Consciousness Magazine

ROGER EBERT: LIVED A LIFE WORTH TWO THUMBS UP! By Eric Plaut   We all recognize the "thumbs-up" sign. For most of us, it could be someone hitching a ride on the highway or found in fiction. Remember the nursery rhyme of Little Jack Horner and his Christmas pie? Young Jack, after removing a plum with his thumb, exclaims what a good boy he was. Then there was the sitcom Happy Days where Henry Winkler portrayed the leather-jacketed auto mechanic Arthur Fonzarelli. The Fonz, who could turn on the jukebox by tapping it with his fist, would usually greet the Cunningham family and their friends by flashing a thumbs-up along with a "Hey!"   Finally, there was Roger Ebert (18 June 1942-4 April 2013). Ebert was a film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 to 2013, a total of 46 years! With crosstown critic Gene Siskel of the Chicago Tribune , the two of them patented the words "Two Thumbs Up" whenever Gene and Roger liked a film. (A thumb...

Nate Jones, Owner of Xlear  Interviewed and written by Tocarra Eldridge If you’ve ever had a sinus infection, then you certainly know how miserable it can be. Sinus infections are a very common problem, and they can become markedly worse during cold and flu season, many times resulting from a respiratory ailment such as a cold, flu or allergic reaction. As the cold and flu season arrives, many individuals will surely be on the market for the best natural alternatives to soothe their sinus troubles, rather than purchasing dangerous over-the-counter medicines made with chemicals that often times leave sinus cavities and nasal passages very dry and vulnerable to increased infections. Please be introduced to Mr. Nate Jones, owner of Xlear, who took some time out of his busy schedule to share some invaluable insight and content with Consciousness Magazine. Xlear is one of the nations largest importers of Xylitol products containing all natural defenses for adults and children w...

The Life & Many Gifts of Demetria McKinney  In terviewed and written by Aaron Robinson - Editor Humble, lively and down to earth are only a few qualities that describe Demetria McKinney who stands strong and confident as a beautiful and vibrant woman. The talented actress is currently starring in the TV One sitcom "The Rickey Smiley Show" as Monica, Rickey's ex-wife. I was fortunate to interview the astonishing woman who gave Consciousness Magazine insight about her role on "The Rickey Smiley Show", as well as shares her latest happenings. “The producer of the show is BobbCat Films and I worked with Roger Bobb of BobbCat Films with the Tyler Perry studios. He was the executive producer and he was actually the guy that I had to audition for. But he knew my work and he offered me a couple of opportunities to audition for roles and I really liked Monica, for a couple of different reasons. So I auditioned, and the rest is history,” says McKinney...

Roseland/West Pullman Film-maker Makes a Difference in the Community Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson - Editor Over the last several years, Russell Norman has used his gifts and skills as a poet, actor, a well-versed MC, DJ and film-maker to deliver an awareness message through his creativity. Continuing to follow his dream as a film-maker, Norman, the free-spirited individual and architect who brings creativity to life continues to live out his passion, expressing himself as an artist.   Norman has recently written the movie script “The Land” which is in pre-production, where he anticipates directing and producing. I (Consciousness Magazine) had the opportunity to speak with the gifted and talented Southside Chicago native who dwells throughout the Roseland/West Pullman neighborhoods. Here is what he had to share about his inspiration behind creating such a unique piece of art work. “My inspiration was me wanting to make an impact with my music ...