JAN-FEB 2014 ISSUE

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Happy New Year! « 2014«

DR. GWENDOLYN GOLDSBY-GRANT, A DRUM MAJOR FOR HOPE FORMER FOOTBALL PLAYER DANNY THOMAS, MENTORING ON & OFF THE FIELD

CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY A PIONEER IN MAKING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION PROFESSIONALS

$ 3.00 USD

JAN-FEB 2014

Dr. Rachel Talton

Making 2014 the Year Women Flourish

In Celebration Of

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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African American Women in Their Achievements and Contributions to Our Great Nations.

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The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion welcomes and serves all types of students.

The Women’s Center supports women students through education, services and advocacy.

TRIO Upward Bound Programs work to break socioeconomic and educational barriers to higher education.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Student Center serves as a safe and welcoming place for Kent State University students.

The Student Multicultural Center is an advocate for the successful enrollment, retention and graduation of under-represented students.

Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Excellence in Action Kent State University, Kent State and KSU are registered trademarks and may not be used without permission. Kent State University is committed to attaining excellence through the recruitment and retention of a diverse student body and workforce. 13-2174

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From the Editor

Welcome to a Year of Possibilities Hello and welcome to 2014!

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Wow can you believe that a year has passed?

This edition completes a full year of bringing Phenomenal Woman Magazine to you our loyal readers. I hope you have enjoyed the offering, and will continue on this journey with us. We have faced challenges just as many of you have, yet we have forged ahead because we believe in what we're doing. It is my hope that in the coming year you will share your thoughts on what we present and what you would like to see featured.

Most importantly we would like to feature your phenomenal women because that is at the core of our mission to showcase the women who are impacting the lives of our readership and they need not be famous, just phenomenal!

So it's a new year. A time of new beginnings, planning, resolving to change your life as it was last year – what are your resolutions? I don't usually make resolutions because I'm certain I will not commit and then I'll be disappointed in myself and there's no need to add more disappointment to your life, right? Instead I have made Vision Boards and just having a plan to make each year a little better than the last.

This month we have a few inspiring articles to help you plan a better year and most importantly an opportunity to FLOURISH! Our cover story by R Lee Gamble features an interview with Dr. Rachel Talton, Founder and CEO of Synergy Marketing Strategy & Research, Inc. In this capacity Talton found joy as an Executive Coach helping corporations and their executives flourish. In the new year Talton is determined to make women flourish.

In order to exercise this passion, Talton has co-founded FLOURISH, an executive coaching organization that helps high achieving women thrive in business and in life in much the same way as she has done with corporate America. So if you are looking to make a truly holistic change in the New Year, be sure to use this article as a guide in your transformation.

While Talton is providing the tools to help women flourish, Dr. Gwendolyn Goldsby-Grant has declared this to be the “Century of The Woman.” During a recent visit to Cleveland she offered insight on the power that women possess but often lose sight of. Dr. Grant is a drum major for hope and to learn more about her methodology please check out the feature inside.

As you are planning your year of change you may be considering avenues to give back to the community just as Danny and Kim Thomas have with their non-profit Change of Direction, a Cleveland based mentoring organization.

Inside you will find a feature on their Football Head clinics for local youth.

Danny Thomas, a former Cleveland Brown, operates these clinics to help transform young men both on and off the field.

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Beletu (Bele') Wondwossen Founder / Publisher Shelley M. Shockley Managing Editor Writers Shelley M. Shockley Ruby Lee Gamble A. Michele Garrett Kim Brown Graphics / Art Bele’ Wondwossen On the Cover Story: Ruby Lee Gamble Photo: Herb Bias Photography

Contributors Michelle Phillips Fay Marjorie Clark Stephanie Phelps Advertising Sales ads@phenomenalwoman.me 216.702.0845 Phenomenal Woman Magazine A subsidiary of Atlantic Creative Productions 5247 Wilson Mills Road #141 Cleveland, OH 44143 © 2014 Phenomenal Woman Magazine.

All rights reserved ISSN 2330-2534 (Print) ISSN 2330-2550 (Online) Material may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form of this publication without prior permission from the publisher. Printed in OHIO, U.S.A.

We are also introducing Simply Stephanie, a new column by local cable co-host Stephanie Phelps. Phelps will bring to you the latest in women's advocacy as we work to empower one another!

Additionally, we have our regular health columns, recipes, fashion and more as we enter the sophomore year of Phenomenal Woman Magazine, so grab your favorite beverage and curl up in your favorite chair and join us.

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CONTENTS WE WISH OUR READERS & ADVERTISERS A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS 2014!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Former football player Danny Thomas, mentoring on and off the field

12 Dr. Gwendolyn Goldsby-Grant, a drum major for hope

16 22

SIMPLY STEPHANIE: LIVING IN DESTINY

Here, There, Everywhere we've got the Power

New Year New

Fashion Valentine’s Day Treats Delicious Recipes

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COVER DR. RACHEL TALTON, Making 2014 the Year Women FLOURISH

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SAVE-THE-DATE Northeast Ohio International Women’s Day March 8, 2014 A pioneer in making diversity and inclusion professionals

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ONE-ON-ONE with Marilyn Payne: Energy Based Holistic Health Practitioner

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SAVE - THE - DATE THE 2ND ANNUAL 2014

NORTHEAST OHIO INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2014 SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2014 Hosted by: ANGELHANDS OF NORTHEAST OHIO a 501 (c) 3

CITY-WIDE EVENT-ALL ARE WELCOME!

“Investing in Women and Girls” Cultural & Educational Conference SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2014 - 9am - 4pm CLEVELAND CLINIC LYNDHURST CAMPUS 1950 RICHMOND ROAD, LYNDHURST, OH 44124

ADMISSION ONLY $10 INCLUDES, LUNCH, KEYNOTES, CULTURAL PERFORMANCES, WORKSHOP/ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG GIRLS! GREAT SPEAKERS, DOOR PRIZES SHOPPING, ‘ MAKE-OVERS, MASSAGES and More... $75 VENDOR BOOTHS

MARCH 8 IS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATED ALL OVER THE WORLD

!WE ARE SISTERS, UNITED GLOBALLY, WE ARE STRONG! CULTURAL ATTIRE ENCOURAGED!

For sponsorship, tickets and vendor spaces please call 330-641-0287 / 216-702-0845 or go to ...

WWW.NEOIWD.COM 2013 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Attorney Margaret W. Wong, Margaret Wong & Associates

PNC-Vice President/Bank Manage Certified Women's Business Advocate

Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew UH - WONDOOR Program

!!!A Special THANK YOU to our 2013 sponsors, vendors, speakers, performers and attendees!!!

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JAN. 10 — JAN. 19 Tickets On-Sale Now! Buy tickets at: theqarena.com Quicken Loans Arena Box Office or Call 1-888-894-9424

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Kids' Weekday

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Ages 2-12. Limit of four (4) kids' tickets with purchase of a full-price adult ticket. Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply.

Subject to availability. Excludes premium seats.

No double discounts. Only valid on Wednesday and Thursday performances.

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN (4) TICKETS SEE PAGE 25 www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 7

CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY: A pioneer in making diversity and inclusion professionals By: Victoria Davis Contributing Writer A growing number of employers are recognizing the importance of diversity in the workplace. According to an article by Forbes Magazine, diversity management is the key to growth in today's fiercely competitive global market. Emerging professionals now have the opportunity to become an expert at leading organizational changes while being a valuable asset to employers worldwide. Colleges such as Cleveland State University offer the education and training needed to help professionals acquire these leadership skills.

Cleveland State University offers a Master of Arts Degree Program in Diversity Management (DMP) which leads to certification as a diversity professional (CDP). Cleveland State University's Diversity Management program is the first and only master's program in Diversity Management in the country. The 40 credit masters degree program is tailored to fit the needs of mid-career adult learners. For adults interested in an academic career in diversity, inclusion, organizational effectiveness and cultural competence this program could be a good match. The program focuses on developing leadership skills and participants will learn the fundamentals of group dynamics, group facilitation techniques, organizational assessment and skills as a change agent.

In a recent interview with Phenomenal Woman Magazine, Lisa P. Gaynier, Director of Diversity Management Program at Cleveland State University stated that “If you're not paying attention to diversity, you're missing the opportunity for creativity and innovation. Innovators do best when they have diverse workforces.” Gaynier brings more than twenty years of experience as a consultant and business owner. Her leadership skills, particularly, within the context of crosscultural competence, change leadership and global competitiveness has resulted in bridging the academic world of theory and research with the “real” world challenges.

Many professionals believe that it is important to be able to manage conflict effectively in the workplace and are seeking companies of economic inclusion that have acceptance for people of various backgrounds.

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Lisa P. Gaynier, Director, Diversity Management Program Cleveland State University

“Diversity is important because it allows for the exchange of new ideas and ways to solve problems,” said CSU Alumnus Chad Lee. “In addition, it allows us to learn and grow both professionally and personally. The world is diverse and one ideology does not reign supreme.”

The Diversity Management program is a 21 month program beginning every fall semester meeting for three intensive days a month to accommodate a flexible schedule for worklife balance. The program includes classroom instruction, online learning modules and practical application. Students work together through the program in cohort-based learning communities. Each program participant receives a leadership coach for the first year of the program. In the second year, students work in small consulting teams with organizations that seek diversity management

interventions. Over six months, students apply strategies to gather data on the organization's culture, analyze the data, provide feedback, recommend changes and deliver the interventions to the client.

Increase Your Leadership and Management Skills in a Global Society

The program increases marketability and can open new doors for professionals seeking new ways to become advocates, leaders and positive influencers in their communities. Young professionals and recent college graduates are seeing the need for diversity in corporate environments as they enter into the workforce.

“I think that diversity in the workplace is very important especially in corporate America. To come from a diverse background pinpoints specific demographics,” said Ariana Johnson, CSU Alumna.

Nurturing culturally competent leaders who can lead the change and help provide economic inclusion in the greater Cleveland area and beyond is a key component of the program. For those who have experienced the challenges of leadership and cultural change, this program can help join real world experience with new research and developments to enhance professional growth and increase advancement opportunities.

For more information on the Masters Degree program in Diversity Management at Cleveland State University, visit:

It is critical for business leaders to understand that workplace diversity enhances the growth and success of their business. With a diverse culture, companies can create an environment for skilled workers to work well together and impact growth.

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One Billion Rising th Friday February 14 ,2014 Kent State University – Kent Campus ONE IN THREE WOMEN ON THE PLANET WILL BE RAPED OR BEATEN IN HER LIFETIME. THAT IS ONE BILLION WOMEN. THIS YEAR, ON 14 FEBRUARY 2014 WE ARE CALLING ON WOMEN AND MEN EVERYWHERE TO HARNESS THEIR POWER AND IMAGINATION TO RISE FOR JUSTICE. IMAGINE, ONE BILLION WOMEN RELEASING THEIR STORIES, DANCING AND SPEAKING OUT AT THE PLACES WHERE THEY NEED JUSTICE, WHERE THEY NEED AN END TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS.

JOIN US! RISE. RELEASE. DANCE! www.onebillionrising.org

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Walk A Mile In Her Shoes® Tuesday April 15, 2014 Student Green - Check-in 5 PM - Walk begins 5:30 PM

The mission of Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® is to co-create a united gender movement where men will be a part of the solution to ending sexualized violence by marching a mile in heeled shoes. Men participating in Walk a Mile in her Shoes® will provide their own heels for the event. Women are encouraged to wear tennis shoes.

From the WAM Website…

Each year, an ever-increasing number of men, women and their families are joining the awardwinning Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®: The International Men's March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender Violence. A Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® Event is a playful opportunity for men to raise awareness in their community about the serious causes, effects and remediation's to sexualized violence. First You Walk the Walk: There is an old saying: "You can't really understand another person's experience until you've walked a mile in their shoes."

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® asks men to literally walk one mile in women's highheeled shoes. It's not easy walking in these shoes, but it's fun and it gets the community to talk about something that's really difficult to talk about: gender relations and sexual violence.

Website to WAM: http://www.walkamileinhershoes.org/ www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 11

Photo courtesy of Change of Direction/Kim Thomas

A Profile in Mentoring:

Former Football Player Tackles Tough Job of Mentoring on and off the Field

By Michelle Phillips Fay Contributing Writer

play at Division I and II college levels. But Aliquippa is also known for being one of the poorest communities in that part of the state.

As the population of this country ages, many people are left to consider what to do with the “second act” of their lives. But for one former member of the Cleveland Browns, deciding what to do in his “second half” was an easy call.

Growing up in the same housing project as Tony Dorsett, Thomas knew well the long-shot odds of making it into the professional ranks. But he had also learned that football, if played well, in the long run could pay off with a college scholarship. Thomas was right and the long odds broke in his favor. He made it on to the roster of the Cleveland Browns; and he attained his college degree.

After having successfully reared their two children, empty-nesters Danny Thomas and his entrepreneur wife, Kim Thomas, co-founded “Change of Direction,” a nonprofit mentoring organization serving the Cleveland area.

Thomas chose to take the lessons that life and football had taught him and use them to help change the lives of children.

According to Thomas, “I was sick and tired of hearing people talk about what's not being done. And the powers that be [that] could change things not changing [them] or not doing anything.”

Motivated by that frustration, Thomas, who could easily have rested on his own personal accomplishments of a longstanding marriage and career, home and business ownership and two college-educated children, moved in the direction of being the change he wanted to see.

The Man: Scholar Athlete Thomas himself grew up in Western Pennsylvania, less than an hour drive from Pittsburgh in Aliquippa -- a city best known for having produced NFL Hall of Famer and legendary Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Dorsett, along with a host of other football talents who went on to 12 ▒ JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014

After injury sidelined his single-season football career, Thomas returned to college, applied himself and completed his studies, earning a degree in Criminal Justice and Police Administration. Initially, he worked as a counselor dealing with at-risk black youth. Thomas went on to amass a wide-range of professional experiences, working with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center, Volunteers of America and the State of Ohio Adult Parole Authority.

After almost 25 years of working with at-risk youth, felons and other vulnerable population, Thomas has reached one conclusion – “I've not seen anyone win in the criminal game. You'll end up in prison or dead somewhere.”

The Mission: Mentoring After years of seeing the poor results produced by the criminal justice system, Thomas envisioned a way to use football training to help at-risk youth by giving them the same strict discipline, structured scheduling and excellent coaching he had received, but this time in the form of a mentoring program.

Unlike many criminal defense matters, the case in favor of mentoring is easily made.

A study conducted by the California Mentor Foundation yielded the following statistics, showing the positive impact of mentoring among youth facing major social ills: 98% stay in school, 98% do not become teen parents, 85% do not use drugs, and 98% avoid gang participation.

Photo courtesy of Change of Direction/Kim Thomas

In the words of the National CARES Mentoring Movement, “mentoring is a lowcost, high yield solution to a growing crisis.”

The Method: Football As a successful high school and college athlete, Thomas had ready access to positive role models and mentors in his life –- his coaches. And some of the advice given to him by them has stuck like a defensive tackle coming off the line at Ohio State University. Thomas still remembers the life-shaping advice offered by Athletic Hall of Famer Howard Schnellenberger at Kentucky's University of Louisville -- “set yourself up to win in life.”

Today, under the umbrella of Change of Direction, Thomas provides a football skills clinic to area youth called “Football Head.” This no-cost program provides physical conditioning, along with training on skills, drills and techniques for all positions. Participants range in age from little league to college, and it is open to anyone, including girls.

Football Head operates three to four days a week throughout the summer. Last year, Thomas calculated that over one hundred participants “came at least twice.”

And he boasts a “steady stream of approximately 30 kids who came weekly.” Thomas says “some like it, others really love it.”

Without a practice field of their own, the clinic was conducted primarily on two football fields located at 285th and Euclid Avenue, as well as at the Salvation Army located at Grovewood Avenue on occasion. Football Head is currently working to secure the use of these fields again next year. Ideally, Thomas would welcome the offer of an indoor facility to conduct sessions during the long winter months.

He admits that “the training is not easy.” And why should it be? Thomas is not simply preparing these kids to play football he is preparing them for life, which for the majority of these kids has already proven itself not to be easy. Thomas' tough training is intended not only to develop them into better athletes, but also to toughen them up for whatever life throws their way. He shows them how to mentally “approach life like you do a game,” and how to “put yourself in the position to win.”

The Message: Motivation Thomas' guiding philosophy is a quote from famed abolitionist Fredrick Douglass which states: “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” So, in addition to the “rigorous training, conditioning and

discipline,” Change of Direction provides education on essential life skills –- basic hygiene, manners & etiquette, proper dress and conflict resolution.

And it is this latter area that Thomas sees as the valueadded component to his program's particular approach to mentoring youth. He believes that some kids need to be taught how to deal with emotions and anger issues, and to learn how to resolve conflicts without violence.

Borrowing heavily on his background in the criminal justice system, Thomas conveys the message that “there's no excuse for committing crimes . . . at all.” He fills a role that is often absent in the lives of many of these young people –- the authoritative male figure. Thomas educates them on the actual harm that criminal activity does to the community and to society at-large, countering the view promoted by “thug culture.” And he shares with them examples of those he has seen come through “the system.”

Thomas shared one case in point. The story of a young man who said from behind bars, “Mr. Thomas, I hear your voice all the time, telling me not to go down there.” But, according to Thomas, this young man did not heed the advice given. Instead of staying away from the persons and areas that Thomas had warned about, this young man committed a crime that earned him a sentence of 20 years to life.

Thomas spoke with considerable sadness as he pointed out that children currently in kindergarten will graduate college before this particular young man even comes before the Parole Board, since under his sentence he is required to serve 26 years before being eligible. And that will not occur until 2030.

Avoiding more situations like this one motivates Thomas.

“I'm very concerned with the future of us. We have to build better youth.” And Thomas is convinced that if he is able to mentor a young man from middle school through to high school graduation, then “he'll be somebody you can be proud of.”

Continued on next page www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 13

The Measurement: Success “Nothing succeeds like success” the saying goes. And for Thomas and his Football Head program 2013 was a very successful year.

This year Thomas brought his Football Head concept to the Cleveland Muni Football League.

Working with Mike Powers, who is Team Coordinator and Head Coach for the bantam weight Cullum Renegades, Thomas worked with the various teams all summer long and helped to secure championship playoff spots for three of the four Renegade teams. The Cullum Renegades are sponsored by the Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority.

“This was the first time that has ever happened,” Powers said, “in the history of our program.” The muni league football program has existed for roughly 35 years, and Powers has been coaching for 13 seasons.

He credits Thomas for this unprecedented success.

In the end, the Cullum Renegades came away with one champion and two runnersup.

Consequently, Powers said in referring to Thomas, “He'll be with us as long as he wants to be.” And that is not just because of the game-winning victories achieved on the field. “I saw a difference in our kids in terms of attitude, better practice habits, more focus and more discipline,” Powers elaborated.

“Danny brought a program to help the kids with the fundamentals of the game and also gave them some direction off the field.” According to Powers, Thomas gave them “someone to look up to, someone to talk to.” And just having that alone is important in Powers' view, adding that “a lot of our kids are in crisis.” So the one-onone mentoring work that Thomas did with them “helped them get the burdens off their chests.”

Powers cited a specific instance in which Thomas went to court with one of the Renegade players, vouched for him and later enrolled him in the anger management classes conducted by Change of Direction. Powers is certain of the positive benefit that will flow from Thomas' special efforts with the athletically-gifted young man -- “This will pay off a couple of years down the road. That part [Thomas' offthe-field mentoring] is still paying dividends.”

Thomas is a man who is familiar with success. And in his perfect world, “every child is given the tools to succeed in life.” But until that day arrives he vows to remain on the battlefield, and on the football field, fighting for change.

And when asked how long he sees himself leading this charge, Thomas said, “It's like being a Browns fan. I'm there forever. Win, lose or draw.”

14 ▒ JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014

Note: Change of Direction has completed its 501(c)(3) submission and has been issued a tax identification number. It is positioned to receive charitable donations and other sponsorships. Interested persons can contact Coach Thomas via cell at 216-244-4643 or e-mail at dannythomas@change-direction.org or footbalhead8900@yahoo.com.

Visit his website at www.change-direction.org. © 2013 Michelle Phillips Fay ~~~~~~ Michelle Phillips Fay is an attorney, freelance journalist and an active mentor herself. She has served as the public relations liaison for the Greater Cleveland CARES Mentoring Mentor, which was launched in Cleveland, Ohio in October 2009. She is currently handling communications for the Greater Cleveland CARES Circle. If interested in joining, please contact Ms. Fay on Twitter at PrepOrationMentoring.

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Dr. Gwendolyn Goldsby-Grant, a drum major for hope

By Shelley Shockley Managing Editor Alexander Pope's saying, “Hope springs eternal in the human breast” rings true most often during the winter holiday season when no matter what your religious affiliation there is an air of optimism, love and joy in the air. This air is really a sense of hope for today and the future.

Despite continuous senseless acts of violence and an economy that continues to struggle, Clevelanders have witnessed the power of hope and faith this year as we all celebrated the escape of Gina DeJesus, Amanda Berry and Michelle Knight. Days later it was announced that a suspect had been apprehended in the abduction of Gloria Pointer and as the months progressed an arrest was made in the case of Christina Adkins. Though many, many years had passed these cases are proof that with prayer and hope good things are possible.

Last month Gloria Pointer's mom, Yvonne, the world renowned activist, evangelist and author was the driving force behind the Gloria Pointer Teen Movement Foundation's 1st Annual “Celebration of Hope” featuring a week of activities focusing on the healing power of faith and hope.

As part of that celebration, nationally acclaimed psychologist, columnist and author Dr. Gwendolyn Goldsby-Grant braved the Cleveland snow to enlighten the audience of women on “the psychology of hope.”

Grant has been an ear, shoulder and stalwart supporter of Pointer's over her nearly three decades of searching and on a cold Cleveland December afternoon, Dr. Grant a selfproclaimed drum major for hope brought her spirit filled message of hope to the Louis Stokes Wing of the Cleveland Public Library as part of the Gloria Pointer Teen Movement Foundation's first annual “Celebration of Hope.”

From the moment she took the stage it was clear why Dr. Grant is often called “The Energizer.” Small in stature, she quickly moves her little legs from end to end of the stage pausing briefly to connect with members of the audience.

Much like the scene in a Baptist Church on Sunday 16 ▒ JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014

Dr. Gwendolyn Goldsby-Grant Photo: Shelley Shockley

morning, Grant urged the women present to interact as she proclaimed, “black women have been healing their communities all their lives,” and when no reaction was forthcoming she asked if anyone heard her and repeated the statement to a chorus of “amen.”

At the heart of Dr. Grant's message was a call for women to be hopeful, but to also understand the power of hope, the structure of hope and to “look for it with confidence.” To illustrate her words she used anecdotes from her own life as proof that if you “don't cooperate with despair” you can use those experiences to help turn your life around.

As a young girl growing up in Canton, Ohio Grant saw the movie “Cabin In The Sky” starring Lena Horne and knew at that moment that she would grow up to be successful because she saw someone who looked like her on the big screen and because she had a mother with two names – Ethel Lee. Dr. Grant professes that women with two names are strong, determined who pass that on to their children.

If you look at her achievements and listen to the stories of how she got there you are prone to believe that her testimony is fact. After completing all of her collegiate course with the exception of one class, Dr. Grant found herself in a precarious situation. She needed to work and she needed to attend class at Rutgers University, but she did not have a car and the distance she needed to travel eliminated public transportation as an option.

Armed with a certificate of graduation and a letter of employment she went into the car dealership and offered these two documents along with her story as collateral for a car. You might find it hard to believe, but she walked out of there with a brand new car. This is a clear example of seeing a problem turning it into an opportunity and knowing that “fear believes what someone else says, but faith is what God says.”

A problem Dr. Grant sees in many women is the need to hold onto bitterness and pain, which is something that is counterproductive to healing. In order to rid oneself of this type of pain she offered an exercise that would allow you to “handle the bitterness” by visualizing the person who has caused you pain and look them straight in the eye. Grant explained, “If you do this once a week, you will cut the pipeline to the pain and take your power back.”

Dealing with death whether tragic or otherwise was another teaching moment during the program. Dr. Grant recalled her father's funeral service and a woman saying “I hate to say this but I had a good time at this funeral,” and her response was, “I intended for you to have a good time because we celebrate life, we don't celebrate death.” A teacher at heart, Dr. Grant instructed the audience, “So one of the things I want you to do as your homework assignment is to stop celebrating death. Strong hope can turn your life around until you get a vision. That's what happened to Yvonne, her hope was so strong that she began to see a vision.”

In closing, Dr. Grant encouraged the women to remember the Ten Commandments, as she has taught them to her grandson: 1.

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Put God First Worship God Only (not the gun, not the gangs) Use God's name with respect Remember God's Sabbath Respect your parents Don't hurt others Be faithful in marriage Don't steal Don't lie Don't be envious of others

Understanding and practicing these commandments along with a conscious effort to look for hope will allow you to see that “Trials and tribulations come into your life for one reason - your instruction, not your destruction!”

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“

FLOURISH is the theme for 2014, it is about a new you.

It is my hope that more women will know what it feels like to live their true passion and purpose.

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Dr. Rachel Talton

Herb Bias Photography

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COVER - DR. RACHEL TALTON

Dr. Rachel Talton:

Making 2014 the Year Women Flourish

By R. Lee Gamble Unleashing passion is not a catchphrase for Dr. Rachel Talton – it is a calling. As the founder and CEO of a successful brand strategy firm, Synergy Marketing Strategy & Research, Inc. (Synergy), she unlocks passion in organizations, people and brands from the inside out.

Her drive to help organizations prosper and grow is aligned with a deep desire to help individuals thrive. Late last year, Dr. Talton partnered with her mastermind colleague, Dr. Monikah Ogando Halsey, to co-found FLOURISH, an executive coaching organization that helps high-achieving women thrive in business and in life. The company also helps highpotential middle managers become successful executives and entrepreneurs. Through FLOURISH, Dr. Talton's goal is to unleash the passion and dreams of women who may have the desire to achieve more but lack a customized, holistic plan to do so.

“FLOURISH is the theme for 2014,” said Dr. Talton. “It is about a new you. I have been mentoring people most of my life. I was always the one you go to when you have a problem. My strengths were always being able to listen to people and help them solve problems – that is where I have always found the most joy. One of the things I appreciate about marketing is being able to go in and fix management, brand, and marketing challenges so companies can flourish and thrive.”

“

an expert in brand strategy and market research on ABC News, Fox News, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Crain's and MBA Magazine, amongst many others. Dr. Talton has authored several practitioner and academic articles, including “Dare to Build Trust in Times of Distrust” and “Trust Payoffs in Distrust Dominated Environments.” Her first book, Beyond Extraordinary: A Blueprint to Flourish in Business and in Life goes to print in February 2014. Her second book, The Currency of Passion, will be published in early 2015.

A lifetime member of The International Honor Society Beta Gamma Sigma, Dr. Talton serves on the board of directors of JumpStart, Inc., Positively Cleveland, and the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation.

Prior to founding Synergy, Dr. Talton was an Executive Vice President at Marketing Programs, Inc., where she led Corporate Marketing Programs and Small Business Marketing and Research for several national financial institutions.

Between 1997 and 2001, her consumer insights were used to help build one of the most successful retai l smal l business banking programs in the United States for National City Bank (now PNC).

I want 2014 to be the year that women transform themselves and begin living their dreams. It is not just about what we do for a living, it is about how we align our lives.

”

Synergy helps large corporations and institutions earn the trust, loyalty, and most of all, passion of their customers and employees. The agency serves industries that are consumer-driven such as banking, health care, retail, as well as nonprofit organizations, government and education. Companies who have utilized Synergy's services are definitely flourishing.

Clients such as Microsoft, Procter & Gamble, the Cleveland Clinic, Kent State University, and the State of Ohio have used Synergy research and brand strategy consultants to leverage opportunities for growth. Synergy's signature product, BloomPrint™ for Brands, assesses brand engagement, aligns the brand to customer needs, and activates the core brand promise across the organization. This product has been touted as “revolutionary” by clients and industry thought leaders.

Dr. Talton earned her Doctor of Management from Case Western Reserve University's Weatherhead School of Management, where she has served as an Adjunct Professor of Marketing. Her research is focused on the impact of perceptions of trust, satisfaction, and value on consumer loyalty in dynamic industry environments. She holds an M.B.A. with a concentration in finance from Cleveland State University and a B.A. in Psychology. She has been featured as

In early 2009, Dr. Talton cofounded TRUST, LLC, along with several established Northeast Ohio CEOs working in the marketing discipline. To support the organization's mission, Dr. Talton designed “Women in Business Pay It Forward.”

Today, Synergy still donates marketing services to one burgeoning company each year. The most recent recipient of donated services is a fast-growing Cleveland office design company. Synergy's BloomPrint™ for Brands helped this company create a successful growth plan that has garnered a substantial increase in employee engagement and in annual sales.

Dr. Rachel Talton

Building on Synergy's successes, in 2010 Dr. Talton and her team focused their energies on improving the economic development of historically disadvantaged groups throughout the Cleveland Plus region with the design and implementation of the Northeast Ohio Economic Inclusion Forum series. Dr. Talton now looks to take her passion for facilitating change to the national stage.

“I have been talking with my mastermind partners – a group of brilliant ladies who meet weekly to share best practices, help and support each other, and provide resources. They are also there to be honest and say, 'That is not such a good idea,'” Dr. Talton said. “About a year ago I was sharing with my mastermind sisters about how much joy I get, even when dealing with my Synergy clients, when I am helping individuals, particularly women, solve their personal and professional challenges.”

Continued on next page www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 19

COVER - DR. RACHEL TALTON

Synergy Marketing Strategy & Research – Dr. Talton facilitates a brand ideation session

Dr. Talton recognized that many women are seeking assistance in leadership development. They are looking for answers to questions like how to succeed in the executive ranks, and once there, what's next? Some women also struggle with how to balance all of these issues in their lives.

Dr. Talton said that these are the women that look successful, have the right social status, and have amazing careers, but are still unfulfilled.

“I have found over the past couple of years that I have gained as much joy from helping these women to flourish as I do in my brand strategy work, which I love,” she explained.

“Working with my mastermind sisters, I decided to start an executive coaching business for women because it allows me to live my passion and my purpose.”

After several months of dedicated strategizing and planning, FLOURISH was born. The company provides high-achieving female executives and entrepreneurs with executive coaching, masterminding cohorts, and their signature offering: Transformation Immersion™ retreats. These are scalable strategic and inspirational events hosted by FLOURISH co-founders Dr. Talton and Dr. Ogando, affectionately known as “Dr. Rachel” and “Dr. Monikah.”

“Beginning in the late spring, we will facilitate one-day retreats in three cities – Atlanta, Cleveland, and Washington, D.C. – and we will culminate it with a three-day retreat in Miami,” said Dr. Talton. “Our premise is that when women flourish we change the world. It's not that men are not wonderful – they are a blessing in so many ways – but when women flourish, everything changes – communities

20 ▒ JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014

change, schools change, families change. Our ability to collaborate and empathize transforms the world!”

Dr. Talton wants 2014 to be the year that women transform themselves and begin living their dreams. “It is not just about what we do for a living; it is about how we align our lives,” she said. “How are we aligning our purpose with what we do 24 hours a day, and how does that manifest in our leadership at the office – whether it is our own business or we are working with someone else? It is also how we are flourishing in our families, relationships, and friendships.

How are we flourishing in our churches, communities, and civic engagements? It is more than just looking at your professional life. It is how you are aligning your whole life.”

It is Dr. Talton's hope that more women will know what it feels like to live their true passion and purpose.

“I have this amazing team at Synergy and these wonderful clients and work that I have been blessed to do,” she said.

“The ability to add to that is something that makes my heart sing, which is watching women step into their own mastery. I mean, how cool is that? I think it is about being aligned with what I was really put here to do. So 2014 is truly that year and not just for a few of us. The New Year is a great opportunity for us to take a step back and ask ourselves, what is my purpose and what am I doing every single day to live that purpose?”

FLOURISH will come to Cleveland on May 16th, 2014 and will feature speakers, workshops, and collaborative coaching. Watch upcoming issues of PWM for more detailed information.

COVER - DR. RACHEL TALTON

Dr. Rachel's Prescription: Your Blueprint to Flourish in 2014, Your Year to Flourish n BE COMMITTED – People often have great ideas, but are not committed to them. Commitment requires putting the resources, time, and energy into making your dream a reality. This step is very important; people frequently want to skip over the commitment portion of making an idea work.

Commitment is critical to making everything happen. n FORM A MASTERMIND GROUP – The Mastermind program was introduced by Napoleon Hill in the 1930s. You are already masterminding when you and your best friends get together. These are the people who have your best interests at heart, will work through things with you, and will challenge you. Masterminding is a formalized way of getting these people together; many successful people do it because it is a way to both challenge their thinking and get perspective on their ideas. Many of the most successful people on earth have mastermind groups that they trust to push them to the next level, both intellectually and from a business perspective. Even if the group is not formal, put a team of people together that cares about you and your idea. You can't do it alone. n CREATE A PLAN – Put together a plan. It does not have to be a 100-page, academically vetted, strategic plan, but it must be goal oriented. You should have big-picture goals broken down into tasks, a timeline for when these tasks are going to occur, and a delegation of who is responsible for implementing the tasks. Your plan serves as a blueprint to help you remember items that are critical to the success or failure of your idea. Place your guiding principles at the top of your plan so you remember why you are doing what you are doing.

n BE ACCOUNTABLE – Hold yourself accountable to achieving your goals or explain to yourself why you did not.

Create accountability metrics, preferably weekly, and reward yourself when you achieve your financial, professional and personal goals. This step is very important to your success. n BUILD YOUR SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION – Having a spiritual foundation or believing in something that is bigger than yourself can help to guide your decisions. Some actions may get you where you want to go but may not be the right thing to do. Another direction may take longer but is truer to who you are. n NEVER. EVER. GIVE UP – Sometimes in the middle of your plan, when things seem to be going well, you hit a wall.

The difference between people who are flourishing and those who are not is that successful people see the wall as a learning experience on their way to getting to their goals. You have to be able to lift yourself up over your challenges.

Something inside of you says I can do this, I can get beyond this challenge – and that's self-determination. There are many people who are smart, beautiful, and talented, but who are easily turned away by a challenge. You never hear about these fantastic people because they let one or two or 10 challenges get in their way instead of using the challenges as a learning experience on their path to fulfilling their purpose. n REMEMBER TO CELEBRATE – Even if it is a little thing, celebrate! This advice is especially important for women. We assume that it is our job to take care of everybody and fix everything, and we never take the time to celebrate the things we actually do accomplish. Be sure to celebrate both the little things and the big things that you have been able to accomplish.

Synergy Insight Center – Dr. Talton moderates a consumer focus group www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 21

Simply Stephanie

Living in Destiny

Here, There, Everywhere we've got the Power

By Stephanie Phelps Contributing Writer

My television show "Another Look” has shown me the potential of a phenomenal 2014, for women here and around the globe. I am reminded of the progress made, just last year alone. I'm also mindful of personal challenges and triumphs – the importance of here and now – of making every moment count.

The victories of women are notable and laudable throughout the northeast Ohio landscape. Probably most intriguing is Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus. If you know anything about these [now] women, subjected to unimaginable brutality while in captivity, then you know the power of women “holding it down” for each other and the universality of sisterhood. The resolve of Cleveland activist and philanthropist Yvonne Pointer and willingness of a Laura Cowan, to share her story and take action – these are all examples of women making an indeterminate positive impact on our community.

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Then, there are the stories –national and international – of Antoinette Tuffs and Malala Yousafzi. If you don't know about their amazing courage you “betta” ask somebody. Tuffs's faith and compassion couple with Yousafizi's dedication are examples of miracles in motion. They are unbreakable, unshakeable catalysts for change. One protected children from violence while the other, a child herself, survived a bullet to the head, for girl's education. She's still standing. Both are extraordinary.

No matter how great the obstacles, everywhere I look, women and girls are building muscle, often borne of pain and heartache. Yet we are capable of the heavy lifting to overcome injustice, inequality, inopportunity; abuse, sexism, gender bias; misogynist thinking and behavior. Sage psychologist and author, Dr. Gwendolyn Goldsby Grant assures us we are shaping and inspiring the “Century of the Woman.”

In our feminine power to make the world a non-violent and loving place we are doing what needs to be done. We recognize we have what it takes and we celebrate each other just as this new collaboration with Phenomenal Woman Magazine. I am grateful for this wonderful new platform to share what makes us all Phenomenal.

Living in destiny requires fully embracing the present with an eye towards the future. No more would've, could've, should've – except to draw on lessons learned. I'm living in destiny. Are you? No matter, I encourage you and invite you to join me on this journey, of women's advocacy journalism. I promise you'll enjoy the ride.

Simply, Stephanie 22 ▒ JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014

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www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 23

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FASHION

New Year, New

Fashion

By Mariana Marron Contributing Writer

As one year comes to a close, we are usually excited to celebrate and become anxious to make changes.

This is the time that New Year's resolutions are made, whether it's to be on time, to lose weight, or to enroll in school, we are committed to making a change that attributes to making us a better individual. So, as this New Year begins and you prepare for these changes, I challenge you to add fashion to this list. Break out and dare to be fashionable. If you normally wear all black, this year add a bright color, if you always wear flats, try out those heels that have been in the back of your closet.

Let Fashion cover your Fear!

One of the many beauties of fashion is that you can adopt a character through your fashion.

You can heighten your current style or you can introduce the world to your alter ego.

Throw on some six inch heels, bling shades and strut the sidewalk as if it were the catwalk and you were a high fashion model. Put on an align dress, accented with a pair of glasses, soft lipstick and walk into the board room.

In fashion, you write your own play book, and as you change over the years, as you grow and develop, so does your fashion. This change and especially this growth can be seen on social media when people post #tbt- Throw Back Thursday- pictures. The style of the early 90s or that of the 60s has been refined and redefined over the years. Your style at your high school is usually different from your style in college. There appears to have been decades in between instead of just four years. Changes in fashion can be the most adventurous journey a person takes, but for many it can also be nerve racking. Knowing what the colors are this season, or the patterns, deciding on whether or not to add more color or tone things down can be confusing. In addition there are other things to c o n s i d e r, s u c h a s : a g e , w e i g h t and hair.

26 â–’ JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014

FASHION

Deciding if a style is too young or too old for us can leave us baffled and flustered.

Weight gain or loss, hair color, or change in hair length can all influence your own personal fashion trend, making choices on what to wear go from fun to overwhelming.

So this year, I say simplify the process by changing one thing in your wardrobe, choose your coat. The accessory of the coat can change a look instantaneously and the wonders of the coat is that it is forgiving. No matter what your weight change, change in hair style or your overall height, you can find the right coat to speak volumes. When it comes to displaying the fashionable power of the right coat, no one displays a Fashion Forward Coat of Confidence better than Ms. Olivia Pope of the hit show Scandal! It is not unusual to see the twitter and face book news feeds full on Thursday nights of comments about Olivia's (affectionately known as Liv to her Gladiators) newest coat. Whether walking into a restaurant, the board room of her office or the white house Olivia Pope shows how a coat can make a fashion statement all on its own.

No matter how people may feel about Kerry Washington's character as Olivia Pope, the debates surrounding her affair with President, or her hand in cover-ups and scandals, there is no debate when it comes to her choice of coats. Whether it's a well-tailored suit jacket, a sleek black leather coat, a neutral colored shawl or the fan favorite classic white trench coat with the Burberry Prorsum Duchesse satin cape topper, it is without question that the coat makes the difference.

By putting on a great coat, you can look like a million bucks without spending a million bucks. You can find a great coat at Wilson's leather, Burlington Coat Factory or your local thrift store- no matter the store you choose, there's a fashionable coat right around the corner for all budgets.

www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me â–’ 27

FASHION

New Year, New

Fashion

Continued

Burberry Prorsum Fall 2013 Collection

28 ▒ JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014

FASHION

WW

hether going to a church function in your Sunday best, the opera in a full length gown or a night on the town in jeans, you can dress a coat up or you can dress it down. The versatility of a coat takes you through all four seasons and so many characteristics and personalities. There are blazers for the entrepreneur, or ponchos for spring, there are jean jackets for the artist or light weight zip jackets for summer nights, there are leather bomber jackets for the biker or cloaks for the fall and fur coats for the debutant and peacoats for winter.

There is no need in fashion a good coat can't fulfill! Coats are made in several styles : racing jackets, bubble coats, cloaks, overcoats, shawls, ponchos, jackets, suit jackets, blazers, rain coats, trench coats, swing coats, waist length coats, quarter length coats, crop jackets, fur coats, leather jackets, suede jackets, etc. there are a plethora of choices.

Once a style is chosen, there is more.

The styles, patterns and materials are limitless. You can even add additional accessories like a belt, tam, an infinity scarf or riding boots to make the style your own. No matter what style you choose, try adding a jacket to your next outfit and be sure to rock it with a COAT of CONFIDENCE! Jackets featured from: Forever 21 (Strongsville Mall), Ashley Stewart (Richmond Mall), Macy's (Richmond Mall) and Milano’s Mens Wear.

www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me â–’ 29

natural health

Do you have dry winter skin?

By Marjorie Clark Contributing Writer

Wonderful Bilberries for healthy eyes!

Bilberries are a main ingredient in lots of eye formulas. They are packed with antioxidants known as Anthocyanosides and are beneficial to both retinal health and prevention of macular degeneration. They are also known to help fight night blindness. The Bilberry is related to the Blueberry, Cranberry and the Huckleberry. You can find it in the pill form, tea or eye vitamins.

Relief from Anxiety and trouble falling asleep Lemon balm tea just might do the trick. It is a natural sedative and is used largely in European countries to help with insomnia, nervous tension and mood issues. Lemon balm has been around for thousands of years and was a favorite herb in ancient Greece for many ailments. It is also useful for relieving cramps both in the gut and menstrual as it relaxes the muscles without the side effects of pharmaceuticals.

Senior moments Do you have difficulty remembering where you put your keys or trying to pull up words or phrases from your memory bank? Consider supplementing with Phosphatidylserine, also referred to as (PS). PS is a naturally occurring phospholipid that coats ones cells but depletes as we age. So as our production of PS declines with age so does the brains ability to memorize and recall.

Of course many factors are involved in memory decline and brain function in general, such as not keeping the brain active and this is why brain training is so popular as a science and a practice. Brain training is a way to help prevent and reverse cognitive decline by engaging the mind in activities such as Sudoku and other hand eye coordination puzzles in math or vocabulary.

30 â–’ JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014

The dry indoor air and cold brisk winter air outside can have debilitating effects on ones skin. One soothing and ultra moisturizing mask for the face and neck area- is a simple old fashioned sour cream mask. This is so easy -no mashing fruit or mixing necessary (although some people do add honey and banana).

Just take a couple of tablespoons and gently smear all over the face (careful not to get into the eyes) and wash off in 15 minutes. Compared to regular cream, sour cream contains lactic acid (which is in the alpha hydroxy acid family) and it gently exfoliates surface skin cells revealing fresh dewy skin. This process also stimulates collagen production. When we use most store bought masks and lotions – unless from health food stores, we often slather chemicals into our skin pores which can potentially seep into our bodies, sometimes causing more harm than good just for a temporary cosmetic effect. One can also use this on dry hands as long as one has the patience to keep from using the hands for 15 minutes. It is not recommended to do this more than once a week because of the exfoliation process.

Stress When the body is under stress, it produces very destructive levels of a hormone called Cortisol. This hormone, released by the adrenal glands is necessary in proper levels to help the memory function better and protect the body from danger. But when one is constantly under stress one will continue to pump out unhealthy amounts and it can be problematic to the brain, thus memory function. Improper levels of Cortisol is also related to increased blood pressure and turns on the abdominal fat machine. This unwanted belly fat is the most difficult to get rid of and Cortisol induced belly fat when out of balance - will produce cytokines thus raises blood pressure, cholesterol and increases blood sugar levels etc. So what can one do about this? Qigong will help very much. Herbs to help lower Cortisol that you might want to consider supplementing are Relora, Holy Basil, and Ashwaganda (which is an Ayurvedic Indian herb).

Check out my interview with Qigong Master, Marilyn Payne on page 32 The above is not a medical advice; please consult your physician before starting any regimen.

New Solution to Lift Sagging Skin:

Ultrasound (Family Features) The beauty about getting older is you finally start to loosen up. You tend to worry a little less, laugh a little more and melt into who you've become and the life you've created.

But, unfortunately, your skin also seems to take on a lax attitude.

You – and your skin – are not alone. In fact, 3 of 5 people are bothered by sagging skin, and, according to a consumer survey by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, nearly 75 percent have considered a cosmetic procedure to tighten up or smooth things out. What's more, statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery show that facelifts seem to be making a comeback. And while surgery tends to be a last resort, many mistakenly believe it's the only solution available for lifting, especially for stubborn areas such as the gobbler under the chin or the loose rings on the neck.

Thankfully, science has decided to challenge that belief and serve up the skin its overdue non-surgical lift by way of sound. Yes, S-O-U-N-D.

Sound Skin To be clear, this is sound that can't be heard by the human ear. This is ultrasound; sound that occurs at frequencies only dolphins and bats can detect.

In fact, this is the same ultrasound used to produce baby sonograms.

In sonogram imaging, the sound wave energy is low with shortened pulses. To show a sharp picture, these pulsed waves create a tight web of visual details as they bounce off the body's internal structures. To actually treat and stimulate a natural lift in the skin, however, the sound wave juice gets bumped up and the pulses are prolonged and converged for deeper, more precise penetration. This allows the energy to narrow in on the skin's core fabric, including the same collagen-rich fibrous layer typically treated during a facelift.

The ultrasound lift The process in which ultrasound makes the lifting magic happen is nice to know, but what really matters is the validated science behind it. For the first time, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared a face-andneck ultrasound procedure that is clinically proven to non-invasively lift skin on the neck, under the chin and

above the brow. The procedure, Ultherapy, not only measurably lifts skin, it does so without any chemical or foreign substances. Instead, it relies on the body's own healing process to gradually lift the skin over the course of three to six months.

What's unique about Ultherapy ultrasound is it relies on both the shorter and longer ultrasound pulses to first image and then treat the skin. Imaging, of course, allows practitioners to broadly see the different layers of the skin to be treated. For the treatment itself, the concentrated sound wave energy encourages select cells in the skin's foundation to initiate the production of new collagen and elastin. In turn, the skin lifts and tightens over time. And, because the ultrasound energy funnels-in to focus on deeper face and neck tissue – it's diluted at more superficial layers – the skin's surface isn't affected and, after 60 minutes, most patients are able to walk away ready to go about their day*.

It's not surgery, it's sound.

The scalpel is still the weapon of choice for dramatic facelifts. But, for a more natural and gradual lift, plastic surgeons and other cosmetic physicians now have a new tool in their treatment arsenals: Ultherapy ultrasound.

Want to find out if you're an Ultherapy candidate? Visit www.lift.Ultherapy.com to learn more and connect with a doctor nearby. *As with any medical procedure, there are possible risks and variation in outcomes associated with the Ultherapy treatment. It is important to discuss the Ultherapy treatment with a healthcare professional to fully understand the treatment and risks.

Photo courtesy of Thinkstock www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 31

Natural Health

Marilyn Payne: Energy Based Holistic Health Practitioner

By Marjorie Clark Contributing Writer

I

was fortunate to receive a polarity treatment with Marilyn Payne. I never felt such a blissful sense of balance as the ache in my back melted away. I was transformed from skeptic to an avid believer. Marilyn is an old soul, though she is young in years. She is saddened by the inequality of beings and the commercialization of the ancient healing practices; however, she still looks optimistically to the future of the world. She was very humble as she showed me her binder filled with certificates in the healing arts, from Basic Cranial Sacral, Reflexology to Relaxation Massage, Reiki Master Practitioner as well as Polarity Practitioner and the ancient healing practices of Qigong. The experience I had that day was transforming and amazing. I felt such a sense of balance. Of all the times I had massages or Reiki sessions, my experience with Qigong was different in a very pleasant way.

According to the National Qigong Association, Qigong is an ancient Chinese health care system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention.

The word Qigong (Chi Kung) is made up of two Chinese words.

Qi is pronounced chee and is usually translated to mean the life force or vital-energy that flows through all things in the universe.

The second word, Gong, pronounced gung, means accomplishment, or skill that is cultivated through steady practice. Together, Qigong (Chi Kung) means cultivating energy, it is a system practiced for health maintenance, healing and increasing vitality.

During my treatment session I had a chance to interview Marilyn Payne.

PWM: How long have you been studying the ancient Healing practices?

Marilyn: For over 40 years. I started in 1972 after my father died from lung cancer.

PWM: Was that an epiphany for you?

Marilyn: Yes. That experience was the fuel that ignited my spiritual journey for truth. And in that truth, I found the keys to health and the secrets to life that would set me free. And on that journey, I had a lot of coincidences and synchronicities; and I learned what I was seeking was also seeking myself.

PWM: What is the most profound discovery for you in your journey?

Marilyn: As I studied many different modalities of healing, I felt that there was always something missing. When I found Qigong, I realized that the missing piece was energy. The other modalities were based on visualization, imagination or belief. Energy is the foundation of life. We are energetic beings and Qigong teaches you how to build the life force in your body. Over time, one comes to realize and understand that everything is energy, vibrating at different frequencies.

The essence of eastern spirituality is being validated by Quantum Physics! (smiles enthusiastically). Qigong uses the mind (thinking) body (movement) spirit (focused intent) as a

32 â–’ JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014

unit in the practices- the techniques. Hopefully, the eastern philosophy and the western medical approach will merge and become the foundation for energetic medicine in the future.

PWM: What is the history of energetic medicine?

Marilyn: Well, the most well known energetic medicine systems are Ayurveda, which is 8000 years old from India and Chinese medicine, which is 5000 years old. Both work on the elemental balancing of the body to bring homeostasis. The body is a self healing mechanism.

PWM: How did you come across Qigong?

Marilyn: I met Professor Marilyn Payne Hao, who is my Qigong Master, at a holistic wellness expo. I have studied with him for over 20 years. He was a professor of Physics at Beijing University before he moved here to America. He taught Qigong as an elective at Case Western Reserve University Medical School. Studying with him gave me a scientific and a spiritual perspective on the powers of Chinese Qigong. Out of all the healing modalities I have studied, I was most impressed with my practices in Qigong. Qigong is not built on faith, it is built on experience. You can actually feel the flow of the energy moving through your body. It is one of those experiences that you have to have for yourself.

PWM: Since life is energy and we are surrounded by buildings and concrete how do you connect with this life energy?

Marilyn: The body is a battery and it must be charged. In today’s modern life we somehow lose that energetic connection that is so intrinsically essential for our health and well being. We are disconnected from that conscious energetic spiritual connection to our source. Qigong is a focused meditation of connecting with what Einstein called the Unified Field. Through the meditation techniques, you build your life force and improve the flow of energy through the body. What is so fantastic is that, you can actually feel this taking place with regular practice. This field is present everywhere. It can be accessed at any time if you know how.

PWM: When you mention source, what do you mean?

Marilyn: Source is the energetic foundation of all things.

Everything is energy vibrating at different frequencies.

Mother Nature is our greatest supply of Chi or Life Force.

Energy flourishes in Mother Nature; in her lakes, forests and mountains. If someone doesn't feel good, they will typically feel better once they step outside and get some fresh air, the Qi or life force is in the air we breathe.

PWM: But doesn't one get the energy from food we eat and water we drink?

Marilyn: Yes, that is partly how you get your energy.

However, the water is contaminated, the food is nutritionally deficient and so it only partially feeds the body. The body is electric. It is like a battery and needs to replenish the energetic essence that is done through the breath; the breath of life. The life force or Qi itself is neither oxygen nor any of the components in air.

Qigong techniques are internal, energetic breathing techniques focusing on the intent of connecting with the field.

PWM: What are the benefits of Qigong?

Marilyn: Some of the benefits of Qigong are balanced blood pressure, balanced blood sugar, strong immune system and slowing down of the aging process. Qigong helps lift the mood from depression by increasing the body's electric field.

By increasing the life force flow of energy, it improves the circulation of blood which helps to relieve, even diminish aches and pains. There are several documentaries on the healing powers of Chinese Qigong. One documentary is “101 Miracles of Natural Healing� by Luke Chan. Also in the documentary was mentioned research done in China that showed people who practiced Qigong had been healed of over one hundred different diseases such as lupus, diabetes, MS and cancer. There are many resources of research on the benefits of Qigong. Two main sources are the Qigong Institute and The National Qigong Association. Qigong is being researched at some of the most reputable Medical Universities at this time. Dr. Oz and Dr. Andrew Weil both recommend studying the practice of Qigong.

through the stressful times in my life such as the passing of my mother and getting laid off from a job that I had worked at for almost 20 years. The power of Qigong has changed and transformed my stressed life experience to one of a more peaceful, calm and energetic one.

PWM: What do you do when you are not teaching Qigong or doing energetic body work?

Marilyn: I am a musician. I play Saxophone. I play with different bands around Cleveland.

Music is my first love!

You might catch me at the House of Swing and at the Wolfs Den.

PWM: Everyone wants a magic bullet like a diet pill or Band-Aid as they plug into their televisions or technology for entertainment, wanting some sort of immediate gratification for health issues, obesity, aches, pains and disease in general. What do you, as a Qigong Master and Holistic Health Advisor make of these?

Marilyn: Having a healthy body and a balanced life takes work. Qigong is a practice that can be used to assist one in creating a healthy body and mind. There is no quick fix to most of our challenges. Everything takes work and time, even Qigong. It must be practiced on a regular basis to enhance the body's natural self-healing abilities. Qigong is an energetic exercise like Tai Chi. Actually Qigong is Tai Chi's older sister.

From a Holistic point of view, working on the whole body, mind and spirit, is the key to real and lasting changes and improvements. Making changes in lifestyle, healthy eating and exercises such as; Tai chi, Yoga and walking would be a more realistic approach. To truly benefit from Qigong, it has to be a daily practice; a way of life.

PWM: you?

On a personal level, how has Qigong helped

Marilyn: Practicing Chinese qigong has become my foundation for dealing with life's stresses and challenges.

Through this, I can actually feel the energy flowing into my body. I feel a warm and comforting sensation throughout my body. My stress seems to melt away as I practice Qigong. I feel rejuvenated. I very rarely get colds or have episodes of sickness. My practice of Qigong has assisted me in removing aches and pains. After being diagnosed with a REM sleep disorder many years ago, it has helped me to sleep deeper and feel much more rested. It has relieved me of the sleeping disorder that I had for over 20 years. It has also helped me

Marilyn Payne has studied Chinese Qigong for over 20 years with Master Tianyou Hao (who taught Qigong at Case Western Reserve Medical School.) She is a certified instructor of Chinese Qigong by Master Hao, founder of the Qigong and Human Life Research Foundation and is a Board Certificated Holistic Health Practitioner, Holistic Health Advisor and Corporate Wellness Coach Certified by IHHC (Institute of Holistic Health Careers.)

Marilyn has been studying Chinese medicine and holistic alternative approaches to health including Eastern and Western healing arts for over 40 years. She has done much research on the mind/body connections and has attended many classes and workshops to explore the influence of the mind on the body.

Marilyn is teaching Qigong classes at various spots around Greater Cleveland. She is also working as a Holistic Health Practitioner, Relaxation/Massage, Reflexology Practitioner and Energetic Healer.

She can be contacted through her website: www.insidetheenergeticsofwellness.com Phone (216) 264-0368

www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me â–’ 33

delicious recipes

Healthy Start for 2014 Spice up Dinnertime

A Healthy, Fruity and Protein-Packed Salad

Thai-Style Curry Beef and Pasta Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes 1 box Dreamfields Spaghetti 1 pound boneless beef top sirloin steak, about 3/4 to 1 inch thick 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil, divided 3 cups broccoli florets 1 medium bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch thick strips 1 medium onion, cut into 8 wedges 2 to 3 teaspoons minced fresh ginger 1 serrano or other hot chili pepper, minced 1 can (14 ounces) light coconut milk 1/4 cup red curry chili paste Finely chopped roasted peanuts (optional) Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; return to pan.

Chilean Blueberry, Butternut Squash and Quinoa Salad Serves: 6

1.

Meanwhile, cut steak in half lengthwise, then crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices. Toss with garlic; set aside.

2.

Heat 1-1/2 teaspoons oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of beef; stir-fry 1 to 2 minutes or until outside of beef is no longer pink. Remove from skillet. Repeat with remaining beef and 1-1/2 teaspoons oil. Remove from skillet.

1 pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cubed 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 cup raw quinoa, rinsed well 2 cups water 2 tablespoons lemon juice 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 4 Green onions, thinly sliced 1 1/2 cups Chilean blueberries 3 cups baby arugula Preheat oven to 450°F. In large bowl, toss squash with 1 tablespoon of oil. Spread on rimmed baking sheet; bake until tender, about 22 minutes; let cool.

Meanwhile, in medium saucepan, bring quinoa and water to a boil; simmer for 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and cover; let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with fork; cool.

In small bowl, whisk together remaining olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper; set aside.

In large bowl combine squash, green onions, blueberries, arugula and quinoa. Drizzle with dressing; toss to combine.

Note: Quinoa should be easy to find at your local supermarket but if not, couscous makes a perfect substitute.

(Family Features)

3.

Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to skillet. Add broccoli, bell pepper and onion. Cook and stir 1 minute. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons water; continue cooking and stirring 1 minute. Stir in ginger and chili pepper.

Add combined coconut milk and curry paste to skillet. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer 3 to 5 minutes until vegetables are crisptender. Return beef to skillet; remove from heat.

4.

Toss beef mixture with pasta. Garnish with peanuts, if desired.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Nutrition information (1/6 of recipe): 407 calories; 23 g protein; 13 g digestible carbohydrates*; 13 g total fat; 4 g saturated fat; 40 mg cholesterol; 483 mg sodium; 7 g total dietary fiber. *If traditional pasta is used in this recipe there is a total of 53 g carbohydrate.

34 â–’ JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014

delicious recipes

Valentine’s Day Treats

Sweet Memory Snack Cakes 1/2 1/2 1/8 3 1/4 1/2 3

cup sifted cake flour teaspoon baking powder teaspoon salt eggs, separated teaspoon cream of tartar teaspoon Wilton Imitation Clear Vanilla Extract tablespoons granulated sugar

Vanilla Treat Filling, Chocolate Icing Glaze, Vanilla Icing Glaze, Rainbow Nonpareils (optional) Preheat oven to 375°F. Prepare Delectovals pan with vegetable pan spray.

In small bowl, sift together flour, baking powder and salt. In large bowl, whip egg whites with electric mixer until foamy. Add cream of tartar and whip until stiff, but not dry. In clean bowl, whip egg yolks 1 minute; add vanilla and gradually add sugar, whipping until mixture is pale yellow and doubled in volume. With rubber spatula, fold 1/3 of egg whites into yolks to loosen; fold in remaining whites until nearly combined. Add flour and fold until no streaks remain. Fill cavities about 3/4 full with batter; smooth the tops.

Bake 6-8 minutes or until top is lightly browned and center springs back when touched. Cool in pan on cooling grid 5 minutes. Run a 9 in. spatula around edges of Delectovals to loosen. Remove from pan; cool completely.

Using Bismarck Tip #230, pipe filling into the bottom of cooled snack cakes in 3 spots. Dip half of snack cake in chocolate icing glaze, or spoon heated glaze over cakes, as desired. Place on cooling grid set over parchment-lined cookie pan; let set. Drizzle heated vanilla icing glaze over snack cake and immediately sprinkle with rainbow nonpareils if using.

Makes 12 snack cakes.

Give a Little Love Petit Fours

Makes about 40 mini cakes 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cocoa powder 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter, softened 2/3 cup firmly-packed brown sugar 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2/3 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup peanut butter, chocolate fudge ice cream topping or cherry pie filling 2 containers (14 ounces each) Chocolate or Vanilla Icing Glaze (optional) Jumbo hearts sprinkles (optional) Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare 24 cavity bite-sized heart dessert shell pan with Cake Release pan coating.

In large bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract; beat until well combined.

Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk in three additions, beating until just combined. Spoon one tablespoon batter into each pan cavity.

Bake 9-11 minutes or until tops of cakes spring back when touched. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Cool completely on cooling grid.

To decorate, place cakes on cooling grid with cookie pan below.

Pipe 1/2 teaspoon peanut butter, chocolate fudge or cherry pie filling into shell; fill only to top of cavity. If desired, warm glaze according to package instructions; carefully pour over shell and tap pan to smooth. If desired, add jumbo hearts sprinkles.

(Family Features) www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me ▒ 35

MOVIE REVIEWS

The Dallas Buyers Club is a Beautiful, Sad and Tragic Film (l to r) Jared Leto as Rayon and Matthew McConaughey as Ron Woodroof in Jean-Marc Vallée’s fact-based drama, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB, a Focus Features release. Photo Credit: Anne Marie Fox / Focus Features

By R. Lee Gamble www.filmdiva3.com Imagine you have been told you have a fatal disease and there is no cure. Would you give up or would you fight to find a way to survive. In 1986 Ron Woodroof, a Dallas electrician was told he was HIV-positive. Woodroof fought the medical establishment, pharmaceutical companies and the FDA for the right to take medications that could prolong his life. In an effort to help others, he establishes The Dallas Buyers Club.

Directed by Jean-Marc Vallee, the Dallas Buyers Club is one of the best films to come out in 2013. Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto are two powerhouses who bring the characters of Ron and Rayon to life not only through brilliant acting but through physical transformations that at times borders on disturbing. Ron (McConaughey) is a homophobic, hard-drinking and partying man's man whose world is turned upside down when he finds out he has AIDS. Friends turn on him and assume he is gay. Adding to his misery, the one medication being used in the treatment of AIDS, AZT, is out of his reach.

With every movement, every word and every flash of his smile, Ron is a man who is desperate to beat a death sentence. His fight for survival turns into a fight that is shared with others, gay and straight. Because of his own personal plight he develops a unique understanding that puts a once homophobe in the position of being an advocate for those in the gay community who were also fighting to live. McConaughey embodies the character of Ron so completely that as you watch this film the actor disappears.

36 ▒ JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014

There are not enough words to describe Leto's performance as Rayon. From the moment he appears on the screen he captures your heart. Although the physical transformation for both actors is startling, Rayon's change is the most startling. Unable to overcome a drug habit, the combination of addiction and disease literally destroys his body until his facial appearance takes on a skull quality with sores on his skin. Rayon becomes gaunt and he can barely stand. There is a scene where he leans over the side of the bed coughing and blood pours from his mouth as he cries that he doesn't want to die.

I do not know how any one will sit through this movie and not feel for these characters. They are flawed, they make mistakes and many times they were just out for themselves. But through all of these human frailties Ron and Rayon find each other and manage to build a friendship that is real. They also managed to build real connection with others that were HIV-positive.

Dallas Buyers Club makes you think about what so many people went through in the early days of the AIDS outbreak. You will see how pharmaceutical companies took advantage of desperate people in an effort to shore up their bottom line. It shines a light on how the FDA makes decisions not to benefit those in need but to benefit the medical establishment. This begs the question - has much changed in 2013?

The Dallas Buyers Club is definitely worth the price of a ticket. McConaughey and Leto both deserve nods from the Academy Awards for their performances. Check it out for yourselves and see if you agree with me. I am betting you will.

MOVIE REVIEWS

American Hustle is a Winner

By R. Lee Gamble www.filmdiva3.com Opening scene - Christian Bale as Irving Rosenfeld stands in front of a mirror. For the next few minutes we watch as Rosenfeld glues hair to the top of his head and then begins to comb over what is left of his own thinning strands. This is no joke or costume. This is who he is and you cannot help but be mesmerized.

Rosenfeld and Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) are lovers and hustlers. Busted by FBI agent Richie DiMasio (Bradley Cooper) they are forced into setting up the biggest con of their lives so that DiMasio can make the bust of a lifetime.

Problem is the deeper they get, the more out of control and dangerous everything becomes.

The scriptwriting for this film is what makes it work. The story holds together from start to finish and keeps the viewer engaged. Everyone always says that a movie had them on the edge of their seat but this story will literally do that. Everything begins to get so complicated that you have no way of knowing how it could possibly end - but you can't wait to find out.

Christian Bale changes himself physically for this role.

Rosenfeld has a gut and he is bald and sporting a comb over. He looks like a fast talking polyester wearing hustler, until he meets Prosser who dresses him up and gets him to take his business to the next level. Amy Adams as Prosser is hip, chic and smart and her style is sexual yet sophisticated. Prosser is made for Rosenfeld and they are the perfect team.

The curly perm tells you everything you need to know about Bradley Cooper's character DiMaso. An FBI agent, he is drawn into Rosenfeld and Prosser's world because he is desperate to be something he is not - on top. He is willing to

Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale), Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) & Richie Dimaso (Bradley Cooper) walk down Lexington Ave. in Columbia Pictures' AMERICAN HUSTLE. PHOTO BY: Francois Duhamel

do anything to get that respect he believes he deserves.

They are all hustlers. What separates them is what side of the law they are hustling from.

What can you say about Jennifer Lawrence that has not already been written? I truly believe there is not a role that she cannot play. She is truly the Lauren Bacall and Betty Davis of this generation. Lawrence portrays Rosalyn, Rosenfeld's long suffering wife. Every scene with her in it is memorable. Throw in Jeremy Renner as Carmine Polito and you have a dream cast in a film that should one day rank as one of the greatest.

American Hustle reminds you of everything that was wrong with the 70s, but at the same time it brings to mind all the things you loved. This film breathes life into 70s chic. Each scene was an enjoyable fashion show.

The soundtrack is phenomenal - everything from Duke Ellington to Elton John. American Hustle is one of those rare moments where all of the elements that make a great movie come together and work. This is a brilliant film and definitely worth the price of a ticket!

www.PHENOMENALWOMAN.me â–’ 37

MOVIE REVIEWS

The Desolation of Smaug is Thrilling

By R. Lee Gamble www.filmdiva3.com Director Peter Jackson truly inhabits the world of Middle Earth, which is why he is able to bring his vision to life on the big screen in such a vivid and breathtaking way. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is absolutely a phenomenal film.

This is the reason you go to the movies; to be excited, to be taken to a place you could only dream of, and to hate to see the credits role at the end because you want to see more.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug did all of those things.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy and now The Hobbit series are all examples of the use of brilliant cinematography techniques. I have complained in other reviews about the use of 3D in movies that absolutely does not need it.

However, The Hobbit is made for the technique and it adds to the experience by making you feel as if you have stepped into Middle Earth with Bilbo.

This installment of the trilogy finds Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and Thorin (Richard Armitage) continuing their adventure with Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and the 13 dwarves, to reclaim Lonely Mountain and the Dwarf Kingdom, which was stolen

by Smaug. Hot on their trail are the Orcs who are determined to kill and eat them. Ahead of them lies the ultimate terror - a fire-breathing dragon willing to destroy everyone and everything around him in order to keep its treasure.

Freeman is once again brilliant in the role of Bilbo. In this film you start to see the effect the ring is beginning to have on his character. You also begin to see changes in Thorin.

Armitage skillfully displays the subtle changes in Thorin as

MARTIN FREEMAN as Bilbo in the fantasy adventure "THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG," a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), released by Warner Bros. Pictures and MGM. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

he begins to care less about those around him focusing only on getting back his father's kingdom. Benedict Cumberbatch brings an eerie, skin crawling quality to the voices of Smaug and the Necromancer. It is thoroughly enjoyable to watch him bring these characters to life with only his voice.

Two things I really enjoyed were the introduction of a possible love story between the dwarf Kili (Aidan Turner) and elf Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly). Although not a part of the original Tolkien story, the addition really works. What I think viewers will really find thrilling are the fight scenes. The battles between the Orcs, elves and dwarves are amazing.

Throw in the spiders and I found myself holding my breath at moments.

The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug is a fantastic addition to the trilogy. This movie is definitely worth the price of a ticket and you do not want to miss it.

Inside Llewyn Davis is Tortured Anguish Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) was part of a fairly well-known folk duo until his partner took his own life by jumping off a bridge. Now Davis is struggling in the Greenwich Village scene in 1961 to make it as a solo act. The only people who want to really hear him perform are the upper middle class college crowd who want to look hip for their friends by befriending a folk singer.

If you are a folk music lover you will truly enjoy this film. Davis is flawed, self-centered and even pathetic at times because he can't see his life beyond the music - not even to buy himself a winter coat. From the first time you see him on the screen he is getting beaten in an alley. Davis is not a likeable character.

He has a beautiful voice and it is wonderful to watch him perform, but delving into a week of his life was not so enjoyable.

This movie was very hard for me to watch because I really did not like any of the characters. They were all harsh and selfabsorbed. I realize that filmmakers think everything is a great story, but I could have passed on this Coen brothers' production. The actors gave life to the characters so well that I did not find anything redeeming in any of them.

38 â–’ JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014

Oscar Isaac and Justin Timberlake in "Inside Llewyn Davis." CBS Films

Justin Timberlake portrays Jim a folk singer who writes funny ditties that are actually recorded. His appearance on the screen reminded me of one of his SNL characters and I kept waiting for the punch line that never came. John Goodman, however, was wonderful as an overbearing, condescending heroin addict.

If you enjoy pondering the birth of the folk music scene in the 60s then you will enjoy this film. As for me, not so much.

BOOK REVIEWS

Happy New Year Readers!

by R. Lee Gamble

H

appy New Year! It is 2014 and now that the holidays are behind us what a perfect time to start a new book. Maybe you are looking for a way to stay motivated to keep your resolutions in the New Year; or your interests may include healthy living; better yet you may just want to get lost in a great story. Here are a few choices to consider when making your book selection.

The Little Black Book of Success – Elaine Meryl Brown, Marsha Haygood and Rhonda Joy McLean If you can believe it you can achieve it and in The Little Black Book of Success, three AfricanAmerican power women have come together to share their tips on how to make it to the top.

Having faced the struggles of racism in the business world, authors Elaine Meryl Brown, Marsha Haygood and Rhonda Joy give solid advice to African American women who may face various obstacles while trying to build a successful career. Rich with wisdom, this inspirational book focuses on the building blocks of true leadership – effective communication, self-confidence, courage and collaboration. Although targeting African American women, The Little Black Book of Success has information that all women alike can use to further themselves in today's business world.

Elaine Meryl Brown, Marsha Haygood and Rhonda Joy McLean

Mindful Eating – Jan Chozen Bays, M.D. How often do you find yourself mindlessly eating? Without thought or even tasting the food we consume calories that can end up around our waist and in our midsection. Written by Dr. Jan Chozen Bays, Mindful Eating will renew your sense of pleasure, appreciation and satisfaction when it comes to food.

You will learn how to tune into your body to know what, when and how much to eat. The book also discusses how to eat less and feel satisfied, identify your habits and patterns with food as well as how to develop more compassion for yourself about your struggles with food. This book is a great opportunity to make peace with food.

Jan Chozen Bays, M.D.

The Lowland – Jhumpa Lahiri Two brothers, born in Calcutta, are thought to be inseparable until politics gets in the way. Set in the 1960s, charismatic and impulsive Udayan is drawn into the movement for equality. He joins a rebellion determined to eradicate poverty and he is willing to risk everything for what he believes in. His brother Subhash is the dutiful son, going to school and pursuing a career in scientific research in America. He does not share his brother's passions but when he finds out what happens to Udayan in the lowlands he is pulled back home to India where he will have to help rebuild his family and heal the wounds that Udayan has left behind. Jhumpa Lahiri's novel was listed as one of the best reads of 2013. This is definitely a great read to start with in this New Year!

Jhumpa Lahiri

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