CONTENTS7 TRU.LIFESTYLE LIFE IS SHORT, BREAK THE RULES

10 TRU.VITALITY THREE STEPS TO ELIMINATING NEGATIVITY

13 TRU.BUZZ LIFE IS FUNNY

20 TRU.RELATIONSHIP KICKIN IT WITH KEITH, THE RELATIONSHIP DOCTOR

23 TRU.CELEB LIFE GROWING UP PSYCHIC WITH MICHAEL BODINE

28 TRU.LIFE OUT LOUD WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE DIFFERENT

33 TRU.TALK SMOOVE SECOND

39 TRU.HEALTH 6 WORK PLACE WORKOUTS

45 TRU.CULINARY IN THE KITCHEN W/ SHARON FOX

51 TRU.STAR WATCH XAVIER LEWIS STORY

55 TRU.READ SCARED SILENT, THE MILDRED MUHAMMAD STORY

‘Elf ’The Broadway Musical

is coming to the Ordway Theater!DECEMBER 5th – 30th

Elf The Broadway Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is ac-tually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner Elf. It is the one present everyone wants this holiday season!Reviews; The New York Times says that Elf The Broadway Musical is “SPLASHY, peppy, sugar-sprinkled holiday entertainment!”USA Today calls Elf The Broadway Musical: “endearingly goofy!” Variety proclaims, “ELF is happy enough for families, savvy enough for city kids and plenty smart for adults!”Tru. Magazine will be covering this awesome musical and we hope to see you all there!

ENJOYING LIFE MOVEMENTLife is short, Break the Rules!

Take a moment and do an analysis of the predominant thought patterns in your life. What are you constantly consumed with? Is it worry, fear, poor self image, or failure? This list could go on and on so you will need to fill in the blanks while being brutally honest with yourself. It is important to understand the concept of the predominant thoughts in your life eventually manifesting in your life i.e.: The Law of Attraction. If you are being honest with yourself right now, you may find that some of these negative though patterns are exercised by you. Don’t lose hope! I can help you fix that. Let’s break it down into simple practical principals so that you can easily apply them in your everyday life. The result will be a new way of living that will be filled with significance. “See It”. When I speak of seeing something in the eye of your mind I am talking about vision. Vision is a very im-portant tool and gift that we have been given so that we will realize our destiny. Let’s look at some definitions of vision taken from Miriam Webster’s dictionary and let’s expound on them. The first definition is: a. “Something

seen in a dream”. The power of a dream is an unstoppable force. It will be the thing that drives you when most everybody around quits. It will be the thing that consumes you while you sleep and during the day. While others are resting you and I, my friend, will be engaged in the fulfillment of our life dream. The problem today is that so many people have no dream. Most people will go to a job they hate, drive in a car they can’t afford, work with people they don’t like and will do that for the next 40 to 50 years of their life. So get a dream! Remember, it’s just not about material things. Though toys are nice, I am speaking of something called ‘a quality of life’ that holds significance and contentment for you. I challenge you today to get a dream that will take faith, growth and discipline to accomplish. Here are a few tips on discovering your dream: Begin to make a list of where you want to live and how you want to live. Gather photos of the car you want to own, places you want to travel and imagine getting to a place where money is no longer an issue in your life. Just remember: “A life lived without a dream eventually becomes a nightmare”. Start today; see yourself where you desire to be, the sky is the limit. Dream, Dream, Dream! Webster’s defines imagination as: “The act or power of forming a mental image of something not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality.” We are constantly assaulted with other people’s miserable realities that are sub-consciously or some even con-sciously trying to impose their misery on us. Don’t let them do it! Make a decision today to start forming a positive mental image that will bring what you desire into the physical realm. Think about it, the creator of the universe has given you not only the ability and capacity to imagine something you want but has also given you the potential for that mental picture to come to life in your reality. It’s possible because many in our past and present have done it. The only question is, will you be a part of that group that will develop their imagination and bring something from their mind into realty? So through your imagination begin to dream, a dream that comes to earth from your mind for your benefit and the benefit of others. Most inventors were thought to have lost their minds. The very people who labeled them to be out of their mind are the same ones who ended up paying for the thing they criticized. Start today to be a person of great imagination that will give way to great dreams that will come to life. Allow me to address those of you who once dared to dream and dream thieves came and stole your dream. That’s right dream thieves. These are people and circumstances that appear in our lives and their sole mission is to steal the seed of our dream and to destroy them. I want to encourage you to dare to dream again, it’s not too late. You can resurrect the dream that has been dead for so long and begin fresh right now. Life can be hard and it is so easy to be consumed by the daily grind that constantly drains us from the energy that we need to dream the dream. Begin today to get rid of the dream thieves in your life. They could be friends, family or activities in your life that are counterproductive to moving forward. Take a minute and think about the people in your immediate circle and realize you will not go much further than those you surround yourself with. You must see your mind as a piece of ground that is used for farming. Ask yourself what you are planting in that ground and what are you allowing others to plant. Whatever you plant you will be forced to harvest one day whether you like it or not. I always tell people if you don’t like what your harvesting start using different seeds.

Here are seven practical steps for “Seeing it”:1. Find a quiet place void of distractions. 2. Close your eyes. 3. Empty your mind of any stress and negative thoughts. 4. Begin to form a mental picture of a desired end around any given area in your life. 5. See yourself in that new life and circumstance enjoying it. 6. Create a vision board that consists of the places you want to travel, the home you would like to live in, the car you like to drive and most of all, the types of relationships you would like to have. Remember you will always gravitate toward your most predominant thought. So dare to see what others are afraid to see. Stay committed to the process of envisioning what you desire along with these other principles and you will eventually pull the invisible into your visible. This is what I call living the dream.

Motivational Speaker, George Aja

About the; ‘Enjoying Life Movement’;The history of founders; George Aja and Bernadette Digabriele GEORGE AJA was born in Chicago, IL on October 9, 1963. George graduated from Christian Life College in 1985. Shortly after, he began his career as teacher, preacher and speaker by building a Mega Church of over 2000 members within the Pentecostal, Charismatic Move-ment.For over 28 years, he has successfully worked in the public arena becoming internationally recognized as an enlightened motivational speaker as well as a respected published author. Some of his works include: “Going the Distance”, “Overcoming the Obstacle of Offenses”, “Raising Champion Children”, “Mastering the Art of Transition”, “Reaching Your Desired End”, “The Seven Secrets of Success” and “The Power of Pursuit”.With 28 years of full time service in ministry, Aja has walked away from Christianity and religion as a whole. At this point of Aja’s journey

TRU. STAR WATCH

he has come to realize that organized religion as a whole has failed many of its followers and the world they have been called to serve. Aja believes that these structures have become ego driven organizations that fulfill the dreams of a few at the top leaving al others to live vicariously through a few pseudo successful people. It is not the people that are a problem but rather the faulty structures of religion and structures of government that has enslaved so many for multiple generations.Make no mistake about it, Aja’s faith and spirituality is fully intact. It is by this current assessment of our spiritual and political structures that Aja has seen his mission to be a clear one. This mission will usher in new paradigms that over time will change the course of our world. Imagine a place free from bigotry, decaying health, mental illnesses, eternal punishment and many other hurtful dogmas, doc-trines and belief systems that have kept humanity from advancing and evolving.This mission will be accomplished through the Enjoy Life Movement. Aja believes that we must create organizations that will in fact com-pete with established systems and offer a more holistic spiritual medium that all people can embrace and live better more fulfilled lives. The only way to do this is by sincerely believing that the world needs a revolution in consciousness and culture.BERNADETTE DIGABRIELE Bernadette was born on October 9, 1972 in Cortland, NY. She is a mother of six wonderful children, an Alternative Healing and Bio-Resonance Practitioner, Advanced Theta Practitioner, Usui Reiki Master and was ordained under the Church of God. Through the years she has done extensive spiritual guidance in the areas of: marriage, teens, children, family, children with disabilities, dependency/co-dependency and individual spiritual enlightenment. Bernadette has also applied her understanding and training to de-velop her own unique method of theta healing to assist clients in reprogramming negative beliefs and healing and releasing traumas that have kept them bound to their destructive behavioral patterns. This allows them to elevate their vibration in order to receive their more desired outcome.Being raised in traditional religion Bernadette realized she wasn’t receiving what she needed for her own true spiritual growth. She knew within herself that spirituality was far greater then religion and found it difficult to conform to religious teachings, doctrines and dogma. Bernadette believes that religion has a way of designing your “box” for you, whereas spirituality allows you to design your own by simply allowing yourself to think outside the box.Currently she is partnering in the development of a new spiritual Movement created to usher in a new paradigm that will cause a revolu-tion in consciousness and culture known as the Enjoy Life Movement. The Enjoy Life Movement is a Movement designed to bring like-minded people together in love, acceptance, peace and harmony without shame, condemnation, judgment, fiery pits of punishment and all other negative beliefs offered through traditional religion. Bernadette believes there is a need to embrace the idea and create a place where all can be accepted for who they were uniquely and beautifully created to be in order to live more honest, fulfilled lives.For more info on the Enjoying Life Movement go to; http://enjoylifemovement.com

Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic will come to Xcel Energy Center for eight performances Dec. 6-9

and Tru. Magazine will be there to cover it all for you!

THREE STEPS TO ELIMINATING NEGATIVITY

Is it just me or have you noticed an increase in negativity worldwide? I mean- in the paper, magazines, on the radio and of course on television…we are bombarded with negativity left and right. People are complaining about ev-erything from their mates to their money to their momma! For crying out loud…what’s going on???

Well, I’m sure everyone has their reasons but that doesn’t mean you have to fall victim to the vicious cycle of chronic complaining. Even at a time like this where people are losing homes, jobs and their sanity…you can take a few steps to start eliminating negativity from your life. So how does one stand clear and remain on a positive path? Well here are a few steps I once took (and revisit from time to time) to keep negativity at bay in my life and relationships.

TRU.VITALITY

TRU.VITALITYThree Steps to Eliminating Negativity

RECOGNIZE IT. You must know the difference between “venting” and complaining. It’s ok for people to vent, let-ting off some steam about various challenges or decisions they may be facing. Venting allows us to share how we feel so we can let go and move on. Complaining on the other hand is focusing on a problem and seeing it as one you can’t do anything about. You tell anyone who will listen…not to get advice but to let the world know you’re pissed. Don’t be blind when people come to you and complain. A good way to check to see which it is- ask them, “So what are you going to do about it?” If they answer, “I don’t know”…they are complaining. If the answer, “well, I think I can…” they are getting it off their chest but have a plan. Make sure that as you’re looking at others and determin-ing where they stand…take an even closer look at yourself and make sure you’re not a part of the problem! Sometimes you can become the go to person for negativity because they know you join the pity party too.

SPEAK UP. You cannot be afraid to call people out on their actions. Especially those you call friends. Real friends keep it TRU and don’t hold back. Have a courageous conversation and let them know that lately (or maybe always) they have been complaining about everyone and everything and you find it annoying…aggravating…wait, I’m trying to find a nice way to put it…unhealthy! At first they may be taken back but the truth hurts and the sting will eventually go away. They will either tell you where to go or they will open up and take your advice. If you realize that certain friends, family, or coworkers are always complaining…you must decide to discuss or distance yourself or delete them (especially on social media sites!) Why have your profile filled with negativity. You have your own problems to worry about! Now, that doesn’t mean you stop loving them or don’t care…it just means that you understand the impact it could have on you, your relationships, your career or business, your life. So you must put yourself first.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE. If you don’t want people running to you nagging and complaining…you better not be dishing it! We all have those days where we just want to pull our hair out and scream at the top of our lungs but we know that #1 it’s only going to give us a headache and #2 the problem won’t disappear. So set the example of how to deal with life’s curve balls in a more mature and effective manner. Talk to those you can trust. Speak from a solution driven perspective. And focus on what’s positive (even if it’s so small you barely remember what it was). Make this a new habit and if it works for you, tell others who are being negative how to shift their mindset to finding the positive in every situation and doing what it takes to make things better. You should also remove all negativity from your vocabulary. Speak life over your situations, dreams, and goals by only speaking good things into existence.

For more tips on living life without the clutter, confusion, and chaos- visit www.HelpingOther-sTransform.com

Tru. Buzz-

Life…..IS funny!

We first met Karen Larson in the studio at KFAI Radio in Minneapolis. She was hosting a comedy/current event type of show featured on The Lenny Chism Show and she has us crackin up! Karen has quickly risen from the comedy ranks from Open Mik-er to Emcee to finally achieving her dream of becoming a Professional Comedian.Fueled by her sordid past, Karen brings to the stage a no holds barred attitude on life. This jaded former beauty contestant (1st runner up) turned divorced single mom takes on life as it comes. And it turns out… life is funny, according to Karen. This Asian-American Princess is on the rise and definitely one to watch for!

TM: How did you get into comedy?  KL: My friends, family, professors and ther-apists always suggested I try stand-up com-edy. At first, I wasn’t sure about it. But then a friend of mine gave me this advice: “If the thought of it scares you it’s worth trying at least once.” So I made the decision to get on a

stage and have been doing it ever since. 

TM: Who is your greatest inspiration and why? KL: Generally speaking, my greatest inspiration has always been my late grandmother, Martha. She was an in-credibly strong educated woman who, despite my very abusive childhood, always encouraged me to believe in myself, trust my own voice, block out negative energy and reach for the stars. My bear cubs also inspire me daily to strive to be the best person I can be. Kids have a funny way of doing that. They also help keep me grounded and humble. I’ve always admired Richard Pryor, Phyllis Diller, and Margaret Cho. I also will forever be indebted to my late comedy mentor, Wild Bill Bauer who took me under his wing and showed me the ropes so-to-speak. A friendship developed and after taking me on the road, I finally confessed to him that he was like a father-figure to me. He replied something to the effect of that made him feel really old. I assured him it was a compliment, and he said, begrudgingly, “I know...” Then we laughed. I will always remember his words of encouragement, his gentle criticism, his humor, and most of all, his kind heart. You don’t often come across comics of that caliber who take the time out of their own busy schedule to mentor an up and comer such as myself. It’s rare and I know I am blessed to have been given the opportunity. I miss him almost every day. Whereas I used to be able to just call him on the phone if I had questions, now I find myself asking quietly, “What would Bill think of this joke?” *insert groan here* Thankfully, he produced a son, Patrick Bauer, who just so happens to possess many of the same redeeming quali-ties as his father and who is very much an integral part of the Minneapolis Comedy (Death Squad) Scene today. As with Bill, we have all become better comics through knowing and working with Pbau.

TM: What are some of the challenges YOU face as a female in the comic industry? 

KL: Aside from overcoming the general belief that “women aren’t funny” (because a lot of us are) and sometimes often blatant sexual harassment, I would say the biggest obstacle I have faced thus far is dealing with certain comics attitudes and perceptions of non-traditional comics (those who cannot be out at open mike’s every night of the week). For example, I’m a single mother w/ a home (not an apartment), utilities, expenses, and two other mouths to feed in addition to my own. I just don’t have the luxury of living at home w/ my parents or with a spouse who works full-time, nor do I have 7 roommates. I have obligations and certain health limitations at times which prevent me from doing comedy as often as I would like to. But that doesn’t mean I don’t take it seriously. “I have my priorities straight”, and that’s a direct quote from Wild Bill Bauer. My kids come first. Once they are off to college (in a couple years) I will be able to devote more time to just comedy, acting and whatever else at that point. The other obstacle I have faced is just learning to deal with fake people, gossip and rumors. The entertainment business is kind of like a grown-ups version of junior high. My advice to all comics is just to stay above it as best you can and remain focused. Ultimately it doesn’t matter what other people think of you. It matters what YOU know of yourself. My skin has definitely gotten thicker in the 2+ years of doing stand-up. I am to the point where I really don’t give AF. Like Wild Bill Bauer said, “Not everyone’s going to like you. And that’s OKAY,because the important people DO. Always remember that.” 

TM: Where do you see yourself in the next five years? 

KL: I see myself on my way to living the dream as a professional headlining comic, either living in or commuting back and forth to and from LA. Possibly acting in movies, a sitcom, or whatever else presents itself along the way. I’m open to the adventures. From the time I started, bookers have contacted me for gigs, radio, and most recently for my own internet radio TV show on Syndicate called Gook Talk LIVE, which airs Wednesdays from 7-9pm CST. I am most grateful and humbled for every opportunity I have been given, especially when I stop and think about the plethora of talent in the Twin Cities alone. There are a lot of comics. As comedienne Monique Marvez once said, “We all get a shot, at least one. We don’t know when it will happen. All we can do is prepare ourselves so when it does happen, we are ready.” And I agree. This is why I’ve never understood the role of petty jealousy among comics. Compete with yourself. Be happy for others. Help those who need it. Basically, it’s the golden rule. And you don’t have to be religious to follow it. It basically boils down to being a decent human being. Be-cause, let’s face it. No one likes an arrogant douchebag. 

TM: What would you like to see “change” about the industry?

KL: It bothers me that there are basically still two separate comedy scenes here. One is predominantly White and the other predominantly African-American. C’mon people! It’s 2012, time to integrate. As someone who has worked both scenes I know there is a perception that one is not openly welcome in the other. I think that’s false, at least in my own experience. Although I will admit, the “community” is a tight-knit group of comics, so it can feel intimidating for most any newcomer at first. But basically (in my opinion) it really has more to do with prov-ing yourself to established comics. Like that you’re actually gonna still be around a year from now. Because so many try it out for a few months, then you never see them again. I’m not saying that racism doesn’t exist, because we all know it does. But I also think our perception becomes our reality. So if we’re looking for it, of course we’re bound to find it. If you focus on the negatives, that’s what you’ll encounter whether it’s real or imagined. For the most part, everyone is pretty decent once you get to know them. A few have even become friends outside of comedy. That’s been my own experience anyways. But, I would encourage anyone who feels like they are being discriminated against to challenge yourself. Let go of the victim mentality. We cannot control what others think of us (good or bad), only how we choose to let it affect us. Both comedy scenes have valuable things to offer com-ics which the other lacks. To remain exclusive to one versus the other is quite frankly, limiting everyone’s poten-tial. One of my favorite quotes by Russell Simmons is; “Practice loving everything and everybody all the time, but only hang in places and with people who lift you up.” I try to live by that.

TRU.BUZZ

He goes by KJ the Comedian!

TM: So KJ Tell me, what makes you better than the rest?KJ: You mean what makes me unique or my style stand out? I hate to compete with artists especially comedic. It’s very subjective to each individual’s “likes and dislikes” of stand-up comedy. My mind-set is to have universal material that expands across generations and different cultures, something relat-able with an interesting point of view. Personally my style is like having me over for dinner and drinks, very laid back but very funny and it allows you and me to explore life’s topic with a bit of cool hostility. You dig what I’m saying?TM: Why a Comedian?KJ: Because I have something important to say. It’s the last refuge of freedom of speech- that can hon-estly sometimes offend people and they won’t get mad with laughter. Or maybe it’s my therapy and laughter is the drug of my choice to see and hear the

roars and watch people get high on life, Just trying to maximize my gifts from the Creator and share it with the world.TM: Who do you respect and why?KJ: I respect all artists who embrace this craft with a sense of pride and responsibility, but more so with old school the trail blazers like Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, Bernie Mack, Moms Mabley, Lewis Black, George Carlin’s etc... And I’m a fan of my craft sort like when I was a “hooper” you know a baller. I was a fan of the game of bas-ketball- Dr. J, MJ, Magic Johnson. I take the same mindset to comedy it’s all about making winnings plays- accept it’s jokes!TM: What Challenges have you faced?KJ: In this business I believe half of what people say they are going to do for me; and all of what happens- when it happens. The challenge for me is to keep the love alive, to stay encouraged thru the bull*&%! Like constantly e-mailing clubs and searching for Managers and Booking Agents. My biggest challenge is finding a comic with a national appeal to give me a chance to tour with them, so I gain other types of experience in this business. Some-one like; Kevin Hart, Steve Harvey, Doug Benson, Wanda Skytes, or Lewis Black. All I want is a chance to expand this craft.TM: If you could change the biz what would you do?KJ: Honestly I would just ask club owners or booking agents to be more direct in their communication process, more cordial. For example;- tell a comic why you are afraid to book them or when we can get something on the books as soon as possible, a fellow comic once said” it ain’t begging if you get what you want from them”- and that’s true. But to get to the next level in this business you have to go to major market cities like LA or NY. And that is so expensive, you need a sponsor or income saved up. I’m trying to convince my wife to get a “suga-daddy” for us- I told her “when we go to the movies let him sit in the middle and hold the popcorn and pop! We can’t be selfish he’s paying for everything so let’s be grateful for this new team player. I’m taking one for the team so we can come up”- just joking yall!

“KICKIN IT WITH KEITH... THE RELATIONSHIP DOCTOR”

Alrighty then, we’re back together again! Wasn’t trying to rhyme, just happens like that sometime. So let’s “Kick It With Keith” yall!Thought I’d switch it up a bit here and share some stuff from my Private Group on Face/Book, THE KEITH DON’T KNOW GROUP!

“Keith, why don’t you focus on happy marriages?” Answer: Mar-riage cannot make you happy. What you do before the marriage is what will make it a “happy” one. I think it’s safe to say that many people who want to be married think that marriage will make them happy, but I maintain that’s just not true. We’ve all grown up with the fairy tales where the princess finds a prince, gets married, and lives “happily ever after.” Even then, they went through some “stuff!” Simply put, nothing can “make” you happy. Absolutely nothing! Happiness is a personal choice and is not contingent upon one’s circumstances. There are plenty of happy have-nots and miser-able millionaires. If you aren’t happy before marriage, chances are you won’t be happy in it. And unfortunately, a lot of people get crestfallen when they enter a marriage and realize they’re not as happy as they thought they’d be. Learn to be happy, free of out-side influences. Furthermore, I believe and heartily suggest that YOU… should focus on the things that precede marriage; the things that may lead to marriage. Why? An-swer: If you build it right at the beginning, at the foundation,whatever is constructed on that will better survive and withstand any adverse conditions. So focus on dating, exclusivity, courting, engagement, the Covenant of Marriage, THEN marriage! If you are not happy before the marriage, don’t get married! I prefer to “focus” on the things for a successful relationship BEFORE the marriage. Chances are, if you improve on those things, you will increase your chances of a “happy” marriage. Too, too many people approach every relationship opportunity and turn it into a challenge by seek-ing marriage qualifications versus Compatibility, Commitment and Companionship criteria. Communication, Compassion, and Character are more factors to consider. Speaking of consider, Consideration… is another. Instead we focus on appearance, income, charm, charisma, education, intellect, or if he will make a good father to the children you don’t even have yet. That IS putting the cart before the horse! You’ve made contact. You go on outings. You (date) You commit to exclusivity. You Court. You “discuss” marriage! You become engaged. You’re committed. You plan the wed-

TRU. RELATIONSHIP

KEITH MURPHY, AUTHOR OF “DANCE”, The Anatomy Of A Suc-cessful Relationship, IS A FATHER OF TWO, GRANDFATHER OF FIVE, GOLF INSTRUCTOR, MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, and LIFE COACH COUNSELOR. KEITH WAS BORN IN CLEVELAND, OHIO, AND IS A SELF PROCLAIMED “KING OF FAILED RELATION-SHIPS”. FORTUNATELY, FOR YOU, HE IS SHARING THE KNOWL-EDGE AND WISDOM OF THOSE LIFE LEARNING LESSONS WITH YOU IN HIS BOOK, ‘DANCE’, The Anatomy of A Successful Relation-shipFOR MORE INFO ON KEITH GO TO: http://www.keithvmurphy.com

ding and SIMULTANEOUSLY continue to discuss and dialogue about marriage. What it means to you. What it means to them. You marry, you are in Covenant! I don’t have solutions for “happy” marriages. I do have methods/measures to aid in having or achieving better results.“FOUNDATION” the basis or groundwork of anything: the moral foundation of both society and religion. The natural or prepared ground or base on which some structure rests. (Relationship/Marriage) THAT foundation is TRUST! Upon which you build your “CORNERSTONE.” The first and most important stone in a building. TRUST in God. TRUST in your mate. TRUST in yourself. I will NEVER stop believing this! TRUST; reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence. Confident expectation of something; hope. A person on whom or thing on which one relies: God is my trust. He is my source to TRUST you! He is your source to TRUST them! No trust, no relationship, no marriage. Okay Lord, I’m done!Two people are not compatible OR happy simply because they love each other and are professing Christians. Many couples assume that the sunshine and flowers that characterized their courtship will continue for the rest of their lives. No way Jose’. It is naïve to expect two unique and strong-willed individuals to mesh together like a couple of machines. Even gears have multiple cogs with rough edges to be honed be-fore they will work in concert. Marriage cannot make you happy. Marriage does not equal satisfaction. Marriage cannot make you whole. If marriage is your source of happiness you may sorely be disappointed! If you are not happy with you, if you are not satisfied with who you are, if you need someone to make you whole? DON’T GET MARRIED!!! DONE&DONE ~ SEE YA’ ON THE REBOUND ~ KICKIN’ IT WITH KEITH! ~ Uh, yep. Droppin’ the mic again!About the Columnist; Keith Murphy is a public speaker and also author of; “Dance, the Anatomy of a successful relationship” Find out more about Keith at; http://www.keithvmurphy.com

Michael is a professional psychic whose clients include many high profile Hollywood celebrities like; Melanie Griffith, Antonio Bandares and Gary Busey, just to name a few. But it wasn’t always that way. He grew up in a typical American family in Edina, Minnesota until ghosts started ap-pearing at his house when he was around seven years old. Before long his mother and sister were hosting psychic and ghost busters in the family kitchen and Michael had acquired his own guard-ian angel. NBC TV’s paranormal show called “The World’s Most Psychic Family” Michal has been interviewed on dozens of radio and television shows including biography network Celebrity Ghost Stories. Today Michael’s interests are in starting his own ghost busting business and he would love to tour the speaker circuit share his special gifts and unique experiences with a broader audience around the world.

TRU: Michael, I’m no stranger to your world. I grew up in a family that told ghost stories all the time. How did you turn this into a ghost busting business; what is it that makes you guys actually

Growing Up Psychic with

Michael Bodine

decide to go into the business and what is ghost busting?Michael: Ghost busting is, kinda a dumb term. Ghost busting itself really dull! My mother had to find out about this stuff, she eventually went to our minister that said there may be something mentally wrong with you and maybe you should go to a psychiatrist. So she went to a psychiatrist and then a therapist; all sorts of different people. Eventually she went to a lady that worked out of her van, a psychologist type of person. She recommended a psychic or medium (as they used to call them.) named Mrs. Olsen who lived in St. Paul. When my mother went to see Mrs. Olsen that’s when everything changed and she really embraced it. My mother really got into it, really loved it. She wanted to learn everything she could about it. It was her that would bring us to these places. We didn’t know anything about this stuff, so we had to learn as we went. She would hear about haunted houses; we would drive all over the states to go find and see them. She would practice in them. She was the one that was really into in. I was so young I got brought along to these places. I went to football camp and basketball camp, but I also had to go to psychic camp. Not because I wanted to, but because my mom was so into it. So when we started ghost busting it was because my mom wanted to learn about it. I was scared to death of ghosts; I mean they are scary when you are a kid. She wanted me to get over my fear of ghosts, so she would bring me to as many places as she could. Like I said back then we didn’t know what we were doing, so we would bring Ouiji boards to these places and we would say “if there is a ghost here, come on!” We learned, you learn as you go. We learned what you should do and shouldn’t do. Ouiji boards are bad.

TRU: What should you do or shouldn’t you do? Michael: Ouija boards…(laughter)TRU: Yeah; I had a weird Ouija board experience as a kid too and I’m scared to death of those things now. They seem to me to be kinda demonic, they attract negative energy.Michael: Yeah, It’s like candy for jerks. The whole theory is that when you die your soul leaves your body and goes to the other side, generally. Some have a difficult time with that; they don’t want to go to the other side for a whole bunch of reasons. Some feel guilty for what they have done; some don’t know that they are dead. They stay what they call “earth bound”. If you are earth bound long enough you get bored. There just isn’t a whole lot to do. So, bars and fun places like those are the places where ghosts go. They don’t go to cemeteries that why cemeteries are so quiet; there are no ghosts there. Yes people are there in mourning, but that’s it.

TRU: So people like me are scared of them for no good reason.Michael: Well, yes. Actually it’s very calming in there. That’s where psychic’s go to just relax cause there aren’t say ghosts there.

TRU: Tell us a little bit about your current book “Growing Up Psychic, Going From Skeptic to Believer” Which, you kinda you just described for us. Expound a bit more for me; so your saying that you became a believer because you started seeing these things for yourself?Michael: Yes, I still don’t believe everything. My mother and sisters say everything has meaning. If you drop something it means something. I am still a little skeptical. Like when we go ghost bust-ing I have to make sure there are actually ghosts there. People’s imaginations go wild. If you sit around talking about ghosts you are going to see something eventually. For me I have to go around

TRU. CELEB LIFE

and make sure there are ghosts there. I am still skeptical of some things that I have seen.

TRU: Wow! Well it sounds like pretty interesting work! Is all of this in the book ?Michael: Yes, It’s sort of a humorous approach to being in a psychic family. I don’t take it as seri-ously as some people do. I understand that some people are skeptic, but after a while you say “Ok-o.k, the ‘walls are bleeding’ for a reason, we have to do something about it.”(laughter)

TRU: What’s on the horizon for you next? Where do you go after writing a book like this?Michael: Dolphin hunting (laughter)

TRU: Ok- after promoting THEN you go dolphin hunt-ing right ?! (laughter)Michael: (laughter)...No, ac-tually I have to write another book. Some of the people that I actually talk to want to do a movie or something with the book, but they talk A LOT!

TRU: That’s one movie, I’d love to see!

Micheal Bodine still does ‘psychic readings’ for his very close friends, writes for Tru.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE DIFFERENT!

Agape love or otherwise known as “uncondition-al love” or “unselfish Love” is a terminology that most families use very freely, but do not know what it really means or even how to apply it.  The Greek word “agape” is often translated “love” in the New Testament.  How is “agape love” dif-ferent from other types of love? The essence of agape love is self-sacrifice. Agape love is unique and is distinguished by its nature and character. It’s that special kind of love which is of and from God.  Growing up in a family full of “love” is a blessing, but growing up in a cruel stressful world without feeling loved by your own because you were pegged as being “different” can really take a toll on a person’s mental state of mind.  No one should have to go through life feeling as though they are “different” or “odd”; “abnormal” or “strange”.  You may find yourself asking “why was I born this way” or “am I being punished for something I’ve done”?   On the contrary! No one re-ally knows why we are born the way that we are –only God knows.    It’s not a punishment, and we must learn to accept who we are and love the person within us.  Being different is what makes you unique,  one of a kind. Let me take you back to a special time in my life- here’s a true story.  Years ago I met a young man; he was in his late teens maybe 16 or 17 years old. We would occasionally run into each other at this little cafe’ where I sometimes liked to pick up my morning breakfast, before heading off to work.  He would smile my way and always had what I assume was his school knapsack loaded on his back. I gave him my Brooklyn “head nod” of –“wassup” and he nodded back at me the same.  After months of bumping into one another at the cafe’, he finally got up the nerve to actually speak to me, and soon afterward we became great friends.  They say with age comes wisdom and since I was much older than he was, I guess one day he decided to approach me with a question.  In a subtle soft whisper he hesitantly asked “is it awful to hate”?  “Well, hate is a strong word,” I replied “no one should hate anyone”!  And then I wondered so I asked, , “why you would hate anyone”? His reply was “because my family hates me”.  I felt somewhat puzzled

TRU. LIFE

and disturbed by his comment, I looked at him with a doubtful look on my face and replied; “non-sense, whatever gave you the idea that your own family hates you”?  He hesitated for a moment looking down at the two duffel bags placed neatly at his feet; he looked like a dejected child. In anger he sharply replied, “because they kicked me out the house”. Stunned and wide-eye I stood there shocked at what I was hearing and the only thing I could think to say was...”why”? “Because I finally told them that I was gay”, he replied.  He took a deep breath and began to explain to me that when he told them his mother started to cry and calling out Jesus’ name and his father started yelling and screaming at him, calling him names any good Christian would not dare speak. Before long they was all yelling at one another in a raging argument and before he knew it his parents were kicking him out the house. He was told not to ever come back until he was “normal.” I bowed my head and said to myself “normal” what the hell does that mean -normal?  He looked me in the eyes and mouthed the words that no child should have to say about their parents- “they hate me because I am gay” I took him by the hand and explained to him that his parents don’t hate him. They just can’t accept what they don’t understand.  I explain that for some families, the news that one of their family members is different isn’t an easy pill to swallow. I say all of the right things; that I’m sure that they will come around sooner or later and even if they never do, they will never stop loving you- you are their child and that’s a love that can never be destroyed.  He asked me “but, why am I different”?  And all I could think to say was; “God made you this way for a reason, who are we to question why?  

“Just embrace the fact that you are dif-ferent and there is no other like you.”  Love yourself and in turn others will love you back”. Today this young man is; 27 years old with a flourishing career, a loving boyfriend and healthy attitude on life. To this day his family still doesn’t understand, but they finally accept the fact that their son is just a little different-and that’s o.k. The moral of this story is, each and every one of us were all born a certain way and we’re each looked upon a certain way. Some people live their lives openly, while others adhere to cultural constraints, monogamy or strict Bible belt upbringing. Most Americans have been taught since birth to view the world as black and white, male and female. Some societies embrace homosexual-ity while in others it’s frowned upon, and persons who live it openly are even subjected to death. The key is not to become a victim of society’s way of thinking. Not to condition ourselves to be fake or false in order to avoid banishment or prosecution and to be loved and accepted by others. We are all different, because God made us that way. But, if you’re true to the person you really are, and love yourself, the love of others will surely follow- Agape love – “unconditional love”- People should love you, just because you are …“You”   

Let’s stop the ignorance!!

‘SMOOVE SECOND’ W/MIKE SMOOVE

Q : By “Anonoymous Woman”

What do you do if your spouse aka; significant other, lover etc. comes to you and says that they want to be in an “open marriage, or an open relationship”, they feel that things aren’t the same between you two when the lights go out and they want to stay married BUT “spice up” the relationship?

A: “Whatchu talkin bout Willis?” See! In this case, there are different strokes for different folks. I guess she wants some “different strokes”! HA-HA!! If it’s with me and she wants an “open marriage” or “open relationship”; I’ll show her the Open Door! LBVS! (Laughing But Very Serious), I can’t speak for your situation, but it’s not for me. In my humble opinion, you two aren’t looking or working towards the “typical marriage” - One man, one woman, 2.5 kids, & a dog. That’s one thing I never understood. How do (or could) you say that you love your wife, she’s your queen, and all that other good stuff but allow her to get piped down by another guy? It doesn’t make sense. I would be cool with her talking to some-one else if: we were teenagers and I wanted to “sow my royal oats”, I truly couldn’t see myself with her and wanted to keep my options open, I just could stop cheating and this was the next best option to not breaking up, or if I didn’t really love her. My only advice can be to do what’s truly right for you and your situation. If there are kids around, I’d advise to proceed with caution as they are watching your every move to interpret and mimic! Your actions are what they learn by. You may raise a son to be a player and never be faithful or a female to be…very friendly with the boys because she’s seen mommy have daddy (her husband) at home yet, mommy still has play friends. It can be a dangerous situation. If things aren’t the same anymore when the lights go out; you better work on it! Get some adult movies, toys, try new positions, strokes, the way you talk and treat each other, just do SOMETHING different! Most of what we feel starts in the brain; you need to get her to release more dopamine. Spend some time researching that. If none of that works; get with it or get a new prospect!

Q : By “Anonymous man”

What do you do if your teenage daughter can’t stand your new wife of two weeks and demand that either she move out of the house or they will?

A: Beat her @ss!! Nah- I’m kinda kidding. Honestly first thing I’d do is probe, probe, and probe some more. It’s imperative that you determine the source of these feelings. Remember this saying: “Diagnosis without pre-scription is malpractice.” You cannot develop a solution without first properly identifying the precise issue. Get to the bottom of it and attack the precise matter that your daughter has an issue with. Is it jealousy, cattiness, immaturity, issues with the new wife not being her mother, or is your new wife doing something to incite her feelings? Once you’ve boiled it down to the real problem you can directly address that issue. Have her write down on a piece of paper the things she likes on one side of the paper and the things she dislikes on the other. Then, address each of the dislikes and draw a line through each one of them as they are handled appropriately until they are crossed out. Hopefully with time and delicacy you can resolve this matter and still have a happy wife and daughter. If the issues are truly petty or something that the daughter is being overly opinionated about, or irrational, drop a pile of cardboard boxes, duct tape, and a rental guide on her bed for her. Let her make the decision; it’s your house, your marriage, and your choice. Good luck with that one!

If you want your questions answered email; Mike@truentmagazine.com Columnist Mike Smoove

TRU. ADVICE

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Uptown & Around the World

01JORDAN SPARKS ON SPARKLE PROMO TOUR; 02 JORDIN SPARKS AT MALL OF AMERICA; 03 COMEDIANS KJ & GUY TORRY; 04 GEORGE CLIN-TON AND HIS NEPHEW BENZIL BALTIMORE; 05 KMOJ RADIO PERSONALITY CHAZ MILLION-AIRE AND MOS DEF; 06 ELDON PETERSON AND PAMELA WEEMS; 07 SHADY RECORDS ARTIST YELAWOLF; 08 MIKE SMOOTH & PIA RIZZA COLD STEEL PROMO AT ELIXIR; 09 YELAWOLF & MIKE SMOOTH; 10 LOVE PROMOTIONS CEO PAMELA WEEMS & R&B ARTIST ROBIN THICKE; 11 MLPS R&B ARTIST KOVAN BALDWYN, RAY COVINGTON & LYDIA KING

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Tru Health: Work Workout Tips

Get That Long Needed Workout, At Your Desk!

Do you feel like your not getting the workout you need, due to your hectic schedule? Have you lost your physique, from too many hours spent in front of your office computer? Research has linked long hours in the office to heart disease and obesity. Here are some easy ways to keep that chair chub at bay from me, Nicholas Smith, a personal trainer/ nutritionist /Personal Chef, in Minne-apolis, better known as Smitty. By in-corporating these simple exercises into

your hectic day at the office, you will be able to target key problem areas in a quick two-minute break. I recommend spending 45-60 seconds on each exercise for a quick and effective workout.

I also recommend taking quick breaks to walk around if possible before during and after work, in 10 minute increments—even if it’s as simple as stopping by a coworker’s desk to ask her a ques-tion instead of emailing her, or running out for lunch rather than ordering in. These exercises are no replacement for a real workout (sorry!); so don’t cancel your gym membership.

ArmsDips on Chair / Desk Sit on the edge of the chair with your feet together. Place your hands on the edge of the seat on either side of your thigh and keep your feet flat on the floor. Bend your elbows 90 degree and lower yourself to the floor then straighten your arms, raising your body back to the start position.

Pushups on Chair / Desk Grasp armrests of chair. Extend body and place toes about shoulder width apart on floor. Keep arms straight and balance bodyweight be-tween feet and hands. . Bend arms and lower body toward seat. Keep elbows close to torso. Return, keep arms slightly flexed. Repeat. (The instability of using a chair with rolls on a smooth surface increases the effort of the stabilizing muscles, be careful using rolling chairs.)

Under cover / under desk Leg lifters Sit up tall and place both feet flat on the floor. Straighten one leg so it’s parallel with the floor, flex that foot, and hold for five seconds. Lower it slowly (taking five seconds to get back to resting position) and repeat with the other leg. A dozen lifts throughout the course of the day are enough to give you tighter, more toned legs.

SquatsStand in front of your chair and do 20 squats. Repeat four times throughout the day. (Feel free to use water bottles for weights)

Wrist/ForearmCarpal Tunnel RelieverCarpal Tunnel Syndrome shouldn’t catch up to you if you repeat this simple move every day. Stand at your desk, and, arms straight, place your palms on the desk with your fingers pointed toward you. Lower your body slowly until you feel the stretch (you won’t have to go far). Hold for 15 seconds. Repeat as needed through the day.

TRU.HEALTH

Core The Magic Carpet Ride / Reverse Crunch This works your core and arms. Sit in your chair with your legs crossed and your knees to chest. Then place your hands on the armrests, suck in your gut and raise yourself a few inches above the seat, using your belly muscles and hands. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds. Rest for 30 seconds, then

repeat five times.

- Do a Butt squeeze for every email and hold for 10 seconds

-Bring your own Lunch: String cheese, low fat yogurt. (Low in calories but loaded with filling protein.)

-Keep those Halloween treats hidden. (Use an Opaque jar as opposed to a clear one to hold those chocolate treats).

-Swap your office chair for a fitness ball. This is increasing your core strength by utilizing the abdominals to stabilizing yourself on the ball.

Ask ‘Smitty’… Q: From Mr. Gill: Hey Smitty, I’ve been lifting heavy in order to get big-ger, but not seeing much for results, what could be the problem?

A: From Smitty: Well, this could be one of many things. First, I would recommend increasing your protein intake throughout the day, 1 gram of protein for every lbs. you weigh, especially your post work-out meal (30-50 grams). Prior to taking in the protein for the post-workout meal try con-suming a couple tablespoons of honey to allow an insulin boost in your system. This will allow cells to more easily absorb protein and begin pro-tein synthesis. Rebuild torn muscles from lifting heavy. This should help you to see those results you want and have been working so hard for!Nicholas Smith aka, “ The Trainer” is an NFPT Certified Personal Trainer, Nutritionist, and Chef with a kinesiology background. As one of the top personal trainers in the Twin Cities, he focuses on a holistic approach to training; he includes nutrition along with actual physical exercise to reach his clients individual goals. He loves pushing his clients to a point they didn’t know they had, and takes pride in watching the transformations happen right before their eyes.

HERB ROASTED TURKEY1 Tbsp. rubbed sage1 Tbsp. poultry seasoning1 Tbsp. paprika1 Tbsp. seasoned salt2 tsp. garlic powder1 tsp. black pepper3/4 tsp. ground nutmeg1 turkey (12-14 lbs.), thawed1 large onion, cut into wedges6 bay leaves1 Tbsp. vegetable oil

Place oven rack in lowest position. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Place roasting rack in shallow roasting pan. Mix sage or poultry seasoning, paprika, seasoned salt, garlic powder, pepper and nutmeg in small bowl. Rinse turkey; pat dry. Place turkey, breast-side up, in prepared pan. Sprinkle about half of the seasoning mixture inside of turkey. Stuff with onion and bay leaves. Brush turkey breast with oil. Spread remaining seasoning mixture over entire surface and under skin of turkey. Add 1/2 cup water to pan. Cover turkey loosely with heavy duty foil. Roast 1 hour. Remove foil. Roast 2 to 2 1/2 hours longer or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (175 degrees F in thigh), basting occasionally with pan juices. Remove turkey from oven. Let stand 20 min-utes. Transfer to platter or carving board to slice. Reserve pan juices to make gravy or to serve with turkey.

In the Kitchen withSharon Fox

COLLARD GREENS WITH SMOKED TURKEY2 1/2 lbs of collard greens

2 smoked turkey legs1 medium white onion , chopped2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1 tsp of minced or chopped garlic1/2 tsp of seasoning salt15 oz of chicken broth

6 cups of water

Start off by boiling your smoked turkey legs in 6 cups of water for until the meat falls off the bone.When the turkey is done remove the meat from the water( save it, don’t toss the water!)

Remove the meat from the bone, then place the meat back into the pot.Now add your onions, jalapenos, garlic, and collards. Stir the ingredients.

Add the seasoning salt, then the chicken broth. Stir.Cover the pot with the lid, and cook on low medium heat for about 1 hour.

Be sure to stir periodically. Add more water or chicken broth if needed. Adjust seasonings. Serve!

TRU.CULINARY

MEXICAN CORNBREAD STUFFING

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter3 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped2 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped1 1/2 bunches green onions, sliced2 (1-pound) packages frozen corn, thawed, divided3 eggs2 tablespoons maple syrup2 1/2 teaspoons salt1/2 teaspoon pepper1 1/2 pounds prepared cornbread, coarsely crumbled (9” square pan)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9- x 13-inch casserole dish; set aside.Heat butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add poblano and bell peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, until just golden and tender. Add onions and 1 bag of corn and continue cooking until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Set aside to let cool then drain some of the liquid if too wet. Meanwhile, pulse remaining bag of corn in a food processor with eggs, maple syrup, salt and pepper until well combined and almost smooth.In a large bowl, combine cooled pepper mix-ture with corn mixture then gradually fold in cornbread. Do not over mix; stuffing should have a coarse texture.Transfer to prepared dish, cover with parch-ment paper, then snugly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake until gold-en brown on top, about 15 minutes more.

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE4 large sweet potatoes, peeled cooked and mashed

1/2 cup sugar1/2 cup brown sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, melted4 eggs

1/2 tsp. nutmeg2/3 cup evaporated milk

2 teaspoons vanillaPam cooking spray, to grease pan

Topping:2 cups brown sugar

1 stick of unsalted butter, softened2/3 cup all-purpose flour2 cups pecans, chopped1 teaspoon cinnamon

DirectionsPreheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, beat together all the filling ingredients with an electric mixer. Pour into a greased, 9×13-baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix all the topping ingredients together with a fork to form a crumbled mixture. Spread

crumb mixture on top of casserole and bake in the middle of the oven for 35-40 minutes. *Top with mini marshmallows, return to oven to brown. (optional)

Remove from oven and allow casserole to cool for at least 10-20 minutes before serving.

TRU.CULINARY

ULTIMATE MAC AND CHEESE2 cups dry elbow pasta, cooked until almost al dente

8 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded8 ounces Monterey pepper jack cheese, shredded

2 teaspoons all-purpose flour1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

4 tablespoons sour cream1 large egg, beaten1 cup heavy cream1 cup half-and-half

8 oz. shredded cheddar, for topping

In a large bowl, toss together hot pasta with 8 oz. cheddar and 8 oz. pepper jack cheeses and pour into the bak-ing dish. In a large bowl mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dry mustard, nutmeg and

sour cream, egg, heavy cream and half-and-half. Pour over the pasta and cover with remaining 8 oz. shredded cheddar. Bake uncovered until top is just beginning to brown, about 35 minutes.

LewisXavier

Lewis

America’s Got Talent’ Soul Man Xavier Lewis

TM: Xavier,what’s up, How you livin?

Xavier Lewis: Hey, I’m good. I’m good. How are you all feel-ing there? How are you doing?

TM: We’re all good. Hey. I just finished watching your last couple of videos. Very, very impressive. Absolutely lovin your voice.

Xavier Lewis: Wow- thank you. Thank you!

TM: So before we jump into this, I was talking with your man-ager a little bit ago and he said that you just got back off of a tour. Tell us a little bit about what you’re doing right now.

Xavier Lewis: You know what -It’s crazy. We’re all over the place, man. We’re really buzzing up the streets really heavy. We’re absolutely killing the stage man and what happened is in addition to just everything that’s going on with the different TV shows – which I guess we will get into that throughout the interview – I just recently got back to North Carolina. So, you know, Monroe, North Carolina just showed me a lot of love out there and wow, we got a lot to talk about.

TM: Awesome! Well we know that you were on the show America’s Got Talent and this in fact, one of the judges – I believe it was Piers – actually said that he liked– your ver-sion of “Ordinary People”, better than John Legend. How did that make you feel?

Xavier Lewis: Man, well you know what? It was awesome man. I will tell you the truth. I mean you know already I was excited about being on the show and once I auditioned for the show and then shortly thereafter became a fan favorite on the show, I mean it was just cool for America to really see like real talent. You know what I’m saying? A real artist just – sort of real voice, man, trying to do his thing. It’s the equivalent – you know, Piers on America’s Got Talent at that time was equivalent to like Simon on American Idol.

TM: Right.

Xavier Lewis: So, you know, I mean it was just a lot of love– you know what I’m saying, man? I appreciate that a whole lot.

TM: Absolutely-I’m sure. And how has being on the show changed your life?

TRU. STAR WATCH

Xavier Lewis: Oh wow. I mean well at that time, for everybody out there that may not know, at that time when I was on America’s Got Talent, I was already in a recording contract and I had an independent deal at the time. I was signed to a guy who wouldn’t release me from the contract, so I could really move forward as being a favorite on this show to win, to win the grand prize of a million dollars and my own show in Vegas.I remember they flew me out to Vegas and everything. I was trying to get him to release me just so I could stay on the show and he wouldn’t do it. So, I came on back home and as a result I got a phone call from the show about two weeks later and they were like, “You know what, X? We know everything that’s going on with you. But man, we want you to represent this year’s talent on the Today Show live in New York.” So I went there as the independent artist and performed live on the Today Show, you know. At that time the movie Step Brothers was coming out and I mean Will Ferrell and his costar were there too and it was just humbling. You know, it was just humbling and ever since- it has been a wrap. I just recently won the Georgia Lottery and all that music search. Became the grand prize winner of pop and R&B for that and part of the winnings was I just got back from Capitol Records Towers out in Hollywood, California where my hit single “Georgia Clay” was recorded. I recorded it on the same microphone as Frank Sinatra’s. So it was just humbling to walk through those halls, man, to just have that experience under my belt and the rest is history as they say.

TM: Sounds like you’re definitely well on your way to making history, brother. Now I heard you’re re-ferred to as the “antidote to R&B”. Wasn’t that about ? Are you saying that today’s R&B music is sick (and not in a good way) what’s up with that?

Xavier Lewis: You know what? First and foremost, man, people out there are real sensitive. You know what I’m saying? And we as artists especially. Look, let me put it out there man. “Antidote to R&B” is no disrespect to any artist that may be doing anything but you know, honestly every time I was performing, every time I hit a stage, I always get fans coming up saying, “Man, your voice is a breath of fresh air. Man, we miss this sound. We miss this message. We miss this song. Oh my gosh!” At that time I was going as like XL, my initials, you know. Also just kind of going as like the “new face of millennium soul”. So one day we were on a road trip man and it was my manager and myself and we were headed back home and he looked at me and he said, “Man, it’s time, you get rid of XL.”

I said, “What do you mean, man? I mean no, that’s not a nickname. That’s not a stage name. That’s my initials. That’s my name. That’s who I am, you know.” And at the end of the day, he was like, “You know what, man? It’s just that if you really think about all the greats, they went by their first and last name. Sam Cooke. Otis Redding, Bobby Womack, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Al Green.” I said, “You know what? Say no more.” So there it is, Xavier Lewis. He said, “But you know what you are?” I was like, “What’s that?” He said, “You’re the antidote to R&B.” I said, “What did you say?” He said, “Man, you’re the antidote to R&B.” I looked at him. I said, “Well shoot, man. Let the healing process begin!” We just really focused on putting out a quality song, a serious message and just bringing back that authentic sound of rhythm and blues, man. So that’s the antidote to R&B, man. If you’re a lover of soul music and soul singing and if you’re a lover of just real talent, man, I’m the antidote. Man, I’ve been cooking up these remedies for you, so we’re going to bring it full swing.

TM: No doubt, brother. You definitely are the epitome of all that. I just saw the “Give Back” video. I loved it. Tell us about the national Give Back for the kids’ campaign that you’re involved in.

Xavier Lewis: You know what? I’m so excited and I got to tell you, man, I’m so thankful for you allowing me this platform to really be able to get it out. But I have an incredible single I wrote called Give Back and basically Give Back has stumbled on to the doorsteps of the White House. And really we’re just looking to really infiltrate the whole world with a message that inspires you to go above and beyond, to be something bigger than yourself.

So what’s happening is with the Give Back song and the Give Back Campaign, we have right now One

Billion Unite Campaign going on. What’s interesting is every time someone sees the video or hears the song, they will always be like, “Wow, man, this song will go great for my church group,” or “This song will go great for my foundation or my charity or my community effort,” you know. And what we’re doing is we are allowing com-panies, church groups. I mean boy scouts, girl scouts, whomever you may be, to use Give Back for your charity or your foundation fundraising needs. It’s blowing peo-ple’s minds right now. So, you know, you all stay tuned for some good things to come on behalf of the One Bil-lion Unite, you know, Give Back Campaign and we will keep you posted on it.

TM: I absolutely am going to want to talk to you about that a little bit more because we’ve got a venture go-ing on and you just gave me an awesome idea for it with Love 146 Project which again involves the kids. It’s about eliminate child slavery, and definitely a campaign that is close to our hearts, so, let’s talk about that when we’re done with this interview.

Xavier Lewis: OK.

TM: Moving on, “Georgia Clay”, your latest video, it has real Anthony Hamilton kind of flavor to it. Do you and Anthony have any plans for a collaborative project or anything like that?

Xavier Lewis: You know what, man? Anthony Hamilton man, I love that boy, man. The boy just – I love artists that stay true to themselves. His soulful voice, man, it’s like it’s powerful and actually when I really first started doing my thing, I was a background artist. I was singing for an artist by the name of Urban Mystic and I toured with Urban Mystic for about three years and what hap-pened was, we did a couple of shows in like the Ala-bama area. You know what I’m saying? Huntsville, Ala-bama, Birmingham, Alabama, and I think we also did probably like Maryland. But that was when I decided as Xavier Lewis, “You know what? I can do this,” because before that, I was just a church boy. You know what I’m saying? This is my first time out on the tour and at the end of the day, once we get those church people who showed up to that concert like they were going to like the hottest R&B concert. Man, people found the Lord at the concert. People were laid out in the middle of the aisles. It was crazy. That’s what I feel at this stage. You know what? I’m ready. I can do this.So you know, I will be honored to do a collabo with Anthony. I think it will be crazy !

“Scared Silent”, The Mildred Muhammad StoryIn January 2013 Tru. Magazine will speak with Mildred Muhammad, the former wife of convicted DC Sniper John Muhammad.

In “Scared Silent” her riveting memoir Mildred Muhammad breaks her silence about the domestic violence she suffered in their marriage and the tragic events that occurred after their divorce, which led up to the October 2002 sniper killings in DC. Mildred witnessed firsthand John’s bizarre behavior after he returned from the Gulf War, but no one–including her family, friends, and local police–took her warnings seriously. Even when John kidnapped their three children for eighteen months, changed their identities and lived with them on the run in Antigua, or when he threatened to kill Mildred– her pleas for help went unfounded and she was forced to live undercover for eight months in a women’s shelter. Everyone knew John as a charming and intelligent man. No one could fathom that he posed a serious threat to Mildred, let alone the 11 innocent victims he and his 15-year-old accomplice Lee Malvo would later kill to carryout John’s heinous plot to get custody of his and Mil-dred’s children… permanently. What began as a domestic case eventually victimized millions. And it has taken years for Mildred and her children to heal from the fear and psychological trauma they endured.

Mildred shares her personal story to show how domestic violence devastates entire families, including the chil-dren, and hopes that what she reveals will give new insight on this national social ill.

Book Reviews; Library Journal Muhammad met the man of her dreams, married him, bore him three children—and endured years of suffer-ing under his brutal verbal and emotional abuse. After leaving him, she was hounded, stalked, and threatened and her children were kidnapped in a custody dispute. When, in October 2002, she was asked by the police, “Do you believe your husband, John Allen Muhammad, could be the D.C. Sniper?” there was only one answer: yes.

This excellent memoir might not have been published without the D.C. Sniper angle, and that would have been a shame: Muhammad speaks up for all abused women, reminding us that scars aren’t always visible and that emotional abuse is as devastating as physical abuse. Her insight about abuse in military families is clear-eyed and sensible as well. Even those who come to this book asking “How can their families not know?” will come away with a new understanding of and respect for this brave woman, whose faith saw her through to the end.

VERDICT Readers of true crime, memoir, and women’s issues will appreciate this book, which also includes valuable advice and contact information for abused women.

—Deirdre Bray Root, Middletown P.L., OH

“Haunting”! By Mary Monroe Mary Monroe, New York Times Bestselling author of “God Ain’t Blind”

I was in the DC area during the shootings. It was my first book tour so I was more focused on that than I was about a sniper on the loose. It was only after the whole story came out that I realized how lucky I was to get back to California alive. As a former victim of abuse, my heart goes out to Sister Mildred. When I saw her on Court TV and heard that she was writing a book about her experience I couldn’t wait to read her story. I read the book in one night, and then had nightmares. Only another victim of abuse can fully understand why I reacted the way I did. This is one women’s club NOBODY wants to belong to. I sincerely thank Zane for publish-ing Mildred’s book and I hope that we will all reach out to Mildred and support her by reading her story. It was awesome!

Buy the book at; www.amazon.com, www.google.com, Barnes and Noble

Learn more about Mildred Muhammad at; www.MildredMuhammad.com

TRU. READ