WSSN Stories

Dr. Rachael Ross

By Naomi K. Bonman

“I am looking forward to just being in the room and seeing all of the people that I see on TV. I’m still in awe about the whole thing. I’m looking forward to just seeing it all and taking it in. Normally I watch it on TV, but to actually be there, it’s pretty amazing,” Dr. Rachael Ross, of The Doctors, states on what she was most looking forward to at this year’s past Emmys.

With the array of different reality sitcoms that are on the air, it is very rare that we see one that educates us, as well as enlightens our minds. The majority of popular TV is filled with drama, drama, and more drama! It is just there to entertain which is why most have started to steer away from the silver screen in their homes because it’s bad enough that social media has polluted our minds. However, there are a few shows that are getting the recognition that they deserve, such as Emmy nominated show, The Doctors.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing one of the featured doctors on the show, Dr. Rachael Ross. After interviewing her, now I definitely have to catch up and watch it to see her live and action. In our interview, Dr. Ross chatted about what she expected from the Emmys, life as a new mommy, and her health tips so that we can continue to live healthier and longer lives.

For those who are unfamiliar with the show, The Doctor, can you give us a brief overview?

The Doctors is a panel of doctors that basically sit and discuss different health related issues, and sometimes it’s not just health, we also talk about fashion. Believe it or not fashion can affect your health. We always talk about is it okay to use waist trainers to different plastic surgery options. We run up a schedule to what we will discuss, but I think what makes us a little different is that I’m on there (laughs) and I’m an African American female that comes with a different perspective than the rest of the panel does.

Nice! So when does the show air?

It’s a syndicated program so it airs somewhere different in every city, but if you go to thedoctorstv.com they have local listings.

What inspired to you get on the show?

I’ve been practicing medicine now for about ten years and I think at the end of the day I think of The Doctors as an extension of my medical practice. It’s the same type of practical advice and information that I give to my patients at my clinic in Gary, Indiana, so to me it’s just a way to take what I do every day to reach a broader audience.

Cool! So I know that you just recently had a baby! How are you enjoying motherhood?

It’s amazing! I never though I’d be the type of mom that just stares at the baby or that’s constantly checking to see if she’s breathing or anything like that. I turned in to a real helicopter mom and I’m loving every second of it. I just keep looking at her and thinking ‘I can’t believe this came out of me.’ I’m in awe of it all.

(Laughs). What are your tips for new moms on how to get their bodies back?

Oh yes! It’s funny because all this year I’ve done three interviews on waist trainers where people ask ‘Are they affecting your health?” “Should you be wearing them?” And I would say the best tip that I have is that after you give birth you should put on an abdominal binder, and it doesn’t have to be as strong as a waist trainer because a waist trainer is kind of  like putting a tire on and wrapping it around you, but just make sure you have an abdominal binder to help mold things back to the way they used to be. And two, breast feeding. You can burn an extra 500 calories a day if you breastfeed.

What inspired you to get into medicine? 

Growing up as a child, my dad was like the town doctor. We lived in a small town, Gary, Indiana. He did house calls and would do a fantastic job at taking care of everybody, and he wasn’t doing it for the money. We always had a roof over our head and food to eat, but I still remember he had patients that would pay him in a peach cup or an apple pie, so I kind of got a chance to experience that small town doctor and how people looked up to him when they saw him. I think just experiencing all of that growing up kind of helped push me, besides my mom telling us every day that we were going to be doctors like our dad.

What is the most challenging thing about being a physician?

I would say the most challenging thing about being a doctor is balancing what they tell us to tell everybody verses what seems a little more like the truth, if that makes any sense. I’ve seen medicine come and go in these past ten years and been in situations where I’m supposed to say, “This is the most greatest medicine that everybody should be on,” then a year or two later its recalled from the market. So I think the hardest part is just balancing doing what we say, which is do no harm, which is really trying to make sure that you’re aren’t harming people just because you’re taking whatever the structure tells you that you’re supposed to push out on people.

Gotcha! What is the most rewarding thing?

The  most rewarding thing for me personally is treating families. I practice in the town that I grew up in and knowing the uncles, the aunts, the cousins, I don’t really have to ask the family history because I know it already.

What are your goals for the next few months to a year?

Being a new mom, I think that my goal is to help other moms, especially since I now see things a new perspective. I want to make sure that I give them the right information. There is a lot of debate going on right now about vaccines and whether or not they’re causing damage and whether they need to be revised. I think that for the next few months my goal is to make sure that I am as honest about that as I can be without necessarily worrying about the backlash.

Any last remarks?

I think it is important that everyone understands that pretty much what you’re eating every day is going to be the thing that dictates your overall health. I don’t think that we don’t put enough emphasis on eating fresh fruits and vegetables. We’re eating a little too much processed food. So I think that the readers should really go to their cabinets and look at their products. If it has more than six things in it when you read the label, donate it somewhere or give it to someone else, but try to get it out of your cabinets and your refrigerators and replace it with fresher foods.

Follow Dr. Rachael Ross:

Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Website

Moon Bush

By Lue Dowdy

Highlighting talent and beauty is WHAT IT DO WITH THE LUE. So with that being said, please allow me to introduce the DIVA, MODEL, MOON BUSH. This model is doing her thing all over Cali in a major way. I love seeing women go for what they want; it’s clear that Moon Bush knows exactly what she wants. Please take a moment and learn more about this Queen!

A former Collegiate Basketball player and all-around athlete, Moon Bush of San Bernardino, California, strutted down the runway in 2015. She hit the catwalk during Style Fashion Week in Los Angeles, Ankara Festival Fashion Show, The Model Experience Summer Fashion Show, and again during their New Girl Expo Fashion Show. Moon has been published in Designer Original Magazine, Fashion Xchange Magazine and Styleloftz Magazine, just to name a few.

In the same year, this natural beauty was casted to walk in A Cultural Invasion Fashion Show, Taste of Caribbean Fashion Show, FOGO Fundraiser Fashion Show, Yere Fashion Show, Urban Nature Fashion Show, and the ReUp fashion Show. As you can see she loves the runway because this workaholic has also done the Art Is My Drug Fashion Show, Sheen Magazine Fashion Show, Cypher Fashion Show, Haunted Couture by Russell Couture where she was transformed into Maleficent. Moon also has published print work with Tinz Clothing, Stephanie Burkhalter and Philthy Ragz.

Moon Bush wrapped 2015 up with walking in an intimate show displaying the styling’s of Philthy Ragz Fashion Show Fall collection and finally in the Lady MV Fall Fashion Show. Just 5 weeks later, after entering the tough contest, Moon was super excited to be named the 2016 Lady MV Host.

She will also be walking in Los Angeles Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week for Celebrity Designer Leontine Abdullah of Leontine Collection in the latter part of 2016. Moon Bush has worked with amazing photographers like Will Utley of Will Utley Photography, Derrick Rodgers Director of Photography for Fashion Xchange Magazine, Tyrone Richardson of Tyrone Richardson Photography, Monette Hamilton of Eye Take Pictures and with Director Duke Givens of Duke Enterprise. She has worn amazing pieces by designers like DYMOND of Dhaleter Design, Stephaine Burkhalter, Gaynelle White of Philthy Ragz and Tiara Saleem of Tiara Saleem Designs.

Charities Moon has worked with are San Bernardino Feed the Homeless, Inland Empire Coat Drive, St.Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Pennies for Patients (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) and K.I.O Kids Club. Being a Christian attending Cathedral of Praise Ministries pastored by Bishop Craig W. Johnson, Moon’s unwavering Christian faith is at the forefront of her existence.

She is an obedient child of God whose footsteps are guided by the Almighty. She gives all glory to Jesus, for each and everything that she has been able to accomplish. All the ups and downs she has been through and because of his grace and mercy, not only did she survive but thrived during those times. Moon Bush hopes to inspire others with her experiences to know they can accomplish their dream with hard work and true faith. She realizes that at the essence of it all, our job as humans are to help someone else, so they can help someone else.

Be sure to follow Moon Bush all social media sites. Please like our LUE Productions Face Book page and our Listening with LUE radio Facebook page as well. Until next week L’z!

Stacia and Ariana Pierce

Stacia and Ariana Pierce, mother-daughter duo, have created a national platform that fosters creativity, independence, and inner beauty through the mother daughter relationship.

From building her self-worth to teaching her how to take ownership of her dreams, moms carry a heavy yet powerful weight on their shoulders. Stacia Pierce understands these challenges firsthand as a mom and mentor, and is an expert at giving moms the tools and attitude needed to become a role model for success.

Stacia Pierce has built a name for herself as an award-winning life coach, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur. She helps her clients unlock their full potential by empowering them to take responsibility for their lives and meet each challenge head-on. Her seminars, inspirational materials, 21 books, and coaching program have assisted hundreds of thousands in their pursuit of happiness.

Ariana Pierce is more than just Stacia’s daughter – she’s a fierce go-getter with a passion for entrepreneurship. She provides a bird’s eye view into the struggles of the millennial daughter, where the need for independence is often at odds with a desire for reassurance and guidance.

With the love and support of her own mother, Ariana is making her mark on the beauty world. At the age of 25, she has already launched a fashion and beauty blog that attracts over 100,000 visitors weekly, the Superstar Nail Lacquer product line, an online accessory company called Style Shoppe, and a collection of marketing courses for enhancing one’s online influence.

Creating a fulfilling mother daughter relationship takes two, and Stacia and Ariana are a success story that’s ready to be shared with the world. Follow the duo at arianapierce.com and lifecoach2women.com.

Kiyah Rose Charles

By Delilah Allen

“During my travels I’d like to work with people who need my help due to their lack of  knowledge of the English language or income, I just want to be remembered as someone who helped and has done something great with her life.”

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

“What have you done for Me lately?” Jesus asks.  Fed the hungry?  Visited the sick? Entertained strangers? Nope! So why you bothering Me? What you want from Me? You want me to give you what you want, but you don’t want to do what I command you to do? Forget about it! If you can’t keep My Commandments, should I let you inquire of me at all?” (Ezekiel 14:3). I think not! Too busy pursuing temporal (temporary) rather than eternal things. Don’t you know that only those things that relate to Me, done My way, will count in Heaven! “If you love me, you will obey what I command. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He is the one that gets My blessings.

Bottom-line: As Christians, we need to put God first in our lives. If you’re doing that, God does hear your prayers, and he answers them. Jesus said, “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you” (John 15:7). We must belong to God before we can communicate with him. “He who belongs to God hears what He says” (John 8:47).  The wonderful truth is, God blesses those who walk in faithfulness – He shows favor to those who favor Him. Many, however, don’t have a clue that Jesus Christ is calling their life.

What has happened? Self-interest has replaced God’s interests! Consider your ways!” “Wake up – think about what you’re doing!” You know in the book of Haggai: When the people put God’s interests first, He provided their food and shelter. Indeed, they were cared for by Him in every way: Their vineyards grew, their grapes were heavy. They slept peacefully at night, and their children danced in the streets. None of their enemies prevailed against them. It was a marvelous time of God’s blessing. But then the people became absorbed with their own interests!

Today, so many “Christians” are concerned about their own careers and families – too busy with their own interests!  So wrapped up in making money; trying to improve their life-style. Suddenly, their interests have over-whelmed the interests of God. God says you will pay a high price for putting self-interests first! (Haggai 1:6-9). “Running after material things – houses, land, money – which take up all your time and energy! God says, when you were consumed with doing [His] work, you had joy and satisfaction. But now you are empty, disillusioned, unsatisfied. And no matter what you do, nothing will ever satisfy you!”

So what does the Lord require of you? [Acts 9:6]: The Lord’s answer is “Arise, and go…” For God has not saved you to be idle–to watch others serve while you do nothing.  I suggest you read the book of Haggai. It is a marvelous lesson on how to get and keep the blessing and favor of the Lord. In utter simplicity the prophet Haggai outlines how God’s children can live and walk under God’s continual blessing and favor. Yet Haggai also shows the causes and reasons why people lose God’s blessing – and what they must do to come back into His favor!

I urge you – become faithful once more, putting God’s interests first and seeking Him with all your heart.         Hallelujah!

By Naomi K. Bonman

Taylor Jackson with her coaches, Coach Brody (left) and Coach Krystal (right).

RIALTO, CA- With the school year coming to an end in just a mere few weeks, high school seniors from across the Inland have been accepting admissions into the top colleges of their choice. Athletes have also been signing agreements to continue to their passion for sports while in pursuing their higher educational degree.

Carter High School senior, Taylor Jackson, was among the group of athletic students who signed her agreement with Jackson State University where she will be playing volleyball and majoring in Biology.

We wish Taylor much success on her next journey as she steps onto the path of her future career.

By Lue Dowdy

Rapper, Yungan of 4ETE is What it Do With The LUE this Week!!! I totally love the way this dude rocks the MIC. Yungan, whose real name is Eric Taylor, was born in South Central of Los Angeles, California and currently resides in the Inland Empire. Yungan was inspired to write at the age of 12 and began his start in the rap game at the age of 18. Not boxing himself in, he started to explore other fields of the entertainment game such as acting, writing, producing, and modeling.     Currently under the management of 4everthugging Entertainment, Yungan is also a member of the management’s company group called Stoney Gang. Stoney Gang consists of four other talented solo artists.

Yungan has performed at several events and concerts throughout Southern California. His goal is to go international with it. The streets encouraged him to make money but music encouraged him to make HITS, stay out of the way, and not become a statistic. “I have little brothers and family that is depending on me,” says Yungan.

Recently he dropped his new project titled “Parties & Problems, Volume 1.”  Expect to see amazing things from this artist. You can catch this cutie pie performing live this weekend and on air at Mix & Mingle R&B King and Queen on Saturday, May 7at the American Legion Post 710 in San Bernardino; at the Red Cup Edition on Sunday, May 8 at the 420 Night Club in Ontario, and don’t forget to tune in to “Listening With LUE Radio Show” this  Sunday, May 8 on KCAA 1050 A.M. at 6:00 pm to hear Yungan. His other projects include STONEY California Hear me out vol. 1, 4ever LA vol. 1, and Red. Cup vol. 1.

Until next week peeps. L’z!

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Did He? Liar! If you are a Christian, Satan has no authority over you. You can’t say, “The devil made you do it.” [1 Cor. 10:13] There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Listen; before I go any further, I want you to know that God has entrusted me with a ministry where there are No Corners-cut, No Pacifying, and No Round about Away.  Rebuke- Correction- Hope, in that order exactly!

I tell you, we always want to blame someone else. If you insist that the devil made you do it… What’s the solution? Bind the devil! Cast out the evil spirit! You see the devil’s wiles are easily defeated by knowing and believing the truth of God’s word rightly divided [2 Tim 2:15; 1 Thess 2:13]. Nobody else is responsible for your inward craving other than you… James says you are drawn away “of your own lust”—it is the direct agent. Lust of the flesh—living to please the senses; it feels, looks, tastes or sounds good. Lust of the eyes—living for material things; I want, I must have things in life. Lust of your life—proud of your life which leads to easy offenses, rebellion, etc. The devil does not make you sin! The devil lies, the devil tempts, but sin comes from the lust for it inside of you. Paul says evil is present in him [that is in his flesh] even after his salvation [Romans 7:21]. James, in another dispensation, defines sin as coming from every man’s lust not from God or the devil [James 1:13-15]. You sin because of your lust for it. You have a nature that is sinful. You have a natural taste for it. I tell you, nobody wants to take responsibility for their inappropriate actions. It is human nature to pass on the blame to someone else. But God wants us to go beyond the human, natural thing and become much more supernatural in our life.

Take Responsibility. The power to sin does not come from the devil, but from your old man. When you pass on the responsibility for sin, you pass on the need for the cross of Christ, and become religious in your behavior. Do not blame the devil. The devil did not make you do it. You sinned.  Take responsibility for your sin. Tell the truth, you did it because you wanted to do it. That’s the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth….

I want you to know that God created and fashioned us in such a way that Satan cannot, in any way, physically force us to do something, nor can he overtake our body and make it act against our will. Satan can only plant thoughts into our minds and try and deceive us. He cannot make us act on those thoughts. It is our choice how we will act on the thoughts and feelings in our minds and hearts. Besides, to give credit to Satan for our actions is to deny the power of God within us to act for ourselves.

So where do we get the strength and power to banish Satan from our minds and hearts? Where can we find protection? How can we stay safe from deception and lies and temptation all around us? We’ve already looked at the most crucial element: knowing God’s Word and hiding it in our heart. The second way to resist temptation is to understand how temptation works. We are tempted when desire and opportunity come together. Think of every time you gave in to a temptation. It always happens at the intersection of desire and opportunity. So when you feel the desire to sin, ask God to remove the opportunity. When you have the opportunity to sin, ask God to take away the desire. Remember, God will always provide a way of escape. Look for it. And remember, Satan can tempt us to sin, but he cannot make us sin. He can goad and press but never force us.

The ladies of the 2016 LUE Productions Model Competition. Photo by Freddie Washington

By Naomi K. Bonman

With shows such as America’s Next Top Model, many watch them and will wonder, “how come there isn’t a show that’s dedicated to the big and beautiful women?” Now there are more outlets that are starting to cater to full-figured women that showcases their beauty in a positive light. LUE Productions is gearing up to bring the First Inland Empire Full Figured Model Competition and Fashion Show to San Bernardino on Saturday, June 11 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Women’s Club located at 503 W 31^st Street.

The afternoon will be filled with plenty of treats and the venue is accepted to sell out! The Voice of the I.E., Big Dee will be the host alongside Tammy Martin Martin-Ryles of the Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire. There will also be special performances by some Inland Empire’s finest artists, as well as a keynote speech by Gwen-Rodgers, founder of Women’s Empowerment Foundation (YWE).

Tickets are now on sale for $15 and will be $20 at the door, so get your tickets early! If you are interested in being a vendor for the event please text (909) 567-1000 or call Deeveatva Foy at (909) 556-7637 or Freddie Washington to (714) 833-3196.

Alive in the Lights

By Lue Dowdy

All Female Youth rock band “Alive in the Lights” is WHAT IT DO WITH THE LUE this week. OMG! OMG! When you talk about talented youth right here in the Inland Empire, Richardson Prep High is bringing up contenders in a real way. I had the opportunity to hear and watch this group rock out at several community events. From the first time I saw them I was hooked. Each one can sing and play. The girls show no fear when performing, they bring the HEAT.

Alive in the Lights is a five piece all girl rock band with members ages 16 to 19. The group was originally a three-member group formed as a small project at Richardson Prep High in San Bernardino. This group originally performed primarily acoustic rock and featured Madelyn Porras (age 17) as a vocalist, guitarist and pianist; Simmy Grewal (age 16) on bass and vocals; and Amanda Martinez (age 16) on keyboards and vocals. After an extensive search, Alive in the Lights really came together when joined by local rockers, drummer Elita Barus (age 18) from Citrus Valley High, and lead guitarist, Alex Padilla (age 19).

Since their formation in 2013, Alive in the Lights has written and produced several original songs and has played numerous high energy shows at venues such as Knott’s Berry Farm, Disney California Adventure, the House of Blues, the Glass House, Chain Reaction, Raging Waters, Cal State San Bernardino and the Lake Arrowhead Summer Concert series. In addition to these professional shows, Alive in the Lights plays at 10 to 15 charity events per year.

Their first EP, “Contradictions,” was released in October 2015 and their first professional music video, “Tongue Tied,” was released just months later. The girls have their sights set on even bigger shows this year and are currently working on their second EP and music video.  This young and extremely talented group is one to watch in 2016.

The group is available for booking. So please do ya girl a favor and check out their music. I predict that these ladies are going to go all the way to the TOP. Until next week L’z and San Bernardino Strong!