POWERBALL JACKPOT CLIMBS TO $550M

POWERBALL FRENZY

(Fayetteville, TN)--Nationwide, lottery tickets sold at a rate of 130-thousand tickets per minute before Wednesday night's big drawing. "VISION/VOICE/VARION" discovers in the mist of the Powerball Frenzy, not everyone is looking to win big bucks!

 

Alabama residents are catching lottery fever, driving across state lines hoping to strike it rich.  Varion Walton talks with a few folks who say the "Powerball Frenzy" fizzles for them when it comes

 to "cashing in!" They believe "big lotto winners" ultimately end up being major losers!

In Medias Res: Calculated Risks

Photo: Courtesy Terasha Nicole

(Milan, Italy)--If you've heard me say it once, you've heard me say it a thousand times before- "it is about thirty when a woman truly gives birth to herself." A year ago that was the mantra of my life and truly helped me determine who could really be my friend.

That very phrase-for what it's worth, often spills over into my new calling as a "talent coach".  Everyday I advise and counsel rookie  television news reporters and anchors in finding their first gig or being promoted to what they think is truly  their 'calling in the business.'

Many of the female reporters I work with have heard that phrase all too often. As I use my new company to 'influence the next generation' of journalists, I have to admit I am often the one being 'schooled.' Everyday I learn something new and "eye opening" from tomorrow's "digital journalists." Unlike my generation, some of these kids are not afraid to spread their wings and embrace change. Ironically, I guess you could say on occasion--we find our true "place and purpose" together.

Terasha Nicole is one such writer. She is a technical writer for a company with a concentration on instructional manuals for the helicopter industry. All work and "limited play" have definitely not made for a "boring Terasha."  She kicked off 2012 with an "exciting" new job that took her across the pond; all the way to Milan, Italy. Initially I thought God brought Terasha and I together for something else.

For more than two months I tried to help her get her foot in the door of the television news industry.  After graduating from The University of Alabama in Huntsville,  Terasha expressed an interest in becoming a television news producer in Memphis, Tennessee newsroom.  Thank God for unanswered prayers!

Little did I know it was already ordained this young woman would go from being a local writer to a global writer.  Ironically God had to take her half-way around the world for her to truly hear his voice and accept his will when it comes to her being a 'creative writer.'

To say she was terrified at first would be an understatement. Who isn't afraid of leaving everything you know and traveling to a foreign land?  Despite many challenges, including the language, Terasha sucked it up and put her "big girl panties" on and handled it!

Terasha Nicole took the "calculated risk".  She jumped in head first, into a "new norm" that included a new country she  later dubbed, "the land of babble!" Taking incredible mental notes, she puts pen to paper and writes about her new discoveries all over Italy. Terasha shares her struggle of never fully understanding all that was being said around her initially.

Despite the language barrier, somehow in her weekly blog entitled "In Medias Res," this Alabama native learned to "let go of who she thought she wanted to be for who God truly created her to be." Six months after moving to Italy, Terasha is heading back to the United States transformed.  I have a sneaking suspension she is now extremely clear on God's purpose and his will for her life.

It has been my pleasure watching her develop and truly "giving birth to herself" all BEFORE thirty! She has not only mastered her craft in becoming a great technical writer for her company, but she is now an incredible storyteller who paints a colorful description of life's journey.  I encourage you to follow her blog and immerse yourself in all of her delicious "Ah Ha" moments that come with it.

She has become such a creative writer it be long before she starts drawing comparisons to other literary giants like Toni Morrison and Maya Angelo at this stage in their careers.  Dare I say before "they were thirty years old and giving birth to themselves?"

Photo Courtesy: Terasha Nicole

The countdown is on--Terasha Nicole has less than a week left in Italy.  Join me in recapping her "highs and lows" in Europe and abroad as she takes this incredible journey of discovering her "place and purpose."

Terasha Nicole is an Athens, Alabama native who took advantage of an unexpected opportunity and found herself "In Medias Res"--right in the middle of life. Her journey forced her to discover one epiphany after another.

She said it best only days after arriving in Italy, 'sometimes God takes us to the extreme to truly get our attention.'Sometimes

Thank you Terasha, thank you for "life's lessons" shared in your blog.  It is safe to say, "I get it now."  Sometimes you have be forced out  of your comfort zone to fully understand "who and whose" you are.

What I know for sure; before there can be elevation, first you must experience separation, isolation and yes, even desperation. After all, an older, wiser woman once reminded me--"God even told Abraham to home!"

Click on the link below to be connected to Terasha Nicole's blog. I guarantee you will also considered  required reading!  Godspeed ladybug!

In Medias Res:  Calculated Risks: People cannot handle the truth no matter when, where and how you give it to them. Am I supposed to change my answer if it’s the truth... no...

(Huntsville, AL.)  Tis the season to count your blessings.  Wishing you and your loved ones a bountiful and blessed Thanksgiving Season!

ALL NEW

GINA BROWN'S NEW JINGLE COULD HAVE YOU "SMILING" ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK 

Gina Brown "The New Voice of The Louisiana Lottery"

(New Orleans, LA.)  She's the Southern Soul Singer who brought you the "G-Slide."  Now, Gina Brown is "stepping" into a new gig that's sure to "give you something to smile about."  Meet the new voice of the Louisiana Lottery. "VISION/VOICE/VARION" learned Gina was in a Louisiana studio putting the finishing touches on "Something to Smile About", the new Louisiana jingle that's already creating a buzz.   

Producers with the project are excited about the new updated sound of the million dollar jackpot.  They're "betting" Gina's style, vocal ability and love for her native New Orleans is the "winning combination" that will help them to boost ticket sales. 

Look for the new Louisiana Lottery on radio and television stations around the Southeast.  Meantime, check out Gina Brown's new CD, "G-Spot", featuring the hit single The G-Slide and "Can't Stop Thinking of You", available in stores and online at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ginabrown42

CHARMING, CHISELED AND FROM CULLMAN!

CHANNING TATUM-PEOPLE MAGAZINE'S "SEXIEST MAN ALIVE"

(New York, NY)--He's cut, charming and from Cullman-Alabama, that is?  Who knew?  People Magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" for 2012 is Alabama bred. 

Channing Tatum first turned the heads of "VISION/VOICE/VARION" readers this summer with "Varion's View", my movie review on Tatum's  summer box office hit, "Magic Mike".  Let's just say it is practically December and I'm still recovering from this "skin flick" that left me "red faced" with my mother.  It wasn't exactly The Chippendales.  Not to mention, Mom is still asking if that was an "actual penis" in a suction cup shown on the silver screen in the movie.  (But, I digress).

Wednesday, like everyone else in America, I was surprised to wake up to The Today Show and  People Magazine's  announcement of "Sexiest Man Alive".  I've said  it before, "there's always an Alabama connection" to some of the biggest national stories.  I'd be the first to admit I never made the connection with Tatum and North Alabama.

To say Cullman, Alabama is a long way from "Tinseltown" is  an understatement.  Channing Tatum was born in Cullman, but moved to Mississippi by the time he was six. This former model started his acting career in Pepsi and Mountain Dew commercials. He really got noticed with his "bump and grind"dance moves in Rickey Martin's music video, "She Bangs." The rest as they say, is history!

High fives  to Alabama's own Channing Tatum for standing out in a "crowded field" of beef cake!  This is one "local boy does good story" I'm happy to share.

I recently read Channing and his actress wife Jenna Dewan want a house filled with three or four children. I bet he never thought his "how I met your mom" story would end with "oh yeah,  I was  also voted Sexiest Man Alive in 2012".

Channing Tatum in "Magic Mike"

 

CLICK HERE:

For Second Look At Varion's View on The Movie "Magic Mike"

http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5767289571624837760#editor/target=post;postID=6439071528085646453

Honoring All Who Serve!

(Huntsville, AL.)--Today we honor my brothers Guy Walton and Ronald Wesley, Junior. Today we say "thank you" to you and all the men and women who make sacrifices everyday to keep America free.

THE TIMES THEY ARE CHANGING!

 (Memphis, TN.)  One thing the election last night taught us,  "the times they are ah changing!" About five years ago, I remember the headline "America is now Brown!" Tuesday, November 6th that fact was never more poignant than with the Hispanic and female votes cast during the Presidential Election.  

The make-up of the American family is changing so much following the 2010 census, political pundits predict states that have always been referred to as "swing states" will get a tan as well.  Now more than ever, more Latina families are calling living in Georgia, Texas and Arizona home.

After more than two years of watching the candidates on the campaign trail, the Latino community  patiently waited to hear anything that sounded inclusive from the Republican Party. Apparently, they're still waiting.

Last night they joined women, young people and other people of color in saying "we matter!" They showed up and showed out.  Latinos made up more than 71 percent of the votes casted during the 2012 Presidential election. Barak Obama  received 93 percent of the votes from African American voters, while an overwhelming number of white men voted for former Governor Mitt Romney. But,  it wasn't enough.                  

It wasn't like the "whites" stayed home, they were simply out numbered. Women also made up an intricate driving force behind this election. Single women chose sides and joined "Team Obama", making up 67 percent of the votes. Voters ages 18-29 made up 60 percent of the votes cast in Tuesday night's election.

No doubt I'm not the only one who is happy The Presidential election is over.
The people have spoke and the focus should be about "the people's jobs," not who wants the top job as Commander in Chief.

As we all try to figure out how to move,  images on the campus of Ole Miss will be forever etched in my mind. It was heartbreaking to wake up to the headlines of a students in a major protest at The University of Mississippi minutes after the official winner was declared.  It was an ugly scene that included racial slurs and yet more people choosing sides.

Tuesday night's protest will forever be is a black eye for an institution that has worked hard to change its image. But, here's a kicker;  it is not just a "southern thing!" Detroit, Michigan turns out is another "hot spot for racial divide!" People living near Grand Circus Park in downtown Detroit woke up to graffiti that said "F&*# Obama!"  Really?

Honestly, if your don't like the man,  can please at least respect the Office?  I debated about even discussing the racial slurs. I am one who believes, 'if you shine a light on racial epithets it only encourages small minded people to continue to spread their poison.'

Here's hoping President Obama is right when he said Tuesday night, "the best is yet to come."  A declaration I pray will finally resonate from the Oval Office as Barak Obama gets another four years to reach across the isle.  An olive branch that must be extended to Mitt Romney and the angry white men like Donald Trump and Rush Limbaugh who feel they now live in a country where they have no representation.

It will be interesting to watch and see if campaign promises are kept over the next four years. It will also be interesting to see Barak Obama, an "ordinary man on an extraordinary journey" can truly united this country.  But for now,  the day after the election the "real work begins", because after all folks--we are in this thing together.

Election Day 2012

ROMNEY OR OBAMA?  YOU DECIDE!

BREAKING NEWS:  There is no bigger story than the Presidential Election today.  It does not matter if you are Democrat or Republican, young or old, black or white, today is the day to end all of the rhetoric and let your voices be heard.  So far, early voting has worked in states like Florida, Tennessee and Ohio. Now, it's up to you to find a church organization or civic group and offer someone a ride to the polls. Hurricane Sandy is still presenting more than a few challenges along the East coast, but where there is a will there's a way!

Come on America, the world is watching. This is one of the most crucial decisions we can make as a nation.  Let's not reduce today to racist, ignorant comments on social media sites and standing in line at the polling place. Represent yourself and your convictions by making an effort to show up at the polls today.  November 6th is about a vote to make our nation better; nothing more, nothing less!

    FALL BACK AND GAIN AN HOUR THIS WEEKEND!

Fall back and gain an hour this weekend, thanks to daylight savings time! At 2 am Sunday, people will "fall back" one hour--in essence, reliving the 1am hour two times over. There are pros and cons to this yearly event.  If you are President Barak Obama and Republican Challenger Mitt Romney, you will get one more hour to get in some last minute stomping on the national campaign trail.

If you are like me, Sunday morning will find you scrambling and still getting to church late wondering where did the time go?  Daylight savings time comes every year and like 'clockwork,' but I must admit I'm never ready for the change or everything that comes with it. If only there were 27 hours in each day!

DECISION 2012

(Huntsville, AL.)  Days before voters head to the polls, pundits say it is an election that is simply "too close to call!" The latest polls show President Barak Obama and Challenger Mitt Romney are "neck and neck!"Days before the November 6th election, the focus is less on 'undecided voters' and more on simply getting 'registered voters' to the polls.

It is clearly one of the most influential elections of this century as thousands of folks along the East Coast are still suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. New Yorkers and others along the Beltway are literally focused on coming out of the dark and picking up the pieces of their lives.

Others in the Southeast, midwest and west coast are looking to the national jobs report-the last one out before Tuesday's election. President Barak Obama got a bit of good news when joblessness measured at 7.8 percent in September, falling below 8 percent for the first time since he took office, but it has not been enough to give him a lead over Republican challenger Mitt Romney, and the race remains a virtual dead heat.

Amazingly, the number of people participating in "early voting" has hit record numbers. The message of "not waiting" is resonating around the Southeast.  Georgia, Tennessee and Florida are just a few Southern states reporting a record number of people in urban areas getting to the polls early like never before. The deadline for early voting in Georgia is today at 4:30pm.

Alabama election officials are also reporting a record number of absentee ballots at country courthouses all over the state. The grassroots effort of "not waiting" is working, but in just four days it is up to so many more to decide.

Election Day is Tuesday; that is why it is so crucial to stay engaged, form your own opinion, offer the elderly a ride to the polls, organize a caravan through your church, do something!  Exercise your right to have your voice heard. There's too much riding on Decision 2012.  Despite the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and the grim jobs report, future generations are depending on us to show up and truly set the tone of "recovery" in this country in more ways than one.

AP Photo

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