Michigan Hip Hop Sensation Mikey J

Newsblaze Contributor Donna Kshir

 -

Sat September 5, 2009

Are you curious to know more about Michigan artists? I’d strongly advise you to check out Mikey J, he is not your average underground emcee; he is very passionate about his music.

When you enter into his world of hip hop, you will enter a refreshing oasis, where talent and good music are the only two things that matter. His rhythmic, innovative use of instrumentals combined with a dose of pure lyrical genius will allow you to understand his dedication to hip hop and share his enthusiasm for music.

This young artist straight from Michigan will convince you, that hip hop is strong and very much alive. His rhythm, softness, combined with a rough spirit make up Mikey J’s originality and unique style. Hip hop is something he lives and breathes. His unique style and talent will pull you in and transport you inside his musical world.

Born as Michael John Rayner on February 7, 1988, a young Michael had no idea he would one day be known throughout the state of Michigan as a young, spirited, talented emcee named Mikey J.

At the early age of sixteen, he discovered his love of writing. He hoped one day his talent and love of writing would someday help support his family, as he and his mother and sister were abandoned by his father.

As his mother Gearldine Ann Jeske worked two jobs and struggled to support Mikey J and his sister Amber Rose Rayner. At the tender age of fourteen, Michael took it upon himself to work a full-time job to help support his family. He describes his family as priceless, whom his mother he loves more than life itself. If one could see his love for his family firsthand, you would understand his strong will, drive and determination to make it in the hip hop industry.

Discovering music at nineteen, but it wasn’t until he turned twenty that he began to take music seriously and he truly found and discovered his God given style and raw talent.

Mikey J is unlike any other artist in the hip hop industry. Determined to make it his way, and refusing to sell himself out and going against his personal beliefs, he refuses to use profanity or make music concerning drugs, sex, and guns, as that is not a part of who he is.

Building a strong fan base and connecting with nearly 25,000 friends on Myspace, averaging over 500 plays per day, his music speaks for itself and he is becoming quite well known.

As I reviewed his song “Why,” I was introduced to a very talented young man who is determined to make it in the hip hop industry, his way and with his own style. He does things with beats and spits rhymes as he was born to. He validates his beliefs, with real life experiences as a way of expressing himself.

Source:

https://newsblaze.com/entertainment/music/michigan-hip-hop-sensation-mikey-j_10365/

Book Review: Unwrap Your Present – Strong, Independent Successful Woman

Newsblaze Contributor Donna Kshir

 -

Fri November 30, 2012

Hayden Kian Publishing House has just announced the release of Isabelle Esling’s, “Unwrap Your Present.” This is the second release for the French born – London based author Isabelle Esling.

Isabelle has spent the last decade as a music journalist and an Eminem biographer. In July 2012, she published her first book, Eminem and The Detroit Rap Scene – White Kid in a Black Music World with Amber Books and Colossus Books.

“Unwrap Your Present” is a self-help book that allows people to release stressful and negative thoughts through a better conscience of the NOW.The 170-page volume, traces not only the Detroit rapper Eminem’s multi-platinum career but it also focuses on his roots, the Detroit rap scene, his friendship with Big Proof, as well as other associations with underground rappers such as Kaos, Mystro, Awesome Dre, Joe to the D and more. The book chronicles Eminem’s acceptance in a scene and the influence it had on his musical evolution.

Isabelle, a very spiritual woman, penned this book off personal experiences, meditation and visualization techniques that she has personally used in her own life to become the strong, independent and successful woman she is today. Isabelle’s aim is to allow the reader to develop a conscience of the momentum and to enjoy life to the fullest.

This book addresses anyone who is interested in self-improvement and living life to a richer dimension. Through its exploration of mind and body, it will let the readers explore and understand different techniques to reach inner stillness and joy. Life is a gift and it is available to everybody.

Purchase your copy as a paperback: Unwrap Your Present or in eBook reading formats.

Source:

https://newsblaze.com/entertainment/books/book-review-unwrap-your-present-strong-independent-successful-woman_29525/

Communication: The Key to a Strong Relationship

Newsblaze Contributor Donna Kshir

 -

Mon August 31, 2009

A strong and healthy relationship isn’t a matter of luck; it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. The first and most important factor in any relationship is communication.

Couples who want to be happy and successful in their relationship know firsthand the key factor is communication. Happy couples talk, and more importantly they listen to what their partner has to say. Although it may not always be easy to hear what your partner has to say, it will make your relationship stronger and build a successful future together.

Couples who tend to be the best communicators can easily recognize when an outside distraction is hard at work to prevent good communication skills, but a strong couple will find a way to work through the difficult times.

All relationships have ups and downs or conflict, that’ just part of life, but a successful couple is strong enough to resolve their issues in a positive manner. It can be hard or trying, as no two people see everything eye to eye, but a strong and successful relationship is created by a couple’s ability to handle disagreements and conflict in a positive manner.

Too many couples fall victim and fail due to having realistic expectations. When you meet someone for the first time you always try to put your best foot forward and we tend to hide our imperfections and flaws.

We all want to be viewed in a perfect light, but we have to be honest to ourselves and admit no one is perfect. Although this is completely normal, as time passes couples need to realize sooner or later the real person is going to emerge in the relationship. Having unrealistic expectations of your relationship or partner can add unwanted stress.

To eliminate stress from your relationship spend time together. Sharing experiences together is a good way to build a strong, healthy and successful relationship. Spending time together will also build trust in your relationship. Couples who enjoy spending time together; rather than feeling forced or obligated to take part in events have a happier, stronger, healthier relationship.

Couples who have the same shared values tend to have a better chance at building a strong relationship. Both partners in any relationship have the obligation of nurturing the relationship, working towards common goals and taking on responsibilities in the relationship. By only one person in the relationship taking on full responsibility it can cause resentment to build.

Over time, relationships and people change. That is only to be expected. Don’t hide or fear change, take it head on. Adapting to change is not only good for your relationship, but for you as an individual. Couples need to have good communications skills and talk through changes in the relationship. Proper communication will make it much easier to adapt.

When it comes to relationships and loving the most important people in your live learn to communicate effectively, work together as a team, manage the conflict in your relationship without breaking your special bond or damaging the closeness, and stride to preserve your love, friendship and commitment to each other.

Source:

https://newsblaze.com/entertainment/books/communication-key-to-a-strong-relationship_10307/

Judge Delays Chris Brown's Sentencing

This one's from 2009...

Judge Delays Chris Brown’s Sentencing

Newsblaze Contributor Donna Kshir

 -

Thu August 6, 2009

A Los Angeles judge postponed sentencing R&B singer Chris Brown on Wednesday, delaying the hearing until August 27, stating she wants documented proof guaranteeing Brown will do roadside cleanup and other hard labor for assaulting ex-girlfriend Rihanna.

“We still have not received from Virginia what their community labor proposal would be,” said L.A. Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg on Wednesday. “I do not favor community service; I favor something along the lines of Caltrans (freeway cleanup).”

Brown was accompanied to the hearing by his mother; Rihanna did not attend.

Last month, prosecutors struck a deal and Brown pleaded guilty to assaulting Rihanna. According to reports, he will be sentenced to five years of probation and 1,400 hours of community labor. In addition, he will be ordered to attend and complete a year of domestic violence classes and pay fines. Brown was also charged for a second felony of making criminal threats, but according to reports it is expected to be dropped.

Last month, Brown publicly apologized for his actions, saying, “I have told Rihanna countless times, and I am telling you today, that I am truly sorry and that I wasn’t able to handle the situation both differently and better.”

Source:

https://newsblaze.com/usnews/national/judge-delays-chris-browns-sentencing_10026/

Rick Pitino Apologizes

Here's another one from 2009...

Rick Pitino Apologizes

Newsblaze Contributor Donna Kshir

 -

Sat August 15, 2009

Success is a choice…

Those words came straight from the horse’s mouth. The horse in this case being Louisville coach Rick Pitino. He selected that particular title for his motivational book.

It is quite obvious; Pitino ignored his own good word when the married, father of five had a little tryst with Karen Cunagin Sypher in a restaurant. Now their little romp in the dark has come to light and his employer, the University of Louisville, is once again in the news for all the wrong reasons.

It has been stated, Pitino is a victim since Karen Cunagin Sypher’s allegedly attempted to extort $10 million.

Maybe instead of labeling Pitino, as a victim. Maybe he should be labeled as something else. The former Louisville coach?

Yes! I believe Pitino should resign. Instead of thinking of himself, maybe he should spare his family and the university any further embarrassment and humiliation.

He could also save himself from the embarrassment of being questioned by parents, who will wonder if they really have enough faith and trust in him to care for their young, impressionable sons. This is same man, who according to reports claim handed over $3,000 to Sypher for an abortion or as it has been stated “health insurance.”

Although Pitino did not do anything illegal, let’s not forget about the other college coaches who have been in the same position and fired for bad behavior that brought shame and embarrassment to their respective universities.Some may feel sorry for Pitino and believe his scandal is just another case of a married man feeling strained in his marriage, who is looking for a little comfort and action on the side, but in my opinion, these people are missing the bigger picture.

Any representative from a university should have enough respect for themselves, the students, players and the university they represent to maintain some moral values. I feel it is their responsibility. It doesn’t really matter if Pitino was truthful and admitted the relationship. What really matters is, he is looked upon as one of Louisville’s most influential employees and a face of the university. I strongly believe he had a responsibility to the students, players and the university to conduct himself in a decent and respectful manner.

On a table? In a restaurant? With an assistant coach lurking nearby? Do you call these actions having morals or values?

Pitino may not be a professor at the university, but regardless what one thinks he is an educator. Regardless how you look at it, he makes an impression on young men who come to play basketball at Louisville.

How can parents trust him after reading in the newspaper he cheated on his wife and had a sexual relationship with a woman he hardly knew? How can these same parents not question Pitino’s values, morals or plain common sense? How can he teach discipline to his players, when even he can’t exhibit self control and discipline himself? As a parent, I would have a lot of questions.

I understand that there have been men far more powerful than Pitino that have had extra martial affairs, from Bill Clinton and Elliot Spitzer to Kobe Bryant. But I strongly believe it is part of your job to set an example to others who look up to you, respect you and the position you hold.

The sad part is I don’t see Louisville doing a thing to Pitino for his actions. If I were university president Dr. James Ramsey I would enforce the morals clause in Pitino’s contract, and terminate him. No questions asked!

Pitino’s national championship is all he needs to assure he gets out of this sticky situation. If he was an average coach or a normal university employee, he would have been fired already, but do to his name, title and position, he will not be affected.

But what is that teaching others in society? The fact that; because of who you are or what job title you hold, you can avoid prosecution of just about any indecent act or crime.

The fact remains, regardless how many indiscretions one has, how many indecent acts one commits or how low, down and dirty one plays, the one who is in power rules, and morals, respect and decency all get thrown out the window.

Source: https://newsblaze.com/entertainment/books/rick-pitino-apologizes_10123/

Relapse Like You Never Expected

A lot of my old articles are coming up in my memories. Here's one of them.

Relapse Like You Never Expected

Newsblaze Contributor Donna Kshir

 -

Mon July 20, 2009

Eminem Launches Comeback

One day he was king of the rap scene, the next day he seemed to vanish almost into thin air. When Eminem left the rap game he was faced with the biggest decision of his life; trading his family for the stage. It was then he decided to fall back from the spotlight and remarry his childhood sweetheart Kim Scott. Both were short lived.

Dealing with drug dependency, the loss of his best friend, the break up of his second marriage, Eminem was literally drowning and adding to his dependency and addictions.

As Eminem launches his big comeback, he’s finally opening up for the first time since he left the spotlight and shunned the dark rumors of drug abuse and depression. The saddest part is many of those rumors just happened to be true, but now he’s back after surviving the demons of his own personal hell that almost cost him his life.

Yes! I said he’s back and he’s sober. Marshall Mathers is sober, after spending years of being high. I have to admit, he wears sobriety well. He’s lost a lot of weight and his appearance is quite youthful. His face tells a new story.

After a recent appearance on MTV, it was quite apparent he’s nervous and filled with fear facing his fans sober for the first time in years, but more importantly his blue eyes sparkle appearing eager and hungry, as the young rapper who emerged in 1999.

He makes his return with an album of dark, aggressive tales full of drug addiction, abuse and his own dark mortality.

“Relapse” is his darkest work, with visions of violence and mental disturbance. The second single, “3 a.m.,” finds him struggling and fighting for his life on a drug fueled killing spree.

Meet a drug crazed Eminem, face to face, alone, deep in the forest on a dark night, in a bad spirits presence that echoes overshadowing his mind and overpowering his every thought. He can’t think, he stumbles falling to the dirt covered ground. You are trapped in his world, unable to break free from his psychopathic mind for five full minutes of living hell.

Eminem sings, “It’s 3 a.m. in the morning, put my key in the door, bodies laying all over the floor and I don’t know how they got there, but I guess I must have killed them.”

Walk through Popsomp Hills rehab center with a psychopathic, drug addicted serial killer, as he’s in search and need of hardcore drugs. You will witness visions of horror, missing body parts, blood splattered walls and the kiss of death.

As your mind races, your heart paces, your palms begin to sweat and your body fills with fear, you have to determine if he is responsible for the murderous blackouts or just nightmarish visions of a blurred drug addict’s imagination.

Regardless of the reports, his ailing mother Debbie wants to squash their beef; Eminem shows no mercy in “My Mom.” Another Mariah Carey tale is the basics of “Bagpipes From Baghdad.” Lyrically and instrumentally “Crack A Bottle” is weak. “Old Times Sake” does not enlighten his abilities as an artist.

Proving himself once again was the track “Beautiful.” He invites the listener to walk in his shoes and live the daily pressures and pain that surround his life. I felt he was emptying his soul. I felt this was one song he did for himself, not caring what the rest of the world thinks. The song reveals the spirit of a true lyricist.

“Stay Wide Awake” is a valuable track for multiple reasons: the combination of instrumentals and his choice of powerful words combined make the flow remarkable. “Deja Vu” is powerful. He goes in depth of a father struggling with addiction, embracing death and failing to see it. During his journey he finds the courage to face and fight his demons that allow him come out of his darken depressed state stronger than ever.

On the album, his aggression and level of violence speaks for itself. He’s as numb as the effects of the prescription medications he consistently raps about. He’s cold, alone and distant, but using his music as his own personal therapy to complete the healing process.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Source: 

https://newsblaze.com/entertainment/music/relapse-like-you-never-expected_9898/

Perish a Child’s Nightmare

A lot of my old articles are coming up in my memories. Here's is one of them.  Perish a Child’s Nightmare 

Newblaze Contributor

Donna Kshir

 -

Wed July 22, 2009

These days, all we have to do is turn on the television and we are instantly invited into people’s lives. Whether it is Bret Michaels trying to find his Miss Rock of Love, Flavor Flav trying to find his flavor of the week or a movie on the Lifetime network surfacing around bad marriages, cheating spouses, alcohol and drug addiction or abuse. But what happens when the two hour program is over and you are faced with reality of your own life?

In April, I was introduced to an amazing woman named Sandra Potter. Sandra was different than any other person I have ever met. For a small framed woman, she had this will, drive and determination powerful enough to move mountains.

Sandra and I had several similarities and we immediately connected on many levels. We were both from small towns, mothers whose lives revolved around our children, but with all the similarities I was about to learn a difference between us that would forever change my life. She would open my eyes on many levels, including life after physical and sexual child abuse.

I will never forget the day Sandra confided in me that she took a stand after her own daughter’s innocence was stolen. Sandra came from a small country town and her mother and stepfather provided care for her young daughter. She felt comfortable knowing her child would be safe and out of harm’s way, being with family members, as she struggled working the night shift to help support her growing family.

One would think, if you can’t trust your own family, who can you trust, right? Wrong!

Sandra walked-in and caught her stepfather molesting her young daughter. It was the most horrific and traumatic moment of her life. Their lives were permanently changed by one man’s wrongful actions.

Sandra grabbed her daughter, wrapped her in a light blanket and rushed out the door. On the way to the police station Sandra’s young daughter looked and asked why she was crying. Sandra responded, Mommy’s just sad right now. It was then her baby girl placed her tiny hands on Sandra’s face and said, Mom, don’t cry, it’s okay…we were just playing our secret game. It was then Sandra’s heart sank! She wanted to die.

It was then Sandra questioned herself. How could I have not seen the signs? Why didn’t she tell me? How did I not know? Sandra’s questions were later replaced by guilt and blame.

From that day on, Sandra was no longer one of those parents who thought this type of thing would “never happen to me.” Their lives as they knew it had just been permanently changed.

Sandra felt every emotion possible and wanted this man to pay for what he did to her daughter. He confessed to molesting her little girl for three years. He was prosecuted and sentenced to 15 years in jail, but to a mother who’s daughter’s innocence was stolen, it wasn’t enough.

Wanting to make her stepfather pay for what he did, Sandra went out and purchased her very first handgun. Her intention; serving her own justice, but having a conscience she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Her child had already been through enough trauma, she couldn’t risk the outcome of a trial or a guilty conviction.

One would ask themselves if placed in this position, would a jury of my peers find me guilty? It depends… if any member of that jury would have walked in and witnessed what Sandra had witnessed that day.

Sandra is convinced if she I had known then, what she knows now, she would have seen the signs and she would have known something was wrong. She would have been able to stop the abuse, before it progressed as far as it did. She now knows and understands how hard it is to comprehend how or why anyone would ever want to hurt a child, but the reality is they do.

Did you know… Every 13 seconds a child is physically abused in the United States. One in three girls will be sexually abused before the age of 18. One in six boys will be sexually abused before the age of 18. A total of 85 percent of teenagers who run away from home flee in an attempt to escape some type of abuse. Every 10 seconds a child is sexually abused or raped. Today, five children alone will die from neglect and child abuse.

This man’s actions cost Sandra everything, but she refused to compromise her daughter or remain silent. It was then Sandra knew she needed to help children- those without a voice. Determined to speak out for children without a voice, Sandra took a stand, started her mission and became that voice, creating Dreamcatchers for Abused Children.

Dreamcatchers is a worldwide non-profit organization dedicated to promoting child abuse awareness by educating society on the signs, symptoms, statistics, prevention and steps towards recovery.

Sandra spends twelve to sixteen hours a day online building websites, answering letters and phone calls, all in hopes of educating just one more person. She believes each person who is properly educated on physical and sexual child abuse, there is a great possibility that another child will be saved and will not have to suffer.

Sandra’s dedication has earned her the Myspace Impact Award.

I am truly inspired by Sandra’s dedication. Now I’m looking at life with my eyes wide open and I am no longer blinded by the unknown. I am now determined. I want to make the world a better, safer place where children can be children and not have to worry about predators or abusers.

The reality is, instead of so much drama and rehearsed scenes on reality television shows, the American people need to wake up and focus on the real reality of the real world and the real issues affecting our country.

Source:

https://newsblaze.com/usnews/women-in-the-news/perish-a-childs-nightmare_9921/