PROFILE: John Jacobson, the "Double Dream Hands Guy"

John Jacobson is someone who is not just passionate about teaching but the joy that comes from learning. For many, however, they have gotten to know him as the "Double Dream Hands Guy" thanks to a video posted on Youtube that has become a viral sensation with over 6 million hits. (Even Justin Bieber has gotten in on the action, creating a viral hit with over 1 million hits itself!)

In an interview on Conversations LIVE John told host Cyrus Webb that it has been a great journey for him to have so much attention given to this one video when he has been doing this type of dance instruction for over 30 years. Jacobson has been working with young people and music teachers around the country to use music and movement to teach life skills. One kid took one of his videos and posted it on Youtube, and the rest is history.

It is obvious to see that this is one individual who realizes the importance of the public platform he has been given. Though marketing and branding has taken the "Double Dream Hands Guy" fame to a level John could not have imagined, it has also opened him up to a different audience and given more attention to the joy of music and the importance of living life with a smile.

Another project that John has done is share his inspirational message about life and living in a book called A PLACE IN THE CHOIR where he is able to use lessons he has picked up on to help others understand their own worth. He says it is as a result of meeting some of the youth and music teachers around the country that the book came about. He says that the book shows through their stories that he is able to show that just like a school choir is a place for people of all walks of life to come together in unity so is the world that we live in. "There are no bench warmers in the choir. Everybody has a place," he says. "Everybody's contribution is equally valued if we truly are going to have a harmonious world."

John wants to use beautiful music to make beautiful children, and he encourages all of us to do the same. Find out more information about how he is making the world a better place through music and dance at www.doubledreamhandsdance.com.

Constance Dunn's PRACTICAL GLAMOUR Encourages Looking Great From The Inside Out

Practical Glamour is for the female who wants to look and feel gorgeous and confident each day. Cultivate your optimum level of everyday glamour with this ultimate grooming, style and manner resource.

Your mindset and not your budget is the key to lifting your look to its maximum level. And your appearance is a package deal, which includes looks and attire alongside movement, style and spirit.

No matter how perfectly pulled together and lovely you may look,without proper poise and attitude, no presentation can be complete.

Practical Glamour is your enduring guide to the essentials and the lesser-known ins and outs of presenting your most beautiful, polished and authentic self to the world.

REVIEW FROM CONVERSATIONS BOOK CLUB

Today's society puts a great deal of attention on how we look and what should look good to you. Author Constance Dunn takes another direction in her book PRACTICAL GLAMOUR and helps us to to decide who we are and what we want to present about ourselves to the world.

The book is geared towards women, and I get that; however, men are also being pulled in different directions by advertisement and the nagging voices around us so we can learn a few things from Dunn as well. The first thing I picked up on was the importance of realizing that in many ways your body is a blank canvas. You can decide to paint it using the standard of beauty set by others or you can decide for yourself what is right for you and your body type. Dunn shows us that we should give thought to what we see as our own best qualities and find ways to enhance these while distracting attention away from those that we see as less flattering.

This book is not just about blind advice. The author includes examples of herself an others that she has come in contact with in order to make the points that she is discussing. For me I think one of the best things about the book is that it comes across as a conversation with the reader. It gets you to think about yourself, your style presently and how you can adjust it to be the best you possible.

The book is also about the importance of your inner beauty or truth. How does who you are within translate into what people see? That to me is one of the greatest points of the book.

PRACTICAL GLAMOUR will be seen as a go-to book for women and a reminder for men about how important it is to let your personal best come through each and every day.

Model Citizen: Lauren Eichhorn

Model Citizen: Lauren Eichhorn

Hometown: Daytona Beach, FL

Interests: Writing/Swimming/Dancing/Anything fun and active/Traveling

Lauren in here own words:
"Although I've just started out, I feel that I am a great fit for the industry. I know it's tough out there, but if I can make it, I can definitely show other girls out there that they can make it too. And that's what I aim to do. I am just a regular girl, you know? I am someone's daughter, someone's older sister, I am a friend and a student. Being a model would give me the chance to be a "role" model of sorts. I would like to put out an image that anyone can be someone to look up to. I am friendly and hardworking and would love a chance to pursue a career in the industry (even if it's just a career on the side). I find modeling exciting and fun! It's an opportunity to try new things and meet new people, and that's what I am all about!

"I think I've always been interested in modeling on some level. I remember getting all glammed up with my younger sister back in middle school and taking pictures of each other. I think it made us more confident and we had so much fun! I just remember thinking, "I could do this for a living, you know? How hard can it be? We're doing it right now after all."


How do you keep yourself motivated?
"I keep myself motivated by having fun. I try not to take rejection too personally. I realized that if I like something enough, I shouldn't give up. Let me tell you, having two jobs that aren't all that glamorous (one as a fry cook and the other as a smoothie maker) really keeps me looking for modeling jobs on the side. So far, I haven't had much luck, but opportunities are everywhere! Right time, right place, you know? And like I said, I don't intend to give up."

MODEL CITIZEN: Mathurin Owona

Model Citizen: Mathurin Owona 

Hometown: Yaounde( Cameroon) 

Currently living in Washington D. C.

Mathurin in his own words:

"As a fashion model, my interests are very detailed. I always want to become a super model. In the same industry I want to act and be in commercials. Fashion is one of my natural gifts therefore I want to be exposed and showcase my talents to the world. I decided to do this as a profession because I first enjoy doing it and also to show people the importance of fashion."

What keep me motivated as I pursue my goals and dreams?
"I want to be successful to live a better life;and I always want to be part of those who are making this world a better place not only for me and other now but for future generations as well."


What advice would you share with anyone looking to pursue their own dreams?
"The advice I can give to those who are looking to make their mark by pursuing their dreams are : You have power if you have the desire. Your dreams and goals can come true if you have the desire and the courage to face all the challenges while pursuing them. Always believe in yourself knowing deep in your heart that you can do whatever you set out to do. Never listen to those who said you were not good or good enough because you're. Commit yourself to always move forward everything and anything is possible good luck."

Find out more information about Mathurin at www.facebook.com/mathurin.petit.

NICOYE BANKS: Acting on Faith

by Cyrus Webb

When I interviewed Nicoye Banks this year for Conversations Magazine it had been almost 2 years since we last spoke to each other. At the time he was enjoying the fact that two movies he was involved in: Brooklyn's Finest" (co-starring  Wesley Snipes, Richard Gere, Don Cheadle and Ethan Hawk) as well as "Green Zone" (co-starring Matt Damon) had released at the box office.

"I feel immensely blessed to be able to say that I had 2 films debuting in movie theatres a week apart from each other," Nicoye told me at the time. "That is an actor's dream."

Pursuing his own dreams and goals is not the only thing that the talented actor and model is doing everyday. When not working with movies, television, stage plays and family, Nicoye devotes his time to helping and empowering his community, as one of the founding members of the artist collective group called "The Standard", where he serves as Creative Director. Their mission is to serve as a source of inspiration and support and provide a space for individual exploration and discovery nourished by a collective commitment to growth as an artistic community.

As he was promoting his latest project WOMAN THOU ART LOOSED: On The 7th Day, Nicoye took time out of his busy schedule to talk with Conversations about his journey and how he remains focused.


Nicoye, first congrats on your continual success and the new movie WOMEN THOU ART LOOSED. If I had told you ten years ago that you would be enjoying such acclaim, would you have believed it?
Yes, I would have believed your statement! From your mouth into the universe, to God's ears, it shall be so.

What has kept you focused on your dream of being successful in the entertainment world?
It is that thing that is in me. It keeps me awake at night. It gives me anxiety when I am away from it, and I left my entire family behind---New York unseen---to elevate my pursuit of a career in this thing I love called acting.

As you see how people are gravitating to you and rooting for you, is that validation that you are on the right path?
Absolutely. It is that type of energy that you draw from. As you continue to go further you hope to build on that community and get a larger base of fans.

Tell us about what it was like being  a part of the new movie WOMAN THOU ART LOOSED: On The 7th Day with stars like Blair Underwood and Pam Greer?
On The 7th Day is about a family dealing with their daughter being kidnapped and all that happens in this seven-day period. It's a really good, tense thriller. For me it was a master class every day. To be with an icon--THE Pam Greer---is totally humbling. I got a chance to talk with the other actors and learn from their journey, but when we took our marks we were all equals. This film will bring attention to the growing epidemic of kidnappings in the African-American community. T. D. Jakes' message of faith, forgiveness, family and redemption are sprinkled throughout the film. I believe people will get a lot out of it that they can take with them.

People are always having to deal with challenges and struggles when they are pursuing their dreams. Can you give some advice on how to not let the lows get you down?
If you do not know what lows are, how can you know what are highs? Lows are a part of it. So, don't look at it as lows. Look at it as a period of transition, a moment of pause to redefine, improve, reflect, and redirect.

Thanks for your time, Nicoye. How can your fans keep in contact with you online?
Please follow me on Facebook and my website http://www.nicoyebanks.com/.

There is seemingly no end to what Nicoye Banks can achieve. With his continued focus, drive and determination, he is destined to be on the minds of many as his career continues to blossom. May we all get to a place in our lives where we feel that secure in our own skin and the road that is our destiny.

To You, From Me

When we first announced the formation of the Model Citizens issue of Conversations Magazine I wasn't sure what the response would be. After all, would readers see the need of such a publication that highlighted those who are not just models professionally but setting an example for the world in other ways? The answer has been a resounding YES!

Like its monthly counterpart Conversations Magazine, Model Citizens includes interviews with movers and shakers from around the world as well as examples of individuals doing amazing things with their lives. In this issue you will be able to see profiles of those just like you that are using their skills to do amazing things.

My hope is that you will be inspired by those you read about and see the connective tissue that unites you to them. I also hope you will find ways to not only enjoy a purpose-driven life yourself but share with others how they can benefit from one as well.

Have someone you would like to see profiled in an upcoming issue or in our online features? Feel free to contact me at cawebb4@juno.com with MODEL CITIZENS in the subject line.

Until next time, happy reading!




Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief
Conversations Magazine/Conversations Model Citizens Magazine/Conversations with Music Magazine

Caitlin O'Connor: Showcasing Beauty From the Inside Out

by Cyrus Webb

If there is someone who completely embodies the message and mission of Conversations Model Citizens Magazine it is Caitlin O'Connor. As an actress, model and television personality she has shown that she is not only a force to be reckoned with but someone that understands and appreciates the power of her gifts.


Already in her career Caitlin has starred as a series regular on the MTV show 'Chelsea Settles' as well as guest spots on HBO's 'Entourage'. Readers of worldwide publications like 'Sports Illustrated,' 'FHM', and 'Maxim' have gotten to know her, and this is only the beginning. No wonder in high school she was voted "Most Likely to Become Famous!"

When I got a chance to interview O'Connor it was an opportunity for me to share some of what readers might not know about her: the motivation, how she deals with success and more importantly how she is using her position to bring attention to causes that matter to her.

CAITLIN O'CONNOR ON THE SUCCESS:

At 17 Caitlin just wanted to be a model. That evolved into her wanting to be a tv host and then later an actress. Now she is seen as a triple threat with serious talent. How has it been to live this life? "It's been a whirlwind. I have always had a love of the camera. Because of that I knew that anything dealing with entertainment is something that I wanted to pursuit."

CAITLIN O'CONNOR ON BEING MORE THAN A PRETTY FACE:
She is so much more than her looks. "That was always something that I wanted my fans and friends to know. Girls are always perceived ---especially blonde girls---as stupid. I wanted to break that boundary and work past that."

CAITLIN O'CONNOR ON BEING AN INSPIRATION FOR OTHERS:
"That's something that I always wanted to happen, and it has all throughout my life. When I was a cheerleader I had girls come up to me and say 'I want to be a cheerleader just like you when I grow up.' Today aspiring models do the same. That's why I make sure I take out the time to offer them whatever advice I can to help them move forward."

CAITLIN O'CONNOR ON FAMILY,FRIENDS:
"It's been amazing to have a backbone like my parents and friends. It definitely helps to go further in my career and stay focused and grounded. There's nothing like that strength and support."

CAITLIN O'CONNOR ON HER LIFE'S MESSAGE:
"When people think of me I want them to think of someone who is classy, gives back and does something for humanity. I came from the smallest town...We're all hard workers. I took that notion of being a hard worker and applied it to everything I do. I believe in pursuing something until you can't pursue it anymore. I hope I inspire others to do the same."

Caitlin O'Connor and what she has achieved should remind us all of this simple truth: It's not about where you come from. It's what you apply yourself to be that matters. She is doing it not just for herself but for the causes she supports as well. One of those is Generosity Water. They are an organization that helps build clean water wells for villages around the world that are in need. Find out more about them at www.generositywater.org.

Stay in contact with Caitlin through Twitter at www.twitter.com/caitlin_oconnor, her Facebook Fan Page as well as her website www.caitlinoconnor.tv.