Fall Events and Lifestyle After 5pm
October 2012/PHILADELPHIA’S MOST DIVERSE MAGAZINE
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George Clifford Blackmon interviews Dr. William R. Hite Jr.
Philadelphia’s BEST KEPT NEWS 14 Rural Africa 24 Great Ball of Confusion 30 Dr. William R. Hite Jr. 35 Parental Overload ART & ENTERTAINMENT 42 Tiffany Barrett 46 Spotlight – featuring local filmmaker
David L. Powell III
FOOD 18 BYOB 50 Cupcakes MUSIC 28 KJazz Education 16 Getting Ready for the Holidays Now 38 Hearing ‘No’ Gets Easier Relationships 44 Sexual Communication Get Up and Move 40 Mass Suit Gadgets 22 Tech Time, Gadget Time, Perfect Timing HOT Or Not 55 Styling with Marcus Liberski
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Tiffany Barret
Marcus Liberski
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Just a thought or two by the publisher Professional talent is everywhere What does it take to recognize professional talent? Are you talented but lack discipline? How do you know? Are you motivated ? How do you encourage personal and professional growth? How do you simply become more professional in your approach to success? Let us not forget, everyone wants to be successful but due to our inability to sty focused or work tirelessly, it often evades our grasp. I am not talking exclusively about money but being a professional. Success is often time a perfect combination of luck, skill and hard work. Sometimes failure is a direct opposite. While you may have a lot of idea’s you may lack the skill to develop a successful money making idea. Success means many different things too each person you ask. To some people its personal freedom. To some it’s creative control and others its all about the money. So whether your Cuba Gooding Jr dancing to “Show me the Money” or Puff Daddy singing or rapping to “It’s all about the Benjamin’s”” it’s simple means different things to each person. I’ve listed below a few common traits of a successful person as I see it aren’t the car or the house because beneath all those materialistic items usually lurks debts, unhappiness and lots of it. Fearlessness—Not afraid to fail Responsiveness—Always returns a call with a call not a text Determination— Has plan b and plan c in the pipeline Willingness—Ready to establish new partnership Compassion—Empathize with each persons situation In the pursuit of excellent and creating something from nothing I’ve found a lot of talented people. You’ve read many of their articles and contributions but we are growing and diversity abounds. Ms. Candace Smith and Matt Schmidt are the definition of the personification of the word “determined”. They simply joined the team and hit the ground running at 100 MPH. Welcome to the team. Candace simply say it the best...Philadelphia just may be experiencing its own Harlem renaissance. Stay tuned for more as this cultural revolution takes place.
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Candace Smith is a native Philadelphian and graduate of Syracuse University
(BA) and City University of London (MA). After spending a few years living in London, Candace returned to Philadelphia and continues to forge a career as a freelance journalist, writer, blogger, actress, and host. Besides interviewing intriguing personalities for Urban/Suburban Magazine, she is also currently contributing her knowledge and skills to various artistic movements, publications, websites, and podcasts such as REP Radio, AFFRM, Tinsel and Tine, and Hipolitics.
Dr. Irene Okech holds a PhD in Public Health and an MBA in
Healthcare Management Policy. Her research interests are in Pediatric health outcomes, & Maternal and child health policies. A young and upcoming leader, she is also a spokesperson for the disparities faced by women and children in rural Africa. Dr. Okech is the co-founder of Imbako Public Health, an organization that seeks to allay disparities in healthcare and education faced by women and children in rural Kenya.
April Perry McKellar of The After 5 Lifestyle was established by myself, April. I call Philadelphia home and have a passion food and sharing it with others. I am not a chef, nor do I claim to be. I’m just a regular gal working a Nine to Five that loves to eat and enjoy food with friends and family.
Kyle Leishear has been a Tech & Gadget enthusiast his whole
life. Even as a child when he would break something he would try to fix it. That led him to a life of always trying to stay on top of the latest and greatest technologies and seeing how they work.
Matt Schmidt works as the Graphic Design Team Lead
for Urban Suburban Magazine. Since he graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2010, he has been designing various material, from logos to brochures, for clients within the Philadelphia area. Philadelphia Native Manuel McDonnell Smith is an enthusiastic Multimedia Journalist & Creative Communicator. Currently based in New York as a Video Producer for The Daily Mail; he is frequently in the Delaware Valley in the pursuit of fun with family, great times, and the pursuit of incredible stories to share.
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Publisher/CEO/Creative Director George Clifford Blackmon Masthead Creation Nouveau Concepts
Graphic Designer Team Lead Matt Schmidt Content Manager Stacey Martinez
New Business Development 215-878-3227
Dr. William R. Hite Jr.
Advertising & Sales 215-878-3227
Contributing Writers Manuel McDonnell Smith George Blackmon Candace Smith Jennifer Smith Natasha Watson Faith Fox Magarita McKissick C Double R Kyle Leishar April Perry-McKellar Irene Okech
Sabrina’s Cafe
Contributing Photography Lois Mauro Jamika Richardson Matt Schmidt Greg Tarves
Editing
Bridget Johnson –Stewart Lisa Smith Urban Suburban is published quarterly by MoMac Media LLC. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE EXPRESSED WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHER. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, photo’s or artwork. Printed in the USA
KJazz 13 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
NEWS
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EDUCATION
E
very year the holiday season comes at the same time. Yet it always amazes me how many people are caught off guard and therefore accumulate a significant amount of unanticipated debt. Regardless of which year-end holiday you celebrate, by reading this article now and consistently taking some simple steps, I hope that you will have a debt free holiday season this year! Make sure you share this article with your friends and family members so that you can all enjoy a holiday season that does not include additional debt! Even if you don’t celebrate holidays, follow these tips and start having extra cash! The first step is to commit to a personal goal of having a happy and enjoyable holiday season without starting 2013 with additional debt. Once you have fully committed to this goal, set your spending limit, i.e. $500. There are approximately 10 weeks until Christmas, which is about 5 bi-weekly paychecks. A $500 spending limit means setting aside $100 from each paycheck. Contact your bank and see if you can open a free savings account with an automatic transfer of $100 on each pay day. If not, select an online bank and set up your account with automatic transfers. Some of you are probably saying ‘hey! I can’t afford $100 per pay!” Remember that you set your spending limit, not me! Here’s your reality check…make a list of everyone you plan on buying a gift for. Next to their name, write the maximum amount you will spend on each person along with 3 possible gift items. Just like Santa, you need to check your list twice! Here are 3 critical questions to sincerely ask yourself: 1.Do I really need to buy a gift for each person on my list, or is buying for some of these people something I simply want to do? 2.Can couples agree to exchange gifts of time or service instead of gifts that cost money? Examples include a massage every month, kitchen duty “x” times per month, a 1-hour walk or bike ride or other outing twice a month, etc. 3. Can your children and grandchildren make or bake gifts for each other and for the people they want to give gifts to? Add up the totals listed next to each person. Are you over or under your maximum spending amount? If your estimates are over your maximum spending limit, check your list a third time! Go back over your list, adjust the proposed spending amounts down, and see who you can take off your list. Perhaps you can celebrate with them in another way that does not involve spending as much money. While you’re putting money aside from every paycheck to cover the esti16 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
mated cost of your gift buying, you need to start buying now! Get a copy of the Sunday paper each week from now until Christmas. Look through all the sales circulars and ads and see if any of the items you listed as possible gifts for the people on your list are on sale. If so, buy the items and set them all aside in one location (so you can find them later!). If you don’t see the specific item you listed next to the person’s name, do you see any appropriate alternative gifts that are on sale? See how many gifts you can purchase in October and early November. Many stores will refund the difference if an item you purchase from them goes on sale later. In addition to newspaper circulars and ads, watch the websites for your favorite stores to see if items on your list go on sale online. Check the website’s clearance page for items on your list and for appropriate alternatives. Create your own deals! Watch the circulars for stores like Target™ and Wal-Mart™. Often, they will offer free gift cards with certain purchases, such as laundry detergent. If you get free gift cards with your purchases, set them aside. You can pool the free gift cards together to purchase some of the items on your list, or give the cards to people as their gift! Start looking for surprise deals in the most unlikely places! Did you know that many thrift and consignment stores carry brand new merchandise that still have the tags attached? Periodically check your local thrift and consignment stores to see what you can find, including brand new designer merchandise! Start new traditions in your home. When your children receive toys, have them choose one old toy to give away for every new toy they receive. The donated toys can go to children in need including orphanages, homeless shelters, and domestic violence non-profits for their safe houses. As your family members receive or buy new clothes, purge an old clothing item for each new item and donate them. In addition to creating a spirit and habit of giving, these traditions will help keep the clutter down in your home! Finally, get ready for next year’s holiday season because it will be here at the same time! Keep putting money into your holiday savings account after December. Even if you drop the $100 per pay down to $50 per pay, you will have about $1300 in your savings account for the 2013 holiday season, or your vacation, or whatever your goals are! About the Author: Jennifer S. Matthews is a noted author, motivational speaker, and is trained as a financial coach. She is the author of the award-winning book 12 Ways to Put Money in Your Pocket Every Month Without A Part Time Job. The book shows readers how to create hundreds of dollars in cash every month from within their existing income. Visit Jennifer online at www.MoneySmartBook.com and sign up for her newsletter. While on the website, you can also purchase her book, take advantage of free downloads, and much more. © 2012 Creating Financial Literacy, LLC
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FOOD
Written By April Perry-Mckellar of www.TheAfter5Lifestyle.com Photography by April Perry-Mckellar BYOB restaurants are becoming increasingly popular throughout Philadelphia. Many businesses turn to this option due to the difficulty in obtaining a liquor license and because being a BYOB establishment keep the cost low. I love a good BYOB because it saves you money! Many times when you go out and order drinks the drink tab is higher than the cost of the food! I also favor these types of establishments because the atmosphere is usually cozy and affectionate. Most BYOBs are on the small and many are only open for dinner. Because these establishments are focused on just food and not mixing up the craziest cocktail or maintaining a palatial sized establishment, the quality of service and food is usually excellent. So I know you’re thinking, where can I find great BYOB restaurant? Well, I have a few suggestions but let’s start off with my number one pick. A great place called The Hinge Café (2652 E. Somerset St.) located in Port Richmond. I heard about this place from a few Port Richmond locals and I had to try after they raved about it. On a nice autumn evening myself and three others enjoyed a delicious meal at the Hinge Café. As soon as we arrived the 18 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia staff was extremely
welcoming. They told us a little about the history of the place and after dinner the sous chef came out to meet us! The menu consists of everything from mussels in a white garlic sauce to Hanger steak to Escarole (Italian cabbage) stuffed pork chops.
The mussels are a must try! And the steak was cooked perfectly in a red wine, beef stock and rosemary reduction. The menu changes every month but certain things such as the Lump Crab cakes are a staple. But that’s not all! The desserts are unbelievable! I tried the Grand Marnier chocolate cheesecake which is made in house as well as most of the desserts. And then there was “T” Bomb. Wow. Definitely stop by the Hinge Café and try their Saturday and Sunday brunch which is so popular that the restaurant can turnover sometimes 4 times in one day with a line wrapped around the corner. Another great place I want to share with you is Sabrina’s café. They have three locations, the Italian Market café at 910 Christian Street, 1804 Callowhill Street situated in the Art Museum Area, and last but not least the University City restaurant located at 34th & Powelton. Please keep in mind that the University City location is not a BYOB. In my personal opinion the Italian Market location is the most charming. I frequent here from time to time and the food is delectable. They are also well known for their breakfast which you can get all day! The stuffed French toast is a crowd favorite. But my favorite thing is their dinner. I often order the Shrimp scampi with
linguine, spinach, cherry tomatoes and juicy shrimp all tossed in a nice light scampi sauce. I absolutely love it. I can’t forget to mention their burgers. This is one the best places in the city to get a burger. They are 100 % Black Angus beef and you can get your choice of toppings. And I really like that you can mix and match your fries. I like the parmesan fries mixed with the sweet potato fries. They also have salmon and turkey burgers available. Sabrina’s also has a great array of desserts such as the awesome Oreo cheesecake. This place is perfect for casual dining with friends and family. I’ve never actually had anything here that I didn’t like! If you’re looking to try something a little different, I would slide on over to Trio at 2624 Brown street in the Fairmount section of the city. Trio is a Thai BYOB with excellent service and a nice romantic feel. When I dined here I had the pleasure of sitting out on the charming deck. The food was so good I cleaned my plate! I had the seafood special of the evening which included Maine lobster tails, scallops, and shrimp all in a curry broth with Jasmine rice and steamed veggies. Talk about delish! I had the privilege of also trying the Thai Basil chicken which was phenomenal. The menu has so many other things that sound delightful and I would love to try them all. This place is definitely a great date night spot.
Try the delicious 100% Black Angus Burger at Sabrina’s Cafe and BYOB!
I hope I have convinced you to try one of these great places or any other great BYOBs throughout the City of Brotherly Love. You really do get more bang for your buck! I enjoy all of these whenever I dine there and I’m sure you will too! To find out about more BYOBs in Philly you can check sites like yelp.com and urbanspoon.com.
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NEWS
GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY AND IMBAKO PUBLIC HEALTH ALLAYING DISPARITIES IN EDUCATION IN RURAL KENYA. 29th November, 2010 - a beautiful sunny day, in the town of Sitatunga in Kitale, Kenya. The air in the town had a sense of excitement, something good was happening that brought them hope…5 girls had been selected as recipients of the Global Impact Project scholarship; A couple of these girls were residents of Sitatunga, who despite all odds in affording high school education, had been admitted to various universities and colleges in Kenya. Today, the good news was that their college fees and tuition had been paid- a guarantee that they would now be able to attain associate and bachelor degrees. It was on this day, that Imbako Public Health director, Dr. Okech, arrived in Kitale, Kenya to present the letters of scholarship award to the scholarship recipients, respective parents and their guardians. The beautiful award ceremony was attended by the scholars, their family members, local community members, school district officials, local church leaders, and elders of the community. Disparities in education of the girl-child, in rural Kenya, still exist today. The Global Impact project (GIP), a Georgia State University, J Mack Robinson College of business- Beta Alpha Psi and Imbako Public Health Initiative, has been a role model towards allaying disparities in education facing women and children in Kenya. The initiative which aims to educate girls from rural Kenya has definitely made huge positive difference not only to the girls and their families, but also to the local communities, and the countries of Kenya. The (GIP) scholarships awarded cover full tuition for the entire associate and undergraduate programs at the selected learning institutions in Kenya. Imbako is the affiliate organization. In a speech to the selected candidates in 2012, Dr. Irene Okech,
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Imbako Public Health Director of Healthcare Policy and Finance said: “You were selected based on several criteria, academic achievement being the top. However, it is also because we saw in you a sense of responsibility and desire to do more, and give back not only to your family, but to the community as a whole. The scholarship awarded, will demand from you hard work, effort and accountability… As the first recipients of the award you face 2 major challenges (1). You are the pace setters-Hence you will be required to set the stage, and example for those who will follow after you. (2). You are your own yard stick- you will have no choice but to aim high for excellence in your academic work, your ethical choices, your moral aptitude and leadership positions.” The Global Impact project continues to grow and to allay disparities in education facing women and children in rural Kenya. As of September 2012, a total 13 girls from rural Kenya have been awarded undergraduate education scholarships from the Global Impact Project. To date, two of the candidates, Millicent Kasievera and Doris Michoki have graduated from University with associate degrees in Business Management. Founded in 2008, Imbako Public Health is a non-profit organization that focuses on reducing poverty and its effects by addressing disparities in healthcare and education facing women and children in African countries. To date, Imbako has been instrumental in raising awareness of the importance of education to all, and in channeling efforts to support education in rural Kenya. Imbako is based in Atlanta, Georgia – USA and Nairobi, Kenya. . Imbako believes that given a chance to attain education, the potential of the girl child to society will be realized. To learn more about the global impact project and Imbako Public Health, please visit www.bapgsu.com and www.imbakopublichealth.org
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Gadgets
As the Alice Cooper “School’s Out For Summer” starts to fade and everyone starts to get used to waking up early again for that yearly battle with academics. We compiled a list of gadgets that you will definitely be needing for the coming year. Now we won’t focus too much on the really young ones more towards the 4th and 5th graders who will need these gadgets more and more everyday. Flash Drives
Now with schools moving closer and closer to an all digital age it is getting even more important to keep all the work you do and with a flash drive you will get just that. A small simple USB connected device that now-a-days can hold over 64GB worth of memory. That should be more than enough memory for the year. The reason I am putting this on the list is very simple. School kids need to be able to have all their work readily available and plus you can take it home and show it off and not have to riffle through a backpack and grab your notebook and thumb through papers. Just pop it in and bring up the folder. Simple as that, plus they are easily found in WalMart and at a great price.
IRISNotes 2 - Smart Pen
Last time I did this list I mentioned the Echo Smartpen, which records audio while you write on a special notebook and all your writings are stored and then can be uploaded to the computer later. Well this time I take a look at a device that will challenge that device. It is called the IRISNotes 2. As simple as putting pen to paper, the IRISNotes 2 captures notes and drawings anytime, anywhere without a computer. Using a battery-powered pen and receiver clipped to the top of a standard sheet of paper, hand movements are tracked and recorded. No special paper 22 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
needed! The receiver stores up to 100 pages of text, downloads the information to a computer and then I.R.I.S’ Optical Character Recognition application converts handwriting into electronic text that can be sent to Word, Outlook, Notepad, etc. It’s available in two different versions: Express and Executive. The IRISNotes Express 2 is a battery powered pen that comes with 4 replacement batteries and aluminum carrying case. The IRISNotes Executive 2 has an executive style finish and comes with rechargeable battery, leather carrying pouch and 30-pin connector to share notes directly to your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. With IRISNotes Executive 2, users can write and draw on photos taken with their iOS device and can be shared immediately on Facebook or Flicker. The IRISNotes 2 Express and IRISNotes 2 Executive are now available for $99 and $149 respectively at www.irislink.com/ usa.
Scribe - $32.99
Work smarter, not harder. Scribe is a modular desk for your bed that hangs when it’s not in use. Sleek features that hold your books and keep pens from rolling out of reach help you stay organized, while the unique hanging function keeps everything close at hand. College just got a little easier! Features -Designed to hang securely on standard dorm room bed frames -Two work surfaces to alternate writing and working on a laptop -Convenient carrying handle -Five elastic loops for pens and pencils (three on each side) -Two elastic straps to hold a laptop, books or binders safely Dimensions -16” width x 13” height x 3.5” depth Materials -Satin finish plastic body -Nylon elastic holding straps and handle
IRIScan Book 2
This is another fun little product. This device allows you to scan pages of text (textbooks, magazine, newspaper) and download it back onto your laptop or computer to save for
later. So if you have this device you can take it to the library and just copy pages of text so you aren’t carrying around a few books when all you need is just a few bits of information. Extremely lightweight, and is cost effective at $129. Runs on 2 AA batteries and from there you scan the pages you want to copy, then download them onto your laptop or PC using the USB cable and then you can transfer it to your tablet, or iPad. The scanner stores all the pages on the microSD card and it also comes with a SD card reader for you to plug in the microSD card so it can be read by your computers Media Card reader. The scanner can import pages and papers as PDFs, Word documents, or Excel spreadsheets are fully editable and searchable. E-Reader The Amazon Kindle is a great back to school gadget as it can store an entire library and has built-in Wi-Fi. You can download books or even borrow books for a short time PLUS they have also expanded into downloading textbooks. The Kindle has a 6” E Ink Pearl display which has one of the most advanced displays around. Battery life is fantastic as this isn’t bogged down with a lot of other bloatware that other tablets have so you really get a get bargain. Plus I have heard you can “jailbreak” the device to run Android OS and make it an even better investment. Come across a word you don’t know? Kindle includes The New Oxford American Dictionary with over 250,000 entries and definitions for free. Kindle lets you instantly lookup the definition without ever leaving the book – simply select the word with the cursor and the definition will automatically display at the bottom of the screen. So you get a complete tablet and e-reader that is able to surf the internet all for a great low price of $79, you really can’t find a better deal anywhere. These are really just a starting point and a way to give you some ideas. I left off the list Laptops, PCs, Smartphones, Tablets, and I did that for a reason. If I were to include those things I would be writing for days and days. With this I am giving you an insight into some devices you might not have known about or never heard or in some cases just giving you a heads up on what is out there. As always find the technology and gadgets that work for you and what you are trying to do, and most importantly do some research on them before you purchase no one likes buyers remorse.
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by NEWS
Algernong Allen When Urban Suburban asked me to write an article I was first honored, then befuddled as to what the topic would be. I struggled. I could write about how Basketball Wives and Love and Hip Hop are terrible portrayals of the black community, and yet admittedly entertaining television. Evelyn and Ochocinco or Stevie-J and Joseline, it is hard for me to decide which is more compelling. I could write about the difficulties of growing up in the urban environment, one which has both political deficiencies, economic deficiencies, and social deficiencies and how that shapes an individual. Politically, the federal agenda called for suburbanization of America as far back as the New Deal. As cited in Kenneth Jackson’s Crabgrass Frontier “the result, if not the intent, of the public housing program of the United States was to segregate the races, to concentrate the disadvantaged in inner cities, and to reinforce the image of suburbia as a place of refuge for the problems of race, crime, and poverty.” Maybe this is part of the reason that Evelyn and Tami have a hard time managing their anger. I thought about a broaching the subject of the pervasiveness of drugs in society and its effect on civilization. Everyone talks about the impact of street drugs, illegal narcotics and mind altering substances. But imagine if we added controlled drug substances such as nicotine and alcohol to the conversation. Then let’s figure in the people on prescription drugs, or addicted to over the counter medications. And what about those of us on caffeine, sugar and other stimulants. What affect does mixing all these people taking these substances together have? I made the mistake of having a beer after taking a Benadryl one time and my people were looking at me like I was David Ruffin. Can you imagine the impact of all the people interacting with various drug tinted lenses in the box of society. That’s like a drunk Stevie J trying to talk about a situation with a weeded Lil’ Scrappy conflicts are bound to occur. Maybe I could jot, a couple thoughts about the solution to finding the right partner in a relationship. I’m married, maybe I could say that in order to find the mate you want you have to make yourself into the right product for the market. I’d say that there is a distinctly different skill set involved for “catching” the right catch, and keeping the right catch. Catching the wrong catch will have you like Stevie J and Joseline, involved with a bunch of drama. In the end, those who are the least fortunate in love, are either afraid to put the footwork required to catch the right mate, or the mental work required to keep the right mate. I would say the mirror is the best tool for both, putting the work in to look more at oneself, yields the greatest reward. I think that Crissy had to go through a lot of self analysis and hard work to get Jim Jones to finally propose. Does this mean happily every after? Probably not. A marriage has ups and downs. 24 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
I thought maybe I could talk about the difference between plans and conspiracies. People are always talking to me, about how “they” are doing this or that to them. To me, the major difference between a conspiracy and a plan is directly related to being in the room when the decisions are being made. There are many people who believe there are conspiracies. Maybe if they started looking at them as plans detrimental to their interests, those folks would have a better opportunity to make plans to better themselves. Who knows, maybe those people could have their own conspiracies to eliminate poverty and crime? I thought about talking about how the lack of a functional two party system in Philadelphia, and most urban environments, leave the black vote taken for granted by our politicians, and our interests
underserved. Party politics is similar to the cell phone company. The new customers get free iPhones, the customers who call in when their contract ends get upgrades, and the customers who just go along with the program are still using a Motorola flip phone. Even worse those who don’t vote, have no say whatsoever. So when you look at how even though Mimi was holding Stevie J down, Joseline still got all of the attention and Stevie J’s money think of this point. As an entrepreneur, I considered focusing on the hustle and stress involved with being a boss, a leader, and a family man. I recently saw this guy walking on a tightrope across Niagara Falls. Being in business for yourself is something like that. No safety net, high drama, but as sad and sadistic as it may be, somehow very rewarding. It is a blessing to be able to coordinate the efforts of myself and others in a manner which provides a livelihood for us all. Supporting businesses that support your community is the most efficient use of your consumer dollar. Like credit card rewards, a portion of your dollar comes back to you. One of my favorite subjects is credit. I would definitely like to write about the importance of credit. What I would say would be that pay who ever you owe back. Whether on the street, or to a banking company, paying people back is what makes them more comfortable lending you more. I prefer to borrow from banks, because all they do is send letters requesting their money. On the street, somebody might show up at your door with a baseball bat. Good credit is like insurance. A credit score is like an indicator of one’s integrity. Now more than ever companies are checking credit for a variety of reasons such as hiring, and interest rates on lending. If I wrote about credit, I would say try to use it for things that go up in value like homes, or education not clothes, food or electronics when possible. So like when Benzino bought Karly the ring, he should pay cash. There is so much going on when you live in the city, that its hard to focus on one thing. I mean there’s Real Housewives in every city, Basketball wives I have to worry about, Single Ladies making there way in the world, and Love and Hip Hop to ascertain. In such a complex world thinking about the solutions to our failing urban public schools, how to build better lives for our families, how to maneuver through economic uncertainty, dealing with reintegration of our incarcerated population as well as the myriad of other problems unique to our community can be a challenge. Either way the drama continues…Stay tuned. 25 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
What Does “A Day in the Life of Diabetes” Mean to You?
During American Diabetes Month® this November, the American Diabetes Association will launch a socially-focused initiative, “A Day in the Life of Diabetes”, to demonstrate the increasing impact diabetes has on families and communities nationwide. Using imagery, social engagement and a larger-than-life stage, light will be shown on the issue of diabetes and those who live with it each and every day. Successfully managing diabetes can be a herculean task, making what might seem like an otherwise ordinary life rather extraordinary Starting on Oct. 1, 2012, Philadelphia residents will be asked to become part of the movement to Stop Diabetes® by sharing a personal image, via Facebook, representing what “A Day in the Life of Diabetes” means to them. This image can be a picture of themselves or someone they care about and will show how the disease impacts their daily life. To encourage individuals to share photos of A Day in the Life of Diabetes on Facebook, CVS/pharmacy will donate $1 to the American Diabetes Association for every photo/image uploaded, up to $25,000. Recent estimates project that as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes in 2050, and an additional 79 million Americans are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association estimates that the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $174 billion. Further published studies suggest that when additional costs for gestational diabetes, prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes are included, the total diabetes-related costs in the U.S. could exceed $218 billion. Diabetes is a serious disease. If it isn’t managed, it can damage many parts of the body, leading to heart attacks, strokes, amputation, blindness, kidney failure and nerve damage. But there is good news: diabetes complications can be prevented or delayed by properly managing blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Eating healthy, being physically active and quitting smoking also can help lower the risk of diabetes complications. “Nearly 26 million children and adults have diabetes in the United States, including 11% in Philadelphia,” stated Michelle Foster, Regional Director of Programs. “We know this disease impacts everyone in different ways. It’s time to come together as a community and express to others what daily life with diabetes means to us.” American Diabetes Month is sponsored by CVS/pharmacy’s ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes® savings program exclusively for those living with diabetes and their caregivers. Visit CVS.com/diabetes to learn more. For more information in English and Spanish call 1-800-DIABETES or visit stopdiabetes.com. Also, follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AmericanDiabetesAssociation or www.facebook.com/ADAPhiladelphia) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/AmDiabetesAssn).
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ART & ENTERTAINMENT
Katina Huddleston, aka K Jazz, is a Grammy-nominated singer who was reared and continues to reside in Houston, Texas. Fearless and bright, her music
speaks to those who are seek simpler times when R&B and soul music reigned in the media and music industries. Inspired by artists such as Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, and The Isley Brothers, KJazz has been singing in front of crowds since the age of five. She progressed from church to stages across Houston, singing her songs rooted in both R&B and soul melodies and soaring choruses. What’s most intriguing about KJazz is that she rarely opens up for other fellow artists. She is always called upon to headline her own shows, opening up for herself!
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Music is in her blood and she was blessed enough to discover this at a young age, as KJazz comes from a musical family consisting of her mom, father, and brother. However, it wasn’t until high school that KJazz learned she could also write lyrics, starting with poetry. During my interview with the lovely songstress, KJazz and I talked about her educational background in both music and business. KJazz has earned an Associates degree in business and a degree within the Vocal Music program of Prairie View A&M University. Like most parents who want their children to lead blessed, stable lives, KJazz’s were hesitant to have her forge a career in music, so KJazz knew that gaining a degree in the art, coupled with a knowledge of business, would benefit her greatly in the long run.
She was right. KJazz learned valuable basics in studying music at college that a good amount of singers take for granted, such as vocal health, intonation, and learning the piano. KJazz’s advanced knowledge of these essentials proved to please producers she has worked with in the past, as according to her, they “love artists who are knowledgeable about music”. Also, KJazz and her business partner/ co-owner, producer Kasino Brown, created Kasino Brown Music LLC, a music label dedicated to helping to promote themselves and other independent musical artists on their terms. KJazz is very passionate about music, especially R&B and soul, which she believes is the root of R&B. Her musical niche is special, as she feels that a lot of musical artists today take R&B and blend it with pop, instead of soul. After all, R&B does stand for “rhythm & blues”. KJazz believes that because of the widespread abundance of R&B pop, people are starving for the more soulful harmonies of R&B soaking with soul. The six songs featured on her Reverb Nation page, from “Imagination” to “Waste No More Time, certainly sound like a return to Soul/R&B indeed, as she weaves a nice collection of tales in up-tempo beats and sultry ballads. KJazz is also proof that a musical artist does not have to rush out to Los Angeles or New York City to “make it”. She has been Grammy-nominated for her album, “Can’t Keep A Sista Down” and continues to be requested for her singing and songwriting talent for both live performances and playback on radio stations in states such as Alabama, Illinois, and Texas. Music is her life and the reward for her lies in the way that people respond and relate to her words and vocals. What differentiates KJazz from a lot of other artists is that this is a profession for
her, not a hobby. Her time, work, and dedication, and above all, talent, proves this. To hear KJazz’s inspiring music, go to: http://www.reverbnation.com/kjazz.
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NEWS
George Clifford Blackmon - Tell us a little bit about yourself. Tell us something that we don’t know or haven’t read on the internet because we all know everything on the internet is always true. Dr. William R. Hite Jr. - What’s interesting is that I never wanted to be an educator as I was going through college. I thought that I would come out of college enter into business and be successful like most entrepreneurs and then somehow got into education through coaching. Coaching is what persuaded me to actually get into teaching and then from teaching I became an administrator and one thing led to another. George Clifford Blackmon - What were you coaching? Dr. William R. Hite Jr. - I was coaching girl’s softball and football and then I added wrestling. Because I was a football player, football was easier. Girls’ softball was a lot more fun and wrestling was, by coaching wrestling it was a way for me to stay in shape. George Clifford Blackmon - What do you enjoy about the marital process? How do you think that equates to leadership? Dr. William R. Hite Jr. - I think that it is a partnership. It’s a partnership of respect, of support of care. I mean and it is a friendship. You know a good marriage is all of the things that everyone wants out of life and so it is an opportunity to converse to share thoughts to share emotions so we really enjoy each other, my wife and I. George Clifford Blackmon - So let’s talk about some things that you think that impact the district. What are some of problems that need your immediate attention? What is first and foremost, if you had to develop a top 3 list what would you categorize those things as being in terms of priory. What are the top pressing issues in terms of collective bargaining is it charter schools, is it private schools, and is it revenue? What are the things you would categorize? Dr. William R. Hite Jr. - Well revenue is right up there with the in the top because without it there’s not much else you can do certainly not much more you can do. So revenue has to be at the top of the list because this district has done everything it can do to actually address all the short term revenue and budgetary issues. The challenge here will be addressing it long term and the fact that over the next five years that we are facing a 1.3 billion dollar budget which oh by the way is the equivalent of my annual budget in Prince George’s county. We had a 1.6 billion dollar budget and to think that we are looking at a 1.3 billion deficit over the next five years, which is accumulative type of deficit. I think that has to rise to the top of challenges that are facing the district. The other thing that I think is really important is this notion about expectations and expectations for all students which means that we expect number one we believe and then expect that all students can achieve. And I am not so sure that that is always the case. And so part of this is increasing our level of expectations
both internal and external for what students are capable of doing. I think that we cannot take for granted one single child and so I think that this notion of ensuring that all students are exposed to a rigorous educational experience becomes really important. I do think that having a safe nurturing and secure environment is also a part of the challenge that is facing us. George Clifford Blackmon - Let’s talk about some of the things that you think that are essential to helping each child have the maximum to succeed. What are some of the things that you think in terms of tools, assets beyond economic resources because I know they are all tied together? What are some of the things you would like to be able to tie in from a parental teacher perspective to the student as these things are interlinked in terms of you know how do you get parents to be engaged in the learning process or how do you get teachers to not necessarily do more than what they are doing now but how do you get them to rethink their approaches in terms of how they reach the student? Dr. William R. Hite Jr. - So it is interesting that you talked about parents and teachers there because I do think that to the degree that we can get those two different groups and not just parents but families and other individuals who are caretakers for students interacting I think that is really important. But I think, here’s what we know and we know this empirically that a student has a greater opportunity for educational success if they have an effective, and engaging teacher that stands in front of them. Now that doesn’t mean that’s not a statement that says we have to remove teachers but it is a statement that says we have to get better at our practice. We have a responsibility to build and develop capacity so that we can ensure that every single student or child in this city has a very effective teacher standing in front of them. Now, here is the other thing we also know that empirically that in order to do that then we need the most talented administrators leading schools so those are the first two pieces that are critical so in terms of our ability to build and develop capacity amongst teachers and administrators becomes really important. So then the families and parents have a role as well and so part of that is engaging them in a way not to suggest here is what we need you to do or here are the PTA meetings we need you to attend or the night events or just visiting your child in class or just asking them about their homework but really about in around information about their children. So they know their children well, they second to school the individuals that spend the most time with the children are families and parents and so there may be things that they can communicate about their children that will help us in terms of their development. The converse of that is we also need to help parents with their ability 31 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
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to help their children so what should happen after a student reads something? What type of questions could we ask the child about that reading assignment that will help them contextualize that reading experience? How can we have more books at home? How can we turn off the TV for a minute, so that students are engaging in something that is more intellectual if you will? So those are all things that have to be a part of a relationship and it’s not just a relationship that is defined inside of positions, I’m a teacher, I’m a parent, but really a relationship about a set of adults to come together to talk about how we can work as one to improve the teaching and learning for the that child. George Clifford Blackmon - I have observed public, private, catholic/ parochial and one of the things that I notice is more direct parental involvement. Combine that with the high dropout rate in Philadelphia specifically among African Americans and Latinos as you compare it against other races so, how do you think that that ultimately makes the job more difficult for a teacher. In other words, How can a parent has not completed their GED, high school or gone on to any post high school college curriculum emphasize the importance of education? How much more difficult is it for the teacher to really get that backend support when the parent is struggling with trying to meet daily obligations in terms of bills, food, and other household related expenses. How much more difficult is it for a teacher? Dr. William R. Hite Jr. - Yeah I mean it could be more difficult on one hand and then less on another and I will explain. So I’ve met a lot of parents, I’ve met them in their homes, I’ve met them in their communities. I’ve met a lot of families, family members and caretakers. They fit all the categories that you just described. Some have been very successful in school others have not been as successful at all and they recall school as a very bad experience either for them or someone within their family but irrespective of those groups of individuals and their experience ALL wanted their children to be successful. All did not know how to assist their children in that level of success and so the difficulty comes in really trying to help figure that out. In other words, what do we do as a school district to assist 32 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
parents in the best way to help their children? I know we do a lot here particularly with our family academies and any day your walk through this building and on the first floor you will see parents coming and going. There are training mechanism and programs to allow them to go back to school uh they can go on to higher education so there is a lot that goes on their but at the consumer level which is at the classroom and at the teacher level these are about having conversations with parents. What is the best way for me to get information to you as a parent? How should we interact if I am having problems with your son or daughter and what works with your son, daughter, nephew, neice? What’s the best thing that works when they are not having a great day? That’s a very different conversation than can you come to back to school night? And I will just give you the grades and tell you how Johnny is doing in class. That is one thing to talk about how Johnny and Raheem are doing in class but it’s another thing to say here’s what you can do to actually help with that situation. And so we are telling individuals how well their children are doing in class and not providing any mechanism for how those individuals can help us help their children in the classroom. I think that is where we have to change our conversation about what is it that we want for all students. How do we talk about those things to make sure we are focusing in on the students? George Clifford Blackmon - What does the word reform mean to you and how would you categorize your ability to create some sort of reform in terms of a movement here in the City of Philadelphia? Dr William Hite Jr. - The easiest description around reform for me is actually a description about what it does not mean. So here’s what it doesn’t mean. It doesn’t mean a silver bullet, it doesn’t mean overnight, it doesn’t mean that we can wave a magic wand and then all of the problems and issues go away but instead it means being purposeful, it means being strategic. It means doing a few things that have a large impact and being able to sustain that over a period of time. What do I mean by that? It means could be something direct as ensuring that all students at the third grade are reading on grade level and it means being just as relentless around that one measure and being able to sustain it. It is constant improvement around
our ability to sustain that measure of showing that all students are reading at grade level by third grade. So that is actually what it is and constantly working to improve on whatever those measurements are. I see that as reform being able to sustain something that will impact the educational lives of all the students who are here and a mechanism really then to hold ourselves accountable as we begin to measure those things. George Clifford Blackmon - So in a perfect world let’s assume we have 100% percent of all the economic and all the revenue streams that you need in order to sustain the district, what changes would you still make? Dr. William R. Hite Jr. - I would still be focused on developing teacher capacity. I would still be focusing on developing administrative capacity and I would still be focused on having accountability structure that actually allows us to measure all improvements against you know against our desired outcomes. I would still have all of those things in place and then I would have some additional things. I would have students have access to technology. I would really be looking for ways to provide incentives for innovation and entrepreneurship. I would be looking for new models for engagement in terms of the types of things that we’re engaging students with these could be programs that provide them for either college or a career. So in a perfect world I’d still be doing some of the same things were doing now but just with more funding. George Clifford Blackmon - In terms of technology, one of the great things I have always been cautiously optimistic about is to avoid competing against yourself in business whether it be an entrepreneur in the business of education or you be in the business of technology. Should the School District of Philadelphia to embrace “Cyber Education”? Does this approach replace real live teachers? Is that something you see as a detriment to your mission if you are successful in terms of encouraging the technology and embracing some of those other new more innovative types of strategies with cyber schooling and things along that line? Dr. William R. Hite Jr. - I think that is one strategy that will work with some kids and I do think that there are groups of children who could do well in that space but there are others who need a more traditional type of support mechanism. Here’s the other thing so many of our students many of the students we come in contact with actually operate in that world already and unfortunately many of them have to power down if you will when they enter school. I have an eight month old grandson who is already manipulating an Iphone and then one of the things that I worry about that in five years if we haven’t changed dramatically are we going to take that tool away from him when he enters school. So I often ask a question that if now information is free, democratized, ubiquitous what is their value at if we are only experts of content. Instead we have to be experts of context in terms of and how students use that information and so that is a very different way of thinking about classrooms than what we think about now. So I think and I hope to believe in five years from now classrooms will look very different. Where classrooms can occur from almost anywhere, schools can operate almost from anywhere however there is still a need for educators to interact with students particularly to because if it’s so individualized in terms of students needs then we will still need instructors who have the ability and expertise to determine what those needs are and what appropriate interventions they should provide. George Clifford Blackmon - Of all the things that I have seen that have taken place in terms of reform in terms of increase education , responsibilities for teachers and student accountability and bringing up the technology how come that one component has not been addressed more out the fore front. Is the agricultural based September to June model a good viable approach for an urban setting like
NEWS Philadelphia at this particular stage? Dr. William Hite R. Jr. - My answer is no, my dissertation was actually on extending the school year. I do think that we must reduce the amount of time in between those times when instruction ends and when it begins again in the fall becomes really important and so that we are eliminating the we’re eliminating this students inability to retain the information because we are illuminating the time that is in between. George Clifford Blackmon – In other words, something like a traditional collegiate semester approach in terms of in the fall, spring, summer sessions with gaps in between ad comes down to the number of days that you are mandated by the state. Dr. William R. Hite Jr. - That is correct and you can cycle on the same number of days and change breaks. So you can change breaks where students are off no more than three weeks at one time as opposed to ten weeks over the summer. So I mean even with a 184 day calendar you can do things that are very different than just having that agrarian approach to how school calendars operate.
George Clifford Blackmon - So you understand the possibility that the change needs to occur but the collective bargaining ties your hands in terms of negotiated holidays and already agreed upon days. Dr. William R. Hite Jr. - That is correct. 33 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
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School Violence
In 2008, State Auditor General, Jack Wagner, found that there had been laws violated by not establishing a safeschools office to evaluate the over 500 school districts within the state so that violence and safety issues could be addressed. Instead, it was found that false data has been reported for years in regards to violence and safety issues. For example, the Philadelphia school district underreported school violence up until 2005 until the media and the safe-schools advocate found out the truth. In the newest crisis, it is being denied that there is a problem despite students saying they are being victimized and not receiving the help that they need. However, the district is reporting that there has been a 55% decline in school violence. As a result, students are boycotting the school, mainly because the students need attacks on Asian Americans to be investigated. These alleged attacks have been ongoing for years and nothing has been done for the students who have reported these incidents. The district has also promised to expel students involved in these attacks, but because the number of alternative education slots have been cut, the few that have managed to be expelled will be back in school six months from their expulsion. Source -http://www. nssc1.org/philadelphia-school-violence-crisis.html
Charter Schools
Higher Taxes
School taxes are a necessary evil when it comes to owning a home or business. Homeowners have to deal with these taxes when paying their mortgage or living in their homes to help schools be built, managed and staffed. Considerations to make when determining school taxes include assessments and tax rates.
Charter schools are publicly funded schools that operate outside the direct control of local school districts, under a publicly issued charter that gives them greater autonomy than other public schools have over curriculum, instruction, and operations. Their students (or the students’ parents) choose to attend the charter schools rather than being assigned to a school based on residential location. The first U.S. charter school opened in 1992, and the scale of the charter movement has since grown to 4,000 schools and more than a million students in 40 states and the District of Columbia. With this growth has also come a contentious debate. Supporters argue that charter schools can improve student achievement and attainment, serve as laboratories for innovation, provide choice to families that have few options, and promote healthy competition with traditional public schools (TPSs). Critics worry that charter schools perform no better (and, too often, worse) than TPSs, that they may exacerbate stratification by race and ability, and that they harm the students left in TPSs by skimming away financial resources and motivated families. Sources-http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2009/RAND_MG869.pdf
Voucher Program
The case for vouchers is obvious over 150 schools in this commonwealth that have consistently underachieved. Any middle-class family would simply move to a better school district or send their children to a private school but that is not an option for lower-income families. Money is tight for the government. Vouchers work by giving students up to about $8,000 to take with them to another school. There is no doubt that struggling districts will be impacted by students transferring, although it’s important to note that $8,000 is about half of what many of these districts spend per student. The way to keep costs manageable is to limit the voucher program to only low-income students in the lowest-performing schools. Source http://www.pennlive.com/editorials/index.ssf/2011/12/ the_case_for_school_vouchers_w.html 35 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
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George Clifford Blackmon - So how do you get a twelve months cycle without necessarily giving away the store? Dr. William R. Hite Jr. - I think that all of that becomes a part of negotiation. George Clifford Blackmon - How do you feel I mean politics is always a great evil in the sense that each politician has their own personal agenda and they have their own personal opinion How do you get the politicians and the City Council and the State Representatives to buy into your vision versus the visions from the countless number of Superintendents that proceeded you? How do you get them to not be cynical and skeptical that you’re going to be able to succeed where others have failed? Dr. William R. Hite Jr. - Well I think you have to do fewer things and you have to just kind drive on those fewer things. And I am not talking about fewer as in 10 -15 I am talking about fewer as in 1to 3 and you do those things well. I think you also have to ground all conversations in what’s best for children and somehow, everybody begins there but somehow we default to conversations about the needs of adults. I think that we have to keep the conversation about what we want for all students in the school district and we have to begin and end there. Third, is that we have to talk frequently and I think that goals and objectives should be clear should be well understood by everyone so that individuals not only have buy-in but a belief that the accomplishment of those goals will lead to greater improvement with the district. George Clifford Blackmon How do you get those three things, those small defined things to define the politician success in the sense that politician is going to be running on his record in terms of the public’s perception of what success is within your district so if safety is one of those things at the forefront how do you convey messages to the community as a whole when they are traveling on the subways and busses that the students are going to be held accountable for the actions not only that they do within the school walls but once they leave within the circumference of that particular school how do you convey to the general riding public on Septa busses on transportation systems just the commute back and forth that children are going to be held accountable that parents have to assume some of that accountability as well. How do you convey that message, and what kind of limitations do you have as a district because let’s be honest if you have a student at South Philly high but he does something wrong in North Philadelphia how is that a school district issue? How do you get people to understand that were concerned but we can’t be held responsible for everything that a student does at 3:25pm after they have been dismissed at 3:00pm? Dr. William R. Hite Jr. - I mean, I think it becomes everybody’s responsibility and it’s not who’s held responsible but who is responsible? So the schools just by themselves and the school district cannot under the best circumstances manage all children at all times even to and from school. So part of this really becomes as a broader community what are our responsibilities actually to say to a young man or a young lady you know that that behavior is not appropriate 36 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
or how was school today? Or just that interaction then becomes a greater part of that. We will be able to hold students accountable to the extent that we can and given the information about whatever incidents occur however, most of the students that we educate will spend a greater amount of time in and around the community than they will likely in school. And so it’s not this notion of you know of how we claim responsibility a whole people responsible but it is who is responsible and for me the entire city is responsible. These are our children I think the viability of this city depends on our ability to provide them with a high quality education and surely we want individuals who can read but we also want students who can interact who can communicate who understand diverse groups and can work comfortably inside of that environment. George Clifford Blackmon - In terms of revenue, everyone focuses on property value and changing that formula. What other sources should the district explore in order to generate revenue? What other elements beyond raising property taxes or putting other taxes on the normal citizens should the district could potentially explore? i.e. talk about putting logos on buses and talk about vending contracts and other things like that. Dr. William R. Hite Jr. – Yeah, a lot of those things are they are nice to talk about but they are not sufficient to raise the type of revenue that we need in order to operate this district. So we looked at in other districts where I have been we’ve actually done some advertising we have done it on multiple places and it generates some revenue but not enough revenue to be appreciable if you will. So it’s not enough to even begin to pay for positions or to really help. So there are two things that I think are really critical one is to operate a lot more efficiently. And in our case that means that if we are carrying a lot more space than what we need then we are spending a lot of money on spaces that some cases half to a quarter I’m sorry half to three quarters empty. George Clifford Blackmon – Are you talking about school district buildings in terms of selling buildings? Dr. William R. Hite Jr. - No utilization is what I am talking about first. So be more efficient in how we utilize the facilities that we have then the second part of that is what you’re talking about then really off-loading properties and offloading properties that could then serve as an offloading properties or using properties for other things that could become revenue generating if you will. So where buildings are actually leased to individuals to use for other purposes or actually sold outright. George Clifford Blackmon - I see the way that they do things in the county. They do things a little different in that they use the school and their recreation centers and I’m perplexed why school district buildings don’t house the department of recreation facilities. It seems as though there is a lot of duplication of resources and that we are spending in terms of tax dollars when why build another recreation center when we have a school that’s underutilized, the space is clear, huge spaces. Dr. William R. Hite Jr. - So I’d like to our buildings utilized much more than they are utilized now for the school day and during the times when students are there being educated. In my former county at least half of our 200 buildings also served as community recreational centers. And even those that were not community recreation-
al centers were they were used for other purposes whether they were work force development uh adult education. In my opinion no reason why we should not be exploring a way to do that if we are not doing that already. I do recall that we do have some facilities that also serve as our recreational centers. They’re some of the newer facilities. George Clifford Blackmon - What would your critics say about the things you achieved the things you didn’t achieve. What would they say about you? Dr. William R. Hite Jr. - I get so focused on the work so I spend little time listening to critics. George Clifford Blackmon - Well you must listen to critics? Dr. William R. Hite Jr. - I mean because sometimes it’s about what it’s about a belief and it’s about a belief of what kids can and cannot do. I think that individuals will say I am a relentless advocate for student’s number one and in some cases to the detriment of adults. And that’s fair, we have ours, our job is to help students to actually succeed. The other thing people will say is I am purposeful and very intentional about the work. So I tend not to be blinded by side conversations about personal agendas. This agenda is about the outcomes of students and that tends to be my number one agenda. So the Maryland they will say you know, most people I hope will say we made progress and we made some pretty significant progress in Maryland and while we were there brought multiple individuals to the table. I do that with a resolve and a patience that some people don’t understand but by the same token we got results for students. George Clifford Blackmon - Given the economics of not just Philadelphia but our country as a whole is it realistic to expect that you are going to get any increased revenues from the federal government and if you don’t get any increased revenue from the federal government how do you place that given the fact of property value how do you put that in line with being able to offset that billion dollar deficit over the next couple of years. Dr. William R. Hite Jr. - So one of the things I have been talking about is the current educational funding structure is the new normal. So that the gone are the days that we get five and ten percent increases from one year to the next. Gone are those days and that’s not just here in Philadelphia that is across the country so that means that we have to utilize the money we have differently and more efficiently. We still do a good number of things that really don’t add any value. George Clifford Blackmon - Such as? Dr. William R. Hite Jr. - I’m talking about in education, in general. George Clifford Blackmon - Give me an example Dr. William R. Hite Jr. - So we use a step in lane approach to compensation. The step in lane approach we add there’s no relationship to student outcomes with the step in lane compensation approach. And we do that across not just with teachers we do that with all mechanisms inside of a district so there’s still things and we hold on to programs so we may have purchased a program ten years ago and because people are now comfortable with that we continue to hold
on to that but that program may have matured five years NEWS ago but because everyone is comfortable we continue to do those things over and over again. When now those resources should be shifted to other places for other purposes so those are just a couple of examples so I think there is a need really now to operate differently with a view towards being more efficient and more effective and utilizing those monies very differently. I think the other thing though is although I talked about this being the new normal now we are requesting monies to stay where we are. We are not requesting more money were requesting money to just kind of stay where we are because if we don’t then you will see more draconian types of things that will occur. So every year cost go up and if in fact every year school districts are cutting then that creates a deficit that structural deficit if you will. The other thing we have to do here in the city is we have to stop borrowing or being in a position to borrow 300 million dollars just to cover short term cost. Because then we are creating future debt just on were creating future credit card debt that becomes a part of that larger deficit that I just described. Is that part of who we are as a society? It seems to be that we are perpetually borrowing because we don’t have revenue that is sustaining us. I mean one of the things that Philadelphia is kind of indicative of the rest of society is that we just don’t have the revenue streams the economy is not generating monies and tax revenue as it was you know 10 years ago 15 years ago is that just where we is that the new normal that we are robbing Peter to pay Paul. Yeah but it’s not a sustainable normal. That and the and the other part of this is that the answer is actually improving the educational system but in order to improve the educational system there needs to be some form of investment in the system in order to make those improvements. Now individuals don’t want to invest in what they think is a black whole. So you don’t have results you have to borrow money to pay your bills so the first thing we have to do is get that system more stable and efficient and transparent so that individuals feel more comfortable doing that and as we begin to turn out a different product if you will or we turn out students who can do more things then hopefully then we will begin to impact the local economy. And I think that schools drive the economy or education drives the economy in a city or in a geographical area just as a quality one can drive it in one direction while one that is of poor quality or perceived poor quality can drive it in a very different direction. George Clifford Blackmon - Do you think it’s possible to achieve your goal? I know you haven’t got into the collective bargaining but is that a component that you have to explore in terms of teacher contribution Dr. William R. Hite Jr. - Yes, it has to be explored the path we’re on will send us into bankruptcy. We have to explore that and everything else that is out there. When you think about we have the fact that people make up the lion share of what we spend our money on. So if you don’t change the structures that really support the people then it’s no way for us to get out of the mess that we are in . George Clifford Blackmon - What are the top there things that you aim to achieve in your tenure? I know you have a longer list but I want to give you an opportunity to just reiterate the top 3 things you are going to achieve. Dr. William R. Hite Jr. – One, I want to leave the district much better than I found it. So if I do nothing else I want to do that. Second, I want to create the conditions so that students can actually achieve their aspirations. So if their aspirations are to move into a job they are able to do that if it is to move into higher education I want them to be able to do that. Finally, I want to do that in an environment that is safe and secure and one that engages all stakeholders across the community. So those are my top three things. 37 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
EDUCATION
Yesterday I got an email that momentarily stopped me in my tracks. I was chatting with an old
the feasibility of continuing on your journey. I’ve adopted a truly healthy attitude about proposal submissions and grant friend and needed to check my emails. applications. I realize that if I didn’t I saw the name of a corporation that submit for the opportunity I would I had submitted a proposal to in the never have thought through the inbox view. In my heart I knew it was questions that were asked, written up another “no” even before I opened it. the proposal, requested feedback from In the past a “no” like this would have mentors and all of the other things reduced me to tears. I do to refine my product during a These “no’s” weren’t just answers. submission process. It can be tedious, These “no’s” felt like judgements, painful and disenchanting, but at the assessments of my worth, crediend of the road I find that I have a bility as a businesswoman and my better understanding of my product character. They felt as though I had and my business. been weighed and measured and
email I knew it was a no. The “After careful consideration of the information you provided, we’d like to inform you that we will be declining your proposal, as it does not meet our business needs at this time.” Yesterday I read that for what it was. My product didn’t fit their business needs, period. It was not a character assassination or a death sentence to the success of my project. It simply meant that we did not share a common vision for how our brands could mesh. There is value in understanding that people can like you, they can even like the work you are doing and still not want to buy it. You get the “yes” when the stars align – you have the right product, for the right company, at the right time to serve their current business needs, they like you and here’s the holy grail – you have been able to prove or at least open the door to determined inadequate. Inadequate This must be the road I have to take to the idea that your product or service at what? It didn’t matter, it just hurt. get my next “yes.” I was going to write will provide value to their company, Each “no” made me feel closer to givto get my first “yes,” but in reality I’ve employees and/or customers. ing up than closer to my goal. I would gotten a series of “yeses” that have Life is tough. The strong and commitwonder why I was even attempting gotten me here. It’s really easy to for- ted thrive. There are plenty of days such foolishness and I would assure get the small successes along the way where I am weak and ambivalent, but myself that only those who have monwhen all you can focus on is the big with this newfound ey, power, influential friends or some “failures” in your midst. knowledge I special magic get that glorious “yes!” Yesterday, when I don’t take each It was flawed logic. Yes, getting a no opened the “no” as a destinks. It means that you have not valuation reached the finish line or even the of my perceived halfway mark. It means worth. I you have to go back to the drawunderstand ing board to determine what that for each went wrong, where you should proposal I make improvements and submit I am sometimes to reevaluate one step closer to my next “yes.” Hopefully the next in a long line of “yeses!” 38 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
39 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
Get Up and Move
 When you first look at the MASS Suit you might have the first thought I did, this looks like something a Batman villain would wear. Seriously
when I first saw this thing I thought that the guy looked like Bane getting ready to go tear up Gotham. Then you look deeper and you really start to see just how intense the MASS Suit will take your workout, what am I saying it just doesn’t ramp up your workout it takes it to an insane new level. 40 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
How does it do that? Great question and the answer is simple, it takes resistance training to a completely new level. Imagine yourself not having to carry around all these resistance bands to your gym but instead you are WEARING them. You read that correct, the MASS Suit turns your body into one large resistance band wearing machine. Normally you have one resistance band to do your upper body workout, well how about 4 bands that are now connected to your hands and elbows. Think of the intensity you are starting to build up.
Get Up and Move off balance during your training to make you concentrate on rebalancing your upper body, core, hips, groin, legs and feet. In sports you are not always on two feet and are not always balanced and most likely twisting & turning and changing directions. The MASS Suit simulates these actions during training so when it comes to competitions and game time your muscle memory knows how to react and make your body regain its balance to provide the right direction of power and speed to give your actions the best force possible. This also gives you a better chance for you body to even be off balance which will give you the edge over your opponent.
This device is nothing you have ever seen before. Designed to help MMA training with your punches and kicking and Muay Thai knees and elbows, the MASS Suit is now starting to work its way into other areas of activities. You can wear this while you are swimming to get more hardcore impact training. Something as simple and easy as swimming can be turned into a total body workout. This is a great description of what exactly the MASS Suit is and what it can do for you taken right off their website at www. MassSuit.com
You will be hard pressed to find an activity or sport that you won’t get a huge benefit from while you are wearing the MASS Suit. You are working out while you are running around; doing passing drills, playing a pickup game of basketball, heck even riding a bike turns a regular simple ride into an intense uphill resistance band workout that you can only get by doing a hardcore spin class. The benefit really shows after you take off the MASS Suit and see just how quicker you are, stronger you have become and you can even see just how more impact you have while you are working out in the gym.
The MASS Suit is worn on the body to stabilize the braces and bands giving a connection point. The true and only one size fits all MASS Suit is made with neoprene and web cloth that provides a non-sweat absorbing and allowing breathing for the back and core to make sure your body has proper oxygen intake for extreme training. The straps worn on the shoulders of the MASS Suit are adjustable. They have been worn by a 7 foot man to a 5 foot woman. The side straps and waist straps are also adjustable and have been worn by a 350 pound man to a 115 pound woman. The bands that connect from the MASS Suit to the knees and ankles criss cross to provide angles that the body has to work against which provides more strength and balance. The furthest angle provides the most resistance to increase the output of energy and power during your training. It also gives you an unstable balance which then makes you really focus on the tightening of your core and the proper movement of your legs during any type of exercising. The angles of the bands creates an
Yes you can even take this and wear it while lifting weights to add another incredible dynamic to your workout routine. Take you tired old weight lift program and dial it up to 11 with resistance band training. The best part about the MASS Suit is you can also use this as a substitute for the gym, turning this into a truly portable workout device. When you get the MASS Suit you also get a workout routine that you can do while wearing the MASS Suit. You can target specific muscle groups and you can easily change the bands around to whatever exercise you are going to do very quickly so you aren’t losing your momentum and dropping your heart rate out of its fat burning zone. The pictures in the booklet are in great detail and you get directions on every (continued on page 49)
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ART & ENTERTAINMENT
me to the bright lights of Bodega’s and Salsa music. My mother has an office on the Upper east Side of Manhattan which was my after school destination almost my entire life. Growing up In New York, everyone thinks and dreams big; you see people make It big everyday so I grew up believing that I could too. I remember JFK Junior used to jog passed my mom’s office building while I was waiting for the school bus in the morning, I thought nothing of it, everyone is someone In New York, and you just have to claim It. Being from New York definitely gives me an edge in the entertainment Industry. I grew up walking the Great White Way everyday knowing that my time would come, just not knowing when. My mother was constantly taking my sister and I to Broadway musicals, Lincoln Center to see the New York City Ballet or Shakespeare In the Park. I also had access to the best training in the country, and my mother made SURE I took full advantage of it. The City, as we affectionately call it, makes you feel brand new every day, every day is a new chance to grab your destiny and that is what I take with me wherever I go, I’m grabbing mine! Urban Suburban Magazine - Growing up, what did you first aspire to become professionally? Tiffany Barrett - Originally I trained to be a dancer. I studied classical ballet from the age of 3. It is my first love. My mother had a performing arts background therefore she exposed me to every aspect of the arts and to be truthful, they all stuck and have have enjoyed being at the forefront at different times throughout my life. I started as a dancer at a preschool age, began playing violin at 8, acting and modeling at 9 and singing at 10. Ballet was one of things I had to fight for. When you train classically on a professional track you have to give up a great deal of childhood pleasures everyone else enjoys. Evenings and weekends are spent in the dance studio and sports are not an option. BruIses and tutu’s do not mix.
Urban Suburban Magazine – At this stage of your life, what do you think of yourself being principally? Tiffany Barrett - An actor, everything else funnels into that in its own little unique way. Urban Suburban Magazine - How would you describe the synergy between the various pursuits? Tiffany Barrett - They are Interdependent. I would not be as confident an actor If I didn’t have the physical awareness of a dancer. I would not be as versatile a model if I didn’t have the ability to portray Intention In a picture or the flexibility of a ballerina. I would not be as passionate a dancer if I did not pick apart each dance like a script and find its highs and lows and specific points of emphasis etc. The amazing thing is that I really love all of what I do. Urban Suburban Magazine - I understand that you were born and raised In New York... Whatsection? How did you like growing up In New York? How did growing up In New York shape who you became as a person? How did growing up In New York shape who you became professionally? Tiffany Barrett - I like to say I was born In the Bronx, raised In Harlem and refined on the Upper East Side. But most of my younger formative years were spent In the Bronx literally one block from Yankee Stadium. There was an electric feel to that neighborhood, you could feel the rumble of the elevated train, the roar of the crowd and smell the aroma of hot dogs and Italian Pizza. My grandmother lived on the border of Harlem and Spanish Harlem and that was my little get away. A short train ride took 42 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
Urban Suburban Magazine - How has that evolved over the years? Tiffany Barrett - When I was younger I was always attempting to interject dialogue into dance pieces. One of my Instructors suggested I take an acting class. After heeding his suggestion I slowly started to navigate towards acting. When I went to college, it was a turning point for me. I was already a full time dance teacher and had been dancing 3/4 of my life. Spending the next four years dancing even more and under such scrutiny, did not appeal to me. I decided to major in Theater and take the dance classes I wanted to take on my own and sort of build a minor since one did not exist. I did the same thing with voice, taking private classical lessons 3 out of my 4 years. Post graduation the first talent agency that I signed with had an acting and modeling division. After signing me for acting the owner suggested that I head over to the modeling division. After explaining that I had modeled as a child they were very eager to work with me. I was introduced to so many new levels of modeling that I was immediately drawn to it and have enjoyed every bit of the experience. The lure of a modeling career as opposed to stage acting is that its a few hours or maybe even a day, and you’re done, as opposed to a play where you are rehearsing 4-6 weeks and then running the show for a week or two or even more. Having the ability to do both intermittently is a joy and a blessing. Today I also still teach dance and perform occasionally. I have expanded my techniques to include modern, jazz, hip hop, ballroom and African. Urban Suburban Magazine - What is your take on modeling then and now? Tiffany Barrett - With the introduction of Urban Modeling, the playing field was expanded. Creating a new Niche gave girls like me who are shapelier and athletically built to do something we never would have been able to do in the past. We are still struggling to be recognized as equal counterparts to high fashion and editorial models, but there is an undeniable market and demand for what we do, no one can ignore that.
ART & ENTERTAINMENT
Urban Suburban Magazine - What first brought you to Philadelphia? Tiffany Barrett - College, Temple University Urban Suburban Magazine - What did you major In at Temple? Tiffany Barrett - I have a BA in Theater from Temple.
aspirations? Tiffany Barrett - Today I am less worried about what people think and more worried about telling a good story. The genre is another affirmation that anything is possible and there is good Non-Union work out there for willing actors.
Urban Suburban Magazine - You are obviously quite versatile. How do you balance the demands? Tiffany Barrett - The key to It all is that I make a living as an artist. If I do not work, I do not eat. Fortunately In these media obsessed times, there is no shortage of work if you are willing to look for it and actually do it once you find it. I have learned to make all my talents work for and with each other. I teach dance and acting in a school during the school day so that is the one component that isn’t flexible. Whatever my schedule is for the semester, It Is for the semester, it doesn’t change and there is very little room for adjustment. Everything else is scheduled around that. My theater workshops are spread throughout the year. I probably teach about 10-15 workshops a year and they range from a few hours to a few days. Modeling is something I do on many levels. I work in print, promotional, fitness and spokes model categories. That In and of itself could be a full time job, but the exposure and Income I gain from the modeling allows me to rigorously pursue my acting career. Urban Suburban Magazine - What do you find most challenging about each? Tiffany Barrett - I am so passionate about teaching. It Is a challenge to put my students and their needs or Issues away when I get home at the end of a busy day. My work as a model requires I stay in shape As far as my acting the challenges are many. Urban Suburban Magazine - What do you find most rewarding about each? Tiffany Barrett - So many people poured into me as a child and I have never forgotten that. I had some of the best teachers and mentors growing up, and even now; I can’t help but give back as a teacher. When I see my students eyes light up when they get a step, or write a poem, or figure out a line, its one of the most rewarding feelings in the world. Modeling forces me to face myself in ways that most people never have to. To see a raw Image of yourself being scrutinized and picked apart by a table full of people, forces you to either fix the parts you don’t like or embrace yourself. If you can’t do that then you “shouldn’t be in the game” as my dad would say. As an actor I find almost every aspect of the process rewarding but the most rewarding portion is giving a voice to someone’s story. As an actor you usually are not telling your own story. Urban Suburban Magazine - How has being involved with Urban Theatre facilitated your growth as a person? Tiffany Barrett - Previously I stayed away from Urban theater. There is a stigma associated with Urban Theater; I think there are many Individuals that do not view it as a viable art form. When I was in college we had a lecture about “The Chitterlings Circuit”. KnowIng that the construct exIsted as a way to gIve AfrIcan American performers a chance to perform when their optIons were limIted; I remember thinkIng to myself, are we stIll In the JIm Crow era? Why are these plays still classified in their own genre? But upon further Investigation there were stark differences that set the works apart from mainstream theater. The stories, content, Ideas and language were so culturally specific that the shows were almost indigestible by any other audience. I think that the “Urban Theater” movement Is bridging that gap and narrowing the divide by producing content that Is more relatable to a general audience while still being culturally specific in its ideas and themes and a bit broader in its content and language.
Urban Suburban Magazine - What big plans do you have on the horizon? Tiffany Barrett - November 23- Dec 8 August Wilson’s “Jitney”, Stage crafters Theater 8130 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118 For ticket info: http://www.thestagecrafters.org/2012-2013/jitney Urban Suburban Magazine - Where can fans check you out at? Tiffany Barrett - Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/TiffanyStage Face book: http://www.facebook.com/DivaGoddessGirl Website: http://www.tiffanybarrett.com/ Instagram: @divagoddessgirl
Urban Suburban Magazine - How has It Impacted your goals and 43 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
Relationships
Ask any couple that’s been together for a significant length of time what their secret is and they will tell you, COMMUNICATION. Communication
mend that you reciprocate by verbalizing what you like during the act. Say things like: • “I love it when you bite my neck like that.” • “Baby, can you suck a little harder…softer?” is the key to relationship success in general, but it becomes even • “It feels so good when you run your tongue across more essential in sexual relationships. To master sexual commu- my nipples.” nication, one must be able to: • “I love kissing you.” • Be honest This way, your partner learns what turns you on as well. • Read non-verbal cues However, communicating with your partner outside of the • Say what they like bedroom is just as important. During private moments such • Be realistic as when the two of you relaxing at home or eating dinner, • Give and receive feedback ask your partner if there is Honesty is the first step in effective sexual communication. anything they would like Oftentimes, we are too embarrassed to ask for what we want. to try sexually. Ask them if We fear rejection or worry what our partner might think about they enjoy certain sex acts us. And even more so, we fear hurting our partner’s feelings. that you two engage in. Ask The fact is your partner is probably feeling all the same things. if they would like to experience more or less of anything. There are a few ways to initiate sexual communication with your Express answers to the same questions from your perspective. partner. An ideal time to begin the conversation is during love- Before you know it, a worthwhile dialogue will begin. making. Incorporating sexual communication into sex play can make the experience more intimate. Ask your partner questions Non-Verbal cues are just as important as actually speaking. that require them to respond while in the act. For example: Body language, moaning and groaning send strong messages • “Do you like when I touch your breasts?” to your partner about what you enjoy. It is important not to • “Would you like it if I put my tongue on your penis” pretend to be enjoying something that you are not, just to • “Do you like it when I kiss you here?” please your partner. If you writhe in pseudo-ecstasy every • “Should I suck harder…softer? time your partner squeezes your nipples (but secretly hate it) Communicating in this way will enable you to figure out your your partner will continue to do this. If you fake an orgasm partner’s sexual needs, likes and dislikes. I would also recomeach time your partner runs their tongue across your clitoris 44 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
(but you wish they wouldn’t do that) your partner will think that move is their “ace in the hole” and continue that behavior. After all, your non-verbal communication has taught them that this pleases you. Instead, try redirecting you partner using your body and hands. If your partner is kissing you in a spot that you don’t like gently redirect them using your hands as a guide. When your partner does something you really like. Let it show! Arch your back, give a moan, and say YES, YES, YES. This positive feedback will reinforce to your partner that you like what they are doing. They will feel happy that they are pleasing you and you will feel satisfied that you are being pleased. When embarking on the new journey toward sexual communication, be realistic. Do not expect that things will be perfect from the start. Sexual communication is a technique that must be learned and practiced. As your comfort level grows, so too will your ability to sexually communicate.
Natasha Watson, MHS, M.Ed., ABD Professional Sex Coach. Natasha has spent 15 years empowering people such as yourself to transform their lives by focusing on a client’s current state of sexuality. She moves her client’s towards future successes through education, mental reframing, intuitive guidance and behavioral training.
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ART & ENTERTAINMENT
By Candace Smith
All film directors have a unique tale as to how they got their start in the film industry. Some, like Quentin Tarantino, dropped out of high school and acting school to become employed in a Manhattan Beach video rental store. He used his proximity to its massive library to become a self-taught learner of his craft. Others, like David Fincher, directed TV commercials and music videos, honing his eye for directing critically acclaimed films such as Se7en, Panic Room, and The Social Network. Local Philadelphia talent, David L. Powell III is on the fast track to becoming an award-winning film director and writer himself, and has the intelligence, drive, and chops to sharing the Hollywood red carpet with Tarantino, Fincher, and many other luminaries of the movie industry. According to the Philly native, David’s entrée into his chosen profession was based on pure luck. Having worked at a mortgage company for many years, he was laid off one day and decided to pursue his love of writing. A published author, he first became known after having written a script about the end of the world called “Ophiuchus: Last Days of 2012”. David sent the script to Bill Birnes, an American writer, editor, book publisher, and literary rights agent who is most well known for being a publisher of UFO literature, such as UFO Magazine, and the coordinator of the UFO investigation team for the now-defunct History Channel documentary series UFO Hunters. Bill and his team loved the story and wanted to publish “Ophiuchus: Last Days of 2012” as a book, which as sold, to date, over 30,000 copies. From there, David was called by a fan of his book who asked him if he was interested to work on a movie called Hex, a movie about the underworld of witches, as its Assistant Director, which became his first experience working on set. This proved to be a challenge, but one that he embraced and learned from. He then tried acting, which he admits that he did not like “trying to read lines and become somebody else”. He states that because of this experience he looks for actors in his films that can portray characters that are not like themselves, and who are especially good with improv. While his foray into acting was short lived, luck proved to show up in David’s life once again. As the “Scorekeeper” for the 2010 movie The Gift which starred, Charles S. Dutton, crew workers noticed David taking video footage of what was happening behind the scenes and Dutton, along with his assistant, noticed this. David was then asked to conduct backstage interviews and footage of the production. From there, he began to work as a PA on numerous film productions on set in 46 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
Philadelphia and South Jersey. When asked about his favorite film genre, David quickly responded, “horror”. His favorite horror film character of all time is Freddy Kruger. However, he does not aspire to pigeonhole himself into directing only horror movies. For David, he is happy to write and direct whatever movies people are looking for today, whether it’s a horror film inspired by A Nightmare on Elm Street, or a comedy in the vein of The Hangover. In just three short years, David has made a surmountable name for himself as a film director, writer, producer, and editor in the tri-state area, as well as on the West Coast. His latest completed film, Oliver Twisted, recently enjoyed a sold out viewing at the Trocadero in Philadelphia, and hopes that it will be picked up for the Sundance Film Festival in 2013. David’s next film project, titled Fickle, is currently in pre-production. His acclaimed film, The Relationship Resume/Relasume, may also be turned into a TV show, and he is in talks with producers in LA to work on a probable female sketch show. With all the exciting projects ahead for David L. Powell III, he
still has the time and gratitude to extend his talents for local music video and film productions. As you have read this article, David is working on/has already completed work on the set of The Suspect, working alongside actors Mekhi Phifer, William Sadler, and Sterling K. Brown. David’s drive and ambition to just “go out and do it!” continues to lead him on a stellar path of career accomplishments within the film industry, and he advises anyone with a dream to do the same without looking back. For more information about David L. Powell III and his films, you can visit his IMDB page, http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4154246/, like him on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/pages/David-LPowell-III/100554751111, and check out his YouTube Page, http:// www.youtube.com/davidisinfilm.
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(continued from page 41) exercise on where to start
and where to stop. Trust me I did a few of the exercises and in just 20 mins I was sweating more than I do when I do my usual 60 mins of hitting the weights. This device kicks my behind day in and day out. My goal is to max out the MASS Suit, what that means is that you get 8 resistance bands to start and you get an amazing workout with those starting 8 but to max out the MASS Suit you can get up to 16 bands‌imagine that workout. Simply put you go out and purchase the MASS Suit and you will instantly crank up your workouts to a completely new insane level. I was even to use my MASS Suit while doing DDP Yoga and man alive did that beat me down like I have never been beaten before. This product is one amazing piece of exercise equip-
ment. Whether you practice MMA, Football, Basketball, Swimming or even Biking and so many more, the MASS Suit will take your performance and exercise to levels you only dreamed about. Where can you get this wonderful device and even learn more about it; go to www.MassSuit.com and look around and see if this is the device you want to get to help you achieve your fitness goals and shatter them in the process. I love this device and you will too.
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FOOD
Cupcakes - soft, sweet morsels of sponge cake, baked in individual paper cases, piled high with icing and decorated in a million and one different ways. These cute little cakes have become a fabulous alternative to a traditional wedding cake recently. Why? More Bang for your Buck
If you are planning on having a cupcake for each guest, an effective way to display them is on multi-tiered stand. The most popular type being acrylic round tiers separated by slim pillars - they are almost invisible in the overall effect, so that the full impact of the cupcakes can be appreciated. Depending on the look you are trying to achieve, acrylic stands come in a variety of shapes and finishes (even cerise pink!) and are scalable - carrying up to 150 cakes 50 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
- enough to cater for most weddings. When comparing price per portion, a cupcake tower fares well against a tiered cake. But, whereas a cupcake tower serving 150 would be over a metre and a half tall, a traditional wedding cake serving the same amount of people might only be a third of the size, so with a cupcake tower you normally achieve a much larger arrangement for your money.
Variety is the Spice of Life
Cupcakes can be baked, topped, decorated and dressed in many different ways, so the style of the finished product is almost limitless, giving them the ability to tie in with any wedding theme. Cupcake cases are a major way to introduce colour into your cake arrangement. More traditionally cases would be made of clear greaseproof paper with silver and gold foil versions lending themselves to wedding celebrations. They are now increasingly available in a myriad of pastel and bold colours and you can find “designer� cases with intricate flower, filigree and butterfly designs and classic
versions with spots and stripes. Cupcakes can be finished with buttercream, flat discs or domes of sugarpaste (the stuff you find on traditional cakes), sugar icing (like your Gran used to make) or even a combination of toppings. If made traditionally, buttercream is naturally ivory in colour, but can be tinted to suit your scheme. It can be loaded onto your cupcakes in various ways: using a palette knife for a retro, cakeshop feel, in large elegant swirls, piped smooth like toothpaste and rose-effect or tall “Mr Whippy” style swirls. Most good cupcake makers will make your cupcake decorations by hand, and will take inspiration from different elements of your day. For very simple cakes you can opt for sprinkles, which are available in an ever increasing array of colours and shapes. If you want to add a subtle shimmer or a touch of bling try edible glitters. You can then add simple icing shapes, personalised plaques, sugar flowers, butterflies… the list goes on! Typically the more intricate the decoration on your cupcake, the more time it will take to make and the more it will cost. You can help keep your cake costs to a minimum, by choosing only a proportion of your cupcakes with very elaborate design and placing these on the outside or more visible parts of the display, saving simpler cupcakes for the middle of your display. You can add to your look further by encasing your cupcakes in delicate wrappers. The most popular designs are laser cut and give a lace effect outer to your cupcake and come in several patterns and pastels shades. If you anticipate that your guests will want to take their treat home with them, you can even present the cupcakes on the stand in clear boxes tied with ribbons and sprigs of flowers or heather. Choosing cupcakes of a single design creates a display more in keeping with a modern themed day, whereas having a selection of cases, colours and decoration creates a cake arrangement with an informal or vintage feel - especially if you add some vintage crockery, lace and pearls.
You CAN Please All Of The People
If you are having lots of individual cakes, whose to say you can’t have them in a variety of flavours? This way you
are sure to tempt the taste buds of even the pickiest guest. You can even look after individuals with food allergies with a special cupcake just for them! To help guests identify their favourite, you can work into the display some cupcakes decorated with little flags announcing their flavours - this makes them all the more tempting! Take your cupcake tower further by incorporating mini cupcakes (perfect for the smaller appetite and children) or turning your tower into a full on dessert table, adding in pretty cake stands ladened with cake pops, biscuits and desert “shots”. All colour and style co-ordinating, this will create an amazing display that will be making the most of your money and will satisfy everyone to boot.
Let them Eat Cake
You don’t need caterers trained in surgery to cut up cupcakes (or pay a fee for them to do it!) and if you are having a relaxed affair, guests can simply help themselves from the display. But whereas guests will gladly nibble at a piece of wedding cake that is placed directly in front of them, they may be more reticent to take a cupcake from a beautiful display. To avoid leftovers, make sure your display is placed in an accessible spot, make an announcement asking guests to take a cake or even add little “Alice in Wonderland” signs to the odd cupcake saying “Eat Me”. Timing is also important in making sure all your cupcakes get eaten - think about at what point during your day (or evening) your guests will have enough appetite or be in the mood for a cake. Finally, some guests might cringe at the idea of eating a cake as they would a canapé whilst dressed in their finery, so you might want to provide an artful stack of side plates on your cake table. And if these were pre-owned china pieces, it would add to any vintage theme that you have going on - gorgeous! Whether you choose a traditional cake, cupcakes or a combination of treats for your wedding cake table, make sure that you enjoy!
About the Author
Pretty Tasty Cake is a one-woman baking machine based in Cheshire. Creating unique and beautiful wedding cakes, cupcake towers and dessert tables, all of their sweet treats are made from scratch and to order, to provide truly individual confections to complement your occasion. http://www.prettytastycake.com/ 51 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
Philly’s BEST KEPT
Longwood Gardens Autumn Colors Festival
- Through November 18 Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square celebrates fall with giant pumpkins, gourds and live concerts. Longwood’s glows with shades of yellow, orange, purple and red trees. Golden honey locusts and sweet gums and sourwoods and bursts of fall color. HYPERLINK “http:// www.longwoodgardens.org/AutumnsColors.html”
Linvilla Orchards
- Hayrides, a petting zoo, apple and pumpkin picking--the perfect fall setting for kids (and your inner child). Through November 6, Linvilla Orchards transforms into Pumpkinland. Massive scarecrows and fall figures mark the beginning of the harvest season as over 100 tons of pumpkins sprout up in piles around the landscape.
Halloween Fun but not just on Halloween -HYPER-
Fort Mifflin
- Paranormal Friday at Fort Mifflin New this year! Paranormal LINK “http://halloween.easternstate.org/hal- Friday at Fort Mifflin will introduce novice loween”Terror Behind the Walls, September 21 ghost hunters to the long history of hauntings – November 3, Fairmount, Philadelphia When here at Fort Mifflin with a guided Candlelight Tour and a workshop highlighting the technology and it comes to haunted houses, you don’t get equipment used in paranormal much scarier then HYPERLINK “http://www. research. Then, enjoy small group visitphilly.com/museums-attractions/philadelinvestigation of the “hot spots” with phia/terror-behind-the-walls/”Terror Behind experienced paranormal researchers using the Walls at the Eastern State Penitentiary. all the latest technology. This exciting new This historic, abandoned prison has well over program will fill fast so reserve early to 200 performers and unique special effects. avoid disappointment. 52 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
Bed & Breakfast in Center City President House - The “White House” from - HYPERLINK “http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/ pennsylvania-philadelphia-lippencott-house.html”HYPERLINK “http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/ pennsylvania-philadelphia-lippencott-house.html” HYPERLINK “http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/pennsylvania-philadelphia-lippencott-house.html”s historic artwork, architecture, and atmosphere. All accommodations have en suite facilities. In addition, the house offers a banquet room, games room (complete with an antique Brunswick pool table). Please admire and enjoy the features, a lounge clad in antique Brazilian rosewood, a wall mural painted in 1902 and a grand piano from 1887 which is a delight to play. http://www. lippincotthouse.com/
1790 to 1800 while Philadelphia was the capital of the United States. Today, you can visit the site on Market Street for the newest addition to Independence Mall — a commemorative exhibition entitled “The President’s House: Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation” on an open-air footprint of the original house, one block north of Independence Hall.
Football in the fall. It’s nothing like a good game, a blanket and
your significant other interrupting your mutual visual pleasure by asking an incredibly smart question during a crucial third down call during the Eagles versus Cowboys game…What an incredible time!
Horseback Riding - Courtesy Stable is a distinctive facility, located
in the Wissahickon Valley of Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park. With over 9,200 acres, Fairmount Park has been called “one of the largest urban parks in the country”. Courtesy Stable is located in an urban setting, bordered on two sides by residential housing and on the other two sides by Fairmount Park. We believe the stable is uniquely situated to offer local residents in the surrounding community, as well as visitors to Fairmount Park, access to an equine environment that they might otherwise be unlikely to experience. HYPERLINK “http://www.courtesystable.org/home”http://www.courtesystable.org/home
Lions (and Tigers and Bears) at the Philadelphia Zoo - The
Big Cat Falls exhibit in the oldest zoo in the nation brings families face-to-face with the king of the jungle through floor-to-ceiling windows. Other top attractions include a swinging primate center and helium Zooballoon rides.
Bartram Gardens - Sunday mornings tend to be quiet in garden—and for that reason, it’s an ideal time to visit with young children. While you’re here, you can join the Bartram’s Garden Education Staff in the Green Room for story readings, crafting, and garden-style snacking. After an half an hour or so of relaxed activity, you’ll be free to move at your own pace for the rest of the day with your family—be that exploring what’s new in the garden, participating in unlimited additional Green Room workshops and tours, visiting our plant nursery, or all of the above. It’s pretty hard to come up with a better way to start off a Sunday! Admission is $10 per child, $2 discount for additional siblings, or free for HYPERLINK “http://www.bartramsgarden.org/join/”Bartram Members. 53 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
54 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
HOT or Not
USPhilly Tell us about Teddybear. What’s it about? Why should we go see it?
Marcus - Teddybear is a social drama that takes advantage of the
camera to try to affect the audience in a new innovative way. I must admit that I am not as interested in the social drama as I am in the camera. In Teddybear we see everything through the eyes of a baby, but only when the film ends we realize this. Shooting this way demanded that I shot everything in a single shot – something I have done before with success and it was my goal to further explore the use of one-shot shooting. I am quite pleased with the experiment.
USPhilly
- This film was in the Urban Suburban Film Festival. How was that experience? Did you get a chance to see any other films?
editing is always very painful for me. There is a lot of doubt involved and a lot of suffering.
USPhilly - What do you like to do for fun? Do you have any hobbies?
Marcus - I know it sounds
corny but making films is my hobby. When I relax I watch films. When I get drunk I talk about film. When I hang out with my girlfriend, who is a brilliant actress and my muse, all we do is to discuss films.
Marcus - I was not able to attend the festival as I am prepping my
USPhilly - What inspired you to
USPhilly - Walk us through a day in Marcus Liberski’s shoes. Marcus - Well, right now I am in pre-production and it is not all
Marcus - There is a whole bunch
new film but I sincerely hope to attend it next year as I have heard many great things about the event.
that exciting. I wake up and respond to my emails. There are a lot of mails to write when making a film. Then I typically meet up with my collaborators, the writer, the DP, the special effects supervisor etc. and talk the project through. The further into preproduction you are, the more topics there are to discuss. Then I watch some films. During preproduction it is important for me only to watch certain films that somehow relate to the project I am doing. There is also a lot of writing to do. Exploring the characters, deciding the tone of the film, get conscious about the pace of the film, thoughts about sound design and music etc. I like to write everything down. That’s basically it – and this goes on for quite a long time before one is ready to shoot but in a way this is the part of the process I like the most as it is here the movie takes shape and comes to life. It is here the vision is created.
USPhilly - What is the most difficult step in making a film? Marcus - It’s all very challenging but to me the editing is the
hardest part. I always hate my material when I am done shooting and
get into the film making business? Is there a specific director in particular that you look up to?
of directors that inspire me. People like Polanski, Kubrick, Ford Coppola, Fincher, Lynch and the list go on. They are all masters of cinema and I always learn a lot from watching their films. I began making films because I felt I could make something that would please me as much as some of the films I grew up loving did.
USPhilly - Technology is growing at an exponential rate. What do you see happening to the film industry in 15 years?
Marcus - I really don’t know. It looks like everything is moving towards
digital shooting but I still don’t think any cameras match the quality of film. Maybe 15 years from now it will and film will become extinct. For now I still try to shoot on film as often as possible.
USPhilly - What does it take to make it in this industry? Marcus - I really don’t know. I just try to follow my heart and do what I think is right.
55 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia
56 urban suburban magazine.com Philadelphia