BREAKING NEWS: Several people shot outside Empire State Building

(NEW YORK, NEW YORK)--We're closely monitoring this developing story in New York's business district.  8 people shot outside of the Empire State Building in New York.  1 dead. 7 wounded.  Eyewitnesses say police shot and killed the gunman.

Several people shot outside Empire State Building

BAYFEST 2012-- ALABAMA'S LARGEST MUSIC FESTIVAL

(Mobile, AL.) --Hard to be believe, but in less than 40 days more than 200-thousand people will be jammed packed into Downtown Mobile.  Bayfest Music Festival is almost here and VISION/VOICE/VARION has learned the line-up could be any better, or could it? Next Thursday don't miss our coverage of the big announcement of the final acts committed to this year's big music festival.

Bayfest is one of the Southeast's biggest parties and everyone is invited. This year's headlines feature some of the country's best known acts and in every genre imaginable.  Gospel, rock, rap , R & B, hip hop and jazz. Keep it here to "VISION/VOICE/VARION" for great ticket giveaways and how Bayfest is attracting music lovers from as far as Houston.

For more ticket information, visit--www.bayfest.com

And The Winner Is.......

Katina "One Queen" Walton and Marc Lacy
2012 National Poetry Awards 

(St. Louis, Mo.)--Oprah's Book Club has nothing on this group. They are the "best of the best!" Poets, writers, authors, lyricists, singers and song writers of the spoken word from all over the country conveying in St. Louis this weekend for the third annual National Poetry Awards.  Men and women, young and old, black and white who stand united in their passion for the rhythm and rhyme of every word and sound they recite.

The National Poetry Awards, (NPAs) is a national poetry arts group which began in the United States with the first awards ceremony held in Raleigh, North Carolina in August 2010.  The NPAs supports artists in every artistic genre including, but not limited to performing and visual arts, literary arts and creative design.

Among the attendees this year is a delegation from Huntsville, Alabama. Three nominees who are accomplished writers in their own right also representing Artnsoul Poetry,  a unified group of writers and poets raising the social consciousness of folks living in North Alabama. Three members nominated in three different categories: Poet of the Year-Marc Lacy; Poet/Author of the Year: Katina Walton and Spoken Word Radio of the Year: Marcus Sims.

Cliche, but true, it is an honor just to be nominated, however I was ecstatic when I got the news my little sister and her mentor, Marc Lacy walked away with the top prize in both their categories.    

Marc Lacy,  NPA's "Poet of the Year!" Congratulations Marc, it's been rewarding watching you mature as a seasoned and proven poet, author and lecturer.  I'm especially proud of your dedication to the old African proverb, "each one teach one!" I can't thank you enough for his unselfish act of reaching back and helping several as a founding member of Artnsoul, but I'm especially grateful to you for your dedication to other up and coming stars in the spoken-word genre like poet, writer, author and I'm proud to say my sister--Katina "One Queen" Walton.

Thank you for helping Katina in her struggle to find her own identity. The youngest of three, she entered college with something of a great weight on her shoulders. She had to come up through the ranks of two other over achievers in her family who had already carved out their own legacies. 

My brother Ganester and I have enjoyed our time in the limelight in our perspective careers, however we never could have imagined one day--our little sister would "pig tails" would grow up and surpass every one's expectations when it comes to her own accomplishments.

Katina is the first in our family to not only obtained a Masters Degree in early childhood education, but soon she'll be known as Dr. Walton.  Katina "One Queen" Walton is a candidate for a Ph.D.

"One Queen" spitting on the mic

"Born to teach," she  has spent several years in the public school system and at the University level training future educators to fight for their rightful place in classroom.  Five years ago the family discovered her new found passion for putting pen to paper and raising the awareness of being "fiercely feminine" through the grit and grime of every poetic word she uttered.  

"One Queen" as she is affectionately called surprised us all with the release of her first book, "She Speaks," a collection poetry from spirit filled women who came together to raise their voices to speak out against tragic events that effect the human spirit.  Women who were brave enough to tell their stories of cancer, rape, incest and domestic violence. Women who trusted this young visionary, "a single woman on a single mission" to use words that would heal, empower and restore.

Soon my sister, the accomplished writer and poet will release her second book. "Scribed Blues" is a collection of Katina's  own poetry that will solidify the gifts God has placed in her as she remains diligent in perfecting those gifts as a writer and educator.                    

Bravo Katina and well done as you accept your NPA as "Poetry Author of The Year!" You are not only an accomplished writer and poet, you've earned the credentials to prove it.  All of the sacrifices, sleepless nights and isolation to pen a literary work of art that would turn heads has finally paid off.

"Keep on keeping on" as you leave behind a legacy that's beyond reproach. You truly are a "shining star" and by far the best example to the "generation of Waltons" to come.

For more information about Marcellus Lacy, visit: http://www.marclacy.com
For more information about Katina Walton, visit: http://www.waltonseducationalnewsletter.blogspot.com

HOPSCOTCH, "THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT!"

(HUNTSVILLE, AL.)  Look at what I discovered today. To all you parents screaming for your kids to get out the house , check this out. A game of Hopscotch played with a 21st century style! This is certainly not your father's "rock of ages". These college kids were having the time of their lives playing one of my favorite childhood games. They had the chalk, the side walk and the desire to play, but when I took a second look, much to my surprise they were using a smart phone to play this age old childhood game. That's right, hopscotch, there's an app for that!
It would appear the "smart phone" now takes the place of a rock or stick to mark the spot for players to hop. The guy calling the game actually rolled the dice on his smartphone. The players were all too happy to oblige. He hit a couple of "snake eyes," but it didn't deter these competitive players who are mastering this age old tradition with a modern day twist. It is good to know somethings never change.

High School Senior

(Huntsville, AL)  God has blessed me with the privilege of watching my oldest nephew enter his senior year in high school. This weekend he arrived at the airport solo, a sign of his new found independence!  I have to admit, he was seriously mistaken as some 25 year old man as he left the terminal and stepped into the car.  Who is this guy with a full grown beard and what did he do with my 13 year old nephew? A solo flight halfway around the country is a good sign as any you are ready to leave the nest.  Thank God I will have another 187 days to get used to the idea! 

Justice at 17

Justice at 13

VARION'S VIEW: "MAGIC MIKE" REVIEW

Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey in "Magic Mike"

(Mobile, AL.)--WORK ALL DAY, WORK IT ALL AT NIGHT!  A male stripper teaches a younger performer how to party, pick up women and make easy money! The tag line and the trailers to "Magic Mike" seemed unassuming enough. I should have really reconsidered a movie about the seedy life of a stripper, but because my mother is a huge fan of Matthew McConaughey I decided to give it a try.

So there I was, sitting in the two front row seats with my mother.  I thought we were having a relaxing end to what started out as a "girls night". Unfortunately it didn't take long for me to turn red faced. I'm talking beet red. Yep, it happens. I'm not too black to blush.

Let's just say mother saw more of Matthew than she ever bargained for.  From the opening scene to the closing credits this movie was nothing short of pornographic.  The language was reduced to the lowest common denominator.  How many times can 6 grown men use the "d" word?  I was uncomfortable with the "d" and the "p" word in the movie "The 40 Year old Virgin" and "Magic Mike" is no better.

What "Magic Mike" lacks in a plot it more than makes up for in nudity. Correction, frontal nudity! Don't get me wrong folks, I'm no prude, but is it really necessary to show a stripper "enlarging himself through a suction tube before hitting the stage?" I mean they showed the actual penis! Seriously?  I expected an occasional sock stuffed in the g-strap, but a suction cup? Geez!  I'm still explaining that one to Mom.

Needless to say Mrs. Walton is still a fan of Matthew McConaughey.  She thought his dialogue was natural and his performance credible.  Honestly, I think she's still having "cougar dreams" of his "buns of steal!"

Surprisingly, I liked Channing Tatum's abs and his dance moves. Though there was a lot of gyrating that left you speechless, Tatum nailed a few hip hop performances in the movie.

Would I recommend this one?  Not hardly. Will I pick movies in the future that leave me a little less embarrassed in the company of my mother?  Count on it!  I'm Varion Walton and that's "my view".

Kevin Hart, Tank, and Tyrese Love Charlie Wilson's Performance at the 20...

                ESSENCE FEST "REWIND!" 

*Video courtesy of P. Music Group

Check out this video shot by "E" of Elpwe's Photography. There's so much talent in this one frame of video.  I truly feel privileged to have witnessed this impromptu comedy show first hand.  

It’s hard to believe Charlie Wilson and Kevin Hart had never seen each other’s work before Essence Music Festival 2012.  In the video Kevin who is hanging out with R&B crooners Tyrese and Tank immediately started to “roll” out the jokes the moment he saw Charlie Wilson stepped out of a security vehicle backstage. Elpwe Ray did an incredible job capturing the essence of Uncle Charlie influencing the “next generation of entertainers” in this 2 minute clip.

Comedian Kevin Hart and Varion Walton

Kevin Hart is one of the funniest guys on the circuit  today and it was really cool meeting him. I got a chance to ask him one or two questions backstage.  I loved his natural, honest response when I asked if he is often amazed about his new found success?  "Hell yes!" 'If anyone had told me it would be this big  I wouldn't have believed it,'  Hart said.

This tenacious comedian who is often the butt of "pocket sized" jokes is casting a really "big" shadow in Hollywood these days. Tinseltown is still buzzing about his standout performance in Steve Harvey's movie "Act like a Lady, Think Like A Man.                     

                                                                                

This summer he served up a few more laughs and raised a few eyebrows during his performance at the Essence Music Festival.  It would appear organizers who have long billed Essence as a weekend for “family reunions” weren't quite ready for the "R" rated version of Kevin Hart’s stand up routine.  Let’s face it, the guy cusses like a sailor.  It’s definitely not a show for children.

Kevin is no dummy, he knows when “take the polish off the shine”.  I remember Kevin Hart's humble beginnings on Myspace, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.  He spent several years posting his standup routines on the internet.

Look at him now. Today Kevin Hart is considered one of Hollywood’s leading men, picking up a BET Award for “Best Actor.”  He is also hilarious as the new “pitchman” in those unforgettable Ford Explorer commercials.


Here's to this pint size comedian who is an awesome example of never giving up on your dream and always believing in yourself, despite your shortcoming.

GULF COAST "FASHIONISTA" ROCHELL E. JAMES

(Pensacola, FL.)--"She's a fashionista with a view!" I'm not just talking about the spectacular sight of The Gulf of Mexico from her front door.  Rochell E. James truly has an "eye for fashion." Honestly, I think I'm safe in saying "she breathes it!"

Rochell E. James Fashion Expert and Consultant

She's more than an authority on the subject, Rochell E. James moved back to her hometown of Pensacola, Florida from London about a year ago.

Her time in the fashion houses in Europe only manifested her desire to dress the world in the latest "trends and couture!"  It only seems natural that she'd want to share that information with family and friends!

I've always been struck by her tenacity. In addition to spearheading a fashion magazine Rochell is a mother of two and speaks three different languages. This week I was also in awe of her statute, her presence in the room. Rochell has a "regal presence" that's simply hard to ignore.   

I'm glad I took the time to finally "press the flesh" in person with this young career woman who is living her dreams. It isn't everyday I meet someone with a vast knowledge of fashion houses in Europe.  

       Fashion Rack Filled With "Wardrobe Essentials"

Like me, she's a product of the Gulf Coast who longed for something more. Something that would ultimately lead her to chase her passion and "zeal for life" on the "other side of the pond."

Varion Walton and Rochell E. James

"House of James"--A Fashion House With A View

VARION'S VIEWS-"TEACH ME HOW TO BRUSHY"

(Viral Videos)--Every now and then we come across a viral video that's screams SHARE!  What an interesting take on a "necessary evil." I love this!

DEVELOPING STORY: 17 PEOPLE HURT IN BAR SHOOTING IN T-TOWN

(Tuscaloosa, AL.)  It's the kind of headline that forces you to do a double take.  17 people gunned down in a bar!  While you slept overnight investigators in Tuscaloosa were on the hunt for a "would be killer!" What's worse, parts of the incident were caught on tape!"

Investigators say a man shot into a crowd in the downtown area before walking to the Copper Top Bar and opening fire on 17 innocent bystanders, injuring 2 critically. Take a look at the AP photo taken from the scene.  Investigators released video overnight of what is believed to be surveillance video of the suspect in this case. Witnesses say the man never entered the building, he fired all of the shots from outside.

It's an area ravaged by storms and killer tornados, but nothing is hitting "T-Town" harder these days than the headlines of violent crimes involving guns. Check out Alabama's news leader WBRC-TV as they followed the details of this developing story overnight.  Prayers today for Tuscaloosa.

AP Photo

CLICK HERE FOR STORY AS IT APPEARED ON WBRC-TV
http://www.myfoxal.com/story/19041018/17-people-shot-at-downtown-tuscaloosa-bar