Outnumbered # 43 - By Christopher Brown

Outnumbered # 42 - By Christopher Brown

Beanpie – Volume 12 Episode 2: Cart Wheels

Written by Shaun Bolden

Scene 4: WEDNESDAY-Beanpie paints the name, “Cart Wheels” onto the cart, and also puts a canopy over it. At noon, Tony comes and Beanpie just nods as Tony turns around to go to lunch. At 2PM they are on there way downtown…….again.

Beanpie: What do you think of the canopy?

Tony: It should keep your stuff dry, so I guess it’s cool.

Beanpie: This time we should make it there.

*The engines start to sputter, and the cart just stops.

Tony: You have got to be kidding me. What is it now?

Beanpie: I don’t know, let me see?

*Beanpie opens the cart, looks inside, and sees that he just ran out of gas.

Beanpie: We’re out of gas.Tony: I tell you, just getting you downtown is a project.

*Beanpie calls Shaun…..again. Shaun hooks the cart up……again, and gives Beanpie an, “Are you serious?” look.

Scene 5: THURSDAY-Beanpie empties his cart and puts gas into the engines, he cleans up, hears a knock, opens the door and tells Tony that it’s lunch time and Tony goes back home. At 2PM they make their way downtown…..again.

Tony: Do you have gas?

Beanpie: Yes, I filled up this morning. I even put an extra gallon in there for an emergency.

Tony: Where’d you put it?

Beanpie: Right in here.

*Beanpie opens his cart and shows Tony the gas, but then closes his eyes and hangs his head.

Tony: I mean, it’s great and all that you have extra gas, but aren’t your goods supposed to be in there too.

Beanpie: Yeah, but I unloaded them to fill the cart up, and never loaded them back.

Tony: Wow, I do not think we will ever make it downtown.

*Beanpie and Tony turn around and head back home……again.

Scene 6: FRIDAY-Beanpie loads the cart, sits in front of the TV, answers the door at noon, watches more TV, then heads downtown at 2PM

Tony: Do we have secure tires?

Beanpie: Yes.

Tony: Gas?

Beanpie: We do.

Tony: Merchandise?

Beanpie: Indeed.

Tony: We might make it there this time.

To Eat or Not to Eat?

How Healthy Are School Lunches?

Written by: ^Northernstar*

I remember being in the cafeteria at Cherry Hill Elementary School, waiting in the line to get the over-processed food that didn’t even look edible. “Do you want some fruit cocktail with your hamburger,” the lunch lady asked while I frowned my face, yet nodded my head to say “yes”. The food wasn’t a typical “Thanksgiving-feast”, but it did its job of nourishing my body. Many of my classmates would often tease each other for eating the school lunch, insisting it was “artificial” and “the food will make you vomit”; strangely, my classmates were right.

It’s better to eat something for lunch than nothing at all, but make sure it’s healthy for the child to avoid
obesity and health problems.

In the article “Healthy Kids School Lunches”, Vincent Iannelli reports that it is important for children to eat lunch because it enables the body to sustain energy. There’s no way a child only should be eating once or twice a day. They need every nutrient they can get: breakfast is to start the day off, lunch allows the brain to work after a reckless morning, and dinner is the most important because it’s a time for relaxation, communication, and intimacy. Presently, children assume a bag of sour cream and onion potato chips and a Sprite is going to provide them with nutrients, but what they get in return is high cholesterol and diabetes.

To see the entire article, click the link below:

http://etmmagazine.info/wakeup/2009/07/2009_07_toeatornotschools.html

Beanpie – Volume 12 Episode 1: Cart Wheels

Written by Shaun Bolden

Opening Scene: Beanpie is outside working on his cart again as he waits for both his engines to come in and Tony to come help him out.

Beanpie (to self): Yup, I’m putting these touches on for a bit of insurance, and now all I have to do is wait for these engines to come in. Then I’ll drop them in, and wait on Tony.

*Just then Shaun walks up.

Shaun: You’re really serious about pushing a cart downtown to sell your stuff.

Beanpie: You know it mate, and now I have help to do it.

Shaun: Someone agreed to help you?

Beanpie: Yeah, Jamie’s brother Tony did.

Shaun: Good luck to him. Have those engines come in yet?

Beanpie: Nope not yet, but all I have to do drop them in and my first day of selling will begin.

Shaun: Do you even know where you’re going to go once you get there?

Beanpie: Yeah, I went down there and found a nice spot.

Shaun: Man, I can’t wait to hear the stories……I think your engines are here.

*The delivery truck pulls up and drops the engines off to Beanpie.

Beanpie: Alright mate, I’m gonna drop these bad boys in, and be on my way.

Shaun: Aight man, be safe out there. We don’t want you to get cart-jacked downtown.

Beanpie: Take it easy Ice Juicy

Shaun (mumbles): I hate that name.

Scene 2: MONDAY-Beanpie gets to work on the cart and hooks the engines up. Once he’s finished he looks at his watch, and it reads 10:30AM

Beanpie (to self): Okay it’s his first day, he must be running late. No worries, I’ll just go take a shower and clean up a bit.

*Beanpie takes a shower, and changes his clothes. Then he heads back outside, and again looks at his watch, which now read 11:00AM

Beanpie (to self): Aw c’mon Tony, this is your first day and you’re late.

*Beanpie goes inside and watches some TV while waiting, then his doorbell rings. Beanpie opens the door and sees that it is Tony.

Beanpie: Man do you have an idea of what bloody time it is?

Tony: Not really.

Beanpie: It is 12 noon.

Tony: Good time for lunch, I’ll be back in an hour.

*Tony turns around and walks back home, while Beanpie stands at the door with his mouth wide open. Once he comes to his senses, he plops back down to watch TV. His doorbell rings again, and he sees that it is Tony. He looks down at his watch and it is now 2 PM.

Beanpie: Okay, we have to work on this time thing, but first we need to get downtown. I have missed a half days profit already.

Tony: Alright, let’s get this show on the road.

*They go to the cart, and Beanpie starts it up.

Tony: You have a motorized cart?

Beanpie: Of course, it would be too heavy to roll downtown and back everyday.

Tony: I will be walking ahead of you for this one.

Beanpie: Suit yourself, but there is always an opportunity for you to drive.

Tony: You think I want to drive this piece of crap?

Beanpie: I know you do, I could see it in you eyes.

*Beanpie and Tony are halfway to their destination when all of the sudden the cart starts to rattle, and two of the wheels fall off.

Tony (laughing): Man, this day just keeps getting better……what are you going to do now?

Beanpie: This is a serious matter.

*Beanpie pulls out his cell phone and calls Shaun. About a half an hour later Shaun pulls up in his mail truck.

Shaun: I swear, you are lucky that I like you.

Beanpie: Thanks govy, I just need you to pull me back to my house.

Shaun: I should charge you for my services. Is that Tony?

Beanpie: Yeah, Ice Juicy, this is Tony. Tony this is Ice Juicy.

*They shake hands

Shaun: My name is Shaun. Good luck with this guy.

Tony: I am just enjoying the laughs. I never saw anyone literally ride something until the wheels fell off.

*Shaun hooks the cart up to his truck and pulls it back to Beanpie’s house.

Scene 3: TUESDAY-Beanpie is up early fixing the tires on his cart. He then looks at his watch and notices that it is 11AM, and again no sign of Tony. He gets ready for the day, and at noon Tony shows up, and then turns around to enjoy lunch. Once again they hit the road at 2PM.

Beanpie: Don’t you start your day before noon?

Tony: Of course, I have to pee then go back to bed.

Beanpie: That sounds rather unproductive.

Tony: Hey, if it ain’t broke……

Beanpie: Riiiiiight. I was thinking, I need a name for the cart. Got any suggestions?

Tony: Sorry, fresh out.

Beanpie: What do you think about, “Trolley Folly”?

Tony: For real, what is your suggestion?

Beanpie: How about, “Money on the Move”?

Tony: That sounds like a movie gone totally wrong.

Beanpie: I got it!!!!

Tony: I hope this is something decent.

Beanpie: “Cart Wheels”.

*Tony gives Beanpie the blankest of stares, and then just shakes his head.

Beanpie: I have to paint it on tomorrow.

Tony: Did you feel that?

*Tony looks at his hand and notices that it has begun to drizzle.

Tony: I think we should pack it up, you need a cover for the cart and it is about to pour.

Beanpie: This is just a light drizzle, it will pass.

*Just then it begins to pour. Tony gives Beanpie an, “I told you so” look as they turn around and go home.

Outnumbered # 41 - By Christopher Brown

Bobby Marvin talks with Brown F.I.S.H. @ Poets in the Park

Videographer and Journalist: Bobby Marvin- EYM East Coast Correspondent

EYM's Man on the street, Bobby Marvin, is all over the DMV. When you see him and his camera be ready because he's looking for you to eXcape and share your views on different topics. He may even put you on the spot and ask you to free style. Lol. He was all over this past weekends "Poets in the the Park" and he caught up with Baltimore's own Brown F.I.S.H. Check it out.


Part I




Part II

Algebra II..

The Future Soul of Algebra
Written By: Raven Ekundayo – Editor-in-Chief
Photography By: Eric Johnson

Can the future of music be found in someone who isn’t new to the game? While singer/songwriter Algebra doesn’t have even 5 albums under her belt she has been in the game for a few years now. Yet what she brings to the table could be seen as something fresh and new. I wanted to talk to her about this and a few others things.

So I’d only found out 48 hours prior to sitting down with Algebra that she was going to be in town. My people at Gypsy Soul asked if I wanted to get an eXclusive with her and I was down for it. One year ago she and I talked over the phone so getting to meet her in person was cool. We were also the only media sitting down with her at this event.

The day was filled with good energy. One of ETM’s new photogs, Eric Johnson, joined me as we made our way to Anacostia in Washington, DC. The area was packed as a huge festival was going on and Algebra was the headliner. The house that Algebra was chilling in with her management looked like something out of a Tyler Perry movie. Real down home and you eXpected to see someone sitting on a porch rocking with lemonade in their hand (Obviously not a movie with the Madea character in it. Lol). Outside of the house was a party going on in the middle of the street that looked like a family reunion. There were uncles and aunts dancing, your little cousins running around and splashing in the fire hydrant. Loud music was blasting and food was everywhere. Eric and I walked into the house and the mood was very chill. You could hardly tell what was going on outside. Everyone was in their zone preparing for the performance. Algebra came out of the bathroom from putting on her makeup. We greeted each other with big hugs and I introduced myself to her manager and introduced her to Eric. We sat down and just went right into talking….

Raven - I was telling Kayenecha (From Gypsy Soul) that it has been one year since you were last featured in ETM. I told her I’m sure something new is going on with you since then (Laughs). So what has taken place in Algebra’s life since the last time our readers checked you out in here?

Algebra – Algebra has been on the road tremendously. Algebra has been writing. ….wait, let me stop talking in 3rd person. (Laughs)

Raven – (Laughing)

Algebra – I’ve been busy but I’ve been resting a lot too. There’s a fine line between doing the work you love and getting the rest you need.

Raven – Amen to that.

Algebra – So that’s what I’ve been doing.

“I’m not the best singer I’m not the best guitar player, I’m not the best writer. I want to be better, don’t get me wrong, but when I pick up my instrument? I just want somebody to listen to me.” – Algebra

Raven – Ok, so what has taken place musically with you since your cd “Purpose”?

Algebra – I’ve definitely grown. I’ve been introduced to more music from artists I’ve just met as well as artists that I love from back in the day. It’s real good when you can find new songs you’ve never heard from artists you love who may have passed on.

To see Algebra's full interview, click the link below:
http://etmmagazine.info/freeyourmind/2009/07/2009_07_algebra.html

Bobby Marvin talks with Born Divine of the Wu Killa Bees

Videographer/Journalist: Bobby Marvin - ETM East Coast Correspondent

Soul Celebration - (A journey through music in appreciation of life)

By: Slangston Hughes - ETM East Coast Correspondent

On the night of Thursday June 25^th, 2009 in the universe of Baltimore inside the dimension of Soul that is Vintage an adventurous celebratory journey of magnanimous amadamaphus proportions took place. The following is a 100 percent accurate account of that exact journey as told by one of it’s participants.

What I want you to do is picture yourself traveling on a journey throughout the cosmos… a journey through space, time and music on an intergalactic federation star ship. But instead of warp drive and dilethiem crystals this ship runs on soul power. The name of the ship is the SS Sovereign Soul and as they embark on their journey to boldly seek out new music and artistic life forms and boldly go where no band has gone before, they soon stop at a foreign planet where they beam up a creative Alien who actually has two beings living inside him at once. Himself (Slick Vic Low) and his evol ancestor (Lyrical Leviathan). The alien wears magic hi tech non-matching shoes and he can break dance on water and spit rhymes at warp speed without breathing. He is trying to find new ways to harness the power of Soul and joins the SS on their Mission. He trades them a rare element from his planet known as Dylan Fire in order to obtain passage on the mission. Soon they stop by the house music planet in search of the mighty Jenaba Suma. Everyone who had ever met her said that she had “more soul than a sock with a hole” and could conjure up the essence of heaven with her voice just by singing, plus didn’t even need a mic (It’s true). And even could help reverse heaven into Blasphemy, yet still make the congregation say amen.

So then it was on to planet b-boy for the galactic fresh fest where we met “Live N’ Da Flesh” to neo b-boy’s with rhymes so fly and fresh that they put brand new produce to shame. They go by the name’s E Major and Ab Rock, and with ease the masses of the entire B-Boy planet was moved. As the mission marched on we made stops at planet Catalyst 412 where the True School emcees reign in the City of Steel and met up with the HipHop Franco Harris known as J Sands as an immaculate freestyle was received. As well as on to the Klingon Empire to slay wack emcees with the high art-official council representative Blackwind exalted. As we continued further into the gamma quadrant the next stop was Vulcan where we connected with the artistic queen of the solar system Gaia who possessed the ability to rhyme telepathically and bring Peace to the entire planet. Then it was onward to the realm of Ill Lyricism to meet up with Aymen Shahid, the emcee with the power to make atheist believe even in what they can’t see. It was at this point that we entered a vast recording facility where at the back of the room sat the wondrous one named Stevie. And we didn’t know what to say, not even la la or Ro Ro Ro Robert came from our vocal chords. So we started Jamming on the Wun with none other than Jamma*Wun. As the proprietor of the great facility captain Root the Black from Axiom stood up and stated the decree for all to hear and see… “And it’s Like Dat”

As the beat played on, and our mission moved on to our final destination at the far corner of the universe where we arrived upon the Pop planet Never-land 50. This is where I met Her, yes Her! The one I had been searching the whole universe for, no not HipHop but Her. Her name I know not for the future is where she resides, but beheld there in front of my eyes was she, Her. So she led us up a giant mountain to the palace of the King. And it was said that the King was mighty indeed. In fact he was beyond merely mighty the King was BAD and a SMOOTH CRIMINAL who evoked THRILLER’S at night when he would accusingly stay at HEARTBREAK HOTEL while chilling with BEN who was friends with a LYBERIAN GIRL that would practice her ABC’S and if DIRTY DIANA messed up the King always gave her ONE MORE CHANCE to WANNA BE STARTING SOMETHING as he would say the magic phrase “mamasaymamasaymamakusa” and everyone could FEEL IT and refuse to STOP UNTIL THEY GOT ENOUGH because they just WANTED TO ROCK WITH YOU. However BILLY JEAN was not his lover in spite of her being a PRETTY YOUNG THING and a DANCING MACHINE that was neither BLACK OR WHITE and when she SCREAMED the whole crowd would get BUTTERFLIES as the King reminisced and REMEMBERED THE TIME that she ROCKED HIS WORLD and realized that THEY DON’T REALLY CARE ABOUT US. As he began to ask questions like WHAT ABOUT US? And wondered if it was just HUMAN NATURE, so he looked at the MAN IN THE MIRROR and asked him to HEAL THE WORLD, until at last the king realized that no matter what people would never JUST LEAVE HIM ALONE so he left this realm. And though he would be GONE TO SOON he assured his subjects that no matter what “I’LL BE THERE” because YOU ARE NOT ALONE as the King leaned forward and disappeared. And in his memory the people celebrated and were joyful and gave thanks “to the creator for the creator” then played the Kings music and sang the Kings songs and they all rejoiced and danced as they walked on the moon!

R.I.P MJ

Beanpie – Volume 11 Episode 2: A New Partner

Written by Shaun Bolden

Scene 4: Beanpie is in his basement putting the fertilizer away when Tailgate and Jamie come down.

Jamie: What is that smell?

Tailgate: Beanpie the bathroom is upstairs, you are entirely too old to have accidents.

Beanpie: Shutup, I am here working on an idea to make my self rich.

Tailgate: Smells like you’re trying to become an outcast.

Jamie: I came here to say thanks Beanpie.

Beanpie: For what?

Jamie: For getting my brother out of the house.

Beanpie: No problemo.

Tailgate: That’s what you say now, but you don’t know Tony.

Beanpie: What do you mean?

Jamie: He is not the easiest person to get along with.

Tailgate: He complains about everything. I guess it’s sort of like having you around, only a bit more whining.

Beanpie: Really, why didn’t you tell me then?

Jamie: I didn’t know you were hiring, let alone hiring my brother.

Tailgate: And now you’re stuck with him.

Beanpie: With my merchandise, he’ll want to work for me forever. This stuff is gonna sell like hotcakes. And I even went downtown and found a spot to sell my things.

Tailgate: Did you ever get those engines for that raggedy cart of yours?

Beanpie: They’re supposed to be here tomorrow.

Tailgate: Let me know when you hook it up. I can’t wait to see my brother “Speed Racer” doing two miles an hour with a push cart full of bootleg ideas.

*Jamie and Tailgate laugh as they go upstairs.

Scene 5: Beanpie puts all of his stuff away, and gets ready for the next day. He is back in bed thinking about what is going to happen with his cart, and with Tony.

Beanpie (to self): Man, I hope this guy doesn’t turn out to be a load of trouble. I don’t need anymore setbacks. This will be a very bad thing if he turns out to be a hassle. I should be getting my engines tomorrow too. Once I get that thing rolling it’s off to take over downtown. Beanpie will definitely be a household name.

*Lisa walks into the bedroom and lies down beside Beanpie.

Lisa: So I see you are ready to hit the street.

Beanpie: It’s time for my success to begin love.

Lisa: Is that right?

Beanpie: Think about it. I just got my stuff back in dramatic fashion. This is where I go off and sell things like a maniac now.

Lisa: It would work that way if this were a movie, unfortunately for you it’s not. What do you plan on doing about security?

Beanpie: What do you mean by that?

Lisa: You did just get robbed. If that were someone like myself, protecting that raggedy cart would be my first priority.

Beanpie: I already covered that.

Lisa: I hope you’re not talking about that old button lock that I popped on my way in here.

*Beanpie jumps out of bed to check the cart.

Beanpie (to self): I guess I do need to bulk up on the security system. Especially if I don’t want my merchandise to disappear…..again.

*Beanpie heads back to bed thinking about how he can tighten up the protection for his cart.

Outnumbered # 40 - By Christopher Brown

We Love You, Mike!

Mikey J

Written by Sherryn Daniel

I’m a TV addict. That’s a fact. I can stay glued to the tube for four to six hours at a time. When I was studying Journalism at College of Notre Dame, I had to make sure that there was no TV in my dorm room or I would fail all of my classes in a domino affect way. My mom knows about my addiction and she told me that it was all Michael Jackson’s fault. Around 1989, three-year-old Sherryn refused to shower, eat or obey her parents whenever he pranced around in his sparkly shoes and leather jacket. Her eyes glazed over his attractive smile, pop-y ballads and lithe dance steps.

Ever since then, I was hooked on Michael Jackson or who I love to call “Mikey J” inside my head. My eyes lingered for every single Mikey J. video I can watch. This addiction to Mikey J. can only be cured whenever a TV set was off and I thought I could get over it ( I did in my 20’s) until now. His recent demise not only made me spend half of my recent pay check on I tunes songs but it made me a TV addict again. I can’t stop watching him, even in death.

I never cared about what the media said about him. I never once believed he molested any child or was insane. He was a misunderstood man who lived a crummy childhood. He donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to charity and never once did the media highlight that. He loved his roots and it’s apparent in several of his music videos. But the media loved to misconstrue how he hated being who he was because of his white skin and plastic nose.

I love him even more now than I did when I was three. I grew up being a talented writer but was a loner like him and much different than my peers. I can identify with his struggles partially. My closest friends when I was in 6th grade were parakeets named ‘Blueberry’ and ‘Banana”. What’s wrong with having a chimp friend named ‘Bubbles’? One of the greatest loners was Mikey J. and maybe that’s why we bonded in my head when I was three. We struggled with being different.

I thought my childhood died when I graduated college this May but I was wrong. It died, When Mikey J. died.

Written By: Black Root

Michael Jackson embodied a lot of what was right and what was wrong with the entertainment industry.I love all of the things that he did positive..Thriller, Off the Wall, Invincible, HIStory, Dangerous, Bad...I"m sure I'm missing an album. And it's easy to do because all of his albums are greatest hits. The countless children and adults across the planet he helped with his words and his finances. He was blessed with an extraordinary gift.

He was cursed with exploitation of those talents and parents, family, and friends who were not equipped to protect his psyche from the ills of human inequity. MJ was a smart man who I believe lived in torment inside of his own body. I also believe at the end of the day, he was an altruist that really cared about people. His childhood compassion and love helped the lives of millions.

If MJ & the Jackson 5 didn't exist, there would be no 98 degrees, N'Sync, Justin Timberlake, New Edition, Hi 5, Boyz II Men, Chris Brown, Ginuine, Ne-yo, Dru Hill, New Kids on the Block, or countless other boy and girl bands that took the country by storm in the late 80s and 90s. He reinvented music videos.

I am saddened. Jackie Wilson, Lou Rawls, Isaac Hayes, James Brown, Michael Jackson. A lot of our greats are leaving us in the physical. The only Humanitarian I can think of with a wingspan, popularity and talent comparable to MJ is Steveland 'Stevie' Wonder. Your music and your influence will NEVER leave. I hope you can truly rest in peace Mike.

To read more M.J. tributes, click the link below:

http://etmmagazine.info/Editorials/2009/07/2009_07_mjresponse.html

Make sure to share your feelings about the "King of Pop"!!!

10 Reasons Media Affects Children..

Who's Raising YOUR Children?

Written by: Ccep J. Dew, West Coast Editor

I was asked to write about 10 ways that the media affects our children and it proved to be a harder task than I initially assumed it to be. Not to say that media and entertainment doesn’t affect the youth, but because it affects adults in similar ways. The only difference is that we’re supposed to know better. Our babies don’t, so please monitor what they watch and hear because they will learn:

1. Bad/unsafe habits – As cute as Dora is, am I the only one who has a problem with her “exploring” with only a monkey as company? What is to keep your daughter from grabbing her stuffed monkey, putting on her “backpack… backpack”, and walking down the street? When Dora is faced with Swiper, a stranger who likes to steal things, she “gives him the hand” and basically tells him to stop. If he steals her stuff, she goes looking for him. So, what do you suspect your young child will do when faced with a stranger?

2. Morales, values, and beliefs – If young people see material goods, they want material goods. If they hear people being referred to by derogatory terms on the radio, they will use those terms. If everyone on television is lying, cheating, using drugs, and being promiscuous, so will they. This differs from singular thoughts and actions in that it creates a basis around which the foundation of their beliefs and values is built. The morality, or lack thereof, that they see becomes instilled in them.

3. How adults behave – The news, sitcoms, dramas, and movies show adult situations that can be inappropriate for young eyes and ears. Sexual scenes, violence, and heated arguments can scar young children. I’m sure my mother saw no harm in taking me along with her and a friend to see What’s Love Got To Do With It?, but several of the scenes gave me nightmares, especially the studio rape scene that is vivid in my mind to this day. Children may not be able to put into words what they are seeing, but they can relate emotionally to fear, anger, and pain.

4. How to speak – Proper English? Slang? Profanity? Whining like the title character of “Caillou”? Children repeat what they hear; usually when we think they aren’t listening. So, if your son is in the corner playing with his trucks, don’t be surprised to hear him repeat crude lines from the movie you’re watching. He’s listening.

5. How to think/act – Cause and effect is all around. Young people see someone make a decision and see the accompanying effect. If someone is misbehaving and their actions are not reprimanded (or are even celebrated), young people will assume it is appropriate behavior; hence the tragic deaths and injuries that have occurred when children pick up a gun or use “wrestling moves” on other innocent children.

To see the last five reasons, click the link below:

http://etmmagazine.info/future/2009/07/2009_07_whoisraisingyourchildren.html

Never Lose "Hope"!

A Day of Hope:
The Convoy of Hope

Written by: Kenneth-Michael

The location was Clifton Park in East Baltimore; the time was 10 a.m., with the mission to bring the surrounding churches of Maryland together in an effort to give spiritual relief and support to the people of Baltimore; and the event: The Convoy of Hope. The skies gave way to a bright and dry day without a drop of rain in sight, although with muddy grounds thanks to three days of rain leading up to the event.

Carnival-sized tents cover the park, as three freight trucks painted with the American flag and the words “Convoy of Hope” printed on the side line the streets. As a human chain of volunteers from over 80 different churches, all wearing t-shirts with the words HOPE printed on the front, unload as many as 5,000 bags of groceries from the massive trucks, folks of all age groups await to enter the park for a full day of free food, health screenings, music, makeovers, and assurance that God does answer prayers.

To see the full article of "Hope".. click the link below:

http://etmmagazine.info/future/2009/07/2009_07_adayofhope.html

To Be or Not to Be… Obese

Written by: Richard Russw

During our school years we have always had the classes that we love (personally, if I could just go to English, Art, and lunch, then I would have made Honor Roll every term) along with the classes that we “dislike”, for lack of a better term. Physical Education Class was always, to me, a necessary evil. Even though I was never in front of the line when we ran the mile, or was always one of the last picked for volleyball, Physical Education Class has instilled some very important lessons in me that I take on daily life.

I think the lessons that you learn in Physical Education Class, whether it be in elementary, middle, or high school, are instrumental to the growth of any person, male or female, young or old. The same theories that go with teaching children things at a young age applies with things I have learned in Physical Education Class, because, in the long run, you can appreciate them and the impact they can have on your life. If you get children in the habit of making time for physical activity, it will not be a struggle for them to make time as adults to exercise because it will become routine. Physical Education Class can also help kids to realize potentials that maybe couldn’t have been noticed before in a different setting. For example, athletic abilities probably wouldn’t be able to flourish in Band class.

To read the full article, click the link below:

http://etmmagazine.info/wakeup/2009/07/2009_07_tobeornotobese.html

Jaspects interview with EYM

By: ^Northernstar* - Youth Director (The Future section)
Videographer: Bobby Marvin

ETM Youth Director, ^Northernstar* (Who for some reason decided to go by his government during this interview. lol) sat down with Jazz/Hip Hop group Jaspects before their performance at Teavolve that was hosted by Gypsy Soul. The event is called "Ear Candy". Check out the convo and make sure to hit up eXcapethematriX.com for our Michael Jackson tribute on 07/07/09.


Part I





Part II

Beanpie – Volume 11 Episode 1: A New Partner

Written by Shaun Bolden

Opening Scene: Beanpie is back in his bed pondering a way to make his push cart work, finish his newest sham, and find out where Lisa works.

Beanpie (to self): All of these things running through my head. I need to stay focused. My first course of action will be to finish up my fertilizer, and then I have to get my cart up and running. That reminds me, what should I name it…….oh yes and I must find out what Lisa does for a living. It never really bothered me until now. Now, I have all of the soil, I just need to mix it up, let it set, then bag it. I need to find a new store to get my material from.

Scene 2: Beanpie is walking downtown, checking out the area, and looking for a store. He looks at the vendors out there and also notices the street performers. People are out, buying things, and watching the performers. He stops at a local store to look for bags. He walks into the store a likes what he sees. He picks up a few things then heads to the register.

Clerk: Is that all?

Beanpie: Yeah that’s it. Can I ask you a question?

Clerk: Go right ahead.

Beanpie: Is it always this busy down here?

Clerk: Ha, this is a slow day. We have all types of customers in this area.

Beanpie: Really?

Clerk: Yup, I’ve been here at this store for 20 years myself. I know the people around here and they know me. My name is Hank by the way.

Beanpie: They call me Beanpie, nice to meet you. So how do you manage to stay in one spot for such a long time?

Hank: The secret is help. You can’t run a business alone. You need to have people you can trust helping you out.

Beanpie: That is some good advice, thanks Hank.

Hank: Well, here’s your stuff. I hope to see you again.

*Beanpie leaves and looks over the area.

Beanpie (to self): Yeah, this is the spot for me. Right here, I can make a killing out here.

Scene 3: Beanpie is back at home and is thinking about what Hank said to him.

Beanpie (to self): Man I have to find a partner. All of my trustworthy mates are working already, but I do need some help loading unloading, moving things around, and what about when I have to go to the bathroom. I need to find a partner. Who would be the best choice?

*Beanpie starts thinking and remembers the conversation he had with Jamie.

Beanpie (to self): That’s it, I can ask Tony to help me out. It will only be for a little while, and it will be something until he finds a job. That’s what I’ll do, I’ll call him and ask. The worst he could say is no.

*Beanpie calls Tony to ask him if he wants to work

Tony: NO!!!! There is no way I am going to be outside of a push cart hustling some bootleg merchandise.

Beanpie: Listen mate, these items are top notch.

Tony: I don’t care.

Beanpie: We’ll be downtown, where everyone is.

Tony: That is the main reason I do not want any part of this.

Beanpie: There are lots of pretty women out there

Tony: ………

Beanpie: I knew you’d be interested in that. And if you find a job in the meantime, you can leave.

Tony: I guess it’ll give me something to do, and I will be using you as a reference.

Beanpie: Fine with me. Wanna meet me here tomorrow around 10ish?

Tony: Alright then.

*Beanpie hangs up, and is very happy with the outcome of that.

Outnumbered # 39 - By Christopher Brown