January 26, 2017 

Aries   

March 21 – April 19

You may have felt somewhat lackluster in recent weeks, with your focus more inward than usual. This phase may also have coincided with opportunities to clear away emotional baggage and deal with complex issues that needed time and space to resolve. However, as Mars, your personal planet, strides into your sign on Friday, you may begin to feel much more energized and determined. The New Moon could bring a call to move in new circles, paving the way for fresh opportunities.

 

Taurus 

May 21 - Jun 20 

As Venus continues its journey through your social sector, this first month of 2017 may be a leading one for making new friends and acquaintances. Whether you want to have more fun, find love, or network for other reasons, it's likely been a very productive time. Things could change from this Friday, though, as Mars enters a quieter sector of your chart. Here, it could stir up your psyche and empower you to let go of any issues holding you back.

  

Gemini

May 21 - Jun 20 

Your curiosity could be aroused by thoughts of faraway places or plans to take a class related to an interest of yours. At the same time, you may apply concerted effort to handling certain responsibilities or moving forward with goals and plans. Later this week, though, the focus shifts as Mars enters your social sector, encouraging you to be more proactive in this area. Also, the New Moon could be helpful for taking a step in a new direction.

 

Cancer 

Jun 21 - Jul 22 

If you've absorbed new experiences and information over recent weeks, the time has come to put them to good use. With Mars leaving your sector of study and exploration and moving into your career zone this week, you might want to use any knowledge and skills you've acquired recently to further your plans. The coming six weeks could see you becoming more competitive and determined than you have been, and this can contribute to greater success.

 

Leo 

Jul 23 - Aug 22 

What seems like a great idea may need hammering into shape to make it work. Making a start can allow you to learn as you go and benefit from firsthand experience. You'll soon find out if it's a practical plan or not. Later, Mars moves into your sector of travel and far horizons and could stir up a desire to get away from it all. With other influences also encouraging this, it might be time to simply book that flight.

 

Virgo 

Aug 23 - Sep 22 

As the Sun enters your lifestyle zone, you might want to reset some routines to get the new year off to a healthy start. And if you haven't yet implemented any of your New Year's resolutions, it isn't too late to begin. The movement of Mars to a more intense sector of your chart could also encourage you to make changes at a much deeper level. Now is the time to let go of patterns or issues that may be holding you back.

  

Libra 

Sep 23 - Oct 22 

With the Sun now in a more dynamic sector of your chart, this is your opportunity to showcase skills and talents that could get you noticed by the right people. It certainly isn't the time to hide your light or be modest about anything you're good at. Take every opportunity to showcase your goods or services so others can appreciate how amazing you are. Don't forget to dress the part, too, as this can also influence others to engage with you.

  

Scorpio 

Oct 23 - Nov 21 

While enjoying life and spending time with friends and family can still be a focus, you might also want to apply yourself to more practical tasks. With Mars now moving into Aries and your lifestyle sector, you may want to apply yourself with greater gusto. Avoid burning out, though, by pacing yourself from the start. In addition, the New Moon on Friday can be perfect for household projects or perhaps introducing a new pet to the home.

  

Sagittarius 

Nov 22 - Dec 21 

If you've been busy doing DIY projects or giving your home a good spring cleaning, then give yourself a round of applause. You've done well! Venus continues in this same sector, which can be a helpful influence for decorating and adding a subtle ambience to your home, but you could also be feeling a bit restless. Mars enters your leisure sector on Friday, and this dynamic influence can coincide with a desire for new adventures and a chance to have some fun.

  

Capricorn 

Dec 22 - Jan 19 

A lovely link at the start of the week suggests that you could be inspired to dream big dreams by a movie or novel. If aspects of your life have been difficult lately, reading about or watching someone else's adventures and successes can encourage you to keep going. On another note, Mars will move into your domestic sector later in the week, and this might be a call to clear out clutter and give yourself more space to think

  

Aquarius 

Jan 20 - Feb 18 

You could feel pulled in different directions by various interests, your friends, or certain responsibilities you're currently dealing with. But with the Sun now in Aquarius, it's time to ask yourself what you want. What course of action could you take now that would reaffirm your core strengths? As Mars enters your sector of communication, the answers may come through engaging in those interests you're most passionate about. A decision made this weekend could leave you feeling more at ease.

  

Pisces 

Feb 19 - Mar 20 

Going with friends to a movie or other cultural event could prove very interesting, especially if it encourages you to explore your creative urges. And with Venus currently in your sign, this can be a golden opportunity to experiment with a skill or talent that might prove very enriching in the future. Later, Mars shifts into your personal financial sector to encourage a more proactive stance to dealing with issues. It could require some courage to sort out money matters. 

Category: Arts & Culture

January 26, 2017 

Staff and Wire Report 

Hip Hop mogul Jay Z recently announced that he is forming a partnership with Sprint, which purchased a 33 percent stake in his Tidal music streaming company.

 

The deal is reportedly worth around $200 million according to Billboard, and will allow Sprint's 45 million customers to access to Tidal's services, along with exclusive content that will only be available to new and existing Sprint users.

 

The service is available in more than 52 countries, with a song catalog of more than 42.5 million and 140,000 videos, officials from Tidal said.

 

 “Sprint shares our view of revolutionizing the creative industry to allow artists to connect directly with their fans and reach their fullest, shared potential,” Jay Z commented in a statement. “Marcelo understood our goal right away and together we are excited to bring Sprint’s 45 million customers an unmatched entertainment experience.”

 

Marcelo Claure, Sprint's chief executive officer, will also join Sprint's board of directors. Meanwhile, Jay Z and the other two dozen artists who hold ownership in Tidal will continue to focus on the relationship between the music industry and its fans.

 

“Jay saw not only a business need, but a cultural one, and put his heart and grit into building TIDAL into a world-class music streaming platform that is unrivaled in quality and content,” Claure stated. “The passion and dedication that these artist-owners bring to fans will enable Sprint to offer new and existing customers access to exclusive content and entertainment experiences in a way no other service can.”

 

Tidal, which does not have a free option for its services, provides a basic subscription at $9.99, and a premium audio quality option for $19.99, but now, all Sprint customers will also have access to Tidal, giving the servce substantial access to new users. Meanwhile, Sprint's unlimited data option will also allow its customers to stream music, videos, and performances on Tidal from wherever they please, and without any extra cost.

Category: Arts & Culture

January 19, 2017

Aries 

With Mars in Pisces and a quieter sector of your chart, it could be difficult to feel as motivated as usual. Tie this in with sobering Saturn and you could decide to stay put and not venture too far out of your comfort zone. However, other influences may call out to you to do exactly that. Curiosity may be what eventually encourages you to step forward no matter what. On another note, desire could pave the way to an intense conversation.

 

Taurus 

You might be surprised by how little has changed. And yet something within you may be urging you to be more adventurous and take the road less traveled. You may also find the company of friends to be a little superficial if it detracts from the thoughts and intense feelings you are having. While peace and quiet can be useful for capturing key insights, getting out and about can take your mind off things, and this can be good for you, too.

 

Gemini 

While you may be eager to push ahead on an important goal, someone may be urging caution. Should you listen? Perhaps not, as another potent blend of energies suggests that your instincts are at play here, and what you intuitively perceive as being a good move might well be. There are times when certain people in your life have good advice for you, but during the early part of this week it could hem you in rather than help you out.

 

Cancer 

As the Sun enters your sector of shared finances, this can be an opportunity to take stock of your money situation. Simply shining a light on it and getting a sense of what's working and what isn't may encourage you to come up with a plan of action. At the same time, thoughts of faraway places and fun in the sunshine suggest that you may be ready to take a vacation. This might seem impossible when you consider your workload, but is it really?

 

Leo 

Relationships could take center stage in the coming four weeks, as the Sun, your personal planet, moves into Aquarius on Thursday. When it comes to a budding romance, things may not be going as smoothly as you'd hoped. But don't take this as a sign that it isn't meant to be. These could be minor troubles. In fact, passions could boil over with interesting results as the weekend approaches. In a relationship? Working as a team on a challenge might enhance your bond.

  

Virgo 

While you may have the practical ability and knowhow, someone else could have the inspiration. A lively link this week could see you and another collaborating on an idea that looks likely to be a resounding success. This can also be a good opportunity to review your lifestyle and wellness routines and consider making a few changes. Seeing as you love efficiency, paring down your schedule could be the secret to enjoying the days and weeks ahead.

 

Libra 

Although you're known for your tact and discretion, you also admire people who speak their mind. You could meet someone like that early in the week, someone who's willing to say exactly what they think. Will you be upset? The present blend of energies hints that you may find this quite refreshing, especially if you agree with the comments. In fact, they could even be the catalyst for a decision that changes everything. Meanwhile, if you want to indulge this weekend, enjoy it!

  

Scorpio 

As the Sun eases into your domestic sector today, this can be an opportunity to take a step back from life. Although there is still a lot going on in many areas, time to reflect and consider your priorities can be very useful now. There's also a strong focus on developing your creative skills, although you may wonder whether it's worth the expense of doing so. Don't let such doubts put you off. What you stand to gain is priceless.

  

Sagittarius 

This can be a week of interaction, short journeys, and catching up with administrative tasks. In fact, with the Sun entering your sector of communication for a four-week stay, you could be involved in this for some time. However, doors can open and new opportunities present themselves because of your efforts. You have a lot to look forward to, so try not to be perturbed by family members who would prefer that you put your energies into more domestic matters.

 

Capricorn 

With Saturn, your personal planet, moving through your spiritual sector for some time now, an inner wisdom may have developed because of key experiences. Things may not always have been comfortable for you - even a little painful at times - but an awakening may have occurred out of this. If everyday matters seem a little trivial at times, apply this deeper knowledge to change your perspective. Finally, a desire to get to know someone better may be worth following up.

  

Aquarius 

This can be a positive week and something of a rebirth as the Sun dances into your sign after journeying through the more mystical sector of your chart. Clarity may dawn over the coming days, as well as a desire to get cracking on plans that you've been dreaming up over recent weeks. Another lovely lineup could encourage you to explore possibilities connected with a recent encounter. The person's inspired view on life could act as a catalyst for you.

  

Pisces 

After a hectic start to the month, you may feel like enjoying more time to yourself in the coming four weeks. You'll still be busy, and your friends will still be eager for you to join them for evenings out, but you'll also recognize the value of reflection and meditation for the insights they can bring. The weekend may have romantic overtones and a sizzling date night to look forward to. A movie could also have quite an impact on you. 

Category: Arts & Culture

January 19, 2017  

1. Kicking It With Queen Bey

 

What better way to kick off your second term as president than in the presence of royalty? In 2008, Obama had the “Queen of Soul”, Aretha Franklin sing the national anthem and in 2013, he extended that honor to Queen Bey--Beyonce Knowles-Carter. She and her husband, rap legend Jay Z were active fundraisers throughout Obama’s campaign and the first family of hip-hop remained close with the nation’s first family as Beyonce participated in Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” healthy living campaign.

 

 

 

2. Honoring Our Greatest Entertainers

 

 

 

Throughout his presidency, Obama awarded the coveted Presidential Medal Of Freedom, the highest civilian honor, to numerous singers, actors and athletes. The recipients have not only left an indelible mark on black history and pop culture, but Obama recognized that their contributions to the arts have and continues to leave an irrevocable mark on the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainers that have been commemorated by President Obama include Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Sidney Poitier, Cicely Tyson, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Diana Ross, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and more.

 

 

 

 

3. Hip-Hop Finds A Home In The White House

 

Sasha and Malia have the coolest dad, #ever. From Beyonce to Busta Rhymes, Obama speaks the language of young and old hip-hop heads. Did George Bush Jr. or Bill Clinton ever release a summer playlist? We think not! President Obama oozes “swag” for many reasons including the fact that he’s a proud listener of R&B, hip-hop and rap music. In the midst of discussing Obamacare and foreign policy the President also found time to end a rap beef when he declared Kendrick Lamar as his favorite rapper over Drake. Over the past eight years, Obama has been able to effortlessly to bridge the generational gap and connect with millenials through his love of music.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Obama Parties With A Purpose #ForTheCulture

 

Not only does Obama invite the biggest names in music to the White House for parties, the President also galvanizes influential artists to make a difference in their community. Obama invited the artists in the photo above including Common, J.Cole, Chance the Rapper, Janelle Monae, Alicia Keys, Rick Ross and more to participate in his mentorship initiative, My Brother’s Keeper, a program that supports academic excellence in hopes of lessening the school-to-prison-pipeline. “Many of these artists have lent their voices and platforms to promoting these issues,” according to a White House official. “Through their own nonprofit work or artistic commitment, many of these artists have found ways to engage on the issues of criminal-justice reform and empower disadvantaged young people across the country.”

 

 

 

 

 

Category: Arts & Culture

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