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FROM THE EDITOR
PUBLISHERS Bruce Bailey Nikki Howard-Combs SENIOR EDITOR Monique Guest CREATIVE DIRECTOR Chuck Cross MARKETING & EVENTS 12 NV Events, LLC GRAPHIC DESIGN Chuck Cross Steven Love
Dear Readers, Happy Thanksgiving!!!! It is time for all of us to take a moment and give thanks for all that we have and for all that we are. Life continues to keep moving at such a pace, that we need to take a second and give thanks to our higher power and learn to give back to those around us and those that are in need. Mentor our young people because we are losing some of them to a world that they truly don’t understand. Help them to see that it is all within their grasp and all they have to do is reach for it. Teach our young girls how to be strong and classy women and our boys, to be the men that they are capable of being. We are the leaders of today and we must groom them to be our leaders for tomorrow. The holidays are coming up and we all have so much to do to prepare. Before you get yourself into a tizzy, check out Lisa Mills’s article blasting some of those myths that surround Pilates. You may want to drop in and take yourself a class at her studio in Birmingham, MI, Townsend Street Pilates. You may then want to sit back and relax with a cold Mojito. LaSaunji shares her great Mojito recipe with a slice of history surrounding this flavorful drink. Did you know that before they changed some of the ingredients to the Mojito that it used to be used for medicinal purposes? Interesting. Dr. Eadie talks about the differences between dementia and Alzheimer and some of the risk factors for Alzheimer disease. If you have older parents and relatives, you may want to take some time and read what he says. It is a very enlightening column. Judge Cylenthia L. Miller describes the beat of her courtroom. Take some time and read it along with all the other great columns and stories. Don’t forget the continuation of “The Hook Up Lounge,” it is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. I hope that you all enjoy your holiday and this month’s BList. Don’t forget to give back to those around you and I want to thank you for your continued support as we, The Blist, are here to give you “The Information You Crave.” Sincerely,
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Curtis Johnson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rachel Araya Richard Carson Brigitte Maxey Lisa Cosley Lisa Mills Francyne Walker Melody Johnson Cylenthia LaToye Miller Michelle Finley COLUMNISTS Dr. Reginald Eadie Donna Marie Perry Kim Bettie LaSaunji Colston CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Napoleon Wright Jr. Steven Love Emmett Nicholas CIRCULATION Michael Powell Camille Corr Alex Odger ADVERTISING SALES Les Lance
Monique Guest Senior Editor
moniqueguestblist@email.com
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PUBLISHERS
Winter Celebrations Theme Ideas & Planning Tips
Nikki Howard-Combs
Are you planning a winter wedding (or event)? Well read on …. The colors of winter are deeper and richer, allowing you greater latitude than traditional spring and summer brides (or events). Winter weddings (events) lend themselves to sparkle and glitz against rich, jewel-toned colors. Invitations imprinted inside holiday r winter greeting cards, or silk invitation boxes present (available from “1 2 NV” Events, LLC) an alternative to the ordinary. You can serve non-traditional beverages such as hot apple cider, hot buttered rum, etc., and you can probably get a discount on your favorite venue for any date other than Christmas week (if you reserve six to eight months in advance). Use the suggestion below as a starting point to brainstorm you own unique winter celebration, or call “1 2 NV” Events, LLC to get starting planning an event that is sure to be “One to Envy!” THANKSGIVING WEDDING (or EVENT) Thanksgiving is the time to give thanks, and what better way to give thanks than to plan a Thanksgiving Day wedding (event). Consider a sunrise event when the sun first peeks, illuminating the rich array of fall harvest colors. Enjoy a lavish breakfast/brunch, complete with champagne and tequila sunrises. Think “rich, crisp, and brilliant” as you brainstorm your plans. Add harvest vegetables such as corn, artichokes, gourds of all colors and sizes, and even a pumpkin, to your table centerpieces. Replace some of your greenery with wheat. Make liberal use of nandina and pomegranates, to add brilliant fire red and green to your floral displays. If you imagine every color in a sunrise, and build your color scheme around those colors, your sunrise celebration will come alive. CHRISTMAS WEDDING (or EVENT) Christmas is the time to “Celebrate” … To celebrate the birth of our Creator, to celebrate our loved ones, and to celebrate our lives. Plan your Christmas celebration around silver, gold, ruby, emerald, amethyst, and sapphire—jewel tones. Use rich fabrics such as velvet, satin and silk. Add brocade accents for a festive touch. Select a venue that glistens with holiday décor that will complement your theme and decorations. Give poinsettias and amaryllis the spotlight during your celebration. Add white roses, gardenias, and lilies as accents, and fill in with eucalyptus, pinecones, holly, evergreen, nandina, and don’t forget the “BLING.” Surround your guest with subtle scents of eucalyptus and pine. Small poinsettias surrounded by pine branches sprayed with snow or crystal as table centerpieces encourage your guests to talk to one another without having to lean around the centerpiece. WINTER WONDERLAND WEDDING or EVENT If you want to simply highlight the season, and not a particular holiday, the winter wonderland theme introduces additional options. Silver, sky blue, and white simulate a cold, snowy, winter day, and offer many options for accent colors. Consider a color scheme of midnight blue with silver or gold accents to simulate the clear night sky and twinkling stars. Replace the traditional floral buffet display with an ice sculpture surrounded by pine branches with pinecones and evergreen branches with berries. Spray the pinecone with gold or silver and add a huge gold or silver metallic bow. Use winter foliage and branches in place of delicate baby’s breath for greenery, and use masses of large, white flowers, such as amaryllis tinged with yellow, pure white lilies, with a hint of yellow center, and white hydrangeas. Oversized white flowers, with a touch of accent color, work particularly well against a backdrop of winter branches and foliage. As an alternative to floral centerpieces, small sleigh ice sculptures amide winter branches; foliage and snow add seasonal authenticity to your tables. Huge white magnolia blossoms, floating in water in crystal bowls offer yet another dramatic alternative. Consider berry, evergreen pine, and pinecone piece ice
vase candle holders, lighting the pathway to your event. Magnolia leaves painted with gold paint also add to the drama. These are just a few ideas, but whatever your theme, be creative, imaginative, or call Nikki Howard-Combs, MBA, CWP – Owner – “1 2 NV” Events, LLC on 313-608-8357…and let’s make your event “One to Envy!” “SANTA’S HELPER” SHOPPING CONCIERGE SERVICE If shopping for your holiday décor, gifts, or wardrobe is not your cup of tea, call Nikki for information about “Santa’s Helpers” Shopping Concierge Services. “1 2 NV” Events, LLC is built on experience, passion, integrity, and dedication. Nikki Howard-Combs has the natural talent for coordinating wardrobes and events, 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 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.
I look forward to hearing from you ... Because ALL Events should be “One to Envy!”
Nikki
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ASK DR. EADIE Nicole P: Dr. Eadie, I recently visited my 78 year-old aunt and was troubled by her behavior. She has been a fairly healthy and independent woman ever since my uncle died 3 years ago. When my husband and I arrived at her home, we noticed that she had her shoes on the wrong feet. She seemed to be having problems with her memory and had us looking for a book that we think never existed. As I spoke to her trying to make sense out of what I was witnessing, my husband went next door to talk to her neighbor only to learn that she has not left the house (in weeks) and has been displaying changes in her mood. I immediately took her to a local hospital for help. QuestionsI recalled that my grandmother (her mother) suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and am wondering if you think this is the same? If so, is this something I need to worry about? Is Alzheimer’s disease different from dementia? Is there a clinic that specializes in care for the elderly? Dr. Eadie: Nicole, let me first commend you for immediately seeking medical intervention for your aunt. At her age, many medical emergencies can present in a variety of fashions. With a family history of dementia and the aforementioned signs and symptoms, I think it is reasonable to assume that your aunt is suffering from dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer noticed changes in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness. Her symptoms included memory loss, language problems and unpredictable behavior. After she died, he examined her brain and found many abnormal clumps (now called amyloid plaques) and tangled bundles of fibers (now called neurofibrillary tangles). Plaques and tangles in the brain are two of the main features of Alzheimer’s disease. The third is the loss of connections between nerve cells (neurons) in the brain. Nicole, coincidently, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older people. So your connection of the two was right on point. Dementia (taken from Latin, originally meaning “madness,” from de- “without” + ment, the root of mens “mind”) is a serious loss of cognitive ability in a previously unimpaired person, beyond what might be expected from normal aging. Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible,
DETROIT’S 05
Reginald J. Eadie, MD
Research has shown that those who have a parent, brother, sister, or child with Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the disease. To answer your question, the risk increases if more than one family progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking member has the illness. When diseases tend to run in families, either skills, and eventually even the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. heredity (genetics) or environmental factors, or both, may play a In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first appear after age 60. role. Dementia is a problem with the brain that manifests as loss of cognitive functioning—thinking, remembering and reasoning—to such an 3. Head injury- There appears to be a strong link between serious extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. After head injury and the future risk of Alzheimer’s. This is why it is impora while, this makes it hard for the person to take care of himself or tant to always protect your head by buckling your seat belt, wearing herself. If this is in fact the case, your aunt is not alone as experts your helmet when participating in sports, and “fall-proofing” your suggest that as many as 5.1 million Americans may have Alzheimer’s. home. Sign and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease: Memory loss Difficulty performing familiar tasks Problems with language Disorientation to time and place Poor or decreased judgment Problems with abstract thinking Misplacing things Changes in mood or behavior Changes in personality Loss of initiative
In case you’re wondering, physicians and researchers don’t yet completely understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease. It is clear that it develops because of a series of events that take place in the brain over a long period of time. As you suspected, it is likely that the causes are genetic. However, causes are also thought to include environmental and lifestyle factors. Because people differ in their genetic make-up and lifestyle, the importance of these factors for preventing or delaying Alzheimer’s differs from person to person. Your aunt is not alone as the prevalence of dementia increases exponentially with age. Some researchers report that about half of the population age 80 and over has some degree of dementia. Three quarters of all dementia is due to Alzheimer’s disease. Three major risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease include:
Proper differential diagnosis between the types of dementia will require, at the least, referral to a specialist, e.g., a geriatric internist, geriatric psychiatrist, neurologist, neuropsychologist or geropsychologist. The ideal location to get treatment for your aunt is at a geriatric center of excellence which will be able to provide her with a comprehensive program, in a one-stop-shop manner while giving her VIP service. As far as elderly care is concerned, everyone over 60 should have a one-time geriatric workup. The workup should be by a board-certified geriatrician who is a physician that specializes in caring for the elderly. This is especially important for seniors with multiple health issues. The ideal clinic in Southeastern Michigan is The Rosa Parks Geriatric Center. At this center of excellence all of the specialists come to the patient while at the clinic. The medical team consists of geriatricians, a host of specialists, nurses, nurse practictioners, social workers, pharmacists as well as respiratory therapists. This center is affiliated with Wayne State University and located in the University Health Center. I would recommend you call the Rosa Parks Geriatric Center (1-888-264-0102) immediately and arrange to have your aunt seen there.
1. Age- The greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s is increasing age. Most individuals with the disease are 60 or older. The likelihood Detroit, keep your questions coming to askdreadie@hotmail.com of developing Alzheimer’s doubles about every five years after age I wish you peace & blessings, 65. Again, after age 80, the risk reaches nearly 50 percent. 2. Family History/Hereditary- Another risk factor is family history.
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GET THE MAGAZINE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
The Truth Behind Pilates Lisa Mills
Spectacles 230 E. Grand River (Dwtn Detroit)
It’s time to say good-bye to my top three favorite myths of Pilates and expose the true facts. Although Pilates has become increasingly popular in recent years, it was in FACT developed during World War One as a rehabilitation program for injured soldiers by Joseph Pilates. While dancers have been embarrassing this form of movement for years, it is a total MYTH that Pilates started in the ballet world and is a workout for women only. Pilates is adaptable to all fitness levels from seniors, athletes, men, and children. The method of movement is welcoming for all bodies.
The UPS Store 18701 Grand River (Rosedale Park) The Johnson Family Agency 18711 Grand River (Rosedale Park)
Another big assertion behind Pilates is that it makes you taller. Of all the MYTHS behind Pilates, this is the most popular. By improving your posture, flexibility and core, a Pilates practitioner starts to stand taller thus projecting their true height. So while one may measure a half inch taller after practicing Pilates for a while, the method does not prevent a structural musculoskeletal change. Instead, it allows muscles to lengthen and stretch to their full capacity.
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)
Not long ago, it was believed that weight loss could not be obtained through Pilates. There are two, 2006 studies, show that Pilates is a viable contender for shedding pounds. While cardio tends to be an efficient calorie burner, Pilates has the potential to burn enough calories, if done correctly, on regular bases over a long period of time. A 135lb woman running at top speed burns about 12 calories per minute, while an advanced Pilate’s student burns about 8 calories per minute.
House of Chants 210 W. Nine Mile (Ferndale)
Pilates not being affordable is probably the biggest MYTH that prevents potential clients from trying Pilates. While traditional privates lessons can be very pricey, most Pilates studios offer discounted packages.
Incognito 323 S. Main Street (Royal Oak)
So, no more excuses people. Give it a shot. What do you have to lose? What better place than to experience a whole new world than Townsend Street Pilates?
Townsend Street Pilates 189 Townsend Street ~ Suite 100 Birmingham, MI 48009
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Phone: 248.642.6061 Fax: 248.642.6285
Burn Rubber 202 W. Fourth (Royal Oak)
Bar 7 24528 W. 12 Mile (Southfield)
Sippin With Soni
LaSaunji Colston
Mojito (pronounced mo-HEE-toe), one of Cuba’s oldest cocktails, comes from the African word mojo, which means to place a little spell. Bacardi traces the drink’s roots to 1586, when Francis Drake and his pirates tried to sack Havana for its gold. While the invasion was unsuccessful, Drake’s associate, Richard Drake, was said to have invented a mojito-like cocktail known as El Draque made with aguardiente (a crude forerunner of rum), sugar, lime and mint. Early on, it was consumed for medicinal purposes, imagine the potency! Around the mid-1800s, the recipe was altered and gained in popularity as the original Bacardi Company was established. In 1940, Cuban playwright and poet, Federico Villoch proclaimed: ‘When aquardiente was replaced with rum, the Draque was to be called a Mojito.’ Other accounts suggest that slaves working in Cuban sugar cane fields, in the late 19th century, invented the mojito. Credit aside, the Mojito has become a local favorite here in the D. I’ve seen countless renditions of this interestingly refreshing drink. This months’ mix is a very flavorful and let us not forget, potent variant of the traditional simple syrup Mojito. Berries Mojito 2 1/2 parts Blueberry Stoli 1 part Chambord Club Soda ** 1 part Strawberry Puree’ ** 1 part Raspberry Puree’ 2-3 Lime Wheels 2-5 Mint leaves (to taste) In a shaker, gently crush the mint leaves and the sliced limes with a muddler or the back of a spoon. Fill a highball glass with ice and add crushed mint leaves and lime pulp/juice. Add Blueberry Stoli, Chambord and puree’ mixtures. Top with just a splash of club soda. Stir to mix. Garnish with lime wedge and a few sprigs of mint. Makes 1 serving. **Note: To make fruit purees, add fresh fruit to food processor or mix in blender until smooth, (which can get tricky w/the strawberry seeds). If you can tolerate them, fine. Removing the seeds can be tedious, but gives the desired smooth consistency this drink should have. Of course you can always save yourself the hassle and cut down on time buy purchasing the fruit purees. Cheers! If you have any questions on how to use certain liquors or if you have any suggestions on what you’d like to see here, please see me at TV bar on Friday nights. * Source Havana Journal/Culture-post June 26, 2006 & Benihana restaurant
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One Doctor Seeks to Educate an Born and raised in Detroit, Dr. Crystal Martin initially sought a career as a gastroenterologist. However, her desire to make a difference led her to become a nephrologist, or a kidney specialist. Martin graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago and completed her residency at the University of Illinois Hospital. She returned to Michigan in 1998 to complete her nephrology subspecialty training at the University of Michigan and would later join Hypertension Nephrology Associates, P.C. in 2000. She is presently the Medical Director of Fresenius Medical Services University,
Bewick and Conner hemodialysis units. Additionally, Martin is the Asst. Vice President of Medical Affairs at the Detroit Medical Center. As a nephrologist, she’s all too familiar with the high prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the Black community. Martin notes that hypertension and diabetes are two of the main causes of kidney disease and both are preventable if one takes control of their diet. “You are what you eat and we have to think more about what we’re eating and start curbing our overindulgences,” says Martin. One of her biggest concerns is the Black community’s high salt intake, since they tend to be very salt-sensitive. A high salt intake leads to water retention, which can result in hypertension. She advises that making little lifestyle changes such as using alternative seasonings, finding a comfortable weight and maintaining it, as well as working out will make a huge difference. Martin is also concerned with children who undoubtedly pattern their eating habits after their parents. “They only know what
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you feed them. So, if you’re adding salt to their food, they wouldn’t know any better than if they didn’t have salt in their food because they’re not used to eating it,” notes Martin. She encourages her patients to bring their children or grandchildren because chances are they may suffer from hypertension as well. She’s on a mission to educate and empower her patients. She uses laymen’s terms to break down any communication barriers and help them understand their health better and become proactive in getting the best care or treatment possible. Martin has participated in health affairs and conducted several workshops sponsored by local churches and organizations. “I’m dedicated to helping my patients live healthier and happier lives.” So dedicated, she calls this her ministry. Martin is committed to helping her patients help their doctors take better care of them. She encourages her patients to not accept the doctor’s test results without asking the appropriate questions and seeking treatment accordingly. “Ask for your labs,” says Martin. “You have every right to ask questions.” When she talks about helping others, you can hear the passion in Martin’s voice, but this married mother of two doesn’t just talk the talk, she walks the walk by instilling healthy values in her daughter, 14 and her son, 9. Although Martin sees a lot of kidney disease in older adults, she has begun to notice the development of adult onset diabetes, a
nd Empower Her Patients
Francyne Walker
disease normally seen in someone in the 30s or 40s, occur in children who are 12 or 13 years old. “When you see diabetes at 30, you could end up with amputations, heart attacks, and strokes at 50 or 60 because you didn’t control things for 20 years,” Martin noted. “Could you imagine trying to get kids to control things (blood pressure and blood sugar) when it’s hard enough trying to get adults to control things? The question is, are they (12 and 13 year olds) going to be at risk for heart attacks or strokes when they are in their prime, 30s or 40s?” Martin knows the importance of building a relationship with her patients and seeks to understand what’s going on in their personal lives, since stress can be a major contributor to hypertension. She recalls how one patient’s blood pressure was extremely high. The patient explained her living situation and Martin was able to write her a note that allowed her to move out of her apartment. After her patient moved, her blood pressure returned to normal. Even when addressing her kidney disease patients, she doesn’t sugarcoat the truth but she takes a gentler approach, enabling them to consider all their health care options. “I believe the doctor-patient relationship is a partnership. I believe in fully educating my patients on
their disease and we work together to prevent or slow disease progression. Early preparation for future options, including kidney transplantation, is essential,” says Martin. She would like to see more young people, especially men, participate in her workshops but she is committed to empowering her patients. “It’s my mission – God put me on earth to educate patients,” says Martin. If you’d like to learn more about Dr. Martin, go to www.hnapc.com.
Feeling the Beat of the Courtroom As a Judge at the 36th District Court, I hear cases from every area of the law – Traffic, Real Estate, Small Claims, Civil, and even, Criminal. I don’t mean to trivialize, but in some ways, it’s like a big production. I arrive like a star with a
reserved parking area and a private elevator. The sounds of the motor vehicles passing on Madison, serve as the backdrop as the Judges’ entrance officer says, “Good morning, Judge.” It all builds to a crescendo when my court bailiff bellows, “All rise,”
Cylenthia LaToye Miller
as I enter the courtroom and everyone stands. One could get to like all of that! But then, I am not that type of person, much less judge. Outside of the election cycle, I rarely introduce myself as a judge. I know it’s the people’s seat, at the people’s court and they do not have to allow me to stay in it. I am all too aware that I am impacting lives in the courtroom. I am affecting the beat of someone’s heart – does her son go to jail? Does his wife owe more than they can pay now that she has been laid off? Does the garnishment continue even though he simply cannot pay another dime to anyone without losing everything he has in the world?!?! If this is a show, then the audience is filled with mostly reluctant attendees with tickets they did not want. At the State’s busiest district court, I feel pushed, driven, by the pulsating bass, drums, and lyrics of the steady flow of cases. But in the courtroom I set the tone, the rhythm, and the beat. There, I ensure a sense of order and instill confidence, that while you may not win, you will be heard and treated with respect and courtesy. I will feel your beat and you will feel mine.
How Will a Short Sale Affect You? Joy Santiago
By PheNixxInc.com
Many people who want-or have to sell their homes, have been faced with a decision of a SHORT SALE: selling your home for LESS than what is owed. What will happen with the difference of what is owed and what the house sells for, also known as Deficiency? How will it affect you for income taxes, credit, and future home purchases? Deficiency- When you get a mortgage, you sign 2 very important documents: the MORTGAGE-pledging the home as collateral by placing a lien on the home, and the NOTE-the promise to pay the money back. Banks will typically release the lien and allow you to sell your home, but usually they want borrowers to address the deficiency. It is important to have a good Realtor or short sale negotiator to help you try and work with the banks to try and get this eliminated or reduced to amount that is affordable, otherwise you could be stuck paying back the entire amount you already agreed to pay back on the original note. Taxes-To the IRS they consider a waived deficiency a gain of income-subject to income tax. Thanks to the Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007 enacted by President Bush, if the home was your primary residence, you should be exempt for any tax on any “gain” through 2012. If the property was an investment property, you may be able to be relieved of taxes in 3 ways: Insolvency (where your net worth is negative), Qualified Real Property Debt Exception (where you used the funds borrowed to improve the property), or by Bankruptcy. Credit- If the rest of your credit is good, you probably won’t take a huge hit, but if you’re borderline, you may see a major drop in scores and ability to borrow. A short sale is MUCH better than a foreclosure or bankruptcy on your credit, so in many cases a short sale is still a better choice. Future Home Purchase-Typically banks will look at a short sale for up to 3 years, and may not allow you to qualify for another mortgage. Leasing, or land contracts may be an option, or in cases where the short sale home was in one spouse’s name vs. both, the OTHER may be able to purchase. It is hopeful that this 3-year rule will change and become a shorter period of time. Joy Santiago is the President of Dwellings Unlimited, a real estate company, and has been featured in Time Magazine, Detroit Free Press, Model D and on HGTV.
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The Hook Up Lounge
Natasha Kimber Last week when Henry saw Sandra in her liquid gold dress, he thought he might pass a little liquid himself! (Ok you are gross for what you are thinking) He was about to sweat, is all! LOL! She came up to him, with the girls (aka her breasts) and said HELLO, and of course he wanted to formally introduce himself to them too! But first, he had to convince Sandra that this meeting was necessary. Sandra knew Henry had it bad for her; but she wasn’t sure he could close the deal. Henry always just laid low, smiled at her from a far and waited for his moment, but Sandra sensed that tonight was different. Henry just seemed manlier. He was giving off a Denzel Washington kind of vibe, or a Rhett Butler, kind of mannishness. She was definitely ready to see what he was trying to do! Henry said, “Come sit with me for a minute Sandra.” He held his hand out to help her sit next to him. She took his hand, very lady like, and immediately sat on the sofa with him. She slid back slowly so that her back pressed against the sofa and her left side pressed against Henry. Henry had all eyes on Sandra as her dress slid up her thighs just enough to distract him from the girls saying hello! “DAM” Henry said! “What?” Replied Sandra “…..Oh, I almost forgot,” Henry recovered quickly, “what did you want to drink?” Sandra replied, “How about a Cosmo?” “No problem,” Henry countered, as he motioned the waitress to the area where they were sitting. He ordered quickly and then repositioned himself, literally. (lol) Sandra took a sip of the Cosmopolitan when it arrived; she looked at Henry and asked, “Would you like some?”
He thought to himself, she must know I have tasted a cosmopolitan before it’s a very common drink. But he feigned ignorance and said “sure let me taste it.” She took a bigger sip of her drink and slowly kissed Henry, allowing him to taste the Cosmo on the inside of her mouth. Henry was on high alert from all parts of his body….. Stay tuned to find out what happens next in the HOOK UP LOUNGE
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The Thin Commandments Melody Johnson, CPT ISSA ©2010
1. Thou Shall Not Skip Work outs. 2. Thou Shall Not Forget to Check Food Labels. 3. Thou Shall Not Forget to Limit Food Portions. 4. Thou Shall Not Skip Drinking 64 oz of Water Daily. 5. Thou Shall Not make Excuses for Bad Habits that Sabotage Weight Loss Efforts. 6. Thou Shall make Healthy Food Choices! 7. Thou Shall Eliminate or Limit High Calorie Foods and Drinks from thy Diet. (Replacing them with Low Calorie Items) 8. Thou Shall Rejoice and Reward Oneself … But not with Food or Drinks! 9. Thou Shall Make Goals Realistic and Achievable. 10. Thou Shall not quit trying to be fit! There are many other ways to get and keep fit and trim. Start with these small steps and keep looking for ways to make your battle of the bulge easier and with lasting results.
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Our Baby Diaper Wreaths are a Wonderful Baby Gift for the New Mommy's Hospital Door. These unique diaper wreaths are even great to hang on the Nursery Door!
Above all, constantly attack the bad habits until you conquer them and don’t let them conquer you. Good Health to You! ©2009 Melody Johnson CPT, International Sports
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It’s easy to get started, please contact me today for more information. Servicing Metro Detroit Area Nicole Thomas (313) 753-4450 cutediapercakesbynicole@gmail.com www.nicmanagement.com
The Value of a Drug Free Workplace Policy Mid-size to small businesses, in Southeastern Michigan, need to develop, implement and enforce a “drug-free workplace policy” At Onsite Substance Abuse Testing, we regularly encounter employees requesting a drug or alcohol test in anticipation of a company random drug and alcohol screening. On the flip side, we will receive employer requests to test employees that are suspected of using drugs or alcohol while on the job. It has been our experience, that pro-active employers, that develop, implement and enforce a drug-free policy are more successful businesses. The implementation of a drug-free workplace policy, will reduce insurance premiums through reduced workmen’s compensation claims and/or loss prevention (theft). Employers need to contact their commercial insurance agent or broker and request information on ways to reduce their premiums. Your commercial insurance policy has provisions for discounts in your policy that will reduce your insurance premium. If not, then employers need to search for a better commercial policy because they exist. They are just not talked about because of the impact that reduced premiums will have on an insurance company’s bottom-lined. Make time for you and your business future and we can sit down and have a more detailed conversation about this issue and develop a “drug-free workplace policy” that coincides with your business practices, especially with the current state of businesses here in Michigan.
A SERIOUS CITY FABRIC:
Following Business Owner and Detroit Social Change Activist Barry Ross
Steven Love
In the early 1960’s, Detroit experienced major changes for the common good of the communities and some for the destruction. Organizations like the Black Panther Party, The NAACP, and various smaller groups, have rallied to bring a halt to the political invasion and the social decadence that has destroyed the sanctity of the streets and families. This new system of government has little time, effort and resources to come to the local level and commit to change that will help our neighborhoods erase the violence and corruption that they experience every day, all day. Therefore, everyday people must stand up for themselves to protect, educate and advance themselves in order to be recognized by other societies as a serious city with serious leaders and serious input into the moral fabric of the United States of America. One Detroit business owner, Barry Ross, owner of Sermans Clothes in downtown Detroit, not only sells fabrics but is a major component to sewing this city back together, one neighborhood at a time. For the next few issues of the B-List Magazine, I will be following Barry as he partners with influential people, in our city, to show us what we can do to make the necessary changes in our neighborhoods to thwart violence and corruption.
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It’s Not Just Incomplete Paperwork, Its Fraud
Michelle Finley
There was a time when foreclosure was the last course of action for a mortgage lender/servicer. That was before we entered the age of robo-signers and foreclosure mills. Robo-signers and foreclosure mills are employed by your bank to manage the foreclosure process. The problem is, a robo-signer signs thousands of affidavits per month, swearing the information they have reviewed is true and accurate, with regard to the homeowners’ foreclosure, and the right for the bank to foreclose. Admittedly, the robo-signers have said that they do not and have not thoroughly reviewed the documents relative to the thousands of affidavits they file with the courts and counties, daily. Many would argue that the homeowner defaulted on his mortgage and foreclosure was inevitable; however that does not justify the elimination of your rights! In the state of Michigan, homeowners are entitled to a mediation meeting with the attorneys representing their lender, not that it makes any sense to meet with their attorneys because they are only representing their client’s best interest, prior to the scheduling of the sheriff’s sale. If that meeting is not requested by the homeowner within 14 days of receiving notice, the meeting is forfeited, and the attorneys proceed to schedule a sale date. Although Michigan is a non-judicial foreclosure state, meaning the court is not involved in the foreclosure process; you can petition the court to get involved in your foreclosure. By petitioning the court, you open your case to the scrutiny of the court, forcing the lender to prove its right to foreclose. Know your rights and fight for them!
Michelle Finley, President Homeowners Advocate Association Direct 248.298.9134 | Toll Free 866.611.4551 www.homeownersadvocateonline.com
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