Book Archives - Page 62 of 64

Nadja Sayej’s new book, “Paparazzi Bitch,” casts an intimate look into the glitz and glamor of Paparazzi Photography

NY Weekly Staff on January 16, 2023

Nadja Sayej, a New York-based culture journalist with over 15 years of experience interviewing celebrities like Heid Klum, Susan Sarandon and Jerry Seinfeld, has released her latest photography book, “Paparazzi Bitch.” The book features over 100 candid photos of celebrities, art stars, and fashion luminaries, including Lady Gaga, Catherine Deneuve, Spike Lee, Karl Lagerfeld, and Tilda Swinton.

While she has been a journalist since 2003, Sayej’s journey into photography began in 2011 when a friend in Berlin gave her a Nikon camera. From then on, she brought her camera with her everywhere, from the Venice Film Festival to the Oscars. Her first trip to Art Basel Miami Beach in 2016 changed her perspective on photography and access to celebrities, and it became an annual pilgrimage for her to build her portfolio of celebrity photographs.

Sayej shoots for the photo agency Backgrid and has had her photos published in Vanity Fair London, V Magazine, and the New York Post. “Paparazzi Bitch” symbolizes her success as not only a female photographer, but also her determination to gain access to celebrities through her know-how, getting on the right guest lists, and being fast in the face of other photographers.

“I love photographing celebrities because they bring the hype to any party, film premieres, or red carpets,” says Sayej. “While many photographers and smartphones are always ready to shoot celebs when they make public appearances, I hope my shots offer something more – a genuine glance or behind-the-scenes shot that offers more insight to my viewers.”

“My book features photos of Sarah Jessica Parker, Marina Abramovic, Naomi Watts, Sofia Coppola, and more, and they’re shot in a different light than we’ve seen them through the male gaze,” said Sayej. “They’re not just objects of desire. I hope to raise awareness of all the women photographers who spend their lives behind the lens—often fighting for their spots on the red carpet, in Hollywood or on the streets of New York. Why are women photographers still overlooked in the entertainment industry?”

Nadja Sayej’s works feature unique, sporadic, in-the-moment shots that capture the essence of the modern-day paparazzi. Her photos are black-and-white shots of celebrities at galas, dinner parties, behind the scenes, and on the red carpet.

The art of paparazzi photography is more than the titles pop culture has attributed to it. “It’s more than just getting the money shot,” explains Sayej.

“I’m not actually a paparazzi photographer,” she says. “I’m a journalist who uses a paparazzi style to shoot celebs.”

But Sayej takes a different approach by capturing candid, unscripted moments, giving her photos a sense of authenticity and realism that sets them apart from the rest. Sayej’s photos also offer a fresh perspective on the lives of the celebrities she photographs, as she avoids the typical “object of desire” shots often seen in traditional paparazzi photography. She strives to capture genuine glances and behind-the-scenes moments that offer more insight into the lives of her subjects.

Nadja Sayej’s passion for photography is evident in her work, as she has spent years honing her skills and perfecting her craft. Her dedication and hard work have paid off, as she has become one of the most sought-after women photographers in the industry. With her ability to capture candid moments in a unique, artistic way, Sayej’s works are a must-see for anyone interested in the world of celebrity photography.

Sayej’s book is a must-read for culture fans, art fans, and celebrity and entertainment enthusiasts. Her unique style of paparazzi photography offers a fresh perspective on the lives of the celebrities who dominate our headlines. With her wit and quick reflexes, the author-artist is able to capture candid moments of celebrities in a way that other photographers cannot. Her book is a testament to her talent and the hard work she has put in over the years to make a name for herself in the industry.

About Nadja Sayej

Nadja Sayej is a New York-based writer, journalist, and photographer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. With a background in culture journalism, she has interviewed over 500 celebrities, from Salma Hayek to Susan Sarandon and David Lynch. Her work has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Guardian, Vanity Fair, VICE, and VOGUE, where she has covered celebrity news, music, film, TV, and more from a critical pop culture lens.

Sayej is the author of several books, including “Red Carpet Ho,” a collection of stories from the red carpet as a woman photographer, and “The Celebrity Interview Book.” Her latest book, “Paparazzi Bitch,” is her first photo book, and it was released in the 100th year of the first-ever film premiere red carpet, which was for Robin Hood at the Egyptian Theater in 1922.

Sayej’s writing is known for its hilarious commentary and unforgettable anecdotes from A-list celebrities, from Robert de Niro to Heidi Klum, all captured in poppy, entertaining detail. Her works give a fresh perspective on the lives of celebrities and offer a glimpse into the world of celebrity photography.

Preparing For That Big Fundraising Pitch is Made Easy with Lori Zoss Kraska’s New Book, “The Boardroom Playbook”

NY Weekly Staff on January 11, 2023

Anyone who has worked in a non-profit or startup before will know that obtaining funding is difficult at the best of times. Even the most experienced and charismatic of directors can crash and burn if they go in underprepared. With the right fundraising and sales techniques, however, you will be able to ensure that your pitch resonates with the highest-level corporate decision-makers to secure the funding you desire. But how do you find the right fundraising and sales techniques? Just ask Lori Zoss Kraska, Founder and Chief Principal of Growth Owl, and author of “The Boardroom Playbook: A Not So Ordinary Guide to Corporate Funding for Your Purpose Driven Organization.”

Lori holds an MBA in Systems Management and has more than 22 years of experience in revenue generation management, corporate sponsorship support, corporate cause marketing, fundraising, corporate social responsibility, non-profit consulting, executive sales management, training, and marketing strategy roles – you name it, and she’s probably done it! Her reputation for quickly establishing pathways to exceed revenue/fundraising goals, build high-performance teams, build relationships, and outpace expectations is well-earned. Lori attained the distinguished certification of Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), the world’s only accredited certification for philanthropic fundraising professionals, by CFRE International in 2021. This certification is accredited by the American National Standards Institute.

Lori established Growth Owl, LLC in 2018 to serve non-profits, associations, and other purpose-driven organizations to better position themselves when generating sponsorship dollars and resources. They provide a number of services, from direct representation and online/onsite training to top talent recruitment, c-suite coaching and feasibility studies. Lori wants to help even more people succeed in their fundraising endeavors, which is why she’s put pen to paper to write this book.

When asked about her new book, “The Boardroom Playbook,” Lori says that she never planned for it to be your typical business book. “It’s a deep dive playbook into the X’s and O’s of finding corporate funding through the alignment of your mind, your messaging and your motion.”

It will help readers develop and maintain a positive mindset that is attractive to corporate funders, identify and tackle “periwinkle zombies” (a term she uses to describe any people or thoughts that seek to derail your fundraising success), understand the nuances of the corporate support landscape, provide research and engagement strategies that will help set you apart from other fundraisers, and prepare you for that big proposal or presentation (to name a few). Above all else, Lori wants to encourage her readers to laugh, think and just show up for themselves and their passions.

Lori also discusses in “The Boardroom Playbook” practical and effective tips for researching prospects, writing brief yet effective proposals, and using vital persuasive techniques that build connections quickly with funding and sponsorship decision-makers. Additionally, she makes a case for the importance of brevity when developing introductory communications via email, voicemail and in person. “We live in a world of millisecond notifications, 15-second pre-roll ads, and compacted social media videos. We’ve become trained to be receptive to short yet meaningful communication. It’s essential that fundraisers and sponsorship sales professionals focus on creating a brief message that connects their mission and goals with that of the potential funder or sponsor. When first reaching out, you just want to get them interested enough for a meeting or another conversation. Make the case for the connection first, and more detail will come later.”

Whether you’re new to fundraising or you’re a seasoned professional, Lori’s playbook can help you succeed in ways that you never thought possible. “The Boardroom Playbook” is now available to purchase on Amazon, as either an ebook or a paperwork version. Learn more about Lori by visiting her socials and check out the many advisement, training and mentoring services offered through Growth Owl, LLC’s website.

Conclusion

“The Boardroom Playbook” is a valuable resource for any non-profits and purpose-driven organizations looking to secure corporate funding. With more than 22 years of experience in revenue generation management and fundraising, as well as the distinction of being a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Lori is well-equipped to guide readers through the process of finding corporate funding. The book covers a range of topics, including developing a positive mindset, understanding the corporate support landscape, conducting research and engaging with potential funders, and preparing for proposal or presentation pitches. Whether you are new to fundraising or an experienced professional, “The Boardroom Playbook” can help you achieve success in securing corporate funding.

Kelly McDonald: Move Past the “Why” of Diversity and Move Into the “How”

NY Weekly Staff on January 9, 2023

Kelly McDonald does a lot of public speaking as a bestselling author on diversity, and if there’s one word she avoids these days it’s “diversity.”

McDonald says that while she knows people believe diversity is an important issue in this country, they’re also sick to death of hearing about it. Whether it’s the PowerPoint presentation at an industry conference, the annual diversity memo from human resources or the posters in the breakroom advocating diversity, we’ve all got diversity fatigue, she says.

McDonald says the eye-rolling, sighs and slumped shoulders of those who are urged to talk about diversity proves to her that it’s time to move past the “why” of diversity and move into the “how” of diversity. In other words, we know that diversity is important, but how do we find common ground and a respectful professional relationship with a teammate who we might disagree with politically or culturally?

Part of the problem, McDonald says, is that no one wants to admit they’re tired of talking about diversity or that they’re uneasy with a coworker. If they do, they might be branded a racist, a sexist, an anti-Semite, homophobic, intolerant or inflexible, she says.

“No one is going to admit it,” McDonald says. “And it’s not politically correct to say, ‘I’m uncomfortable with this person.’”

That’s why McDonald advocates that it’s time in the workplace to change the way we talk about diversity – including how it’s characterized. “My definition of diversity is any way that you can be different from me,” she says.

This can mean a working parent may make different decisions or have different priorities than an employee who doesn’t have children. Or it could be the differences between white- and blue-collar workers, introverts and extroverts or office workers and remote workers. Differences don’t always mean religion or gender or sexual identification or race, she says.

Elephant in the room

When McDonald talks publicly about getting along with others who are different, there can be some skepticism – even cynicism – from audience members. As a white, Wisconsin-born woman, why is McDonald qualified to talk about such issues?

“I tell people I know that I’m not what they might have expected. But I tell them I’m not there to talk about activism. I’m there to talk about business,” she says. “I know that Betty from accounting just wants to know what to do to get along with someone at work, and that’s what I tell her how to do. Diversity has to include everyone, including people like me.”

With a successful business career and four bestselling books under her belt, McDonald has whittled her message down to one that grabs everyone from the CEO to the employee on the factory floor: If you want to be successful – and your company to be successful – then it’s critical you learn to get along with people at work who are different from you.

McDonald points out that businesses have seen from their own research that they achieve greater innovation and production when teams are made up of people from different backgrounds, experiences and ideas. That, in turn, leads to greater profits, which means diverse teams are now part of any business strategy, McDonald says.

“Talking about this issue can be tough,” McDonald says. “But companies are pouring millions and billions into this effort. They’re not doing it for optics.”

Overcoming biases

McDonald has seen it all: the resentment, the anger and the frustration that comes from working day after day with someone who doesn’t get you – and who you don’t begin to understand. It can be miserable.

Yet, she has one simple message: “The cure for prejudice is contact. It’s hard to hate someone you know.”

It can begin with a conversation. “Four words – ‘Tell me about yourself’ – are magic,’” McDonald says. “They will tell you about themselves. They will tell you what they think is important. What someone shares with you about themselves tells you much more than what you see from the outside, like their age, race or ethnicity.”

She suggests when you want to connect with a co-worker, here are some things to keep in mind:

Make positive comments. They can be personal (“I love your necklace! Do you have a favorite place to find such pieces?”) or professional. If you’re not sure how to approach the person, try talking about an upcoming project.
Ask questions. When you show genuine interest, it helps draw people out.
Don’t gossip. People don’t trust others who seem to be overstepping or have some kind of agenda.
Ask for advice. Everyone finds it flattering to be recognized for their expertise.
Determine what matters to them. What makes this person happy? Brings joy or satisfaction? What causes frustration or unhappiness? When you learn more about things someone cares about, it’s easier to find connections.

Getting the job done

A recent New York Times and Sienna College poll finds that one in five voters (19%) report that politics has hurt relationships with their family or friends. If that’s going on at home, you can imagine how often McDonald sees that play out in the workplace.

This is when McDonald points out one very big difference between conflicts in personal lives and professional ones: No one has to like another coworker. Workers need to work together to bring about the best outcome. That takes cooperation, respect, trust, support, shared goals and communication. But no employee is required to spend weekends or holidays with coworkers, and no job description says that someone must like Joe.

McDonald says that when such disconnects happen in the workplace, it’s important to understand that it’s happening because of a difference in values. For example, perhaps one worker was raised with very liberal values while another was brought up to value conservative viewpoints. So, while one worker supports one cause or acts in a specific way – the other worker is completely baffled by such ideas.

It can even be a simpler case, such as someone always interrupting. Another worker may be driven crazy by such behavior, since he or she was raised to never interrupt.

“Having different values creates judgments about the other person and that’s what is at the root of that feeling of dislike,” McDonald says. Our instinct is to usually prove that we are ‘right’ and they are ‘wrong,’” McDonald says.

But such an approach is an emotional one, and likely to spur other unpleasant emotions such as frustration, impatience, anger, resentment, despair or futility, she says.

By removing emotion from the problem – such as getting angry when the coworker interrupts – and remembering that you aren’t required to like the person, then it makes things easier. The bottom line: All you have to do is work with this person.

“It’s about cooperation, not friendship,” McDonald says. “You don’t have to see eye-to-eye on everything, or share the same views. You just have to get along well enough to get the job done.”

Such advice is what makes McDonald’s approach different from other diversity initiatives. She stays focused on how to work with people who are different from one another in order to get the job done and create bottom-line success for the workers and for the leadership.

For those workers who may believe that diversity and inclusion is just another “fad,” McDonald quickly wipes away such thinking.

“First, companies keep working on diversity because it works. It grows business. It makes everything better,” she says. “Second, we are going to continue to work alongside people who are not like us. In fact, the workplace is going to become more diverse in the future as technology brings more and more people together from across the globe and in every industry.”

That’s why workers and leaders need to have practical tips to help them work with others who may not look like them, act like them, think like them or work like them.

“Business isn’t about dealing with the world the way you want the world to be. It’s about dealing with the world the way the world is,” she says.

Sourced Photo

Kelly McDonald is an acclaimed speaker who specializes in consumer trends and changing demographics. She is the president of McDonald Marketing and has authored four bestselling books on the customer experience, leadership, and marketing — all from the standpoint of working with people “not like you.” Her book, How to Work With and Lead People Not Like You, has been on two bestseller lists. You can learn more about the book and McDonald’s work by visiting her website or connecting socially on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Never Let Go – A Heart-Tugging Read Exploring The Impact of Cancers on Patients, Caregivers, & Family Life

NY Weekly Staff on January 4, 2023

Cancer is a pernicious disease that consumes the victim inside out. It not only affects their physical and mental health but has a drastic impact on the people around them. The mere idea of someone battling against cancer is enough to make one evaluate their entire life. However, the number of cancer survivors is increasing with evolving technology. But, still, there’s a lot that a family faces throughout the diagnosis and treatment.

Cancer is more than an individual experience. The family members of the victim often feel the consequences of the disease. They go through different phases while adjusting to the ailment. Every family member will have their own reaction erupt in different forms: resentment, guilt, anger, and pain.

It causes intense stress to all involved. The immediate need to face the stream of uneasiness and uncertainty about life can put the nerves to the test. You never are the same person. The procedures following regular treatment severely impact individual and collective lives. Many scientific pieces of research found that families of cancer affectees might go through conditions such as depression and anxiety.

The roles of family members change according to the needs of the victim. The diagnosis stage involves mobilization, accommodation, and preparation to support the affected. Each phase of cancer is a learning curve for the family. Gathering information about different treatments, diagnoses, procedures, and chances of survival trains you to effectively combat the terminal illness.

Many books and research pieces have indicated cancer’s severe consequences and effects. With Never Let Go, two ambitious writers from Norway – Anne Tolaas and Pia Helene, have leveraged the power of fiction to convey the impact cancer has on families. The fiction-centric tale narrates the story of twin brothers Joe and Louis. It sheds light on their sweet-and-sour bond and how certain unprecedented factors change their lives forever.

The book takes a deep dive into the sudden change the family has to acclimate to when Joe is diagnosed with cancer. The teen duo has effortlessly blended bits of suspense and family drama to highlight an important, often unrecognized, understated issue. The book aims to bring the human side of disease and how cancer goes beyond affecting mere cells in the body.

Never Let Go is a mix of emotions, struggles, and familial affection. It’s a story that aims to connect and provide solace to cancer patients and their families. The writers have elucidated the importance of family support and having loved ones around not just in sickness and misery but also in health and happiness.

Anne says, “My goal with this heartwarming story is to connect with people like never before. My book is a way for me to understand the surroundings and appreciate the gifts of nature. Life is a beautiful gift, and each deserves to make the most of it despite the hardships.”

The book also emphasizes the importance of supporting family members during hardships. It beautifully portrays the firm bond that Louis and Joe share. Never Let Go pushes the readers not to let go of family and love. It sings an unsung song, a challenge not many find comfortable articulating intimately. The book has all the elements that make it an emotional rollercoaster bound to change a reader’s perspective on life. It is a kind of read that can push you to focus on your family life through a new lens. The book displays a transparent window. A door through which you can glimpse the struggles a family goes through with the patient.

Anne and Pia have put the weight on strong characters like Joe and Louis to ensure that the story resonates with the masses. The unique storytelling style has made it a must-read for people going through the same ordeal. It also aims to help the readers understand what it takes to be there for a family facing an unprecedented tragedy.

Anne Tolaas and Pia Helene’s passion for writing is evident, with each word representing a unique emotion. The authors have shockingly created a world filled with the essence of vulnerability and love, keeping readers hooked till the end. Their writing jolts caregivers’ emotions, giving them hope for a miracle.

The book may be a work of fiction, but it remains closely knit to the realities of life. It has everything that a reader craves – from delightful memories to tragic struggles. Never Let Go explores life’s unpredictabilities, existential dread, and the knowing that fates can change through sheer will and the stars unwritten in mere seconds.

It is a provoking mix of events that can put you in a dilemma. It is a book that connects with people who have faced the worse in their lives. It aims to lend unconditional support to those facing similar circumstances. Never Let Go is a blend of words that can light your eyes up with hope.

God’s Grace Is What All Humans Need

NY Weekly Staff on January 4, 2023

God is gracious! He loves His people and is always there for them whether they ask for Him or not. No one can remain without fruits in the garden of God’s grace. Sometimes, life puts people in stressful situations, and the trauma leads them to believe there is no way out. But all of a sudden, they observe things getting resolved. They find the reasons for happiness even after suffering from extreme tragedies. The pain is relieved, injuries are healed, diseases are cured, and problems are solved eventually. It all happens because God is always there. He showers His blessings and grace on His people. Nothing can happen without His will. He shows miracles and helps His people when they lose all their hopes.

When nothing works out and things become helpless, humans seek God’s Grace. We hope for His grace because we know He is Gracious. It is in His attributes. Graciousness is not something that He puts on or takes off, depending on the situation. In fact, He is always Gracious. Whether people seek His grace or don’t believe in Him, He doesn’t leave humans alone. He demonstrates grace in everything He does. Every good thing happens to humans that’s because of God’s grace. He is there to sort things out when things don’t go well. All we need to do is trust Him. Hope should always be alive.

God’s miracle doesn’t require any scientific reasons. They just happen when He wants. Everything in this world is temporary; money is not eternal, and fame doesn’t offer eternal life. Even this world is mortal, and it has to end one day. But God is always there; He will give His people eternal life.

Nothing is in human control; there is always a major power, which is God’s grace. It is His grace that allows humans to achieve what they want. God’s grace is not just for humans but for all His creatures. The little birds leave their nest in the morning and return in the evening without thinking of restoring food for the next day. They leave the next morning and still get the food for the day. How does it happen? It’s God who feeds them. Not just the birds, but the entire universe. Small insects living in the stones always find a way to survive, whether rain or storm. God is gracious, and His grace is for everyone! God’s grace is all humans need to survive, stay happy, and find eternal life.

Humans breathe, think, walk, talk, and do everything because of Him. We, humans, owe Jesus. In order to thank God, the author, Lizabeth Cuenya, has published a book based on God’s grace. She wants to let the readers know about God’s blessings and miracles that she experienced throughout her life. She authored this book to spread the message of how God can cure the disease, heal the injured, relieve sorrow, and bring happiness to human life. Lizabeth has gone through several tragic incidents, but due to God’s grace, she is now breathing, walking, and even smiling. The book depicts her life experiences on why humans solely depend on God’s grace. He is always gracious.

Deidra Moore, speaker and author of “From Me to You,” empowering voices, identities, and purposes through African American history

NY Weekly Staff on January 3, 2023

As an African American mother, wife, and advocate for change, Deidra Moore has a passion for teaching young minds about the importance of investing in themselves and learning about their history. This passion led her to create the multigenerational coffee table book, “From Me to You,” which explores the social effects and economic legacy of slavery in the United States.

Deidre never expected that a simple question from her son, Justin, to whom the book is dedicated, would start her on the journey of tracing back her history. She turned this moment with her son into a memorable learning experience and wrote “From Me to You,” a multigenerational coffee table book that explores the social impact and economic legacy of slavery in the United States from the perspective of enslaved Africans and their descendants.

“From Me to You” features illustrations and short biographies of prominent nineteenth and twentieth-century civil rights activists, including Ida B. Wells and former President Barack Obama. The book is a testament to the lasting power of storytelling, and it’s a story to be shared and discussed no matter the background or age group. In order to answer her son’s question, Deidra embarked on a journey to explore African American history from the lens of enslaved Africans and their descendants through accessible storytelling. The book also includes special illustrations and quotes from award-winning author Edwidge Danticat, urologic surgeon and author Dr. Oneeka Williams, international speaker and author Dr. Pamela C.V. Jolly, and legendary retired N.F.L. player Calvin Hill. “From Me to You” made its debut in September of 2022 as a resource in independent schools in New York State.

In addition to her advocacy work as a speaker and writer, Deidra is also a successful lawyer. In 1996, she made the decision to quit her job as a commercial real estate paralegal and attend law school at CUNY School of Law at Queens College. After graduating in 1999, Deidra worked as a Public Defender with The Legal Aid Society in Bronx County. Nearly five years later, she left The Legal Aid Society to establish her own law firm, the Law Offices of Deidra R. Moore, P.C., in 2004.

Deidra Moore is an inspiring individual who is making a difference in the world through her writing, speaking, and legal work. If you love Black History and are interested in legal topics, Deidra’s brand is one to watch. With her dedication to teaching and advocating for change, Deidra is helping individuals find their “V.I.P.” (voice, identity, and purpose) status and make a positive impact in the world. In addition to her work in Black History, Deidra is also a speaker on a variety of legal topics, including matrimonial law, trusts and estates law, mental hygiene law, and wrongful death matters. Deidra’s background as a member of the New York State Bar Association allows her to bring a unique perspective to these topics,

If you’re interested in booking Deidra for your next seminar or workshop, you can visit her website at http://www.deidramoore.com/ or email her at dmoore2253@gmail.com.

An Ode to Recovery from Grief – With love, Laura Formentini

NY Weekly Staff on January 2, 2023

You fluff back the pillows, reassemble the books, and put back the scattered stationery in a room that illuminates a different shade of yellow than before. The drawings they drew were immortal, like the memories they etched in your head with every smile, every giggle, and every moment they spent with you. That overwhelming feeling of grief ensues with the news.

A seed of an olive tree planted in their name, waiting to sprout, for its branches to reach out and save you from the sorrow.

Laura Formentini’s raw and candid depiction of grief addresses that unnamed, unexplainable hollow space in your heart with her book TwentyOne Olive Trees.

Here’s what readers can expect from it:

Raw and Real

Most self-help books force nuances of motivation and recovery by sharing tips and routines you must follow to rejuvenate your happiness. If you have faced loss, you can relate to the suffocating feeling. Where your mind is chaotic, the last thing you need is someone to give you unsolicited advice. What you do need is a shoulder to cry on, someone you can feel safe with. Laura Formentini, through her book, gives every reader, every griever, the opportunity to let their guard down.

In the book’s foreword, she mentions the reason for the book’s inception. One that sets the tone throughout your read. With each story and poem, you can feel yourself walking the garden of grief, searching for peace and finding it at small bends and turns.

You feel the enormous deposits of energy stuck in your body, waiting to vent out and flow in the form of tears. Laura’s book helps calm down the feeling of debilitation into one of catharsis.

Words Of Wisdom

A significant theme in the book is the olive tree. Laura Formentini depicts realizations and moments of wisdom in the folk-fantasy flavor. She describes her choice of the folk aesthetic to bring out the child in her. In today’s world, people take things too seriously. She allows the reader to lay back and channel their inner carefree child with tales reminiscent of the ones grandma used to tell.

And just like those stories, each piece of writing is laced with lessons that will make you wiser in your journey through grief. Her stories are a much-needed reminder to take life one day at a time, to breathe and “rock on.” Something Laura’s son, Blaise, used to tell her before his sad passing.

Something Beautiful

When people pass away, they leave a trail of memories to cherish. But before such memories come, there is blurriness caused by damp eyes and an aching heart. Laura Formentini’s book vividly portrays her sorrow for her son’s passing.

She uses poetry to channel her cathartic experience and a journal to document her raw emotions at the time of her son’s passing. Upon her venting, she realized her heart was getting lighter. Slowly and slowly, the realizations are laced with feelings of peace. She suddenly found herself expressing herself through her writing. Her free-flowing and unorthodox artistic aesthetic is evident in the fables featured in the book.

Suicide

The book also raises awareness of the aftermath suicide leaves. Laura’s poetry paints a picture of how overburdening the weight left by suicide can be. Laura and her son shared a special relationship. The two explorers found their joy in finding remote areas. She recalls her winter in Oslo, Norway gazing at the Aurora Borealis with him amongst the memories seared in her heart. The impact of these memories is clear in Laura’s poetry.

As a reader, the pieces give you a newfound love for life and how short it can be. It urges you to run over to your parents and express your love to them with a tight hug. They help you escape the harsh reality, little by little giving you the room to heal and grow. It gives

It is an ode to life, a message to live it to the fullest. An understanding that we are energy and that energy doesn’t die but transforms. Our loss isn’t a loss per se but simply a natural transformation process, the fundamentals of which we all have to abide by to persevere, to push, and to make a life worth living for ourselves. There will be times when the water will feel like it’s overflowing to the brim. Just know in those moments, somewhere out there, your soulmate is waiting for you back home. They would want you to be hopeful in their absence and know that they are and always will be here.

A notion that helps you find peace in knowing that the ones you lost never left nor will.

Click on the link to buy TwentyOne Olive Trees now!

PTSD: Post-Traumatic Streets Disorder is One Author’s Tale of Life on the Streets Giving Way to Empowerment

NY Weekly Staff on December 1, 2022

As a young child, Justin Reeves was placed in foster care because his mother was a drug addict who smoked crack while she was pregnant with him.

“I came up from nothing,” he said. “I was once told I wouldn’t make it past 18—I would either be dead or in prison.”

But he was also told something else.

“Anytime I talked about my life, someone would say, ‘You should write a book,’” he said.

And that’s just what he did.

“I always knew my life was interesting,” he said.

As JD the Author, Reeves wrote Post-Traumatic Streets Disorder: A Battle Within, an Amazon best-seller. He has also become a motivational speaker, drawing on his experiences to inspire people because, as he puts it, “It’s my calling—my purpose is to be the light to others and help others see the light in themselves.”

JD is a single father raising three boys in New York City. He’s been homeless, battled mental health issues and is glad to be off the streets, harnessing his creativity for empowerment.

“This book is purely to motivate the ones like me, who are struggling with whatever they are battling,” JD said. “If it’s an addiction, if it’s depression, if it’s some type of mental disorder, if it’s to get out the streets, or even if you just want to level up and you don’t believe in yourself. You can look at me; you can read these stories and say, ‘He made it through. I can do it, too.’”

JD maintains a commanding presence with everything he writes, including this excerpt from the description of his book on Amazon.com.

“Stepping from the sidewalk, with one foot cemented in the streets, Justin desired what this life would not give,” reads Amazon.com.

“Now, a single father of three boys and a man changed, he navigates away from street life. How does one abandon the only world they know with only a hope for greener pastures and bluer skies? After countless battles, both mental and physical, Justin works towards the greatest triumph of all, a better life. He will become a successful author and motivational speaker, and break the cycle for his children to remain firmly on life’s sidewalk, out of the streets, and without the PTSD Justin will carry the remainder of his days, a soldier to his own trauma.”

So, how are the Amazon reviews?

“The story was told so truthfully. It was sad and encouraging all at the same time!”
“The story is truly inspiring and captivating. You will be left on the edge of your seat from the first page. The detail and explanation of each situation presented in this book allowed me to put myself within the story and take it all in.”
“Very raw, real, and vivid. 5 Stars for transparency and vulnerability.”

Visit jdtheauthor.com and Amazon.com to learn more.

Victoria Liu revolutionizes food delivery for students

NY Weekly Staff on October 26, 2022

CEO Victoria Liu was in line at a concession stand when she first had the idea to create a stadium food delivery app. Liu pivoted this idea to create BYPPO, a food delivery service centered around local restaurants. Her app began operating in Gainesville, Florida, before expanding to the rest of the United States.

Liu’s BYPPO has grown considerably since its inception in 2019, with the app introducing users to different kinds of cuisines in the area. This helps local establishments stay afloat, especially with the waived fees for restaurants in the Gainesville area during the Covid19 pandemic.

The next step for Liu and BYPPO is BYPPOcampus, a service tailored to universities which improves the college experience by providing convenient food options for students and an eco-friendly networking opportunity on campus grounds.

“BYPPOCampus is a campus food delivery program run by students, for students – all with safety, sustainability, and social responsibility at its core,” shares Liu.

Liu’s new service identifies three trending issues in the university landscape where BYPPOCampus is helping with:

Student Employment

Working in the university setting provides valuable experience to students as they transition to the real world. This also provides students with a way to earn their own income.

Employing students can be challenging, but BYPPOCampus’ approach offers a solution. Students can sign up to be delivery runners and work on their own schedules giving them the flexibility to decide their hours. In cooperation with the university, the service also taps into student organizations to recruit student runners and help meet their fundraising needs.

Student safety is guaranteed because all deliveries are done within campus grounds.

Educating Sustainable Students

More schools are incorporating sustainability into their curriculum. BYPPOCampus exclusively conducts the deliveries through eco-friendly means like using energy-efficient scooters, public transportation, bikes, and walking. Every transaction made through BYPPOCampus is also paperless and sustainable.

Experiential Learning

Liu believes that people learn best by doing. BYPPOCampus allows students to apply what they have learned in the classroom in real-world situations by educating students to become CEOs of their school’s BYPPOCampus programs. Through this, students are given a chance to learn the ins and outs of running a business. It also serves as a platform to enhance their professionalism, networking, leadership, and accountability skills.

Ready to be a part of the university experience

The service has been well-received by campuses across the United States.

“The future of Higher Ed hospitality includes delivery as an innovative way to meet students, faculty, and staff where they are. And BYPPOCampus is simply the superior solution to being able to connect with anyone, anywhere, at the moment of truth. Combined with experiential learning opportunities and social enterprise, there is no competition,” shares Larry Lee, M.Ed., CASP. Larry is a veteran university administrator, certified auxiliary services professional, and higher ed hospitality program expert that holds a master’s in higher education administration.

Students have also taken to the service positively. “Great for on-campus ordering. Ordered food on UF Campus with this app, and it was very good! I enjoyed skipping the lines. It was super convenient,” shares app user Karen Taft.The team continues to launch the service in schools nationwide. Colleges interested in getting started with BYPPOCampus can visit www.byppocampus.com for more details.

WHAM BAM! NYC In The Roaring Sixties, Fascinating Tales of NYC in The Sixties

NY Weekly Staff on October 13, 2022

Wham Bham is a remarkable memoir written in a way that primarily focuses on the Sixties language, making it all the more interesting. But it doesn’t end there; the book is not for people who tend to get easily offended. The author, Robert Isenberg, has described too much reality and in-depth narration of his life for the readers to enjoy.

Reflecting sexual emancipation deriving from the fifties, the readers discover the rapid social transformations taking place during these vital and revolutionary times. As we speak of revolution, the book also mentions the ongoing advancements in the business world, modifying lifestyles, feminist uprising, and minority rights, to name a few. In addition, the readers experience a deep dive into the intimate side of family dynamics and relationships. Discussion on such significant aspects propels the readers to avoid keeping the book down until they learn about the culture, religion, sex, and the boiling politics in America.

The author, Robert Isenberg, initiates his unbelievably interesting life in NYC. The social changes in the 1960s are worth exploring. They would leave the reader immersed in an enriching experience of a vast part of America. The autobiographical story of a young man in the roaring sixties revolves around an individual on a mission to make a name for himself. Interestingly, readers today can even connect themselves to the countless experiences Issenberg goes through.

Robert Issenberg is nothing less than a witty and smart individual, and his stories of the sixties clearly defined his incredible journey of launching his own roast beef sandwich business. The author, while busy exploring life all on his own and learning quite a lot of versatile experiences, gets fired from a job at a moment when he did not see it coming at all. Clueless as to how to move forward with life, the drastic and intense circumstances do not break his spirit. Liked by countless women, but life decides to give him a fair share of challenges. And he chooses to keep moving consistently with the light of hope in his hands.

The author is as clueless as all of us, and that makes the entire story even more relatable. In an era when everyone was paying massive attention to how to build their future and shape their lives, NYC in the sixties was an exceptional place to live. The character’s stories are not only worth reading, but they will make them laugh out loud as well.

Readers will find the characters making life-long decisions while experiencing difficulties and certain struggles. People’s idiosyncrasies and whacky behavior are bound to make the audience smile. While the author’s life is full of unpredictable events, full of pretty women roaming around, it becomes utterly colorful and pleasant when Issenberg finds the love of his life, Esther, marries and settles.

It is a must-read memoir and shouldn’t be missed, mostly because the sixties era was brimming with the strong energies of freedom and losses and also a perfect time to enjoy life in its truest sense. Every corner had a story to tell and an equally interesting past to uncover.

Apart from his trying to build a successful future, his charisma of not giving up is commendable. There are other certain interesting characters, such as Pat, Sue, Abbie Hoffman, Elaine, and artists, such as the Shirelles. The book also includes a whole chapter about Vietnam War. Robert has made an incredible effort to define the times of the sixties in NYC that will keep the readers engaged and entertained for good. Such a memoir is, beyond any doubt, a piece of art that should pass the eyes of every reader worldwide.

https://amzn.to/3LXX9Ed

Category: Book