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

CLICK HERE FOR MORE ELECTION NEWS:

http://www.bing.com/elections?form=msnel2

The VW Network "backstage" at The 71st Magic City Classic-The TJMS

(Birmingham, AL.)  "She's fiercely feminine" and she plays a huge roll with one of the hottest national morning shows.  The City of Birmingham welcomes home Tom Joyner of the Tom Joyner Morning Show.   Varion Walton talks exclusively backstage with Tom's "right hand woman" Sybil Wilkes.  Days away from the Presidential election Sybil reminds us the 71st Magic City Classic is truly a "party with a purpose!"

WHAT'S HOT! Star-Studded Cast in The Butler

(Los Angeles, CA.)--Talk about a "star studded" cast.  Actor David Banner joins Oprah Winfey, Robin Williams, Terrance Howard, Jane Fonda and more in the new flick directed by "PRECIOUS" Director Lee Daniels.

ACTOR DAVID BANNER

Actor David Banner has been tapped to co-star in the highly anticipated Lee Daniel’s Film “The Butler” which is currently in production in New Orleans.  Banner will be part of an all-star cast that includes Forrest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, Robin Williams, Terrance Howard, Vanessa Redgrave, Jane Fonda and more.

The film tells the true story of Eugene Allen, (played by Forrest Whitaker) a butler who served at the White House from 1952 to 1986 serving under eight First Families. Banner will portray Earl Gains, Allan’s father, and will appear alongside Mariah Carey who will play his wife. Banner’s role is a pivotal one as it sets the tone of the movie and foreshadows how Eugene navigates life through his tenure in the White House.   Daniels’ is said to be very enamored with Banner’s acting chops calling his performance “absolutely exquisite.”

“I’m really excited to be a part of this movie.  The cast is absolutely astonishing and working with Mariah has been great.  Lee Daniels is so amazing to work with and I thank him for choosing me for this role,” states Banner.  “This movie reminds us of what our ancestors have endured for us to have certain liberties which we have today.  This movie is groundbreaking.”

Currently David Banner is back at work producing music for artists like Lil’ Wayne, Ludacris and Ne-Yo as well as working on projects for Disney.   Fans can also expect to see Banner on the big screen this winter in “7500” and “They Die By Dawn.”  His representatives with The Chamber Group in Los Angeles are excited about the reviews and buzz Banner is generating in his new role.

                                         

WHAT'S HOT! Hip Hop Christian Rapper LECRAE

THIS IS NOT YOUR GRANDFATHER'S AMAZING GRACE

Click Here for LECRAE'S "Live and Let Live Music Video"

http://hiphopwired.com/2011/11/05/lecrae-statik-selektah-live-let-live-music-video/

(New York, New York)-In times like these we need a savior, but many are finding this is not your father's "Amazing Grace". While "Mega Ministers" like T.D. Jakes and Dr. Jamal Bryant are reaching the masses on Facebook and Twitter, Christian Rappers like LECRAE are "making a joyful noise" unto the Lord through "Christian HIP HOP!" Check out Grammy Nominated Rapper LECRAE on ESPN "Playbook" as he talks about athletes turning to him for inspiration, Jeremy Lin, sports and more.  LECRAE, growing in popularity and turning heads with everyone, including those, "preaching and working hard in the paint!"

Photo Courtesy: ESPN

CLICK HERE TO READ THE STORY

Can Facebook prolong post-breakup pain?

Breaking Up is Hard to Do! One for The Ages!!

Can Facebook prolong post-breakup pain? - FOX Carolina 21