Charles LaSalle-Fitness Trainer with a Heart For Health

Charles LaSalle- 'Bangin Body Boy'

(New York, New York)--Charles LaSalle, personal trainer, motivational speaker and founder of the City Gym Boys. For the past 15 years Charles, along with his small army of fitness enthusiasts have made mentoring the children of Harlem a priority when it comes to fighting the obesity epidemic in the urban community. They have teamed up with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club on a yearly basis as well as the NYPD Youth Academy, Michelle Obama's Get Fit initiative and McDonald's as they worked on revamping their image in the urban communities as it relates to eating and exercise.

LaSalle just released a fitness book called ultimate workout guide Get A Bangin’ Body which is currently in stores. Geared towards men and women, Get a Bangin’ Body gives practical advice on everything from eating tips to sharing a body-weight-only program that anyone-whatever their age, income, or fitness level-can undertake. As an award winning bodybuilder, LaSalle and his régime of buffed bodied soldiers, are all featured in the book giving their own personal stories discussing issues like weight, diabetes, self-esteem, depression and more.

"It's not what you eat, its what you do" is this 'bangin body boy's' mantra to getting healthy.  He practices that same philosophy as a personal trainer in helping his clients achieve their goal. 

Once considered a scrawny kid growing up, Charles LaSalle ultimately beefed up his physique to ward off the neighborhood bullies. Today he's using his "brain and his brawn" to reaching America's youth, mentoring them on self esteem and the life long benefits of fitness and exercise.

CLICK HERE FOR LaSALLE IN ACTION:
Here And Now on Sept. 16, 2012 | Video | 7onlin


CLICK HERE FOR "MAXIMIZING YOUR WORK OUT'  PART 2
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/video?id=8818594&pid=8410092

The Countdown Is On To Bayfest 2012

THE STAGE IS ALMOST SET!

VISION/VOICE/VARION followers lock it in and rip off the knock! We're gearing up to giving you a front row seat to one of the hottest music festivals in the Southeast! Bayfest is a larger-than life weekend featuring live music from some of the top names in the music business and "V/V/V/" will be in Downtown live throughout the weekend of October 5th-7th.

For two years we've brought you exclusive interviews, highlights and all of the excitement as it's happens. Tell your family and friends there's only one media outlet truly committed to making certain you don't miss any of the action.  Keep it here for great giveaways including weekend passes!
"VISION/VOICE/VARION".....ALWAYS ON, ALWAYS CONNECTED!

VARION'S VIEW: Bishop could get royalties

Amy Bishop      AP PHOTO

(Huntsville, AL.) ---The Amy Bishop story is one of many that often leave me shaking my head.  Bishop, suspected of murdering her own brother as a young girl went on to murder three of her co-workers, seriously injuring three others on a college campus in Huntsville, Alabama. This story was about more than workplace violence. This story literally polarized and paralyzed an entire region.  The Tennessee Valley is just now starting to heal from the glare of the national cameras only to discover this woman who has "slipped through the cracks" on more than one occasion could once again "reap a harvest" that is truly undeserving.


Click onto the link below to see the Associate Press story as it appeared in The TimesDaily, a daily newspaper out of North Alabama.  When I read this story this morning I instantly thought of the many years covered stories of teachers busted for inappropriate relationships with their students. In more than a few cases teachers arrested and convicted for "sex in the classroom" were allowed to stay on the state payroll because they were tenured.

Amy Bishop being arrested on the campus of The University of Alabama-Huntsville

Though many should be examined on a case by case basis, the very thought of Amy Bishop profiting on anything behind prison walls should raise eyebrows of state lawmakers.  There is something wrong about this and it's truly "sticking in my craw." If Amy Bishop is within her rights to earn a "pay day" for this invention before she convicted of murder, minimum she should be forced to give the families of her victims a portion of the proceeds.  I'm Varion Walton and "that's my view".

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY:
Bishop could get royalties - TimesDaily.com

11 Years And It Doesn't Get Any Easier!

(September 11, 2012)--We remember one of the worst terrorists attacks to ever hit American soil. Remember and reflecting on the thousands of lives lost!

Gina Brown Unplugged!

(Fairhope, AL.) No "auto tunes" here!  My best friend Gina Brown just recently confirmed something I've always known, "the girl can sang!" Gina surprised me when she ended up in an impromptu concert with singer/songwriter Mike Eagan.

Eagan was performing a few cover songs at Aurora's in Downtown Fairhope. He was gracious enough to welcome the New Orleans native to the stage Labor Day weekend. What struck me immediately when we walked into the dimly light room was small spotlight that lit Mike's hair and the boxed fan that blew his long "blond" locks in the wind for affect. Check out the video and you'll see what I mean.

                        

                          Gina Brown Performing at Aurora's-Downtown Fairhope

       
There they were, Mike, his single stool, his guitar, mechanical fan and Gina.  Though the room, the stage area just off the banister where Mike stood was completely dark, it shed a light on something I wasn't prepared for. Sometimes you have to "take advantage of unexpected opportunities." But even with that, you better know your craft and always, always be prepared.

   
This impromptu concert was not only an opportunity for Gina Brown to show her growth and maturity as an artist, it solidified something I've always known..."if you can sing, you can sing anytime, anywhere and in any genre." Gina Brown who has performed with an eight piece band and even an orchestra standing there in the dark--on the side of a single instrument flexing her vocals in a way they had never been used before.  She was singing one pop tune after another and "nailing it!"

     
Gina's history for the most part consists of jazz, blues and the occasional cover tune, but this particular night she just nailed anything she sung and completely unrehearsed! She really grabbed me when she performed one of my favorites--Etta Jame's "At Last!"  I've heard Gina sing "At Last" a dozen times before, but not like this. There was something about that single guitar, no drums, no base line that gave me a chance to finally hear the raw, "unplugged" version of this dynamic singer's talent.    

I'll be the first to admit I'm biased because I know how hard Gina has worked to get to where she is in her career.  Gina Brown has played everything from nightclubs to Jazz Fest in New Orleans. She has played everything from the "chitterlings circuit," to Las Vegas. I personally know about her dedication to her craft and her season after 20 years she is finally reaping a harvest. Gina Antoinette Brown is finally getting her due. She has a repertoire of songs, thanks in part to her producer and husband Rick Jones that are her own. "Can't Stop Thinking of You," "The G-Slide", "I'm a Lady" and many more soon to be released on her new CD.        

I couldn’t' be more proud of my friend because she's earned everything that's coming her way. That night with Mike Eagan only reminded me of what it means to be a "professional singer." In an age "auto tunes" Gina Brown isn't some "souped up" performer, she's the real thing.  Put her in any setting and  with any musician--she knows what she knows.  She truly lives up to her tag line, "music isn't what I do, it's who I am!    

Gina Brown’s popular line dance "The G-Slide" is a single on her new CD -"The G Spot" set to be released September 30th. Check out her website www.ginabrownonline.com for more information.

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