Created by a woman, empowered by all
Vol.2 Issue 31 August 2012
Real People, Real Issues, Real Talk!
GIRLFRIENDSTalk Actress Lark
Voorhies battles Bipolar!
Blast From The Past !!!!!!!!!!
!AFROS
The world says goodbye To some greats!
Gabrielle Douglas U.S. Women's Gymnastics team at the 2012 Summer Olympics !
Letter To Family And Friends Of Girlfriends Talk From Founder And Editor –IN Chief
Janice L. Carter
Well I guess we all can feel that the summer is winding down. I have mixed emotions about that. Like I mentioned during the summer, I was everywhere, doing everything! Of course I enjoyed myself, I learned so much and met so many new people. As the days are slowing down for me, I realized how much I slacked up on my own journey, not intentionally; I just got carried away into something else I truly love, MUSIC! Honestly I found myself wondering if this was a new calling for me. So with that said, I realized that the music industry is very exciting just as much as it is a very fast paced field that required a lot of attention, the competitiveness often turning into bad blood relationships and there are a lot of sleepless nights. Then I started to wonder am I really "about dat life"? I like observing people, places and things. Then I like to write about it. I also like to interview people and having a stress free piece of mind at times. So I came to the conclusion that these things work hand and hand. Without the music industry I never would have met and interviewed some of the legendary artists, I never would have attended some of these great events, or have all these great pictures to share with you all. So Girlfriends Talk is not converting into a hip hop magazine, it is simply taking advantage of all forms of networking and build great relationships with like-minded people. So I guess I am "about dat life"! Recapping the month of July Fat Al came through the C.O. Dylan of P Diddy's "Making the Band " came by the Da Truth radio at show to chop it us with us about life after the show and up and coming adventures he has coming up. If you missed the show make sure you check it out in the archives on Wugr.Biz. Dylan also debuted his new album, video and performed at Martha’s later on that night.
City United, which consists of Liz "Boss Lady" Walton, Mi and Wugr, put on for the city once again showing respect for anyone out here chasing and work hard for their dreams. Preparing hundreds of appreciation certificates to distribute out. Lastly we kicked it hard in Lima, Ohio with Atlanta rapper, Love and Hip Hop star Rasheeda. As she performed her past hit "Bubble gum" she also turned it up with her new hit "Put a ring on it"! Other local artist came through to grace the stage also. It was a great night at the Platinum Lounge. Congrats to 2012 Olympics winner Gabrielle Christina Victoria "Gabby" Douglas. Stay tuned for the grand finale of the Ohio Hip Hop Awards, It will be so full feeling to see months and months of the grinding, networking and just hard work the four founders Derrick Mekienze, Derrick Lorand Jackson, Quincy Taylor and Garbs Infinite put in to this event come to life.
What's Happening In The C.O? Page 7 Hello Friend… By: Frank Comer Did you know? The history of Afros Page 9 The Chicago Chronicle By: Blk Abyss Page 13 !
Bipolar Disorder Page 16
5 Myths about strength training By Rokki Page 22 Nikki Ransom It’s Challenge Time! Page 24 Astrology By Kela The Birthday Lady Page 26
August 2012
Contributors! Racquel Bonner Fitness Navigator Columbus, Ohio Nikki Ransom Life Coach Columbus, Ohio Blk Abyss Chicago, Ill.
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Frank Comer #190531 P.O Box 5500 Chillicothe, Ohio 45601 Please Follow Janice Carter Twitter@Cogirlfriendmag Facebook/Girlfriendstalkmagazine MySpace/Cogirlfriendmag Instagram/girlfriends talk
What’s Happening In The C.O?!
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Hello Friend‌ !
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"#!$%&'(!)*+,%!
Friends have become allies in various ways, such as fighting in the struggle to liberate the minds of those locked in a state of "unconsciousness". Friendships are also unsuspectedly forged because of racial acquaintances, economic causes, or social movements that condemns the destruction of a person, place or thing In some fraudulent cases, friendships have taken on the images of being truthful, honest, trustworthy and loyal only to reveal themselves later as "Bogus" and remind us that the friendship was forged from the fabric of imitation simply to duplicate what is genuine. These certain friendships that are fraudulent in nature have become a receptacle of loyalty, truthfulness and honesty that creates a showcase of theatrical allegiance designed to impress and show camaraderie. For a person who believes in the true meaning of friendship and places validity upon its origins will possibly become a victim of deception, scaring the heart and contaminating the value of friendship with distrust. The existing foundation of friendship is never questioned or challenged because we believe in being loved by everything that exist; we never believe that we will be betrayed. The merits that gave birth to the concept of friendship which were later found to be counterfeit never really existed because the allegiance itself was never free from hypocrisy or dishonesty. The facade of friendship was sustained by the attributes of deception formulated by the opportunity to deliberately deceive for reasons only known to the imposter. Friendships are favorable or unfavorable and their pretenses are yet to be determined. Friends become enemies and enemies become friends. Friendships are entity within the social interactions of our society and is entirely dependent on the sincerity of two or more persons. Be cautious in extending the commitment of friendship until you are fully aware and understanding of the motives of others, but also realize that not everyone pretends to be what he or she is not. Friends become friends based on commonalities, morals and standards of right and wrong. As humans we have characteristics that are harmonious in nature. We are naturally compassionate individuals that genuinely care about others. We submit in a passive, but caring kind of way advancing forward to what we hope to be a friendship that is everlasting because we understand the trials and tribulations of life and so we continue to hope and believe that our true friends administer words of compassion, words that are endearing and strong in the devotion of honesty and committed to the allegiance of loyalty, this is what renders us as true friends.
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Did You Know?
The History of The Afro Afro, sometimes shortened to 'fro and also known as a "natural", is a hairstyle worn naturally by people with lengthy kinky hair texture or specifically styled in such a fashion by individuals with naturally curly or straight hair. The hairstyle is created by combing the hair away from the scalp, allowing the hair to extend out from the head in a large, rounded shape, much like a halo, cloud or ball. In persons with naturally curly or straight hair, the hairstyle is typically created with the help of creams, gels or other solidifying liquids to hold the hair in place. Particularly popular in the African-American community of the late 1960s the hairstyle is often shaped and maintained with the assistance of a wide-toothed comb colloquially known as an Afro pick. Afro is derived from the term "Afro-American" [The hairstyle is also referred to by some as the "natural"— particularly the shorter, less elaborate versions of the Afro—since in most cases the hair is left untreated by relaxers or straightening chemicals and is instead allowed to express its natural curl or kinkiness. In the 1860s, a style similar to the Afro was worn by the Circassian beauties, sometimes known as "Moss-haired girls", a group of women exhibited in sideshow attractions in the United States by P. T. Barnum and others. These women were claimed to be from the Circassian people in the Northern Caucasus region, and were marketed to white audiences captivated by the "exotic East" as pure examples of the Caucasian white race who were kept as sexual slaves in Turkish harems It has been argued that this portrayal of a white woman as a rescued slave during the American Civil War played on the racial connotations of slavery at the time so that the distinctive hairstyle affiliates the side-show white Circassian with African American identity, and thus: resonates oddly yet resoundingly with the rest of her identifying significations: her racial purity, her sexual enslavement, her position as colonial subject; her beauty. The Circassian blended elements of white Victorian True Womanhood with traits of the enslaved African American woman in one curiosity. African-American hairstyles prior to the 1960s During the history of slavery in the United States
most African Americans styled their hair in an attempt to mimic the styles of the predominantly white society in which they lived Afro-textured hair, characterized by its tight curls, waves or kinks, has been described (sometimes pejoratively) as being kinky, coarse, cottony, nappy or woolly. These characteristics represented the antithesis of the Euro-American standard of beauty and led to a negative view of tightly curled and kinky hair; as a result, the practice of hair braiding and straightening gained popularity among African Americans. The process of straightening the hair often involved applying caustic substances, such as relaxers containing lye, which needed to be applied by an experienced hairstylist so as to avoid burning the scalp and ears. In the late 1890s/early 1900s, Madam C. J. Walker also popularized the use of the hot comb in the United States. Those who chose not to artificially treat their hair would often opt to style it into tight braids or cornrows. With all of these hairstyling methods, if done improperly, one ran the risk of damaging the hair shaft, sometimes resulting in hair loss. 1960s and '70s The effect of the African-American Civil Rights Movement brought a renewed sense of identity to the African American community which also resulted in a redefinition of personal style that included an appreciation of African beauty and aesthetics, as embodied by the Black is beautiful movement This cultural movement marked a return to more natural, untreated hairstyles. The Afro became a powerful political symbol, which reflected black pride and a rejection of notions of assimilation and integration—not unlike the long and untreated hair sported by the mainly Caucasian hippies. To some, the Afro also represented a reconstitutive link to Africa, however some critics have suggested that the Afro hairstyle is not particularly African In his book Welcome to the Jungle: New Positions in Black Cultural Studies, cultural critic Kobena Mercer argued that the contemporary African society of the mid-20th century did not consider either hairstyle to denote any particular "Africanness"; conversely, some Africans felt that these styles signified "Firstworldness".Similarly, Brackette F. Williams stated in her book Stains on My Name, War in My Veins: Guyana and the Politics of Cultural Struggle that African nationalists were irritated by the Afro's adoption by African Americans as a symbol of their African heritage; they saw this trend as an example of Western arrogance.
Guyana and the Politics of Cultural Struggle that African nationalists were irritated by the Afro's adoption by African Americans as a symbol of their African heritage; they saw this trend as an example of Western arrogance. The Afro was adopted by both men and women and was a hairstyle that was easier to maintain by oneself, without requiring frequent and sometimes costly visits to the hairstylist as was often experienced by people who chose to braid, straighten or relax their hair. Due to the tight curl pattern prominent in Afro-textured hair, as it grows longer it has a tendency to extend outward from the head, resulting in a domelike hairstyle, which is easily molded and sculpted into the desired shape. While the Afro was a much less invasive and time consuming hairstyle choice for many African Americans, some chose to achieve a bushier version of the Afro by backcombing or teasing the hair, a practice which can result in damage to the hair and scalp. In the mid-1960s, the Afro hairstyle began in a fairly tightly coiffed form—such as the hairstyle that became popular among members of the Black Panther Party. As the 1960s progressed towards the 1970s, popular hairstyles—both within and outside of the African-American community—became longer and longer; this resulted in an expansion in the overall size of Afros. Such large Afros were famously sported by African American entertainers and sociopolitical figures; political activist Angela Davis, actress Pam Grier, rock musician Jimi Hendrix, and the members of the musical groups The Jackson 5 and The Supremes. In contrast, the Afro's popularity among African Americans had already started to wane by the early 1970s; the introduction of the Afro to the mainstream and its adoption by people of non-African descent caused the Afro to lose its radical, political edge. The 1970s saw an increase in the popularity of braided hairstyles such as cornrows among both sexes of African Americans—hairstyles which up until that time had traditionally been worn by only African American women. R&B singer Stevie Wonder adopted a cornrow haircut, and soul singer Isaac Hayes shaved himself bald. Among those who still sported them, Afros were generally worn in smaller, shorter form and did not approach the large versions worn by people such as Angela Davis.!
GT’s Moment July 2012
Bipolar disorder or bipolar affective disorder, historically known as manic-depressive disorder, is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a category of mood disorders defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated energy levels, cognition, and mood with or without one or more depressive episodes. The elevated moods are clinically referred to as mania or, if milder, hypomania. Individuals who experience manic episodes also commonly experience depressive episodes, or symptoms, or a mixed state in which features of both mania and depression are present at the same time. These events are usually separated by periods of "normal" mood; but, in some individuals, depression and mania may rapidly alternate, which is know as rapid cycling. Severe manic episodes can sometimes lead to such psychotic symptoms as delusions and hallucinations. The disorder has been subdivided into bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia , and other types, based on the nature and severity of mood episodes experienced; the range is often described as the bipolar spectrum. Estimates of the lifetime prevalence of bipolar disorder vary, with studies typically giving values of the order of 1%, with higher figures given in studies with looser definitions of the condition. The onset of full symptoms generally occurs in late adolescence or young adulthood. Diagnosis is based on the person's self-reported experiences, as well as observed behavior. Episodes of abnormality are associated with distress and disruption and an elevated risk of suicide, especially during mixed and depressive episodes. In some cases, it can be a devastating long lasting disorder. In others, it has also been associated with creativity, goal striving, and positive achievements. There is significant evidence to suggest that many people with creative talents have also suffered from some form of bipolar disorder. It is often suggested that creativity and bipolar disorder are linked. Genetic factors contribute substantially to the likelihood of developing bipolar disorder, and environmental factors are also implicated. Bipolar disorder is often treated with mood stabilizing medications and, sometimes, other psychiatric drugs. Psychotherapy also has a role, often when there has been some recovery of the subject's stability. In serious cases, in which there is a risk of harm to oneself or others, involuntary commitment may be used. These cases generally involve severe manic episodes with dangerous behavior or depressive episodes with suicidal ideation. There are widespread problems with social stigma, stereotypes, and prejudice against individuals with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder exhibiting psychotic symptoms can sometimes be misdiagnosed as having schizophrenia, another, different, serious mental illness. The current term bipolar disorder is of fairly recent origin and refers to the cycling between high and low episodes (poles). A relationship between mania and melancholia had long been observed, although the basis of the current conceptualization can be traced back to French psychiatrists in the 1850s. The term "manic-depressive illness" or psychosis was coined by German psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin in the late nineteenth century, originally referring to all kinds of mood disorder. German psychiatrist Karl Leonhard split the classification again in 1957, employing the terms unipolar disorder (major depressive disorder) and bipolar disorder.
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SinĂŠad O'Connor !
Celebrities that battle Bipolar disorder.
Jean-Claude Van Damme!
Jane Pauley!
Jim Carrey
Mia Campbell
Lisa Nicole Carson
Alonzo Spellman
DMX
Lark Voorhies Robin Williams
Tracey Ullman
Congratulations 2012 Olympics winner Gabrielle Christina Victoria "Gabby" Douglas
(born December 31, 1995) is an American artistic gymnast. As a member of the U.S. Women's Gymnastics team at the 2012 Summer Olympics, she won gold medals in both the individual and team all-around competitions. Douglas is the first African-American and first woman of color in Olympic history to become the individual allaround champion, and the first American gymnast to win gold in both the individual allaround and team competitions at the same Olympics. She was also a member of the goldwinning U.S. team at the 2011 World Championships.
GT’s Moment July 2012
5 Myths About Strength Training I've got to warn you. There are bogus rumors going around about strength training. The truth is that strength training is one of the absolute best things you can do for your health and appearance. If you've fallen for these 5 myths then you're missing out on tremendous potential results. Myth #1 Muscle Turns Into Fat Why would anyone want to build muscle if it could morph into fat after a span of disuse? Rest assured that this is a myth of the highest order. Muscle tissue is muscle tissue. Fat tissue is fat tissue. One will never become the other. Myth #2 Strength Training Doesn't Burn Fat On the contrary, muscle mass is your number one ally against fat gains. A pound of muscle burns 10-20 calories each day, while you're just living and breathing. Regular strength training helps you increase your muscle mass as well as preserve existing muscle mass, turning you into a fat burning machine. Myth #3 Lifting Weights Makes Women Bulk Up Yes, strength training increases the amount of muscle on your body; so many women take this to mean that their body will become body-builder physique which is quite the look you're going for. The truth is that the female body simply doesn't contain high enough levels of testosterone to produce that level of results without a very focused and dedicated effort. The tighter, toned figure of a recreational female weight lifter is every bit feminine. Myth #4 Strength Training Is For Young People Only Ha, that's a used-up excuse that senior citizens across the globe have shattered. Assuming that your doctor has given you the OK, you have much to gain from a regular weight lifting routine. Improved balance and coordination, better strength and flexibility, and a decreased risk of osteoporosis are just the beginning.!
Rokki Bonner Personal Fitness N avigators Personal Fitness N avigators, 2803 Delm ar Bexley O hio, 43209 614-207-7170
MYROKKI.com !
Mango Chutney Chicken Salad
Myth #5 Use Light Weight and High Reps To Tone this myth, popularized in the 90's, that very high repetitions of very light weights would result in a toned physique, has become outdated. These high repetitions will increase your muscular endurance but will not add strength or tone. We now know that in order to truly challenge your muscles, heavier weights with lower repetitions are a must. Start with an 8-10 repetition range and push your muscles with each set. Including strength training as a part of your fitness routine is essential for achieving a fit and toned body. My custom-made fitness programs remove all of the guesswork for you. I know what works, and I make it my mission to see you reach
This summer salad is a refreshing way to serve chicken. Tender mango chutney, creamy Greek yogurt and fresh, crunchy greens make this one tasty meal. Servings: 5 Here's what you need... • 1 teaspoon olive oil • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 inch ginger root, minced • 1 small red onion, chopped • 1 small red bell pepper, chopped • 2 ripe mangoes, chopped • Juice from 2 limes • 1 Tablespoon curry powder • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • Dash of nutmeg • Dash of red pepper flakes • 1 1/2 cups non-fat, plain Greek yogurt • 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard • Dash of salt and pepper • 3 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped • 4 cups salad greens • In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger root and sauté for a minute. • Add the onion and bell peppers and sauté for a few minutes. • Add the mango and spices. Continue to sauté for another 5 minutes, until everything has softened. • Turn the heat down to low, cover and simmer for another 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Chill for 20 minutes in the refrigerator. • Combine the yogurt, mustard, salt and pepper together in a small bowl. Place the chopped chicken in a medium sized bowl and mix in the yogurt blend. • Prepare each plate with a pile of greens topped with a scoop of chicken and a spoonful of chutney. Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 286 calories, 6 fat, 185mg sodium, 22g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, and 35g protein.
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It's Challenge Time!!! This week's challenge will bring you and your mate closer together, strengthen your bond, and increase your intimacy ten-fold! Our mates should be our best friends. The same friendly attention, encouragement, interest, respect, and excitement that you would give to your other friends should be given to your mate as well. You should be able to play with and joke around with your mate just as you would any other friend. You should also be able to confide in and share your deepest thoughts and feelings with your mate...even more so than you would with any other friend. Many experts agree that the quality of a couple's friendship indicates the quality of their overall satisfaction in their relationship, not to mention the romance and sex. Being able to be friends with your love says that not only do you enjoy them as your mate but you enjoy them as a person as well. We all know couples who love each other but do not really enjoy and LIKE each other. Also, there are times when you really just NEED a friend, not a lover and it's one of the worst feelings in the world to need that friend and not be able to find one in your life partner. Starting today and for the next 7 days, develop and strengthen the friendship within your relationship. After just a week, I am certain you will love where your relationship is headed and will keep up this practice from here on out! Here are a few ways to get started: 1. Get to know your partner. What's their favorite food? Their ultimate life's goals? Their religious beliefs? Their darkest fears? Their childhood hero? Bottom line, there is sooo much we can learn about partners to gain a better understanding and appreciation for who they are. 2. Carve out time on a regular basis to sit and talk as friends. Catch up with your spouse just as you would with another friend. Just because you live together doesn't mean that you never have to "catch up". Talk as friends and develop that beautiful rapport with each other. 3. Focus on the Positives and create more of them. Research shows that to build a happy, loving marriage, couples should have 10 to 20 positive interactions for every negative one. Rather than concentrating on what your partner does wrong, concentrate and celebrate what he/she does right. Thank them. Compliment them. Be quick to forgive and slow to condemn. Flirt with them. Hold hands. When you walk by, have a little squeeze of the booty, why not?! Bottom line, do your best to make your partner smile and increase your positive interactions with each other to create the happy friendship/relationship scenario we all deserve. These are just 3 ways to help you get started in developing the happy friendship/relationship that you deserve. If you need further assistance, contact Bernice at BPotter@NikkiRansom.com to schedule a Consultation. Happy Lovin, NR
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Our Condolences To The Families Of... Sally Kristen Ride was an American
physicist and astronaut. (May 26, 1951 – July 23, 2012)
Sylvia Woods (February 2, 1926 – July 19, 2012) Was an American restaurateur who cofounded the landmark restaurant Sylvia's in Harlem on Lenox Avenue, New York City with her husband, Herbert Woods, in 1962. The soul food eatery is a popular gathering place for Harlem residents and tourists not far from the Apollo Theater.!
Actor Sherman Alexander Hemsley of the Jeffersons, Amen and other countless shows. (February 1, 1938 – July 24, 2012)
Rapper Ms. Melodie ( Boogie Down Productions) and Ex-wife of KRS One
Ramona Parker (1969 – July 17, 2012)!
Orenthal James "O. J." Murdock Of the Tennessee Titans !
(February 15, 1987 – July 30, 2012)
"#$%&'&()*!!"+(+#$!,-.,! !I'm Baaaaaaack!
Your Personality Scientist, Kela the
Birthday lady!
Let's refresh our memories, You're Special life lessons! Aries- You may be an introvert who does not feel at ease in a crowd. You may find facing changes to be very traumatic. You are a creature of routine. You may risk the chance of being viewed as a person who lives in his or her own little world. Taurus- You are very likely to be an unorganized, unloyal individual who finds it hard to keep their mind on one thing. You may find it too much work to get involved with others emotionally and prefer to be emotionally detached. Possibly untrustworthy! Gemini- You may be limited intellectually or academically. Your ability to analyze and perceptions may be a bit "off" compared to other people. For this reason you may often be misunderstood. Cancer-Chances are you will not accumulate much wealth in your lifetime. You may have to work hard to earn every penny you make. However material things may not mean as much to you as someone with a more ambitious drive, so you probably don't care for real . Leo- You may be the pessimist in the group and not likely to believe in religion. You may find it difficult to connect with other people or to fall in love. You may be suffering from depression or another mood disorder. I hope you have faith in yourself at least! Virgo- You may be a born follower, and dislike taking charge. The less responsibilities you have to worry about the more comfortable you are with life. You may lack self-esteem or confidence or be scared of failure that you don't even try. Libra- Just like the Capricorn, you may lack patience and sensitivity. It may be that it's difficult to acknowledge that there is more to reality than what goes on in your own head. You may lack the capacity to understand or relate to others. Scorpio- Just like the Aquarius, you may lack perception at times or be particularly clumsy especially when it comes to handling a paint brush or musical instrument. You may be shy and suspicious of other people. Sagittarius- Just like the Pisces, chances are you will be unwilling or unable to work for most of your life. This could be due to that permanent Monday morning feeling. Just not willing to put very much effort into much. Capricorn- Just like the Libra, You may lack patience and sensitivity. It may be difficult to acknowledge that there is more to reality than what goes on in your head. This limitation may be the result of emotional damage done in childhood, or an actual physical limitation. Aquarius- Just like the Scorpio, you may lack perception as well. You may be shy and suspicious of other people and prefer to spend time by yourself. You may have a pathological aversion to spending time with other people. Do you have a fear of crowds? Pisces- Just like the Sagittarius, you may unwilling or unable to work for most of you life. This could be due to a disability or a permanent "Monday Morning" feeling. Your capacity to earn is compromised and economic hardship is very likely, as you are not willing to put in much effort.
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Ohio Missing Children
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Alexandria Baldwin!
Julie Beth Estep !
Tahlor Hoffman !
Missing from: Columbus, Ohio
Nickname or alias: Julie Zenk
Missing from: Columbus, Ohio
Missing since: 8/28/2012
Missing from: Pickerington, Ohio
Missing since: 6/18/2012
Missing age: 15 Current age: 15 Date of birth: 2/23/1997 Gender: Female Race/Ethnicity: Black Height: 5'1" Weight: 130 lbs Hair color: Black Eye color: Brown Columbus Police Department at 614-645-4545. !
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Missing since: 7/27/2012 Missing age: 16 Current age: 16 Date of birth: 1/10/1996 Gender: Female Race/Ethnicity: White Height: 5'1" Weight: 165 lbs Hair color: Brown Fairfield County Sheriff's Office at (740) 652-7900.!
Missing age: 15 yrs. Current age: 15 Date of birth: 3/29/1997 Gender: Female Race/Ethnicity: White Height: 5'3" Weight: 110lbs Hair color: Brown Eye color: Brown Columbus Police Department at 614-645-4545. !
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