DUO Magazine Issue VIII

EVERYBODY

KNOWS

REGIS

CONNIE FRANCIS A profile in courage and generosity

THE ROAD

BACK

The Darrell Gwynn Foundation DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 1

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from the

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PUBLISHER

Ellen Sue Burton

hat an amazing few months it has been! This prehistoric publisher has been roaming Internet World during our transition from print magazine to digital…and what an adventure it has been! There is so much to learn, but Ellen T. Rex came through.

Who says you can’t teach an old dinosaur new tricks? We’re here, we’ve done it, and we look forward to reaching out to our readers across the country with our new WordPress website, our social media updates and our digital magazines. Having had the opportunity to interview Regis Philbin and Connie Francis, who in their eighties are still in the prime of their lives and continue to change lives, and Gabriel Rhodes and Lauren Lickus of BBQ Films, already seasoned veterans of charity work, and Dorian Allen, a talented musician just starting his philanthropic endeavors, we have confirmed our beliefs that there are no demographics, no age-appropriate readers for DUO, the magazine that is “More Than a Magazine. It’s a Movement.” Our readers are compassionate capitalists who believe in the success-driven philosophy that “If you give it up, you will get it back.” As you graze through the pages we know you will be en”raptor”ed by our new format. Visit us on Facebook and let us know what you think.

Ellen Sue Burton

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DUO Magazine

Publisher Ellen Sue Burton Art Director Giselle Sanabria Photo Editor Phil Pozin Staff Writers Rachel Galvin Jordi Burton

PINK

LEA ES T h e

T O P

S h o p

Web Design Eric Joseph Eric@betterserver.com Internet Services Andrew Vettese Andrew@readytogoonline.com Contact Us: www.DUOmagazine.com 1.888.DUO.9899

Copyright 2015. All Rights Reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or reprinted without the written permission of the publisher. All writers’ opinions are their own and may not reflect the opinion of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to reuse any ad or story as necessary.

DUO Magazine is not liable for inaccuracies or misplacement of photos submitted.

www.pinkleavesshop.com

Contributing Writer Steve Goodman

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CONTENT 28

Cover Story: Everybody Knows Regis

10 40

DUO Applauds

Sunsations Eat Good. Do Good.

House Blend Cafe

6

Unsung Heroes The Road Back Darrell Gwynn and Darrell Gwynn Foundation

10

Connie Francis A Profile of Courage and Generosity

16

Dakota Ferreiro A Burlesque Diva

20

BBQ Films Bringing Films to Life

Fashion

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40

46

Destinations The Grand Bahama Grand Living and Giving

24

36

Reel World

Summer Crosley: Paying it “Fashion” Forward

Emerging Artists Dorian Allen He’s got it all: “Hook, Line and Sinker”

World Aids Museum: Aids-ucating, Enlightening and Empowering

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COVER STORY

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sunSENSATIONS

Eat Good. Do Good.

HOUSE

BLEND

CAFE

By Rachel Galvin

J

osh and Kelly Taylor have been serving up more than just food at their restaurant, House Blend Cafe. For the last nine years they have been giving 100 percent of their net profits to local and global projects, including raising more than $20,000 to help feed the hungry.

see community happen in the way God intended.

The restaurant is not just about raising funds, not just so we can serve, but to encourage others to get the focus off themselves and to serve too.

A lot of folks are regulars because of the vision.

We are not just a lemonade stand that they have to suffer through, but our food and drink are excellent and we have great service. We are passionate about caring.”

Josh Taylor says, “It started as a creative way to

Josh, who had a background working in

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restaurants, says this is something he had always dreamt about; and when someone was interested in him starting it he jumped at the chance. It is a small operation with only three locations. The main restaurant is in Ocoee (10730 W. Colonial Dr., 34761) and there are two other locations within Toyota dealerships in Clermont and Orlando, Florida.

Globally they focus on everything from organizations that provide clean drinking water to helping stop human trafficking.

Locally they are working on feeding people through the creation of an aquaponics farm. They also partner with a non-profit organization called Matthew’s Hope in West Orange County that helps the homeless. In addition, they spend a lot of time mentoring kids and families in a low income neighborhood in Winter Garden, Florida.

“We do what we can to mentor and encourage them,” said Josh about working with kids. “Every summer we also have a weeklong camp for kids and teach them life lessons and Bible lessons.”

the homeless for lunch. Today Matthew’s Hope offers three meals a day and the Kellys continue to assist with that, along with other companies.

The couple also helped to cater meals for staff members and people who bought tickets at a recent fundraiser. Josh has even become a board member of Matthew’s Hope and the group has their meetings at his restaurant.

Gowing adds, “They have hired some of our “guests” at the restaurant, giving them a shot at working. But the biggest thing they do is putting pictures up and a video screen about Matthew’s Hope to give awareness and they have a donation box. Every so often Josh brings the money to us.”

Besides working with these various groups, House Blend Cafe has different events to bring the community together, such as Cars and Coffee, which brings classic car owners and car lovers together at the Toyota dealership.

To find out more about the vision behind House Blend Cafe and the partners they assist, visit the restaurant’s website at www. houseblendcafe.com.- DUO

Executive Director of Matthew’s Hope, Karen Gowing, says of the Kellys, “They are one of the most community conscious businesses we have ever worked with. They help in any way they can.”

She explains that Matthew’s Hope provides hygiene products, showers, laundry and other basic services to the homeless, who can earn points toward the purchase of tents and other items. The Kellys began helping to offer wraps for DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 9

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TheROADBACK Darrell Gwynn and the Darrell Gwynn Foundation

I

By Steve Goodman

t was Easter Sunday 1990. The place, the Santa Pod Raceway in Bedford, England. Darrell Gwynn, known as The Kid on the National Hot Rod

Association (NHRA) circuit, revved

his engine at the starting line as he did

dozens of times before. As the “Christmas Tree”

lights counted down to green, tires screeched and billows of smoke trailed behind his golden dragster.

But Darrell would not cross the finish line in victory that day as he had so many times before.

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UnSungHEROES

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“

The foundation also funds leading-edge research

scientific

while

giving

life-enhancing assistance

”

to the underprivileged through Quality of Life Grants.

Suddenly, at about mid-track, Darrell’s car swung left into the retaining wall traveling nearly 250mph. The crash left the then 28year-old driver with one arm needing to be amputated, the other virtually useless, and paralyzed, to be forever confined to a wheelchair. And yet where others faced with such devastating injuries could sink into despair and darkness, Darrell stepped into the light.

“From the day I got hurt, I had so much support, so many people visiting me. Family, friends people all over the country flying to England to see me. When I got back to the States I had at least half a dozen people in my hospital room everyday all day long. I never had a chance to cry or feel sorry for myself.”

Darrell also knew that just because he could no longer drive that did not mean he had to give up on his love for his sport or his responsibilities to his team and his sponsors.

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“I had a race team and lot of things going on at the time. We had just won the Gator National. We were doing very well on points, and obviously I wanted to see that continue. I had sponsors and obligations. I had a will and determination to go out there and run the race teams. That kept my mind occupied.”

Before his tragic accident Gwynn won the NHRA World Championship in 1983. In 2001 he was voted one of NHRA’s “50 Greatest Drivers All-Time”.

A Turn in a New Direction In 2002 Gwynn created the Darrell Gwynn Foundation, an organization devoted to the cure of spinal cord-induced paralysis. DGF is dedicated to supporting people living with paralysis and to help prevent spinal-cord injuries, not just those sustained in motor-sports accidents. DGF has provided hundreds of power wheelchairs at more than $20,000 each to those who cannot afford them, especially children.

“We started out giving away two to three wheelchairs a year and now we donate over 300 power chairs with an average cost of $25,000.

That is the biggest misconception people have. They have no idea how expensive or how necessary these chairs are and they think insurance covers everything, or Medicare, but they don’t. And these things aren’t scooters.

You can buy those for around $2,500. These are high-tech pieces of assistive technology that you need when you are injured to the quadriplegic level as I am, or have cerebral palsy or so many other paralyzing conditions. So many of these people fall through the cracks.”

The foundation also funds leading-edge scientific research while giving life-enhancing assistance to the underprivileged through Quality of Life Grants. Gwynn is also

actively involved with and spokesperson for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis (www.

TheMiamiProject.org).

“You know, it’s very weird, but just six months before I got hurt I personally put a Miami Project decal on the side of my car because my sponsor at the time, Coors, wanted us to be involved with a charity and give part of our winnings to the charity. We were doing good at the time, winning races and kicking butt, but as soon as I put that Miami Project decal on the side of the car, like magic we started winning even more races. And then six-months later here I was on other side of the fence, kind of a twist of fate. But the Miami Project has done great things. Wonderful things.

But we are two different types of organizations; they do research which is what we need to find a cure, and we’re about helping people in the meantime until they do. So that’s why we make a good team. And if there is one thing I know about, it’s how to make a great team.”

Darrell and DGF have helped so many paralysis victims and their families; but like most of those

who give back, there is always those one or two special moments that stick with you. “There was this one family, I do not remember their name, but the chair their little kid was using prior to us giving them one, was a kitchen sink that they had put wheels on the bottom of. And they used his dad’s belt to keep him belted in with a pillow to sit on in this kitchen sink! A kitchen sink with wheels? Can you believe that? After we gave him this life-changing chair we kept that old “wheelchair” to show our supporters how desperate people can be.”

If you would like to help the DGF continue to make differences like that, please contact them at: darrellgwynnfoundation.org As Darrell says, “Visit our site, learn more about what we do, who we help. If you know someone who needs a chair, you can fill out the application, you can donate, you can volunteer. Check us out. We always have something going on and we can always use your help.” - DUO DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 15

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UnSungHERO

CONNIE FRANCIS A Profile in Courage and Generosity

B

By Rachel Galvin

est known for her soulful singing and songs like “Where the Boys Are,” “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” and “Stupid Cupid,” Connie Francis got her start at age 3, beginning with taking accordion lessons. The road was rocky … but she got her big break on January 1, 1958 when Dick Clark played her song “Who’s Sorry Now” on American Bandstand.

Connie lists that as one of her favorite moments. “The song had been out for three months and went nowhere like the others. When Dick Clark said I was headed for the number one spot I absolutely flipped,” she says.

Her other favorite moment was when she received an unprecedented response to her performance of “Mama” on Perry Como’s show, a song from her first Italian album that she originally did not want to do, saying it was “too ethnic.” “The applause was so overwhelming Perry Como couldn’t go into the next commercial. It was a moment in television history,” she says.

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It was the film “Where the Boys Are” that really propelled her stardom and brought in throngs of Spring Breakers into Fort Lauderdale, where it was filmed, for years to come. But she did not see the film until 20 years later when she called the Gateway Theater where it was originally shown and asked them if they would show it for her.

“My son wanted to see it,” she says. “I didn’t like seeing myself. I am very self-conscious.”

She may not like seeing herself, but the rest of the world certainly did. She amassed more than 50 albums under her belt and still is in demand.

Of all of her songs her favorite is “I’ll Be Seeing You.” Other favorites include “Milk and Honey,” which she says was “an album no one ever bought” and “Mama,” which she says, “Touched more people than any other song I have ever done. After mom passed away I couldn’t do it for a year.”

“

ike l l e e f diers l o s e Th na o e m er na anoth nk I i h t t ’ I don . g a t dog eded e n e r t mo l e f r e the ev d e t i s i nIv e h w than m. a n t e i s in V r e i d l so

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Her mother’s passing was not the only difficult time in her life. After trying to pick up the pieces from suffering a miscarriage in 1974, while on her first stop of a nationwide tour at Westbury Music Fair in Long Island, she was “brutally robbed, beaten and raped at knife point.” She went into seclusion for seven years and battled the motel chain in a court case, eventually winning.

The troubles continued, including a botched nasal surgery leading to being unable to sing for three years and requiring many more surgeries, three failed marriages and the murder of her only sibling. When the pressure got to be too much her father institutionalized her repeatedly and she was misdiagnosed as being bipolar. It was only later that she was found to have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

When asked how she has persevered through these terrifying storms in her life she says, “Have a sense of humor. I can find something funny in anything that happens. Also, the love and support of family and fans. I received so many prayers and letters of inspiration.”

Now she is telling her story in the form of a musical (which she classifies as more of a drama with music) from when she was 14 and a contestant on “The Startime Kids” to her last performance. It basically ends at the same time as her first book in 1982.

”

She has written two books already and is now working on a third lengthy book, “Among My Souvenirs: The Real Story” which includes some skipped parts of her life. In addition, she has recorded a new song called “Soldier Died Today” with her record company, Concetta Records.

It deals with PTSD.

Regarding PTSD she says, “Twenty-three service members per day are lost through suicide ... more than battle in the last two wars. The psychiatrist found out I had PTSD. The sleeplessness, hopelessness that comes over you is devastating. There are 32 million people with chronic depression.”

She has coped with her condition in many ways, including finding a good friend to talk to and writing.

She suggests that people “write things down, keep a daily diary.

If you have a problem just write about it.”

Connie is working with families of soldiers. She says, “We are trying to give families an idea of what it is like when soldiers come home. Their families are not prepared for the stranger that comes home to them. I don’t think you can see brutality of war like I did in Vietnam and not come home unchanged. To see an 18-year-old kid run into a Napalm ball of fire is terrible.

“The soldiers feel like another name on a dog tag. I don’t think I ever felt more needed than when I visited the soldiers in Vietnam. I talked to hundreds of these men. Not one expressed anger or hostility for being there. Their existence would never be the same, but they never complained.”

Connie has received many awards in her life, but her most cherished award is from the International Association of Chiefs of Police.“I wrote a victims’ Bill of Rights. I hope to post it in 50,000 precincts across the country. Rape

victims must be questioned by a female officer, kept abreast of their case from beginning to end; and if the perpetrator is out of jail, the victim has to be notified.”

If Connie wasn’t the singer she has become, she would have become a doctor.

She says, “My dream was to find a cure for cancer. I watched my favorite uncle die of cancer.”

Connie adds, “I have given so much in my life.

I want to give something back. I hope I did okay.”

To learn more about Connie or to purchase her albums or books log on to www. conniefrancis.com- DUO DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 21

Q&A

DAKOTA FERREIRO A Burlesque Diva

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D

UO Magazine had the extreme pleasure of interviewing Miss Dakota Ferreiro, an icon on the burlesque scene, an innovator who, after twenty years as a professional dancer, now uses this old art form to not

only entertain but to inspire, empower, and physically transform her audience.

DM: Burlesque? What prompted you to start your journey into the world of burlesque, an entertainment phenomenon that kept American audiences laughing with music and comedy from 1840 through 1960?

DF: Twelve years ago I simply needed to work.

I took some time away from LA and upon my return I walked in to the opening of one of LA’s hottest venues, Forty Deuce, featuring a live band and professional dancers performing burlesque. I walked in and knew I had to do this. I met the owner that night, auditioned the next day and quickly fell into the headliner spot.

Working among LA’s prestigious dancers and choreographers a year later I went to Las Vegas to open their newest venue at the Mandalay Bay Hotel. Through this process I became consumed by burlesque, diving into its history, reading, researching watching footage from legends and

acquainting myself to other shows and artists in the scene.

DM: Some of America’s greatest comedians honed their craft working in burlesque shows including Jackie Gleason, Fanny Brice, W.C. Fields, Red Skelton and Bob Hope. Is there a comedic side to your shows as well as the sexy component?

DF: Absolutely. Burlesque is playing with sensuality, dance, and musicality. Being that I am a professional dancer, I do not rely on too many gimmicks, but I have a few. Also, feeding off of the audience helps to make it intimate and personal.

Without comedy it’s not burlesque. Even as sexy or serious as it is, it’s still a character, it’s still a step out of normality. It’s playful. To this day DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 23

many productions still use comedians during a production. It’s a great balance.

fabulous exercise component to the art. Please tell us about that.

I perform with live musicians most of the time and we have built an energy on stage where either the drummer, sax or bass player will create the comedic touch.

DF: I have been a professional dancer for over 20 years. Burlesque allowed me to become a better artist, performer, and woman. About six months into performing weekly in 2004, I was humbled by a comment an audience member shared with me. She stated that my performance “made her want to be a better woman.” WOW! I took that to heart and realized that I was just not entertaining, but inspiring, which really opened my eyes. I was touching people, empowering them. As the years passed there were two things women constantly asked me, “How can I learn burlesque? What did you do to get that body?”

DM: Burlesque forever changed the role of the woman on the American stage and on the big screen. Do you feel that this form of entertainment affords you the same respectability or is there still a misconception about what to expect from a “burlesque” show?

DF: I think burlesque will always be misconceived because there is a large umberella of how burlesque can be executed. As a professional dancer I perform a specific style that is greatly dance-based, usually with a live band. And I have always held a certain standard for myself, my apprentices, my students. I always wear fishnets and never go down to pasties. You also have artists that play more with costume esthetics and character. The mainstream commercial audience have seen examples like the movie Burlesque and the Pussy Cat Dolls, which are still considered burlesque takes on a different perception than the classic vaudevillian style.

I personally feel that my audience has a great respect for my performances and women have always been very complimentary and empowering. That is one of the major reasons I began teaching.

DM: You have delighted audiences across the country with your personal performances for many years. You are now able to bring a 24 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine

Well, that triggered something in me to teach.

I took all the elements from the classic Art of the Tease, such as struts, shakes and shimmies, bumps and grinds and created an easy to follow format for ladies to release their inhibitions and work out. Not to mention, I leave my class walking a little taller with a smile on their faces, owning their individuality and a boost of self confidence.

DM: For our readers who would like to become fit and fab by doing burlesque, what is your best advice to get started?

DF: Well, definitely visit my website, www. dollhouseent.com. I will be launching online classes.

DM: Please tell us about any charity events that you have participated in.

DF: I have had the privilege of performing at many charity events. One that I really was

humbled by was the National Coalition for Cancer Awareness. They do a yearly production called Les Girls that integrates celebrities, musicians and hold true to the style of burlesque.

My company, “Dollhouse Entertainment”, is currently looking to team up with organizations to offer women free classes to build their self confidence and empower them.

DM: By 1937 Mayor Fiorella LaGuardia had closed all of the remaining New York burlesque houses calling them “purveyors of filth”. Today there seems to be a tremendous resurgence of the art. With the advent of social media and a decline in censorship what changes have you seen and how has it affected your industry?

DF: Artists will always seek to express themselves and/or create opportunities to perform. Like any art, I strongly feel there is a cycle.

Just like life in general, it is filled with ebbs and flows.

Burlesque has not gone anywhere since it entered the U.S. in the 1800’s. There are times when it has more exposure and times when it may exist

more underground. Interesting enough I feel burlesque has stayed true to form in the current day. And I would think that people feeding into the decline of censorship could learn something from the Art of the Tease. Subtleties can speak volumes! - DUO DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 25

emergingARTIST

DorianAllen He’s Got It All: “Hook, Line, and Sinker”

B

orn in Houston, Texas, Dorian grew up hearing the “Feel Good” sounds of R&B, Pop,

Rock, Gospel, and Soul in every room of his house daily. By the age of two he had completely immersed himself in the sounds he heard, and by age 13 he was a budding singer/songwriter.

DM: How long have you been singing?

DA: I’ve been singing since I can remember.

My family tells me it was at the age of 2.

DM: When did you decide you wanted to pursue a career in the music industry? And how did you get your foot in the door?

DA: It may sound cliché, but I really have always known that I wanted to pursue this. The moment I heard Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson 26 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine

I set my sights on it. I can’t pinpoint a specific thing that got my foot in the door. I feel like I am still getting my foot “in the door.” I think it’s been a multitude of things. I’ve had the pleasure of singing background for some recording artists.

I interned at a record label for a year. My writing has started to open doors. Most importantly, I’ve been continuously grinding,and have tried to seize every opportunity that I could.

DM: Earlier this year you won the ASCAP Collective Workshop award for “Hook, Line, and Sinker”. When did you start writing your own lyrics?

DA: I first started experimenting with writing at the age of 13.

DM: Who/what do you get your lyrical inspiration from?

DA: My experiences and that of those around me keep my content flowing. Life itself is inspirational.

DM: Who have you performed/worked with?

DA: As a background vocalist, I’ve had the opportunity to work with artists such as: Philip Bailey, Michael McDonald, Mavis Staples, Ben E. King, Sam Smith, and Stevie Wonder.

DM: Who would you love to add to that list?

DA: As an artist I would love to work with so many. Just to name a few: Ryan Teddar, Timbaland, Sia, Beyonce, Brandy, Max Martin, and Dr. Luke. These are people I hope to someday work with.

DM: Do you work with any charitable foundations?

DA: I love giving back. That is something that constantly pulls on my heart to do. I have done a bit with my church in the past. I’m definitely looking to connect with a great foundation with a great cause. I also have a few ideas of one that I would like to start, but that is in its embryonic stage.

DM:What can fans expect from Dorian Allen in 2015?

DA: In 2015 there are exciting things to come!!

I’m very excited about it. Some cool new moments surrounding my EP, “Running Back To You,” are definitely on the way. This year will also see new music from me! - DUO DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 27

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EVERYBODY

KNOWS

REGIS

Written by Francesca Franco

W

ith more than 50 years in broadcasting under his belt and nearly 17,000 hours on air (he’s officially in the Guinness Book for that one), Regis Philbin is that rare entertainer who just about everybody knows.

You’ve either seen him on Live! with Kathie Lee and later with Kelly or Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. Even if you didn’t watch, chances are you’ve asked, “Is that your final answer?” at least once since the 1999 debut of that megahit. Perhaps you enjoyed him on America’s Got Talent or on any of the other myriad of game shows, talk shows and guest appearances he’s done over 55 years in the business of entertainment.

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coverSTORY

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Maybe you’ve read one of the three books that he has written or heard him sing. I bet you didn’t know he was a singer. And, oh, he has a nightclub act too.

to a lot of people,” he says. “I’m not working that much anymore, but I enjoy the things that I started and that I’m continuing to do.”Or to put it more simply, “They need help and I do it.”

Then, of course, there’s the fact that he made sure to cement that Guinness World Record by adding even more hours to his on-camera stats last year, with his most recent TV show venture: launching the Fox Sports 1 show, Crowd Goes Wild, for the fledgling network.

Regis is proud to have been given the opportunity to mentor these students. When asked what was the best piece of advice he ever received Regis was quick to reply. “The best advice I ever received was when I was in the service, and I was friends with a Marine Major who was older than me, and a lot tougher than me. When I was packing up and ready to leave, he said, ‘What are you gonna do with the rest of your life?,’ and I said, ‘I don’t know. I see television, but I don’t know if I could do it. I don’t have any experience.’ And he said to me, ‘Don’t you know you can have anything you want in this life; you’ve only got to want it bad enough?

And do you want it?’ And I said, ‘But, Major, you don’t understand. I don’t really have any talent, no experience.’ And he screamed out, ‘I said, DO YOU WANT IT?!’ And that was what was important: do you want it? And I said yes for the first time. Yes, I want it. That’s how it all started.”

Yup, it’s official: Everybody knows Regis!

Don’t Forget Your Roots With all those accomplishments it’s the places he came from that keep a hold on Regis’s heart.

His philanthropical endeavors have led him back to the high school he graduated from in 1949, Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx. Here he’s given his time and his charity, putting half a dozen kids through their education. As he says, “You just don’t get that kind of an education all the time, and I think it would be very beneficial for them to get that chance. That’s why I do it.”

Perhaps even nearer and dearer is his university alma mater, Notre Dame. Not only is the 1953 graduate a huge fan of the football team, but he’s also helping over a dozen students fill the financial gaps needed to complete their educations at, as he calls it, “One of the great institutions of education in the world today.”

He’s always ready to lend his skills to a cause, repeatedly hosting Samsung’s Four Seasons of Hope benefit gala, doing countless charitable episodes of everything from “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader” to “Millionaire” to “Jeopardy”, and being a celebrity ambassador for the Noreen Fraser Foundation on September 11th. “Philanthropy should be spread around 32 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine

Though famous for eschewing technology Regis recently joined Twitter, but he still keeps in touch with the students he’s helped via good, old fashioned, personal correspondence. “The letters are so terrific. I’m so glad that these kids have the opportunity that I had.”

Moving On In the summer of 2013, Regis debuted his latest TV show: Crowd Goes Wild. Unlike his previous show, this one was a sports show and featured a panel of hosts. “It was a change of scenery for me,” he says, speaking about the differences between the two shows. “What I was doing before was an absolute talk show, and

“

And he screamed out, ‘I said, DO YOU WANT IT?!’ And that was what was important:

do you

want it? And I said yes

”

for the first time. Yes, I want it. That’s how it all started.

DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 33

every time I did talk about sports people would get a little fidgety because it was 9:00am and most women don’t want to hear about sports.”

The show ended its run in May 2014, giving Regis just over a hundred more hours of screen and air time. The experience brought him full circle. “Years and years ago, my first shot at TV, I was pinch hitting for a sportscaster at KFMD in San Diego, which is how it all started.” And though things sometimes got a little crowded with six other hosts, it’s an experience Regis is happy he had. “I love sports and I enjoyed my months with the team. I accomplished what I wanted to do.”

He’s currently focusing on guest roles and simply enjoying his time. He makes monthly appearances on the Rachael Ray Show, was a frequent guest on Late Night with David Letterman. Retirement doesn’t work well for 84-year-old Regis. He is now joining NBC’s “Today” show once a month, reuniting him with his long time co-host Kathie Lee Gifford who co-anchors the fourth hour with Hoda Kotb. “What gives me joy right now is to be invited on a show, and to do a successful job as a guest.”

It’s always thrilling to get Regis back on our screens, adding to his Guinness record, and maybe breaking another one in the process.

To put those nearly 17,000 hours into perspective: that’s 698 days spent in front of a camera. Nearly 23 months. On average, over your lifetime, you will spend 13,148 hours in the bathroom, 1,032 hours on hold, and more than 2,760 hours laughing. Combine those three things and you’re close to how many hours Regis has spent on your TV.

As he says in his 2011 book, ‘How I Got This Way’: “I’ve spent nearly seventeen thousand hours in front of a TV camera. That’s a record in our business ... and now that I think about it, it was exciting. It was fun. It was more than I ever thought I would accomplish.”

With that many hours in front of a camera, it’s no wonder, “Everybody knows Regis”. And if you would like to get to know Regis even better you can reach him on Twitter via the handle @ Regis. Who knows, in a few years he may hold the Guinness record for most followers! - DUO

Why does he do it? Why does he continue to do it? Simple: “I like laughs. I like people to be happy. I hope that’s what’s happening.”

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DUOAPPLAUDS

“

The Mission of the

World AIDS Museum is simple: Increase

awareness and decrease the stigma of the

HIV/AIDS epidemic by documenting the history of HIV/AIDS; remember the people who have suffered from the disease; educate people about HIV/AIDS; enlighten

”

the world to this

continuing tragedy; and empower the survivors.

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WORLD

AIDS MUSEUM Aids-ucating, Enlightening and Empowering

I

Written by Jordi Burton

t is no surprise that AIDS is a deadly, frightening disease.

Every twelve seconds another person contracts AIDS, and every sixteen seconds another person dies of AIDS. Yet, AIDS education isn’t a part of school curriculums. AIDS testing isn’t required for bath houses or sex clubs. The negative stigma surrounding the immunodeficiency disease is still alive today, preventing us from moving to a more educated, less bigoted and fearful, environment. “Six-million Jews were killed in the Holocaust; twenty-five million people have been killed by AIDS,” says World AIDS Museum Manager, and twelve-year AIDS survivor, Ed Sparen. “This is an epidemic.”

The mission of the World AIDS Museum is simple: Increase awareness and decrease the stigma of the HIV/AIDS epidemic by documenting the history of HIV/AIDS, remember the people who have suffered from the disease, educate people about HIV/AIDS, enlighten the world to this continuing tragedy, and empower the survivors. That mission begins with the founding of the museum itself, brought on by the AIDS support group, POZitive Attitudes. “As opposed to a support group where you help your fellow man,” says Ed of the group, “they come here and they help out every man. It’s giving them a place to be.”

The people who volunteer their time to keep the World Aids Museum running, such as people from POZitive Attitudes, hope to accomplish DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 39

their mission, first and foremost, through education. “I think the stigma that surrounded AIDS when it first came to public knowledge is the same today,” says Steven Stagon, founder of the museum and leader of POZitive Attitudes (www.POZitiveattitudes.com.) “When we were looking for a place to open the museum, we looked at other places outside of Wilton Manors. And when we told them what it was for, they wouldn’t call us back. The stigma exists.”

Educating people further about the disease and destroying the negative stigma that surrounds it is paramount to the fight against the disease itself.

In order to raise awareness and bring more people into the museum to be educated, Ed and Steven are putting together events for the whole community, such as movie nights and museum mixers. By bringing people together, they hope to begin to break down the stigma, as well as make people aware of AIDS as more than just a disease.

“I have had AIDS for twelve years,” Ed explains.

“I am in perfect health otherwise, and I can live a normal life. People need to realize that this is possible.” Ed goes on to further explain the reach of AIDS, and the museum: “We need to reach past Broward County, into Miami-Dade, all the way to Chicago and Oprah if we have to because it’s not just a national epidemic; it’s an international epidemic.”

The museum is filled with an AIDS timeline depicting the history of AIDS. The timeline explains that the first case of AIDS actually was in 1908, as opposed to the 1960’s. Much like the Bubonic Plague spread through rats on ships, AIDS spread through the bites, and digestion, of certain monkeys carrying the disease. The timeline also depicts current events happening simultaneously as major AIDS events, such as the creation of Cabbage Patch Kids, or the assassination of John Lennon. It provides context and a sense of reality to events that would otherwise seem too heartbreaking to imagine.

“The event that stands out the most to me,” Steven says, “was when the President of South Africa told the people to break the silence about AIDS. A woman went on national television and announced that she was HIV positive. Her neighbors then beat her to death. That really stands out for me.”

Also on the timeline is a story of eleven-year-old Nkosi Johnson, who gave the opening speech at an AIDS conference in South Africa. “It was so heartwarming,” says Steven. In fact, his speech was so moving, they created Kami, an HIV positive character on Sesame Street in South Africa. Her name is derived from Kamogelo, which means acceptance in Setswana, and is exactly what Nkosi’s speech was about.

“I’ve lost so many individual people. To me, it’s about the people,” Ed says of the events

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that stand out the most in AIDS history. It is impossible for all of their stories to be told on the museum’s timeline, as many are. However, they are remembered in the Names Project – an AIDS memorial quilt that is currently stored in a warehouse that is over two million square feet. “The pieces of the quilt are three feet by six feet,” Ed explains, “The size of an average coffin.” The people who have died of AIDS are immortalized on the patches of this enormous quilt, remembered by all who see it.

Looking to the future, Ed and Steven both agree that they hope they can someday say that a cure has been found for AIDS. Regardless, they both agree that the World AIDS Museum will remain open to educate future generations about this tragic disease and those that have suffered, and survived, through it.

For more information the World Aids Museum and to find out how you can help log on to: www.worldaidsmuseum.com - DUO

This non-profit museum in Fort Lauderdale, Florida runs solely on generous donations, such as those from Magic Johnson, who dedicated the museum during its Grand Opening. In the middle of the museum stands a pillar devoted to Magic Johnson’s signed jersey, as well as the many people who have made this museum possible.

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L E E R orld W

BBQ Films Bringing films to life

By Rachel Galvin

W

hat if instead of going to the cinema to escape reality, the cinematic

experience became reality? That is

the mission of a New York based creative team at BBQ Films. For them, the film is only part of the

production. They create a cinematic playground, an immersive experience with a party atmosphere that allows guests to experience scenes from the movie in real life.

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Photographer: Jacob King

Photog

raphe

r: Jaco

b King

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Photographer: Jacob King

the art of storytelling with our audience.”

With less and less people attending the movies and turning, instead, to Netflix, Hulu and Video on Demand, this type of experience is just what the doctor ordered to get movie-goers back into an audience experience where they are actually able to enjoy a movie with other people. This takes the cinematic experience to the nth degree.

The concept began in 2007 when creator Gabriel Rhoads and his wife Lauren Lickus showed summer film series to friends on their urban rooftop in Spanish Harlem while serving up food from their grill.

The team brought “Back to the Future” to life by creating the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance complete with lookalikes from the cast and a doo wop band, along with having guests watch the film. For “The Fifth Element,” guests were given a lei and a multi-pass before boarding the space liner yacht, the Fhloston Paradise, for a massive party complete with With less and less people an operatic performance of the They slowly began adding aria seen in the film performed film industry professionals attending the movies by a costumed actor playing to their creative team to Diva Plavalaguna and an and turning, instead, to expand, creating pop-up appearance of lookalikes of cinematic experiences Lilou, MC Ruby Rod and even Netflix, Hulu and Video eventually culminating Zorg and the Mangalores. into what BBQ Films on Demand, this type of An ‘80’s mansion party offers today. The team’s showing the film “Weekend brainstorming sessions at Bernie’s” included a experience is just what are often done with wine, surfer beach band. Through a pizza and plenty of creative sponsorship with Chevrolet, the doctor ordered. energy.

VIPs were shuttled away in style via Chevrolet Stingrays “That type of ideation to creation make these to the Rockaways. events so raw and exciting,” says Rhoads. “It takes it from a static medium and makes it Rhoads says they asked Chevrolet to not only engaging and immersive.” provide the cars, but also underwrite the event.

“

Lickus says, “We are doing more than just programming events; we are building a community. I am constantly amazed and humbled by the people who choose to add their talent to our growing vision. Together we are finding new and challenging ways to celebrate 44 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine

”

He says, “We try to integrate product placement in a way that does not seem obnoxious. We avoid stylized product placement that does not belong.” It seems the BBQ Films team has thought of everything and paid careful attention to detail to bring these films to life. Other films

they have created parties around include “America Psycho” and also “Mutant Ninja Turtles” Executive Producer, Lenny Platt, got involved after attending the “American Psycho” party.

He says, “We were invited to party with Patrick Bateman and his friends for his 27th birthday party. The basement of the Tribeca Grand Hotel was transformed into an ‘80s nightclub where a DJ spun Depeche Mode and New Order while I danced with Robert Palmer’s video and Patrick ran around the party wearing only an ice mask and a chainsaw. ‘American Psycho’ was one of my favorite books and films, so an opportunity to live inside that story for one night was life-changing. The next day I emailed the company offering to do whatever I could do get involved. Two years later I’m now lucky enough to help conceive and produce these magically transformative experiences to new audiences around the country.”

What also makes BBQ Films events unique is the fact they give their profits back to non-profits. Rhoads’s day job is working with non-profits so this is something he is very familiar with. In the past they have done everything from helping people going through Hurricane Sandy to giving thousands back to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s (www.michaeljfox.org).

Find out more about the BBQ Films experience at www.bbqfilms.com.- DUO

Photographer: Luke Kingma

Photographer: Luke Kingma

Photographer: Jacob King

Besides being a journalist, Rachel Galvin has been involved in the film industry for over 10 years as an actor, producer and more. Check out her blog/ networking portal at www.independentstreak.ning.com or www.rachelgalvin.net.

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FASHION

SUMMER CROSLEY

Paying it “Fashion” Forward

W

hen Summer Crosley is not traveling the World of Fashion she devotes her life to make a difference in the world by supporting environmentally friendly causes such as Ocean Life Conservation to help protect our beautiful ocean life and help keep our beaches clean. She has influenced the public to join the eco-friendly movement by doing our part to help decrease pollution and protect wildlife. She continues to dedicate her daily life to encourage others to clean up our beaches and reminding others to reduce, reuse, and recycle to conserve the beautiful ocean life. She is really making a difference by educating others on the importance of protecting our environment. Most people fail to realize the importance of ocean life conservation to protect our planet. She reminds her peers and the youth community that littering puts our beautiful wildlife — dolphins, whales, sea turtles, tropical fish— at risk of endangerment and extinction.

Summer has traveled to the world’s top beach destinations to raise awareness throughout Fiji, Bali, Africa, Mexico, Brazil, and Costa Rica. She continues on her mission to influence thousands to join the eco-friendly movement and help protect our beautiful ocean life from extinction.

DM: Has your celebrity status helped or hurt your environmental cause?

SC: Helped, of course. It has influenced people in other countries to take part in it.

DM: Tell us more about your environmental cause.

SC: I have traveled the globe to raise awareness on beach clean up and saving our oceans. So far it has been a great success.

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DM: What’s the one thing everyone should know about ocean conservation?

SC: That all the plastic bottles, wrappers, and debris in the ocean have killed over half the fish and marine life. If we don’t stop this now, there will be no more fish left in the ocean.

DM: What’s your favorite beach?

SC: Fiji! It’s gorgeous. The water is amazing!

“

Most people

fail to realize

the importance of ocean life conservation is

”

to protect our planet.

DM: How did you get involved with Ocean Life Conservation?

SC: I’ve traveled the world doing shoots at the world’s most beautiful beaches and noticed our beaches, fish and plant life were decreasing and becoming extinct due to plastic and trash in the oceans, so I started organizing beach clean-ups to educate people on what they can do to make a difference.

DM: For those who want to get involved after reading your interview, which charity do you recommend for donations?

SC: Seathos.org. Professional surfers and celebrities are also involved with this group and making a difference. Every little bit helps! - DUO

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www.startingoverenterprises.com

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DESTINATIONS

the

GRAND BAHAMA Grand Living and Giving

W

ant

a

quick

getaway

when you want to get

away quickly? The Grand

Bahama the northernmost

island of the Bahamas and the closest major island to the United States of the 700 islands

and 2400 cays is the place to go. Whether you pack a binocular for bird-watching, a snorkel to dive down under the world’s largest underwater

cave systems, a fishing rod for the numerous DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 51

boating excursions, or a tube of suntan lotion to relax on one of the island’s pristine beaches there is something for everybody in this island the Spaniards named “Gran Bajamar” or “Great Shallows” for the breathtaking coral reefs that surround it.

The fascinating history of the island adds a quaint charm to this vacation destination popular for its upscale resort center and casino on the island of Freeport. From the stories of the rumrunning days to the free slave settlements of Pinder’s Point, Russell Town, Smith’s Point and William’s Town to the breathtaking ecological wonders found in the three national parks, visitors delight in the vast array of sightseeing 52 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine

opportunities available. Add the unique cuisine and culinary extravagance and you have a vacation that is truly satiating.

Want to do more than pamper yourself when you arrive? Hidden within the island’s vast attractions is a shining opportunity: volunteering. Diane Cacciatore knows all about that. “It all started on a family vacation to the Grand Bahama. I spotted three children sitting in a car under a bridge and wanted to help.”

Because of the particular laws governing the Grand Bahama, volunteer opportunities are difficult to obtain. “I have throughout the years forged a relationship with the island government, however, which has enabled me

“

School students are

given the opportunity to add volunteering

to their resumes and college applications by accompanying her and

”

getting to appreciate

firsthand the benefits of giving back.

a way to set up a safe effective way to help the community.”

Diane keeps busy flying back and forth between her home and the island helping the underprivileged in Freeport with her non-profit “Women Supporting Women Ministries” (www. wswministries.com). Collecting everyday items from clothing to furniture to computers, Diane brings care packages to those in need,

with plenty of helping hands by her side. High School students are given the opportunity to add volunteering to their resumes and college applications by accompanying her and getting to appreciate firsthand the benefits of giving back.

“Anyone is welcome to join us,” she says of her frequent trips to the Grand Bahama, where natives and tourists help to make this a beautiful island for living…and giving.- DUO DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 53

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