Urban Image Magazine Anniversary Issue 2014 by Urban Image Magazine

B-Stylers...25

Men Stand Up (Part2)...28

The Word Owns Us...36

Whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s My Refund...54

Natural Hair & Porosity...64

Ten Fashion Faux Pas ...68 4

THE DAISY MACK PROJECT...76

Fashion Ask Emaij...89

Victims...84

7 REASONS WHY SHE’S NOT CRYING AFTER THE BREAKUP….94

Gold Angel ...105 UIM’s Around the Way Girl...110 5

Half Court...128

THE DUMBEST SHIT IN THE HISTORY OF DUMB SHIT!...130

Deszion’s Star Design...133

What’s Da Word Mix-Up...138 “QUICK & DEADLY”...140

What’s Goin On Today This Month...144 6

Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chosen: the Anointing is Real...150

Poetic Justic Joint...169

Meet our Staff

My name is Richarh Aswanu AKA Daddy Rich. I am the CEO and founder here at Urban Image Magazine and GangstatLit. Writing is not a phase in my life, it defines who I am. I’m a man on a mission. I want my freedom! This is why I write! I have been locked down for 8 years but have published 3 books thus far. I have my own style that separates me from other authors. I created Urban Image to serve as a publication you can be proud of. It is our aim to dissolve the negative stereotypes associated with the “Urban Community”. We will inform, educate, entertain and inspire our readers. In addition to providing you with thought provoking content, Urban Image Magazine will showcase talents who haven’t had the opportunity to reach mainstream media outlets. Urban Image Magazine was founded as a life changing movement for all that are involved in our mission. We are a stage for those without a platform to have a spotlight. Published to be accessible online, this magazine is designed to serve as a catalyst to success, a place where you can network with like-minded people who are in pursuit of their dreams.

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

Thank you for visiting our page. While your here please take the time to browse around and look at our past magazines and blogs. Thanks again and God Bless!

EmiajAhdai is from Greensboro, North Carolina. She is our Fashion and Arts Blogger, our Managing Editor and recently promoted to Vice President. She is currently working on her first novel, and is a contributor to LAID: Young Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ex-

periences with sex in an easy access culture. She brings us a unique look on love and relationships through her Single and Ready to Mingle blog and her column Ask Emiaj. This little woman wears a lot of hats but she has a big heart. You would never believer that she started out just blogging with us in her spare time. She believes in hard work

and dedication will pay off in the end. Look for her name among the stars. 14

KIMBERLEY R. JASPER was raised in Jamaica Queens, New York and still describes herself as

a true New Yorker through and through despite currently resid-

ing in Humble, Texas with her family.

After

self-publishing her first novel, she is now fulfilling her purpose and passion as a writer.

From horror fiction

with a mystical twist to erotic thrillers, this au-

Angela Williams is just now beginning to explore the possibilities opened to her. She is an avid reader who sometimes lets her imagination run wild. A lover of animals she shares living space with two dogs and a cantankerous cat. No stranger to being told what canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be done she tries to empower those around her. She believes that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re never late for your dream, you always arrive right on time. At the present time she is residing in Chesapeake, VA and working on a book of poetry.

thor can do it all with

well-seasoned finesse.

BLESSEDselling Author E. N. Joy is the writer behind the five book series, “New Day Divas” and the “Still Divas” three book series, which have been coined “Soap Operas in Print.” She has written women’s lit and erotica under the name Joylynn M. Jossel and street lit under the name JOY. When she's not penning these addictive series for her adult Christian fiction readers, she's penning children's and tween's stories. Her children’s story, The Secret Olivia Told Me, received the American Library Association Coretta Scott King Honor. Book club rights were acquired by Scholastic Books and the book has sold almost 100,000 copies. Elementary and middle school children have fallen in love with reading and creative writing as a result of the readings and workshops Joy performs in schools nationwide.

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

Currently, Joy is the acquisition editor for Urban Christian, an imprint of Urban Books in which the titles are distributed by Kensington Publishing Corporation. In addition, Joy is the artistic developer for a young girl group named DJHK Gurls. Joy pens original songs for the group that deal with messages that affect today’s youth, such as bullying. You can visit Joy at www.enjoywrites.com. 16

If you needed a license to be a comic, this guy has one! Get this… his father was a notorious and very volatile pimp and his mother was a Jehovah’s Witness… a schizophrenic Jehovah’s Witness. Which means, if she SolFuzion was created by Chef Jon- knocks on your door, she'll answer it too! If that athan Ivy in 2012. Chef Ivy, a doesn’t earn graduate of L’Ecole Culinaire St. him the right to do stand up, then nothing will! Louis, has blended Traditional Soul As a skilled and accomplished screenwriter Amaru Food flavors with various other can adapt to his environment and make any situacuisines, while using a Classic tion into a humorous story. His comedic story tellFrench Presentation style. Chef Ivy ing can be mesmerizing at times. is determined to unite cultures The screenwriter in him makes him visual but the through the culinary experience. kid and the quick wit in him makes for a good time Jonathan Ivy is a personal chef that has a passion for cooking and takes that passion into his clients' home. He shares his love of food, simplifies the lives of his clients and improves and expands upon their nutrition and experience with food.

Whether a lifestyle choice with a personal chef cooking for them regularly, or for special occasions or parties, Chef Ivy's clients enjoy the taste of the good life.

at any club. Amaru is the type of comedian who will the say things you didn't even know you wanted to say. The audience can be very diverse, black, white, in between. Amaru is able to connect with everyone in an attendance. It's more like listening to a friend telling you funny and relevant humorous stories about life, than simply listening to a "comedian" do "stand up". If Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor and Michael Duncan Clark decided to have a kid together, it would come out as Amaru. He's edgy without being crass, obviously loves his kids like crazy, and his smooth baritone delivery make him easy to listen to.

A YEAR IN REVIEW Time flies and it's been one hell of a year. Our founder, Richarh Aswanu reflects on the past 12 months of Urban Image Magazine;

February 2013 - I decided that it was time to jump this thang back off. I had a talk with Denetra and she said she'd roll out with me. I still think it's funny because she had no idea what she was getting herself into. All of our old pages were hacked. So, we set up new ones and started reaching out. It was amazing to see our team snap right back together. They still believed in Urban Image... May 2013 - We officially relaunched with Denetra out front. It was a blessing to see everyone come together to create such a beautiful publication and it felt so good to have Sh'Moore Books on our cover. I promised her several years ago that she could have it because she had put so much work into Urban Image. I just wanted to see her shine... June 2013 - This was one of my favorite issues. We were really coming together as a team. I could feel all of the positive energy flowing. Also, I was very proud to have independent filmmakers Natural Langdon and Damon Diddit on the cover. July 2013 - In this issue we had a talented and beautiful artist on our cover by the name of Dez. We were trying to find our direction. Our writers were looking for their voice. I didn't want to put anyone in a box. So, I decided to just kick back and allow the magazine to take its own shape...

August 2013 - With this issue I felt like Urban Image was validated as a "real" magazine. We had the star of Notorious on the cover. This was probably our biggest highlight from last year. To me, this issue represents growth. It's also the issue where our resident comedian, Marc Howard was introduced to the family...

September/October 2013 - I believe we gained some integrity with this issue. I was honored that a powerful Black business woman like Melinda F. Emerson respected us as a magazine and agreed to appear on our cover. She gave us an informative interview. We had alot of good articles in this edition that touched on issues we face in the Urban Community... November 2013 - I had the opportunity to shoot Dr. Wendy Walsh a variety of questions ranging from the current state of Black America to raising bi-racial children. I was honored to interview a psychologist with her status and credentials. She gave us some really good insight. Alot of problems that we think are "Black" problems are, just problems... Thanksgiving 2013 - We had Puma on the cover! Reality star from VH1's Black Ink Crew. That's what's up! It was cool to interview someone from a show I watch every week. This edition also proved we have a system in place that works. (I wasn't able to get on the phone and guide the way). In the first 3 years, our magazine struggled with me running it from prison because I didn't have anyone trustworthy and capable to hold everyone together. But now, with Denetra Key as our president my incarceration is not an issue... Christmas 2013 - We got our own little Christmas gift. Blessed selling Author E.N. Joy came into our family. We are very fortunate to have a writer with her knowledge and experience on our team. She's a vet. Also, this was a very solid issue, alot of good articles inside...

February 2014 - We came back strong after a break for the holidays. We had the opportunity to show what Urban Image is all about. We covered "The Heart." Author Iris Bowling wrote a series of political novels fueled by romance and she's turned them into a television series. We were so proud to bring it to you...

March 2014 - This issue is my favorite from the past year. One, it really made me proud to see Deszion out on location covering the premiere of "The Heart." Two, this was the introduction of Larrod Evans. He submitted an article for our Valentine's issue. But, it was the Biggie issue where we were able to figure out where he's the most effective. The brother brings a whole new element to Urban Image Magazine. I also view this issue as a turning point. From here we grow. I know who my writers are, I know their talents and I know their levels of dedication. Now it's time for me to get with our staff and do some molding... May 2014 - I love this issue because our sweetheart Ms. Diosa is on the cover. I was trying to save her for later and present her with a bang! I wanted to do a nice fashion spread with her modeling the hottest pieces from up and coming designers around the country. But situations arose and we had to bring her out the cut. With all that said, this issue got on my m@#?*! f#@*ing nerves! I mean it was dilemma after dilemma. This wouldn't work, that wouldn't work. We couldn't get this to fit, this picture, that picture. I mean it was really nerve wrecking. But, we pulled it off. The year to come... Well, we're going to keep grinding hard. I'm going to keep trying to put the right people in the right places so we can grow. I'm going to keep rocking out with the team of writers I have, as well as try to find a couple of missing pieces. There's still a few things I want to do. Stay tuned thanks for the support, it's been a great year. Peace and Love,

B-STYLERS: JAPANESE GIRLS OBSESSED WITH BEING BLACK FLATTERING OR STEREOTYPING GONE WILD? By:Deszion Nasir

When Desire van den Berg went to Asia for a seven-month journey, the photographer wasn’t expecting to uncover a new trend in Japan, but that’s exactly what she did. In a recent interview with Vice, she explains “B- style,” referring to the “black lifestyle” teens are adopting in Japan as “a tribute to Black culture: the music, the fashion, and style of dance.” Van den Berg was fascinated when she traveled to Tokyo and met 23-year-old Hina, who works at a B-style boutique with the tag line,”Black For Life.” “Hina speaks some English but not fluently. She does like to use some English slang when she speaks Japanese with her B-style friends, like finishing a sentence with “man” or using bad words like “motherfucker” jokingly,” she explained. The photographer admits she was puzzled by the peculiar trend. “There are things like the Harajuku girls which I guess are rather normal but some are complete excesses. B-style is the sort of thing you would find on wtfjapanseriously.com,” she says. “According to Hina, it was bigger a couple of years ago—now there are only a few die-hards left in each city. It’s definitely not mainstream, and maybe still too small to even call it a subculture.” The real shocker is the length these kids are

going to look as black as possible. “Hina, for example, visits a tanning salon every week to darken her skin. I was surprised these tanning salons even exist, because in Japan it is a classic beauty ideal to have your skin be as pale as possible,” she says. “B-stylers also listen to hip-hop, and visit special African hair salons to get braids or curly hair. These salons are usually found in Tokyo’s ghettos and are run by small African communities.” While B-stylers are small in number, they still get together to try and mimic the hip hop moves they see on TV. “There are special B-style events where primarily Japanese youth breakdance and dance to hip-hop and R&B. Even though the event attracts mostly Japanese people, you hear a lot of typical slang. I went to one of those events and had the feeling that all of a sudden everything had come together. I got the sense that it’s a bigger group than I’d imagined,” she explained. There isn’t as much backlash as you would expect in the places these trends are possible, but people have been offended by YouTube videos that show off the lifestyle. “In most comments underneath videos on YouTube you see fierce reactions. Many seem to feel the Afro-American typecasting is all wrong. Hina and other B-stylers are not really aware of this,” she says. 25

“You see the weirdest people on the streets, but no one stares, not like the way they can in the Netherlands, where I’m from. It’s easier for people to be who they want to be. Hina’s parents are fine with it. Her mom sees it as a phase that will pass. Even though many Japanese feel right at home in the mass, it is still a land of extremes, which manage to coexist rather well.”

So, cool trend or oblivious blackface? Then again, Western culture has always had a thing for anime and gamer girls (especially when they’re wearing Marc by Marc Jacobs.) So are we really ones to judge? CHECK OUT A VID ON HINA HERE : https://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/b-style-babes-japanese-women-adopting-the-black-lifestyle143357538.html I wonder if lil Asian kids recognize their parents craftsmanship when playing with their toys? Hmm –all jokes throughout by Amaru

Men, Stand Up!!! (Part 2) By: PJ Fleming

In the last article I spoke about men; and a time where they use to be the main care providers for the household, authority figure...the consequence; a time where men possessed certain values and lived by a certain codes that were desirable traits to be passed along to their children. I also spoke on the topic of because men are not taking up their rightful positions our youth are spiraling out of control in today's ugly environment. And our youth today have been labeled "super predators." This same ugly environment that our children are growing up in is the same ugly environment that has given our youth this label. Imagine That! Now let's get real, people are so prone to complain about a situation instead of helping with a solution to the problem. Question is how can they complain? This same environment that these complainers are trying to protect and are concerned about is the same environment that promotes violence, disrespect, homosexuality...etcetera. I remember a

quote I read which stated, "If you have no will to change it, don't complain about it" Most fathers today that are incarcerated still can make a difference in a child`s life, I know this personally. But the father has to want to make a difference in the child's life before that difference can even begin to take place. However, it starts with personal change. Now for the individual incarcerated there is going to be major challenges and obstacles along the way that will make it quite difficult to accomplish such a goal as making a positive impact in a child's life. Accomplishment comes through persistence, to the point of annoyance. Men who are incarcerated have a stronger testimony than most once they are released. These men will be able to be a deterrent from prison, because when they speak it will be from a personal account opposed to hearsay. They will be able to give live recount of the negative of prison by becoming a positive

from prison. Men who have lived the worst of life and survived should feel some sort of obligation to assist in any child's life so they don't take the same detrimental road, whether they have their own children or not. What can be seen as possible solutions to the problem with our youth? Because fact is whether it is acknowledged or not, there is a major problem with our youth today. Now let's be clear, men taking a stand to reclaim their rightful spot will not fix the problem, but it for damn sure will help out a lot, placing things on the correct path. Maybe it is just me, but I am a man that just can't sit by and watch our youth continue on such an ugly course in life that has no future with one or two endings, possibly both; prison or death. When tragedy strikes involving our youth and the crimes they commit you will see some government official on the news singing the same

tired song, we need to reach the youth...it starts with the youth. However, I see it like this, what about these parents? It doesn't just fall on the fathers. It's adults as a collective whole (civilization) who are in charge and serving as examples for our youth, molding these young minds. In my opinion it comes down ultimately to the fathers; however, it is still others around them that make a difference as well. Fact is society as a collective whole makes a change to become something better and begin to promote something other than a list of complaints, then maybe, just maybe we can begin to combat this ugly cycle our youth is caught up in. The supreme theme to any civilization is whether or not it can teach boys to become men and men to become good fathers. It is hard to teach a man anything, the goal is to help him find it within himself. To be completely truthful everybody is so self-

ish today, under the presumption that they are only responsible to themselves. It's hard to fathom when and where such ignorant thinking has become a part of people's natural frame of mind. Fact is we are not responsible to just ourselves, we have a duty and an obligation to fight this fight our youth is battling in, a battle which they are losing. The statute of limitations has expired on all childhood problems. It is time that men get themselves together and get on with life. Men must stop whining about what is wrong or what disadvantage they have and also pointing the finger. Because everybody has had some type of hard time in one way or another. Men we must change the mental picture of ourselves, and then we will change our behavior and experience success.

Mistakes are made, it is a part of life. The supreme test is to learn from those mistakes. Once you know, it is your job to become something more and do things differently. Men stand up and reclaim your rightful positions as heads and not tails, as kings rightly ruling and directing your family and changing the course of society. What makes a man, a man? Is it his origin, the way he comes to life? Maybe, but I don't think so. It is the decisions that he makes with the choices that he has. Not how he starts them, but how he decides to end them.

The Generation We Failed By: Ned Garret

There is a human crisis spreading across America and this crisis is the abandonment, neglect, physical and emotional abuse of our children. This crisis transcends race, culture and social economic status. It is my belief and contention that there is a systematic design to rob the children of our society of their innocence, purity and childhood for profit. Anywhere in America, on any given day you can read in the newspaper or see on CNN where some young teenage person has committed some heinous crime and the adult reader gasp in disbelief asking "why?"

Psychologist have learned and can predict that anti-social behavior develops during childhood and the more social disadvantages children are faced with, the greater their chances are of becoming delinquent.

These teens and young people committing unspeakable crimes with no regard for human life or property are the product of what is considered "The Lost Generation."

In many cases, behavioral problems in young children today have clinical names such as ADD and ADHD, and are treated with psychiatric drugs instead of discipline, compassion and love.

These are the children who had absentee parents, drug addicted parents, incarcerated parents or no parents at all. Many of these children had no adult guidance and therefore no sense of moral or spiritual direction to define in their undeveloped minds of what is right or wrong in life.

Every child born, comes into this world innocent and pure needing love, affection and emotional connections. And when these natural emotional drives are neglected, an unhealthy attitude of resentment, anger and frustration develops. Then, the child in his attempt to medicate the emotional emptiness inside acts Experts have determined that oftentimes, the out negatively. This results in anti-social bechildren of this so called "Lost Generation" havior, which if left unchecked eventually who were raised in adverse and negative con- leads to the juvenile justice system and ultiditions including homelessness and poor diet mately to the adult prison system. The reality are less likely to have emotional connections this society is facing today in regards to gangs, with people because they believe nobody cares drugs and the increase in crimes committed by and are more likely to feel a sense of entitleyoung people is because we have failed "The ment which leads to anti-social behavior. Lost Generation." 32

When we as parents were absent or not inpassion and discipline. volved in our children's lives in a positive way, we failed them. As a result, many of our children have become and are going to become a statistic in the crimiWhen our children were not taught to respect nal justice system. authority or value life, we failed them. These children were not born criminals, but When our children were not given positive re- through neglect, misguidance and a multitude inforcement, encouragement or guidance, we of social disadvantages, many have become the failed them. new predator many adults fear. When we as parents, upheld the wrongdoing of Why? Because many of us adults have forgot our children or refused to discipline them, we what its like to give back. Someone was there failed them. for us when we were children, guiding us, loving us and encouraging us. Whether it was a When we as parents, was more concerned with mother, a grandmother, an aunt or a teacher. being our child's friend rather than their parent, Someone was there and they gave of themwe failed them. selves unselfishly. Something we as adults find hard to do. We as a society are now dealing with a the repercussions of those past failures and we have In conclusion, if we want to see a different renobody to blame for the state of our children sult in the lives of our children, we must be but ourselves. bold, courageous and unselfish and know that beneath the anger, frustration, disrespect and Today, America wears the infamous title of deviate thinking of our teens is a innocent and "Prison State", and who are its clients? The so- pure nature crying out for love. Check back cially and economically disadvantaged young with me next month as we continue to explore people we as adults failed to show love, com- this crisis.

THE WORD OWNS US By Angela Williams

The word “nigger” raises the blood pressure of many black people when a non-black person uses it, yet when we use it we barely blink. Many nowadays claim that they use it as a term of endearment and that no harm is meant by it. If that’s the only term you can think of to endear me, then please don’t let it pass through your lips because I don’t need that type of endearment.

to hear about those who gave their lives so that we would never have to be referred to by that term again. There are many who say by using this derogatory term, then we are taking ownership of a word that was negative and hurtful

The word “nigger” used in British terminology of yore it was originally used to denote a person with dark skin – a non-white person. Negro in Spanish and Portuguese simply means black as does niger in Latin. Noir in French and nero in Italian both mean black. In looking at the words used about a person of dark skin nothing seems to be offensive or derogatory, but that changed in the 1600’s. In 1619, John Rolfe used “negars” to describe abducted Africans who were being sold as slaves in Colonial America. Still nothing derogatory about using it to describe a person, but negative connotations are starting to develop. In the start of the 1800’s to the late 1840’s people in the western United States spelled it “niggur”. George Frederick Ruxton often included it as part of the “mountain man” lexicon and was similar to the modern use of dude, guy or man. However, those who participated in and sanctioned slavery used “nigger” to describe a black person and added ignorant, less than human, disadvantaged, unimportant and any other negative term they wanted to attach to being black. Some seem to forget or just don’t want 36

we are diffusing its meaning. We have “prettied” it up by changing the spelling--“nigga”, “niggaz” “ninja”, “niga”, “nig”, “nucca” and others, but the racist meaning is still there mocking us every time we use a variation. We haven’t owned this word because the pain is still there when a non-black person uses it. We’re quick to call them racist, but we don’t see a problem when we use it. Every time we use the “nigger” or a variation of it we are reaffirming the beliefs of the slave masters. They

thought we were unintelligent, savages, trifling, worthless, and beasts of burden. Often, we forget that we as people were considered less important than the animals on the farms and plantations. Our births, deaths and marriages went unrecorded for a long time. When we were purchased it was recorded under livestock--- no name just sex, age, amount paid and distinctive markings in case they escaped. So when someone says “What up my nigga?” they are in essence saying “What up

my unintelligent, oppressed, worthless, savage, lower than an animal, ignorant, trifling, unable to take care of yourself, still possessing a slave mentality friend?” We don’t own this word and probably never will because the negative connotations are still there and will always be there. Every time we use this word we are perpetuating the slave mentality of being less than and unworthy. Every time we use this word it reaffirms its ownership and power over us. Every time we use this word racists and haters of black peoples smile because they know the negative seed of ethnic hatred planted centuries ago is still growing. Every time we use this word we dishonor those who couldn’t voice

their disapproval of this degrading word and the degradation in the treatment they received on a daily basis. Every time we use this word we dishonor ourselves. If we want to own something, buy some real estate, stocks, bonds, commodities, open a business---- make some investments. Instead of buying the expensive car, the flashy jewelry, the big overpriced house, and the designer clothes invest in us --- our present and our future. When we greet one another speak to our greatness. So with that being said “What’s up my brilliant, worthy, loving, destined for greatness Brothers and Sisters?”

â&#x20AC;&#x153;MURDER IN THE MIDWESTâ&#x20AC;? Two Part Article By: Larrod Evans and editorial by: Richarh Aswanu

The past few years have been bloody ones for the Midwest. FBI data shows that violent crime rates are astronomical in several of the most widely known cities in the Middle America. Strained budget cuts, political corruption, gang violence, drug wars, lack of jobs and poor education make up just a fraction of the elements that constitutes these staggering numbers.

History proves that the crossroads of America has always been associated with famous greasy diners, endless fields of corn and automobiles that define hardworking blue collar laborers who manufacture them. In it's essence, it's the perfect backdrop for a Norman Rockwell painting. Youngsters chasing after an icecream truck, a cheery postman delivering the mail, and the town drunk sound asleep while fishing (pole in hand) make up the typical small town scenes that the famous American vividly depicted. Unfortunately, though these iconic portrayals of middle America still exist, on the other side of the tracks violence and murder splashes blood on the canvass without waiting on the last coat to dry up. We're all familiar with the media coverage that Chicago attracts, even Detroit. However in recent years, Indianapolis has become one of the most dangerous cities in America. Every time I turn on the Indianapolis news,

I see yellow tape and red and blue lights. So, It was no surprise to find out Indianapolis cracked the top five. The Circle City's homicide rate is the highest it's seen in seven years. 250 miles west of NapTown not too

In much is different. St. Louis made the top ten in 2011 and is still being debated for this years list. Make your way Northeast towards Detroit and you've got a full blown epidemic. The Motor City is leaking more blood than oil by leading the nation on the top ten list. Being regarded as one of the poorest cities in the US with a 32.3% 40

poverty rate and with 20% of its population unemployed, Detroit is a breeding ground for violent crime and murder.

Editor's Note: We reached out to several public figures who have been very voiceful in the media so that we can gain some firsthand insight in the preparation of this As far as solutions are concerned, the elect- report. But, we received no response. I guess Urban Image Magazine isn't worthy enough to discuss Urban issues. Hmm. Makes me wonder if these so-called pubic figures are really concerned with the condition of our communities or are the merely concerned with media attention.

Contrary to popular belief, Chicago is not the murder capitol of the United States. Actually, Chicago's murder rate has dropped 18%. Local police stated that in 2013 the city had the lowest amount of murders since 1965. Indianapolis, Indiana's murder rate is higher than Chicago's for 2013. Chicago had a murder rate of 15.1 per 100,000 people compared to Indianapolis' 17 per 100,000. Between March 28th 2014and April 2nd 2014, Indianapolis had a rash of murders that doubled the murders in Chicago for that time frame. The Windy City recorded 4 homicides compared to NapTown's 8. As of April 2014, Indianapolis has reported 41 murders and tacticians estimate the city will see 160 homicides this year. So, the skeptic inside my mind asks; why all the headlines about Chicago and who is benefitting from all this media coverage? Rahm Emanuel maybe? I don't know. But, he's the one I see all over the television "fixing" things. It's ed officials of these crime ridden areas have been a longstanding practice for politicians a common strategy of action to take back to create a sense of fear, and then "lower the the streets; Virtual precincts, quicker recrime rate" very publically to raise their sponse time for high priority call, hiring popularity in the polls. And what better way more officers and winning back the publics than a TV show? I could go on and on with trust by improving their service are some of speculations. But... the changes being made.

n the Midwest

Regardless of who's capitalizing on the situation or who's exaggerating data, there is a deadly epidemic going on in the Windy City. In January of 2013, things got off to a bloody start. 40 homicides were recorded in the first month alone, including that of a 15 year old honor student named Hadiya Pendleton who was senselessly murdered a mile away from President Barak Obama's home. After the first part of the year, the killings slowed down and Chicago recorded 415 homicides in 2013, which was 88 murders less than 2012 and 20 less than 2011.

form of protection. As explained by Linda Lutton during an episode of American Life; "...whether or not you want to be in a gang you're in one. If you live on pretty much any block near Harper High School, you have been assigned a gang. Your mother bought a house on 72nd and Hermitage? You're S-Dub. You live across the street from the school? You're D-ville." That's the way it really is on the streets of Chicago. And these youngsters in some of those neighborhoods are terrorist. Englewood has reported 144 murders between January 2007 and September of 2013, coming in Things got off to a fast start this year as fourth to Austin (225), Humboldt Park (152) well. in the first four months of 2014 there and West Englewood (149). Out of the 77 ofwere 565 shooting victims and 95 murders. ficial neighborhoods in the Windy City, onGang violence is rampant. Chicago is expe- ly 16 are witnessing this kind of violence. As riencing a gang problem quite different hard as it may be to believe, all-in-all Chithan the gangs of the past. There is no cago is a safe place to live. So again, "Why structure, no real leadership or chain of all the focus on Chicago?" command. The gangs of Chicago are running wild. And most children feel they have Chicago has captured the attention of the no choice other than to join a gang as a media in recent years because it's recorded

more murders than New York and Los Angeles which boasts larger populations. Again, in 2013 Chicago racked up 415 murders compared to New York's 333 and Los Angeles' 250. This information was quite shaking to me. I'd never thought Chicago would surpass L.A. Which has been infamous for gangbanging since the 70's. Another cause for attention is the effect the violence is having on young, school age children. The murderers and the victims are getting younger and younger. It broke my heart as I laid in bed one night and watched a little girl on Chicagoland cry because she is absolutely terrified to walk to school. She has already suffered through one of her cousins being killed on the route she walks everyday. My questions are; where is her mother, where is her father and why are they allowing her to walk that very same sidewalk? How can we expect these children to learn in an environment where they are in constant fear of their lives? * In 2013 Chicago saw a 16% drop in crime. *Chicago police took nearly 1,900 guns off the street in the first four months of 2014.

up from the 113 in 2011and 2012. however, police cheif Sam Dotson said last year's total was still below the five-year average of 136 in between 2008-2012. The total number of murders through March of this year is 33 and the city reported 3,600 crimes to the FBI. So, where does St. Louis rank in all this madness? I have a list of the nation's most dangerous cities compiled by Brandy Zardrozny of the Daily Beast that doesn't rank St. Louis in the top ten. However, according to CNN Money, St. Louis ranks number two. I experienced conflicting data alot as I done research for this article. At times it was confusing, even downright frustrating. Maybe the Daily Beast doesn't rank the STL because their population of 320,454 is relatively small compared to other cities. Chicago for example, has a population of 2,708,382 and Los Angeles has a population of 3,862,839. The FBI warns against using crime data to compare city violence stating rankings tend to be simplistic and ignore certain factors that influence crime as well as the different ways crimes are measured and reported. The Gallup Survey reports 74% of the people in St. Louis feel safe in the city. That

* Chicago's murder rate peaked in 1974 with 970 murders. * According to Wikipedia, the FBI doesn't accept Chicago's crime statistics. St. loius' murder rate peaked in 170 with 309 murders. St. Louis has long been regarded one of the deadliest cities in America. In 2011, their murder rate was 35 per 100,000. In 2013, there were 120 homicides which was 43

places St. Louis as the 14th safest city on the list of the most populous MSA's in the country. From my research, I've learned that a city's ranking depends on who you ask and what their motives are. "These rankings represent a gross misuse of FB data. Everyone with the slightest knowledge of this issue knows the rankings are not credible, but the publication persists with them, presumably because rankings are popular and sell books." -Annise D Parker, Mayor of Houston and Chair of the US conference of Mayors Criminal and Social Justice Committee.-

an was 9 months pregnant and her child was delivered by emergency C-section. But sadly, the infant died several days later. Only two days after the barbershop murders, Detroit police responded to a 911 call and found three dead bodies inside a home.

Despite its deadly past, Detroit officials are optimistic about their future and are focused on giving their community back to its citizens. "No longer will we stand idly by as criminals run rampant and the good citizens are held captive in their own homes." New DPD chief James Craig declared in a statement. "Gone are the days that a citizen calls 911 and there is no response...we have "Such rankings are invalid, damaging and taken an oath to protect our citizens and irresponsible. City crime rankings make no protect them is what we will do." So far, for one safer, but they can harm the cities they the year of 2014 Detroit has had 41 murders tarnish and divert attention from the indi- through March. That number is down 29% vidual and community characteristics that from the 58 murders reported by the same elevate crime in all cities." date in 2013. Since Craig took over the de-The American Society of Criminology.partment last July, crime was reduced by 7% and this year the ambitious chief has the Detroit has long been plagued as one of the departments goal set at 10%. most dangerous cities in America. Even though it had a huge drop in murders and overall crime, it still had the same number of murders as New York which has 11 times its population. In 2013 Detroit had 333 murders, 14% down from the 375 homicides in 2012 which was the highest murder rate the city's seen in nearly two decades. In September, Kenis Green Jr., a 12 year old football player was killed as he played outside during a relatives birthday party. Someone in the car fired shots, murdering the innocent child and his mother's boyfriend. Tiane Brown, an accomplished law student with three children was murdered inside her SUV by the Packard Bell plant in October. In November, there was three triple murders just days apart. Three men were killed and six were injured in a shooting at a barbershop that was a known gambling spot. Then, a 25 year old man was shot to death outside a house in the middle of the day. When his 75 year old grandfather and a 23 year old pregnant woman went outside they were gunned down as well. The wom44

Obviously not a fan, Reverend James Warfield recently resigned from the Detroit's board of Commissioners. He says prior chiefs made alot of progress. "I think it's disingenuous to make it look like it only started to get better when the new administration came in." As always when a new administration takes charge there's internal friction. Craig gave an unfavorable assessment of the prior administration then he began making broad changes. Under the new leadership, the DPD has improved its response time on high priority calls, the city has seen an overall reduction in crime and there has been a significant increase in the department's homicide clearance rate. Prior to Craig taking over as chief, the clearance rate was 11%. Due to the work of the new homicide unit, the clearance rate for 2013 soared to 45.5% and so far (as of March) the department boasts an unprecedented homicide clearance rate of 92.7%. So

despite the grumbles from his protesters, Chief Craig is getting results. * A Black resident in Michigan is 7 times more likely than the average American to be a murder victim

* 31.5 of every 100,000 African Americans in Michigan were murder victims in 2011 * Out of Michigan's 447 Black homicide victim's, 362 were shot. * African Americans are killed in Michigan at the 3rd highest rate in the United States. Nebraska is #1 and Missouri is #2. Solutions? I have no idea. I don't think the killing will ever stop. And if it does, it will be generations from now. There are too many factors contributing to the problem. 45

You all have seen the same list over and over; Lack of jobs, poor education and broken homes. There is alot of work to be done; from us playing our roles in the home as parents al the way up to those responsible for our safety to the officials we entrust to lower the unemployment rate. I don't have the answers, but as a community we can begin with a good conversation. I'd like to know what you think. Email me; info@UrbanImageMagazine.com

Spiritual Physical

Mental Health 47

The Urban Alter: The Immaculate Misconception By: E.N.Joy

There seems to be a misconception

Christian fiction author instead of the Queen

amongst some of us in the literary industry that of Hip-Hop fiction. street lit authors and authors of erotica works live the life they write about. If they write

ReShonda Tate Billingsley couldn’t have put it any better during an event in De-

about dope-boys, pimps and killers, then when troit, Michigan where she was the keynote they put their pen down we assume that they

speaker in which she stated, “The book indus-

go hang out on the corner with their gang-

try labels me as a Christian fiction author. In

bangin’ homies and sell a couple of crack

the world, I am a Christian who writes fic-

rocks real quick, walk down a block or two

tion.” This statement goes true for street lit

and smack their b&*#! for not having their

authors. Many of them are Christians using

money, and then go kill their neighbor for let-

their writings as a tool of ministry. What my

ting his dog piss on their tree-and all of this be- pastor once defined for me as ministry is going fore turning into bed (on a mattress that houses through something-a situation-and living their stash of blood money no less). But when through it to tell about it. To those of whom authors like Nikki Turner show up at the BEA you tell about it, your intentions are to keep (Book Expo of America) wearing an all white

them from doing it-making the same mistakes

tailor-made suit instead of a leather mini skirt, you did-or on an even larger scale, to save

tube top and pair of five-inch clear stilettos,

their lives. So when it all comes down to it,

folks that don’t know her mistake her for a

once a story is penned, God knows when its 48

purpose is to truly glorify Him; and those of

ca authors, if they want to reach their intended

whom which the book did, in fact, minister to, audience, must speak grown and sexy…and

are moved beyond measure. So why do the authors use such harsh and foul language many might ask? Did not

there’s nothing wrong with being grown and sexy. Black on black love is beautiful, not a crime. Blaming street lit authors for promot-

Apostle Paul say that in order to reach a certain ing violence or erotica authors for promiscuity group of individuals you have to sometimes

is the oldest “the devil made me do it” cop out

act like them? Talk like them? (1 Corinthians

in the book.

9:20 “And unto the Jews I became a Jew, that I

Street lit authors are often asked wheth-

might gain the Jews.” 1 Corinthians 9:22 “To

er or not they feel they should be held to some

the weak became I as weak, that I might gain

level of accountability for the type of literature

the weak). How do you communicate with a

that they put out due to the fact that so many

person who speaks Spanish? You speak Span- kids get their hands on this type of work. It’s a ish? Most authors know that in order to reach a well known fact that teens and young adults certain audience that they have to speak their

are the largest consumers of street lit books.

language. And to validate and authenticate a

As a former street lit author myself, of which I

story, it sometimes means using improper Eng- wrote under the name JOY, my response, lish and explicit dialect. Very few people criti- when posed with that question, was always the

cize an author who might be writing a book in

same: “As authors, we won’t raise your kids

southern slang than they do an author who is

for you, but we will tell them the truth.” It is

writing in street slang. Either way it goes, nei- the parents’ responsibility to raise their chilther form is Standard English, so why should

dren in such a manner that they can know the

one author be held to a different standard than

difference between entertainment and reality.

that of another author simply based on the

It is a parent’s responsibility to monitor the

style of writing they have chosen to pen? Eroti- form of entertainment their child partakes in. 49

Some parents are lazy and wait on society to

one posed the following question: “Isn’t an

come up with tools and technology to parent

erotic writer winning an “image” award in lit-

their children for them. Take for example that erature like a porn star walking away with the new “parental control” service all of these ca-

Oscar? Well, what do you think? I think that

ble companies are coming out with. Well, in

those authors who honestly write for the love

my house, I’m the parental control. Dang it if I of the written word, for the admiration of the say don’t watch it, then my kids know better

craft, will always have something to contribute

than to watch it or else they suffer the conse-

to someone. We as authors provide a play-

quences.

ground for the imagination. Let us play.

When society realizes that street lit

In addition to street lit, I have written

books are a form of entertainment based on life erotica and women’s fiction under a different circumstances and situations and not the Holy

name as well (Joylynn M. Jossel)…that was

Bible of which our instructions to life are

before I decided to obey God, sacrifice some

found, then perhaps then will the authors get

of the reading audience I had acquired with

credit for their strong contribution to the liter-

such books, and use my pen and paper as a

ary industry. After all, theatre is a form of en- form of ministry by creating inspirational and tertainment as well; are the movie producers,

enlightening situations for readers. Even in

writers and actors taking the same type of wrap my street lit and erotica/women’s fiction

in the film business? Do people think that Al

books, towards the end, I saw my works glori-

Pacino runs around on the streets with a ma-

fying God to some level. Once I realized that

chine gun calling people cock-a-roaches? And my writing was changing in order to prepare come on, by now we all know that Mel Gibson my following of readers for my spiritual transiis certainly no Jesus Christ.

When Zane won the NAACP Image

tion in both life and the written word, I would end all of my book club meetings with a per-

Award in the fiction literature category, some- sonal testimony that I display through a spir 50

itual praise dance. Well, I had the pleasure of being an in-

was a hypocrite and walked away as if she had been holy her entire life.

vited author at the 2006 National Book Club

I couldn’t help but wonder if the woman

Conference, and anyone who has ever had the

was implying that someone who wrote a book

pleasure of attending this conference knows

that was grown and sexy couldn’t possibly rec-

that it is a very spiritual event, not because of

ognize what God has done for them in their life

the agenda and the itinerary of topics, but be-

and send up praises. In my opinion, that train

cause of the energy and mindset from the at-

of thought made her the biggest hypocrite in

tendees. In preparation for the one hour allot-

the room. And to be honest, as she walked

ted to me to address the readers and book

away, the part of me that I knew dang on well

clubs, I passed out postcards for the latest title hadn’t always been holy wanted to take the I had done under the name I use for my eroti-

book and knock some sense into her head with

ca/women’s fiction books. On the postcard it

it. But the Holy Spirit kept me in check, re-

listed the time of my signing and the location.

minding me that I had to defend myself or

It also stated that there would be a special

what I write to no man. In fact, I’ll only have

praise dance. I watched as my PR handed one to answer to God. of the postcards to a woman. The woman

Now just because I have chosen to no

looked down at the postcard and then asked,

longer write street lit or erotica doesn’t mean

“What type of book is this?” My PR respond-

that I found it wrong to write books of that na-

ed, “It’s for the grown and sexy.” The woman ture. It just was no longer “write” for me. It scanned the card, then looked up at me and re- was something my spirit would no longer plied, “Grown and sexy? But yet you’re going churn out and produce for me. I had a couple to do a praise dance? Hmph.” She then

of contracts that I had signed toward the end of

shrugged her shoulders, looked at me like I

my career as a secular author to write one more street lit book and one more erotica/women’s 51

fiction book. The closer I got to the Lord, the

demanding these types of works. I know…I

harder it became for me to finish up those

know...There are crack heads demanding crack

books. But for those authors who do continue but that doesn’t mean there should be a supplipenning works in those particular genres, I on- er of it. Not saying that street lit and erotica ly pray that you maintain the strength to en-

books come close in comparison to the na-

dure the fight you seem to be up against in this tion’s crack problem, but you get the point.

industry.

There are two sides to every coin. I’ll just toss

Some people say that street-lit and eroti- it up in the air for you and let you call your ca have no place at all in the art of the written

pick. So which is it for you; heads or tails?

word, but to be honest, most of those folks

Let me know your position by emailing me at

who are saying it are just mad because their

ENJoywrites@aol.com.

books, that are not street-lit and erotica, are not

This is BLESSEDselling Author E.N.

selling. It’s no secret that street and erotica

Joy sounding off and reminding you to “Stay

book sells keep the lights on in a lot of these

blessed…because you already are!” If you

bookstores across the country because of their have any comments regarding this article or dominating presence and demanding audience. any of my past Urban Altar columns, please There are some people who just flat out strong- feel free to email me at enjoywrites@aol.com ly believe that these types of works are a nega- and visit me at www.enjoywrites.com. You tive contribution that the industry can do with- can also find me on Facebook at Author E N out. Either way it goes, there is an audience

Joy.

WHERE'S MY REFUND???? I DON'T OWE THE IRS MONEY??? NOPE, BUT YOUR PARENTS MIGHT… By: Deszion Nasir

YEP, you read the title, correctly. If you didn't more than 10 years, said Jeffrey Schramek, asget your refund back, the IRS is now allowed sistant commissioner of the department’s debt to keep your entire return if your PARENTS management service. The aggressive effort to owe money from DECADES ago! collect old debts started three years ago — the SAY WHAT???? result of a single sentence tucked into the farm According to the Washington Post, a few bill lifting the 10-year statute of limitations on weeks ago, with no notice, the U.S. governold debts to Uncle Sam. ment intercepted Mary Grice’s tax refunds No one seems eager to take credit for reopenfrom both the IRS and the state of Maryland. ing all these long-closed cases. A Social SecuGrice had no idea that Uncle Sam had seized rity spokeswoman says the agency didn’t seek her money until some days later, when she got the change; ask Treasury. Treasury says it a letter saying that her refund had gone to satis- wasn’t us; try Congress. Congressional stafffy an old debt to the government — a very old ers say the request probably came from the budebt. reaucracy. When Grice was 4, back in 1960, her father died, leaving her mother with five children to The only explanation the government provides raise. Until the kids turned 18, Sadie Grice got for suddenly going after decades-old debts comes from Social survivor benefits from Security spokesSocial Security to help Things are so bad in this country, white people woman Dorothy feed and clothe them. are talking about going back to Africa! Clark: “We have an obligation to Now, Social Security current and future claims it overpaid someone in the Grice family Social Security beneficiaries to attempt to re— it’s not sure who — in 1977. After 37 years coup money that people received when it was of silence, four years after Sadie Grice died, the government is coming after her daughter. not due.” Why the feds chose to take Mary’s money, ra- Excuse me? What a half-assed explanation! ther than her surviving siblings’, is a mystery. Since the drive to collect on very old debts began in 2011, the Treasury Department has colAcross the nation, hundreds of thousands of lected $424 million in debts that were more taxpayers who are expecting refunds this than 10 years old. Those debts were owed to month are instead getting letters like the one many federal agencies, but the one that has Grice got, informing them that because of a many Americans howling this tax season is the debt they never knew about — often a debt in- Social Security Administration, which has curred by their parents — the government has found 400,000 taxpayers who collectively owe confiscated their check. $714 million on debts more than 10 years old. The agency expects to have begun proceedings The Treasury Department has intercepted against all of those people by this summer. $1.9 billion in tax refunds already this year — $75 million of that on debts delinquent for 54

“It was a shock,” said Grice, 58. “What incenses me is the way they went about this. They gave me no notice, they can’t prove that I received any overpayment, and they use intimidation tactics, threatening to report this to the credit bureaus.”

tempts to arrange repayment of overpayments.” She said that before taking any money, Social Security makes “multiple attempts to contact debtors via the U.S. Mail and by phone.”

Social Security officials told Grice that six people — Grice, her four siblings and her father’s first wife, whom she never knew — had received benefits under her father’s account. The government doesn’t look into exactly who got the overpayment; the policy is to seek compensation from the oldest sibling and work down through the family until the debt is paid.

and never since. And Social Security has Grice’s current address: Every year, it sends her a statement about her benefits.

The Federal Trade Commission, on its Web site, advises Americans that “family members typically are not obligated to pay the debts of a deceased relative from their own assets.” But Social Security officials say that if children indirectly received assistance from public dollars paid to a parent, the children’s money can be taken, no matter how long ago any overpayment occurred.

“The craziest part of this whole thing is the way the government seizes a child’s money to satisfy a debt that child never even knew about,” says Robert Vogel, Grice’s attorney. “They’ll say that somebody got paid for that child’s benefit, but the child had no control over the money and there’s no way to know if the parent ever used the money for the benefit of that kid.”

“While we are responsible for collecting delinquent debts owed to taxpayers, we understand the importance of ensuring that debtors are treated fairly,” Treasury’s Schramek said in a statement responding to questions from The Washington Post. He said Treasury requires that debtors be given due process.

Grice, the middle of five children, said neither of her surviving siblings — one older, one younger — has had any money taken by the government. When Grice asked why she had been selected to pay the debt, she was told it was because she had an income and her address popped up — the correct one this time.

Social Security spokeswoman Clark, who declined to discuss Grice’s or any other case, even with the taxpayer’s permission, said the agency is “sensitive to concerns about our at-

Grice found a lawyer willing to take her case without charge. Vogel is exercised about the constitutional violations he sees in the ret

Grice, who works for the Food and Drug AdGrice filed suit against the Social Security Ad- ministration and lives in Takoma Park, in the ministration in federal court in Greenbelt this same apartment she’s resided in since 1984, week, alleging that the government violated never got any notice about a debt. her right to due process by holding her respon- Social Security officials told her they had sent sible for a $2,996 debt supposedly incurred un- their notice to her post office box in Roxboro, der her father’s Social Security number. N.C. Grice rented that box from 1977 to 1979

Treasury officials say that before they will take someone’s refund, the agency owed the money must certify the debt, meaning there must be evidence of the overpayment. But Social Security officials told Grice they had no records explaining the debt.

roactive lifting of the 10-year limit on debt collection. “Can the government really bring back to life a case that was long dead?” the lawyer asked. “Can it really be right to seize a child’s money to satisfy a parent’s debt?”

In 1977, Verbich, now 57, was in college at the University of Maryland when he took a fulltime job in an accountant’s office. Because he was earning income, he knew he had to give up the survivor’s benefits his mother had received But many other taxpayers whose refunds have since his father died, when Verbich was 4. But been taken say they’ve been unable to contest his $70 monthly checks — “They helped with the confiscations because of the cost, because the car payment,” he said — kept coming for a Social Security cannot provide records detail- short time after he started work, and Verbich ing the original overpayment, and because the was notified in 1978 that he had to repay about citizens, following advice from the IRS to keep $600. He did. financial documents for just three years, had Thirty-six years later, with no notice, “they long since trashed their own records. snatched my Maryland tax refund,” said Verbich, a federal worker who has lived at the In Glenarm, Ill., Brenda and Mike Samonds same address in Glendale, Md,. for 30 years have spent the past year trying to figure out how to get back the $189.10 tax refund the gov- and regularly receives Social Security stateernment seized, claiming that Mike’s mother, ments there. The feds insisted that he owed $172 but could provide no documents to back who died 33 years ago, had been overpaid on survivor’s benefits after Mike’s father died in up the claim. 1969.

Verbich has given up on getting his refund, but “It was never Mike’s money, it was his moth- he wants a receipt stating that his debt to his er’s,” Brenda Samonds said. “The government country is resolved. took the money first and then they sent us the “I’ll put in the request,” a Social Security clerk letter. We could never get one sentence from told Verbich, “but in reality, you’ll never get them explaining why the money was taken.” anything.” The government mailed its notice about the Grice was also told there was little point in debt to the house Mike’s mother lived in 40 seeking a waiver of her debt. Collections can years ago. only be halted if the person passes two tests, The Social Security spokeswoman said the agency uses a private contractor to seek current addresses and is supposed to halt collections if notices are returned as undeliverable.

Clark said: The taxpayer must prove that he “is without fault, and [that] repayment of the overpayment would deprive the person of income needed for ordinary living expenses.”

After hours on the phone trying and failing to get information about the debt Mike’s mother was said to owe, the Samondses gave up.

More than 1,200 appeals have been filed on the old cases, Clark said; taxpayers have won about 10 percent of those appeals.

After waiting on hold for two hours with Social Security last week, Ted Verbich also concluded it wasn’t worth the time or money to fight for the $172 the government intercepted last month.

The Treasury initially held the full amount of Grice’s federal and state refunds, a total of $4,462. Last week, after The Washington Post inquired about Grice’s case, the government returned the portion of her refund above the 56

$2,996 owed on her father’s account.

rendous. Nobody wants to step up and say But unless the feds can prove that she ever re- who put this idiotic rule in place, who allowed ceived any of the overpayment, Grice wants all it, and who's going to fix all these loopholes. How can something so flawed be allowed to of her money back. brow beat the American people? “Look, I love a good fight, especially for principle,” she said. “My mom used to say, ‘This And this isn't a joke. I've had people contact country is carried on the backs of the little peo- me on Facebook saying they've been through ple,’ and now I see what she meant. This is re- this and are still recovering and fighting this. ally sad.” FIGHT THIS ABOMINATION. Yes, it is sad. And I find the lack of personal responsibility being taken by ANYONE hor-

I am recently divorced with children but we had no issues with child support. In fact, we have joint custody and two live with me. I also read, comedian Kevin Heart was recently in court for child support and was ordered to pay $20,000.00 a month in child support. I fell out my chair. If the judge would have told me to pay 20k in child support… bitch, we gettin’ back together! The vows say, “Till’ death due us part!” And I’ve been watching’ CSI!

100 Ways to Build Wealth By: Clifton Cook

Simon and Garfunkel released a soft rock tune called 100 ways to kill your lover during the mid-eighties that topped the charts for more than ten weeks. This tune took you on a journey that ensured your freedom from a worthless lover without the impending dome of incarceration. I have no idea what happened to Simon and Garfunkel. however I am sure they did not achieve the level of financial success that allowed them to live off the royalties from their vocal exploits. I am also sure they would have fared far better if

A ROTH plan is sometimes referred to as a back-loaded IRA ( Individual Retirement Account) It was introduced with the taxpayer relief act of 1997. A ROTH plan is funded with after tax dollars, which means money that you received after payroll taxes were taken out. All withdrawals from a ROTH plan are tax free because taxes were taken out before the investment was made. Distributions from the plan can be taken without penalty as long as the withdrawals are taken under certain conditions. they had released a song called 100 ways to build wealth. To achieve a serious net worth over a lifetime, you'll want a blueprint to follow. A blueprint that shows you how to lay down a foundation, construct your walls and finally place a roof over your financial future. I have decided to pick up what Simon and Garfunkel failed to deliver with the introduction of 100 ways to build wealth. This four part series will give you great ideas that will help you build wealth and stay true to Simon and Garfunkel's original intent, which was to remain free from impending incarceration. 58

Series - 1: LAY A LEVEL FOUNDATION When you are just starting out, try to remain focused on the basics. Don't concern yourself with investing at first. A consistent saving strategy trumps you being savvy about all the investment options. New savers face alot of complex decisions all at once. Even if you know the choices in your 401(k), you may find yourself worrying about what would happen if you make a mistake. The options can be paralyzing. Fortunately investment choices don't matter much yet. During this early phase the amount you put into the market is small compared to how much you will invest over the decade. Feeling nervous about buying stocks before you learn the ropes is expected. In most cases default investments in 401

A 401(k) is an employer sponsored individual retirement plan that allows employees to contribute money with pre-tax dollars. This reduces your taxable income, which reduces the amount of income tax you are responsible to pay on an annual basis. The employer often covers a percent of the administration (k)s often put young investors in equities. So the key is to get started and give yourself a year or two to learn to be an investor. A question I have gotten for years is, "Where do I get the money to get started?" I always provide the same answer. Pumping up your savings doesn't have to mean foregoing all the fun stuff you can do with money. Focus on using your money on ways likely to make you happy. Remove those things that are luxuries and use the money to start construction on your house of wealth. If your employer does not offer a 401(k) go with a ROTH plan. Saving your cash in a ROTH plan will give you totally tax free withdrawals during retirements. Now that you have decided to start saving, aim to have an emergency 59

fund equal to three months of expenses. It can cover you if you lose your job or have surprise costs. Using an online bank is a great way to start your emergency cash. It is less convenient than your local bank, but for money you don't tap into everyday they are a better deal. You may want to consider Barclay's online saving which pays 0.9% with no monthly fees or minimum requirements. Don't miss money making opportunities by default. Eighty percent of 401(k) plans set initial default contributions below 6%. This automatic default percentage starts at a point that will not give you the maximum company matching dollars. If you just go with the flow you will leave free money on the table. Invest your windfalls as opposed to spending the cash. Your tax refund, lottery winnings or cash gift should be invested in a fund that earns 7% or more. Maintaining a good credit score can save thousands of dollars on a mortgage. This savings can be diverted to your ROTH plan or 401

Stocks represent a partial ownership of a company and give the owner of the stock a voting position concerning some action within a company. Some companies pay stock owners a percentage of the profits in the form of dividends. Stocks may or may not increase in value over time.; however there is no guarantee of future value.

(k). Make it a habit to check your credit score once a year. Your credit score can be obtained free every year from any of the major credit score reporting agencies. Now that you have the tools to lay your financial foundation, it's time to build your walls. Build your walls by creating an investment strategy that includes 40% U.S. stock market index funds, 40% bond market index funds and 20% foreign stock in 60

dex funds. Place your hard earned savings in the hands of an investment team. The average individual investment manager stays with a stock fund 5.7 years. Even if your investment manager is smart or lucky enough to find that rare stock that consistently beats the market over time, there's a good chance he will be long gone before the long run comes around. Stick with fund run by disciplined committees. Finally, get more by doing less. Overly active investors usually dig themselves into a hole by trying to time the market. Remember the average investor earned just 4.3% annually while the S&P 500 index gained 8.2%. Stay the course and remember your goal. Tune in next month for the second installment of this 4 part series; 100 ways to build your wealth.

If you have question related to solving financial issues or find yourself lost in the maze of financial planning drop me a line at: info@UrbanImageMagazine.com 61

By: Deszion Nasir What is hair porosity? Why should you care what it is??

Porosity refers to how well your hair is able to absorb and hold moisture. It is affected by the flexible outer hair layer called the cuticle, which determines how easily moisture and oils pass in and out of your hair. For most, porosity is genetic, but it can also be affected by external factors such as exposure, heat treatments and chemical processing. Knowing your hair's porosity can help you choose the right products to keep your hair well-moisturized, supple, strong and shiny. DETERMINING HAIR POROSITY There are two methods you can use to find out how porous your hair is.

The Float Test: Take a couple of strands of hair from your comb or brush and drop them into a bowl of water. Let them sit for 2-4 minutes. If your hair floats, you have low porosity. If it sinks, you have high porosity.

MEDIUM POROSITY

The Slip'n'Slide Test: Take a strand of hair and slide your fingers up the shaft (toward the scalp). If you feel little bumps along the way, this means that your cuticle is lifted and that you have high porosity. If your fingers slip smoothly, then you have low porosity hair.

Occasional deep conditioning treatments with protein conditioners can benefit medium porosity hair, but proteins should not be included in your daily regimen.

LOW POROSITY

High porosity can be either an inherent property of hair or the result of damage from chemical processing, rough treatment or environmental damage. High porosity hair has gaps and holes in the cuticle, which let too much moisture into your hair and leave it prone to frizz and tangling in humid weather. Even simple acts such as bathing, swimming and shampooing can create more damage and breakage due to the sheer amount of moisture highly porous hair can absorb.

Hair with low porosity has a tightly bound cuticle layer with overlapping scales that lay flat. This type of hair is usually considered healthy, and is often very shiny, especially when it's dark in color. Low porosity hair repels moisture when you try to wet it and is hard to process since it resists penetration of chemicals. Low porosity hair is also prone to build-up from protein-rich deep conditioning products, which can leave it feeling stiff and straw-like. Stick to protein-free, daily conditioners with humectants such as glycerin or honey. Use moderate heat with protein-free deep conditioning treatments to help open up the tightly bound cuticle.

Hair with medium porosity often requires the least amount of maintenance. The cuticle layer is looser, allowing just the right amount of moisture to enter while preventing too much from escaping. Hair with normal porosity tends to hold styles well, and can be permed and colored with predictable results. Over time, however, these processes can damage your hair and increase its porosity.

HIGH POROSITY

Be sure to use anti-humectants in climates with high heat and humidity. This will help seal your damaged cuticles and prevent them from absorbing excess moisture in the air.

Because highly porous hair can also lose moisture easily, it's important to use leave-in condiLow porosity hair requires moisturizers rich in tioners, moisturizers and sealers. Layering emollients such as Shea butter, jojoba oil, co- these products will help your hair hold on to conut oil and mineral oil. It also benefits the moisture you're giving it. You can even from humectant products, which attract and follow up with a heavy hair butter to help fill hold moisture to your hair. Choose lighter, liq- the gaps in your damaged cuticles and further uid-based products such as hair milks that protect your hair from losing too much moiswon't sit on your hair and leave it oily or ture. greasy. 65

“Ten Fashion Faux Pas and How to Avoid Them" By: Cesar Sosa

"Faux Pas" is a French expression that in English means something you are not supposed to do. From: Cesar W. Sosa. I am a fashion designer, stylist and make-up artist. Here I offer you tips on how you can avoid the all-toocommon fashion mistakes. Have you ever walked down the street and noticed a woman with her underwear sticking out of her pants? Yikes! Well, at one point or another, we've all been fashion victims -but never again!

1) "OVER-ACCESSORIZING" You've heard the old saying "less is more," right? Like many old sayings, it's lasted for a reason. Wearing big statement pieces to express your personal style is definitely fun and fashionable, but you don't want to wear too many statement pieces at one time. Pick one piece that you want people to notice. Wear a chunky necklace, chandelier earrings, or a cute hair accessory. Wearing all of them at once overwhelms your overall look, distracts anyone from looking at your face, and makes you look like you tried too hard to be matchy-matchy. 68

I just turned 40. Smh say, “40 is the new 2 can’t go to a car lot that has 254k miles o 254k

"PROBLEMATIC PANTIES" Doesn't the title say it all? Panties should always be worn under, not out of, your clothing. Obviously, panties sticking out of your jeans or slacks is a giant nono. Make sure that no matter your pose; sitting, standing, or bending to pick up a pen, your undergarments don't expose themselves. You jeans or pants are there to cover your rear and flatter it. If your underwear is sticking out, chances are good that your outfit is doing nothing for your entire midsection and backside. Don't draw unwanted attention there by letting your panties, or worse, your rear, stick out of them. Yikes!

3) "WEARING WHITE TO A WEDDING" As in tradition, the bride will (most likely) be in white, so you shouldn't be. In addition to white, avoid ivory, cream, ecru, eggshell, linen, or any other nearly white color. People often question whether black is okay to wear to a wedding. If it's a nighttime affair, then yes, black is totally chic. However, if it's a daytime affair, stay away from black.

h Don’t you hate when people 20.” I say, 40 is fuckin’ 40! You , wanting to trade in your car on it, and tell the dealer, “Hey, is the new 20!”

4) "BARING YOUR STOMACH" Baring your stomach -unless you're wearing a bathing suit -is another giant no-no. Just as showing your rear isn't the height of fashion sophistication, neither is showing your stomach. Even if you can't get beyond the lack of sophistication, it's not a flattering look for most women. A cropped top cuts you right in the middle and draws all the attention to your waist. Believe me, you can look sexy in many ways; showing your stomach is not one of them

5) "WEARING HOSE WITH OPEN-TOE SHOES" Gasp! Seeing the seam of panty hose across someone's toes in an open-toe shoe gives me hives! If you're wearing sandals, it's probably warm out, and you don't need hose. If you're wearing panty hose, it's probably cold enough out to warrant closed-toe shoes. Even if you came up with what seemed like a logical reason to pair hose and open-toe shoes, the look is an absolute no. No exceptions! Part of being fashionable is dressing appropriately for the season and the weather. If it's hot, wear sexy sandals and go with bare legs. If it's cold pair the hose or tights with great boots or pumps. Of course, you can also wear open-toe 5) "WEARING WITH with OPEN-TOE sandals (sans hose)HOSE in the winter an evening dress, as long as you're not SHOES" outdoors for an extended period. Gasp! Seeing the seam of panty hose across someone's toes in an open-toe shoe gives me hives! If you're wearing sandals, it's probably warm out, and you don't need hose. If you're wearing panty hose, it's probably cold enough out to warrant closed-toe shoes. Even if you came up with what seemed like a logical reason to pair hose and open-toe shoes, the look is an absolute no. No exceptions! Part of being fashionable is dressing appropriately for the season and the weather. If it's hot, wear sexy sandals and go with bare legs. If it's cold pair the hose or tights with great boots or pumps. Of course, you can also wear open-toe sandals (sans hose) in the win70

6) "WEARING HIGH WATERS" Wearing Capri pants is one thing; wearing pants that are meant to be full length but fall too high on your leg is quite another. Make sure your pants hit the top of your shoe (or foot, if you're wearing a sandal). You don't want to look like you're ready for a flood. Wearing pants that are too short not only takes away from the long, clean line that is supposed to make you appear taller and thinner, but it also looks like you bought the wrong size, got them hemmed improperly, or shrank them in the wash -none of which is good.

7) "WEARING WHITE UNDERWEAR UNDER ANYTHING SHEER" If you're wearing a sheer top, choose flesh-toned undergarments. These come in a variety of shades, so you can find one that matches your skin tone. The flesh-toned color of your bra, camisole, or slip gives the illusion that you don't have anything on underneath, while everything really remains covered and hidden. This way, you get the full effect of the beauty of the sheer top or dress without the distraction of the wrong undergarment. When you wear white underneath something sheer, the white is all you see. This is especially true if you're somewhere where you may be photographed -such as a wedding. The flash of the camera will pick up the white undergarment, making it even more noticeable in the picture than it is in real life.

8) "WEARING ALL DENIM" I love denim. Jeans are a great staple in most everyone's wardrobe. A jean jacket is the perfect complement to white pants, khakis, or a cute dress. Still, don't wear jeans and a denim jacket together as an outfit. The look is straight out of the 1980's and is too matchy-matchy. With so many mix and match options for jeans and jean jackets, pair denim with pretty much anything than more denim.

9) "SHOWING YOUR BRA STRAPS" Your bra straps should never be showing. If you're wearing a spaghetti strap dress, opt for a strapless bra. If you're wearing a racerback tank top, go for a racer-back bra. Letting your straps show takes away from your outfit, and your bra straps are often the first thing people notice. You can find convertible bras in all different sizes and with all different levels of support. Many bra companies have begun to make fashionable bra straps that are meant to be shown. This look is very casual and therefore inappropriate for work and many other occasions. Exercise caution with fashionable straps, and remember, a cleaner look is always safe and stylish.

10) "WEARING CLOTHING THAT IS TOO TIGHT" Clothing is unflattering when it's too tight. I know -you love that top and you must have it. Unfortunately, the only size you can find is a size smaller than you wear. What do you do? You put the garment down and walk away! We've all bought at some point, a piece of clothing that we had to have, knowing it was too small. But no matter how fab the piece, if you have to squeeze yourself into it, it's a total no. Walking around in clothing that's too tight is not only uncomfortable; it's also unfashionable. You don't want to be a woman in a fabulous outfit that's too small.

"TOO MUCH" The most common fashion faux pas is to overdo it. That could mean wearing too much jewelry, too much perfume, too much make up, showing too much skin; or wearing too tight a dress or too high a heel. You may think that, because so many of the outfits seen on the fashion runways are over the top, exxaggeration has a part to play in everyday fashion, but that's not so. Remember, all fashion is an accessory to the person wearing the clothes, you. If you overdo it, then you will get overwhelmed. So while you always want to make a style statement, you never want to be a fashion victim. If you abide by the golden rule -less is more- you'll always be able to avoid becoming a fashion faux pas. I hope that my tips can be helpful to you. I, Cesar W. Sosa wish you a happy fashion day!

Urban Image Presents:

THE DAISY MACK PROJECT

By: Emaij AhDai

Fashion is forever evolving, we see trends come and go; then see them come back around again. Most really don’t pay attention to it but fashion repeats itself every twenty to thirty years. Let me take you back for a moment. Do you remember in the 90s when women wore bell bottom jeans and wide pants leg, coupled with peasant tops? Go back and look at 70s and tell me what you see. (I’ll wait) Please don’t act like I was the only who wore those pieces all over again. Vintage clothing now is coming back around with a vengeance. You can find pieces popping up in thrift store from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. What use to be someone’s mess; is now someone else’s treasure. Sometime last year I was introduced to Kimberly Suber “Bella Classe” of the Daisy Mack Project. If you recall I did a quick blog about her and her vintage shop in South Carolina. We corresponded mostly through Facebook. She would even tag me in pieces that she thought I would like. Let’s just say she had me hooked. (Blue and gold 70’s Disco Dress). When I received the invite to her “Vintage Jazz Brunch”, I could not pass up the chance to sit down and get to know her. 76

E. Ahdai: First off thank you so much for inviting me. I am having a blast here in South Carolina. K.Suber: I am glad you came down. I hope you have a wonderful stay. E. Ahdai: So, tell me where are you from? K. Suber: I am from a small town called Pomaria, SC. Yes we only have one stoplight!! E. Ahdai: That is so funny I am from a small town too, one stoplight. What was it like growing up there? K.Suber: Growing up in Pomaria was great!! I grew up around a family that was very large. My grandmother had over 50 grandchildren so there was always something going on around the Big White House. E. Ahdai: That sure had to be some fun. How did you come with the name “DaisyMack Project”? K. Suber: The DaisyMack Project comes from my grandmother’s name who is Daisy Mae and my grandfather whose name was Mack. My grandmother continues to be a 70+ fashionista with a clothing addiction and my grandfather was a business man. Growing up around them as the only grandchild for many years I learned style and fashion sense no matter what size you are. The Project comes from helping other becoming comfortable and developing their own sense of style and owning it. E. Ahdai: What made you want to start this company? K.S I woke up one morning and just said it is time to try something new. After many people started to compliment me on my style and taste of clothing I wanted to share my vintage eye for style with other women. E.A: When did you fall in love with fashion? K.S I think I came out of the womb loving fashion. In every picture I am posing… I really can’t answer when because growing up around my maternal grandmother looking

good was the only standard and option. E.A: Do you remember the first piece of clothing you bought yourself? K.S: Hmmm. The first piece of clothing that I bought was a Cross Color short set that I can remember. I was in love with colors. E.A: How would you describe your style? K.S: My style is very classic and unique. I love to wear things that no one else would think of wearing or find. I have a way with looking sexy but conservative classy and covered up. E.A: What is your favorite fashion era? K.S: My favorite era would be 1970’s to early 80’s I love polyester, ruffles and disco dresses. E.A: If you could go back in time to meet a designer, who would it be? K.S: I would say Giorgio Armani when he started in 1975. Blazers and puff shoulder were introduced by him which is something that I love.. E.A: What made you put on this event? K.S: It was time to introduce Columbia, SC to vintage and to also have an event for professionals in the Columbia area to attend that’s more of an adult atmosphere. When you are closer to 40 yes I said 40 you still would like to go out but there is nowhere to go. E.A: When you pick pieces do you have a purchaser in mind? K.S: I think about would I wear it, who would it look good on and will this make others feel confident. E.A: How long have you been in this business? K.S: 1 year and 6 months E.A: What can we look for in the future? K.S: More beautiful clothes and hopefully to make my mark on fashion in Columbia E.A: Do you plan on doing more events like this? K.S: Yes our next event is May 18, 2014 at the

E.A: I am hating because I will be busy that weekend. I am sure it will be awesome. Keep in contact with me so I can down again. K.S: Yes, I sure will. Thank you for the opportunity again . The atmosphere of the event was very welcoming. As we all mixed and mingled I also checked out some of the vendors that had come out for the event. Yes you could also purchase items at the show. What more can shop-a-holic like I could wish for. She did not leave them men out, there was plenty for them purchase as well. VENDORS: KTL SHOES Owner: Karen Lewis Website: www.ktlshoes.com or www.shoplately.com/ktlshoes Email: ktlshoes@gmail.com or klewis@ktlshoes.com You can also find her on Social Media: Facebook|Twitter| Instagram| Tumblr| Pintrest: KTLShoes Contact number: 803.667.0777 *Custom Shoes* EXOCTIC CREATIONS BY S.C Earing Designer/Owner: Shafeka C. Hand Painted 100% Genuine Leather Earrings *Avaliable for Earring Parties and Vending* Website: exoticcreationsbysc.com Social Media: Facebook :Shafeka Carter, Instagram:Exoticears Email: scexoticcreations@yahoo.com Phone: 803.479.1497 *Text if no answer* Bertram’s Mens Clothing “When you absolutely have to look your best” Owner/Fashion Consultant : Marcus B. Jones Location: Boozer Shopping Center 1585 Broad River Rd Columbia, SC 29210 Phone: 803.404.9276 SPECIAL THANK YOU to the Cocktail Divas for such a wonderful event and accommodation

FASHION VICTIMS By Cesar Sosa Fashion serves as a first impression, as well as a form of self-expression. True elegance and style comes from being confident and feeling comfortble in your own skin. Unfortunately, some people become fashion victims when they try too hard to impress everybody, and that impression turns awful. Here, we present to you our fashion victims of this month. remember fashion: Fashion can make you or break you; find your style and be happy!

Kim Kardashian: How would I describe Kim Kardashian's look? One word; Yikes! Too matchy-matchy and what about her middle section? Definately not a dress to wear if you're pregnant. Her coat should have been black, to accentuate her uper half while balancing out her lower half. This coat, since she is not very tall, is overwhelming her, totally out of proportion. Kim, you are another Fashion Victim.

Mariah Carey: W.T.F. Mariah! This dres makes her look like a sophisticated porn star. This month, Mariah is just another Fashion Victim, A huge frowny face for her. This dress is missing alot of fabric in the upper half, perhaps the designer wanted to save a little bit of money by not using too much fabric on the top of the dress. She is screaming out loud for attention, and she has mine! This look is quite vulgar, she is showing too much cleavage, very unflattering. Finally, very age unappropriate, she is a lady, but her dress suggests otherwise.

Kendal Kardashian: More like Kar-trashy-an! She is a gorgeous girl, unfortunatel, her outfit suggest that she is desperate for attention, way too short and age unappropriate. Super trashy! How about her huge necklace? It looks too heavy for her; it's screaming "look at me!" This outfit will be good if you plan to stand on a busy corner and solicit, or to wear it to apply for a job in a gentleman's club. Gasp! Fashion Victim.

Beyonce': O.M.G. If you wonder what is the definition of perfection, here it is. Perfect body, perfect dress. Super chic and sophisticated. A very good look with the right amount of wrong in it. The mermaid style dress makes her body look even longer and thinner. A smiley face for Beyonce', she is a fashion hero. In conclusion, the look speaks for itself, the face of perfection. Thankfully Beyonce' did not become another Fashion Victim.

Finally, pay close attention to what you wear, treat fashion with care because you could be the next Fashion Victim. By Fashion Designer and Stylist Cesar W. Sosa

Dear Emiaj, I just recently started dating this guy and he seems to be so amazing. More like he is just too good to be true. I am still in that phase of trying to trust him and getting to know him. Here is my issue; I feel as if I am bringing in the issues of my past relationship. I already know what you are going to say. I still don’t feel as comfortable yet. Please help me find some understanding and balance. “Ready to love” Dear Ready to Love,

In that very brief message you said a lot. I can tell you this, let go of the past. I can tell you now that man can tell there is an issue and you are not opening yourself up to what he may have in store for you. We all have some type of trust issue. We don’t trust because some man before hurts us by lying to us. He could have even hurt us because he decided that he needed to be greedy and wanted to be with everyone else in the city. I am not saying allow it happen I am saying we all have been there in some way, shape or form. The best way to get over your past issues is to forgive. Why hold on to the past? The only thing you should hold on to is the lesson learned. You know the signs of dishonesty. Pay attention to them. Don’t let this good man walk on you because you feel like he is too good to be true. You deserve to happy so why not be happy with him. If you are really ready to love; let it go. Ap89

ate a good man in your life. If you need have more conversation you know how to reach me. Emiaj Dear Emiaj , I do not know how I got here. I am very interested in this guy but it seems as if I am stuck in some kind of friend zone. We do everything together but we haven’t gone but so far. He even sometimes talks to me as if I am one the guys. I am not one of them, even if I do love sports. I am still a woman and I have feelings for him. I am so frustrated with the entire situation. How do I get past this and become the girlfriend? “Stuck in the Friend Zone” Dear Stuck in the Friend Zone,

I was just sitting and talking to some of my girlfriends about this very subject. One of them asked me "How can a man claim to love everything about you but not want to be with you and just be friends. The friend zone sucks." We all quickly agree with her because we all have been there and done that or still there. We then began to share with one another our issues but that all managed to have the same outcome and the same dumb line. “I love everything about you and you are a great person. I see myself with you, but I don’t want to mess up our friendship.” In the words of my friend Keshia “What the what?” Aren’t we supposed to be friends first in order to have a great relationship or am I wrong? No I can’t be wrong, there are too many women stuck in the friend zone. Why is it so hard to get out of this so-called friend zone? What gets us placed in this zone anyway? I am speaking from a woman's point of view but I still asked a group of men this question. From their point of view this is what they had to say. The following is the 7 reasons women end up in the friend zone. 1) We are too nice. 2) We are too much like one of the guys. 3) There is something missing or too much added like kids. 4) Being way too accessible and not be coming just a piece. 5) Being way too much of a friend. 6) Right Personality type/wrong body type. 7) Just wouldn’t work out. Now look at this list. Someone means to tell me that people want nothing but mean girls, girls who are dumb to sports, and a woman who is shallow. Can you see why we are confused and wonder how we make into this so called friend zone. Here we are trying to be the best possible woman and we get discarded for the one who lacks our qualities. How much sense does that make? Then we are the ones who have to deal with shoulda, coulda, woulda type of the situation. Or we have to deal with the jealous man who can’t take us being with someone else because of their selfish ways. Again how much sense does that make? 90

So sat back and thought some more about this friend zone thing. I spoke with another friend Yvonne. I value her opinion what she has to say about life. She stated the following to me, “Women are like investment accounts with high interest. The man has to invest something before he gains the high interest (the "too nice", "too accessible", "too much of a friend", etc.).” I thought about this statement and took so much from it. We as women do tend to go above and beyond our call of duty. It is actually a part of our nature. The value we place on ourselves is minimal and we need to set our stakes higher. Let’s ask ourselves this question this and Yvonne asked this as well, “Why would a man want to move pass the friend zone when he is getting everything that they need.” Realistically when a man is ready to be more than just that friend he will be willing to move pass that zone. I simply suggest that men and women be honest with one another from the beginning. If I am not everything that you want then be just my friend. Don’t get jealous if I have a date or if someone is more into me. Play your role and be my friend. And speaking of jealousy would a real friend get jealous if you have friends outside of them. Have other friends even go on other dates as well. ***I hope my conversation with my friends helped***

Emiaj

Steven Tyler spent $5 million on Cocaine. He says, ‘he snorted half of Peru over the course of his drug addled career,’ easily spending the amount stated before kicking the habit. That totally crushed my 20 year smoking cigarettes and quitting cold turkey, bragging rights! ASSHOLE!

SEVEN REASONS WHY SHE’S NOT CRYING AFTER THE BREAKUP By: Kimberley Jasper

These days, more and more women are seeking the solace of singlehood. They’re throwing away the mentality that they need to “settle down” by a certain age and are perfectly happy being single. Not that there is anything wrong with marriage, but it is not as necessary for a woman’s fulfillment as it was once perceived. Women are also much more inclined to walk away from a relationship that no longer serves them without the fear of being alone. They walk into their newfound freedom with boldness and ambition. Here are seven reasons why she’s not crying after the breakup. 1.SHE LOVES HER OWN SPACE It’s all hers and she doesn’t have to share it with anyone. Her house, her things, her rules. She can “girl up” the decor if she wants to and she doesn’t have to clean up behind anybody but herself. A major part

of every relationship is sharing and since women are natural nurturers, we tend to do the majority of sharing and compromising. If she’s single, everything she owns is hers

and that’s just the way she wants it.

2.SHE ENJOYS HER FREEDOM Her life is pretty awesome. She can go where she wants, do what she wants, who she wants, how she wants, whenever she wants to. She doesn’t have any ties to anyone so there’s nothing pulling on her or tripping her up. This is called freedom. The ultimate goal is not to be tied or weighed down by the load of a relationship. She simply enjoys the freedom of doing her. 3.SHE’S LIVING IT UP The whole “what’s mine is ours” thing is a real downside for women in relationships. Retail therapy is the cure to many of her ills and some women fear that once they start mixing credit cards and bank accounts, they will be expected to be thriftier with their spending. Having her money all to herself also allows her the freedom not to have to answer for every pair of shoes or designer handbag. 4.VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE What one can’t do; two or three can. Maybe after a long marriage or relationship, she discovers that there really are 31 flavors out there and she’s only tasted two. Variety is indeed the spice that adds flavor to her new single life. On any given night, she can choose something different as if ordering takeout. Want it a little spicy? Order Italian. Want it flaming hot? Get a Rude Boy to quell that hunger. Tall, short, long, lean, she can have it all…and she will, if she pleases. 95

5.SHE’S DECIDED MARRIAGE IS JUST NOT FOR HER Contrary to popular belief, not every woman wants to be married. Just as George Clooney has vowed himself to bachelorhood, some women feel the same. It’s not just money that keeps Oprah from marrying Steadman; she loves and values her freedom as well. It may be hard to believe, but there are women out there that are more focused on their careers, children and/or themselves so marriage is not a top priority. Let go of the myth that every woman is trying to trap a man into marriage and grasp the idea that maybe

6.SHE’S A FREE SPIRIT She greatly values the peace that comes with her life as a single woman. She enjoys Pilates, free and holistic living, meditation, and the occasional hookah. Balance, spiritual symmetry, inner peace and stability are all the first things to go in a relationship for a woman with a free spirit. She now feels as if she is confined and this greatly disturbs her inner peace. Maybe she feels as if a relationship would jeopardize her peaceful core and she’s just not willing to risk it.

7.SHE ACTUALLY LIKES “JUST HOOKING UP” She really likes the idea of no strings attached. Women are extremely sexual creatures and we are now living in a time when it is acceptable for them explore that part of themselves. Being exclusive limits the variety of available goodies, so she may be perfectly fine with “just hooking up” and enjoying you one night at a time.

It’s DQueen back again to shed some light on sex in a real way. My column is to help you to realize that there is mush more then pleasure to sex. Being sexually irresponsible can have very REAL life altering consequences. My sharing with you each month is to hopefully open your eyes to the risks and inform you so sexual behavior in the urban community becomes and act of informed consent instead of ignorance because in this case ignorance is definitely not bliss. So lets begin...this month I am goin to approach the second part of my three part series on the types of sexual transmitted infection.

Parasites are a curable form of STI. I like to call these bugs the “creepers and the crawlers “and you will soon find out why. The three types of parasitic infections are: Trichomoniasis better known as Trich, Scabies, and Pubic Lice.

How common is Trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis is considered the most common curable STD. In the United States, an estimated 3.7 million people have the infection, but only about 30% develop any symptoms of Trichomoniasis. Infection is more common in women than in men, and older women are more likely than younger women to have been infected.

How do people get Trichomoniasis? The parasite is passed from an infected person to an uninfected person during sex. In women, the most commonly infected part of the body is the lower genital tract (vulva, vagina, or urethra), and in men, the most commonly infected body part is the inside of the penis (urethra). During sex, the parasite is usually transmitted from a penis to a vagina, or from a vagina to a penis, but it can also be passed from a vagina to another vagina. It is not common for the parasite to infect other body parts, like the hands, mouth, or anus. It is unclear why some people with the infection get symptoms while others do not, but it probably depends on factors like the personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s age and overall health. Infected people without symptoms can still pass the infection on to others. What are the signs and symptoms of Trichomoniasis? About 70% of infected people do not have any signs or symptoms. When Trichomoniasis does cause symptoms, 99

they can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Some people with symptoms get them within 5 to 28 days after being infected, but others do not develop symptoms until much later. Symptoms can come and go. Men with Trichomoniasis may feel itching or irritation inside the penis, burning after urination or ejaculation, or some discharge from the penis. Women with Trichomoniasis may notice itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals, discomfort with urination, or a thin discharge with an unusual smell that can be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish. Having Trichomoniasis can make it feel unpleasant to have sex. Without treatment, the infection can last for months or even years. How is Trichomoniasis diagnosed? It is not possible to diagnose Trichomoniasis based on symptoms alone. For both men and women, your primary care doctor or another trusted health care provider must do a check and a laboratory test to diagnose Trichomoniasis. What is the treatment for Trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis can be cured with a single dose of prescription antibiotic medication (either metronidazole or tinidazole), pills which can be taken by mouth. It is okay for pregnant women to take this medication. Some people who drink alcohol within 24 hours after taking this kind of antibiotic can have uncomfortable side effects. People who have been treated for Trichomoniasis can get it again. About 1 in 5 people get infected again within 3 months after treatment. To avoid getting

reinfected, make sure that all of your sex partners get treated too, and wait to have sex again until all of your symptoms go away (about a week). Get checked again if your symptoms come back. How can Trichomoniasis be prevented?

Using latex condoms correctly every time you have sex will help reduce the risk of getting or spreading Trichomoniasis. However, condoms don’t cover everything, and it is possible to get or spread this infection even when using a condom. The only sure way to prevent sexually transmitted infections is to avoid having sex entirely. Another approach is to talk about these kinds of infections before you have sex with a new partner, so that you can make informed choices about the level of risk you are comfortable taking with your sex life.

frequent. Institutions such as nursing homes, extended-care facilities, and prisons are often sites of scabies outbreaks. Child care facilities also are a common site of scabies infestations. How soon after infestation do symptoms of scabies begin? If a person has never had scabies before, symptoms may take as long as 4-6 weeks to begin. It is important to remember that an infested person can spread scabies during this time, even if he/she does not have symptoms yet. In a person who has had scabies before, symptoms usually appear much sooner (1-4 days) after exposure. What are the signs and symptoms of scabies infestation?

The most common signs and symptoms of What is scabies? scabies are intense Scabies is an infestation itching (pruritus), espeof the skin by the human cially at night, and a itch mite (Sarcoptes scapimple-like (papular) biei var. hominis). The microscopic scabies itchy rash. The itching and rash each may mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin affect much of the body or be limited to where it lives and lays its eggs. The most common sites such as the wrist, elbow, armcommon symptoms of scabies are intense pit, webbing between the fingers, nipple, peitching and a pimple-like skin rash. The sca- nis, waist, belt-line, and buttocks. The rash bies mite usually is spread by direct, proalso can include tiny blisters (vesicles) and longed, skin-to-skin contact with a person scales. Scratching the rash can cause skin who has scabies. sores; sometimes these sores become infectScabies is found worldwide and affects peo- ed by bacteria. ple of all races and social classes. Scabies Tiny burrows sometimes are seen on the can spread rapidly under crowded condiskin; these are caused by the female scabies tions where close body and skin contact is mite tunneling just beneath the surface of Scabies “The Creepers”

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the skin. These burrows appear as tiny raised and crooked (serpiginous) grayish-white or skin-colored lines on the skin surface. Because mites are often few in number (only 10 -15 mites per person), these burrows may be difficult to find. They are found most often in the webbing between the fingers, in the skin folds on the wrist, elbow, or knee, and on the penis, breast, or shoulder blades. How is scabies infestation diagnosed?

Diagnosis of a scabies infestation usually is made based on the customary appearance and distribution of the rash and the presence of burrows. Whenever possible, the diagnosis of scabies should be confirmed by identifying the mite, mite eggs, or mite fecal matter (scybala). This can be done by carefully removing a mite from the end of its burrow using the tip of a needle or by obtaining skin scraping to examine under a microscope for mites, eggs, or mite fecal matter. It is important to remember that a person can still be infested even if mites, eggs, or fecal matter cannot be found; typically fewer than 1015 mites can be present on the entire body of an infested person who is otherwise healthy. However, persons with crusted scabies can be infested with thousands of mites and should be considered highly contagious. Products used to treat scabies are called scabicides because they kill scabies mites; some also kill eggs. Scabicides to treat human scabies are available only with a doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prescription; no "over-thecounter" (non-prescription) products have been tested and approved for humans. Pubic Lice â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Crawlersâ&#x20AC;? What are pubic lice?

Also called crab lice or "crabs," pubic lice are parasitic insects found primarily in the 101

What are the signs and symptoms of pubic lice?

this section should not be used near the eyes.)

Signs and symptoms of pubic lice include ď&#x201A;ˇ Itching in the genital area Visible nits (lice eggs) or crawling lice

The only prevention for public lice is abstinence. Condoms are NOT effective against the prevention of the spread of pubic lice.

How to treat pubic lice infestations: (Warning: See special instructions for treatment of lice and nits on eyebrows or eyelashes. The lice medications described in

So as always this was DQueen and I hope that you gained some knowledge and if ya just gotta go out and get you some remember to always strap up!

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Gold Angel By:Catalin Munteanu

Chris Rock should have won the Oscar for Captain Phillips! He played a great pirate! MUSE!!

- 4 cl Smirnoff Gold Collection - 2 cl Tanqueray - 1.5 cl Lillet Blanc - 1 dash Angostura Bitter 

1 dash Regans' Orange Bitters No. 6



Mix and enjoy 105

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By: Chef Jon Iv

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Meet Che’ UIM’s Around the Way Girl By: Richarh Aswanu

With this new era of Facebook and social media; alot of women put on this elaborate prasad, acting uptight and extremely bougie. It's always refreshing to sit down and chat with a normal, level-headed woman with a sense of humor and just the right amount of sass... So every month, we are going to pick a sexy, down to earth girl straight from our Facebook page and have a nice, flirty little conversation filled with humor and sexual insinuations. Meet our Around the Way Girl... Richarh: Hey cutie, how you doin'? You look kinda jazzy. When's the last time you had to cuss a brother out? Che’: I am well, thank you for asking luv. It's been a while actually, lol. I'm big on non verbal communication. The looks I give says it

all, I'll even couple it with a smile, to soften the blow, at times. R: I notice that you run 7 businesses, your time must be very limited. Quickies; yes or no? 110

C: There aren't enough hours in the day! I'm up at 5am every day, going to bed at midnight at the earliest, so time is of the essence with me. So quickies are a prerequisite on my calendar! I'll text or inbox my order so it'll be ready when I am! I want the red light special @ the red light!!! #DriveThru #ServiceWithASmile #Zer0FuxGiven R: Panties to the side, on one leg, or all the way off? C: Panties? Hmmmmmm... What are those? R:You're an entreprenuer, so obviously you have a take charge kind of attitude. Do men find you intimidating? C:I make it happen, people rely on me to produce results, so taking charge has never been an issue for me. For the most part a REAL Man shouldn't have an issue with it, but as we all know, just because someone has male genitalia and are of a certain age, doesn't qualify them as a man. There are a lot of old boys out here! Boys find it intimidating, men (MOST) don't!

R:Name three things you don't have time for? C:Hmmm only 3 things? Lmao! 1. Fuckery of any sort, unless I initiated it! 2. Being broke, I'm allergic to it. 3. Failure, never was nor ever will be an option. R:I've always had this fantasy of workin for a powerful woman who makes me crawl up under her desk in order to keep my job. And, she asks me how come I don't wear the sexy cologne and clothes she bought me. Kinda like Dolly Parton does dude in 9 to 5. Are you into role play? (I'm smiling flirtaciously) C:Mmmmmmmmm it depends. Tell me why should I allow you to keep your job? Mmmmmm I think it's time for a performance review, don't you think??? R:Matter of fact you have a beautiful smile yourself. What's your favorite toothpaste? C: My favorite toothpaste is... Oh wait you mean a commercial brand didn't you? Lmaoo!

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Ummmm Colgate 3D White, it keeps the enamel nice n bright mmmm (#CutThaCheck Colgate!) R: Speaking of oral hygeine, out of all the places on your body, what's your favorite spot to get kissed? C: Both sets of lips R: What fruit best describes the way your skin tastes?

C:I'm TriniZuelan so I'd say Mangoes R: Finally, what kind of man catches your attention? C: Mmmmmm. I love an ambitious man, one who carries himself with authority, well dressed & groomed. ( Cole Haan, Breitling (my fetish) He must have a great sense of humor and be a go getter! Muscles doesn't hurt either! Yes lawd!!!! 112

Name: Charlene Lovett Sign: Capricorn Resides: I live in NJ, but I'm TriniZuelean by birth( born in Venezuela, raised in Trinidad) Occupation: I'm a networking hub lol. I do PR, Social Media Management, Marketing & Promotions. I run 2 Entertainment Companies, an independent record label, recording studio, new business consulting co & a general contracting company & full time mom. Favorite Drink: Remy VSOP or Henny Black

Social Media Contact Info: Facebook/IG/ Twitter @bipolarboo Bipolarboo.com

I had an ex-sister in-law who was a thief to the highest power. She was the type of thief who would steal her mama rent money and help her look for it. Liftin’ shit up, talking’ about, “It ain’t under here.”

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Women Want Us to Knowâ&#x20AC;Ś By: Richarh Aswanu

When they ask us how they look, they hate it when we say "fine"

Some of them like a good lap dance every now and then too

They put perfume on the places they like to be kissed

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Women want us to know...

They're pimps too

When they complain they don't want our advice, they just want us to listen

They don't want a perfect man; Sometimes, they wanna "save" us

Dr. Dre is about to be a billionaire... finally! But again, he has been making beats since Jesus and nem! We see money and JUMP! We need to see BEYOND the money and WAIT because there may be other options that could turn you into a SHARE OWNER.

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Women want us to know... They NEVER have anything to wear. It don't matter that they have a closet full of stuff. They still don't have anything to wear

They don't always say what they mean; I hate you, don't touch me, I'm not giving you no p@##y. Pay attention to their tone of voice, the way she's standing and if she rolled her neck or not If you smashed her and she had on some raggedy panties your game is tight! She didn't plan on anything goin down. (No pun intended)

They love reality shows. Seeing other chicks gettin pregnant, gettin divorced and actin a fool makes them feel better about themselves.

Women, if there is anything you want us to know email us UIM’SMensRoom@gmail.com It says “No women allowed”, but we know your nosey asses is in here anyway ;)

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Interesting Sex Facts By: Richarh Aswanu

The endorphins released during sex create a sense of euphoria similar to opioid drug use. Sex addiction is real. I don't want to go to rehab, no,no,no...

Sex is good for you. People who have sex once or twice a week experience a slight boost in their immune system. Make sure you wrap it up. Sex with the wrong person can drastically lower your immune system...

Black males between the ages of 40 and 50 are at the highest risk of prostate cancer. Lower your chances by having at least four orgasms a week...

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Weird but true. This crazy combination will give you that extra edge to blow her back out! Black raspberries are rich in phytochemicals which boost your sex drive and endurance. Oysters -high in zinc which is necessary to produce testosterone and super sperm. Watermelon has citrulline amino acid, good for your cardiovascular system and it relaxes your vessels for a rock hard boner...

You can't say the word happiness without saying "Penis." Put some dick in your lady's life and she'll have a good day...

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What Happened? By: Lonnie Hall

The NBA's 2014 season has been very interesting for the Indiana Pacers. And if you're a fan of this team, then you got to enjoy watching the first half of the season. It looked like the Pacers would earn the over-all number one seed and have the home court advantage throughout the playoffs. The 2013 NBA Champion's the Miami Heat have had their struggles this season. and there was hype about an eastern Conference Championship rematch, but this time at Indiana. Everything was going great, then after the NBA All Star game came a roller coaster ride. During the second half of the season the Pacers began to struggle and many were wondering what happened to their chemistry. People began to speculate the cause for the melt down. Rumors began to fly about off court issues; players having affairs, leading to turmoil in the locker room. However, there has not been anything substantial about these rumors and none of the players have yet addressed those allegations. Some have thought that Brian Shaw's presence is missing. When a player would lose focus, he'd reel them back in. he was a great asset in teaching these guys, but one would have to believe that their struggles would have occurred earlier in the season.

Let us take a look at Larry Bird and Donnie Walsh. They have the tough task of trying to bring together the right personnel that will work together as a team to win a NBA Championship. If you bring in the wrong players, it can destroy the locker room.

This year the players have become more popular along with their coach. They are appearing in more commercials and interviews. Even Paul George has reportedly admitted that he has done a poor job in handling his fame.

Andrew Bynum was brought in to back up Roy Hibbert. Some have thought that Bynum brought in too much baggage. The few minutes Bynum did play, was impressive. Unfortunately he doesn't have the knees to keep on playing.

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Danny Granger was traded to the Philadelphia tance with the Heat. I expect him to do that this 76ers, mainly to bring Evan Turner in as an in- post-season too. surance policy in the event the organization can't afford Lance Stephenson's new contract. All teams have distractions and go through some sort of adversity. Players are paid profesIt has been a long while since Granger made sionals and the starters have to mentally tough. any significant impact The Pacers may be young, but they have for the Pac- grown within a few years. Once they put it toers. He has gether, they can still play like they did earlier been slow this year and make a strong run for the champito rehab his onship. They have got to overcome the distracknee. He tions, come together and play team ball. too, saw limited I am an Indiana Pacers fan and I will be pulling playing for them to go all the way and win this years time this NBA Championship. year. Apparently he There is enough talent on this pacers squad to had not win it all this year. Once this season is over, it spent alot will be time to see who stays and who may of time have to go. with his The Pacers might have to look for a point teammates. guard that will keep the flow going and help Let us keep keep the offense from getting stagnant. They in mind that may also have to look into getting another scorer. Carmelo Anthony will be available. it takes players But, will he fit into the Pacers system and time to would he be affordable? He does have a conlearn a new nection with Donnie Walsh. system and to gel with new team- Here is a point to ponder; I thought it was funmates. ny to hear that someone in the Oklahoma City media called Kevin Durant "Mr. Unreliable." Once again, it looks like Roy Hibbert disappeared. Some thought that he took a hard hit in He turned out to be the MVP this year and my a game against the Heat and hasn't recovered. first thought was, "I'd like to see him in a PacThis is highly unlikely due to the fact that most ers uniform." I believe he'd give them a boost sporting organizations are very concerned with for years to come. athletes receiving concussions. After Roy Hibbert signed his contract, he As long as the Pacers remain in Indiana I will seemed to be absent in the 2013 NBA season, be a fan. but when it came to the playoffs, he seemed to have turned it on and the Pacers went the dis123

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The Locker Room By: Antione Barber

Welcome to inside the locker-room of Urban Image. This month your favorite sports enthusiast has been debating and reflecting on sports current events with Mr. Lonnie "Chip Nameless" Hall. Which he had the gall to challenge my loyalty to my beloved Lakers, with his clever, shall I say, humorous shots below the belt. As to validity of my current Lakers horrific presentation this year, and not being a part of the playoffs this postseason. I will admit his truths about my squad was like tearing away the scab, to which had begun to heal like "The Mamba's" knee. Tat That sight of blood and feeling of pain forced me into attack mode. Chip Nameless had the nerve to fire at me with all guns blazing. But like a true Laker Representative had to flex my championships bruise his bravado a lil bit. However, I realized that I was seeking out a battle with Mr. All My Teams Suck. Being a Indiana native we clashed cause I do not relish the home town product except for my Fighting Irish. Lonnie I hope that Mamba's 5 rings have given your team more hope. I do not dislike the Pacers, but they're like that girl you meet that's funny, cool to be around but you know she's not the one. So to the guy who shall remain nameless history tells you do not pick a fight with me the biggest dude in school first. Now on to more of a serious issue in sorts. I

am sure that my fans are aware of the racist insensitive, idiotic comments Donald Sterling made. What do you think really is going through the mind of Mr. Sterling? I believe that this is a deadly

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less informative and more for shock value.

Well here is some shock value for you. If African Americans understand why we are on this side of history, and continue to inspire the world for change though all facets of life, then the comments made by Donald Sterling, and the others like him will continue to prove to the world why we are just that great. Now that is informative. Remember that the impact sports has on our lives, and our society is not just determined by the games we play or support. Until the next time pre-game special it's your friendly sports enthusiast saying so long from the Locker room. disease to which we have tried to control, but this is not the case. Should he be out as owner? The public has sort of called for his hero. To my readers and fans, is this the last time we experience this? I think not. Sad to say but we now live in a time where our news tends to be 127

HALF COURT with Lonnie Hall and Antione Barber Hosted by Richarh Aswanu

I'm sitting at Half Court with Lonnie on one side and Antione on the other. Sometimes it's hard to have these dudes around each other without a heated argument/damn near fist fight breaking out over the Pacers and the Lakers. But, I figured it would be worth the risk if I could get their opinions on the NBA Championship... Lonnie: I don't trust him (Antione) because he's a Laker. But, all of a sudden he's rootin for the Heat. Go Miami Lakers! Antione: I'm a Laker, It's the Lake show all day baby. Lonnie: Are you sure? Who are you rootin for this week? Antione: The man that's at home shinning five rings, the Black Mamba. Lonnie: Umm, the Lakers didn't even make the playoffs this year -did they? Antione: After 16 Championships and 33 Finals we deserve a break. Richarh: Are ya'll done? Is it cool if I ask the dag gone question? Lonnie: Yeah, I'm good.

Antione: Yeah, I'm cool man. Go ahead. Richarh: A'ight let's get down to business. Who's gonna win the NBA Championship. Lonnie: Not the Lakers Antione: (Shakes his head) San Antonio. They're an all around team. They have no flaws. They're tight in every posistion. Lonnie: The Pacers. Evidently you didn't read my article.

Richarh: Well, ya'll have the opinions of UIM's Sports analist Lonnie Hall and Antione Barber. Until next time, I'm Richarh Aswanu, hit us up at UIM'Sthemensroom@gmail.com. Tell us; Who do think is going to win the NBA Championship?

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I can’t wait until the next NFL slave pick… I mean draft pick. What’s the difference?

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I don't know what homeboy was goin through. Wu Tang affiliate Andre' Johnson cut his dick off and jumped from an apartment building at 1 in the morning this past month. Investigators are still unsure if it was a suicide attempt or not. Evidently, he survived the fall. TMZ released the story while he was at Cedars Sinai hospital being treated for serious injuries...

I guess ole girl don't have Obama care and hospital bills are high-n-bitch. Lori Sullenberger was charged with felony and misdemeanor charges for slangin herion from the intensive care unit in Excela Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg Pennsylvania. Hospital spokesman Jennifer Miele says hospital security became suspicious of the large number of people flowing in and out of the woman's room. The police found 3,800 worth of herion, two syringes and $1,400. 130

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AIRES While the focus is very much on personal goals and development, you're pulled in so many directions that it can be hard to keep your center. With your fiery ruler, Mars, not working at its best again this month, energy levels can be below par. As well, anger issues can surface in disruptive ways. You encounter challenges between your personal goals and the demands of your career, and cultivating some self-discipline becomes urgent. The demands of partnership and family can be especially strong as well. Mid-month brings important epiphanies about a relationship, or lack thereof for some. If you've been defiantly denying your need for others, this is a time when recognition comes in a rush. All month, try to avoid temper tantrums, needless arguments, and risky physical situations. Private moments are some133

thing to cherish this month, and important for regaining your center. TAURUS Tempers can flare at work or school, schedules are interrupted, and for some of you, nagging health issues can disrupt the flow of things. As well, there is a lot of stress and strain happening behind the scenes. Old problems can resurface, frustrations with people and situations that you've been tolerating can now seem unbearable, and neglected health matters might come to a head. Be more cautious and attentive, especially on the job. Your saving grace this month involves friends, teams, and groups the keys to managing stress, and the providers of escape routes and release from daily pressures.

GEMINI Ironing out problems, particularly when it involves others' issues, can be challenging this month. If you're overconfident about your ability to make money or blinding yourself to problems you might have in the future, then you might take foolish risks. Impulsive spending, especially if you're borrowing from your future, should be tamed this month. Some of you could be facing extra expenses related to children or friends and lovers. However, try not to be pressured into spending more than is necessary - chances are, you don't need to go over the top. Some of you could experience a conflict over someone else's resources or money, or there can be power-related undercurrents that disrupt a friendship. Your relationships are likely to be stormy this month, and quite confusing at times. Jealousy and possessiveness issues can surface. The 14-15 and then the 21-23 can bring fireworks, especially in love.

lems brewing in your personal life or on the domestic front are bound to reach a head mid -month. However, there are some light and positive points to the month. Eye-opening experiences are in store. The people that you meet now stir you into new ways of thinking. This is an excellent time for mind-expanding experiences, including travel and education.

LEO You have your eye on the biggest prize, and are not content with mere routine this month, dear Leo. However, there can be a lot of restlessness in the month. An overloaded, demanding schedule is possible, but even if you're not in big demand, there is a tendency to resent being tied down so that it can be difficult to stay on top of daily work and responsibilities. Education, travel, responsibilities to others, or inner restlessness can interfere with your work or routines. While your tendency is to play a supportive role to others, if taken too far, you will need to draw CANCER some boundaries when it comes to your enerThere can be a lot of attention to professional gy and time. Resentments can build and the and public matters this month, dear Cancer. come to a head around the 14-15. Watch Your drive for authority over your own life is your words carefully, as something you say strong now, and you want to follow your own can stimulate a whole lot of controversy or rhythm. However, you are in high demand, set off a big argument. Some truly magical and your responsibilities to others can commoments are likely to occur on intimate or plicate the freedom and mobility you crave. privacy levels. Be careful not to instigate sweeping changes VIRGO only for the sake of change, as impulsiveness The month can have a way of bringing all runs high this month and you may regret decisions later. There can be times this month sorts of buried frustrations up to the surface, dear Virgo, but it also has its very bright when a partner, family member, parent, or authority figure feels threatened or is put off spots. There may be difficulties with a child or by your new found displays of freedom and lover who is at odds with the energy and time you are pouring into your friendships and independence. A partner may be coming causes, or there can be extra expenses indown on you, perhaps fearing they will lose you. People tend to be pulling you in differ- volved with either. Try to settle as many debts ent, and often opposing, directions. Any prob134

as you can and avoid taking on more. Ownership matters can be a source of conflict this month, or debts owed can be overwhelming now as they come due. You could be dealing with erratic sources of income or cash flow. Watch for gambling or risk-taking with money or a partner who may be doing same. This is not the best time to take risks with your heart, either, as there can be some problems with intimate partners who can come and go and leave your head spinning, or there can be friendships in which others have different ideas about the intimacy of your relationship than you do. There can be sudden events or circumstances that change the direction of, or put a strain on, your love life. There can be strong defensive reactions to difficult situations and people. It's better not to suppress resentment or anger as it risks bursting in unpleasant ways. Try instead to talk through problems when they first become issues. LIBRA Pay attention to what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re feeling now, even if your mood swings seem to come out of nowhere, and make necessary changes in your life. You can feel tugged in a number of directions, and as a result, you have little time to pursue to your own personal goals. It can be difficult to count on others or on circumstances, as changes seem to be thrust upon you. Avoid reacting too quickly, and instead listen to your heart. There may be difficulties with a family member or partner who is at odds with the energy and time you are pouring into your career or public life. You are learning about giving freedom to others, and this isn't always easy. There is a strong connection between love and work this month, however, and if social opportunities through work present themselves (which is very possible), be sure to grab them. You could find

yourself attracting (or attracted to) more creative or spiritual sorts of people. SCORPIO This month, any tension you've been feeling with hectic schedules and demanding daily life can come to a head, dear Scorpio. You quickly become bored with going through the motions of daily routines, but a new position or task, or an increased work load, keeps you especially busy. Watch for provocative or temperamental comments, which can get you into trouble with co-workers, neighbors, and relatives. You have a low threshold for boredom, and while inner restlessness can certainly push you to make important changes, it can also attract some trouble if you are living on auto-pilot and not consciously directing your energies into productive channels. From the 17-20, love, social, financial, and learning opportunities abound. This is a good time to take a course and to grab the attention of an audience. Your romantic inclinations are welldeveloped this month, but you may need to draw upon your powers of discrimination before going over the top helping someone out. If you want to offer your services, go right ahead, but do this only to the point that you feel comfortable and without expectation of immediate reward. SAGITTARIUS Frustrations with friends and lovers that you've let build up inside you can surface with great force mid-month. Sudden events or circumstances can leave you feeling a little insecure, but might also motivate you to think outside the box. Unsettled financial matters could get in the way of your desire to indulge in extra-curricular activities, and some of you could struggle

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with a relationship in which there are confused boundaries and expectations. Family or home life are sources of comfort this month. You can be especially sensitive to family dynamics, particularly revolving around unconditional love, on the 10-11. Allow yourself to open up and to be vulnerable, but avoid expecting too much too soon.

and possibly some resentment. You could be feeling very rebellious and may even encounter problems with authority figures. Some of your commentary can be provocative, and something you say might stir up a lot of controversy. The last week of the month brings a stronger ability to focus and concentrate, and more emphasis on home and family.

CAPRICORN Your private life receives top billing much of the month, dear Capricorn, although you're in demand and pulled in many different directions. You tend to be sentimental or nostalgic now. If things are out of whack on the home front, you will do whatever you can to create a peaceful and stable atmosphere, although this may not be easy. You might focus on ways to earn money in or from your home. Until the 20th, your focus is strong on inner psychological growth, after which you are more able to let your hair down and enjoy some "play" time, when friendships and casual connections can offer much enjoyment.

PISCES Financial security and enjoyment of the good things in life are more important to you than usual this month, dear Pisces. Financial activity, including pressures or concerns, can be a strong focus this month, but so can comfort levels and goals that help you to feel more secure. Facing up to recent excesses may be an issue. Avoid unnecessary displays of rebellion in your relationships. Watch also for a tendency to gamble or lend indiscriminately. Some of you will be seeing some real conflict between your own values and the values of friends or groups, and may be feeling undervalued at times. You could be dealing with changes in business income or problems with an associate or friend, but while there can be some social challenges this month, a friend may be integral in achieving your goals, and partnering with a friend in some tangible way can be part of the picture. Escapism is not the answer; dealing with problems as they arise is. There can be deep changes in your value system that create the need to transform your long-term goals, and that affect your business income.

AQUARIUS Your intuition for making money is topnotch. Enthusiasm for learning brings you rewards this month, and your mind is especially sharp, but at times overtaxed - you may need to remind yourself to slow things down. Know your limits. Overload or the magnification of problems surrounding work can be experienced due to a chaotic schedule or possibly circumstances that prevent you from fulfilling your responsibilities. Decision-making can suffer with too many things on your mind. Watch for excesses that impact your health, and be more vigilant in order to prevent injury, as impatience can lead to mistakes. You may be doing far too much supporting and helping out others to the point of overload,

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UIMâ&#x20AC;?S Movie Reviews By: Jeff Russell THE ART OF THE STEAL: Starring Kurt Russel & Matt Dillon. This is a story of two brothers looing to make the big score stealing art. Good story line, a few jokes. 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

LABOR DAY: starring Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin . This movie is about a long Labor Day weekend. A convict escapes from prison and takes a mother and her son hostage. NO SPOILER ALERT HERS. GREAT MOVIE. 4 out of 5 stars.

THE KINGS OF SUMMER: The movie is about two teenage boys who run away and builds the ultimate treehouse. This movie is for teenagers. 2 stars.

WILD BIRDS: The story is about two turkey's; Jak and Reg who travel back in time to stop Thanksgiving. Another computer generated cartoon. Very well written, cute story line and full of laughs. A feel good movie. 3 1/2 Stars.

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UIM’s Whats Da Word Mix up By Larrod Evans

Jameis Winston and his Naysayers have these in common.

POSCLLA

LAHUBIT

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1 8

LOUSLKM

ONLFDURE

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________

BELROTS

ACLARIAM

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________

PRHSM I ______ 5

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__ __ __ __ __ 2

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __! 6

Answer: Crabs in a Bucket

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;QUICK & DEADLYâ&#x20AC;? By Larrod Evans As far back as I can remember, I've always been a fast runner. From grade school until the present, I be smashin out. However during the early summer of 1996, I had a change of speed when my family and I relocated to Sounthern Indiana. No doubt, it was a far cry from the East Coast...And Pacer Country? (Go Knicks!) But, I adapted just as smoothly as my previous moves. My first "Midwest culture clash" took place in taco bell. The young lady taking my order smiled and said, "Sir, could you please repeat your order but this time slow down a bit!" Hip 'Hop was still Hip-Hop and surprisingly, I soon befriended some real HipHop heads! My man Dax had the hottest records, old and new. Before long, I was in full "Midwest swing" (Minus the creased jeans) and enjoying my new home. At the time, Nas dropped a classic, Outcast was hot and Master P was screamin Uhh. Jay made a strong entrance and all the while, Chicago was brewing with talent ready to hit the mainstream. It was mid-fall and I was in my barber's chair when I heard, "Do you wanna ride/ in the backseat of my Caddy/ And chop it up with Do or Die?" You know the rest, "P-I-M-P- ology/ but logically be learnin these hoes biology/ and obviously well." Yo, that day I was real close to bringing the bald fade back because I couldn't quit noddin my head! No disrespect to Do or Die, but what really caught my attention was Twista's now famous entry into the game. No stranger to "speed rap" compliments of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. But, this unknown MC at the time took it to another echelon! He was lyrical. His flow was raw, but crisp. And, the Legendary Traxsters style of production blended nicely like my fade. after appearing on that hit single, it led to a CWAL label deal with Atlantic Records which released Adrenaline Rush in the spring of 1997. It peaked at #77 on the Billboard Hot 200. and generated such as, "Emotions," "Adrenaline Rush" and "Get it Wet" which peaked at #96 on the Billboard Hot

100 charts. Even though Twista spit at light speed, it wasn't an album that forced you to fly through. In an odd way, it literally made you wanna relax...and slow down. It was one of them albums where you jumped on the highway fired up an L, and smoked from the beginning to the end. He also had some joints your lady could appreciate too. "Get it Wet" was the perfect song for those late night rendezvous. In fact, Twista is now known for them baby

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If you were an ugly kid, it ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t my fault, blame yo parents! If you are religious, it was Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will!

makin hits. "Slow Jamz," "Wetter," and "Make a Movie" featuring Chris Brown are just a few of the many. Despite his undeniable skills and influence, it wasn't until 2004's Kamikaze that his career ultimately took off. On the strength of the hits "Overnight Celebrity" and the #1 single, "Slow Jamz" Kamikaze reached platinum status. Since then, Twista has dropped some solid material that loyal fans

can appreciate. As of 2013, He's working on his ninth studio album entitled the Dark Horse. Also, rumors of signing with Kanye West's Good Music label have been denied by the speed demon himself. In a world where it seems as if everything is getting faster and faster, it would only seem right that Twista's energetic form of art would be the perfect storm to wet our appetites.

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UFC by EA Sports By: Richarh Aswanu On June 17th, the UFC is coming to Sony's PlayStation 4. Electronic Arts linked up with the Ultimate Fighting Championship to allow gamers all over the world to experience the ferociousness of cage fighting. The game was developed by the team that brought the "Fight Night" franchise to bedrooms and living rooms across the globe. EA Sports and Sports Ignite technology brings action, emotion and intensity like never before. MMAi - It's all in the mind. Every fighter has a plan. Put a stop to plan A and your opponent goes for plan B. If he's down on the scorecards, watch for the submission or knockout. Full Body Deformation - The fighters don't look like "action figures made of plastic." Authentic physics changes the game with a brand new body deformation system. Real Time Exertion- See every bone crushing hit, cauliflower ear, and bead of sweat dripping from your favorite fighters brow in real time to enhance your gaming experience.

Fighter Likeness & Facial Animation - Fueled by EA Sports Ignite, next level facial animation technology revolutionizes character likeness and emotion traits that heightens individual intelligence levels. Precision Movement - Tired of your fighter moving like a robot? Say no more, precision movement makes those swift kicks and devastating knees to the chin more fluid an realistic. Dynamic Striking - Improved striking technology allows you to combine the maximum usage of your skills and environment in pursuit of victory. Strategic Submission Battles - Becoming a champion in UFC requires versatility. You gotta be nice on your feet and on the mat. With a revitalized ground attack, initiating or escaping from submission is worked through multiple stages reminiscent of a real match. Real Damage - "One Hitter Quitters" can turn a champion into a has been faster than a roundhouse from Jon Jones. By implementing a non-linear damage system, cuts and bruises develop in the right spots resulting from bigger hits that drain energy more efficiently. 142

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Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Goin On Today This Month By: Richarh Aswanu

The most talked about headline in the media this month was L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling. I'm sure you all heard about his racist comments. But, just in case you've been buried under a rock, dude went on an extended rant about over his "girlfriend" being seen with black people. TMZ and dead spin released the recordings which led to a public outcry for NBA commissioner Adam Silver to take action. Adam Silver insisted, "I will do everything in my power to force Sterling to sell the Clippers." Ultimately Sterling was banned for life and fined 2.5 million dollars. Donald Sterling has stated the L.A. Clippers are not for sale and it's being speculated in the media that a legal battle is on the way. It seems that Sterling has more problems than the NBA. His wife, Shelly Sterling has been flip-flopping in the media. Initially she publicly blasted Sterling stating his racist comments humiliated the family. But then she went to dinner with her husband and screamed he is not a racist. Which is it? Gallegos. My guess is he didn't give her someAs for his mistress; Ms. V Stiviano has quite thin' she asked for. In an interview with ABC's the reputation for hittin' older men up for mon- Barbara Walters, she said, "There are hours ey. I'm not going to hate on her. If she can get (referring to recordings) that the world doesn't it, let her get it. Ms. Stiviano juiced him for a know about. I'm not a psychic but, I'm figuring 2012 Ferrari, a Range Rover and two Bentleys. those "hours" are hanging over his head. Like He also paid her 240,000 in living expenses and he said in a recent interview, "I should have purchased her a 1.8 million dollar duplex. Her paid her off." lil' Kitty Kat must be gunpowder! She dug in One thing that amazes me is how some people his pockets, then she exposed him for who he are so confused. "It doesn't make sense, how is. However though, she appears to be a con could he be a racist? She's half black and half artist with several aliases such as; Vanessa Mexican." I guess they don't realize that plan Maria Perez, Maria Valdez and Monica 144

tation owners have been crazy about black women since the slave days.

ments. He merely said, "It doesn't surprise me that he said it" and" He (Sterling) was talking too much." Now, I don't know about ya'll but I And hey, did ya'll see the interview with ex have the ability to translate what people feel is Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda? Dude safe to say on T.V into their true thoughts. might as well went on ahead and confessed TRANSLATION: "I know how he feels about that he's racist too. Him and Donald Sterling niggers, we've discussed it many times. I just has been friends for 30 years. I'm sorry, birds can't believe he was stupid enough to tell that of a feather flock together. Ain't no way in hell slut of his how he feels over the phone." END you're going to be friends with a racist and you OF TRANSLATION. And, I couldn't help but don't share his views. I took notice that bust out laughin when Lasorda said, "I don't Lasorda didn't condemn any of Sterling's com145

wish that girl any bad luck or anything. But, I "So what, It's just another sex tape." But after I hope she gets hit by a car." And, he meant it. It thought about it, this ish is going to come back and bite Mimi on the ass. All this screwin and came out his mouth so easily. dick measurin' is all over the web for her I don't know. Maybe I'm just different. I don't daughter to eventually see. True, Stebbie (As Jocelyn so affectionately calls him) has been get offended by racism. Alot of times I find hu- showin his ass. But damn, Mimi should have mor in it. F@#k Donald Sterling. I'm not say- moved on gracefully and upheld her dignity as ing it with any malice in my heart. For real, He a lady. We all respected her as a strong woman doesn't exist in my world. I didn't even know who was trying to pick up the pieces from a who the hell he was until he opened his mouth. broken relationship. We was on her side. I don't care what Stebbie has done in the past, He's not preventing me from progressing in life. His comments didn't hurt me or my chil- present, or in the future; she shouldn't have dren. None of us have came down with any ill- played herself like that. It's on tape! Stebbie nesses because of his comments. The only per- has that image forever embedded in his brain. Like I said, Nikko'll be gone soon as the sex son he hurt was his self. Now a black man has tape money runs out. She has to face Stebbie. his job. Their relationship is going to be shitty from Another headline that made alot of noise this here on out and nobody's going to suffer except their child. month was Mimi Faust's sex tape. The star from Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta was seen on camera swingin' from a shower rod gettin her Uh oh, hold it....something's comin in. Hot damn. It was just reported that Mimi got paid back blowed out by Nikko Smith. I watched $400,000, another report said $100,000. So, I the episode (Aired 5-7-14) and it don't take a rocket scientist to figure out that Nikko leaked figure it's somewhere in between. Scratch everything I just said. Ya'll need to quit hatin on that tape. He was too eager to sign the deal. Mimi. (Laugh) Some of ya'll are out there And, the big question is; Why did the porno company contact him? Mmmm? Straight bitch makin sex tapes for dinner at Red Lobster, a move to me. He's capitalizing on the whole sit- $25 gift card at Wal Mart and a lace front wig. uation at Mimi's expense. When their lil love Ha, ha, I'll holla at ya'll next month. affair is all over he'll walks away feelin like a pimp, but Mimi will be left to deal with the baggage forever. What Baby Mama's all over the world need to understand is this; Baby Daddy's are forever, these other cats come and go. You're gonna need him again someday for somethin, Ya'll have a child together... At first I was like, 146

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God’s Chosen… The Anointing is Real! By: Richarh Aswanu and Denetra Key

Gospel music has a way of rockin your souls and taking you to a better place. Well these three women are taking the gospel world by storm. The anointing that is held by their perfect harmonic triad can be felt all over the room as well as through your speakers. We get to know these sistas in person. UIM is proud to introduce to you God’s Chosen also known ad CC3.

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Richarh: Hey, how are you ladies doing today? Sarah: Doing Great Keisha: Great Zebrina: Wonderful

We have tracks on our cd that can be heard at the height of a church service as well as tracks that you blast on your way to the mall with your friends, windows down and head bobbing.

R Musically, who are ya'lls biggest influR: For those who have never heard your mu- ences? sic, how would you describe GC3's sound? Sarah: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a lover of Fred Hammond and all things acapella. Sarah: I believe our sound is a combination of urban and contemporary gospel music. 158

Keisha: Wow, there are so many different people that inspire me... So I’ll try to narrow it down to my top 3, which are Kim Burrell, Tye Tribbett, and Michael W. Smith. Zebrina: I’m really into CCM (Contemporary Christian Music). Have been since I was a youngster. I love Israel Houghton, Chris Tomlin, Laura Story and Casting Crowns. R:Are you guys signed to a major label or are you independent? Sarah: We are currently independent.

"Whatever it Takes?" Zebrina: When I was about 12 years old, I was flipping through the radio stations on the FM side, I landed on a station that was playing a song that said, “People get ready, Jesus is coming, Soon we’ll be going home….”. I later found that this song was by Crystal Lewis. I kept listening and became captured by this style of worship music that I had been unfamiliar with up to that point. I didn’t take up guitar until lightyears later but when I did, God began to give me songs that sort of merge all of the music styles that make up Zebrina. “Whatever It Takes” is one of the first that God gave me. R:Who's responsible for your sound? Does Zebrina do most of the production or do GC3 work with other composers? Zebrina: God’s Chosen’s sound comes from all three of us. I am so happy just to be able to say that each of us wrote all of the songs on our latest album “1&6”. It is such a blessing to be able to share our individual testimonies collectively through the songs that we write. And of course, production plays a huge role in getting that sound that you dreamed of the first time that you as a writer heard your own song in your head. So needless to say, the creative geniuses, Levi “Too” King (MeTooMusic) and H. Doobie Powell (Chip Off the Block Productions) both did an excellent job of pulling out that perfect sound from us on the production R:What's it like, side. in the Gospel music industry? R:When there's more than one person involved in a project a difference in opinion usually Sarah: It’s a blessing. There are ups and come into play. Creatively how do you ladies downs of course, but as my mom says anytime decide which direction to take? people want to hear you it’s an honor. We get Zebrina: We fight and the last girl standing to share with people our testimonies, hearts and talents. And on top of that, meet other tal- gets to decide. LOL. Just kidding. In any area where there is a serious disagreement, we ented people that inspire and uplift us! pause for a moment and pray. Believe it or not, creatively we are almost always on the same page. When we are not, because we are R:You usually hear a down home, churchy feel in most Gospel music. Other artists infuse such easygoing ladies Hip-Hop, R&B or Pop into their sound. What influenced the acoustic approach on 159

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on many levels, the one who feels most pashand clapping gospel, to Urban grooves, to Tri sionate about something is usually able to con- -toned harmony acapella. LOL But the most vince the other 2, so it all works out. consistent sound will be our heart for God. The message of how His love is faithful, will never change. R:Your fans are on the edge of their seats anticipating your sophomore release 1&6. What's the inspiration and meaning behind the title? R:When will it be released? Sarah: 1&6 refers to Philippians 1:6 which ba- Sarah: It was released on iTunes, Amazon, our sically says God will finish anything and eve- website (gc3music.com) on Monday, Decemrything he starts. There is no promise that He ber 23, 2013. GO GET IT! will not fulfill. No word that God gives will ever be counted as a lie. This is the scripture R:I understand that it is GC3's mission to enwe used in between our first and second alcourage believers to worship God no matter bum. It kept us motivated. We knew God their circumstances. Everyone who says they called us to more ministry and so this album believe will be tested. So I ask, in your lives, was the completion of that calling. have any of you encountered any situations R:It's been said that this album defines your where it was difficult to hold onto your faith? sound as a group. What can GC3's fans expect Sarah: Yes. This is where the songs are to hear on your upcoming project? birthed. Out of pain and difficulty we realize Kiesha: You will hear a range of sounds from God is still God. We cry. We pray. We worCCM worship, to traditional foot stomping/ ship. Then we write. 162

Keisha: Yes! BUT GOD!! Jeremiah 29:11 reminds me that I’m on the winning side. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Zebrina: Absolutely. I am facing a “Whatever It Takes” slash “Yet I Will” moment in my life right now. I call them “Whatever It Takes” slash “Yet I Will” moments instead of trials and tribulations because it helps take the guess work out of what my response is going to be. The name change reminds me that my response is PRAISE because even this will work out for my good that God might be glorified. (Rom 8:28) I believe that is the reason God gave us these songs and this message to share.. R: Has singing Gospel music enabled y’all to grow spiritually? Keisha: Yes, it has! Especially since we believe in the God that we sing about.

R:What kind of impact do you feel Gospel music has had on spreading God's word? Keisha: It has a huge impact on spreading the word of God! Gospel music softens the hearts of the “un-churched”, which are those who don’t attend Sunday morning service, bible study, or any other service that explains the word of God. The beat, the melody, and the words mixed together breaks thru the barriers. I have a respect for all styles of gospel music such as gospel rap, urban contemporary, christian contemporary, christian rock, and etc. These styles open up the ears of people who may not be open to the traditional sound, and yet the message is still the same. R: How do you apply the Gospel to your everyday life? Keisha: We make sure that wherever we go we are a representation of Christ. This means that our actions, conversation, and attitude line up with the word of God. No, we are NOT perfect, but we strive for excellency. There’s a

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saying, “The world doesn't read the bible, they read Christians.” We never want to be a misrepresentation or a hinderance to anyone from receiving Christ. This is the very reason we started the “Walk the Talk” movement, which encourages people to live the life they proclaim. Its easy to do things like go to church or learn scriptures by heart, because its done out of religion. But when you have a relationship with God, believe in his word, and have a desire to please him, it shows in your everyday life. R: Do you ladies still sing in your church choirs at home? Sarah: YES. Every Sunday. R:Sometimes do ya'll go to church and wor-

ship together? Sarah: Yes! Me and Brina attend my dad’s church and so we sing together at church all the time. But we often go to Kiesha’s church and sing for their special programs and anniversaries. Always a great time! R:Do you guys rely on God as the common thread between you all to keep you together and on one accord? Zebrina: Yes. I often say, God put this group together and because HE put us together, it has been HIM keeping us together all this time. I can speak for all of us when I say, the glory belongs to GOD alone that we are still together and going strong. We were friends first which comes in handy, but God is definitely the center of this union. All things are possible in HIM.

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R: In this issue we're discussing the growing murder rate in Midwestern cities. And ya'll are from St. Louis, how are things in your community? Zebrina: When you live in a city, and your surrounding area (home, church, work) doesn’t seem all that unsafe, you wonder what people are talking about when they say that your city is among the highest for violent crimes and murder for the entire country. I tend to fit into that category. With that being said, there are certain pockets of Saint Louis that I wouldn’t drive through or hangout in, especially at night. It seems to me that every city has parts of town like that though. Fortunately, those areas do not make up the entire city. We (GC3) all live near one another in an area that is not known for crime. Plus we have God’s protection, so we

don’t walk around our city in fear of being a victim of crime. R:60% of the violent crimes are committed by offenders between the age of 17-25. Do you think a decreasing emphasis on church in our families is to blame for our young ones acting out so much? Sarah: The decreasing emphasis on church is a huge part of youth rebellion. Church sets a standard. It is a way to sharpen our conscience and when this is neglected we are left to be our own judge. As the proverb says, every man does what is right in His own eyes, but God is the judge of the heart. Without submitting to God we become lawless and do whatever we feel in the moment. This MUST change if

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there is any hope for our future.

Is there anything you all would like to say before you go? R:What are some of the things that GC3 does GC3: Please go to our website and find us on do to reach out to the youth in your communi- social media. www.gc3music.com username: gc3music on facebook, Instagram, and Twitties? ter. For booking call 314-995-2677. We love to Keisha: All 3 of us serve as mentors for young connect with other believers and even those girls in our churches. We have participated in who are still trying to find their way. Our misLarry Rice’s “A Night with the Homeless”, sion is to “Walk the Talk” and be the change where we sing and minister on the streets of St. we want to see. According to II Corinthians Louis, as well as youth conventions, revivals, 5:17, we are new creatures in Him and have no conferences etc. We have found that most of greater hope than to walk in the newness of life our fan-base consists of youth between the ag- in Christ! Thank you for interviewing us, it es of 17-30, so our ministry naturally caters to was a pleasure! the issues and hearts of this demographic. R: Well ladies, thanks so much for your time. 167

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Emiaj AhDai Denetra Key Angela Williams

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Dream By: E. AhDai

What is a dream? An idea or vision that is created in your imagination and that is not real But dreams are real, all you have to do be is believe What is in a dream? Something that can be shaped into reality The one thing people try take. Life is but a dream, but I dream to live life. My life is not counted in lost moments, almost and could have Others have dreams to maybe to one day fall in love and stay in love Grow old together, create their own dreams Dream a little Dream, a little more Dream a bigger dream, and take hold You can have anything if you put your mind to itâ&#x20AC;Ś

So I dare you to dreamâ&#x20AC;Ś

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Poetry and I By: E.Ahdai

Poetry is that love that is like no other to me Poetry is that man that holds my heart, and never let’s go

Poetry allows me to be me, I can say what I want to say to without that judgmental look in it poetry’s eyes, For my pen will not say back to me “That is not right you can’t say that”, and my paper will not refuse my words and say “I don’t want to listen” Poetry is the one I can run to when no one else will listen to my gripes with world that start of like “I am sick of you… Who do you think you are…?”

Poetry gives me clarity when my words are so jumbled and come out in an awkward way. It is so bad that they do not formulate vocal sounds Poetry sends me a message that there is someone out there who understands what I go through and will understand the words that jump from the paper. Poetry is sometime that rant that makes no sense to the closed off mind, but get a “You are so right” from the mind that receives it Poetry is not always words… Poetry is the air It is the clouds It is the birds I listened to a bird sing this morning, someone once told me the song of singing bird is the soul of someone you missed the most. She said Happy Birthday my Sweet baby… “Maw Maw” The clear sound of that hooting owl last night said she would visit me soon.. My MawMaw... So poetry and I think we will continue to share this loving relationship… Stay Tuned

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The Delectable Meat By: Denetra Key

Sweet and fleshy as it rest on my tongue into my oral cavity it feels me

Tender and delicate as I caress it's meatiness with my whole mouth... Fulfilling my desires Delighting in every essence of its flavor I nibble on its edges so not to overwhelm myself with its delectable piquancy Oh how I've long for its zest, its feel, its way of fulfilling the inner beast within me... Meeting all of my needs Captivating me with its undeniable girth Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thick sauces flow over my lips and covers my mouth like a mask Encapsulating the lower part of my face. Its quintessence goes down slow and right as it seeps into my stomach it pleases me.

Causing me to let out a deep sigh but why when there is more to capture So I begin again Draining all of the juices that I could possible seep out of this one piece of luscious meat I go at it hard there must be no defeat For I am claiming this to be mine My piece, my portion, my treat...all mine... Damn I love ribs in the summer time.

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ME YOU WE By: Angela Williams

How can I reveal poetically about me, you and we? What words can I use to describe us? I am, you are, we are the wind that blows to and fro. Across the plains, the mountains, the desserts and the waters. I am, you are we are the soil that encompasses the earth. With roots so deep that what lies beneath in darkness is equally as powerful as what basks in the sun. I am, you are, we are the mist that touches the skin like a gentle caress and an embrace of encouragement. I am, you are, we are the sound of thunder getting ever louder and ever closer. Sounding the drum to wake us from our slumber. I am, you are, we are the crackle of lightening that charges our brain cells to prepare for battle. Becoming fully awake of the power possessed. I am, you are, we are the rains that cleanse and clarify the vision. As the rains come down the tears flow and the understanding of greatness is reborn. I am, you are, we are the quiet storm that washes away the weak so that all that is left is the twenty percent. I am, you are, we are greatness. Standing firmly on our poetic words and poetic actions.

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