Consciousness Magazine

"THE NECESSITY OF INNOVATION" By Eric Plaut People always claim that they have to keep reinventing themselves throughout their lifetime. From youth to our golden years, we always strive to better ourselves. One reason may be for us to try to give ourselves a stronger identity. During our youth and teen years, students tend to be recognized for their grades. However, with college lurking around the corner, taking part in extracurricular activities during one’s high school years (and even earlier than that) is important to college administrators when they hand-pick their up-and-coming students. In other words, good grades and outside activities involve both the learning experience and having fun. It’s also a way for kids and teenagers to impress their parents, siblings and those around them. For the most part, this theory doesn’t change much once a person graduates from college. Most likely, unless they tend to go for a certificate or attend graduate sc...

Dr. Maya Angelou, A Phenomenal Woman Interviewed and written by Dr. Shanessa Fenner On the morning of our interview, the incomparable Dr. Maya Angelou is busily working in her garden prior to our interview. She discusses her various leading African-American art sculptures, knock- out roses, and azaleas that people stop to photograph. Shanessa Fenner: I am enjoying your book, Mom & Me & Mom , and I laughed at the part when you and Babe had sex and you asked him, “Is this all that it is?” Maya Angelou: I had been raped when I was 7 years old. My hope was all these things that I had seen happen in the movies where people sigh and melt was going to happen. That was what it really was about. Well nothing happened. It was painful a little but it didn’t thrill. He was a jerk. He was 20 and I was 16. He did not know how to do any foreplay or encourage his mate to enjoy herself. What he wanted was relief not joy. I had to grow older to understand that. SF: Yo...

Rickey Smiley: The Rickey Smiley Show Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson-Editor When asked who is your favorite comedian, it’s difficult to leave out funnyman Rickey Smiley in a conversation amongst family, friends and the millions of fans who love him. I was granted the opportunity to interview the hilarious comedian in regards to “The Rickey Smiley Show“, which returned to TV One for the second season with all new shows. Smiley is known for his prank phone calls, and initially I thought I was a candidate of his joke prior to us pursuing the interview, as he reached out to me several minutes early. “Naw, Naw, Naw! I wasn’t going to do that to you,” says Smiley as we both laughed over the phone, both excited about the interview for Consciousness Magazine. The comedian shares his experience regarding having a sitcom and working with a cast of incredibly talented individuals. “It will definitely make you step up your game, you know, especially working closely...

Eric Roberson [Exclusive Interview] Interviewed and written by Hector De La Rosa, twitter: @11journ_list Entering the venue and the sound of crashing drums and guitar riffs make up a sweet bliss of instrumental sounds. Eric Roberson is present on stage with band mates for sound check. The crooner discovers his inner Frank Sinatra as he sings his version of The Notorious B.I.G’s “Big Poppa.” Plenty of chuckles came out as Roberson expresses his entire soul adding humor to the song’s famous lyric, “I got more Mack than Craig in the bed/ Believe me sweety I got enough to feed the needy.” It is a wonder that Roberson is dubbed for crafting baby making music. However, Roberson adlibbing his Grammy nominated single “Tale of Two” (a personal favorite) on stage came to mind why he is dubbed genius and as “The King of Indie Soul.” Hector De La Rosa: In what ways has music helped Eric Roberson’s life? ERRO: Music has been the soundtrack of my life. It has been a ...

Finola Hughes Directing Debut Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson - Editor As a regular on the classic ABC soap “General Hospital” playing the character Anna Devane, you can catch Emmy-winning actress Finola Hughes in various films utilizing her creativity to convey her message to her audience. The London-born actress has been acting in TV/film for more than 30 years. She has starred in the epic film Staying Alive opposite John Travolta and has had a critically acclaimed supporting role in the feature Like Crazy with Anton Yelchin and Jennifer Lawrence. The veteran actress has also starred in TV series such as “Jacks Place”, “Blossom” and “Charmed” just to name a few. Hughes recently directed her feature-film debut, “The Bet” ( TheBetMovie.com ). The story is about a grandfather making a bet with his grandson, in regards to which one of them will be able to seduce a lady first. The film is a thrilling, funny, poignant and romantic comedy produced by the Community Film St...

Steven Bauer (Exclusive Interview) Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson - Editor Between the moment of Steven Bauer completing an interview and minutes before pursing the Tom Green Show, I was able to catch veteran actor Steven Bauer as he traveled through the streets of Santa Monica on another busy day. With Bauer being familiar with the publication, Consciousness Magazine, that regularly highlights the positivity of entertainers and much more, I was even more delighted to speak with the charismatic and humble actor. Our exciting and vigor conversation came up about my native city, Chicago, where he spoke of the severe winter days and where he had the opportunity of working on past film projects such as Primal Fear with Richard Gere and Ed Norton and Running Scared, an 80’s film starring Gregory Hines and Billy Crystal. Here is what Steven Bauer had to share with the readers. Aaron Robinson:  You play Avi on the Showtime hit series “Ray Donovan.” What is it like wo...

Rising star Guy Nardulli (Q&A) Interviewed by Tocarra Eldridge How does it feel to be a viral sensation and finally getting the recognition that you deserve?   It's a bit surreal.  I'm still getting used to the attention that I'm getting.  From the gym to the local bars and restaurants, and even in my building, it's pretty cool hearing people say "Hey! You're the guy from the Superman ad?"  To be tied to Superman is really cool.   What was it like working on set with Henry Cavill and Zack Snyder?   Wow!  It was an amazing opportunity to work with both of these very talented men.  Henry was so down to earth and easy to talk to, you would never know that he was a mega star.  Just looking at him and you knew that this was Superman.  He possesses all the qualities that you would think Superman would have.  What can I say about working with Zack?  Super talented director.  I loved 300 and Watchmen, and to be...