Information You Crave

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Information You Crave

04Fall Wardrobe: One to Envy

Nikki Howard-Combs

05Ask Dr. Eadie

Dr. Reginald Eadie

09Andre L.Johnson:

DETROIT TO AFRICA DRUG FREE

Brigitte Maxey

11CORA BLE DSOE:

INSPIRATION IS ARTBrigitte Maxey

12

Real Estate Trend:Lease Vs. Buy

Joy Santiago

14Sippin’ With SoniLaSaunji Colston

07Say Uncle! Charlie Wilson’s Reign at the TopRachel Araya

Volume 8September 2010

PUBLISHERS

FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Readers,

September brings us a new season and for some of us a new start. The children are back in school and life goes on and the nights of warm weather and brunch on the patio become a far memory. Welcome to the 8th issue of The BList. This month we bring you the one and only Charlie Wilson otherwise known as “Uncle Charlie”. Rachel Araya talks to him about his rise to the top, the fall to ruins and rise again like the phoenix he is. You will find his story to be one of hope and perseverance. Make sure you check out Brigitte Maxey’s story on Andre Johnson as he works hard to accomplishing his goal of creating a drug-free Detroit as he, himself, continues to live in recovery for over 20 years. He also has rooted his program in Africa to create a support for addiction recovery. This is truly a great read that you will not want to miss. I hope that you had an opportunity to check out The Ribs N Soul R& B and Jazz festival at Hart Plaza. Our own Les Lance checked it out and gives us a peak at Alexander O’Neal and Cherelle as they heat up the main stage. I’m sure they set that stage on fire. The ribs brought the people out as they had the opportunity to taste some of the best Barbeque from around the country.

What is a Mystery Shopper? Well Cora Bledsoe, a native Detroiter and Cass Tech Alumnae and author of two children’s books, tells us about the virtually untapped profession and how the industry needs more to get feedback on their products. Maybe you can be a mystery shopper, read on and find out how. You ever ask yourself if renting or owning a home would be best for you? Joy Santiago of Dwellings Unlimited discusses the real estate trends of the American Dream of owning or leasing your home. This month The BList is full of great stories and useful information and I hope that you enjoy and continue to support us because we are here to give you the “Information You Crave”.

Sincerely,

Monique GuestSenior Editormoniqueguestblist@email.com

PUBLISHERSBruce Bailey

Nikki Howard-Combs

SENIOR EDITORMonique Guest

CREATIVE DIRECTORChuck Cross

MARKETING & EVENTS12 NV Events, LLC

GRAPHIC DESIGN Chuck CrossSteven Love

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Curtis Johnson

COVER STORYRachel Araya

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Richard CarsonBrigitte Maxey

Lisa CosleyLes Lance

COLUMNISTSDr. Reginald EadieDonna Marie Perry

Kim BettieLaSaunji Colston

Cedi Johnson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSNapoleon Wright Jr.

Steven Love

CIRCULATIONMichael Powell

Alex OdgerCamille Corr

ADVERTISING SALES

Les Lance

Fall Wardrobe: One to Envy

Nikki Howard-Combs

When you are trying on your clothes, think back to the last time you wore this outfit. Remember how great you looked but also keep in mind our figures change with time and sometimes outfits may not look as good as we remembered. Hmm ... Maybe that super cute dress you wore a few years ago doesn't quite look as adorable as you remembered. It's ok though, because we need to stay current and create new looks and styles as our lifestyle changes. It's important to analyze each outfit to consider if it is the correct color and style. It is a good length? Is the shape right for your body style?One of the easiest and least expensive ways to update your ward-robe is to add some sparkle with accessories. It's amazing how accessories can turn a plain outfit into something extra special! Accessories are an easy way to add “bling”and pizzazz! If this task seems a little too much, call “1 2 NV” Events on 248-648-12NV(1268) for your fall wardrobe analysis and get the job done! I will go through your wardrobe and create outfits with clothing and accessories you already have. After we come up with some outfits that are“One to Envy” we will make a shop-ping list of the items that you need. We will also create a photo album of your new outfits so all you have to do in the morning is flip through the album and pull out a complete outfit. No think-ing required! “1 2 NV” Events, LLC is built on experience, passion, integrity, and dedication.Nikki Howard-Combs has the natural talent for coor-dinating wardrobes andevents, building significant relationships and for making ALL things “One to Envy!” Nikki Howard-Combs, MBA, CWP is the owner of “1 2 NV” Events, LLC.She is a Certified Wedding and Event Planner, and was recently named Board President - Michigan Dream Team. She earned her Bachelor of Science (BSE) in Computer Engineering from Oakland University and her Masters of Business Adminis-tration (MBA) from the University of Michigan. She earned her Wedding Planning Certification (CWP) from The Wedding Plan-ning Institute, and her Certificate in Entrepreneurship from Tech Town’s Growth Ventures Program. She is currently enrolled in the Preston Bailey/Wedding Planning Institute Event Design Certifica-tion Program. Nikki Howard-Combs, MBA, CWP is Co-Publisher of the B-List Magazine, and is recognized as “Who’s Who in Black Detroit” – Entrepreneur 2009 & 2010. I look forward to hearing from you ... Because ALL Wardrobes should be“One to Envy!”

Nikkiwww.12nvevents@.netmy_12nveventsllc@yahoo.com

ASK DR. EADIEThis months question is from Natasha M.:

So Dr., I met this guy I think is very attractive, however, he does not seem to notice me.

I think I may have to drop a few pounds. Help!

Dr. Eadie:

Thank you very much for the weighted down question. This is the time of year when the leaves come down but our weight goes up! Let’s see if I can be of some help to you. First off, let’s determine whether or not you really need to “drop a few” pounds. The reality of it all may be that you don’t need to lose any weight, or that you need to lose more than just a “few” pounds. In medicine, the Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to classify one as being underweight,

normal weight, overweight or obese.

Your calculated BMI can then be applied to the following weight classification chart:

BMI Weight ClassificationBelow 18.5 Underweight18.5 – 24.9 Normal Weight 25 – 29.9 Overweight30 and Above Obese

DETROIT’S TOP DOCTOR05

For example, a person who weighs 220 pounds and is 6 feet and 3 inches (or 75 inches) tall would have a BMI of 27.5.

220 (lbs)_ X (703) = 27.5 A BMI of 27.5 is indicative of an overweight person. (75) X (75) The BMI is directly related to your life expectancy. Research has proven that your BMI can also be combined with other personal facts to help give you an idea of how long you are predicted to live.

For example:

· If your Body Mass Index is the same as it was when you were 21, add 10 years. · If your BMI is between 25-30, take off 2-5 years. If your BMI is more than 30, take off at least 10 years.· If your BMI is over 30 and; If you smoke less than 20 cigarettes per day, take off 2 years. If you smoke 20 · - 40 cigarettes, take off 7 years. If you smoke more than 40 cigarettes, take off 12 years.

These suggestions are based on an average life expectancy of 75 years and 80 years for men and women, respectively.

Based on your BMI, if you need directions on how to shed a few pounds start by taking the following steps:

· Eat 5-6 small meals (as opposed to 3 large meals) per day · Drink the recommended amount of water. Your weight in pounds ÷ 2 = the ounces of water you should drink each day· Eat at least one vegetarian meal per day· Eliminate all red meat and pork from your diet· If you’re an habitual sweets eater, limit your intake to one day weekly. Never have them in your immediate possesion

(home, car, office, etc.)· Engage in moderate-intensity exercise (e.g., brisk walking, mowing the lawn, dancing, swimming, bicycling) for no less

than 30 minutes and at lease 3 or more days per week· If your BMI is greater than 40, consider surgical intervention. Contact experts at www.harperbmi.org or 1.877.362.9898

(DMD-W8W8)

It is my belief that you are the molder of your character and the maker and shaper of your condition, environment and destiny. So, before worrying about getting the attention of “a very attractive guy”, let’s make sure you are as healthy as your (future) mate expects you to be. Besides, the brother may have already noticed you and may like you just the way you are. Learn more about how to control your circumstances by reading one of my favorite books entitled As A Man Thinketh by James Allen. Pay close attention to the chapters he named The Thought-Factor in Achievement and Effect of Thought in Health and the Body.

Detroit, keep your questions coming to askdreadie@hotmail.com.

Subsequent articles will answer questions related to the treatment of headaches and detoxying.

I wish you peace and love,

rje

TOP DOCTOR

Say, “Uncle!”

07

Charlie Wilson’s Reign at the TopBy Rachel Araya

Charlie Wilson is best-known for being the lead singer of The Gap Band, whose string of platinum and gold albums produced hits like “Outstanding,” “Yearning for Your Love,” and “You Dropped a Bomb on Me.” The consummate performer, Wilson’s star shined bright on his solo outings as well: You Turn My Life Around (1992), Bridging the Gap (2000), and Charlie, Last Name Wilson (2005). And on the heels of 2005’s gold-selling LP, “Uncle Charlie” topped Billboard’s Hot Adult R&B Airplay, again, with the release of “There Goes My Baby,” which spent eight weeks at the summit. During his reign at the top, Wilson scored his highest debut on the Billboard 200, when Uncle Charlie, his fourth solo album, landed in the #2 spot. The R&B icon took some time out of his busy schedule to

kick it with B-List

Magazine. Here we go!!!! First of all, on behalf of B-List Magazine, I want to extend our condolences to you and your family on the loss of your brother, Robert, who I know was also a member of The Gap Band. Our prayers and best wishes go out to your family. My first question is: Will the Gap Band ever record again or is it really over now?I told my family the other day that I buried The Gap Band with my brother. There were three core members of The Gap Band. The other two members were my brothers: Robert and Ronnie. It won’t feel the same without Robert. I don’t mind taking people back in my shows but as far as recording as The Gap Band I think that

it’s really over.

I would be remised if I didn’t congratulate you on the chart-topping success of “There Goes My Baby,” which spent 10 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Hot Adult R&B chart. Congratulations!!!! Most R&B artists don’t experience a 40 year career in the music business. You have fans from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s. What is the secret to your longevity in the music business?I think that the fans appreciate me because I went through hell and back. The passion that I have drove my return to the music business. Some people told me that it would be impossible for me to make a comeback. I had to look at who was trying to stop me. You’re trying to stop me. You say that I can’t go do this TV show. You’re saying that I shouldn’t be on a certain radio station. It’s really you who is telling me no! You are not letting me get to the people. There are people out there who are trying to stop your good from flowing. For example, someone might try to tell me that I don’t

belong somewhere with Justin Bieber. That boy can sing his butt off! However, that doesn’t mean that I can’t sing my butt off too. When I say “you,” I’m talking about the gatekeepers. It’s you that’s trying to keep me away from Justin Bieber. You’re the one that won’t let me get on the stage. There were so many things that I had to do in order to climb the ladder that they kept taking out from under me. I’m on a mission. And I hope that nobody else tries to stop me. I’m here because of my fans.

Your publicist, the lovely Miss Juanita Stephens, hooked me up with two tickets to your Chene Park concert in Detroit. And let me tell you: You are looking good Uncle Charlie!!!! Hear me? You are in excellent shape, and you are a phenomenal performer. I danced in the aisle for the entire duration of the concert because your energy is so super-duper infectious. Where does all of that energy come from?I have the determination to perform. That is all I ever knew, and that

08

is all I have ever known. I keep in shape because it looks good, and it makes me feel good. The energy comes from the determination and the passion that I have for the stage. I only drink water and Gatorade. I don’t go to stage with a Long Island Iced Tea like I did in the eighties. I go to the stage with just water and Gatorade. I’m just healthier right now.

A lot of your songs are ballroom and stepper-friendly songs. Are you intentionally recording songs that cater to all of the stepper and ballroom dancers out there or are you just making feel-good music?Basically, I like feel-good music. If the record feels good, the people are gonna dance to it. I’m creating feel-good music. I’m not writing or producing songs for ballroom dancers or steppers. I’m just writing songs that feel good. If you can step to it or ballroom to it so be it. I create music according to how I’m feeling.

Do you think that “Uncle Charlie,” is your best work as a solo artist?

Yes. I think so. And on Uncle Charlie II, I’m stepping up the game even more. I have a single on there called “You Are,” that I really like. My fan base goes from 5 years old to seventy-four years old. I have to write and produce songs that associate me with people and touches all generations. My music really is a universal language. It allows me to speak to a lot of different kinds of people. For instance, some parents may not like a particular song. Well, the parents may not like a song but their thirteen year old kids will like it so I’m like sit down and be quiet. I’m like just sit there until the song that you like comes on. I have my Gap Band fans and my Uncle Charlie fans so I need to make sure that they are all happy.

You went from rags to riches. Then you went from riches to rags to riches and Grammy nominations. Why do you think that you had to travel down that windy road? What was going on with you?A lot of things were going on. I can’t tell you everything because I haven’t finished writing my book. I was on skid row—hungry. I used drugs and alcohol, and they both beat me down but that’s just one part of it. The other part I can’t reveal yet because I’m writing about it in my book. I had nowhere to go, no money, and no food. The only people that knew I was homeless were the people who took care of me. They let me sleep in their shopping carts. However, when I was ready to turn my life around, I looked for a record company for ten years and everybody turned me down. Everybody wanted me to just give it up and retire but “retire” is not in my vocabulary. My wife helped get back on top. She said that I could return to music but I would just have to do it in a different way. That’s what we did. We walked a long way back to the top. It was a hard road for me to get back to the top but I did it. I don’t accept no for an answer. If somebody tells me no, you might as well look out!

“You Are” will be released to radio on September 8, 2010. Can you tell us anything about the flavor of “You Are?”The song is fantastic. I think that everybody is gonna want to get married to this song. The flavor is simple: You are the reason that I love, you are the reason that I trust, you are the reason that I live. You are the reason why. God sent me an angel—you are the reason. We all want to say that to the right girl.

You collaborated with Kanye West and Beyonce. What were those collaborations like? Can you tell us anything about the

song?The song is a hot record. It goes “I know you see me now—right now.” Beyonce is singing some powerful lyrics on this track. Kanye is simply off the chain. He definitely put me with the black elite, which is Beyonce and Kanye West. That’s the black elite right there. He put me with the best of the best. It’s a great piece of work. Kanye put me with Nicki Minaj, Mos Def, Beyonce, and Jay-Z on other tracks. The music industry has a tendency to praise people who have only been in this industry for one year. I’m just so grateful that there are so many people showing up that want to be down with Uncle Charlie.

How did you become the spokesperson for the Prostate Cancer Foundation?

First of all, I want to say that September was prostate cancer awareness month. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I beat prostate cancer in 2008. I wanted to educate brothers. We (African-Americans) love to barbeque. And we always leave our meat on the grill way too long. It is important to know that the grilled chicken bone turns the meat close to the bone all black. The charred part of the meat is what is giving us prostate cancer. You cannot cook ribs or chicken pieces too long. I’m urging all brothers to get checked for prostate cancer. I know a five year old and a twenty-seven year old with prostate cancer so I don’t want to hear that only a certain age group gets prostate cancer. Go get a check-up. Prostate cancer is a silent killer. My brothers just need to man up and go to the doctor. The exam only takes a couple of minutes.

Every great uncle gives good advice to all of his nephews and nieces. You just happen to be a very talented Uncle. You are a great singer, songwriter, and producer. Can you give me three pieces of advice for aspiring artists?1) Surround yourself with people who won’t steal from you. Hire an attorney that will handle your business. 2) Own your own works. Ownership is power. 3) Never give up!

I think it goes without saying but I’ll say it anyway: You dropped a bomb on me Charlie! You dropped a bomb on me!

Andre L.Johnson: DETROIT TO AFRICA DRUG FREEBrigitte Maxey

Fresh off an intercontinental trip to Africa, Andre L. Johnson, 41, is the picture of all that’s good about Detroit: Young, gifted, and Black with a bird’s eye focus on a cause greater than himself. Andre is President/CEO of Detroit Recovery Project, Inc., a multi-service agency, established in 2005, which provides programming and assistance to the city’s recovery community.

If that sounds like a mouthful, try keeping up with Andre’s schedule that takes him from the office, where he oversees the daily operations of a multi-million-dollar-agency to the classroom, where he is pursuing a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology, then to several committee and advisory board meetings, and finally home, where he is a father and a husband.

“All my efforts go toward creating a drug-free Detroit,” Andre says. “We can accomplish this goal if we work together.”

He speaks from experience. Four years of his life were lost to drugs and after he conquered that demon he went on to Morehouse College where he graduated with a BA in Psychology. Not stopping there, he earned a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. He’s in long-term recovery, meaning he hasn’t touched drugs or alcohol for more than 20 years. Who better to help those battling addiction than someone who continues to be victorious?

“I look back over those years of my life and am grateful for those who helped me. I’ve tried to replicate that at Detroit Recovery Project (DRP) where we specialize in a peer-based approach. The adage of ‘Each one teach one’ works for us.”

DRP operates a home for men in recovery in Highland Park, an outpatient facility on Seven Mile Rd., a headquarters/resource center on E. McNichols, and will soon celebrate the grand opening of a

second home for men in recovery, to be named in honor of Dr. Calvin Trent, Director of Detroit’s Bureau of Substance Abuse Prevention Treatment and Recovery – on East Grand Blvd.

Right now, drivers traveling north on the John C. Lodge Freeway can see the Bray Home as a bright spot among broken out windows and burned buildings. A brightly painted mural of a rising sun covers that side of the home with the inscription: “Recovery Starts Here.”

The two-story frame home, at 400 Cortland St., provides temporary housing to men seeking to re-enter society while in early stages of recovery. The home is named in honor of the late Allan C. Bray, a co- founder of DRP and is located in one of Highland Park’s most impoverished neighborhoods.

A contracting team of men in recovery renovated the home, which boasts one of the most well manicured lawns on the block, complete with shrubberies and flowers. The newly installed aluminum siding gives only a hint of the work done on the inside.

In the front room, the earth-toned furniture and accessories compliment the wheat-colored walls that convey a sense of warmth and stability. In the dining room, subdued blue walls offer a calming backdrop against which to host the residents’ daily dining experience where food – purchased and prepared by the men, adds color, flavor and an atmosphere of family.

Now, take this same concept and transfer it to Africa. That’s what Andre, Dr. Trent, and a consortium of national supporters did. In 2008, they went to Tanzania (including the island of Zanzibar), where drug addiction is through the roof, and re-created what they’ve done in Detroit.

The group’s charge is formidable because in East Africa, drug addiction is treated as a mental illness without the benefits of a 12-step recovery process or any recovery support.

“We spent time in a region of Africa that has become a hub for the international shipment of pure heroin, resulting in high addiction rates and astounding instances of HIV/AIDS,” Andre says.

As drug recovery is a new concept in East Africa, there aren’t facilities available that deal solely with addiction recovery. Andre and Dr. Trent personally raised funds to help pay for the complete renovation of a building in Zanzibar, which has been selected as the island’s first recovery center: Drug Free Zanzibar.

“Drug addiction is the elephant in the room that no one wants to acknowledge,” Andre says. “This practice of avoidance once slowed America’s solution to drug abuse and is now pervasive in East Africa.

“For instance, in Zanzibar, the majority of the population is of Muslim faith which strictly forbids the use of drugs or alcohol. Since drug use is forbidden, the problem of addiction goes unaddressed. Nearly one percent of the population, or 10,000 residents, is infected with HIV/AIDS from intravenous drug use and can’t find the recovery help they need.”

09

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In response, Andre and Team USA opened three Sober Living Homes and Drug Free Zanzibar, which like DRP headquarters in Detroit is the central nerve system of programming and support services for those in recovery. All three homes are filled to capacity.

To demonstrate the great need, Andre relays this story: “I met a 20-year-old man who practically begged me to bring him back to the United States. He had no idea that recovery is real. He could not believe that people stay in recovery.

“That young brother acknowledged the elephant but didn’t know how to conquer it. In order for us to help him and others who suffer from addiction, we must look at it for what it is – a sickness. We must identify the six-ton beast and help those held under its weight find the tools to overcome it.”

It seems as if the desperation of addiction is the same whether one speaks English or Kiswahili. The insatiable yearning for a substance that eats away at the life of its users is unchanged whether here in America or in the cradle of civilization.

As Andre put it, “We have the responsibility to be committed to the cause of addiction recovery globally, nationally, and locally. We have the moral charge to call the elephant of addiction what it is so we can herd it out of the lives of those who mistakenly let it in.”

11

Refreshing. Strange. Contagious. Each one of these words describes author and Detroit native, Cora Bledsoe. When she agreed to talk to the B-List no one was prepared to hear, “Happy Wednesday!” as a greeting. Well, if you talk to her long enough, you’ll begin to greet strangers in the same mannerCan you imagine saying, “Happy Monday” and really meaning it?

Cora is a rare jewel who will always be a Detroiter at heart. This Cass Tech alumnae recently relocated to Miami Beach but not before publishing two children’s books and establishing a successful communications firm, The Bledsoe Group, right here in the Motor City. While we hate to lose progressive Detroiters to national migration, we’re happy when “one of us” takes our skills and shares them with the world (Miami Beach sucks).

Cora’s latest book, 7 Steps to Successful Mystery Shopping was

e-published on Sept. 1 through lulu.com. Inside, she offers tips to the elusive profession of mystery shopping that, according to her, is a burgeoning industry waiting for willing workers to apply.

“The industry needs thousand of mystery shoppers,” Cora said. “My motivation for writing the book came from my being requested for so many repeat shops. How many times can I go to True Religion jeans?”

These high-end denim trousers cost around $200 a pair and are all the rage among the well-hipped. For this particular shop, the purchase cost was not reimbursed. Cora handled it with professional shopping know how.

“I browsed the store, tried on the jeans and bought a pair. The financial goal of this shop was to write a report on the experience. I knew I could return them, so I did and got paid for the report.”

Mystery shopping is much more than fashion retail, although Cora has plenty of stories to tell about her adventures at Patek Philippe, Michael Kors and others. She offers, “You can name any industry and there’s a shop for it: financial, hi-tech, educational, real estate, golf…”

Industries that thrive on sales value good customer service, accessibility and usability, creating a job market for all those who love to shop. For nearly $75/hour, mystery shoppers can try the customer service skills of the snootiest sales people, the testiest online technocrats, or the most obsequious sales associates at exotic car dealerships.

“I’ve test driven every luxury auto you can name including Maseratis and Ferraris. I’m almost ready for a Harley Davidson” motorcycle,” she says. “I’m working my way to that one.”

With the paradise of mystery shopping seemingly untouched by would-be inhabitants, the question is begged, why don’t more people explore it? Cora’s answer: 1). People don’t’ know about it; 2). People don’t know how to break into it, and 3). People don’t believe it to be true.

Again, our Maiden of the Mystery Shop has the answer: aaamysteryshopping.com. It’s a resource center and digital lounge that she

CORA BLEDSOE: INSPIRATION IS ART Brigitte Maxey

launched for those who seek to become mystery shoppers or for those who desire to sharpen their skills. Don’t believe for one minute that Cora is a one-dimensional writer. She wrote two children’s books before she delved into the underground world of mystery shopping – The Little Book That Could and What Color Is Your House? In fact, her first book, The Little Book That Could took her a decade to write and 24 hours to self-publish.

“I started the process in the late 90’s and was repeatedly defeated by costs, time, pitching my ideas to publishers…,” she explains, “Had I not turned to technology, I don’t know if I would have gotten it done.”

Even when it came down to art work, Cora received some technical assistance. “My 10-year-old daughter, Grace, suggested I use clip art after I could not identify an illustrator for my project. I give her credit for ‘inspiring’ the illustrations.

“It took about three or four years to complete the text and another two years to do the illustration,” she said. “It was something I knew I could do but not in a book concept. If I were able to concentrate my time, it would have taken 60 -90 days to accomplish.”

Cora’s familiar with perseverance. She was a teenage mother, giving birth to her eldest daughter, and namesake, Cora about the same time she graduated from Cass in 1983. Married just two years later, she expanded her family to include a second daughter, Blue and then Grace a dozen years after that.

A young mother with two children in tow, Cora enrolled at Marygrove College while in her late 20’s and earned a degree in childhood education with an endorsement in early childhood education. Never looking back, she continued to move forward toward a dream.

“It was on my heart to write a children’s book given to me by the Creator,” she explains. “It just hit me. I wrote it down, it was a couple of lines, and I’d think about it and add here and there. It was something that bubbled up inside me and never went away.” – hence The Little Book That Could.”

In this story, a book seeks recognition after being ignored by those who are expected to pay attention to it. The book, which this writer imagines to be a female character, learns determination that acts as a shield against demoralizing rejection. Sort of like Cora, who began her adult life with stops and starts but now has navigated it to smooth waters.

Maybe that’s why she seems joyous and happy. Her life’s journey has taken her to fulfill her heart’s dream; not to mention the sandy beaches of Miami. Maybe we can all follow her words of wisdom: “Why wait for life to be a thrill when you can make it one? Find something you are thrilled about today and do it.”

Inspirational. Original. Infectious. This is Cora Bledsoe, a rising star who emerges every morning encouraging all of us to have a happy day.

Cora is single and living in Miami Beach with her 10-year-old daughter “Amazing” Grace

Homeownership was considered the ultimate American Dream. Still is. With the real estate market currently being the best it’s been for buyers in decades, logically it is still something that everyone should consider. For many former homeowners in the area who have bruised credit, due to foreclosure or short sale, leasing is the only option. To others, it’s a preference.

The term “renter” was a stigmatized word that used to be reserved for those who could not “afford” nor had credit good enough to buy. Now many people choose to rent or lease. With job stability often in question, some choose not to commit to a long term investment in real estate. Some want the low maintenance lifestyle of renting an apartment, or condo.

Renting is not just for the budget conscious either; there are many luxury condos and homes available. Mayor Bing just moved from a luxury waterfront rental, in Detroit’s Shorepointe gated community, where he has lived for the past 2 years. The Book Cadillac has no less than 10 luxury apartments for lease for around $2000 a month. Renting is certainly a respectable lifestyle. If the Mayor of a major metropolitan city can be a “renter”, why not?

Joy Santiago is the President /Broker of Dwellings Unlimited, a real estate sales, leasing & marketing company. Joy has been featured in Time Magazine, The Detroit Free Press, Model D, and on HGTV.

Real Estate Trend:Lease Vs. Buy

Joy SantiagoSpectacles

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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

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CONNERCOACHING.COM

Specializing in Heartfelt Gifts & KeepSakes N Collectibles

We Have Something for Every Occasion

Gift Baskets, Tiffany Styles Lamps, Collectibles

We provide P.S.A. Service (Personal Shopping Assistant)

Catalogs are Available

24 Hour Online Ordering

800-502-2863/313-687-2879

www.phenixxinc.com

By PheNixxInc.com

Sippin With SoniThe Long Island Iced Tea (LIIT) is the basis of many popular mixed-drinks (**see bonus below). It dates to the 70’s and is named after the USA’s largest island, Long Island (NY). Although it doesn’t contain tea, the taste is similar. The LIIT is one of the top 5 most popular cocktails and is regularly mentioned or seen served in television and films (worthy mentions are The Simpsons & Sex and the City).

Long Island Iced Tea1 part vodka1 part tequila1 part rum1 part gin1 part triple sec1 1/2 parts sweet and sour mix1 splash Coca-Cola®

Mix in order listed over ice in a tall glass. If you like your drink with a little less kick, pour liquors into a shaker and give a quick shake or two. Pour back into the glass and add coke to fill the glass. Garnish with lemon wedge.

**Bonus Recipe** A Purple Rain can easily be made with just a simple substitution on the LIIT ingredients. Mix the above listed liquors and instead of using a splash of Cola-Cola to finish the drink, add 1 1/2 parts Chambord.

Cheers!

If you ever have any questions on how to use certain liquors or if you have any other general questions or suggestions, please feel free to drop me a line on Facebook.

LaSaunji Colston

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FREE High School Completion

FREE HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION FREE HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION

FREE HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION

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FREE HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION

To Register16 - 19 years of age> Must have a Birth Certi�cate> Must be a non-high school graduate> Must be at least 16 by Sept. 1st, 2010

20 years of age & older> Must have a valid ID> Must be a non-high school graduate> Must be at least 20 by Sept. 1st, 2010

Attend school TWO days a weekWork online from home or from any computer with

internet capabilities the rest of the week

Please bring your immunization records (16-19 years of age only) and your high school transcripts if available.20 years of age and older, please be prepared to take a basic Math and Reading assessment when you register.

Semester begins September 27th

CREATIVELEARNING CENTER

(313) 712 - 5194Locations in Warren, Madison Heights, Highland Park and Dearborn

CENTER“The leader in virtual learning, since 1995”15

Cedar Plank Lake Trout on the Grillby Patrick Coleman of Beans & Cornbread Soulful Bistro www.beanscornbread.comI use my grill nine to ten months out of the year. This is such a great way to prepare your favorite fish. The cedar plank gives the fish a nice smoked flavor.

Ingredients:

One cedar plank (available at Hiller’s or other specialty market) 2 - 6 oz pieces Trout filets (or Salmon, if desired) Salt and Pepper Cooking Spray

Cooking instructions:

Pre-soak the cedar plank in tap water for 30 minutes. Heat the gas grill to medium heat. Spray the cedar plank with a light coating of cooking spray. Salt and pepper trout filets to taste and place them on the plank. Place the plank with fish on the top shelf of the grill. Keep at medium heat to avoid burning the cedar plank. Close the grill and cook for 22 – 25 minutes. There is no need to turn the fish. Carefully remove fish filets from the cedar plank with a spatula. Serve on a platter garnished with your favorite summer vegetable mix.

Send to Birdie - kfsbirdie@aol.com with beans logo Ph. 248-854-1785

Join Team Tandem every Thursday @ Flood’s (Detroit)

Secret Weapon

Steven Love

“Rockin” RonKelly Holmes

Mr. Bruce Bailey

Nervous Breakdown

Tonja & Lorenzo

Phil “Tha” Mixx

listthe

The B List Magazine, 1 2 NV Events and Hush join forces to kickoff The Fall Season with a spectacular 2 hour event that screams... Royalty! Strolling buffet & 10 Signature Ciroc Drinks all complimentary within a precious 2 hour time frame (7pm-9pm). Make sure you are on the list - RSVP: hushdetroit@gmail.com

Floods Bar & Grille is home to the yearly football classic between Michigan and Michigan State. This event brings out the Who’s Who graduates from both universities. A straight sho-nuff get in where you fit in fall event. Heated Tent, award winning buffet, valet parking included. Music by Team Tandem.

This event is so special that Farley (legendary Chicago DJ) actually called around to secure that he’d be spinning this event... and yes he is! Vern, Tree & Bruce have tons of surpris-es that will entice your soul. All the stops will certainly be pulled out for this much anticipated event! 10/15/10

...near & far Metropolitan Detroiters come to hear the tunes from yesteryear at the Citys premiere martini lounge... TV Bar. From the ground up, The Tandem has given the locals life every Friday for over a decade! Relive the best times of your life over & over again - Old School House Music Lives @TV Bar 2548 Grand River. No Cover / Food / 2 Swank Rooms / Outdoor Patio

The Tandem brings you something close to home for the cross 8-mile set.Bar 7 now features The” Late Night Happy Hour” 10pm-11pm, 1/2 off all appe¬tizers & $5 for any drink you can conjure up! Select hits from TheTandem archives with hip hop, r&b, house, funk & old school. Bar 7 -Tele¬graph & 12 Mile (Southfield) / 10p-2a / No Cover

To hear the true essence of Team Tandem (complete), visit Floods, every Thursday night! Macaroni to die for, jumbo prawn, catfish to savor, OMG! “Live Band”, Tandem DJs & a dance floor that never stops - Priceless! Flood’s (Greektown), Down-town Detroit every Thursday Night!

PROMOTIONSAND EVENTSIN SEPTEMBER

swankGET IT IN

hipsterTHE JET SET

suburbiaBEST BAR

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sipTHE CIROC PARTY

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Allstate Insurance Company19562 Grand RiverDetroit, MI 48223

Phone 313-272-2020Fax 313-541-1706

A051633@allstate.com

M-F 9am-6pm Saturday byM-F 9am-6pm Saturday by Appt.

Shauna E. JohnsonExclusive Agent

Shauna Johnson Agency

YOUR AGENCY FOR LIFE