PRAISE AND WORSHIP

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!  

(Huntsville, AL.)--Attention Tennessee Valley, don't miss out on this amazing night of "PRAISE AND WORSHIP!" Back by popular demand, Inspirational/Gospel Artist and Christian Rapper Canton Jones is heading back to Huntsville and he's bringing with him an amazing message of love and hope. The 2nd Annual Unity Concert will feature some of the best performing artists in North Alabama.  This event is designed with you in mind so come and get your praise on! Don't miss it!

HOLY WEEK-A SEASON OF REFLECTION

(Huntsville, AL.)--It's Holy Week, a season that is sacred for many Christians around the world.  Easter is a time of traditions, rituals and reflection.  This Holy Week is also a time of new birth and new beginnings!  Traditionally it is a time when many churches that have barely had enough people to pass the collection plate find their pews are swollen.  Easter and Christmas are two of the most attended services of the year for many churches everywhere.  But, as soon as the Easter bunny and "The Passion of The Christ" movie fade to black, the pews are empty again.

If ever there was a time Christians need to understand "faith" is about more than just mouthing words it is now.  Faith is about praising and serving God every single day he allows us to see the rising of the sun. I've learned to praise him in advance of the "breakthrough" because my faith today helps me to understand despite what it looks like, the blessing is on the way! My spiritual walk in 2013 is strong and God gives me strength in the walk everyday. Oh my how I've changed in the last two years.  Today, in this season I hear God clearly.  All my life I've heard the ministers preach, "God is not the author of confusion." Let's just say in the past my life was so chaotic I absolutely missed his whispers.

How many of us have been guilty of what I call being "Emergency Christians?" You know, "church folks" who only feel the power of their "faith or The Holy Spirit" when we are in trouble or in need?  We keep God under the bed like a chain smoker keeps a single cigarette hidden in their sock drawer, "just in case!"

This week, more than ever I am taking the time to really think about my purpose driven life and the rituals and traditions of the Easter season.

I've grown tired of going from one baptist church after another where the words, "he died, he died, he died and on the third day he rose again" are shouted from the pulpit.  Today, in this season of my life,  I am eager to know what happened between the birth and the resurrection?  These are questions I am taking the time to reflect, research and know for myself. I am also re-examining my passion and getting a full understanding of what I know for sure, "my blessing is tied directly to my service!"

How many of us are truly living our lives in 2013 as Jesus Christ did? Are you a blessing to someone else?  Are you "witnessing" to everyone you meet or are you too busy being self-centered and or self-absorbed?

I am not Catholic, however, I was moved this week when I saw newly elected Pope Francis washing and kissing the feet of prisoners in Italy. Never before, or at least not in my life time have I a witnessed the head of the Catholic church's humility in such a way.  Pope Francis took on this ritual as Christ did with the disciples before what Christians believed was "the last supper!"

According to Sara Titterton of "The Telegraph," a newspaper in the UK, retired pontiff Benedict XV1 revised the ritual in 2007 by selecting 12 lay men in Rome for the ceremony. However, the new Pope Francis shook up this Catholic tradition Thursday by choosing to honor not only prisoners, but women as well as men.  Reportedly women were not allowed for this sacred ceremony, let alone cameras and electronic media.

This newly selected head of the Catholic church is using this week to remind Christians around the world what's at stake with this ancient ritual. Though he is in what many might consider the most esteemed  "role of a lifetime," this man who sits at the helm is driven by simply being a servant.

What a way to take the world to church by continuing to be a blessing to the poor and remembering the down trotting in his prayers and "SERVING" them in the most humble way imaginable and with the WHOLE WORLD WATCHING!

Are you a blessing to the poor?  Are you remembering all of God's people in your daily prayers and with your service?  More importantly, are you being Christ like in your daily life or do you spoil and tarnish your faith by being judgemental, unforgiving and arrogant?  Now is the time to ask these tough questions only you can answer when it comes to truly being a believer.

As we stop to "reflect and remember" our holiday traditions and rituals, never lose sight of remaining humble, grateful and a blessing to someone else.  Have a blessed and Holy Easter season family and remember-"only what you do for God will truly last."

JUST IN: POOCH HALL'S RESPONSE TO "THE GAME CHANGE"

(Huntsville, AL.)--This just in to our VISION/VOICE/VARION studios: apparently Pooch Hall still has fond memories of our "meet and greet" more than a year ago in Pensacola, Florida.

For all of you "doubting Thomas'" out there who still think social media is a passing fancy, think again!  I posted my story, a preview to tomorrow night's premiere of BET's "The Game" roughly two hours ago.  My staff proceeded to include our second look at our exclusive interview with actor Pooch Hall on our Facebook and Twitter sites.  Shortly after our trusted crew made the boss happy with a Tweet,  we were "Retweeted" by the man himself.  Pooch Hall not only remembers the interview,  but "LOL" laughed at loud when I reminded him I drove through a storm, twice for the EXCLUSIVE at his hotel in Pensacola during his brief visit last year.

Much like his character, Derwin "Ding Dong" Davis on BET's hit reality show,  Marion "Pooch" Hall who actually played football in high school and briefly in college is kind, polite, and the perfect gentleman.  Ladies, I'll also let you in on a little known secret from that day.  I lost my photographer because he had to go back to Mobile, Alabama for breaking news and severe weather, but Pooch Hall didn't flinch and he didn't make me feel bad about being a "one man band" that day.

In fact, he shot the entire interview himself by propping my camera up between a towel and two chairs and used his skills in cinema and directing to help me pull the whole interview off without the viewers being the wiser.  He singled handedly saved this 'damsel in distress' that day and I will forever thank him for it.

This just echoes what "I know for sure,"  social media is a fan's way of really getting up close and personal with some of their favorite celebrities in 2013.  Sometimes, that includes veteran journalists who know their way around the "red carpet!"

Thank you Marion "Pooch" Hall for the Retweet today on Twitter.  In addition to reaching out to many of your loyal fans of BET's The Game,  you made this old girl happy too.  I can officially die happy!   21 century technology, "gotta love it!"

PLAYBOOK CHANGES FOR BET'S "THE GAME"

Introducing The New Cast of BET's "THE GAME"

THE CAST OF BET's "THE GAME" GETS A MAKE-OVER!

(Atlanta, GA.)--"The players change, but the game stays the same!" That's the phrase being used to reel in loyal fans this week for the kick-off of season six of BET'S "The Game!" Okay, admit it, I was among the thousands of female fans who spent the better part of the weekend perched on the couch getting in my "Pooch Hall fix." If you haven't heard, there are big changes on the way in "The Game's" playbook this season.

Pooch Hall and Varion Walton-March 2012

Pooch Hall returns this week, but a lot of fans are trying to find out for how long? Apparently the loss of Hall and his television "soul-mate" Tia Mowry-Hardrict who played the role of Melanie,  is forcing the writers to "reboot" the embattled series again.

They've undergone changes before, BET picked up the series that has remained number one in black households after it was cancelled by The CW Network more than two years ago.                            

Mara Brock Avil, the show's original writer and creator is "banking" on loyal fans weathering this latest "sitcom storm" again. In a recent interview with The Los Angeles Times she said, it has been a huge challenge, but reflects the true world of sports. "What has happened speaks authentically to the world of sports," Akil said. We fall in love with players, and it hurts when they leave. It is like Peyton Manning leaving The Colts to wear a Broncos uniform.  It hurts, but it is what real life is like. First, you get nervous, then it becomes exciting and new. There's new life to the show.

Brock-Avil said losing Hall and Mowry-Hardrict has been hard since they have long since been considered the "heart of the show," but she is confident remaining veteran cast members like Wendy Raquel-Robinson, along with the addition of R&B singer Brandy and newcomers Jay Ellis and Lauren London--are strong enough as an ensemble to "score points"with their loyal fan base.

You can check out BET's hot new trailer for SEASON SIX, along with bio information on new cast members by CLICKING HERE:  http://www.bet.com/shows/the-game.html?cid=gamemktggoog

FOR A SECOND LOOK at  VISION/VOICE/VARION's EXCLUSIVE  interview with Pooch Hall about season five,  check out this video that's generated nearly 4-thousand page views with our fans on our YouTube channel.

SPRING? WHAT SPRING?

WINTER JUST WON'T LET GO!

(HUNTSVILLE, AL.)---It is what everybody is talking about today, what else-the weather! It is freezing outside and we're told don't expect a warm-up anytime soon.  I've got to admit Palm Sunday left me depressed with lows in the 30's and 40's. Now we're waking up to headlines  of 12 states under a winter weather warning today, some expecting at least a foot of snow.   The unusual weather pattern is also creating a major headache for major airlines that are now canceling and delaying flights. Forecasters now tell us to brace for 6 more days of seriously cold weather. What the what?

Clearly winter is not letting go, at least not yet. The unusually Spring-like temperatures are literally "raining on every one's Easter Parade" not to mention making everyone miserable. 

My nieces and nephews, natives of the South have had their fill of snow in the Northeast. While plans for "Spring Break 2013" are being seriously altered for more than a few of my friends living in the Mid-West.


As we look to Easter weekend, let's just hope mother nature will have a little mercy and gives us some warmer temperatures.  Lows of 27 degrees in the 7-day forecast has me really re-thinking the whole concept of "Popsicle Peeps!"

                                                                                  

PARTY WITH A PURPOSE

(Huntsville, AL.)   Celebrating Women in Business!   You still have time to get reserved seats for this Friday's fundraiser in Huntsville, Alabama.  Join me and Emmy Award winning journalist and entrepreneur Janette Smith for an evening of informing, empowering and entertaining.

For more ticket information call:  (256) 603-0324 or (256) 682-2882.  It's a great night to embrace being "fiercely feminine!"   

CELEBRATING WOMEN IN BUSINESS

IT'S A LITTLE BLACK DRESS AFFAIR

(Huntsville, AL)--It's a party with a purpose!  This Friday night, the women in The Rocket City will take on a new "attitude and altitude!"  Join me and Emmy Award winning television personality Janette Smith as we come together with the business women of North Alabama in the annual  "Little Black Dress Affair."  

It's a night designed with you in mind.  Good food, good friends and a great opportunity to discuss the number one killer of women, heart disease.  That's this Friday night,  March 22 at The Improv on Oakwood Avenue in Huntsville. "Women empowering women." don't miss it!

UNLEASHING YOUR GREATNESS!!

"LEAD AND SUCCEED" WITH LES BROWN

"Mr. Motivation"--Les Brown

For more than two decades he's literally "talked" his way into becoming one of the richest men in America!  Les Brown, the charismatic best selling author, television talk show host and motivational speaker recently brought some of his wealthiest friends to Mobile, Alabama to share their secrets of "leading and succeeding" with other aspiring entrepreneurs.  As fate would have it, taking advantage of a rare and "unexpected opportunity" ends with VISION/VOICE/VARION earning an "all access," backstage pass to one of the wealthiest men in America.  

CLICK AND PLAY

                                       

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON "TAPPING INTO YOUR GREATEST POTENTIAL" 

VISIT:  WWW.LESBROWN.COM

ALL NEW: BIG MUSIC NEWS THIS WEEK

CHRISTMAS IN MARCH 

NEW CLASSICS ON HAMILTON'S FORTHCOMING CHRISTMAS LP

VISION/VOICE/VARION EXCLUSIVE!

(Huntsville, AL.)  It's only March, but Grammy Award winning R&B Recording Artist Anthony Hamilton is already in the holiday spirit!  The "Pray For Me" singer returned to North Alabama recently to once again tap into the magic he makes with his writing partner and producer Kelvin Wooten of North Alabama.

In a "VISION/VOICE/VARION" EXCLUSIVE,  we discovered Anthony Hamilton set aside a week out of his extensive 2013 Tour schedule to record his new Christmas CD.  Wooten who lives in Athens, a small bedroom community just outside the City of Huntsville has worked with Hamilton before on several hits, including "So In Love," a duet Hamilton recorded with singer Jill Scott.

It is the first time the "dynamic duo" has teamed up since gaining an Oscar nod for their collaboration on the single "Freedom," a duet Hamilton recorded with newcomer Elayna Boynton on the soundtrack of the movie "Django Unchained."
                                                                   

Anthony Hamilton on "The Adult Mix" WHRP- 94.1 Huntsville"

Hamilton has gone on record before, proclaiming 'Huntsville as one of his favorite places to record.'  During his visit he sent out several personal tweets, including one where he affectionately dubbed Wooten as his "musical soul mate." Anthony Hamilton even took time out of recording in Huntsville this week to do a few press junkets with Kelvin Wooten,  their first in Huntsville since the two attended the Hollywood premiere of the "Django" movie in Los Angeles last December.

I personally was psyched the whole day because I was one of only a handful of members of the local media given an opportunity to hear Anthony Hamilton's impromptu version of "Away in a Manager!" The soulful blend of the R&B crooner's rich, soulful vocals, coupled with Wooten's "groovy base line," not to mention some absolutely amazing rifts from a guest lead guitarist, immediately reminded me of another legendary Christmas crooner Nat King Cole.

Hamilton and Wooten's version of  "Away in a Manager" is so unique and strong, I have no doubt this version is going to catault the award-wining musical team into being remembered for giving us another unforgettable Christmas "classic" for the ages.   Just remember, you heard HERE first!

CLICK HERE: ALL NEW
THE HUNTSVILLE TIMES- "Musician's Musican" featuring Kelvin Wooten
http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2013/03/a_musicians_musician_7_huntsvi.html

Kelvin Wooten, Mid-Day Jock Toni Terrell and Anthony Hamilton

ANTHONY HAMILTON LIVE IN  HUNTSVILLE- MAY 12, 2013
CLICK HERE:  Details of Anthony Hamilton's Mother's Day Concert in Huntsville
http://www.whrpfm.com

VARION'S VIEW: Scar on my Forehead: Wide Awake

(Huntsville, AL.)--Many of you may recall my absolute fondness for a young writer from Huntsville who had the great fortune of spending more than six months in Italy. Terasha Nicole is a North Alabama based writer we introduced to "VISION/VOICE/VARION" readers last year.  Many of you joined me in hanging on her every word as she beautifully described her adventure and discovery of Europe.

This month, the aspiring writer is talking about the adjustment of being home and sometimes, "the growing pains" that come with making it back to those you love most.

In this week's Varion's View, check out Terasha Nicole's latest entry under "Scar on My Forehead."

CLICK HERE:
Scar on my Forehead: Wide Awake: A new chapter in my life is turning. As I try to fly high on the wings of gratefulness, I sit on the wings of a broken heart. But I heard a...