The B-List Magazine’s “One Year Anniversary Edition”

Information You Crave

Anniversary

Issue

1



ALSO IN THIS ISSUE Poet Ron Spears Director Erica HayesAndre McWilliamsDux Jones


a conversation with

By Rachel Araya


By Rachel Araya

Keith Washington


BTHELIST Jessica CareMoore : Poetic

Justice

Wayne County Commissioner Alisha Bell

Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale

B-List BeautyOf The Month


Issue 1February 2010BTHELIST

Monica BlaireReady For Takeoff

The Kim Bettie Radio ShowSo What’s The Fuss?

DJ MinxFor The Love of The Game


Rock Steady withA Legacy on Wheels:

Rolling With Mark A. DouglasPresident of Avis Ford


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Spectacles 230 E. Grand River

(Dwtn Detroit)

The UPS Store 18701 Grand River

(Rosedale Park)

The Johnson Family Agency 18711 Grand River

(Rosedale Park)

Shauna Johnson’s Allstate Insurance Agency 19562 Grand River

(Rosedale Park)

Greggs Pizza 17160 Livernois

(Detroit)

Simply Casual 19400 Livernois

(Detroit)

Liquor Palace 20078 Livernois

(Detroit)

Fundamental Spa 118 E. Nine Mile

(Ferndale)

House of Chants 210 W. Nine Mile

(Ferndale)

Burn Rubber 202 W. Fourth (Royal Oak)

Incognito 323 S. Main Street

(Royal Oak)

Bar 724528 W. 12 Mile

(Southfield)

GET THE MAGAZINE AT THE FOLLOWING

LOCATIONS:

Yeah, I’m old school. For the past 6 years, I have been sending out 2,500 emails, 50 at a time, covering events in the surrounding Metro Detroit area. A friend of mine complimented me on my quirky way of writing and suggested and urged me to take my networking efforts a step further; and here we are one year later with the 13th installment of the BList droppin ‘ on Detroit.

My visibility in Detroit’s local music scene has played a huge role in the success of this project. Most of the writers and staff members have been handpicked from relationships I have made over the years while DJ’ing around the city. A close colleague pointed out to me at the 2010 magazine launch party that with the aid of lifelong relationships, the longevity of this magazine will forever remain endless. Those words remain close to me and will never be forgotten.

It must be the music……yea, at least that’s what keeps me motivated. I still send out a weekly email b list the old fashion way and though the magazine remains printed in black and white copy, it is now available in full color through various internet web blasts. My motto remains, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, just relax and let it grow!” The BList - Read it…..

Bruce BaileyPublisher

For story ideas and advertising contact me at:[email protected]

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Bringing Hope To Detroit Youth



CHAR

LIE..

.

last n

ame

WILSO

N

3

FROM THE EDITOR

PUBLISHERSBruce Bailey

Nikki Howard-Combs

SENIOR EDITORMonique Guest

CREATIVE DIRECTORChuck Cross

MARKETING & EVENTS12 NV Events, LLC

GRAPHIC DESIGN Chuck CrossSteven Love

CFOCurtis Johnson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Rachel ArayaRichard CarsonBrigitte Maxey

Lisa CosleyShiron Denise

Lisa MillsFrancyne WalkerMelody Johnson

Cylenthia LaToye MillerMichelle FinleyJoy Santiago

Curtrise GarnerCoire Nichols Houston

COLUMNISTSDr. Reginald EadieDonna Marie Perry

Kim BettieLaSaunji Colston

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSNapoleon Wright Jr.

Steven Love Emmett NicholasRaphael Goudy

CIRCULATIONCamille Corr

ADVERTISING SALESLes Lance

Dear Readers, First, I would love to wish you all a Happy Love month. This month brings us to our one year anniversary. Because of all the support we have received this year from you, The BList is celebrating its’ first of many to come, year of publication. We thank you for helping us to become a staple in the networking arena in the city of Detroit. In our first year, we have introduced you to celebrities, local artist, medical doctors, real estate agents, entrepreneurs, local business people, and more. Because we have answered pertinent medical questions, taught you how to make a great drink, shared some advice on how to throw an event, you kept coming back for more. This year we are going to give you just that, more of what you’ve asked for; more real estate advice, more fashion forward and lifestyle secrets, to keep you in the know. We will also be adding a financial column, travel section, out and about photo section and tackle some of the inner city issues that some of you encounter every day. Our first year, we can say, was a learning experience. We learned a lot and are working on making The Blist something that Detroit can be proud of, because we are proud of what we have accomplished. We want to continue to give you what it is that you desire to read and enjoy. We want you to pick up The BList when you need to find a business that may be in your neighborhood and cater to it. We want you to pick up The BList when you have nowhere to go on a Friday night and we suggest to you a place to go that offers what you have in mind from dancing, to partying, to cocktails, networking, observing art at a gallery, fashion, and more. We, at The Blist, will continue to give you “Information that you crave.” Thank you, again, for all of your support and continue picking up The BList and keep us around for a second year.

Yours Truly,

Monique [email protected]

4

Welcome to a new season and another edition of the “BList Magazine!”

First, let us begin our 2nd year with a heart-felt “THANK YOU” to all of our advertisers, contributors, readers, and distribution locations. It is because of your support that we are able to continue to bring to Detroit “Information you Crave!”

We hope that you all have enjoyed our inaugural year of publishing the “BList Magazine” and we invite you back again and again, because 2011 is guaranteed to bring you more. Though this one year marks a wonderful milestone for us, we are still new and evolving. Because of this, we sincerely and cordially invite and welcome your input in the form of story ideas and commentary.

Please continue to support the “BList Magazine” and our advertisers. Together, we can assist in the growth of African American businesses and businesses in the city of Detroit. If we don’t do it, no one else will!

Bringing you “Information you Crave” and celebrating our first year of publication!

Thank you,

Nikki Howard-Combs, MBA, CWP

Publisher – “BList Magazine”Owner – “1 2 NV” Events, LLC Because ALL Events should be “One to Envy!”

FROM THE PUBLISHER

OUR ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

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By Kim Bettie

When I was just a little girl, my big brother left home to fight in the Vietnam War. He shared a story with me that I will never forget. He and his platoon were in big trouble, one day; they were approaching the enemy and things did not look good. My brother was at the front of the line when his leader tapped him and told him to move to the back of the line. This put my brother in an intense state of fear. He had heard rumors that the men in the back get captured or their throats cut. He says he began to pray feverishly as he took his new place as the second to the last man in line. Before he knew it, there was gunfire, bombs and bloodshed. Twenty eight out of thirty men died that day. Only two survived: my brother and the other young man behind him.

Most of us find ourselves immobilized with fear or overwhelmed with frustration when life sends us to the back of the line. An unwanted divorce or unexpected loss of a job can stimulate feelings of defeat. It takes faith to combat this type of fear. The stakes are high and you have got to keep moving. If you find yourself at the back of the line, choose faith over fear. Remember, this might be just the repositioning you need for your miracle.

Kim Bettie is a life coach and the author of The 14 Day Experiment: A do-it-yourself life coaching guide to a better you. For more info, visit www.greateradvantage.com or email Kim at [email protected].

The back of the line

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Richard Carson and Friend

Carl and Tonya BoldenReggie ‘Hotmix” Harrell,

Dwayne Jensen and Norm Talley

Tony Hill, Bruce Bailey and George Eason

Denise Williams-Mallet

Will Phelps and Cheryl

Al Heath, Steve Martin and Mike Micahnik

Terri Fielder and TJ Dumas

DETROIT’S

ASK DR. EADIE

As a native Detroiter and product of the Detroit public school system, I consider it a blessing and a privilege to serve the Detroit Metropolitan area as a Detroit Receiving Hospital trained emergency medicine physician. My career as an emergency medicine physician affords me the opportunity to not only cure disease and prolong life, but also to educate patients on their disease processes and preventive measures. In addition to providing this service, I now have an even larger opportunity to affect the health of Detroiters. After Michael Duggan, President and CEO of the Detroit Medical Center, appointed me president of Detroit Receiving Hospital and University Health Center in July 2010, it then became a duty for me to assure that the experience of every patient that enters the facility is one that is of high-quality and within a culture that exudes excellence.

October 12, 2010 marked the 30-year anniversary of the hospital and health center and we have a lot more to offer than most Michiganders are aware of. We are traditionally known for having one of the countries first and best Level I Trauma Centers that other Michigan hospitals strive to emulate. It is not just our excellence in handling emergencies that makes us valuable to Michigan; it is also our superior standards and excellence in other specialty care and quality that have allowed Detroit Receiving to earn many of the health care industry’s top honors. Detroit Receiving Hospital has received the American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet recognition for nursing excellence (one

Making Detroit Receiving Hospital the Best Place for Employees to Work, Physicians to Practice Medicine and Patients to Receive Care

7

TOP DOCTOR

Reginald J. Eadie, MD President, Detroit Receiving Hospital

of the highest distinctions a hospital can receive). Receiving Hospital, for the third year in a row, was just declared a “US top hospital for quality and safety” by the Leapfrog Group, a health care safety and quality coalition supported by many of the nation’s largest corporations and Fortune 500 companies. In fact, of the 1200 hospitals nationwide, only 65 were awarded this honorable recognition and interestingly, four of these hospitals were in the state of Michigan and three of them were with the Detroit Medical Center. I often remind my friends and family that when I say the best nurses and physicians work at Detroit Receiving, it is not rhetoric and I actually have the credentials to prove it. It is important that Michiganders begin to put their health in the hands of healthcare systems, hospitals and physicians who have proven they provide safe and superior care.

Detroit Receiving Hospital has world renowned physicians and programs in cardiology, geriatrics, orthopedics, urology, burn and emergency medicine. My office receives letters, phone calls and e-mails of surprise and appreciation from suburbanites who were advised to come to where the best nurses and physicians are practicing medicine. Their correspondences rave about and the clinical expertise and bedside manner of the medical staff, the customer service and the friendliness of the nursing staff and the attention they received while at Detroit Receiving Hospital. With the Wayne State University affiliation, our commitment to research shows in our state-of-the-art quality care. As far as innovation is concerned, it should not be surprising to you to learn that the DMC is the only hospital system that uses a system-wide electronic medical records’ program and fewer than 3 percent of all U.S. hospitals have

this level of electronic patient recordkeeping. To top things off, we have mastered a “29-minute ER Guarantee,” which promises patients they will see an emergency physician within 29 minutes of arrival. Furthermore, we have the most innovative cardiac team (Cardio Team One) in the nation.

The most exciting changes are ahead of us. With our new partnership with Vanguard Health Systems, Detroit Receiving will benefit with new operating rooms and renovated patient rooms. This $28.8 million dollar investment will make our service to the community that much closer to perfect. My ultimate goal is to make Detroit Receiving Hospital the best place for employees to work, physicians to practice medicine and most importantly patients to receive care. The DMC and Detroit Receiving Hospital will always be here for you!

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While this is my first appearance as a writer in the fabulous B List magazine, I am no stranger to the founder, Bruce Bailey. I am proud to say, Bruce was my classmate at Western Michigan University; we were always close. As students, we were very ambitious, we often talked about things we wanted to do in life. I am proud to call Bruce a friend. His team is doing a lot of great things here, in the “D”, with this publication. I am glad to be a part of it.

As for me, for the past 20 or more years (I started very young lol), I have submerged myself into the business arena, along with the fashion and entertainment industry. As a result, I know a “little sumtin, sumtin” about style and taste. LOL. Over the past 15 years, my business has taken me to most of the top cities in America as well as other parts of the world. I have truly been blessed. Of course God gets all the glory.

Being in the fast paced garment industry, I split my time between 7 exciting cities.(Don’t feel sorry for me) Detroit, my first love, Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Miami, and of course New York. For the most part, these cities are the fashion circuit here in America. However, there are some other emerging markets such as Dallas, San Francisco and Philly.

So, Detroit, as a retailer, stylist, consultant, and overall tastemaker, I will be your “eyes and ears, to pop culture....” Welcome to my column: YOUR L.E.F.T.™ (lifestyle, entertainment, fashion and taste). In the preceding months, I will bring you the hottest, and of course, latest, and greatest topics surrounding the business of fashion, and the secrets of style. I will also cover “What’s hot and What’s not”. Detroit, enjoy the ride. Let’s have some fun!

Until we meet again, follow me on twitter or friend me on facebook or email me at [email protected]. Signing off, your main man………………………………………………………………………………………Rufus (RB) Bartell,peace&detroitlove....

YOUR L.E.F.T.™

MICHIGAN’S LEADER

FOR YOUR TECHNOLOGY

SOLUTIONS

Call us Toll Free 877-629-5863 or in the Detroit Area 313-598-6175

www.TheAnswerPeopleOnline.com

Business services include:

Technology Services Website Design & Hosting, Email Services, Hardware and Software Sales, Small Business Consulting,Online Training

Marketing Services Digital & Print Advertising, Logo Design, Business Cards & Stationery

Print Services Digital & Paper Magazines & Newsletters

9

Voted Best Soul Food

Get Soul. Dining i Bar i Lounge

www.beanscornbread.com

29508 Northwestern Hwy. Southfield, MI

North of 12 Mile in the Sunset Strip 248.208.1680

Whether you’ve been shot by Cupids’ arrow or if you’re dodging it, the season of celebrating Love is upon us. So regardless of how you will be celebrating, be it with your significant other or significantly celebrating yourself, I’ve got a seductive little ‘tini appropriately named for the holiday that will be sure to induce a little passion or at least add a little smile to your day.

Valentini Martini*

- Bottle of your favorite Currant flavored Vodka. Some suggested brands are Absolut

- Kurant, Kremly Black Currant and Cristall Black Currant

- Champagne, again select your personal fav - Raspberry Schnapps - Limes (juice of 2-3 and slices for garnish) - Ice - Large Martini shaker (if making full cocktail recipe) - Sexy Martini Stemware

Simply fill a martini shaker 1/2 full with ice. Add 2 1/4 cups of your Currant flavored vodka, 3/4 cups of raspberry schnapps, 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice (fresh is better than bottled, but indulge your preference). Shake well. To mixture add 1 1/4 cups of champagne. Shake gently to preserve the bubbly. Strain into your festively sexy martini stemware, garnish with lime.

Don’t forget to add your own personal aphrodisiacs to your celebration, scented candles, rose petals, smoked oysters, etc., and enjoy a wonderful celebration of Love.

*Note: This recipe uses an entire bottle of champagne and will make roughly 12 glasses so measure appropriately if you are seeking to make less, or more!

Referenced About.com article by S. Breslow Sardone Cheers!!

Sippin With Soni LaSaunji Colston

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By Coire Nichols Houston

Who knew that actress extraordinaire, best known as Hillary Banks, from “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” has an award winning series of DVD’s that are in continuous rotation on HBO Family, based off of African American’s in history? We did at the B-List, so what better way to celebrate the One Year Anniversary of the B-list, Valentine’s Day and African American History Month, but by introducing our readers to Karyn Parsons, with ‘HER’ story about our History.

Parsons’ role as Hillary remains just as well-known now as the show remains in syndication, nationally to-date. Since the shows ending in 1996; she’s married and has two children; a daughter, 7 and a son, 3. In 2006, she started her company Sweet Blackberry, a non-for-profit organization whose goal is to bring little known inspirational, African American Historical stories, to children of all cultures. Parsons is bi-racial, whose mother is black and father is white, was inspired by her mother who was the librarian of the Black Resource Center, in South Central Los Angeles. She started developing the project while on the set of “The Fresh Prince,” but it wasn’t until she met her husband, Alexandre Rockwell, while studying at New York University’s Film School, that she started making strides toward bringing her idea to fruition.

While pregnant with her daughter, as with most mothers-to-be, she began to think about what values and morals she would instill on her child. Upon her daughter reaching school age, the thought of how history was being taught, became more of a priority to her, as the resources are not provided to children at a young age about African American history outside of the likes of Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and those who contributed to Civil Rights era. “While there have been plenty of nursery rhymes, and things of that sort that are taught in (kindergarten) school, there have never been any stories about these incredible Black achievers that I feared would be lost. I know as a child, had I heard and/or seen these stories they would have stuck-out with me and I would remember them now,” says Parsons.

The more she began to discuss this with family and friends, specifically her husband who is a film maker, the closer she came toward reaching her goal with the creation of the her first DVD an animation entitled “The Journey of Henry Box Brown,” a true story about a slave that mailed himself from the state of Virginia to Pennsylvania to freedom. To further validate her efforts, Emmy Award Winning actress, Alfred Woodard was most willing to approach her project by narrating this Digital Video Disk. Laughing she stated, “Oh my God, what better story could be shared with kids that they could identify with, than a slave, mailing himself to freedom, and popping out-of-the -box!” For those that are unaware of Henry’s

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Karyn Parsons – “HERstory ‘In The Making’”

story, as with myself, Karyn shared her research on the topic and according to the Memoir of Henry Brown and the actual story was heart wrenching, yet a love story for the for masses…

“As a slave, Henry found a woman whom he loved and married. He and his wife promised that they would never ever (from their family) separate. They had children together and one day he came home from the fields (of Virginia) to find that his entire family had been sold to other slave masters. So, Henry ran until finding his family and wife in a wagon. He held her hand for four hours or more along the way until they

had to part ways. The last thing that he said to her was “Until we meet in heaven!” This was devastating to him and felt as though, ‘I will die in a box or die as a slave,” which prompted him to place himself in a wooden box living off of a goat’s bladder while traveling for over 27 hours by boat and train until he reached the state of Pennsylvania, where he became a free man.” Henry Brown continued to share his story as a FREE Man to those who were willing to hear…“Of course, I couldn’t share the entire story with kids, because they’re so funny, they kept asking me, how he went to the bathroom. So, I had to make it interesting enough that they could learn this incredible story of his journey, that would be appealing to them,” she shares.

The next story in her DVD series, is about the inventor of the traffic light, among other things Garret Morris entitled “Garret’s Gift,” which was narrated by Queen Latifah. According to Parsons, “Garret’s Gift,” focuses on a young Garret Morris, who often got in trouble, and didn’t know what he was good at. His mother said to him, that everyone is given a gift on this earth and he too needed to discover his. So at that time, during horse and buggy’s and the new invention of cars, he went to the main street and discovered that there were a lot of accidents that took place. Hence the discovery of the Traffic Signal; again something those children could identify.

While all of her animated programs are still on rotation as a part of HBO Family’s television series and available on DVD, I had to discuss her acting career and how it began…

Because of her mother’s position as a Liberian, Parsons was obviously introduced to books at an early age. Due to spending some of her time at the library, she often picked-up books that introduced young people into acting. This resulted with a young Karyn, producing and developing plays of her own. Upon entering into high school she and a few friends auditioned and became part of the theater arts department in high school. However, as a result from running within the “Wrong Crowd or Crew,” she was kicked off of the team for her entirety of High School. Also, part of the Dance Ensemble, she was unable to perform as a dancer.

A devastated Karyn, was destined, yet again, to reach her aspiration. “I saw a sign on the corkboard about acting classes.” Moving forward, she and a friend took the classes; with being two of the youngest members, which latterly lead her to her first starring role with another up-and-coming actress, Vanessa Bell Calloway. As promised, I will not disclose the name of the film or its theme.

However, Karyn and I were within the same thought process with the title for the show “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” with being

‘Corny!” “I auditioned for many projects, for dramatic rolls, and my acting coach told me that any position (The Fresh Price Project) is a JOB, so I too never took that role seriously because it was with some RAP guy moving to California to live in Bel Air.” Needless to say, she got the part and the rest is actually infamous, as the same acting coach that Karyn retained earlier in her career is now the same coach that continues to travel with Will Smith to-date.

Marriage, motherhood, and the inspiration from Mom, have all lead to keeping Karyn Parsons’ focused on HERstory, by profiling the many little known African American Hero’s that have contrbuited to Our HISTORY!

To find out more about or to purchase the “Journey of Henry Box Brown”, and “Garrets Gifts”, please visit Karyn Parsons’ web site at www.sweetblackberry.com. Also visit the web site, www.charitybuzz.com/freshprince to receive the opportunity to win an exclusive dining experience with the entire cast of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air to include a photo shoot with the Fresh Prince himself, actor Will Smith! All proceeds will go to Karyn’s company Sweet Blackberry.

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By Rachel Araya

Detroit 1-8-7 is a unique and compelling crime drama series about Detroit’s leading homicide unit fighting Detroit’s homicide rate. If you are not watching this raw, gritty and highly riveting drama series, then you are missing out on the best cop show on television--period.

Since Detroit 1-8-7 aired on September 21, 2010, Detroiters have been worried about their reputation. After watching the show, I would say that we need not worry any longer. The show has evolved from episode to episode as a gripping survival tale of the blue on the tough streets of Detroit.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of haters and naysayers who are complaining that the depiction of Detroit is negative. A television show based out of Detroit does not tell the entire story of Detroit; it’s about the crime that is trying to corrupt Detroit but to no avail. The show’s brilliant writers found a way to make Detroit a strong supporting character to the heroic main characters. We see Detroit (as a character) overcoming tragedies and reviving itself through its diverse police force.

Detroit 1-8-7 is telling a story of redemption. Detroit’s finest are triumphant in their mission to save the city from the unscrupulous individuals who try to give Detroiters a bad name. The ABC procedural is in no way declaring that all Detroiters are bad guys. Rather, it is telling stories about Detroit’s finest homicide detectives catching the bad guys and putting these scumbags in jail in order to keep the city safe.

The cast of Detroit 1-8-7 includes Michael Imperioli as Detective Louis Fitch, James McDaniel as Sergeant Jesse Longford, Aisha Hinds as Lieutenant Maureen Mason, Natalie Martinez as Detective Ariana Sanchez, Shaun Majumder as Detective Vikram Mahajan, D.J. Cotrona as Detective John Stone, Jon Michael Hill as Detective Damon Washington, and Erin Cummings as Dr. Abbey Ward.

On top of the street drama, the main characters secret lives unfold slowly as they try to balance

work with their personal dilemmas. The storyline for each character is growing from one episode to the next, which is keeping the show fresh and clean. The characters’ gruff compassion is enough to captivate our minds and our hearts.

Detroit 1-8-7 is employing a lot of people in the city. From the crew to extras, many Detroiters are happy to see a check in this economy. As a viewer and an extra on the show, I hope that ABC will listen to Detroit and all of the fans of Detroit 1-8-7 when we stand up for this show.

We have been given the opportunity by executive producers Jason Richman, David Zabel, Kevin Hooks, David Hoberman, and Todd Lieberman to show the world what we are made of. It would be a travesty if all we did was complain about the nuances in the show such as the odd backdrops. We really need to accept Detroit for who she is—the old and dilapidated as well as the beautiful historic landmarks. I understand that the media has been cruel to us. Sometimes we can be cruel to ourselves as well. We cannot turn our backs on the city of Detroit. We should support the show. It is an awesome television drama that is generating a lot of revenue for the city of Detroit.

I would be remised if I didn’t tell the readers that Detroit 1-8-7 was nominated for Outstanding Drama Series at the 2011 NAACP Image Awards for portraying African-Americans in a positive light. If outsiders can see our metamorphosis on camera every week, perhaps we should take a second look for ourselves.

Please sign the Renew Detroit 1- 8-7 petition. Go to http://www.petitiononline.com/detro187/petition.html. This is a golden opportunity to show the world what we are made of! We must stand up for Detroit!

By Michelle Finley

There are many misconceptions with regard to debt and collections. Many of our beliefs have been carefully crafted by the banking and collections industries, and are not law. In fact, many of the collections practices that are accepted as industry standards are illegal. The consumer has rights, and to manage the collection agencies you need to know those rights.

· You have a right to TELL a collection agency to not call you at home or work EVER.

· You have a right to request validation of any debt someone is claiming you owe in writing, including your mortgage.

· While awaiting the creditor’s response to a validation of debt request, collections activity MUST cease.

· A default judgment is not a given. You have a right (obligation) to respond to a collection agency’s attempt to be awarded a default judgment.

There are many other rights you have as a consumer, and it is your responsibility to know them and exercise them. For now, let’s look at how you can immediately address any pressing credit concerns. If you are facing unrelenting phone calls from a collection agency, answer the phone and ask them to give you their correspondence address. They WILL resist, and you will INSIST! You will then go online and search for a CEASE and DESIST letter template. Finally, you will send the cease and desist letter as soon as possible. The sooner you send the letter, the better because you will not give the collection agency the time they need to attempt to get a default judgment. After the collection agency receives your letter, they are no longer allowed to contact you by phone or in person; they are only allowed to send you a written correspondence with a resolution period. If they call, answer and remind them of this fact. In addition, if you want to settle a debt or eliminate your credit card debt, collection agencies are more likely to work with you. They are more willing because you don’t owe them one cent. That’s right, you don’t owe them anything! You never signed a contract with them and your original debt was written off by your original creditor. Know your rights! Michelle Finley President Homeowners Advocate Association Direct 248.298.9134Toll Free 866.611.4551www.homeownersadvocateonline.com/blog

MANAGING COLLECTION

AGENCIES;Easier than you think

Detroit 1-8-7

Rachel Araya is the owner of Ascensions, LLC—a freelance writing company. Rachel Araya graduated from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with Distinction. She also graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School. She is currently working on her firstnovel.

13

By Curtrise GardnerCarolyn Harding, a New York-bred house musician and DJ, has been on a 30 year love affair with all of the elements that make house music bump, hump and jump.

As a young woman, the love affair began whenshewasfirstintroducedtothemusicvia her older brother’s membership, at a popular New York spot called The Garage. As a matter of fact, the club was originally a gay club. Eventually, the popularity of the music that made one kick a leg in the air, turn around and do the splits – they added a straight night. Prior to then, all Harding had ever really been exposed to was R&B and pop. That night at The Garage changed her life. That was 30 years ago and the rest is history.

She met producer Winston Jones and recordedherfirsthousesinglein1984,“Memories.” Her music has resonated with fans all over the world, as she produced hits such as “You’re Going to Love Me, “All Because of You”, “This Love” and “Something About You,” -- songs that have spanned her musical career, but remained steadfast favorites with her fans.

Hardings’ music recently brought her to Detroit, in the summer of 2010, to visit producers Moody Man, Theo Parrish, Mike Clark, Piranhahead and Rick Wilhite. One of her next products will be with Parrish, which she said is coming soon. She also is planning to perform in Detroit on a tour that Wilhite is coordinating. “We were greatly received in Detroit,” she said of her visit here. She also visited a skating party that Moody Man was hosting and was able to meet and greet several fans.

In the next few months, Hardings’ single, “Love and Let Love,” produced by South African producer Tshepo Sono for Casamena Records will be released.

Her most recent release is a remake of herfirstsong“MovingOn,”whichwasreleased on Tallhouse Records, and is now available.

49 year old Harding recently partnered with Calvin “DJ C-Boogie” Booker, to make sure that the gap between her and her young fan base, remains small. With the

Carolyn Harding, Globally Independentadvent of the internet, the music world is smaller and she plans to reach out and touch as many fans as she can.

Although her music has been released on various labels, she realizes that the life of an independent artist can still be grand and momentous and even more personalized. “You can be global without a major label and still have the ability to reach fans directly. I think that is awesome” she said.

Harding says that she will continue to sing until, “I can’t stand up anymore.”

She has transcribed her life, personal and musical, in a book, “Memories and Still Moving On,’ which is aptly named after two of her most popular songs.

Last, Harding said that she is looking forward to coming back to Detroit again, and Detroit House Heads are anxiously waiting her arrival.

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The Hook Up LoungeWe have to go back to where we left off! There was a cat fightensuingbetweenSandraandPrecious.Henrywasabout to get his ego boasted in public in a major way. Sandra was feeling Henry, and Precious was claiming Henry, and hating Sandra because she was enjoying Henry’s company and his attention. Sandra was explaining to Henry that Precious had a problem and she was going to helpherfixit.OHmylol!WhatwasHenrytodo?Here’swhat happened next…….

Precious was riding her broom back to the comfortable sofa section that Sandra and Henry had decided to chill and chat in. And from the looks of her, she was looking to start some drama. Sandra’s face told the rest of the story. Even as beautiful as Sandra is, the look on her face was…. “girl I’m not having it”…… Even laid back Henry could see that. Precious, though, is that kind of push your buttons, try you because she can chick…ooh she is hateful! She comes up to them and says, “Henry I just asked the DJ toplayoursongareyouready?”

But before Henry could respond, Sandra says, “Girl! if you don’t go on with that nonsense. Isn’t it clear that he’s busy?”Precious looks at her and says “Busy doing nothing! You time waster! He has more important things to do!” Henry is starting to get nervous and not for nothing either.Sandra gets up and starts moving towards Precious and not in a, let’s talk kind of way. There is some real animosity here. Henry says, “Ladies I think we all need to remember we are in public and that….”

Beforehecouldfinish,Preciousattemptstopouradrinkon Sandra….Sandra grabs at Precious hair, doesn’t get a good pull but manages to pull out a few pieces; Precious screams in agony and before you know it, this dark tall and handsome man steps between the 2 of them, even before Henry could break it up himself. Wheretheheckdidhecomefrom?Whoishe?HefacesPreciousandsays ”I see you are still up to your oldtrickshuh?”

She looks at him with fear… Who could make the devil incarnate fearful?Findoutnexttime.

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Specializing in Heartfelt Gifts & KeepSakes N Collectibles

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DETROITBUSINESSFESTIVAL

3 r d A N N U A L

a t t h e r u s s e l l b a z a a r

[ ] Promote your business, network with other professionals and interact with the Detroit community at the DBF, February 26th-27th. All industries are welcome to participate, including restaurants, bars, boutiques, event services, retail shops, etc. Table/booth spaces of various sizes are available for the weekend. Over 2,000 people are expected to attend this years festival, which will include live musicians, raf�es, business seminars, and discussions with top business leaders in Detroit.

107.5 WGPR ADVERTISERS:50% OFF REGISTRATION FEE for the DETROIT BUSINESS FESTIVAL

BUSINESS INSIGHT PANELSaturday, Feb. 26TH 2PM

KEYNOTE ADDRESSSunday, Feb. 27TH 4PM

Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh

More info: 313.972.7009Find us on

107.5 WGPR Discounted Rates: 8ft Table: $12 8' x 8' booth: $17 12' x 12' booth: $27 12' x 25' booth: $37 16.5' x 25' booth: $50

TO REGISTER: FORMS AVAILABLE AT www.russellbazaar.com/dbf CALL 313.972.7009

THIRD ANNUAL DETROIT BUSINESS FESTIVALAT THE RUSSELL BAZAAR

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH 12PM—7PM & SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH 12PM—5PM

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Grandeur Events are….

Professional. Detailed. Time orientated. Exceptionally organized. In additional to providing several years assisting with planning meetings, events, exhibitions and developing brand recognition; Grandeur Events are exceptional in managing facility requirements, coordination schedules and arranging travel accommodations. Grandeur Events has a successful track record of scouting venues that are beyond client expectations with budget criteria carefully considered. Grandeur Events provides exemplary customer service and satisfaction with GRANDEUR style.

Services Provided: Event Planning/Coordination & Organization

Venue Scouting Image Consultation

Talent Placement & Artist Relations In-House Public/Media Relations

Graphic Designing with Photo/videographer for all promotional marketing needs On-site catering services

Staffed Security Project Management

Contact information: Grandeur Events; Kimberly Davis 248-320-6338 (c) [email protected] (e)

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Remember When...Photos by Diamondancer

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Pilates anyone?

Townsend Street Pilates189 Townsend St # 100Birmingham, MI 48009248-642-6061

Are you prepared for an emergency like this? If not, I can help!

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MECCA @TV BAR FRIDAYSDETROIT

BRUCE BAILEY | NEXT

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4201 St. Antoine Blvd. • Detroit, Michigan 48201-2153 • (313) 745 -3000

Detroit, isn't it time you come back home?

DRH-Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Ad_Layout 1 10/7/10 11:53 AM Page 1

Documents

The B-List Magazine’s “One Year Anniversary Edition”