Story to be Told

A True Storyteller: 

Hou Hsiao-hsien. A small take on his upcoming project "The Assassin"

If we care to delve deep enough there is a beauty that rests within the celluloid, that has consistently been overlooked. The alluring factors that once kept our viewers mesmerized has vanished with the ages that have long past. We as a people now pace ourselves for the clustered arrivals of tent pole film trilogies and reboots, that in my opinion can be hailed in the same arena as the former. 

I myself enjoy the many tent poles that hold court over the summer cinema. But there is the missing piece, the piece that I long for that you don't consistently receive. The storytelling. Original storytelling. This process has been lost. This is why I hold Hou Hsiao-hsien's "The Assassin" in high favor. 

Hou Hsiao-hsien (pictured above)

When directors Primarily known for exceptional work in art-house cinema step into the realm of Wuxia all should take notice. Since this has taken place before in the genre critics and moviegoers alike have done so. In the cases of Ang Lee's "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon", and one of my favorite filmmakers, Zhang Yimou's "Hero" among others. But in this instance it will be something special. Primarily known for his long drawn out sequences. The many emotions he captures within each slowly paced frame will only culminate into a greatness,that should be understood by all, if we take the time to allow the story to be told.  Just as the story unfolded in the amazing "City Of Sadness". After witnessing this you will understand that he isn't afraid to tell the tale that shouldn't be told. And, in a way that is universally accepted by all beyond his peers within the art form. 

"The Assassin", has spent a quarter of a century in preparation. It was announced in 1989 and has finally found its way to post production. Shu Qi will star in the leading role, she is best known state side for her portrayal of Lie in "The Transporter" opposite Jason Statham. 

On a $15,000,000 budget we will see how this story will be told by a master of storytelling. 

Author Cliff Cosby Jackson 

High Achievement

 Matter of the Minds!

A Doctorate degree should be more than just achieving two letters in front of your name.  Many potential students do not realize that working towards a dissertation is continued work. 

 A dissertation is a multifaceted research project.  There have been a sizeable number of Doctoral students who have completed their coursework, passed their comprehensive exams, but NEVER have completed their dissertations.  You may wonder how this might happen.  For example, were these students who did not complete their dissertations really scholarly imposters who did not possess sufficient knowledge and skills?  The question is what can Doctoral students do to avoid this happening?

First you have to successfully complete all required coursework.  Secondly you have to take the comprehensive exams which covers all of the coursework from day one.  From what I have been informed from faculty as well as Doctoral students, it is probably the most challenging, intense moments in your life.  Failing the comprehensive exam(s) is NOT an option.  If you do not have the tools and resources in the beginning of the Doctoral program you will not succeed in completing the comprehensive exams!!  Then, there is the dissertation phase of the program.  This is when the umbilical cord is detached and you are left to research all alone.  You will not be completely alone, you will have your Chair Committee, other faculty members and not to forget your Doctoral community.

 

Keep in mind, I am a first year Doctoral student at Argosy University, a small private institution in Atlanta.  Taking the step of even considering my education and its direction was definitely a process.  The process was exactly one year.  I kept contemplating if pursuing yet another degree would benefit me personally and professionally.  There were so many decisions that had to be made, so little time.  If anyone would have told me that academically I would be in this particular space, I would have laughed.  I have always been a strong advocate for education.  There was a time when among African Americans, education was taboo. 

 There have been so many before us that made it possible to pursue education. As I‘ve gotten older, I realized my purpose.  My purpose is to encourage, motivate and build individuals for academic success.  Being an Educator is the main reason for pursuing this Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership.  There is such a gap between education and recidivism and I want to bridge that gap with further research.

When I mention that gap in research between education and recidivism, I speak from a place of being an employee with the Department of Corrections.  I have found that there are not enough education based programs that will assist in recidivism.

 

Since being in the Doctoral program, I have seen how the challenges differ from that of Undergraduate and Graduate School. When completing coursework previously, your opinion and your perspective mattered.  In the Doctoral program, your opinion does not matter.  Everything depends on the research and your findings.  Another challenge I faced was that of my writing.  Writing on the Doctoral level is totally different.  Your critical thinking plays a major role in how your extract information from empirical reviewed articles.  Citing materials are crucial to how you support your findings.

 

I have suggested to those who are furthering their education to take advantage of all resources.  For instance, get acquainted with your university/college library.  Get to know the faculty on a first name basis.  The writing lab is MY best friend.  Of course you will get feedback from your professor(s) but when in doubt, take advantage of the writing lab in your campus library.

 

A Doctoral community is detrimental to completing coursework and even preparing for your comprehensive exams.  I had to swallow my pride and realize I cannot get through this program alone.  I needed the help of my peers for encouragement and support. With that being said, it takes a village to complete the Doctorate program.

 

In closing, I want to say that being a Doctoral student has definitely given me a certain respect from others.  It has definitely challenged my critical thinking and has made me realized how lucky and fortunate I am to be pursuing something so awesome and so rewarding. 

Author Darrell Reid 

 

The State of Mental Health

The Health Gap!

The Worst Places in America for Mental Health, Child Poverty and College Attendance Mapped.

The map above shows the top- and bottom-ranking counties in each state, with the least healthy counties in orange and the most healthy in yellow. County Health Ratings

Even within a single state, Americans’ ability to lead healthy lives can vary wildly and depends significantly on which county they live in. Large gulfs exist between the least healthy and the healthiest U.S. counties. For example, one county has 55,969 people per mental health provider, while another has only 72 people per provider.

In the latest edition of County Health Rankings, researchers from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute analyzed local data to paint a holistic picture of the quality of health in each U.S. county. The heath rankings are based on 29 factors, including smoking, high school graduation rates, housing problems, physical inactivity and access to healthy foods.  

 

CHR

Maps of 11 health factors, below, highlight the geographic distribution of health nationally. The county-level data produced several interesting national statistics. By 2012, teen birth rates had decreased about 25 percent since 2007. Smoking rates also dropped, from 21 percent in 2005 to 18 percent in 2012. Violent crime has dropped by almost 50 percent over the past two decades, and obesity rates appear to be leveling off in recent years.

Other parts of the data are less sunny. The proportion of children living in poverty has gone up, from 18 percent of all children in 2007 to 23 percent in 2012. Sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea increased from 2009 to 2012. Smoking rates dropped, from 21 percent in 2005 to 18 percent in 2012.  

Driving alone to work: 

Over 75 percent of workers in the U.S. drive to work alone, and a third of them have commutes of longer than 30 minutes each way. Driving long distances to work, especially alone, was considered a detriment to health in the report, because “dependence on driving leads to thousands of deaths and injuries and exposes us to air pollution. It also contributes to physical inactivity, obesity and social isolation,” the report says.

 

County Health Ratings County Health Ratings

Severe housing problems: Almost 1 in 5 households in the U.S. have “severe housing problems,” defined as the percentage of households in a county that are overcrowded; lack facilities for cooking, cleaning or bathing; pose severe cost burdens to the residents; or a combination of those factors.

Depending on the county, severe housing problems affect anywhere from 3 to 69 percent of the county’s population, with the most severe housing problems clustered on the East and West coasts, parts of the South and Alaska.

 

County Health Ratings

Mental health: In the least-mental-health-friendly county (which is unnamed), there is one mental health provider per 55,969 people, and on average there are 1,620 people per mental health care provider. Access to mental health care is best in the West and the Northeast. 

 

County Health Ratings

Food environment: The index for this map is based on a combination of two factors: limited access to healthy food and food insecurity. Darker colors correspond with a worse (lower number) food environment index, and lighter colors correspond to a better food environment (higher number).

 

County Health Rankings

Children in poverty: Within Kentucky alone, the percentage of children living in poverty ranges from 8 to 27 percent, depending on the county, which is the biggest range of any state. Among all U.S. counties, the percentage of children living in poverty ranges from 3 to 60 percent, and 10 percent of counties have child poverty rates of 37 percent or greater. In 2012, 23 percent of all U.S. children under 18 lived in poverty. 

 

County Health Rankings

College: College attendees tend to live longer, according to the report. The counties with the lowest rates of “some college attendance” are located in the South, and the rates for college attendees in counties across the U.S. range from 18 percent of the population to 88 percent.

 

County Health Rankings

Author James Neal 

Duets never sounded so GOOD!

 

LOVE, MARRIAGE

&DIVORCE

 

Who says that you can't love, get married, and eventually get a divorce?  We are gathered here today to join Toni Braxton and Kenneth "BabyFace" Edmonds in holy R&B!!  Where has this album been all of my life?? From the opening track "Roller Coaster" to the sexually charged "Sweat" you know you are on a journey.  Love, Marriage & Divorce takes you to where you realize why you can't live without that special someone.  Then, you wake up next to that person asking them "Who the hell are you??!!!" 

 

Ashford & Simpson would be proud that the torch was given to two of the most gifted, romantic artists in the business.  Don't take my word for it, grab a copy for the car, the condo in the city and the house in the country.  Ask yourself when have you heard classic R&B?? When you start at track one of Love, Marriage, & Divorce, you will definitely find out.

 

Track List:

 

Roller Coaster

Sweat

Hurt You

Where Did We Go Wrong?

I Hope That You’re Okay

I Wish

Take It Back

Reunited

I’d Rather Be Broke

Heart Attack

The D Word

 

 

 

Author D. Reid

Softer Layer of a ROCKSTAR

Daddy Kravitz 

The multitalented winning singer-songwriter meshes rock with soul and funk into a retro style of his own. The global superstar musician in dreadlocks not only supplies his own background vocals, but often his own guitar and keyboards in recording sessions. 

Lenny Kravitz took home the Grammy for the Best Male Rock Vocal Performance every year from 1999 to 2002, setting the record for consecutive wins. Twenty years ago, the man in dark sunglasses was one of the hottest acts on MTV. His videos are eccentric.  Better yet, Lenny Kravitz’s live performances are spectacular.

Being the son of music lovers, young Lenny Kravitz grew up listening to the best jazz, blues and Motown ever made.  As a toddler, Lenny was already learning to play drums, even if it was on the pots and pans in the kitchen.  Mommy encouraged his dream of being a rock star, and a guitar was soon added to the mix.  Lenny’s mother often took him to the New York Theater, where she was often the star on the stage.

At the age of 10, the family moved out to sunny California.  Lenny graduated from Beverly Hills High School, not unlike Golden Girl Betty White, Angelina Jolie, Nicolas Cage, Rob Reiner and classmate Slash of Guns N’ Roses.

From the 1989 release of and Mama Said to eleven years later, Lenny Kravitz rules the Billboard charts, award ceremonies and land of music videos. After moving back to Brooklyn, Lenny was introduced to The Cosby Show’s Lisa Bonet. The two quickly fell in love and tied the knot. The rock star and Denise Huxtable had a baby girl, Zoe. Zoe’s Godmother is none other than family friend and multi-Oscar Award winner Marisa Tomei.

Lenny has also worked with superstars, ranging from Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson to Grandpa Steven Tyler and Madonna. The superstar was even romantically involved Madonna, as well as Nicole Kidman and Halle Berry.

Lenny’s Mother passed away in 1995. In June of this year, Lenny opened up about his relationship with his father on Oprah’s Master Class.It was revealed that Sy Kravitz implemented tough love. In fact, Lenny was scared of his dad growing up. Spending multiple years as a Green Beret, Dad felt extremely threatening to his son. Apparently, all of Sy Kravitz’s sensitive qualities died in combat.

Watch for Lenny’s memorable role as Cinna in The Hunger Games film series.  The soulful actor also has a supporting role in 2009’s Precious, as well as Lee Daniels’ The Butler which gain Oscar Buzz.

To my surprise, having work with the young legend before on previous projects it was a great eye-opener to see first hand what type of Dad he is. 

 

Just 4 minutes after an epic performance for one of my billionaire clients birthday party he jumped right on his iPhone to call his daughter (International Model Zoe Kravitz) to finish a conversation that was being had prior to sound check. As I sipped my glass of ace of spade I couldn't help but notice that this Rockstar is a real DAD, a father! Also a pretty good one from what I gathered. 

As he sat cropped on the side of a band stool wearing Christian Dior boots, fitted Tom Ford Tuxedo pant and a Sean John knit tank, the tattooed rockstar asked Zoe what did you eat today? I smirked as I heard her turn the question around on him as he began to explain what he ate earlier in the day. It was interesting to visually see his concern, needless to say she ate a hot dog, chips and her favorite ice cream French vanilla. Daddy Kravitz asked swiftly and softly where are the veggies and fruit Zo? I was shocked and amazed, not only did I see this Legend hit the stage and give a stellar performance. I also had the opportunity to see Lenny Kravitz in a rare light that even the brightest can't match.

Author Waffie Nakkuory 

Does Color Matter? Part II

 Why skin color does matter. Part II

 

This article will focus other cultures not being receptive of us and the famous Kanye West and his fiancée Kim Kardashian's Vogue. Are American Whites still are not receptive of us?

Growing up in a household with parents and siblings I saw love from my parents so it was hard for me to see in the real world as I got older. 

For example, A few years ago I was at a 75% white public university.  This one semester I encountered a professor who had a problem with me since day one.

For college students, I am sure you know how some professors are anal about having cell phones out during their class. This one particular day class was over with and a friend of mine was asking the professor about the homework assignment. While I pulled out my phone to check the time because I was hungry. He grabbed my wrist and threw my phone down and said your damn phone up. In five seconds, a lot went through my head should I hit him, do I go off, or do I walk away?

 Well, my ancestors would be proud of me because I walked away. He wanted a reaction out of me but I didn’t let my guard down. I ended up dropping the class and I got a brand new Blackberry; thanks to the university. I personally felt like he wanted to me react to him. I walked away and NEVER went back to his class again. There are a few things I learned from that situation

It is okay to walk away from a heated situation, I'll look at my phone after class is over with (depends on the professor)

 

Kim and Kanye (pictured above)

I am so tired of people being negative about the Vogue cover. I heard that people were threatening to cancel their subscription. Really! Canceling your subscription over the cover of Vogue. According to Vogue “who can you trust to curate the conversation surrounding fashion and culture” The lighting, color and the direction is flawless and tells the story of fashion and culture.  

This goes back to my earlier example of whites are still not respective of color being on the center of attention. If the magazine put a white couple on the front page then there wouldn’t be any threatening of canceling subscription.

 This is beyond me and more than ignorant. It’s pathetic that celebrities are being criticize because of this society that only wants a certain type of person on the cover. I am learning that people are concerned with everybody business instead of their own. The world would be a better place if people worked hard just like Kim and Kanye. For those who are canceling their subscription, Vogue would not suffer. I am sure this will be the highest selling issue of all time. LET THEM LOVE!

 

This post is an opinion post and not the views of Bars and Warfare.

Author RJ Jones

 

 

Source: http://www.vogue.com/press/

Age Defying Secrets

10 ways to stay Young!

Men have the answer in their good lifestyle choices. Researchers at Emory University screened 283 Men and ultimately 97 were picked to be followed by 661 College Student volunteers. The study was informative in different healthcare categories.

30-40 (pictured above)

When it came to products making anti-aging claims, "we were a little skeptical, I have to say," said Dr Donald Hill of Emory University. 

With the 97 men that were followed in this study 10 practices collectively were a vast part of each males daily to weekly schedules. The guys were followed for 3 weeks and the findings explained much more than we thought with a very simple answer. 

40-50 (pictured above)

The men at are in the 30-40 age range looked 5-10 years younger than their current ages. Also the ages ranging of 40-50 as well as 50-65 carried the same appearance factors and health conditions.

What are Men doing? Here are 10 reasons why men are age defying.

1. Exercise

Exercise you body, put your body in motion. Gym, running, walking, sports etc.

2. Have fun! 

Be social, enjoy your children, keep family and friends close.

3. Work Smarter not Harder

Don't over do it, balance your work, 

But be effective.

4. No Booze

Keep alcohol to a minimum, it's okay to get a buzz but it does pack years of aging on.

5. Sex

Healthy safe sex is great for men, the natural cardio creates more of a sexual definition in appearance that crunches and push-ups don't.

6. Keep it Clean

 

Good House Keeping, a pure space does great things for the mind and spirit.

7. Laugh

Have a moment to have a good chuckle with friends, family and coworkers.

8. Be at peace

Mediation is a calming tool that can get you in a positive mindset to take on your day.

9. Soap up

Great grooming, shave, manicures  haircuts etc. the reflection of yourself matters.

10. Chew

Veggies, fruits, nuts and grains all help with skin cell rejuvenation and all around wellness. 

50-65 (pictured above)

 

The key to youth is live your best life. After following these men for all types of races, economical, cultures and backgrounds. The findings are that the combinations of all these methods of life are consistent in defying your age.

Author Aimé Grisham 

  

 

 

Prince in Russia

Who Knew Russia is Sexy and Cool

I grew up thinking the Cold War and Russia was all the existed. So I was surprised that, on my first day in St. Petersburg, a young man and his girlfriend perfect strangers, asked me to search my iPhone for an address they wanted, and then walked me and my team there. It was one of the most beautifully built castles I had ever seen in my life. The architecture was breathtaking, this is Russia!

What did I know about St. Petersburg? Even though I had traveled the world starting with The United Nations and Global Royal Embassy. Then just for fun during my career as an athlete for several professional sports ball clubs I had the sense of a dour, drab, dismal place. After all, my experience with Russia had come off a Royal Ambassadors Trip for social change and to eliminate poverty on a global scale.  

 I decided to do Russia in style, I did it under the protective umbrella of The UN and the travel specialists. And I realized I had waited much too long. The city is alive. Its main street reminded me of a very American, New York City, people walking quickly, speaking different languages, students in groups laughing. And the buildings, so many landmarks, although admittedly from Czarist times.

Our UN guide, Tungi , set the tone for the visit when she picked us up at the airport. "Did you notice some of the security people actually smiled?" she said. "I know what Americans believe. I spent time in the States. A group of Mennonites I had shown around St. Petersburg got together, took up a collection and brought me there for a visit!"

She dropped us off at our hotel, the Grand Hotel Europe, which everyone describes as "Russia's finest." Imagine that a cadre of bellman and security people hover near the front door, greeting people warmly with a "Good afternoon, nice to see you, welcome." This was not my textbook Russia. Who knew Russia was Sexy and Cool. 

I had Googled Russia and "rubles" back home, and had learned that it was illegal for Russians to do business in dollars. But that first day, when we were on our own and walked to a nearby flea market, the English-speaking vendors asked, "Dollars? Euros? Pounds?" I think they took anything except Monopoly money. So a thought: bring along dollars, especially singles for tips, and lots of fives if you take cabs.

That was another aspect of travel in Russia that is unlike, say, Western Europe. Even though many of the taxis have meters, we still negotiated a fare in advance. And just as we did at the flea market, we didn't say "yes" to their first price request. It was remarkably easy to bargain.

To be part of the rhythm of the city, you have to sleep in it. You don't get this experience any other way. So we walked after breakfast at our hotel, breakfast was more like a Hollywood fantasy: a pianist in a red dress, playing Gershwin and Cole Porter and Rodgers and Hart; a chef flipping omelets; four kinds of hot cereals at the buffet; eight kinds of bread; etc.

And we walked the city after dinner. We strolled the canals, took in the remarkable candy shops, even went into a supermarket or two. They'll take Visa in the big shops and stores, but virtually no one, except at the hotel, takes American Express. And be prepared to have to pay cash at the smaller restaurants. In fact, several of them posted signs showing the classic logos for Visa, MasterCard and Amex -- with an "X" through them.

Speaking of food, every meal everywhere we ate was tasty,even at the coffee shops adjacent to museums and palaces. There is an 18 percent VAT, so when you leave a tip, you may want to base it on the cost of the meal without that surcharge.

And what about the museums? Well, for the most part, that is a misnomer. Places such as the Hermitage are the attraction in and of themselves -- and not just for what is hanging on the walls. Yes, we had heard about the Hermitage, and the Pushkin and the Peterhof. Still, nothing prepares you for the grandeur of these places, often remarkably, lovingly restored.

It struck me as so ironic that after 70 years of Communist rule, the places and the names that resonate in St. Petersburg harken to the Czarist times almost as if they are celebrating a bygone era.

Not once did we hear the name "Stalin" spoken. "And you won't," said our guide.

My adventure to this Winter Wonderland still has me in a trance. Very much like the animated film "Anastasia" I was once again a young boy standing in the castle that I watched long ago in a fairy tale. 

Author Vauree Augustine

Does Color Matter???

Being black in America now has not change since the beginning of time. 

Two reasons.....

  I believe that we still criticize each other in our own family. We continue to talk about each other and do not show any respect to one another. For example, two black men are walking down the street and see each other and do not speak. Back in the early days, some were taught to look away or look down when walking down the street.

 My ancestors would tell me that if you were to look at another man or speak at another person then you would be lench. This ignorance has to stop and we as humans have to move forward. I also have notice that in some families parents do not teach their child anything about our past and how to interact with people. I personally believe that this new generation of parents is NOT teaching their kids to have respect for one another.  Last note some black men want a woman who is closer to white so there kids will look a certain way. As a community we have to have a different mindset and do not worry what others say about your relationship.

In 2014 we are still concerned about the color of skin. This old tale keeps coming up that light- complexion salves were inside the house and the dark skin complexion were in the fields. The Beyonce L’oreal ad is the perfect example being light skin is better. Its obvious that the photo is enhanced and people were really upset about the photo. We ask for the “prettiest” girl to be on the cover and to be lighter. I believe that we look down at each other and this is one reason why little dark skin girls don't like being dark skin they want to be Beyonce. It also starts from home if you as a parent don’t teach your child that there black are beautiful then we wouldn't have to deal with self Esteem issues within our families. Another reason is the business look at lighter skin closes to white and that would sell.

 

Colorism will always exist unless we change ourselves and our minds.

 

Author RJ Jones

This post is not views from Bars and Warfare blog. This is an opinion post.

 

Daddy Talk

A HOT THREESOME!

Too often we live life without thinking about consequences. There are numerous eruptions of doubts and regrets from our decision making.  

In my life, I have never been so pleased and so fulfilled in this triangle of a love affair that has me habituated.  So addicted, that I wake up pondering on these ladies that are by my side every day.  I’ll kiss one and then call the other one over for a kiss as well. I always end up with a big cheesy smile on my face like a big kid in a candy store.These two angels became my religion and “saved” me.  They are my beautiful daughters.  They have altered my life in a way that nothing in this universe has.  

Even though, there are startling statistics showing the increased absence of a black father in a child’s life, I am counteracting that with the presence of one.  My marriage did not last and a divorce was inevitable.  While going through that transition, I never involved my children in the divorce battle because I wasn’t divorcing them, I was divorcing their mom.  Never once did they disturb my life, but I integrated them in my world. What I was not prepared for was how I would become acclimated into their lives.  

Because of this trio, life enrolled me into “Mr. Mom” school and I graduated with honors.  I take a breath today proud of the moments where I had to learn how to braid, put in a relaxer in, teach them how to cook, talk to them about boys, teach them how to cook, clean, buy the first pair of heels, become a counselor when the first menstrual cycle begins, exercise, eat properly and respect their elders. I get a joy when we have Daddy-daughter dates displaying to them how a man should open a door for a woman, compliment her, and make her feel like a princess; the only thing that matters.  

My plight is my pleasure.  There are two things that I have come to identify about me.  One is that I don’t know how to halfway love.  And two, it is impossible for me NOT to love someone that looks just like me.

Life Lesson:  Only God knows the true story of the novel titled "YOU". So don't let ANYONE tell you what your next chapter should be.......especially without contacting the Author first......

Earl “EJ” Johnson

White Boy Music?????

Stupidity for likes on Instagram!

Nick Cannon appears to have taken the title of his new album a little too seriously.

The "America's Got Talent" host is catching serious online heat after he "whited up" to promote the forthcoming release of "White People Party Music."

Cannon, as he normally appears. The rapper, who is married to singer Marah Carey, has been criticized as 'racist,' 'ignorant' and 'hypocritical' for the stunt.

  

Mr. Mariah Carey has been labelled "racist," "ignorant" and "hypocritical" for the stunt - which also saw him show off his bizarre new "Connor Smallnut" persona in a series of videos.

It's a sad day when people of influence look towards foolish acts to get attention. 

Author Will T. Barlow 

Working Girl

Working 9 to 5

These 10 U.S. Cities Are the Worst-Paying for Women — It’s Like We’re Still Living in the 1960′s

Nationwide — There is a battle going on and it’s been waging since the 1960′s. It’s the war over equal pay, and women continue to fight this battle to this day. Although progress has been made in some parts of the country, there are other areas that still seem to be stuck in the 1960′s.

 The gender pay gap, as it’s known, is still alive and well in many areas. 24/7 Wall St, an online resource for financial news, reviewed 100 metro areas across America to find the cities with the smallest and widest gender wage gap. Here is what they discovered.

Here are the top 10 cities with the worst pay for women (in percent of wages paid to men):

1. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, Connecticut - 72.6 percent

2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - 72.5 percent

3. Ogden-Clearfield, Utah - 71.5 percent

4. St. Louis, Missouri - 71.2 percent

5. Birmingham-Hoover, Alabama - 71.0 percent

6. Augusta, Georgia - 70.7 percent

7. Bakersfield-Delano, California - 70.3 percent

8. Scranton–Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania - 69.9 percent

9. Baton Rouge, Louisiana - 65.7 percent

10. Provo-Orem, Utah - 63.4 percent  

Also ladies, being professional does play the largest part in what you are worth to any company. 

Author Joann Yoon

Little Brown Girls, Dance!

Brown Girls can Shine!

“This is for the little brown girls.”- Misty Copeland, Life In Motion 

From my place in the audience, Misty Copeland is the picture of perfection. As a soloist in the prestigious American Ballet Theatre (ABT), she is a vision en pointe, as she soars to impossible heights. But as with any success story, it takes a journey. In her memoir Life In Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina, the ABT soloist shares her Cinderella story, from a timid young girl who was introduced to ballet in a local Boys & Girls Club in San Pedro, CA, to a stunning dynamo gracing billboards as the face of ABT in her career defining performance as “The Firebird.” As a painfully shy child, she strived for perfection to keep her rocky childhood hidden by being a people pleaser with a  standard of perfection that lead to excruciating migraines. Misty found her stride and her steadiness through her love of dance and New York City, where her mixed identity was welcomed outside of the all-white dance studios. Most importantly, the prodigy dances with the dreams of the African American community on her shoulders, from the dancers whose promising careers were cut short by the threat of the Ku Klux Klan, to the little brown girls who dream of following in her footsteps as they tie up their first pair of pointe shoes.

Life In Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina is a must-read for all women, from dancers to the boardroom. If you have young daughters, stash this must-have on your bookshelf until they’re ready to discover it.

Based on dance’s traditional dance counts, here are some lessons from Misty’s inspirational story that will motivate you from any walk of life. In addition, we salute the African-American ballerinas who paved the way for Misty’s masterful reign.

Your past can make you stronger.

Misty opens up about her unstable childhood, when she spent her earliest years living in a motel in San Pedro with her mother and siblings. The constant shuffling and abrupt moves caused her to have debilitating migraines and stomach pains. A worrier by nature, Misty put her focus in hiding her unstable home life at school, by arriving early to class and keeping up excellent grades. Dance would become her escape, as she’d choreograph performances to Mariah Carey’s earliest hits. While the Copeland kids could have used their background as a crutch, they strived even harder to succeed. Excellence runs in the family, with Misty’s siblings ranging from lawyers to artists.

Embrace the criticism, not just the praise.

Although Misty was a latecomer to ballet, her innate ability to mimic choreography earned her the title of “prodigy” within months. The 13 year old had the athletic ability and the ideal frame that made her a choreographer’s dream. As she progressed, it was clear that instructors would not share the opinions of her earliest teachers. Always the fighter, Misty fought back by pushing herself to her limits. Her tenacity earned her a spot as the second African-American soloist in ABT’s history.

Choose a partner who makes you better.

A late bloomer with a fear of repeating her mother’s history of boyfriends coming in and out of her life, Misty focused on perfecting her craft and navigating her childhood, instead of dating. But when she met her boyfriend Olu, she found an anchor and support system. A lawyer, Olu helped Misty find her voice. Misty settled her nerves by rehearsing meetings she’d have with her artistic directors, when she knew she could handle prominent roles at ABT.

When Prince calls, you answer!

Misty has been a bonafide ballet staple for over a decade, but Prince introduced her to music lovers. In his shy and mysterious way, Prince invited Misty to dance in his “Welcome To America” tour. By trusting her expertise as a ballerina, he allowed Misty to step away from the meticulous critiques of her artistic directors, and into her own artistic prowess. The occasional phone call from the Purple One is something this fan can only dream of, so we’ll have to live vicariously through Misty on this one!

Being different is a gift.

As an African American in a world dominated and almost inherently designated for the affluent, Misty was a brown swan in a sea of white ballerinas. As her body matured, her curves made her stick out even more. Some decided to hide her copper complexion with makeup, and others refused to accept her, Misty began to retreat back into her shyness. The Dance Theatre of Harlem seemed a comforting solace, as she’d be able to dance with a community that embraced her. Instead of letting the negative noise extinguish her spotlight, Misty fought back. She stood tall and remembered the words of Dance Theatre Of Harlem artistic director and dance pioneer Arthur Mitchell: “Walk into a room, knowing you are somebody, somebody special. Don’t ever let them smash that or pull you down.”

Make time for your escapes.

Music and journaling served as anchors throughout Life In Motion, and clearly in Misty’s life. Whether dancing to New Edition and Mariah Carey as a young girl, or blasting Eminem and *NSYNC in her earbuds on the streets of New York City, the soundtrack steadied her on and off the stage. Thousands of miles away from home, Misty documented her accomplishments and setbacks in her journal. While pursuing your dreams, it’s important to unplug from the grind to enjoy the journey.

Do it for the little brown girls.

Throughout the memoir, Misty continually revisits her mantra: “Do it for the little brown girls.” The “little brown girls” are of course our daughters, but as women, we carry our “little brown girl” dreams with us every day. Whether we achieved our dreams or we’re still pursuing, or even if they’re now distant hopes we’ve stowed away with childhood toys, Misty brings us on stage with her. Life In Motion is a lift and reminder for us to tap into your greater purpose, and soar to your own heights. 

 

Girls Have the power to overcome every and any obstacle in life. Being a woman is more than what defines you, it sculpts you. Meaning being a dancer, teacher, listener, etc. can be done under any circumstance. Be a Woman, a real woman, which means projecting your gifts in your life's work. Daughter, Wife, Mother, sister, and friend are ways to be the person that your are created to be.

Author Joann Yoon

Pastor ask for forgiveness, then Drops Dead....

God-smacked! Forgiveness or authenticity of religion. 

When Bishop Bobby Davis stood behind his Miracle Faith World Outreach Church in Bridgeport, Ct. pulpit last Sunday to allegedly confess his infidelity to his congregation, he suddenly keeled over and died during the overwhelming chants of forgiveness from sympathetic church members, according to Christian Post.

Davis, who had been pastor of the popular Bridgeport church since 1967, was rushed to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead; the cause is still unknown and an autopsy is pending.

The pastor (pictured above) who was also a certified marriage and family therapist with a doctorate degree in ministry and a Master’s degree in theological studies, celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife, Christine, last June. Together, they founded their present church.

Reportedly, the bishop did not decide to come clean to his congregants of his own fruition; instead, his wife insisted he confess his shortcomings to his faithful followers, after he broke the news to her.

According to congregant Judy Stovall, who spoke to the Christian Post after the church service, Davis and his family asked the congregants to remain because he needed to confess something in his life that had taken place a while ago.  ”He wanted to come clean with all of us. He wanted to ask our forgiveness,” Stovall told the news outlet.

During Davis’ alleged infidelity confession, his own children, who apparently did not know about their dad’s transgression, reportedly reacted violently toward him.  According to an unnamed source who spoke to the Christian Post,  ”Apparently, it was his family members who reacted out in anger, from what I understand. It was not the congregation,” the source noted.  ”It got physical. One of the sons attacked him. I was told one of the daughters poured water on him. It was like something out of — not even like the Old Testament — but a bad reality TV show,” said the source. “My heart is so devastated because it could have been handled in a private manner.”

Meanwhile the congregants, on the other hand, were shouting sympathetic phrases of forgiveness to the pastor who appeared overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from his church-goers, according to Stovall.  ”We were shouting, `We forgive you; we love you,’ but the stress of all of it — he had a heart attack,” Stovall told the newspaper.   After Davis unexpectedly passed out, Stovall said,”I held his head as he lay on the floor…. Our congregation is hurting now.”

Police were summoned to investigate the Davis case and have interviewed scores of witnesses. Investigators have also confiscated a video that was taken of the pastor’s stirring confession. Practice what you preach, because this maybe the last time you get to be in a place of spiritual balance.

Most Christians don't feel the need to question the authenticity of the religion that teaches you to ultimately limit your own growth and thought process in your life choices. Is this still slavery of the mind to control large masses of people? The question of twitter or instagram considers you and others followers of people that you idolize much like Bishop Davis that have made terrible mistakes and is also then forgiven. 

So maybe Beyonce or Brad Pitt should consider building a temple for their Followers

Author Will T. Barlow

Songstress to be spanked by Uncle Sam again!

Songtress maybe singing in Sing Sing! 

Songstress Lauryn Hill, who nearly six months ago was released from federal prison on a tax evasion conviction, is now reportedly facing yet another battle with Uncle Sam, according to RadarOnline. Hill has reportedly been slapped with a slew of liens from the Internal Revenue Service, totaling a whopping $866,868.05

Hill, who is the Mother of six children and currently on a national tour, has reportedly been hit with seven liens beginning with tax year 2005 and ending in 2011. 

RadarOnline obtained Hill’s filed January 14th tax documents and the New Jersey resident reportedly owes the following amounts: for 2005, $422,008.26; 2006, $19,838.75; 2007, $61,158.50; 2008, $58,405.71; 2009, $30370.91; 2010, $13,247.73; and 2011, $261,838.19.

The 38-year-old Grammy Award-winning singer, who pled guilty to three counts of failing to file tax returns on more than $1.8 million between 2005 and 2007. was incarcerated for a three-month stint last year. Hill was released last October but then faced three months of home confinement and a year of supervised probation. Hill, who has sold 16 million albums over the course of her career, was also ordered to pay penalties and the taxes she owed. She has since satisfied that tax debt.

Is Uncle Sam gunning for Hill again merely because she is Black?

According to Hill’s last rant against the government, where she claimed racism played a huge role in her tax woes, she is a victim of a racist system, expressing it in her own words.

The hatred, violence, cruelty and brutality that [black people] were shown by White people for centuries.”

Hill went on to further explain why she was targeted by the Feds:

To me, it is obvious that the accumulation of generational trauma and abuse have created the very behaviors the system tries to punish, by providing no sufficient outlets for the victims of institutional terror,” she claimed. “Clearly, the institution tries to hide its own criminal history at the expense and wholeness of the abused, who ‘acting out’ from years of abuse and mistreatment, reflect the very aggression that they were exposed to. 

Is this a display of irresponsible behavior or has a target been placed on L Boogie's chest. I would want to believe being in the entertainment industry for roughly 20 years give or take she would have gained more than just Grammys and Platinum Records. 

Author Will T Barlow 

Tracy Edmonds for Tea

Girl Power Series:

A Moment with a Mogul

 Amidst my glamorously planned life, I had the chance to sit down for tea with Ms. Tracey Edmonds. I couldn’t imagine what she’d be like or how this experience would impact me as a young woman in entertainment. I could only describe it as AMAZING. 

 Confidence radiated through her like the sun on a clear spring afternoon, brightening the already rainy day. She was like the Barbie dolls of my childhood, I cherished so dearly within my endless collection. Her suit perfectly tailored, hair strategically placed, and makeup nothing less than marvelous, I waited anxiously to ask questions and hear what wisdom she had tucked away in her Prada purse.

 Aside from the glitz that is Tracey Edmonds, she shared her life lessons, triumphs, realizations, and awe-ha moments. The time that she spent to give an insight on her life was priceless. As she explained, I jotted down notes and compiled a few nuggets of truth that have assisted in the momentum of my career and passion for my life’s work. Hopefully they can help you too!

1. Small happenings can occur to change your life’s path, don’t be afraid just go with it.

2. You’ll know when you’re in the right place in your life and career.

3. Always have more than one thing in your arsenal.

4. Everything you do give one thousand and one percent. 

5. Always remember, YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL!

a. Happiness

b. Family

c. A career

c. Money

 At 22 years of age these points all gave me reassurance. I could breath easier, dream bigger, and DO ANYTHING.

 Tracey Edmonds is only one example of Girl Power! Stay tuned for more installments to the Girl Power Series, presented by Bars and Warfare Blog.

Author Lyrric Cosby Jackson 

 

 

 

 

 

Kim, Kanye & Vogue

KANYE & KIM Cover VOGUE

Kanye West’s campaign to get fiancee Kim Kardashian on the cover of Vogue magazine has finally paid off. They appear in a photo by Annie Leibovitz on the April issue.

The photo shows Kardashian wearing a white wedding-style dress with West’s arms around her. She posted it on her official Twitter and Instagram accounts saying: “This is such a dream come true!!!” West wrote “Thank you (at)voguemagazine” on his Twitter account. West has said he believed Kardashian is cover-worthy. In a radio interview with Ryan Seacrest last October, he said “there’s no way Kim Kardashian shouldn’t be on the cover of Vogue.” He also said Kardashian was more influential than first lady Michelle Obama in her clothing choices.

However, in the magazine, which hits stands March 31, Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour told readers it was the magazine’s idea to feature Kardashian, and the decision was based on the reality starlet’s dominance – and was not influenced by her famous boyfriend.

“You may have read that Kanye begged me to put his fiancee on Vogue’s cover,” Wintour wrote. “He did nothing of the sort. The gossip might make for better reading, but the simple fact of the matter is that it isn’t true.”

The couple are the parents of 9-month-old daughter North. Which has already created a stir in fashion and hollywood. 

The photos will chronicle a beautiful pictorial of Kanye West enjoying his blooming family. 

However Sarah Michelle Gellar Tweeted

"Well……I guess I'm canceling my Vogue subscription," Gellar tweeted. "Who is with me???"

 

Which is interesting, the first hip hop artist to appear on the cover of American Vogue is completely slighted by hollywood has beens. I wonder is the presence of color still an obstacle in American Society. 

Aimé Grisham

Faith vs Fitness

Muslim Woman Files Lawsuit Against Planet Fitness Over Head Covering

Tarainia McDaniel recently filed a lawsuit against a Planet Fitness in New Mexico over an incident that occurred in October 2011, claiming that the gym wouldn’t allow her to wear her religious head covering when she tried to work out.

According to the 37-year-old Albuquerque resident, she signed a two-year contract with the New Hampshire-based business at one location where she was never given a problem about wearing her Muslim head covering. When McDaniel transferred her membership to another Planet Fitness location, though, she was allegedly told that her religious head covering was not allowed because it was against the gym’s dress code, according to the lawsuit.

However, the gym in question did display a sign that read, “No jeans, work boots, bandannas, skull caps, or revealing apparel.”

McDaniel alleges in her complaint that she asked the gym’s representatives if she could wear her head covering to accommodate her faith and even asked if she could instead wear a hijab, a more formal piece that covers the head and chest.

McDaniel claims that her requests were flatly denied and told that the head coverings were direct violations of the strict gym dress codes.

Planet Fitness’ attorney, Erika Anderson ,defends her client’s position regarding the case, telling Albuquerque Journal, “My client’s position is that they didn’t know the head covering was for religious purposes. It violated their dress code policy."

But the New Mexico Human Rights Act and the Unfair Practices Act states that Planet Fitness had no legal right to deny McDaniel entry on to its facility while wearing her religious head covering.

According to McDaniel’s civil suit transcript, the married Mom, who is a financial consultant and business owner, claims that she did see the gym’s dress code sign but states in the legal document, “I already (had) made it known before I signed the contract that I covered my hair. I had on [what] I call a head covering. I guess for the sake of the record, they’re referring to it as a head covering.”

McDaniel’s case is scheduled for August. Meanwhile, Planet Fitness who advertises a “Judgement Free Zone” appears to be a very judgmental gym after all. The gym’s policies have come into question as in the case of Tiffany Austin, who was reportedly told by a Richmond, Calif., facility that her body, which was in a midriff-clad outfit, was just too toned; therefore, she was thereby too “intimidating” to the gym’s other patrons. 

Aimé Grisham

Work Hard + Results = Low Pay ?

Is RESPECT for hard work gone....? 

Even in the NFL great credentials and work ethic doesn't really mean anything. Former Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate said Tuesday that Seattle’s contract offer was so “laughable” that it made his decision to sign with the Detroit Lions “a no-brainer.”

The Seahawks’ leading receiver in their Super Bowl-winning season, Tate told 710 ESPN Seattle radio that he’s due to earn about twice as much money with the Lions than he would if he stayed in Seattle. The deal he accepted with Detroit last week was a reported $31 million over five years.

“Seattle offered a number that was laughable,” he told radio hosts Bob Stelton and David Grosby. “It was laughable considering — I’m sorry, I’m going to vent to you guys for a little bit, so just hold on — considering that I have played there four years, a starter two of those years, I missed a total of one game in my two years including the playoffs.

“(I was) in the community, did everything right, was not a troublemaker, everyone loved me in the locker room. I did everything right, and the offer that they offered, it was like, ‘Is this serious?’ The organization is offering guys from other places two times, almost three times what they were offering me. And I was kind of like: ‘Are you serious? I’ve given literally everything and this is what you give me?’”

Tate, who was Seattle’s second-round pick out of Notre Dame in the 2010 NFL Draft, became one of the Seahawks’ most dynamic players on offense and special teams once quarterback Russell Wilson took the helm in 2012. In 2013, Tate caught a team-leading 64 passes for 898 yards and five touchdowns, and also ran back 51 punts and 3 kickoffs for a total of 616 return yards.  

If this is how you repay a hard worker I would hate to see what would be done for a fair to basic football player.

 

Eric Walters 

Why Women Prefer Black Men?

Men of Color is what women what....

Black skin is thick and lush, sensuous to the touch, like satin and velvet made flesh. There’s only one patch of skin on a white man’s body that remotely compares to nearly every inch of a black man’s skin. The first time I caressed black skin, it felt like a luxury I shouldn’t be able to afford. I craved it more strongly than Carrie Bradshaw craved Manolo Blahnik shoes. That phrase, “Once you go black, you never go back” is all about the feeling of the skin. 

And I had the socially acceptable explanation for my craving. I used that paucity-of-available-white-partners rationale to explain my relationships with black men for several years. A white girl in her twenties is often passed over by her white-male contemporaries. She goes younger or ethnic or foreign-born or down the socioeconomic scale or darker or she spends lonely nights at home with her books. Black men are happy to get true loyalty and love from a woman of any race. The laws of the marketplace do prevail. It’s not me, it’s them being the white guys who weren’t after me for love but only for sex, which I was taught by my father to only give when received a security of companionship. 

Even in a time when nearly 40 percent of single Americans have dated outside their race, that deliberate seeking of the specific other makes some people, especially black women, damned mad.

Black men are two and a half times more likely to marry a woman that has more than he has, than a white man is to marry a women that has more than he has, But in truth, white men would rather marry a sexually free woman with nothing to offer but porn like sex than a hard working woman willing to give loyalty and a quality life. 

The truth is, more than 60% of white men are lame or corn balls. Then their is another 30% that are freaks, sexual weirdos or just plain scary. Of course you have the last 10% that are just sexy, suave and suave but they only date black girls or woman of ethnic background. This is the reason why some white women would rather date black men! Black men are supportive of all woman maximizing their potential, while white men feel threatened. Men of African decent are more fertile than most races. Men of color also are more pleasing to women in bed. Masculinity of their background is always consistent (thug, prep, rich, poor, etc.) with every step in life.  

Black men have something white guys don’t have. Confidence in their masculinity, their sexuality. They clearly know they’re men. White men appear to be waiting for the latest sociological research study to let them know if they are men or not. 

Yet black men are gentlemen, masculine and leaders something else white men aren't. They make you feel like a woman, both respected and desired. I can let go of my inhibitions, my need to control, when I am with them. How many white men can treat a woman like a lady and ravish her too? 

For example walking down the street with a black man is totally different from walking down the street with a white man. A black man doesn't need the latest car to turn you on, but with white guys it's a little different, they feel to need material things to validate their manhood. What's the point of a mansion and you husband can't command enough respect in the world to protect your home?

Analyze the roots of attractions all you want like scientists have done and you won’t come up with a perfect explanation for why women crave what we do. 

Desire rises from our depths and is gloriously oblivious to the good opinion of others. Yet I have excepted that I have pretended that my attraction was an equal-opportunity craving, because that seemed like the right thing to do.

Katie Brach 

@KatieBrach on twitter and instagram

Chris Brown.... Bad Boy or just needs guidance?

The singer was locked up on a probation violation warrant Friday after he was booted from a court-ordered drug rehab program for undisclosed reasons.

When his probation for the 2009 beating of then-girlfriend Rihanna was revoked in November, the judge allowed Brown, 24, to enter a Malibu rehab facility instead of the Los Angeles County jail. His ejection from rehab after four months left jail as the only alternative.

If attorney Mark Geragos is unsuccessful in persuading Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge James Brandlin to set Brown free at a hearing Monday afternoon, it is likely he will remain in jail until the next hearing on April 23.

Brown was "cooperative when taken into custody" as he was picked up from the facility and taken to the Los Angeles County men's central jail Friday afternoon, a Los Angeles County Sheriff's statement said.

Brown's legal troubles began five years ago, when he beat Rihanna as the two sat in a rented Lamborghini on a Hollywood street. He pleaded guilty to felony assault in June 2009, which resulted in a sentence of five years of probation and 1,400 hours of community labor.

The judge has revoked Brown's probation twice in the past year, most recently because of his arrest on a sidewalk near the White House after allegedly punching a man.

Brown voluntarily entered a rehab program a day after being released from a Washington jail in October, but he was kicked out a few days later for "throwing a rock through his mother's car window" after a family session at the center, a probation report said. Brown was upset because his mother said she wanted him to stay in treatment, the report said.

"Mr. Brown proceeded to walk outside and pick up a rock and threw it through his mother's car window and it shattered," according to letter from the rehab center included in the probation report.

His probation was revoked in November, but the judge allowed him to stay out of jail by entering a 90-day anger management and drug rehab program. Although he completed that program last month, the judge ordered him to remain a resident at the Malibu treatment facility until a hearing April 23.

Does he need a helping hand or is he a lost soul? 

James Neal