GOP chairman 'shocked' that Obama parody sent out - Yahoo! News
Racism is alive and well in America. GOP Tennessee Representative Saltsman sends Christmas tape to his colleagues promoting racist comments. There are blacks in the the Republican Party who defend this racist act. Former Ohio Secretary of State representative Ken Blackwell, a black man, says Saltsman is a fine person. This is why racism flourishes in America.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Nursing Homes: Practices, Policies and Procedures - Do they have any and are they followed by staff?
Update: December 24, 2008
My uncle, Eddie Nance, is a veteran of World War II. When he had his stroke he was taken to the Veterans Administration (VA) hospital at 2122 West Taylor, Chicago, Illinois. His brother, Otha Nance, informed me that the VA hospital told him that Eddie Nance had to leave the hospital because they needed his bed and he was not sick enough to keep his bed at the VA hospital. Otha Nance states that is when Eddie Nance was transferred from the VA hospital to Warren Barr. Warren Barr Nursing Home housed Eddie Nance until they transferred Eddie to Lakeview Nursing Home.
The VA hospital should have kept my uncle. This is the way the United States of America treats its veterans.
December 23, 2008
Lakeview Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre, Inc.
Mr. Michael Elks, Administrator
735 West Diversey Parkway
Chicago, Illinois 60614
Re: Eddie Nance – Patient
Mr. Elks:
On December 17, 2008 LPN nurse Ms. Marie called informing me my uncle Eddie Nance (Uncle) was scheduled to see dentist Dr. Horace Broy on December 23, 2008 at 8:30 am. Ms. Marie requested I accompany my uncle due to lack of personnel for transportation trips from Lakeview Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre, Inc. (Lakeview). At approximately 8:15 am, I arrived at Dr. Broy’s dentistry office.
At approximately 8:20 am, I received a call from Ms. Marie stating my uncle would not be coming to his dentist appointment because there was no transportation for him. No one from Lakeview called Dr. Broy’s office informing them that my uncle was not going to be present for his dentist appointment. I informed Dr. Broy’s assistant that my uncle was not coming in for his dentist appointment.
Ms. Marie informed me that Lakeview had engaged the transportation services of Lakeshore Medicar (Lakeshore), located at 2640 West Touhy Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60645. Ms. Marie informed me Lakeshore stated that taking my uncle to Dr. Broy’s office was “too far to go”. Mapquest reports this trip would be 11.24 miles and approximately 22 minutes travel time.
I called Lakeshore. I spoke to a person who informed me he was one of the owners. His name is Jimmy Syfu. Mr. Syfu informed me he received a fax from Lakeview reporting the pick-up for my uncle was 7:30 pm on December 23, 2008. Mr. Syfu states he immediately called Lakeview upon receiving this fax to inform them that Lakeshore closed at 6:00 pm, and that they could not fulfill the duties of picking my uncle up at this time. Mr. Syfu faxed me the document Lakeview sent to him. The document faxed to me from Ms. Syfu has the date December 22, 2008, 3:17P, Lakeview Nursin next to a schedule of names. My uncle’s name is on this schedule for pick-up on December 23, 2008 at 07:30 PM. The pick-up time should have been 7:30 am. Either Lakeview or Lakeshore should have been thinking “outside of the box” on this matter. It was not rocket science. It is a matter of discernment. It appears that no one cared.
I talked to Mr. Syfu who reports calling Lakeview on December 22, 2008 at approximately 2:26 pm asking for Lily Gonzalez. Ms. Gonzalez works for Lakeview. Mr. Syfu informed me he was told that Ms. Gonzalez was gone for the day. Mr. Syfu states he talked to the afternoon office manager informing them that picking up my uncle at 7:30 pm was too late because their business is closed at that time. No one called Mr. Syfu informing him that the pick-up time on the fax he received from Lakeview had the wrong time on it. I asked Mr. Syfu if he could pick-up my uncle since he knows what is needed. Mr. Syfu informed me that due to scheduling he had no drivers for the pick-up on December 23, 2008.
I talked to Ms. Gonzalez on December 23, 2008 at approximately 8:35 am. She reports calling Lakeshore on December 23, 2008 asking them why they did not call her this morning. Ms. Gonzalez informed me it was “just a mistake.” I talked to Ms. Marie at approximately 8:40 am. Ms. Marie informed me she does not do transportation. Ms. Marie states one of her duties is that she schedules appointments for patient transportation and passes it on to the transportation department of Lakeview. On December 3, 2008 I met the manager for the transportation department. Her name is Maricel. I talked to Ms. Maricel on December 3, 2008 informing her my uncle needed transportation to his dentist appointment. I gave her the address to the dentist. Ms. Maricel informed me there would be no problem. Ms. Maricel stated that she only needed to know the appointment date and location. I have been told by Lakeview staff that Ms. Maricel is presently on vacation.
At approximately 8:50 am, I called Ms. Kathy Koenig, Lakeview’s Director of Nursing. I left a message on her answering machine requesting she call me about this issue. As of December 23, 2008 at 11:25 am, I have not received a call from her. I guess this issue is not important to her.
At approximately 9:00 am I received a call from Ms. Marie. She stated that Lakeshore had agreed to come and pick-up my uncle and take him to the dentist. I requested Ms. Marie to call the dentist to see if my uncle can still come for his dentistry needs. Ms. Marie called me back informing me my uncle would have to reschedule his appointment. Ms. Marie reports she rescheduled my uncle’s dentist appointment for December 30, 2008 at 10:00 am.
My uncle is 85-years-old. My uncle was transferred from Warren Barr Pavilion (Warren Barr), located at 66 West Oak Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610, on or about May 21, 2008 to Lakeview. Since May of 2008 I have been requesting dentistry needs for my uncle. Lakeview personnel have told me numerous times that he would be scheduled for his dentistry work. My uncle was never scheduled for dentistry work by Lakeview.
On December 3, 2008 at my uncle’s quarterly care plan meeting I informed Angela Vetrovic, David Barecki and Ann O’Donnell that I would schedule a dentistry appointment for my uncle with a dentist I know, which was Dr. Broy. Dr. Broy’s office called Lakeview. Lakeview, in turn, called Dr. Broy and scheduled December 23, 2008 at 8:30 am.
I want to suggest my uncle’s dentistry needs were not taken care of in May of 2008 because his financial base and nursing home payment had not been established. When my uncle was transferred from the VA hospital to Warren Barr then to Lakeview he did not have his Medicaid application filed or confirmed. The VA, Warren Barr and Lakeview knew my uncle received VA benefits totaling $680.00 and a form of Social Security with the acronym RSDI totaling $251.00. Since none of these entities took time to establish the relationship needed with Medicaid for payment of services for my uncle, I took the initiative upon my uncle entering Lakeview to establish a relationship with the State of Illinois, Department of Human Services (DHS). Even with my 14 years of social service work, this was a tedious task. On August 27, 2008 I received notice in the mail that my uncle had been approved for medical assistance.
In or about January of 2008 when my uncle was admitted to the VA hospital located at 2122 West Taylor Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612 due to complications from a stroke that has affected the right side of his body, the VA did not file an application for medical services with DHS. Warren Barr did not file an application for medical services with DHS when my uncle was transferred to their facility. For reasons unknown to me, the VA hospital put my uncle out and sent him to Warren Barr. Today, my uncle does not have movement of his right hand or right arm and he cannot speak, but Lakeview has stopped his speech therapy reporting there is no more they can do for him. I asked for documentation reporting this prognosis. Lakeview has suggested I call my uncle’s doctor to get this report. This is absurd.
If my uncle’s speech therapy has stopped because there is nothing more that can be done, it should be noted in his medical file. There is much more to tell, but I will not do it here. It may cloud the present issue of dentistry work and “real” speech therapy. I was told the speech therapy my uncle has received from Lakeview was concentrated on clearing his throat so he could reach his potential for “swallowing” food and liquids. This is ludicrous. On December 3, 2008 I requested speech therapy for developing speech patterns. I suggested at this meeting that my uncle’s dental issue may be a contributing factor to speech improvement.
Therefore, I am requesting Lakeview respond to the needs of my uncle in a timely and orderly fashion. I request appropriate action plans for assuring my uncle will not miss his scheduled appointments. I request my uncle’s doctor contact me about my uncle’s speech therapy and overall prognosis. Since I have not had appropriate attention to my uncle’s needs and communication from management regarding my issues, I am posting this writing on my blogs at http://clickforjusticeandequality2.blogspot.com/, http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/, http://click.townhall.com/, and http://www.frednance.newsvine.com/. I will fax this correspondence to the Director of Nursing, Ms. Kathy Koenig; to Administrator Mr. Michael Elks; and to Lakeshore’s Mr. Jimmy Syfu.
I hope my uncle is not retaliated against by any entity listed here. If there are retaliatory acts of character and behavior from any entity, I will address them in the appropriate venue.
Respectfully submitted,
Fred Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS
My uncle, Eddie Nance, is a veteran of World War II. When he had his stroke he was taken to the Veterans Administration (VA) hospital at 2122 West Taylor, Chicago, Illinois. His brother, Otha Nance, informed me that the VA hospital told him that Eddie Nance had to leave the hospital because they needed his bed and he was not sick enough to keep his bed at the VA hospital. Otha Nance states that is when Eddie Nance was transferred from the VA hospital to Warren Barr. Warren Barr Nursing Home housed Eddie Nance until they transferred Eddie to Lakeview Nursing Home.
The VA hospital should have kept my uncle. This is the way the United States of America treats its veterans.
December 23, 2008
Lakeview Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre, Inc.
Mr. Michael Elks, Administrator
735 West Diversey Parkway
Chicago, Illinois 60614
Re: Eddie Nance – Patient
Mr. Elks:
On December 17, 2008 LPN nurse Ms. Marie called informing me my uncle Eddie Nance (Uncle) was scheduled to see dentist Dr. Horace Broy on December 23, 2008 at 8:30 am. Ms. Marie requested I accompany my uncle due to lack of personnel for transportation trips from Lakeview Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre, Inc. (Lakeview). At approximately 8:15 am, I arrived at Dr. Broy’s dentistry office.
At approximately 8:20 am, I received a call from Ms. Marie stating my uncle would not be coming to his dentist appointment because there was no transportation for him. No one from Lakeview called Dr. Broy’s office informing them that my uncle was not going to be present for his dentist appointment. I informed Dr. Broy’s assistant that my uncle was not coming in for his dentist appointment.
Ms. Marie informed me that Lakeview had engaged the transportation services of Lakeshore Medicar (Lakeshore), located at 2640 West Touhy Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60645. Ms. Marie informed me Lakeshore stated that taking my uncle to Dr. Broy’s office was “too far to go”. Mapquest reports this trip would be 11.24 miles and approximately 22 minutes travel time.
I called Lakeshore. I spoke to a person who informed me he was one of the owners. His name is Jimmy Syfu. Mr. Syfu informed me he received a fax from Lakeview reporting the pick-up for my uncle was 7:30 pm on December 23, 2008. Mr. Syfu states he immediately called Lakeview upon receiving this fax to inform them that Lakeshore closed at 6:00 pm, and that they could not fulfill the duties of picking my uncle up at this time. Mr. Syfu faxed me the document Lakeview sent to him. The document faxed to me from Ms. Syfu has the date December 22, 2008, 3:17P, Lakeview Nursin next to a schedule of names. My uncle’s name is on this schedule for pick-up on December 23, 2008 at 07:30 PM. The pick-up time should have been 7:30 am. Either Lakeview or Lakeshore should have been thinking “outside of the box” on this matter. It was not rocket science. It is a matter of discernment. It appears that no one cared.
I talked to Mr. Syfu who reports calling Lakeview on December 22, 2008 at approximately 2:26 pm asking for Lily Gonzalez. Ms. Gonzalez works for Lakeview. Mr. Syfu informed me he was told that Ms. Gonzalez was gone for the day. Mr. Syfu states he talked to the afternoon office manager informing them that picking up my uncle at 7:30 pm was too late because their business is closed at that time. No one called Mr. Syfu informing him that the pick-up time on the fax he received from Lakeview had the wrong time on it. I asked Mr. Syfu if he could pick-up my uncle since he knows what is needed. Mr. Syfu informed me that due to scheduling he had no drivers for the pick-up on December 23, 2008.
I talked to Ms. Gonzalez on December 23, 2008 at approximately 8:35 am. She reports calling Lakeshore on December 23, 2008 asking them why they did not call her this morning. Ms. Gonzalez informed me it was “just a mistake.” I talked to Ms. Marie at approximately 8:40 am. Ms. Marie informed me she does not do transportation. Ms. Marie states one of her duties is that she schedules appointments for patient transportation and passes it on to the transportation department of Lakeview. On December 3, 2008 I met the manager for the transportation department. Her name is Maricel. I talked to Ms. Maricel on December 3, 2008 informing her my uncle needed transportation to his dentist appointment. I gave her the address to the dentist. Ms. Maricel informed me there would be no problem. Ms. Maricel stated that she only needed to know the appointment date and location. I have been told by Lakeview staff that Ms. Maricel is presently on vacation.
At approximately 8:50 am, I called Ms. Kathy Koenig, Lakeview’s Director of Nursing. I left a message on her answering machine requesting she call me about this issue. As of December 23, 2008 at 11:25 am, I have not received a call from her. I guess this issue is not important to her.
At approximately 9:00 am I received a call from Ms. Marie. She stated that Lakeshore had agreed to come and pick-up my uncle and take him to the dentist. I requested Ms. Marie to call the dentist to see if my uncle can still come for his dentistry needs. Ms. Marie called me back informing me my uncle would have to reschedule his appointment. Ms. Marie reports she rescheduled my uncle’s dentist appointment for December 30, 2008 at 10:00 am.
My uncle is 85-years-old. My uncle was transferred from Warren Barr Pavilion (Warren Barr), located at 66 West Oak Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610, on or about May 21, 2008 to Lakeview. Since May of 2008 I have been requesting dentistry needs for my uncle. Lakeview personnel have told me numerous times that he would be scheduled for his dentistry work. My uncle was never scheduled for dentistry work by Lakeview.
On December 3, 2008 at my uncle’s quarterly care plan meeting I informed Angela Vetrovic, David Barecki and Ann O’Donnell that I would schedule a dentistry appointment for my uncle with a dentist I know, which was Dr. Broy. Dr. Broy’s office called Lakeview. Lakeview, in turn, called Dr. Broy and scheduled December 23, 2008 at 8:30 am.
I want to suggest my uncle’s dentistry needs were not taken care of in May of 2008 because his financial base and nursing home payment had not been established. When my uncle was transferred from the VA hospital to Warren Barr then to Lakeview he did not have his Medicaid application filed or confirmed. The VA, Warren Barr and Lakeview knew my uncle received VA benefits totaling $680.00 and a form of Social Security with the acronym RSDI totaling $251.00. Since none of these entities took time to establish the relationship needed with Medicaid for payment of services for my uncle, I took the initiative upon my uncle entering Lakeview to establish a relationship with the State of Illinois, Department of Human Services (DHS). Even with my 14 years of social service work, this was a tedious task. On August 27, 2008 I received notice in the mail that my uncle had been approved for medical assistance.
In or about January of 2008 when my uncle was admitted to the VA hospital located at 2122 West Taylor Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612 due to complications from a stroke that has affected the right side of his body, the VA did not file an application for medical services with DHS. Warren Barr did not file an application for medical services with DHS when my uncle was transferred to their facility. For reasons unknown to me, the VA hospital put my uncle out and sent him to Warren Barr. Today, my uncle does not have movement of his right hand or right arm and he cannot speak, but Lakeview has stopped his speech therapy reporting there is no more they can do for him. I asked for documentation reporting this prognosis. Lakeview has suggested I call my uncle’s doctor to get this report. This is absurd.
If my uncle’s speech therapy has stopped because there is nothing more that can be done, it should be noted in his medical file. There is much more to tell, but I will not do it here. It may cloud the present issue of dentistry work and “real” speech therapy. I was told the speech therapy my uncle has received from Lakeview was concentrated on clearing his throat so he could reach his potential for “swallowing” food and liquids. This is ludicrous. On December 3, 2008 I requested speech therapy for developing speech patterns. I suggested at this meeting that my uncle’s dental issue may be a contributing factor to speech improvement.
Therefore, I am requesting Lakeview respond to the needs of my uncle in a timely and orderly fashion. I request appropriate action plans for assuring my uncle will not miss his scheduled appointments. I request my uncle’s doctor contact me about my uncle’s speech therapy and overall prognosis. Since I have not had appropriate attention to my uncle’s needs and communication from management regarding my issues, I am posting this writing on my blogs at http://clickforjusticeandequality2.blogspot.com/, http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/, http://click.townhall.com/, and http://www.frednance.newsvine.com/. I will fax this correspondence to the Director of Nursing, Ms. Kathy Koenig; to Administrator Mr. Michael Elks; and to Lakeshore’s Mr. Jimmy Syfu.
I hope my uncle is not retaliated against by any entity listed here. If there are retaliatory acts of character and behavior from any entity, I will address them in the appropriate venue.
Respectfully submitted,
Fred Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS
Monday, December 22, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Senate-for-sale case threatens new chief of staff
Senate-for-sale case threatens new chief of staff - Yahoo! News
President-elect Obama does not need this type of attention in his adminstration. President-elect Obama may have to make some changes if this is true. Obama's cabinet must be beyond reproach.
President-elect Obama does not need this type of attention in his adminstration. President-elect Obama may have to make some changes if this is true. Obama's cabinet must be beyond reproach.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Defiant Blago won't go down without fight - Jonathan Martin - Politico.com
Defiant Blago won't go down without fight - Jonathan Martin - Politico.com
Politics has nothing to do with Governor Blagojevich's criminal thinking and behaving. We must remember he has no remorse or empathy for what he is accused. The allegations have support, and that support whether gathered illegally or legally is the truth. Many others have been convicted in Illinois of criminal activity with evidence gathered illegally. Not only have individuals been convicted in Illinois with illegal evidence, some have had Judges and Lawyers who were involved in the Greylord convictions of the 80s, such as Judge Paul Foxgrover and Attorney William Swano. Some of those convictions have been submitted to Governor Blagojevich for clemency. Those that have requested clemency have submitted documents demonstrating remorse and empathy. These requests have been sitting on Governor Blagojevich's desk awaiting his signature. I guess Governor Blagojevich is waiting for a kickback before he signs clemency to the many who deserve it. Remember, when the time comes for the President, the citizens of Illinois and the Prison Review Board to grant Governor Blagojevich clemency or commute his sentence, we must not forget he has no remorse or empathy for the many victims who have suffered under his criminal empire.
Politics has nothing to do with Governor Blagojevich's criminal thinking and behaving. We must remember he has no remorse or empathy for what he is accused. The allegations have support, and that support whether gathered illegally or legally is the truth. Many others have been convicted in Illinois of criminal activity with evidence gathered illegally. Not only have individuals been convicted in Illinois with illegal evidence, some have had Judges and Lawyers who were involved in the Greylord convictions of the 80s, such as Judge Paul Foxgrover and Attorney William Swano. Some of those convictions have been submitted to Governor Blagojevich for clemency. Those that have requested clemency have submitted documents demonstrating remorse and empathy. These requests have been sitting on Governor Blagojevich's desk awaiting his signature. I guess Governor Blagojevich is waiting for a kickback before he signs clemency to the many who deserve it. Remember, when the time comes for the President, the citizens of Illinois and the Prison Review Board to grant Governor Blagojevich clemency or commute his sentence, we must not forget he has no remorse or empathy for the many victims who have suffered under his criminal empire.
No room at the inn for Obama after Bush snub
No room at the inn for Obama after Bush snub - White House, News - The Independent
Don't go in the "Bushes". George Bush's press aid states "The White House, for its part, insisted this weekend that official protocol does not require George and Laura Bush to hand over the keys to Blair House until five days before the inauguration date. In a statement, Sally McDonough, a press aide to the current First Lady, accused reporters covering the story, which had escalated into a front-page controversy in many newspapers, of “trying to make a story out of something that is not a story”". This is ridiculous. President Obama should make the "Bushes" move out at midnight on January 15, 2009. This is just another "white" privilege move against a Black man. Racism is alive and well.
Don't go in the "Bushes". George Bush's press aid states "The White House, for its part, insisted this weekend that official protocol does not require George and Laura Bush to hand over the keys to Blair House until five days before the inauguration date. In a statement, Sally McDonough, a press aide to the current First Lady, accused reporters covering the story, which had escalated into a front-page controversy in many newspapers, of “trying to make a story out of something that is not a story”". This is ridiculous. President Obama should make the "Bushes" move out at midnight on January 15, 2009. This is just another "white" privilege move against a Black man. Racism is alive and well.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
The Raw Story | FBI informant: Blagojevich was mob-connected bookie
The Raw Story | FBI informant: Blagojevich was mob-connected bookie
What is wrong with our society? I heard a commentator this morning on radio 560 AM state that because this FBI informant was accused of criminal activity he should not be listened too. Who do you think will have the information about criminal activity? Criminals. Those who are involved in criminal activity surround themselves with those who have criminal intentions or criminal thinking. We need to look at who is around Governor Blagojevich.
What is wrong with our society? I heard a commentator this morning on radio 560 AM state that because this FBI informant was accused of criminal activity he should not be listened too. Who do you think will have the information about criminal activity? Criminals. Those who are involved in criminal activity surround themselves with those who have criminal intentions or criminal thinking. We need to look at who is around Governor Blagojevich.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Analysis: Scandal has risk, opportunity for Obama
Analysis: Scandal has risk, opportunity for Obama - Yahoo! News
Congressman Danny K. Davis is above this type of politics also. Congressman Davis has shown through his advisory committees that he stands for justice and equality.
Congressman Danny K. Davis is above this type of politics also. Congressman Davis has shown through his advisory committees that he stands for justice and equality.
Illinois AG threatens to act soon against governor
Illinois AG threatens to act soon against governor - Yahoo! News
It appears the Honorable Lisa Madigan, Illinois Attorney General, has gotten on board with facilitating change by removing Governor Blagojevich from his duties as Governor of Illinois.
It appears the Honorable Lisa Madigan, Illinois Attorney General, has gotten on board with facilitating change by removing Governor Blagojevich from his duties as Governor of Illinois.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Obama calls for Illinois governor to resign
Obama calls for Illinois governor to resign - Yahoo! News
It appears the insight and intelligence of the Obama camp is proactively and aggressively addressing the corruption in Illinois Government.
It appears the insight and intelligence of the Obama camp is proactively and aggressively addressing the corruption in Illinois Government.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich Arrested by FBI
MyFox Chicago Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich Arrested by FBI
Federal authorities arrested Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich Tuesday on charges that he brazenly conspired to sell or trade the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by President-elect Barack Obama to the highest bidder.Blagojevich also was charged with illegally threatening to withhold state assistance to Tribune Co., the owner of the Chicago Tribune, in the sale of Wrigley Field, according to a federal criminal complaint. In return for state assistance, Blagojevich allegedly wanted members of the paper's editorial board who had been critical of him fired.
A 76-page FBI affidavit said the 51-year-old Democratic governor was intercepted on court-authorized wiretaps over the last month conspiring to sell or trade the vacant Senate seat for personal benefits for himself and his wife, Patti.
Otherwise, Blagojevich considered appointing himself. The affidavit said that as late as Nov. 3, he told his deputy governor that if "they're not going to offer me anything of value I might as well take it."
I have been writing to Federal and Illinois Government officials in Illinois for the last 2 years about alleged corruption in Governor Blagojevich’s office. I wrote President-elect Obama when he was an Illinois Senator. When I worked at Sheridan Correctional Center as a clinical supervisory counselor I suggested corruption in the Governor’s office and Sheridan Correctional Center when AFSCME Union Local 31 conducted a strike at Sheridan Correctional Center on June 6, 2006. I suggested corruption in the Governor’s office with the contract given to West Care Foundation, Inc. at Sheridan Correctional Center to provide counseling services to the inmates. West Care Foundation, Inc. is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. My employment at Sheridan Correctional Center was terminated on or about May 15, 2008. I was a supervisor. When Warden Michael Rothwell took my security clearance on or about May 15, 2008 he did not give me a reason. I wrote Illinois Department of Corrections’ Director Roger Walker, who has not answered my letter to give me a reason why they took my security clearance. Read my writings regarding the indifferent and disparate treatment, and racism at Sheridan Correctional Center on my blog at http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/ and on President-elect Obama’s website. I am posting this comment on my blogs at http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/, www.frednance.newsvine.com/ and http://click.townhall.com/, and on President-elect Obama’s website.
I want to suggest a "criminal" conspiracy between Governor Blagojevich, AFSCME Union Local 31 and the Illinois Department of Corrections against Gateway Foundation, Inc. (Gateway) to force them to give up their contractual agreement to provide counseling services at Sheridan Correctional Center (Sheridan) when they allowed the strike of June 6, 2006 at Sheridan and prevented Gateway employees from crossing the picket lines. This conspiracy may involve Governor Blagojevich, Deanne Benos, Roger Walker, Michael Rothwell and officials of AFSCME Union Local 31. This conspiracy paved the way for West Care Foundation, Inc., which may be in bed with this conspiracy. Follow the money. West Care Foundation, Inc. may have bought this contractual agreement from Governor Blagojevich and his government officials. In addition, the contractual vendors for the prison system in Illinois are probably giving "financial" kickbacks to Governor's office for these "sweetheart" contracts. The nepotism engaged and exploited in this "criminal" scheme to keep contracts out of the hands of those who are not "connected" financially to Governor Blagojevich and his cronies pockets continues the corruption in Illinois. This is a "criminal" employment scheme operating out of the Governor's office. Follow the money. This is what I am asking the FBI to investigate.
Federal authorities arrested Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich Tuesday on charges that he brazenly conspired to sell or trade the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by President-elect Barack Obama to the highest bidder.Blagojevich also was charged with illegally threatening to withhold state assistance to Tribune Co., the owner of the Chicago Tribune, in the sale of Wrigley Field, according to a federal criminal complaint. In return for state assistance, Blagojevich allegedly wanted members of the paper's editorial board who had been critical of him fired.
A 76-page FBI affidavit said the 51-year-old Democratic governor was intercepted on court-authorized wiretaps over the last month conspiring to sell or trade the vacant Senate seat for personal benefits for himself and his wife, Patti.
Otherwise, Blagojevich considered appointing himself. The affidavit said that as late as Nov. 3, he told his deputy governor that if "they're not going to offer me anything of value I might as well take it."
I have been writing to Federal and Illinois Government officials in Illinois for the last 2 years about alleged corruption in Governor Blagojevich’s office. I wrote President-elect Obama when he was an Illinois Senator. When I worked at Sheridan Correctional Center as a clinical supervisory counselor I suggested corruption in the Governor’s office and Sheridan Correctional Center when AFSCME Union Local 31 conducted a strike at Sheridan Correctional Center on June 6, 2006. I suggested corruption in the Governor’s office with the contract given to West Care Foundation, Inc. at Sheridan Correctional Center to provide counseling services to the inmates. West Care Foundation, Inc. is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. My employment at Sheridan Correctional Center was terminated on or about May 15, 2008. I was a supervisor. When Warden Michael Rothwell took my security clearance on or about May 15, 2008 he did not give me a reason. I wrote Illinois Department of Corrections’ Director Roger Walker, who has not answered my letter to give me a reason why they took my security clearance. Read my writings regarding the indifferent and disparate treatment, and racism at Sheridan Correctional Center on my blog at http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/ and on President-elect Obama’s website. I am posting this comment on my blogs at http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/, www.frednance.newsvine.com/ and http://click.townhall.com/, and on President-elect Obama’s website.
I want to suggest a "criminal" conspiracy between Governor Blagojevich, AFSCME Union Local 31 and the Illinois Department of Corrections against Gateway Foundation, Inc. (Gateway) to force them to give up their contractual agreement to provide counseling services at Sheridan Correctional Center (Sheridan) when they allowed the strike of June 6, 2006 at Sheridan and prevented Gateway employees from crossing the picket lines. This conspiracy may involve Governor Blagojevich, Deanne Benos, Roger Walker, Michael Rothwell and officials of AFSCME Union Local 31. This conspiracy paved the way for West Care Foundation, Inc., which may be in bed with this conspiracy. Follow the money. West Care Foundation, Inc. may have bought this contractual agreement from Governor Blagojevich and his government officials. In addition, the contractual vendors for the prison system in Illinois are probably giving "financial" kickbacks to Governor's office for these "sweetheart" contracts. The nepotism engaged and exploited in this "criminal" scheme to keep contracts out of the hands of those who are not "connected" financially to Governor Blagojevich and his cronies pockets continues the corruption in Illinois. This is a "criminal" employment scheme operating out of the Governor's office. Follow the money. This is what I am asking the FBI to investigate.
Ill. Gov. Blagojevich arrested on federal charges
Ill. Gov. Blagojevich arrested on federal charges -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
Corruption in the Blagojevich administration has been the focus of a federal investigation involving an alleged $7 million scheme aimed at squeezing kickbacks out of companies seeking business from the state. Federal prosecutors have acknowledged they're also investigating "serious allegations of endemic hiring fraud" under Blagojevich.
I have been writing to Federal and Illinois Government officials in Illinois for the last 2 years about alleged corruption in Governor Blagojevich’s office. I wrote President-elect Obama when he was an Illinois Senator. When I worked at Sheridan Correctional Center as a clinical supervisory counselor I suggested corruption in the Governor’s office and Sheridan Correctional Center when AFSCME Union Local 31 conducted a strike at Sheridan Correctional Center on June 6, 2006. I suggested corruption in the Governor’s office with the contract given to West Care Foundation, Inc. at Sheridan Correctional Center to provide counseling services to the inmates. West Care Foundation, Inc. is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. My employment at Sheridan Correctional Center was terminated on or about May 15, 2008. I was a supervisor. When Warden Michael Rothwell took my security clearance on or about May 15, 2008 he did not give me a reason. I wrote Illinois Department of Corrections’ Director Roger Walker, who has not answered my letter to give me a reason why they took my security clearance. Read my writings regarding the indifferent and disparate treatment, and racism at Sheridan Correctional Center on my blog at http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/ and on President-elect Obama’s website. I am posting this comment on my blogs at http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/, www.frednance.newsvine.com/ and http://click.townhall.com/, and on President-elect Obama’s website.
I want to suggest a "criminal" conspiracy between Governor Blagojevich, AFSCME Union Local 31 and the Illinois Department of Corrections against Gateway Foundation, Inc. (Gateway) to force them to give up their contractual agreement to provide counseling services at Sheridan Correctional Center (Sheridan) when they allowed the strike of June 6, 2006 at Sheridan and prevented Gateway employees from crossing the picket lines. This conspiracy may involve Governor Blagojevich, Deanne Benos, Roger Walker, Michael Rothwell and officials of AFSCME Union Local 31. This conspiracy paved the way for West Care Foundation, Inc., which may be in bed with this conspiracy. Follow the money. West Care Foundation, Inc. may have bought this contractual agreement from Governor Blagojevich and his government officials. In addition, the contractual vendors for the prison system in Illinois are probably giving "financial" kickbacks to Governor's office for these "sweetheart" contracts. The nepotism engaged and exploited in this "criminal" scheme to keep contracts out of the hands of those who are not "connected" financially to Governor Blagojevich and his cronies pockets continues the corruption in Illinois. This is a "criminal" employment scheme operating out of the Governor's office. Follow the money. This is what I am asking the FBI to investigate.
Corruption in the Blagojevich administration has been the focus of a federal investigation involving an alleged $7 million scheme aimed at squeezing kickbacks out of companies seeking business from the state. Federal prosecutors have acknowledged they're also investigating "serious allegations of endemic hiring fraud" under Blagojevich.
I have been writing to Federal and Illinois Government officials in Illinois for the last 2 years about alleged corruption in Governor Blagojevich’s office. I wrote President-elect Obama when he was an Illinois Senator. When I worked at Sheridan Correctional Center as a clinical supervisory counselor I suggested corruption in the Governor’s office and Sheridan Correctional Center when AFSCME Union Local 31 conducted a strike at Sheridan Correctional Center on June 6, 2006. I suggested corruption in the Governor’s office with the contract given to West Care Foundation, Inc. at Sheridan Correctional Center to provide counseling services to the inmates. West Care Foundation, Inc. is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. My employment at Sheridan Correctional Center was terminated on or about May 15, 2008. I was a supervisor. When Warden Michael Rothwell took my security clearance on or about May 15, 2008 he did not give me a reason. I wrote Illinois Department of Corrections’ Director Roger Walker, who has not answered my letter to give me a reason why they took my security clearance. Read my writings regarding the indifferent and disparate treatment, and racism at Sheridan Correctional Center on my blog at http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/ and on President-elect Obama’s website. I am posting this comment on my blogs at http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/, www.frednance.newsvine.com/ and http://click.townhall.com/, and on President-elect Obama’s website.
I want to suggest a "criminal" conspiracy between Governor Blagojevich, AFSCME Union Local 31 and the Illinois Department of Corrections against Gateway Foundation, Inc. (Gateway) to force them to give up their contractual agreement to provide counseling services at Sheridan Correctional Center (Sheridan) when they allowed the strike of June 6, 2006 at Sheridan and prevented Gateway employees from crossing the picket lines. This conspiracy may involve Governor Blagojevich, Deanne Benos, Roger Walker, Michael Rothwell and officials of AFSCME Union Local 31. This conspiracy paved the way for West Care Foundation, Inc., which may be in bed with this conspiracy. Follow the money. West Care Foundation, Inc. may have bought this contractual agreement from Governor Blagojevich and his government officials. In addition, the contractual vendors for the prison system in Illinois are probably giving "financial" kickbacks to Governor's office for these "sweetheart" contracts. The nepotism engaged and exploited in this "criminal" scheme to keep contracts out of the hands of those who are not "connected" financially to Governor Blagojevich and his cronies pockets continues the corruption in Illinois. This is a "criminal" employment scheme operating out of the Governor's office. Follow the money. This is what I am asking the FBI to investigate.
Chicago Tribune: Ill. Gov. Blagojevich in federal custody
Chicago Tribune: Ill. Gov. Blagojevich in federal custody - Yahoo! News
An official says Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has been arrested in Chicago on corruption charges stemming from the selection of the successor to President-elect Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat.
What of the "sweetheart" deals at Sheridan Correctional Center, trading favors for contracts? Is Sheridan Correctional Center part of the probe? What about the nepotism?
I have been writing to Federal and Illinois Government officials in Illinois for the last 2 years about alleged corruption in Governor Blagojevich’s office. I wrote President-elect Obama when he was an Illinois Senator. When I worked at Sheridan Correctional Center as a clinical supervisory counselor I suggested corruption in the Governor’s office and Sheridan Correctional Center when AFSCME Union Local 31 conducted a strike at Sheridan Correctional Center on June 6, 2006. I suggested corruption in the Governor’s office with the contract given to West Care Foundation, Inc. at Sheridan Correctional Center to provide counseling services to the inmates. West Care Foundation, Inc. is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. My employment at Sheridan Correctional Center was terminated on or about May 15, 2008. I was a supervisor. When Warden Michael Rothwell took my security clearance on or about May 15, 2008 he did not give me a reason. I wrote Illinois Department of Corrections’ Director Roger Walker, who has not answered my letter to give me a reason why they took my security clearance. Read my writings regarding the indifferent and disparate treatment, and racism at Sheridan Correctional Center on my blog at http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/ and on President-elect Obama’s website. I am posting this comment on my blogs at http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/, www.frednance.newsvine.com/ and http://click.townhall.com/, and on President-elect Obama’s website.
I want to suggest a "criminal" conspiracy between Governor Blagojevich, AFSCME Union Local 31 and the Illinois Department of Corrections against Gateway Foundation, Inc. (Gateway) to force them to give up their contractual agreement to provide counseling services at Sheridan Correctional Center (Sheridan) when they allowed the strike of June 6, 2006 at Sheridan and prevented Gateway employees from crossing the picket lines. This conspiracy may involve Governor Blagojevich, Deanne Benos, Roger Walker, Michael Rothwell and officials of AFSCME Union Local 31. This conspiracy paved the way for West Care Foundation, Inc., which may be in bed with this conspiracy. Follow the money. West Care Foundation, Inc. may have bought this contractual agreement from Governor Blagojevich and his government officials. In addition, the contractual vendors for the prison system in Illinois are probably giving "financial" kickbacks to Governor's office for these "sweetheart" contracts. The nepotism engaged and exploited in this "criminal" scheme to keep contracts out of the hands of those who are not "connected" financially to Governor Blagojevich and his cronies pockets continues the corruption in Illinois. This is a "criminal" employment scheme operating out of the Governor's office. Follow the money. This is what I am asking the FBI to investigate.
An official says Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has been arrested in Chicago on corruption charges stemming from the selection of the successor to President-elect Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat.
What of the "sweetheart" deals at Sheridan Correctional Center, trading favors for contracts? Is Sheridan Correctional Center part of the probe? What about the nepotism?
I have been writing to Federal and Illinois Government officials in Illinois for the last 2 years about alleged corruption in Governor Blagojevich’s office. I wrote President-elect Obama when he was an Illinois Senator. When I worked at Sheridan Correctional Center as a clinical supervisory counselor I suggested corruption in the Governor’s office and Sheridan Correctional Center when AFSCME Union Local 31 conducted a strike at Sheridan Correctional Center on June 6, 2006. I suggested corruption in the Governor’s office with the contract given to West Care Foundation, Inc. at Sheridan Correctional Center to provide counseling services to the inmates. West Care Foundation, Inc. is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. My employment at Sheridan Correctional Center was terminated on or about May 15, 2008. I was a supervisor. When Warden Michael Rothwell took my security clearance on or about May 15, 2008 he did not give me a reason. I wrote Illinois Department of Corrections’ Director Roger Walker, who has not answered my letter to give me a reason why they took my security clearance. Read my writings regarding the indifferent and disparate treatment, and racism at Sheridan Correctional Center on my blog at http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/ and on President-elect Obama’s website. I am posting this comment on my blogs at http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/, www.frednance.newsvine.com/ and http://click.townhall.com/, and on President-elect Obama’s website.
I want to suggest a "criminal" conspiracy between Governor Blagojevich, AFSCME Union Local 31 and the Illinois Department of Corrections against Gateway Foundation, Inc. (Gateway) to force them to give up their contractual agreement to provide counseling services at Sheridan Correctional Center (Sheridan) when they allowed the strike of June 6, 2006 at Sheridan and prevented Gateway employees from crossing the picket lines. This conspiracy may involve Governor Blagojevich, Deanne Benos, Roger Walker, Michael Rothwell and officials of AFSCME Union Local 31. This conspiracy paved the way for West Care Foundation, Inc., which may be in bed with this conspiracy. Follow the money. West Care Foundation, Inc. may have bought this contractual agreement from Governor Blagojevich and his government officials. In addition, the contractual vendors for the prison system in Illinois are probably giving "financial" kickbacks to Governor's office for these "sweetheart" contracts. The nepotism engaged and exploited in this "criminal" scheme to keep contracts out of the hands of those who are not "connected" financially to Governor Blagojevich and his cronies pockets continues the corruption in Illinois. This is a "criminal" employment scheme operating out of the Governor's office. Follow the money. This is what I am asking the FBI to investigate.
Monday, December 01, 2008
One Source Talent Modeling Agency: Beware Consumers - This is not the way
Update: December 9, 2008
I filed a complaint against Mr. Anthony Toma and One Source Talent with Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan today.
November 11, 2007
One Source Talent
Mr. Anthony Toma, Founder
3250 West Big Beaver Road, Suite 526
Troy, Michigan 48084
Re: Kristina Gaston
Mr. Toma:
You report to the public One Source Talent is a consulting service for the fashion and acting communities. Your company summary suggests the goal of One Source Talent is to create cost-effective, working relationships between talent and clients via its interactive network. Your company also suggests it has talent and client benefits with real-time access and submissions to nation-wide castings and auditions, an interactive composite card for all digital and traditional submissions, a personal email account, industry workshops, “meet n’ greets”, a commission free environment and a benefit program from select businesses in each market. A searchable database of talent with detailed characteristics, a commission free service, a detailed talent evaluation process to ensure they are getting dedicated people and a corporate staff with years of industry knowledge and contacts.
You suggest One Source Talent mission is to help make the modeling and acting communities easily accessible from all ends of the entertainment industry, from talent, to clients, to agents, to casting companies; allowing for established and new talent to be discovered and hired quickly, and cost effectively.
In addition, your company reports underlying the mission is the determination to seek new and creative ways of addressing all several parts, while holding a deep respect for individuals inside and outside the company, and for the communities of which we are a part. The values of your company, from your viewpoint, state personal honesty, integrity, commitment to working together - with openness and trust; empowering others and respecting differences; encouraging risk-taking and responsibility; enjoying our work and our families.
Finally, your company suggests you are dedicated to providing the best service possible; that you are talent and client centered; that you are committed to working in partnerships, holding yourselves accountable for quality results, and are dedicated to financial integrity and cost-effectiveness.
Sir, I beg to differ with your company’s summary statement, talent and client benefits, integrity and honesty clause and values and principles statement.
My daughter, Kristina Gaston, has suffered a tremendous loss of integrity and possible modeling career opportunities with your Chicago office. I challenge the honesty, dignity and integrity of your Chicago based office. Kristina has not received one call from any perspective opportunities for modeling. In order for a perspective opportunity to arise, the agency or company would have to know Kristina’s One Source Talent ID number. There is no exposure by your company that would bring a perspective opportunity. In addition, Kristina would have to have suitable photos to demonstrate her beauty. The “professional” pictures, contracted by your company do not meet the requirements or standards your company claims to promote.
On or about August 16, 2007 my wife and I entered into a contractual agreement with One Source Talent to acquire photos and promotion of Kristina’s talents. Our cost was $595.00 for “professional” photos. Kristina’s photo shoot was scheduled for September 5, 2007. Kristina’s One Source Talent ID# is 20526. Kristina is 13-years-old. The results were not that of a 13-year-old.
I asked Carmen Martinez, your Chicago office representative, what would we get for $595.00? We were told by Carmen that we would get a 4-hour photo shoot, make-up artist and a portfolio. My wife escorted Kristina to the photo shoot. It lasted about an hour and a half. Carmen also told us we had to produce our own copies for the portfolio, from the photos taken by your “professional” photographer.
When my wife and I got the results of Kristina’s photos, I was appalled and disgusted. Most of the shots were over exposed. Kristina’s hair style did not change as her clothing was changed. The make-up was over the top, such as too much eyeliner and a heavy coating of facial foundation with a heavy coating of lipstick making her look 23-years-old instead of 13-years-old. In some pictures, Kristina had pearls on making the shots look like glamour photography. It appears as if Kristina was not professionally guided through the pictures either.
The lighting used for her photo shots created shadows, which made the shots bad or too hot; where if the lighting were appropriate we would have had a normal exposure. Kristina’s skin color and tone is not as light as some of the photos portrayed. If you want to see “true color” in “your” professional photos look at the shots taken by your photographer of Kristina’s mother, which were 3 shots and only because she was standing there with Kristina. We paid your company for professional photos. We did not pay for photos to be cropped and photo shopped.
The framing and/or composition were bad. There were many things in the photos that were distracting to Kristina’s look and photo shoot, such as window sills, wooded walls, telephone wires, etc. This photographer, if professional, should know what is in the frame of the picture before it is taken. When engaging in your process, we presented a photo disc to Carmen done by FBP DeSign Group, Inc. (http://www.fbpdesigngroup.com/) with make-up done by Marcus Geeter (http://www.marcusgeetermakeupartist.com/). This photo disc far exceeded your company’s demonstration of Kristina with excellence, distinction and quality.
When we left the disc from FBP DeSign Group, Inc. with Carmen she reported to us the pictures were unacceptable and not professional enough for your company, suggesting the background was the same in all the pictures. The first series of shots taken by your company’s “professional” photographer has the same background in most of its photos. In addition, your company’s photos displayed some sort of fabric or sheet in the background that had creases in it displaying where the sheets had been folded. This did not look professional at all. A professional photographer should know what is in the frame of a picture before the picture is taken.
To add insult to injury, on November 7, 2007 my wife called the person who reports she is the manager in your Chicago based office, Jessica, attempting to explain the above. Jessica made my wife feel insulted, minimizing our concerns. My wife reports Jessica stating “Oh, those pictures can get your daughter a job. If the pictures can get my daughter a job, demonstrate this to us.
My wife called me at work asking me to explain the above to Jessica.
On November 7, 2007 I called Jessica explaining the above. Jessica told me my thoughts about “professional” photography were my daughter sitting on Santa Claus’ lap. I was so insulted and aghast by Jessica’s response to my concerns, as I spoke in a professional voice, it prompted me to write this letter to you; also posting this letter on my websites at http://click.townhall.com/ and http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/ for public viewing. People need to know what One Source Talent really offers, with your unprofessional staff.
Therefore, considering my statements and your company’s mission, value and integrity statements, could you please respond giving me some insight into how we can satisfy each others need for a good product and sale of my daughters attributes with an opportunity of work.
If the pictures your company sponsored and produced through your “professional” photographer are as good as Carmen and Jessica claim, put my daughter’s pictures on One Source Talent’s opening website page for public viewing like you have similarly situated individuals who you feel need promoting first and/or get her some work. This would prove out Carmen and Jessica’s theory that your pictures are better than the pictures I presented to your company for your website from FBP DeSign Group, Inc. and Marcus Geeter. It may also prove Jessica’s beliefs and thoughts that my vision of good professional pictures is those taken with my daughter sitting on Santa Claus’ lap. This was a very sarcastic statement made by your professional manager. It tells us a lot about your company. The staff of a company, is the company.
Respectfully submitted,
Fred L Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRSSocial Policy Analyst
cc:
http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/
http://www.frednance.newsvine.com/
http://click.townhall.com/
http://clickforjusticeandequality2.blogspot.com/
Carmen MartinezJessica
Update: November 12, 2007
Jessica from One Source Talent called suggesting Kristina, my wife and I sit down to talk about possibly getting another photo shoot. We will sit with her to discuss this letter and Kristina's future in modeling.
Update: December 1, 2008
Kristina has not received a call from One Source Talent in months. One Source Talent has been debiting a monthly fee from my wife's bank account every month. My wife has been requesting information on why there has been no work for our daughter. There has been no response. Finally, my wife has been verbally calling and requesting One Source Talent cancel our contract and stop the monthly fee for Kristina's account. The contract has not been nullified and the fee has not stopped. One Source Talent continues to debit the fee from my wife's account with no accountability for acquiring work for our daughter.
My wife has been told that she must submit a writing to One Source Talent requesting to stop this fee. My wife and I called her bank requesting the One Source Talent debit stopped. To our amazement, our bank cannot stop the One Source Talent debit to her account because it is a debit to her bank account. My wife's bank reports the only way my wife can stop the One Source Talent debit is to cancel her debit card and order a new one. Therefore, my wife will cancel her current debit card and order a new debit card from her bank just to stop this debit by One Source Talent.
I would suggest to anyone who gets involved with One Source Talent or any other business or entity who insist on a monthly or weekly fee being taken from a bank account to have that fee taken from their bank's routing and bank account number, not by way of a debit to their account.
If a person takes this action, you will avoid having to cancel a debit card or your account to stop payment to a company who is not providing the service you require.
I believe One Source Talent has not provided our daughter with work because of our complaint to management and my posting the writing below on my blogs. When I wrote this complaint to Anthony Toma, Founder, President and CEO of One Source Talent in November of 2007, I had 2 blogs. I now have 4, and will re-post this complaint on all of them.
When I wrote and posted this complaint on my blogs I received a call from Mr. Toma thinking our daughter would get "real" work. I took this writing off my blogs because of good faith toward One Source Talent. When we wrote this complaint, our daughter was given another photo shooting and an opportunity to be an "extra" in a 15 minute college documentary. There has been no other work. Therefore, I am posting this complaint again on my blogs.
I would highly suggest to parents that if you do not know someone in management, please do not waste your time, money and child's self-esteem on believing one day she or he will succeed in this business. The only way there is success in this business is if you have a personal relationship with the ownership.
One Source Talent is not the way to succeed. I sent this comment to the President and CEO of One Source Talent, Mr. Anthony Toma by way of email. Hopefully, he will be able to facilitate the demise of our contract. My wife will cancel her debit card so that One Source Talent will not be able to take any other monies from her account.
Update: December 4, 2008
I filed an official complaint with the State of Michigan, Department of Attorney General this morning against Anthony Roma and One Source Talent. Check out this website: http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/one-source-talent-agency-c101283.html to support my claim against One Source Talent.
I filed a complaint against Mr. Anthony Toma and One Source Talent with Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan today.
November 11, 2007
One Source Talent
Mr. Anthony Toma, Founder
3250 West Big Beaver Road, Suite 526
Troy, Michigan 48084
Re: Kristina Gaston
Mr. Toma:
You report to the public One Source Talent is a consulting service for the fashion and acting communities. Your company summary suggests the goal of One Source Talent is to create cost-effective, working relationships between talent and clients via its interactive network. Your company also suggests it has talent and client benefits with real-time access and submissions to nation-wide castings and auditions, an interactive composite card for all digital and traditional submissions, a personal email account, industry workshops, “meet n’ greets”, a commission free environment and a benefit program from select businesses in each market. A searchable database of talent with detailed characteristics, a commission free service, a detailed talent evaluation process to ensure they are getting dedicated people and a corporate staff with years of industry knowledge and contacts.
You suggest One Source Talent mission is to help make the modeling and acting communities easily accessible from all ends of the entertainment industry, from talent, to clients, to agents, to casting companies; allowing for established and new talent to be discovered and hired quickly, and cost effectively.
In addition, your company reports underlying the mission is the determination to seek new and creative ways of addressing all several parts, while holding a deep respect for individuals inside and outside the company, and for the communities of which we are a part. The values of your company, from your viewpoint, state personal honesty, integrity, commitment to working together - with openness and trust; empowering others and respecting differences; encouraging risk-taking and responsibility; enjoying our work and our families.
Finally, your company suggests you are dedicated to providing the best service possible; that you are talent and client centered; that you are committed to working in partnerships, holding yourselves accountable for quality results, and are dedicated to financial integrity and cost-effectiveness.
Sir, I beg to differ with your company’s summary statement, talent and client benefits, integrity and honesty clause and values and principles statement.
My daughter, Kristina Gaston, has suffered a tremendous loss of integrity and possible modeling career opportunities with your Chicago office. I challenge the honesty, dignity and integrity of your Chicago based office. Kristina has not received one call from any perspective opportunities for modeling. In order for a perspective opportunity to arise, the agency or company would have to know Kristina’s One Source Talent ID number. There is no exposure by your company that would bring a perspective opportunity. In addition, Kristina would have to have suitable photos to demonstrate her beauty. The “professional” pictures, contracted by your company do not meet the requirements or standards your company claims to promote.
On or about August 16, 2007 my wife and I entered into a contractual agreement with One Source Talent to acquire photos and promotion of Kristina’s talents. Our cost was $595.00 for “professional” photos. Kristina’s photo shoot was scheduled for September 5, 2007. Kristina’s One Source Talent ID# is 20526. Kristina is 13-years-old. The results were not that of a 13-year-old.
I asked Carmen Martinez, your Chicago office representative, what would we get for $595.00? We were told by Carmen that we would get a 4-hour photo shoot, make-up artist and a portfolio. My wife escorted Kristina to the photo shoot. It lasted about an hour and a half. Carmen also told us we had to produce our own copies for the portfolio, from the photos taken by your “professional” photographer.
When my wife and I got the results of Kristina’s photos, I was appalled and disgusted. Most of the shots were over exposed. Kristina’s hair style did not change as her clothing was changed. The make-up was over the top, such as too much eyeliner and a heavy coating of facial foundation with a heavy coating of lipstick making her look 23-years-old instead of 13-years-old. In some pictures, Kristina had pearls on making the shots look like glamour photography. It appears as if Kristina was not professionally guided through the pictures either.
The lighting used for her photo shots created shadows, which made the shots bad or too hot; where if the lighting were appropriate we would have had a normal exposure. Kristina’s skin color and tone is not as light as some of the photos portrayed. If you want to see “true color” in “your” professional photos look at the shots taken by your photographer of Kristina’s mother, which were 3 shots and only because she was standing there with Kristina. We paid your company for professional photos. We did not pay for photos to be cropped and photo shopped.
The framing and/or composition were bad. There were many things in the photos that were distracting to Kristina’s look and photo shoot, such as window sills, wooded walls, telephone wires, etc. This photographer, if professional, should know what is in the frame of the picture before it is taken. When engaging in your process, we presented a photo disc to Carmen done by FBP DeSign Group, Inc. (http://www.fbpdesigngroup.com/) with make-up done by Marcus Geeter (http://www.marcusgeetermakeupartist.com/). This photo disc far exceeded your company’s demonstration of Kristina with excellence, distinction and quality.
When we left the disc from FBP DeSign Group, Inc. with Carmen she reported to us the pictures were unacceptable and not professional enough for your company, suggesting the background was the same in all the pictures. The first series of shots taken by your company’s “professional” photographer has the same background in most of its photos. In addition, your company’s photos displayed some sort of fabric or sheet in the background that had creases in it displaying where the sheets had been folded. This did not look professional at all. A professional photographer should know what is in the frame of a picture before the picture is taken.
To add insult to injury, on November 7, 2007 my wife called the person who reports she is the manager in your Chicago based office, Jessica, attempting to explain the above. Jessica made my wife feel insulted, minimizing our concerns. My wife reports Jessica stating “Oh, those pictures can get your daughter a job. If the pictures can get my daughter a job, demonstrate this to us.
My wife called me at work asking me to explain the above to Jessica.
On November 7, 2007 I called Jessica explaining the above. Jessica told me my thoughts about “professional” photography were my daughter sitting on Santa Claus’ lap. I was so insulted and aghast by Jessica’s response to my concerns, as I spoke in a professional voice, it prompted me to write this letter to you; also posting this letter on my websites at http://click.townhall.com/ and http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/ for public viewing. People need to know what One Source Talent really offers, with your unprofessional staff.
Therefore, considering my statements and your company’s mission, value and integrity statements, could you please respond giving me some insight into how we can satisfy each others need for a good product and sale of my daughters attributes with an opportunity of work.
If the pictures your company sponsored and produced through your “professional” photographer are as good as Carmen and Jessica claim, put my daughter’s pictures on One Source Talent’s opening website page for public viewing like you have similarly situated individuals who you feel need promoting first and/or get her some work. This would prove out Carmen and Jessica’s theory that your pictures are better than the pictures I presented to your company for your website from FBP DeSign Group, Inc. and Marcus Geeter. It may also prove Jessica’s beliefs and thoughts that my vision of good professional pictures is those taken with my daughter sitting on Santa Claus’ lap. This was a very sarcastic statement made by your professional manager. It tells us a lot about your company. The staff of a company, is the company.
Respectfully submitted,
Fred L Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRSSocial Policy Analyst
cc:
http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/
http://www.frednance.newsvine.com/
http://click.townhall.com/
http://clickforjusticeandequality2.blogspot.com/
Carmen MartinezJessica
Update: November 12, 2007
Jessica from One Source Talent called suggesting Kristina, my wife and I sit down to talk about possibly getting another photo shoot. We will sit with her to discuss this letter and Kristina's future in modeling.
Update: December 1, 2008
Kristina has not received a call from One Source Talent in months. One Source Talent has been debiting a monthly fee from my wife's bank account every month. My wife has been requesting information on why there has been no work for our daughter. There has been no response. Finally, my wife has been verbally calling and requesting One Source Talent cancel our contract and stop the monthly fee for Kristina's account. The contract has not been nullified and the fee has not stopped. One Source Talent continues to debit the fee from my wife's account with no accountability for acquiring work for our daughter.
My wife has been told that she must submit a writing to One Source Talent requesting to stop this fee. My wife and I called her bank requesting the One Source Talent debit stopped. To our amazement, our bank cannot stop the One Source Talent debit to her account because it is a debit to her bank account. My wife's bank reports the only way my wife can stop the One Source Talent debit is to cancel her debit card and order a new one. Therefore, my wife will cancel her current debit card and order a new debit card from her bank just to stop this debit by One Source Talent.
I would suggest to anyone who gets involved with One Source Talent or any other business or entity who insist on a monthly or weekly fee being taken from a bank account to have that fee taken from their bank's routing and bank account number, not by way of a debit to their account.
If a person takes this action, you will avoid having to cancel a debit card or your account to stop payment to a company who is not providing the service you require.
I believe One Source Talent has not provided our daughter with work because of our complaint to management and my posting the writing below on my blogs. When I wrote this complaint to Anthony Toma, Founder, President and CEO of One Source Talent in November of 2007, I had 2 blogs. I now have 4, and will re-post this complaint on all of them.
When I wrote and posted this complaint on my blogs I received a call from Mr. Toma thinking our daughter would get "real" work. I took this writing off my blogs because of good faith toward One Source Talent. When we wrote this complaint, our daughter was given another photo shooting and an opportunity to be an "extra" in a 15 minute college documentary. There has been no other work. Therefore, I am posting this complaint again on my blogs.
I would highly suggest to parents that if you do not know someone in management, please do not waste your time, money and child's self-esteem on believing one day she or he will succeed in this business. The only way there is success in this business is if you have a personal relationship with the ownership.
One Source Talent is not the way to succeed. I sent this comment to the President and CEO of One Source Talent, Mr. Anthony Toma by way of email. Hopefully, he will be able to facilitate the demise of our contract. My wife will cancel her debit card so that One Source Talent will not be able to take any other monies from her account.
Update: December 4, 2008
I filed an official complaint with the State of Michigan, Department of Attorney General this morning against Anthony Roma and One Source Talent. Check out this website: http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/one-source-talent-agency-c101283.html to support my claim against One Source Talent.
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