"ALL ACCESS" Essence Coverage--Mary J. Blige

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MARY J. BLIGE CLOSES OUT THE 2011 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Photo Courtesy: EMF

(New Orleans, La.) July 2nd--Mary J. Blige closes out this year's Essence Music Festival.  Before Sunday night's high energy performance, the "hip hop" diva sits down for a chat with Access Hollywood's Shaun Robinson at the Ernest Morial Convention Center.

"ALL ACCESS" ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL-"Fantastic Night with Fantasia"

Photo by: El-pwe Ray

(New Orleans, Louisiana)--July 1-What can you say about the fabulous Fantasia? Here's a woman who doesn't mind exposing  her "heart and soul" through song!  From the moment she took the stage Fantasia Barrino was blowing everyone away with her vocal range and her "bear foot performance"! Let's not forget she is a girl from the Carolinas who doesn't mind singing about "Collard Greens and Cornbread!"

But, Fantasia is also turning heads at The 2011 Essence Music Festival with a burning question, "is she or isn't she?"

Fantasia's publicist says "The American Idol" winner is preparing for the role of a life-time. She's been tapped to play Gospel Great Mahalia Jackson.  But many speculate Fantasia is actually hiding a baby bump.!
I got a chance to chat with her briefly following that performance and all I can say is "she's beautiful, whatever the case!"  In addition to being very gracious and accommodating, Fantasia stopped and posed for a couple of photos with photographer "E" of El-pwe's Photography. The first thing I noticed was that absolutely "healthy head of hair" and the impeccably beautiful blue dress she wore during the performance designed by Maria Harper, "designer to the stars."

In addition to Fantasia, Maria also designs the absolutely "jaw dropping" dresses worn by Wendy Raquel Robinson who plays the role of "Tasha Mack" on the hit BET drama series "The Game". Maria tells me Wendy is the "perfect size 4" and is also one of her top clients. Here's another quick scoop on Maria, she's considering a "reality series" based in Atlanta.  She certainly would have plenty of material while dressing Fantasia during The Essence Music Festival.

It was certainly a "fantastic" way to cap off a perfect start to the Essence Festival. Fantasia and Jennifer Hudson, two mothers who are traveling with their children this summer entertaining adoring fans all around the country.  Ironically, as I watched them both exclusively in their dressing rooms I couldn't help but think Jennifer could have easily stepped into the role of Mahalia Jackson too. What do you think?  Let me hear your comments on Jennifer and Fantasia's stories and tell me what you think of our "all access" coverage of The Essence Music Festival so far.

Keep it "locked in", more exclusives to come including interviews with Kem, Tina Knowles and Tank.

"In The Spotlight " with Jennifer Hudson

Photos by: El-pwe Ray

"All Access"- 2011 Essence Music Festival-Day 1

(New Orleans, LA.)  July 1st--The first day at The Essence Festival is filled with fun, food and excitement.  More than 7 thousand people joined me at The Ernest Morial Convention Center for giveaways, seminars and a chance to "press the flesh" with some of the hottest artists and celebrities. Photographer El-pwe Ray one of the the most sought-after photographers captured the "essence" of the day and night.  We start things off with Carl Payne of The Martin Lawrence Show. 

We also encountered a brief meeting with Derek J, the high heel , stiletto wearing stylist to the stars.  Yes,  ladies I found myself with "shoe envy " for the first time in my life. Derek has turned heads on The Real Housewives of Atlanta and New Orleans was no exception.

Check out the shots of Keisha -Knight Pulliam of The House of Payne.  Let's just say little Rudy has certainly grown up. She is simply beautiful as she signs autographs with her " House of Pain"co-star  Lance Gross of the comedy sitcom.

Photos by: El-pwe Ray
"El-pwe's Photography"

One of the bigger highlights for me was seeing a taping of "Family Feud" with Steve Harvey.  He as mixing things up with two families from the New Orleans area .

We also got a sneak peek at Charlie Wilson's Friday night performance on The Ford stage.  Wow,   he took it to the stage pleasing fans of all generations.  The former lead singer of the Gap Band "burned rubber on screaming audiences from The Convention Center to the Super Dome until nearly 1am.  It's been a great weekend so far.  It's a lot of work, but I'm determined to give you more of what you love 24/7.  VISION/VOICE/VARION-your source for entertainment news.

"Matters of Faith" with Vickie Winans

It was standing room only as the legendary Vickie Winans appears at New Birth Community Church in Mobile. Before taking center stage, the gospel singer chats with Varion about her music career and upcoming new movie entitled "Amazing Grace." 

The VW Network. All Access to Live Coverage!

Watch live streaming video from vwnetwork at livestream.com

2011 Essence Festival--"ALL ACCESS"

VarionWalton.Com is your "ALL ACCESS" pass to this year's 2011 Essence Music Festival. The city of New Orleans will be on fire July 4th weekend. That's why Varion is teaming up with one of the county's hottest entertainment photographers "E" of El-pwe's Photography to bring you three full days of coverage. Be sure to lock it in for all of the red carpet arrivals, celebrity interviews and exclusive profiles on some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Varion's "got you covered" both day and night.  She'll take you from the morning seminars at The Ernest Morial Convention Center, to center stage at New Orleans infamous New Orleans Super Dome! Get Ready Gulf Coast, Varion is "stepping into her season" and she's taking you along for the ride! Check it out "VISION/VOICE/VARION" your exclusive ticket to this years' biggest event. The Essence Music Festival, DON'T MISS IT!!

VISION/VOICE/VARION

For almost 20 years Varion has provided viewers all over Alabama with clear, concise and candid information. Now this 20 year veteran is stepping out, determined to provide you with more of the information you want and deserve.

Varion is now using 21st century technology to touch the "Heart of the South." This new website is apart of her concerted plan, her vision to personalize the reports you want with the kind of "flavor" only she can provide!

Varion Walton is stepping into 2011 RENEWED to the noble profession of journalism; REFOCUSED on what is important to the viewers; and READY to communicate to the heart!

Since 1994, she has worked as a television reporter, anchor, and talk show host delivering the news with integrity, dedication and warmth. Viewers all over the Southeast have come to respect her passion and distinctive style of storytelling! An example of her dedication is her award winning franchise, Restaurant Scorecard. For more than 7 years Varion has highlighted health department’s rating for restaurants all over Alabama and Florida as a public health concern.  

Her vision of what is possible is also displayed in her documentary. With help from The Madison Fire Department, Madison, Alabama, Varion and a team of seven photographers planned, developed and documented the deliberate burning of a house to show you the dangers and how to “Get out Alive!” Varion has not only earned a reputation as a consumer advocate, but a seasoned expert in the newsroom. She has been awarded for her dedication and hard work, earning an Associated Press Award, an Emmy Nomination and an Edward R. Murrow Award; an honor typically reserved for network news shows like “60 Minutes”, “Dateline NBC” and 20/20. 

After almost 20 years of experience in television news, on line reporting, entertainment and celebrity interviews, Varion Walton is now “on air and on-line” with exclusive reports that will inspire, inform, motivate, educate and leave you buzzing for more! 

STONE: “FACES DIABETES”

Article appeared in Black Health Magazine Jan/Feb 2011

www.blackhealthmag.com

STONE: “FACES DIABETES” 

 

Angie Stone: “Living a Purposeful Life Facing Diabetes”   

By Varion Walton 
Nobody puts it down quite like our Angie Stone! For more than 20 years we’ve embraced this funky, eccentric afro wearing, fist pumping lyric writing Soul Diva as one of our own. She’s belted out the backgrounds for rockers like Lenny Kravitz, performed as lead vocalist in the all girl group Vertical Hold and even served as key collaborator with D’Angelo’s platinum-plus 1995 debut album “Brown Sugar”. Stone has become a huge part of the neo-soul genre. Her first two albums in 1999 and 2001 went gold.

Often compared to Chaka Kahn and called the “new Aretha” for hip hop audiences, Stone’s sound is a unique blend of sophistication and determination. Refusing to be “set in stone”, she has never shied away from pushing the limits with her music. In 2001 her CD entitled “Mahogany Soul” produced a megahit single “Brotha” that would quickly become the new national Black anthem for many lovers of hip hop.

In 2007 she released “The Art of Love & War”, her first album to top the Billboard R&B/hip-hop chart. However, in the middle of recording her latest project, “Unexpected”, Stone’s father, her spiritual and creative advisor suddenly died. “It was totally unexpected,” she said, and that’s where I came up with the title of the album. I really didn’t think I could finish the project, because I was so grief stricken.” 

While she lost her father, she didn’t lose his love of soul and gospel music. Her spiritual connection wither dad reached back to her native South Carolina and his gospel quartet. It turned out to be another opportunity for her to reach back to her roots and deliver another knockout performance on “Unexpected.” However, the album would take on a double meaning. The tragedy forced Stone to pause, reflect and regroup, but it also made her commitment to a “purposeful life”, rock solid. Now she’s using all of that funky passion to confront a life with diabetes. 

Angie Stone is now the face of “F.A.C.E,” Fearless African Americans Connected and Empowered Diabetes initiative. F.A.C.E. is a grassroots movement designed to foster behavioral lifestyles changes, nutrition/cooking and educational advice to more than 3 million African Americans living with diabetes in this country. Eli Lilly and The F.A.C.E. campaign helping those coping with diabetes understand the complications associated with this disease, if left unmanaged. ndparents, but some of those old habits we learned from years ago in our families are just not good for you.” 

Advocacy has its rewards! Angie Stone is turning heads, taking on a slimmer physique in her music videos. “Once I put on the clothes I haven’t worn in a long time, my self-esteem went through the ceili
Today this self-described “advocate “is taking action, traveling to a number of big cities around the country sharing her personal story about diabetes and how she works to manage the disease. “ I don’t’ mind going into the community and talking from one person to the next, from living room to living room, from television to radio, it doesn’t matter to me because if I can get you to pay attention to this crippling disease that’s more important than anything,” said Stone. I know how hard it can be being an overweight person. “I know the torture that comes with ballooning up to 200 plus pounds”. 

Grounded in the spirit of Southern gospel Angie Stone knows that, “no test, no testimony” “I’ve been living with type-2 diabetes for more than 10 years now and initially it affected me, especially when traveling on the road. A lot of times I would be so busy I would forget to eat and that would send my blood sugar reading up and then I’d have to make a special stop to grab something to eat. “Diabetes definitely presented more than a few challenges for me initially.” 

But, now she has a better understanding of diet, nutrition and exercise and she manages to keep it under control. “That’s why I’m sharing my story with others, hoping to motivate them to beat diabetes too,” Stone said. You have to change what I call old generational habits. “I won’t call them bad habits because they were good for our gra

ng.” I’m on such a regiment now that when I get up in the morning, I know what to drink, I know what to eat. “I’ve come to have balance and that’s a big thing for a country girl from South Carolina who loved fried chicken, barbeque ribs and yams.” I still love all that stuff, but I’ve also come to love a salad with strawberries, mandarin and nuts along with my favorite salad dressing too, Stone said.

She also practices what she preaches at home. “I can’t remember the last time I had sugar in a cup of coffee or tea.” These days I’m leaving the fast food alone and cooking a healthier food in my own kitchen. “Just the other day my son was telling me how delicious some chicken nuggets were and he had no idea I had substituted them with veggie nuggets!

Nutrition is half the battle; diabetes runs prevalent in her family. “Not long ago my mom had 3 mini strokes and was close to a diabetic coma,” recalled Stone. Her doctors always told her to never allow her blood sugar reading to go beyond 300 and she was in serious trouble.” 
 This time, her family crisis brought clarity and understanding. “My mom is doing much better today. “I finally got her to put down the sodas, the salt and all that extra stuff that was just unnecessary in her life. She trusted me and trusted God and earlier this month she was taken her off insulin,” said Stone. Her mother’s recovery helped to empower other women in her family. Stone says her cousins are now apart of the F.A.C.E. Initiative, and they’re learning to cope with and control diabetes.

“It’s important for me to live by example, not only for my family members but for all of my fans who started the F.A.C. E. Initiative with me three years ago. I’ve had people who have walked up to me and told me they’ve lost 300 pounds after truly being changed by this program. “That’s why I thank God for Eli Lilly, they’re helping folks in our community understand and embrace the way to lead a healthier life. I’ve never done the needles and I’m grateful for that, but my mom, my cousins and my fans now understand they have to take the time to love yourself and find balance in their lives. “As long as you are well fed by the knowledge of knowing it is possible to control this disease.” 

Today, there is “no more rain” in this Grammy-nominated singer’s cloud. She’s involved in her son’s schoolwork, even finding a few days off the road to join him on field trips even though she’s constantly on the road. Stone is living a balanced life, finding time for family and her music. I’m working with number of people on my next project. “Kevin Black, Former V.P. of Interscope is working with me. Also, Akon and Tank just committed to working with me.”  

She is a woman who continues to evolve and try new things. You can soon look for Angie Stone, “the actress” up on the silver screen. “I just finished a movie with actor and comedian Tommy Ford. He used to be on the Martin Lawrence Show. “I’m growing, branching out to different things, different areas to cross over into. But most of all, I want to stay true to my hustle and my commitment to make certain my people take better care of themselves.”
 Singer, Actress, Advocate! Angie Stone giving her fans what they’ve come to “expect” in their “Neo-Soul Queen”, a prolific songstress still thriving after such a tragic loss; finding strength in every “Unexpected” opportunity. A star who will shine no matter what life throws at her, “Never waste what little time we have in life on negativity.”

For more information about F.A.C.E. ‘Fearless African Americans Connected and Empowered’ Diabetes initiative visit FACE-iabetes.com. 

SURGEON GENERAL’S CALL TO ACTION TO SUPPORT BREASTFEEDING

SURGEON GENERAL’S CALL TO ACTION TO SUPPORT BREASTFEEDING

(MOBILE, Al.) Jan. 20, 2011-Being a new mom can be overwhelming, but if you are also a career woman trying to go back into the corporate sector, the level of anxiety and exhaustion can hit a fevered pitch.  But help is on the way!  This week Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin issued a “Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding,” outlining steps that can be taken to remove the stigma and obstacles faced by women who want to breastfeed their babies. 

Before her scheduled news conference in Washington, D.C., I got a chance to talk exclusively with the Mobile native about her plan. “It’s a call to action to help improve breastfeeding and make it healthier for women who chose to breast feed,” Dr. Benjamin said. “There are many benefits to breastfeeding and mothers shouldn’t have to go it alone.  Breast feeding is natural and though the ratio of women breastfeeding is not as high as it should be, it’s important that we support women who want to breastfeed in society.” 

While 75 percent of U.S. babies start out breastfeeding, the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions says, only 13 percent are exclusively breastfed at the end of six months.  The rates are particularly low among African-American babies.  Many mothers who choose to breastfeed often talk about the lack of support at home; the stigma attached to breastfeeding in public; plus an absence of family members who have experience with breastfeeding. “In many cases many women who start breastfeeding find they can’t continue because they don’t have the support at home or work to continue it”, Dr. Benjamin said.  “It is important they have a clean place to pump their milk, a private place to place they milk if they want to pump or to have their babies breast feed.” 

The Surgeon General is also urging employers to help by providing a safe and sanitary place for mothers to express and store pumped milk. “New mothers pump several times a day and they need a refrigerator to put it in when you’re at work or school,” said Dr. Benjamin. During Thursday’s news conference, the Surgeon General plans to detail the benefits of breastfeeding. 

“We talk about obesity a lot in this country, but a baby who is exclusively breastfeed in their first six months of life is less likely to be obese,” said Dr. Benjamin.

According to the “Call to Action,” breastfeeding also protects babies from infections and illnesses that include diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. Breastfed babies are also less likely to develop asthma. “Recent studies also show mothers who were breastfeed themselves have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers,” Dr. Benjamin said. 

A study published last year in the journal Pediatrics estimated that the nation would save $13 billion per year in health care and other costs if 90 percent of U.S. babies were exclusively breastfed for six months. Dr. Benjamin added that, by providing accommodations for nursing mothers, employers can reduce their company’s health care costs and lower their absenteeism and turnover rates.

“I believe that we as a nation are beginning to see a shift in how we think and talk about breastfeed”, said Dr. Benjamin.  With this “Call to Action”, I’m urging everyone to help make breastfeeding easier.

To order printed copies of the Surgeon General’s “Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding” and other materials, please call 1-800-CDC-INFO or email cdcinfo@cdc.gov and reference the publication title.

For more information on breastfeeding, go to www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding or www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/.  To speak with a breastfeeding counselor call 1-800-994-9662 Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM ET

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