moementum magazine

A little of this and a little of that, but its all good!

Publisher's note

If you were in Chicago in the 80's then you know that back in the day house music was everything. Well it is my storied love affair with house music that has inspired this installment of my mad ranting. There is an old house song that repetitively chants "Nothing stays the same….time marches on". Growing up listening to this song and singing its chorus was nothing short of pure bliss but it wasn't until 2004 that those words that I sang over and over as a party hopping teen began to hit home. January 1, 2004 - With help of friends and family members I was able to officially launch this very Internet magazine. We had no idea of what expect that first month and were hoping to get a couple of thousand people to read our collective labor of love. So has it that we far exceeded the goal of a few thousand hits in Jan with the hit total rolling in at a staggering 24,000. The number of hits quickly began to grow as the world began to catch moementum fever. February 2004 - for the past year and a half I had been tutoring for the LA Unified School District. While the rewarding part of the job was seeing the smiles on the children's faces every day the money vs. time spent there just wasn't cutting it. So, while chatting one day with my "superiors" and I say that as a joke that isn't really funny, I had decided that my time at their not so fine institution of no learning had come to an end. "Nothing stays the same….time marches on". July 2004 - Based on the success of moementum magazine we were now able to launch the Honor Roll All Stars program (HRAS is designed to reward and mentor honor roll students on a monthly basis) in Chicago. I had traveled home to Chicago in April to set up and promote our inaugural event. However noble our intentions we were met with opposition and fell victim to local politics and backstabbing. In the end we STILL had a successful introduction to the world. "Nothing stays the same….time marches on". September 2004 - I had returned to Los Angles battle scared and weary but there was no time to rest as we were gaining moementum which meant that there was even more work to be done. Faced with the adversity of not doing well financially in Chicago didn't deter us one bit from forging ahead. As a staunch believer in personal relationships vs. big bank account I found comfort in knowing that even though the money goals weren't reached that the positive relationships that we had would see us through. So it was back to the lab. "Nothing stays the same….time marches on". November 2004 - After a rocky October that saw me lay to rest one of my dearest friends I had to hold it all together and produce another moementum magazine offspring titled Celebrity Poetry Slam. While it was very difficult for me to produce the show after the loss of my friend I knew I had to keep it moving because we were still gaining moementum. The poetry slam was a success on various levels and as a result of that evening we will be doing a series of poetry slams in 2005. "Nothing stays the same….time marches on". December 2004 - The passing of my dear friend still lingers as I miss being in contact with him every day. Our birthdays are 4 days apart and this years he was going to come to LA and we were gonna kick it hard! I was gonna shut it down but another dear friend took me out for a great evening. As the month progressed I made preparations for 2005 and as with 2004 I know what I'm hoping for but I don't know what to expect. I am however looking forward to moving forward and to building on the moementum that we've built over the past year. "Nothing stays the same….time marches on". January 1, 2005 - When I reflect over 2004 I also see the changes in the world. I feel sad for the MANY innocent lives lost so that a FEW could gain monetarily. I feel sad for all of the people who were screwed over by the man but still have faith in the man and his scare tactics. I feel for them because they are fools that foolishly believe that a donkey is a stallion that they can ride to victory. I feel for all of the lives lost in the great acts of Mother Nature. I had to compose myself just to be able to sit and compose this piece. I feel TRULY blessed that in the midst of all of the madness of the world, the haters, the backstabbers, the ill wishers and such that the baby we bore only a year ago has not only learned to walk but has also learned how to leap over every hurdle set in our path. The mantra that we lived by in 2004 that "creating moementum begins with one positive step" will still resounds as we move onward and upward. "Nothing stays the same….time marches on". 2000&5MOE

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Ask Dr. Mick

Dear Dr. Mick, When is a Colposcopy necessary, and what are its benefits? Interested Dear Interested, A colposcopy is necessary as one of a few options to consider when there are changes on a Pap smear. These tests aid in the screening and diagnosis of cervical cancer or pre-cancerous lesions. Since these tests have been implemented as routine preventive care, they have aided physicians, health systems, and -most importantly- families in saving many lives. The huge difference in success for this type of cancer is EARLY diagnosis and treatment. Most commonly, there are no symptoms early in the disease process, and this is exactly why regular screening with proper follow-up is so important. A common misconception among patients is that the Pap smear or colpscopy evaluates for other diseases like sexually transmitted infections (STI's); and that if these tests are fine, then that equates to a "clean bill of health." In many cases, screening tests for STI's requiring a sample from the vagina/cervix are done at the same time as the Pap smear, but they are not the same thing. Depending on the abnormality found on the Pap smear, there are several options to consider. The possibilities can be as simple as re-testing with closer follow-up, or surgery may be required for further diagnosis or treatment. After with the appropriate evaluation by the primary care physician or gynecologist, the plan of action can be made and often includes colposcopy. This is an office-based procedure done by either a primary care physician or a gynecologist. With the aid of a colposcope and the cervix in proper view, the cervix is visualized. Commonly, acetic acid (vinegar) is applied along with several other solutions that will aid either in visualization or in the control of bleeding or infection. The information obtained from the colposcopy results can then be considered with the Pap smear and the overall patient in deciding what the appropriate next step will be. Whatever the case, following the plan is often crucial. Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths both nationally and globally, and it doesn't have to be that way. Although many lives are currently being saved, we have much room for improvement. The difference that EARLY diagnosis and treatment makes in outcomes for patients is tremendous. This is one of the leading preventable causes of death today! Thank you for your interest in this topic. Peace and Blessings, Dr. Mick E. McKinley Fourte' (Dr. Mick) is currently a physician in training in Family and Community Medicine in Chicago, IL. He has a deep and burning commitment to both patients and to the community and is truly eager to address topics and concerns pertinent to our community.

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Travel

ST-BARTH'S: THE BEST LITTLE RESTAURANTS IN PARADISE BY JESSE NASH Nestled in the French West Indies, about 150 miles east of Puerto Rico, delightful St-Barth's has become a heavenly niche in paradise. Long a playground for the rich and famous, it has repeatedly seduced me and captured my imagination; consequently I have loved the warmth and serenity of this Leeward Island treasure many times. It will seduce you, too, as it has the Rockefellers, Fords and Rothschilds, with perfect beaches, exquisite climate, and a rich and varied cornucopia of exceptional foods and wines. St-Barth's is a synonym for fine dining in the Caribbean. It is a hearth that warms the core of a cultivated soul. On this awe inspiring island, you can eat as well, if not better than you can in France, with some of that country's finest wines available at about half of what you would expect to pay. You can enjoy cuisine extraordinaire from all regions of France, along with a wide assortment of Caribbean favorites. For nearly 20 years, I have been a world traveler, prying intently into the nooks and crannies of cultures on every continent, save Antarctica. I have been introduced to a world of people, places and things, and the finest foods and wines rank high on my list of favorite things. France has long reigned supreme when it comes to my palate, and I have eaten in some of the best restaurants in that country. I have learned what good is, and what great is, and believe me there is a world of difference. The restaurants in St-Barth's are formidable rivals, and a quick tour of some of the best will serve you in good stead when you visit there. I began my tour in Colombier, a charming little town about three miles north of the capital city of Gustavia. I should state at the outset that everything on St-Barth's is practically within walking distance; the island is only eight square miles. I should further explain that the country has a population of 3,000, and that although French is the dominant language, English-speaking visitors have no difficulty communicating. In other words, this is a small, intimate destination that is very convenient and absolutely tourist-friendly. My first stop was La routes des Epices, part of Francois Plantation. This restaurant, with its magnificent view of the crystal blue-green Caribbean Sea, ranks among the crème de la crème on St-Barth's. There, 27-year-old wunderkind chef Emmanuel Motte authentically recreates cuisines from all over France. His formula is simple: each day, he has the freshest ingredients shipped in directly from France. His compositions taste so completely French because they are so completely French in composition. The evening I dined there, Chef Motte had only a few hours earlier received a full foie [for the foie gras] from the continent, and he prepared an exceptional treat for me. My feast began with duck foie gras, accompanied by a brioche, and served with a sweet pepper chutney and a fruity Banuyls wine mold, followed by a salmon cream, encased in slices of smoked salmon and sprinkled with herring caviar. (This was the largest appetizer portion I had ever received. The size was necessitated by the Caribbean heat, which melts the fat in the foie. The thicker serving tends to slow the softening process, allowing the delicacy to retain its shape and consistency long enough for the diner to enjoy it.) The appetizers segued into a beef filet superbly roasted with fresh rosemary and "Châ teauneuf du Pape" sauce, served with a mashed potato cake and pleurotes seasoned with salt from Saline; and there was farm-raised chicken with morels, prepared with chicken bouillon made of premium chicken parts, light cream and foie gras, and served with braised lettuce and French green peas. There was a terrine prepared on a dessert biscuit base, stacked with alternating layers of fruit coulis and homemade sorbets, and pineapple roasted with fresh ginger and chili peppers, sprinkled with cinnamon and served with a refreshing vanilla ice cream. Finally, there arrived a most remarkable cheesecake served with fresh raspberries. As I feasted, I closed my eyes to savor my meal, and were it not for the distant harmonies of a steel drum, I could easily have been sitting in an elegant bistro in the heart of Paris. Meals at La Routes Des Epices tend to be a bit on the pricey side, but they're worth every penny. (La Routes Des Epices can be reached by telephone at 011-590-590-29-80-22. Their fax number is 27-61-26.) Another gastronomic tour de force lies a scant five miles southeast of La Routes Des Epices; it is the restaurant Le Trois Forces, which is perched on the highest hilltop on St-Barth's, in Morne du Vitet. Hubert de la Motte is your host at Le Trois Forces. Although this is a French restaurant by definition, I was in for some of the most delicious Caribbean cuisine available anywhere -- fish, meat, poultry, vegetables, a variety of homemade breads, chateaubriand, and some of the dreamiest deserts north of the Equator. Furthermore, prices for dining at Le Trois Forces are altogether tolerable. There are no exorbitant per dish, or ala Carte, charges. But even more refreshing are the prices for wines and champagnes. A bottle of a 1990 Cristal, for example, is only 980 francs -- about $130 U.S., the lowest I found on the island. In the States, or in Europe, you'd be hard pressed to get a bottle of 1990 Cristal for that price, even from a wholesaler. Owner/Chef de la Motte says he prefers to make a substantial impact on people's lives, not on their pocketbooks, and he enjoys the smiles that his reasonable prices garner. As for the food at the Restaurant Le Trois Forces - one word captures it all: delicieux! For my dinner, I had a steak au poivre, and it was a veritable celebration of flavor, with delicate spices and a peppercorn sauce that was incredible but true. However, Chef de la Motte's genius sparkled brightest in the escargot. Mon dieu, mon ami. How do you describe the indescribable? [He confided that a famous chef (whom he refused to identify) had shared a secret recipe with him, and indirectly with me, and my senses are eternally grateful to both of them.] The Restaurant Le Trois Forces is down-to-Earth and unpretentious. There is no other place quite like it in St- Barth's, or for that matter in the Caribbean. One last note about Hubert de la Motte. He has a special gift: he is an expert astrologer. His insights will illuminate and fascinate you, and his love for life will linger with you long after you return home. (Le Trois Forces' telephone number is 011-590-590-27-61-25. Their fax number is 27-81-38. You can obtain further information from their website: www.st-barths.com/3forces.) About a mile east of Le Trois Forces, at St-Barth's southeast corner, is Le Gaiac Restaurant in Toiny. Most St- Barth's guidebooks label La Routes Des Epices the number one restaurant on the island, but for my money the top honor can just as easily go to Le Gaiac. This moderately expensive French restaurant is aglow with perfection, from a panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea, to soft pastels intermingled amid the tropical greenery, to service and selection that have been fine-tuned specifically for the seasoned traveler. And the food -- ah, the food! I sat at poolside enjoying the lilting refrains of Edith Piaf as I indulged my appetite for the finer things in life. Dinner was a splendid offering fit for royalty, and I warmed the throne. To begin the evening, Executive Chef Maxime Deschamps served a wonderfully savory tomato/mozzarella crostini, after which I relished smoked duck, complete with a sublime lime/apple melangerie. All this had been but a prelude to a superb appetizer of lobster bisque, a perfect blend of cream, lobster and seasonings that gave me a sensual high. The first course was savory pan-seared foie gras. Its liquid companion was Chassagne Montrachet, 1997 (Verget) Premier Cru La Romanee. One of the most sophisticated Burgundy whites ever made, it instilled in me an appreciation for white wine that I had lacked theretofore. Funny, for all the exceptional wines I have been exposed to in France and elsewhere (but mostly in France, Burgundy in particular), I have never developed a deep affection for the whites; for reds I have evolved a fondness that nears addiction, but until that meal in St-Barth's, white wines had always lacked body and verve; this night, however, my palate was reeducated. The main course was baby pigeon stuffed with foie gras and beets, with a side dish of basil-accented flat pasta and a guinea fowl with porcini mushrooms. This was accompanied by a red wine, Gerrey Chambertain, 1998, Premier Cru "Louaux St. Jacques" (A Rousseau), also from Burgundy, and the combination was pure excellence. An offering of varied and strong cheeses, warm rolls, and a glorious port wine Banugls, Domaine du Has Blanc, (Dr Parce), arrived before the final degaustion: a warm chocolate cake with a molten vanilla/chocolate center, topped with ice cream spiced with honey and pralines, all covered in a bergamot sauce, after which the evening was complete. (Le Gaiac's telephone number is 011-590-590-29-77-47. Or you can fax them at 27-89-30.) The adventurous palate can also find restaurants that feature local and international fare, and exhilarating nightlife, and one of the best was next on my itinerary. In the quaint village of Lorient, on the northern coast overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The restaurant Le Ti St. Barth is billed as a "Caribbean Tavern," and serves the best in Caribbean and Creole cuisine, as well as Thai and Argentine. This hilltop party house is known far and wide for its smoke grilled ribs, but the menu is rich with zesty flavors. Enjoy tasty duck filet, delectable fish tartar with tropical fruits, or hearty beef salad, and then lighten your heart with "en joyeusement" as this restaurant roils with music and excitement. Join the crowd and dance on the table upon which you feasted as the DJ cranks up the music and your dancing feet carry you long and far into the night. (Le Ti St. Barth can be reached by telephone at 011-590-590-27-77-71.) The list of extraordinary St-Barth's dining opportunities goes on and on (there are more than 100 restaurants on the island), and there's much for the inquiring palate to discover -- too much to coral into one brief written overview. Suffice it to say that the Island of St-Barthelemy is a feast for the senses; its beauty is unrivaled, its weather is sublime, and its people are as warm as the summer sun. The scents of fruits and flowers glide to your delight on the breath of gentle tropical breezes, as do the tantalizing aromas of an array of extraordinary cuisines; and the foods that nourish your days are sheer ambrosia -- delectable that kiss your palate with the sweetness of true excellence, and draw you back for another taste ... and then another. -- With George Flowers

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Antonio L. Fitzgerald
Young Man of Love, Faith, & Power!

Antonio L. Fitzgerald was born 20 years ago at the Danville Memorial Hospital in Virginia to Mr. Lloryd Newman and Ms. Mary Fitzgerald. He has one sister Mrs. Patricia Edmunds who is married to Mr. Willie Edmunds, three nephews Monta Fitzgerald, Cyntez Fitzgerald, Willie Corderius Edmunds Jr. and two-step nieces LaQuia Elder and Fran Garland. Growing up Antonio attended the Holy Tabernacle of Jesus Christ's "God's Dwelling House" under Bishop Daisy Wilson. He then joined the New Hope Apostolic Church under the present leadership of Bishop Major L. Hairston and Mother Shirley Hairston in 1990. At New Hope Antonio serves as a Youth Advisor to the Youth Department, Youth Mass Choir-Assistant Director, member of the Voices of Praise Choir, Adult Praise Team, Leader of the Youth Praise Team, Sunday School Teacher and a student of the Ministry in Training Class. He is presently enrolled at Virginia University of Lynchburg's Satellite program at the BibleWay Cathedral where Dr. Phillip Campbell is Administrator studying Theology/Divinity. At an early age Antonio heard the voice of the Lord when he opened his Bible to read it and the Lord spoke and said, "Preach My Word." The Lord continued to confirm his calling through many witnesses. Antonio didn't ignore it but also didn't consider it being done. In the mean time he continue to serve in the ministry as the Lord spoke to him one day during service and said unto him, "I'm elevating your ministry." At the time he really didn't understand what was exactly going on, but the God that he serves stepped in and revealed himself in the midst of his situation. In the year of 2003 the Lord sent his word again to let Antonio know that he has to make his calling and election sure unto him. He went through a year of being down and depressed about how he should go about making this come to pass. The decision came to mind in March of this year that regardless of what the flesh side of him wants to do the spirit man is saying LIVE HOLY doing what God wants him to do and that's what he decided to do. The Lord refilled him with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost one Sunday evening in March at True Holiness the Holy Tabernacle of Jesus Christ after talking to his cousin Overseer Annette Walker about his different struggles at the moment. On Friday, April 16 of 2004 Mr. Fitzgerald accepted the call of God upon his life after avoiding it for years to MINISTER/EVANGELIZE the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was at a Youth Conference in Milton, NC when the Lord sent the last warning and he said unto him, "Will You Do My Will?" Fitzgerald's reply was "Yes Lord." Since that day he has been walking in the calling, anointing, and authority that God has placed upon his life. He realizes that his ministry is not necessarily behind someone's pulpit but it's a lifestyle of holiness that he must keep. It's all about the excitment in the church, but also the ability to witness to others outside of those 4 wall is ministry. Fitzgerald believes that his job as a young man living for Christ is to minister the Gospel to those that are lost that they may come to the knowledge of Christ. Antonio has traveled up and down this East Coast border to states such as Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, and Washington D.C. In his days of traveling he has shared the presence of some known persons such as Bishop Major Hairston-Danville Virginia, Bishop Noel Jones-Los Angeles California, Bishop Ricky Walker & UMC-Danville Virginia, Apostle Sylvester Johnson-Winston Salem North Carolina, Pastor Elder Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Tabernacle-Brooklyn New York, Elder Kervey Brown-Brooklyn New York, Pastor Shirley Caesar-Raleigh North Carolina, Bishop George Bloomer-Durham North Carolina, Evangelist Monique Walker-Brooklyn New York, Bebe Winans, Apostle C.L. Long, Bishop William L. Bonner-New York, Elder Shantae Younger-Lynchburg Virginia, Rev. Clay Evans-Chicago Illinios, Antoinia, Evangelist Lanita Jackson-Ohio, Evangelist Rita Twiggs-Texas, Elder Lannie Robertson & Spirit-Led-Eden & Greensboro North Carolina, Lejeune Thompson-Greensboro North Carolina, Christopher "Play" Martin-Yanceyville North Carolina, Dionne Owens & The Reniassance-Winston Salem North Carolina, New Generation-Jamaica New York, Luther Barnes-Rocky Mount North Carolina, REVIVE, Tribe of Judah-Alabama University, Vickie Winans, Bishop R.D. Graves-Greensboro North Carolina, Karen Clark-Sheard, Pastor Nathan Simmons-Atlanta Georgia, Lacresia Campbell, Ricky Surgeon & Restoration-Danville Virginia, Lisa Butts-Reidsville North Carolina, Bishop Huie Rodgers-New York, Bishop Lawerence G. Campbell-Danville Virginia, Dodson 5-Martinsville Virginia, Dr. Ron Bigelow & The Interdenomination Mass Choir-Burlington North Carolina, and Min. Wayne Deshields & Friends Productions. Antonio plans to continue to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling which is in Christ Jesus. God is opening doors from everywhere, ones that Fitzgerald didn't even see. The Lord has shown him that he will go evangelizing all across this country preaching, teaching, and ministering the word of God to many broken individuals seeking a word of DELIVERANCE. He has such a passion for those persons at the altar with broken hearts and those that are bound with depression. Also he loves ministering and counseling the young people, encouraging and letting them know that you can be young and live a righteous life. Continue to pray that he will be the MAN of God that the master is calling for in these last and evil days. Antonio has ministered the word of God at the following: New Hope Apostolic Children's Church Danville, VA "Ananias & Sapphira" River Zion Baptist Church Blache, NC-Youth Platform Service "I don't know how, but he brought me out" United Holiness Church-Pelham, NC-Friday Night Youth Platform Service "While Your Situation is Living, you might as well Praise Him" "If it had not been for te Lord who was on my side" Word of Faith Apostolic Church Milton, NC- Church Music Conference "It's in my Heart" New Horizons Christian School Danville, VA- Wednesday Chapel Service "I Thank God for my Suffering" Carolina Pinnacle Ministries Studios Yanceyville, NC- 2nd Annual Generation X Conference THEME: "Who am I ....When Jesus Walked With Me" Along with Christopher "Play" Martin University of Lynchburg Satelitte Program @ BibleWay Monday Night Class "Lord Help My Flesh" "There is a Way Out" New Hope Apostolic Church (7 Saying from the Cross) John 19:25-27 "He Cares For You"

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moepourri is filled with topics not necessarily pertaining to entertainment but that our staff felt was either really cool or really relevant and warranting positive attention. Sometimes the topics will be fun and jovial and other times very serious in nature. If you have something or someone that you think could use a lil shine feel free to drop us a line and let us know. Please keep all entries under 50 words and include a good color photo of your subject.

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