1stClass issue twenty three interactive

issue twentythree c v h 1st Class 1st Class www.cvh1stclass.com group Exclusive Medi Em & Dustin Quick © Gary Verholtz

features Dustin Quick & Medi Em - page6 Aki Aleong - page10 Binx - The African Bee - page20 2

features Lee Petropoulos - page30 Robert Gifford - page34 Z & Saffire - page40 3

contents 06 Dustin Quick & Medi Em 09 Towards the Partnership of Trust 10 Legendary Actor Aki Aleong 14 Meeting Richard Sosa 18 The Gail Carson Songwriters Series 20 Binx - The African Bee 26 Kiki Wang 30 Lee Petropoulos 34 Robert Gifford Art 38 Marcello Dongu 39 The Rise of Eating Disorders 40 Z & Saffire - A Marraige Made In Entertainment 42 Ask Françoise 44 Straight From The Oven 46 Paul Goodwin 52 Mailbag 55 Ask PC Kevin 58 Angel Experiences WE ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY PHOTO’S OR ARTWORK WITH COPYRIGHTS THAT ARE SUPPLIED TO US BY INDIVIDUALS FOR THEIR FEATURES 4

EDITOR Letter from Christina Howard | +44 (0)7713 973640 [email protected] MARKETING/PRODUCTION/ The Editor DESIGN Christina Howard SOCIAL MEDIA Bob Alston EDITORS PA Stan Dwight Hello Everyone EDITORIAL SECRETARY Welcome to Issue 23 where we focus on dreams Sandra Boyce and aspirations and achievements, yet for many it CORRESPONDENTS seems so simple and for others the road of success Antonella A Commatteo is very difficult met with many obstacles. The Carole Gray & Cerdan A Smith best achievers are believe it or not the ones who Tammie Starr Jamaal Lewis previously failed and who never got anywhere Jody Du Priest in their desired careers. But they never gave up Gail Carson despite all the obstacles they encountered on their Nancy Fike personal journey, for they knew it is far better to Dr Gareth Presch fail trying then to fail wondering what if. Tommy Bull Hedi Elizabeth Hansen Stanley Goodrich Here we read about the ones who did succeed and Dr Nancy Fike they respectfully deserve their success and fame and long may it reign. They are the brave who COLUMNISTS inspire us while most of us don’t want fame or Kevin Maddox Dr Kailash Chand OBE success and all that goes with it. But what ever we PC Kevin McEvoy want let our own dreams be joyful in our daily life Dr Amir Hannan and this joyful wish be granted to you that may Francoise Pascal your own wishes no matter how small or how big Angela Brown come true and our greatest wish is that you may Dr Judith Barbara Rosenblum always have the love and happiness you deserve. MAGAZINE DESIGN, PRO- DUCTION & PHOTOGRAPHY Christina V Howard Bob Alston - RAPhotograhy Editor [email protected] Christina V Howard Profile - Journalist, Radio Correspondent, WEBSITE PR/Marketing, Events Organiser, Fashion Style Coach, Stephen Kimber | stevek100@yahoo. Theatre Producer, Former Textiles Lecturer, Fashion co.uk Catalogue Designer. Enjoys Science, Technology, Classic Cars, Singing, Cooking and Animals. Charity helper and a strong QUESTIONS, FEEDBACK Humanitarian. AND SUBMISSIONS [email protected] CVH 1st Class is a Not-for-Profit organisation Phone: +44 (0)7713 973640 Statement of Copyright: (As a family magazine we reserve the right not to print CVH 1st Class magazine is owned and unsuitable material) published electronically by CVH 1st Class Group. ©2015 all rights reserved. ON THE COVER: No part of this magazine may be Medi eM & Dustin Quick reproduced without the prior consent of CVH 1st Class Group. Requests for © Gary Verholtz permission should be directed to: [email protected] 5

Dustin Quick & Medi Em Exclusive by Anotonella A Commateo www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h © Bob Delgadillo CVH 1st Class media were honoured to attend Dustin Quick and Medi Em Heartbeat Music Video Premiere which took place at the W Hollywood in An International California, it was extra special for it was Supermodel Dustin’s birthday and filled Award-winning, with Celebrities. The Couples new song ‘Heartbeat ‘ is uplifting and romantically and California’s unforgettable Designer of the Year, Antonella is Dustin Quick is a multi talented Actress, Model and Dancer she is married to a native of Wales Medi Em and the good looking couple live in Los Angeles, California. She is from born fashionista, La Vista Nebraska. Dustin with her natural beauty and personality is captivating whose designs are she has that rare charisma only seen by the great Hollywood Movie Stars of uniquely inspired bygone days. and represented by life and its journey. Medi Em is the President at Rockwell, he studied Architecture at Arizona State University. He was born in Iran and was a popular musician from an early age showed great talent. Medi Em is known from his work on ‘Mini Movie’and ‘Rock Your Shakespeare (2016)’ and ‘Till Be Determined (2016)’ and ‘Vape Warz (2017)’. Renowned as a Flamenco Fusion Guitarist Composer and Director. 6

Here they tell us more about their music video. Q&A What do you think that song is about? Is there anything special about that song? When did you first become interested in music? “Medi: It’s an original song that we co-wrote, it’s from the heart and a flamingo feel with a house beat “Medi: Growing up as a kid I started listening to and inspired by our love.” Jimmy Hendrix.” “Dustin: Heartbeat is about the profound effect that we experienced on finally finding the right love. I “Dustin: The first music video I saw was Michael think true love challenges you to fulfil your potential. Jackson’s Billy Jean, and loved how it incorporated As it does in our case this is why I started dancing sound, dance and story into one art form.” to Medi’s music and I’m very grateful to celebrity designer, Sue Wong who has a genius artist curator How long have you been playing music? ear and eye, she had us open for her runway show. Medi encouraged me to write lyrics and sing, which “Medi: I started playing guitar at age nine. I went I did on this song–true love helped me discover my on to be a guitarist in a popular band where I was voice, both literary and literally.” the only one under-age in college I formed a band that performed at the Dallas Cowboys World You dance magnificently in it. Championship Party along with Reba McIntire. Later I became a DJ at Hollywood venues like Avalon, “Dustin: I did a fusion of different dances a little bit and then I composed, produced and performed a of Belly Dance quality a little bit of Hip Shaky, Ballet flamenco world-fusion album titled, Semillas.” and Flamenco. I was inspired by love to bring out my emotion and expressive love for each other.” What are your musical icons/influences? When did your lucky break come? “Medi: The late flamenco legend, Paco De Lucia, and jazz icons such as John Coltrane, Bill Evans, to rock/ “Dustin: With more competition than I was aware pop stars such as Pink Floyd and David Bowie, in of at the time for the role, I was cast as the only actor addition to classical composers like Bach.” in Slash’s music video, You’re a Lie. We shot it at Universal Studios and it has over 4 million views. “Dustin: After Thriller, my Michael Jackson love Between Slash, Rob Zombie, and now Medi Em–I parlayed into Ice-T, Dr. Dre, Led Zeppelin, Rage can say my boss’s rock.” Against the Machine, Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong and Sinatra. I also love soundtracks ranging from Who inspires you today? Alfonso Cuaron directed, Great Expectations to those for films directed by Baz Lurhmann or Quentin Dustin: Medi does, okay, other than him music Tarantino, and Medi’s flamenco album Semillas wise, 21 Pilot’s song made for Suicide Squad really which is very conducive for storytelling, just made moves me When Medi and I started dating, we were it’s soundtrack debut where it is lusciously perfect for feeling Lourde’s hits, and marvelled at Adel. Medi is an incredible film that I co-stared in, The Party by an excellent hunter be it of a forgotten 80’s song to an Rebecca Scott, which has just been accepted into its unknown artist today, so he is the resident DJ of our first film festival.” house.” Tell us about your acting and modelling. What are some of the things it takes to succeed in your Industry? “Dustin: I acted in film Rob Zombie’s, Lords of Salem, Cannes Film Festival nominated, The Usual “Dustin: Heart, original talent, discipline, and whole (2014) and Bound to Vengeance picked up by the lot of practice.” Independent Film Channel at Sundance), TV NCIS, Blood Relatives, The WB, Comedy Central, and Where did you get your fashion styling from for I am very grateful to model for some of the best your video? designers in the world. Most recently I walked at Madison Square Garden for Commatteo during “Dustin: I have an appreciation of fashion that goes New York Fashion Week, am returning to NYFW for far and deep Medi kindly teases me that I’ have set David Tupaz in September, and this month was the up my closet like a boutique, not to mention friends finale model for Isla Aditi at LA Swim Week held at who happen to be brilliant artists, so we joyfully did the Skirball Cultural Centre.” all the styling.” 7

What impact do you think fashion combined with winning producers who said great things about the music has on today’s culture? video, to top designers and models, to film and TV celebrities, it was a magical night, but it was so busy “Dustin: Fashion and music have always dated, and that we did not get a chance to even say hello to it’s a spectacular way to collaborate the visual with everyone that showed up for us.” aural in the expression of a feeling that Medi and I utilize fashion to help communicate the story in our You had an incredible amount of support; do you videos.” have anything to say to your friends and fans? In music, what would you like to see more of? “Dustin: Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” “Dustin: Less ego, more soul.” “Medi: We really appreciate you attending the premiere and celebrating with us. If we were able to What do you feel you bring to the Industry that’s find love in LA, there’s hope for everyone looking for unique? the right one.” “Dustin: Beyond being a husband and wife duo, Watch YouTube we’re two rebels with a cause. We believe in love, Medi Em - Heartbeat Dustin Quick beauty, art, cheer for the underdog, and work diligently but also know how to dance and have a CVH1st Class wish these Beautiful Soul Mates every good time.” continued success. What are the plans for the future? 1st Class Magazine www.cvh1stclass.com c v h “Medi: I have composed many songs that have not been released yet. Gradually I would like to release all my material, especially with Dustin’s collaboration.” “Dustin: I have a TV Show coming out called Blood Relatives and it will be on the Investigative Discovery Channel and starting another film underwater.” Do you have any advice for someone who is looking to start in the music world? “Medi; Jazz great, Wynton Marsalis said that every musician needs a shedding period, a period when you figuratively lock yourself up in a shed and practice days on end for years!” The video showing was well received. Is there anything you would have done to change the night? “Dustin: it was such © Gary Verholtz an incredible turnout, between the Oscar 8

Towards the Partnership of Trust by Dr Amir Hannan The clinician is an expert is from around the world. I can Patients trust their doctors more than anybody book you directly into hospital else in society. Why? Because in your moment appointments with the specialist of need, when your bodily function is not by searching through a variety of working as it should or something troubles different hospitals or allow you to you, you go and visit your doctor to find out do so later. more. You expect your doctor to be highly trained, to have excellent communication The Partnership of Trust skills and the ability to take a good history, Patients trust the doctor to offer examination, come up with a “differential the best medicine can offer today. diagnosis” (what may be the problem) and a Increasingly we are becoming plan of action with different investigations and part of a clinical team of doctors, treatments. nurses, pharmacists and others too. However we as clinicians also The patient/carer is an expert too need to trust our patients to tell us The patient is an expert too! That sounds as much about yourselves as you strange, doesn’t it? How can that be? Why? can. Traditionally the computer Simple, because as a patient you have your system was produced for the own knowledge and experience of your own clinicians and staff. Imagine if we bodily function, what is troubling you, what turn the computer screen around you have tried, where you have been, what so that as a patient or carer (with has worked and not worked, your likes, your appropriate consent), you see the dislikes, what you are prepared to do, what same information responsibly ideas, concerns and expectations you have. as the clinician does too? This It is not just about you either. You also have enhances your understanding knowledge about your family, your carers if of your own healthcare needs you have any and your home life and work life because you now know what is too. going on. You don’t have to try to remember everything because Dr Amir The computer system has its own expertise you can read it just as easily as Hannan is a Here in the UK and in many other parts of the your clinician. If you can also full-time General world too, I have an electronic health record see trusted websites as well that that I use. When I type a patient’s name into can help you to know how care is Practitioner (Family medicine) the computer such as yours, up comes your organised locally to you and what in the UK. You can “problems” list highlighting what conditions the best evidence is for managing you may have, what medications you are certain problems then even better. see his practice- based web portal on, your allergies, previous consultations When the patient and the clinician www.htmc.co.uk you have had with me and also with my can access the same or similar colleagues – other doctors, nurses and now information from the computer Chairman of the Association even a pharmacist that we have employed. system, we move towards the Partnership of Trust. There are blood tests and results of scans and of Greater Manchester other investigations too. There are letters from Local Medical other specialists and hospitals you may have In the next article, I will talk about Committees and visited. The computer system helps the doctor what #empowerlution is all about. to know key information about the patient. If I the Chairman am not sure about how to manage a problem, of the World Health Innovation I may go to trusted websites eg Clinical Knowledge Summaries (here in the UK) that Summit. You can can help to understand how to manage a follow him on condition better and what the best evidence Twitter @amirhannan 9

Legendary Actor Aki Aleong by Stanley Goodrich Exclusive Aki Aleong entered the world on December 19, 1934, in Port of Spain, Trinidad. “International Citizen of the World,” has to be the best descriptive of Aki. His father, Henry Leong (Aleong), was a cook from Hong Kong, while his mother, Agnes Vera Gonsalves, hailed from St. Vincent, British West Indies. Originally, Aki was called “Ahsing Aleong” by his father, and Leonard Gonzales by his mother. As a youth, Aki attended Progressive Education Institute in Trinidad. However, after moving to Brooklyn, New York, with his mother in 1949, Aki graduated from Boys’ High School; In1951 he started taking classes at Brooklyn College while working in a hardware store. Aki’s distinguished career has spanned more than 60 years as an actor, singer, writer, producer, and activist. However, when one mentions martial arts and action film stars, the name “Aki” typically follows. Although he is a heroic rights activist in real life, Aki has often played villains. In “Braddock: Missing in Action III” (1988), Chuck Norris is Braddock, whose wife and son are captured by soldiers of the sadistic Vietnamese General Quoc, played by, you guessed it, Aki. Quoc kills Braddock’s wife on the spot, and tortures Braddock and his son until he meets his own death at the end of the film. In Chuck Norris’ “Walker, Texas Ranger,” Aki plays Yoshi Sakaii, a Stanley Goodrich powerful member of the Yakuza in the episode titled, “A Shadow in the Night” (1993). lives in Laguna, Niguel, California. Aki stars as the trainer Khao in “The Quest,” (1996,) working with illustrious co-stars Public Relations Jean-Claude Van Damme and Roger Moore. In the film, Van Damme competes in the Manager | fabled Ghang-gheng, the ancient winner-take-all competition in which the deadliest SYSPRO - United fighters from around the world employ the most spectacular feats of martial arts States. One of the to win the prized Golden Dragon. Aki again stars with Van Damme in the action- first to introduce packed “Pound of Flesh” (2015), which is now available on Amazon. software producers to introduce Aki plays Kwai Chang in The First Temple episode of “Kung Fu: The Legend Enterprise Continues,” which stars David Carradine and features Sandra Oh. He and Bruce Lee Resource Planning were finalists for the role of Kato in the 1967 series, “The Green Hornet,” with the role software. As well finally going to Lee. However, Aki did go on to play Principal Elder in “Dragon: The as Co- host of ‘Eye Bruce Lee Story” (1993.) He also stars with “Don the Dragon Wilson” in the martial On Entertainment’ arts films “Out for Blood” (1992) and “X-treme Fighter” (1980). TV, shown on the Time Warner Aki’s numerous memorable roles include Senator Hidoshi in the first season of Channel. “Babylon 5;” Mr. Chiang in the weekly series of “V: The Series;” the Dalai Lama in “Superhero Movie” (2008); and the character of Colonel Mitamura in “Farewell to the King” with Nick Nolte. Aki made his Broadway debut with a starring role in “Teahouse of the August Moon.” All in all, Aki went on to star in more than 50 movies and 150 television shows. He has worked with Academy Award-winners Frank Sinatra Jr., Marlon Brando, Faye Dunaway, Joanne Woodward, Steve McQueen, Ben Kingsley, John Mills, Ernest Borgnine, Jennifer Connelly and Martin Landau. Aki has worked with directors William Wyler {3 time Oscar winner}, John Sturges and Martin Ritt. Aki’s career also includes working with prominent writer/directors, including John Milius, Lionel Chetwynd, Philip Yordan, Mark Rydell and Nobel Peace 10

© Sheri Determan www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h Cerdan, Carole & Beau 11

www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h © Sheri Determan Conchita & Aki www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h © Sheri Determan 12 Aki & Conchita

Prize Winner Pearl S. Buck. There is no pause in Aki’s skyrocketing career. Today, Aki is the President and CEO of Mustard Seed Aki also boasts extensive experience as a record Media Group (http://www.mustardseedmediagroup) executive producer/artist. He was Chairman of and the Senior Advisor to Ace Studios in Hong Kong. FORE (Fraternity of Recording Executives), an organization dedicated to bringing Executives of Filmmaker Dustin Ferguson announced in July 2017 Color into the Music Industry. His other affiliations that Aki will produce and star in “Nemesis 5: The include President of Pan World Records and Golden New Model.” Aki will be playing the leader of the Dragon Publishing companies. He was the National Red Army Hammerheads and Dawna Lee Heising Director of Black Promotion for Polydor/Polygram will be playing the Evil Assassin protector of Aki – Records and also worked with Liberty/UA Records and also his daughter. and Capitol Records. He has also produced records for Columbia Records, Capitol, Liberty/UA, Artista Legendary filmmaker Albert Pyun has co-written, and other prominent labels. Aki is the first Asian produced and directed four Nemesis films. The American to have a Top 100 record, which he wrote original Nemesis was filmed in 1992. The film is and co-produced, on the National Charts in the USA. an international classic with a huge following and starred Olivier Gruner, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Brion Aki has served on the National Board of the James, Deborah Shelton and Tim Thomerson.[ Screen Actors Guild; appointed National Chair of SAG’S EEOC and was a member of the President’s Pyun followed up with “Nemesis 2: Nebula”; Diversity/Affirmative Action Task Force. He has also “Nemesis 3: Time Lapse”; “Nemesis 4: Death Angel.” been Executive Director of AIM (Asians in Media), The above films all starred actress and bodybuilder Vice President of The Media Coalition of Los Sue Price. “Nemesis 5: The New Model” will be the Angeles and President of MANAA (Media Action final Nemesis film and will again star Price as the Network for Asian-Americans). mother of the New Model Schuylar Craig. “Nemesis 5: The New Model” is written by Mike Reeb and will Among Aki’s numerous awards is an Honorary be directed by Dustin Ferguson. It will be executive Doctorate from New Dimensions University in produced by Albert Pyun and produced by Aki 2013. On May 20, 2017; Aki was inducted into the Aleong, Jason Bracht, John R. Walker, Zach Muhs prestigious USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame at their and Mark Popejoy. gala in Fullerton, CA. The USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame was founded by Grandmaster Jim Thomas, Ph.D./D.Sc./Ma.Dsc, in 1976. Aki also received the Living Legend Award at the 2016 Universal CVH 1st Class respectively wish Aki Aleong every Multicultural Film Festival, founded by Ling Tang. continued success 13

Meeting Richard Sosa by Jody Du Priest It is my great pleasure to introduce you to one of Florida’s great Actor’s and a Producer, Richard Sosa. We arranged to meet at the grand elegant Riverside Hotel of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and we bumped into the very beautiful Model and actress Martha Escobar. Richard has for two decades of theatre experience as an actor under his belt. He then spent another seven years studying Film/Television technique at the University Centre for the Performing Arts & The Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre. It was indeed a privilege to chat with him. I have discovered as well as being a highly professional skilled gentleman he has a down to earth, jolly personality. Richard was born in New York City, since the age of 5 years old he knew he wanted to be an actor. He is familiar with various acting methods, which he uses in his acting technique and in the teen and adult classes he has taught at the various locations in Broward County and has taught acting workshops in several cities throughout Florida as well as New York and Puerto Rico. Richard has taught alongside such actors as Adrian R’Mante, Jullian Murray, Tyler Steelman, Jonathan Goldstein, Matt Timmons and many others. He has taught the Monologue workshop for The Hollywood Across America event in Ft Lauderdale and has been a speaker at a convention for filmmakers. He enjoys working on both Jody is a renowned sides of the camera. He has been sought out as a Set Coach and a consultant for Hairstylist several independent Films and TV projects that are shooting in South Florida and is and Make Up currently Co- Producing a 10 Episode Comedic web series. Richard is very involved Artists from in the local film community; he has been interviewed on both television and radio Fort Lauderdale, for his work as an advocate for the film industry in South Florida. Florida. He is a Celebrity Stylist Martha Escobar and one of the greatest, unique, Very proud to introduce the lovely talented Martha Escobar Actress and Model, she and creative artists is the President at GMIIII Accounting Services Inc. and was educated in Everest of our time. He is University. Her beauty and brains are a great combination that shines out. highly respected by many of the Martha is a real lady and a strong humanitarian, her caring nature always helps International others, and her sweet personality is endearing. An event organiser, she is multi Producers & tasked. Directors. What makes Jody As a Dancer she enjoys samba, salsa, bachata, hip pop and won a salsa contest first special, besides place. Her hobbies are sports and other activities she likes are bowling, running, his extraordinary long-boarding, tennis, volleyball, soccer, shoot gun and rifle. All her many talents skills, is his help make her the good actress and I can just see her acting in Westerns and Sci-Fi warm infectious Movies as well as TV Dramas as her skills and professionalism speaks volumes. personality and his high regard Costa Rica native descendant, Italian - Chinese. She is proud to be from Costa Rica for all who work she loves her country it is little but big in heart. She loves working in Florida and is professionally on a happy wherever she is and extremely an advocate of new films and documentaries shoot with him. made about real people and says there is so much talent in the film industry as everyone works so hard she is delighted to be an actress and a fashion model. 14

www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h © Rob Hahn 15

Heiko Dobrikow Special thanks to The Riverside Hotel of for our photo-shoot, especially to Heiko Dobrikow General Manager. He is a seasoned Hotelier for over 30 years and Business with Extensive experience in all area of property management I am also a Board member of The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of commerce, born in Germany he came to the States at 17 years old he went to The University of Kansas and fell in love with the Hospitality Industry during his College years. His great personality and business brain has made this one of the best hotels in Florida. Eye-catching Old Florida design elements accent this hotel with oyster bar and pool and sun deck overlooks the river The History Of The Riverside Hotel Originally founded by two brothers from Chicago named John and Preston Wells from an affluent English Countryside family. The brothers have enjoyed travelling in Europe and it influenced their designs of the building. It opened in 1936 then it was called The Champ Carr Hotel. The brothers fell in love with las Olas Boulevard for the great fishing opportunities. They saw a need for high quality accommodation and named the hotel after their manager. When he later stepped down they re- named it The Riverside Hotel that has an extraordinary spectacular exterior and interior. Today The quaint old charm lives on today in new owners, new ideas but the legacy of a magnificent luxury yet welcoming hotel lives on. As the international travellers step in to the splendour its 1930s Mediterranean style with a hint of Caribbean style it majestically stands out. It has the finest chiefs and friendly staff and is Pet Friendly. CVH 1st Class thanks The Riverside Hotel for their hospitality. They are pet friendly and ideal for families. www.riversidehotel.com www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h © Rob Hahn 16

www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h © Rob Hahn © Rob Hahn 17

The Gail Carson Songwriters Series Exclusive 1st Class Magazine www.cvh1stclass.com v c h Mike Worrall is a Florida Singer/Songwriter who I have had the pleasure of hearing many times on stages at various Florida Venues. He has really impressed me with his song writing, and musicianship. He is also a really Gail Carson is a genuinely nice guy. I am so happy to be sharing his thoughts and music singer songwriter, with you today. Welcome Mike! producer, photographer, videographer/ Q&A editor,radio show host, graphic artist, and Who was a big influence on your musical style? computer guru. She currently “No doubt my earliest influences were the Beatles and Bob Dylan. They got me works for Bright interested in playing guitar and thinking about writing songs. Jerry Jeff Walker and Frontier Films Guy Clark were important song-writing influences, as well as other acoustic oriented as an Executive writers like John Gorka, Nancy Griffith, & Darrell Scott.” Producer’s Assistant. She lives What song of yours is the one song that is most popular, and why do you think in sunny Florida. people love it so much? www.gailcarson.com “I have a tune, “Back When We Were Young”, that conjures poignant images of an early, intense love that, despite devotion, just didn’t work out. It’s a song that both men and women seem to really relate to. How many of us don’t, on occasion, wonder how that lost love from long ago is doing.” Do you structure your songs the same, or are they all different? Do you use bridges? 18

The Gail Carson Songwriters Series “In many ways I think songs structure themselves. Give me a few sentences about your philosophy on Genre certainly plays a part. I’m big on bridges. They song writing. Be profound. allow you to change the mood or focus, add lyrical or musical texture. I grew up on The Beatles...who “I like to paint pictures; allow the listener to close wrote better bridges than Lennon/McCartney?” their eyes and see what I’m seeing. I try to be tactile. I want to describe situations that people can relate What is your most recent song, and can you tell us to and I try to use language and rhyme schemes that how that song came about? pique interest and draw the listener in.” “It’s hard to be a folkie in Florida and not write a Florida tune. I recently finished a song, ‘That’s CVH 1st Class wish Mike Worrall every continued Florida To Me’, that describes some of the natural success wonders of the Sunshine State, and reinforces the idea that protecting our environment is a task we’re all responsible for.” 1st Class Magazine www.cvh1stclass.com c v h How do songs come to you? “I firmly believe we channel songs. While a key strategy for becoming a better writer is to write all the time, no matter the outcome, I find that very difficult. Most of my best songs I’ve been able to pull from the ether. I’m really not good at being given a subject to write about and then producing a song. I greatly admire those who are able to do that.” Here are some links to some of Mike Worrall’s songs: Old Fat Guys www.reverbnation.com/mikeworrall/song/24160309-old-fat-guys That’s Florida To Me www.reverbnation.com/mikeworrall/song/27427384-thats-florida-to-me Back When We Were Young 19

Binx - The African Bee by Antonella Commatteo www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h © Peter Park Exclusive An International Award-winning, and California’s Binx is a remarkable talented Pop Singer born in Africa and taking Designer of the the music industry by storm and her worldwide audience love her. Her Year, Antonella is trademark is the African Bee and not only has she got great inner and outer a native of Wales beauty but she has one great voice and she genuinely cares about her fans. born fashionista, whose designs are Here Binx takes time out from her busy schedule to chat to us. uniquely inspired and represented by life and its journey. Q&A When did you know you wanted to be a singer? “I remember seeing Britney Spears’s music video for ‘Hit me baby one more time’ when I was about 6 years old, I knew from that moment on I wanted to do exactly what she was doing. I started writing music at age 7 and I began guitar and vocal lessons at age 10. I broke up with my boyfriend when I was 13 years old because I told him I needed to move to America to be a Pop Star. I have always been very career-oriented.”

© Peter Park www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h © Peter Park

www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h © Nicole Mago When as a child did you first start singing? What are some of the things it takes to succeed in your Industry? “When I was two years old. The first song I ever sang was ‘Ruby Tuesday’ by The Rolling Stones. I enrolled “Being thick-skinned, having persistence and in every school musical and any singing competition ambition and it’s all about timing. Social media is a I could find since then.” massive aspect in any industry these days, so setting aside time to work on that is a must as there is an When did your lucky break come? influx of new music and new artists everyday. Find something that separates you from the rest of the “I don’t think I’ve only had one lucky break. My pack. Think of things that make you unique and life has been a series of lucky events and people build on that!.” who have believed in me which have all equally been fruitful to where I am today! The first time What are your hobbies? something really big happened was when some producers from Los Angeles contacted me when “I love anything creative or anything I can do with I was in high school in South Africa and asked to my hands! Writing music, painting, designing produce me. At that same time, a radio station from clothes, runway modeling, writing, fitness and the US was requesting to play my song on the radio throwing themed parties!” so my dad and I saved up and we flew to Los Angeles to pursue my dreams!.” Where did you get your fashion styling from for your videos? Who inspires you today? “I styled all of my videos. Alexander McQueen “My family, The Rolling Stones, Lana Del Rey, is a big inspiration. I grew up with a theatrical Halsey, Britney Spears and David Bowie. Things background and aspire for Avant-Garde looks. All of that inspire me: Relationships, Africa, exploration of the outfits are symbolic to a story/hidden message I oneself, existentialism and space.” am trying to convey.”

Do you have a Designer that helps with your look? Do you have any advice for someone who is looking to start in the music world? “I design my own outfits but yes I have someone who helps to make them. I have one designer in particular “Practice everyday and use the 10 000 hour rule, whom I use quite frequently but I love using many spend time on your social media and book as many different designers!” shows to perfect your live performance. Lastly, persistence is key. Just because it is a no for now, What impact do you think fashion combined with doesn’t mean it’s a no forever. If a door closes, find a music has on today’s culture? way to climb through the window!” “It has a massive impact. We are creatures of comfort and everyone loves music. We are so focused on imagery and influenced by media. We aspire to be like or to look like other people whether they are celebrities or not and when our favourite musicians are sporting something new or different, we want to mimic them!” In music, what would you like to see more of? “I always just like to see things that haven’t been done before and indie artists taking the reigns on today’s industry.” What do you feel you bring to the Industry that’s unique? “My South African roots. I love incorporating Keep up with the BINX BUZZ: traditional sounds in my music and traditional www.binxofficial.com attire in my fashions. I also speak and sing in three different languages; English, Afrikaans and Xhosa. I Instagram.com/binxofficial also bring poetic storytelling lyrics to pop music and Twitter.com/binxofficial my theatrical alter ego, ‘The African Bee’.” Facebook.com/binxofficial www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h © Nicole Mago

www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h 24

© Oleg Ti 25

Kiki Wang Exclusive by Tammie Starr KikI Wang is an International © Jessie Aguayo Fashion Designer/ Entrepreneur of Global Business Corporation. She was born in Northern China where she grew up with her family. Kiki’s father was a military officer and the family moved many places on the Silk Road, which was famous, they started from east of China, Qinghai province, and then moved to Beijing. When Kiki was five years old she 1st Class Magazine www.cvh1stclass.com c h lost her mother. Kiki knew she v had to grow up faster than other children, soon it was a challenge to be more responsible in her choices in her life growing up,she dealt with her mother’s tragedy by working harder and finding within her a discipline that would replace the void in her life. It was this experience that shaped her personality that came from her beautiful mother inside her heart. Kiki was six years old her passion she found was art. She loved to draw so much and sketch everyday. Happily playing with her baby doll she loved it and started sewing her first set of clothes, while at School her classmates would see her amazing sketches. They would want to collect First CVH Curvy her sketches and her illustrations to her delight. Ambassador; Corespondent; Professional Inspired by the Old Chinese Traditional Women how they dressed with Model; Singer; such Elegance and class of Fashion. They were like Chinese Cultural Art Starr Productions; She also loved dancing and to perform for different events in the US ShiningGraceHost! and in China. Kiki loves also to sing she won singing contests. Another Curvy Wonder passion she loved was also a writer. She says, “In my eyes life is so Woman with many beautiful, so full of opportunities.” talents! Positive Role Model for the Educated at Ranman University Collage. This University was the top in Women in the China. Kiki was studying finance she believed the best education would world! give her the best opportunity. Then she enrolled into another college to start fashion classes to pursue her dreams. SHINE Haute Couture Kiki always knew was born to shine, as her passion was truly Fashion inside her heart. She was given compliments for her style everywhere she went to China, USA and other countries too. She knew her dreams were to be an International Designer, she can. create thirty different designs in 26

© Jessie Aguayo www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h Photo - Tammie Starr and KikI Wang 27

© Jessie Aguayo www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h 28 Photo - Tammie Starr and KikI Wang

one hour her creative thinking sketching her Fashion art designs come alive. Her favourite all time designer she really admires Coco Chanel. She started a revolution for Women’s clothing that are Classy and Elegant to make a woman feel beautiful. Kiki has gone on to design gowns for Movie Stars, Singers, News Anchors, Supermodels, Successful Business Women, and Entrepreneurs.Her beautiful gowns have graced the red carpets with major industry events in the US and a broad. Her designs are such that they transcend Hollywood. They are available to those who have confidence to be a celebrity whether in the spotlight or in the ordinary lives. Currently she is now working on her next step the Red Collection on her Fashion line. Bringing bold the Chinese traditional colour to life, edgy with a twist of sexy and to stand out with elegance and class. Kiki feels that everyone deserves to look and feel beautiful and she loves to help them get there. Her motto is everything is possible if you believe in yourself and get ready to Shine. Kiki says ‘Tammie inspired me so much that I named my collection Shine’ I’m the first ever Curvy American Spokes model for China and I believe all women, regardless of size, are beautiful. www.kikiwangfashion.com CVH 1st Class wish Kiki Wang every continued success with her magnificent designs. 29

Lee Petropoulos ….. Living his ‘Purposed life’ with meaning and substance! by Nancy Fike At times we may ask our self; who am I, what do I want to do with my life or even, am I doing what I’m supposed to be doing? For Lee Petropoulos, these questions are already answered because he knows exactly who he is, what he wants for his life and where he’s going by walking in his destiny. Although very young in age, age is just a number. His mind, heart, and his soul are focused on his purposed life and because of this; he is able to live his life knowing his destiny awaits him. Lee Petropoulos is a much-grounded guy. He doesn’t let the world of Hollywood in acting or his looks in modelling take him out of the zone he is working in. Lee stays focused because he knows his work he does is created for something larger than himself. Lee tells me in his own words what he wants people to know about him. “I developed a huge passion for Sports throughout my life and it was my dream to become a professional athlete. I’ve played Football, Soccer, Basketball, and Baseball from ages 4-18. While playing sports, I always enjoyed having teammates that I could bond with and share my passion with. This kind of camaraderie has given me the foundation to work well with others and to be able to ride out the good and bad that may come my way. Sports mentally have kept me driven to have a winning mindset. It has helped me understand that there is truly no ‘I’ in team and that hard work mentally and physically will always keep you in a good place. Another passion of mine I know I have purpose for is working and helping Youth. There are so many kids that need a break knowing people care about them. We Nancy Fike is a have too many youth especially young boys who have no father in the home and true humanitarian, this affects them in a lot of ways. I want to have a paradigm change with young kids devoted to Inner that are going through hard times. My hope for them is that they are given the right City Youth and tools in their life to fulfill their purpose to succeed! I have two loving parents who organizations have always supported all I do, and so even though I didn’t experience the lack of helping Americas parenting in the home, I see the disconnection it could leave with youth with lack Youth from of support and this is where we need to fill their hearts and minds back up where being bullied they may feel empty. I want to be the foundational encourager in their lives to and fighting have an “I can” attitude to all they choose to do in their lives. Once they find their hunger. She likes passions and their direction in life, their foundation starts to grow and their belief motorcycles and that they can succeed will continue to develop into becoming a model citizen in speedway tracks society throughout their lifetime. while dedicated to family. This is my hope and this is why I continue to make sure I plant good seeds so their roots become amazing role models and figures of this world we live in! My actions I’ve done in my lifetime thus far did not always lead me in the right paths. I’ve made mistakes that made me who I am today. Failures make us re-route our destiny too. We have to let our Youth know it’s okay to fail it’s how you react and keep on moving on and realize failure can make you stronger. I too continue to learn this in my daily actions. I’ve learned more from my failures and still today fail, but again my will to learn and carry on in my purpose continues to move me in the right direction. Education is also very important for all youth. Moulding their minds to achieve excellence in their education is golden. I want to be a part of their success in education. This is why I went to school for physical education in Early Childhood. If given the chance to change the world, I would use my platform to spread love, 30

Lee Petropoulos ….. Living his ‘Purposed life’ with meaning and substance! by Nancy Fike forgiveness and encouragement, to all I come in contact with. I also do my best to not live in fear, because fear can hinder you to being your personal best and keep you from your purpose. We all have greatness in us, but how much are we willing to work on staying great without fear keeping us down. To me it’s very easy, when fear tries to take over, I tell myself, “no way- fear be gone” that easy; it is gone from my spirit Giving real life stories of mine and letting people know that anything is possible when you have a spiritual foundation will help accomplish anything I put my mind to along with hard work and a clear vision. Also, looking at the bigger picture and not getting distracted by worldly things and worldly acts helps a lot. There are things in life I never compromise in, one of those things is spreading kindness to everyone because you never know how hard it was for that person to get out of bed in the morning for the day to bring people up © Jamaal Lewis www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h 31

www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h © Jamaal Lewis not down. My favourite thing I like to do is to bring laughter to someone and making them laugh as laughter can make the world go around! I want to leave the reader knowing this about this fantastic young man. Having a great career in Hollywood with acting and modelling is not the legacy Lee wants the world to know about him, but rather knowing he is just like any other person out there wanting to make a difference in human kindness by helping those in need he comes in contact with. Seeing Lee’s work as an Actor, model and a living out his purpose for himself and all the youth he will touch within his lifetime is a testament that ‘GOOD GUYS CAN FINISH FIRST!’ I asked Lee if he had any final words he wanted to leave the readers with, he said, “If I could tell our youth something to think about, it would be…… you don’t always have to go where you will be the best, but go where you will grow in your life the most.” 32

© Jamaal Lewis 1st Class Magazine www.cvh1stclass.com v h c 33

Robert Gifford Art Exclusive when I began to take it more series and not just as a by Christina V Howard hobby. I have designed movie posters, DVD sleeves and have done works of many well known people like Brinke Stevens, Janet Gardner from the band VIXEN, Glori Gold, Kathy Derry world known fitness pro and model and many more. Here are 2 more links to my Instagram page for my artworks and my Model Mayhem page for my works.” www.modelmayhem.com/rngworks www.instagram.com/rngworks Robert Gifford Q&A I hear your also a body-builder. “Yes. I hold a first-degree black belt in Ju-Jutsu.” Robert, tell us about your work? Who is your favourite singer and band? “I pretty much specialize in doing works of mainly women, showing the power and beauty of the female “I grew up on Rock and Metal, which I love, but form. I have been a professional filmmaker since the answer may surprise you, because my favourite 2007 when I started up my little film company. Here singer of all time is Sarah Brightman.” is the link to my IMDb page which gives most of my credits over the years.” What brings you joy? www.imdb.com/name/nm3041620/ “Creating new art, but in daily life the greatest joy is a certain little princess has stolen my heart. I have to When did you first get started? be the proudest great uncles ever. I will share my love “I have been doing my art professionally since 2013 www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h 34 Katie Adamo WITCHING HOUR

of the Arts with my new great niece as she grows. I want to take her to the theatre to see classic and new plays and concerts of all different expressions of music, classical, rock, jazz and read books to her. I hope to share all the expressions of the Arts with this new little gift from Heaven, Lilly Rose Gifford.” www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h Katie Adamo WONDER WOMAN www.cvh1stclass.com c v h 1st Class Magazine 35 Pamela Kay VALKYRIE

www.cvh1stclass.com c v h 1st Class Magazine 36 Dawna Lee Heising QUEEN OF THE SEVEN SEAS

Dawna Lee Heising CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h Robert Gifford is a unique artist and he lives in New York and CVH 1st Class wish him every success. He brings a unique artistry to audiences around the world. 37

Marcello Dongu My name is Marcello Dongu, I’m 31 and I’m from Sardinia, Italy, and I’ve been living in the UK for about three and a half years. I work as waiter in San Rocco Restaurant in Ashton-Under-Lyne, Manchester. This Italian restaurant is very friendly and run by good people and the best chefs’. I like the British way of life and proud to be here. . The thing I like the most is singing and I have been singing since I was a child. I like listening different types of music: Italian, American and English. My favourite artists are Elisa (she is my favourite Italian singer), Celine Dion, Bryan Adams, Josh Groban, Shania Twain, Pink and Adele. Their unique voices say it all. Since I was a child, my parents used to teach me how to play a classic guitar and that’s when I started to write a few songs, listening to www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine Bryan Adams, Tracy Chapman, Celine Dion, Bon c v h Jovi, Elton John, Shania Twain and some Italian artists. I have to thank all my close family and all my Marcello Dongu friends who always support me, when people like my voice say words, which encourage me to keep singing and dreaming. When I used to live in Italy I sang a lot, doing gigs and winning awards for local competitions. I know that to become a professional singer is a very big dream, but when I close my eyes and sing I feel so good and happy that I couldn’t imagine my life without singing. Photographs © Renato Cossu 1st Class Magazine www.cvh1stclass.com v c h 38 Marcello Dongu

The Rise of Eating Disorders by Dr. Kailash Chand OBE Eating disorders can affect anyone from any background. While the media portrays women as suffering from eating disorders, they are common in men as well. In the developed world binge eating disorder affects about 1.6% of women and 0.8% of men in a given year. In Britain the NHS has revealed that the number of teenagers being admitted to hospital with eating disorders has nearly doubled in just three years. The Royal College of Psychiatrists has laid the blame for this unprecedented rise firmly at the door of social media. An eating disorder is defined, as any abnormal eating that is detrimental to the body. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are two of the best-known eating disorders. Over 725,000 people in the UK are affected by eating disorders. Approximately 10-15% of people with eating disorders are estimated to be male so it is important that we are able to support males as well as females with the same evidence based treatments delivered through specialist teams and services that are available within the NHS. We know that presentations of males with eating disorders has risen in recent years which could be a sign that awareness is increasing and males are beginning to seek help. However, we have a long way to go as a whole system in making this easier for males. Mental illness is something that males do generally find harder to talk about and to seek help for, often due to societal and cultural views of males and this can be particularly challenging in Asian communities where there is still so much stigma around mental illness. Because of the severity and complexities of these conditions, a comprehensive and professional treatment team specializing in eating disorders is often fundamental in establishing healing and recovery. Treatment of eating disorders is very important, as prolonged suffering can cause a myriad of symptoms. They can include weight loss, weight gain, nutritional deficiencies, and death. It is usually very difficult for Dr Kailash Chand people with eating disorders to get better on their own. It is important that you find OBE was a GP professional help and support as soon as possible. in for over 30 years, alongside We need to educate our communities more about mental illness and good emotional being chair of health and it’s importance in overall health and wellbeing. We need to move away a local NHS from a separation between physical and mental health and push towards a view of trust. He actively whole person health. Strong role models sharing their stories are very powerful and campaigned on for males, it can be particularly helpful to hear these stories from sporting heroes NHS and public as one example. The media and schools are powerful vehicles, which can be used health issues. much more to provide education, awareness and positive messages by working in Currently he is the collaboration with professionals. deputy chair of the British Medical Additional British government investment has recognised the need for improved Association services in this area and the importance of early intervention which has resulted and chair of in 70 NHS specialist eating disorder services for young people in 2017 all being Healthwatch developed with a standardised training programme so that we have the same Tameside. He services accessible wherever you are. The NHS is working in partnership with was awarded an BEAT (The national eating disorder charity) who will be delivering the schools OBE in 2010 for awareness programme so that we are truly delivering a service from “prevention to services to the prescription”. Beat provides support services and information for individuals and NHS. those supporting someone with an eating disorder. 39

Z & Saffire - A Marraige Made In Entertainment by Paul Hills www.cvh1stclass.com Z & Saffire have become a very 1st Class Magazine well known household name c v h in the Entertainment world & continue to rise in popularity. From Edinburgh, Scotland they first met 23 years ago at a local Karaoke contest in which Z had returned from a session in a recording studio & heard Saffire sing her heart out to the Belinda Carlisle song ‘Heaven Is A Place On Earth’ and approached her and asked if she would like to sing on a track in a professional recording studio to a Rap song & it was love at 1st sight as the couple from 23 years ago are now happily married for just over 22 years and are devoted to each other but also in the world of pure entertainment. Z & Saffire created a Grunge Rock band in the mid 90s, touring the UK and Wales and after the rock stint they both decided to dabble in the Dance music market and go back to being a duo in which they did which got them noticed by a European Manager and the Worlds Largest Independent Major Music Publisher ‘Peer Music’ and they co wrote some new songs which were produced by ‘QFX’ producer whom had hits in the 90s and appeared on Top Of The Pops © DC Bookings The Music was sent to Hans Cuny a bit of Recording Deal so back to the drawing a Music Mogul in Hamburg Germany and board and continued to keep making Boss at Peer Music GMBH, He signed the new music which was a diverse range of pair instantly and they recorded remixes Electronic sounds and Rap too and Z & with German Music Producers whom Saffire got featured on T-4 Music and had previously worked with the likes of MTV and then they both decided to try George Michael. out for TV and Z sent his application off to Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 which After disputes with Management the they did and stood to audition which music was signed but never led to a led to them Auditioning to non other 40

Z & Saffire - A Marraige Made In Entertainment by Paul Hills than Simon Cowell himself and despite his comments, Judges Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan were very positive and said they were as a couple very entertaining. After this they did many other television appearances and live sets. TV Festival, other filming After being Judged in the past included BBC One’s One Of Z & Saffire have now been Being on TV seemed to be Us with Adrian Edmondson booked as Celebrity Industry infectious and their fans and many more. Judges for the Music Contest wanted them back on TV ‘’Open Mic UK’’ and will with the way they were and as Z & Saffire enjoyed the join the team at the Scottish ITV bosses said They Make limelight and so did others Auditions in Glasgow in Great TV, so they were asked as they were asked to host an September and the Live Semi to appear on several TV Awards ceremony and appear Finals in October and this Reality Shows which include at many events as guests. gets screening on SKY TV. the likes of Got To Dance (Sky 1), Don’t Stop Me Now They have now signed a Z & Saffire have their fingers (Sky 1), Twin Towns (USA/ Recording deal in Texas USA in many pies in the world of UK), (Sky 1), Coach Trip and their music is released entertainment and what they (Channel 4), Chopping Block via Sony Music/Orchard and have said makes sense and (ITV), Judge Rinder (ITV) their single ‘I Have Dreams’ is that is ‘‘believe in yourself and many more and they had doing quite well as has been and everyone will believe in become instant Reality TV played in Ministry and by you’’. Stars and people just couldnt star DJ Fresh amongst others. get enough of the couple Follow Z & Saffire on whom seem to come accross Now they are getting ready Twitter @zandsaffire as Z (a little crazy on screen to attend the Edinburgh Facebook.com/zandsaffire but funny) & Saffire ( Sheer International TV Festival, lovely, brainy and down to which will be attended with Paul Hill Celebrity PR and earth fun). many stars including Russel Management in London has Brand, Judge Rinder and made so many fresh talents’ This got them onto various many more Celebrities. dreams come true. Contact ventures as Saffire got deals [email protected] for TV Commercials for Earning their stripes as a several companies including married couple not only Jenny Craig Diet, Scottish in music but the world of Goverment and Nick Nairn entertainment too with the Celebrity Chef whilst media reporting on Z & Z worked on TV Show Saffire as the possible next Outlander which led him to stars to join Gogglebox. appear on Cinema screens Nothing confirmed yet, but on the 2017 Movie ‘Tommy’s what is that they have TV Honour’ alongside Peter shows approaching them a Mullen and Jack Lowden, lot and they are choosing then Z & Saffire donned the what suits them both and Red Carpet in Style at the that’s what matters so watch Edinburgh International this space 41

www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h Ask Françoise with Françoise Pascal Dear Readers, I understand the pain that you go through, as I go through the same as you each time I think of my life in the past. www.françoisepascal.co.uk Voice Over binoculars or his eyes glued to Dear Françoise, the young ladies out there in Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to be an actress but it never Blackpool. Gosh there is not materialised despite paying a fortune for acting lessons and has much joy left in his life and I appeared in theatre and everyone says my voice is more compare or really suggest that you leave him radio and I’ve done lots of that. But what I really want to do is voice alone and let him get on with it. over’s but don’t know how to get into it please could you advise me. He might not have a long time Linda to live in this world but only has Tamworth this enjoyment. On the contrary Warwickshire to make his life a little happier go UK along with it and see that he enjoy himself. Life is short Audrey enjoy “Dear Linda your granddad for as long as he My advice is to go to a vocal coach and start can be with you. I have neither my joining an agent who is a voice over agent. It granddad not my grandmother is a difficult one to get in because they have who I have never known on both many voice over actors and actresses that have side and I envy you having a good cornered the market. I wish you good luck with laugh with him. Go on be a good it. sport let him have his joy and later Bisous and Good luck when he is gone you might be able Françoise” to laugh about it. Send my love to Granddad. Françoise Embarrassing Granddad Bisous Pascal Profile Dear Françoise, Françoise” Born on the Island My granddad’s a peeping tom and it’s ever so of Mauritius, she embarrassing and drives all our family daft. Older Woman was educated As kids when we used to go to Blackpool sea Dear Françoise, in Paris and side, he would be sitting in his deckchair his My son is dating an older woman London a former eyes glued on all the young ladies in bikinis and she’s 45 years old, he is only model, dancer he was in his element, while my grandmother 22 years old and I’m 46 years and became just sat there beside him knitting. Me and my old I thinks it’s an enormous age one of Europe’s other five siblings used to sit away from them, difference as she is divorcee and biggest stars of especially if we spotted any kids from school or she is his first serious girlfriend. the seventies one families we knew. Well he is 87 years old now Her own son is 19 years old of the greatest and has never changed he sits in his bedroom Barbara beauties of her with his new binoculars a state of the art model Riverside time a sitcom and watches the neighbours hang washing Los Angeles star popular on on the clothes line especially the young moms California television and and teenage daughters sun bathing. He doesn’t films . Nowadays listen to any of us, please help. “Dear Barbara Françoise is an Audrey That is a tough one. I don’t really author, actress Denton know what and how to advise you and enjoys quality Manchester on that except that your son soon time with her UK or later will get quite fed up dating family she loves an older woman when he sees gardening and “Dear Audrey young men of his age dating other pets. What can you do to an 87 year old man who young ladies of their age and he likes to watch with his neighbours through will soon see what he is missing. Françoise Pascal radio show on Sundays at 4.00pm - 6.00pm. 42 http://francoisepascal.co.uk/radio-scarborough

Give him time and you will see Dishy Vicar “Dearest Mark what transpires between them. Dear Françoise, You know what your mum I would not think that this will I fancy the dishy vicar at church spells to me SELFISH AND A last and if it does, well we have not and he just so happens to be single CONTROL FREAK! If you wish succeeded we have failed and he is and he hasn’t noticed me yet. I to have a puppy and you bought happy. Sorry, Tough One. clean the church, arrange the the puppy bring it home and tell Good luck flowers at the altar and volunteer your mother that you want to Bisous for everything and he still hasn’t have this puppy and yes even in Françoise” taken the hint. a wheelchair you can walk a dog. Edna That is very unfair of her. If that Attractive Mom Stockport will cause you a problem, then Dear Françoise, Manchester spend your days with the puppy My mom is very attractive but UK at your friend’s house and look dresses dowdy and doesn’t wear after your puppy yourself that is makeup she is a former beauty “Dear Edna if he is alright with it. I feel for queen and still quite striking A Vicar, my gosh what an exciting you and wish you could have your looking. She does the school runs life you have! I would suggest puppy with you and if i were you in jeans and a t shirt and same forgetting the Vicar as he will I would tell your mum how you going anywhere she dresses down never notice you if he is a Catholic feel and what you think. If she instead of showing off her slim and if he is COE he surely must says that you can’t have him, then curves. My dad says she’s happy have someone on the side. Find as I said before go and be with and leave her be. He recently gave yourself someone who will notice your puppy at your friend’s house. her quite a lot of funds for a new you and attach yourself to him so Cripes you are only 11 years, why makeover wardrobe, but instead that you forget the Vicar with poor is she behaving this way? I don’t of buying nice designer clothes sight, sorry but you really must get understand some parents, she is and shoes, she only goes and buys a life outside of the Church. also OCD which means that she herself another rescue horse. Good luck does not like to see her place dirty Emily Bisous or unclean that is why she tells the Dallas Françoise” maid off. Tell her to see a doctor Texas about this before it gets worse. USA Pet Owners Good luck sweetheart and I really Dear Françoise, hope that you are with your puppy “Dear Emily My mom’s always complaining soon. I know what your mum is going people who have pets as Bisous through, I am the same and I irresponsible fools and pets as Françoise” have been like that for a long inconvenient nuisances. I’m time. When your mum wears no disabled and lonely and have Broken Heart makeup and shows off her lovely bought online a puppy that is Dear Françoise, curve with a pair of jeans and T all I ever wanted and my friend You have broken my heart as I shirt and wears no makeup, it Sean is looking after Rosie for heard you got engaged and I’m means that she is happy in herself me and he comes around regular your number one fan for life and darling, she is confident and is and she is gorgeous so clean I keep watching all your former proud of what she has and I bet and well trained even mom says films and television sitcoms and she does not look her age either. she is a beauty. But when I say you’re still hot today. Love you Many women who wears make I wish she was mine she says’ always. up age very quickly and you dad don’t be ridiculous as you’re in a Clive is proud of her as she is a great wheelchair and can’t take her for Glossop mother and a good wife. These a walk. I’m 11 years old and it Derbyshire are the most important assets a upsets me as Sean is growing fond woman possesses. This is learned of Rose and say’s if I really can’t “Dear Clive when you have grown up and have her then he will keep her. I’m I am so sorry to hear that I have understand life a little better. frightened to tell my mom who is broken your heart! I know it Trust me, it is well worth it and I very fiery she is also a selfish snob has been hard for a lot of people applaud your mother. Let her be as and always telling the maid Alice to hear that but I am very sure your father says. Jeans and T shirts off for dust that no one can visibly you will get over it. Thank you are not dowdy, show her where to see. So having a pet in the house for being a loyal fan though. I get the jeans and the T shirts go is a no-no. She is also high up in appreciate it always. Sweet! shopping with her next time and the legal profession and never With lots of love. show her some great clothes that loses a case. She sees everything Françoise” she can wear. Be a good daughter her own way. don’t criticise your mum too much Mark she does the best that she can for Bevely Hills you all. California Bisous USA Françoise” 43

Straight from the Oven with Angela Brown Hello Again Everyone Hope you all tried the triple chocolate cake and have not put on “Too” much weight—I never promised to give you healthy recipes just easy tasty ones… But a little of what you love and enjoy will never harm anyone. Anyway in this issue I thought I would treat you to a fantastic easy biscuit treat - Florentine biscuits can be difficult to time to get correct and this takes that wonderful flavour the unforgettable taste that makes you want more and more. Florentine biscuit taste and goes a step further—I have topped them with White Chocolate as my husband is a white chocolate addict and also I have always felt that it is very underused in cooking …I have always made White chocolate éclairs rather then the dark chocolate version. Please follow the three stages and I promise you will be rewarded with a treat you will be in love with. Again you can make this your own using what ever nuts & fruit you want, and whatever chocolate takes your fancy as a topping. Do try and use a tin roughly the right size—if your tin is smaller then it will be thicker and take longer to bake, if larger then it will be thinner and take less time. Off into the kitchen with you………. Florentine Biscuits Ingredients (base) - 225g (8oz) Plain Flour 150g (5oz) Salted Butter At Room Temperature 75g (3oz) Light Muscovado Sugar Ingredients (topping) - 30g (1oz) Salted Butter At Room Temperature Angela Brown 75g (3oz) Light Muscovado Sugar has been carrying 1 Large Egg Beaten out her passion 2 Tablespoon Golden Syrup of baking since 30g (1oz) Dried Cranberries. she was a young 125g(4oz) Mixed Chopped Nuts (Walnuts , girl. She is self- taught having had Pistachios, Brazils etc ) impiration from Fruit/ Glace Cherries—what ever mix you want or her mother. All her have in your stores recipes are tried and tested in her Chocolate Drizzle - 100g (3 1/2 oz) White / Milk or Dark Chocolate own home. She is a You will need a 28cm x 18cm x 3cm (11” x 7” x 1”) tin. Butter the tin and line with collector of vintage baking parchment - you will need this to lift the bar out easily. I just cut one piece costumes and of parchment big enough then scrunch it into a ball, unwrap and use to line the tin. lives in an original Scrunching it up makes it easier to get into the tin and corners and stops any leakage! 1930s house with vintage furniture. Method:- She takes part in displays, cookery Pre-heat oven to 180c / 160c Fan / 350f / Gas 4. demonstrations Grease and line the base of your baking tins with baking parchment if you haven’t and teaches in already done so. schools about the way we lived in the Base—Put the 3 base ingredients all together into a food processor . Blitz together 1930s & 1940s. until it starts to clump together. If you don’t have a processor put the flour into a bowl and rub the butter into it to make fine breadcrumb like mix, then stir in the sugar and continue to bring together with your hands to a clumping mix. 44

Pour this into your prepared tin and level, then press down with your hands to make an even compressed surface. It should be even and go right into the corners. Bake for approx 20 minutes in the middle of the oven till pale golden, remove and put to one side. Florentine Topping—You can do this if you want while the base is cooking. In a bowl put the Butter and Sugar and mix together till creamed and well mixed. Next mix in the Beaten Egg and the Golden Syrup. It should make a brown caramel like mix. You can then add the other topping ingredients (What ever you have chosen !) and mix well to combine it all together. Pour this mix onto the baked base and level out so that everything is evenly distributed. Bake in the centre of the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. After 15 minutes check this—you will see the outside edge of the topping has changed colour and texture, you want the whole surface to look like this, if you shake the tin there should be no wobble and it should look solid. If not pop it back in for a couple more minutes (remember ovens do vary and it also depends on your tin size). Once cooked remove from the oven and leave till fully cool. (Keep it in the tin). Chocolate Topping— Put your chocolate of choice into a heatproof bowl , break it into small chucks. Put this bowl on top of a saucepan with barely simmering water—do not let the water touch the bowl . Stir gently till melted. Now the next bit depends on how fancy you want to be !! - you can drizzle this on top using a spoon , use a piping bag or even a plastic small sandwich bag with the corner snipped off—what ever you choose it is meant to look random or scruffy. Use up all the chocolate—once done put the whole lot into the fridge to chill and once the chocolate is properly set cut into chucks / Bars in the size you want. Store in a sealed tin. Not that this is going to last very long………………. If you have a young child either starting or going back to school soon this makes a great treat in their lunch box for that 1st day. Or if you have an Old Child (40+) suggest a good hiding place may be needed ! SEE YOU ALL NEXT ISSUE AND AS ALWAYS— Happy Cooking & Reading and lots of that special LOVE……. 45

Paul Goodwin by Christina V Howard www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h Paul Goodwin is an amateur photographer from Cheshire who enjoys the sheer joy of capturing the beauty of nature in the British Countryside. Q&A Mark, when did you first get interested in photography? “I first took up photography around eighteen months ago, as a result of seeing other friends with the hobby. Previously to this, like most people, just took the occasional snapshot on my phone.” Exclusive What was your first camera? “My first camera (and current camera) is a Panasonic PZ45, which was relatively inexpensive, but is ideal for my style of photography.” should stay in colour, to maintain the bright colours. That being said, I’m open to experimentation with Do you prefer taking scenes or portraits? colours, as it really depends on the attitude of the picture, and obviously the subject matter. It’s not a “I much prefer photographing scenery and black and white answer.” landscapes; I enjoy seeing possible shots when out walking in the countryside, and I love how Do you prefer indoor or outdoor shots? landscapes offer a variety of possible angles.” “Once again, it depends as outdoor shots of What is your favourite photo that you took? the country parks in my local area are always a pleasure to shoot, and can offer a variety of lighting My favourite picture that I’ve taken is of the aqueduct opportunities. The changing seasons offer a unique at Derwent Reservoir in Derbyshire. I took the shot shot every time. On the other hand I really enjoy early in the morning, and the crispness of the water photographing indoors, especially inside old, is what really draws you in. The trees perfectly reflect derelict buildings. The indoor shots there can take in the stillness of the water, and the aqueduct at the on a variety of moods: unsettling, obscure, hopeful side leads into the picture, almost forebodingly. It or spooky. Indoor shots like this provoke thought was truly a case of ‘right time, right place’ for this and ask questions, and the angles to shoot from are shot, as the early morning light really enhances the infinite. The shots indoors are often more intimate overall tone of the picture.” and relatable, which adds to how unsettling they can be. I sometimes use light painting and a long Do you prefer monochrome or colour? exposure in very dark, abandoned mills or factories to highlight certain areas and keep others in “I’d say it would be impossible to choose! It shadow. Indoor shots offer variety in this way, but completely depends upon the lighting and mood the classical beauty of landscapes endures. I simply of the picture. A shot of a city may look great in cannot choose.” black and white, whereas a field of flowers certainly 46

Paul Goodwin by Christina V Howard www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h © Paul Goodwin 47

www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h © Paul Goodwin www.cvh1stclass.com c v h 1st Class Magazine 48

© Paul Goodwin www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h 49

Have you thought of upgrading your camera? “Not at the moment, the Panasonic suits me just fine. I bought it at a relatively inexpensive price, yet it serves every need and is versatile. I have been considering purchasing a new camera, but for the time being I’m happy with the camera I own.” If you were granted a wish to travel back in time, which three famous people would you choose to photograph and why? “I would photograph Syd Barrett, the original lead singer in Pink Floyd, as not only do I love his music, but he was such an enigmatic and witty character. His way with words and turbulent life really fascinate me; he’d certainly be an interesting subject! “I’m not sure how I’d get my camera up there, but it would be breath-taking to photograph Neil Armstrong taking his first steps on the moon. “Isambard Kingdom Brunel would be another great subject, as he shaped the face of the country and the way in which civil engineers work today. I’d love to get a shot of him not standing in front of those chains for once.” Who today would you love to photograph? “I would photograph Ian Brown, as not only does he create amazing music and hails from my home city, he also has an intriguing face. He has a gaunt face with interesting shadows, which would be caught excellently in black and white.” What place in the world would be your dream destination to capture? “My dream destination would be the Alps in Italy, as it would provide a variety of beautiful shots. The churches situated the meadows provide a softness to contrast with the hardness of the mountain peaks. The winter would offer a different perspective, and the wooden buildings would look great with snow on their roofs. The mountain goats would be an interesting subject too. The tranquillity really draws me in, and to capture it would be wonderful.” © Paul Goodwin www.cvh1stclass.com 1st Class Magazine c v h 50