Movie Review: “Sparkle”

“Sparkle” may not be getting great reviews but it is Whitney Houston’s last movie role.
 
Studio: TriStar Pictures (1 hr. 51 min)
Plot: A musical prodigy struggles to become a star while overcoming issues that are tearing her family apart.
Cast:     Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston, Derek Luke, Mike Epps, Carmen Ejogo, Omari Hardwick, CeeLo Green
Rating:     PG 13
Bottom Line:     *1/2

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Be PHREEE: Free To Live in Truth

Charissa  says that half-truths and lies may be your 
ultimate demise.
 
By Charissa Patterson-Martinez
 
 
Play it straight why don’t you.  It’s so much easier to know where you’re coming from when you tell it like it is from the start. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Instead many of us say what we think the listener wants to hear. 

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Back-to-the-Basics with Back-to-School Organization

Looking forward to learning: Aniyah Lake is 5-years-old and has already started school.  She is excited about her teacher and the new friends that she is meeting. 
 
Being prepared with the right supplies: .  Below in the “Lighting Up Lansing, One Smile at a Time” photo.  Aniyah is at her desk and prepared! She is putting the skills that her mother, Chastity Sayre, has taught her before her first day of school to the test.
 
Courtesy photo 

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Excuse me, are you listening? 11-16

Dear Readers,
 
I love music and I am trying to get as many people to sing or play as possible.  Even if you sing in the shower there is hope.
 
You may not think that you are good at it but there are all types of opportunities for you to try.

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Fixin’ up Hoopa: A Community’s Struggle with Addiction–Part II

Part I “Hoopa Rez: Ground Zero for Ever-Expanding Meth Economy” of this two-part series is on www.tncp.net.  There is also an accompanying documentary short film, “Addiction and Renewal in the Hoopa Valley,” on www.newamericamedia.org.
Wikimedia photo

 
By Allie Hostler, Two Rivers Tribune / Jacob Simas, New America Media
 
HOOPA, CA — Jane judged drug addicts harshly, until she became one in her late 20s. Suffering from depression and mourning a lifestyle she worked hard to maintain for her family, she began smoking meth. 

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“Inside the Mind of a Sportsaholic” – Tips For A Successful Sports Season: Parents Edition

By Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr.
 
Fall is upon us, which means the beginning of school. Along with that comes the start multiple athletic seasons. With that being the case, I feel it is necessary to give a few tips on how to have a successful season. These tips will work for any sport that children participate in. Sports can be a great learning tool, however, it will take effort from parents, coaches, and student-athletes for that to happen. So, in the first of a three part series I will address the parents.

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Your Other 8 Hours: 5 Tips to Create More Energy and Confidence

By Robert Pagliarini, 
Tribune Media Services
 
Does your morning routine feel more like a “mourning” routine? The first 30 minutes of your day has a powerful grip over the rest of your day — your morning behaviors and attitudes can influence how you feel and what you do for the rest of your waking hours. 

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THE KID’S DOCTOR: Monitor moles in children

Parents should check their child’s moles every few months and pay special attention to any unusual moles. 
THE KID’S DOCTOR:
Monitor moles in children

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