November 16, 2024

The New Citizens Press

News For, By and About People

Headlines

Arts & Entertainment

Ask Tamara: Out of the Closet!

Rina Risper05 mins

Dear Tamara:
 
During a recent family gathering, my youngest brother announced that he is gay. The entire family was shocked, including me. I never suspected that my brother was gay. Growing up he had plenty of girlfriends and didn’t show any signs of being gay. I haven’t spoken to him since his big announcement and am really unsure about what to say or how to handle the situation. 
 
On one hand I want to support my brother and let him know that I still love him, but on the other I am really worried about him. Our family grew up in the church and this is not the way we were raised. I don’t agree with my brother choosing to live a gay lifestyle, I think homosexuality is a sin and I don’t want him to suffer. What can I do about this?
 
My Brother’s Keeper

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Best Flicks of 2011

Rina Risper07 mins

By Samantha Ofole-Prince
 
From fascinating franchises to thrilling new installments, film critic Samantha Ofole-Prince reviews the best 11 movies of 2011.
 
Like any other year, 2011 has had its fair share of turds and treats.
 
This was a year in which sequels had a huge presence on the big screen with two of the biggest successes at the movie box office being the final installment of the “Harry Potter” franchise and the “Twilight” sequel.
 
There were also unnecessary sequels to “Mission Impossible,” “Alvin and the Chipmunks,”  “Sherlock Holmes,” numerous book adaptations, and a grand total of 40 3-D flicks released.

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The Reason Why I Smile

Rina Risper015 mins

By Soltreu
 
Life is a fascinating journey filled with lessons to be learned, love to be had, and wisdom to be gained. One thing I am learning from my journey of life is my experiences can be my triumph or downfall. My life’s story could have easily caused a negative turning point or an early end. I have had some embarrassing moments, but I choose to share them in hopes of helping others. I wrote a poem entitled, The Reason Why I Smile. It is my most personal piece where I share many tragedies I have been through and overcome. I am pretty open about things I have been through because I hope to be an inspiration. I desire for people to see there is a wonderful life even after a tragic moment. 

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Dying to Live a Lie: How Symbol Replaced Substance in the Black Community

Rina Risper015 mins

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.

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Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol

Rina Risper05 mins

Studio: Paramount Pictures (133 mins) 
Plot:    The IMF is shut down when it’s implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin, causing Ethan Hunt and his new team to go rogue to clear their organization’s name.
Cast:   Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton, Simon Pegg
Rating:     PG-13
Bottom Line:     ***
 
By Jonathan  McMillan
 
In recent years the James Bond franchise was rebooted, making it more contemporary. And for the better part of the last decade, Jason Bourne has pretty much dominated the spy movie genre with Hollywood’s rendition of The Bourne Trilogy.
“Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol,” the fourth installment in the Mission Impossible saga, was rumored to be a reboot due to the feeling from critics that the “franchise is played out and its star over-exposed” after “Mission Impossible III” was released.
 

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Mother Flippin’: One Funny Mother – The New Year is pounding on the front door.

Rina Risper04 mins

By Tashmica Torok
 
Many of us hear the knocking and we dive for under the couch.  I fling the door wide and leave it open.  I love new opportunities.  I love new fresh breath.  I want it to swirl up inside my home and blow the unwanted out through the back door.
 
We all have some leftover unwanted from this year.  
 
It is a time for reflection.  It is.  Some may scoff and say, it’s just another day.  Or the pessimist might say resolutions fail.  I say, ideas do die without action.  The order of the day is lists checked twice.  Santa had a fail proof plan.

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Ask Tamara: Should I Ask For a Raise?

Rina Risper04 mins

Dear Tamara:
 
I have not received a raise or cost of living increase in three years. This year we were told that because of the economy annual increases are again, “not in the budget.” 
 
During this time the cost of living has greatly increased. My rent has gone up and my son’s daycare went from $150 to $180 a week. I really need a raise or some type of increase to continue to make ends meet. How should I approach my supervisor about getting a raise?
 
More Than a Dollar Short

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Traveling Exhibit Highlights Black History

Rina Risper08 mins

Left: 
Shabazz Academy African Dance troupe 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Left: Khalid el-Hakim, the Black History 101 Mobile Museum’s founder 
Courtesy photos
 
CADL Celebrates Black History

 
Downtown Lansing 
401 South Capitol Ave.
Lansing, MI 48933 
January 13 and January 14
 for these special events:
 
Black History 101 Mobile Museum:
 NECESSARY! exhibit
Presenter, Khalid el-Hakim
Friday, January 13, 
10 am-5 pm
Saturday, January 14, 
9 am-4 pm
 
Malcolm X & Hip Hop
Professor Griff of Public Enemy 
Saturday, January 14 • 11 am
 
Shabazz Academy African Dancers & Drum Group
Enjoy a student performance that blends traditional West and East African dance and 
drumming traditions.
Saturday, January 14 • 1:30 pm
 
Black History Storytime
Children of all ages and their families are invited to listen to stories and make a craft 
to take home.
Saturday, January 14 • 2 pm
 

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Celebrity Interviews: Chris “Ludacris” Bridges Rounds Off A Star-studded Cast In “New Year’s Eve”

Rina Risper04 mins

By Samantha Ofole-Prince
 
He’s sold more than 12 million albums domestically, thanks to the blockbuster success of singles “Stand Up,” and “Money Maker,” and has made a seamless transition from music to movies with features such as “Fast Five” and “Hustle & Flow.”

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Wolfgang Puck: A Light and Flavorful Holiday Break

Rina Risper09 mins

I sometimes top each portion with some grilled, broiled, or sauteed shrimp, fish fillet, chicken breast, or even sliced steak, lamb, or pork. Credit:Fotolia.com.

 

By Wolfgang Puck
Tribune Media Services

Last week, I talked about how many of us find ourselves in need of good, satisfying meals to cook at home during the lull between holiday parties. But there’s another kind of meal many home cooks need at this time of year: a change of pace from all those filling, multi-course seasonal menus.

 

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