New York Trend Oct 24-31_2013issue

Hip-Hop Against Gun & Gang Violence Project Partners with NYPD To keep New York the safest big city in the country the HHSYC and their Hip-Hop Against Gun & Gang Violence Project completed their second annual campaign to curb gun and gang violence while also working with NYC Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly to improve relations between the Police and community residents.To support the 109-day campaign, which started Memorial Day Weekend and ended Labor Day, Proclamations once again were presented to the HHSYC by Mayor Bloomberg, the NYC Council and Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano declaring May 24-27, 2013 as Hip-Hop Against Gun & Gang Violence Week in NYC and Nassau County.

The success of the campaign is measured in two parts: first by the number of deaths by firearm over the 96-hour Memorial Day Weekend period; second by the number of firearm deaths between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day. According to statistics the proactive groundbreaking initiative that kicked off during Memorial Day Weekend (the unofficial start of summer when gun violence spikes) was an overwhelming success for the second consecutive year. There were 10 murders by firearm in 2011 compared to 6 in 2012 (a 40% reduction from the launch of the 2012 campaign). There were 3 in 2013 (a 50% reduction compared to 2012 and an amazing 70% reduction when compared to 2011). In addition, between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day (the unofficial end of summer) there were 111 murders by firearm in 2011 compared to 93 in 2012 (a 16.2% reduction) and 66 in 2013 (a 29% reduction when compared to 2012). When you compare 2011 to 2013 there was an unbelievable 40.5% reduction.

Some initiatives coordinated by the HHSYC with their partners to support the campaign included: the coordination of “Solution Summits,” which rewarded young citizens for telling us creative ways to curb gun and gang violence; promoting a series of gun buy back events with the NYC Council and NYPD; working with Nassau County Executive Edward Managno to launch the hot new “Shot Spotter” crime fighting technology that provides video footage of gun shootings making it easer to solve gun crimes; working with Geraldo Rivera, host of Geraldo At Large (on Fox News) to promote the exceptional work of a host of community parterres who were risking their lives to end gun violence; launch of the

Mayor Bloomberg, Randy Fisher, Charles Fisher and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly in the Mayor’s office at City Hall holding the HHAGGV 2013 Proclamation.

Community Ambassadors for Peace (CAP) initiative to detect and deter crime; working with Def Jam Records, Hot 97 radio, the Source Magazine, Dr. Jays, and the Daymond John Academy to offer perks, internships and jobs to those that signed up to be a part of the solution and not the problem; and by sponsoring “Rap 2 Bridge the Gap” sessions to improve relations between NYPD, students and the community.

“N.Y. is proud to be a national leader in the efforts to keep illegal guns out of the hands of dangerous people. As a result of our commitment and hard work, crime in the five boroughs is down to historic lows, but of course, there is always more we can do to ensure the health and safety of all our residents. Strong partnerships among the police, government, schools, and community-based organizations are key to sustaining the progress we have made, which is why we applaud the Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council for its efforts to build a better city. Together, we can not only prevent violence, but also help young men, especially, access the opportunities they need to stay on the right track in school and beyond.”

Since the end of Stop, Question and Frisk gun violence has increased 13% and gun seizures have declined by 17%. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see where this is going. In order to keep the community safe without Stop, Question and Frisk citizens and the private sector must step up to the plate and play a more proactive role to improve public safety and that is the message we are preaching citywide. If you eliminate an affective policy, you must find a viable replacement to keep the criminals in check.

“N.Y. is proud to be a national leader in the efforts to keep illegal guns out of the hands of dangerous people. As a result of our commitment and hard work, crime in the five boroughs is down to historic lows.....” Mayor Bloomberg

— Mayor Bloomberg

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Education pg.5 Page 3 Domestic Violence

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Blue Sky EPIC pg.8 Page 7 Patti

October 17, 2013 - October 23, 2013

Page 10 Bounce Back www.newyorktrendnyc.com

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October 24, 2013 - October 31, 2013

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EDITORIAL Domestic Violence Month…..

Another Silent Killer

By Dr. Teresa Taylor Williams, Owner & Publisher, New York Trend Typically when we think of domestic violence, terrible images of bruised women appear in our minds. We assume that it is a woman who is being beaten by her husband or partner and that she cannot find the courage to walk away from the abusive individual. And yes, we would be right in our thinking. Statistics support the fact that the highest percentage of victims of physical abuse, are women. And yes, many women may not have the courage to leave their partner for many reasons. The decision to walk away from an abusive spouse or partner might cause a total upheaval of the victim’s life as well as the lives of their children or parents. Victimization affects not only the abused, but extended family members in many ethnic groups. Homes where elderly grandparents or illegal immigrants are being housed with relatives, may also effect the decision made by the abused to leave the abuser. A decision, which those who have never experienced abuse, might deem easier than is the reality.

Domestic violence is a silent killer. The abuse generally happens behind closed doors and the victims keep quiet. Victims endure the wrath of the abuser and most abused have little hope that the abuse will ever stop.

Some abused women take matters into their own hands after years of going through the bureaucratic red tape, swearing out a restraining order or relocating to safe houses did not solve their problems. A most recent case of a victim of domestic violence received extensive media

NEW YORK

Therapists call domestic violence one of the most challenging issues to treat because you are fighting against so many variables.

The incident happened in the Jacksonville, Florida, the state known for its now famous vindication of George Zimmerman and the stand your ground law. The judge sentenced the Jacksonville woman to 20 years in prison for firing a warning shot in an effort to scare off her abusive husband. Saying he had no discretion under state law, Marissa Alexander unsuccessfully tried to use Florida’s controversial “stand your ground” law to derail the prosecution, but a jury in March convicted her of aggravated assault after just 12 minutes of deliberation.

The conviction was eventually overturned and Ms. Alexander was freed this year.

There is no quick fix that ends the cycle of domestic violence. Although some women have taken the quick fix route and killed their abusers, many women have lost their lives to prison simply because they wanted it over and desperation brought them to take matters into their own hands. Or there are those like Ms. Alexander, who bought the gun to scare away her abuser, but the law turned back on her.

Domestic violence is a silent killer. The abuse generally happens behind closed doors and the victims keep quiet.

— Dr. Teresa Taylor Williams It is not the fact that Ms. Alexander was using a firearm to defend herself – which might have given her the same advantage as George Zimmerman – but it is the fact that jurors took less than 15 minutes to decided that an abused woman essentially should be punished for protecting herself from an abuser. Individuals, like those jurors, keep domestic violence a silent killer because it perpetuates fear. Abused women who may have thoughts of leaving or relocating or simply running away, think more than twice when travesties of injustice like this occurs.

Every abused woman is neither a Tina Turner nor a Marissa Alexander of Jacksonville, Florida who had national attention focused on their abuse, but there are the less famous who have achieved freedom. . It should be noted that there are hundreds of successful stories of women who were able to get away from their abusers.

For them, the system worked, and they and their children are living healthier lives.

And for those of us who are fortunate enough to not be in an abusive relationship, we need to keep our eyes and ears open for the still small voice of a victim trying to reach out for help. It could be the co-worker in the next cubicle, the hygienist at the dentist, the woman who sits in the last pew every Sunday that needs your help.

I label domestic violence, the silent killer, because you may not succumb to the effects of this disease swiftly. It may attack your body first, and the physical appearance of an abused woman may manifest as a slumped walk, sallow skin, malnutrition, loss of hair and energy, loss of focus and the ability to think independently. Over time, the abuse attacks the immune system due to lack of proper nutrition, anxiety, fear, lack of sleep and depression. The disease spreads also to those around you, to the children or the parents of the abused and those who stand helplessly by wondering what is wrong.

Domestic violence is a lingering disease with a cure that involves risking your life. Pop culture icon and Grammy award winner, Tina Turner, is one of the most infamous victims of domestic violence and but she is also an example of the victory achieved when she finally ran away from Ike Turner, her husband , after decades of beatings, rape and mental abuse.

Marissa Alexander, Domestic Violence Victim

My plea goes out to any woman who is the victim of domestic violence is to seek help, take the step to tell someone what you are going through and keep hope that there is a better day coming.

TREND

Owner/Publisher Executive Editor Dr. Teresa Taylor Williams Senior Editor Zena Gray International Correspondent Ann Brown Travel Editor Jim Weaver Contributing Editor Justin Williams Circulation Manager Robert L. Taylor Distribution/Advertising Darrel Murdaugh

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attention because of the severity of the jail sentence given to the victim for defending herself against her abusive husband.

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New York Trend welcomes letters to the editor.

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Writers Ezra Mechaber Deardra Shuler Jim Weaver Anastasia Williams Justin Williams Teresa Williams

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HEALTH BLACK PSYCHOLOGISTS TO LAUNCH EMOTIONAL EMANCIPATION MOVEMENT The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi,) and Community Healing Network, Inc. (CHN,) announced today that psychologists in more than 20 cities in the United States and around the world will launch Emotional Emancipation Circles in connection with the 6th annual celebration of Community Healing Days, October 18, 19, and 20, 2013.

Emotional Emancipation (EE) Circles are a culturallygrounded, research-based process to help Black people overcome the lie of Black inferiority and the emotional legacies of enslavement and racism.

EE Circles are designed to create safe spaces in which Black people can work together to heal from internalized racism and historical trauma. Community Healing Days are an annual celebration designed

by CHN to put “time for healing” on the Black community’s agenda and to serve as a catalyst for the creation of year-round healing initiatives. This year’s celebration comes as the October edition of the journal Social Science and Medicine releases the

results of an international study finding that children “experience poor mental health, depression, and anxiety” as a result of racism.

“Emotional Emancipation Circles can be an instrument for the liberation of our people’s minds, hearts, and spirits.

- D r. Cheryl Tawede Grills, past-president of ABPsi, The psychologists’ concerted efforts are the outgrowth of a three-year collaboration between CHN and ABPsi. According to Dr. Taasogle Daryl Rowe, president of ABPsi, “too many of our children and too many adults are in emotional distress as a result of the lie of Black inferiority, and we are committed to helping build a worldwide grassroots movement to free our community from it once and for all.”

Enola Aird, president of CHN, said that “the emotional legacies of enslavement and racism make it difficult for the Black community to take the steps

necessary to address the pressing problems before it. In order to empower ourselves to overcome the challenges confronting us, Black people everywhere must focus sharply on the goals of emotional emancipation, healing, and wellness.” “Emotional Emancipation Circles,” said Dr. Cheryl Tawede Grills, past-president of ABPsi, “can be an instrument for the liberation of our people’s minds, hearts, and spirits.

They can help us be more aware of the past and the present so we can move forward with clarity and conviction.”

Dr. Rowe and Dr. Grills will be leading webinars to help local leaders establish EE Circles.

CHN and ABPsi also issued a reminder of CHN Advisory Board Chair, Dr. Maya Angelou’s call for people to “Wear Sky Blue during Community Healing Days…to show our collective determination to turn the pain of the blues into the sky blue of unlimited possibilities.”

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EDUCATION 19TH ANNUAL SEARCH FOR NATION’S TOP YOUTH VOLUNTEERS Over the past 18 years, Prudential Spirit of Community Awards have been given to more than 100,000 middle and high school students across the country for helping the less fortunate, promoting health and safety, protecting the environment, and serving their communities through many other volunteer activities.

Today the search begins to identify thousands more who have made meaningful contributions to their communities over the past 12 months, as the awards program kicks off its 19th year.

These awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial, Inc. in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), honor outstanding community service by students in grades 5 through 12 at the local, state and national level. “Middle level and high school students are making meaningful contributions to their communities, and it is a privilege to shine a spotlight on their service.� —JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP

schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice. “It is often said that young people are the leaders of tomorrow – but every year brings proof that youth

volunteers are already among the leaders of today,� said JoAnn Bartoletti, executive director of NASSP. “Middle level and high school students are making meaningful contributions to their communities, and it is a privilege to shine a spotlight on their service.�

“Prudential is proud to honor young people who contribute their time and talents to improving the communities around them,� said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. “We celebrate their service with hope that others will be inspired to follow their fine example.�

Applications must be completed by November 5, 2013, and then submitted to a middle or high school principal, Girl Scout council, county 4-H agent, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or HandsOn Network affiliate. Paper versions of the application form are available by calling (877) 525-8491 toll-free.

Participating schools and local organizations will select Local Honorees in early November and present them with Certificates of Achievement. These Local Honorees also will receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award if they have contributed the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify (50 hours for age 14 and younger, 100 hours for those older).

All Local Honorees are then reviewed by a statelevel judging committee, which will name the top two candidates from each state and the District of Columbia – one high school student and one middle level student – as State Honorees on February 11, 2014. These State Honorees will receive $1,000 awards, engraved silver medallions, and an allexpense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent for four days of recognition events May 3-6, 2014.

Runners-up at the state level will receive bronze medallions or Certificates of Excellence.

In Washington, a distinguished national selection committee will name 10 of the 102 State Honorees as America’s top youth volunteers of 2014.

These National Honorees will receive $5,000, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating

OPEN HOUSE 300 Jay Street s Sunday 11/10 10 am-4 pm Downtown Brooklyn NEW YORK CITY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

CITY TECH W H E R E C A N T E C H N O L O G Y TA K E Y O U ?

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October 24, 2013 - October 31, 2013

www.citytech.cuny.edu/openhouse *AY 3TREET s "ROOKLYN .9

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ENTERTAINMENT Cuba Gooding Jr., gets Caricature at Sardi’s

IT’S A BOY! CONGRATULATIONS TO HALLE BERRY & OLIVIER MARTINEZ!

Cuba Gooding Jr received his caricature on the wall at Sardi’s which is a Broadways traditionfor actors. Cuba recently ended his stellar lead performance in the play The Trip to Bountiful, also starring Vanessa Williams and Cicely Tyson who received a Tony Award for her performance in the remake of this historic play.

According to reports, Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez welcomed a baby boy over the weekend.This is the Oscar winner’s second child.

She married French actor Olivier Martinez in July.

The healthy baby, who was born in Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, has a big sister, 5-year-old, Nahla, Berry’s daughter with exboyfriend Gabriel Aubry.

In April, Berry said about the impending arrival: “This has been the biggest surprise of my life, to tell you the truth. Thought I was kind of past the point where this could be a reality for me. So it’s been a big surprise and the most wonderful.”

Congratulations to the couple!!

Photo credit: Darrel Murdaugh

DEMI LOVATO ANNOUNCES TOUR SET TO LAUNCH FEBRUARY 2014

starring

Dee Dee BriDgewater Written & directed by

Stephen Stahl

t he F inal C omeBaCk oF a l egenD t he B eginning oF a l egaCy

“stunningly good!”

-BBC “Marvelous theatre!”

-Daily Telegraph

“you feel as if you are in a Billie holiday concert.”

-Financial Times telecharge.com 2 212-239-6200 2 ladydaytheMusical.com The Little Shubert Theatre 422 W. 42nd St. 2 Betw. 9th & 10th Aves.

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Platinum-selling music artist and The X Factor judge Demi Lovato announced exclusively on a Facebook Q&A yesterday that she is launching THE NEON LIGHTS TOUR on February 9, 2014, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at Pepsi Live At Rogers Arena.

Produced and promoted by Live Nation, the North American tour will support her latest Hollywood Records album, DEMI, and visit 27 cities across the United States and Canada, including shows in the New York City area, Chicago,Toronto, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta and Nashville.

“Neon Lights” is the forthcoming single from DEMI and will impact at radio in early November.

THE NEON LIGHTS TOUR will also feature lead special guests, Little Mix, performing on their first U.S. tour, as well as Cher Lloyd who will also perform on select dates. The X Factor finalists turned hit-making girl group, Fifth Harmony, October 24, 2013 - October 31, 2013

will also join their X Factor mentor on all dates throughout the tour.

DEMI, the 4th album from Demi Lovato on Hollywood Records, is out now and features the chart-topping, double platinum-certified single, “Heart Attack,” and “Neon Lights.” The album hit #1 on iTunes in 50 countries and debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 chart in the U.S. “Heart Attack” reached #5 on the Billboard Top 40 Radio chart and became the 3rd Top 10 hit of Demi’s career. The video for the song has amassed over 100 million views on VEVO, while a remix of the single also hit #1 on the Billboard Dance Chart.

Demi appeared in a guest starring role on the Emmy Award®-winning show GLEE. Earlier this month, she returned for her second season as a judge and mentor on The X Factor. www.newyorktrendnyc.com

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ENTERTAINMENT R&B Divas: LA — Watch the “Divalogues” on TV One Fans of TV One’s saucy reality show, R&B Divas: LA, will be happy to know that the they’ll be given the chance to watch the “Divalogues” stage production (shown during the series) in its entirety. Tune in to TV One to watch Lil Mo, Chante Moore and Claudette.

Patti LaBelle & El DeBarge at the NYCB THEATRE at Westbury, Sat. 11/9

Beautiful simply does not describe the incomparable force known to the world as Patti LaBelle. As time continues to evolve, the soulful songbird’s name has become synonymous with grace, style, elegance and class. Belting out classic rhythm and blues renditions, pop standards and spiritual songs have created the unique platform of versatility that the Grammy-winning LaBelle is known and revered for. The revered singer of such hits as “Lady Marmalade”, “New Attitude,” “If You Asked Me To,” and

LaBelle has won seven NAACP Image Awards, two American Music Awards, received three Emmy nominations, a Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2009, she reunited with Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx for the first time in 30 years for the critically acclaimed Labelle reunion album, Back to Now. “Each year I grow, and that’s a blessing from God,” LaBelle says. “I do what I can do. I do what I feel God has given me the energy to do, so I just go out there and I do it…It’s not about making money because I don’t need money, but I need to sing. With a voice or without, I’ve got to get on that stage.”

El DeBarge is an acclaimed soul singersongwriter and record producer. He was lead singer and co-founder of the former family group DeBarge in addition to enjoying a successful solo career in the 1980s, garnering three Grammy nominations. El DeBarge’s hits include “Who’s Johnny,” “Love Always,” “Rhythm of the Night,” “Who’s Holding Donna Now” and “You Wear It Well.” In 2010, El DeBarge released a well-received “comeback” album called Second Chance, which received universal acclaim from music critics and resulted in two Grammy

Live Nation is pleased to present Patti LaBelle and El DeBarge at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury on Saturday, November 9 at 8 p.m.

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“On My Own” (with Michael McDonald) has enjoyed a fruitful 52-year career in show business, releasing over 50 albums.

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nominations.

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ENTERTAINMENT HARLEM SCHOOL OF THE ARTS HONORS LAURENCE J. FISHBURNE, GINA TORRES, ARTURO O’FARRILL, CHRIS ROCK & PHYLICIA RASHAD For nearly a half-century, the Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) has transformed the lives of tens of thousands of young people. Located in Harlem’s historic Hamilton Heights, this pioneering, worldclass institution brings together music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and musical theatre instruction under one roof. Serving young people, ages 2 to 18, from the under-served communities of Harlem, across New York City, New Jersey and Westchester County, HSA leverages its reputation for excellence and roster of celebrated alumni to empower youths and constantly revitalize its surrounding community.

The Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) celebrated their 2013 Fall Benefit last week at Lincoln Center with an evening of awards, musical and dance performances and celebrity honorees.

Yvette L. Campbell, President and CEO, Harlem School of the Arts (HSA introduced David Ushery who served as the Master of Ceremonies). Arturo O’Farrill, a Grammy Award winning musician and composer performed with an HSA student during the program. There were also be dance performances from an HSA master class and from a modern dance duo.

For more information about Harlem School of the Arts, visit www.hsanyc.org.

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October 24, 2013 - October 31, 2013

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THEATER & ARTS “Stealin’ Home” at the Castillo

By Deardra Shuler If you are a fan of the great Jackie Robinson who became the first African American to play in the major leagues, you may wish to catch “Stealin’ Home,” directed by Negro Ensemble artistic director, Charles Weldon. “Stealin’ Home,’ is presently running until November 24th at the Castillo Theatre, located at 543 West 42nd Street in Manhattan.

This three character play written by playwright, Fred Newman, tells the story of Jackie Robinson’s early days in baseball and his relationship with fellow ballplayer and friend, Pee Wee Reese. Daniel Hickman plays Jackie, while Nick Webster portrays Pee Wee. Ava Jenkins plays the role of Sally Sojourner, a waitress and fan of Jackie’s. We find in the female character played by Jenkins, a quiet strength. In the beginning of the play its clear she knows Pee Wee loves to embellish, and while his somewhat over zealous assertions may not hold her attention, you see that the man himself does. It seems Sojourner is there to tell the truth and to let the men see she has their best interest at heart.

The story is seen through the eyes of shortstop Pee Wee Reese who narrates this rather hypothetical tale, giving his version of Robinson, whom he sees as a fine figure of a man, great ball player for the Brooklyn Dodgers, and an outstanding fielder. The audience can clearly see that there is some hero worshipping of Robinson going on the part of Reese.

We do see that the playwright has taken some poetic license in his depiction of Robinson in “Stealin’ Home.” Some sports enthusiasts remember Robinson as a serious man, but painted by Newman’s brush, Robinson

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demonstrates a sense of humor, in fact is not above playing pranks. At one point Pee Wee talks about Shadow Ball. Shadow Ball was occasionally played with good humor by the Negro Leagues. It was a game designed to confound and distract the challenging team, by pretending to throw a real ball while actually not throwing any ball at all. Merely going through the motions as if an actual ball had been thrown.

Whether Robinson felt confident enough to play Shadow Ball with his white teammates in real life remains to be seen, but at least in Newman’s version, Jackie did prank the major leaguers to the consternation of the opposing team and the delight of Pee Wee. Being the first to bring about change, carries with it enormous pressure, especially when it comes to having to boldly step out into an arena as the one breaking the color barrier as Robinson did. Having to endure the hoots and hollers of fans who wanted to keep the game white, while Robinson is expected to keep his cool. Something that was not always so easy.

We do however get the feeling that Pee Wee understood the racism Robinson endured and admired him for the strength it took to face bias and hatred day after day. In fact, Reese is known for a famous line wherein he stated, “You can hate a man for many reasons. Color is not one of them.” In 1948, Reese put his arm around Robinson in response to fans who shouted racial slurs at Robinson before a game in Cincinnati. And encouraged Jackie to keep his cool after manager Ben Chapman called Robinson a “nigger” from the dugout, yelling that Jackie should go back to the cotton fields.

Somehow Jackie endured it all and as a result, he ended up changing the white washed game of baseball forever.

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During his sojourn in baseball, Robinson played the sport for over 10 seasons which included six World Series and the 1955 World Championship. He won the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1949, becoming the first African American to be so honored.

Jackie Robinson was an all around sportsman.

Before he wore number 42, he also played, basketball, football, and track. In fact, he won the 1940 NCAA Men’s Outdoor Track and Field Championship in the Long Jump.

While the play paced itself well, I found the acting of Hickman a little stiff. However, I shrugged that off as Opening Night jitters. On the other hand, Nick Webster seemed to be enjoying the heck out of himself as he fluidly delivered his lines and drew the audience into his fun loving character. Jenkins plays the somewhat bored recipient of Pee Wee’s narration and in some cases the social conscious of Robinson. We never meet Jackie’s family in Stealin Home but we do get the strong impression that Jackie loved his wife and was a strong family man.

Time passes throughout the play and the characters age. Jackie retires from baseball and becomes the vice president for personnel at Chock full o’Nuts; making him the first black person to serve as vice president of a major American corporation. As the play evolves, we come to see that Robinson is starting to get ill. He eventually starts losing his sight and ultimately succumbs to complications caused by heart disease and diabetes.

We leave the play convinced that the world is a whole lot better having had Jackie Robinson play ball. Don’t miss this play if your are a sports enthusiast who wants to get a view that depicts a different slant on the life of a man who was thrust into being a hero, when all along he simply just wanted to play ball. www.newyorktrendnyc.com 9

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BOOK REVIEWS GOOD SELF, BAD SELF: How to Bounce Back from a Personal Crisis”

Author, Judy Smith

Whether you’re a CEO threatened with a huge lawsuit for sexual harassment, a single mom whose collegeaged son has been arrested for dealing drugs to high school kids, an entrepreneur tarnished by a scandal not of your own making, or a regular Joe whose nasty divorce is impacting his career, there’s only one person to go to for counsel: Judy Smith, America’s top crisis manager, who shares the secrets of her trade

in “GOOD SELF, BAD SELF: How to Bounce Back from a Personal Crisis.”

Smith is the real-life inspiration behind ABC-TV’s hit television series “Scandal,” which is no surprise: Smith was behind the scenes for President George H.W. Bush in the White House, advised NFL quarterback Michael Vick and NBA star Kobe Bryant, and guided the family of Chandra Levy. Her professional portfolio, as either lawyer or crisis manager, includes involvement in many of the historic events of our time-the Iran Contra investigation, the prosecution of former Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion Barry, the 1991 Gulf War, the Los Angeles riots, Justice Clarence Thomas’ Supreme Court confirmation, the President Clinton scandal, and the Enron inquiry. She was hired to help calm the international hysteria over the SARS pandemic, and assist the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with its communications.

With her uncommon insight into human behavior, Smith has identified certain universal character flaws, trouble spots, and weaknesses that are common to all of us, not just high profile media magnets. In “GOOD SELF, BAD SELF”, Smith says, “The root cause of most troubles lies in one of seven traits: Ego, Denial, Fear, Ambition, Accommodation, Patience and Indulgence. All these attributes can be blessings as well as curses; they’re positive when you manage them well but they create problems when you don’t.

The role they provide can keep you moving forward in your career and life but if they’re out of control they can cause you to crash and burn.”

In “GOOD SELF, BAD SELF”, Smith created the POWER model to help people keep things in balance, stay on track, and avoid personal or professional disaster: Pinpoint the core trait: identify which one is in play.

Own it: acknowledged that it can be both good and bad. For instance, Accommodation helps you to get along and get things done as part of a team, but it can also encourage you to put your needs behind others in a way that is harmful to you.

Work it through: process the role it’s played in your life. With Ego if you’re afraid to ask for what you want, accept and promote your own work and desires, or put your own goals at the top of the agenda, you aren’t permitting your ego to help you become the person you could be. But if your ego has become hubris, then you’re not letting your ego help you become the person you should be.

Explore it: consider how it could play out in the future. Take Denial, walk through the possibility that you’re in denial about whatever situation you’re in. If you suspect your spouse is cheating on you but your denial is telling you to overlook signs, take a few minutes to dip your toe into the possibility that they are and just notice what you see. You don’t have to embrace the possibility right away, but ask yourself if there’s a chance that it’s true.

Rein it in: establish how to re-achieve balance and control. With Fear, dial it back by taking practical steps to make changes right now. That may mean trying to embrace whatever scares you so you can turn your anxieties into something manageable.

You don’t have to kill your fears. You couldn’t anyway. You just have to channel them.

In “GOOD SELF, BAD SELF”, Judy Smith, the real-life version of “Scandal’s” Olivia Pope (played by Kerry Washington) offers a practical, no-nonsense approach toward recovering from public or private crisis and coming out stronger than before.

VH1 REALITY STAR NANCY “MAMA” JONES RELEASES RELATIONSHIP BOOK Nancy “Mama” Jones, a reality TV star who first rose to prominence on VH1’s hit series, “Love And Hip Hop,” recently signed a book deal with Wahida Clark Presents Publishing. Her debut non-fiction book, “Mama Jones My Guide To Love & Romance,” offers her unique perspective on dating and navigating through the choppy waters of relationships. The unapologetic author has no filter as she gives her take on how women can attract a man and keep a man, and vice versa.

Mama Jones, a mother, businesswoman, youth advocate and mentor, has extensive experience at guiding women through romantic challenges.

As the mother of six girls and mother of international rap star Jim Jones, her charismatic personality and street wisdom have earned her key roles on both “Love And Hip Hop,” and now, “Chrissy And Mr. Jones,” a spinoff series on which the irreverent Jones delight TV audiences with their spicy relationships and family issues.

“Mama Jones My Guide To Love & Romance” skillfully blends humor and old school wisdom as she teaches her discerning literary audience NewYorkTrendnyc

how to love wisely. Her non-traditional insight on male/female relationships will bring a smile to faces as her sage advice resonates on every page.

“There are some things that real women just wouldn’t do. I outline a lady code to reinforce the ethics of real women. And I’m going to teach you young brothers a thing or two,” declares the first-time author.

It’s a given that Mama always knows best, and Mama Jones is no exception, having offered her son Jim Jones priceless jewels of advice on and off camera. From giving her take on such hot topics as proposals, to pregnancies, she has endeared herself to television audiences with her quick brand of humor. Her uncensored guide incorporates wisdom and savvy wit where she discusses sex, relationships, love problems and topics one can’t talk about with your own mama. The undisputed Mother of Hip Hop gives her readers the necessary tools to strengthen relationships and find that “special someone.”

The amazing guide provides much-needed edutainment on the fascinating topics of love and romance, while touching on what matters most in relationships.

October 24, 2013 - October 31, 2013

Author, Nancy “Mama” Jones

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RESTAURANT REVIEW KOKUM: A SOUTH INDIAN THRILL SPICES UP CURRY HILL

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October 24, 2013 - October 31, 2013

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NYTREND SPORTS COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYERS EARN TOP HONORS FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE Many student athletes who excel on the field also score points in their personal lives by successfully balancing athletics, schoolwork and giving back to their communities. The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), along with sponsorship partner Allstate, recognizes college/university football players of exemplary character with their annual Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® award, one of the most prestigious off-the-field honors in college sports.

These young men are nominated by their schools’ sports directors, and are selected based on factors which include service to the community and academic achievement. The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® voting panel selects 11 award winners from the Football Bowl Subdivision I-A and 11 from the Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III and the NAIA. All members of the Good Works Team® will receive special recognition at the Allstate® Sugar Bowl® game in January, and have the opportunity to participate in community service activities in the New Orleans area.

Stephen Morris is a senior quarterback for the University of Miami Hurricanes. His community service includes serving as a project manager for the University of Miami’s Bone Marrow Donor Drive, feeding the homeless with the Miami Rescue Mission, coaching youth sports, visiting with families at the Ronald McDonald House, and volunteering for the Run For Your Lives 5K event.

Morris’ selection marks the second year in a row that a University of Miami player has made the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®.

Asa Watson is a senior tight end for the North Carolina State University Wolfpack.

On campus, he serves as a representative for the Society of Afrikan American Culture, an organization promoting cultural awareness and community service.

Off campus, he has volunteered on multiple trips with Athletes In Action’s “Urban Project L.A.” where he helped on projects in inner-city communities. Watson has gone on mission trips as well, and recently spent the entire summer with his pastor father on a mission trip to Jamaica.

This year, four African-American student athletes from the Football Bowl Subdivision have earned a spot on the Good Works Team®: Fred Lee is a senior wide receiver for the University at Buffalo Bulls, and has the distinction of being the first UB football player in history to win the Good Works Team® award. His community service activities include volunteering in schools, day care centers, veteran’s hospitals, the Ronald McDonald House, the Red Cross, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Tim Horton’s Camp Day. Nick Forbes is a junior linebacker for the University of California, Berkeley Golden Bears. He is the vice president of the Golden Bear Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and has represented UC at both the Pac12 Student-Athlete Advisory Conference and the NCAA APPLE Conference. Forbes has been a motivational speaker at schools and youth groups, and has volunteered with organizations such as Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland, City of Berkeley and Read Across America.

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October 24, 2013 - October 31, 2013

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