KEM July August 2011 Inaugural Issue by Cheryl Patterson

July/August Issue 2011

Impact Magazine will bring a new buzz to the city in a positive perspective. Expect to find great things going on in the metro area in our publication. Our goal is to come together as a community to build a positive outlook on the image of the city. We are a strong city with great values and high standards. You our sophisticated readers realize that we all have a common goal to see our city grow in business, culture, and pride. Impact Magazine is a bimonthly publication that will appeal to homeowners, women, men, and young adults. Our publication will make a strong impact on our readers with intriguing stories of positive news, inspiration, city growth, classified ads, entertainment news, community news, youth news,health awareness and advertisements. We will also run special editions on occasions.

July/August Issue 2011

CONTENTS

Straight Talk from the Editor------6 Cinnamon & Honey---8 Go Green---------12

Schizophrenia and what it looks like---13 Full & Fabulous-----21 Jazz according to Dexter----23 The Extinction of eating Utensils----30

July/August Issue 2011

E Mail:

July/August Issue 2011

Credits Susan Y. Jones President/CEO Publisher/Editor Staff Writers Gail Parrish Kim Moore Kimo Frederiksen Julie Semones Contributors Dexter Sims Andrew Parrish Senior Vice-President Sandra Tank Photographers Rod Murphy Terri Nichole Creative Design & Layout Punkin Design Susan Jones Julie Semones Typography Julie Semones Advertising Manager Sandra Tank Proof Reader Marjorie Kohler

Editorial & Advertising Office : Punkin Design Seeds of Originality LLC 633 Burlingame Street Detroit MI 313.671.2305 Office E-mail: impactdetroit@gmail.com Web: www.apositiveimpactdetroit.com

Straight Talk From The Editor We live in a free world, we make our own decisions, we have our own agenda in this microwave society. Have you ever thought what it would be like if we took time to slow down a little and do things the way the elderly used to do them in the old days? You don’t have to be old or a senior citizen to remember some of those things. I remember my grandmother used to plant a small garden in the back yard. In that garden she would plant tomatoes, turnip greens, collard greens, bell peppers and potatoes. She also raised some chickens. Nowadays we have become too busy to even cook. What would happen if we slowed down? Would we take the time to plant a garden and cook a well balanced meal for our families? Would we sit at the table and eat together, talk about what happened during the day? What would happen if we went to the PTA meeting at the school for our children? If we slowed down enough to read a book to our children? If we heated our food on the stove in a pot instead of putting it in the microwave? What would happen if we didn’t have a cell phone and went back to using a land line for everything? I ask these questions because I think we are causing the world to move faster than it’s supposed to. I don’t remember all of the sickness and diseases we face today. There has never been as much cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes as there is today. My Grandmother passed in 1976 with a blood clot. Not cancer, or high blood pressure or diabetes. I just want to live in a world that is simple. I want to see families spending quality time together. I want to see parents going to PTA meetings out of concern for their children. I want to hear about fathers sitting down reading a book to their children. These are things you remember when you grow up, the special moments that happen to you when you were a small child. You remember who taught you how to ride a bike, who taught you how to cook a healthy meal, who taught you how to play football and basketball. These are positive things to remember. So let’s keep positive thinking in our foreseeable future. Just a positive thought.

July/August Issue 2011

The Good in Detroit

July/August Issue 2011

Bet Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. It will do what some call turning to sugar. In reality honey is always honey. However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time it will do what I rather call “crystallize” When this happens I loosen the lid, boil some water, and sit the honey container in the hot water, turn off the heat and let it liquefy. It is then as good as it ever was. Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. To do so will kill the enzymes in the honey.

the drug companies won’t like this one getting around. Facts on Honey and Cinnamon: It is found that a mixture of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a ‘Ram Ban’ (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases. Today’s science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients. Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada, in its issue dated 17 January,1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES :

Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also, those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack.. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada , various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon can revitalize the arteries and veins.

ARTHRITIS:

Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot wa-

ter with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon honey and one half teaspoon cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder..

CHOLESTEROL:

Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of cinnamon powder mixed

in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS:

Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH:

Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.

GAS:

According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that if Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM:

Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Sci-

entists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION:

Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

INFLUENZA:

A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ‘ Ingredient’ which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY:

Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increase and even a 100 year old, starts performing the chores of a 20 year old.

PIMPLES:

Take three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and mix into a paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily

July/August Issue 2011 for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS:

Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected areas cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:

Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER:

Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day.

FATIGUE:

Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who

take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.

BAD BREATH:

People of South America , first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS:

Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it! You might want to share this information with a friend, kinfolks and loved ones. Everyone needs healthy help information. What they do with it is up to them. The views expressed in this article are not necessarily those of the editor or staff of Impact Magazine. 9

July/August Issue 2011

some help so I volunteered.

Impact: What is your philosophy

about coaching?

Coach: You have to let boys be

oach David McCord, a devoted husband with two children understands the need to be a positive role model for the youth of Detroit. Coach found time between work and school to volunteer with the inner city youth, his children are a part of the program as well.

“You must have patients with children because they are easily distracted.”

Coach knows the responsibility is great and wants to do his part in giving back and giving youth an opportunity to learn team work and discipline. “You must have patience with children because they are easily distracted”Said Coach David it is very encouraging that there are young men who live in Detroit and want to make a difference. Coach David has started a Little League Football team called ‘The Motor City Bisons for the youth of Detroit. A Young man with a vision is a powerful thing especially when he allows his vision to become a reality.

Impact: What drew you into coaching youth?

Coach:

Well it started out with my son playing football, and that coaching staff needed

boys. This is football. Sometimes the children are going to get rough. They will push and fight. They can be hard headed and talk back sometimes, you have to expect that, but also you want them to have a little aggression to play the game of football.

Impact: How would you describe your style of coaching?

Coach: I believe in discipline and also I believe in the children having fun. Most of the children come here because they like the game of football. They don’t really know any thing about the NFL but they know they want to have fun. Impact: What’s the hardest part of coaching Youth?

Coach:

Patience, you have to have a lot of patience, because you can turn your back for 5 seconds and they’re out of position and playing so you have to have a lot of patience.

Impact: Are your boys learn-

ing the concept of team work and working with others?

Coach:

Definitely, it grows with them. When they first get here everyone is an individual they don’t really know each other they’re from different neighborhood , different families. They have to learn each others names. They have to learn how to line up to play the game, so that helps them to learn the concept of working together and becoming a team.

Impact: What are some team

Coach: Our team activities are things we do off field. We had a picnic,cheerleaders had a lemonade sale and the cheerleaders have a hotel party coming up.

Impact: How are parents handled

Coach:

Well, the parents are a little tricky because some of them don’t understand how important it is to bring the children out everyday. Our parents are new because the organization is new, but a child does understand the concept of winning and losing. If parents don’t bring their child everyday it will show on the field. It shows they are not being productive because they are dropping the ball,fumbling missing tackles and that shows production is down in that child. If parents bring their child to practice two days a week they are missing the fundamentals they would get if they were at practice everyday.

Impact: Can you tell us about your staff?

Coach:

Yes, the Event Coordinator is Renata McCord. She also runs the Cheerleaders. Coach Marvin,and Coach Walt who handled the 5th & 6th graders and 7th & 8th graders. We need sponsors and additional staff.

Impact: For parents to get there boys on your team what do they have to do?

Coach: Just show up and bring

the children out,and sign them up. Registration is $150.00 which includes everything except the football cleeks and cup. Go to our web site www.motorcitybisions.com Where our contact information is available. We can be reached at 313.458.3544

building activities that you do?

July/August Issue 2011

GO GREEN?

By: Julie Semones

When you first think of “going green”, what comes to mind? Do you immediately think of greenhouses and organic foods? Did you know that is not the complete package? There are ways in your own home to “go green.” Recycling is a great way of going green. Most of us already recycle our pop cans and bottles but there is so much more to it. You can separate your cans and bottles, from ordinary paper trash, but what do you do with them? In many communities, you can rent a recycling bin from your local recycling company, and place plastics in one container then the rest of your trash in another container. In the end, the recycling company will come and pick up the bin and take it to the local recycling center. What are other ways of going green? Did you know that by using “green” cleaning products, you are saving the earth? Not only by recycling the bottles when you’re done, but by using natural cleaning products that don’t harm the atmosphere. There are many places on the internet to get recipes for creating your own “green” cleaning products, or you can buy products at big chain stores. Looking outside your home, there are many other places

that are going green. I was surprised to read recently that there are web hosting companies that are going green by using wind power or RECs1 to run their data centers. In the fashion industry, designers have found the secrets to going green, and the cool thing is, you won’t need to wear animal skins and rocks for your fashion. Instead the fashion industry is using natural, organic fibers, or recycled goods for fabric. There is a fashion line called DNH (Do No Harm) which uses natural and recycled items for men’s and women’s fashions. As Americans work toward going green, many are concerned about their Carbon Footprint. A Carbon Footprint is how much carbon is emitted each year by humans. You can figure your Carbon Footprint by visiting www.carbonfootprint.com. You can make your beauty regimen green as well, by following these steps: Make it yourself – The easiest way to go green is to use items out of your cabinets or refrigerator. Conserve, conserve, conserve – Make minor changes in your daily beauty regimen. Be aware of how much water runs in the shower. You can purchase low flow showerheads or showerheads that you can turn off, in between shampooing.

Reuse and Recycle - According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than 2 billion disposable razors wind up in landfills every year. To minimize the impact on the environment, choose a razor that allows you to change the blades (instead of regularly tossing a plastic, non-biodegradable razor into the trash) or, better yet, invest in an electric razor. In addition, consider switching to recycled plastic bags for makeup storage and recycled toilet paper for makeup removal. Don’t be Cruel – While a lot of companies have chosen to use anti-cruelty policies, many continue to experiment on animals. Find companies that have cruelty-free policies. Embracing a greener lifestyle isn't just about helping to preserve equatorial rain forests, it can also mean improving your health, padding your bank account, and, ultimately, improving your overall quality of life. All that and you can save furry animals, too? Why wouldn't anyone want to green?

1A REC (pronounced: rěk) represents the property rights to the environmental, social, and other nonpower qualities of renewable electricity generation. A REC, and its associated attributes and benefits, can be sold separately from the underlying physical electricity associated with a renewable-based generation source.

July/August Issue 2011 For the next three

Schizophrenia

years I was seeing doctors and

prescribed

medications that kept me

and what it looks like

My Story By Andrew

taking

stable. To give you an acute

Parrish

M y

sense of what went on, try

diagnosis came at a crucial

to imagine your life as it is

time. Schizophrenia doesn’t

today. Good job. Nice home.

attack your body suddenly

Someone to come home

assistant social worker. To

like the flu. It attacks your

to. Enjoyable outings with

qualify to become a Peer

mind slowly over a period

friends, family, etc.

Support

you

of years. Schizophrenia is

imagine

A friend of mine

must complete two weeks

a chemical imbalance in the

have being taken away and

once told me, religion is

of Peer Support Specialist

brain that slowly gets worse

having to start your whole

for people who are trying

training, you must secure

over time if not treated

life all over again, having

not to go to Hell. And

a Peer Support Specialist

quickly.

My symptoms

lost 28 years of your life. I

spirituality is for people

job, and, most importantly,

started when I was in college

got control of my illness. I

who have already been

you must have a diagnosis

before.

Around 2001 I

take the medications. I see

there. I would like to say

of a mental illness or a

was in Columbia College

the doctors. I do whatever

for the record that I am

history of substance abuse.

Chicago, and doing pretty

it takes.

deeply religious.

Don’t worry.

I’m not a

good. I had decent grades,

and

am also one of the most

drug addict. But I am a

lots of friends and a good

taking baby steps back into

spiritual people you will

mental case.

Six years

job. But as time wore on,

normality. I slowly got back

ever know. At least that

ago I was diagnosed with

my grades slipped, I lost my

in touch with old friends. I

is what my friends say.

schizophrenia.

Paranoid

job, and I lost contact with

began to engage with family

To let you know I am 31

type.

All that means is

my friends. I was slipping

members. I started back

years old, I am Black, and

I was afraid of things.

into oblivion.

dating. I took a college class

I work as a Peer Support

Some

couldn’t

Specialist.

the

But I

Specialist

those

things

My family

you

Then, slowly

carefully,

started

here and there to see if I

might have been irrational,

strange behavior, so they

could handle school again. I

classiest job, but it is what

like my own parents, but

took me to see a doctor. I was

secured a job. A good job.

it is. What a Peer Support

nevertheless I was stuck

hospitalized and diagnosed.

A job with benefits, paid

Specialist is, briefly, is an

with it.

Not

understand

everything

Now

That was 2004.

Continued on page 17

July/August Issue 2011

I am the owner and one of the personal trainers of True Body Fitness; a brand new private fitness studio in historic Cork Town. Breaking myths surrounding health has become quite a hobby of mine. Even though the fitness field is heavily based on science, I do want to begin this article by stating that you can find research to support pretty much any argument. Every body is unique and functions accordingly. What I am about to state is based on my education and four years of personal training experience with the general population. In no way am I trying to disprove any meal plans needed for special cases; such as those prescribed for people with celiac disease, type II diabetes, etc. “Low carbohydrate diets are the best way to lose weight.” This is one of the biggest fights I have with people! It is hard to argue that a diet is bad when people actually lose weight doing so. Here is something that needs to be considered; a good diet shouldn’t be gauged by how much weight you lose but by how healthy you become. The easiest way to track if you are becoming healthier is how you feel. If the way you are eating makes you feel tired, sick or turns your number twos into goo…you need to find something that works better for you. Now to attack low carb diets! Carbohydrates are your body’s main source of fuel. If you look at the food pyramid; carbohydrates are the biggest block. 14

Would you be surprised if your car wasn’t running on empty? Yes, the body still runs without carbohydrates, but not really well. When your body doesn’t have this “fuel” your system goes into what’s called ketosis. Your system becomes acidic and

basically breaks down anything it can for fuel. In the end, you do lose a lot of weight, but you do so by consuming muscle for fuel as well. Not to mention the possible damage to your tissue and organs, specifically your kidneys and bones.

July/August Issue 2011

Another big problem with dieting is that it only works as long as you continue it. If you cut carbohydrates out of your food plan, lose a bunch of weight, and then start eating the same again; all the weight will come back and usually plus some extra just to add insult to injury! This occurs when calories are restricted; your metabolism actually slows down. We all have what is called an

RMR, or resting metabolic rate. If you were to wake up one day and not get out of bed; the RMR is the amount of calories you would utilize just to exist. Your metabolism actually will slow down if you consistently eat under your RMR so that it can sustain basic life functions such as heart beat, breathing, etc. So when you start eating normal again, your sluggish metabolism fails to burn the extra calories you consume resulting in the storage of these extra calories as fat, or in other words, the ‘and some’. Now that you know carbohydrates

are essential to any diet; understand too that the quality of carbohydrate is very important. Processed or refined foods have a poor effect on the body and usually are not the best choice of “fuel.” They spike your blood sugar, which makes you crave more sweets. They also tend to burn quickly, not supplying the body with a lot of long-lasting energy. Things like brown rice, sweet potatoes and whole grains are considered complex carbohydrates and supply the body with energy without a heavy impact on your blood sugar. Simple carbohydrates, such as fruit, have another kind of function. We store a small amount of sugar in our muscles and liver for higher intensity exercises. Once you burn through these stores you hit a wall and it is really hard to continue exercising. Have you ever gone for a run and then hit a point were you just couldn’t go further? This is typically because you were working at a higher intensity and burnt through all of your short-term energy stores. The simple sugars in fruit go into the muscles and liver after consumption. So a piece of fruit after a hard workout is a great idea to replenish your energy stores. Also, it is crucial to consume protein-rich foods after a workout to supply the body with the necessary building blocks required to repair damaged muscle. Proteins are not the focus of this article but it is im-

portant to know that just a piece of fruit is not a sufficient postworkout meal. New game plan! Instead of dieting, eat healthy. Start recording what you eat and maybe once or twice a week make a simple change. With four years experience in the fitness field, I have learned that most people have a concept of how to eat well; it’s more of a habit not to eat well. If you make gradual changes and build better eating habits; it is more likely that you will continue eating well for the long term. Weight loss will happen much slower, but you will keep it off. If you feel like you have no clue where to begin, email me at kimof@truebodydetroit.com with a daily food diary. I would be more than happy to reply with helpful hints. I’ve said it before and I will say it again; it is not always easy, but it is always worth it in the end. See you at the gym, Detroit!!! True Body Fitness Gym

July/August Issue 2011

To our valued Customers Alpha Supermarket,located at 12325 Hamilton in Highland Park, would like to welcome one and all to check out this one stop shop supermarket. We have a full line of groceries, which have gone through a storewide price reduction. We have a full service meat counter, which means you can purchase small or large quantities , your choice. We have fresh meat deliveries daily. We carry beer, wine, and liquor. Our liquor is conveniently priced at state prices. We sell money orders,make copies,and have fax service all for a small fee. We sell Boost Mobile and Total Call Mobile Phones. Here at Alpha, you will always be served courteously and with a smile. Please visit us and you will love the experience.

subscription card

Sam or Wally

Phone: 313-865-7894 Fax: 313-865-0129

YES! Send me a Introductory Copy impact! Magazine for $3.50 YES! Send me 1 YEAR 6 Issues $19.00 NAME

(Please Print)

ADDRESS CITY

STATE

ZIP

E-MAIL

Payment Enclosed

Cash

Check

VISA/MC AMEX Paypal CC#_________________________________________________ EXP___________________________ Signature____________________________________________ impact! Magazine publishes 6 issues in an annual subscription. impact! Magazine weeks from ordering. Offer good only in U.S.

July/August Issue 2011

Schizophrenia and what it looks like Continued from page 13 vacation time, hell, you even get your birthday off…PAID!! I get a lot of encouragement from my co-workers. They say I would be a really good social worker, if I wanted to do that. I thought about it and I told myself “Ok. Let’s give this a try!” Over the last 3 years I have been picking up the pieces of my life and trying to assemble

Creating Ideas Imaging Life... o Business Cards o Logos o Web Design o Invitations info@webicsdesigns.com www.webicsdesigns.com

We are the Michigan choice that’s right for you!

them into something that I could be happy with. Taking college classes all over again is one piece of that puzzle. I guess you could call that self-betterment, but to me it is more than that. I don’t know what I would call it. But it would be showing me and others that I can overcome the obstacles in my life. I am taking classes at WCCCD to pull my life together and take the necessary steps to show anyone who needs encouragement that you can still move forward in your life regardless of what setbacks you have had in life.

July/August Issue 2011

set

313.759.4035

July/August Issue 2011

32670 Concord Dr. Madison Heights, Mi. 48071 iPod / iPhone Repair Facility Accessories from Belkin V-moda - Marware iSkin PH: 248-307-9599 Store hours: Mon 10am - 6pm Tue 10am - 6pm Wed 10am- 6pm Thur 10am - 6pm Fri 10am - 8pm Sat 12pm - 5pm Sun Closed

July/August Issue 2011

Jazz according to Dexter........

Dexter Sims

Jazz Music is my vocation and has been a passion of mine for all of my adult life. I am a musician. I will begin not writing about what I think about Jazz History or where I think Jazz music is headed but just try to give you, the readers, a glimpse into my life as a Jazz Musician. My introduction to Jazz came from my parents. I am a baby boomer and for the most part jazz was developed during the generation of my parents. As a child, I heard jazz music in my home. My mother would sing beautiful jazz songs around the house and we had a neighbor, Hank Golden that would visit us and would show me jazz voicing’s on the piano. I was pushed by my father (who had played an instrument when he was a young adult) to take piano lessons. Those lessons affected my musical direction and gave me a foundation that I could build upon once I learned more about jazz as an art form. Throughout high school, I played an instrument. I played in bands with friends from my neighborhood and I played with schoolmates in a couple different settings. The big turning point in my development as a Jazz Musician came when I attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. While at Berklee I jammed and became friends with musicians that are now some of the greatest in

the world. WHO? From those experiences I learned the language of jazz. As a Jazz Musician, jazz just isn’t a music that you listen to…..It is what you become. Part of what is required as a player of jazz is to live a Jazz

Musicians lifestyle. It’s not about what it looks like but it does look a certain way. You can’t fake it. It just is.

I have been a professional jazz musician for more than 35 years. Most of the time, the work is about learning my instrument, practicing the material and making the gig. I have been very fortunate. For the most part, I have been a good enough player that my colleges continue to call me and that has kept me employed. My teacher at Berklee was John Neves. He was a great bassist and teacher. I remember passing him on the street or in the halls when I wasn’t in class and he would always ask me, “Are you working?” I would say yes. Now I know what he was talking about. It is important as a Jazz Musician to keep working If you are working, you are playing and getting better at your craft. In order for musicians to work (play music) they have to have places to play and audiences

that will listen. I don’t want to get on my soap box, but I think what I am saying does make a case for supporting live music. I don’t want this column on jazz to be about a debate of live vs. computer generated music. Some of the greatest musicians I know don’t play instruments. But they do know the language of music. I don’t want to debate traditional jazz vs. smooth jazz. I have friends that play traditional jazz and I have friends that play smooth jazz. What I would like to do is discuss what we can do with Jazz Music or just music in general. The floor is open for discussion. If you have an idea I would be more that happy to share some thoughts. You can contact me through the editorial staff or at dexsimsbass@yahoo. com. Looking forward to hearing from you. Peace.

July/August Issue 2011

em is a doubleGrammy nominee whose music has been called spiritual, inspirational and soulful. He shares his songs and his life-story with equal levels of honesty, bringing fans to tears. Impact Detroit was thrilled to catch up with Kem toward the end of his recent tour promoting his third album, Intimacy: Album III. On the phone, he’s thoughtful, soft-spoken and gracious. A self-described “foodie”, he represents Detroit wherever his travels and touring takes him. His love for his home city is evident when he speaks. And he can tell you where to find the best ribs in the city. Impact: The first thing I’d like

to ask you is about your background. I know you were born in Nashville. How old were you when you moved to Detroit? Kem: I moved to Detroit just before I started kindergarten, so I had to be about 4 or 5 years old. Impact: And where did you go to elementary school and high school, because I know a lot of people in Detroit would be interested in that. Kem: When I say Detroit I don’t necessarily mean Detroit proper, I just always represent Detroit wherever I go. We actually moved to Pontiac and I went to McCarroll for kindergarten, and I went to WHRC for elementary school. For high school I spent a year at Pontiac Northern and then I went to South field high. Impact: That’s right in the area. And you started getting interested in music right away? Kem: Yeah, I actually started

July/August Issue 2011 playing piano, or starting trying to play piano before I left Nashville. Impact: So before you were five years old? Kem: Yeah. And I’ve been interested in the piano and the keyboard ever since. So that’s been the foundation of my song writing and my interest in music overall. Impact: Do you remember the first song you ever heard? Kem: Hmm, I do not. I know that the first songs that I was trying to play were the songs that I heard in the church in Nashville. My grandfather was a minister so he had a piano in his house. Actually, until recently, the only time that I had a piano in the house was when I was living with him in Nashville. I started trying to emulate what I heard in church. Impact: So many great singers get their start in the church, especially in Detroit, it’s just amazing. And once you came to Detroit, I read that you were a

July/August Issue 2011 wedding singer for awhile. Kem: Yeah, I used to sing in a wedding band. Impact: Was that good preparation for your later career? How was that, basically? Kem: Yeah, it was good preparation. It was also very good to get paid doing what you love to do. It was a good job and it was definitely a good preparation. I’ve worked with a lot of great musicians in the city And the cats that were singing in the wedding bands, playing at the clubs, playing at Floods and all the different events, all these different places, those are real working class musicians, and I have a lot of respect for that. Playing four sets a night, you know, 45 minute sets, 20 minute break and doing it all night. I have a lot of respect for that. That’s where I began to cut my teeth, as far as live performances were concerned.

ultimately people will want to see who they want to see. Impact: That’s true. When your first album came out, Kemistry, you self-produced it. And I was wondering why did you choose to self- produce when so many new artists will go with a producer. Kem: It was really out of necessity. I wrote the songs and I wanted to re-

a producer. I wasn’t of the mind set that I was going to wait for somebody to come along and give me an opportunity. The KEMstry CD was about me recording my songs and putting these songs out myself and then let’s see what happens. Impact: Not waiting around for somebody to do it for you. Kem: Right.

Impact: And I think a lot of musicians don’t get that foundation anymore. Seems like a lot of them go directly to you know, stardom. Kem: Yeah. Some do. Some do but you can tell. (laughing) Yeah…it shows You can tell. Everybody who’s a star is not necessarily a great performer. Impact: That’s right. But it seems like sometimes the audiences and fans can tell, do you think? It seems like I hear comments sometimes about some of these superstar artists that are really, you know, the talent sometimes is not as strong and the fans can kind of see through it. Kem: Yeah, but you know, bad performances don’t necessarily break anybody career really. People who are notoriously known for not being able to perform, still sell millions of records year over year over year, you know. So 26

cord my songs, you know. So I was producer by default . I had worked with a producer in the past and I don’t know that it really served me. But it was really by default, you know. I didn’t have any money to pay

Impact: That’s a good lesson in a lot of ways for a lot of people. Kem: Yep. I agree. Impact: Besides musical talent what do you think is the most important skill or ability that a

new artist coming along should have? Kem: I think they need to have an idea of the business side of things, have an idea of what that is. They need to understand what publishing is. They need to know about the deals they’re getting signed to. They need to be surrounded by good people who know the things they don’t know. A new artist doesn’t have to know everything but they should at least be able to speak the language and have an idea of what questions to ask . They need to know the business side as much as possible. Talent is important, of course but it’s only part of the equation. There are a lot of talented people who are not in the industry. They’re a lot of talented people who can’t get on, you know, so you need to have an idea of what the business is all about.

“And any time I talk about it, it’s really as a testimon y. ”

Impact: You’ve been very open about the struggles that you have gone through in your life, and some of the things that have made for some challenges you had to get over. But you’ve also said that the years that you went through struggles…. I think there was some homelessness that you had to deal with…. You said that some of those years were the best times of your life. I think that people would find that very surprising, so could you expound on that some more, about the years of struggle being some of the best times? Kem: I don’t recall where I would have said that they were some of the best times of my life. That doesn’t mean that I didn’t say it but I don’t recall that. But what I know I have

said is that I don’t regret those times because I learned a lot of things. In order to overcome those situations I learned a lot that I use today in order to run my business and live my life. Had I not experienced those things I may not have the life that I have today so I don’t have any regrets. And you know there were definitely good times then too but, you know, there was definitely a better way to live. And I was allowed by grace to tap into a better way to live. And that’s why I’m able to do the things that I’m doing today. Impact: Why do you choose to be open about the struggles you’ve gone through? Kem: I think that anybody who’s gone through something has a responsibility, spiritually, to share it wherever they’re comfortable sharing. To inspire and to encourage other people to overcome whatever they may be going through. And any time I talk about it, it’s really as a testimony. That’s really what it is, to testify. Impact: That’s what we’re supposed to do, and it definitely seems to be happening and of value because when you read the comments on the internet of people that have been at your recent concerts they say things like it helps me to get over some of the things I’ve been going through. So there’s a lot of gratefulness for what you say and how open you are. Kem: Yep, that’s what it’s all about. Impact: And in terms of your songs, to me your songs are so much more than love songs. One thing about them is that they express what a lot of women want to hear and what a lot of men find difficult to say sometimes. And I’m just wondering how is it that you’re able to be so open and honest and vulnerable in your music? Kem: You know, I’ve been getting it wrong for a long time. The love songs are about what it should be. What it should be like. A lot of times it’s about what I should have said or what I should have done. You know, if

July/August Issue 2011 I could do it over again this is what I’d do. That’s what my thoughts are. That’s the truth, so people identify with that. And hopefully people leave with something more than just being entertained. Impact: Yes. Yes they do. I just want to talk a little bit more about Detroit if you have a few more minutes? Kem: Yep. Impact: Once again Detroit has been in the news recently about the census figures showing that we’re losing population, and things are looking bleak again, but you have chosen to still live in Detroit, in the area. You work in Detroit, your videos are shot, I’ve noticed, in Detroit and they show Detroit in a good light which is great. What about Detroit inspires you? Kem: Detroit is home. This is where I live, you know. I don’t live in the city proper but once you cross the state line, you’re from Detroit, whether you’re from Ann Arbor or Southfield or Farmington, you know, people don’t remember those places. They talk about Detroit so I represent Detroit wherever I go. And as Detroiters we have to focus on the task at hand. On living productive lives and making our city, and doing the things in order to revitalize and reenergize. I think those things are being done. I know there’s a lot of negative press out there and in the past, I’ve acknowledged the negative press too but just like in our personal lives, man, ultimately I can’t be concerned about what you’re saying about me . I got to do what I got to do. I got to make it happen. I can’t let what you’re saying distract me. I have to do what I have to do. What other people think about me is ultimately none of my business. I just really need to stay true to myself and just do 27

July/August Issue 2011 what I’m supposed to be doing. And I think in the long run Detroit will be just fine. I think that Detroit is fine now, actually. I think that there’s a lot of obstacles, a lot of hurtles but there’s also a lot of opportunity. A lot of opportunity to invest in real estate The car companies are turning a profit again which is good for suppliers. The film industry here has been lucrative. So there’s a lot, Detroit still has a lot to offer. Detroit has a lot to offer itself. I think we would do well to concentrate. I mean people are going to say what they’re going to say, but we would do well to just take care of our own house and stop worrying so much about what people are saying about us. People are always going to say something negative and you can’t control that. But what we can control is taking care of our business.

Kem: There’s always some stuff going on. But I don’t frequent the clubs that much anymore. I know that Floods always has a band going on. There’s always shows and things happening at the Majestic and the Magic Bag out in Ferndale. Impact: Ok, well, just a couple more questions. Where do you go to if you want to clear your head, de-stress, be alone, just be with your thoughts, Where in Detroit? Kem: The riverfront is good for that. Riverwalk, or anywhere along the coast. I like to drive down Jefferson, go through Gross Pointe down into the city, and back home is always a good thing for me.

Impact: How often do you get back to Detroit now? I know you’re a family man. Is it difficult balancing being on the road with Impact: If you met somebody being a father, a dad? coming to Detroit for the first time where would you tell them the Kem: My daughter has an understanding of what it is that I do and best place is to get a good meal? I’m not gone continuously. There’s Kem: Oh, there’s a few places. It usually always a break. The shows depends on what they want. If are usually through Sunday and they want soul food I could send then the rest of the week there’s a them to a couple places. Beans couple of days I can be at home to and Cornbread in Southfield or check her out and see how she’s Uptown Barbecue on Livernois doing. And now technology aland 6 mile. Uptown barbecue lows us to keep in touch. There’s has good sides, good soul sides. a season for travelling on the road Macaroni and cheese, greens, that and a season for being at home. So kind of vibe. The best ribs in the we just work it out. city, Vicki’s over on Warren and the Blvd. Yeah, I’m a foodie, Impact: What would you be doing man, I eat for real. What else? if you weren’t doing music? If you want a fine dining experience there’s Ocean Prime out in Kem: I don’t know. That’s a very Troy. It’s a great restaurant on Big good question. I didn’t leave myBeaver, next door to Somerset. self any other options. This is what it was supposed to be. There’s lots of good places. Impact: Wow, you are a foodie!. Kem: Yeah, I could tell you where to get it.

Kem: My ideal day in Detroit. I would probably start out with a good breakfast over at Marko’s on Southfield Rd. and 10 mile, They got the best grits in the city. and then a drive along Jefferson, Kem: Take in the music scene? probably catch a movie. Let’s see, Impact: Or to hear some good where would I catch a show? You know what, if I could do a movie music, you know. Impact: Where would you tell somebody new to Detroit the best place is to go to take in the music scene?

Impact: Ok, I had a question about your ideal day in Detroit. I don’t know if it would take too long, or….

at the DIA, that would be great. I like independent films, that type of thing. They usually have those festivals going on, so that would be the move. That would be the move. And then, I’d go over to Vicki’s and get me some ribs, fries, a little sweet potato pie, then come home and sit on my back porch. Impact: Would you eat on the back porch? Kem: Yeah, I could do that. Impact: That’s great. What’s next? What’s on the agenda for you? Kem: Well, I’m always cultivating songs. I’m going to start thinking about the next record soon. We’re still on tour now. The Intimacy Tour. We’ll be wrapping that up within the next couple of weeks. And we’re doing one off spot dates all over the country. And then I’ll be back in the studio cultivating ideas for the next record. Impact: And is there something about a perfume line coming out? Kem: I’m developing a women’s fragrance. Actually the fragrance is already developed. I’m just trying to nail down the right name for it. And we’re looking forward to that sometime in the spring we should be launching that. Impact: Sounds great. Well, I really want to thank you for taking time to talk to Impact Detroit… Kem: It’s my pleasure. It’s my pleasure, my pleasure. Impact: And we will definitely keep you abreast of what’s going on with the magazine and send you copies when it comes out. So thank you very much and good luck. Kem: Thank you...Have a great day. Impact: And thank you for your music. When they told me they wanted me to interview you I was just ecstatic because I’ve been loving your music for a long time Well, thank you. It’s been a pleasure. q

July/August Issue 2011

MATCH THE FOLLOWING INGREDIENTS IN TOBACCO WITH THE PRODUCT THEY ARE ASSOCIATED WITH INGREDIENT PRODUCT 1. Arsenic A. ____ rocket fuel 2. Cadmium B. ____ car exhaust 3. Carbon Monoxide C. ____ car battery 4. Sulfuric Acid D. ____ rat poison 5. Naphthalene E. ____ class A carcinogen 6. Asphalt F. ____ bug spray 7. Ammonia G. ____ floor cleaner 8. Methanol H. ____ battery 9. Acetone I. ____ tar 10. Polonium-210 J. ____ moth balls 11. Butane K. ____ nail polish remover 12. Nicotine L. ____ radioactivity 13. Cyanide M.____ solvent 14. Toluene N. ____ lighter fluid 15. Formaldehyde O. ____ Class A carcinogen 16. Benzene P. ____ ant poison/gas chamber 17. Vinyl Chloride Q. ____ preservative for dead bodies â&#x20AC;&#x153;A cigarette is a euphemism for a cleverly crafted product that delivers just the right amount of nicotine to keep its user addicted for life before killing the person.â&#x20AC;? Gro Harlem Brundtland, Director General of the World Health Organization, as she urged drug regulatory officials from various nations meeting in Geneva to treat cigarettes as a drug. Answers in next issue.

July/August Issue 2011

The Extinction of Eating Utensils Story by Kim Moore A few weeks ago, a

blets, etc! One of the po-

young

was

tato companies has even

visiting me and talk-

made hand held mashed

ing about an upcoming

potato pieces!

school event. Her class

This has to have deeper

was going out for din-

implications We don’t

ner and the teacher had

sit down to dinner any-

warned them against eat-

more, is one loss. In our

neighbor

ing with their fingers. At first I was flabbergasted - how dare she! But as

house the dinner hour was sacred! And what about veggies?

I thought about it, I be-

If you are eating “porta-

gan to see her point. We

ble” foods can you pos-

have become a soci-

sibly be getting enough

ety that eats with their

veggies (though this may

“At First I was Flabbergasted- How Dare She!”

hands!

Eating utensils

work with fruits).

have become as extinct as the dinosaurs!

You

don’t need knives and forks for hamburgers, fried

shrimp,

chicken

nuggets, imitation rib-

www

July/August Issue 2011

NOBODY is per fect

EVERYBODY wants to be healthier

SOMEBODY

is here to help you get there...

TrueBodyямБtness PERSONAL TRAINING

NUTRITION TRAINING

1434 Michigan Ave Detroit MI 48216 32

METABOLIC TESTING

GROUP FITNESS