Monthly Archives: January 2014

                              Karen Dumas: Author, Radio & TV Personality                                     Photo credit: Monica Morgan

“The Charisma of Karen”

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Resilient, relentless, determined–all apt descriptors of Detroit, a city seemingly hanging in the balance of ruin and revival. They also describe one of the city’s most devoted native daughters, Karen Dumas.

The once-storied automotive and Motown mecca had fallen on near-death times–the city that no other American city wanted to be. But tough times don’t make tough cities. They reveal them. So, too, do they reveal people. I’m putting my money on Detroit.

And, no doubt, on Ms. Dumas.

The former Chief of Communications & External Affairs for Mayor Dave Bing and the City of Detroit, and past Director of Culture, Art and Tourism, Karen is a respected radio and television personality and the founder and president of Images & Ideas Inc., a full-service boutique agency specializing in strategic communications and public relations.

Few Detroiters know and understand the political, economic, and social intricacies of the city as intimately as does Karen. Her seasoned perspective is local in precision–yet global in scope. Able to see, filter, and comprehend all angles and sides of an issue, an ability for which she is lauded by her peers, Karen is fair, witty, cerebral, and principled, all attributes she fluidly brings to bear when contributing to the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News papers as a guest columnist and as author of her newly re-released must-read on Kindle:

“In Other Words: A Collection of Thoughts & Columns,” hailed by readers as mind-provoking, insightful and inspirational.

Karen also gives back. “I give regularly to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (my patron charity), and I participate with We Are One Community to distribute food to the homeless on a weekly basis,” she shared. “More importantly, I commit to doing random acts of kindness every day.”

Resilient, relentless, determined . . . yes, they all describe Karen Dumas. But might I add one more descriptor? Winner. For that’s exactly what she is.

It’s my privilege to honor you, Karen, as this Pamper-Her-Friday’s ‘Pamperee’ for your tireless commitment to a better Detroit. And a better world. A life-enhancer you are.

Connect with Karen at: https://www.facebook.com/karen.dumas.750 and atwww.karendumas.com. Purchase and download her must-read book at:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I20GR9I. And follow her on Twitter: @karendumas.

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“An industry or economic setback or controversy cannot hold back a city built on determination. Nor its people.” -Karen Dumas

© 2014 Pamper-Her-Friday by Rg2®

My Angel,

Making love on Valentine’s Day is so underrated. Why? Because so few people do.

Make love on ValDay, that is.

Think a moment: The pomp and circumstance; the dinner and flower dance; maybe a kiss on the off chance . . . that everything unfolds according to plan.

Red fusion. Red crimson. Red velvet. Red rose. Everywhere. It paints a riveting theme. Damn, you in a red dress–the content of my dream last night. Nothing too skimpy or too provocative; no low, low-cut bustline leaving cleavage void of imagination. A calf-length form-fitter maybe baring a little shoulder.

Do women do that anymore? Gosh, that’s so underrated. A kiss on your hand the moment I arrive to you. That’s underrated. I’ll hold it there for a spell–your hand in mine–then lift it to about midway to my chest, while I lean forward, a half bow, to greet it. A kiss its reward. Actually my reward.

The hand, yours, was just made love to.

Your fragrance. Mmmm, how underrated. No other woman on this planet pheromones me as do you. My, that’s underrated.

Poetry? Written exclusively in your honor . . . for Valentine’s Day? I’m gonna recite the rest once I’m in your presence on the 14th, but here goes:

. . . with this bracelet I thee vow
Our Romance shall outlive the here and the now
. . . The moonlight through yonder window’s nigh
For your Valentine devotion, with whom must I vie . . . ?

Making love, true love, on ValDay is so underrated.

Let’s elevate it.

Anticipating,
Rg2

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The Art of Romance. -Rg2

© 2014 Romance by Rg2®

How does it feel
to know that I worship you?
I removed her from the pedestal
Bid her hold on me adieu

Don’t ask what it was we shared
For that’s none of your concern
You say you require my romance in full
But are you ready to learn?

Women love to talk
But so very few listen
Sit down . . . No, sit down!
This is not about Tristen!

Yes, she made insinuations, advances subtle
But it was all innuendo,
Why’d you stop being tender?
I’m strong but intimacy I can’t forgo

This myth that all men are dogs
Wuff, wuff, there, is that what you want?
I walked away from her, didn’t look back
So, woman, keep the affront

I have nothing to bare, nothing to explain
When a man’s explaining, he’s losing,
You won’t admit, yet deep down you know
You care but keep refusing

To place your heart into my hands
Frankly, you’re no good at containment,
Your eyes reveal a disconnect
I understand what the pain meant

The lost and found aches we share
When our harmony is disrupted,
Is there anything more regrettable
Than a romance interrupted?

Romance . . . a myth? . . . says who?
You should question your girlfriends’ advice,
You’re at liberty to take counsel from whomever
But let them roll their own dice

I’m the cards secure in your hands
In fact, do away with the stack,
Luck has nothing to do with us
There’s nothing on your Valentine list I lack

Yes, I’m confident . . . so self-aware
But, woman, I work extremely hard,
No other man alive can do what I do
Those are my words printed in the card

Remember when LeBron said, “I ain’t got no worries . . .”?
The sentiment is shared by Jay Z
He kept his eye on the ball (not thighs)
His reward? A stunning “Queen B”

There’s a moral there for those who dare
question true love has gone astray,
Search your heart, girl, it won’t lie
I know it’s waiting for me to say

There is no other deserving of my woo
Now will you give in to what you feel?
I’m the standing truth in your eyes
And my ask, here and now, is real

May I . . . ?

Look at me, woman,

May I have your Valentine hand?

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. . . something about us. -Rg2

© 2014 Romance by Rg2®

The Indelible Dylan Jenet Collins, A Siren Emerging

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“Indelible Dylan”

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You know that little girl that lives in every woman? I dare turn the notion on its ear: There lives a woman in each young girl. And when she emerges, it’s no less than a force unleashed. Such is Dylan Jenet Collins.

Her 16 years are an amalgam of innocence, grace, wit, substance, and unquestionable talent evolving. Put a mic in her hand and Dylan will reveal her very soul. Place a pen between her fingers and she creates lyrical alchemy. Gather an audience of thousands before her and she sates their musical cravings to overflow, wanting more when the curtain falls. To say nothing of her innate acting skills, having appeared in Disney’s Broadway Production of The Lion King as “Young Nala.”

Universal Republic Records took notice and hesitated not in signing her. The legend Stevie Wonder trusted his time-tested instincts and signed on as executive producer of her most recent project. And Ray Chew, the Saturday Night Live Band alum and American Idol musical director, saw enough to commit to being Dylan’s mentor.

The young woman is in good hands, dare I say.

A former Miss New York, Apollo Star of Tomorrow Award winner, and current spokesperson for TeenSationUSA, Collins is also a fashionista, designing both her own clothing and accessories. A force indeed. But a force is only as potent as its humility.

Says Dylan: “My parents have always made sure that I was always a part of our community. As a Junior Life member of the NAACP and Urban League Award Recipient, I have always given back and have volunteered for the Alzheimer’s Organization (my Grandpa Everett passed away from that awful disease), American Cancer Society (my Grandpa Clarence passed away from cancer) and worked closely with our local Domestic Violence shelter supporting women and their children.

“And I have always supported the plight of my Tribe, the Montaukett Indian Nation, as we have been working with the government to right the wrongs committed against my Tribe and I will be seeking to do more for Native Americans.”

Something’s happening in the realm of Pop music. A force is emerging. An ingénue is metamorphosing into a sophisticated siren. Her name?

Dylan Jenet Collins.

It’s my privilege to honor you, Dylan, as this Pamper-Her-Friday’s designated ‘Pamperee’ for your motivating influence and indelible contributions to music and visual arts. A life-enhancer you are.

Connect with Dylan at:https://www.facebook.com/dylan.j.collins.9. Download her free app from your Droid or iPhone App Store and visit her at:www.Reverbnation.com/dylanjenetcollins. And check out Dylan’s videography: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIMSVOlHd4U&list=UUYhyUY__9Bvc3d9ziczng8w&feature=share

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“I believe that by staying humble and working hard at what I love, there is nothing that is beyond my reach.” -Dylan Jenet Collins

© 2014 Pamper-Her-Friday by Rg2®

The alluring Ali Froid, actor/nourisher
photo credit: Tim Nummy Photography

“The Alluring Ali”

I might have sought the woman’s autograph and wouldn’t have been the least bit premature in my asking. But I thought to myself instead, ‘I wonder if she’s ever been pampered?’ The Rg2 way, of course.

She hadn’t.

Which is why Ali Froid, one of the most alluring and talented actors in the multi-media, multi-platform thespian space, is this Pamper-Her-Friday’s chosen Pamperee.

Whether film, television, commercial, or voice-over acting, Ali elevates the art while mesmerizing the camera with her versatile character-inhabiting chops. From heart-arresting drama to knee-slapping comedy, Ali inspires, entertains, and provokes viewers to want more. And the woman doesn’t disappoint. But Ali also nourishes . . .

. . . those in need. As co-founder of Wandering to Nourish Atlanta, Ali was determined to make a difference in the lives of homeless, hungry, and broken-spirited citizens in need of the everyday basics: Food, clothing, shoes, blankets, and hygiene products, “. . . and those intangible items needed most–hope and love,” says Ms. Froid. “I am all about TEAM, changing the world, helping others. I think if we all worked as a team and helped each other it would change the world.

“I’ll never stop helping others. I put others before myself and I strive to be a role model for anyone, especially young girls. Not many people know this about me but my passion is to help girls growing up (school aged) who don’t feel pretty, may feel fat, ugly, insecure, not popular, to find that confidence in themselves, to not feel like they have to be peer pressured to be ‘cool.'”

The Atlanta-based charity has caught fire since its March 2013 inception, expanding to several chapters across the country after their having posted a video of their experiences on facebook and inviting others to help.

Currently represented by The Jana VanDyke Agency, Ali has worked with actors from John Stamos, Ethan Hawke and Gabrielle Union to Jon Voight, Selena Gomez and Francia Rais, among a bevy of others. But no name-dropping needed here. The woman stands and holds her own by virtue of her tireless work ethic and inherent creative gifts.

Oh, and those eye-soothing looks certainly don’t hinder her cause either.

Ali, it’s my privilege to honor you as this Pamper-Her-Friday’s designated ‘Pamperee’ for your inspiring spirit and selfless generosity. A difference-maker you are.

Connect with Ali at: www.AliFroid.com;
Like her page and help support her work:www.Facebook.com/TheAliFroid;
Learn more about her charity: www.WtNAtlanta.com;
Ali’s agency rep: www.jvagency.com

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“My morals and priorities are to do what I love, act, and be who I love, giving.” –Ali Froid

© 2014 Pamper-Her-Friday by Rg2®

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Barack & Michelle: A Pampering Love Affair
photo © Pete Souza

Washington–12:02 p.m., Pamper-Her-Friday:

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“Pamperer-in-Chief”

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His father was a highly educated, respected African government official . . . who abandoned his son at a vulnerable age he needed him most.

Her father was a high school-educated pump operator at the city water plant in Chicago . . . who pampered not only her but his entire family by faithfully trudging to work daily–despite battling multiple sclerosis from a young man. He went on to raise two Princeton University graduates.

When he met her, he felt whole, like he belonged to something special, like he’d finally found that “thing” that had been missing, sorely absent from his life ever since toddlerhood.

She saw something valuable in him. He felt a lifeline in her–vowing to one day be the father he never had, the husband his mother deserved but was never given.

The presidency of the most powerful nation on earth, truth told, comes second to the presidency of the Obama household. Malia and Sasha can attest.

And through it all, romance still finds a way.

How do they do it?

Lady Michelle: “Pamper-Her-Friday. I feed Barack the writings, the meaning, the sentiment so that he’s reminded of our beginning, our journey, our forever.”

Mr. President: “Thanks a lot, Roy [a hint of presidential sarcasm in his voice; we both laugh]. You just had to go and start a romance revolution all over the country, the world for that matter.”

Rg2: “How about a new cabinet division, Mr. President: Secretary of Romance?”

(The room bursts in laughter.)

Mr. President: “Congratulations on your 200th Pamper-Her-Friday publication, Roy. Well done, my friend. We look forward to the next 200.”

Rg2: “Thank you, sir.”

Connect with the Obamas at: www.whitehouse.gov. And at: www.barackobama.com.

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When I grow up I wanna be Pamperer-in-Chief. -Rg2

© 2014 Pamper-Her-Friday by Rg2®

                           The striking Professor Phyllis C. Taite, a difference-maker                                     photo credit: Mr. Darren Gibbs

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“Unforgettable Phyllis”

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It’s a man’s world–Tax Policy
But it would be nothing without the likes of Professor Phyllis C. Taite,

If I want to take a winner to the Humanitarian’s Ball
Trust me, I’ve got in mind the ideal date:

She doesn’t take the room when she enters;
The room eagerly gives itself to her,

If you want to know the secret to her success
Take a listen, so you won’t have to infer:

“What drives my passion for tax policy? I can’t really break it down to a single source, but what began as a casual curiosity about tax in general evolved into a drive to shed a light on the inequities associated with our tax policies,” explains Phyllis, tenured tax law professor at Florida A & M University College of Law (FAMU) in Orlando, Florida.

“I focus my scholarly writings on how tax policies contribute to wealth and income equality because most people do not realize how tax breaks for the wealthy directly or indirectly impact them. In addition, I love to teach tax courses because I believe my passion is contagious. I use tax courses that law students, especially minority students, typically shy away from and make them accessible, hard charging, and fun.”

In addition to teaching courses including Estate and Gift Taxation, Estates and Trusts, Estate Planning, Federal Income Taxation, Partnership Taxation, and Property I and Property II, Phyllis also does tax consultancy work for the law firm Zimmerman, Kiser & Sutcliffe P.A., in Orlando.

Phyllis, it’s my privilege to honor you as this Pamper-Her-Friday’s designated ‘Pamperee’ for your life-enhancing spirit and admirable work toward educating tomorrow’s generations of tax professionals.

Connect with Professor Taite at: http://law.famu.edu/go.cfm/do/Page.View/pid/126/t/Phyllis-C-Taite-Smith-.html. Or http://www.facebook.com/phyllis.taite.88. And at http://www.linked.com/pub/phyllis-taite/14/393/308/

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Pamper the woman. Especially the Tax Professor. -Rg2

© 2014 Pamper-Her-Friday by Rg2®