese pimps have such a hold on viduals who buy these victims that it is terrifying commercial sex are 63

little weave youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re rocking right now? Most likely it was taken from some little girl over in another country who wanted to earn some money to help in the home. I know you saw the Chris Rock movie where he explored the types of weaves and wigs sistahs use. Victoria Secrets have been alleged with using underage children in Africa to sew their products. No restroom breaks meaning they

have to work in their own feces and piss, no health insurance and barely any money. The CEO claims he had no idea! Really? How can you NOT know what goes on in every aspect of your multibillion dollar company? Ignorance is not bliss! The Kardashian brand have been accused of using the same labor trafficking system too. And yet we run out and buy weave all day everyday, sexy

lingerie and clothes made by these young ass kids. There may be companies ? who accept this kind of work but there are also organizations that hire victims and allow them to get back on their feet financially and spiritually. I will have a list at the end of this article for you to check out. Or if you are not sure the brand you are putting your hard

earned money in accepts this then visit Free2Work.org. They provide you with information on the forced child labor some companies use so you can stop buying from them and make everyone aware of what is going on! Signs of a victim. Some signs of a possible victim to human trafficking: freely offers sex acts, is not free to come and go as they please, owes a large debt, high security measures exist, fearful, anxious, submissive

behavior, avoids eye contact, lacks healthcare, has very few possessions and not allowed to speak for themselves are just a few. If you feel there is a possibility for someone to be pimped out

please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-3737888. It is better to overreact rather than assume nothing is going on. How can we get rid of human trafficking here and abroad Having awareness is the most important step to fight human trafficking. If there is no awareness then we wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see what is really going on. Training needs to be implemented

Resources:

Shoe Revolt â&#x20AC;&#x201C; shoerevolt.com 65

so you know what to do when a victim asks for help, victim assistance needs to be readily available so they don’t fall victim once again and law enforcement (including judges, prosecutors, etc) needs to be up on their game too. Just rescuing someone doesn’t mean they are finished. They have to be em-

pathetic and patient and know what is needed to be done from jump

That will only hurt their healing process. This can be anyone’s kid, wife, brother, sister, etc. Why would you What should we do? Stop putting blame on the victims not want to help? If you first and foremost. As I said know better, you should do better! in the beginning none of them wanted to be in this industry. Do not make them even more ashamed of their body than they already are.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Back into the Swing of Things!

Have you checked out our archived issues?

better if you got a fitness center, and sweat all of you anger out. And in your relationships with your close ones, be tactful and objective, and then you will be able to avoid some serious problems. The business aspect, in generally the finance area, will deCaution, Venus is in a velop quite favorably for the bad mood this month, and causing havoc on representatives of the Aries many signs… sign during July 2013. The red planet will help you to efAIRES fortlessly handle all competi(MAR.21- APRIL 19) tion, remove all unreliable July 2013, will be quite some partners, and leave only the peaceful time for the Aires most faithful members of the sign, however there will be team. As a result, Aries will some “icebergs” and “reefs” get a new flow of energy and on the road. Not everything desire to succeed. will go as smoothly as you TAURUS want this month, especially (APRIL 20-MAY 20) with your love life. Aries should get ready for unexTaurus, the principal sign of pected attacks of aggression, the Earth trine, during July insanity, hysteria and inap2013, will find himself in propriate behavior from their front of a waterfall of situapart. Try to walk away from tions in which the adequate a situation, when you start to behavior will become fundafeel that you inner negativity mental for the development of may come out, despite your fruitful and promising best efforts to control it. It is 68

relationships. Thus, the situation does not only refer to the business aspect, as it may seem at first sight. Taurus has the unique opportunity to deal once and for all with numerous problems in his personal relationships.As far as Taurus’s love life, during July 2013, this sign should expect peaceful, but mixed events. The Sun will not allow the emergence of critical situations, and Mars’s favorable energy will allow you to suppress any kind of resistance. And in this deed lies your biggest theat. During this time period you energy will strengthen significantly, and its powers will increase by several levels. As a result, you will not only be able to easily solve any problem, but you can also easily make the situation much more complicated. Thus, keep an eye on your feelings and emotions. Control you desires, since you have the possibility to fulfill many of them. GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20)

side, during this time period, the position of the celestial bodies in the Solar system will develop in such way, that Gemini most of the time will have to rely on his own strength. For example, Venus, which during this month will have an extremely negative influence on many of the zodiac signs, might be a little more merciful towards the Gemini sign, as it will be moving on the celestial belt in this sign. However, Gemini will not see any kind of positive influence from the goddess of love, as Venus is the one responsible for the “fall” of this sign. There is a possibility of rearranging managers – one may suddenly take the position of the other one. Thus, there is a big possibility that the new superior may decide to change the entire production system of the company – to the worst. So, don’t even think about getting involved in that process, because you will make it even worse. Right now, your most important task is to focus on your own direction.

During July 2013, Gemini, the leadIn regards to your love life, you ing sign of the Air trine, can count shouldn’t be expecting anything on a positive solution of all his urgent matters. However, on the other special. The problems will be arising by themselves out of nowhere. 69

However, those conflicts will disap- of which there will be no coming out. pear as quickly as they will appear. But, in your biggest despair, a small And even though, they will not bring light will suddenly light up in your any serious problems, you will still heart. And that small light, will give be left with an unpleasant aftertaste. you such strength that towards the end of the month, nobody will be able CANCER to stop you. (JUNE 21-JULY 22) Mars will try to turn against you, all During July 2013, cancer will stumble of your family and friends, and parupon some obstacles, which at first tially he will be able to do that. Maysight may seem impossible to overbe even some will betray you. But, come. And there is the possibility that don’t worry about that, because the some of these obstacles will truly be red planet will only do you a favor; impossible to overcome. But even af- this planet will clearly show you who ter the loss (which mostly likely will is worth of your trust, and who will end happening), Cancer will find out be the first one to throw you under that this loss will give him the oppor- the bus. And if the price for that are tunity to defeat such an Olympus, a dozen not so scary fights, then why that he has never dreamed of not do it? Simply, always stay true to yourself. You don’t have to adjust to When everything may seem that is anybody, or try to prove something to falling right in place for the Cancer somebody. Those who respect you sign, in one wonderful moment some and appreciate you already know insignificant element will throw someyour best characteristics. And those thing, that can cause the breakage of who always look for the opportunity the entire system. And then you will to “hurt” you, they will always find it. have to start all over. Thus, Mars will Take a deep breath of the hot summer activate your competition, and quite air and relax, because towards the successfully direct them towards your end of the month all passions will cool most vulnerable places. Due to this, off, and you will be able to enjoy in towards the second quarter of the some peace and quiet. month, the representatives of this sign may find themselves in a situation out 70

LEO

For the sign of Virgo, July 2013, will be a very lucky month, especially in the entrepreneurial area.

(JULY23-AUGUST 22)

Leo should get prepared for the fact, However, Venus, the goddess of love that during July 2013, many of his appears from one side as the planet plans will unfortunately not responsible for the “fall” of Virgo, come true. However, this only applies and from the other side it will have to Leo’s personal life, while in the an extremely negative influence on business aspect everything will be deall of the zodiac signs during the veloping more than good. month of July, and it can seriously harm Virgo’s love life. When it comes to your business, the Sun will kill any desire that your Your close ones, who used to undercompetitors may have to get involved stand you very well in the past and in your business, and will strengthen who tried to support you in everythe inflow of clients and will help you thing, will suddenly forget about you, establish relationships within the and will entirely dedicate themselves team. to satisfying only their own needs. But, the reason for such behavior will Too many factors will be against you be partially lying in you, so don’t during this period, and it is impossirush into blaming the entire world, if ble to predict the total result of their your home turns into a small replica impact. One this is clear, your relaof hell. Get yourself together and tionships will unlikely be harmonious slowly and methodically look for an or measured. In this situation everyapproach towards each of those who body will be guilty, including you and are close to your heart. your opponent. But in order to keep the “losses” to a minimum, you will LIBRA need to give in. (SEPT. 23-OCT.23) VIRGO July 2013, will be a time of deep im(AUGUST 23-SEPT.22) mersion in the search of Libra’s own “I”. During this month the position of the celestial bodies will be so vague 71

and contradictory that mostly is time to take a look into your likely it will have no effect over inner world. the lives of the ones born in this SCORPIO sign. There will no positive or (OCT. 24-NOV. 22) negative effusions. Absolutely nothing. However, the impulses The central sign of the Water coming from the stars will certrine, Scorpio, will have to focus tainly not be blocked, but their and gather a lot of will and painfluence will be minimal ad intience, as many serious tests lay significant . ahead of him throughout July 2013. These tests are mostly foDuring July 2013, absolutely nothing will happen in Libra’s cused towards Scorpio’s personal life, because Venus, the one rebusiness life. sponsible for the “exile” of ScorHere you will be able to find stapio, will gift the representatives bility, which at the same time has of this sign with a strong wave of nothing to do with harmony. negative energy. Meaning, all the efforts from the side of your competitors and you n July 2013, the entrepreneurial enemies will have no kind of ef- aspect will become a place where Scorpio can implement to the fect. You will not get fired, nor maximum his creative energy, transferred to a different posiand achieve significant results. tion. Mars will help Scorpio to deal Things will be more interesting with his competitors, by gifting in the Libra’s love life. Suddenly its earthly protégé’ with active new people will appear in your energy, which is very suitable for life (if they haven’t shown up so both a verbal and a mental fight. far), which will casually try to disturb your order. Right now is As a result, you may rest assured the right time to focus on your- that towards the end of the second quarter, there will no one self, you own feelings and worries. If the outside world stops paying attention to you, maybe it 72

that can stand on your way in the implementation of your planned activities. Just remember that you are the one that needs to make the first move, regardless of how convenient is the position of the stars, they are not able to do everything for you.

2013. The goddess of love, which will be extremely harsh on the rest of the zodiac signs, will show her best qualities when it comes to the Sagittarius sign.

When it comes to the business aspect of Sagittarius’s life, this sign should be ready for the emerCurrently numerous problems, gence of some serious problems which seemed very insignificant that threaten to turn into fairly in the past, will sum up and large-scale incidents, during July catch you off guard. Very tense 2013. relationships with your partner In regards to Sagittarius’s love may result in the breakage of life, there will be no need for the relationship, and then you twists or diplomatic tricks, under will not be given the possibility to one condition – if you learn how go back and fix it. And your fight to listen to other people. Venus with your close ones may lead to will have favorable influence making some lethal and irreover you, which guarantees the versible decisions. What should harmony in your home, but it you do in order to minimize the will not isolate you from smaller possible damage? Simply be fight, which may not lead to seriyourself, do not fall under any- ous problems, but they will sure body’s influence, but at the same cause you some significant headtime do not chase after ghosts. aches. In order to neutralize unpleasant moment caused by the SAGGITARIUS combination of Saturn and Ura(NOV. 22-DEC. 21) nus, you will need to be very attentive to what your close ones Sagittarius is one of the few, if are trying to tell you. not the only zodiac sign, which can count on the positive influence from Venus, during July 73

CAPRICORN

age of the relationship.

(DEC.22-JAN.19)

Be attentive and cautious in your conversations with your Capricorn, the last sign of the close ones, try to not hurt their Earth trine, will receive some significant bonuses in the entre- feelings. Remember, that not only courage takes down a city preneurial aspect, during July 2013. Many challenging times await the Capricorn sign, carryAQUARIUS ing along many perspectives. (JAN.20-FEB.19) During July 2013, AquarThis perspective will refer mostius may turn out to be the only ly to the business aspect. The zodiac sign, towards which there Capricorn sign, receiving an exwill be no negative effusions ceptional blessing from Mars, coming from any of the celestial can truly count on some serious bodies. With the exception of successes. few shades, an absolute harmoWhen it comes to the personal ny will be spread throughout all life of the Capricorn sign, July aspects of the Aquarius’s life. 2013 will bring some serious In regards to the business asproblems, as bad as it sounds. pect, the representatives of the Meaning, that Venus will splash Aquarius sign can freely quit this sign with the biggest their job in July 2013, and open amount of her negativity. Also, their own business, in case if the Moon will not waste the opthey are working for somebody portunity to annoy her else. This will be the best option. “unloved” sign. As a result, Cap- The stars are waiting on you to ricorn may receive a mixture of make the move, and they fully fights, hysteria and conflicts. prepared to help you build from The results of such situation scratch something big and may turn into long lasting re- grand. If you are a conservative sentments or even into a break74

by nature (something that is an extremely positive outnot rare among the Aquarius come. During this time you sign) and you do not believe in have the real opportunity to taking the risk for a noble open a small, but your own cause, then you will not be business, which will be bringable to achieve your full po- ing a stable income. And this tential. income even at the initial . Actually, now is the perfect stage will definitely be higher time for you to settle some is- than the amount that you are currently earning sues that have bothering you for a long time. So, you shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid in putting your close ones in a provocative situation, since the stars will help you solve any conflict. As a result, you will be able to get the desired

knowledge, which may be of great value to you. PISCES (FEB. 20-MARCH 20) Pisces, the last sign of the Water trine, can count on a solid dose of positive effusion form the celestial bodies in the solar system, during July 2013. In July 2013, when it comes to the entrepreneurial aspect, Pisces can fully expect on a significant increase in savings, and with the right approach to

The representatives of the Pisces sign should be very cautious in regards to their family life, because there is a great possibility that during the month of July new people will appear who if they wanted to can easily destroy everything that the Pisces have been building for years. However, chasing away all strangers is also not the right thing to do, because the tricky Venus can send your other half on your doorstep. Thus, if you already have someone in your life that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean that you have found everything that was destined for you.

all over the website. Take a look at your website and determine if you were a customer if would you purchase or actually spend any time on your website. Most people will spend money where they are comfortable, can have fun and will return often. Most of them will even tell a friend. Keep your customers in mind and not the money. Personally I've given up chasing the money. I've concentrated more on paying forward the assistance so many in my network have given me and not how I'm going to pay my light bill. Because of my vast expertise and the valid consultant services I provide the money has followed. So again, I will offer you my free advice. Stop chasing the money and do what you love.

a series of stories by

Author Abman Glaster 2nd Installment

paranormals. Here was Imelda now placing a silver tray, complete with breakfast, on the table. A USA Today newspaper was on the side.

Anthony’s mouth began to water at the sight of baked eggs with sun dried tomato pesto, gruyere cheese and Italian chicken sausage. His favorite. “What a lovely day to travel, yes?” Imelda spoke in her heavy latin accent. “Quite,” Anthony responded while reaching for the newspaper. After pulling it open he shot a glance at Imelda who was studying him with a childish grin as she

poured a cup of green tea. “What?” Anthony questioned with a puzzled look.

while enjoying breakfast. The whole time he couldn’t get dream goddess out of his mind.

“I’ve never seen you with this much glow,” she offered while The lead making a plate for car in the circular him. driveway was the Anthony’s vehicle Anthony eyes grew as wide drove most freas golf balls and quently. An egghe sort of gasped shell white CL 65 in shock. “Who Mercedes. He me? What glow?” tossed two suithe sat the news- cases inside, and paper aside mak- before jumping ing a twisted face. into the driver’s “Just what are seat he waved at you trying to inEan, who was atsinuate?” tending to the “No, no,” front lawn. Then Imelda retorted he waved at with hands held Imelda who stood up in surrender in the doorway and backing away with Precious in from the table. her arms. Smiling Anthony shook his head then returned to his morning ritual. Reading the paper 82

Minutes later Anthony was cruising through Beverly Hills with the top down. His

spirits were flying so high that, not even the thought of Sharon, his exwife, spoiled his mood, which was rare. Anthony’s feelings became so ill towards her that he hated her very existence. Hated that God gave her the satisfaction of breathing. Forgive me Lord, he silently prayed. But the woman he thought he knew so well. The woman he worshipped and exerted all of his being into loving, since their second year of college, had an affair, which turned out to become one of the biggest scandals to hit L.A. within the last decade.

the most prestigious law firms in the state Sharon had earned herself a junior partner position. Two and a half years ago she defended Al-Ahmad -vs.the United States. Samir Al-Ahmad was a distant cousin to Saudi Arabia’s Prince Abdullah. Samir had amassed a fortune as a leader in the textiles industry. But he wa charged with embezzling nearly $325 million dollars out of America investors and after a 6 month trial he was acquitted on some type of technicality. The decision was reversed on appeal and a new trial would be held.

After 8 years as a defense attorney in one of

A week later is when Samir came forth with 83

taped confessions of Sharon and the presiding judge whose statements were implicit in their involvement in the scam. Samir’s case was eventually thrown out. The feds indicted judge walls, a couple of city officials, along with Sharon who was now serving a 60 month sentence in a federal prison camp in Coleman Florida. Anthony tried to entertain all of the possibilities of why Sharon chose to be unfaithful when had been absolutely faithful to her. That he could not forgive. The criminal part? Maybe. But her infidelities? No way! Where had I gone wrong? Anthony used to ask,

almost blaming himself for Sharon’s misguided sexual pursuits. True he wasn’t well endowed in the sexual area, but he made up for it in other ways, or so he thought. At least that’s what Sharon made him believe. Anthony even went as far as suggesting a penis enlargement, but she assured him that what he had was enough to satisfy her. Then there was Anthony’s success as a commercial contractor in the construction industry, which was attributed to winning bids for contracts to construct 4 college football stadiums, 2 malls, 7 hotels and a few skyscrapers

around the country and he literally gave Sharon the world. So money couldn’t have been the issue when hew was solely responsible a $19 million dollar net worth.

boom of the 90’s was stowing luggage into the chartered G-5.

Anthony still didn’t have a clue as to what this weekend entailed, nor as to where they were headI am not to ed. Matt always blame, Anthony kept a trick up his convinced himself sleeve. after months of ELAINE grieving. More Leaving the spa than anything he on 40th and Park was concerned Ave. Elaine and about the damage Katharine headed it was cause to to 5th Ave. to do Precious, who had what was supto spend these posed to be a littender years withtle bit of shopout a mother. Oh ping. After splurgwell that’s just the ing in Saks Elaine way the ball insisted they stop bounces, Anthony at Damiani, where thought as he she fell in love pulled up to a priwith a La Vie En vate hangar at rose, an 18 karat LAX, where his white gold penbest friend since dant with amegrammar school, thysts, citrines, Matt Thompson, a tourmalines and red headed Irish, 1.2 carats of diawho grew wealthy monds. Little did from the dot-com 84

Katharine know this was a present fior her 35th birthday, which was less than 45 days away. The $19,980 price tag didn’t bother Elaine one bit.

Something to keep her mind off of it, but Katharine had other plans. Elaine dismissed the thought of going out alone. Instead she’s work on her latest, still untitled screenplay, which she seriously considered turning into an episodic drama series. The top the night off with maybe some filet mignon and creamy spinach followed by a stiff glass of cognac and some Debauve and Gallais fine chocolate.

Their next stop was Jimmy Choo’s, where they both couldn’t resist a pair of $625 Colorado patent leather pumps in gold. Then, while at Gucci, Elaine ogled over a pair of $1,380 leather sandals that complimented a fabulous dress she had tailored by New York designer It was barely Jason Wu. She past 4pm when had to have them. Elaine puled in At the end of their front of the luxurishopping expedi- ous skyscraper on tion Elaine tried to Lexington Ave., talk Katharine into where her and going out to see a Richard occupied an $11 million Broadway play later this evening. dollar, 6,000 sq. ft. condo on the 85

25th floor. Once inside the phone rung as if on cue. “Hello.” It was security informing her there was a visitor downstairs. “I’m expecting him,” Elaine answered a bit anxiously. In less than three minutes the doorbell sounded. She took a deep breath before opening up to see Riley Washington standing there dressed in his normal all black attire. Hidden behind his signature Ray-Ban shades Riley was an exact replica of Shemar Moore the ex soul train host. KATHARINE Meanwhile at the exquisite Mark hotel on Manhattan’s upper eastside on Madison and 77th

Katharine rode up in the elevator, by herself, heading for the 10th floor. Beads of sweat were trickling from her forehead down the sides of her angelic face. Katharine tried to fight it but she just couldn’t bare the sickness, nor could she resist the ever so powerful urge. “This is the last time,” she repeated for maybe the millionth time.

nation. It felt as if her bowels would give way at any second.

tattoo covering her neck and an arm sleeve, along with the black lip The elevator stick she sported was befitting of stopped and Katharine literally her lifestyle. Tori belonged to a lopulled the doors cal heavy metal open. She fast band that was paced down the headed nowhere hall and rapped fast. And in her on the last door spare time, which on her left a bit wa most of the harder than she intended to. Stud- time, she was a ying her trembling heroin supplier. hand Katharine Katharine counted the awbarged inside and fully long seconds pulled her Balenit took for Tori to ciaga shades to Right now, answer. reveal watery though, the only Suddenly the eyes. “Where is thing she cared door swung open it?” she asked in about was reliev- and there Tori desperation while ing the pain; the stood dressed in pacing the room knots in her stom- army fatigues, with eyes scanach; those body ning the night black combat aching flu-like boots with a black stand, dresser symptoms. Oh tank top on. Tori, and dining table how she couldn’t a short petite in search of it. stand the pain. white woman in Tori closed “Come on. Come her mid 20’s, was the door and on.” She was star- Jennifer Love faced Katharine ing at the floor’s Hewitt beautiful with a devilish indicator willing it except she had a grin. She loved to to reach its desti- Caesar cut. The see her this way. 86

Fiendish. She prided herself for creating such a monster. “Thirsty are we?” Tori asked tauntingly while admiring Katharine’s amazing figure in the flimsy sun dress she wore.

swift motion Tori snatched open a night stands draw, pulling from it an elastic band that she tied around Katharine’s arm using her teeth. Then came a hypodermic needle filled with liquid Katharine had euphoria. She could see the the height and body of Rihanna, frightened look in but if you had to Katharine’s eyes compare her looks turn to delight. to anyone it would Tori kissed her with passionate have to be the force before Canadian songplunging the dart stress Melonie into Katharine’s Fiona. arm. Katharine Katherine’s stormed over and eyes rolled into gave Tori a hard smack to the face. the back of her head and immedi“Don’t fucking play with me,” she ately the drug worked its way ininsisted. to her blood All of a sud- stream causing an den Tori clutched orgasmic-like senKatharine’s throat sation, even more and shoved her powerful than a gover to the bed spot orgasm. A where she fell on feeling she could top of her. In one 87

never get enough of. After being administered the dope Katharine would always be more receptive to the lewd acts Tori loved to perform on her.

Dive between the sheets of these stories as I describe lustful sex lick for lick, and stroke for stroke.. You can practically envision women dripping wit sweet nectar as you read through the pages of these passionate episodes. Every chapter is a recollection of sexual experiences from my past. I could feel it as I wrote it and could taste it on my tongue as I reminisced about some of the sweetest kitty I’ve ever licked. It was arousing as I remembered all the steamy details and wrote them on paper. And I imagine that it will be just as stimulating for you as you read it… “... There’s no way to become more intimate with a kitty than to get down there face to face — and lick it…”

Make Love Like A Lesbian By: Richarh Aswanu Well fellas, I hate to be the one to tell y’all but, we gotta learn how to make love like a lesbian. Yep, I said it. And for all you homophobes out there, I’m not tellin you to put on a pair of high heels and grow tits. I’m sayin just tryin to show you how to be the best lover your woman has ever had. What I’m tellin you is based on personal experience and feedback from bisexual and lesbian women. In order to give her the best sex she’s ever had, you have to connect with her on a deeper level. It comes down to pleasing the “whole woman,” her mind, her heart, and her precious little kitty kat. In that order! If you’re only out for a quickie (which isn’t very gratifying for you or her) this article aint for you. What I’m trying to teach you is going to take time, patience, and a lot of work. But, I guaran-

tee you that it will result in the best sex either one of you has ever had. According to a survey of lesbian and bisexual woman, no one can make love to woman better than a woman. “Huh? How is that? How can a woman make love to a woman better than me? She can’t fuck her, she don’t even have a penis,” might be some of the thoughts runnin through your mind right now. And honestly, that train of though is exactly why you should be reading the article. We think its about our lil soldier all the time. The most

Listen and Learn Fellas! 90

important sex organ you have ain’t swingin between your legs, its sittin between your ears dummy. (Lol! Just jokin bruh) But seriously, the fact that a lesbian can blow a woman’s mind is living proof that there are more important ways to satisfy your Lady. Did you the phrase, “blow a woman’s mind?” It’s about the mental connection. If it wasn’t the phrase would be “blow the woman’s kitty cat.” Feel me? So if you think the entire focus is on Mr. Johnson, your lady might be in the arms of another man or even a woman as you read this article. When I was in my early teens, one of my homies Moms told me that I didn’t know anything about making love to a woman. She said it takes all day to make love to a woman. Now, in my young mind, I pictured myself humpin and sweatin for hours as I

tried to catch my breath. Obviously, she read the expression on my face because she smiled and told me that I have to make love to a woman’s mind. She told me that making love to my woman begins the moment she wakes up in the morning. I never fully understood

what she was tryin to say until I was older. Haven’t you ever heard the old school players say, “I don’t want her body, I want her mind. Cause if I got her mind I got her, ya dig.” It’s all about establishing a mental connection. This is where the “lesbianism” comes in at. Lesbian woman process everything about a woman better than anyone. A lesbian takes the time to learn her woman in and out. So who could be a better model on how to please a woman than a woman who loves 91

two women together. Smh. They talk, talk, talk, talk. So that’s how you have to connect with them, by talking. Think about it, if she doesn’t feel comfortable telling you about her day and what’s going on in her life, she most definitely ain’t gonna feel comfortable talking to you about sex. Don’t try to solve women? The advantage a lesbian her problems. Just listen and let her has over a man is that she’s a wom- know you’re paying attention by an herself. She’s in tune with the repeating some of what she’s saying femininity of a female. Haven’t you to you. And touch her, touch is imever heard a woman say she wants a portant. Trade life experiences with man that’s in touch with his femiher, exchange secrets. It’s a way of nine side? She’s not saying she bonding and building trust. Hold wants some lil bitch ass dude by her her hands and look deep into her side. All she’s cryin out for is a man eyes while yall talk. Make your conthat can understand her feelings, versations intimate. Maybe even who isn’t ashamed to show his. You stroke her hair while she lays have to be confident enough in your manhood to show her some vulnerability, it builds trust. And if she trusts you, all kinds of possibilities will open up. She’ll be willing to experiment in the bedroom and she’ll ride to the end of the earth with you. She’ll have your back and support you in all you do. I hope all this is making sense, lesbians communicate with one another more than any other type of couple. Women are very chatty, so think of 92

her head in your lap. You have to make her feel safe emotionally, psychologically, and physically. Once she has those securities in you, she’ll be willing to have wild uninhibited sex, and she’ll even bring some of her own fantasies

you to learn the ins and out of her kitty kat. It’ll bring you closer and make her even more comfortable with you. Trust me. If ya’ll out there “scoring more points” with these tips hit me up and let me know. I’d love to hear from you. Peace and love

Richarh Aswanu

to the table. In my lifetime, the best sex I’ve ever had didn’t come from some random chick I took to the hotel after the club. The best sex came from women I had a strong connection with…Step up your communication skills, work on bonding with your woman, throughout the month to build a strong connection. In the next issue we’ll go to the next step; oral sex, a different kind. And we might even go over some ways for 93

Try These Tips: 

Practice active listening: 

Make eye contact



Repeat what she says back to her



Maintain skin to skin contact throughout the conversation…

Her: My ex is better in the bed than my current boyfriend. I’ve been asking my ex how I can get my man to perform better in bed; you know, perform like my ex. I haven’t told my ex what I’m doing as far as asking for advice but I HAVE compared my man to my ex before and it pisses him off. Am I wrong? Him: She needs to stop comparing me to her ex! Not only is she comparing me to the last dude, she’ faking orgasms in bed. The whole issue has me pissed off!

you communicating with your man about what you want and need, or are you doing what a lot of women do and assuming that he already knows/should already know? Please don’t say “Well, TO HER: Girl, are you TRYING to we’ve been together (x) years, so he get dropped? Listen, I know you should know me by now.” Honey, like what you like and everything, does he? IF that were true, do you that’s a given. HOWEVER, are really think you’d be going WHOA DERE! There’s a lot going on here. Sexual chemistry is a huge part of any relationship. But you know what? Communication is better.

through all the frustration you’re dealing with? “Well, he should have asked.” Should he have? True, part of understanding your mate is recognizing when there’s a problem, but what about your part in this? It’s YOUR pleasure that’s being affected, so shouldn’t most of the responsibility be on you to let him know when something is working and when it’s not? Men are not mind readers, girl. Oh, and side note: Comparing your man to your ex in bed, for ANY reason…ain’t that bright. What worked for the two of you might not necessarily work for you and your man. There’s got to be some understanding and compromise in the middle. Discussing your sex life with anyone but your mate isn’t usually a good idea in the first place, but talking about it with someone you used to be in-

timate with?! Yeah, you’re asking for problems. If you and your man can’t talk about intimacy problems, you have another issue you need to deal with, don’t you? You may also need to ask yourself is this breakdown in communication because of him…or you? It could be both. I mean, from what you’re saying, when you attempt to discuss sexual issues, you brought your EX BOYFRIEND UP. (Homer Simpson “D’oh!) As a man, comparing him to the lat is just going to piss him off and shut him down. He’s not going to be trying to see your point about anything after that. Try this: Instead of saying “My ex used to make me sing in Cantonese when he did (so and so), “ how about seeming spontaneous and saying “Babe, let’s try (so and so) and experience 96

deal with. Nothing can stomp on manhood more than being compared to the exboyfriend. It also can plant some very unsavory images in your mind. Yeah, she was tacky as hell for that, but if you care about her, let’s look at this from a couple of different angles. Is she doing something new and different.” this because she still has feelings See how we effectively got the for her ex? Or is she simply doing same point across without being a piss-poor job of trying to convey crass? All the extra commentary her feelings and desires? about your ex isn’t needed. For If you’re satisfied with the she real? Consistently comparing the and she’s not, you can tell she’s new man to the ex COULD be faking it,, it’s time to bring out causing the problem or making it the creativity into the bedroom. worse. Your sexual business You have to get in tune with her ain’t everybody’s business. If body. If you’ve been together for you can’t talk to your man about awhile, what turns her on and off what’s going on in YOU’RE bed- may have changed or simply room, believe me, you bigger prob- needs a tweaking. Are you open lem you need to address. Reflect for change or do you shy away and re-try, ma. from it? People change… TO HIM: Woo-sah, inhale, exhale. I know, I know. This is a frustrating, annoying, and possibly damaging situation to have to

sometimes how we handle them has to, as well. You’ll find something you both like and she’ll forget that ex dude’s name. 97

If you’re NOT satisfied and neither is she, it’s time to re-evaluate quite a few things in the relationship, isn’t it? Have you stopped really trying to please her because of the constant comparison? Hell, maybe she isn’t turning YOU on anymore. (MESSAGE) Expressing how you feel can be tricky, but she doesn’t seem to have a problem doing it to you, not matter how inappropriate she seems to go about it. Reverse the roles: Ask her how she’d feel if

you discussed her lack of enthusiasm or something with an ex that may not have worked out, but ol girl damn near had you balled up in a corner. You already know how she’d react. But she needs to think about it. Hopefully you two can talk rationally, but you two DO need to talk. Letting your unhappiness build up inside of you isn’t doing anyone any good and can actually contribute to a less than stellar performance, i.e. Mr. Winky ain’t feeling Miss Kit-

ty’s attitude. Be honest, nonaggressive but firm and straightforward in your approach. Pent up aggression won’t solve anything. If she really cares she’ll hear you, you’ll hear her and the two of you will fix this.

By: Taylor Danes

So I've pretty much gotten over the initial shock of 1. Being pregnant and 2. Having twin boys. I'm now 24 weeks and 5 day in to my pregnancy and IM SICK OF BEING PREGNANT!!!! Don't get me wrong I love my babies but this pregnant mess has got to go. My back is killing me my feet hurt, my boobs hurt and the bathroom trips are the WORST!!!

I guess the good news is I have more time to plan for the babies but Mr. Man has been fighting me every step of the way we still don't have names or a registry we didn't even go gear shopping yet every store we go into he doesn't like anything there I'm trying really hard to include him in everything because we didn't get a chance to plan the last time The babies and I are doing fine around but this time he might each baby is 1lbs 9oz and active just have to take a back seat. He's as ever. After a regular check up just as excited to for them to get the doctor placed me on bed rest here as me and wants everything to be perfect which I completely and it sucks!!! understand but sheesh but me I've never been so bored in all some slack. my life. There's only so much TV And so the countdown still and movies a person can watch. I have begged and begged my doc- continues 107 more days to tor but he said I need my rest. I'm go!!!! so sick of being in the house. I Xoxoxoxoxo want to go outside and be free. 100

101

By :Emiaj AhDai

102

Falasha Lambert is the author of “Creed” and “Addictions”. Addiction is her second book. The joy of social media is that it gives you to interact with people who are not in your everyday life. Falasha and I again Facebook friends and we follow one another on Twitter. She is my favorite Gemini. SO reaching out to her about her new book was an easy task. Get to know Miss Falasha… Where are you from? I am from Brooklyn New York with a strong Jamaican background. I've lived in both places. Who/what inspires you? My inspiration mainly comes from my parents. They are two different people but they have the same strength. The fact that they were both from Jamaica, odds were against them from the very beginning. With a total from both of 12 children, they never gave up. I wanted to mirror their strength growing up. Do you have a ritual that you do before you sit down and start writing? I always consider myself a musical writer. Music gives me so many ideas. I capture scenes through songs. I get the emotion I need to write in, from the music.

103

What do you want your readers to take away from you books when they are done reading? Not to discredit any urban fiction author but most of the time in these novels the characters fit the harsh stereotype that black people face all the time. Subconsciously we contribute to the way others look at us by characters we write about and act in movies. I wanted my characters to be reflected more positively. I still want to expose the struggles "weâ&#x20AC;? face but show different alternatives. I want women to feel empowered by my characters as well. Do you have anything new that you are working on right now? I am currently working on the sequel to Addictions. The way I ended the story, I know I left the readers wanting to know more. I'm also working on another novel as well. Since I get inspired by music and personal experiences, I always have a new story waiting in the back burner. What made you want to self-publish? I decided to self-published because I wanted to keep the rights and everything else to my creative vision. I had signed a contract with a publisher for Addictions but after waiting 6 months and no progression as far as production, I wanted out the contract. I put out a book last year July and wanted to give my readers something fresh by the top of the year, when I realized that the process was being

104

dragged out, I took matters into my own hands. Besides that, the compensation is better. I wanted to prove to myself that without the powerhouse behind me, I can still do the numbers. I'm not quite there yet but I will not stop until "the people” witness my craft. In the book “Addictions” you tapped on things about drug addictions, have you ever had to deal with someone in your life having a drug addiction? I know plenty of people who used drugs. I grew up in an area where it seemed to be the norm. My step father was a drug attic. Although the children, including myself were never exposed to the physical product, we all saw the aftermath. He would steal from my mother. Pawn her jewelry. Leave for days at a time and then when he came around we heard the arguments. I didn't see that in him. I loved him for the person that he showed me. A caring father and not "step father”. His drug addiction and womanizing ways ended my mother and his marriage. However, it took a long time for it to end. He was also addicted to my mother and became dependent of her support, so walking away was not easy. To be a little more open, I started smoking marijuana at the age of 12. "My mother is going to flip”. For me it wasn't an addiction, it was a temporary escape. As children we see and feel things too and that is the harsh reality that parents will never get. Now at 30, I am clean of all that. With my new found faith, I had to let all dependency go.

105

106

I knew Falasha had just released a new book, so I was super excited the day I ordered it. When I logged into site it told me it could take about ten days for me to get in the mail. I was absolutely thankful when it arrived in only three days of me ordering it. The title alone “Addictions” had me wondering what addictions was she going to tap into. Was it going to be drug addiction, sex addiction or even alcohol addiction? I quickly got my answer reading the first few lines of the book. “Addictions” is a story of a young woman moving towards everything she wanted with very little help. She has a drug addicted mother and a sister she helped raise to be a better person, so one could only want to do better in life. Ashana did just that. Leaving home to follow her dreams was the only way she could remove herself from the constant drama of it all. On a trip back home it seemed as if her world come tumbling down all at some point. This book was full of twist and turns. At one point I felt sorry for the things she was going through and wished she had an older woman to reach out to for help. When dealing with life changes you need to find peace somewhere. She thought she could find it in her friends, but found that some of them are “frenemies”. I am sure some of you know what she meant by frenemies. You know those friends that you have to keep closer to keep your eye on because they have so much jealousy building up in their heart. That friend came in the form of young lady named Priscilla. It’s seemed as if she wanted what was best for Ashana, but her heart felt otherwise. Like I said before this book had a lot of twist and turns. Aside from some editing issues, I did find the book to be a very good read. I would give her book 3 stars out of 5. You can reach out to Falasha at her email address Brookeavebusiness@gmail.com. 107

GangstaLti Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ GangstaLit/132956040188464?ref=hl Twitter: https://twitter.com/gangsta_lit Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/ kinggangstalitdaddyrich GangstaLit Website: http://gangstalit.webs.com/ Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0067CP89I

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13612586-shh Snitch Killer Sound Track: http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/ snitchkiller Mackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Revenge Trailer: http://youtu.be/cWwGeQfc1gU Hood-U-Cation Video: http://youtu.be/IgMQpHrHn90

108

Find GangstaLit online at:

Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/

By: Melody S

Within every family each member has his/ her role within the unit to keep the unit strong and for the unit to be a success. If we were to break down the roles for each, one would see what these roles are and why each person is extremely important to the rest of the members. The two roles that are extremely important in the family unit, is that of the mother and father.

A mother and father have some roles within the family unit that are the same. They

each does have their own separate roles as well. A father must protect his children and do everything in his power to prevent harm from coming to them. He is the head or leader of the family and therefore his role is to lead his family to success. It is his duty to lead must both nurture his children to God, to their children and give show them how to them the tools they have a strong work ethwill need to survive. ic and to make them Together they must understand why they provide a home, cloth- need one, to challenge ing, and shelter but them to try new 109

more independent; all to ensure their success. One of the most important roles that he has as a father is teaching his boys to be good men and teaching his daughters how they deserve to be loved and treated. He understands that his sons cannot learn to be good men simply by being told, they must see a good man in action. He gets it, that he must show his daughters what a good man looks like so that when her good man comes along, she knows he is good because she sees her father. “Women always marry a man like their father.” –sound familiar? A mother is just as important to the family structure as a father. Her roles are plentiful and she is often referred to as the

“backbone” of the family, and for good reason. More often than not she is the chef, the counselor, the entertainer, and the maid, just to name a few of her roles. As a mother, she has to provide her children with the emotional support they will need as they grow and experience life. She must nurture them. She must teach her son to appreciate women as God’s gift to him and teach her daughter how to be the young lady that any man would be proud to make his

110

wife. She must teach them both how to be an emotional support to others. While both of these important roles do have points where they may (and do) overlap, each role is equally important to the family unit because mother and father have different styles. For instance, while both will provide emotional support to the children, each will provide that support in a different way. Let’s all be honest and face facts, there are things

that a mother cannot teach her son just as there are things that a father cannot teach his daughter. So what happens when a mother or father is forced to take on a role not their own? I implore you to simply look around you. It would be ridiculous to say that all of the issues in our society would not exist if only every single household had two responsible parents. Although it certainly isn’t ridiculous to say that if family units were complete and each parent fulfilled their roles, our

society would not be AS bad as it currently is. This is not to say that children that come from two responsible parent homes don’t ever make mistakes or do negative things, but it is my belief that there would be a lot less mistakes being made as well as a lot less negative behaviors showing up in our children. If our little girls had both loving parents in her life on a consistent basis, they would know how a man is supposed to treat them. They would not accept being cheated on and abused 111

because their father has shown them that this behavior is not okay. Our young men would not so readily join up with gangs and make a whole slew of children that they walk away from. Their father has shown them that men not only stick around to raise their children, but they make honest women out of the mother. In all instances each parent playing his/her role gives the child a positive model to emulate. It is safe to say that children are a product of their environment (as I believe we all are), so why wouldn’t we as parents want to work together in our respective roles to create the best environment possible for our children? Maybe if we started taking our family roles more seriously, we could turn our society around to make it better for our children and grandchildren…it all starts at home.

112

There is a movement to want to do better since we know better, eating clean and healthy is a positive step toward it. First of all food is not the enemy we need it to fuel our minds and body. So eating is great, we actually should eat five to six small meals a day. By eating smaller meals throughout the day you can help rev up your metabolism and reduce the chance that you’ll eat the wrong things any old time. Now let’s talk about what to eat, the simplest way I can put is Eat whole foods: meaning foods that haven’t been tampered with, in the lab or the manufacturing plant. The foods you eat should be straight from the farm: whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains, grass-fed and free-range meats, low fat dairy products, unsalted nuts, and seeds.

When can cook your own food and spice things up with herbs instead of oils and butter. If oil is needed extra virgin olive oil is the best to use and in moderation. Please don't get nervous about cooking clean, whole foods require little preparation, a little chopping here, sautéing there you are eating in minutes. Yum! Now let me tell you the things to stay away from is processed foods and refined sugar. You may wonder what exactly these are processed foods are any food that has a label. A label means that more than one ingredient was used to make that food. You don’t have to eliminate all processed foods (like whole grain pasta or natural cheeses), but if you can’t pronounce an ingredient, or if it have more than ten ingredients on the label don’t put that food in your shopping basket. Refined sugar provides nothing but calories. Other sweeteners can be used,

113

things the results will be great! When ready, get in that kitchen of yours and throw out the empty processed calories.

Replace them with whole foods step by step you will have a better you.

Here are some Tasty Recipes for your Healthy Eating Ventures!

Maple Bacon Sizzle Potatoes Ingredients 3 medium sized potatoes, cleaned & cut into 3/4 inch cubes (I like Yukon Gold potatoes) 2 tablespoons Butter or Ghee

2 tablespoons pure Maple Syrup

pinch of ground Cinnamon

pinch of ground Ginger

pinch of Salt 1-3 ounces of nitrate free Turkey Bacon or Pork Bacon, cooked and crumbled (see note above) optional: serve with a oozy pan fried egg or scrambled eggs 114

Prep Time: 5 minute Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Yield: 4 servings Method Clean and dice potatoes. In a large skillet (or cast iron pan) cook bacon until browned & cooked through. Drain and cool on paper towels. Crumble bacon and set aside. Melt butter in the same skillet, you can get rid of most of the bacon fat if you want to keep this dish lighter. Brown potatoes in the skillet for a few minutes until they are cooked through. Mix them a occasionally to cook evenly. Add maple syrup, salt, cinnamon and ginger to potatoes. Combine thoroughly. Take skillet off heat, transfer to a heat resistant bowl and gently toss potatoes with bacon crumbles. Top with a fried egg .

Watermelon Frozen Yogurt Popsicles makes about 6 pops (This recipe will yield about 2 cups of mix. If you need more just up the quantities in the same proportions) NOTES: ď&#x201A;ˇ

These popsicles are a great alternative to store bought sugar filled pops.

As always, use your own taste buds to determine how sweet you want to make your watermelon pops.

INGREDIENTS ď&#x201A;ˇ

1 1/2 cups Watermelon (seedless or remove seeds)

3/4 cup fat free Thick Greek Yogurt Sweetener: Stevia, Honey, Agave, Maple or your favorite natural sweetener to taste. 115

METHOD

Purée watermelon in blender or food processor. Strain with a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. Add strained watermelon juice back into the blender. Add yogurt. Blend well. Add sweetener to taste.

Grilled Chicken Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette Makes 4 salads INGREDIENTS {Salad} • 1 pound grilled Chicken, Beef, Seafood, etc. • 2 heads organic Lettuce, I like Red and Green Oak Lettuce (Trader Joe’s has a 2 pack) or Butter Lettuce •

2-3 ears of Corn, 1/4 to 1/2 cup per person

•

8 ounces Cherry Tomatoes

•

a few Green Onions, cleaned and chopped

•

8 ounces Mushrooms, cleaned and sliced

•

8 ounces fresh Strawberries, cleaned and sliced

116

• Ile De France Camembert Cheese, I used 1 ounce per salad •

Olive Oil

{Strawberry Vinaigrette} Makes 5 ounces of dressing •

1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard

•

2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

•

2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar

•

4 ounces Strawberries, cleaned and trim off stems

•

sweeten with Stevia or Honey to taste

Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken Makes about eight 4 oz servings NOTES: Not only is Tumeric know for a wide range of health benefits but it gives the chicken a beautiful yellow color. It will make your hands turn yellow, you can wear gloves if you wish.

INGREDIENTS 

2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Organic Chicken Breast



1/4 cup Garlic Olive Oil (Trader Joe’s has a great one)

1/2 cup Lemon Juice (You can juice a few lemons if you have them handy, I usually reach for my bottle of Santa Cruz Organic) 2 teaspoons tumeric  a few pinches of Salt and Black Pepper chopped fresh Cilantro or Italian Parsley for garnish METHOD Trim any fat and clean chicken. Put chicken in bowl with garlic oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and tumeric, mix well with your hands. If you have time, do this in the morning and marinate all day in the fridge. If this is last minute try to give chicken about an hour in the marinade.

117

Pre heat grill on medium high heat. Grill chicken about 5-7 minutes per side until inside is cooked through and juices run clear. Let rest a few minutes, plate and garnish with chopped Cilantro or Parsley. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Pre-heat grill to medium high heat. Clean and husk corn. Coat corn with a thin layer of olive oil. Grill for about 15-20 minutes flipping occasionally so it browns evenly on all sides. When the corn is cool to the touch remove the kernals with a knife. Grilled Camembert Cheese: Reduce the heat on the the grill to medium. Coat both sides of the cheese with a thin layer of olive oil with a brush or your hands. Place directly on the grill grates. Grill for no longer than 2 minutes per side. Flip with a spatula. Watch carefully, it will melt quickly. Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing: Combine all the ingredients excluding sweetener in a food processor or blender and purĂŠe. Taste and add any sweetener if desired.

Salad Assembly: Divide ingredients and artfully arrange in salad bowls. Serve dressing on the side. Hope you Enjoy! Good Luck with you Healthy Eating Endeavors!

118

119

Need advice...We got you!

Hey Mamma and Ask Emaij can handle any question about life you may have?

Hey Mamma? I have had an estranged relationship with my 18 year old daughter for 16 years. It’s always been questionable if I’m her father or not. Recently, her mother told me that she doesn’t believe I am. I’ve always thought she looks like one of my homies and her mother final confessed to sleeping with him on several occasions around the time she got pregnant. We’ve agreed to DNA testing after all these years, what am I supposed to do if she isn’t mine.. This situation with the child takes this relationship to another level. The word "estranged" was used with the child. You need the facts

and then the decision is made. If you love the child you can still display love even if it's not yours. True love does not automatically come from sperm fertilizing an egg (got me) Love covers a multitude of faults. Whichever way the test come out, forgive the mama and try to salvage the relationship with the child. You seem to be a "real trooper" stand on your own square, I do realize, I keep writing child, and there has been a 16 years gap in your relationship. The Bible still says "don't get weary in good deeds". You have a lot of love to give. Be careful, but when that

120

window of your love affair opens be ready. God Bless Your Situation! Mamma I am madly in love with my woman.But she acts funny when it comes to sex. She won’t hardly give me any, and when she does it’s boring. Don’t do that, do lick me there, just regular me on top, in and out, in and out. I’ve tried communicating with her over and over. I’m thinkin about finding a freak on the side. Everything else is perfect. I don’t want to leave her. What should I do?

my years of loving and three

Undersexed and Overfrustated

be afraid when the an-

There are so many "red flags" I

swers come. And no a side chick

call them, to give us indications as to how, when, or should we put on the "brakes" Love always should be reciprocal. There is something that comes back to

marriages that sometimes it just "don't fit" When we use that terms "Madly in love" I keep reading the part "madly", or is it obsession?. I have loved to the extinct of jumping out of bushes with tire jacks, going to the woman's house and inviting them both out, waiting on her job with a razor, yea that's right I am just keeping it real That's my man", or was he? Sit down, write out good, bad and the ugly. When you ask questions don't

won’t help only ruin the trust she has for you causing more problems in your already troubled relationship. An old Bible verse: "watch and pray"..Don't second

you, it's like comfort

guest, or compromise your sexu-

out losses and back out, no run out. I know, "I love her, we can

YOU CANNOT CHANGE ANYONE!

make it if we both work on this

God Bless and Give You Strength!

food. Sometimes we have to cut ality.

relationship" I have found in all

Mamma 121

Dear Ask Emiaj,

other night I was going

Every time I have tried to

through his phone and I came

type this email, I have be-

across some pictures of his

come very angry. I am trying so called female friends. Emiaj these pictures were nude my best to work my way through what is going on but pictures. I quickly asked him what his relationship was I feel like I need outside help. So I am writing you.

with this female. He stated

My story is that my current to me that they are only friends. Emiaj I really feel boyfriend has an issue with lying. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get me wrong I

like they are more than

donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have trust issues; I

friends and have had sex

have a problem with people

with one another.. At this

telling me bold face lies. The point right now I feel so 122

disrespected and feel as if I am being lied to on a constant basis. Can you please give me some advice? I feel like I am about to go crazy. Girlfriend on Fire

Dear Girlfriend on fire, This is some real mess; I am going to keep it real funky with you. I will touch on everything that you have said, some may come off harsh but it is not how it is intended because I believe in keeping it real with my readers. You say you don’t have trust issues but you were going through his phone. Come on now sister this not what we want to do. That is a clear sign of trust issue, if you trusted him there is no need to look for things that you don’t think are there already knew. So you found something you didn’t like now you are upset. And you should be upset about these pictures. This is how I feel about nude pictures. One, these pictures could have been sent as a reminder of what he has had before and she

wants to give it again. Two, she wants him to see what she has to offer to entice him into stepping out on you. Lastly, what has he sent her, has he sent her nude pictures of him as well? You have to look at every aspect of this situation. You only asked him a general question “what is your relationship with this female?” You need to ask him, are you having sex with this female? Even if it was the past, present, or he plans on it in the future. Shoot it straight no chaser. That is the only way to deal with someone who is good at telling lies. They are so use to people tip toeing around subjects and giving them time to come up with a lie. Catch him off guard. Another thing do not stress about this situation, things have a way of working themselves out. The right piece of information will drop into your lap when you least expect it to and you will walk away from him so quick he won’t know what hit him. Emiaj

Please feel free to email me at AskEmiaj@gmail.com

123

We have prime ad space available! Hit us up to see your ad in our next issue. Contact us @ (765)506-8762 or info@urbanimagemagazine.com

124

125

126

It’s extraordinary that you’ve organized a staff from prison. Most people who run a magazine have a hard time managing their staff from a fully equipped office building, let alone a prison cell. What do you attribute to it?

Tyrone: Would you say she played a critical role in bringing the magazine back to life?

Continuation of UIM: Humble Beginnings...

Richarh: Hell yeah! It’s all about chemistry. Denetra fits in. It was a smooth transition. Everyone loves working with her. There’s Richarh: God bruh, nothing but no personality clashes. She actuGod. Urban Image is meant to ally cares about the magazine. be. I’m convinced. Everything we She enjoys working with everyone been through? Like you said, I’m involved and they can sense it. in here. I can’t control nobody Tyrone: I bet it can be pretty out there. People are here because they wanna be. Allah (God) stressful at times. has brought us together, and he’s Richarh: Aw yea, at first I think I what keeps us together. I mean, drove her batshit crazy. She called you gotta understand. I’d be lay- me all kinds of inconsiderate, ing in my cell stressin over the selfish, and ungrateful mother magazine, unable to get ahold of fucker because I push her pretty anybody. I’d pop up again and hard. She’s done slammed the Jeff would tell me our numbers phone down in my ear and iggrew! And I’d be like “How?” All nored my calls all day. (laughs) praise is due to Allah! After all the But she thanks me for it. I’ve struggles, after I was locked out drawn some hidden talents out of of my Facebook and twitter pag- her. We’ve fallen into a rhythm es and the site being hacked and and it’s fulfilling for her. It was shut down, we’re back! Bigger hard teaching her everything over and better than before. Shoot, the phone. She walked into this Denetra worked with me, helped just wanting to help. I can’t beme pull everybody back together, lieve it. I’m so proud of what and we bounced back in less than she’s done. I mean look at the four weeks! It’s been a blessing. layout, that’s her shit. Our consultant, Sharifah, spent a Tyrone: What do you see for Urlot of time with her (Denetra) ban Image in the future? showing her the ropes, and our site has seen more traffic than it Richarh: Aw man, I see so much. has ever seen. I want Urban Image to be a 127

launching pad for everybody’s dreams. Nikki G, Talia, Deszion, Abman, Emiaj, and myself are all authors. A.J. wants to host into the restaurant business. And Taylor? She wants to start her own advice page on Facebook. I don’t know if she realizes it or not, but with the right platform, she could be a talk show host. I want to see everybody’s dreams come true through Urban Image magazine. By working together and building a network, we are setting each other up for success. There’s a bigger picture, my vision is bigger than the magazine. I see internet radio and T.V. in our future. I planned that years ago. We’re in the first phase. If we stick together, we are gonna make it. I feel it in my chest bruh. All praise is due to Allah! Tyrone: Do you feel any pressure to make Urban Image succeed?

felon. Let’s keep it real, nobody’s gonna give me meaningful employment where I can support all my children. I got a lot of kids. I gotta make it. And I got people out there who believe in me. I realize that my family at UIM investing their talent in me. I gotta make sure we win. I don’t want anybody to be able to say they took a chance on me and lost. Tyrone: In a nutshell, can you tell me what Urban Image is all about? Richarh: We have two missions at Urban Image. There is a lot of talent out there: comedians, actors, singers, rappers, models, independent filmmakers, and authors who don’t have a place to shine. They can shine here. I want to build a reputation for showcasing good talent. Our second mission is to change our image. When society hears the word urban, immediately they think ghetto, violence, low class, and poverty. But that’s not who we are. We have goals and ambitions, morals and values. We’ve got class, we like nice things in life, too. I want to break through the stereotypes and show who we really are.

Richarh: (laughs) Pressure? I love it. All I know is pressure. At one point in time, I was facing 130 years. I represented myself in a 3 day trial where I was facing 50 years. I had to maintain my composure to defend myself. I’ve written novels in a hostile prison environment. Pressure bursts pipes or makes diamonds. I’m Tyrone: Do you feel in your past still standing bruh. Pressure is that you’re contributed to some what keeps me going. But yeah, I of those negative stereotypes? feel it. First off, I’m a convicted 128

Richarh :( sighs) In some ways yes and in some ways no. I’ve done some bad things in my life, but I’ve done a lot of good too. The good doesn’t get highlighted. They do big stories on me in my local newspaper every time I get arrested. But do you think they are gonna give me any coverage when I do something positive? I’m very proud of what I’ve accomplished. It cracks me up that all this got started from a raggedy ass Samsung cell phone. I mean that thing was cracked and the screen always said the thing was charging even when the thing was unplugged. (laughs) Tyrone: What are your dreams when you get released from prison? Richarh: I plan on going to film school to turn my novels into movies. And I plan on taking Urban Image to its limits. You see how we’re doing it while I’m locked up, just think how it’s gonna go down when I hit the streets. I keep having this dream where I fly out to North Carolina to take Jeff and Emiaj out to dinner and surprising them with a couple of

fat ass checks. I wanna get on some Oprah Winfrey shit and fly my staff to some kind of vacation spot to work on an issue and write it off on taxes like the big corporations do. These are my dreams. Tyrone: When are you getting out of prison anyway? Richarh: Hopefully, next year. My outdate is May something, 2021, or 2022. Hell, I forget. I try not to think about it. They just passed a new bill. Ain’t no more getting 30 years for selling cocaine. I got 30 years with 5 years on probation for my drug charge. But under the new law, the exact same crime carries 6 years. I’m glad they finally realized these drug sentences were unreasonable. Plus, I’m still challenging my conviction. That’s a whole ‘nother story. But one way, or another, I should be home by next summer. Insha Allah (God willing) Tyrone: Well, it’s been nice talking to you. I really felt it was important for the readers to understand how Urban Image was created. I think it is awesome. Richarh: Thanks bruh.

129

Tyrone: You’re a very intelligent young man. I still can’t wrap my mind around how you were able to create such a beautiful publication from prison. I wish I had your brain. Richarh: I can’t take all the credit. All praise is due to Allah, and I couldn’t do it without my staff. I guess I’m just weird. I’ve been told I need to donate my brain to science. Everybody thinks what I’m doing is so ingenious, and I appreciate it, I really do, but the truth is, I do this to keep my sanity. If it’s cool, let me go through a day for a minute, then I’ll be done. People need to understand this shit. Tyrone: Go ahead. Richarh: See, when you been locked up for a long time, it does something to you mentally. You lose your humanity. I don’t think you’d ever understand unless you’ve been incarcerated. Your life is gone! You are no longer living. You have nothing to look forward to except letters and visits that never come. You merely exist. You move to the sound of a buzzer. 3 buzzers mean go to your cell and close the door. 1 buzzer means its chow time. Don’t fall for that rehabilitation shit. There’s not many options, they’re lying to ya’ll. For the most part, we sit in here with nothing

to do and it was driving me crazy. I felt myself slippin’ away, I was becoming institutionalized. I was going to forget about the outside world and just live life in the penitentiary. It’s easier that way. A lot of the guys who’ve been locked up for 15, 20, 30 years have survived by cutting the world off ! No visits, no phone calls, they despise the phone. They call it the stress box. But they are worry free. I was dead, I wasn’t living. I had been down for five years and all I could think about was the eleven I had left to do. But through Urban Image, I have a life. My cell is set up like an office. I’m up at 7 AM eatin honey buns and sippin coffee with yellow sticky tabs all over my cell. Interacting with people (outside the prison) made me feel alive again. It’s unexplainable. When I used to have a cell phone, I’d picture myself in a suit sitting in a boardroom. It feels good. I did this as some sort of defense mechanism. Don’t feel sorry for me because I’m beating this shit. But if you got someone you claim to love in prison, check on em. It’s a lot of us who aren’t doing good on the mental part. But I’m cool, I’m living again. I got a lot to look forward to. I’m not just Richarh Tyson 105754. I’m Daddy Rich, the author and C.E.O. of GangstaLit. And I’m

130

Richarh Aswanu, President and C.E.O. of Urban Image Magazine. They can incarcerate my body, but they can’t incarcerate my mind. All praise is due to Allah! There’s more than one side to every story and I also had the opportunity to ask Emiaj AhDai, and Jeff McCollum a few questions concerning Urban Image to get their viewpoint on the mag and it was enjoyable talking to them as well. Tyrone: I mean, at first how did you guys feel about working for a magazine where the publisher and C.E.O. is incarcerated?

Jeff McCullom: Web Designer at

Jeff: I had no problem with it at all. My hope was and is to hopefully provide him with a voice on the outside beyond his walls that’s not being sup-

Urban Image Magazine

pressed because of his incarceration. If I had any concern at all, it was the legality of it all and whether it would affect me, Emiaj: At first, I was my family, or my life a little apprehensive. I negatively in any way. was not sure how this Tyrone: And now how would work out, go- do ya”ll feel after ing forward for me. I working with Richarh actually had to sit down and kinda look at the pros and cons of it all.

131

for two years? Emiaj: I feel fine about it. I see where his vision is going and where it should be.Tyrone: What drew you to Urban Image Magazine? Emiaj: When I first started my alter ego page for my writing, UIM was one of my

first friends on Facebook. When it said it was looking for bloggers, I figured this would be a good way to get my name out there. Jeff: It was more like UIM was drawn to me. We discussed his desire. I offered a fair price, a very fair price and shortly thereafter, the website was created and the magazine became a reality. Tyrone: Why? After all of the struggles, what keeps you with the magazine? Why did you stay? Jeff: Because I still believe we have some good here. And we all (bloggers, editors, family, and friends) worked very hard at getting to this point. Unfortunately, great things don’t happen overnight. Sometimes it takes years for businesses to reap the fruits of their labor. Emiaj: I saw potential behind it if it has the right backing behind it. Yes, there have

Emiaj AhDai: Managing Editor of Urban Image Magazine

been some trying are listened to, distimes. Even times cussed, and respectwhen I wanted to say ed.

“Forget this!” Tyrone: Where do Through it all I stuck you see UIM in the with it. future? Tyrone: How has your experience been working with Urban Image?

Emiaj: Being bigger and greater than what it is now. I see it becoming a brand like Global Grind. With Emiaj: It has been a the right backing, it great experience. I can go beyond the have made some realmoon. ly good connections with other writers and Jeff: I see it as a popbloggers who I may ular online urban not have come across magazine that will if it had not been for hopefully be in print working for UIM. one day. I also see it Jeff: Nothing but co- becoming an online operation. Opinions discussion portal for 132

writers of all backgrounds, a place where they can express their views and receive feedback from their followers and guest alike. Tyrone: In one or two sentences, describe Richarh.

low his current situation deter him from staying positive, looking forward and trying to create something special.

Jeff: UIM will be successful one day and Richarh will be back home with his family where he should be.

It was truly inEmiaj: I would have spiring and eye opento say he is a go get- ing experience putter, that person who ting this story togethstrives for success er. Look forward to Jeff: Determined, and goes out and seeing more of my persistent, thinker, gets it. articles inside the visionary, resourcepages of Urban ImTyrone: Do either of ful, ambitious, people age. I am so proud to you have anything exmotivatorâ&#x20AC;ŚThese all be a part of such a tra you would like to would describe Richpositive movement. add? arh. He does not alThanks.

133

See your ad here! We have prime ad space available! Hit us up to see your ad in our next issue. Contact us @ (765)506-8762 or info@urbanimagemagazine.com 134