Name: Katarina
Ethnicity: Portuguese & Angolana
Location: Newark, New Jersey
Height: 5’7″
Weight: 120 lbs
Stats: 34-24-34
Occupation: Student
Major: Physical Therapy
Website: http://www.modelmayhem.com/KatarinaJDR
Describe yourself in three words.
Kind, generous, kick-ass
What trait do you like most about yourself?
I love to help people and watch them succeed because I feel as if I had a part of their success.
How long have you been modeling, and how did you get started?
I started modeling in May 2009 because my great friend, Alina, is a Wilhelmina model and encouraged me to start up my portfolio. It has almost been a year that I have been modeling and she has been there to help and inspire me to never give up on my dream.
What are some of your modeling highlights so far?
Fashion Week 2010 - Designer: Sandra Baquero in Roam Lounge, nyc
St. Judes Childrens Hospital Charity Fashion Show – 2009
Jackie Ayres: Lookbook
What do you do for fun?
The perfect “fun” day would consist of riding bikes, shopping, and creating jewelry.
What is your best beauty secret?
Less is always MORE!
What are some of your upcoming projects?
As of this very moment, I am going to visit a couple of agencies in NYC. CROSS THOSE FINGERS PEOPLE!
Do you have any advice for aspiring models?
Never give up on your dreams! So what if youre not 5’9” as long as you are happy doing what you do. Who can deny your happiness?
Why do you love 12VSpotlight?
I love 12VSpotlight because it is simply the best.
Do you have any closing remarks?
LIVE. LAUGH. LOVE.
Photographer Credits: John Pringle, Adlai Carrasco, Jackie Ayres
If you would like to be featured in our “Model Spotlight,” please click here.
To view previously featured models, please click here.
Owner: Jeff Brannon
Location: Marshall, Texas
Make: GMC
Model: S15
Year: 1993
Transmission: 5 Speed
Horsepower: 6 cylinder 350 upgrade coming soon
Color of Car: Lime Green
Color of Spotlight: Green
Modifications:
Optima battery
Shaved body line
Custom mountain dew green paint
18″ chrome wheels
Nitto tires
Dual 7″ flip out CD/DVD player
Powerbass 800 wt amp with a Memphis 15″ speaker
Why do you love 12Vspotlight?
They gave me a shot when other companies would not, and the lights are great and always handy.
I want to give a shout out to:
Special thanks to friends, family, and the Spotlight family for their support.
Photographer Credit: Patricia Brannon
If you would like your car to be featured in our “Car Spotlight,” please click here.
To view previously featured cars, please click here.
During ABC’s season finale of “The Bachelor,” they announced the lineup of celebrities for the long-anticipated new season of “Dancing with the Stars.” With this eclectic group of celebrities, this should be an interesting season, which begins Monday, March 22, 2010:
Evan Lysacek, 24, Olympic gold medalist, & Anna Trebunskaya
Erin Andrews, 31, ESPN reporter, & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Nicole Scherzinger, 31, singer/songwriter, & Derek Hough
Aiden Turner, 32, soap star, & Edyta Sliwinska
Chad Ochocinco, 32, NFL star, & Cheryl Burke
Jake Pavelka, 32, ‘The Bachelor’, & Chelsie Hightower
Kate Gosselin, 35, reality TV personality, & Tony Dovolani
Shannen Doherty, 37, actress, & Mark Ballas
Niecy Nash, 40, actress, & Louis Van Amstel
Pamela Anderson, 42, actress/model, & Damian Whitewood
Buzz Aldrin, 80, astronaut, & Ashley Costa
While the “Dancing with the Stars” series maintains its success, local dance studios around the country remain popular. It seems, at least to me, that everyone has caught the “dance fever,” sort of speak. I definitely have caught it, too, as I am in the midst of my third dance class. I have just finished the third lesson in Salsa.
Photo credit: ABC
Since we have previously posted a lesson in the Rumba, http://www.12vspotlight.com/blog/2009/11/02/73/put-your-dancing-shoes-on/, I am now going to teach you the basic Salsa.
Salsa Dance Steps
Salsa is one of the most popular Latin dances, and it is definitely hot and spicy. At first glance, it seems that this dance is very difficult, but it is actually very easy to learn. In only ten minutes, you will learn this fun, energetic dance!
Salsa is danced in a closed position, partners facing each other. The gentleman holds the lady’s right hand with his left hand. His right hand is placed around her waist. Her left hand is placed on his right shoulder.
The basic Salsa rhythm is very easy – quick, quick, slow; quick, quick, slow. The slow step consumes 2 beats of music and the quick steps only one.
Salsa Basic Steps
There are various styles and variations of Salsa, but as a beginner, you should start at a beginning. Here are the basic salsa steps for beginners:
Basic Salsa Steps for Men
The gentleman starts with his left foot stepping forward. The man’s steps are as follows:
You need to start with both feet together. Remember, practice makes perfect.
- Step forward with your left foot (first beat)
- Right foot in place, weight shifts to it (second beat)
- Step backward with your left foot (third beat + pause on fourth beat)
- Step backward with your right foot (first beat)
- Left foot in place, weight shifts to it (second beat)
- Step forward with your right foot (third beat + pause on fourth beat)
Basic Salsa Steps for Women
The lady starts with her right foot stepping backward. (My male dance teachers always joke, “The woman is always right.”) The woman’s steps are as follows:
You need to start with both feet together. Practice makes perfect for you, too.
- Step backward with your right foot (first beat)
- Left foot in place, weight shifts to it (second beat)
- Step forward with your right foot (third beat + pause on fourth beat)
- Step forward with your left foot (first beat)
- Right foot in place, weight shifts to it (second beat)
- Step backward with your left foot (third beat + pause on fourth beat)
Source: http://www.dancing4beginners.com/salsa-steps.htm
Like I recommended before, you may want to search for videos of this on YouTube if this would make it easier to watch. I always take comfort in that my father says, “It is better to have a strong male dancer. It is his job to make the lady look good.” Sorry guys, the pressure is on you!
Get lit,
Abigail Michelle
Spotlight Model and Blogger
http://www.abigail-michelle.com
spotlight slapper sticker design contest:
create your own version of the spotlightTM “HELLO my name is” sticker by taking the template above and making it your own.
set your profile picture on facebook, youtube, flickr, twitter etc. to your awesome new sticker and hit us up at mswisher[at]12Vspotlight[dot]com . our favorite sticker each month will win FREE spotlights and/or accessories http://www.12Vspotlight.com
history of the slapper sticker
“HELLO my name is…” stickers are the ultimate ice-breaker.
they’ve been around for years and are a great way to get around the awkward “sorry, I’ve totally forgotten your name” situation!
shortly after their initial creation, these stickers also became a perfect canvas for graffiti artists to show off their skillz.
do an image search for ‘’HELLO my name is’ and see how others have used these fun stickers in the past.
below are some of what the spotlight team came up with…
Matt “$w1sh” Swisher
Mark “THA MC SEE” Clulow
Fei-Long Tran
Abigail Michelle
Tags: 12Vspotlight, auto light, contest, first on scene, funny, get lit, graffiti, Humor, illuminaughty, lighten up, Marketing, random, rechargeable LED, spotlight, swisher
Owner: Brian Yoshino
Location: Costa Mesa, California
Make: Acura
Model: TSX-T
Year: 2005
Color of Car: Red
Modifications:
WHEELS / TIRES FRONT
19 x 9.5” / REAR 19 x 11” Black Chrome
PROFESSOR Wheels (Special order from Japan) – SSR
FRONT 235/35/19” / REAR 275/30/19 SP Sport Maxx Tires
– DUNLOP
SUSPENSION
Air-ride Suspension – AIRRUNNER / AUTOFASHION
Upgraded Polyurethane Bushings – ENERGY SUSPENSION
BRAKE
13.2” Big Brake Upgrade w/ 4-Piston Calipers /
Steel-braided Lines – ROTORA
ENGINE
Vehicle Tuning / Dyno – CHURCH AUTOMOTIVE
Custom-fabricated Turbo System Built / Installed
– RFM FABRICATION
Custom Fabricated Turbo Manifold /
Stainless Steel Hard Lines
T3 / T4-OE Turbo – GARRETT
Type-S Blow-off Valve – GREDDY
660CC Fuel Injectors – RC INJECTORS
Intercooler – SPEARCO
Short Ram Intake – INJEN
Turbo Heat Wrap – THERMO TECH
Fuel Management Unit – VORTECH
Custom-anodized Red Turbo Piping / Battery Tie Down – TSR
Reprogrammed ECU – HONDATA
N-terCooler Nitrous Kit / 100-shot Nitrous Kit
– NITROUS EXPRESS
(2) Hyper Medallion Touring (1ST in USA – Prototype)
3” Turbo Dual Exhausts – TANABE
Aftermarket Clutch / Lightened Flywheel – ACT
Hi-performance Synthetic Oil – MOBIL 1
Grounding System – SUN AUTOMOTIVE
EXTERIOR
Custom-fabricated Wide Body-kit / Metal Fender Flares
– RFM FABRICATION
Vinyl Graphics – GARAGE GRAPHICS
Blood Red Candy Paint – ALSA
Car Care Products / Accessories – MEGUIAR’S
Carbon-fiber Trunk / Hood
Dragon Aftermarket Consulting – Michael J. Macare’ © 2009 5
INTERIOR
Adjustable Racing Seats – BRIDE
Interior Panels Upholstered – ELUSIVE CUSTOMS
Headliner – BRIDE material / B-Pillars – suede
Boost / Air Fuel / Exhaust Gas Temp / Fuel Pressure /
Oil Pressure / Oil & Water Temp / Volt Gauges
– PROSPORT GAUGES
Custom built Gauge Pod – RFM FABRICATION
Quick-release Steering Wheel Hub / Steering Wheel
– NRG INNOVATIONS
Toggle Switches – IGNITED
Stainless Steel Interior Trim – WOODVIEW
I. C. E.
High Current Car Audio Power Cell – KINETIK
Custom built “Floating” Amplifier Rack
– RFM FABRICATION
(4) DB10 10” Subwoofers – POLK AUDIO
Audio / Video / Alarm Components / Installation
– DIRECTED ELECTRONICS
/ THE SNAKE PIT
(4) 6.5” Component Speakers w/ Tweeters
4-channel / (2) Mono Subwoofer Amplifiers
Directed Essentials Installation Accessories
10 Farad Capacitor Bank
12.2” Monitor Custom-molded in trunk
7” Monitor Custom-molded in dash
Clifford G4 Alarm System
IVA-D105 7” Motorized Touch-screen Flip Out
Monitor w/ In-dash DVD Player – ALPINE
MAESTRO 4250 Portable Navigation Unit – MAGELLAN
Photographer Credit: Chris Wold of Tunerzine.com
If you would like your car to be featured in our “Car Spotlight,” please click here.
To view previously featured cars, please click here.
Name: Rosemarie Calloway
Ethnicity: African American, Japanese, Filipina, Spanish, Mexican, Native, French
Location: Seattle, Washington
Height: 5′ 5 ”
Weight: 131 lbs
Stats: 34C-28-37
Occupation: Web Developer, Model, Gogo Dancer, Digital Artist
Degree: Bachelors in Fine Arts
Websites:
http://www.rosemariecalloway.com
http://www.twitter.com/_rosemarie
http://www.myspace.com/rosemariecalloway
http://www.facebook.com/rosemariecalloway
Describe yourself in three words.
Funny , Nerdy , Sweetheart
What trait do you like most about yourself?
I love my sense of humor. Just to have that ability to make someone laugh and smile makes me happy!
How long have you been modeling, and how did you get started?
I’ve been modeling since January 2007. I originally got my start by participating in a fashion show for Hot Import Nights in Seattle of 2006 for a friend of mine, and I really enjoyed meeting new people and the industry. So after that, I decided to seriously pursue modeling and see where it takes me.
What are some of your modeling highlights so far?
I was ranked #6 in FHM Magazine’s 2007 Top 10 Digital Darlings, featured model and gogo dancer for Hot Import Nights in Seattle, tour model and gogo dancer for Battle of the Imports, UjENA Swimwear model, hair model for Avlon Industries in the US and Brazil … and much more!
What do you do for fun?
Dancing is my #1 passion so I do that as often as possible. I also love playing sports, watching movies, traveling, and hanging out with my friends.
What is your best beauty secret?
Drink lots of water! It does wonders for your skin and body.
What are some of your upcoming projects?
I’m planning on traveling a lot more this year, particularly on the East Coast. I’m planning to make more appearances in the import scene as well.
Do you have any advice for aspiring models?
Be aware of the photographers you decide to work with. Many of them are full of broken promises and/or lack professionalism. If you’re ever unsure, ask a model they’ve worked with in the past.
Why do you love 12VSpotlight?
You can use the little bugger practically everywhere! In cars, while camping … why not have one?
Do you have any closing remarks?
Thank you to 12VSpotlight for featuring me
Photographer Credits: Angstrom Studios, Luis Onpin, Tommy Edwards, Brian Bobila, Kailas Images
If you would like to be featured in our “Model Spotlight,” please click here.
To view previously featured models, please click here.
Owner: Art Nunthapiwat
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Make: Nissan
Model: 240sx
Year: 1993
Transmission: 5 Speed
Horsepower: 353.20 RWHP
Torque: 295.14
Color of Car: Black
Color of Spotlight: Black
Modifications:
Engine (SR20DET):
Apex-i GT-Spec Exhaust
ARP Head Studs
Blitz Intake Filter
Enthalpy ECU Tune
Greddy 1.2 Metal Head gasket
Greddy Intake Manifold
Greddy 02 Housing
Garrett GT2871R
HKS 264 Step 1 Cams
HKS SSQ Blow off Valve
Koyo Radiator
Kougaku Water Pump Pulley
Nismo 555cc injectors
Nismo Thermostat
Peak Rocker Arm Stoppers
TF Flex Down Pipe
Walbro 255 Hi-Flow fuel pump
Z32 MAFS
Interior:
Apex-i Super AFC
Greddy Profec B
AutoMeter Gauges:
Boost
Exhaust Temp
Volts
Water Temp
Suspension:
Auto Power Roll bar
Cusco Front and Rear Strut Bar
Nismo 2-Way LSD
Nismo Power Brace
Peak Tie Rods inner and outer
Peak Tension Rods
Stance GR+Pro Coilovers
Brakes:
300ZX 4Piston Front Caliper
300ZX 2Piston Rear Caliper
Cross drilled rotors on all four
Wheels:
5Zigen Heidflieds
18X8 with 225/40/18 Nitto 555
18X9 with 255/35/18 Nitto 555
Body:
JDM Silvia Conversion
URAS Front Bumper
PDM Side Skirts
Veilside Rear Lip
Why do you love 12VSpotlight?
I like the 12VSpotlight because it is very compact and always ready for use since it is always charging.
I want to give shout out to:
Touge Factory in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, and Pro Function in Burr Ridge, Illinois, for the Dyno runs
Photographer Credit: Art Nunthapiwat
If you would like your car to be featured in our “Car Spotlight,” please click here.
To view previously featured cars, please click here.
Name: Teala Doeppke
Team: Playtime CC
Location: Barksdale AFB, Louisiana
Make: Toyota
Model: Celica GTS
Year: 2000
Transmission: Automatic
Horsepower: 195
Color of Car: Red
Color of Spotlight: Red
Modifications:
Engine:
Injen race Division Cold Air Intake, Injen Engine dress up kit, Injen Air Filter Heat Shield, K&N High flow filter, Magnaflow Exhaust
Suspension:
Rod Millen Strut Tower bar, Airbagit.com Air ride suspension, VIAIR 280C Compressor, VIAIR Air Guages
Exterior:
Evo 5 Front Bumper, Molded in Blitz side skirts, Molded TSC rear bumper, 17″ Konig Appeal rims, Nitto Neo Gen Tires, Custom tribal paint graphics, Molded in rear wing
Interior:
Custom Painted interior pieces, Kenwood Excelon in dash DVD Player, 2 JBL Audio W12 GTi Subwoofers, JBL GTO 140001 1500W Amplifier, JBL GTO 1004 150W X 4 Amplifier, JBL 660 GTi Component sets, Tsunami RPT950 RCA cables, Tsunami 1/0, 4 and 8 GA power and ground wire, Tsunami 20 Farad Power Cap, Tsunami Fuse Holder and Distribution Block
Website: http://www.playtimecc.webs.com
Why do you love 12VSpotlight?
Great product – has saved me many times
I want to give shout out to:
My family, Mom; Kathy for all the help and support; Husband Scott for letting me say what goes on to my car; and my sponsors JBL, METRA, LUMINICS, SPOTLIGHT
If you would like your car to be featured in our “Car Spotlight,” please click here.
To view previously featured cars, please click here.
Our very own Abigail Michelle recently won the title of Enjuku Girl of the Month for November 2009. As part of her win, she was featured on their website, and we are sharing the interview here. We are so glad that she gave a shout-out to 12VSpotlight!
Reprinted from EnjukuGirls.com – http://enjukugirls.com/featured-girl/enjuku-girl-november-2009
1/5/2010
We apologize in the delay of posting up this interview, but we have been very busy wrapping up the Holiday season and keeping all of our customers at Enjuku Racing happy. Enjoy the interview with Abigail Michelle, our November 2009 winner!
EnjukuGirls.com: Congratulations on being November’s Enjuku Girl, Abigail!!! Is there anyone that you wanted to thank for helping you win?
Abigail Michelle: First of all, thank you, Enjuku Racing, for giving me this opportunity to represent you this month, and thank you, Tunerzine.com, for conducting this interview. I am grateful to all of those who voted and to 12vspotlight.com for promoting my participation in this contest. Most of all, I would like to thank my fans for your never-ending support. Your words of encouragement truly inspire me!
EnjukuGirls.com: We know all of your fans came out to vote for you, do you have any weird fan stories?
Abigail Michelle: Only two stories come to mind. Once, during last year’s Hot Import Nights tour, I had a little boy who couldn’t be more than ten years old start hitting on me. Immediately, I thought to myself, “Wow, they are starting even younger.” Also, I had a fan offer to fly me out to Southern California, so we could go out for a drink. Both situations caught me off guard!
EnjukuGirls.com: A woman that has so many people following her career has to have to have a #1 fan. Do you know who yours is?
Abigail Michelle: Undoubtedly, my #1 fans are my parents and my brother. Whether I was struggling in my fluid dynamics class in college or made a bad life choice in general, they have truly shown me what unconditional love is.
As far as those who know me from modeling, it would be impossible for me to pinpoint just one fan in particular. All of them have been so wonderful and unique in their own way! I am humbled and flattered by their devotion.
EnjukuGirls.com: You have such an impressive resume – Maxim Hometown Hottie, Playboy Girls of Golf, Jay Leno appearance, HIN Semi Finalist
Which of those experiences has helped your career the most?
Abigail Michelle: Surprisingly enough, the most invaluable experience I have had is something not listed in my modeling credits – my MBA. The skills I acquired in graduate school helped me manage my career. Modeling is much more than being attractive – it’s a business. You are the product, and your name is the brand. I am continuously marketing the brand and protecting the reputation of its image.
EnjukuGirls.com: We have heard through the grapevine that not only are you beautiful (we already new that), but you are one of the nicest girls in the industry. Do you think it makes your job harder?
Abigail Michelle: Hmmm
I do not necessarily think of it as a chore to be nice. 
I remember in third grade, my teacher had the Golden Rule carved on a wooden paddle: “Do unto others what you would have them do unto you.” Ever since then, I have always tried to practice that. Admittedly, there are times when people have taken advantage of my generosity, so I have to be cautious.
EnjukuGirls.com: Enough serious talk for me
lets move on to some personal stuff 
Tell us about your pet.
Abigail Michelle: Sugar, a six-year-old lop ear rabbit, is my adorable companion. She is very independent. Since Sugar is litter box-trained, she roams the house freely. She enjoys eating, napping, and watching television. I do envy her lifestyle.
EnjukuGirls.com: If Sugar could talk, what would she say?
Abigail Michelle: “Mommy, I love you. I’m hungry – now feed me!”
EnjukuGirls.com: If she was a super bunny, what powers would she have?
Abigail Michelle: She would have the ability to teleport. That way, she can travel to the finest gardens in the world and have a feast. I am sure that she would think that was more delicious than the vegetables from the local grocery store.
EnjukuGirls.com: What super powers would you have?
Abigail Michelle: As my alter ego Samurai Mai in my first comic book feature, I am already stopping an assassin from completing his deadly mission. Naturally, my super power should be martial arts. Abigail Michelle Fact: Supergirl wears Abigail Michelle pajamas to bed at night. Watch out, Chuck Norris!
EnjukuGirls.com: Abigail and Sugar save the world!!!! Speaking of the world, it’s a really big place, if you were rich and could buy a whole continent, which would you choose?
Abigail Michelle: I choose Asia since I still have a lot of family there.
EnjukuGirls.com: Would you rename it?
Abigail Michelle: I wouldn’t even know where to begin to think of a new name.
EnjukuGirls.com: I would choose Asia, too, because all of my favorite foods come from there.
Abigail Michelle: So do mine
EnjukuGirls.com: Do you have any favorite foods?
Abigail Michelle: Oh, goodness
I do love eating. However, my vices are sushi, French fries, and Filipino food. When I am sad, ice cream miraculously cheers me up most of the time. Also, I absolutely adore the bread pudding from Horseshoe Casino, but I have been unsuccessful in trying to coax the recipe out of them!
EnjukuGirls.com: MMMM
I always do these interviews on an empty stomach. Big mistake, because I always talk about food. LOL
Abigail Michelle: 
EnjukuGirls.com: What’s your dream car?
Abigail Michelle: Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster
EnjukuGirls.com: We see you do a little drag racing. Are you any good?
Abigail Michelle: I think I am decent – for a beginner, of course. Thankfully, I learned about the “tree” when I was working as a model for GM Performance Parts. Practicing in their drag race simulator has definitely helped my reaction time in real life!
EnjukuGirls.com: Do you see yourself leaving modeling to pursue driving as a career or is it more of a hobby?
Abigail Michelle: Actually, I view modeling and driving both as hobbies. Nothing beats the feeling of the adrenaline rush you experience at the starting line. However, I haven’t found a way to make money driving, yet.
EnjukuGirls.com: Well, Abigail, model or driver, Enjuku loves you. Now tell all of our readers why they should vote for you for girl of the year.
Abigail Michelle: It would be an amazing experience to be Enjuku Girl of the year. We would make the perfect team – Enjuku Racing has specialized in Nissan performance, and I am the current Miss Follow the Z Nashville! As a model, driver, and fan of the motorsports industry, I promise to represent Enjuku Racing with enthusiasm and integrity. Until then, I will see you at the starting line!
In the meantime, Abigail is currently in the running for Enjuku Girl of the Year. The winner receives a generous cash prize and magazine ad feature. Please vote for her continuously here: http://enjukugirls.com/vote-2009-girl/abigail-michelle
