MONEY MATTERS-"Fixing Your Finances For Good!"

In today's "Money Matters" segment, Varion Walton talks with a financial expert who gives you some tips on "Fixing your Finances" for good!  Alphonso Brady, Jr, with New York Life helps you determine if you are on the right track with "your money!"
               

"Tips on Socking Away Enough For Savings"

New York Life Insurance Company 
1110 Montlimar Drive
Mobile, AL. 36609
(251) 622-1044
http://www.newyorklife.com      

"VISION/VOICE/VARION" HAS BIG PLANS AND GIVEAWAYS FOR 2012

(MOBILE, AL.)  Tomorrow promises to kick off what's expected to be a "fierce, fun, fabulous" 2012 for "VISION/VOICE/VARION".  Our internet magazine celebrated it's one year anniversary with an exclusive interview with actor Pooch Hall who plays Derwin Davis on this hit "dramedy" television show "The Game" shown on BET!  Getting the scoop from one of the hottest actors on television is just the beginning.  Tomorrow, Varion will give you a chance to "score" a couple of the hottest tickets to "tomorrow's stars the NFL!"  That's right, we're giving away 2 tickets to 2 lucky followers to SENIOR BOWL 2012.  

All you have to do is go to the right of this page and sign up to "CONNECT" and "FOLLOW" Varion's "conversation with the world!" Don't worry, signing your name doesn't mean you'll be receiving spam email.  Instead, it could mean your "backstage",  all access pass to some of the hottest names in entertainment! You just never know when our contests and ticket giveaways might include meeting one of the biggest stars to take center stage.  So sign up, SUPPORT and FOLLOW "VISION/VOICE/VARION"....always on, always connected."

She Speaks book signing by Katina Walton

When "She Speaks", she speaks of heartache, depression, anxiety, molestation and sometimes yes, even incest!  She speaks of the calamities and tragedies that have polarized her life. She speaks of a longing to be free from all that plagues her spirit. The poets in "She Speaks" talk about their struggles, challenges, victories and even triumphs in overcoming their demons, oppressors and their "audacity of hope."

Saturday, January 21, 2012 Katina Walton's vision of "She Speaks" was realized with the official book signing and performances of some of the most prolific poets featured in her anthology of poetry.  It was standing room only as all of North Alabama came out to hear the words of these driven, determined women.  Women freeing their minds, their bodies and their hearts.

This video was created and edited by Charles Beason.  He's is the graphics designer and co-publisher of Radar Magazine.  His skilled eye captured the essence of this incredible night. Through his careful selection of images and sound Charles captured a "moment in time" that's considered provoking, entertaining , empowering and leaves wanting more.

Congratulations Katina Walton, not only are you my little sister, but you're my best barometer for how to take it to "another level."

Singing Legend Etta James Dead at 73

Etta James

(Riverside, California)--Her music timeless, her voice original! Today the world mourns the lost of one of the most iconic singers of our time. Blues singer Etta James died today in Riverside, California surrounded by her family.

She died from complications from leukemia. "She died with her husband, Artis Mills and he sons by her side," Lupe De Leon, her longtime friend and manager tells the Associated Press today in a press release.

She was diagnosed with leukemia in 2010 and also suffered from dementia and hepatitis C. James died at a hospital in Riverside just shy of her birthday.  She would have turned 74 Wednesday.

"This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world", De Leon said.  "She was a true original who could sing it all- her music defied category."   I worked with Etta for over 30 years.  She was my friend and I will miss her always," Leon said.

Like so many, I was sad, but not surprised by her passing.  I'd been following her progress in the hospital for weeks and felt she cheated death when she was recovered and made it home.

During those weeks in the hospital I stopped and reflected on "my connection" to Etta James.  My best friend and singer Gina Brown on occasion served as her opening act. Gina's first concert with this blues legend was in San Francisco in 2006.  Gina shared with me stories of this "feisty" older woman who rolled around the concert hall in her motorized scooter never bothering to say "please or thank you." Perhaps after more than 40 years in the industry she felt she earned the right.

Though the latter years of her life were shrouded in controversy with President Barak Obama, singer Beyonce', her classic hit "At Last" and the 2009 Inaugural Ball, I found it ironic as the light of Etta James started to "dim", Gina Brown's star in the blues industry really started to shine. Just this year alone Gina Brown has been nominated as "best new artist" in several blues categories for her two singles, "We're Having A Party" and "The G-Slide".

Over the years Etta James became outspoken and defied "any category" when it came to her music, (she moved with the greatest of ease from R & B to Blues) I'm sure Gina Brown joins me in "thanking her" for opening the door for her, Beyonce' and countless others!

Thank you Etta for your "classic music".  I'd hoped you cheated after being administered final rites weeks ago, however today with your passing I'm reminded, "sometimes God gets us stronger for the journey!"  Rest in Peace!

The Nation Prepares To Honor "The Dreamer!"

The Nation Honors the Life and Legacy of MLK, Jr. -Monday January 16th

AP Photo 

Keep it here for MLK Holiday Calendar of Events:

Bishop State's Tribute to Dr. King Thursday, Jan. 12th

http://bishop.edu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=377:martin-luther-king-tribute&catid=75:announcement-archive

EVENTS AROUND THE SOUTHEAST
MLK EVENTS: Courtesy AL.COM

MLK Observations in Huntsville, AL.

Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast and March

Public Event · By Lily Baptist Church: Mobile, Alabama

• When

  Monday
• Time

  8:00am until 11:00am

• Description

  Our Special Guests will be The Youth and Youth Advisors of Friendship Baptist Church, Cody Rd. and The Mobile Kappa League. We will have a guest panel to include Pastor Cederick McMillan-New Birth Community Church, Dr. Carl Cunningham, Jr. PhD. - University of South Al, Minister Harold Williams Youth Minister, Friendship B.C. and Sgt. Kenneth Finley - Mobile Police Department. The topic of discussion: Has the Dream become a Reality or a Nightmare? Please come out and be blessed!

Lily Baptist Church: Mobile, Alabama

358 Kenndey St., Mobile, AL 36603

View Map · Get Directions

ANNIVERSARY EXCLUSIVE

(Pensacola, FL.) "VISION/VOICE/VARION" celebrates it's 1 year anniversary with a "world exclusive!" The hit television series "THE GAME" premieres tonight on BET, but not before Varion Walton "scores" a touchdown with cast member Marion "Pooch" Hall.  Pooch who is quickly becoming one of the hottest actors on television gives fans a sneak peek of this upcoming season.  Varion gets Pooch to open up about his early days with Hollywood Producer/ Director Spike Lee, plus how after growing up in Brockton, Massachusetts he always thought he would some day make it to the NFL, just not in full make-up!

Watch Varion's exclusive interview and find out why BET's "THE GAME" is striking a nerve with black households and starting to draw comparisons to "Good Times" and "Different Strokes!" Spread the word, tell a friend; this week marks an anniversary like no other as Varion works overtime  to "bring you more of what your love, 24/7!"

Courtesy: BET

Pooch Hall and Varion Walton

CLICK HERE TO Check out VARION's exclusive interview on her official website.
"Up Close with Pooch Hall"  

CLICK HERE TO VISIT:
"THE GAME" Web Site


"VISION/VOICE/VARION"...always on, always connected!

MARK THE DATE. "IT'S GOING TO BE AN EVENT TO REMEMBER!"

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR ADVANCE COPY FROM AMAZON.COM TODAY!
http://www.amazon.com/She-Speaks-Katina-One-Walton/dp/1465361863
She's one of the "most prolific" new authors on the scene. "She Speaks" is turning heads for it's "raw and realistic" vibe on being "female in America." I can say that because I've watched her development all her life. Yes, my sister Katina Walton will not only soon be known as Dr. Walton, Ph.D, but she's also gearing up for her first book signing of 2012.


The night promises some wonderful performances not only by Katina Walton, but some other incredible poetics in their own right, including Joneia P. Brown, Loletha Smith, Kimeko Farrar, Author-Poet La'Shea M. Johnson, Kim White-Glenn, just to name a few. "She Speaks" is a collection of poetry from these spirit filled women who gathered together to raise their voices to "speak out" against calamitous events that effect the human soul.


Be sure to order your advance copy of "She Speaks" on Amazon.Com.  Join me January 21st as these "prolific" poets take "required reading" to another level!