September 28, 2017

Aries   

March 21 – April 19 

The week ahead could be a revelation if it encourages you to take action and free yourself from a situation that has held you back. This could relate to a relationship that would benefit from a change. Giving one another more freedom might allow you to enjoy greater independence while still remaining connected. As the focus on your sector of relating increases over this week, you now have a chance to take stock and gain a fresh perspective on an important bond.

  

Taurus 

May 21 - Jun 20 

If you feel a sense of excitement in the days ahead, it could be due to a key aspect that is encouraging you to take a leap of faith. This might be something you’ve been mulling over, but you may have been tempted by the security of your present situation, which you know and understand. Still, there comes a point when it’s easier to jump than to remain in the same circumstances. This week could see you deciding to be bold.

 

Gemini 

May 21 - Jun 20 

Knowledge and opportunities may be available that could have quite an impact on your future. You could be offered a chance to explore an idea that takes you into new territory. Equally, you might decide to take a class that opens doors to a new vista. You might jump at this chance to embrace something fresh and different, but it can also be risky if you move too rashly. Change done step by step can be better and more stable. 

 

Cancer 

 Jun 21 - Jul 22 

You may feel moved to explore an entrepreneurial idea. This might encourage you to start a small home-based business that could lead to bigger things in the future. Or you might want to work from home rather than an office and so avoid your daily commute. Finding ways to address this issue can lead to a newfound freedom that allows you to enjoy the comfort of home while still doing a job you enjoy. You’ll also have a chance to kick back and unwind.

  

Leo 

Jul 23 - Aug 22 

An unexpected encounter could pave the way for an unforgettable conversation. Someone may have information that gives you hope for the future, which might entice you to find out more. If you’ve felt trapped in a situation or set of circumstances that has become too limiting, this influence can be like a breath of fresh air, tempting you to explore new territory that challenges you and encourages further growth. Even going away on vacation could prove memorable.

  

Virgo 

Aug 23-Sep 22 

With a dynamic aspect between expansive Jupiter and innovative Uranus across your financial access, be prepared for ideas or opportunities that take your earnings to the next level. This blend of energies could also encourage you to take a risk or gamble, and here you need to be much more careful. While you could get a good return, it’s also possible that you could lose out. Think very carefully before going down this route. Slow and steady is the better way to wealth and abundance.

  

Libra 

Sep 23 - Oct 22 

An encounter this week could change your life in unexpected ways. This person could have romantic designs on you, or it could be someone you casually meet as you go about your daily business. There’s no doubt that this person could have a powerful impact on you, especially regarding their ideas and perspective on life. He or she may enable you to see things in a way that encourages you to be bold and take on a challenge that’s very good for you.

  

Scorpio 

Oct 23 - Nov 21 

A discussion or something you read could prove very freeing in the sense that it allows you to understand concepts that expand your conscious awareness. New ideas could encourage you to change your daily routine to make way for new practices or habits that will improve your quality of life. This is one time when you might take on board new beliefs or perhaps connect with a teacher or guru who can encourage you to live to your fullest potential.

  

Sagittarius 

Nov 22 - Dec 21 

Romance might hit you out of the blue, but this time it could be something special. As expansive Jupiter, your personal planet, links with the revolutionary qualities of Uranus, you could find a certain person irresistible. Perhaps what you find so appealing is the way they openly do their own thing with no fear of what others might think. It’s possible this connection could have soul-mate potential, but it will need careful nurturing to enable it to blossom.

  

Capricorn 

Dec 22 - Jan 19 

You may feel like breaking free from family interference, particularly if someone seems to be keeping you from achieving a dream or ambition. If the people you’re closest to seem to be against your following a course of action or accomplishing a goal that’s dear to your heart, the days ahead might encourage you to do something about it. If it’s important, you might decide to go for it anyway. You’ll likely find a way to talk family members around over the weeks ahead.

  

Aquarius 

Jan 20 - Feb 18 

This week, you could be the revolutionary who introduces someone to an idea or concept that changes their life in some way. With dynamic Jupiter linking to inventive Uranus, your thought processes may be faster and sharper than usual. You may also find yourself drawn to information that is way ahead of its time. Sharing some of this with a key person in your life could help them embrace an idea or exciting opportunity. 

 

Pisces 

Feb 19 - Mar 20 

An expansive blend of energies this week suggests that taking a small risk that you can easily afford could result in a modest windfall. However, you might be tempted to go for something bigger, and this is where you need to be more careful. While a gamble could pay off, the present energies suggest it might be too risky to attempt. You might better invest any spare cash in schemes or ideas that are guaranteed to positively impact your future.

Category: Arts & Culture

September 28, 2017 

By E. Mesiyah McGinnis 

Contributing Writer 

 

The Mark Taper Forum presented the opening night of the Public Theater and Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s production of “Head of Passes”, headlining award-winning actress, Phylicia Rashad, with a cast of adroit supporting actors.  Written by Tarell Alvin McCraney and directed by Tina Landau, the show’s program denotes the setting as, “a house that sets near to the Head of Passes, where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico.”  Rashad portrays Shelah, the matriarch, strength and backbone of a Black family connected by love and dysfunction. Yes, there is love here but underneath it all, the hidden family secrets become fecund, bursting at the seems.

 

The supporting cast; Alana Arenas (Cookie), John Earl Jelks (Creaker), Kyle Beltran (Crier), Francois Battiste (Aubrey), Jacqueline Williams (Mae), and J. Bernard Calloway (Spencer), run about in a flooded living room in the midst of a storm, establishing a family dynamic that is believable, likeable; they care about Miss Shelah and the comedic jousting that diverts us from some of her painful moments of despair.  She is hiding devastating news from the family and Dr. Anderson (James Carpenter) pleads with her to use this time wisely, by telling the truth about her failing health. Sheila’s friend, Mae is that friend who has known the kids since birth.

 

Somehow, even through Shelah’s struggles, we believe it will work out.  But McCraney slips in those scenarios that take this family one step forward but three steps back, with leaking roofs, flooded rooms, bickering kinfolk and a pregnant Cookie, who reminds Shelah of the childhood dark secrets of abuse that she turned a blind eye to when her husband was alive.   Shelah wants to make right by offering Cookie part of the house.  But cookie wants nothing to do with a house that reminds her of such betrayal and helplessness.  She just wants the dope money and we understand why, now.  But Aubrey doesn’t understand because we don’t always know people’s truth; that abuse breaks the spirit of the young and their youth is never replaced. 

 

Perhaps the monotony in this production is simply fate.  Sometimes, the best tragedies provide just as much hope and optimism, just before taking it all away from us. This work reminds us that, at some point, you have to deal with life and death, up close and personally with God. And when that conversation happens in “Head of Passes”, Rashad talks to God from the depths of her anguish; she is Job in the form of a Black woman in the south, who can’t figure out why God would put her through such grief. “You will speak to me!  You will speak to me now… Lord!”

 

If things couldn’t get any worse, Crier, Mae, and Creaker have bad news … there’s been a murder, and Aubrey and Cookie are dead. It can't all be true but somehow it is.  This is that moment when life literally comes crashing down to a point where your only options is to talk to God or curse to top of your lungs but somehow find peace. Shelah doesn’t know whether to curse God or scream His name in praise, begging for signs, “I need to see it now … Now Lord!!!  I need!”

 

Rashad forces you to check yourself and your own mortality; she sacrifices physically to bring to life the real moments of a dying mother whose life is falling apart before our eyes.  She goes to unsafe places physically to make this character vulnerable, angry, submissive, humbled, and believable.  Rashad is still our mother, just older and still teaching and preparing us for life (and death) in “Head of Passes”. 

 

McCraney has written a tragedy that forces us to listen to a battered woman who needs answers, and so do we.  He spoke to the writer Julie McCormick, in her article, “Shining a Light on Tarell Alvin McCraney”. “The idea of opening up the dialogue about a person’s personal faith was and is always the main focus of the piece,“ he said.

Category: Arts & Culture

September 21, 2017 

By Lauren A. Jones 

Contributing Writer 

 

 

Actor Michael B. Jordan can be found showcasing his talents on the big screen from his past roles in films like “Fruitvale Station” and “Creed”. On Saturday, September 16, Jordan hosted the first annual MBJAM17 in Marina del Rey, CA to benefit Lupus LA, a non-profit organization that has provided services to his mother, Donna Jordan, who is currently battling the disease. Lupus LA ambassador, Jordan, says he wanted to create a charity event that brings awareness and raises money for the autoimmune disease.

 

“I was trying to figure out a way to tie in charity, family and something that’s good for the kids and the adults as well,” said Jordan. The 30-year-old actor continued, “I love basketball, so I figured I would try and combine the two.”

 

A basketball-themed carnival is what Jordan came up with, featuring many of his celebrity friends, including the master of ceremonies Terrence J and special guest Blake Griffin, who coached opposite Jordan in the “Hot Shot GAAme Time Challenge.”

 

“When I was presented with the idea, it’s such a great cause and I heard there was going to be basketball involved so I jumped all over it,” said the Clippers star.

 

The $750 ticket gave attendees access to silent auctions, viewing virtual realities, massages, breakdance performances kicking off the courtside carnival, a variety of clinics and interactive displays. Hundreds of people witnessed a battle between team Michael B. Jordan (James Worthy, Miles Brown, Emmanuelle Chriqui) and team Blake Griffin (Jason Collins, Caleb McLaughin and Bret Lockett) facing off to raise donations for Lupus LA.

 

“I think we all know someone who’s been affected by it, so we just have to continue to use our platform to raise awareness and education until people are able to live comfortably and hopefully find a cure,” said former Laker, James Worthy. 

 

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks its tissues, causing inflammation, swelling, pain, and damage.

 

“I feel blessed and honored that he took an interest in this way to bring attention to lupus, which it’s like a lot of people just don’t know about it,” said Donna Jordan. “It’s unpredictable because there are some days I feel like I can do cartwheels or at least close to it and there are some days that I truly can not get out of bed.”

 

Lupus LA has been instrumental in providing resources for not only Jordan’s mother through her battle, but countless other families across Los Angeles County and Southern California. Lupus LA raises funds for its patient programs, local rheumatology fellowships and research partners at the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA), while also providing new therapy options for its patients.

 “It’s tough, but my family and I just try to be there for her as much as you can not really understanding exactly what it feels like, but knowing that she’s in pain and uncomfortable,” said Jordan.

 

As part of the MBJAM17, the City of Los Angeles presented Michael B. Jordan and Donna Jordan with a certificate of recognition for their commitment to Lupus LA. Jordan says it is hope that through charity events such as the inaugural MBJAM17, lupus will one day have a cure.

Category: Arts & Culture

September 21, 2017 

Aries   

March 21 – April 19 

The focus on your sector of lifestyle and wellness is particularly strong this week, and this could lead to a chance to explore new ways to enable you to feel fit and fabulous. However, if you’re searching for information to help you in this regard, be sure that it comes from reliable sources. Determined though you may be to go it alone, you might find that the help of an expert or personal trainer enables you to get off to a positive start.

  

Taurus 

May 21 - Jun 20 

There’s a lively emphasis on having fun and getting out and about, which can be very good for you. And with Venus, your personal planet, moving into this same zone on Tuesday, romance may be in the cards. This could be the time to rekindle the spark of love with that special person. Enjoying hobbies and creative activities can also leave you feeling upbeat and restored. On Friday, the sun moves into Libra and your lifestyle sector, which could encourage you to get organized.

  

Gemini 

May 21 - Jun 20 

This week, you may feel moved to beautify your place and find ways to brighten it up in general. And with ideas from magazines or your own imagination, you can have a lot of fun with DIY and craft projects. In fact, the new moon in this same zone on Tuesday could coincide with a decision to make a fresh start, perhaps by introducing a pet or moving to a new home. As of Friday, leisure and pleasure options are firmly on the agenda.

  

Cancer 

Jun 21 - Jul 22 

This can be an excellent week for networking and connecting with like-minded others. If you’re eager to promote a project, a marketing plan can help. If you want to make new connections on social media, getting up to speed here can be very positive. But as the glowing sun moves into Libra and your home and family sector on Friday, it might be time to step back a little and enjoy some extra nurturing and pampering if possible.

 

Leo 

Jul 23 - Aug 22 

This week brings an opportunity for a new beginning. You might be ready to start a savings plan, pay off a debt, or perhaps commit to earning more. This lunar phase can set you on track if you make a firm intention on or after September 19. On Friday, there’s a shift as the cheery sun moves into your sector of communication for a four-week stay. This can be an opportunity to connect with like-minded people and expand your networking options.

 

Virgo 

Aug 23-Sep 22 

The coming weeks can be an opportunity to relax and treat yourself to some healthful pampering sessions that can help you feel restored. However, with a complex blend of energies also showing up this week, you might need to be firm with someone who drains your vitality. Setting firm boundaries could be essential to keeping things in check. Finally, the sun’s move into your financial sector on Friday could see you taking stock of your resources.

  

Libra 

Sep 23 - Oct 22 

You might be more connected to your thoughts, feelings, and intuition over the weeks ahead. And with delightful Venus, your guide planet, in this secluded sector, you might feel like keeping to yourself. Time out for reflection can be good for you now, as it might enable you to gain clarity regarding an issue that has confused you for some time. Once the sun enters your sign on Friday, you might be ready to bring some of your dreams and visions to life.

  

Scorpio 

Oct 23 - Nov 21 

With lovely Venus active in your social sector, there may be some romantic possibilities in the cards. You might enjoy all kinds of social events, club meetings, or community activities, and this can be the perfect time to connect with others and make new friends. At the same time, someone may not be as perfect as they seem to be. You could become great friends, but it would help to be realistic about their positive traits as well as flaws.

 

Sagittarius 

Nov 22 - Dec 21 

There’s a focus on your sector of goals and ambitions this week. A new moon in this zone early on indicates an opportunity could represent a fresh start for you. You could impress all the right people with a proactive stance, charm, and willingness to go the extra mile for others. But make room for social events, as your social life could have extra sparkle over the coming weeks. The chance to get to know someone better could lead to a supportive new friendship. 

 

Capricorn 

Dec 22 - Jan 19 

Being willing to move outside your comfort zone can allow you to sample some wonderful opportunities, but it’s easier said than done. With feisty Mars in your sector of travel and exploration, you’ll have the courage if you can be willing to take the first step. On another note, if you decide to take advantage of someone’s suggestion, make sure it’s reliable. Misinformation could be a problem over the coming days. As of Friday, your ambitious side can come to the fore.

  

Aquarius 

Jan 20 - Feb 18 

The potential for inner transformation is strong now. You may feel called to explore issues that have been holding you back. This is all good, as by gently unpicking and working with intense feelings, things can begin to ease and you’ll be able to release this matter. From Friday, you might also seek lighter and brighter options in the form of a short break or a trip to a place you find inspiring. Enjoying a new experience would also appeal to you.

  

Pisces 

Feb 19 - Mar 20 

With a powerful emphasis on your relationships zone, you may find yourself thrown together with others in a way that allows for new insights and possibilities. Collaborating with key people or teaming up to complete a project can work very well, and it’s certainly better than trying to accomplish something alone. There is also a deeper focus showing up as the sun moves into a more intense sector of your chart, encouraging you to acknowledge and embrace issues that are ready to be healed.

Category: Arts & Culture

Page 922 of 1617