(Huntsville, AL.) Spread the word; tell a friend, Varion is kicking off a new season of "VISION/VOICE/VARION" in a really big way! 2013 promises to be "bigger, better and filled with more exclusive interviews and major giveaways! Keep it locked into www.varionwalton.com
News/Entertainment/Restaurant Scorecard/Varion/Celebrity News/What's Hot!
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
The Legend is Back! Arsenio Hall September 2013
(Los Angeles, CA) ---What a week! After the news of Kim Kardashian becoming Kanye West's "baby mama," finally some news I'm happy to share.
If you're older than 30 you remember him as the "prince of darkness." He sported a "high top" fade that was the envy of every guy on your block. Most of us remember him as charismatic, charming and with a sofa that welcomed some of the hottest acts in R &B. Arsenio Hall is making a come back September 2013 and he's bringing the party with him.
Welcome back Arsenio. Now that Oprah's gone the field is wide open for you to work your magic! After 10 years of reality shows like Love and Hip Hop and The Real Housewives of Atlanta, even a warmed over version of your show in the late 90's will be a breath of fresh air. "You Go Boy!"
Sunday, December 30, 2012
"HUNTSVILLE INFLUENCING HOLLYWOOD"
"HUNTSVILLE UNCHAINED"-Alabama's Contribution to the National Music Scene
(Huntsville, AL.)--"Freedom," a soulful number performed by the incomparable Anthony Hamilton and newcomer Elayna Boynton is a featured single on the soundtrack of the blockbuster movie, "Django Unchained!" Kelvin Wooten, Daniel Beard and Duane Allen, three Alabama based musicians served as producers and engineers on the historical project.
 |
| Anthony Hamilton Photo: "E" Elpwe's Photography |
During the entire month of December, "VISION/VOICE/VARION" had the privilege of joining the publicity and marketing staff. Through the course of several meetings with Wooten and Beard and their team, "Huntsville Unchained" was born. “Huntsville Unchained” was created celebrate and honors Huntsville's influence on the national music scene. Weeks later “Freedom” is gaining critical acclaim for everyone involved.
"Freedom" is not only apart of the "Django" soundtrack, it is embedded in the film in a "flashback" scene when Kerry Washington's character "Broomhilda" is savagely beaten by the slave masters. "Django Unchained" is raw, edgy, exotic, beautifully crafted and the song "Freedom" enhances the scene brilliantly!
“Django Unchained” ends 2012 as a "blockbuster" box office smash. The movie's controversial director Quentin Tarantino is thrilled the "much anticipated" flick has tongues wagging from "Hollywood to Huntsville."
“Django Unchained” is now in contention for an Oscars and a Golden Globe Award. "VISION/VOICE/VARION" is happy to report Hamilton, Boynton, Wooten, Beard and Allen are enjoying the ride.
 |
| Courtesy: Special Assignment Operations, Inc. |
 |
| "Huntsville Unchained" |
At press time "Freedom" had surpassed a major hurdle, beating out nearly 75 other songs to be performed live during The Academy Awards January 10, 2013. Tradition dictates that only five musical scores from movies of the previous season are performed during the lengthy awards show.
Congratulations Anthony, Elayna, Kelvin, Daniel and Duane. You are upholding a long honored tradition for North Alabama. Your continued success is a vivid reminder of Musicle Shoals long and rich history in the industry. Aretha Franklin is just one of many great Pop Music legends who made their way to North Alabama to lay down the tracks to some of their biggest hits.
I'm sure I speak for thousands all over Alabama when I say, “Freedom” is already “golden”. "Let Freedom Ring!" “Let Freedom Ring!”
I'm sure I speak for thousands all over Alabama when I say, “Freedom” is already “golden”. "Let Freedom Ring!" “Let Freedom Ring!”
For more information on "Huntsville Unchained"-visit: Huntsville Unchained-FB Fan Page
Monday, December 24, 2012
Merry Christmas!
May your holiday season spark with moments of love, laughter, goodwill and cheer!
Vision, Voice, Varion...wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
REMEMBERING DR. YVONNE KENNEDY
SPECIAL TRIBUTES, CARDS AND CONDOLENCES
GRIEF TURNS TO JOY!
 |
| Dr. Yvonne Kennedy longtime Alabama Representative |
January 8, 1945-December 8, 2012
Pain and heartache give way to the memory of an incredible public servant. Dr. Yvonne Kennedy, a Mobile native "never forgot where she came from because she never left!" For more than 20 years she was a "single woman
on a single mission" of helping all people along the Gulf Coast. Today Alabama is remembering Dr. Yvonne Kennedy as she is being laid to rest. Yvonne Kennedy served tirelessly for more than three decades as an educator, state lawmaker and humanitarian.
Ron Reams December 10, 2012 10:44 AM
It has always been a joy and privilege to
be around and cover news events involving Dr. Yvonne Kennedy, whom I considered
my friend.
It might interest folks to know this wonderful and dedicated woman,
a true servant of the people, passed away exactly one month to the day prior to
what would have been her 68th birthday, January 8th. She will be greatly missed
by this community of Mobile for her professional talents and abilities as an
educator and state legislator, but primarily I believe people will miss her
warm smile and genuine ability to demonstrate her care for others, reflecting
the love of the Lord in her daily life. I am positive as she entered the gates
of His kingdom, she heard His words... "Well done, thou good and faithful
servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over
many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."
. 
varionwaltonDecember 10,
2012 6:44 PM
Ron, I know she earned your respect many years ago. Her
death came as a shock to me. Her passing is much bigger than Mobile. Here's a
woman who adopted, believed and lived the philosophy "each one teach
one!" Long after gaining national prominence as the National President for
Delta Sigma Theta she could have left The Port City for a larger city. She
didn't. She stayed and believed in a "better day" for many of
Mobile's underprivileged. I'm sure Dr. Kennedy would appreciate you remembering
her good works. Thanks for sharing.
Delete
varionwaltonDecember 10,
2012 6:44 PM
Ron, I know she earned your respect many years ago. Her
death came as a shock to me. Her passing is much bigger than Mobile. Here's a
woman who adopted, believed and lived the philosophy "each one teach
one!" Long after gaining national prominence as the National President for
Delta Sigma Theta she could have left The Port City for a larger city. She
didn't. She stayed and believed in a "better day" for many of
Mobile's underprivileged. I'm sure Dr. Kennedy would appreciate you remembering
her good works. Thanks for sharing.
Delete
Tennie
Lindsey/December 11, 2012December 11, 2012 1:25 PM
I first saw Dr. Yvonne Kennedy
in action from a distance at a Delta Sigma Theta Regional Meeting. I was newly
initiated into the sorority and was very impressed with Dr. Kennedy and the
skillful and professional manner she took charge as the leader she was. When
she walked to the podium complete silence. Later, I had the opportunity to meet
her up close and personal. Oh, what an experience. With all the characteristic
attached to her, she took charge of the situation and dared anyone to stop her.
With professionalism, respect from her peers, charm, grace, and knowledge of
the situation she removed all obstacles. It was an awesome task but she
remained steadfast and unmoveable until the situation was resolved Dr. Kennedy
was a "Drum Major" for justice and truth. Her legacy will definitely
live on in our hearts. We will always love her.
AnonymousDecember 11, 2012 10:17 PM
Please continue to remember Dr.
Yvonne Kennedy's good works.
Statement made in the write up about Dr. Kennedy
resignation and financial scandel could have been omitted.
Please THINK before
you write.
Thanks.
Delete
PacofRiceDecember 12,
2012 7:34 AM
Varion, this is a wonderful tribute to such a
phenomenal woman. Dr. Kennedy was one of my early inspirations. I did research
on her for school years ago. I never forget how she gave me an 8 X 10
photograph of her that I still have to this day. When I rise to speak, I
attempt and I mean attempt to speak as eloquently as she did. She was the
epitome of a lady with grace, class, beauty and sophistication. Her legacy
shall never die!
Delete
ChocsityDecember 12, 2012 4:04 PM
It is with great sadness my
heart is feeling right now after learning the lost of someone who I considered
a family member. I am a member of Stewart Memorial C.M.E church family and have
been since birth. I am now a 46 year old woman that was born and raised in that
church. Every Sunday while preparing to go to church, my siblings and I would
ask our mother if “Aunt Yvonne” was going to be at church. To us (at that time)
she was bigger than the pastor.
No matter what she was involved in, she took
time out of her busy schedule to make sure the children at Stewart Memorial
C.M.E. as well as children in the community was always taken care of. Whether
it toys for Christmas or baskets & eggs for Easter; she would personally see
that we all had what we thought we needed or wanted.
I grew up watching her
every move. She played a role in my life that is continuing this day. When I
was 18 yrs old, I will never forget I was really upset about a situation and I
went to her office at S.D. Bishop State to discuss it with her. She sat in her
“BIG” chair in her office and listened to me until I was done venting. She told
me in her mild matter tone, “Change what you see, by changing how you see”. I
didn’t understand what she meant until the situation got resolved. From that
day to this one, I use that philosophy and it has allowed me become a better
women. I will never, never forget that day.
For many of us young ladies have
watched her over the years as she would gracefully walk across our paths and we
wanted to be her. To us, she was our Coretta Scott King. Before Michelle Obama,
we had Dr. Yvonne Kennedy.
Many Mobilians does not know she is the reason we
still have the parade on Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. When it was taken off the
“Avenue” she was the Drum Major that marched Downtown Mobile and fought to have
it put back in the neighborhoods it was originally for. She was a woman of
integrity, resilience, and determination.
Tears are sometimes an inappropriate
response to death. When a life has been lived completely honestly, completely
successfully, or just completely, the correct response to death's perfect
punctuation mark is a smile.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love
leaves a memory no one can steal. We will forever miss you Dr. Yvonne Kennedy.
Thank you for just being you.
.
LOUISIANA LOTTERY--NEED A REASON TO SMILE?
"WHAT'S HOT"-EXCLUSIVE!
(New Orleans, LA)--It is a follow-up to a "VISION/VOICE/VARION" Exclusive! Soon officials will unveil the "new look and voice"of the "Louisiana Lottery." But you don't have to wait, in this week's edition of What's Hot--"VISION/VOICE/VARION" has your FIRST LOOK at the commercial hitting the airwaves soon.
Congratulations Gina, 2012 has been an incredible year. It is just the beginning, I'd "bet" cold, cash money "2013 is going to be epic!" Check out Gina Brown in action singing the new official jingle for The Louisiana Lottery.
The Life and Legacy of Dr. Yvonne Kennedy
(MOBILE, Ala.)--Often
referred to as the “Black Jackie Onassis” for her style and grace, the state of
Alabama is mourning the loss of Dr. Yvonne Kennedy who passed away Saturday
following a brief illness. Yvonne Kennedy, known for her eloquent, refined
Southern demeanor, passed away exactly one month to the day prior to what would
have been her 68th birthday, January 8th.
Her standards of excellence extended beyond the
halls of the Alabama legislature. For 25 years, she rose to prominence and
became the President for Bishop State Junior College in Mobile and then later the
National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. A woman who wore many hats,
Dr. Kennedy is also being remembered for her work as past chairwoman of the
Alabama Legislative Black Caucus.
 |
| Yvonne Kennedy |
Yvonne Kennedy lived in the community she loved and
worked hard to become a 'beacon of hope" for the people in her community.
She believed in her community because she was committed to the belief
"change comes from the inside-out, not the outside in." Her life was
a testimony of her beliefs because she worked hard in expanding the Mobile
Community and bringing a quality education, health care and the right to vote
to ex-felons incarcerated in the state of Alabama.
Yvonne Kennedy, a woman Mobile Mayor Sam Jones
called a "pillar of the community and will be remembered for her
leadership and commitment to the city.
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley remembered Kennedy in a
tweet. "She was a fine lady who represented her district well,"
he wrote. Bentley is expected to call a special election in the coming
week to fill Kennedy's seat.
A longtime state representative, she was elected to
the state house in 1979. Kennedy was the second permanent president of
Bishop State Community College, appointed in 1981 after its namesake Sanford D.
Bishop, Senior. She has been credited
with overseeing major growth to the campus. She retired from this position amid
a financial scandal in 2006.
She will be greatly missed by me and many other Black professional women who always had her as "the best example" of how to be a lady in the mist of a male dominate business and political world. She was instrumental in giving me an early start in my career as a journalist following high school. Dr. Yvonne Kennedy also encouraged me to "strive for excellence" in everything and for that I'm eternally grateful.
Dr. Yvonne Kennedy, a tireless servant of the people who rose in the national spotlight, but never forgot where she came from because she never left.
Dr. Yvonne Kennedy, a tireless servant of the people who rose in the national spotlight, but never forgot where she came from because she never left.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW MULTIPLE SERVICES FOR DR. KENNEDY
VARION'S VIEW: SANTA DRIVES A BIG BROWN TRUCK
VARION'S VIEW---Every so often I find a viral video that makes me smile and I want to share with you. There is a lot of pain in the world and laughter is often the best medicine to start the healing process. Enjoy!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Rare Day: 12/12/12
(Huntsville, AL)—Today is one-day sure to give you pause! It's the so-called "day of the dozens!" The last time I remember really paying attention how the calendar lined up with "triple numbers" was five years ago when I celebrated my 07/07/07 birthday. It really felt great celebrating and planning a party at The Battle House in Mobile, Alabama. For the first time in my life I attended a party with family and friends and never had to reveal my age. I think the invitation read something like "turning seven again never felt so good!" Everyone in the room was so focus on the theme: 07/07/07 they never bothered to say how old are you again?
12/12/12 or "the day of the dozens" will also be an easy date to remember for those getting hitched or inducing labor today at 12noon. Headlines for December 12, 2012 also include a special birthday celebration for several children turning 12 years old today.
Organizers are also "banking" on 12/12/12 to hold a "mystical and magical" meaning for tonight's special fundraiser planned for victims still recovering from Hurricane Sandy.
Whether you give today a "double take" or you simply consider it "just another day, there's no denying 12/12/12 is definitely a day worth noting.
http://emmaus.patch.com/articles/12-12-12-concert-to-benefit-hurricane-sandy-victims-902af6c2
Click Here: For Another look at Varion's 07/07/07
Thanks to Photographer Tim Jones for the beautiful memories that were magical and mesmerizing!
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
SHINING STAR! Anthony Hamilton
 |
| Anthony Hamilton-Essence Fest '2012 Photo: "E" of Elpwe's Photography |
OPENS
DECEMBER 25TH
CLICK HERE FOR USA TODAY ARTICLE FEATURING LIVE STREAM WITH ANTHONY HAMILTON DISCUSSING "FREEDOM"
http://m.usatoday.com/article/news/1761583
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)