By Charles Jones
New America Media

Back when I was growing up, Michael Jordan’s shoes were extremely popular. Since their first release in 1989, the shoe series has only grown in notoriety, especially amongst young people. Unfortunately, so has the violence that haunts these shoes.

Studio:     Warner Bros. (2hrs:17mins)
Plot:     “J. Edgar” explores the public and private life of one of the most powerful, controversial and enigmatic figures of the 20th century.
Cast:     Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Watts, Armie Hammer, Judi Dench
Rating:     R
Bottom Line:     **

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

Photographer Richard Galosy, Robert P. Busby and  artist Honora Bird in an undated photo. TNCP photo

LANSING, MI -- Rising star Steve Fulger is playing at the Robert P. Busby Memorial Reception in honor of Old Town great the late Robert P. Busby on Friday, December 2, 2011 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Creole Gallery located at 1218 Turner St. It will be an evening of the many things Robert Busby loved: music, art, family and friends.

Studio:     Universal Pictures (104 min)
Plot:     An action-comedy about a staff of blue-collar workers who seek revenge on the Wall Street swindler that stiffed them.
Cast:     Eddie Murphy, Ben Stiller, Gabourey Sidibe, Alan Alda, Casey Affleck, Michael Pena, Matthew Broderick
Rating:     PG-13
Bottom Line:     ****

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

Studio: Columbia (1 hr. 42 min.)
Plot:    An idealistic staffer for a newbie presidential candidate gets a crash course on dirty politics during his stint on the campaign trail.
Cast:     Ryan Gossling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffery Wright
Rating:     R
Bottom Line:     ***

By  Jonathan McMillan

“The Ides of March” is a political drama starring Ryan Gossling (Fracture) as Stephen Myers, an ambitious but idealistic assistant campaign manager and how the politics of campaigning transforms his character.

Multi-media personality Michael Baisden will release Do Women Know What They Want, a new and provocative relationship film, to all retail outlets this October 25th on Time Life.  The wildly popular syndicated radio personality / TV talk show host / New York Times best-selling author and highly influential African-American leader tackles the vastly different and often confusing takes on what a relationship means to men and women, uncovering the female perspective with humor, grace and a very real desire to figure it all out.

 Dear Tamara:

 Home cooking for a new generation. Easy and elegant recipes from the heart and soul created for today's family.

 October 13th and 20th, 5 – 8pm, two prominent Lansing Artists will break out their paints to create spontaneous art pieces which will be auctioned off to benefit The Mid-Michigan Food Bank.   ART NIGHTS AT HOTWATER WORKS will be two fun filled evenings, with refreshments, fun, hot tubs and live art…all for a good cause!

New Music Video Features Breast Cancer Survivors

BPRW- - Atlantic Records Recording Artist Musiq Soulchild announced his new role as ambassador for Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Circle of Promise, a movement designed to further engage black women around the globe in the fight against breast cancer. As an ambassador for the movement, Musiq will raise awareness about breast cancer so that younger women know the importance of early detection and why it’s important to pay attention to their bodies.

 

Studio: Paramount Pictures (125 min)
Plot:  A man rejected for military service volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into a superhero.
Cast: Chris Evans, Tommy Lee Jones, Sebastian Stan, Hayley Atwell, Hugo Weaving, Derek Luke.
Rating:     PG-13
Bottom Line: ****

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

“Captain America: The First Avenger” is unlike most modern-day movies with comic-book origins.

Director/executive producer Joe Johnston has managed to bring to the big screen, a delightful adaption of an unlikely hero and does a great job of balancing the brutal action with dark humor, while still providing enough defining character moments.

By Lorenzo Mills

Men’s fashion can be much more complex than people may think. Instead of being closed minded on sticking to your traditional penny loafers, formal dressed suspenders and button trousers, open your eyes to a new genre of menswear.  

By Delisa Fountain

An electrifying new voice and star on the rise, Trav, will release his newest single on SRR /B Sharp early this summer.  Featuring guest vocals by longtime friend and collaborator Sean Kingston, “Up and Down” is a wildly infectious R&B flavored track that is already creating a buzz at rhythmic radio stations throughout the country.  The charismatic young artist talks about the track in a video interview, which includes exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, on his mentor 50 Cent’s website, www.ThisIs50.com, which can also be viewed at www.saguaroroadrhythm.com/trav. 

Penny at Que’n 2010. TNCP photo

Face Painting, Music, Entertainment, Food and more!
 For residents and those with an interest
in the Walnut Neighborhood! FREE!

Mighty Medicine is having their CD Release Show Saturday, from 8pm-11pm July 23rd at The Creole Gallery (1218 Turner Street, Old Town Lansing). Mighty Medicine has been a power soul, rock, reggae, jazz, blues duo for two years, performing over 400 venues since June of 2009. Members DeShaun Sparkle Snead (vocals and percussion) and Larry Neuhardt (guitar) are excited about the release of their second album.

Studio:  Warner Bros. (100 min.)
Plot:     Three miserable men take it upon themselves to get back at their evil bosses.
Cast:    Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell
Rating:     R
Bottom Line:     ***

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

Anyone who has ever worked in an office will certainly be able to identify with the insane antics of beleaguered workers Nick (Jason Bateman), Dale (Charlie Day) and Kurt (Jason Sudeiki), who are completely miserable in their jobs.

This  art deco ring is a great way to slowly move into this trend. Rings are easy to wear and no matter how big, they aren’t very overwhelming

These art deco necklaces  are a great accessory to introduce to your wardrobe. Necklaces may be a bit more involved than you're ready to try if you're new to the art deco trend, but if you have on a basic outfit, a great necklace can really make it pop.

By Aisha Sims

This trend is kind of a subcategory to the statement jewelry trend, however, it’ s a good one to highlight because art deco jewelry is very pretty and unique looking. Plus it could help some of you move into statement pieces when you have something more specific to look for since  statement jewelry  can be a bit vague at times.

Dear Tamara:

My parents were married for 32 years. My mother was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer and died four months after her diagnosis. My mother was our rock, and really kept the entire family together. It has only been a little over a year since my mother passed away and I recently found out that my dad is seeing someone new. To make matters worse, the woman he is seeing is only two years older than I am. While my brothers have no issues with the situation, I think it is too soon for my dad to jump into another relationship and I really think he has no business seeing someone young enough to be his daughter. How do I talk to him about this without starting a family feud?
Concerned Daddy’s Girl

Studio:     20th Century Fox
Plot:     A prequel to the previous X-Men movies, "First Class" promises to resolve mysteries about the origins of Professor X and his team of mutants.
Cast:    Michael Fassbender, Bill Milner, Rose Byrne, Jennifer Lawrence, Beth Goddard, Zoe Kravitz
Rating:     PG-13
Bottom Line:     ***

By Laurence Washington

I’m going to have to recheck my history books concerning the Cuban Missile Crisis. According to history books, John F. Kennedy stopped the Russians from installing nuclear missiles in Cuba by ordering the Navy to blockade the island from Russian ships delivering parts and equipment to complete missiles installation.

Dear Tamara:

My husband and I have been married for four years. In those four years I have had two children and have gained quite a bit of weight. On our wedding day I was about a size 6 and now I am closer to a size 16. At first my husband didn’t complain about my weight gain, but lately he is starting to be more verbal about his disapproval.

Photo by Kristi Taylor

Lansing will pulsate with the rhythmic beat of spoken word as the Poetry in the City kicks off. Poetry in the City is an annual event that showcases a number of locally and nationally recognized poets. A NuPoet Collective and The New Citizens Press' brainchild, the series is being organized in conjunction with the Lansing Jaycees.

Photo by Kristi Taylor

Lansing will pulsate with the rhythmic beat of spoken word as the Poetry in the City kicks off. Poetry in the City is an annual event that showcases a number of locally and nationally recognized poets. A NuPoet Collective and The New Citizens Press' brainchild, the series is being organized in conjunction with the Lansing Jaycees.

Studio:   Paramount (113 minutes)
Plot:   The powerful but arrogant warrior Thor is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard and sent to live amongst humans on Earth, where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders.
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman
Rating:     PG-13
Bottom Line:     ***

By Mike Pearson

The 2011 summer movie season officially got underway May 6 with the release of Thor, a big-budget spectacle that heralds three months of populist entertainment.

By Delisa Fountain
TNCP Writer
 
LANSING, MI -- Memphis is a Tony award winning musical set in the 1950's. The Wharton Center held a special viewing of the musical on the big screen at the Lansing Mall West Theatre. The musical itself will be at the Wharton Center in East Lansing next year from March 21- April 1, 2012.
 
 

Dear Tamara:

My boss dresses way too sexy for work. Even our male coworkers think her dress is excessive. On any given day she shows up to work with her cleavage hanging out, wearing short skirts and even tighter dresses that leave nothing to the imagination. Even her shoes are inappropriate for work.

Studio:  TriStar Pictures
Plot:    Two very different families converge on Martha's Vineyard for a wedding.
Cast:    Angela Bassett, Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Loretta Devine, Meagan Good,  Romeo Miller, DeRay Davis, Valarie Pettiford, Mike Epps
Rating:     PG-13
Bottom Line:     ****

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

In “Jumping the Broom,” which is directed by Salim Akil (“The Game”), Paula Patton plays Sabrina Watson, a corporate lawyer who gets hitched to a Wall Street broker, Jason Taylor (Laz Alonso), after dating for six-months.

By Tashmica Torok

It's like a clenching of your jaw in the cold.  The inspection of wounds long ago wrapped in gauze and covered with duct tape to stop the bleeding is cause to apply new pressure. 

Dear Tamara:

How do you confront a spouse about a rumor you heard about them?

Suspicious

Dear Suspicious:

First of all, a rumor is just that, a RUMOR. A speculation, accusation, or something that has NOT YET been proven. And in many cases, a rumor can be a flat out lie. I would be careful when confronting anyone with a rumor, especially someone I love, care about, and have made a commitment to spend the rest of my life with.

By TNCP Staff

Peter Sklar, Broadway producer and Hollywood talent scout, will come to Spartan Dance Center in East Lansing on Sunday, May 1st at 2:00 p.m. to give local youth a free lecture on beginning a career in performing arts in his series titled, “Earning a Living in the Arts.”

Studio:   Universal
Plot:     An out-of-work slacker accidentally injures the Easter Bunny and must take responsibility for him as he recovers.
Cast:     Russell Brand, James Marsden, Kaley Cuoco, Hugh Laurie
Rating:     G
Bottom Line:     ***

By  Laurence Washington

I suppose in a perfect world, the Easter Bunny pooping watermelon-flavored jellybeans that taste good would be great. Although, I wouldn’t want to be that brave soul to test that theory.

Dear Tamara:

I let my cousin move in with me about six months ago. She was only supposed to stay with me for a couple of weeks until she got her apartment situation straight. She is driving me crazy! She doesn’t cook or clean up after herself.

By Aisha Sims

Hola!  I’ve recently returned from a wonderful vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  I’m rested, tan and suffering from a head cold.  However, I have been noticing a trend that has been bothering me for quite some time.  I feel like it needs to be addressed and since it is a fashion-related trend, I wanted to address it here.

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

 Home cooking for a new generation. Easy and elegant recipes from the heart and soul created for today's family.  This tasty lemon shrimp dish is sure to please!

By Tashmica Torok

By Anne R., Reference Librarian

It's hard to believe, but Women's History Month is only 24 years old. It wasn't until 1987 that Congress declared March as National Women's History Month in perpetuity. This act was the culmination of efforts by many to gain official recognition for the contributions of women to United States history.

Dear Tamara:

My fiancé has asked me to move in with him. We have been together for three years and engaged for almost a year now. We have not yet set a wedding date because we each have another year of school left and we both want to wait until we graduate college before getting married. In a way it makes perfect sense that we move in together.

 What could be more absurd than paying a surcharge for a wireless Internet connection at your hotel?

  "THE FIGHTER": Mark Wahlberg shepherded this superb drama through the production process for years, but ironically, he was the only major cast principal not to score an Oscar nomination for the true story of Boston boxer-against-the-odds Micky Ward. Those up for the honors included Christian Bale as Ward's fighter-turned-trainer half brother, Melissa Leo as their mother and Amy Adams as Ward's tough-in-her-own-right girlfriend. Director David O. Russell not only draws superb performances from all of them, he also generates an indelible sense of the tale's setting. DVD extras: "making-of" documentary; audio commentary by Russell. **** (R: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray)

  "THE FIGHTER": Mark Wahlberg shepherded this superb drama through the production process for years, but ironically, he was the only major cast principal not to score an Oscar nomination for the true story of Boston boxer-against-the-odds Micky Ward. Those up for the honors included Christian Bale as Ward's fighter-turned-trainer half brother, Melissa Leo as their mother and Amy Adams as Ward's tough-in-her-own-right girlfriend. Director David O. Russell not only draws superb performances from all of them, he also generates an indelible sense of the tale's setting. DVD extras: "making-of" documentary; audio commentary by Russell. **** (R: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray)

  By Tashmica Torok

 By Tashmica Torok

  This beef dinner is sure to warm the heart and fill hungry bellies.

 By Jay Bobbin

The sweetest time of year is coming, when the sap begins to flow, and Fenner offers it’s Maple Syrup Festival!   The celebration of spring and syrup takes place at Fenner Nature Center, March 19 and 20, Saturday and Sunday, 11 – 4.  It a fun and educational family adventure!

Dear Tamara:

 Venus Personal Image Salon owner, Jenny Pham, will offer hair and beauty services for men and women on Monday, February 14, 2011, on a donation only or ability to pay basis. 

Dear Tamara:

"Do you believe in soulmates and that there is one person that perfectly matches you completely?” I have been married for a few years and I just met a man that I believe is my true soulmate. We have so much in common and I believe we are destined to be together. Though I love my husband, this new man makes me feel alive. And it has nothing to do with sex. We just connect on a different and much deeper level. I don’t know what I should do about this.
- Soulmate

11th Street Station Restaurant

 By Jay Bobbin

Lil' Kim (right) and Niki Chin. Photo by Roland Hyde

By Roland Hyde

QUESTIONS

Why do men need to spit so much in public? -- Anne, Jacksonville Beach, Fla.
What is it with guys and spitting? -- Cheryl, New Haven, Conn.

Andre Braugher, Ray Romano and Scott Bakula star in “Men of a Certain Age”.  The show explores the unique bonds of male friendship among three men experiencing the changes and challenges of mid-life.

DETROIT, MI -- J.Poww and Street Sounds/Universal have reached an agreement on a licensing deal that will allow the record label to feature “Amazing (#1 Baby)” and “Dolla Bill$” on the R&B Street Anthems vol.1.
 

By Quassan Castro-Entertainment Editor
 

Toping Forbes list of highest paid Hollywood actresses are Kristen Stewart, Angelina Jolie, and Jennifer Aniston. Making the top of the list was Sandra Bullock, grossing 56 million from the success of Blind Side.
 

Above: In St. Maarten/St. Martin there are sweeping sea views almost everywhere you visit.  This island is a scenic respite from the rigors of life. There is plenty to do for the entire family.  Couples can also unwind on a romantic getaway. 

 Cat lovers unite for a unique show cat competition in the Capitol City. Courtesy photo

 Hondo Shen has only been dancing for two years, but he is moving fast towards being a nationally known B-boy.  Courtesy photo

  By Quassan Castro