Kid Saturn November issue

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We must step back and see if the solutions to our problems lie outside the box.� As a publisher, I have learned how important it is to think outside of the box. Staying inside of the box will keep you limited and slow your progress.

Progress is needed if you plan to succeed! I am grateful to all of those who have invested their time and energy into Seven Magazine. When people see your vision and are willing to invest their time and talent into helping you, it should make you think that you have something special. Anything that you consider special should be treated delicately and with care. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the people who have made sacrifices to be of assistance to Seven Magazine.

I would encourage every business owner to take the time to appreciate the people who are in your corner and rooting for you to succeed.

I

t’s the thought that counts. We hear that phrase all the time, but it especially rings true during the holidays. If you have felt the pressure to spend a lot on holiday gifts for loved ones, you are not alone. But these days, Americans are looking to show they care for less.

According to a 2009 holiday survey of retail spending and trends conducted by Deloitte, a business consulting firm, holiday spending on gifts declined 29 percent from 2004 to 2008. The survey indicates that people are spending less on gifts and more on functional items like clothing, or cutting back by entertaining at home. Gift-givers are beginning to realize that you don’t have to spend a fortune to give someone something meaningful.

Believe it or not, value retailers are ahead of the trend in helping families create and enjoy a special, yet affordable holiday season. Pop into Family Dollar and check out the store’s variety of $5 toys, gifts and other value-priced items that make any seasonal gathering fun and frugal. The national retailer offers something for everyone, from value clothing and brand-name toys like Disney, Hot Wheels and Bakugan to electronics and home decor accents; it’s a great destination for all needs this season.

If you are worried about overspending or simply looking for a gift that shows how much you care instead of how much you spent, here are a few suggestions: Give back to the family entertainer We all have a member of the family who loves to

throw parties. This year, lend a hand with the preparation. Stop by your local Family Dollar store and pick up a few entertaining necessities or holiday trimmings: plasticware, paper products, gift wrap, maybe even an apron or oven mitts. These are hostess gifts that will truly keep on giving.

Share your knowledge Think about skills you possess and offer your personal services as a gift. Maybe you are an all-star in the kitchen and the recipient would be delighted if you shared a few tips, tricks or recipes. If you play guitar and a family member would love to learn, volunteer as an instructor.

Formal lessons in either of these activities would cost a pretty penny.

Don’t forget to accessorize Let’s face it, one can never have enough accessories. Whether it’s a scarf and gloves to match a new coat or a clutch to go with your holiday outfit, great selections can be found at value retailers for less.

With a little thought, you won’t have to sacrifice your wallet to achieve holiday cheer with your gifts this season.

For more value-priced gifting options and entertaining ideas, visit www.familydollar.com or check out Family Dollar on Facebook at www. facebook.com/familydollar.

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he world is growing everyday; transforming into a more high tech civilization in order to simplify the complexity of our day to day existence. Beverly Orr and Valerie Martin have teamed up to do just that. Beverly, who has been a life coach for well past a decade, has an extremely positive spirit and desire to help the lives of others. When Beverly and Valerie came into the business with FDI they realized they could put great service and useful consultation together and bring people, within this time of recession, into a better placement in life.

FDI Transforming Lives is a business that services, as well as, gives others a chance to secure their finances when they choose to become not just a consumer, but also a part of the telecom industry. FDI offers cell phone service and equipment and also home phone service.

The cell phone service has one of the newest and most needed amenities available with the hands-free text, call, and email command. This is saving lives on the road. Over 500,000 car accidents last year were due to cell phone and texting use. The seriousness of this problem now has an easy solution. The solution is the FDI hands-free service. For the minimal fee of $9.95 per month you can have this unlimited service added onto your assisting cell phone.

The additional unlimited cell phone service is $79.99 per month [if you join the FDI business it is a $10 discount] with no credit check and no contract. If you wish to be a part of the telecom industry and sell FDI Voice you can start the business by getting in contact with Beverly Orr or Valerie Martin. The two consultants will take you on your way to establishing your home-based income opportunity.

When Seven Magazine had the chance to speak with the consulting duo, Beverly Orr and Valerie Martin, Valerie explained, “The FDI portion is the cell phone portion and the Transforming Lives portion is actually the consultant portion.” Valerie continued to explain, “Beverly is a salon and hair consultant and FDI deals with financing as well. The FDI stands for Financial Destination.” I asked Valerie for more information about the FDI Hands-Free service. She detailed the service information thoroughly. “Due to the fact that we have a lot of people texting and driving we have the component FDI Hands-Free. You can voice activate everything with your cell phone… texting, sending out a voice message

and answering your emails. That part is actually called Kylee.” Kylee monitors your calls, answers your emails, and text messages. She [Kylee] acts as a personal assistant. The FDI service started in 2003 but became accessible a couple of years after that. Valerie states that many people get excited about the service they offer because though it has been available for over five years, still many people haven’t heard of it. She did inform that there are some other companies with applications similar to this, but they are more expensive and if your phone isn’t compatible you may have to get something else added on to it. Where, with the FDI Voice, that isn’t a concern.

The FDI business side [FDI Transforming Lives] allows you to come into the company as a business owner. Unlike a franchise there are no high monthly fees. There is a one-time fee of $299.

There is an additional small monthly expense; which depends on what level you decide to enter.

The first level is $39.95, the second level is the Preferred level which is $69.99, and the third level is the First Class level at $129.99. Each level has different benefits. The first level includes the Kylee Service as your personal assistant and also access to your website. A grand benefit of becoming a part of the business is the consulting that you receive from the company. The Preferred level and the First Class level you receive prescription discounts, help with your finances, retirement plan, credit counseling, and much more.

Beverly Orr, the other half of the consulting team, expressed her reason for coming into business with FDI Transforming Lives, “I saw it as an opportunity to help people. It is a way that we can hopefully save some lives, because there are people texting and driving. They are distracted when they are driving.” Beverly and Valerie aim to raise awareness to the drastic issue and to be a part of the solution. Beverly says, “If we save one life, then we have done what we have set out to do.” She also gave her views on the beneficial need for others to check into the business portion of FDI. “It is not enough to have just one paycheck. Especially when there are kids… it is not enough. FDI is a way that you can take your economic future into your own hands.”

To find out more details surrounding FDI Transforming Lives get in contact with Beverly Orr [757-819-4252] or Valerie Martin [757-8194250]. Also reach out to Beverly on Facebook [Facebook.com/BevOrr] or email at TransformingLives50@yahoo.com.

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ith children getting back to the books across the country and moms reorganizing extracurricular schedules, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is more important than ever at school and in the home. Even with busy backto-school schedules, it’s important to eat and drink healthfully.

Incorporating healthy eating and drinking habits into this year’s routine can be easy - and rewarding. For instance, with a few simple substitutions parents can transform a typical packed lunch into a delicious yet nutritional powerhouse. And when it’s done properly, kids won’t miss a thing. A few tips: * Swap white bread and tortillas for whole wheat. * Replace high-calorie spreads with lowercalorie versions, and/or mustard. * Think about increasing flavor and texture with healthful additions. Layering veggies on a sandwich really amps up its nutritional content. * Consider baked or air-popped treats instead of fried chips. * Trail mix, especially one full of healthful nuts and dried fruits, is a great snack that provides lasting energy. * Packing a bottle of water like Nestle Pure Life instead of a sugary beverage is a convenient way to help save 145 calories a day. Wa-

ter keeps kids healthfully hydrated and it can also help maintain concentration and alertness, whether at school or on the playing field.

Did you know that the average American guzzles three sugary drinks a day?

“Much of eating and drinking healthfully starts with simple awareness,” says Bob Greene, fitness trainer to Oprah. “Caloric intake from beverages is on the rise, as are the health risks associated with diets high in calories.”

According to a survey released earlier this year, most Americans realize the number of calories they are knocking back with every sugary drink is just as important as the calories in the food they eat. However, fewer than half of those surveyed rarely pay attention to the caloric content of the drinks they enjoy and serve to their families.

“That’s why I helped to create the Nestle Pure Life Pledge,” says Greene. “We’re encouraging consumers to get the whole family involved by taking one easy step: replace one sugared beverage a day with water for one year, to eliminate more than 50,000 calories from their diet.”

For more information, and to take the pledge, log on to www.nestle-purelife.us. When it comes to healthy living, making simple adjustments to what you and your family are already doing can have a big impact.

Massage and Health

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here have been cosmetology and hair schools around for decades. However, the ever increasing demand for hair care specialists in the African-American natural hairstyling field lacks the needed availability of exclusive training. Within the Hampton Roads area alone you will find a multitude of braiding salons. The braider may have studied under a basic cosmetology school in order to obtain a license to service clients in a salon. However, what did the student miss? The extensive hands-on braiding techniques, in depth fusion and weaving procedures, and the ultimate natural hair care facts. All are fundamentals that even some licensed beauticians have missed in their training. Do you or someone you know have the desire to braid hair as a profession? Are you a beautician that feels you would like to refresh your braiding and weaving skills, or feel the need to learn more about natural hair care? SBC Braiding Academy in Norfolk, VA may be just that place that you can get the complete and specified training you need, and in the timeframe to not offset too much of what you may already have going on within your life.

SBC

Seven Magazine got a chance to speak to Mrs. Sanderlin, the owner of SBC Braiding Academy to find out what her school can do for so many in the hair care field. She started as a director at another beauty academy over 25 years ago. What inspired her to open her own school and to have it focused on braiding and taking care of hair in its natural state, was that there was no other school servicing students in that way. She felt the crucial need for it. Mrs. Sanderlin focuses on the proper teachings of natural hair care. She emphasizes on the fact that natural hair styling is becoming more popular within the Afro-American culture that is finally recognizing its beauty. Where some were more prone to get permanent relaxers to straighten the hair, they have now chosen to wear their hair naturally. SBC instructors teach the students at the academy how to do this for their clients. Though SBC is a braiding school, it is mandatory within the school’s curriculum to be knowledgeable with the proper care of natural hair. The students learn the products to use and why, in order to maintain manageability and luster to the hair even if processing isn’t to be a factor. The natural hair care process changes from person to person as well as season to season. For example, the cooler months the hair will become dryer and venerable to damage. Mrs. Sanderlin explains this to me using the example of the leaves on a tree.

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fficiency means two things for a small business owner: getting things done and conserving resources. Everchanging technology allows small business owners to improve their efficiency, organization and multi-tasking skills, which can lead to growth and success in the corporate world.

“Small businesses are always looking for ways to maximize their resources and enhance productivity, and technology is one of the easiest ways to do that,” said Denise O’Berry, small to medium business blogger and author of “Small Business Cash Flow: Strategies for Making Your Business a Financial Success.”

“There are a number of wonderful innovations that help employees contribute more, even when they are on the move and doing other activities.”

When seeking to improve efficiency inside and outside your office, consider these gadgets and programs: * Tablet computers allow you and your employees to take your business anywhere, which means you aren’t tied down to a desk or an office. Many small business owners also invest in smart phones that allow them to access the Web, call customers and check their e-mail. The smart phones can be a little slower than tablet computers, but they are easier and lighter to transport. * The phone is very important to your business, especially when you are able to multi-task with cordless office headsets.

One great example is the AT&T TL7611 cordless headset, featuring unsurpassed sound clarity and 45 percent better range than competitive headsets, according to independent lab studies. In fact, you could still take a phone call using the remote dial-pad at least 500 feet away from your desk - virtually anywhere in your home or office. These features mean

never missing a call while away from your desk, and being able to grab coffee, make copies, organize files and more - all while staying productive on calls.

Open range test was performed by Wyle Laboratories, an independent commercial test facility. “Up to 500 feet” cordless headset range refers to the maximum open field range. Actual range may vary depending on intervening obstacles. Maximum operable range distances are based on all-indoor use.

The AT&T TL7611 cordless headset and full line of product accessories can be found at www.telephones.att. com/smb. * Dealing with clients can quickly become overwhelming if you’re trying to keep track of sales, promotions, customer contacts or conversations. A customer relations management program will help you grow your business and the information you’re collecting about your contacts - by tracking and organizing everything you need to know about your sales associates and customers. * If you, or your employees are frequently out of the office, set up a remote office access program, so they can easily work while on the road or from home. This will allow everyone to access their e-mail and files saved on the office computer system, communicate with fellow employees and handle all business matters while away from the office.

Small business and home business owners can struggle in the corporate world, but many helpful technological devices can help turn that struggle into success.

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BA Braiding Academy is known for the concentration of natural hair care and styling. One of the stylists that can be found there is Miranda Hancock. She is still a student under the school’s owner Mrs. Sanderlin. Miranda has finished with the stylist portion of the training and is currently continuing on to become an instructor. Her duties at SBA Braiding Academy list from registration, instructing, to styling. Miranda is a natural hair tech, but is a specialist in weave infusions. She is also a trained braider. When I asked her about the season’s trend she informed Seven Magazine, “It is the braids this season! A lot of people are going back natural.” Braiding is one of the easiest ways to convert back to the natural hair care. Another technique would be to receive a sew-in. This type of weave application allows the hair to be braided and the extensions to be added, using a sewing process as opposed to the hair glue [that can damage the hair]. Miranda studies under Mrs. Sanderlin, who focuses on natural hair care and teaches this area of cosmetology in great depth. This is an importance to stylist Miranda Hancock as well as delivering great style.

Seven Magazine inquired with Miranda Hancock of what brought her into the cosmetology field and extensively the hair care portion. Before Miranda began to study at SBA Braiding Academy she was an accountant and worked as an administrative assistant. When it came to a point that Miranda actually lost her corporate position, she didn’t get down and depressed. Instead she looked at the incident as a blessing or an opening to enter into another direction. She explained that she always had a love for hair and styling hair. She said, “I finally got to the point after working in cooperate America all my life that I was ready for a change. I wanted a new start and something different… I wanted to follow my dreams.” The next day she started at SBA Braiding Academy fulltime.

She said smiling, “I was ready… I was more than ready!” Her focus kept her going and actually bringing her closer to her destiny.

This native New Yorker plans to bring her flavor to her new home of VA. She informs that it is a whole different industry in Virginia than in New York. She wants to see how she can integrate what she knows from New York with what she’s experienced in Virginia. The next aspiration for Miranda is to enter her styles into the hair contests. Entering into the hair battles is a way to make it possible for her work to be seen and to get her name out as a top stylist. She’s also looking into doing platform artist work with different companies and distributers. She explains, “I would be going where the company would send me nationally and internationally… showing their products and how they are to be used.” Miranda is currently pursuing her instructor license which will

Miranda Hancock

give her the perfect training to be able to explain the use of the products to the customer base and efficiently help to sell a company’s product.

The season is quickly changing into the colder air which can be very harsh on the hair. The colder seasons can cause the hair to be brittle and dry.

Miranda advises two product lines to help, “Kinky Curly and Carol’s Daughter.” She is currently pursuing Carol’s Daughter, in order for the school to become a distributer for them. She informs, “It is very hard to find their products. The only place it is available now in Virginia is some health stores and Macy’s… or buying it online.”

Miranda finds being a hairstylist extremely exciting. Her face glows during the entire conversation and her I eyes looks into her own crystal ball… she sees her dreams coming into reality. When I ask Miranda if it is a challenge when a customer comes into the salon and doesn’t really know what he or she wants she replies swiftly, “That’s the fun for me! I get to show them something new that they weren’t even expecting. That’s when I can be really artistic!” She tells Seven Magazine what she looks into when finding a style to fit a client.

“I look at the person’s lifestyle, how much time they have to maintain their hair. Do they work out a lot? What is their face shape… their features and what can enhance them?”

During the approaching holiday season SBA Hair Braiding Academy is running a great special on micro-braids. The price is $75 from Tuesday to Thursday, and on Wednesdays they have a senior’s 10% discount on all services. They are looking to have a special day for the colleges as well. Miranda Hancock is available online through Facebook [Facebook.com/MirandaHancock], where you can see her work first hand… better yet stop by SBA Braiding Academy located at 2807 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., in Norfolk.

SBC, continued.

When months approach the leaves become brittle and fall off; and in order to eliminate hair breakage and to keep the hair at its strongest, certain moisturizers and conditioners are essential. After that point the styling process is then the finishing touch… the icing on the perfectly baked cake.

SBC Braiding Academy teaches 30 to 40 styling techniques. Mrs. Sanderlin informs that the state only requires a student trying to obtain a braiding license to know 7 required techniques.

The theory portion of the curriculum is the same as other cosmetology courses. Mrs. Sanderlin indicates that the 12 week course is packed with information and hands-on training. She most confidently states that if one has the heart for braiding and hair care, the only thing left is the precise training. She also added her concern about so many people that do hair braiding without a license and for that reason work, “under the table.” She validated her concern with the fact that a person who has put years into building a clientele could easily lose everything when the state officials find out and close shop.

Her other concern was the fact that without being in business legitimately then the successful businesses in the community can’t accurately be accounted.

Mrs. Sanderlin’s SBC Braiding Academy students have participated in such hair shows and competitions like Bonner Brothers and have walked away with 1st place at the Chesapeake Conference Center. SBC Braiding Academy has open enrollment any Tuesday in the month, and is located at 2807 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., in Norfolk.

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he fashion world has many trendsetters… Ed Hardy, Blac Label, and now the line that brings on one of the strongest art-gasms I’ve ever experienced in the fashion world. What is an art-gasm?

Chris Casarez, Luis Lofton, and Jeff “Skele” Sheely have taken us to our peak in the fashion industry with something that was once just called a T-shirt. So many people became infatuated with the logo Tee’s because it was a way for us to speak to the world. However, the

unique Kid Saturn Clothing line is a new expression that speaks boldly without having to posses one letter across our chest. In fact a label seems almost unnecessary. There’s no mistaking or duplicating the one of a kind designs from Kid Saturn Clothing.

As soon as Chris Casarez and Luis Lofton walked into the lounge, (each) wearing their masterpieces, I wanted my own! I actually found myself creating a mental list of people I needed to get gifts for and I knew this would be perfect. When I first heard of Kid Saturn Clothing I immediately thought it was a kid’s clothing line. I was absolutely wrong.

However, I find Kid Saturn is more geared to adult and teens. And it’s a line that’s incredibly innovative. The words of founder and owner, Chris Casarez, “Kid Saturn Clothing is basically geared towards originality… stepping out of the box.” The T-shirt line has names such as, Control Your Revolution and The Takeover. Every design has a meaning behind its mature cartoon-ish flavor… nothing racy or unfit to wear in the public, but everything about expression. The female designs have the perfect pinch of sexy spice, for example Showgirl, and Pin-up. The names could be mute. The artwork, of these specialty Tees, boldly speak for themselves.

Chris Casarez sees his designers as amazing. He says, “I let them do what they do.”

There’s no denying that his confidence in his lead artist/designer (Luis Lofton) and artist (Jeff “Skele” Sheely) is evident. He hand-picked the designers in seek of his vision for Kid Saturn to be met. The local fashion line owner stated, “You see so much of the same stuff in stores; and everybody is really looking for the next new thing.

So basically we don’t want to be affiliated or associated, or show any similarity to any other line.” It is definite that Kid Saturn Clothing’s desires have been met.

Kid Saturn also has interesting artwork available … it’s actually artwork created by Jeff Sheely.

Chris and Luis brought friend Jeff “Skele” Sheely on board for Kid Saturn after seeing his potential and passion for art. Chris loves to see other people succeed. He credits that part of his personality to karma. “If you don’t help the next person you can’t help yourself,” is how he so simply puts it.

Chris, himself, was in the car business when he decided to pursue his dream of starting a clothing line. Though his career at that time was lucrative, he still had a vision and a desire. He is very upfront about the believers that stood by their side on their journey to what they call the Kid Saturn Revolution. He gives thanks to Ember, at Boulevard Screen and Sign. He says with sincerity in his voice, “She kind of helped us start up everything… was great to us during the start up, and taught us a lot of things.” Chris and Luis also make it clear that their investor, Ryan Mounaime, is an immense part of Kid Saturn Clothing. As Chris states, “Unlike most investors Ryan has taken a hands-on approach with the company as opposed to sitting back while we do all of the work. He has definitely become an even larger asset to us.” The help from so many believers make a point that the interest in Kid Saturn Clothing is there automatically. The growing success of the company is also due to the responsible nature of its owner. Chris has been an overseer and provider for years. When he speaks of being there to help raise younger family members and now being a father of three and a husband, He says it with love and with no concern of pressure. His ability to conquer challenges with ease is more than an asset. When I asked him about his determination his response was, “Although at

times it may seem like things are reallyreally rough, you just have to keep your feet moving…”

The other huge part of Kid Saturn Clothing is greatly dedicated to Luis Lofton; the cofounder and lead designer. Luis Lofton [age 19] is a self-taught artist that has artistically brought their vision of Kid Saturn Clothing to life. Chris tells the story of their meeting with a smile. “It was really interesting. I was actually in the car business, working on another line that I had kind of created within my own head. So I had put an article on Craig’s List for a designer to design the idea I was picturing. I had about 60…70 people email me within a week.

Luis emailed me. I had requested in the ad some sample work, trying to see what each individual’s art was geared towards; to see if they really had the style that I was picturing.

His artwork stood out with me over everybody’s...even everybody’s after that.” Chris then explained the actual coming about of the union’s product itself. “It actually has grown and developed,” He said. “What happened was that I had a meeting with Luis about my other line. So, I went to his house to see some things that he drew up for the other line I was working on and he had piles of sketches that he had done. There was one kind of sticking out to the pile and I saw it. I asked him what it was. This was something that he had been working on for a while.

At first it was a little more cartoon-ish… a little more childish. But yeah, when I saw it I knew that was it.”

Kid Saturn clothing line is constantly making

moves. The line has plans to branch into children fashion.

This will definitely give designer, Luis Lofton a time to shine. Luis had explained his inspiration, “I used to watch a lot of cartoons. I’m a big-big fan of Pharrell and the Neptunes… outer space like [vibe]. That’s what’s hot.” The line is also currently creating fitted hats and varsity jackets, and Seven Magazine was fortunate enough to catch a peek of the stylish outwear line. Definitely a hit! When I spoke about the Kid Saturn clientele Luis stated, “We have a lot of rockers… the jerk boyz. All the jerk boyz are all over it! And skaters.” Chris added, basically we want to market to anybody and everybody. But we have the 15 to 25 market. You can’t just narrow our product down to an urban line and/or a rock line. It really is about the art. Everybody that sees it loves it.” Personally, I’m past the 25 mark and I already have my sights on two T’s and a varsity jacket. Quality clothing with one of a kind style is what I see in the line. Chris Casarez says, “We want to market to everybody, of course. You really have to have a love for original art, and really see the value in it; not just see a T-shirt. There are people that I know that strictly buy shirts just for the color coordination… just to go with some shoes. They don’t appreciate the art. I have some crazy collabo pieces merging Jeff and Lu’s styles of art that you can find on Facebook [www.facebook.com/KidSaturnCo] that we will actually be transitioning more into. He [Luis] has new ideas everyday!”

The company is rapidly expanding as they are receiving order requests nationally; New York, California, Seattle, and the list continue to grow.

The first two days that the website opened Kid Saturn Clothing had over 10,000 hits. The business side of this revolutionized expressional art [through fashion], would seem to be focused on the marketing aspects. Something so fresh and creative within the industry would seem to be a challenge… as far as how to market. Chris let

Seven Magazine know what influential support he’s had in that area. “Charles Anderson, who is a drummer for Kevin Rudolph Band [they released the triple platinum single, “let It Rock,” with Lil Wayne] has been a huge supporter. Just recently Kevin requested some more of our product. So we’re trying to get him on board fully. The Revolution Sound Crew is basically the DJ’s for all the bars around here, they’re on board. Cheap Thrills is another local act; we’re going to be sponsoring them. Russell McGee [Genisis]; who has done work for Atlantic Records and Motown Records. He’s on board with us fully. He has a documentary that he’s shooting in which he’ll be wearing Kid Saturn in the series on [CreativeControl.tv] as well as music videos and media appearances.” Chris Casarez also informed Seven Magazine of their upcoming events. “The Fresh Tones [Charles Anderson and DJ Jeyone with The Revolution Sound Crew] just got signed up with the Red Bull Concert Tour, which we will be a part. We have a show on October 14th at the Granby Theater and October 27th at venue 112; hosted

by Red Bull. We will be touring with them as well, and sponsoring The Fresh Tones. November 6th we have a show in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Also future shows in New York City, L.A., and stuff like that… a very big move for us.”

To join the Kid Saturn Revolution and experience what designer Luis Loftin describes as an art-gasm go to the website, KidSaturnClothing.com; or Da Closet inside (Lynhaven Mall), Urban X-Change in the Lynhaven location [coming soon to their other five locations]. Ask for Kid Saturn at Soul Brothers at the beach [VA Beach] as well.

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s people are running around during the holiday season, they often overlook simple safety precautions. No matter where you’re decorating or what you’re buying, it is important to keep safety in mind.

CSA International, a global certification and testing organization, recommends that you follow these indoor and outdoor decorating safety guidelines and smart shopping tips to ensure everyone has a safe holiday season: Indoors * Never run electrical cords through doorways or under carpets and rugs. * Always turn off holiday lights when you leave the house unattended or when going to bed.

Outdoors * When hanging lights outdoors, keep electrical connectors above ground, out of puddles or snow and away from metal gutters. * Remove lights promptly after the holidays to avoid damage caused by extended exposure to harsh weather conditions.

Avoid counterfeit products * Avoid electrical products that are missing a label from an accredited certification organization such as CSA International. * Look for misspellings and unclear print on products and labels. * Check the “look and feel” of products. Fakes are often light and flimsy.

For a website on holiday safety that the whole family can enjoy, visit www.CSAHoliday.com. For more general safety tips, visit www.CSASafetyTips.com.

BEAUTY OF THE MONTH

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ello my name is Tarryn Deena, born and raised in Virginia Beach, VA. I am a 25 year old single mother and student. Modeling has always been a passion of mine, and I love doing it! Between school, my children and modeling I really don’t have a lot of free time. But, whenever I do get a little free time I love bowling, movies, and spending time with family and friends.

* Give your child a medical alert bracelet. * Provide your child’s teacher and school nurse with emergency phone numbers for you and your child’s doctor. * Remind your child to check his or her supply box often to make sure it is adequately stocked with everything he or she needs. These include:

Families of children with diabetes know that maintaining a consistent monitoring schedule is crucial. Getting settled into a new school year and schedule requires thoughtful preparation. Using these tips, however, can make you and your child feel more confident and prepared for managing diabetes and everything related while at school.

- A blood glucose monitor, such as Bayer’s CONTOUR meter.

- Testing strips.

- Lancing devices, such as Bayer’s colored MICROLET2 lancets and MICROLET2 - Blood sugar logbook (if your child is unable to log onto his/her diabetes management software).

- Insulin pens or traditional syringes and insulin.

- An extra infusion set with tubing and a reservoir if your child uses an insulin pump.

- Alcohol swabs and tissues for your child’s fingers.

- A juice box or glucose tabs to counteract low blood sugar - Repeat glucagon kit.

- Snacks, like granola bars, fruits or veggies.

- An extra glucagon kit.

(ARA) - With obesity rates on the rise, there is no better time than now for families to build healthier habits. This includes getting more exercise and eating healthier. Nutritionists recommend eating more whole grains, lean proteins and increasing the amount of vegetables and fruit in their daily diets. While selecting the right foods is the first step, how they are prepared is equally as important. Cooking healthfully includes choosing the right ingredients as well as implementing techniques such as baking, grilling, broiling, roasting and stir frying.

Moms across the country have discovered a new way to cook what they love only healthier with the new George Foreman Evolve Grill. With a large variety of meal options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack times in between, the Evolve Grill paves a time-saving and healthy path to meal preparation and eating right without sacrificing good taste. The grill comes with four plates to grill, bake and even make mini-burgers. Customize the

grill by purchasing additional plates for making waffles, omelets, muffins and more, all in one convenient appliance. Moms love that that Evolve Grill not only helps them cook more healthfully, but also it is easy to clean, use and store as well.

What makes the Evolve Grill cook foods more healthfully is its design. It has a patented slope that helps the grease drip out, George Touch nonstick coating so the food doesn’t stick to the grill and a grease tray that catches the fat as it slides out of the grill and away from food. The Evolve Grill handles the basics of healthier cooking, making it easier for mom to whip up meals everyone will love.

Y

ou can find a lot of information sometimes confusing - about the cost of a college education. By some reports, it can cost $50,000 per year to earn a bachelor’s

degree.

On the other hand, according to the College Board, half of all full-time students attending public and private not-for-profit colleges pay less than $8,700 per year in tuition and fees.

Despite these extremes, the cost of higher education is increasing at an alarming pace.

According to the same College Board report, the average annual tuition and fees at all schools (public, private, for-profit and notfor-profit) rose as much as 6 percent last year.

At these levels, amid calls for a higher degree completion rate among Americans, it’s justifiable to be concerned over mounting student loan debt.

Expense verses investment While not a defense of high tuition, an important step in reconciling this dilemma is to realize that a college education is an investment for individuals and the nation - not an expense.

According to 2008 Census data, the median earnings of someone with only a high school diploma is $27,448, compared to the median income of $47,853 for those with a bachelor’s degree. Perhaps more important, those with a bachelor’s degree tend to stay employed. The current unemployment rate for those with a degree is less than 5 percent.

In addition to enriching the intellectual capital of individuals and our country, it is also reported that the typical college graduate pays 80 percent more in total federal, state, and local

taxes than a high school graduate.

Alternatives for achieving an educated America There are practical alternatives to keeping a college degree within the reach and budget of all, solutions that are real, present and useable today. * Be a strategic educational consumer. Attending a community college is a practical way of saving on tuition while preparing for later entry into a “flagship” bachelor’s program.

Attending a “blue chip” institution can carry value beyond instruction alone. However, less expensive institutions can offer similar or even better educational outcomes. * Satisfy general education requirements through online study, credit by examination, or at a community college. Costs often are less, and most four-year institutions will accept credits in transfer. * Attend summer-term classes or take transferable courses online. Accelerate time to degree completion and to full-time employment. A “four-year” degree can be earned in less than three years of year-round, full-time study. * Take advantage of being an adult student. For those who have some college but no degree, the best bet may be an accredited, nonprofit institution like Excelsior College. Excelsior combines affordable tuition with the acceptance of prior credit from other colleges and universities for transfer students, military and corporate training programs that have been evaluated for college-level credit, and its own credit-by-exam program to help students finish what they started in degrees from its Schools of Business and Technology, Health Science, Nursing or Liberal Arts.

A

re you a gambler? Even if you’ve never visited a casino, bought a lottery ticket or put money on the ponies, you just may be in danger of making a bet you are certain to lose.

Every day, smart, caring, otherwise responsible people “bet” that they will live to see tomorrow - without providing financially for their loved ones in the event of their death. In most cases, they win. But, as the local obituary pages attest, death eventually overcomes everyone.

Roughly 35 million U.S. households have no life insurance coverage, according to an August study by LIMRA, a worldwide research and consulting organization serving the life insurance industry. The study found that among households with children under age 18, four in 10 say they would have immediate trouble meeting everyday living expenses if the family’s primary breadwinner died today. Another three in 10 would have trouble keeping up with expenses after several months.

“We sometimes overlook our true priorities,” says Bruce Fear, vice president of protection products and solutions for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, a Fortune 500 financial services organization. “Leaving our loved ones financially unprotected in the event of our death just isn’t responsible.”

Having appropriate life insurance coverage in place offers benefits that few other products can. These might include:

* Covering a loved one’s final expenses. * Paying off credit card bills, outstanding loans or even one’s mortgage. * Generating income for surviving family members. * Funding long-range financial goals like a college education for the kids. * Protecting a spouse against sharp reductions in future retirement income (e.g., pension or Social Security payments). * Equitably passing a business or significant assets to family members. * Giving a grieving spouse the time to emotionally heal before joining or rejoining the workforce.

But what if you find yourself currently without life insurance or feel you may not have enough life insurance to provide for your loved one’s needs? These tips from Thrivent Financial may help: * Learn the basics. Do your homework. The nonprofit Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LifeHappens.org) offers consumer education resources to help you understand the key facts around the why and what of life insurance protection. * Determine how much you need. Many free online life insurance calculators offer guidance around the amount of life insurance you may need. However, every family’s circumstances are unique. A financial professional can also assist you in determining the appropriate amount of coverage you need. * Select the type of insurance that meets your needs and budget. Insurance comes to two basic forms: term (providing protection for a specific period of time and generally paying a benefit only if you die during the “term”) and permanent (providing lifelong protection and the ability to accumulate cash value on an income tax-deferred basis; unlike term insurance, permanent insurance remains in force for as long as you continue to pay your premiums). Product features and costs for both types of life insurance vary greatly. * Select a reputable company. Independent insurance analysts (like A.M. Best, Fitch, Moody’s) may issue a “rating” for a life insurer’s financial strength, claims-paying ability and/or general capacity to meet its financial obligations.

Other factors to be considered include the company’s size and record of customer service.

“Many people consider life insurance the true foundation for their other financial goals and hopes,” says Fear. “It can offer families a touch of financial stability at a time when everything else in their lives is being shaken.”

N

o matter the season, families can reduce, reuse and recycle with a little planning and organization.

With a wealth of information available at your fingertips, it’s easy to develop a plan that fits your family.

The key to thinking earth-friendly 365 days a year is to get the entire family involved so everyone feels like they’re a part of the solution. Initiatives like the Elmer’s Glue Crew Recycling program help to teach kids about recycling and have fun doing it. Here are some easy ways for the entire family to focus on earth-friendly learning and activities all year long: Design a recycling bin One of the most important steps in sticking with a recycling program for the family is getting children involved in a hands-on way.

An easy and fun way to do this is to have kids design a collection bin for all your recyclable items, such as newspapers, cans and glue bottles. Giving them the freedom to design the bin however they want is a great way to emphasize the fun benefits of recycling at an

early age.

Use a recycling chart A great way to get the family thinking about recycling all year is through a monthly recycling chart.

Develop a simple chart or thermometer graph and hang it in an easily accessible place. Each week, the kids can chart how many items the family recycled.

It’s a great way to sharpen math skills while taking care of the environment. For an added twist, set recycling-focused goals for the family each month and when those goals are achieved, reward everyone with a movie or some ice cream.

Start a repair day Implement a monthly repair day in which the entire family works together to repair household items that might need a little TLC. By working together on a consistent basis to repair what you already have, you can teach children the value of repairing and reusing.

With a little teamwork, a couple drops of glue and some elbow grease, your house will be in tip-top shape each month.

By implementing a couple of these ideas you can help the entire family focus on the benefits of earthfriendly living all year long. For more environmentally-focused tips and recycling program ideas, visit www.elmersgluecrew.com.

D

id you know that where you live, might be an indicator of your credit score?

Just as students around the country receive their academic grades throughout the school year, TransUnion recently revealed a ranking of metropolitan areas with the best and worst credit grades in the country. The metropolitan area at the very top of the class is the Minneapolis-St. Paul region, which includes the Twin Cities and surrounding areas in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Ranking lowest is the Memphis, Tenn. metropolitan area, which includes the city of Memphis and surrounding areas in Arkansas and Mississippi.

Whether your credit receives high grades or

could use some work, TransUnion provides the following tips to keeping your credit healthy: * Proactively manage your credit and risk for identity theft with an ongoing credit monitoring product. Then create a plan to position yourself better in the eyes of the lender. * A history of late payments - even by a few days - can potentially harm your credit score. * Keeping high balances relative to credit limits on key credit accounts can likely have a negative impact on a score, so concentrate on paying down debt. As a rule of thumb, keep these balances at or below 30 percent of your total available credit to present the best possible financial image to lenders. Set budget goals and use only cash if you can’t seem to master your credit card habit.

(ARA) - When your son ends up on the bottom of the pile chasing down a fumbled football, or your daughter and her teammate jointly perform sideways dives to keep the volleyball from hitting the floor, you probably catch your breath, hoping no one gets hurt.

But concussions, when sudden trauma causes damages to the brain, are a common injury to the head in contact sports, and an estimated 3 million sports-related concussions happen every year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And, when it comes to the leading causes of traumatic brain injury for young people, ages 15 to 24 years, contact sports come in second only to motor vehicle accidents. “While the majority of concussions are self-limited, meaning the body will heal itself, catastrophic events can occur and we do not yet know the long-term effects of multiple concussions,� says Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, chair of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Sports Neurology Section. The AAN recently drafted a new

position statement targeting policymakers with authority over determining policy procedures for when an athlete suffers from concussion while participating in sports.

To learn more about dealing with concussions, visit www.aan.com/patients.

Seven: What is Abstract Academy?

Derion:: Abstract Academy is a clothing line started by Deron Lee and Lathan Porter designed for abstract kids.

Seven: How did you two meet?

Lathan: We both went to Cosby High in Chesterfield, VA. Just outside of Richmond.

We have been working on a clothing line since the 10th grade.

Seven: Who is your target audience?

Deron: Males between the ages of 16-25.

But of course our clothes can be worn by anybody.

Seven: What made you decide to create a clothing line?

Lathan: Tired of buying shirts that don’t (Lathan laughs). We both had ideas about starting a clothing line when we were in High School. So we decided to come together and start Abstract Academy Seven: Where you guys come up with the name.

Lathan: Well me and Shakendra, who is my girlfriend, came up with the name. It relates to a group of different kids that strives for individuality.

Seven: Oh ok! So how long have you and Shakendra been a couple?

Lathan: For nine months. Today is our An-

niversary.

Seven: How sweet. Happy Anniversary.

Seven: What are your ages? Do you attend college?

Deron: I’m 20 and I go to Hampton University majoring in Architecture.

Lathon: I’m 19 and I got Norfolk State University majoring in Business Management.

Seven: Wow! you guy are young. Seems as though you guys got the roles defined.

Seven: What are some of the items in your clothing line?

Deron: We have T-shirts now, and we will be adding jeans, hats, and shoes.

Seven: How many people in you company?

Deron: It’s just me and Lathan but we have a street team to promote the line. Shakendra is our Graphic Designer.

Seven: What are your future plans?

Lathan: We want to continue developing Abstract Academy, continue school, and start doing fashions shows and work on getting our line out there and available in some of the major clothing stores as well as the local clothing retail outlets.

Seven: Where can Seven readers purchase your line?

Lathan: Our website is still under construction right now but you can contact us on Facebook at Deron Lee or Lathan Porter. You can also follow us on Twitter under Abstract Academy. You can email us @ lathanporter@yahoo.com, and deronlee@ymail. com. Or call us directly at: 804-519-0566 Seven: Who guys seem very focus on your vision and what you want. I wish you much success. With the determination and dedication that you both have, I am sure Virginia will see a lot more of Abstract Academy. Is there anything else you want Seven Readers to know about Abstract Academy?

Lathan: Just want everybody to be on the look-out for Abstract Academy.

Seven: Thank you for the interview and for my autographed Abstract Academy T-Shirt.

S

witch It Up Auto is a family owned and operated business.

We are conveniently located at 1530 East Little Creek Road Norfolk, VA. We offer reliable preowned vehicles with monthly payments that can fit almost any budget.

We also provide guaranteed credit approval through Credit Acceptance, as well as our own in house financing. An extended warranty is available on most vehicles. Our mission is to provide each customer with the opportunity to purchase a dependable preowned vehicle at an affordable price and “You Know Its About Time You Switch Your Style Up�.

(ARA) - Today’s teachers face far more challenging situations than Johnny dipping Jenny’s ponytail in the inkwell.

Increased pressure to perform and increased administrative demands in the face of reduced resources and less control have led to low job satisfaction and high burnout rates. Educational experts easily agree: when teachers succeed, students succeed. So, initiatives that help teachers perform to the best of their abilities also directly and indirectly aid students and their performance.

Across the country, schools, principals, teachers and the communities they serve are all looking for ways to help teachers, and in turn, help students.

Programs like Coach Training for Educational Leaders, offered by the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC), help educators empower themselves and their students to reach their highest potential.

Successful programs teach educators from teachers to principals to superintendents - leadership and team-building skills and tools that focus on the whole child and engage all stakeholders students, teachers and the community.

Such programs work, says D. Luke Iorio, President and CEO of iPEC Coaching, because they help educators

redefine their vision of educational success and then turn that vision into implementable leadership and development plans that will directly impact overall student performance beyond the test scores and prepare our children to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers and inspirations. To learn more, visit www. ipeccoaching.com.

A

t just 25 years old, the artist, born Tremaine Neverson, is at the pinnacle of his career, He is finally in a place where he has not only figured out what works for him creatively, but also what it takes to find success in his personal and professional life. There’s no doubt that he is one of the hardest working acts in the game today, and according to him, he’s just getting started. Seven Magazine asked him just a few questions to see whats good, check it out!

5 things Trey can’t live without on tour, 1)My mackbook pro. When I travel, I review and edit a lot of creative materials in my hotel room.

2)My Blackberry. Staying in touch with my friends and family keeps me grounded and happy, so I have to have my phone on me at all times.

3)My phone chargers. Forgetting them would just be tragic!

4)My scented candles, They remind me of home.

5)My bodyguard. I’d get kidnapped by my fans, and while I wouldn’t mind that, I have a job to do.

Craziest Tour Story, After my set on the Blueprint 3 tour, I came out to perform two songs with Jay –Z. One night I was backstage joking with my team, and we missed my cue to head to the stage. Mid sentence, I heard the the intro to “Heart of the City.” I jumped up and ran through the halls and behind the stage, barely making it on time to sing my line.

Most significant career moment, Signing with Atlantic Records.

Favorite Album, Jay – Z “Reasonable Doubt” Favorite Tour City, Zurich, Switzerland, Downtown waterfront, Its like walking through a movie set.

Prepared by Drew (The Bodygaurd) Diamond

H

ave you wanted a place to listen to a mixed genre of music? Are you a local artist trying to be heard? Are you ready for what the New Year is going to bring?

1-1-11 Julian Rivera will be bringing us Listen Now Radio! This will be one of few of its kind with a mixture of flavor that will keep us all listening.

DJ Do Yo Thang [AKA Julian Rivera] has been doing his thing for quite some time. Not only has he been a traveling DJ, but he is a DJ and manager at Virginia Beach’s Funny Bone Comedy Club, and is a promoter for various events. His birthday that just passed still puts him at the young age of 27, but his experience in the industry is definite. He took time out on his birthday [his only day off] to sit down with Seven Magazine and give us the scoop of what we all need to be listening out for this New Year’s Day. Time to count down… to Listen Now Radio with DJ Do Yo Thang!

Julian is one of the few of us that have found our niche, stuck with it, and is on the path to following his destiny.

ListenNowRadio.net is the ultimate plan to unify music and cater to all. That was the vision of the seasoned DJ Do Yo Thang, when he began to put this entire idea into play. He got into the field by networking out and what he calls the luck of the draw. Julian gave a big smile and said, “I always wanted to do it and I was doing it; but getting into The Funny Bone just put me into a completely different plateau.” There at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, in Virginia Beach’s Town Center, Julian began to meet people and build relationships. Before long he also began to do his own thing on the side as well as being the comedy club’s DJ and a manager. He took his acquired skills and began to put together shows outside The Funny Bone. Opportunities found his talent and before he knew it he was working in collaboration with other people and traveling as a DJ. He gives credit to Funny Bone for allowing him to network. That is why The Funny Bone is where he calls home.

Every hat Julian wears takes on great responsibility and dedication. A father of three, a club manager, a promoter, and a DJ are all worn by this one young man. He keeps busy with so much but when asked about his many titles he states, “DJ-ing is mainly what I do.” DJ Do Yo Thang is booked every night! He’s a big part of Funny Bone’s Wednesday Apollo Night. Thursday nights he’s at The Spot, off North Hampton Boulevard, from 10pm to 2am.

Fridays the popular DJ is at Red Star in Town Center, from 10pm to 2am. Saturdays, Time Lounge on Granby Street in Norfolk, has him there from 10pm to 2 am.

Then Sunday he is back at Funny Bone. Monday is his day of rest [as much rest as a person of his sort can get].

Though he has a busy schedule, Julian Rivera has found

time to focus on creating ListenNowRadio.net for all of us. I asked him to sum up the genre selection of his radio station and he quickly responded, “We play everything.” What did he mean by that? DJ Do Yo Thang elaborated, “I don’t care if I come with a Jay-Z track, then go with a Frank Sinatra track, then come with a Def Leopard track.” I am a lover of many styles of music; I mainly like good music… so what he was saying got me very excited. He defined his goal to cater to everybody. “Each show will cater to a certain genre. There will be ten DJ’s involved.”

The indie circuit sometimes reveals some extreme hidden talent and according to the station’s owner, this will be the place to discover some of that brilliance. He tells Seven Magazine, “If you’re a rock band that wants to come out… neo soul… hip-hop artist… Goth… or jazz; if you’re doing something and want to be heard then ListenNowRadio.net is a way…” He speaks with so much energy that when he says he is doing this for fun, I know he is sincere.

“I want to do this! I don’t have to do it.” He continues to speak of his adornment for music and what he does as a DJ. “I love music and I love to talk. It’s just what I do. I can go to a hip-hop club one night and then go to an Irish bar the next night. I know how to cater to all people.”

Starting as a DJ it might seem that having his own radio station was in his stepping stone plan initially.

However, he admitted that it all just sort of came to him. He said, “A lot of DJ’s try to find a musician to become their DJ, or find a station and become their DJ. For me, I went a different route. I am a DJ for comedians. There are a lot of comics that include music in their acts. I went a different route, but it’s worked out. I still get to play music and have a good time. It’s also something that I’ve wanted to do, because I like to talk anyway. I started doing interviews here and there. I was like, why don’t I just do my own station? I don’t need a show. I can start off here then branch off other people that want to start doing exactly what I’m doing.” He compared his protocol to a domino effect. He started to plan the birth of ListenNowRadio.net a year ago along with his partner, DJ Wisdom. DJ Do Yo Thang brought Seven Magazine into the day of the vision. “DJ Wisdom and I were sitting down talking one day and we just put the idea in action; so far, so good. Little hiccups here and there, nothings perfect… but we will be launching by 1-1-11.”

Seven Magazine asked Julian, AKA DJ Do Yo Thang, his feelings of being in the moment right now with manifesting his dream. I had to know if this was just the beginning for such a young man.

He spoke of his extended goals with conviction.

“I see me actually starting to branch out and make other stations.” Julian sets his sights and has a reputation of following through. I say to all, keep your ears open because Listen Now Radio is about to do its thang!

Booking contact#: 757-289-7462 www.ListenNowRadio.net