VETERAN'S DAY, HONORING THOSE WHO PROTECT AND SERVE

(November 11, 2011)  We salute our Veterans for their service and sacrifice in keeping our free!

"MOBILE'S GOT TALENT TOO" --- RECAP, PART 2

(Mobile, Alabama)--In case you missed it during Bayfest, here's a recap of a video I really need your help in taking viral on YouTube.  Meet Diamond Washington, a 16 year old Baker High School student I really feel has talent.  In addition to signing up to "CONNECT AND FOLLOW" VISION , VOICE , VARION, visit my YOUTUBE account and share this new "singing sensation" with your friends.  

Video Courtesy: El-pwe Ray aka as "E"of Elpwe's Photography

"ALL IN A DAY'S WORK"--Interviewing Former U.S. Secretary Rice

(Fairhope, Alabama)--There's "no higher honor" than meeting one of your childhood role models. Dr. Condoleezza Rice is and always has been considered a strong example for me and my siblings. I personally have always considered her to be the "one to watch"while growing up in the state of Alabama. Dr. Rice is a "classic" example of the "sky is the limit".  Politics aside, she has held two of the highest positions in U.S. government and did so by maintaining her integrity and honor.  It was absolutely my honor finally meeting her in Fairhope, Alabama.

Condoleezza Rice is as genuinely strong as you might imagine, both on and "off camera".  I also had a great time "hamming" it up briefly with some of my colleagues in Mobile. Thank you to Photographer Timothy L. Jones and Cederick McMillan for your continued support in helping "VISION, VOICE, VARION."  Still Photos: Courtesy of Tim Jones of Timothy L. Jones Photography.

Dr. Rice arriving for book signing at Page & Palette-Fairhope,AL.

Varion Walton asking questions about her new memoir-"No Higher Honor"

Varion Walton and Former U.S. Secretary Condoleezza Rice

Varion Walton and Studio 10 Co-Host Joe Emer

Cederick McMillan and Varion Walton

Pastor Cederick McMillan and Former U.S. Secretary Rice

CONDOLEEZZA RICE-"No Higher Honor" Interview

(Fairhope, Alabama)--For more than eight years she served in two of the highest levels of government, sometimes seeking common ground with some of our most revered enemies around the world!
How did she do it?  Does she have any regrets in the role she and the Bush administration played in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina?  Who does she thinks gets the credit for bringing down "AMERICA'S MOST WANTED" Osama Bin Laden? What about her pick in the upcoming Iron Bowl?  Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is talking and Varion Walton has her story.  "NO HIGHER HONOR", Condoleezza Rice's new memoir of her "years in Washington."

                 
ONLY ON "VISION, VOICE, VARION", live coverage of Dr. Rice's visit to the Gulf Coast as it happens. "VISION, VOICE, VARION" more of what you love, "24/7".

                     

Celebration Weekend with Ruben Studdard | Birmingham, Alabama

Ruben Studdard's Celebration Weekend | Birmingham, Alabama

HAPPENING NOVEMBER 18TH
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Ruben Studdard Celebrating Life

Ruben Studdard talks exclusively about his upcoming event in Birmingham, Alabama later this month.  This former American Idol sits down in an interview with Varion and opens up about maintaining a healthier lifestyle now that he is a husband and father. Check out the exclusive story and sign up to take part in Ruben's Celebration Weekend November 18th in the Magic City. A portion of the proceeds go on to Ruben's foundation which helps other rising young stars.   "VISION, VOICE, VARION"-information for your heart and soul!

Michael Jackson's Doctor Found Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter

Michael Jackson/Dr. Conrad Murray

(Los Angeles, California)--Conrad Murray, the personal physician of Michael Jackson is spending his first night behind bars after being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of the singer Monday.  While Murray sat motionless as the unanimous verdict was being read, a gasp or outburst could be heard in the courtroom gallery. Courtroom spectators report the reaction came from Michael Jackson's older sister Latoya Jackson who tweeted earlier that she was "shaking uncontrollably at the news of the verdict finally being reach." The same sentiment spilled over outside the courtroom as hundreds of Michael Jackson's devoted fans celebrated and cheered after hearing the guilty verdict.

Dr. Conrad Murray  (File Photo)

                 

The jury found Dr. Conrad Murray guilty of administering a lethal dose of propofol prosecutors say led to the pop star's death in 2009. A sentencing date for Conrad Murray has been set for November 29th.  Tonight he's facing up to 4 years behind bars, but may only serve half of that in the county jail because of prison overcrowding in the state of California.

Anthony Hamilton's "Woo" Tour Starts November 9th

(Mobile, AL.)-Anthony Hamilton's voice is known worldwide.  He has a sound that is distinctively his own!  Right now he's gearing up for his "Woo" Tour which starts November 9th.  He's also preparing to give millions of his fans more of what they love, new music!  His new album, "Back To Love" drops just in time for your Christmas shopping list December 13th.  I loved it one of his true blue fans from the "HamFam" described his soulful sound as someone discovering the last "batch of collard greens were just stolen from the fridge.

Grammy Award Winning Singer Anthony Hamilton

Anthony Hamilton, classic singer, electric performer and one of the most prolific voices of our time! Check him out folks as he heads to a town near you with his new music, new tour and continued commitment to making you go "woo!"  As you'll see in this video taken during his performance during BayFest 2011 in Mobile, Alabama you won't be disappointed.

                                   

Andy Rooney-Legendary News Man Dead at 92

BREAKING NEWS

CBS' Andy Rooney Dead at 92

Saturday, November 5, 2011

(New York, NY)--Former 60 Minutes Commentator Andy Rooney dies exactly one month after his final commentary aired on the popular news magazine.  CBS News confirms Rooney died in New York Friday night. Can't you just see it now, Andy Rooney telling St. Peter about the "oddities and or unique" things he's already observed noticed the pearly gates?

It reminds me of something another legendary "news woman"who was very instrumental in my career told me once.  Dot Moore worked well into her golden years and was determined to remain active. She told me "Varion never retire, working truly gives you something to look forward to everyday." I never forgot Dot's words and to this day and I've always declared I would only be considered "semi-retired!"  Here's to Andy Rooney and his iconic career.  If you're anything like me I simply can't imagine 60 minutes without Rooney telling me "exactly why Oranges are orange!" I'm already missing my "Rooney Fix!" Andy Rooney, a journalism legend dead at 92.  

CONNECT, FOLLOW AND LIKE "VISION, VOICE, VARION" Live Next Thursday. Don't Miss it!

Mobile's Got Talent Too! Introducing Diamond Washington

(Mobile, AL.) BAYFEST 2011 RECAP--A lot of music lovers are still basking in the after-glow of BayFest 2011.  More than 50-thousand fans jammed into downtown Mobile for the annual music festival. Anthony Hamilton, Jill Scott, 3 Doors Down, Ludacris and dozens more entertained the massive crowd for three days on 9 different stages. Some of the activity behind the stage created quite a still as well. Meet Diamond Washington, a 16 year old student from Baker High School in Mobile.

Diamond, her best friend and her mother Tonya Tolbert turned heads as Diamond blew away celebrity photographer El-pwe Ray and Grammy Award winning singer Anthony Hamilton during an impromptu concert that was caught on tape! Click onto the link below to find out why everyone is now saying "Mobile's got talent too."

Diamond & Anthony Hamilton

Diamond and Her Mother Tonya Tolbert

Photographer El-pwe Ray and Diamond 

Diamond Washington and Friend

CLICK HERE TO SEE DIAMOND WASHINGTON SING
*All photos courtesy of Photographer El-pwe Ray also known as "E" of Elpwe's Photography-Memphis, TN.