Home Health CEO Maria Santiago on Why Caring Should be at the Forefront of Her Industry

NY Weekly Staff on November 30, 2022

Ever since she was a child, Maria Santiago has been focused on caring for people. She would make homemade herb bundles and cough syrups for people that attended her church and enjoyed caring for her aging great-grandparents, who raised her. 

“I always knew that something in the medical field was my calling. Not a doctor, per se, but a nurse or aide. I’ve always loved caring for people,” said the CEO of The Home Health Aide Training Institute (HHATI), who went on to become a home health aide herself.

Santiago’s mother was a natural nurse who cared for the people around her using her techniques. It’s no surprise that she grew up to enter the health aide field, one that she has excelled in for over 25 years. 

Her efforts toward providing true care to patients at the end of their lives have garnered national attention. Santiago was recently presented with the Presidential Tribute of Excellence Award by US President Joe Biden. She was recognized for offering among the best education courses in various healthcare fields through HHATI. 

From Aide to CEO

It was Santiago’s pure joy in caring for others that led her to open her own healthcare training company, The Home Health Aide Training Institute.

“I had a home care agency where I would send our certified folks out to care for people. One day, I got a call from someone who was looking for a school nurse and was in a bind. He said, ‘I have a school, and the nurse did not show up,’” Santiago said. “I decided to assist with that project and found an even deeper passion for caring and learning that led me to open a training institute for industry professionals.”

Having her own company led her to learn how to care for people even more deeply. She prefaced every decision with the question, ‘If it was the end of their life, how can we make this the best for them?’

About the Institute

Nationally recognized by the New York State Education Department, The Home Health Aide Training Institute (HHATI) teaches students from 17 to 65 years old. 

In the six years they’ve been open, HHATI has graduated a whopping 3,000 students, who are now living and working across the country, applying the techniques they learned by Santiago’s side. 

Whether students choose the 40-hour Personal Care Assistance (PCA) course, the 83-hour Home Health Aide (HHA) course, the 125-hour Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course, Coordinator courses, or Infection Control training, it is sure that they will get the country’s best — and most caring — instruction.

About Maria Santiago

Maria Santiago is the CEO and Director of Home Health Aide Training Institute (HHATI), which trains and certifies home health aides, PCAs and CNAs. She recently won the Presidential Tribute of Excellence Award and her team has taught over 3,000 students to date. For more information, please visit www.hhati.com

Alexis Colette – An Elevated Motion Picture Musical Thriller

NY Weekly Staff on November 30, 2022

Anthony W. Johnson, the founder of BALLET MAGIQUE®, brings prowess, design, and experience to the screen with his motion picture Alexis Colette. An obscure and alluring tale of secrecy, the ‘film’s plot has plenty of twists, turns, and misconceptions. Dynamic pretextual layers emerge in a dance-action elevated thriller, moving the story at a riveting pace.

The film is an innovative masterpiece, fusing its adventure on 35mm film vs. digital medium, a profound combination of motion picture aesthetics. This movie marks a mood of naiveté, fatalism, and illusion, which Johnson calls “the new film noir.”

Alexis Colette is a beautiful, passionate, and thought-provoking film with a unique plot. The tale delves intensely into the perception of spirits. The movie sheds light on the Tibetan-Buddhist belief that when a person dies, they enter the intermediate “Bardo” state, where they may be trapped inside the shadow world in a hollowed body, in either one of the paradise realms or one of the hells. 

Eventually, the person can die in this afterlife ecosphere and be reborn as a human or another creature unless they achieve Nirvana, where they are beyond all states of embodiment.

“The author went through insurmountable pain while writing Alexis Colette. Johnson further explains, “Of course, multiculturalism and racism became vital components, but I did not want only to tell that story. Alexis Colette and its truth came down to money and power—the willpower from God to overcome them all.”

“When we explore gender-bending, multiculturalism, and the quest for psychic revelations, we live in what we call “illusion,” “the prestige,” or “double.” Johnson also says, “This saga is much more intricate than a mere ghost story, as specters have no idea that they are scary.” Finally, we begin to face our true selves in the 5th Bardo, where we must choose life or death inside of a terrifying prism questioning the truth.  

The character named “Director” introduces us to this plane— the “Bardo.” The 4th Bardo is where parts of our mind awaken and nearly halt. However, in the 5th Bardo, we must face ourselves and others— memories, lies, truths, and ultimately, the Choice: whether to live or die. Though the movie postulates a distinctive realm for hell, “the true nightmare,” which is the notion of what happens when one is not afraid? 

According to Johnson, Alexis Colette seems like a period piece, but it is not. Although it intertwines the late 1920s with the early 1950s and the present, Eric, the main character, is constant. The movie draws inspiration from Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, who was mononymously known as Colette. She was a French author and woman of letters and a mime, dancer, actress, and journalist. Colette is best remembered for her 1944 novella Gigi, the basis for the 1958 film and the 1973 stage production of the same name. 

Johnson believes that Colette lived her entire life under a manly demeanor. Colette felt guilty for not being forthcoming about her inner truth as a mulatto woman, and that guilt haunted her even after her death. If Colette’s dreams were deemed authentic, the serial killers she professed to understand in her writings would become traumatizing apparitions for her in the afterlife. Johnson feels that this motion picture will fulfill her story.

Alexis Colette is a suspenseful musical movie with sensual music and phenomenal dance sequences that break up the monotony of the typical thriller. In addition, Johnson takes great pride in bringing black and brown ballet dancers, who danced primarily only for white companies, to screen for the first time. 

Alexis Colette is about the precarious layers that we, as individuals, black or white, put on and label ourselves with to find some semblance of hope. 

Johnson wrote most of the songs himself, garnering the likes of Budd Carr, the music supervisor for World Trade Center. The film has attracted many talents, including Brendan Galvin, the director of photography for Westworld. 

In addition, Johnson is working with Han Lixun, the chief set designer for the Opening & Closing 2008 Beijing Olympics ceremonies, and Art Director, Nicolas LePage (300) on a dynamic production design. The film also includes Alex Elena, the Grammy Award-winning music producer for Alice Smith; Steve Baughman, the Grammy Award Winning producer for Eminem; and Ian Arber, the composer for Mission Impossible. 

Alexis Colette’s costume designer is Christos Andriopoulos, the Creative Patternmaker of Alexander McQueen. The film’s executive producers include Franco Sama, whose credits include Guns, Girls and Gambling, and Games of Aces, not to mention Stanley Grabowski, a well-known author. 

As Nola Roeper writes in her review, “Anthony has a vision, style, and a point of view that is novel, nouveau and unheard, and most importantly, never seen before.”

4 Ways Alice Heiman Helps CEOs Achieve Their Sales Goals

NY Weekly Staff on November 30, 2022

Experienced sales strategist, Alice Heiman, has mastered the art of building sales organizations to achieve exponential growth.  She has a way of translating the CEOs vision and offering solutions that move the company’s growth ahead effectively.

For over twenty years, Heiman has worked with CEOs across the world to help them reshape their mindset about growth. She suggests specific adjustments to completely transform the sales experience from the customer’s point of view. Her advice will ultimately increase revenue (profitably) for the company, whether it is big or small. 

Heiman shares four insights to get your sales where you want them to be.

The Insights:

1. The customer experience

Now more than ever, CEOs need to understand how their sales work from the outside. Often, there is so much focus on meeting the sales goals themselves that CEOs forget about what needs to be the number one priority: the customers. 

When developing your sales strategies, it can be helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

  1. How does the customer perceive and interact with the company?
  2. How easy is it for them to acquire the information that they need?
  3. Once they make contact, what is their experience?

With the answers to each of these questions, you want the experience to be clear and helpful for the customer. It sounds simple, but the customers need to be at the forefront of sales initiatives. You have to see it through the customer’s eyes so you can close the gap between the way the customer wants to buy and the way you sell.

Alice Heiman notes the importance of understanding the customer experience. “Work to better understand your customers’ journey, remembering that it starts when they first discover they have a need and doesn’t stop when the deal is closed; in fact, it never stops as long as they are your customer.”

2. Define and align

After evaluating the customer’s experience and perspective, it’s important to understand the internal interactions that create that customer experience. Each level that interacts with the customer, including sales, accounting, and marketing needs to be aligned so that there is a consistent and effective service company wide. They also must clearly define their expectations and roles so that everyone is on the same page. 

On her blog, Alice tells a story about a company whose sales and marketing departments were not aligned, which ended up costing the company $90,000. She tells readers that the sales department wanted a collateral for one of the products, and the marketing department fulfilled the request with something unhelpful and unattractive. The sales department was frustrated that their expectations were not met, and the marketing team lamented that their collaterals were not utilized. Ultimately, everyone’s time was wasted, and the customer experience suffered. 

This example shows the importance of communication and clarity between the departments so that everyone is working in the same direction and each department is as effective as possible. Clear communication and aligning the individual teams as a company can save the business time, money, and frustration, while creating a better customer experience. 

3. Website Appearance

Going hand in hand with the customer experience and aligning as a company is the functionality and usability of the company website. Gone are the days that cold calls were the primary form of selling. Now, there are a variety of ways for B2B sales, and most of them are online. 

That said, you have to make sure that your website is easy to navigate and find. As you reflect on your webpage design, be sure that you consider the following questions:

  1. What do your customers find when they type your name into Google? 
  2. Does your webpage communicate the purpose and goal of your company so that your customers know where and how to buy?
  3. Is it clear from your webpage what you are selling?
  4. Do you have contact information on your website? And for that matter, do you respond in a timely manner when a customer attempts to reach you?

The customers of today want clear and fast information, or they tend to look elsewhere. Don’t make them comb through your website to figure out what the company does, and respond to their inquiries promptly if they reach out. There is a limited window of time before they lose interest and take their money to the next easily navigable website. Heiman says, “sales are about the way customers buy, not just about the selling.” It’s important to make it easier for the customers to buy your product. 

In addition to webpage navigability, social media is here to stay. If you haven’t yet jumped aboard, you are going to sink quickly. Having social media content is another way for customers to learn who you are, and then, of course, to buy from you. If they are taking the time to research your company, make sure they find what they are looking for!

4. Learn your customers!

Finally, it is important that your marketing and sales teams alike understand your ideal customer and what their needs may be. Beyond knowing who is buying, you need to understand your customers’ professional position and potential problems they may encounter. Alice notes “ If you understand their industry, how they are positioned in it, their company, goals, and challenges, you will be better able to know if there is a solid fit between their need and your solution and, if there is, get better positioned to earn the business.” Knowing the customer’s needs will help all company teams align and understand how best to sell.

It’s also important to recognize that occasionally, your ideal customer may change. Pay attention to the customers your teams are attracting. If it’s not who you expected or would prefer, make adjustments accordingly.

The Success: 

Alice Heiman has been helping businesses for decades, and her advice  will give your sales the boost you have been looking for. Though it’s always uncomfortable to shift practices or adjust perspective, sometimes the reason that sales numbers aren’t improving is because your strategies have become stagnant. Alice Heiman guides businesses to achieve their sales goals with a new “customer experience” viewpoint, an aligned team, a knowledge of the customers, and a deep look at what your customers find when they encounter you on the internet. 

Visit Alice Heiman’s website to learn more strategies for CEOs.

Discussing the Psychedelic Renaissance with Bestselling Author Matt Zemon

NY Weekly Staff on November 30, 2022

Matt Zemon is the CEO of HAPPYY, a mental wellness company that specializes in psychedelic-assisted oral ketamine therapy that promotes science-backed, life-transforming outcomes, as well as the author of the international bestselling book Psychedelics For Everyone.

Recent studies show that there is new hope in the treatment of depression and anxiety that is more effective than antidepressants. Scientists are finding increasing evidence for the benefits of mind-altering drugs such as ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin mushrooms. A recent study found that psilocybin was more effective than a popular antidepressant drug. Nowhere is there a definitive book or reliable science-backed resource to educate consumers (and clinicians) on the myths, facts, real experiences, and legalities of psychedelic drugs for mental health until now. Psychedelics entrepreneur Matt Zemon MSc, who holds a Master of Science in psychology and neuroscience of mental health wrote Psychedelics for Everyone as a reference guide for individuals with a non-science background who are searching for a reliable source of unbiased, science-backed insights and practical guidance. 

We are so excited to share what Matt had to say about his book and the future of psychotherapy for depression, anxiety, depression and addiction. 

Suddenly, I’m reading about psychedelics everywhere. Why is this happening now and what are the legalities that potential users need to know about?

We are in the midst of a psychedelic renaissance. There are over 300 colleges and universities either studying psychedelics or with psychedelic centers. After a 50-year prohibition on psychedelics researchers are demonstrating over and over how powerful these medicines can be for depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorder, OCD, eating disorders, as well as for human optimization. 

Potential users need to know that first, besides for ketamine and use in clinical trials, all psychedelics are illegal in the United States. Second, these are powerful medicines and should be treated with respect. Third, the best outcomes occur when three S’s are considered: Source, set, and setting. Source refers to where the medicine comes from, ensuring its purity. Unfortunately, psychedelic medicines purchased in the underground market have contaminants. Set refers to the person’s mindset. Are they clear on their intentions? Have they been prepared for what to expect on their journey? Are they open to this experience? Setting refers to the physical environment. Is the participant in a safe place, surrounded by someone who cares for them, and in an area where they are free from distractions? When attention is paid to “source”, “set”, and “setting”, the probability of successful outcomes increases.

Finally, having an experienced guide, therapist, or facilitator can make a major impact on the duration of the impact. This role is important in the preparation phase, the journey itself, and the integration after.

As an entrepreneur in the psychedelics space, what strides do you hope your industry makes in the next five years? Also, what does your present company Happyy do? 

Today the industry is working on multiple fronts: Research, educating the public, training facilitators, and selling what services we can (primarily ketamine). As more psychedelic technologies become legal in more jurisdictions, we need to bring on a new generation of psychedelic-assisted therapists and guides to support the millions of people who have been waiting to use these tools. With MDMA and psilocybin around the corner, the future is bright for the industry and, more importantly, for the people who need a new option.

HAPPŸŸ exists to fight the unhappiness epidemic that we are living in. HAPPŸŸ offers personalized psychedelic therapy programs that combine the power of clinician-prescribed ketamine with personal support and curated, evidence-backed exercises to help achieve breakthrough results for anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, addiction, OCD, and more. We believe people deserve to be happy and that ketamine can provide relief and results quickly and safely. We deliver our services via telehealth, which makes our solutions affordable and accessible to more people.

You recently attended Wonderland in Florida. What was the general buzz and what was the best takeaway from the event?

When it comes to psychedelic industry conferences, Wonderland in Florida was the place to be this year. As a “citizen” of the psychedelic community, the Wonderland conference gave me the opportunity to connect with old friends and make new friends. It is through our combined efforts that we continue to find ways to bring the power of these molecules to the people who need them. Knowing and supporting our industry “neighbors” is an important part of this journey. 

As a psychedelic entrepreneur, I was able to share the challenges and opportunities that I am thinking about with other psychedelic entrepreneurs in a container of abundance. I found that the leaders of other organizations providing similar services were open and welcoming. It was also a unique opportunity to talk with the leaders or the Colorado ballet initiative to legalize psychedelics in advance of election day.

As a human on his own healing path, I enjoyed the time talking with academics from multiple institutions including John Hopkins, Yale, and King’s College London, and learning about what the latest research is showing. Industry legends like Pauls Stammets was generous with his time and I am excited to see what he will be making available to us in the not-too-distant future. Many of the people who attended this conference were willing to drop into deep conversations quickly, and I appreciated their support and candidness.

Regarding the legalization of psychedelics, I enjoyed being able to listen to the conversation between Heroic Hearts Project’s Jesse Gould, VETs founders Marcus & Amber Capone, and Rick Doblin, founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Medicine, as well as learning about the work that Jesse MacLachlan and his advocacy group Reason for Hope is doing.

Regarding the future of ketaminie, the work that Dina Burkitayeva and Freedom Biosciences is doing with Dr. John Krystal from Yale is interesting and exciting.

I feel like your book might be a little ahead of the curve.  Why did you write Psychedelics for Everyone and what should the reader expect from your book?

My first experience with psychedelics completely changed the way I look at the world. In my first session I was able to reconnect with my mom who died when she was just 49 as well as receive a number of transformational insights. Almost immediately after this session I went back to school to pursue a master’s degree in psychology and neuroscience of mental health at King’s College London and did a deep dive into the psychedelic medicine research. What I wanted to do with this book is share some personal stories of transformation with the readers and then provide them with an overview of psychedelic medicine followed by a more detailed exploration into eight specific psychedelic medicines. All of this has been medically reviewed for accuracy. My goal was to provide a book that was written for people without a science background that they could trust. One that wasn’t too opinionated, too technical, or too woo-woo.

On your website there is a great video about the five myths and rumors of psychedelics. What do you think the most damaging myth has been?

All of us born after the controlled substances act of 1970 was passed have lived our entire lives under a psychedelic prohibition that many of us were not aware of. We were taught from a very early age that drugs are bad, that we should “just say no”, and that if we did drugs they would fry our brains and lead to all sorts of bad things. None of this information was based on science. Because of these decades of propaganda, the psychedelic industry and the research community has to spend an incredible amount of time debunking these myths, and for many people, their first reaction when they hear about psychedelic medicine is, “isn’t this dangerous.” 

On the reverse, what are the best uses for psychedelics?

Ketamine is legal today and the FDA has granted breakthrough therapy designation to MDMA and to psilocybin. For those who prefer not to go on traditional antidepressants or for those where the existing therapies has failed them, ketamine is a legal option they can turn to today. For people with depression and anxiety, this is a real game changer. The National Institute of Health said ketamine is “the most important breakthrough in antidepressant treatment in decades.” MDMA is widely expected to be legalized federally within the next two years and, in clinical trials, is having profound results on people with treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  In a recent phase three clinical trial, 67% of the participants no longer qualified as having PTSD after just three MDMA sessions. Incredible. Psilocybin is showing similarly strong results in treatment-resistant depression.

In NYC we have ketamine clinics that seem to be the rage lately. Why is ketamine a popular choice for therapeutic means?

Ketamine treatments have been proven effective for a better life for those suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, substance-use disorders, and more.  It works quickly, with its restorative effects being perceived within an hour or two of treatment. This is revolutionary when you consider that antidepressants can take six to 14 weeks for the patient to feel the effects. Ketamine is also safe with low side effects. Less than 5% of ketamine-treated patients report mild side effects, the majority of which subside within an hour or two of treatment. Antidepressants have a tremendous amount of side effects for the majority of people that use them. Finally, cost. Telehealth companies like HAPPŸŸ.me, Nue.Life, and Mindbloom are putting pressure on the clinics to reduce their pricing and giving people more affordable options for treatment.

In your book you write about your personal experiences with psychedelics. Please explain how one of these experiences helped you and what would you recommend for others who are inspired by your journey?  

One story I write about in my book was about inappropriate, intimate contact with an extended family member who was more than a decade older than me that took place when I was a young teenager. The last time it happened, I remember snapping into an awareness of how wrong this situation was and being mortified. It had been more than 25 years since I had last seen her when she came to me during a psychedelic experience. To be clear, this was not related to the intention I had set for this journey, nor was it something I had asked to be healed from. After all this time, it was an unexpected shock to find myself looking at her again, watching the experience unfold in front of me like I was an observer in someone else’s life. Watching this iteration, there was no shame or guilt. This time, when I looked at her, I saw something different than the misguided perpetrator I had constructed. This time I saw her as sad. Lonely. Helpless. Scared. Without condoning or forgiving her actions, I could see her as a human being that was hurt. Who had been effectively abandoned by her father. Who was not as pretty, smart, or talented as her sibling. A human who was having a hard time moderating her drug and alcohol use. A human who was looking anywhere and everywhere for love and not finding it. Without condoning or forgiving her actions, I had genuine empathy for her. And with genuine empathy firmly established, I felt my wounds close. At this moment, the psychedelic medicine allowed me to disassociate from myself, re-look at an experience that had haunted me for years, and release the anger, hatred, embarrassment, guilt, and shame that had weighed me down for decades without me even realizing it.

We all have “stuff” from our pasts that hold us back and weigh us down. Psychedelic medicine is a way to unload some of it.

For the NYC tristate area, is there any movement for legalizing psychedelics? How do you think this will impact psychotherapy?

A bill to legalize psychedelics has been filed by Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal that provides a regulatory framework for psychedelic medicine as well as the decriminalization of the “possession, use, cultivation, production, creation, analysis, gifting, exchange, or sharing” of some psychedelics for those 21 years and older. It would also allow for spiritual use and non-commercial exchange.  A second bill has been proposed by Assemblyment Linda Rosenthal to create a psychedelic research institute to evalue the therapeutic use of psychedelic substances. Assemblymember Pat Burke is sponsoring a third bill that would legalize the medical use of psilocybin which, if passed, would allow medical professionals to use psilocybin as a treatment option. 

What we have seen in 2020 in Oregon and this year in Colorado is that the public wants safe access to psychedelic medicine for a variety of reasons. For many, they have medical reasons and a medical framework would meet their goals. For others it is spiritual or based on human-optimization goals, and a decriminalization model or religious freedom model would largely achieve their goals. As more and more research comes out every day on the transformative power of psychedelic medicine, it seems like it is a just a matter of time before it is available for all of us.

What are the most import points that you want to share with readers who have struggled with anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction? Could psychedelics be the answer for those people?

Antidepressants don’t work in approximately 40% of the people who use them and, even when they do work, they come with a high price tag in regard to side effects. Right now, you have another option with psychedelic medicine. There is significant research available from high-profile academic institutions to help ease your concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of these medicines. That being said, please make sure you do your research regarding which practitioner you work with and make sure that they have the experience to assist you with your individual journey. 

 

Phyllis Hanson Ansusinha Helps People Heal Through Her Book “Glowing UP”

NY Weekly Staff on November 30, 2022

No two people anywhere in the world experience exactly the same degree of brokenness and pain brought about by circumstances in their lives they could not control. While experiences may be similar, people very often feel differently, respond differently, and perceive differently. Hurting people also have various ways of achieving healing. If anything, people tend to heal at their own pace, an approach that book author and fitness expert Phyllis Hanson Ansusinha understands very well. Through her book “Glowing UP,” she extends a helping hand, one that will allow her to journey with her readers. 

As a preemie, Phyllis struggled with a weak physique. She fixated on making her body strong and tried various exercises, eventually settling with aerobics and strength training that suited her needs perfectly. At that time, she knew she could have a lasting impact on others by simply combining her natural tendency to help people with her joyful nature. 

Inspired by her father, she tried her luck in law enforcement, which turned out to be brief. Eventually, however, she became more drawn to teaching fitness. After marrying a Thai-American, she moved to Thailand and became exposed to various cultures and practices. These opened doors for her to go back to one of her greatest loves – writing. She was a contributor to an ex-pat magazine and became President of the American Women’s Club of Thailand. Through the organization, she was able to help a lot of women, which eventually inspired her to write the book. 

“It has been my experience that a temporary or short-term timeline with my clients will start the gains in wellness that they are looking for. However, if they leave before the inner work is done, or changes or habits haven’t taken hold, they often then revert back to their former body size, habits, or non-nourishing surroundings as before,” Phyllis shared. “‘Glowing UP’ offers a non-intimidating environment that can be accessed for as long as they desire. They will find a community of like-minded individuals to GROW and GLOW with, holding each other up and cheering each other on.”

While numerous self-help programs and fitness coaches showcase their perfectly shaped bodies today, most of them do not address the pressing need of many people – the need for emotional and mental healing. Phyllis, on the other hand, has had first-hand experience when it comes to working relentlessly in order to lose a huge amount of weight, getting back in shape after a pregnancy, recovering from an injury, pursuing emotional healing from abuse, and dealing with menopause, among others. Her book meticulously guides people toward a better way of handling their struggles. 

“What ‘Glowing UP’ offers is a relatable exploration and process that will enhance self-growth and infinite possibilities as the client begins to heal so that change is possible and inevitable. It is my mission to help my client mine the beautiful parts of themselves in order to ultimately face themselves and the people around them, which in turn leads to healthy life choices and healthy relationships with people, food, the universe, gratitude and being present,” she explained. 

Pursuing significant change in one’s life can happen at any age, regardless of the person’s history or the extent of brokenness he or she is struggling with. Phyllis, privileged to have had the support and care of her mentors in the past, wants to offer the same help to others who are groping in the dark. She hopes to empower them to live healthier lives and achieve a calmer, kinder, more adventurous, and more youthful version of themselves. 

Through “Glowing UP,” Phyllis hopes to see more and more people realize their full potential and live their best lives, free from the painful clutches of the past and armed with a newfound strength to pursue new life-changing experiences. 

 

The Real Mikey D Brings Back the Glory of the New York 80s Music Scene With Latest Video, “In The Air Tonight”

NY Weekly Staff on November 30, 2022

We have heard numerous stories of individuals who defy the odds in the world today, tackling life head-on without anything but their dreams, deep passion, and determination to succeed. As one of those creative individuals with an indomitable spirit, a highly accomplished artist and entrepreneur, Michael Deering, best known as The Real Mikey D, hopes to push the boundaries of the music industry and foster a creative community between established and upcoming artists. 

Hailing from Queens, New York, The Real Mikey D is a living Park Jam legend dominating the New York hip-hop and rap scene since the mid-80s. A lyrical genius, The Real Mikey D’s musical journey began in Laurelton at Queens, New York, where he joined forces with DJ Johnny Quest and legendary producer Paul C. Mikey as they rocked block parties, park jams, house parties, shows and clubs.

With his undeniable talent for conquering the music charts, The Real Mikey D is still setting mics on fire across the internet today alongside his energetic DJ, another Park Jam Legend, GrandMaster Vic. Together, the dynamic duo is known as two legends of the Jamaica Queens hip-hop scene by the name of KINGZ FROM QUEENZ.

Harkening to a sense of nostalgia, The Real Mikey D takes listeners back to the good old days with incredible lyrics carried through his unique flow. On a mission to bring the essence of hip-hop to the front line, the lyrical genius takes listeners through his life on a familiar track by Phil Collins, “In The Air Tonight.” In addition, the world-renowned DJ Eclipse, an indie Hip Hop tastemaker, will also make featured appearances on some of the tracks. 

“We don’t focus on commercialization or trends. We focus on the root, the soul, and the original feeling hip hop gives. We not only bring the skills of the Dj and Mc, but we also bring the fun & party feel,” The Real Mikey D insightfully shared. 

On top of being a witty wordsmith and one of New York’s finest battle rappers, The Real Mikey D was the 1988 New Music Seminar Champion, the lead rapper of the hip-hop group called Main Source and the founder of Pass the Torch Distribution, a platform and a community to help bridge the gap between classic artists and the younger generations of rappers, fostering unity in the hip-hop community. 

Through Pass the Torch Distribution, The Real Mikey D aims to set the pace as an avenue for creativity in the music industry and bring together established and younger artists. Pass the Torch’s mission is best expressed in the concise line, “We educate, not separate,” as it deviates from the current trends with creative content that would be appreciated by avid rap lovers of all ages coming from all walks of life. 

The Real Mikey D shared the motivation behind establishing the organization, saying, “When COVID-19 struck, it left New York crippled. Everything seemed like it had stopped. Then, suddenly, all we had was time. That’s when the engine in my head shifted gears, and Pass the Torch was born. So basically, the pandemic was a gift and a curse.”

Pushing forward full throttle, The Real Mikey D, through Pass the Torch Distribution, aims to bring up-and-coming quality artists to the forefront while furthering his career as a legend surfing the wave in the music industry. 

 

LALovetheboss and Eric 88Fingaz Parham Make Waves in the Music Scene With Their Incredible Music Chemistry and Synergy

NY Weekly Staff on November 30, 2022

The music industry can be very daunting and challenging to traverse, even more so for aspiring individuals who are doing it on their own. As such, finding a colleague who shares the same vision and creative direction can make the journey much easier. This is something that gifted artist LALovetheboss can attest to. After all, her trajectory skyrocketed after working with respected music producer Eric 88Fingaz Parham.

In 2021, the dynamic duo had their first collaboration, where they created “PRICE,” a highly successful single that has been heavily streamed across various digital platforms. On top of that, the incredible track has landed a featured song spot in Wil Lewis III’s film Bag Girls, which is currently streaming on Amazon and Hulu.

Following the massive success of their debut project as partners, the pair then dropped “Get Money.” Featured in the music is Grammy award-winning music producer Jazze Pha, who infused his magic into the record. Because of their combined talent and musical artistry, the song has hit the #1 spot on the iTunes Hip-Hop Charts, Amazon Hip-Hop Charts, and Digital Radio Charts for Rap. It also landed #6 on the Billboard Charts. At the same time, it has already earned nearly 40,000 streams on Spotify alone. 

They also launched the song’s official music video on YouTube, which has amassed over 145,000 just a month after its release. Audiences have left stellar comments praising the track’s beat and rhythm as well as the vibrant young artist’s exceptional vocals. One fan said, “This is so fire. So much talent. Everyone involved captured the look and feel.” While another wrote, “That’s my girl LA still pressing and applying that pressure. You’ve come a long way and have been grinding. Keep going up, and congrats on that #1 spot, #BOSS.”

These remarkable accomplishments are made even more impressive by the fact that LALovetheboss and Eric 88Fingaz Parham did all of the grunt work by themselves without the backing of a major record label. Not only that, but as a testament to their tremendous influence, the singer had amassed over three million followers on her original Instagram page before it got taken down. In contrast, her current account is already at one million followers and counting. 

At the same time, the visionary music producer has also gained a community of his own with more than 17,000 followers. Over his years of producing music, Eric 88Fingaz Parham has worked with multiple labels, productions, shows, and music artists, such as Bobby Valentino, Blaque, Raheem DeVaughn, T-Boz, Diosa Stevens and Jennifer Hudson. He also worked with three-time Grammy award winner Deezle on “Monkey,” which charted on Mediabase, and on the song “PRICE” in the movie The Bag Girls, where they were both music supervisors. Brought in by BOSSMADERECORDS to create the sound for LALovetheboss, Eric 88Fingaz Parham proves he is not slowing down anytime soon.

What helped them reach such massive achievements was their impeccable synergy and artistic chemistry, which allowed them to come up with captivating music. In addition, to their unrivaled musical prowess, they both possess an admirable work ethic rooted in hard work, perseverance, and dedication. 

LALovetheboss and Eric 88Fingaz Parham are undoubtedly off to a great start, and with such an excellent track record, it does not come as a surprise when they climb to the top of the music scene. Moving forward, the talented professionals remain steadfast in their vision of making more hit songs that will resonate with their fans and audiences worldwide. As Eric 88Fingaz Parham confidently shared, “Just know this is just the beginning. We are working hard on producing great music in our camp.”

Damian Philip Myler: An Ex-British Aerospace Engineer, an Author & Writer

NY Weekly Staff on November 30, 2022

A person with a passion for investigating things, who researched UFOs hypnosis and ghosts and had been a fan of Karate and Bruce Lee in his teenage years, Damian Philip Myler is one who had the chance to experience several things in his childhood. The British-American was born in Wigan, England, in 1956 and was the first-born son of Desmond Myler, a snooker player, singer, and comedian and Megan Myler from Ashton-in-Makerfield. Damian has worn several hats. He is an ex-British Aerospace Engineer, an author and writer, and soon to be radio tv host.

Early Life

Damian spent a loving and wonderful childhood with a large family and many friends. He went to St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School and had a short sprint in the army as a junior soldier at age 16. In his early career, British Aerospace hired him as an apprentice. Later, he worked as a guided missile engineer. He had top performance grades throughout college, coming top of his class, in many subjects for years.

He has been a meticulous person when it comes to the truth. Since he was young, Damian’s faith in God was rock solid. He believed that God would help transform his worldview with a history that if anyone would know, surely it would be himself!

We Are Israel: A Mystery Wrapped in an Enigma

One day, in Damian’s late 20s, when he resided in Culver City, California, a book showed up on his doorstep titled “The United States and Britain in Prophecy.” On stumbling upon it, he asked his Irish girlfriend (later the mother of his four boys) if she knew where it came from. She informed him that she had ordered it. To put it mildly, the book shocked Damian.

“The US and Britain were mentioned in the Bible, and this book claimed that we are Hebrew and the fulfillment of a promise made to the patriarchs Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, and David. How in the world can this be true!”

Having never heard of this story, Damian thought it could not be true; otherwise, he would have been aware of it. This sparked a night and day study to discover the truth and how was it that he was unaware! This event marked the start of a lifetime of study into the subject that culminated in the book “We are Israel.” It goes into great detail, covering the events of the early Hebrews and the patriarchs and their influence on our language, culture, idioms, and beliefs today. It also portrays a connection to God in our DNA.

While Damian was writing the book, he discovered a trend with the Biblical Hebrew language and was amazed at how English it was. He utilized his engineering techniques and analyzed the etymology of the origin of Hebrew when it dawned on him that the current English language has its roots in it, which led to his second book, “English is Hebrew.”

Notable Works & Achievements

Currently, Damian is a business owner, project manager, and consultant to government agencies and private industries. Some of his works are Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) in Seoul S/Korea. SBS commissioned a report detailing current state of the art technology in terms of Voice, Data, and Satellite and Broadcasting systems. It also included a view into the future trends in the respective areas and how they affected telecommunications infrastructure. Damian completed the report by providing a conceptual design for their new 1 million sq. foot building.

Another project he worked on was the Elihu Harris State office building in Oakland, California, a 22-story building. He worked on the cabling infrastructure and was the main consultant for the voice, microwave and data requirements.

Damian also served as the consultant and project manager in the areas of Voice system design, Data RFP design, selection and partial implementation, as well as the infrastructure design and implementation for Merrithew Memorial Hospital in Martinez, California, which has a new 6-story building.

 

Bryce Purnell on Creating an Avenue to Develop People through Learn Laugh Speak while Navigating His own Challenges

NY Weekly Staff on November 29, 2022

Life challenges are everywhere, and virtually everyone has something they are going through regardless of where in the world they are. The most crucial thing is bouncing back from those challenges and making something more meaningful and purposeful out of them. Entrepreneur Bryce Purnell is living proof of how a person can go from near-zero into the owner of an impactful learning platform, Learn Laugh Speak.

Moving to Mexico four years ago, Bryce Purnell thought it was one of the many holiday trips he had made to the country. He traveled down there and decided he wanted to find something he loved doing business-wise. Along the line, he found himself teaching English Language and out of his control, things spiraled down quickly. He had no money, and he fell sick. He was bedridden for three months and fought for his life for an entire month during that time. The doctors were not confident that he would survive, as they gave him less than a year to live. Bryce kept fighting through the ordeal, and somehow, he pulled through and got back to his feet.

Upon his recovery, Bryce Purnell decided to build a business out of teaching the English Language; thus, Learn Laugh Speak came to life, and it has grown into a top platform that digitizes the online learning experience for people who want to learn the English Language. With the turnaround that Bryce Purnell experienced in his life, he hopes to inspire people with his story and let them know that struggles are part of life. “My story is nothing short of a rollercoaster, but I am here now and more aware that ups and downs are a part of life. I have learned, and I hope to keep riding through the waves, whether high or low,” Bryce said.

Believing that everyone is born to shine, Bryce Purnell aims to make himself a living example of what overcoming struggles look like. “My life is amazing now, but it was not always like this. We all go through things, and if we all shared more, then it will probably be easier for everyone to deal with their struggles and win eventually,” Bryce said. “Yesterday is gone. We can only focus on tomorrow, and I want to inspire everyone to embrace the journey and pursue their lofty dreams.”

While fighting for his life, he took out his superannuation (401k), which he later used to develop Learn Laugh Speak. At Learn Laugh Speak, helping people speak the English Language effortlessly like natives is at the core of its mission. On a larger scale, it helps people save time by teaching them the language effectively, remotely and without needing a teacher. It also makes traveling the world much more effortless for its users while building confidence in reading, speaking and writing English.

Over the next few years, Bryce sees Learn Laugh Speak becoming the go-to platform for people looking to learn the English Language and become fluent speakers. He also sees the company becoming uber-successful and inspiring people with his story, so they don’t give up on their dreams and choose the path of victory.

Why Choose An Accredited Virtual School

NY Weekly Staff on November 29, 2022

Are you thinking about having your child attend a virtual school? Virtual Schools can offer students an opportunity to learn from home and make the most of their time. They also provide students with a range of educational options, and in this blog post, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of virtual schooling and how to decide if it’s right for your child.

What is an Accredited Virtual School?

An accredited virtual school is a school that delivers an educational program entirely online. Like traditional brick-and-mortar schools, accredited virtual schools must meet strict quality standards set by regional or national accreditation organizations.

The Benefits of Online Schools

Online schools offer a number of advantages over traditional schools.

  1. Flexibility – They provide greater flexibility, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule. Students in a virtual school can often choose their own pacing and work on their courses at the times that work best for them.
  2. Variety – Additionally, online schools typically offer a wider range of courses than brick-and-mortar schools, giving students the opportunity to pursue unique interests and tailor their education to their needs.
  3. Lower Cost – Many online schools offer tuition rates that are significantly lower than those of traditional private schools. As a result, accredited virtual schools are an increasingly popular option for students seeking a high-quality, affordable education.
  4. Personalized Learning – Virtual schools often provide a more customized learning experience, and as a result, students in a virtual school can receive a more well-rounded education that is tailored to their individual needs.

How Do You Know if an Online School is Accredited?

When choosing an online school, it is important to verify that the school is accredited. This ensures that the school meets certain standards for curriculum and teaching. To find out if a school is accredited, you can check with the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) or the National Association of Private Schools (NAPS). You can also check with your state’s department of education to see if the school is registered as a private school.

Choosing the Right Fit for Your Child or Teen?

It is also important to choose an online school that is a good fit for your child’s learning style and needs. Some online schools offer a more flexible approach to learning, while others are more structured. You should consider whether your child will be able to socialize and make friends at an online school. You can talk to other parents who have children enrolled in online schools to get their perspectives on different programs, and with a little research, you can find an accredited online school that is the right fit for your child’s needs.

What kind of curriculum is offered at virtual schools, and how does it compare to traditional schools?

With the rise of online learning, many families are wondering if virtual schools can offer the same quality of education as traditional schools. When it comes to curriculum, most virtual schools offer a rigorous academic program that is on par with what is offered at traditional schools. In fact, many virtual schools are accredited by the same organizations as traditional schools.

In terms of teaching methods, virtual schools often use a combination of online and offline resources. For example, students may watch lectures and complete assignments online, but they may also meet with their teachers and classmates in person for certain projects or activities. As such, virtual schools are able to provide a well-rounded educational experience that can compete with any traditional school.

How Do Students Communicate With Teachers and Other Students in a Virtual School Setting?

Communication

In a virtual school setting, students communicate with their teachers and fellow classmates primarily through email, teleconferencing, and online discussion forums. Email & instant messaging is typically used for one-on-one communication between students and teachers, while discussion forums are used for group discussions on various topics related to the coursework. Students can also use video conferencing tools to communicate with their teachers and classmates in real-time, though this is not always necessary.

Support

If a student needs support, there are usually plenty of services available. Many virtual schools have tutoring services that students can take advantage of, and there are also many online resources that can help with specific coursework questions. Faculty support in virtual schools can be much more flexible and accessible to students, with both parties able to connect at the click of a button vs. making in-person appointments.

Is there anything parents should keep in mind when deciding whether or not to send their child to a virtual school?

When deciding whether or not to send their child to a virtual school, parents should consider a number of factors. First and foremost, they should ask themselves whether their child is self-motivated and disciplined enough to thrive in an online learning environment. Virtual schools require students to be highly organized and self-directed, as they will be responsible for managing their own time and keeping up with their coursework.

Additionally, parents should consider whether their child is comfortable with using technology, as virtual schools rely heavily on computers and other devices. Parents should make sure that they are prepared to provide support and guidance to their children, as it can be challenging for both students and families. By considering these factors, parents can make an informed decision about whether or not a virtual school is right for their child.

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not an accredited virtual school is right for your child or teen. It’s important to do your research to find an online school that is accredited and offers a curriculum that meets your child’s needs, such as Sora Schools. They believe that every student is capable of becoming a future changemaker, and will work with them to help make this dream come true. Sora prioritizes creating an inclusive and accepting community of middle and high school students from all walks of life. Virtual schools overall offer several advantages over traditional schools, and parents are encouraged to weigh their options before making a decision.

 

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