DISTINGUISHED PRINCETON FELLOW?

DREAM DEFERRED, NO LONGER DENIED!

(Princeton, New Jersey)--This just in, former CNN Correspondent Soledad O'Brien has accepted a teaching position at Harvard University.  A Harvard alum, O'Brien will spend the next year at the Ivy League school as a "distinguished visiting fellow."  Harvard announces O'Brien will spend the 2013-2014 year delving into topics related to public education in America.  
                                                             
Though O'Brien left her daily hosting gig at CNN, she said she would continue to work with the network producing documentaries independently with her own production company.

"Embracing The Possibilities"-Princeton University

Soledad O'Brien is joining a growing elite number of seasoned journalists who are venturing out on their own and creating their own brand. Katie Couric, Anderson Cooper, Regis Philbin, they're all experienced television personalities who are finding a marginal amount of success without the benefit of call letters at the end of their names.  The digital explosion and the world wide web is making it possible to make what may have only been considered a "dream"--reality!

I instantly thought of Soledad as I took advantage of an unexpected opportunity of my own.
While visiting my brother and his family in Mount Laurel, New Jersey I discovered I was only a "stone's throw away" from greatest institution of higher learning-Princeton University.

I was absolutely astonished by Princeton. My first step on the campus literally took my breath away.  Princeton is everything you've heard and more.  It's the stuff dreams are made of for a lot of kids who grew up in inner cities like me.

Though I wasn't born with a "silver spoon" in my mouth, I truly believe I did okay while attending high school and college in Alabama.  But come on, Princeton? Honestly?  For so many years I didn't think my grades, background or culture would every afford me an opportunity to enroll, not to mention visit this great institution.                                

But, perhaps Soledad accepting  her "fellowship" at Harvard gave me the courage to at least explore "the possibilities!" You are only limited by the "limitations you place on yourself!" For the last 3 years built a consulting firm, Walton and Associates solely on what I've experienced and mastered when it comes to deadlines, investigative reporting and covering disasters and catastrophes like tornadoes and the BP Oil spill which paralyzed the Gulf Coast.  

I truly believe if given a chance, everything I've experienced as a producer, reporter, anchor, could be transferred into an actual classroom.  So, why not Princeton, Harvard or Yale for that matter? Never will you find an instructor/visiting fellow with the "drive, fortitude, insight and passion."

Unfortunately more than 50 percent of the instructors in the mass communications departments in  major universities in this country have very little practical experience.  In fact, less than 50% have stepped into an actual newsroom. I'm reminded of an old adage that echoed in my ear as I produced a newscast and two talk shows in Mobile and was bored by the professors at The University of South Alabama-"if you can't do, teach!"              

The April Chill Doesn't Dampen The Dream of " No Limitations"

I have no doubt I could bring the same love and passion that spans nearly two decades in the business into a classroom setting.  Why not a Big 10 or Princeton? Again, my new found belief "no limits!"

I've always dreamed of walking the halls of Princeton as a visiting lecturer, educating the 21st century journalists about an industry that never has two days that are the same. This week that dream literally became one step closer into becoming reality with my visit to Princeton, NJ.  Walking down the corridors of this ancient institution of scholastic achievers I got a real sense of something bigger than myself.

Tour Guides- Mr. Mrs. Ronald Wesley 

I wanted to publicly thank Ronald and Kim
Wesley for planting the seed of a commitment to
excellence.  The same warmth, integrity and accuracy I used to master my skills as a "season, proven" television news reporter could make a difference in "influencing the next generation of 21st century journalists."      

  

Princeton University...it's a long shot, but then again--"my God is awesome!"  He is capable of doing things exceedingly, over and beyond anything we could imagine.  Today I've discovered a new found  respect and admiration for higher education.  I truly believe in about 10 years I might consider helping students tap into their passion with their chosen careers.

My unexpected opportunity of visiting Princeton University has "renewed, recharged and inspired" me to reach higher heights. Wait until Dr. Cornel West gets a load of me!  I would be considered as unorthodox because I would immediately encourage the students to close the textbooks.

Like being a parent, there's no perfect "manual" on how to become an awesome journalist or storyteller.
For that, you've simply got to experience it all first hand--we're talking practical experience. Get out and write about what you see and above all, tell me why it matters and how it affects "RP's!"  After all, if it doesn't affect "real people," why are we doing it?  Journalism 101!

From Prichard to Princeton?

ALL NEW: "POWER AND PASSION"---THE STEPHEN NODINE STORY!

ALABAMA POLITICIAN'S STORY A RATINGS HIT FOR "48 HOURS"

Stephen Nodine

(MOBILE, AL.)--It would appear folks along the Gulf Coast are not the only ones intrigued by the Stephen Nodine-Angel Downs story!  

48 HOURS: "POWER AND PASSION" was Saturday night's #1 program in viewers and households, according to the Nielsen ratings.  

Stephen Nodine's "torrid tale of loosing it all for love" is the CBS's News weekly series' "most watched" profile since May 2012. The producers of the award winning news magazine  spent more than 6 months investigating both sides of this continuing saga.

Steve Nodine, a former County Commission for Mobile County was at one time, considered one of the most promising, prominent politicians in Alabama.  Love him or loathe him, Nodine is credited for helping to boost Mobile's crippling economy.  He is noted for helping to lure ThyssenKrupp Industries to Mobile County.  Nodine is also credited, in part for helping The City of Mobile become a serious contender in the fight for the Air Force and its next generation of refueling tankers. Mobile eventually  lost the bid, but the biggest looser would ultimately be Stephen Nodine.  Soon after Boeing was awarded that contract,  the dark-hidden secrets of this trusted politician began to seriously unravel.

Angel Downs

Full disclosure here,  I was one of the many journalists in the City of Mobile who still has a friendship of sorts with Nodine long after the shocking arrest and murder charge of his former mistress Angel Downs.  Nodine, as many of us referred to him in the newsroom at WPMI-TV (NBC Affiliate) in Mobile was popular among many of the television news stations in the market because unlike many other politicians he was charismatic, "talked in soundbites" and quite frankly, I seriously believe could  "sell a blind man a camera." His power of persuasion was at times didn't go unnoticed.  

I remember that fateful Monday morning in May 2010.  I received a call from the producer overnight telling me that Stephen Nodine was being sought as a person of interest in the death of his girlfriend longtime girlfriend Angel Downs.  

I remember waking up immediately out of a deep sleep in total shock.  It was almost as if my feet couldn't hit the floor fast enough to run out the door and into the newsroom. "Stephen Nodine arrested,  Stephen Nodine arrested!" Those words played over and over in my head as I headed into the television building.  As I touched up my make-up to tell the rest of the world about this breaking news,  I clearly remember thinking if Stephen Nodine thought anything of the mother of his child--none of this would have happened. Angel Downs was shot and killed after spending a long day at the beach with Stephen Nodine on Mother's Day.

Angel Downs and Stephen Nodine

Nearly three years later,  this story of "sex, lies and audiotape" still lingers on.  A voicemail recording Angel Downs and Facebook posts she reportedly left behind only minutes before she was killed was apart of the mountain of evidence and testimony in this case.

Today there are still so many lingering questions in this case of the Alabama politician's fall from grace. What happened on that fateful day in May 2010? Was it murder or suicide?  Did Stephen Nodine kill his long time mistress Angel Downs?  

Nodine was tried for murder, but a jury could not reach a verdict in his case.  Baldwin County court documents show he accepted a plea bargin in which he admitted to a domestic violence charge and a perjury offense related to a form he filled out for a court-appoint attorney.

Nodine who maintains Downs shot herself continues to fight to clear his name.  ALL NEW--VISION/VOICE/VARION has learned Stephen Nodine filed an ethics complaint this week against the U.S. Attorney's office and other federal officials in an unrelated gun prosecution.  Stephen Nodine is still living and working along the Gulf Coast. Prosecutors continue to pursue other unrated charges against Nodine on a weapons charge.

Stephen Nodine Taken into Custody in Baldwin County

CLICK HERE:

48 HOURS: "POWER & PASSION"

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50144783n

REMEMBERING BOSTON!

TERROR IN BOSTON

AP PHOTO--Runners & Spectators Shocked By Blast in Boston

(Boston, Massachusetts)--Shock, disgust, horror! These are just a few of the words still embedded in my brain as I wake up the morning after The Boston Marathon Tragedy. The continuing news coverage, the bloody images of dismembered limbs, the screams and sound, it's all too much.

Though it happened on U.S. soil it's just not our nation!  Thousands of the runners crowded into Downtown Boston for this annual marathon were from England, China, Africa and Australia. This is a "world tragedy!"

As the world watches, back here at home one thing is certain, even the most basic community experience of coming together and having fun has been compromised. The Hangout Festival is weeks away in Gulf Shores. Organizers in Huntsville are putting the finishing touches on Panoply, another  annual event that attracts thousands in Big Spring Park in North, Alabama.  I can only imagine the music, the stage, the outdoor extravaganza is secondary now to safety.  Organizers and municipalities everywhere are now wondering could it happen here?  Are we truly safe anywhere?

The Boston tragedy shows us how nonchalant we have become about living. How many times have you gone through the airport and frowned at the TSA?  This almost has a Newtown, Connect feeling where it "hits too close to home!"  Common everyday folks going about their everyday business  are now the target.  Where they live, breathe, shop, run is now on the attack.  Wake up America, much like Europe our everyday lives and simple things we take for granted are increasingly becoming more vulnerable to those who hate.                

This tragedy serves as a wake up call to "expect the unexpected" and stay vigilant. The police and The FBI simply can't  be everywhere, all the time.  You can't prevent everything and our nation's leaders and security officials can't stop it all.  

Nothing is guaranteed and this tragedy simply can't alter how we live everyday life. Our consciousness is heightened and Boston has left us more than aware of just how "fleeting our time with our family can truly be." 

As we all struggle to deal with the "freeze frame" of those horrific images that continue to play over and over in our minds,  lets also remember the images of strangers running to the finish line to help.  Remember the people who went from picking up make shift gurney to rolling up their sleeves at hospital emergency rooms to donate blood. We can't allow the enemy to win. We simply have to take a cue from the rest of the world and live our lives with "the new norm," a heightened awareness of "what if?"  This week's Boston tragedy is a sobering reminder--"America is not immune!"

2013 Essence Festival Nightly Line Up!

ESSENCE 2013-"SIZZLING!"

(NEW ORLEANS, LA.)---The 2013 Essence Music Festival Line-up is almost set!  Which night will you rock out to some of the best in R&B, Hip Hop and Neo-Soul?  Essence Music Fest in New Orleans, Louisiana is more than an event, it's a reunion.  Some of the hottest performers in the world descend on "The Big Easy" leaving their mark in the most memorable way.    
 

Gina Brown & Anutha Level Performing July 4th

ALL NEW:  My girl Gina Brown officially kicks off the party with an "explosive" performance July 4th.  Be sure to join the "Empress of New Orleans" and Mayor Mitch Landrieu as they welcome thousands to this colorful hot bed for fun and entertainment.

VISION/VOICE/VARION is also gearing up to bring you another exciting year of "all things Essence!" VVV...."your all access pass to some of the hottest musical performances this summer!"  Stay close!

Singer Trey Songz & Varion Walton-Photo By-"E" Photo

"Red Carpet Ready!"

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

GOSPEL TAKES ON JAZZ AND R&B

(Huntsville, Alabama)---I've got mine and soon you'll get your opportunity to get your copy of Terry Townsend's new CD "MUTUAL LOVE AFFAIR!" Terry Townsend is changing the game when it comes to your father's ROCK OF AGES!  I was fortunate enough to get an advanced copy of his title track single "Mutual Love Affair" weeks ago and loved it!  Now, hot off the press I am now driving down the interstate rocking out and lifting "holy hands" to my advance copy of the full CD.  Let's just say, "membership has it's privileges!" I will get into my connection to Townsend in just a minute, but trust me this one is worth getting.  Right now I am having a hard time deciding my favorite cut from at least four individual tracks on this album.

Of late I've enjoyed gospel that is considered "out of the box," and comes with a more of an edgy sound.  Mutual Love Affair satisfies the "music lover" in me because speaks to every side of my musical taste.  It is a creative blend of gospel, jazz and rhythm and blues.

Townsend who hails from a musical family calls Tanner, Alabama home. Tanner is a small bedroom community just outside of Huntsville.  I recently discovered he comes from a large musical family and has an extended family of aunts and uncles from a marriage of nearly three decades. He was fortunate enough to marry his childhood sweetheart Tammy and enjoys a simple life with her and their three daughters.  The more I am around him and his family I've learned to appreciate the joy he finds in "easy living." Laid back is the best way to sum up his personality and his unique sound on every single of "Mutual Love Affair."

Townsend, who penned every song on "Mutual Love Affair" sings passionately about his faithfulness to God, but in a unique and non-traditional way. It's so unique that you almost forget that you're listening to gospel--and not R&B.  "Mutual Love Affair" could easily go either way--it has a tremendous amount of cross-over appeal.  I dare to say his upbeat tempo singles "What So Ever" and "I Can't Stop" remind me of another crooner with close-knit ties to Alabama,  Eric Benet.

Terry Townsend is not just a featured artist, he knows what it is to "share the spotlight."  He still sings in the church he grew up in every Sunday with a male gospel group.  He is very versatile and extremely  generous when it comes to a "spirit of giving" which is evident as he shares the spotlight with his rich, sultry duets--"Mutual Love Affair" and "Be Strong."

Townsend told VISION/VOICE/VARION viewers in an earlier interview he considers "Mutual Love Affair" some of his best work to date.   His first CD entitled, "The Blessed Project" earned him critical acclaim around the world, including the UK more than 10 years ago. A decade later Townsend and his "musical genius" producer Kelvin Wooten are on track to turning heads again.

Wooten, also based in North Alabama, earned national attention with "Freedom," a single that ended up on the original soundtrack and in a pivotal scene of the movie "Django Unchained!"  The critically acclaimed single was recorded by Grammy Award winning R&B singer Anthony Hamilton and newcomer Elayna Boynton.

Full disclosure here: My connection to Townsend, Wooten and Hamilton has strictly been on a professional level.  My company has had the privilege of generating a lot of publicity surrounding their individual projects.  With that said, I don't think there's a conflict of interest with me simply saying they are all talented individuals.  Let's face it their work speaks for itself.  Whether it is gospel, R&B, contemporary jazz--together, the Townsend and Wooten team are about to give music lovers who are in the market for "something different" a real earful!

For more information on the CD release date and performance schedule for Terry Townsend, visit his official FACEBOOK fan page and website at: www.facebook.com/terrytownsendmusic  and www.terrytownsend.net

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!"