SPRING 2009
ARE YOU
AN OLD
GLORIA
& EMILIO
SOUL?
JESSICA
ESTEFAN
CABAN The First SiTV
NEW HOPE
RICK
A Powerful DUO Doing It All
With Progress In Paralysis
Model Latina
SHAW A Radio Legend Dedicated To Helping Children
www.LinardisJewelers.com DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 1
2 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine
DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 3
CONTENT SPRING 2009
109 95 Publisher’s Letter Editor’s Letter DUO Ditties SUNSATIONS Casa Larios Restaurant Gloria Estefan Foundation PROSPECTIVES Kandee G: Living a Life of Vision
54 COVER STORY
Gloria & Emilio
ESTEFAN
40
4 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine
12 14
Breaking All the Rules: Bogosse Intelligently Reinvents The Dress Shirt Girls’ Guide to Spring Guy’s Guide to Spring Nazly Villamizar: Purse-onality Plus
72
16
BEAUTY A Fresh Take Star-Worthy Beauty Tips
76 78
6 7 8
WISH LIST FOR THE A-LIST Chad Pennington 80 Lisa Wu Hartwell 81
The Philanthropists: Gary Rack Tony G. Jaclyn Strapp
20
UNSUNG HEROES Jeff Plunkett Sandra Mudvi Peter & Tim Tebow
22 23 24
Duo Remembers: Derrick Thomas
26
New Hope With Progress In Paralysis Marc Buoniconti Moshe Behar 28 Darius Goes To The Caribbean Thanks to Ellen, the Generous
62 68 70
34
VIP Rick Shaw A Radio Legend Dedicated To Helping Children
37
EMERGING ARTISTS Tyrone Ellen Bukstel
48 49
STYLE FILE Fashion Director’s Pics 52 Associate Fashion Director’s Pics 53 Jessica Caban: Our First Model Latina 54
Suichi Take: You Don’t Have To Be A Celeb To Get Fit Like One AROUND TOWN DUO Launch Party Motivated Youth Program Gala AmCharities King Pin Bowling Party
82 86 87 88
DUO APPLAUDS Miami-Dade Public Library Foundation
92
DUO DISCOVERS Maria Cecilia Santos Nathan Delinois
94 95
REEL WORLD Director Brian Hacker
96
It’s Cool To Be Smart: Doc Shaw and Lisa Hartwell
100
FYI Are You An Old Soul?
104
DESTINATIONS China: Enlightenment in Beijing
109
DUO Magazine
DUO
Fashion Director Atiya Sewell
Do you have an Unsung Hero who has
Associate Fashion Director Safiya Sewell
made a difference in your life?
Art Director Giselle Sanabria Photo Director Phil Pozin Contributing Photographers Andre Rowe Marcus Best Michael Hansen Online Publicity Coordinator Kathleen Gerak Advertising Sales Consultant Wendy Perkins
JOIN THE PAGES of
Editor-in-Chief Giselle Sanabria
Publisher Ellen Sue Burton
WE INVITE YOU TO
Do you know someone who unselfishly gives back to the community?
Do you have a story that will entertain and educate our DUO readers?
Staff Writers Sharon Anthanasiou South Beach Annie Rachel Galvin Cynthia Lechan-Goodman Steve Goodman Richard Hodes
Do you have a fundraising event our
Contributing Writers Deborah Paiva Burkhart Francesca Franco Kim Wilmath Kit Manougian Nicole McKeen Stu Opperman
WE ARE WAITING TO
Web Design Better Age Computers, Inc.
www.DUOmagazine.com,
Distribution Outside Pubs
write us at
Copyright 2008. All Right 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 pf 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.
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info@DUOmag.com, or give us a call at 1-888.DUO.9899 DUO “Do Unto Others� Magazine 5
Ellen Sue Burton
PUBLISHER from the
A new year. A new President. A new DUO. And “change” is on the horizon for all of us. I must admit it was pretty scary at first…launching a magazine in the midst of economic turmoil. But with scary comes exciting…a breathtaking ride of ups and downs, a rollercoaster of adventure, never-ending networking, tears and fears, miles of smiles…a campaign all unto its own. This quarter I reinforced my visions and reinvented and rejuvenated my goals with a little help from Jerry Greenfield, philanthropist and co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, who I had the pleasure of meeting at the Broward Foundation (www.cfbroward.org) Awards Banquet. Jerry, unable to get into med school, started his company with his partner, Ben Cohen, a college dropout, when they were 27 years old. Based on the philosophy that “Consumers really respond to businesses they see are genuinely trying to help, not just filling their own pockets,” Ben and Jerry decided to take on social issues and be a community- based organization. Sound familiar? I handed DUO to him and explained our platform to highlight charities, foundations, VIPs, and unsung heroes. He rolled it up and placed it in his back pocket to take back to Vermont. He then congratulated me on what he hoped would be as successful an endeavor as his company and his foundation. His words, gently paraphrased, as to what it takes to build a new business will continue to be the wind beneath my wings: Your very first challenge is “Doubt”. You doubt yourself. The people you are pitching to doubt you. The next hurdle to leap over is “Ridicule”. People will make fun of your concept and tell you that you will never succeed. And, ultimately, comes “Acceptance”. Prove yourself and there will be no other alternative but for people to accept you and believe in what it is you are doing. With this issue it is evident that South Florida is not only accepting DUO Magazine, it is welcoming it with open arms. At the request of our readers, our advertisers ,and thousands of friends on MySpace, past and present issues of DUO are now completely on line (www.DUOMagazine.com), in addition to distribution throughout the tri-county area. Any doubts that we may have had are gone. The ridicule from those who said we could not successfully combine beautiful fashion and emerging artists with stories of philanthropy is an echo of the past. Our expectations have been wildly exceeded. We are confident that this change and our growth on to the internet and into the cyber world will bring DUO greater exposure and allow us to showcase more of the fabulous heroes that are walking among us. As Jerry Greenfield told the Miami Herald, “You need to start small. Do something that you love and are passionate about, as opposed to something that you think may make you a lot of money. You will have a much better chance of following through when things get tough.” I started small. I am madly in love with all of the people I am taking with me on this journey. I am so very passionate about publishing DUO. I have all of the components that are making DUO the most talked about magazine in South Florida. Thanks to you. Sincerely,
Ellen Sue Burton 6 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine
from the
EDITOR Giselle Sanabria
G
loria and Emilio Estefan are not only the powerful DUO on the cover of this spring issue, they are a representation of union, surmount, and most importantly, of the Latin community. I was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico and as an Hispanic I grew up singing and dancing to Gloria’s songs, most of them produced by Emilio. Today, is an honor to feature one of the most influential Hispanic singer(Gloria) and one of the best Hispanic producer(Emilio). The role model couple enjoy their sucess, reached by the power of their union, by giving back.
And featuring people who are philanthropist on duty it’s what we like best. The creation of this issue was a new adventure, a new path that drove us to meet Lisa Hartwell from The Real Housviwes of Atlanta and she immediately became “our favorite girl”. Her hard work to support domestic violence victims are admirable. We also knocked the doors of radio legend, Rick Shaw whose dedication to helping children never cease. This issue promise to be one very inspiring with stories such as New Hope With Progress In Paralysis that relates the experiences of Marc Bucoiniti and Moshe Behar that will make you think twice before taking the “small” things in life for granted. People like Kandee G.
empower with the magic of words.
Model Latina DUO keeps growing and we keep moving. Now, you have the opportunity to read these and more stories and enjoy the beautiful fashions online. Go to www.DUOMagazine.com and enjoy. You can also keep in touch with Sincerely,
Giselle Sanabria
DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 7
DUODITTIES Hello Ellen,
A very big “thank you” to you and to DUO magazine for helping Women In Distress of Broward County in our media outreach efforts. You have put us in touch with local radio show hosts (thanks DJ Laz of Power 96 and Kandee G. of The Biz, 880 AM) who are allowing us to spread the facts about domestic violence and raise awareness of this critical issue. Your ongoing commitment to stopping domestic violence does make a difference. Warm Regards,
Gay Falkowski
AmeriCorps Media Contact at Women In Distress of Broward County, Inc.
Ellen, Congratulations. It’s a great achievement and a beautiful publication. Always reach out to us. Congressman Meek enjoyed it too. Congratulations , Adam Sharon Office of Congressman Kendrick B. Meek Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director
Dear DUO: First copy. Started reading-interested. Eye catching cover. Picked up at Starbucks on Sheridan and N. Park Road. Love the size-easy to pick up and go! Great coffee magazine!
DUO GIVES THANKS TO: Chef-Instructor Mike Moran and his team of Florida International University hospitality students for recovering more than eight hundred meals --double last year’s total--from the food that was prepared for the Burger Bash, BubbleQ and Grand Tasting demonstrations during the recent Miami Beach Food and Wine Festival. The food that was collected was donated to the Daily Bread Food Bank. -- Submitted by publicist Lisa Palley(www.palleypromotes.com) DUO Gives thanks to: The Kohl’s Corporation (www.kohlscorporation.com) Kohl’s Cares for Kids Program. 100% of the net proceeds from their Dr. Seuss special edition books and exclusive plush ($5.00) are donated to support children’s health and education initiatives worldwide.
Sincerely, Terri Silverman Hollywood, FL
8 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine
We would love to hear from you. Send your comments to: info@DUOmagazine.com
Look For Our Spectacular
SUMMER COVER Story The World’s Premiere Pop Artist
ROMERO
BRITTO
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Also featuring an interview with:
SUSIE LEVAN
Magazine
DUO
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is also
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sunSATIONS
Sobe It
CASA LARIOS By South Beach Annie
R
ight on Ocean Drive between 8th and 9th Street is a little slice of Cuba and the experience of “Cubania.” What I mean by “Cubania” is the warmth and easy fun nature that is typical of Cuban culture and is alive and well in the Estefan’s restaurant chain. As soon as you walk in Casa Larios and out of the “see and be seen” outdoor dining 12 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine
area for Ocean Drive, you experience the old timer Cuban memorabilia on the walls, Bacardi bottles galore on the bar shelves, sugar cane, and both Celia Cruz and Buena Vista Social Club music spun by the restaurant DJ. Then there is more…walk deeper into the restaurant and see the family atmosphere seating up to 12 at some wooden tables, the warm red and brown hues all around and, La Virgen de la Caridad, patron saint of Cuba watching over from a mural on the wall.
chicken soup for me and a creamy plantain soup for my guest as well as three ham croquettes to go with it. While I had a traditional Mojito, my companion enjoyed a more daring Mango Mojito. It was very refreshing and not too sweet. My fear with fruit infused drinks is always the sugar content, but when fresh fruits are used they are absolute perfection. Our meal continued with samplings of the three varieties of Vaca Frita (Cuban-Mojo-Marinade) showcased by Casa Larios using beef, chicken and pork instead of just the traditional steak version. We also tried the creamy Arroz con Pollo (chicken with yellow rice), both green and sweet plantains, and two variations of Seafood medleys. For the lighter palate, there is the Mariscada, a grilled variety of seafood including shrimp, scallops, lobster, sea bass with a hint of tartar sauce. The more traditional Cuban seafood Zarzuela of Mariscos was my favorite featuring the same seafood combination in a perfect tomato based “enchilado” sauce without overpowering the taste of freshness of all the fish. We enjoyed Watermelon and Pineapple Mojitos with our main course. Eric Sierra of the “Walt Disney World’s Bongo’s” restaurant oversees all the Estefan establishments and says the primary concern for the past 10 years is “having fun” and “to always exceed our guest’s expectations.” Everyone on staff from Gustavo Rocha, the general manager, to the bus boys feel part of the Estefan family and philosophy to truly enjoy the experience of the space they work in. It truly becomes an experience. “The primary focus is personal attention. Everyone loves being here and feels a strong sense of belonging.”
Our evening ended with the Cuban traditional desserts of Cascos de Guayaba and Coconut Flan. The Cascos de Guayaba are candied guava halves with cream cheese. The flan was topped with shredded coconut and caramel.We sipped on Cuban Coffee and the lighter Cortadito Cuban coffee with a shot of milk until we said our goodbyes and good night. Dining at Larios felt like a family outing with the glamour of South Beach all mixed into one fabulous experience.-DUO
My waiter, Pablo, served me mariquitas (plantain chips) for me to nibble on while my guest searched for parking on the busy streets of South Beach. I was told he didn’t have to worry since the restaurant has front door valet parking service. However, I enjoyed taking the sites and sounds of the span of ages and wardrobe surrounding me. While sipping on some sparkling San Pellegrino, I admired the truly Cosmopolitan ambiance of South Beach in a casual family setting. Suddenly I was treated to a copy of the Estefan’s new recipe book by Eric. I paged through the book and admired the pictures of traditional Cuban cuisine with a twist. First up was a pair of stuffed green plantain cups with shrimp Creole was placed in front of me as an appetizer. The baby shrimp were cooked to perfection and the plantain cups were crisp and fresh. It was followed by a traditional DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 13
BEHIND THE SCENE OF YOUR FAVORITE CUISINE
the
GLORIA
ESTEFAN Foundation
By South Beach Annie
A
myriad of indebted charities throughout South Florida and across the globe are benefiting from the “music of the heart” of Grammy Award-winning American singer and songwriter, Gloria Estefan. Created in 1997, the Gloria Estefan Foundation disburses over a half a million dollars a year promoting good health, education, cultural development, and supporting charitable organizations for disadvantaged children. Funded primarily from royalties of three of Gloria’s top hits, “Always Tomorrow,” “Coming Out of the Dark,” and “Path to Right Love,” the Foundation empowers young people through education and opportunity, providing scholarships and assisting abused and neglected children. Donating her time and her talents to give back comes naturally for Gloria. In early 2005 she participated in two charity concerts to aid victims of the 2004 Asian tsunami and, with the help of other superstar musical acts, raised over $18 million dollars for the American Red Cross (www. redcross.org) Her private concert at Donald Trump’s’ Mara-Lago Resort raised an additional $120,000. And that was just the start. In September of 2005, with Queen Latifa by her side, Gloria raised almost one million dollars for Hurricane Katrina Relief victims. Visiting three shelters in Louisiana and Mississippi where she and her husband, Emilio, distributed a planeload of toys and supplies, Gloria prides herself on being hands-on in the process of giving back. The Miami Herald saluted the Estefans “for enriching (their) community with charitable efforts and promoting South Florida as a Hispanic entertainment mecca.” This is only one of the never-ending accolades awarded to this philanthropic couple.
14 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine
Estefan Enterprises and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida presented a $25,000 check from funds raised at a recent “Love and Luck Concert” at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino to The Education Foundation of Indian River County (www.edfoundationirc.org). The Foundation administers and funds five core programs: The School Supply Fund, The Sneaker Exchange Program, The Great Ideas! Grants Program, Indian River Regional Science and Engineering Fair, and teacher development and retention initiatives. The fire that ignited Gloria’s passion to assist The Education Foundation is, “Knowing that our school budgets have been severely affected by the economy. I felt it was important to raise awareness and donate necessary funding to assist however we can. My mother was a school teacher, so I know first –hand the importance that teachers and education play in the lives of our youths.” The Foundation infuses over $295,000 annually into the educational system, with an additional $300,000 in college scholarships awarded at the Indian River Regional Science & Engineering Fair. The Gloria Estefan Foundation plays an essential role in raising donations for the University of Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, a part of the University of Miami School of Medicine (www.med.miami.edu). As Billboard Magazine quoted a Miami Project capital campaign director as saying, “Gloria has been instrumental in helping raise more than forty million dollars. Without her, we would not be the largest, most comprehensive spinal –cord- injury research center in the world.” “Instrumental!” What a perfect double entendre for this amazing woman who is giving us not only music to soothe our souls, but who is so very instrumental in making a difference in South Florida and across the globe.-DUO
The Foundation has realized continuous growth since its inception and has developed a solid infrastructure to promote research and the development of new therapies for improving the quality of life for those diagnosed with Alpha-1.
” DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 15
proSPECTIVES
Kandee G.
LIVING
a life of VISION By Deborah Paiva Burkhart
I
n the ’60s, Bob Dylan wrote and sang “The Times They Are a-Changin”. What was true then is perhaps even truer now. For those of us who have been around for awhile we know that change is not only constant and inevitable, but that it also brings with it opportunity and growth. Our country was built upon the tenets of “change” and “vision” and that’s what has propelled us to become a nation of independent thinkers and entrepreneurs. Kandee G. is one such entrepreneur. She is not only living her life by embracing “change” and “vision,” but has also taken those concepts and created her signature Vision Program, which is affecting very real and powerful bottom line results in the corporate arena. Kandee G. is an internationally recognized speaker, trainer, author, coach, TV personality and host of Nothing
16 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine
But Good News Radio. Emerging from being a broke, homeless, single mother to building a sales team to the top 4% in the world, her story has been called “from peanut butter to private jets.” That success in her personal life has fueled a passion in her to make a difference in the lives of others. In the words of her friend and mentor Les Brown, who she has frequently shared the stage with, “She has a strong sense of purpose to change the planet and transform peoples’ lives,” and she is now taking her message into the boardrooms and conference rooms of large and small corporations alike and creating extraordinary results. One of her goals in her Vision Program, as she puts it, “Is to get people to fall in love with their work and fall in love with their life.” Kandee G. does this by utilizing the incredible concepts that she has learned from her 33 years of study in the field of “thought transformation”. “It’s about more than teaching people how to change their thinking. It’s about a real commitment into action that incorporates very specific, practical training tools for results oriented success.” In this current economy where many people are fearful about their jobs and security, we know that feeling confident in our work environment is crucial to our self-esteem. Our sense of security and self-confidence severely impacts the companies we work for in terms of our productivity. Kandee G. references recent surveys that state how people in the corporate world feel disconnected and often out of control. “As few as 9% felt that they actually contributed to the overall success of the organization and as many as 50% felt discouraged and dissatisfied; most indicating that they
been nothing short of astounding. A prime example is an international cargo company based out of Fort Lauderdale, FL. The company was highly successful, but distance and a lack of a unified vision was impacting their growth and prosperity. In the first quarter of 2007 they were budgeted to lose $200,000, which was typical of their industry for that time period. However, after implementing the Vision Program they were back in the black $2.4 million by the end of that same quarter, and two months later they had surpassed their projections for the entire fiscal year with over a half a year to go. Another organization that has credited the program with increasing their revenues is Conscious Living Partnership. CEO Shannon Burnett states that, “Every day that you are not doing the Vision Program, I promise you, it’s costing you money.”
were unsure how to identify and align key goals. The bottom line is they were unclear about the vision,” she says. Even though many companies take the time to create a vision of who they are and where they want to go, having their employees really understand and internalize it can make or break that organization. Kandee G. understands this struggle; but, more importantly, she provides the solution with her Vision Program. With her team, she teaches organizations how to not just create a vision but to create, in her words, “A living, breathing, engaging vision where everybody can see it, feel it and understand their part in it. With shared vision and shared values you get much more than compliance; you get massive commitment.”
“
Part of the success of the Vision Program is due to the incredible follow-up that they have in place. Kandee G. knows that it is not knowledge that is power, but the use of knowledge that is power. With this information, Kandee G. and her team, The G Force, are absolutely committed to the process of getting these companies to consistently utilize and embed this technology. This component of the program is vital to the success of the organization, because it keeps the momentum flowing, reinforces conscious decision making, and encourages people to continue to grow and contribute. It truly keeps companies moving in the right direction to accomplish goals, regardless of what may be going on around them. Kandee G. is all about growth and contribution. She explains that, “People don’t realize that when they can learn some of these principles and then put them into action, that it can go beyond life just being okay. You can create some extraordinary results beyond what you may even be able to think about today. It’s about opening up to the real possibilities and learning how not to be afraid of visioning, and visioning in a big way.”
The truth is that we can help ourselves by getting our thinking on track.
One of the tools that Kandee G. and her team utilize to create tangible results within these companies is to train people to understand how their unconscious thinking ultimately impacts everything that they produce in their lives. She explains how “The non-conscious part of our thinking is responsible for 96-98% of what we create in our outside world. Our non-conscious thinking affects our behavior and decision-making processes in a bigger way than our conscious thinking. The truth is that we can help ourselves by getting our thinking on track.” So, how do we do that?
Kandee G. teaches people how to tap into the master creator of the subconscious mind; and the results have
”
Kandee G. has created her own extraordinary life and now she has made it her mission to empower others to create whatever life they can envision for themselves. Kandee G. truly has “cracked the code” on how to implement real tools for real change. For more information on Kandee G. or the Vision Program go to www.kandeeg.com or call 888-526-3334 ext 431.-DUO DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 17
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DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 19
PHILANTHROPY at itsFINEST:
The Entrepreneurs, The Pizza Champ, The Rock Star & The Beauty Queen
I
By Rachel Galvin
n today’s tough times, it is hard to remember to give back to others; yet, there are those among us that have always and will continue to always keep a helping hand free for those in need no matter how trying the times. DUO Magazine had the privilege of talking to three such persons who had gathered at one event all in the name of philanthropy … and good pizza. The owner of Coal Mine Pizza in Boca Raton, Gary Rack, held a World Championship Pizza Weekend, bringing in Food Network star and World Pizza Champ Tony “G” Gemignani, Grammy Awardwinner Scott Stapp and his wife, Jaclyn, reigning Mrs. Florida, and other members of the community to have a great family fun weekend filled with music, pizza tossing and community spirit. The event raised close to $18,000 for The Andy Roddick Foundation, The Sun-Sentinel Children’s Fund and The Scott Stapp With Arms Wide Open Foundation. But it’s not only for this event; the members who put this together give back in their every day lives.
20 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine
THE ENTREPRENEURS From Hospice (www.hospicenet.org) to Habitat for Humanity (www.habitat.org), from soup kitchens to S.O.S. Children’s Village(www.sos-childrensvillages.org), Gary Rack and his wife, Videl, make it a practice to give back to the community at large. “If you are privileged, you have to give back. There is only so much money you can spend. It’s the right thing to do. It feels good when you give,” says Mrs. Videl Rack. Many know this couple and their philanthropic twin sons from their restaurant, the popular Coal Mine Pizza in Boca Raton. They seem to imbue a sense of charity and good will in everything they do. They opened an Italian bistro and market in North Miami (Aventura area) called Racks in February, located within the Intracoastal Mall at 163rd Avenue and N.E. 36th Avenue, a unique concept bringing in a fresh clientele. For more information, call 305-917-7225 or visit www.racksmiami.com.
THE PIZZA
CHAMP Tony G., nine-time world pizza-tossing champion, who is known best for his pizza acrobatics, was so impressed with the quality pizza produced at Coal Mine Pizza and their philosophy that he dropped everything and came out to be a part of the event. After visiting the facility and enjoying this event, he decided to invite Coal Mine Pizza to be part of his highly prestigious World Champion Pizza team. During the event, he showed kids the wild tossing tricks that have made him a world-wide star and threw them some dough so they could do it, too. Mayor Susan Whelchel gave him a key to the city. Philanthropy is close to Tony’s heart, especially when it comes to children. He also loves giving back to many charities, including Cancer and Meals on Wheels, and now he has created a children’s book, released by Chronicle Books, called “Tony and the Pizza Champions.” To learn about the World Champions Team, visit www.worldpizzachampions.com.
THE ROCKSTAR & THE BEAUTY QUEEN
Scott Stapp, founder of Creed, who recently completed an Armed Forces Entertainment tour in Europe and the Middle East, joined his wife Jaclyn, reigning Mrs. Florida, at-this event. While Stapp prepared for his tour after the event, his wife chatted with DUO about why she feels community service is so important. “Volunteering and philanthropy has been my life-long platform. I was honored to once receive Whitehouse recognition for the many volunteer hours I had completed, working with disabled children, at risk youth, literacy programs and teaching English to newcomers seeking U.S. citizenship,” she says, adding, “I learned very early in life, that it’s nice to be important, but it’s even more important to be nice.” Jaclyn has most recently become spokesperson for the recently opened Salon Edge in Boca Raton. For more information on Scott, visit www.scottstapp.com. For information on Jaclyn, visit www.jaclyn-s.com.
DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 21
UnSung HEROES
DR. JEFFREY
PLUNKETT
Finding a Cure for Paralysis Starts With Baby, or at Least Kid Steps By Cynthia Lechan-Goodman
I
n the new state-of-the-art laboratory inside unassuming St. Thomas University in Miami, works Dr. Jeffrey Plunkett, Assistant Professor of Biology. Jeff believes the path to curing any disease is making sure that undergraduates are inspired with math and science. And he happens to be working on a research project on the next step in curing spinal paralysis. “It takes a group of scientists to really attack a problem from all different angles, stepping out of the box and thinking about different perspectives. We’ve got to go outside our knowledge base,” explains Dr. Plunkett. That is why he includes undergraduates and especially inner city kids in his daily considerations. Jeff has just received a momentous Department of Defense appropriation of $1.6 million for St. Thomas, through Debbie Wasserman Schultz (www.house.gov/wassermanschultz) for his research proposal on spinal regeneration. “This money is being used to form a consortium of scientists to study spinal cord regeneration. It is my hope that Dr. Jeffrey Plunkett and the students taking part in this research are successful and find the answers they seek. In March, President Obama lifted restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. For the millions of Americans suffering from debilitating or life-threatening illnesses, embryonic stem cell research offers unparalleled hope that a cure is forthcoming,” says Wasserman Schultz. After a spinal cord injury, human spinal cord regeneration is blocked by inhibitory molecules, called chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPG’s). CSPGs are like stop signs, explains Dr. Plunkett,
22 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine
and prevent spinal regeneration. But in experiments where spinal cords in fish were clipped, within 12 weeks the fish recovered 80% of normal swimming behavior. Plunkett assumed that what was going on here was that fish do not produce the CSPGs, or do not put up the “stop signs” telling spinal cells not to regenerate. However, much to his surprise, he discovered that fish do produce the CSPGs, but for some reason their cells do not “see” the “stop signs” as mammalian cells do. This is exciting, because if the same “stop signs” are there, and he can figure out what prevents fish cells from “seeing” them, maybe that can be applied to mammalian cells. This is the basis for his research and the grant. Plunkett feels the need to share his passion for research with kids, especially inner city kids. “Kids don’t get the opportunity to find their science potentials. Inner city kids get shortchanged, can’t perceive themselves as future scientists, so they don’t see their potential and don’t pursue the sciences or math. Our country is missing out on this great talent base.” Plunkett and Dr. Edward Ajhar, Dean of the School of Sciences, have been trying to change that by providing access to the St. Thomas labs to high school and middle school students. Dean Ajhar and Plunkett agreed that with hands-on experiences these kids can be inspired to consider a future in science. “With a diversity of people you get the wide diversity of angles that we need to solve our problems” believes Plunkett. He says research shows that kids are interested in science at a young age. Children are natural scientists, they look at the world and have a need to understand how it works, somewhere along the line they lose that. If we can show all kids in the inner cities and beyond that science “is cool” then, say Plunkett and Ajhar, we can renew that fascination and grow tomorrow’s scientists from every walk of life.-DUO
MUVDI Jessica June
Children’s Cancer
Foundation By Stu Opperman
T
he Fort Lauderdale woman was the mother of an active, precocious 7-year-old, Jessica June, when in October 2003 she took her daughter to the doctor with what seemed to be flu-like symptoms. The diagnosis, however, was much worse: acute myelogenous leukemia, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. By that evening, little Jessica was in a coma and would never regain consciousness. Days later she was removed from life support. Jessica June Eiler would spend only four nights in the hospital before passing away. Grief is a very personal emotion, paralyzing some and empowering others. For Sandra Muvdi, it was the latter. Just seven months after her daughter’s tragic death, Muvdi created the Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation (JJCCF). The nonprofit organization (www.jjccf.org), which provides financial assistance to parents struggling financially as a result of their child’s battle with cancer, was Muvdi’s way of honoring a young girl’s memory while giving a mother a new reason to live. “I had lost my purpose in life after Jessica’s death, even wondering if I should still be considered a mother,” says Muvdi, a former banker and teacher who had no experience in the nonprofit world before starting her own foundation. “Helping others provides a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. I feel it’s my calling.” When a child is diagnosed with cancer, Muvdi says, the family is put in an immediate financial bind
UnSung HEROES
SANDRA
because jobs are often lost when parents become full-time caregivers. JJCCF offers temporary assistance, paying outstanding bills for “basic human necessities.” Upon learning that a single mom and her daughter were waiting on public transportation to get to doctors appointments, Muvdi worked as an advocate with media partner WPLG-TV and its “Local 10 Care Force” (www. local10careforce.com) to get Aida Bernal and three-year-old Zuyani a car. Reporter Mayte Padron often works with Muvdi, soliciting donations from viewers to aid underprivileged children fighting cancer in South Florida. The Bernals are one of 35 local families who have been assisted by Muvdi’s foundation in 2008, outreach she says wouldn’t be possible without The Wasie Foundation. The Fort Lauderdale-based philanthropic organization (www.wasie.org) has provided grant funds to the Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation and has taken Muvdi under its wing to maximize impact in the community. “We support the Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation because we have seen countless examples of its positive impact,” says Gregg D. Sjoquist, president/CEO of The Wasie Foundation. “It is a financial ‘life-saver’ for parents who are rightfully focused on their child’s health and helping them through this awful time in their lives.” Sjoquist has also taken on a mentor role with Muvdi, sharing his years of nonprofit expertise in the true spirit of philanthropy. “Gregg is amazing and his knowledge invaluable to our efforts,” says Muvdi. “He has supported me in so many ways - board member, donor, volunteer - but most of all as a true friend.” -DUO
DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 23
PETER TEBOW The Unsung Hero Behind the Hero
By Nicole McKeen and Kim Wilmath (with special thanks to The Florida Engineer)
I
n a world far from touchdown passes and autographs, at a weekly Campus Crusade for Christ meeting, a chapter his dad started in 1966, Peter Tebow’s larger–than-life little brother, Timmy, and his parents sat in the auditorium balcony during the sermon of this unsung hero. A recent graduate of the UF Engineering College, Peter is a leader when it comes to those looking to him to find answers to heavy questions like “Is there a God?” and “What do I do with my life?” There is more to Peter Tebow than having a famous brother, a lot more. A soft-spoke 24-year-old year old who repeatedly answers questions with Southern selfconfidence, “Yes, Ma’am or No’am calling he feels “as real as this pencil in my hand.” “It’s a product of faith he stirs up every morning ‘like chocolate milk’.” The go-to guy for fixing fax machines, TV changers and anything having to do with computers, “The Help Desk,” as Peter is affectionately called, always considered engineering his passion, but it would never be enough. “God’s love, if you can get (a group) to see what that looks like, not only seeing it but believing and embracing it, that’s the whole point.” Missionary work is his passion. “My happiest times are when I’m in the Philippines.” His dad, Bob Tebow, moved the family to the island of Mindanao (where Tim was born) to start Uncle Dick’s House, an orphanage that currently houses about 50 children. Peter regularly visits the orphanage during the summer and is usually accompanied by volunteers from the United States. Missionary work and world travel are the only goals he’s nailed down so far. Considering applying to the seminary and earning a master’s degree in divinity seems a little daunting as it requires learning Greek and Hebrew, but Peter has been stretched 24 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine
before. While taking eighteen credits at UF, including four engineering courses and financial accounting, “I asked for God’s help and I got the best grades that semester that I ever got at UF. It was like God was just showing off. Like, “Peter, if you trust me, I’ve got your back.” His mom, Pam, currently writing a book on parenting, says, “Peter gives me some good illustrations. It’s an easy subject to talk about.” She’s proud that parents tell her all the time about Peter’s impact. “They’ll say, ‘Your younger son may be famous, but because of your son Peter my child’s life will never be the same.” Peter admits that there are things that bother him, like when people ask him if he’s jealous of Tim, also known as Superman around Title Town. “To other people, he’s a celebrity, a star football player, a mythical creature. To me, he’s the same guy he’s always been.” Although Tim Tebow is the reigning king of the Swamp, he is just Timmy to big brother Peter. Being the vertically challenged look-alike of the Swamp Darling (6’3”) and Heisman Trophy winner, is not so bad, says Peter. “Most people see him (Timmy) as an iconic athlete that just performs for Florida football. To me, he’s just my brother and someone who is very gifted.” Despite differences in height or stardom, Tim doesn’t hesitate when asked who he looks up to. “Peter is absolutely, definitely one of my role models.” He wasn’t the biggest guy on the football field..but he always had the courage and the toughness. He displays that in every walk of life.”-DUO
DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 25
For his mother, Edith Morgan, the posthumous award, accepted on her son’s behalf on January 31, 2009, was a bitter sweet experience. January 23, 2000 is a day that Edith Morgan will never forget. At 33 years of age, on icy roads near Kansas City International Airport, her son lost control of his vehicle, became paralyzed from the automobile accident, and died sixteen days later. It was at Arrowhead Stadium that thousands of his fans paid tribute to this legend of a man as they passed by his casket in a memorial service. His heroics on the field were equally matched if not exceeded by the “unsung” heroics that he did off the field. Paying library fines so children could read, taking toys to children in hospitals, giving coats to children during the wintertime, starting food drives that are still flourishing today…just a few of the “little” things he did to help him to become the only athlete to ever receive the “Thousand Points of Light” award presented to him in 1992 by President George H.W. Bush. But the crowning glory for this 1993 NFL “Man of the Year” was the creation of the Third and Long Foundation (www.thirdandlong.org) in 1990 to promote literacy for children. The first foundation to have been created by an NFL athlete, Derrick started a trend that is perpetuating throughout the industry as other athletes continue to create their own foundations to “give back” to the community.
DUOREMEMBERS
DERRICK
THOMAS
I
nitiation in to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Something all NFL players dream of and pray for. On January 31, 2009 the dream became a reality for the late Derrick Thomas, a native born Miamian and graduate of South Miami High. Derrick earned this spot of honor after making the NFL’s 1990 All-Decade Team as a linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs, finishing with 126 ½ sacks and still holding the league record to this day of 45 forced fumbles.
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In football “third and long” is a desperate situation where a team must gain monumental yardage for a first down. The Third and Long Foundation helps children who face similar challenges when battling situations of delinquency, drugs, violence, crime and unemployment. The program’s inner-city children live in communities where high levels of conventional literacy often are neither expected nor rewarded. As Edith Morgan told the Miami Herald writer Greg Cote, “His thought was to help a child, to give back in some kind of way. He’d say, ‘In 20 years I want to be able to look back and see a child that’s a doctor or lawyer because of our literacy program.’ Just as “sacking” the quarterback in a third and long situation slows the other team’s momentum, Derrick Thomas hoped that the Foundation would “sack illiteracy” in the lives of the children of the program. Achieving prominence in the Greater Kansas City community, as well as growing recognition on a national level, Edith Morgan knows that Derrick is busy changing lives from a far greater place than the green grass of a football field. -DUO
DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 27
NEW With
PROGRESS Moshe did wake up, eventually, but to no feeling from the waist down, and “nerve damage so severe it’s like being electrocuted, like being burned through my legs or 1000 pounds of bricks collapsed on my legs. And so weak I was in bed for a year unable to even do therapy.” But through the strength of faith and family Moshe persevered. “Instead of putting my head under a pillow I go forward, do the best I can do, every day is a new adventure.” Yet no matter how you try to keep “your chin up” life never looks the same sitting or lying down as it did standing upright.
MARC BUONICONTI
M
iracle of life-- a baby crawls, sits up, toddles the first step upright, arms waving and flapping for support…a natural progression of our human upright locomotive lives. But sometimes, anytime, anywhere, something happens and life is no longer upright. As Moshe Behar, of Miami, described the unexpected in his life at age 40 “I was riding my bike. I was an avid cyclist, healthy, competing in the masters division triathlon. On August 19, 2006 at 10 in the morning a truck hit me. On successive days doctors told my family only a miracle could save me, and to prepare for my death. I had head trauma, a broken back, massive internal bleeding, and was in a coma for two months. Everything failed kidneys, lungs. Machines were keeping me alive.” 28 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine
Moshe is not alone in his pain. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistics Center, about 450,000 people in the U.S. have traumatic spinal cord injuries, with more than 12,000 new cases each year. But there is the road to hope for a cure, thanks largely in part to Dr. Barth Green, a healer who saw the need to lend a voice to the pain and frustration of the spinal cord injured. “This is a group of people that are so courageous and so selfless, somebody ought to carry their damn banner and do something about it. I was 20 years old, I was going to commit my career to curing paralysis.” Green co-founded the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis in 1985 with three other families who were living with spinal cord injury results. But the catalyst to this true opportunity came by way of football. Marc Buoniconti, son of pro football Hall Of Fame Linebacker for the Boston Patriots and Miami Dolphins Nick Buoniconti, suffered a paralyzing spinal cord injury while making a tackle for his college team at The Citadel in 1985, and Green happened to be a neurosurgeon the Buonicontis consulted. Green’s attitude and words worked a type of miracle. According to an interview with the Associated Press, Marc Buoniconti said “He made it sound, through his actions and other people
HOPE IN PARALYSIS By Cynthia Lechan-Goodman
under his care, that living with a spinal cord injury, while an inconvenience, you can still live a full and productive life.” Someone who feels blessed –and probably touched by the miracle due to the Miami Project, is football team’s Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett. While attempting a tackle in the 2007 NFL season, Everett suffered a collision and a spinal-cord injury so severe his orthopedic surgeon said Everett’s chances of a full neurological recovery were “bleak” and unlikely and he would ever walk again. Ironically Everett’s collision was very similar to Marc’s, but with a very different outcome. Today, everyone can see Kevin Everett on TV--amazingly standing, walking pretty well. An experimental procedure performed in the ambulance minutes after the injury may have been crucial to what doctors say has been Everett’s surprising progress. The quick catheter infusion of cold saline solution into a vein may have helped stabilize the injury, minimizing cell death and damaging inflammation, say doctors at the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis where the procedure was developed. Everett’s doctors were able to get a very sophisticated piece of equipment from the Miami Project that keeps the temperature accurately controlled at about 92 degrees Fahrenheit, and that may have made all the difference in Everett’s recovery. Not so long ago, a spinal cord injury meant life in a wheelchair with little chance for improvement. Today, scientists are making the impossible possible and miracles a reality. Research is pointing towards treatments that could restore movement, relieve pain and offer hope. Such hope and success was there for Diane Hughes, a teacher from Louisiana who was partially paralyzed from the chest down. She took part in a study at the Miami Project. She was strapped into a computer-driven robot that helped move her legs on a treadmill. After 12 weeks, she said, “I
MOSHE BEHAR could move my legs easier, lift them easier.” She found it possible to stand or get in and out of her wheelchair more easily. Progress comes in increments, and sometimes so do miracles. Can someone paralyzed from the neck down get the use of their shoulders? Or walk four or five steps? Those have turned into realistic objectives according to Miami research staff. As Scott Roy, Director of Communications at the Miami Project described, some people cannot initiate steps, increase function even the slightest—so that things such as driving one’s own wheelchair, or a car means freedom. There is a miracle in every increment. In a Walking Study For Children, a 9-year old boy injured at age 4 in a car accident, spent his life in a wheelchair. Through a study at the Miami Project the child was able to walk—at first labored walking, then assisted for 60 feet then 180 feet in 2 minutes. “It’s a miracle,” says his family. One of the goals of the Miami Project is to find strength were there seems to only be weakness. And for people wheelchair bound that means maximizing what they do have. As Scott says, “Everything we do is research-based DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 29
L-R: Marc Buoniconti, Dr. Barth Green, Gloria Estefan, Chris Reeve, and Emilio Estefan
to make life better for people every day. The miraculous can be defined by somebody paralyzed below the neck as getting some hand movement to brush the teeth, having bowel or bladder function restored, reaching a point of standing up.” Moshe agreed and recounted some of his own triumphs. “After I started doing therapy I competed in the ING Investment Bank Miami 1/2 Marathon, and won, with the course record. My feeling was “I’m back, I can compete, but in a different way”. Just recently I got certified and got my driver’s license. It’s a feeling of independence. ” A cure for paralysis may not happen overnight, but the tools are there. W. Dalton Dietrich, Scientific Director of the Miami Center, had this to say. “It is clearer to me that one simple discovery is not going to directly lead to a cure for paralysis.” This is exactly why The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis is such a special and important program. Expertise in the fields of electrophysiology, transplantation, surgical interventions, regeneration, and molecular biology are all needed to successfully attack the many parts of the puzzle for successful recovery of full movement. As Chris Reeve, former “Superman” who following a paralyzing spinal cord injury committed his life with superman-like effort to research and treatment says, and Moshe agrees, the best thing to do is be ready when that breakthrough comes by remaining strong and confident. It may be sooner than he thinks. The Miami project has actually demonstrated the ability to regenerate nerve cells in their laboratories, which could spell amazing breakthroughs for victims of the degenerative muscle disease, Multiple Sclerosis or spinal injury. It is imperative that such research efforts continue, especially in the private sector. 30 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine
As Marc Buoniconti, an inspirational force who spends every day at the Miami Project and who gives freely of himself to help others better their quality of life puts it, “[spinal-cord accidents] happen every day to normal people doing normal things. Riding a car. Diving in the pool. Every hour of every day someone is paralyzed. The cost to society in the United States to take care of spinal cord injured is $2 billion annually. Yet our government only spends $25 million a year trying to find a cure.” As Scott described the participants at the Miami Project, they are not waiting for a cure, they are living their lives, but they are going to be ready for it when it comes. As Moshe says, “With their spinal cord injury research and treatment, stem cell research, I hope it will evolve so someday I will get out of my chair. When that the day comes I’ll be there in a second.” Moshe’s grit and determination have recently seen him through a 2-week treatment with stem cells in Costa Rica’s CIMA Hospital. Now, back in his Miami therapy program Moshe reveals his elation at finding great strides of improvement in many ways, and in his description, “My brain is teaching the old cells what to do. I do have little bit of movement in my legs! And I’m doing things—normal stuff, shopping, baseball practice. My kids see me behind the car wheel and say, ‘Look at Abba. He looks like a normal person.’” Robin Smith, Moshe’s Physical Therapist and owner of Miami Physical Therapy Association, gushes admiration and awe when he tells of Moshe’s most recent progress evidenced on the therapy pedal bike. “Moshe initially was at a Level 2, and now he reaches 14 or even level 16—multiplying his performance by 7. This is an objective measure of dramatic improved performance.” Moshe keeps his positive outlook going. “Right now”, he says, “I laugh at people who complain “my car got scratched. Who cares about a piece of aluminum! Don’t take the little everyday things for granted—getting out of bed, walking to the shower. Miracles are where you find them, and there are really only two important things ---health and family. ” - DUO
DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 31
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DARIUS GOES TO THE CARIBBEAN
THANKS TO
ELLEN
“THE GENEROUS” By Cynthia Lechan-Goodman
B
rothers and brotherhood--intertwined with love and blood for centuries. A special bond of friendship, support, rallies together in revelry and devotion to a cause. For Logan Smalley, befriending two brothers while volunteering at Project Reach, a summer camp for children with special needs, propelled his life in a brotherhood experience that has surpassed even the merry men, the three musketeers and embodies the spirit of the1969 Hollies song, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.” “I was 13 years old and my mother made me volunteer,” remembers Logan. “I liked it so much I stayed all summer.” Logan found himself happily choosing to give up “bumming” because “the kids at camp know the important things in life…. Money, power, these things are not bad, but they melt away and mean nothing when people are enjoying each other having fun in kindness and compassion in a celebratory manner rather than competitive, ” Logan says. In the camp Logan befriended Mario Weems, also 13, (“We bonded right away”) and little brother Darius just 5. The two brothers shared the plight of Duchene Muscular 34 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine
Dystrophy(DMD), the most common genetic disorder that affects children worldwide with 100% fatality rate-usually by early teens or twenties. “Before he died” Logan explains, “Mario asked me to take care of Darius.” The mutual respect and love between Mario and his zany little brother and Logan can only be described as an amazing brotherly bond. Joined in spirit and camaraderie by 11 other college-aged camp counselors and friends, Logan and Darius set a hot plan in motion. “I’ve always been a fan of storytelling and saw the necessity to do a customized film for the family about Darius. But then it became about ideals,” Logan explains. “The courageous spirit and charm of westward ho, the celebration of Darius’ quality of life and pimping his wheelchair as a symbol of it, taking Darius to see some of the world while he can, to evaluate wheelchair accessibility across the US, to raise awareness of DMD, especially expose young people and motivate them to help find a cure, to demonstrate that anyone just like Darius can achieve beyond others’ limited expectations.” Understanding how very precious every day is, especially when you are facing a life-threatening illness, these young
teens were determined to put aside their own desires and help Darius to live his dreams—the ultimate brotherly love. But Logan and the others consider themselves the lucky ones to have Darius in their lives. “Darius teaches us how to celebrate life, having a blast together. There’s no effort to things when you are around him. Darius says you’re here in life to make something of yourself. He creates positive surroundings--he is a positive person.”
July 22nd to the next July 22nd “Darius Goes West”, a charitable subsidiary of Charley’s Fund (www. charlysfund. com), plans to raise 17 million dollars by selling 1 million DVDs. All proceeds are totally non-profit. DVD’s sell for $20: 17 for research the other $3 to make more DVD’s. Logan feels young people are ready to “give back”, have dedication to a cause but just need to be shown what, where and how to do it.
Logan and the other young men are there to support their friend through the trip and beyond like a brother all the way—lifting him into bed, to the toilet, whatever they need to do to help him…with mutual love and respect. Says Darius, “They showed me lots of love like a brother, my true friends. They could do anything for the summer but took time off to take me on the journey.”
Logan Smalley has not just created a family remembrance piece but a brilliant work of art and humanity. Smalley composed and plays the piano soundtrack and there are heartfelt rap lyrics by Darius. Darius Goes West: The Roll of His Life has been acclaimed nationwide, winning at least 28 awards at around 35 festivals and has fulfilled requirements to be nominated for an Oscar! And rolling? Still! A new trip for Darius and Logan is rolling on with new places to see, educational stops to make. He’s proud of an interactive school program under way that stems from his documentary.(www.dgwknowaboutit.com).
And Darius is always looking out for his ‘brothers” worldwide. About the movie, he says, “It’s not about me trying to make a movie about me. It’s for people who’ve got the disease to show them how much you can do. Cure this disease, spread the word, and make it happen.” Besides grand ideals, brotherhood, and fraternity, the trip (and film) had moment to moment peak experiences--like D’s first ride in a hot air balloon, his first sight of the Grand Canyon, his first taste of wasabi(or, as Darius calls it... goslabi!), his first trip to the beach and the ocean waves and being upright in the ocean, meeting TV stars, all with brotherly good natured banter, teasing, laughter. With characteristic humility Logan credits others before his own efforts and abilities. “My mom taught me to inject caring and passion into what entertains you.” He is overwhelmed with the support he and the crew received around the country with the only downside “discovering that Darius couldn’t enter many ordinary places like a gas station in his wheelchair.” “Darius is looking out for the next generation, his altruism is inspirational to us—to everyone. The movie raised 1.5 million and Darius gave it away. Any 18-year old might have made a lot of other decisions with that money.” Logan describes the film as a cause. “We’re still trying to reach that ideal---a cure for DMD. So we are going to ramp it up. We are celebrating 19 years with Darius. That’s the age his brother Mario died. From Darius’19th birthday-
While watching MTV’s Pimp My Ride, a favorite of Darius and Logan, the boys were struck with the idea to “pimp” Darius’s wheelchair. Soon Logan was planning to take Darius, an Athens native who’d never ventured out of his home town, on a 70,000 mile cross country trek in a rented wheelchair accessible RV to the show’s producers in LA. Being offered a gift of a Caribbean cruise on the Celebrity Solstice (www.celebritycruises.com) from eleven-time Emmy award -winning comedienne, television host and actress, Ellen DeGeneres(www.ellen.warnerbros.com, left the Darius crew in awe. Raising national awareness via her television show was more than they could have asked, but having the opportunity to take Darius on the high seas was a dream come true. Ellen, realizing that DMD is no laughing matter, is just one of the many celebrities embracing the Darius Goes West project and hoping that some day their ship will come in and a cure for Duchene’s will be found. The important thing to Logan is that the DVD will keep Darius’s smile, spirit, and enthusiasm alive as it is passed and played and funds work towards a cure for DMD. As Darius always says, “When I die they’re not going to say Darius is gone, the’ll say Darius has gone west. West as far as he could go….” -DUO DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 35
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VIP
RICK
SHAW A Radio Legend Dedicated
to Helping Children By Linda Firestone
T
he first Saturday of 1964, 12:00 noon, DJ Rick Shaw was on the air when a special delivery package with a record of a new song from an emerging super group from England is delivered to the station. James Dunlap, music director, at WQAM instructed him to put it on the air. Rick put it on the turntable and introduced the new song. Thirty seconds into the song all the request lines began to ring. “What is the name of that song you are playing?” “I Want to Hold Your Hand” was the start of history in the making. At that moment Rick Shaw could never have known that he would become as much a legend in South Florida as the Beatles would become to the world.
the people who are listening to the music, who are writing the music, who are performing the music like during the Viet Nam war. I don’t think [Rock N Roll] will ever go away,” he adds.
It all began in 1956, when he was just 17 years old. “Rock N Roll was just getting going. What a great time for a kid to get started in radio,” says Rick Shaw. Four years later, in 1960, he arrived in South Florida and fell in love. “Man this is paradise,” he recalled thinking, “what ever I am going to do with my life I am going to do it here.” Fifty years later, in May of 2007, he finally bid farewell to his daily radio listeners. He has the distinction of being a radio host with the most longevity.
In 1995, Rick joined forces with Majic Radio (www.wmxj. com). Dennis Collins, who hired Rick for Majic, suggested that he get involved with the station’s Majic Children’s Fund. Rick had a reputation for working for children’s charities so it was a perfect fit. Dennis told Rick, “You have a track record of helping children’s charities. Let’s see if we can’t raise some money for needy children. And we did,” Rick states, “Since 1995, we have raised a little over 3 million dollars.”
Though the technology behind radio changed, he was committed to Rock N’ Roll. “When I began we were playing records, when I left we were playing CDs. We went from AM to FM, from mono to stereo, but the basic format was always music. And in between the songs, I did the best I could to keep [the listeners] happy, “ he says. Rick believes that Rock N Roll “is part of the American culture, it is part of us. It gives us an emotional reflection of
The Majic Children’s Fund (www...) began in 1988 but it was not until Rick took over did the Fund become active. The fund raises money for nonprofit organizations that help children in need in the tri-county area. “We are a bit different than most charities, as we have a radio station that allows us to tell our listeners what is going on. We are busy all year round. We helped raise money for the band from Taravella High School (in Tamarac, FL.) so they could DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 37
play at the inauguration. There was a terrible tragedy where a family was rear ended at a stop light. All three children were killed. We talked about it on the radio and we wrote a check to help pay for the funeral.” The Fund has helped many children through organizations such as: The Children’s Home Society, The Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Sheridan House for Boys and Girls, The Easter Seals Society, and The March of Dimes MADD, to name a few. Rick has been President of the Fund since 1995. Like every other foundation, Majic Children’s Fund is not immune to the down turn in the economy. Rick explains, “The willingness to give is there, it is the ability that sometimes is not. We have seen a different attitude about giving.” This is only a momentary reality. Speaking with Rick one realizes that the Fund will continue to raise money and help children just as it always has. Blessed with having spent every day of his working career doing something he loved and was totally passionate
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about, his days away from the station are being spent the same way. Having an infatuation with toy trains since his father started him with old Lionel 3 trackers when he was a kid, Rick always wanted a “Train Room” to enjoy throughout his retirement years. Constructed by Skip Stundiss, it took a 22x26 foot addition to his home and 2 1/2 years to complete. Rick’s “Little Piece of Disney”, as he calls it, “Always gives a little something back that is pretty much predictable and as positive as you choose to make it.” Keeping on the right “track” and still a kid at heart, to Rick Shaw helping children has always been the nearest and dearest thing to his heart. Rick can be now heard on the radio making public service announcements and announcements about activities for the Fund. Though he misses doing what he did on a daily basis for 50 years, he does not miss getting up at 4 in the morning. “Looking back, “ he reflects, “ I had a wonderful run. I enjoyed every minute of it.” -DUO
We are all ATHLETES
W
e are all athletes; some are just better and in better shape than others. Frankly, regardless of our personal self-examination and in the interest of the good health, it is important that we care for ourselves as an athlete.
If you were a Professional or Olympic athlete, you would probably be treated by the gold standard in soft tissue injuries, a chiropractic approach called Active Release Technique (ART). Generally, injuries of professionals, weekend warriors, or office employees occur from a variety of soft tissue overuse syndromes. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, hip pointer, golfer’s elbow, shin splints, tendonitis, or plantar fascitis are a number of the common names for this type of injury to be found in various parts of the body. These soft tissue injuries cause severe pain, are chronic, or can become chronic. They are usually difficult to treat, medically, since they are caused by structural dysfunction. Adhesions or entrapments within muscle layers or joint misalignments and dysfunction tend to be the culprit. ART, when performed by a qualified practitioner, releases these adhesions causing the structure to move and function the way it ought to task. Once function is restored, the pain resolves. There
are no side effects, the problem is addressed, rather than masked, and the symptoms subside as function returns. Athletes prefer these approaches because their bodies are their business; they must perform at 100% for as long as possible. So as “fellow athletes,” we are the same: An accountant with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can be out of a job just as a football player with a knee injury. The medical approach for CTS is frequently a surgical approach called “retinacular release,” which opens the “tunnel,” but reduces the integrity of the wrist. The better and safer approach is with ART. A study of ART with CTS has been documented by Dr. P.M. Leahy, DC CCSP, who is the originator of ART. Two hundred twenty three (223) CTS patients referred by medical doctors and treated by Dr. Leahy between 1994 and 1995 had 215 successful outcomes with an average of 6 treatments. That is a 96.4% success rate. It is difficult to accept that such amazing factual statistics have not swept the nation. But, then again, most people think of Chiropractors as low back pain specialists; and since medical doctors very rarely refer outside their profession, people have been left uninformed – “kept in the dark.” Since 1995 many more advances in this technique have occurred which gifts us with yet a higher rate of success! All the more reason to look to ART, acupuncture and Applied Kinesiology…before considering “going under the knife.”
Dr. Bernard S. Burton DC PA, is a Chiropractic Physician who is one of the first chiropractors in South Florida to become trained in ART. He is also a Clinical Nutritionist, Acupuncturist, and Craniopath. As a proficient doctor in Applied Kinesiology he uses this for the chronic, complicated patients with digestive and non-structural complaints.
954.742.0332 Fax. 954.742.7344 2045 N. University Drive FL Magazine 33322 39 DUO “Do Sunrise, Unto Others”
www.betterbacks.com
coverSTORY
GLORIA & EMILIO
ESTEFAN A POWERFUL
DUO DOING IT ALL By Francesca Franco
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ith careers that span more than 34 years there is little to be said about Gloria and Emilio Estefan that hasn’t been said already. Ask them to interview each other and here’s the answer you’ll get:“Oh God, we’ve been asked every question imaginable!” Their stories intertwined and became one story in 1975, when Gloria and her mother attended a wedding that Emilio’s band was playing at. Emilio asked her to come up on stage and sing, and the rest, as they say… well, no, not quite history. Not conventional history anyway. As Gloria puts it, “When we first met, I thought any guy who can play the ‘Hustle’ on the accordion has to be an incredible guy.” Alas, as they were working together, and Emilio was essentially her boss, Gloria kept it strictly professional.
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LOVE for the music, LOVE for what they do, and most important, LOVE for each other.
Not so with Emilio though; “It was the 4th of July and Gloria and I were watching fireworks… I told her it was my birthday (it really wasn’t) and that I wanted a kiss as my present. It was the best “birthday” present I ever received!” he says. After 34 years, 2 kids, 6 worldwide tours, 24 albums, and hundreds of live performances, their love is still going strong. Love for the music, love for what they do, and most important, love for each other. The secret? Gloria says it’s “honesty, respect and a great sense of humor.” Emilio’s a bit cheekier, “Your wife is always right. And make your mother-in-law your best friend!” The truth can probably be found somewhere in the middle; or, as in their way...in a song. A song they wrote together one inconspicuous morning in their bathrobes, Con Los Años Que Me Quedan: Con los años que me quedan Yo vivire por darte amor Borrando cada dolor Con besos llenos de pasion Como te ame por vez primera… (With the years I have left I will live to give you love. Erasing every pain, With kisses full of passion How I loved you the first time…)
While in the beginning they played their music together, these days Emilio prefers to stay behind the scenes, acting as über-producer to some of the biggest artists of our time; Madonna, Shakira, Ricky Martin, and Will Smith for starters. What really excites him though is working with young, unknown talent. “It’s a blank slate that allows you to create a superstar,” he says. A superstar like, perhaps, Thalia? Yes, indeed. Not that Gloria’s far behind in the working-with-legends department: Pavarotti, Frank Sinatra, and the inimitable Celia Cruz, just to name a few. “The only thing I can say,” she says, “Is that Celia Cruz is an icon, a legend, and a friend whose spirit will live in my heart forever.” In a career spanning so far, so many milestones, so many achievements – from “performing for Presidents, Kings, Queens, Pope John Paul…” to three Olympic Games and several Super Bowls – it is the simple things that give them the most happiness. “With all the success and fame that my
career brings, knowing that I have my family unit by my side brings me the most joy,” says Gloria. There is one moment, though, one achievement, that stands a bit above the rest for Gloria: her performance at the American Music Awards in 1991. It came on the heels of a terrible accident, one that left her with a fractured back and two titanium rods implanted at each side of her spinal column. This was her first performance after being told she would probably never walk again. “It was a moment that was pivotal for me both professionally and even more so, personally,” she says. The date was March 20, 1990. Gloria, Emilio, and their son Nayib, were on board their tour bus on a stretch of Pennsylvania highway when suddenly, the bus crashed. Premonition, intuition, something, told Gloria that life was about to change before ever boarding that bus: “It was ironic that shortly before the tour, I had an elevator installed in our new home,” she says. “Deep down inside I had the feeling that someday, somehow, that elevator would be needed.” Emilio helped her through the grueling recovery that followed, refusing to leave her bedside for three months straight, then helping her through the nearly year-long physical therapy that taught her to walk again. “The bus accident taught me not to sweat the small stuff. It gave me a completely different perspective on life and the true meaning of family love and support,” she says. “The outpour of prayer that I received from all over the world was overwhelming. I truly felt the healing energy from everyone. It played a major role in my recovery.” And then, that fateful performance at the American Music Awards; where she sang, appropriately enough, Coming Out Of The Dark: Coming out of the dark, I finally see the light now It’s shining on me Coming out of the dark, I know the love that saved me You’re sharing with me… Spurred on by the accident, and a lifelong hope to one day be in a position to help others, Gloria and Emilio formed the Gloria Estefan Foundation, a foundation with the mission and hope of raising awareness and funds for spinal cord injuries and to support organizations such as the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. They have received many accolades for their charitable efforts, most recently the Jay Malina Award at the 7th Annual Beacon Awards, DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 43
in recognition of their lifetime achievements and notable contributions to the growth of their industry. Their ultimate goal with their humanitarian work? To one day find a cure for paralysis and spinal chord injuries. “It will happen in the near future. Count on it!” Gloria says. Don’t doubt her either. This is a woman who, once her mind is set, will succeed. Guaranteed. And, along the way, she’ll touch the lives around her with music and love. One incident in particular has stayed with her: One day, after a concert, a fan came backstage to meet her. “She was wheeled in on a hospital bed and her mother told me that while she was in a coma, she would play her my music every day,” Gloria says. “The moment she came out of the coma, the song ‘Coming Out of the Dark’ was playing. I get chills every time I think about it. To have my music and words empower someone in such a profound way is the reason why we do what we do.” Music is not the only way she’s making the world a better place. She recently delved into the writing world, with two best-selling children’s books about a bulldog named Noelle. “Both of the Noelle books teach our kids about diversity and showing that what one may perceive as being a weakness or ‘difference,’ in actuality can be our greatest strength.” At the end of The Magically Mysterious Adventures of Noelle the Bulldog, Noelle sees, Everyone gathered around, she was showered with praise, And they sang of magical, mystical ways. Noelle just lit up. She was bursting with pride. Her strength and true beauty had come from inside.
Not that children’s books are where the Estefan’s literary aspirations end. Gloria is currently working on a script about Connie Francis, which she hopes to see on the silver screen soon. It’s a script she’s been working on with Connie herself. “Connie is a woman who possesses such strength and accomplishments that I want the world to know how truly amazing she is!” The couple also recently released a cookbook, Estefan’s Kitchen, featuring authentic Cuban recipes, many of which play prominent roles in any of their seven restaurants scattered throughout the world. “They say that music is the way to a person’s soul,” Gloria writes in her introduction to “Estefan Kitchen”, “And food is the way to a person’s heart.” As is so often 44 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine
the case with any of the Estefan’s endeavors, it all goes back to the heart. When asked what keeps her going, keeps her motivated to keep creating – what with so many achievements under both of their belts, it’s hard to imagine there are many fields left to master – the answer is easy: The fans. “The fact that my fans are still asking me to create is a gift,” Gloria says. “I am truly honored to still be given the opportunity after so many years in the business.” It is an opportunity that she will not squander. Is there a lasting message she would like fans to take away from her work? Yes. Of course. And, as befitting a woman who descends from violinists, flutists, singers, and chefs, it always goes back to the art. Or, in this case, the music. From her song, Remember Me With Love: I know as far as I’m concerned, With you I’ll always be in love. But if one day you feel differently, All you have to do is come to me. I will let you go so easily, but remember, please remember, Remember me with love baby, remember me with love No matter where or when, if you think of me again Remember me with love… -DUO
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EMERGING ARTISTS
TYRONE T
he words of every song he writes come from deep down in his soul and have made him who he is today: an MC with an awful lot of messages to deliver. And he’s delivering them to the masses. As an opening act for famous R&B artist, Clara, performing in front of 6,000 people, Tyrone, the typhoon, from Orlando, Fl., is blowin’ it up in the music industry. DUO (D) How did you start your music career?
I was everywhere promoting my music. I used to go to the Universtiy of Central Florida (UCF) an hand out my stuff and one day I ran into my dude Matt. He landed me the gig for opening up for Ciara and Fabulous concert last year. It was my first time rockin a show in front of six thousand people with my live band, my hype man, Skitzo, and DJ M-Squarded.
D:How do you stand out from other artists?
D: When is your album coming out? T:I am working on that as we speak. It’s called Grind, Hustle, Glory. The album is looking strong. I am working on a serious beat selection so everything I put out sounds crazy. It will hit the streets this summer.
TYRONE (T): I started writing lyrics in 10th grade. My best friend Ryan taught me how to rhyme. Soon after, I praticed every day. I was making three-pages rhymes. From that moment on, I gained a couple notebooks. Then I met Nick Law and I started. We went to the studio and I recorded my first mixtape. T:Most rappers find a routed an run with it. I am more focused on doing me. Creating different flows and just be innovative in general. I try basically to jump on any beat that’s hot. D:What are some of the challenges you encountered throughout your career? T:I have been running into a lot of “yes men” aka “talk a lots”. My songs would have to compete with the 50, Hova, Weezy, and new dudes like Drake. That’s a challenge. However, the game need new faces just like movies need new actors. I will make my music hotter than what they are dropping because just like highschool, I am looked at as a freshmen, but my first day of school will be surprising. D:How did you overcome them? T:I got smart overnight. I thought to myself no one can promote me like me so I did just that. I always had a soccer bag full of CDs, presskits, shirts, and flyers.
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D:What advice you can give to other emerging artists? T:This is the rule I had live by: never, never, ever, ever be gullible. No one can sell me a dream cause they don’t sleep like me. D:What is next for Tyrone? T:My pen have to much work to do. I am about to drop my mixtape single Thank My Haters produced by the Avengerz feat. Michael Stokes and hosted by DJ Wild Child. - DUO For more information go to: MySpace.com/tyronethemc
ELLENBUKSTEL
H
ailed by two-time Grammy Award winner Michael Bolton as “an amazing artist and spirit”, Ellen Bukstel, multi--faceted singer-songwriter from Fort Lauderdale, Fl., brings hope, laughter, tears, biting wit and inspiration to her music. Providing a voice for survivors and victims of domestic violence, her community activism, combined with extraordinary musical talents and insightful lyrics, makes Ellen Bukstel a force to reckon with. DUO(D): How did you start your singing career? ELLEN(E):My mother, Rita Bukstel, was an opera singer and raised me on classical music. I was a very accomplished pianist as a young girl, but as a teenager I taught myself how to play the guitar and started singing folksongs while protesting the war in Vietnam. I loved rock and roll, pop, Motown, Janis Ian, and Peter Paul and Mary. D: When you performed at a fundraiser for President-Elect Barack Obama, what songs did you sing? How were you approached to perform during this occasion? E: I was called by the DEC (Democratic Executive Committee) who heard me perform some of my political songs at a July 4 picnic. They loved They Lost My Vote (a response to the nation’s as well as Florida’s problems with voter fraud) that I co-wrote with my good friend Nancy Wuerzburger. I also wrote a song called Hey, Mr. Politician (my response to our many personal rights and privileges that are at risk) that they liked as well. I also sang Is It Hot in Here Or Is It Me? (also co-written with Nancy) about Menopause and last I sang my song Tikkun Olam Repair The World another co-write (for the Greater Miami Jewish Federation). D: Do you work with any charitable foundations? E: I am currently working with Shalom Bayit Jewish Domestic Abuse Program (www.shalom-bayit.org). I am going to be performing at their upcoming fundraising event at the Lincoln Theater on Miami Beach...May 21st. I will be performing my song. You’re Not Better Than Me. I have also written and produced a music video for Camillus House Homeless Shelter (www.camillushouse. org) in Miami to help raise $88 million to build a facility for the homeless in Miami. I have also created a music video for The Greater Miami Jewish Federation (www. jewishmiami.org) that has helped to raise money for Jews all over the world.
D: You are a voice for domestic violence survivors. How do you feel about this? E: I feel very gratified that my songs have touched people and are making a difference. The reaction to You’re Not Better Than Me was a big surprise. I had no idea that it would have the impact that it has had so far. The music video Faces of Violence that I created with the song has evoked some incredible emails from battered survivors of domestic abuse telling me how much they have been comforted and empowered by my music and video. It has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for domestic violence outreach and is being distributed all around the US and Canada for DV educational and fundraising uses. It opened up my eyes to a world that was foreign to me. I cannot remember what made me write it yet. D:Your song, You’re Not Better Than Me, was chosen as the winner of the “Breaking The Silence in Song” competition, judged by many professionals, including Michael Bolton. How was the experience? E: It is so hard to put into words the excitement that I felt in New York when I was led out on stage and told “on the way” that I won the competition. I was “dumbstruck” to say the least..almost fell over from the shock! I didn’t get to hear Michael Bolton’s speech announcing my name until I got home and watched the video that my son Brett shot. It was an amazing night. It was like being on American Idol.. only for adults. D: What are some of your career goals? E: I want to just keep writing and producing films and music videos for worthy causes to help raise money and awareness. And keep encouraging my children to keep persuing their creative endeavors.- DUO For more information go to: www.ellenbukstel.com DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 49
OUR WISH LIST FOR THE A-LIST
DUO
would like to have a beer with...
Chad Pennington
Why?He’s the quarterback who knows
how to give back. He’s looking good on the field and good-looking off the field. With his fans or with his family, he’s DUO’s idea of the perfect well-rounded man. And need we say more about this South Florida newcomer, the NFL’s reigning Comeback Player of the Year, an award he also won in 2006, who took our beloved Miami Dolphins into the playoffs after a 1-15 season?
As Miami Herald writer Jeff Darlington admires: “He is passionate about his career but comfortable with his life. He is motivated but tranquil. He is inspired but content. He is physically strong and mentally sound.” The founder of the 1st and 10 Foundation (www.1stand10foundation.com), Chad is the first quarterback since Hall of Famer Dan Marino to throw 3,500 yards. For his role in the Dolphins’ 10-win turnaround he received consideration from several major media outlets, finishing second to Peyton Manning, for the 2008 AP NFL MVP. Now, at the end of the day when his jersey comes off and his jeans and tee shirt are in place, Chad is making all the right moves in the South Florida community: Hosting guests from charitable organizations for the Dolphins All Community Team Ticket Program, donating money to the Dolphins Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway benefiting families serviced through the Daily Break Food Bank, and as a volunteer for the Make-a-Wish Foundation visiting kids with cancer. It’s no wonder he’s tops on DUO’s scoreboard of favorite guys. - DUO 80 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine
DUO
would like to go shopping with...
LisaWu
Hartwell
Why?Picture this! You enter a store with one of
the stars of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Devoted mother, loving wife, entrepreneur, and actress, Lisa Wu Hartwell could teach us anything we need to know about life, love, and the pursuit of the perfect outfit. Dressing us in one of her fashions from “Closet Freak”, her inspirational clothing line embracing self respect and self confidence in women, and then adorning us with the perfect jewelry to top it off from her amazing, Wu Girls Jewelry line(www.wugirlsdesigns.com), we’re ready for a night on the town. And while we are at it we can put the baby in a cute little outfit from her “Hart 2 Hart Baby” selection so she looks sweet and adorable when the babysitter arrives. But her fashion sense merely augments Lisa’s business savvy and philanthropic endeavors. This millionaire housewife is also the owner of Hartwell & Associates Realtors and the national spokesperson for Saving Our Daughters and It’s Cool To Be Smart. Lisa spends her spare time, if there is any, volunteering and speaking to women around the country to bring hope and strength into the lives of those who find themselves victims of domestic violence. Sexy, sassy, and awfully classy, Lisa Wu Hartwell, give us a call and we’ll meet you at the DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 81 mall! -DUO
SHUICHI TAKE
You Don’t Have To Be A SOBE Celeb to Get Fit Like One By Steve Goodman
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or over a decade Shuichi Take has taken his unique approach to fitness and built a reputation as a trainer to celebrities and professional athletes. It was Shuichi who helped put Heat star and local hero Alonzo Mourning back on the floorboards after being diagnosed with kidney disease. His list of clients reads like a “Who’s Who” of Miami, but Shuichi rejects the term “Celebrity Trainer”. “It’s nice to have achieved a certain status”, says Shuichi. “But to me, my clients are not celebrities. People ask me constantly do I get autographs from my clients? And I say, ‘Yes, all the time on checks!’” Shuichi’s ability to deal with star athletes and celebrities on their own level has a lot to do with his background as an athlete and trainer. Shuichi always had an interest in team sports, especially volleyball; but, being of short stature, he constantly had to “look up” to the competition. Instead of being intimidated, he trained his body for peak performance in speed and agility, developing reaction times and an explosive style that allowed him to out perform the other players who had a height advantage over him. Shuichi says the lessons he has learned and the life he has led have made him believe that anyone, celebrity or not, can reach their peak performance and achieve their fitness goals. Shuichi’s client list may read like the intro to Entertainment Tonight, but his message about health and fitness is accessible to anyone. “It’s all about lifestyle, what parts of your lifestyle you are willing to change, and what parts you are not. Let’s find the parts where you can make changes, lets find little changes and slowly progress over 82 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine
“
For Shuichi what he does to give back to the community is all about balance.
”
time. Put down that donut and coffee for breakfast and pick up water and a protein bar instead. See the positive results, and over time you’ll want to make bigger changes.” Shuichi may disdain the use of the term “celebrity trainer” but he enjoys the status, not so much for what it does for him, but what it allows him to do for others. “As my status grows and my company grows, I‘m in a position to affect a lot of people in a positive way. Growing up the way that I did, without a lot of money, without a lot of opportunity, it’s important now that I give back to the community.” Giving back may come natural to Shuichi, but it is also a lesson he has learned from one of his best-known clients NBA all-star, recently retired Miami Heat Center, Alonzo Mourning. “His charities are all about giving opportunities to kids. I learned a lot about philanthropy by just watching him, and seeing how much he’s gotten involved. He’s just a great role model.” Shuichi personally and the Shuichi Take Fitness Company are actively involved in raising money in support of the Alonzo Mourning Charities, but that’s not where doing good starts and ends for Shuichi. “I’m also giving back in other ways too, I just partnered with Mt. Sinai on the beach, and a certain percentage of my members monthly dues are donated to Mt. Sinai Cancer Center (www.msccc.com) research.” For Shuichi, what he does to give back to the community is all about balance. And balance figures into everything that he does. When it comes to getting into shape, he does not preach at people, he doesn’t tell his clients to stop drinking or smoking; but he does try to encourage them to balance a night out partying with a few hours in the gym, or balance a decadent dessert with a low-fat meal the next day. It is this concept that was instrumental in the design of his [recently opened] Shuichi Take Fitness Club (www. shuichitakefitness.com). The facility has been designed using feng shui and green building techniques to create a tranquil environment to maximize positive energy and achieve harmony and peak performance in every workout. As Shuichi himself describes it “...it’s more wellness and
L-R:Shuichi Take and Alonzo Mourning health than just fitness. I think this is where the fitness industry is going. Also we are one of the first fitness clubs in Miami to ‘Go Green’ in our construction and use of resources at the club. We’re not a complete ‘wellness center’, so to speak, but neither are we just a gym – we have a lot of the elements of both. You can take a spinning class, have an acupuncture treatment or a Reiki massage, and then take a Tai-Chi class outside – I don’t know of anywhere else in Miami that offers that.” Much like the design of his Club, Shuichi also believes that balance and what’s inside is important to achieve your full potential. “It’s not only how you look on the outside but also how you are on the inside. It is important to be loving, have good integrity, do things the right way, help those less fortunate than you and be positive. Then great things will come your way. That is how you run optimally and achieve your potential, your peak performance - by being healthy internally and externally” - DUO DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 83
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A R
TOWN U N D
DUO R.A.P. It Up Party! www.DUOmagazine.com / www.MySpace.com/DUOmagazine
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MOTIVATED YOUTH Gala
www.motivatedyouth.org
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A R
TOWN U N D
ALONZO MOURNING RETIREMENT CELEBRATION www.amcharities.org
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DUO A P P L A U D S
MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC
LIBRARY FOUNDATION
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tatistics. Scary statistics. There are approximately 950,000 adults at the lowest level of literacy in Miami Dade County. That equates to 52 percent of all adults…and this number keeps growing at a staggering rate. Where is this going to “LEAD” us and who is going to be there to help stop it? The Miami Dade Public Library Foundation (www.mdplf.com) established in 2004 as an independent, nonprofit organization to fund capital projects and support the educational and cultural community programs of the Miami Dade Public Library System is ready to write their own story in the pages of progress in stopping illiteracy. More than 300 guests recently took part in the Miami-Dade Public Library Foundation’s Third Annual Library Champions Award Celebration
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at the newly-opened Pinecrest Library Branch to welcome in the new board members, enjoy culinary delights of renowned chefs and listen to “Stories in the Garden” of local authors. Music from the Carlos Averhoff Quartet and a Rum Bar donated by Matusalem Rum contributed to a truly successful evening that raised over $40,000 for the fund. Project L.E.A.D (Literacy for Every Adult in Dade) is the library’s adult literacy program which is designed to reach out to English speaking adults who are functionally illiterate – reading below the fifth grade level – and offer them free one-on-one confidential tutoring to improve their reading and writing skills. Matching adult learners with volunteer tutors who help them achieve self-determined literacy goals is just one of the many services provided by over 150 existing volunteers…and many more are needed.
As the eighth largest and fastest growing public library system in the United States, the Miami-Dade Public Library System (www.mdpls.org) comprises 47 branches and three bookmobiles that serve the over 2 million residents of Miami-Dade County. The library houses over 1,600 computers and serves as the largest resource for public computer use in the county. Last year the library answered close to 6 million reference questions, circulated over 8.5 million items and had over 6 million visits. Now, those are statistics… statistics to be very proud of… that are sure to increase with the help of the Miami Dade Public Library Foundation and their fundraising endeavors to support the myriad of educational and cultural programs available.-DUO
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DUO I S C O V E R S
Maria Cecilia Santos
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s an artist, Maria Cecilia Santos began painting at the tender age of 6. Since then, her love for art and life has surpassed all the challenges that came with the loss of her sight, all while still being able to achieve success within both her personal and professional life as a woman. For the past 12 years, Maria Cecilia Santos has been transmitting her spirit of conquering and overcoming through her testimony of life’s “eyes within” and with her generous contributions to numerous charities and public institutions like orphanages and schools for the blind. Due to the loss of her vision, Maria Cecilia Santos developed a self-taught technique for painting. By positioning needles on the face of a painting, they serve as guides for her inspiration, enabling her art to come to life. In the summer of 2000, Maria Cecilia Santos embarked on a journey where she has shared her testimony with the entire world, via the Internet. This was created as a means to help individuals who wish to recharge their positivity for life, thus enabling another point of view where they can appreciate the true value meaning of life. For more information visit:www.MariaCeciliaSantos.com. -DUO
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NATHAN DELINOIS
B
orn and raised in South Florida, Nathan Delinois has been crafting his art for as long as he remembers. Taking part in many exhibitions, winning a long list of awards, and having his artwork selected for an American & Russian Art Exchange, he definitely is no stranger to the art scene. A once member of the Broward Art Guild, the Miami Bakehouse, and the Badside Artist Collective, his artwork has been seen all over South Florida. This artist incorporates many different influences in his work, many visibly present and some not as readily recognized. When asked about his influences the artist asnwered with, “I
have so many it’s hard to just give a few. I am definitely influenced by my Haitian background and the use of color in a lot of Haitian Art. This can be seen in a few of my later self potraits and paintings. At the same time I am also influenced by a lot of the graffiti of Marc Ecko, Tat’s Cru & the Inkheads. There is also the design quality of African art & the drama of Greek art from the Hellenistic period. I also like the work of some contemporary artists such as Basqait, O’Keeffe, Dali, Homer, and Andrew Wyeth. The list goes on...” For more information go to: www.myspace. com/artkitexturalfoudation.-DUO DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 95
REEL World By Rachel Galvin
e Despit om r F s g Tu , n w o t l Tinse r o t c e r i D er k c e H Brian ls l a C l l i St od, o w y l l Ho e m o H Florida
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ollywood, Florida born director Brian Hecker, who won Best New Director at the Ft. Lauderdale Film Festival, is ready to release his first feature film Bart Got a Room (www.bartgotaroom-movie.com) in April here in Florida, in Los Angeles and in New York to start. Based on his own life, this comical tale follows a young high schooler, Danny, and his quest to find a date for the prom. While dealing with his divorced parents dating, he tried to find his own way to face rejection and ultimately find happiness in an unlikely realm. The film debuted at Tribeca. He has already won awards at Asheville Film Festival and Chicago Gen Art Film Festival for Best Feature Film. Hecker began working on Bart Got a Room ten years ago. It started with a short eight-minute version of a similar topic called Prom Pudendom, which he showed at AFI in Los Angeles. His professor urged him to make it into a feature. In the meantime, he created his AFI Thesis called Family Attraction, in 1998, starring the late Chris Penn and Martin Sheen. The key to getting these big stars came down to his winning Director of the Year at AFI in 1997. This accolade also made agents in Los Angeles stand up and take notice.
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The young filmmaker knew he wanted Chris Penn and was hoping to also get Christopher Walken. He approached Chris Penn to ask Walken, a friend of his. Although Penn decided he didn’t want to ask him, he offered up Sheen as a replacement, much to the surprise of Hecker. The same stroke of luck worked in his favor with Bart Got a Room. After getting many companies saying they liked the film and then declining, he offered it to Plum Pictures, who grabbed the chance to produce it. They were a crucial step. He put William H. Macy on his wish list and Macy liked the script. After that, it was simple to get the other actors, including Cheryl Hines and Jennifer Tilly. “I met William H. Macy at the Roosevelt Hotel here in L.A. and because he cares about the integrity of the projects he chooses, he read it and he loved it,” says Hecker. “It was important to me to capture the idiosyncrasies of my father.” Hecker utilized the skill of the same wig maker that worked on the movie Adaptation to create the red curly wig that makes Macy look so distinctive in the film. “Cheryl Hines captured the essence of my mother, her sense of humor and sharp wit,” he adds. He also had to find the character of Danny, which basically emulated Hecker as a teen. He chose Stephen Kaplan, a fairly new face on the scene. Making a film about his own life, according to Hecker, was a “therapeutic exercise to expose the misery and agony of being a teen in South Florida.” “Although this is about prom,” he says, “it really is a love letter to my family. They are so supportive.” His parents spent a lot of time helping him with everything from location scouting to casting. Instead of filming in Los Angeles, Hecker insisted on doing most of the shots right here in his hometown of Hollywood, Florida. “I was obsessive about it,” he says, “I wanted to show the senior citizens walking in the background, something you normally don’t see in teen movies, also the condos, canals, puffy white clouds, lizards and egrets. We used a classic soundtrack and even the bandshell, where I often played as a student at Hollywood Hills High.” It was in high school that he first got bit by the writing bug. “We were given this assignment to write an essay.
I wrote about asking out a hot cheerleader and being rejected. It was self-deprecating, gutwrenching and honest and the class loved it. It really gave me a sense of confidence. I thought, ‘This is something I can do.’ My teacher was also very supportive. Many of her students were extras in the film.” Now that Bart Got a Room is done, Hecker has moved on to a new project, currently called Atari. Working with writing partner, Craig Sherman, who has been his friend since he was 12, he created a script idea about the inventor of Atari, Nolan Bushnell. “We grew up playing Atari games so we thought it would be great to write about the man who at age 32 started a revolution. He invented Pong and started Atari. He was anti-establishment, a hippy who started with $500 working with drug addicts and bikers at $1.75 per hour in a rented-out roller rink and ended up being the fastest growing company in history,” he explains. He adds, “It took us seven to eight months to get the family to trust us enough to give us the lifetime rights. They liked the fact that we were not so Hollywood. We pitched it to Leonardo DiCaprio’s producing partner. He liked it and pitched it to DiCaprio, who decided to produce it and star in it. Once he was involved, doors opened.” Hecker pitched the idea to every president of every major studio all within one day: Warner Brothers, MGM, Paramount… Eventually, he decided on Paramount, which DiCaprio had enjoyed working with in the past. As of press time, Hecker was working on a script for DiCaprio’s approval. He is contracted to do two other drafts if needed. Making a film of this level is a lengthy process, but Hecker is prepared. Despite making inroads into Hollywood, CA circles, Hecker is still a Hollywood, FL boy at heart. “I plan on making more films in South Florida. Hollywood still gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling. I plan to come back.”-DUO
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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IT’S COOL To Be
SMART
Changing young lives for a brighter tomorrow By Lysandra Russell
I
n an era where the education system in the United States of America has fallen short, no longer being considered the highest ranked country in technology, the sciences and various other areas of education, the organization, It’s Cool To Be Smart (www.itscooltobesmart.org) was born. Founded in 2000 by Curtis Benjamin, the 501( c )3 has taken on a life of its own. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, this thriving organization is being supported by the likes of Beyonce Knowles, singer and actress, Antwone Fisher, Movie Director and Screenwriter, Camille Winbush of the Bernie Mac Show, Anwan Glover of the HBO series, The Wire and the late Gerald Levert. Serving young ladies from the ages of 14 to 19, this non-profit organization has served over 3000 youth in cities such as Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C. , Philadelphia, New Orleans and Chicago. On their website, the mission states that It’s Cool To Be Smart sets out “To empower young girls to become future business leaders by creating mentorship opportunities with influential young women in the entertainment industry throughout the nation.” Celebrities are able allow this organization to be the catalyst to seeing their personal vision for young women come to fruition. Three of the most recent celebrities that have chosen to support It’s Cool To Be Smart are KeKe Palmer of Akeelah and the Bee, Lisa Wu Hartwell from The Real Housewives of Atlanta and Laramie Doc Shaw of Tyler Perry’s, House of Payne. All three have the common goal of impacting youth in a tangible way through their celebrity platforms but each have a different path – a very different story.
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In a radio show interview with Simone Party of 101.1 WizF-FM, KeKe Palmer shares that she enjoys the partnership between The Boys and Girl’s Club and It’s Cool To Be Smart. For Palmer accentuating the ability of girls to compete equally with boys in sports is very important to her. “We do something called its ‘Cool for Girls to Play Sports’. Basically how it works is the kids will participate in an essay competition, write about their favorite sport and why they love it and there will be a winner from every city and one of them will be able to win a scholarship and other prizes and the scholarship will be from the KeKe Palmer fund,” she says. According to Palmer, “Boys are always pressed about sports and to pursue that as a career, but girls aren’t.” She adds, “This is a great opportunity for them to get excited and do something that can help them in the future.” In her latest movie, The LongShots, she co-stars with Ice Cube to play a young lady troubled by the absence of her father. Her uncle, played by Ice Cube, comes in as a football expert and notices that she has an amazing ability to throw the football. He coaches her in the sport and molds her into a first class quarterback that goes on to play for her school’s football team. This sweet story shows how the universal world of sports builds confidence and expands minds. For Palmer, this is her contribution to It’s Cool To Be Smart. In addition to being an accomplished actress, she is also a young, vibrant role model for young ladies around the world. For Lisa Wu Hartwell, her story is a little bit different. A mother of three boys, ages 14, 11 and 21 months, Hartwell makes the decision to “keep herself busy” by writing,
acting, producing movies and screen plays, managing her own clothing line and running her own real estate empire. When asked what makes her tick she so humbly states, “Helping other people, her family and her loved ones.” In 1994, Hartwell teamed up with Tyler Perry. She wrote the gospel stage play, Change is Gonna Come, which he directed, and is scheduled to shoot a movie this year. She has a whole laundry list of acting and writing stints including The UPN show, The Industry and the movie Black Ball. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star is a layered individual citing her faith as the main reason for her grounding. “I was in an abusive relationship and some women turn to drugs and other things and my choice just happened to be church. And I am just thankful for that. It kept me sane and at peace in the midst of a storm.” This mother of three, former wife of Keith Sweat and current wife of NFL football player, Ed Hartwell, is comfortable in her own skin and comfortable in her support of her husband’s career because he humbly allows her to be all she can be. For her, It’s Cool to be Smart is a platform in which she gets to testify about the road she has traveled. Little young ladies need to hear and see successful women like Hartwell. She states, “I think kids sometimes get the wrong perception, they look at videos and television as their source of role-modeling and it can be kind of vulgar and the images they see, they tend to imitate, which is very sad.” In her travels speaking at functions for It’s Cool to Be Smart, Hartwell got a question from a young lady aspiring to become a biochemist. Her message was “educate yourself and equip yourself with the tools necessary to be successful in that field and network because it is your education and your knowledge that will keep your there. It is the people you know that get you there but it is the education that you know that keeps you there.” It is important to see female role models, but it is even more important to see the product of a single mother’s hard work and effort poured into one young man – Laramie Doc Shaw of Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. Before Shaw’s father passed away, he would enter him into different baby competitions, taking pictures at home and submitting his work for different print ads and television commercials. His mother carried the torch by affirming his abilities and keeping him grounded. After a long hiatus from the
industry, three years ago, Shaw’s mother submitted his resume to the casting director for the Tyler Perry sitcom, House of Payne. “They called me around two months after the audition process and told me that I have the job,” says Shaw. This meant that they had to get creative with his education. At the age of sixteen years old, Shaw enjoys a combination of home schooling by hired tutors on the set of the show and his mother off of the set. Shaw speaks highly of homeschooling stating, “It’s better because it is one on one and I get to ask even more questions and it is focused on my education and allows me to be more educated on what I do need to learn and what I don’t need to learn.” Even though homeschooling is the route that Shaw has to take to get educated, he is definitely not missing out on the social aspect of being a teenager. Playing the role of the 12-yearold son, Malik Payne, of CJ and Janine Payne on the Tyler Perry sitcom has afforded him amazing opportunities. He just recently attended the 40th NAACP image awards, February 12th 2009. For Shaw, It’s Cool To Be Smart, “lets kids know that if you want to be an actor or producer, director or get into the music business, those goals are good but education is first.” At his speaking engagements on behalf of the organization Shaw let’s the audience know that, “he makes sure that reading is always the key for him because he still has to parlay his reading education into his acting career towards reading the scripts. He makes sure the kids know that education for him is always first from that perspective.” Another important concept that is lacking in today’s society Shaw says is “respecting your parents. That’s major for me growing up with a single mother that has always been behind me and has always been a positive role model. I respect her and I love her to the fullest.”His mother still sets the boundaries with curfews and a curtailing of the music Shaw listens to and the programs he watches. Shaw encourages youth to “follow their dreams and look at the brighter side of things.” Three different stories with the same message–positive role models can change lives and impact future generations to come. It’s Cool to Be Smart has many initiatives all over the USA including an Essay Campaign encouraging kids to write more in school. -DUO DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 101
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FYI
Are You An
OLD SOUL? By Steve Goodman
I was prompted to do a little research into the phenomenon of old souls. I was fascinated by what I found.
H
ave you ever met someone that seems to be supremely intuitive, or have an understanding about life that prompts you to say they are “wise beyond their years”? People have said this about my 6-year-old adopted daughter, who is full blooded Native American by birth. Various persons who claim to have a sensitivity about such things having met her have told me she is an “old soul.” Now, believe me, I have my hands full just dealing with a precocious 6-year-old who already has me well wrapped around her finger. The idea that she may actually have a few hundred or thousand years on me was really scary. So 104 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine
At the most basic level the idea of “old souls” relates to the broader concept of past lives and the belief that in addition to our physical age each of us has a “soul age”. Just as in physical age some of us are older, wiser, and more mature than others, so too in spiritual age there are those among us who are “new souls” and those who are “old souls”. The old souls are those that despite their physical age just seem to be more mature and have a better handle on spiritual values and what’s truly important in life, while the “new souls” are more likely to be concerned with the size of their house and how many “Beemers” are parked in the driveway. As Jed Shlackman, LMHC, a regression therapist who practices in Miami describes it, “There are people we refer to as “old souls” who have lived many lifetimes and have a lot of experiences. So they have progressed to a point where their consciousness is more evolved, then a socalled “younger soul”.
ARE YOU AN OLD SOUL?
REGRESSION THERAPY
There are certain signs that indicate a person may be an “old soul”, and they usually have to do with the way you interact with others.
Besides making for some great cocktail party conversation, the idea of old souls and past lives can be used therapeutically. In fact, according to Shlackman, it really doesn’t matter if you believe or not in order for regression therapy to be effective. “Going into past lives isn’t that much different than looking back into a previous time in the present life. Hypnosis is used to help people remember suppressed memories in the current life; regression therapy just brings them back further if you will. It’s the same basic process.” However, Shlackman goes on to say “when we are using the process in therapy, it’s someone’s subconscious mind that is bringing up something that is relevant to whatever issue we are dealing with. So whether you believe that it is something that literally happened in a past life, or is just a story, or dream, or fantasy that the subconscious is symbolically bringing up – it doesn’t matter. Bringing those repressed issues to the surface still has a healing effect. From a therapeutic standpoint we do not need to prove that it’s a literal or actual past life history. We just know that this does work.”
• Old souls are giving, caring, and put the needs of others above their own. • Old souls seem to be very intuitive, or psychic, or just “know things”. • Old souls are very passionate, and often seem to be involved in very deep relationships and dramatic events. • People react very strongly to an “old soul” – even on a first meeting. They either immediately seem to love or hate you. • Old souls have a “sense” that they are different. • Old souls experience “Deja Vu” quite often. Getting back to Lailee my 6-year-old daughter. I explained to Jed Shlackman that she has shown a remarkable talent for art, music, and dance at a very early age. She talked early and she walked early. Now, of course, every parent thinks their kid is special or unique; but according to Shlackman, children who are indeed “old souls”, “... show these precocious talents at an early age for which there seems to be no explanation from their actual physical environment. There is nothing around them that could account for their ability to acquire that talent so quickly. And there’s usually not even an explanation from their ancestry where their parents or grandparents are virtuosos or something like that.” Author MJ Rose, whose latest book is entitled The Reincarnationist, says, children under the age of 5 remember past lives more readily than people of any other age group. Carol Bowman, a recognized expert in past lives in children and author of Children’s’ Past Lives, says “Many children remember their past lives-spontaneously, without hypnosis or prompting. Some as young as two and still in diapers blurt out, “I remember when I died before” or “My other mommy had curly hair”. They often describe details that they had no way of learning in this life. Some remember startling personal details of relatives who died before they were born.”
REALITY OR FANTASY? So is the idea of old souls and past lives real or not real? Without getting into a whole other discussion of metaphysics and what is the basis of reality (we’ll save that for a future issue!) –Shlackman suggests that skeptics look at the case histories, especially those involving children. “Many times children who are not even under hypnosis act spontaneously in certain ways, say certain things, that are really beyond the scope of the influence of their daily environment, actions or statements that there really doesn’t seem to be any other explanation for.” He adds, “And there are many well documented cases where people under regression recall very specific details of specific dates and locations in history incredibly accurately, that they would have no way of knowing had they not actually “been there”. Jed Shlackman says that souls have a kind of spiritual magnetic attraction, and that the same souls are often drawn to one another throughout the millennia, but the relationships can change. In other words, your wife may have been your mother, daughter, or even your husband in a previous incarnation, and your present daughter could have been your father. So is my kid an “Old Soul”? I’m not sure, but the next time she tells me to “Finish my vegetables” or “Don’t chew with your mouth full,” with that all-knowing look on her face, I’m going to listen to her... just to be on the safe side. - DUO DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 105
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DESTINATIONS
CHINA PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE
Enlightenment in Beijing By Richard Hodes
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A
fter my unusual experience while visiting Egypt (DUO, Fall 2008) I was eager to continue exploring culturally rich countries with a long ancient past. It was with this in mind that I planned my trip to China. I had no idea this visit would be life-changing. Filled with excited anticipation, I arrived in the Chinese capital the same day I had left thanks to crossing the International Date Line. After quickly clearing Customs, I met our guide, Herb, along with other tour members. We retrieved our checked luggage and were on our way to the hotel. Beijing is a modern, sprawling city where a recent construction boom leading to the Olympics has resulted in some of the most beautiful buildings in the world. As a result of itĘźs explosive growth, Beijing is now world class with shopping, mass transit and infrastructure to match any western city. Herb joked that so much construction is happening in China that the official bird is now the Crane. We checked into the ultra-luxury 5 star Palace Hotel and the group met for orientation. Herb introduced himself and proceeded to list his impressive credentials, including a PhD in Chinese history. He described a network of contacts he had developed over his years as a tour guide. We would come to understand the importance of these contacts as the trip progressed and we saw that nothing gets done in China without some sort of financial encouragement. After boarding our bus, we traveled to the famous Tiananmen Square. This vast area is surrounded by official
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government buildings and connects to the entrance of a World Heritage sight, the Forbidden City. Built as a home to the Ming and Qing emperors and their families in the 15th century, the Imperial Palace within the Forbidden City complex is the largest palace in the world and the most popular tourist destination in the city. Though not all 8,707 rooms are open to the public, one can see the areas where the Chinese emperors lived and governed for hundreds of years. Tourists can also visit an impressive collection of imperial jewelry. As we walked the same paths once reserved for Royals, my mind drifted to the movie, The Last Emperor, which was filmed here. Hundreds of eunuchs and concubines attended the emperor in palace buildings with names like Earthly Tranquility, Supreme Harmony and Heavenly Purity. The walled compound encompasses acres of open courtyards that easily contained the thousands of people who participated in the many grand ceremonies held here. After the fall of the last emperor, the Forbidden City became a museum. Restoration work is ongoing and additional buildings will open when completed. The next day we headed out of the city to the Summer Palace. Built in 1750 as a retreat for the Royal Family, this sumptuous complex contains a huge lake with a covered frescoed footpath around it. The 17 Arch Bridge connects the main area with an island in the middle of the lake. The Royal Family enjoyed pagoda-shaped temples
DESTINATIONS surrounded by lush landscaping and formal gardens cooled by lake breezes. It is said that dynasties rose and fell within these walls. For a change of pace we then visited the Beijing Zoo with its famous Panda exhibit. We had many photos taken of us! The Chinese people love Americans! A photo of their children with a group of Americans is a prestigious possession for them. From there we visited a silk rug and embroidery factory and a multi-level flea market boasting excellent quality almost real designer handbags and clothing for next to nothing. By the way, China is one of the few remaining places on the planet where the currency exchange for US citizens is still favorable. Once again on the bus, Herb told us we were headed to the Temple of Heaven. This stimulated a lively discussion about Chinese religion. Our leader promised information on Buddhism and meditation in more suitable surroundings at our destination. The grounds of the Temple of Heaven are tranquil by design. The Ming emperors built it larger than the Forbidden City, not wanting to offend the gods that their own dwelling was more grand than the temple. We sat near the Imperial Vault of Heavenʼs Echo Wall and a tree called the Nine Dragon Cypress, said to be at least 500 years old. Herb sat before us as we listened to the birds and sounds of nature.
Finally he spoke in a soft voice. “Inner dialogue. We all have so much clutter in our minds. Always thinking about the past or the future. The past and the future are nothing. All we have is the now. Relax your body. Observe the colors and sounds around you. Step back from yourself and become an observer of your own thoughts. Ask yourself, what will my next thought be? Observe your breathing. Your heartbeat. Random thoughts will try to rush in. Do not try to stop them. Just observe them and they lose their power and vanish. This is the power of now and enlightenment.” A few minutes later, I opened my eyes. I was shocked. I never realized how my active mind was destroying me. I felt relaxed and energized. I wanted more. We moved on to another part of the temple. Herb promised another lesson soon. My mind raged with random thoughts. I realized my road to enlightenment would be long and rocky. On our final day in Beijing, we again headed out of the city to the only man-made structure on the planet visible from space: the Great Wall of China. Anticipation and excitement was palpable on the bus as we approached a fully restored section of the wall known as Badaling. Constructed constantly between the 6th century BC and the 16th century AD, the wall is over 4000 miles long and almost 17 feet wide in some areas. It is estimated that 2-3 million Chinese workers died during the centuries-long project. The older sections of the wall are made of compacted Earth while the newer Ming wall is constructed of stone. The Badaling fortress is located in a valley between high mountains on both sides. Superbly situated to defend the pass, it is a multi-walled, well-armed facility that is now completely restored for tourists. One can enter the fort and climb a section of the wall stretching up the sides of the mountains and beyond the line of sight. The steps are steep and uneven, purposely designed this way to slow an enemy that might have breeched the fortress. Of course there are the obligatory gift shops selling Great Wall souvenirs. I took so many photos that my camera needed a new memory card. Exhilarated and exhausted, the ride back to Beijing was in silence except for an occasional snore. I had fulfilled one of my dreams. I walked on the Great Wall. Now my mind wandered to Herbʼs meditation session. I wanted that feeling back.Could I ever become enlightened?-DUO DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine 111
Richard Hodes Cruise Specialist
“Destinations of Destinction” 561.637.4300 - CruisePlanners.com 112 DUO “Do Unto Others” Magazine