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A MENTORING MAGAZINE 4 ADULTS JANUARY 2013
IN THIS ISSUE:
CONYA DOSS
VIOLA NICHOLSON
CONNIE SHELTON
KURT HOGAN
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Escapades Magazine welcomes submissions
from freelance writers adult and youth. All of our
submissions are interviews. Feature interviews
are designated by the theme of each month’s
issue. All other interviews must be submitted as
designated below:
Our Writer’s Guidelines:
1. We look for interviews (original and
reprint) in that we publish interviews that
deal with a career or job position.
2. We always need images to go with an
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LETTERS.
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28 MARKETING MOGUL LISA GEORGE
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ARTS &
ENTERTAINMENT
Conya Doss
35
MAKE-UP
SPECIALIST
Viola Nicholson
51
FILM,
TELEVISION,
THEATER
Kurt Hogan
42
FASHION
Connie Shelton
6
04
Visit Us On Our Social Networks
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Submitting Content
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Frequently Asked Questions
12
Staff and Contributors
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Advertising Partners
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Mentors
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Recipe of the Month
58
Black & Missing Foundation
PHOTO CREDIT BY:
Interview Photos supplied by each interviewee and/or
their company.
Female Fashion Photos
are supplied by Connie
Shelton.
7
F r e qu e n t l y As k e d
Q u es t i o ns
How can I get in touch with Escapades/E
4 Kids?
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Kids team, please send an email to
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Your magazine(s) sounds cool! Any
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Kids?
Yes. We always entertain articles from
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Articles/photos are submitted without
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Email to [email protected].
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E 4 Kids Magazine a subsidiary of
Escapades Magazine will begin its newest
addition to our publication family by
broadcasting our live Internet radio station at
www.blogtalkradio.com/escapadesmagazine
Listen to live radio shows broadcasted on
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays where
our youth hosts will interview guests from
different career industries. Find out and even
ask questions about different industries and
how to secure a promising career from
individuals already in the industries. Find out
what educational support you will need to
break into specific career industries, what
skills and other type support you will need to
break into the music, entertainment, sports,
video gaming, medicine, and other
industries.
Our shows will focus on questions
concerning strictly what our guests have
done to succeed in their careers. Also, enjoy
actually calling in to our live broadcast and
ask questions that are of interest of you and
your advancement in your field. Stay tuned
for scheduling of our broadcast shows by
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gazine/) – Facebook social media group
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>) - You Tube social media site address.
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kids/5a/103/a02) - LinkedIn social media site
address.
NOTE: If you are 14 – 18 and are interested in
experiencing how to host a show, produce an
Internet radio show, or begin your career in
broadcasting/journalism and other careers? We
are holding auditions at two locations in January
1013:
January 12, 2013 at the WECAN office (65th and
Stony Island Ave)
January 19, 2013 at Society Girls Shop (Oak
Park, IL.)
If you have a good speaking voice and a strong
vocabulary skill then Contact us for further
details at [email protected] or call us
at 773-288-3000 and ask for Chris. Smith.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tori Collins
Cell: 773.470.9978
Email: [email protected]
STUDENTS START EARLY TO PREPARE FOR CAREERS IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The students who attend the after-school program hosted by Children Home + Aid at
Benjamin E. Mays Academy in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood will soon be
partnering with Escapades Magazine as they learn the business of running a magazine.
The Carerra Program
Program works with boys and girls from the age of 10 and follows them through high
school and eventually to college. The philosophy that guides the program sees youth as
"at promise" instead of being "at risk," the program works to develop a participant's
capacity and desire to avoid early pregnancy, drug-use and other social ills. The
program model provides opportunities for young people to discover interests and
develop talents, plus emphasizes education and employment.
Escapades will be working with 5th thru 8th graders who are involved in the Job Club
component of the program. The goal of Job Club is to develop students who are
prepared for workforce; not merely as employees but as employee-partners who will one
day fill management positions; which in turn increases the opportunity of them becoming
entrepreneurs.
########
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MATTIE BUTLER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CORPORATE OFFICE
6450 S. STONY ISLAND AVENUE CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60637
PHONE: (773) 288-3000 FAX: (773) 288-3081
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING
WECAN HAS REDEVELOPED FOUR BUILDINGS CREATING 145 UNITS OF AFFORDABLE
HOUSING FOR THE HOMELESS AND NEAR HOMELESS. THE PROJECTS HAVE BEEN FINANCED BY LASALLE BANK, COLE TAYLOR BANK, NORTHERN BANK AND TRUST, IHDA,
CITY OF CHICAGO – DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING, FEDERAL HOME LOAN ANK, AND THE
SECETARY OF STATE’S LINK DEPOSIT PROGRAM, CHICAGO COMMUNITY LOAN FUND
AND THE JEWISH COUNCIL FOR URBAN AFFAIRS.
HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER
WECAN HAS PROUDLY PROVIDED ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT TO PREVENT DECIMATION
OF WOODLAWN’S VINTAGE SINGLE FAMILY HOMES AS WELL AS IT’S HISTORIC MULTI-
UNIT BUILDINGS. FUNDS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF CHICAGO DEPARTMENT
OF HOUSING.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
WECAN’S TIME OUT/SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM IS FUNDED BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES.
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THE FIRST DIGITAL MAGAZINE THAT TELLS YOU WHAT JOB OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH INTERVIEWS DIRECTLY
FROM ONWERS, EMPLOYEES, AND ENTREPENUERS THAT HAVE SUCCEEDED IN THEIR FIELD.
http://escapades4kids.wordpress.com/
12
Escapades
PUBLISHED BY ACSmith Enterprises 1554 East 65th Street
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Realiti Wear
15
Multi-Award Winning Artist Conya Doss is very
excited about life right now. With the April
2012 release of her 6th album, Pocketful of
Purpose, daily joys of her young son, global
philanthropic efforts, and being very
comfortable with her authentic self, Conya
knows that her best years are ahead of her.
After over a decade creating music that her
loyal fan-base can't help but love, she delivers
an 11-song compilation that showcases her
wide vocal range. This project teases music
lovers as she takes listeners on a sojourn to
lands where love reigns and individualism is
celebrated.
As an Artist who strives to be transparent and
real, she lays down tracks from a "situational
perspective" - further ensuring industry nods
and accolades from the likes of Michael
Baisden, Avant, Raheem DeVaughn, Indie
Arie and Anthony Hamilton.
Singing since she was five, Doss' musical
influences run the gamut of Donnie Hathaway,
Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Chaka Khan,
Prince, and Sade. In a
Soul Train.com interview Conya states that "I
had exposure to a wide genre of music from
Nina Simone to Stevie Wonder to Charlie
Pride to Steely Dan. The music that I create
has a touch of everything. I call it "Musical
Gumbo." Music just gives me a feeling that's
connected with my soul, so much emotion. I
want my music to inspire, just as I was
inspired by those who were before me." She
attended the Cleveland School of the Arts
along with Avant, became a teacher of
children with special needs in the Cleveland
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Describe your career so far as an artist?
It’s been a journey as life usually is. I have
had my ups and downs but overall it’s been
great to be able to create music that is well
received by people, worldwide. I’ve been
blessed to be able to work with some very
talented individuals
What unique experience can you tell the
readers about in your career?
My first project was released through a major
label where I had everyone else handling
everything. When I decided to release the
next project independently, I had no idea of
what it involved but it’s been a positive
learning experience as I now know more
about the business aspects of the music
industry…from recording to hiring producers to PR,
etc.... There were many people who doubted my
approach, which just increased my drive. After my
child was born, there was doubt that I could
continue… I just stay on the grind.
Tell us about some of your career
accomplishments?
Releasing all of my projects has been quite the
accomplishment and to receive notoriety without a
large machine has been quite rewarding. Working
with artists whom I admire, such as Dwele, on the
McDonald’s McCafe commercial was surreal.
Also, sharing the stage with so many artists that I
admire has been an honor as well. Beyond the
music, being able to participate with BET’s RAP-It-
Up program has been wonderful as I have been
able to give back. Lastly, having a story of
resilience and life experiences is priceless.
What are your short term goals in your career and
what are your long term goals also?
My goal is to continue to grow and inspire others
with the gift of music that God has given me.
What do you feel are the good aspects of the
career you have chosen for yourself?
The good aspects are staying true to myself and
following my vision.
What motivates you in your career on a daily
basis?
My life experiences and talking to others about their
experiences inspire me every day.
Public School system, and began using
music in her classroom as a way to
connect with her students. The world
owes thanks to a heartfelt letter from one
of her students which inspired her debut
album "A Poem About Ms. Doss".
In 2001, Conya started her own
recording label Conya Doss Songs and
began recording her first album. Despite
industry pressure to adapt to become
mainstream, Doss chooses to "keep it
real" and trust that her destined musical
path will be realized.
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What do you consider to be your
weakness in your career and
how do you work on strengthen
this weakness each day?
I count my drive and not resting
until my work is done both a
strength and weakness, which
my body tells me, “Okay, Conya
enough. You have to wait
another day to complete this
task”. LOL
What do you feel is the next step
for you in your career choice?
Just to keep creating music and
seek other avenue to extend the
music in other areas.
What is your normal day like at
work?
There is not any normal day. I
just do whatever I have to do and
when my tasks are complete,
then I’m done.
What do you feel is the most
memorable time in your
childhood that set you on your
goal of being successful in your
career choice?
Singing “I Got Love On My Mind”
around my family and them
cheering me on.
What type of support system did
you get as you grew up in school
and at home?
My mother has always been my
greatest cheerleader as well as
peers and teachers encouraging
me constantly. I grew up in a
community where neighbors were
like second parents, as well as
aunts and grandparents.
What do you feel you bring to your
career and what do you feel you
have contributed to others in your
field?
I bring transparency and
inspiration, through my music. I
also motivate others to persevere.
What advice can give our readers
to the choice they make in their
career and the choice they make in
their educational growth?
Stay true to yourself and get an
education as it is very important
not matter what field you choose.
What do you feel is your biggest
competitor in your field and what
do you do to overcome those
competitors?
Myself. Sometimes, I can get in
my own way by being too critical of
my work.
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How do you feel is the state of the music
industry and how do you feel about the
amount of reality shows dealing with music?
It’s in a funny place. There are pros and
cons. The Internet has helped artists such
as me; however, there is still a struggle with
soul music being exposed in a wider
spectrum.
Have you considered entering any of the
reality music shows and which one would
you consider being on? Why consider that
reality show?
I haven’t considered this. However, I would
not rule it out.
As a mentor and leader in your industry what
type of leadership example is best to exhibit
for our youth?
To stay positive and keep in mind that others
are influenced by your music, so it is
necessary to be mindful in addition to staying
true to yourself.
Can you tell our readers some of the projects
you are currently working n and how they are
coming along?
We’re wrapping up the next video single
which is very exciting. I am also working on
my next album, launching a radio show, and
collaborating with BET’s Rap-It-Up
campaign… just to name a few.
19
I noticed that you attended the Cleveland
School of Arts can you tell us about how
things were for you at this school?
I met a lot of great people there and my
class was like family. I learned so much
from my peers and I also learned that
there is always someone who is equally
as talented, therefore having drive is so
necessary.
So can you tell us what your recording
label has done since its beginning in
2001 and what is the plan for the
recording label?
To keep recording and perhaps take on
other artist who have a desire to create
music independently.
Are you planning on making any
appearances on stage in 2013 and
where can we look to see you?
Definitely! Management is working on
next year’s schedule. Updates will be
posted on my Conya Doss fanpage and
website at www.conyadoss.com.
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Lisa Yolanda George, fondly known as Lisa Gee or LG, has decades of international travelling under her
belt, which has allowed her to witness the many ailments of the world such as chronic poverty, hunger,
inadequate health care, inadequate housing, and issues that affect youth. Lisa has always enjoyed
working with underserved communities, in both volunteer and employment positions -- as a result, she has
put in thousands of hours of work for the American Red Cross, on CDC-funded projects, with various
hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, community based organizations, and campaigns. In her “previous life”,
as a Program Manager, she enhanced program growth by 70% and strengthened collaborative
relationships to the end goal of “making big things bigger. Her love for social causes led her to become a
member of Chicago's HIV Prevention Planning Group and elected Co-chair of the Gap Analysis/Needs
Assessment Committee and Executive Committee. In this capacity, she was involved in the priority setting
process and helped determine where limited resources will go towards HIV prevention. She served in
similar positions for over ten years. Her passion for fighting social ills continues to spill over into various
areas.
Her journey has taken several twists including thinking she wanted to be a physician when younger, grant-
writing, and wondering if and how she
could combine her various loves. Today,
she heads up ConnectingYOUto PR Firm
which focuses on developing marketing,
advertising, and PR programs for and with
Fortune 500, high-profile individuals, non-
profit and government clients. Her knack
for seeing the impossible and creating
effective PR campaigns came from her
years of working with non-profits to “tap
into the mindset” of target populations with
key health messages. Under her guidance,
ConnectingYOUto PR Firm gets people
noticed.
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Escapades: Lisa can you describe your
career to us?
Getting companies and individuals noticed!
Public Relations is the name for it. LOL. It
involves getting “entities” noticed, in a
manner that reflects the essence of whom
or what they are and their end goals. It
also involves truly getting to know your
client, keeping a pulse on a lot, being
savvy, maintaining ongoing key
relationships, being creative and flexible,
and having fun with it. LOL. Oh, and
having the ability to identify unique
opportunities and work closely with the
client. Lastly, but definitely not least, being
honest with the client, as part of successful
PR involves a mutually respectable and
goal-oriented relationship with the client.
Escapades: What do you feel is the most
memorable time in your childhood that set
you on your goal of being successful in
your career choice?
This requires people reading my autobiography
when I write it in a few years. LOL. There is not
one thing. My parents, international traveling,
growing up around music, and being creative in
many ways being exposed to different things. I
think these things somehow came together to play
a role, in the success of my career choice. When I
look back, at my life, a lot of occurrences make
sense now – the dots connect. It was a journey
though. I once thought I wanted to be a physician.
Go figure.
Escapades: What type of support system did you
get as you grew up in school and at home?
I have the best family (extended and immediate).
My parents and siblings. They encouraged raising
bars, surpassing goals, believing in myself, and
living out your dreams while … they don’t
encourage a belief system that leads away from
success. We laugh a lot and have loads of fun.
By extension, my son, boyfriend, and some really
kick-butt friends have joined this circle of love.
Escapades: What unique experience can you tell
the readers about in your career?
I get to have loads of fun every day because I am
doing what I love and get to work with the most
creative, real, funny, and hard-working people.
Also, the clients that I work with tend to be really
wholesome and have a sincere desire to have a
positive impact, on the world. So helping them
strengthen their brand is really nice as I get to help
make people more aware of them and their
“works”.
(Pictured above)
Lisa George with Alexander Hamilton
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Escapades: Tell us about some of your
career accomplishments?
Wow, honestly, there are many. I have been
privileged to work with many Fortune 500
companies over the years to help them gain
visibility for their cause campaigns. In this
respect, I have connected celebrities and
sponsors, with the biggest hearts to such
causes to help make the campaign more
successful. I think this is where one’s
definition of success and accomplishments
comes in. Knowing that I played a role, in
helping make something successful always
makes me feel accomplished… whether it is
the number of people, product placement,
raising funds for something… Hearing the
excitement, in a client’s voice is also
something I treasure.
Escapades: What are your short-term goals
in your career and what are your long term
goals also?
Truthfully, they are the same. This answer
may annoy my former business class
professors. LOL. My short-term goal is to
keep my current clients happy and my long-
term goal is the same. Happy clients stick
around and I have always wanted to
maintain a small firm, with a few happy
clients. Of course, for each client, there are
specific goals that we have and my plan is to
make sure those are surpassed. That way, I
can keep doing what I love and balance my
life, in a way that is truly important to me. I
have always loved the story told during
class, many moons ago, by one of my
professors about McDonald’s and their
suppliers. For some of these suppliers,
McDonald’s is there only client. Wouldn’t you
want to keep that client happy?
Escapades: What do you feel are the good
aspects of the career you have chosen for
yourself and what are the bad aspects of the
career you have chosen?
I get to do what I love and love doing it! It
encompasses so many things that kinda defines
Grammy nominated Syleena Johnson and
nationally – renowned singer Terisa Griffin at
Magic Johnson Point Forward Day - 2011
me such as music, philanthropy, creativity,
challenges (yes, even these – LOL), writing,
working with cool people, and being able to
define my day. I won’t say that there are bad
aspects of being a business owner however;
one must be prepared to be truly disciplined
and be familiar with many, if not all aspects of
your business operations such as legal,
accounting, IT, HR, and so much more. But I
will take that over not owning my own
business any day.
26
Escapades: What motivates you in your career
on a daily basis?
To continue creating the life that I want and do
what I love. It’s just that simple. The freedom
that comes with running your own business is
exhilarating! I also want my son to get a peek
into different ways of working and knowing that
one can create the life that they desire.
Escapades: What do you consider to be your
weakness in your career and how do you work
on strengthening this weakness each day?
I stopped believing in weaknesses a while
ago. I sometimes want to believe in
something more than a person but I
successfully fight that. This deserves an
example. I have worked with companies that
were quite capable of getting funding or
sponsorship for an event but for whatever
reason, they didn’t want it as badly as I did.
The result is that my time was spent in ways
that shouldn’t have been and the funding not
received. It’s a mutual partnership and I look
for that, in all my clients.
Escapades: What do you feel is the next step
for you in your career choice?
Well, that’s an easy answer since this is my
career choice. Of course, we never know
what twist life may throw at you but I have a
strong feeling that the only thing that will
change, is the nature of PR in our rapidly
changing world.
Escapades: What is your normal day like
at work?
I don’t think there are normal days in PR.
There’s a lot of follow-up, following new
leads, paying attention to the pulse of the
industry and world at-large, networking,
checking that my company’s actions are in
line with each client’s strategic plan,
keeping myself organized, keeping a level-
head, and honestly having fun. I tend to
laugh a lot with my colleagues and clients,
on a daily basis.
(Picture above)Lisa George with
performers and presenters.
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Escapades: Can you tell us how you
came to the idea of starting
ConnectingYOUto PR firm? What drives
the concept of your firm compared to
some of your competition in the PR
industry?
I have always been a connector and am
pretty good at it. I love connecting great
things, people, and companies to others
doing great things. It just sort of came to
me after doing it for so many years.
ConnectingYOUto connects entities to
media, sponsorship, other entities, etc.
That’s what we do! I think the world
could be in such a better place if we
collaborated better than we do now.
Regarding the “competition”,
ConnectingYOUTo is it’s only
competition!
Escapades: I see you have worked with Fortune
500 companies and high profile individuals;
along with other companies such as non-for-
profit and government agencies. What do you
feel is the reason why companies continue to
come to you? What type of service is it that
makes them return?
(What I am getting at is most companies that
deal with major companies and individuals such
as you have begun to lose that personal touch
of service. What makes you grounded and stay
the course of the personal touch?) I’m real and
personable. And I treat people the way I’d like
to be treated. People like people and continue
to work with people that they like. I immerse
myself in the essence of a company and its
staff. I also bring a high level of integrity,
professionalism, and personal touch to my work
while realizing and often surpassing goals. I
also don’t have a problem doing menial work to
get the job done. Lastly, but certainly not least, I
create partnerships.
Escapades: Do you try to stay within a certain
type of clientele in your PR firm? And if not how
do you pick one client over another; because
you can’t handle everyone all the time and still
offer the best service? As a lesson learned by
business owners “You can’t please everyone”.
I tend to attract people who seem to share the
same life goal. I can safely say that most of my
past and current clients have genuine hearts,
are goal oriented, and enjoy true partnerships. I
tend to stay away from entities that do not want
(Pictured above) Part of the
team.
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“it” badly enough because then we are not in
a partnership and unnecessary challenges
arise in trying to reach goals.
Escapades: How has the recession affected
your business in regards to clients spending
funds for marketing?
Truthfully, I lost all of my clients, at the
beginning of the recession because they
were affected. But that was good for me
because I learned a lot and am now better
business operator. Businesses should be
prepared for all types of economic
conditions and that I am. I’m also much
happier now with the make-up of my clients
because I am staying true to myself and
what I love doing. I also feel more secure of
my operations and continually strive to make
them better.
Escapades: What do you feel is your biggest
competitor in your field and what do you do
to overcome those competitors?
I am my only competition. I think Oprah said
something like that years ago and I
embraced that fully. If I spent time looking
at what other entities are doing, then I won’t
focus on doing what I need to as much. The
world has enough for everyone so I firmly
believe that if you do your ultimate best and
are prepared, “your time” will come… over
and over again. Now, I do pay attention to
the industry trends and offerings but I don’t
focus on others. That requires discipline
though.
Escapades: What do you feel you bring to your
career and what do you feel you have
contributed to others in your field?
I motivate others, through my actions and words.
I dare people to think outside the box and look
into “other ponds” when looking to enhance
one’s brand. The world continues to rapidly
change. So I think people need to keep the “old”
ways in mind, but adapt, in a strategic manner.
When I say “old”, that could be two years ago.
LOL
Escapades: Can you explain the academic
background it takes to do your specific
job/career and what is the future of continuing
education look forward to for people in your
field?
I was biology major, in college and furthered my
education with business and public health, so I
do not have formal PR “training” with regards to
education. Mine was more hands-on when I
worked for non-profit organizations on social
marketing campaigns with the goal of “tapping”
the mindset of the target audience. Social
marketing involves the art of persuasion, social
perceptiveness, critical thinking, active listening,
writing, analysis, problem solving, coordination,
and so much more. Its activities parallel that of
public relations. However, one can get a college
degree in public relations, journalism,
advertising, or communication. Internships are
also great hands-on learning experiences. There
are also certificate programs out there.
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(Picture below) Lisa George’s family.
Escapades: What advice can give our readers
to the choice they make in their career and the
choice they make in their educational growth?
Follow your heart and believe that you can
achieve what you desire to. Look at what it is
that makes your heart soar and do everything
that you can to make it happen. Pay attention
to the offerings of the world, be honest with
yourself, and align yourself with people that
will stretch you... teach you… and encourage
your inner eagle to soar.
Escapades: As a mentor and leader in your
industry/career what type of leadership
example is best to exhibit for our youth?
A leader should be able to actively listen. They
should also know when to yield, learn, and be
quiet… know that there is not necessarily
always a right way… keep the big picture in
mind and treat people right. Oh and say thank
you. People don’t do that enough anymore.
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Chili
Makes: 4 servings Prep: 15 mins. Cook: 20 mins. Ingredients 1 Pound lean ground beef ½ cup chopped green sweet pepper (1 small) ½ cup chopped onion (1 medium) 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 15 ounce canned tomato sauce 1 15 ounce canned red kidney beans, undrained 1 14 1/2 ounce canned diced tomatoes, Urban Chefs undrained 2 – 3 Teaspoons chili powder ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon dried basil, crushed ¼ Teaspoon ground black pepper Shredded cheddar cheese (optional) Chopped onion (optional) Dairy sour cream (optional) Crushed red pepper (optional) Directions In a 3-quart saucepan cook and stir ground beef, sweet pepper, 1/2 cup chopped onion, and the garlic over medium heat until meat is brown and onion is tender. Drain off fat. Stir in tomato sauce, undrained beans, undrained tomatoes, chili powder, salt, basil, and black pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer covered cheese, chopped onion,
and/or sour cream and pass crushed red pepper. Makes 4 main dish servings. From the test kitchen Variation Chili for Two: Prepare as above, except divide all ingredients in half. Variation Cincinnati-Style Chili: Prepare as above, except omit sweet pepper, basil, and optional garnishes. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper with the tomato sauce. To serve, place 1/2-cup hot cooked spaghetti on each of 4 serving plates; make an indentation in center of each portion. Top each serving with some of the chili, 1 to 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese, 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped onion, and/or 1/4 cup additional kidney beans. Nutrition facts (Chili) Servings per Recipe 4 Calories 381, Protein (gm) 32, Carbohydrate (gm) 35, Fat, total (gm) 15, Cholesterol (mg) 71, Saturated fat (gm) 6, Dietary Fiber, total (gm) 9, Sodium (mg) 1265, Potassium (mg) 905, Calcium (DV %) 111, Iron (DV %) 5, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet Recipe supplied by Urban Chefs. What did you think of this recipe? Share your thoughts and rate it now.
Write us and let us know at [email protected]
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½ Pound Lean ground beef ½ Cup chopped onion 1 Clove garlic minced 7 cups water 1 (14.5 oz.) Urban Chefs Whole Tomatoes undrained cut into pieces ½ cup Barley uncooked ½ cup sliced celery ½ cup sliced carrots Beef bouillon cubes ½ dried basil crushed 1 Bay leaf 1 (9oz) pkg. Frozen mixed vegetables In a 4-quiart saucepan or Dutch oven, brown meat. Add onion and garlic until onion is tender. Drain Stir in remaining ingredients except frozen vegetable. Cover bring to a boil. Reduce heat simmer 50-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add frozen vegetable: cook about 10 minutes or until vegetable are tender. Additional water may be added if soup becomes too thick upon standing: MAKES 12 (1 CUP) SERVING Recipe supplied by Urban Chefs. What did you think of this recipe? Share your thoughts and rate it now.
Write us and let us know at [email protected]
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Viola Nicholson is a makeup
artist/innovator, mom, entrepreneur who
loves the beauty-fashion industry. She
grew up surrounded around beautiful
women, and well dressed men. With that
she always had a passion for fashion
and makeup.
As a little girl she always remember her
parents never leaving out the house very
well groomed taking the family to school,
church, or any outings. Her father now
deceased; mother to this day is a diva and
will not have any excuses on showing any
signs of lacking on her appearance, courage
and wisdom. Viola is the eighth child out of
nine children, and very blessed that she
came from a strong, supportive, loving
family. She grew up on the south side of
Chicago, left at an early age then moved to
Oregon, Viola was always known as a
trendsetter growing up and kept her
following.
Viola got her first start into makeup
professionally 21, while being a
Fashion/Print Model. She always had her
mother’s makeup bag for every shoot at that
time the artists weren’t educated on women
of color. She always had to do her own
makeup, a photographer notice her craft and
told her to seek it professionally. She did
and can recall her first job behind a makeup
counter, and with her style, smile and
warmth her reputation grew and her
clientele.
She's worked for Fashion Fair, Este lauder,
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Viola Nicholson’s Educational
Background
Escapades: What do you feel is the most
memorable time in your childhood that
set you on your goal of being successful
in your career choice?
Viola Nicholson: My Father Started His
Own Business From Scratch. Former
Steel Mill Worker, Appearances Always
Made Huge Impact On My Family, My
Mother Kept She Together.
Escapades: What type of support system
did you get as you grew up in school and
at home?
Viola Nicholson: I always was pretty
much popular in school, trendy in school
and at home, my family loved to hear
other goals; especially my two brothers.
Close in age
Escapades: Can you explain the
academic background it takes to do your
specific job/career and what is the future
of continuing education look forward to
for people in your field?
Viola Nicholson: I Was A Nursing
Student, Model Part Time. Professionally
Modeling. Early 90s, They Didn’t Have
African Americans Teaching Beauty in
the Northwest (Oregon).Many Levels in
This Industry. Encourage All To Learn
Business/Management. Chemistry,
Public Relation, Marketing, Engineer,
Etc.
Viola Nicholson’s Career Choice
Escapades: Viola can you describe your
career so far as a makeup artist?
Viola Nicholson: So Far. I’m truly
blessed. Grown Into My Own. By
Prescriptives, MAC, Christian Dior, and
Bobbi Brown. She freelanced also
throughout her career, and will always give a
special thanks to Reggie Wells for allowing
her to share her vision on what the industry
is missing (A Day Of Beauty With Reggie
Wells) and being her mentor, Sam Fine (A
Fine Day Of Beauty, With Sam Fine) for
taking the time out on educating her and the
invite to Atlanta for his seminar. She
returned back to work with her Mentors and
Created Events for All to Enjoy. Get inspired
and pursue their Goals. And with that vision
she Developed Line of Cosmetic brushes.
Brushes by Viola...
Viola's goal is to bring any image to a
different level in life, whether you are a
Politician, Musician, Teacher, Parent, Stylist,
Designer, Writer, Chef any walk of life she
can bring out the best in you. Viola is
currently working on her Non for Profit for
the male youth and is continuing being a
mentor for other great aspiring artists.
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Learning From The Best, Surrounded
Myself/Craft Around Knowledge Wisdom.
Escapades: Tell us about some of your
career accomplishments?
Viola Nicholson: Well Getting Hired On
As a Professional Artist. Since
1991...Most Women Of Color Never Last
In The Beauty Industry Without Going
Through. Obstacles.
Escapades: What are your short-term
goals in your career and what are your
long-term goals also?
Viola Nicholson: I want to see the Next
Viola. Continue Sharing My Craft &Vision
To All. So Many Eager Aspiring Artists.
That Are Ready. Need Mentoring. Us to
Listen...
Escapades: What do you feel are the
good aspects of the career you have
chosen for yourself and what are the bad
aspects of the career you have chosen?
Viola Nicholson: Good Thing I’m
Following My Heart and Dream. Bad
Aspect. My Son Had To Wait Up Late
For Me From Long Hours.
Escapades: What do you feel you bring
to your career and what do you feel you
have contributed to others in your field?
Viola Nicholson: I’m here. Someone
Finally Here to Share Blessings for All to
Grow. Believe There Is Room to Expand
Your Career...
Escapades: What do you feel is the next
step for you in your career choice?
Viola Nicholson: Continue Networking
With Fellow Artists Different Countries.
Viola Nicholson’s Career Motivation
Escapades: What motivates you in your
career on a daily basis?
Viola Nicholson: Expressions On What I
See On Everyday People. Reaching Out
To Everyday People. Engaging To All
Escapades: What do you consider to be
your weakness in your career and how
do you work on strengthen this
weakness each day?
Viola Nicholson: Doors Still Need To Be
Open. I’m working on Getting More
Doors Open.
Escapades: What do you feel is your
biggest competitor in your field and what
do you do to overcome those
competitors?
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Viola Nicholson: I’m My Own Competitor.
I’m Much Harder On Myself. I Challenged
Myself to see if I can Capture
Chicago/Midwest 10yrs.ago.I Did It.
Escapades: How do you feel is the state of
the fashion/make up industry?
Viola Nicholson: Quality. I’m All about
Class & Professionalism. Sort Out The
Quality Artists and Fashion.
Escapades: In regards to the various
reality shows out there such as Tyra’s Top
Model how do you think the make-up
business turned out?
Viola Nicholson: She Gave It A Huge
Boost. Tyra Is A Business Woman.
Viola’s Mentoring Advice
Escapades: As a mentor and leader in
your industry/career what type of
leadership example is best to exhibit for
our youth?
Viola Nicholson: Reach Out To Them.
Share Show Our Youth We Love Them
and We Are Here, We All Can Learn
From Our Youth As Well. They Give Me
Hope. I Give That Love Back By
Encouragements
Escapades: What advice can give our
readers to the choice they make in their
career and the choice they make in their
educational growth?
Viola Nicholson: Do Not Give Up.
Network with the Right People. Stay
Connected.
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Escapades: What did you get out of
working for some of the other fashion
companies such as Fashion Fair, Estee
Lauder, Christian Dior, and MAC? And
what are you finding is the best
advantages you have taken from each
one to your own line?
Viola Nicholson: Each Line
Accomplished Their Goal, Since Majority
Companies Are Owned By Lauder &
L’Oreal...It’s great to understand the
History behind Each One, Why They
Create It and Still Going Strong over
Decades in the Business. I Learned from
That. My Late Father Said to Me
“Understand the Business”. Let Them
Understand “Viola”. Work Effectively
Together, That’s How You Build.
Brushes By Viola’s Future
Escapades: Can you tell our readers some
of the projects you are currently working on
and how they are coming along?
Viola Nicholson: Right now I’m working on
Several Productions with Fashion Legend
and Makeup Artists That Is Set in spring
2013, Relaunching My New Line Brushes
By Viola.
Escapades: Viola we would like to thank
you for sharing some time with us here on
this interview and we wish you all the
success. We also hope that you will stay in
touch and let us know some of your
accomplishments in the fashion industry.
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Allen D. Edge has performed his special
brand of humor at
Zanies in Chicago Barrel of Laughs All Jokes Aside
Jokes & Notes in Chicago
U Got Jokes
Chicago Comedy Central’s “Comic Justice”
The Comedy Café in
Milwaukee
The Apollo Theatre in New York Opening act for
Patti La Belle
Aretha Franklin Smokey Robinson
The O’Jays
The Soul Children of Chicago
FOR BOOKING AND INFORMATION
Regarding
Transitions Edge Productions, Inc. Or
Bookings for speaking engagements
Please call (630) 631-9239
Or
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Escapades: In high school and in
college who was your mentor? Who did
you look up to for motivation in your
career choice and why?
In high school my dreams were so
random and interchangeable that I had
many mentors. I dreamed of being a
Teacher and Writer so the Senior
English teacher Mrs. Johnson was my
mentor then. I wanted to sing, so I
looked up to Brandy. But as far as
modeling goes my mentor, from afar,
was Tyra Banks. This was before
“America’s Next Top Model”… and
before Google had been created. I had
to dig up info on her at my
neighborhood public library, and in the
magazines at the convenient stores.
She was my Idol as a teen, and still is
today.
Escapades: What were your best
subject and your worse subject? And
why? How did you overcome dealing
with your worse subject?
My best subject was English. I’ve
always loved to write so it came natural
to me. But I can’t say the same for
Geography. It took a lot of studying,
and staring at maps before I started to
understand. I contacted my Geography
teacher for help. She was more than
happy to do so. In the end, I earned a
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B. It’s not quite an A, but I accepted it
considering that I know I really tried.
Escapades: What was your most memorable
moment that made your decision to pick the
career of fashion?
Well, I had a passion for modeling since I was
9 years old. I was over 20 when I finally
jumped in though. It was actually an accident.
A cousin of mine had taken an interest in
photography and asked if he could take some
images of me. He posted the images on
Facebook and the rest is history. The most
memorable moment didn’t come until the next
morning when I logged into Facebook and
saw that I had hundreds of requests from
Models, Photographers and Promoters… and
people that just wanted to support my career.
It was an awesome feeling! And at that
moment I began to accept that a career had
started and I decided to take it on at full force.
Escapades: If you would have to pick another
career other than fashion what career choice
would you pick and why?
I would choose to sing. I have the talent to
sing, and write. So maybe one day that will
come true as well.
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Escapades: What advice can you give
our young and adult readers in regards
to education, career, and family?
Education is the key to life. Some like
to say that school isn’t for them, but I
say school is for EVERYONE. All it
takes is 4 years of your adult life to get
your Bachelors, so why not? It could
mean the difference of choosing a
career, or getting a job.
Escapades: What is your best advice
for our young readers about dealing
with bullying and peer pressure?
Never succumb to peer pressure. Be
yourself! With that in mind, it is simple
to say no to things that you know are
not “you”. If you’re being pressured to
do something, the person pressuring is
not your friend in the first place. Find
new friends. When it comes to bullying
tell someone! Talk to someone at
home; talk about your feelings, talk
about why you think they’re bullying
you. Go to the dean at your school and
let them know you’re being bullied. If
its cyber bullying contact the police.
Since 2009 Cyber bullying has been a
serious offense all across America. It’s
considered a felony in some states.
48
Escapades: What is your normal day
in the life of a fashion model and what
do you like about it and what do you
not like about it?
My normal day consists of promoting
and networking. A model’s job is 24/7.
Even when I’m taking care of other
business, my eyes are open for
networking opportunities, and paid
gigs.
Escapades: Can you tell us what your
ultimate goal in the fashion industry is
and what are your next actual steps to
achieve that goal(s)?
My ultimate goal is to become a house
hold name. To achieve that, I remain
consistent so my fans are not surprised
by sudden/random moves I make. In
order to do so, I express the real me.
The Constance Renee they know is the
Constance Renee they will always get!
Escapades: How were you discovered in
the fashion industry and what did you have
to do from beginning to end to make it in the
fashion industry to get to the point that you
are at right now?
Well, as I mentioned about my memorable
moment, I was discovered by accident.
Monty Montgomery was one of the people
who had joined my Facebook friends. I
started to do a series of photo shoots with
him which brought my agent to me. Byron of
LBMG has believed in me from day one! I
thank him for his support and
encouragement, as the opportunities he’s
sent my way.
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in topics from Real Estate, Health Wellness
and Fitness, Boating and Marine Life, and
another about Antique Collection. I also have
a TV series I am developing about
characters and players in the Legalized
Marijuana business, and a reality series
about six families that spend their summer
on Martha’s Vineyard. And finally I have a
Relationship show that helps couples
improve their relationships before and or
after marriage. Oh, and I have a magazine
featuring aspects of West Indian life in the
Caribbean and a couple of screenplays which I
won’t go into what they’re about here.
What unique experience can you tell the
readers about in your career?
Well, my career has evolved and has had
many facets. I began as a writer and became
an actor, then became a director and
producer. Then I went back to school to
study TV journalism (And worked as a radio
personality while in school) then I became a
TV News Reporter. My first big story was
covering the events of 9/11. I was living in
Birmingham Alabama working for NBC at the
time. That was such a crazy and intense
time for people working in News for obvious
reasons. It was such a huge story with many
stories of heroism and tragedy that came out
of it.
Describe your career as the owner of KDH
Media and what that entails?
KDH Media is my baby. It’s the entity that
allows me to produce programming the way I
see fit. It’s all about creating relationships
with people who are interested in any
manner of film and video production for their
own professional needs. It’s also the
company that is behind many of my own
productions. I am currently developing and
producing four local TV shows. They range
Owner of KDH Media. Currently producing
"The Network" Relationship TV show. Also
producing and developing other film and
TV projects. Have previously worked as a
TV News Anchor/Reporter for Network
Affiliates around the country. Hosted an
Entertainment Magazine TV show
produced in Boston called "The Unscene".
Produced and Anchored TV news show for
NASA.
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Boston until I was hired to
produce commercials and
corporate videos for a company
in Charleston South Carolina.
Then I left there to write
produce and anchor the TV
news show for NASA. The
studio is at the NASA/Langley
Air Force Base in Hampton
Virginia (where I still live) that
was extremely interesting and
fun. The main objective of the
show was to highlight and
feature the latest research and
discoveries from all ten NASA
centers nationwide. The
mandate we had from the
Obama Administration was to
create a program to get K-12
students interested in STEM
(Science Technology
Engineering and Math)
Education. Eventually (during
budget cutbacks) NASA pulled
the funding and the show
ended. I now work for WSKY
SKY4-TV (Virginia’s last
Independent TV station) as an
Account Executive. I sell
advertising time for commercial
clients. I also write, direct and
produce many of my client’s
commercials.
What are your short-term goals
in your career and what are
your long-term goals also?
My next big story that took
place also while living in
Birmingham was covering the
murder trial of Bobby Frank
Cherry, and Thomas Blanton Jr.
They are the two ex Ku Klux
Klan members who bombed the
16th Street Baptist Church killing
four young African American
girls back in 1963. I went on to
stations with different network
affiliations in Raleigh/Durham
North Carolina, Charleston
South Carolina and Norfolk
Virginia. I covered other
national stories from the I-95
Sniper Shooter to the Gulf War
to the Anthrax threats. And local
stories from a Mayoral
candidate accused and
convicted of murdering his wife,
to poultry worker strikes, to the
phenomenon of adult thumb
sucking.
I next took a job hosting an
entertainment magazine TV
show produced in Boston. It
was a great show that
highlighted the unique
accomplishments of African
American’s that many have
never heard of. We featured a
woman who owns a beer
brewery in Harlem, New York to
a man who built a business
providing inexpensive gourmet
meals to underprivileged
families, to a racecar driver.
your career
accomplishments?
Specifically can you tell
us about your time as an
anchor and producer for
the news for NASA?
And also tell us about
your current television
show “The Network”?
I went on to teach
Communications at a
Community College in
And the show also had a
celebrity segment. We
featured folks like John
Legend, India Arie and
The Rock. The show was
great and very ambitious
but as it happens some
times, it was canceled
after the first season.
Tell us about some of
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My journey is ongoing.
Eventually I will be writing and
making movies full time. That
has always been my goal. I’ve
just taken a very unorthodox
route to get there.
What do you feel are the good
aspects of the career you have
chosen for yourself and what
are the bad aspects of the
career you have chosen?
It’s all been a fantastic learning
experience. You can always
learn from experiences. Even if
your experiences aren’t exactly
what you want to do, there are
always aspects of the
experiences or people that I’ve
met that have been valuable
assets when you least expect
them. Especially when I was
freelancing in NYC. Many of the
jobs I landed were because of
people I had met along the way.
Never underestimate the power
of networking and knowing a lot
of people. You will be surprised
where some people you never
expect to see again, show up!
What motivates you in your
career on a daily basis?
I wake up everyday expecting
something new and exciting
to happen, and it usually
does!
What do you consider to be
your weakness in your career
and how do you work on
strengthen this weakness
each day?
I am terribly disorganized.
And with so many things on
my plate, it is an area I really
can’t afford to be less than
very organized. But I work
on it daily. Also, something
that cannot be overstated is
remembering people’s
names when introduced or
when you meet them.
People love to hear their
name and are always
impressed when you
remember it, especially after
just a single meeting. Find
ways to remember names.
It takes work but is always
worth the effort. Make word
associations to remember
them.
What is your normal day like
at work?
It starts with answering
emails and phone
messages. No day is the
same. There are usually
meetings about current and
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upcoming projects, sales meetings with
management or clients. Then there is a lot
of script writing and production either in the
studio or on location.
What do you feel is the most memorable
time in your childhood that set you on your
goal of being successful in your career
choice?
I was in a play at the college where my
father was teaching. They needed a child
for the production and I got the part. The
first time I walked out on that stage and felt
the audience, I was hooked. Then I saw
“The Wiz” on Broadway staring Stephanie
Mills as Dorothy. I fell completely in love
with the theatre after that, and couldn’t get
enough. I was in every school production
and eventually got an agent.
What type of support system did you get
as you grew up in school and at home?
My parents were supportive but hoped I
would study something in school to “fall
back on” I do not think they were happy
when I dropped out of school to move to
NYC to be an actor.
What do you feel you bring to your career
and what do you feel you have contributed
to others in your field?
I bring lots of experience. I have helped
others stay motivated to pursue their
dreams too.
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What advice can you give our readers to
the choice they make in their career and
the choice they make in their educational
growth?
Learn as much as possible about things
you care about and things you don’t. It’s
best to be as well rounded as possible.
Once you decide what you do want to do
or go after, go after it hard! Make it your
passion! Learn all you can about it and
about others who are doing it! Get as many
mentors as you can in the field. Never stop
learning.
What do you feel is your biggest
competitor in your field and what do you do
to overcome those competitors?
Especially knowing that the network
(television and movie) business is so
competitive already. I don’t worry about
that and just do my best work.
How do you feel the state of the
television/film industry is today and how do
you feel the future looks with all of the
various internet television websites; such
as Fancast (Xfinity), and other websites?
Everything is going online. Everything. It’s
all about convenience of delivery and
convenience of viewing. It doesn’t bother
me. It’s just the way it is and where it’s
going.
Can you explain the academic background it
takes to do your specific job/career and what is
the future of continuing education look forward to
for people in your field?
Study Mass Communications and Journalism. In
most cases a bachelor degree is a must. I have a
Master’s Degree.
What are some of your favorite television shows
that are out now; such as reality shows and
television series? Also, are you familiar with the
new stations that are out such as ME-TV, Bounce
TV, and other stations similar that are bringing
back shows like the Jeffersons, Good Times,
Knight Rider, Star Trek and other shows from the
60s and 70s? What do you think of these
stations?
Stations that carry the nostalgic shows are great
for reminiscing and for younger people to see
what we were watching back in the day! My
favorite shows are “Mad Men” “Boardwalk Empire”
I especially enjoy any show where the direction
and writing is above the usual TV drama
standards.
We would like to thank Kurt Hogan for spending
the time to do this interview with us here at
Escapades. We wish him all the success and
happiness in his career.
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Put Safety In Mind For 2013
1. Identity Theft
Protect your personal information,
check your credit records and account
activity regularly, and don't leave
personal information or valuables in
your car. Remember, you are entitled
to a free credit report each year!
2. Report the 4-1-1
Public safety is everyone responsibility
and one of the easiest ways to do your
part is by speaking up about what you know.
You may have the missing piece of a puzzle
that could possibly connect the dots.
3. Community Connection
A close-knit community is a safe community.
Get out of your house, get to know your
neighbors and consider getting involved in
public safety by volunteering in your
community.
4. Safety "Net"
Computers are a huge part of everyday
life...not just for law-abiding citizens, also for
criminals. Protect yourself and your family by making
sure your security software is up-to-date, being a smart e-
consumer, and taking steps to protect your identity online.
59
Case Type: Endangered
DOB: Oct 25, 1992
Missing Date: Jan 15, 2008
Age Now: 20
Missing City: Chicago
Missing State: IL
Case Number:
NCMC1088268
Gender: Female
Race: Black
Complexion: Medium
Height: 5-1
Weight: 125
Hair Color: Black
Hair Length: Shoulder
Length
Eye Color: Brown
Wear Glasses or Contacts:
No
Location Last Seen: ** Photo is
shown age progressed to 18 years
** Yasmin was last seen at home
with her mother's boyfriend.
Circumstances of Disappearance:
Unknown.
Last Seen Wearing: Unknown.
Identifying Marks or Characteristics:
Unknown.
Have information about this missing
person? Click here to submit information
to our Tip Line
60
Case Type: Endangered
DOB: Apr 07, 1997
Missing Date: Oct 05, 2012
Age Now: 15
Missing City: Decatur
Missing State: IL
Case Number: NCMC1203949
Gender: Male
Race: Black
Complexion: Medium
Height: 5-7
Weight: 151
Hair Color: Black
Hair Length: Short
Eye Color: Brown
Wear Glasses or Contacts:
No
Location Last Seen: Unknown.
Circumstances of
Disappearance: Possible
runaway. He may still be in the
local area.
Last Seen Wearing: Unknown.
Identifying Marks or
Characteristics: Unknown.
Have information about this missing
person? Click here to submit
information to our Tip Line
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