A Legacy on Wheels: Rolling With Mark A. Douglas

President of Avis Ford

Information You Crave

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.

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Volume 9October 2010

07A Legacy On Wheels: Rolling with Marc A. Douglas Brigitte Maxey

02

Information You Crave

04Corporate Holiday Party Tips

Nikki Howard-Combs 05

Ask Dr. Eadie Dr. Reginald Eadie

09Stretching (But Not The Truth)

Lisa Cosley10

Sippin’ With SoniLaSaunji Colston

11Celebrity Mom Talitia Long

Charts her Own CourseFrancyne Walker

12Forclosure Should Not Be An

Option Joy Santiago

13The Hook Up Lounge

Natasha Kimber14

Sacrifice Saves Lives: Heather Johnson ans the

American Red CrossSteven Love

15Weight Loss is Just Math

Melody Johnson16

Business Profile: Michelle FinleyRichard Carson

PUBLISHERS

FROM THE EDITOR

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

Francyne WalkerMelody Johnson

COLUMNISTSDr. Reginald EadieDonna Marie Perry

Kim BettieLaSaunji Colston

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSNapoleon Wright Jr.

Steven Love Emmett Nicholas

CIRCULATIONMichael Powell

Alex OdgerCamille Corr

ADVERTISING SALES

Les Lance

Dear Readers,

Happy Harvest Everyone!!! October has come upon us and with that comes the changing of the season. The air is much crisper, the leaves are different colors, and the holiday season is right around the corner. During this time we visit the cider mills, eat pomegranates (Indian apples in my day), and spend a lot of time with the family. It is a time to come together and rekindle old loves, or maybe start a new love affair. It’s all about being happy and finding the good in everything. Children enjoy “Trick or Treating” or a harvest party at the church. In Mexico they celebrate “Dia de los muertos” The day of the dead and The BList is here to share in celebration the wonderful diamonds in the ruff that Detroit has to offer.

We start off this month with our own Mark Douglas, the modern day auto-dealer, Brigitte Maxey calls him. She talks to Mark about his voyage to becoming, what Black Enterprise magazine calls his Southfield based company, 2010 Auto Dealer of the Year. What an honor! He shares with her about his company, his father, and his beautiful family. Make sure you read his story it is bound to inspire you.

Check out Richard Carson’s story about Michelle Finely, a homeowner advocate. What she learned in her early corporate life, may be an advantage to a homeowner suffering a financial hardship. Maybe she can fight for you!

Lisa Mills pursues her dream of having something to call her own, Melody Johnson shows us how journaling, when losing weight, is a blueprint to weight management, and Saunji gives us a history on Cognac.

I want you to sit back, relax in front of a warm fire or find a comfortable space and sip on some warm apple cider as you peruse all the stories and columns in the October issue of The BList. I want to thank you for your continued support as we are here to give you “The Information You Crave.”

Sincerely,

Monique GuestSenior Editormoniqueguestblist@email.com

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Corporate Holiday Party Tips Nikki Howard-CombsAccording to industry surveys, about 15% of companies that have hosted holiday parties say that inappropriate employee behavior at the party has impacted career growth.

Stay on the right track and avoid the following behaviors when celebrating with co-workers:

1. Excessive DrinkingThis is probably the most common mistake that some employees and managers make during the holiday celebration. While many organizations are still offering a full bar, others have begun limiting the amount of alcohol served. Regardless of the company’s decision, nobody should over-consume. Holiday Party Drinking Tips:

· Limit drinks with alcohol to a maximum of two

· Avoid mixing drinks

· Drink coffee, tea, soft drinks and water

2. Excessive EatingPeople who attend events understand that food and beverages will be a part of the experience. But it’s important to be considerate of others when eating. Always maintain clean hands and avoid mouths full of food.Holiday Party Eating Tips:· Do not walk around with multiple hors d’oeuvres · Do not double dip or return buffet food· Properly discard napkins, toothpicks, etc.

3. Excessive TalkingMost people gravitate and spend time with their colleagues and direct managers. However, try to make an effort to speak informally with as many people at the event as possible. That means limiting the time anyone spends with any single individual or group of guests. Executives enjoy speaking with employees, and for many, this may be the only interaction. Also, avoid appearing bored by others in attendance.Holiday Party Conversation Tips:· Limit conversations to 5 minutes · Avoid in-depth discussions about business · Thank party hosts and organizers

4. Excessive ComplainingIn addition to keeping conversations brief, guests should also remember that this is meant to be a time when everyone can celebrate the successes of the year. That means a cheerful mood. Remember, stories are often heard by others who are nearby, and those people will add their own spin to the story. A stray comment can quickly be taken out of context and become this year’s rumor mill, and your name is on it. Holiday Party Complaint Tips:· Compliment colleagues and mangers · Identify safe topics to share before the event · Switch topics if you or someone else begins to complain

5. Excessive AbsenceAttendance at the annual company holiday party is practically mandatory. Fashionably late is not fine; arrive in the first 30 minutes if possible. Everyone remembers

who stayed for just 10 minute or departed early. Senior managers should make a point of staying as long as possible. That means if you’re not there when the event begins certainly stay until the event ends. Employees should also be mindful of how long they stay at the party.

6. Excessive AttirePay attention to the attire description on the event invitation. This may be a holiday party, but it’s being attended by your co-workers, not personal friends and family. Women, try to avoid too much glitz, showing too much skin, and being under-dressed. Men should consider a well tailored suit for formal or semi-formal events; slacks, sweater and/or jacket for casual events.

7. Excessive GuestsSome organizations allow additional guests, but many do not. Remember that this is an official company event. All of the planning decisions have already been carefully weighed, and many legitimate reasons exist behind such decisions, including the accounting of expenses. If guests are excluded on the invitation, don’t bring them.

8. Excessive Personal Time with a Co-workerMany organizations take different views on personal relationships among employees and managers. Be careful not to cross any lines. Others are watching for personal encounters between co-workers at the office and elsewhere.

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 Administration (MBA) from the University of Michigan. She earned her Wedding Planning Certification (CWP) from The Wedding Planning 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 Certification 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.

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By Reginald J. Eadie, MD

Tara Walker:

I am troubled by the number of Michiganders that are having heart attacks. Please educate me on what a heart attack truly is, what the risks are, what I should do if I have one and how I can prevent it.

Dr Eadie:

The ancient Egyptians believed that it was the heart, rather than the brain, that was the source of human wisdom, as well as emotions, memory, the soul and the personality itself. For these reasons, it was considered the most important of all other body organs. It was also thought that the heart’s chan-nels (metu) linked all parts of the body together thus all diseases were re-lated to its function. This concept of channels may have had some symbolism with the Nile River as well as your arteries (blood vessels that carry blood with oxygen to your tissues). Ancient Egyptians were thought to be in good health if the metu were clear and without blockage. Disease was caused when a channel became blocked, much like an irrigation canal supplied by the Nile River cannot deliver water if it was blocked. Despite the ancient Egyptians seemingly advanced medical and surgical knowledge, the heart’s role in blood circulation was not precisely understood. And like the ancient Egyptians, many Michiganders do not have a clear understanding of a heart attack, its warning signs, how to prevent it, who to see about it and what to do when one occurs. This is troubling since in the U.S., a person has a heart attack about every 20 seconds and every 34 seconds a person dies from a disease of the heart. With that, I thank you for your inquiry.

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack (myocardial infarction in medical terminology) is when your heart muscle becomes damaged and/or dies because of its blood flow becoming blocked. Like the slime that blocks your drainpipes and prevents

 

DETROIT’S

ASK DR. EADIE

the flow of water out of your tub, when this happens to your arteries (blood clots, cholesterol plaques), your heart will not receive the oxygen it needs to survive. The result is a heart attack.

Who is at risk for a heart attack? • Smokers • Diabetics• Over age 45• Those with high cholesterol and high blood pressure• Those with a history of a (previous) heart attack • A family member with a previous heart attack • African Americans• Native Americans• Native Hawaiian descendants• Non exercisers• The overweight or obese• Men – (males have more heart attacks although the leading cause of death for females)

What 6 things can I do to avoid a heart attack?

1) Stop smoking2) Eat a healthy diet (no foods high in saturated fats or salt)3) Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes4) Exercise (4 times per week at 30 minute settings)5) Maintain a normal Body Mass Index (BMI- refer to the September edition of the B List)6) Control your blood pressure if you have high blood pressure

If I am at risk for a heart attack, what doctor should I see?

Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a good cardiologist. This is a highly trained physician who specializes in heart disease such as heart attacks. The Detroit Medical Center (DMC) has some of this country’s best cardiologists and a dedicated CardioVascular Institute with a world renowned team of specialists; Cardio Team One.

What are common symptoms of a heart attack?

What should I do if I think I am having a heart attack?

Call 911 for an ambulance to take you to the nearest hospital. While you wait for the ambulance to come, chew one regular tablet of aspirin (if approved by your doctor and you are not allergic to aspirin). If you can, go to a hospital with advanced care facilities available for heart attack victims. Fortunately, Michigan has the nation’s first hospital that has physicians on-site 24 hours a day (instead of at home and on-call) prepared to immediately open up any blocked coronary (heart) arteries that are causing your heart attack. Detroit Receiving Hospital’s group of physicians referred to as Cardio Team One, is the first of its kind and will save the lives of many Michiganders. For the first time in heart attack history, Detroit Receiving Hospital is asking the doctor to wait for the patients to arrive instead of asking the heart attack victim to wait for the doctor to arrive.

Conclusion

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and is a major cause of disability, and with this Michigan economy, we cannot afford to be sick. Almost 1 million people die of heart disease in our country each year. What is equally troubling is that death from heart disease is 40% higher in African Americans than it is in Caucasians. African American adults are less likely to be diagnosed with heart disease; however they are more likely to die from it. I suspect that Cardio Team One will change this fact in our community. More good news is that you can reduce your risk of heart attacks with changes in your diet and lifestyle. In addition, having a good heart specialist, knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, calling 911 right away and getting to the proper hospital immediately can help to ensure the most positive outcomes after having a heart attack.

Tara, prevention will forever be the best course of action, particularly for those at high risk. That’s why Michiganders should take advantage of one of the 80-plus DMC cardiologists, all backed by the resources of Cardio Team One. Visit www.DMCCVI.org or call 1.888.DMC.2500 to experience the specially trained cardiologists, nurses and technicians who reside at the hospital or in one of our specialized clinics. If you need a primary care physician, I would recommend you call the Executive Health & Wellness Center (313.227.0065) or email the Medical Director (Dr. Monique Butler) at tmoniquebutler@dmc.org.

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

I wish you peace and love,

rje

 

TOP DOCTOR

“For all the high paying jobs my classmates took at the big firms, they now realize all they had was a job,” he says. “Here I am; I have a career. I’ve got something I enjoy and the money has caught up.

“I’ve got a really viable business. My kids and my kids’ kids will be able to work here. That’s the number one gift of this opportunity – the ability to create and build family wealth. That was very important to my father; he was always the slow and steady one.”

Mark A. Douglas is the face of the modern-day auto dealers. At 43, he’s young, energetic, MBA-trained, technologically astute and most of all observant of family values and principles. The mixture of the his “ol’” and “new” school ways makes it plain to see how Avis Ford remains one of the most profitable and vibrant dealerships in the country.

Black Enterprise magazine named the Southfield-based company 2010 Auto Dealer of the Year. The dealership is the #1 seller of Taurus vehicles in the country. Additionally, in each of the past few years, Avis has topped other Ford dealers in new vehicle sales.

These achievements shine more brightly when viewed through the prism of the worst recession in this country’s history and the near collapse of the US auto industry. Taking these two simultaneous occurrences into consideration, one can call Avis’ staying power miraculous – it’s achieving power stratospheric.

Mark sits in the driver’s seat of a family business started by his father, Walter E. Douglas, Sr., in 1986, while Mark was an undergraduate student at Howard University. Back then he worked during his summer breaks preparing newly purchased cars for delivery – translation; he worked at the Avis Ford car wash.

“I’m not the typical Dealer’s Kid,” Mark says. “I didn’t grow up with this. We opened the dealership when I was in college. I didn’t have a sense of entitlement. I considered it a privilege to work for my father.”

It’s not difficult to imagine the president of the largest African American Ford dealer started out washing cars at his dad’s business. Mark is humble about his achievements and will be the first to tell you that hard work, strategic planning, and family support all played a part in his success.

“I always knew I would work for the dealership,” he says. “Even though I did it in my own way by majoring in engineering, I knew the end result would be for me to join my father and continue the legacy he started.”

Mark’s circuitous route began in 1990 at Instrumentation Engineering where he worked for six years. His biggest job was designing the functional parts of the ’97 Corvette. He wrote the specifications for the door locks, window controls, ignition, fog lights, turn signal levers, chime modules, etc. That year’s model was the first low-current car to operate on five volts.

Mark was part of the team that streamlined GM’s cadre of controls that gave every brand its own design. Now the entire General Motors fleet shares the same controls differing only in functionality – Cadillac to Chevy, they all have the same design.

Having worked on a couple of industry-changing projects, Mark was ready to reach the next plateau. He enrolled in the University of Michigan’s business school where he earned an MBA with a concentration in finance and marketing.

The stars aligned once again for this Detroit native. He did not have to relocate to attend business school and leave behind his home, family and network of friends. “Fortunately, I had the ability to go to a Top 10 business school and stay in my own state,” Mark recalls. He commuted to Ann Arbor and completed his studies in 1998.

Fresh off the blocks, with an MBA in hand, Mark began his professional career at the family business. While he wasn’t heavily recruited to high-paying jobs like some of his classmates, Mark knew he was on destiny’s track.

A Legacy on Wheels: Rolling With Mark A. Douglas

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Although Walter E. Douglas, Sr. retired as president of Avis Ford when he appointed Mark, he remains chairman and chief executive. He happened to be at the dealership when the B-List went to visit.

The pride that radiated from his face in reference to Mark’s achievements told its own story. Mr. Douglas bought into the dealership in the mid-80’s when Ford was attracting minority dealers. As he said in an interview with Black Enterprise magazine, “I wasn’t going to run a minority dealership; I was going to run a dealership. It was going to be the best it could be and attract all the customers in this area.”

That goal, along with a solid business plan proved successful for Avis. In a matter of fact, it helped sustain Avis through the biggest economic downturn in modern history. As fate would have it, Mark took control of the daily operations at the first sputters of the decline.

“Dealers were offering an ‘A’ plan for everybody then they offered deep incentives,” Mark says. “Other dealers were undercutting and loyal customers were ‘shopping’ us for lower prices. Our profit margin of 3 – 4% was being shattered. At that point we went back to basics.

“We streamlined our staff, brought in new sales management and looked at our expenditures in comparison to the revenue they generated,” Mark recalls.

As a result, Avis’ car sales increased some 40% and its operating costs decreased.

“For instance, our advertising was ad hoc, to say the least,” Mark says. We would spend $300,000 - $400,000 on advertising depending on which (radio) station had the best deals. I learned the role of print and broadcast ads and how they work together to achieve a strategic goal.”

“Now, we’re on point, our ad budget is under control and working for us. This contributes to the longevity of Avis. It’s been here since 1969 on the corner of 12 Mile and Telegraph. There’s not a whole lot of businesses you can say that about. The next question is, how many will be here for the next 40 years?

“I can realistically say that if I do my due diligence and respect my business, we’ll be here for another 40 years – that’s the real blessing that comes from this whole thing.

“We always considered ourselves forward thinking. I watched my parents’ lifestyle grow from college on. We were definitely middle class but I watched them enjoy some of the finer things that came with the dealership.”

Mark’s entrepreneurial spirit was born before he attended business school. As a student at Howard he and one of his best friends Gordon, sold T-shirts to generate income.

“One thing I took away from Howard is you’re not a minority. You’re not special. At Howard there was no curve. You had to handle your business and know how to compete.”

That aggressive stance paid off for Mark in corporate America. It certainly bodes well for him at Avis. He even packaged it with that of his friends and formed a non-profit group called Third Eye Inc. to mentor young boys in metro Detroit.

“We all got together after the Million Man March and decided to mentor young brothers,” he says. “We established a scholarship for boys with a GPA from 2.5 – 3.0. We wanted to give a resource to students who were like what we used to be – smart but just not applying themselves.”

Mark admits, “I was kicked out of Cass for partying too hard and being popular. My father sent me to University of Detroit Jesuit High School, which turned out to be the best thing for me. I was smart but not acting like it at the time.”

Now defunct, Third Eye’s members are some of the most successful men in Detroit. To name a few: Dr. Reginald Eadie is President of Receiving Hospital; Dr. Jay B. Marks, is an educator and an education consultant, and Alton B. Gunn is a motivational speaker and business development strategist.

Mark’s ties to the community served as the basis of how he met Tiffany, his wife of eight years.

The year was 2002 and Tiffany had just relocated to Detroit to work with the United Negro College Fund. Avis was a big UNCF supporter having participated in the telethon and other fundraising events since 1996.

“My father met with Tiffany as part of a meet and greet with her new donors,” Mark explains. He called her back for a second meeting. She didn’t know why but agreed. In the interim the two of them talked about Avis donating a car for a UNCF walk-a-thon. My father tells me, ‘you need to come to this meeting,’ he was straight matchmaking.

“We all had palm pilots at the time and he kept saying, “Mark, beam her!” I thought she was cute, I thought she was nice and I thought she had a great personality.

“We went out once after that meeting and I realized she was the kind of person who required you to have your ducks in a row. I was single at the time and had just pledged Omega Psi Phi… I was being owt [sic]! So needless to say, I kind of had to clean house.

“A while later, I saw her at the drawing for the car and asked her to go to a Lions game. She said, ‘I love football,’ and I was like, check! We went to the game and the rest is history. We got married two years later in 2004.”

Mark’s marriage to Tiffany solidified his position at Avis. “Once I got married and settled down, my father said, ‘Ok, I can retire.’ That’s when he appointed me president.

A total family man, Mark brings his two children: a son, Jaxson, 4, and a daughter, Jamesyn, 2, to work with him. They’re learning early the value of business ownership and family responsibility.

As Mark explains it, they need to know “If you choose to be aggressive you can propel yourself forward. If you take an assertive position, you can create your own reality.”

Brigitte Maxey A Legacy on Wheels: Rolling With Mark A. Douglas

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Stretching (But Not The Truth)The love of exercise. Whether it was Tae Bo®, Spinning®, or Kick boxing adrenaline rush combined with a type “A” personality kept this power player fit and focused. Lisa Mills, Owner and Vice President of Townsend Street Pilates in Birmingham, MI is fitness Guru. Highly qualified she is a certified Stott Pilates instructor with extensive training in Balanced Body and Power Pilates.

flexibility, strength, endurance and coordination, without adding bulk. It increases circulation and helps to sculpt the body. The benefits, are longer, leaner, firmer muscle tone, flatter stomach, slimmer thighs, firmer buttocks while increasing your energy and improving balance through strength and flexibility.

Lisa’s motivation for starting her own business was her desire of having something to call her own. She wanted to prove to herself that she could do it. Her studio now has been opened since 2004. Lisa says, her toughest challenge of being a business owner is that she always wants to be everyone’s friend, and that posed a problem when it came down to reprimanding or disciplining her trainers. She admits that that is one of her weaknesses. She feels her staff is family and there are no BIG I’s and Little U’s. “So to alleviate the stress, I hired a manger,” Lisa laughs.

Lisa attributes her success to her uncle and aunt who motivated her to pursue her dream.

Her Pilate instructors came to her with a following and being located on Townsend Street, in Birmingham, the community also embraced her studio.

The one thing that Lisa says that she knows now that she wished she knew earlier in life is how to communicate in relationships, especially those with men. She also says that she was a late bloomer but knows she is an excellent communicator.

The accomplishments that she is most proud of, is being a mom to her 19yr old son and 13 yr old daughter. She enjoys raising her children and spending time with them, as well as making sure they have what they need because her time allows them that luxury.

The perfect day off, for Lisa, is going back to her Miami days where she would get up, have a 2-3 hr workout, a good breakfast, and then back home again. Cook dinner and spend the rest of the time with the kids. She loved being a stay at home mom.

Lisa grew up in Detroit, attended Benedictine High School and graduated from Wayne State University.

TOWNSEND STREET PILATES189 Townsend St # 100 Birmingham, MI 48009-6010(248) 642-6061

To understand Lisa, let’s travel back in time to 1998. Miami: “Everybody was talking about Pilates,” says Lisa. She and her girlfriends would regularly ride their bikes into South Miami to workout.Always game to try something new, they decided to visit a Pilate’s studio. Her girlfriends instantly loved it! Lisa hated it! They quickly convinced her to incorporate Pilates into their weekly exercise regime. During that time, she was also going through an emotional divorce. She eventually moved back to Detroit.

Back in her hometown, Lisa began her job search. Although her background was in broadcast news, she was now a mother and did not relish the long hours associated with that profession. Thinking of what she could do to make life a little easier for herself; Lisa decided to get certified to teach Pilates part time, making her own hours. Once she became certified, shefell in love with this innovative system of mind and body exercise.

Some you may ask, “What is Pilates??” Lisa says, “Pilates is a body conditioning routine that seeks to build

By Lisa Cosley

Sippin With Soni LaSaunji Colston

Hennessy, Camus, Courvoisier, Kelt, Martel, Remy Martin, A. de Fussigny Fine Champagne Vielle Reserve are all brands of Cognac. You’ve heard of them, but what do you really know about them? Well, this month, I hope to up your Cognac savvy.

First, you need to know what you’re drinking when you ask for ‘yak.’ Cognac is essentially Brandy that has been aged and the name Cognac comes from a town in the Charente region of western France.

Secondly, the relative qualities of Cognacs depends on the length of time they have been aged.

VS means Very Special; or aged for a minimum of 2.5 years. This is the name given by Cognac suppliers to their youngest Cognac quality when marketed in the United States; the same quality in other interna-tional markets generally bears the name Three Star.

VSOP means Very Superior Old Pale; aged for at least 4 1/2 years. This is the name used by Cognac makers for their next oldest quality.

XO-Napoleon, VVSOP and Royal mean aged for a minimum of 6 years. Fine Champagne on a label indicates that the Cognac originated exclusively from the two premier crus of he Cognac region; Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne.

Note: The oldest and more expensive Cognacs generally come in something that looks like a giant crystal perfume bottle and presented in a silk-lined box.

Thirdly, Fine Cognac should be enjoyed just as it comes, without mixers and/or ice. It is traditionally served in balloon glasses that allow for swirling. In fact, the aromas are better appreciated in something resembling a large liquor glass (as pictured) and the bouquet of the liquor is encouraged by gentle warming of the glass in your hands.

So essentially this months’ recipe is so simple anyone can do it. All you need is;

- A bottle of your preferred brand of Cognac- A brandy sniffer - Good company, a cigar, some chill music or all of the aforementioned

Enjoy!!!

If you have any questions on how to use certain liquors or if you have any sugges-tions on what you’d like to see here, please see me at TV bar on Friday nights.

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Celebrity Mom Talita Long Charts Her Own Course Francyne Walker

Undaunted by the fact that she’s a celebrity mom, Talita Long is forging her own path in the music industry. Long, the mother of famous actress Nia Long, is talented in own right and has been a long-time artist, singer and songwriter for most of her life. She recently updated and re-released a 1993 single “Teach Me” from her upcoming CD “Erotik Collection.” Her CD is slated for a tentative February, 2011 release date. Long says it was a dream come true to have Nia direct a video for new single. Her musical influences include Nina Simone, Eartha Kitt, and other “old timers because they really knew their craft and they knew how to vocalize better than the more contemporary artist.” Besides the jazz and hip hop influences, Long also noted the Caribbean influences on her music as her parents were from Trinidad. Although Long says her music has a neo-soul, smooth jazz feel, she doesn’t like to get locked in and she likes to remain fluid and allow the creativity to flow.

Long says a lot of people also compare her to the late singer Minnie Ripperton. “We have very similar ranges,” says Long, who is honored to share her voice with Ripperton’s songs. While she is not one to live vicariously through her daughter, she did instill in her some very important values. “I’ve always been an artist from the time she was a little girl and I always encouraged to her to create,” Long says, who has two Master’s degrees in Fine Arts and has steadily produced a wide range of work, namely oil paintings, water color and drawings, including print-making. Equally passionate about performing, Long has performed at various international music festivals (including Detroit) in the past.

Working with Michael Hyde, musical director Ziggy Marley, as well as other young musical talent, like Yul Lynn Hawkins, who co-wrote “Teach Me,” she’s currently looking for a record deal. She would also love to co-write with other musical artists. With the support of her family and friends and her self-proclaimed angels, daughter Nia Long and grandson Massai Dorsey, this star is definitely rising. If you’d like to learn more about Talita, contact her manager Vanzil Burke of Burke Management at (310) 809-7928 or burkemgmt@gmail.com.

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Forclosure Should Not Joy Santiago be an OptionWhat to do to help KEEP your home...By Joy Santiago, Dwellings UnlimitedIn a time where foreclosures run ram ped, many people think that it’s OK to lose their house to foreclosure; because “so many other people” are losing their homes, they think it’s the norm. They think it’s acceptable. IT’S NOT. It is NOT OK to lose your home to foreclosure.

It’s crazy that people know that they may have a 6 month redemption period, but they don’t know what to do to SAVE their home. Some people are abusing the system and others are just throwing their hands up in the air and saying “screw it.” Being a homeowner IS still the American Dream, but you just have to fight harder for it, now more than before.

There are many things you can do to save your home such as, forbearance agreements (realistic), etc. Research the options with your mortgage company. Many mortgage companies are now working with customers to keep their mortgage rate reasonable. If you can no longer afford your home, you may have to rent it out to someone who can afford it, until you can again. If you live alone, consider a roommate.

Are you overspending? CUT BACK. Eat out once a week instead of 5 times a week. Be diligent with travel, schedule your trips to the gym with your trips to the grocery store, so you don’t have to drive back and forth and waste gas at $3 a gallon! How about 1 mocha latte a week, instead of 5? Did the kids really need that Nintendo WII? Sure, all kids should get what they want or deserve, but the worst thing someone can do as a parent is displace your children, the kids will understand and at the same time, learn about priorities. Hmmm, an Xbox 360 or a decent roof over my head with some heat? I think I’d go with a roof over my head.

Are you paying your bills on time? The first thing that should be paid is the mortgage, and your utilities. Although all debts should be paid on time, it may not be as important to pay your credit card as it is to pay for the roof over your head. PRIORITIZE the funds that you do have.

Transportation is important too, but do you really need to have that convertible or that Hummer? Wouldn’t it be more practical to have a gas miser car like a Ford Focus or something similar? Get a 2nd or a 3rd job until you can make ends meet. The more that people fight to keep their homes, the less foreclosure there will be. This will help preserve property values, as the values will no longer be based on the plethora of foreclosed homes in the area. It will help the economy and “stop the presses” and the media from over simplifying foreclosure, blaming the victim, which can then bring on more foreclosure.FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT. It’s not OK to lose your home to foreclosure.

Jocelyn (Joy) Santiago Broker/President Dwellings Unlimited 313-980-0400-Cell866-801-4793 Fax joy@dwellingsunlimited.com

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In the lounge, all the grown and sexy urbanites like to go to let their hair down, unwind and get their dance on. The lounge is intimate and sexy; dimly lit, colored with reds, browns, yellows, and charcoal for the interior, with sofas, bar stools, VIP sections and a full service bar all thoughtfully placed through out the space, Yeah its sexy . The urbanites span the spectrum some men, fully suited and sophisticated, while others go with a hip hop swagger or street like dressy but casual style. The women come prepared to dance with designer jeans and sexy tops, stilettos (not optional) required. Others wear short skirts or dresses to add a little more drama, and attention to their nightlife there. This week everything got just a little sexier.

Sandra stepped in with her tanned skin, wearing a liquid gold almost dress….it was really short. Jaws dropped and not just the guys either. It was sexy but it was a little too, come and get me sailor or want to pay for date sexy. Sorry, Sandra hated it LOL! But her shoes were cute. Now Henry (tall guy, well built, brown skinned, average looking and a sweetheart too) always had a special sparkle in his eye for Sandra, but tonight was different, she actually lit his fire with that outfit. Tonight was gonna be the night! He was finally gonna go after his dreams of hooking up with Sandra in the Hook up lounge.

Henry had on a crisp white linen shirt a pair of sophisticated dark denim jeans and some trendy square toed shoes. He was looking better than average today! He was feeling good too; he already had a couple of

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martinis (he wasn’t feeling any pain LOL). Anyway, he stood up as soon as she was walking towards him. “Hey Sandra” he said as he smiled at her, she replied “Hey Henry “ “Sandra girl, you wearing that dress, what are you drinking tonight?” “Thanks Henry its not too much is it? “ She did a full turn so he could get a full view of her, uhm dress…. yeah dress.

LOL! She said coyly, “Henry are you trying to buy me a drink?” “ I sure am Ms Sandra?“ He said in a fake country gentleman voice. As she moved closer to him, nervousness set in; he could see his dream wasn’t wearing a bra. He sighed and said to himself, Oh my God!

Only he said it out loud…. oops! Sandra said “What did you just say?” “I’m giving that dress the nod!” he said nervously. It made him wonder how he was gonna get through the drink with her, let alone the night……..but he was willing to try.13

Sacrifice Saves Lives: Heather Johnson and The American Red Steven Love

The revelation of a mystery, the discovery of the unknown, and the empowerment of knowledge has always caused mankind to explore new ways to better function in a world that takes no prisoners when it comes to pushing the envelope of change and innovation.

This century is no different than previous. Some things remain the same as others strive to improve at the hands of people that identify problems and do something about them. To that end, reigning at the top of the social and humanitarian ladder for more than 129 years is still, “The American Red Cross”.

The rise and fall of any great organization always rests on the backs of the employees and volunteers of that organization. Over the last several years, our world has seen more trauma, devastation, and sickness than we’ve ever known or could ever imagine, and with each unpleasant situation we as a global society have experienced the rock solid strength and support of, The American Red Cross. What would a dynamic organization like, The Red Cross, be without figures, forerunners, icons, representatives and down to earth good people

that desire to sacrifice and give everything to see and insure the betterment of the human race? Hence, a person like Heather Johnson of the Detroit HeadQuarters Branch of The American Red Cross, Detroit’s down to earth good people.

The B-List catches up with Heather deep into a very important time in her relationship with the American Red Cross and we got her to slow down just a bit and rest her smoking Hi-heels to talk to us about what she’s doing.

B-List: Hello Heather, it’s great to finally meet you, we’ve heard so much about you that we had to get down here and see if it’s all true.

Heather: Hi Steve, it’s great that you’re here. I have so much to tell you.

B-List: I’d like to start from the beginning. Did you really start serving as a volunteer here at the Red Cross?Heather: I sure did Steve, I started out volunteering right here at this branch.

B-List: What is it exactly that you do here at the Red Cross?

Heather: One of my roles is Director of Volunteer Administration. 80% of our business here is run by volunteers. Right now I’m not a volunteer I’m a salary worker and I make sure we have volunteers at all of our operations every day. I’m in charge of all of Southeastern Michigan, everything from Port Huron to Ann Arbor. We have 10 fixed site centers and 17 Mobile Blood Drive operations. Our goal is to consistently have all of our operations running with 95% staffed with volunteers every month. And, I’m proud to say that so far for this year we’re right at 95% and for the month of August we’ve exceeded our goal and we’re at 96%. Again, my job is to recruit and train new volunteers, retain our current volunteers and build excitement about volunteers. 70% of our volunteers are 65 years old and older. It’s my job to find seniors in the community that will get people engaged. Our spokesperson, that I was able to get to assist us in recruiting, was Miss Senior Michigan. She’s very excited about helping out and she brings great energy to our recruiting efforts.

B-List: Wow! You have a lot on your hands. So, pretty much everything that goes on here at the Red Cross hinges on recruitment numbers. What is the secret recipe of incentives that you have in place to encourage people to volunteer?

Heather: Well we have several. At one particular event we gave away a

motorcycle for volunteers that worked over 48 hours. We’ve given away flat screen TV’s, gas cards, money, Detroit Tiger tickets, DVD Players and we’ve even taken volunteers on a cruise, boat-rides, holiday parties and lots of other things. The sky is the limit and we try to come up with ways to excite people and instill joy in them about serving others more than just working to receive perks and our volunteers catch on and genuinely love what they’re doing.

B-List: How in the world do you coordinate all of Southeastern Michigan?

Heather: I have offices in every Red Cross in Southeastern Michigan and in every office I have staff that our volunteers report to. I coordinate monthly meetings to develop my staff and see to it that they have the trainings that they need and address any concerns or new developments that need attention. I have 2 assistants, Inez Gordon and Greg Little. They are excellent assistants, working tirelessly to insure that every “I” is dotted and every “T” is crossed as it relates to administration. We’re working on a special project, right now, where we collect information from our blood drives and send that data to our national headquarters office in Washington D.C. to keep them abreast of how many beds are needed, what special equipment we need and utilize, and how many people and nurses that are involved in a particular blood drive .

B-List: What other responsibilities do you have here?

Heather: In addition to the Volunteer Administration position, I also work in Distribution. We work with platelets, red blood cells, and process plasma to provide blood that is worthy of being sent to disaster sites, hospitals and other emergency situations.

B-List: When is the next publicized blood drive?

Heather: We’re having a major blood drive called the, “Blood Battle” all week long in November before the Michigan and Ohio State football game. We’re in competition with Ohio State to see who will have the most blood donated, and whichever team gets the most blood donated, will receive a trophy. It’s major publicity for the event, so we’re excited about that. But, we really want our citizens of Detroit to donate here, at our Headquarters, because we hold blood drives every single day here.

B-List: How does the average person know about your activities and blood drives and things of that sort?

Heather: Well, they can log onto our website , www.redcrossblood.org or call: 1800-Red Cross. We need people like you to do interviews with us, come out and take pictures and do articles and television and radio. We need the media to assist in promoting us because we make a difference, with your help. People believe that we have everything we need but blood has an expiration date and we constantly need donors to give blood.We want the citizens of Detroit to donate right here at the, “Kenneth L. Mitchell” Detroit Donor Center. We really want people to donate here so that they can not only donate blood, but it will allow them the opportunity to tour our operation so that they can see how we manufacture their blood. We can show them the distribution process, promote an awareness, and educate them on what exactly it is that we do here. We want to let them know what our specific needs are so that they will be mentally equipped to go out and tell others that might be encouraged to volunteer and/or give blood.

B-List: Are there any special trainings’ available for volunteers?

Heather: Yes, there are CPR courses and C.N.A. courses available right here at the Headquarters. If people really want to help the community, it’s best for them to come visit us here at The American Red Cross Headquarters.

B-List: Incredible! There is so much to see here and so much information to retain there is no way we can truly communicate it all to our readers. So we at the B-List would like to additionally invite the City of Detroit and anyone that has a heart to be a blessing to those in need. Make your way down to the, “Kenneth L. Mitchell Donor Center”, and “The American Red Cross Headquarters” located at 100 Mack Ave. (at Woodward) and experience the joy that comes with giving. Remember… This is the season!

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV.

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Weight loss is just math. Most people don’t understand or wouldn’t agree with the statement, weight loss is just math. It is true though, that everyone has a specific calorie intake (mathematical number) that will show them how much to eat to maintain, lose, or gain weight. There are some basic principles to doing the math and keeping it simple and clear so that you can be successful at losing, gaining or maintaining weight.Journaling

One of the most basic of principles to managing weight is keeping track. The best and most accurate way, is to keep a journal; either in paper format or in electronic format. Here is where a lot of people (some clients too) start to disagree. As a personal trainer, I have heard many clients balk at journaling. They don’t want to keep track of their activities, whether it’s their food/drink intake or their physical activities. Many say, “I won’t forget….I don’t need to write it down….or I can write it down later.” The most dangerous one of all is, “I don’t see why I need to do that.“ Although there are more ways that clients resist, complain and or disagree with the practice of journaling.

Weight Loss is Just Math

Journaling is a necessity for their success.

What Does Journaling Do?Journaling is a basic start to creating a blueprint of successful weight management. It’s the start to your personal plan of action(s) to accomplish your weight loss goals. Journaling signifies the level of commitment you have to yourself and your action plan. It helps you communicate to your mind and your body that you are in control. It avoids calorie amnesia and unrealistic expectations of results.

When activities are low it makes you see the real relationship between what you do and your results or in the reverse what you didn’t do and didn’t achieve. In a big way it helps to keep you focused and on track. It really helps you do the math on paper or electronically that you won’t, can’t and shouldn’t do in your head. You’re probably wondering why such a big deal is being made of journaling. The idea of not journaling can be likened to trying to keep track of a checking account and its balance in your head. Do you think that as you write checks it is really wise, responsible or likely that you can keep a running balance of your activities, an accurate account of the items you’ve spent money on and or money you’ve deposited? Unfortunately some people believe they can until they are repeatedly in overdraft and paying the price. But, if you did keep track you could avoid overdrawing your checking account and paying the associated overdraft

fees. (No one wants to pay overdraft fees!)

So how is that like journaling for weight loss? When you eat calories that you don’t hold yourself accountable for and take in more than your required caloric intake, this is simply over eating. You pay for it in fat added to your body in places you don’t want it added; your stomach, buttocks, thighs, arms etc. When you have exercise activities planned that you don’t carry out, you pay in unburned calories and fat that remains in tact.

Melody Johnson, CPT ISSA ©2010

So results aren’t going to show for something you didn’t do or for things you ate but shouldn’t have eaten. This can be discouraging because some of the other activities you may have completed seemed very significant. In your mind you may say “that workout I did on Tuesday should have been enough to lose at least 5 pounds”. Or you may think to yourself, “that one piece of cake wasn’t such a big deal.” Realistically it just does not work that way. Weight loss is not magic, its math.

Journaling will show you the relationship between your activities and your results. Sticking with journaling will also show you that when you consistently do what is necessary, you will get results. When you haven’t been consistent, it will show you why you did not get results. This is something that has to be pointed out and proven to most weight loss clients, because they simply won’t believe it, if it’s just told to them. They don’t relate to the fact that if they don’t keep track, this is leaving their weight loss to chance. And weight loss is something that should not be left to chance. Why is that? Leaving your weight loss to chance is like gambling at the casino. Everyone knows that the odds are against your winning at a casino. The odds there are slim to none. Do you really want lucky weight loss results anyway? Or would you prefer guaranteed or tried and true weight loss results?

The pages of your journal won’t lie to you. See your activities; see your food intake in black and white or electronic green or blue and the numbers will become your own personal formula for success. It will click in your mind like a light switch. This works because it will show your habits or patterns. It will show you that you create your own success with small or gradual changes; lifestyle changes. If you find that while you are doing this, results don’t show up, then your pattern needs to change and keep changing it until all your results stay consistent. Do not give up because while everyone loses weight somewhat differently, the basics of weight loss do not change. Weight loss is just math.

*See a personal trainer to find out for yourself your daily calorie intake and get a customized exercise plan so you can start your weight loss success story today.

To help those seeking to get back their drivers license…

“If you have lost your driver license in Michigan as a result of multiple drunk driving convictions, drug possessions or its been revoked for one year or more and you are ready to get it back, please be prepared.” says Terence Brown, Onsite Chief Coordinator. “Getting it back is not as simple as just waiting out your sentence. In most cases, you must go to a hearing before the Drivers License Appeal Division (DLAD) in order to get it back.”

Onsite Substance Abuse Testing and New Frontier Counseling Services has now opened its 4th office in 5 years in Redford with the mission to help prepare Michigan drivers with direction to what you need to reacquire their drivers license. The other offices are located in Ferndale, Warren and Ypsilanti to accommodate everyone in the Tri-County areas during this time of inconvenience and stress.

Onsite/New Frontier Opens New Office in Redford

16

Michelle Finley is the President of the Homeowners Advocates Association, LLC (HAA). HAA is an organization that can work to make financial hardships disappear. She has worked in a variety of capacities which have prepared her to negotiate on your behalf with financial institutions and relief from potential foreclosure. Michelle graduated with a degree in administration and went on to get a graduate degree from Central Michigan Univer sity which prepared her to be an educated advocate. Her service to our country, as a United States Marine, has given her the discipline to fight for what is right and just. She was working in corporate America when she experienced a moment of clarity. Michelle realized that she could do for individuals what she had done for companies for so long. She could use her knowledge and skills to enrich her community, not the coffers of large corporations. Her knowledge of real estate and mortgage banking gave her a competitive advantage in dealing with companies that she worked so diligently for in the past. She is adept at assessing an individual situation and finding the best resolution. This is epitomized by her ability to get a mortgage balance of $69,000 reduced to $4,000 and $178.000 to $40,000. Michelle is the person to fight for you.

Business Profile: Michelle FinleyRichard Carson

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