Naftali Ziff Pirchesky MPPM – CEO and Founder of One World Blue, LLC
Naftali Ziff Pirchesky was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His strive for achievement was seen throughout his early education in his continual academic performance and with his leadership in Scouting he earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
After graduating Taylor Allderdice High School with honors in 1990, he went on to the University of Pittsburgh and completed his studies with a Bachelors of Art in Anthropology and minor in Psychology and graduated Summa Cum Laude. While at the University, he became a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society. He also had his first major international experience by participating in the Semester at Sea Program which travelled to ten countries around the world.
After graduation, he was employed as a tariff publisher in the shipping industry working for DXI, Inc. Then exploring his love and compassion for people, Mr. Pirchesky worked for several years with children with Autism and adults with mental health disabilities, both in Greensboro, North Carolina and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1997, Mr. Pirchesky chose to pursue his interest in his Judaic roots and went to Yeshiva, a school for Judaic Torah Study, first for a year in Monsey, New York and then a year in Israel, learning on Mount Zion, Jerusalem and in the holy city of Sefad, in the northern region of the Holy Land. After Judaical studies, Mr. Pirchesky furthered his education and became a Certified Respiratory Therapist. He has worked in major institutions as the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and in The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh.
Mr. Pirchesky expanded his medical background in 2009, becoming first an Optometrist Technician and then trained as an Ophthalmic Photographer and Angiographer. He worked for both Visionworks, Inc., and Retinal Vitreous Consultants. As Mr. Pirchesky pursued his medical career, he also worked for three years in real estate as a sales consultant for Summerset at Frick Park. At the same time, Mr. Pirchesky was President of his congregation, Bnai Emunoh, for four years, and was the leader in the movement to save and revitalize the synagogue.
His passion for business led him in 2012 to work for Sine Software, where he assisted the owner in designing the Judaic version of Sine Designer, software for churches and synagogues, and also to Davison Design and Development, in the position of Director of New Products.
Mr. Pirchesky’s spirit has also been an entrepreneurial one, and in 2006, he founded the internet business, One World Blue, LLC, with the establishment of the first online site. The long term and overall goal for One World Blue has been to create a social media platform that will be a place for Social and Planetary Healing.
The One World Blue Network is a platform to spotlight the good individuals have done to transform the world, celebrate and appreciate cultural diversity, showcase the beauty of the Earth in Planet Sanctuary, and to act as a catalyst for conflict resolution thru the Overture to Peace module.
In 2010, the plan was begun to build the social media platform which was given the name Blupela.net, The One World Blue Network. After over two years of research, development and investment into this transformative network, Blupela.net now offers this unique social networking experience as it provides a dynamic and comprehensive service by utilizing innovative tools to connect people and ideas with the goal of improving the world one good deed at a time.
As the progression of The One World Blue Network has evolved, in December 2014 Mr. Pirchesky completed his Master’s program at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh. He earned his Master’s in Public Policy and Management, with a focus in International Development, and graduated Summa Cum Laude.
Mr. Pirchesky’s commitment to establishing a worldwide platform of improving the world one good deed at a time is complementary with the goals of International Development. He will also work in the area of Global conservation, cultural diversity awareness and training, and conflict resolution with the tools he and his team are designing for The One World Blue Network.
For further inquiries into One World Blue, please email the office at
Music and Vocals by Michelle Kaye with surround vocals by Divincemoore – lyrics by Joel Pirchesky, founder of One World Blue Media
“Scooby and Shaggy in the Tropics ‘Irie’ Style” AI Lumen Creation by Baila Pirchesky from 1World.Blue
“Scooby and Shaggy in the Tropics ‘Irie’ Style” AI Lumen Creation by Baila Pirchesky from 1World.Blue
Snoopy and Charlie Brown 1960’s Hippies AI Lumen Creation by Baila Pirchesky from 1World.Blue
“Snoopy and Charlie Brown 1960’s Hippies AI Lumen Creation by Baila Pirchesky”
“Kittens in Van Gogh Bedroom Studio at Sunset” OWB AI Creative Lumen by Jill Brugos
“Kittens in Van Gogh Bedroom Studio at Sunset”
by Jill Brugos
“Clown Driving a Ferrari at Sunset” OWB AI Creative Lumen by Bryan Hansen
“Clown Driving a Ferrari at Sunset”
by Bryan Hansen
Company Team of One World Blue LLC
Naftali Ziff Pirchesky
The Founder, President and CEO
Fully committed to serving others with the company he has built and the people who have put their faith, trust and resources into One World Blue, LLC. Joel holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Management.
Bradley Setting
Branding and Marketing
Brad is a seasoned in-house brand steward; team lead and client relations professional with hands-on experience creating strategies to deliver groundbreaking concepts that redefine how brands connect with customers.
Russell Johnson
Talent Director
Founder of JRJ Productions - leader in Event and Entertainment Productions for 35 years. Former Managing Producer at Gaylord Entertainment. Talent Director for Blupela Media.
Iris Pirchesky
Co-Founder of One World Blue, LLC
Mother and respected counsel of the founder of One World Blue, Joel Pirchesky, Iris Pirchesky has been an advocate and teacher of special needs for over 25 years working with art therapy and counseling. Iris has a degree in psychology and art therapy and completed an internship at the Western Pennsylvania school for the deaf and school for the blind. Iris has worked with many types of disabilities, among them have been cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injured, the vision and hearing impaired, mental health clients, intellectually challenged individuals, and her specialty being individuals on the Autism spectrum. She has helped countless individuals with her warmth and caring.
Baila Pirchesky
Chief Editor of Blupela Media and Network
Through her patience, guidance and support, Baila and Joel Pirchesky, CEO and Founder of One World Blue, LLC, have been blessed to devote the many years and time needed for the development of such a large project as Blupela, The One World Blue Social Illumination Network. With Baila’s humor and gentle ways, she has been a guiding force for the development of this project. Attending every development meeting and using her ingenuity and creativity, Baila has coined many of the terms for marketing and advertising for One World Blue. Her most famous one is “One World Blue, Healing the planet one good deed at a time”. This in fact sums up the entire project, for Blupela is about bringing goodness and sharing that good with the world to improve it one step at a time.
Dr. Cynthia Jones
Senior Advisor
Former owner and founder of Home of Second Chances and Civil Rights Advocate with her beloved brother of blessed memory, Bishop Reginald Kelly, advisor to One World Blue , since 2012. Many storms have been weathered through their wisdom and guidance.
David Gumble
Project and Staffing Coordinator
The world is a brighter place because of David Gumble’s refusal to let the world define him, and his insistence that it becomes the world it was created to be. “Prayer is very powerful. If not for prayer, I would not be where I am today.
Bernard
Bernard Asper
Project Concierge and Tech Support
Longest member of the team with over a decade of service. The company would not be where it is at without his dedicated support.
Gedaliah Aronson
Journalist
Project Ambassador and Concierge for Blupela Media working with businesses, organizations, crafts, trades and arts of all kinds to help achieve online media goals. Firm belief that he could make a positive contribution to this network through his music and writing career and his desire to be involved in positive work and bringing people together.
Jaswinder Singh
Graphic Design
Creative Graphic Design with 8 years of experience. Highly advanced in Photoshop, Illustrator, Corel Draw, Adobe Premiere Pro, CGI Computer Graphic Imaging Cinematography, and Print Advertising.
A Tribute to Russell Johnson and JRJ Productions
A Glimpse at the Legendary work and Life of Russell Johnson and his company JRJ Productions
The Fox Theater/ Atlanta
Tony Rich at Superbowl NFL Players festival that He won song of the year and Best New Artist – JRJ owns it.
Paul Barrere and Kenny Gradney with Steve Cropper and yours truly, Russell Johnson, tearing up Dixie Chicken.
Russell and longtime friend Steve Ctopper
Russell Johnson Talent Director for Blupela 1World.Blue Media
JRJ Productions has Joined Forces with One World Blue Media
Russell Johnson has teamed with One World Blue, LLC and now serves the Global Corporation as the COO – Chief Operating Officer and Board Member- and is the Chief Talent and Production Director for Blupela One World Blue Media, our Global Network Changing and Healing the World One Good Deed at a Time.
If you are interested in a Contract or Production under Russell Johnson’s Leadership and Direction please call the main office at:
412 690-5530 option 1
Russell Johnson with Friend and Songwriter Doug Donley
“Last year, you damned up a pond in Louis Armstrong Park in New Orleans to make space for an extra 10,000; we didn’t think you could top that. We were wrong, this year you created a virtual city on a peninsula in San Diego. Averaging 60,000 people a day for four days, they were entertained for over 13 hours each day. Yes we provided the NFL Players, but you provided the “Super Bowl of Parties” indeed. Congratulations, we couldn’t have asked for more.”
— Doug Allen, Executive Producer of the entire NFL Players Party
President, Players, Inc. and Asst. Director NFL Players Association (Former)
JRJ Productions offers:
Unique events specific to your needs
Full projects or the entertainment/talent components
The right talent for the right audience at the right price
Spectacular and Memorable Experiences!
By providing effective and creative event and entertainment solutions to a client base as wide and varied as the projects JRJ Productions have designed, developed and produced, it has secured a deserved reputation for efficient results-oriented project management. From Super Bowls to PGA Tournaments – From small high-level executive programs to week-long corporate incentive projects for hundreds – From Festivals for tens of thousands to charity/celebrity golf tournaments for hundreds – From booking small dance bands to the highest level of Talent possible; its projects all have a common foundation: Achieving the goals and objectives of its clients in a professional and memorable fashion.
Whether the client is a meeting/event planning firm or the end-user, a focused and dedicated responsibility to him or her is paramount in JRJ Productions’ business approach. Its considerable depth of resources maximizes the budget while providing un-paralleled event and entertainment solutions specific to the client’s needs and wants. It has an extensive client and project list. See its Facebook page and peruse the market-specific portfolios; russell@jrjproductions.com 910-297-2504.
“They come up with really good ideas and somehow make them happen!” – Molly Brooks, NFLPA Events Director
“Over the past 20 years JRJ Productions has consistently provided us with unique entertainment and access to some of the most recognizable celebrities for a wide scope of projects and clients. Their combination of creativity, knowledge of efficient productions and an incredible depth of contacts within the worlds of entertainment and sports figures have always been nothing short of remarkable.”
— John Patton, CMP – Partner
PlanIt Strong, Inc.
At JRJ, Corporate Entertainment is about creating the right energy and atmosphere for a specific audience within a specific budget leading to specific results. JRJ comes to understand the desired result thoroughly to assure that you have the right program and talent for the right situation at the right price. From full project management to providing the desired talent, it delivers within your parameters, not its own.
JRJ has the depth of resources, relationships and a culmination of millions in buying power with most major agencies that typically provides subsantial savings to its clients. In many cases, it has direct contacts either to the artists or their personal management.
JRJ Productions produced Name Artist Concerts for national conventions for clients ranging from Anheuser Bush to Deloitte Touche; from Re-Max to Burger King, from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to NAPA. It produced major events for a wide range of clients at major sporting events, including The Super Bowl, The Olympics, NBA All-Star Games and various PGA tournaments; and produced Classic “Parties” with some of the best show/party bands in the business.
With budgets ranging from $2500 to 2 Million, it provides not only exactly what is needed, but what is wanted as well.
Sports Marketing
“Russell Johnson understands and knows sports marketing. He understands the complex relationship between sponsorship fulfillment and ticket sales and creating events and campaigns that bridge the two. His productions are proof of that.”
— Tony Renaud
Executive Vice President, ESPN
Traditional Sports Marketing has one of three primary focuses
Promoting and Marketing a Sports League or Association including the promotion of a new market franchise
Promoting a team or sporting event to increase public participation
Utilizing Sporting Events to maximize sponsorships and attached corporate events.
JRJ has created, managed and produced projects in all of these areas. It knows the ins and outs of Sports Marketing; the varying objectives of the sponsors and the teams/venues and how to efficiently and effectively address them through the use of promotion, entertainment and events. For examples take a look at its Sports Marketing portfolio on Facebook.
Non Profit
“Who knew the Celebrity Celebration could grow to the level where Rupp Arena was our only option for the show? And what a show! I see how many details you juggle for the event and yet each year gets better. The celebrities this year were not only recognizable stars all, but were engaging and so much fun for our supporters. Another incredible year for the celebrities, the sponsors, the guests and most importantly the Markey Cancer Center Foundation….”
— John Leshney
Director of Development (Former), The Markey Cancer Center Foundation
Beginning with The Freedom Classic Celebrity Golf Tournament in 1988, JRJ has helped national organizations such as The Special Olympics and the Red Cross and local and regional non-profits such as The Markey Cancer Center in Lexington, KY and The Georgia Baptist Children’s Hospital in Atlanta and The Food Bank of C&SE North Carolina.
Its strategy is to create a Win/Win/Win situation. Pleasing the Sponsors while maximizing their marketing, providing a memorable time for the participants and maximizing the funds raised by the event for the Charity.
From Celebrity Golf Tournaments, to Black-Tie Dinners, to Festivals and Concerts, its objective is to not only raise money for the charity but to also provide a unique and exciting event for all attendees. It is dedicated to efficiently managing the event and the budget (with a philosophy that what money is NOT spent is as important as the money that is.)
JRJs considerable amount of direct contacts with many celebrities from the worlds of TV, Film, Sports, and Music and JRJs resources in the industry often provide considerable savings to the client. We know those areas and how to maximize the return. Simply put, our experience enables us to know what works, and just as importantly, what doesn’t.
Talent
“I’ve worked with Russell a few times and I have to say it is always a great event, either with Little Feat doing a Super Bowl Festival, or joining other musicians playing music and golf in a charity event, it’s always first class and done properly.”
— Paul Barriere
Little Feat
Procuring the right talent for an event, be it a corporate cocktail reception to a large multi-act festival, is as much a creative process as it is a business operation. JRJ Productions pride itself on its capabilities in providing just the right mix of entertainment that applies to the event. At times, there is a specific request; JRJ can find that talent and determine price and availability, usually within hours. Other cases call for talent suggestions.
JRJ has a reputation for choosing the best talent possible and appropriate for the specific event and budget. Its process of buying the talent could easily be called “The Art of the Deal”. JRJ is known for its tough negotiating skills and where and how to reach the best possible deal for its clients.
Its booked the biggest names in entertainment to local guitarists. From national comedians to the highest level speakers in the nation, from acts that are currently on the charts to many legends, there is not an area of talent that it haven’t dealt with.
It is known as an “artist’s producer”, meaning it has a reputation within the talent world of providing a smooth production experience for the talent and therefor the client. This reputation can, and does, many times positively affect the price. “Are you producing the show?” is a question JRJ is regularly asked by agents, managers, and talent alike.
The philosophy is “If the talent is happy, the client is going to get a great show”. At the same time, JRJ also has a reputation for going over a rider with a fine- toothed comb and deleting any and all unnecessary expenses.
The Art of the Deal. JRJ Productions understands what is important and what is not; and this is evident in the level of talent it brings to each and every event it produces. JRJ’s talent clients are, more often than not, the meeting planning company in charge of the whole project. JRJ Productions leave its ego at the door – it sees it job as making its clients look good and have no doubt they made the right decision.
Talent is the bedrock of JRJ Productions – Its Talent; and the Talent it’s able to bring to the table. It is the common denominator in all the operations of JRJ Productions and the success of each project.
“Madonna on a Lily Pad in a Japanese Garden” OWB AI Creative Lumen
“Madonna on a Lily Pad in a Japanese Garden”
“Have You Ever Been Experienced?” OWB AI Creative Lumen
“Have You Ever Been Experienced?”
Psychedelic Bears in Magic Mushroom Fields OWB AI Creative Lumen
David Gumble AI Creation Sailboat with Killer Whale OWB AI Creative Lumen
Sailboat and Killer Whale in Sunset
Surfing Psychedelic Snoopy OWB Creative AI Lumen
Surfing Psychedelic Snoopy
Gounge Bob The Master AI Ski Bum – OWB AI Creative Lumen
Gounge Bob The Master AI Ski Bum – OWB AI Creative Lumen
AI Creation of a cross between Sponge Bob and Gumby – on Skiis!!
JEDI IN PARADISE OWB AI CREATIVE GENERATION
JEDI IN PARADISE
WHY NOT?
NEW YORK JEDI OWB Creative AI Generation
SOMETHING THE WORLD COULD USE NOW WOULD BE A FEW
May the Force Be With You
May the Force Be With You
Caribbean Sunshine Homes One World Blue Creative AI Generated Lumen
Yeah Mon. Irie Rasta Dreamscape Blupela Home
Mom’s dreamscape home generated by our AI One World Blue Creative Lumens
OWB AI Generation of the Blupela Black Stallion Race Horse 3_3_23
I have dreamed of owning a racehorse for many years now. Funny on this day I have a better glimpse of that colt being born in this world.
OWB AI Creative Generation of future dream home in North Miami Beach 3_3_23
My family and OWB Team have dreamed for years we will one day have a home in Florida. On 3_3_23 our OWB Creative AI gave us a first glimpse of what our future home may look like!
This was the description put into the AI generator and then she gave us three images below:
Image of our new modern luxury home in Noth Miami Beach that is Spanish style with blue Mexican tile roof with a circle driveway and beautiful fountain in the middle of the circle of the driveway. With a five-car garage and a carriage house in the back fenced in yard next to the swimming pool, jacuzzi and Japanese garden
One World Blue Creative Launch 3/3/23
We are bringing AI to the OWB Lumen Community. Here is our first creation from our One World Blue user-friendly AI integration.
Come Join us in a Whole New World of Creation and Exploration
Alice Ford’s Month Long Solo Trip to Ecuador – Quito, The Amazon, Galapagos
Galapagos Adventures
Malawi Radio Transmitter Repair and Upgrade – Access to Information for Marginalized Communities
Malawi is a small country found in the southern part of Africa. The country has a total population of 20 million people and known as the warm heart of Africa due to peace and tranquillity that exits among its citizen. This is also the country that has never been at war with any country in the world. Its citizen treat visitors with love and respect they deserve.
On the other hand, the country is popularly known with its beautiful tourist areas like the beautiful lake, national parks and game reserves with animals and different species of plants. Such tourist sites are found in the Northern part of Malawi where the 3rd biggest National park in Africa Nyika is found. Nyika is also the most beautiful National park in the word.
Rumphi district is one of the very marginalised districts, surrounded by mountains and situated 500 kilometres from Lilongwe the capital city, the district has indigiounos people who are populary known as the Tumbukas who speaks Tumbuka language and headed by their paramount chief Chikulamayembe. The tumbukas are lovely people and practice communal ditch as away of reducing discrimination to the under privileged, enjoy vimbuza dance as a curing cultural ceremony to the sick. They love modern education since they were the first people to welcome western missionaries in the 1800s.
It is with this background that Rumphi Residents Association(RRA) initiated establishment of the first ever community radio in order to promote access to information to the indigenous Tumbukas and other surrounding communities. The equipment was provided by a US based radio station Austin Air waves in 2019.
OBJECTIVES
The radio educate and entertain its listeners who are 230,000 people now.
The radio promotes Tumbuka language and positive cultural practices for the young generation to learn and sustain the same.
The radio promotes tourism since Rumphi has 3 main tourist attraction sites, Nyika National park, Vwaza and lake Malawi to the eastern side.
Radio helps in the promotion of good governance, sanitation, health , youth development, HIV/Aids, Covid 19 pandemic and gender issues.
All in all the radio promotes access to information to the Rumphi community.
CHALLENGES
People of the district fail to listen to other radios from other districts because of its geographical location.
The radio is off air for one month now after its transmitter and antenna have developed electrical fault.
The radio has no backup system to prevent scenarios of electrical faults or damage to the system.
The community of Rumphi are cut off on access to information and they rely on hearsays since the district does not even receive news print as another source of information.
NEEDS
The Radio is in need of:
200 watts transmitter which cost $3000
Antenna which cost $800
A power backup cost $1200
This totals to $5000
The communities will contribute payment to the installation fees of these equipments.
FOLLOW THE CAMPAIGN HERE TO DONATE
Crown Antiques
Antiques galore
Crown Antiques & Collectibles has thousands of antiques for sale from stamps to sports memorabilia. You’re sure to find something to treasure at Crown Antiques & Collectibles. We’ll also appraise and buy your antiques!
Browse our collection of Black Americana and experience its rich history
At Crown Antiques & Collectibles, we have a large collection of Black Americana and African American memorabilia from historical writings and documents to cultural antiques to African American literature.
Much of the collection is of cultural memorabilia that come from historic African American achievements in music, art, literature, and politics. We carry items from the jazz era as well as an extensive collection of Teenie Harris prints.
Find a treasure for yourself or give a unique gift from our collection. Call and ask an associate for more information.
Incredible antique finds for all sports fans and enthusiasts
Are you a sports collector or looking for something to give as a gift? Crown Antiques & Collectibles has a myriad of vintage sports equipment, balls, uniforms, and more that span a range of America’s favorite pastimes from football to boxing.
Decades of sports history
Find antique baseball cards, old baseball and football jerseys, collectible bobble heads, team memorabilia, and more. Hockey, boxing, and other sports collectibles are also available.
Are you curious to see how much your collectible is worth? Bring it in and have it appraised (http://crownantiques.com/appraisals/3194420) by one of our sports antique experts.
Explore our section of sports antiquities and find something new for your collection!
Contact us to buy or sell:412-434-6425
Perfect for the collector, shop our assortment of stamps and coins
A large selection of gold and ancient coins
Stop in or shop online to take a look at what Crown Antiques & Collectibles has to offer. We have thousands of gold and silver coins from 3,000-year old Greek and Roman coins to antique US and foreign coins and paper money from the last 2 centuries.
We have collectibles
• US and foreign currency
• Gold coins
• Watches
• Jewelry
• Stamps
Are you looking for something to add to your collection? Visit us today to see the over one million stamps that we’ve acquired over the years.
Since 1967, we’ve been collecting rare and unique pieces for your collection. Stop by and see for yourself; you never know what you’ll find!
Photography & Artwork
Beautiful antique photos that are like windows into the past
Timeless photos and artwork
Collected from all over the country, Crown Antiques & Collectibles has over a 100,000 old photographs and antique cameras including Kodak. We also have many vintage works of art to explore; you’re sure to find something you love.
Vintage cameras
If you’re interested in revisiting those days when the art form was ruled by film, visit us. You’ll be impressed with our unique collection of our vintage cameras.
Documented history
• Photographs
• Drawings
• Cameras
• Paintings
• Sketchbooks
Discover our collection of rare and antique books
Are you curious about literature of the 1600s? Check out our huge collection of books and other antique documents.
Visit us today and be amazed by our extensive inventory of vintage artwork.
A store of early writings, antique books, references, and documents
Thousands of books and documents
Crown Antiques & Collectibles is stocked with many antique books, magazines, old documents, and more for your enjoyment. Books from all over the world line the shelves of our shop. Are you looking for something specific? Let us help you find it.
Magazines and guides
Turn back time with the turn of a page. Crown Antiques & Collectibles is full of over 100,000 antique magazines, programs, and TV guides that date back to the early 1950s.
See what’s available
• Children’s books
• Art and sketch books
• Early books (1500s)
• Magazines
• TV guides and theater programs
• National Geographic issues
Early books dating back to the 1500s
Over the years, we’ve collected many early writings and older literature that dates back to the 16th century. You’re sure to come across a great find.
Come in today and leaf through the pages of historical documents, old magazines, and many other antique publications.
Military Antiques
A large selection of military antiques and from unforgettable places in American history
Explore the history of our military with a large collection of hundreds of years old war relics. Crown Antiques & Collectibles currently houses uniforms, war posters, weapons, supplies, and more for the history enthusiast.
Items spanning to 100 years
Antiques dating back to the American Civil War are available in our shop. We also have collectibles of the belongings of military personnel to military supplies from World Wars I and II, the Korean War, and Vietnam War.
Stop by and see General George Patton’s funeral guest list and other historic military antiques.
Send a unique vintage card or put up a poster from your favorite decade
Vintage postcards and posters
We have over 100,000 vintage US and foreign postcards in stock ranging in age from 75 – 120 years old. Many old postcards are blank but some bear the writings of mothers, sisters, fathers, brothers, and sweethearts. They are great to collect or send to someone special!
Posters of all kinds
Decorate with vintage posters! We have posters from old Hollywood movies and indie films, music posters, war and patriotic posters, backlight posters, and more!
Antique paper goods
• Holiday cards •Postcards
• War posters • Movie posters
We also carry books and magazines
Add something more to your vintage collection with our books, papers, documents, magazines, TV guides, and more when you shop our antiques.
Autographs by some of your favorite figures in history
We have all kinds of items that have been autographed by great American icons throughout American history. Sports stars, actors, musicians, and more have affixed their signatures to some of the items in our shop.
Movies, sports, and more
Since 1968, we’ve collected autographed items from historical figures, celebrities, bands and musicians, and sports stars. Stop in or search our online shop and you may come across a find for a fan.
Autographed items
• Posters
• Sports items
• Photos
• Records
• Books
We do appraisals
Do you own an item that has been autographed by a TV or sports celebrity? Are you in possession of an autographed album? Let us appraise it!
Come in today to find a large collection of signed items by great American icons.
Own an item autographed by your favorite celebrity.
Sell us your items and let us appraise your old finds and antiques
Get your items appraised
Are you looking to sell an antique item, or just want to know how much your item is worth? Bring it in and we’ll be happy to appraise it for you and advise the best course of action for you whether you want to keep or sell the item.
Trade your unwanted items
If you have an item that you would like to trade for an item of equal or lesser value, we can accommodate you. Simply bring your item or call for an appraisal.
Shop service
• Appraisals
• Buy
• Sell
• Trade
We buy antiques
Learn the value of your old items; you could have an undiscovered treasure!
Have you recently acquired an estate? Have you found an old item that you think may be worth money? We’ll buy it! Contact us for your appraisal today!
“The One World Blue community extols KKSY, its hope and inspiration, with friends both far and near in building a better world even through our digital age, bridging and uniting people from all backgrounds and places. These powerful waves of Light from our hearts’ deepest recesses uplift and celebrate the human spirit. In memory of Ashi Kamya, may the financial support we raise and the clean water we yield bring Life and merit to all who endeavor.
Our greatest wishes and blessings for continued well-being, materially and spiritually. Best wishes from Joel Pirchesky, the One World Blue family and Ira Caplan Ghost of Apollo Music.
KKSY (Kahal Kadosh She’erit Yisrael) is a Sephardic Jewish congregation in Uganda. Tarphon Kamya works at Jewish Response Uganda which is a nonprofit organization aimed to serve and empower communities through Agriculture, Education and Health.
In memory of Ashi Kamya
We are working to provide clean water to bring life and health to the community.
“Clean water available for the children ,God bless Tarphon Kamya, Jewish Response Uganda, and Joel Pirchesky, founder of One World Blue, who provided this water filter”
Habimana Nelson – Director GSOWNC
Every day, nearly 500 children under 5 suffer from preventable causes related to contaminated water in Kodiiri village. Give the gift of safe water and empowerment! In just five minutes, using low-cost table salt, water, and battery or solar power, these water purifiers create enough chlorine to treat two hundred liters of dirty water, killing microbes that cause illnesses such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid.
The water purifiers are used to get clean drinkable water at home, in schools, and health facilities to create safe water for drinking, household cleaning, handwashing and bathing.
In low-resource settings, water purifiers are often unavailable or prohibitively expensive due to difficulties related to transport and degradation. By creating water purifiers in each home, these purifiers empower families to start their own drinking clean water and help children thrive!
In Ashi Kamya’s memory and merit we are calling upon friends near and far to please give to Ashi’s Healing Water. Just $45 each for one purifier per household will change families lives forever!
Thank you so very much for your tremendous donation towards the Blue World Water Project in memory and merit of Ashi Kamya. Together with you, we are saving lives one purifier at a time and Ashi’s memory and life live on for eternity. Please Join Us!
It may be a new for those who have never heard about it and very symbolic for those who knew about it. Feng Shui is an important Chinese science that has gained importance due to its popularity in recent years and rather due to its positive results to people.
Actually every object or picture is related with some meaning or with some symbols. The Chinese people believe in looking at objects with their hidden meanings. According to them these objects and pictures are the conveyors of good luck or bad luck. The Chinese people traditionally use a large number of symbols in their house. These symbols and objects are good for providing good luck for Health, Success, Marriage, Good relationships, Good business, and Wealth too.
Various Feng Shui symbols for Good Luck
In symbolic Feng Shui, there are certain dimensions which are considered to be good for bringing healthy luck whereas, certain dimensions are believed to bring Bad luck to you also. If we see in case of furniture, it also bring good luck chi to you with its lucky and unlucky dimensions. The table, chair, cupboard, etc, can be measured with Feng Shui ruler specially made for these. The Feng Shui ruler has eight cycles of dimensions out of which four are auspicious and four are inauspicious. The measure of each cycle is equal to 17 inches or 43cms and further each cycle is divided into eight portions. The cycles of auspicious and inauspicious dimensions repeats itself over and over to infinity. These dimensions proved very beneficial in every case.
The four auspicious Dimensions
Chai- This is the first portion of the cycle and is divided into four categories of good luck. The dimension is between 0 inches to 2 1/8 inches or 5.4 cms. The first half inch brings money, the second brings jewels, and the third brings six types of good luck, and fourth brings abundance.
Yi- this is the fourth portion of the cycle and it brings good luck by bringing helpful people in life. This is also divided into four categories. The dimension is between 6 3/8 inches and 8 ½ inches or in cms it’s between 16.2 cms to 21.5 cms. The first ½ inch brings good children luck, the second brings unexpected income, the third predicts successful son, and the fourth brings excellent good fortune.
Kwan- this is the fifth section of cycle and brings power luck. The dimension is between 8 ½ inches and 10 5/8 inches or in cms between 21.5 cms to 27 cms. The first ½ inches brings good luck in exams, the second brings special luck, the third improves income and the fourth brings laurels for the family.
Pun- this dimension is between 14 7/8 to 17 inches or 37.5 cms to 43.2 cms. The first section increases money flow, the second brings examination luck, third brings jewels and fourth brings prosperity.
About the Author
Pandit Rahul Kaushal
Pandit Rahul Kaushal is Celebrity Astrologer and vastu consultant from India and he serves via his site Pandit.com
The wai is the common form of greeting and adheres to strict rules of protocol.
Raising both hands, palms joined with the fingers pointing upwards as if in prayer, lightly touching the body somewhere between the chest and the forehead, is the standard form.
The wai is both a sign of respect as well as a greeting. Respect and courtesy are demonstrated by the height at which the hands are held and how low the head comes down to meet the thumbs of both hands.
The wai may be made while sitting, walking, or standing.
The person who is junior in age or status is the first one to offer the wai.
The senior person returns the wai, generally with their hands raised to somewhere around their chest.
If a junior person is standing and wants to wai a senior person who is seated, the junior person will stoop or bow their head while making the wai.
If there is a great social distance between two people, the wai will not be returned.
Buddhism in Thailand
Thailand is a stronghold of Buddhism.
Buddhists believe that life does not begin with birth and end with death, but rather that every person has several lives based upon the lessons of life not yet learned and acts committed (karma) in previous lives.
Buddhists believe that selfishness and craving result in suffering and that compassion and love bring happiness and well-being.
The true path to peace is to eliminate all desire, a condition which Buddhists define as ‘nirvana’, an indescribable state free of desire, suffering, or further rebirth, in which a person simply is, and is completely at one with his surroundings.
Buddhism is practised in Thailand by over 90% of the population.
Hierarchical Society
Thais respect hierarchical relationships.
Social relationships are defined as one person being superior to the other.
Parents are superior to their children, teachers to their students, and bosses to their subordinates.
When Thais meet a stranger, they will immediately try to place you within a hierarchy so they know how you should be treated.
This is often done by asking what might be seen as very personal questions in other cultures.
Status can be determined by clothing and general appearance, age, job, education, family name, and social connections.
Thai Family Values
The family is the cornerstone of Thai society.
Family life is often more closely knit than in western cultures.
The Thai family is a form of hierarchy with the parents at the top.
Children are taught to honour their parents.
Thai Demeanour
Thais place great emphasis and value on outward forms of courtesy such as politeness, respect, genial demeanour and self-control in order to maintain harmonious relations.
Many of their rules of etiquette are by-products of the Buddhist religion.
It is a non-confrontational society, in which public dispute or criticism is to be avoided at all costs.
To be openly angry with someone might attract the wrath of the spirits, which in turn could cause violence and tragedy.
Openly criticizing a person is a form of violence as it hurts the person and is viewed as a conscious attempt to offend the person being rebuked
Loss of face is a disgrace to a Thai so they try to avoid confrontations and look for compromises in difficult situations.
If two parties disagree, one will need to have an outlet to retreat without losing face.
Cherokee Amazing Grace
Such Peace
Thank you
Tempa Dukte Lama
Tempa Lama Introduction to the Nature of Mind
My dear friends, I would like to share this video with you all. Have a beautiful week. Tempa Dukte Lama
Tempa dukte lama short talk on the nature of mind and threefold path of liberation in Bon Tradition of Tibet.
The Veretzky Rebbe
Tahitians
The Tahitians, or Maohis, are indigenous peoples of Tahiti and thirteen other Society Islands, as well as the modern population of these lands of mixed ancestry (French: demis). The Tahitians are one of the most significant indigenous Polynesian peoples of Oceania.
The original Tahitian society was unaware of metal as it was based on Stone Age technology. However, it enabled Tahitians to clear land for cultivation on the fertile volcanic soils and build fishing canoes, their two basic subsistence activities.[2] The tools of the Tahitians when first discovered were made of stone, bone, shell or wood.
The Tahitians were divided into three major classes (or castes): ari’i,[3] ra’atira and manahune.[4] Ari’i were relatively few in number while manahune constituted the bulk of population and included some members who played essential roles in the society.[5] It is estimated that by the first contact with Europeans in 1767 the population of Tahiti was no more than 40,000 while other Society Islands held probably 15,000-20,000 natives.[6]
Tahitians divided the day into the periods of daylight (ao) and darkness (pō).[7] There was also a concept of irrational fear called mehameha, translated as uncanny feelings.[8] The healers, familiar with herbal remedies, were called ta’ata rā’au or ta’ata rapa’au. In the 19th century Tahitians added the European medicine to their practice. The most famous Tahitian healer Tiurai, of ari’i, died aged 83 during the influenza outbreak on Tahiti in 1918.
In the early morning of Oct. 12, 1941, German authorities ordered the Jews of Stanislawow, Poland, to report to the town square. Six-year-old Robert (Bob) Geminder huddled there with his mother, grandmother and brother, George. The group of approximately 20,000 Jews was then marched to the nearby cemetery. Bob and his family, among the early arrivals, were shoved toward the cemetery’s back wall, where they crouched down. “If you stood up, they would shoot you,” Bob remembered. Meanwhile, people in the front were marched forward toward large pits in the ground, then shot. As they fell into the gaping earth, more Jews were ordered forward. This systematic killing continued all day, until falling snow and darkness halted the massacre of 12,000 or more.
Please check out “An Evening with Divincemoore Music”. Tx info below.
Blupela Media Concert Series is in support of Sounds of Saving, www.soundsofsaving.org . Saving Lives Thru Music. Please your support is needed and crucial. Tx only $7.70.
“Songs are always in my head, even when I’m asleep. Beauty is everywhere and in everything.”
“ The sunlight made a heart shape on the blossoms. I notice hearts a lot in things.”
Divincemoore is an artist who creates and expresses herself from the heart. Her music is born out of a deep well of influences both musical and philosophical, ethereal, and earthy.
“I started writing songs on the piano as a child since we had one in the living room. The guitar hurt my little fingers too much, and nobody knew a girl could play electric guitar in those days. That would have been a lifesaver!”
Divincemoore grew up with music in the home. Her parents were always singing and harmonizing, and the piano was a mainstay in the family living room.
“My mum usually sang the harmony instead of the melody, so I tend to hear that first in a song.”
Listen to “Burning Slow like Honey” by Divincemoore:
Her older brother gifted her all of his classic rock LPs, which left her with many hours of listening and absorbing music. She was engrossed in the sound of Motown, which played on AM radio, soaking in The Jackson 5 and Smokey Robinson. She began learning the piano both by ear and with a teacher of an old school disciplinarian approach, smacking her fingers when mistakes were made. She got enough out of these lessons to help her with rudiments and reading. Eventually, she moved on from lessons and continued on her own path.
“My spiritual perspective has ruled my thinking and the way I live my life. I guess I’m a go with the flow type of person. I always believed that God is in control, so I give my worries over His way. As long as I do what I believe is right in the moment, I trust everything will work out the way it should. No, I don’t own a lot of fancy things or own anything of high monetary value, but who really owns anything? I feel it doesn’t really belong to us anyway, and it can be taken at any time. I try not to get too attached to physical things. The best things in life really are free…like nature.”
“ I think my music is a reflection of those ideals. One of my songs that echoes my beliefs is “To Be Loved.” Co-written with Nathaniel Gold, the lyrics are in the 3rd person, but it was autobiographical. Still, I think many relate.”
Divincemoore studied music composition in college, but she discovered her writing abilities outside of the classroom
“My boyfriend in college was in a band, and I was listening to them jam when I realized that the poems I’d written could fit with their music. This was how it began. I had written silly little songs in my head as a kid but thought nothing of it. Now I had a band to play off of, and they loved my lyrics, so it was great. “
Quite often, pain and heartbreak can be the seed that sprouts remarkable creativity in an artist. Divincemoore is no stranger to tragedy. While she studied in college, her mother was in the hospital battling cancer, a battle she was fighting on and off since Divincemoore was just eight years old. It was at this crucial point that she discovered the healing power of music and human touch.
“I went to visit my mother in the hospital, and I held her hand while I sang Psalm 23 to her. Miraculously, my mother began to improve noticeably, and she began to stabilize. The doctors noticed a steady improvement and turnaround from there, and she was able to come home a month later.“
“My mother lived for another seven years after that until cancer returned, compromising a major organ. She passed away within two weeks of that onslaught, and my heart was broken…“
Listen to “Double Tribute” by Divincemoore:
Divincemoore has transformed the pain in her life into music and art. The same year her mother passed away, her first husband left her and their two small children to fend for themselves.
“Later, I joined an original metal band to write about my frustrations. I had never expressed my feelings about my mom’s premature death or my first husband leaving. But music was the perfect vehicle to get those suppressed feelings out. The band loved anything I wrote because I deeply felt it. I think that’s the key to writing anything.“
“My writing evolves immensely just through experience. I believe that whatever I go through in life can be used in a positive way to help heal not only myself but everyone who hears it and feels it. As a college student, I wrote mostly philosophical lyrics. I really didn’t have much to say yet. But now, there’s so much from which to communicate and draw. It’s just great. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!“
“I didn’t start writing on or playing guitar until winning one as a prize for a singing competition in Philadelphia when I was in my early 30’s. I picked it out myself and then I finally got an electric guitar, it was like butter!“
Listen to “Taciturn Me On” by Divincemoore:
Divincemoore now resides in Florida, a trek she decided to make for herself in 2017.
“I left Philadelphia and drove my car packed full of my things down to Sarasota, Florida. It was a wonderful adventure, and I don’t regret it for a minute.“
“When I lived in Philadelphia, it was much easier to jam with musicians and to have a lot of musical support. We would go to each other’s gigs and bring each other up on stage to do a few songs. That doesn’t happen here in Florida as much. It’s much more competitive. My goal would be to bring everyone together and make it more supportive, cohesive, and collaborative.“
“I would love to work with some very talented musicians, I’m really looking forward to it! Sure, I still love to write my own songs and I would like to record them with a great producer who can hear the full potential of how they can sound. I hope to reach a lot of people and that my music can help them to heal spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, and in whatever way they need. Sometimes you just need to be happy, and that’s all….and to smile.”
“Peace”
Music and Vocals by Michelle Kaye with surround vocals by Divincemoore – lyrics by Joel Pirchesky, founder of One World Blue Media
Ebonie Paris – Singer, Song writer & Recording Artist
https://youtu.be/7MQIDq-KxJE
Born and raised in Brooklyn NY Ebonie began singing at a early age, singing gospel in church and the performing arts. She performs classic R&B, Jazz & a touch of Motown hits. Her soulful expressions will create an experience to remember. She covers songs that will take you back to that memorable moment in your life and adds a elegant touch to your venue or event.
Paris has had the pleasure to open for artists such as Eric Robertson and Clifford Brown Walk, Wilmington De,
Kim Waters, Kayla Waters & Marion Meadows at Davie Florida Jazz Festival and a guest appearance at the Miami Florida Smooth Jazz Festival sharing the stage with great Eric Essix & Jazmin Ghent.
https://youtu.be/hqqA3-1Mc1o
Ebonie encourages audience participation, and the crowd loves her. No crowd too big or small, she stands out each and every time with style and grace as she aims to please.
Hidden World of Octopus Cities Shows We Must Leave These Sentient Creatures Alone
Hidden World of Octopus Cities Shows We Must Leave These Sentient Creatures Alone
KRISTIN ANDREWS, THE CONVERSATION
6 APRIL 2022
A recently proposed aquaculture octopus farm in the Canary Islands would raise 3,000 metric tons of octopus a year, which means almost 275,000 individual octopuses will be killed annually.
My research examines animal minds and ethics, and to me, the phrase “octopus culture” brings to mind Octopolis and Octlantis, two communities of wild octopuses in Jervis Bay, Australia.
In Octopolis, numerous octopuses share – and fight over – a few square meters of seabed. In these watery towns, octopuses form dominance hierarchies, and they’ve started developing new behaviors: male octopuses fight over territory and, perhaps, females by throwing debris at one another and boxing.
Octopus community-building
The discovery of octopus communities came as a surprise to biologists who have long described octopuses as solitary animals that interact with others in three specific contexts: hunting, avoiding being hunted, and mating.
What Octopolis suggests can happen in the wild is what has also been observed in captive octopuses: when living in an overly dense captive environment, octopuses will form dominance hierarchies.
In their fights for power, male octopuses perform an array of antagonistic behaviors, including throwing scallop shells to defend their den, and the “mantle up” display which makes an octopus look like a menacing vampire.
Submissive octopuses signal their compliance with light colors and flattened body postures. For their efforts, the dominants appear to gain better access to high-quality dens and to females.
Animal culture
What is going on in Octopolis and Octlantis is properly called octopus culture. The idea of animal culture emerged after scientists noticed that in some groups, animals perform actions that aren’t seen in other groups of the same species.
This was a new behavior, not seen in other macaque groups, and observers were lucky enough to observe its origins. A monkey named Imo was the first to wash a potato in the salty water and others soon copied her, leading to a community-wide behavior pattern.
The idea of animal culture drove much subsequent Japanese primatology, but in Europe and North America culture didn’t get much attention until 1999, when an article about culture in chimpanzees was published.
The proposal to start an octopus farm is a proposal to create a new octopus culture, because when cultural animals are brought together, they can’t help but create society.
It’s also a proposal to create a new kind of octopus: the cultural behaviors coupled with the captive environment will be a novel environmental niche that shapes subsequent evolution.
Our familiar farmed animals – like Angus cows and Chocktaw hogs – have been domesticated and are entirely different from the animals they evolved from.
Starting an octopus farm is a commitment to creating a new kind of animal that relies on humans for their existence. It isn’t an idea to be taken up lightly, or a project that can responsibly be attempted and then discarded when it turns out to be too difficult or not profitable.
Managing octopus populations
There are many reasons to worry that an octopus farm will not be easy to manage. Unlike other farmed animals, octopuses need their space. Octopolis is already a battleground of boxing octopuses; one can only wonder what that will look like on a scale of thousands.
Sentient animals used for food are protected under welfare laws and killed in ways that should minimize their pain. Current methods of slaughtering octopuses include clubbing, slicing open the brain, or suffocating them.
Octopuses are escape artists. The kind of housing needed to shelter them will be difficult to achieve, especially while also providing enrichment, since an enriched environment will be one full of possible getaway routes.
If an octopus farm is started, and then abandoned, the thousands of domesticated cultural octopuses cannot be released into the sea and be expected to flourish.
We learned from the many expensive attempts to release Keiko, the killer whale that starred in the Free Willy franchise, that successful reintroduction of captive cultural animals into the wild is not easy. Even after spending US$20 million dollars, Keiko died in captivity.
The proposal to bring thousands of animals together into an octopus megacity would scale octopus culture far beyond anything found in nature or in captivity.
It would create hundreds of thousands of Keikos, aquatic cultural animals captured from the wild and brought into captivity. And it would force them to live together and create a new culture in what is sure to be a violent octopus slum.
“Award-winning country artist, AJ Jansen, knows that great music starts with a long background of pursuit, determination, and passion. With encouragement from her family, her musical aspirations grew into a blossoming, successful career as a new, emerging country singer-songwriter. Known for her “instinctive rhythms and catchy lead guitar lines” (Chris Neal, Music Magazine), Jansen seamlessly mixes elements of classic rock with the heartfelt vulnerability of country music.”
AJ Jansen is a compelling, soulful Country Artist. She’s been performing since age 6 and writing since age 10, surrounded by a musical Polish family who encouraged her to pursue her artistic dreams. AJ was surrounded by all genres of music, ranging from the songwriting styles of Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter to the rock and pop songs of BonJovi, Jewel and Shania Twain. And, of course, there were Sunday morning Polkas. But it was Country Music that stole her heart and soul. A determined and driven original country artist and singer/songwriter, her dream is to someday perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
Jansen first hit Nashville stages in 2006 after being dared to compete in a contest held by the CT Country Music Association. She won the title of Connecticut “Female Vocalist of the Year” and was sent to Nashville to compete Nationally at the North American Country Music Association (NACMAI) awards. She won the National title Horizon award for “Female Vocalist of the Year” and was the runner-up in Jim Halsey’s Starmaker Competition.
Jansen continues to win awards such as iHeart Radio station’s WWYZ 92.5 “Band of the Year” for her album A Country Girl Can Survive. The music video for the album’s title song has been featured on the CMT music channels website. Bourbon and Roses, her 5th and latest release, marries the emotional impact of country and the engaging spirit of rock. The album led to her second nomination for “Best Country Act of the Year” from The New England Music Awards.
Music and performance are a core part of who Jansen is, and she loves sharing her passion with others. She has played venues all over The East Coast and Southern Regions from New York’s The Bitter End to opening for artists like Phil Vassar, James Montgomery, and James Otto. Traveling back and forth between Connecticut and Tennessee, AJ had the opportunity to write a musical tribute show entitled “Outlaw Women of Country,” which she performs in various theaters up and down the East Coast.
The show has received rave reviews. She has headlined a variety of casinos, from Mohegan Sun in Connecticut to Bally’s in Atlantic City. Aside from traditional performances, she also loves performing for residents of local retirement homes, bringing her love of classic country to those who love country music and normally do not have a chance to hear the classics in a live setting.
Regardless of the venue, Jansen’s music will touch the hearts of any audience.
Please fill out our Contact Form- 24 hour response time
AJ Jansen Enterprises, LLC
PO Box 320
E. Granby, CT 06026
or call 860-309-5715 and leave a message
The Music of Patrick McGregor
Hello, my name is Patrick McGregor
I’m a simple man who loves being home, the practice of martial arts and of course, writing and performing music.
I’ve been passionate about music since the age of 5. While I wasn’t formally trained, what I do comes from the heart.
I consider music a gift, and what I like most about this gift is that it also becomes a gift to the listener, bringing joy, happiness and the ability to lift ones spirits!
Here is what the One World Blue Singer Songwriter Review by Talent Director Russell Johnson has to say:
“Patrick McGregor is a strange, but familiar, bird – the kind of bird you expect to see on your back porch everyday and hear familiar melodies. When he is not there you miss him. When he is, he calms you.”
“Patrick’s music cannot be confined to one genre. Pop bounces out, while country slides underneath, all laying in the comfort of a confident Singer/Songwriter. It sounds like a simple configuration, doesn’t it?”
“It is not – not by any means. The smooth influx of the horns on “Tonight is the Night” to the elegant use of the mandolin on “Just Can’t Walk Away”, Patrick’s expertise of orchestration and mood is subtle and wonderful; a true marriage of music and lyrics.”
“A proud member of the ISSA (International Singer Songwriters Association), Patrick McGregor’s influences can be found everywhere from The Box Tops to the Eagles and so many more. A Pop Star with a Rock and Roll heart, and the guts to show it.”
“Do yourself a favor and check out his tracks here on his EPK and also visit his site at www.pmcgregormusic.com. You won’t be wasting your time.”
Russell Johnson – Talent and Production Director One World Blue Media
A view of the bridge from Patrick’s backyard.
The Bay viewed from Patrick’s backyard.
Check out Patrick’s Original Album Hits on His Debut Album “Living Easy”
Patrick is Proud to be a Long Standing Member of ASCAP and ISSA
Michael Crichton
In some of my most challenging years, thank you for the friendship I found in you through reading your books. You are the only author in my life whom I have followed and read consistently. May you have a peaceful place in the world to come.
Many Blessings,
Joel
Founder and CEO
One World Blue, LLC
“Michael’s talent out-scaled even his own dinosaurs of Jurassic Park. He was the greatest at blending science with big theatrical concepts, which is what gave credibility to dinosaurs again walking the Earth. Michael was a gentle soul who reserved his flamboyant side for his novels. There is no one in the wings that will ever take his place.” —
Director and Film Producer Steven Spielberg
In Michael’s Own Words
Michael Crichton – When I was 15 I wanted to go to college and be a writer. When I was 20, I was in college and applying to medical school to become a doctor. When I was 25, I was in medical school, but I was going to quit when it was finished. When I was 30, I was a successful film director with my first film, Westworld, in release. When I was 35, I had almost decided I didn’t want to direct any more, but I wasn’t sure what to do next. So, I started a software company and did computer games. When I was 40, I really wanted to only direct movies and never write again. When I was 45, I had my first child, and I was happily writing and not interested in directing. … I feel like my life has been very exciting and very unpredictable.
Michael Crichton was a writer and filmmaker, best known as the author of Jurassic Park and the creator of ER. His latest posthumous novel, MICRO, was released on November 22, 2011.
Crichton graduated summa cum laude from Harvard College, received his MD from Harvard Medical School, and was a postdoctoral fellow at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, researching public policy with Jacob Bronowski. He taught courses in anthropology at Cambridge University and writing at MIT. Crichton’s 2004 bestseller, State of Fear, acknowledged the world was growing warmer, but challenged extreme anthropogenic warming scenarios. He predicted future warming at 0.8 degrees C. (His conclusions have been widely misstated.)
Crichton’s interest in computer modeling went back forty years. His multiple-discriminant analysis of Egyptian crania, carried out on an IBM 7090 computer at Harvard, was published in the Papers of the Peabody Museum in 1966. His technical publications included a study of host factors in pituitary chromophobe adenoma, in Metabolism, and an essay on medical obfuscation in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Crichton’s first bestseller, The Andromeda Strain, was published while he was still a medical student. He later worked full time on film and writing. One of the most popular writers in the world, he has sold over 200 million books. His books have been translated into thirty-eight languages and thirteen have been made into films.
He had a lifelong interest in computers. His feature film Westworld was the first to employ computer-generated special effects back in 1973. Crichton’s pioneering use of computer programs for film production earned him a Technical Achievement Academy Award in 1995.
Crichton won an Emmy, a Peabody, and a Writer’s Guild of America Award for ER. In 2002, a newly discovered ankylosaur was named for him: Crichtonsaurus bohlini. He is survived by his wife Sherri, his daughter Taylor and his son, John Michael.
To Immerse yourself into Michael’s world, please visit his official site at:
Michael Crichton – 2012 – Preview – More editions
In a novel set within the arena of volatile Japanese-American relations, business moguls compete for control of the international electronics industry.
Michael Crichton – 2012 – Preview – More editions
From the author of Jurassic Park, Timeline, and Congo comes a psychological thriller about a group of scientists who investigate a spaceship discovered on the ocean floor.
Michael Crichton – 2012 – Preview – More editions
From the bestselling author of Jurassic Park, Timeline, and Sphere comes an epic tale of unspeakable horror.
Michael Crichton – 2012 – Preview – More editions
This is a record of those travels—an exhilarating quest across the familiar and exotic frontiers of the outer world, a determined odyssey into the unfathomable, spiritual depths of the inner world.
Michael Crichton, Richard Preston – 2011 – Preview – More editions
In the vein of Jurassic Park, this high-concept thriller follows a group of graduate students lured to Hawaii to work for a mysterious biotech company—only to find themselves cast out into the rain forest, with nothing but their …
Michael Crichton – 2012 – Preview – More editions
Six years after the secret disaster at Jurassic Park and the destruction of the dinosaurs, the dismantling of the park, and the closing of the island, rumors persist that some form of life has survived.
Michael Crichton – 2012 – Preview – More editions
From the author of Timeline, Sphere, and Congo, this is the classic thriller of science run amok that took the world by storm. #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER “Wonderful . . . powerful.”—The Washington Post Book World An astonishing …
Michael Crichton – 2011 – Preview – More editions
A fatal mid-air collision involving a commercial airliner prompts a frantic, desperate investigation into the causes of the accident, in a thriller exploring the issue of safety and security in the aircraft industry.
Michael Crichton – 2001 – Preview – More editions
Disclosure is up to [Crichton’s] usual locomotive speed.”—The Boston Globe “Expertly crafted, ingenious and absorbing.”—The Philadelphia Inquirer
Michael Crichton – 2012 – Preview – More editions
From the bestselling author of Jurassic Park, Timeline, and Sphere comes a gripping thriller about the shocking demise of eight American geologists in the darkest region of the Congo.
Michael Crichton – 2013 – Preview – More editions
The death of a doctor’s daughter may be malpractice—or murder—in this novel by a #1 New York Times–bestselling author: “I loved it” (Stephen King).
Michael Crichton, John Lange – 2013 – Preview – More editions
An agent races to stop a chemical attack in this thriller from the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of The Andromeda Strain and Jurassic Park. His name is John Wright, and he’s the most dangerous man in the United States.
Michael Crichton – 2001 – Preview – More editions
Disclosure is up to [Crichton’s] usual locomotive speed.”—The Boston Globe “Expertly crafted, ingenious and absorbing.”—The Philadelphia Inquirer
Michael Crichton – 2012 – Preview – More editions
From the bestselling author of Jurassic Park, Timeline, and Sphere comes a neurological thriller about the dangers of cutting-edge medical experimentation.
Michael Crichton – 2012 – Preview – More editions
Based on fact, but studded with all the suspense and style of fiction, here is a classic historical thriller, set a decade before the age of dynamite—yet nonetheless explosive…
Michael Crichton – 2005 – Preview – More editions
An intelligence agent travels to such exotic locations as Tokyo, Iceland, Antarctica, and the Solomon Islands in a desperate attempt to prevent a global environmental catastrophe.
Elizabeth Ann Trembley – 1996 – Snippet view
Use by the reader, each chapter is subdivided into section on general critical analysis, plot, theme, character development, and alternative perspectives on the novel that offer additional insight.
Michael Crichton – 2009 – Preview – More editions
Michael Crichton’s Prey is a terrifying page-turner that masterfully combines a heart–pounding thriller with cutting-edge technology.
Michael Crichton – 1997 – Snippet view – More editions
The author’s sagas of science run amok and a prehistoric, dinosaur-dominated world are presented in an omnibus edition containing “Jurassic Park” and “The Lost World”
Michael Crichton – 2012 – Preview – More editions
Michael Crichton. iding in the taxi, Sanders stared out the window, breathing deeply. He felt as though he couldn’t get his breath. He had been badly unnerved by the meeting with Meredith. Especially coming so close after his conversation …
Michael Crichton, John Lange – 2013 – Preview – More editions
An ordinary man on the run for his life, he must uncover a centuries-old secret, or risk becoming its next victim. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Michael Crichton including rare images from the author’s estate.
Michael Crichton – 2013 – Preview – More editions
In this thriller from the author of Jurassic Park, Sphere, and Congo, a group of young scientists travel back in time to medieval France on a daring rescue mission that becomes a struggle to stay alive. #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER …
Michael Crichton – 2017 – Preview – More editions
A page-turner that draws on both meticulously researched history and an exuberant imagination, Dragon Teeth is based on the rivalry between real-life paleontologists Cope and Marsh; in William Johnson readers will find an inspiring hero …
Michael Crichton, John Lange – 2013 – Preview – More editions
An expert diver, he makes his living exploring sunken ships. But there’s something strange about the wreck of the Grave Descend. How did she sink? Why do none of the survivors tell the same story? And what was the cargo inside her hull?
The Music of Nissim Black
His name is Nissim – which means miracles in Hebrew.
Seward Park is a neighborhood in southeast Seattle. Most of Seattle’s Orthodox Jews live there.
Nissim Black, formerly Damian Black grew up in Seward Park a few blocks from Rainier Avenue which borders with Seward Park.
!
His grandparents were musicians who worked alongside Ray Charles and Quincy Jones.
His father is Captain Crunch from the legendary Emerald Street Boys and his mother was in the rap world as well. His mentor, Vitamin D – DJ, producer and MC, showed him the ropes, and began recording him at age 13.
Nissim’s home had its challenges that were to ironically set him on the road to spiritual meaning. His parents like many in the high-pressured world of talent used drugs and they also sold drugs. His mother left his father when Nissim was two. His stepfather too used and sold drugs. Unfortunately, his mother died of an overdose when she was 37. He was 19.
Still Nissim became one of three Seattle-area rappers featured on the album. “God Like” – Nissim’s D.Black feature on the album was a big hit.
Another local rapper wanted attention. D. Black was on the way up so the publicity insulting him and so provoking a response was to be that other rappers ticket to fame.
Things escalated. Soon a friend of D. Black opened fire in a nightclub and the cops were called and the friend went to jail and D.Black was a wanted man. Fear of further trouble caused the other rapper to call Nissim and they worked it out. It was a close call and it got Nissim thinking about a better life.
Nissim thought a lot about miracles, faith, religion, and God. It was all around him.
A Seattle-based evangelical group recruited him – now 13 – for their summer camp. He was inspired and on a high and by the end of the summer he converted to Christianity.
He started asking questions. Shouldn’t we still observe the commandments of the “Old Testament” to show G-d how much we love Him he wondered.
Nissim became a messianic Jew: a practicing Jew and a believer in Jesus. And that was comfortable because he didn’t want to give up on Jesus.
Still Nissim had a lot of questions. He was studying all the time.
He went to his biological father. Since the time Nissim’s mother had left him, his father had cleaned up his act and was on his way to becoming a Christian theologian (today he is a professor of Christian thought at a number of colleges in the Seattle area).
Nissim wasn’t satisfied with his father’s reply. He left Christianity and the Christian holidays. His wife was a hardcore Seventh Day Adventist who went to church on Saturdays.
A picture of Nissim’s brother-in-law now someone who helps students in their learning in Yeshiva a school of higher Jewish learning. Nissim is proud of him having reached that state.
Nissim having convinced his devout Seventh Day Adventist wife to study, they opened the books, asked questions, and searched online. She took the lead and pushed him to consider an orthodox conversion. And she convinced her sister and her sister’s husband to join them as well.
Nissim’s second album, Ali ‘Yah, came out at that time. He was a messianic Jew when the album was recorded but had abandoned this belief about six months after its release. He was also studying with a rabbi and working toward conversion. He wanted to study and grow and get on with conversion.
Ali ‘Yah was a great success. With the tour behind him, Nissim and his wife and brother-in-law and sister-in-law began the long arduous process of conversion. It was a multiyear process and culminated in a massive double re-wedding paid for in full by the Seattle Jewish community.
Nissim wasn’t working and his family was growing. His wife and brother-in-law told him to get back into music.
Then his son got a fever for days and then they were in the hospital, and it was serious.
He prayed for his son and for everything that’s important. He prayed for clarity and guidance.
Eventually he decided it was time to put his gifts back into action, to inspire, to be a positive role model, and to help others.
A record deal fell into his lap, invitations for music festivals came out of nowhere, the local press took a sudden interest in him, and he recorded a new album.
Nissim’s rabbi, Rabbi Simon Benzaquen, cannot overstate how important he feels Nissim’s new music is. “Nissim is accomplishing two extremely important things with his new album,” Rabbi Benzaquen says. “America’s Jews and African-Americans should be natural allies. We have both overcome so much and shared so much. Nissim is an important bridge in bringing us together. And what’s more, Nissim’s music transcends the standard bravado of rap. He is reclaiming the music’s natural poetry.
Black believes there are many black geirim (converts) due to the fact that “African Americans come from slaves…[it] helps them identify with Jewish history and creates opportunities for potential converts to get close to G-d.”
On February 26, 2013, he released the mixtape Miracle Music, his first official recording under his new stage name, Nissim.
In 2016, he collaborated with Gad Elbaz on the song “Hashem Melech 2.0”. The song was an instant hit peaking at #3 on iTunes world charts and over 350,000 Total downloads.
Using his incredible talents for G-d now inspires Black and his fans worldwide alike.
Nissim and his family have moved to Jerusalem. He says: “When I came to Judaism, I gave up rap, I gave up everything that I knew…Slowly Hashem gave back to me the things that were important…to ultimately help and affect the Jewish people.”
“I’m originally from Seattle, WA. My father and my mother were both rappers. I used to affiliate with the Folk Gang, GDN (Gangsta Disciple Nation). I Practiced Islam as a kid with my grandfather. I recorded my first professional record at age 13. I converted to the Christian faith after building a relationship with missionary friends. First global recognition came when I was featured on super producer JakeOne’s “white van music”. Later I had the privilege of my music video for my single “yesterday” being in rotation on MTV. I left music at the height of my career to pursue faith and was led to Orthodox Judaism.”
“I can’t say that my music and my religious quest had anything to do with each other. What influenced my journeying to Judaism was my drive to find the truth that resonates within. Only after realizing through profuse study, fasting and meditation did I discover this truth. It naturally became a part of my musical content as it became my life.”
“I want my music to hit a place inside where a person begins to think or rather contemplate on whether or not, I’m living life to the fullest. Not in a self-loathing way but using the songs as a means of self-reflection and hope.”
“I want the world to experience G-d through my music. Not in a preachy way, but in a way where one becomes comfortable with G-d’s presence being in one’s life. I want to spiritually elevate the world and bring forth G-d’s unwavering love and affection he has for all of creation no matter how distant they may feel. Only that He hasn’t given up on them.”
“My spiritual Journey has had a tremendous impact on my family life and values. The importance of the family relationship in Judaism is maybe its greatest praise. The enhanced love I have from my wife and children as a result of Jewish teachings is beyond words. We are forced to be actively involved and in a real relationship with our loved ones that society doesn’t usually warrant.”
We started out as the father and son team installing residential/commercial window film professionally since 1993. We made it an official family business in 2001 with the introduction of Supertint to the Tri-State area!
Linda joined the Supertint team in 2004 and became a co-owner of the company shortly thereafter. Her steadfast commitment to excellent customer service is the reason for the company’s continued growth and reputation. Since then we have continued to grow and have been the premier choice for professional window film installation for homeowners and businesses alike.
We are proud to be the only window film company in the area to have won the Angie’s List Super Service Award multiple years in a row for exceptional customer service and quality of work! We always focus on completely meeting the needs of our customers in a trustworthy and timely manner.
Supertint is the premiere choice for professional window film installation serving residential and commercial clients in the Pittsburgh area since 2001. Our tinting services come with a lifetime warranty on residential applications and a 15-year warranty on commercial applications.
Whether your main objectives are heat & glare reduction, UV elimination, privacy & security, or custom Shear Weave shades & blinds, we cover your needs without blocking your view. Contact us today for more information! Automobile window tinting not available.
Untinted windows can cause your furnishings to fade and let in more cold or heat. Fight off these window woes and more by getting residential window tinting from the team at Supertint.
Call us today at 412-881-2175.
SAVE YOUR HOME FROM THE WINDOW WOES!
Shedding Light on Technology
For years, people have been searching for answers to the harmful effects that windows have on their building and its occupants and interiors.
The solar control specialists of Supertint primarily use Madico window films, which dramatically reduce the harmful effects that have forced people to limit the amount of natural light that can enter their facility.
In addition, window film can create a decorative look, enhance visual appearance, improve security, and reduce fading, heating and cooling costs. Learn more about why you should get window film from Supertint.
COMMERCIAL WINDOW FILM
Combat the Window Woes with Supertint!
If you’re looking for an effective way to regulate the amount of heat that enters through your windows, our commercial window films are just what you need. Give your employees a comfortable working environment by installing Supertint’s commercial window films. We can provide films for facilities of almost any size.
Why Choose Commercial Window Film?
• Creates comfortable working environment by maintaining a consistent balanced temperature
•Protects the valuable contents of your building
•Comes in a thick, security window film version, which helps hold window glass in place if shattered
• Reduces the chances of burglary, property damage and even personal injury by reducing visibility from the outside
•Makes a great impression
• Comes in a variety of designs and styles
• Reduces up to 85% of the heat from the sun, gives 99% rejection of ultraviolet light and reduces 95% of the glare
• Saves energy and money
FREE ESTIMATE
Number 1 Residential & Commercial Window Tinting Service!
(412) 881-2175
Serving the Tri-State Area
Interior
Sun Control Fabrics
Supertint has you protected from the Window Woes!
Enhance the Look of Your Home!
GET YOUR FREE ESTIMATE NOW
Aesthetically Pleasing
Our roller mesh shades are just what you need to add a touch of style to any interior decor. They add a rich texture without taking away from the overall interior design. Their simple, clean, and aesthetic quality allow them to be used with other draperies.
Whether you want them for a restaurant, office, hotel or your home, you can stay assured that our roller mesh shades are sure to make some heads turn. You can get them in a wide range of styles, palettes, colors and degrees of openness. So, call us right away!
Enhance the Look of Your Home!
Number 1 Residential & Commercial Window Tinting Service!
☎ Call us today at 412-881-2175.
Serving the Tri-State Area |
BENEFITS OF WINDOW FILM
Supertint, your window film experts, will fight off your WINDOW WOES!
Keep Your Furnishings Safe From the Sun
Let the superheroes at Supertint protect your furnishings from fading. Our amazing window tint will help you reduce glare and heat and save energy in your home or business.
Save Energy
Does your home or business life consist of constant arguments over the utility bills? Nobody likes to be told not to turn on the air conditioner when they are feeling really hot. Supertint is the solution!
Madico window film reflects the suns heat up to 80%, which makes it more efficient and cheaper to keep the building cool in the summer and also eliminates hot spots. It also has an insulating effect up to 20% to keep in the heat in the building during the winter, which will drastically decrease your electric bill.
Increase Privacy
Privacy is important to our health, well-being, and personal comfort. Madico offers a full line of reflective, translucent, and opaque films to match your desired amount of visibility and solitude.
Privacy window film can be added to windows to make areas private without sacrificing light. This film can be used in the bathroom, office, on kitchen cabinet doors, on glass door panels, or for windows that face the street.
You can get tinting that gives you a clear view of the outside but prevents people from being able to see in.
Enhance Security
Even broken tempered glass can be dangerous to small children, pets, and other family members. Window film makes glass more shatter-resistant by reducing stress points and allowing added flexibility. If the glass does break, the film can hold the shards together, minimizing the risk of injury.
Madico safety film can also enhance security by protecting occupants from flying debris, high winds, blast fragmentation, forced entries, and vandalism.
FREE ESTIMATE
✋ STOP GLARE
Direct sunlight is valuable in a home. It makes you feel great and reduces the need to use lights. Too much light can sometimes create a glare and make it difficult to work or relax without closing the blinds. Window tint helps reduce significant glare, allowing you to make the most of the sunlight.
Free Estimates
Call 412-881-2175
The Number 1 Residential & Commercial Window Tinting Service!
Serving the Tri-State Area
OWB Journalism Review for Supertint by Len Estrin – Journalist of One World Blue Media
“Supertint Residential and Commercial Window Tinting”
More than meets the eye. A lot more.
It’s amazing how much tinted window film can do for a home or business. Just ask Dustin Garger, owner of Supertint Residential and Commercial Window Tinting. “Supertint window films can increase energy efficiency, improve privacy, enhance security, and add comfort and beauty to homes, offices, storefronts, even entire buildings.”
While that’s quite a claim, Dustin cites three factors to back it up. “First, we use Madico window film. Its high performance coating reflects 80% of sun’s heat in the summer, and provides an extra 20% insulating effect in the winter. It rejects 99% of harsh ultraviolet light and reduces 95% of glare. So even the brightest rooms are comfortable all year round.”
The next factor is Supertint’s experience. “My father and I began installing window tints in 1993. In 2001, we formed Supertint Residential and Commercial Window Tinting. We’ve completed hundreds of installations throughout the tri-state region.” Along the way, Dustin acquired a reputation for specialized expertise. “I am one of the few people certified in PA to install 15 mil blast resistant coatings for installations that require enhanced security, such as medical marihuana dispensaries.”
Of course, not all installations are that exotic. But they still require plenty of know-how. Recently, for example, Supertint worked with a company that purchased an open building shell. “We removed the old window film. But before we could install Madico film, we had to prepare the glass properly. When we were done, the surface was beyond spotless and so was the installation.”
In addition to exterior facing windows, Supertint designs and installs decorative window film in conference rooms, office doors, partitions and cubicles, even powder rooms. “We can give customers the look of etched glass at a fraction of cost.”
Supertint also install a variety of motorized window blinds and shades for companies that don’t need high performance window tinting. “We work with real estate offices, banks, wireless companies to give each office the same look and feel without sacrificing comfort.”
The third factor Dustin cites that sets Supertint apart is service. “As a family-based company, we take pride in customer support. We keep appointments, return phone calls quickly, and answer any questions before, during and after their installation. What’s more, we support our product with a lifetime warranty on residential installations and 15-year warranty on commercial jobs.”
Good suppliers are not easy to find. But with a long and impressive list five-star ratings and reviews, potential customers and current clients can expect that Supertint will do a super job.
Federation of the Jewish Communities of the CIS – Commonwealth Independent States
The Federation of Jewish Communities (FJC) was established in November 1998 to revive the Jewish communities of the Former Soviet Union. We provide humanitarian aid and Jewish education, organize cultural events and religious services, and help develop Jewish communities and rebuild Jewish institutions.
Our main bureau represents member interests on the international front, and we also represent community members in government and institutional forums. The FJC, at all times, strives to develop and maintain good working relations with members of other faiths.
Since its launch we have posted over ninety rabbis and countless community leaders in central locations and have been recognized as an umbrella organization that represents and administers a variety of established funds and institutions that operate in the region.
Throughout seventy harsh years, the Soviet regime brutally crushed Jewish life across the USSR; thousands of Jews were murdered or exiled, while millions more were severed from their roots, heritage, and identity. Hundreds of flourishing Jewish communities were reduced to rubble.
Upon the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1991, a new era began, and the dire needs of the remaining Jewish communities in the post-Soviet world led to the formation of an organization uniting an unprecedented number of Jewish communities – The Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS – FJC. This newly formed organization faced the enormous task of reviving Jewish life in hundreds of communities across ten time zones and thousands of kilometers, most of which struggled in some of the worst imaginable living conditions and had very little knowledge of the rich Jewish life and culture destroyed by the Soviet regime.
Over the course of 25 years, FJC played a prominent role in outreach to grassroots communities in 90 major cities and 290 small towns and villages in ten countries across the FSU – Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Estonia, and Latvia. FJC is leading an inspiring new chapter in the history of the third largest Jewish community in the world: local communities have been revived, synagogues reclaimed, and the spirit of the Jewish people restored. FJC is engaged in nurturing every aspect of Jewish life, from the urgently needed humanitarian aid to the renaissance of Jewish education, culture, and heritage.
Federation of Small Jewish Communities of Central and West Ukraine Serves These Communities in the Ukraine
OUR MANY FOOD DRIVES WE COORDINATE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Writer & Singer Tom Mondell and Musician & Producer Dan Hobel join forces to bring you a unique and diverse style of electronic beats that combine melodic high-tech samples with addictive warm organic sounds.
House of Goosmon Album – Hala
“my favorite activity is listening to music. always has been, always will be! my favorite experience is one of gratitude. music can take me to that experience. that is why i love music.”
-Tom Mondell
“i love music. if it moves me i accept it into my hard drive.
-Tom Mondell
Professional Music Review of The House of Goosmon by Russell Johnson – acclaimed JRJ Productions founder and Talent and Media Director for One World Blue Blupela Media:
“The House of Goosmon is a music collaborative headed by Tom Mondell and Dan Hobel. Their first EP is a prime example of their creative collaboration. In the tradition of Alan Parson’s Project and Steely Dan, Tom and Dan pull together excellent musicians to fill out their soundscape vision; as evidenced by the fine horn playing of Richard Visone.”
“Coming from different backgrounds and influences, Tom and Dan form the Yin and Yang that is The House of Goosmon. Tom, a master herbalist, comes from the world of radio, both traditional and internet.”
“It was during this time that Tom began his songwriting career in earnest after many years as a house DJ and Music Producer. It was the unlikely pairing of Tom with Dan, bringing the music expertise, while both lent their incredible ears to the production value of such an excellent self-titled debut.”
“The five song EP pulls on many influences of Tom and Dan. It can take the listener awhile to realize the creative Beatle-esque impact in both “Scotchy” and “Nice”. To better describe the collection of songs, one must think of “the theater of the mind”.”
“With a high-end percussive bedrock, the music in each song builds into its own individuality. From the opening number “Now That I Know”, one can tell that this is not mainstream music but more a meditative soundscape of various music styles.”
“Described by Tom as “intelligent dance music”, the author can hear the many influences of world music. This is especially evident on the second cut, “Zofia”, where one can recognize the Er-hu (Chinese Violin). What is also evident is the time spent in, and love for, the Newfoundland landscape, as can be heard in the third cut, “Western Bay”, an electric ode to maritime music.”
“Both Tom and Dan attest the best part of Life is the combination of melodies and building upon those melodies in the studio. As they point out, Tom is the “idea man” while Dan takes helm at musicianship and music direction.”
“One can easily hear the music of The House of Goosmon as the soft underbelly score for many a film and video. Do yourself a favor and give your mind a gift with the ambient music of this eclectic collection – The House of Goosmon!”
Russell Johnson – Founder JRJ Productions – Talent Director One World Blue Blupela Media
Hello! Welcome to True Blue Healing Arts Massage Therapy!
My name is Janine Matus and I am a Licensed Massage Therapist.
I am originally from Munich Germany, where I studied to become a massage therapist. There, I worked at the Bogenhausen Hospital, with patients who were recovering from joint replacement surgeries, sport injuries, strokes, as well as other ailments. As an active member of the hospital based treatment team, I was relied upon, through massage therapy, to assist my patients with pain management, postoperative rehabilitation and a variety of circulatory issues.
I worked at a high end, local spa. Recognizing the benefits of massage therapy are broader than just the relaxing services offered in a spa setting, I established True Blue Healing Arts Massage Therapy to be best able to assist my clients holistically, in a health focused manner.
I believe in the mind-body-soul connection and the importance of balancing and nurturing the whole self. Treating the body as a whole isn’t limited to just the physical aspect but also our emotional and spiritual well-being.
Call today to schedule your appointment and be ‘True Blue’ to your mind, body and soul and achieve a healthier, happier YOU!
Services
Every ‘body’ is unique and has it’s own individual needs. At ‘True Blue’ a combination of different modalities is used to gently facilitate the release of blockages, stress reduction, pain relief and relaxation.
Each session is customized and an integration of Swedish massage , Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Orthopedic Massage, Reflexology as well as aromatherapy is applied based on your individual needs.
First time client special – 60 min $65
60 Min $80
90 Min $110
120 Min $140
This is a cat-friendly establishment. Buddy and Blitz would like you to be aware of this in case of allergies.
Located in the heart of shadyside, right above Hennes Jewerly
I won’t be able to answer the phone during a session so please feel free to leave me a message or contact me through here
Smooke Chiropractic
DR. JOEL SMOOKE
Smooke Chiropractic Clinic
828 Hazelwood Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Contact Information
(412) 422-4321
“As a Chiropractor, I believe in the whole body approach involving care and especially prevention to eliminate the need for acute care.” – Dr. Smooke
Smooke Chiropractic has been operating from its Squirrel Hill/Greenfield location in Pittsburgh,PA for 29 years.
For a city that loves it’s sports, certainly a debt of gratitude is called for in regards to Dr. Smooke, as he took care of the Pittsburgh Steelers for 15 years! In a sport where injuries can be common, and optimum care of the body is vital for players to stay healthy, one can only imagine Dr. Smooke’s contribution to the team.
Dr. Smooke became interested in Chiropractic through personal circumstances. After college, Dr. Smooke experienced a brachial plexus injury which affects the neck, shoulder, and arm, and because of this injury, he was unable to attend to his livelihood and daily tasks he had been able to do prior. After seeking help through several more “conventional” avenues and not getting the results he needed, he decided to see a Chiropractor. After seeing the Chiropractor twice, Dr. Smooke says he experienced no more trouble from his injury.
Dr. Smooke’s own chiropractor saw how much interest and experience he had in sports, sports injuries, physical education, and maintaining a healthy body, that he encouraged Dr. Smooke to become one himself!
Dr. Smooke believes that everyone can benefit from at least an evaluation as part of their overall health maintenance. Certainly, anyone could benefit as well from the nutritional guidance and knowledge of the musculoskeletal problems of the body in which Chiropractors specialize.
When to see a Chiropractor beyond an evaluation:
Experiencing chronic or acute pain, Muscle Spasms, Joint Problems and especially issues with the spine, Dr.Smooke recommends an additional evaluation. Dr. Smooke’s expertise is not limited because of his specializing in sports injuries, he deals with the body in full. Additionally, he specializes in nutrition and vitamin therapy and supplements.
Dr. Smooke does accept all types of insurance, though not all insurance providers will cover the visit. Dr. Smooke is very willing to work with clients who may have insurance coverage issues, and those who may be in times of financial difficulty and can work on a cash basis as well.
Smooke Chiropractic Clinic
828 Hazelwood Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Contact Information
(412) 422-4321
Smooke Chiropractic is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for walk ins, and Tuesday and Thursdays by appointment only
Bridges for Peace
Bridges For Peace: Christians supporting Israel and building relationships between Christians and Jews in Israel and around the world.
Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘I am zealous for Zion with great zeal; With great fervor I am zealous for her.’
Zechariah 8:2
Mission Statement
Bridges for Peace: Christians supporting Israel and building relationships between Christians and Jews in Israel and around the world.
Expanded Vision
It is our desire to see Christians and Jews working side by side for better understanding and a more secure Israel.
Founded in 1976, Bridges for Peace seeks to be a ministry of hope and reconciliation. Through programs both in Israel and worldwide, we are giving Christians the opportunity to actively express their biblical responsibility before God to be faithful to Israel and the Jewish community.
For too long, Christians have been silent. For too long, the Jewish community has had to fight its battles alone. It is time Christian individuals and congregations speak up for the people who gave us the Bible.
We are committed to the following goals:
•To encourage meaningful and supportive relationships between Christians and Jews in Israel and around the world.
•To educate and equip Christians to identify with Israel, the Jewish people and the biblical/Hebraic foundations of our Christian faith.
•To bless Israel and the Jewish people in Israel and worldwide, through practical assistance, volunteer service and prayer.
•To communicate Christian perspectives to the attention of Israeli leaders and the Jewish community-at-large.
•To counter anti-Semitism worldwide and support Israel’s divine God-given right to exist in her God-given land.
We are accomplishing this through a variety of programs:
•Dispatch from Jerusalem: A bi-monthly publication with pertinent and positive news from Israel and informative insights into the hopes and aspirations of the Israeli people, all in a prophetic context.
•Israel Teaching Letter: Monthly in-depth studies bringing to light the fuller meanings of biblical concepts from the Hebraic roots of the Scriptures.
•Israel Prayer Update: Weekly e-mail update with prayer focus. Click here to subscribe.
•Chai Night Prayer and Study Groups: A monthly intercessory prayer program sponsored by individuals and churches around the world who desire to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem”.
•Bridge-Building Projects: Promote better Christian-Jewish understanding and support for Israel on the local and regional level around the world. Projects such as Hebrew classes, film series, Israel Awareness Programs, speakers bureau and study seminars are offered.
•Operation Ezra: A vital social assistance program providing a channel of practical help to a variety of worthy projects in Israel utilizing cash contributions and gifts-in-kind from Christians to bless Israel. Through our Food Bank, food gifts are channeled to help Israel’s needy. Currently we are assisting Jewish immigrants to Israel, Israel’s elderly and poor from many communities.
•Project Rescue/Project Tikvah (Hope): These programs help the poorest Jews, from the countries of the Diaspora. Project Rescue helps prepare many to immigrate to Israel. Without our help, most would find the cost of passports, visas, ground transportation, lodging, etc., out of their reach. Project Tikvah helps sustain the elderly and the sick who cannot make aliyah (immigrate to Israel).
•Short Term and Long Term Service: This is a wonderful opportunity for Christians to serve Israel’s poor and new immigrants through our Jerusalem and Karmiel Assistance Centers and our International Headquarters in Jerusalem. Volunteers use their skills in the Land of the Bible and help to build sincere relationship through practical expressions of love and support.
•Bible Study Tours in Israel: Bridges for Peace provides a variety of travel opportunities and lectures to help you or your tour group gain a deeper understanding of Israel, the Jewish people and the Jewish roots of our Christian faith in light of the Bible, history, archaeology, and current events. An extensive pre-travel study manual is a part of all BFP tours and is also available to individuals or tour groups coming to Israel.
We are also available to help you plan activities in your area. When you come to Israel, we would like to meet you or speak to your group. Please contact us in advance to visit our International Headquarters in Jerusalem. Phone: +972-2-624-5004, Fax: +972-2-624-6622
We invite you to join us in a practical expression of this desire to bless Israel by becoming an active Bridge-builder and participating in fulfilling biblical prophecy through the vital and important work of Bridges for Peace.
•He created heaven and He created earth. (Gen. 1:1)
•Therefore, both heaven and earth belong to Him. (Gen. 2:1)
•He created man and He created woman and He set them in the center of His delight. (Gen. 2:15–24)
•The man and the woman disobeyed God. As the result of their disobedience, they, their offspring and all of humanity became separated from God. (Gen. 2:16–17; Gen. 3)
•Immediately, God set plans in motion to redeem His greatest creation, mankind, to Himself again. (Gen. 3:15)
•Many generations passed before God chose a man He loved to carry a very heavy blessing.
•He commanded Abraham to leave his home and to go to a place He would show Him. (Gen. 12:1)
•The Land given to him would be for him and his children and his children’s children for all generations. (Gen. 12:7; Gen. 13:14–15)
•By God’s design this everlasting covenant was passed on to Abraham’s son, Isaac, and to Isaac’s son, Jacob. (Gen. 17:19, 21; Gen. 27:28–29)
•God changed Jacob’s name to Israel. (Gen. 35:10)
•From Israel came 12 sons, and from those 12 sons children as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. (Gen. 46:8–34)
•These sons and daughters became a nation of people—Israel. (Exod. 1:6)
•The people and the Land of Israel exist for God’s glory! (Ezek. 36:22)
•God spoke to the prophets of old concerning the Gentile nations of the world.
•He said we would rebuild ancient ruins. (Isa. 58:12)
•He said we would comfort them when they mourn. (Isa. 40:1)
•He said we would carry them home in our arms. (Isa. 49:22)
•He set us as watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem.
•We are intercessors who will not cease to pray night or day until Jerusalem shines forth in brilliance and is the praise of the earth.(Isaiah 62:6–7)
•He said we would be blessed if we bless the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel (Jacob).
•He said we would be cursed if we curse them. (Gen. 12:3)
•As a generation of Christians worldwide, a global movement appointed by God we stand with the Israel of God, as a testament to the God of Israel!
Louson Drums
Louson Drums is a custom drum company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We create custom drum kits, cajóns, and percussion instruments
412-501-3786
Our goal is to fit musician to instrument. As a small company, we can devote individual attention to your custom drum building requests, whether you want a full drum kit, bass drum or custom cajón.
*
“Louson Drums is an LLC with three current members: myself, my father Ed Cashman, and my friend Louis Maione. We were founded in May of 2015. we started in Pittsburgh.” – Carson Cashman
“Our workshop is located in Turtle Creek just outside Pittsburgh, but it isn’t open to the public. We are beginning to think about moving into a retail store location and hope to take the plunge sometime in 2019.“
“We make both the small CajonTab as well as full size cajon drums. We also make foot tambourines, which can go over the end of your shoe to give your foot tap a cymbal sound. We also make small wooden shakers and wooden click castanets. These can either go onto our snare bar to create an extra click sound, or another hard bodied instrument like a guitar.“
Like many musical instruments, the cajon drum has a rich history. Although there are no definitive documents stating when the first actual cajon drum was played, historians typically point to the African people from Central and Western Africa living under slavery in18th century Peru as the drums originators. There is some controversy over whether the first new world cajon drums were adaptations of African box drums or an instrument of necessity to evade colonial bans on slaves owning musical instruments. In fact the word “cajon” simply means “box” or “drawer”.
Cajon drums grew in popularity throughout South America and the Caribbean through the 19th century. In the 20th century, cajon drums were introduced to Spanish Flamenco music and have thrived as a natural complement to the style.
“I think the instrument is becoming popular in America due to increased awareness thanks to our connected internet culture. Many people I see at craft shows have seen or heard of a cajon drum, even if they don’t know what its called yet. I think this wasn’t the case 20 or 30 years ago in America.“
“We believe a more mobile life is an enriched life. Our instruments are meant to be enjoyed wherever you are, not left behind in a studio.The CajonTab represents freedom of movement and expression.”
“We make custom CajonTabs. We can customize the wood, the size, the tapa material (face of the drum), etc. “
“In 2015 we made a few full drum kits but switched to building cajon drums, mostly because they were accessible instruments to make in a small home workshop. The cajon drums were a hit at local craft shows around Pittsburgh, so we started experimenting with cajon designs and thought it would be fun to make a super portable variation. Our first “CajonTab” drums were selling in the summer of 2015.“
“There are a million benefits to drumming. Its crazy! In particular, hand drumming and drum circles are incredibly therapeutic. They build community and solidarity as we work together to build the rhythm. The act of hand drumming can be like a meditation, as the space between beats can clear the mind of its racing thoughts and allow the participant to exist in the moment. I often will begin my day with a 10-20 minute solo hand drumming session. There are tons of studies out there, especially in the music therapy space, about how drumming can be useful for treating PTSD and other stress related ailments.“
“We first learned about Music Therapy from a customer at a craft show in the summer of 2016. We went to the American Music Therapy Associations national convention at that customers recommendation, which was in Sandusky Ohio that year. We sold a ton of drums and the MT-BC’s (music therapist, board certified) there were extremely positive and encouraging to us. They told us our drums were really great options for them, since they often need to travel with instruments and the small size was very convenient. They also liked that the drums are intuitive and easy to play without training. And no sticks to worry about!“
“Through starting the business and interacting with hundreds of customers of our drums, I’ve learned a lot about how people use percussion instruments. Some people use a hand drum to jam with friends. Some use it for public performance. Others might use it in a clinical practice like Music Therapy. The thing they all have in common is that they are using musical instruments and music to enrich their lives or the lives of those around them“.
“I didn’t realize when we set out to create a percussion company in 2015 that we were putting so much good into the world. I get fan mail fairly regularly and its really pretty touching! People share with me how much they love the drum and how they’re using it“.
“Often it’s a product being sent as a gift to someone far, far away. Sometimes they want to tell me about how they couldn’t play drums anymore because of a physical disability and our drums are small enough for them to play again. Each time I read one of these letters, I’m reminded that building drums is more than just a business. Its a contribution to the health and happiness of our fellow human beings“.
The catalog of products Louson Drums makes and sells can be found by clicking on the link below:
Interested in a custom CajonTab? No problem! Contact us today and tell us your drum idea. We’ll work with you to design the drum for you. If you are a retailer or wholesaler, please fill out the contact form to request a price sheet. You may also reach us by phone at 412-501-3786. Thank you for your interest in Louson Drums!
Global Market Retail is a specialty gift store featuring favorites like authentic Moroccan decor (furniture and lamps)fashion jewelry, musicals instruments and exotic items from around the world.
Our goal is to provide you with a superb shopping experience by distributing positive energy through the beautiful pieces we have in our store.
Thanks,
Mostafa Hnadi
Above and below: Mostafa in Fez at Old Medina.
Mostafa grew up in a small city in Morocco called Sefrou. After graduating from law school in Fez. He went to Casablanca and worked there for 3 years with one of the biggest companies in the country at the juridical department. His field was criminal law.
He came to Pittsburgh almost twenty years ago, planning to get his Ph.D. in the same major. It didn’t work out for him for personal reasons.
Instead he went to work for a company for nine years, selling artifacts from around the world before doing it for his own business. He sees throughout the world in selling artifacts always a love for the job, history and culture reflected in them.
Old Medina is one of the oldest cities in Morocco, where lays lots of unique items and where most of the crafters have their shops.
Come visit us at 2016 Murray Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pa 15217 ( Squirell Hill area)
We are located at 2016 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 (Squirrel Hill area)
Handcrafted and hand-picked. We carefully select only fine quality merchandise. Each piece passes quality control before reaching the end customer. You can find on, our shelves a wide variety of home decor items, jewelry, and musicals. I
Global Market Retail is a specialty gift store featuring favorites like authentic Moroccan Decor ( furniture and lamps), fashion jewelry, musical instruments and exotic items from around the world.
Our goal is to provide you with a superb shopping experience by distributing positive energy through the beautiful pieces we have in our store.
Come visit us to see what we mean when we say. “It’s like a trip around the world…”
National Children’s Campaign is a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization to serve as a catalyst to inspire, encourage and empower to make America’s children & youth a national priority by promoting health, education, safety, economic & environmental security through the power of strategic media and internet partnerships, experts, business and community leaders, celebrity spokespeople and grassroots effort. We do not endorse candidates or lobby.
Shannon Watts
Snapshot:
Child abuse crosses all socioeconomic and educational levels, religions, ethnic and cultural groups.
Child Abuse and Neglect happens every 47 seconds in America.
The average length of stay for a child in foster care is 19 months.
Child abuse reports involved 7.5 million children.
142,301 children received foster care services.
Annual estimate: 1,720 children died from abuse and neglect in 2017.
Almost five children die every day from child abuse.
Seventy-two (71.8%) percent of all child fatalities were younger than 3 years old.
Child abuse crosses all socioeconomic and educational levels, religions, ethnic and cultural groups.
Addressing today’s youth.
Youth taking the lead.
Child Abuse & Neglect
In America, we have 7.5 million reports of child abuse a year. Child abuse crosses all socioeconomic and educational levels, religions, ethnic and cultural groups and happens every 47 seconds.
The National Children’s Campaign is a nonpartisan organization that advocates for policies that improve the environment. We work to protect all children from across the country from environmental hazards. Children from low-income communities and communities of color often have greater exposures of pollutions, higher contaminants and more illnesses such as asthma directly due to poverty or structural racism. We work with elected officials, educators, business leaders and other organizations who are willing to join us in our fight for a healthy environment and combat climate change.
Health
In the United States 95 percent of children have access to health insurance coverage through employer-based insurance and government-run programs like Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Affordable Care (ACA). However, the amount of health coverage varies by state. We need our political leaders to commit to investing more resources to ensure every child is covered care and focus on creating a more efficient and effective coordinated care model.
The National Children’s Campaign believes that every child should have an opportunity to a public education system where children can reach their full potential regardless of race, social-economic status or disabilities. This means that all of America’s children have access to high-quality schools and teachers. All children should be assured freedom from discrimination and assured full-bodied enforcement of our nation’s education law and civil rights.
Children who are in foster care, homeless or returning from juvenile detentions must also be given additional attention with regards to their educational needs. We work with policymakers to push for early, high-quality childhood education regardless of race, gender or family outcome that builds a strong foundation for their lives.
Abuse and neglect take a long-term physical and emotional toll on affected children, their families, and the communities in which they live. The National Children’s Campaigns believe all children deserve a great childhood. We work to inform policymakers to create and advance the best chances for kids to grow up in a safe, secure and nurturing home and shape their chances for a successful adult life.
Since the 1999 Columbine High School shooting, hundreds of thousands of children have been injured or killed by guns. These tragic events are catastrophic for victims, traumatizing for loved ones, and devastating for entire communities. These shootings are incredibly preventable, yet for years the solution has been “thoughts and prayers.” We work to demand elected officials protect children not guns by advocating for common-sense gun safety and gun violence prevention measures.
The harm of childhood poverty can last a lifetime. Childhood poverty puts children at risk for intergenerational cycle of poverty due to the risk of homelessness, hunger and jeopardizing education and health. We need to create the political will to address and create initiatives and policies to address, reduce and ultimately eradicate childhood poverty.
Child Immigration
Nearly one-quarter of all children in the United States are children of immigrant families. It is critical to the prosperity of our nation that the well-being and health of these children are of utmost importance. Immigrant children are more likely to live in low-income families, experience food insecurity and lack healthcare insurance especially those who have at least one parent that is unauthorized.
Additionally, programs and policies that often safeguard vulnerable children create obstacles to immigrant children. Issues of cultural competency, immigration status, and immigration enforcement measures threaten to undermine the safety and well-being of immigrant children.
LGBTQ+ youth face a unique set of challenges that their non-LGBTQ+ peers simply do not have to deal with. In addition to discrimination stemming from their LGBTQ+ identities, LGBTQ+ youth of color may also encounter racism and discrimination that can further complicate their ability to express and explore their identities. In recent years, LGBTQ+ Americans have made great progress toward equality and inclusion in public opinion and under the law. However, LGBTQ+ people are still are a long way from being fully equal.
Kimberly Gutzler has a passion for working on behalf of America’s children and youth. She has devoted her life to uplifting and being a voice for those often unrepresented and voiceless… America’s youngest citizens. She has spent her career working for nonprofits and in government relations. Early on, with both academic and research credentials in child development, she gained firsthand experience with the confluence of practice and policy while working with children living in group homes in the custody of the state.
John Norton
John Norton has worked in public relations mostly with a focus on non-profit legislative and regulatory advocacy communications. Being the son of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, John has always been involved in politics and is passionate about progressive issues. In fact, his initial foray in public relations was from 2002 to 2003 where he worked in the press shop at the Democratic National Committee. Prior to the 2004 Presidential Election, John worked with Kimberly Gutzler for the first time on a bus tour called Kids for a Stronger.
Devin Del Palacio
Devin Del Palacio is a member of the Governing Board of the Tolleson Union High School District, covering the cities of Tolleson, Avondale, and Phoenix, Arizona. Devin was raised by a single mother, and due to financial situations, attended 8 different public schools while growing up. He was taught the value of hard work from a young age and raised to take positive action in his community. Seeking the opportunity to give back, Devin became a Community Organizer in 2012, working for the next few years to empower and register 34,000 minority voters in South and West Phoenix.
Natalie Mebane
Natalie Mebane is the Policy Director at Sierra Club (National) and serves as an Adult Mentor and on the Board of Zero Hour & Power Shift. Natalie received training in grassroots organizing and political advocacy from Wellstone Action. As a grassroots organizer, she developed, led and implemented campaigns with communities, to work with the local, state and federal government on coal-fired power plants, climate legislation, and clean energy. Then Natalie decided to leverage her grassroots organizing skills to influence national lawmakers by becoming a lobbyist.
Today, she works to influence our federal government to phase out fossil fuels and transition to an economy run by 100 percent clean and renewable energy. She works with youth across the country to build a powerful and inclusive movement of activists leading the way to a just and sustainable future.
Executive Youth Director
Jonah Gottlieb
Jonah Gottlieb, a 17-year old from Petaluma, California, is a rising senior at Credo High School. He has worked with Congressman Mike Thompson (Chairman of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force), March For Our Lives, and the Brady Campaign to create a gun violence-free country for all students and Americans. As a captain for One Planet Living, Jonah works to create a world in which it is easy, attractive and affordable for all to enjoy happy, healthy lives within the natural limits of our planet. Jonah is the Co-Founder and President of Global Awareness, an organization aimed at increasing youth political involvement and educating the next generation of American voters. He is the treasurer of his school’s student council and the Digital Media Intern for Rep. Thompson.
The Maasai people of East Africa live in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania along the Great Rift Valley on semi-arid and arid lands. The Maasai occupy a total land area of 160,000 square kilometers with a population of approximately one half million people. However, many Maasai see the national census as government meddling and often miscount their numbers to census takers.
The Maasai society is comprised of sixteen sections (known in Maasai as Iloshon): Ildamat, Ilpurko, Ilkeekonyokie, Iloitai, Ilkaputiei, Ilkankere, Isiria, Ilmoitanik, Iloodokilani, Iloitokitoki, Ilarusa, Ilmatatapato, Ilwuasinkishu, Kore, Parakuyu, and Ilkisonko, also known as Isikirari (Tanzania’s Maasai). There was also once Iltorobo section but was assimilated by other sections. A majority of the Maasai population lives in Kenya. Sections such as Isikirari, Parakuyu, Kore and Ilarusa lives in Tanganyika.
Homestead and labor
The Maasai live in Kraals arranged in a circular fashion. The fence around the kraal is made of acacia thorns, which prevent lions from attacking the cattle. It is a man’s responsibility to fence the kraal. While women construct the houses. Traditionally, kraals are shared by an extended family. However, due to the new land management system in the Maasai region, it is not uncommon to see a kraal occupied by a single family.
The Inkajijik (maasai word for a house) are loaf-shaped and made of mud, sticks, grass, cow dung and cow’s urine. Women are responsible for making the houses as well as supplying water, collecting firewood, milking cattle and cooking for the family. Warriors are in charge security while boys are responsible for herding livestock. During the drought season, both warriors and boys assume the responsibility for herding livestock. The elders are directors and advisors for day-to-day activities. Every morning before livestock leave to graze, an elder who is the head of the inkang sits on his chair and announces the schedule for everyone to follow.
The Maasai are a semi-nomadic people who lived under a communal land management system. The movement of livestock is based on seasonal rotation. Contrary to many claims made by outsiders, particularly the Hardinian school of thought, this communal land management system allows us to utilize resources in a sustainable manner. Each section manages its own territory. Under normal conditions, reserve pastures are fallowed and guarded by the warriors. However, if the dry season becomes especially harsh, sections boundaries are ignored and people graze animals throughout the land until the rainy season arrives. According to Maasai traditional land agreement, no one should be denied access to natural resources such as water and land.
Subsistence economy
Livestock such as cattle, goats and sheep are the primary source of income for the Maasai. Livestock serves as a social utility and plays an important role in the Maasai economy. Livestock are traded for other livestock, cash or livestock products such as milk and siege. Individual, families, and clans established close ties through giving or exchange of cattle. “Meishoo iyiook enkai inkishu o-nkera”- so goes a Maasai prayer. The English translation of this praye is: “May Creator give us cattle and children. Cattle and children are the most important aspect of the Maasai people.
Maasai economy with outsiders
The Maasai economy is increasingly dependent on the market economy. Livestock products are sold to other groups in Kenya for the purchase of beads, clothing and grains. Cows and goats are also sold for uniform and school fees for children. It is now common to see young Maasai men and women in major towns and cities of Kenya selling, not just goats and cows, but also beads, cell phones, chacoal, grain among other items. The entrepreneurial spirit is something new in our society.
It was not until the early 1980s with the Group Ranch project that we became much more entrenched in a market economy and, hence, more impoverished generally speaking.
Maasai diet
Traditionally, the Maasai rely on meat, milk and blood from cattle for protein and caloric needs. People drink blood on special occasions. It is given to a circumcised person (o/esipolioi), a woman who has given birth (entomononi) and the sick (oltamueyiai). Also, on a regular basis drunk elders, ilamerak, use the blood to alleviate intoxication and hangovers. Blood is very rich in protein and is good for the immune system. However, its use in the traditional diet is waning due to the reduction of livestock numbers.
More recently, the Maasai have grown dependent on food produced in other areas such as maize meal (unga wa mahindi), rice, potatoes, cabbage (known to the Maasai as goat leaves), etc. The Maasai who live near crop farmers have engaged in cultivation as their primary mode of subsistence. In these areas, plot sizes are generally not large enough to accommodate herds of animals; thus the Maasai are forced to farm. Our people traditionally frown upon this. Maasai believe that tilizing the land for crop farming is a crime against nature. Once you cultivate the land, it is no longer suitable for grazing.
Private ownership
The concept of private ownership was, until recently, a foreign concept to the Maasai. However, in the 1960s and 1980s, a program of commercializing livestock and land was forced on us initially by the British and later by the government of Kenya. Since then, our land has been subdivided into group and individual ranches. In other parts of Maasailand people subdivided their individual ranches into small plots, which are sold to private developers.
The new land management system of individual ranches has economically polarized our people; some Maasais, as well as outside wealthy individuals, have substantially increased their wealth at the expense of others. The largest loss of land, however, has been to national parks and reserves, in which the Maasai people are restricted from accessing critical water sources, pasture, and salt lick. Subdivision of Maasailand reduced land size for cattle herding, reduced the number of cows per household, and reduced food production. As a result, the Maasai society, which once was a proud and self-sufficient society, is now facing many social-economic and political challenges. The level of poverty among the Maasai people is beyond conceivable height. It is sad to see a society that had a long tradition of pride being a beggar for relief food because of imposed foreign concepts of development.
The future of the Maasai is uncertain at this point. One thing, however, is certain that the Maasai culture is quickly eroding at the expense of civilization.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MASSAI AND TO HELP THEIR CAUSE PLEASE VISIT:
Athletic competition, including motorsports, offers an opportunity to establish contacts between nations in conflict, promoting dialogue and reconciliation.
The promotion of amateur motorsports in the State of Israel creates opportunities for Israeli young men and women to compete internationally in one of the most popular sports in the world.
ALON DAY REPRESENTS RACING FOR ISRAEL AS ITS TOP ELITE DRIVER
Alon Day was crowned 2017 & 2018 Champion in NASCAR’s European Series. In all of his international races, ALON DAY proudly displays his allegiance to the State of Israel. He was awarded the title 2016 Israel Athlete of the Year by the Ministry of Culture and Sport.
Alon has raced in sports car competitions in Europe, China and throughout the United States since the start of his racing career. Alon’s history began being born and raised in Israel. Alon started racing at nine years of age racing Go-karts on an open road in Israel.
After graduating High School, Alon proudly served in the Israeli Defense Forces serving as a pilot in the Israeli Air Force. Alon loves the excitement, adrenaline rush, and spirit of competitive Nascar Racing Events. He has raced in six Nascar competitions in the USA. He proudly represents Israel and is looking forward to continuing his career as a representative of the Israeli culture and people!
A significant development for the racing industry for Israel was the ground breaking efforts of the Tel Aviv native ALON DAY to obtain “Outstanding Athlete” status from the Israel Defense Forces. This distinction permitted serious athletes to complete their military service while receiving time off for sports training and competition.
ALON DAY was Israel’s first motorsports athlete to be recognized as eligible for such status. By that time, ALON DAY had already established himself as a Champion Formula open wheel driver.
Subsequently, ALON DAY raced in the United States in Indy-style open wheel and GT sports car races, and stock car competition in the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (“NASCAR”) Whelen Euro Series. Most recently, ALON DAY is the first Israeli to compete in the United States in NASCAR’s elite Camping World Truck Series, XFINITY Series, and has competed in the NASCAR’s highest level, the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
Following the expulsion of most of the Jews from the Land of Israel some 2,000 years ago, they were dispersed to other countries. Over the centuries, they established many large Jewish communities in lands near and far, where they experienced extended periods of growth and prosperity, but were also subjected at times to harsh discrimination, brutal pogroms, and total or partial expulsions. Each wave of persecution and violence strengthened their belief in the concept of the “ingathering of the exiles” and inspired individuals and groups to return to their ancestral homeland.
The Zionist movement, founded at the end of the 19th century, transformed the concept of the Jewish return to their historic homeland into a way of life, and the State of Israel translated it into law, granting citizenship to every Jew wishing to settle in the country. Over the years, Israel has continued to receive new immigrants Jewish and non-Jewish coming from the free countries of the Western world as well as from areas of distress, contributing to Israel’s economic, scientific, academic, cultural, and religious life.
In addition to a prolific body of Hebrew literature, a significant amount of writing, both prose and poetry appears in other languages, including Arabic, English, French and Russian. In the multicultural Israeli reality today, the Israeli theater is multilingual, presenting theater in Hebrew as well as in Arabic, Yiddish, English and Russian. Theater in Israel is composed of many different elements – contemporary and classical, indigenous and imported, experimental and traditional – with playwrights, actors, directors, and producers of many backgrounds merging the foreign with the local and thereby gradually creating a distinctive Israeli theater. The theater scene is highly active.
The Israeli music scene is diverse, dynamic, and eclectic. It spans across all spectrums of musical genres and often fuses many musical influences ranging from classical, folk, Ethiopian, and Middle Eastern, to rock, jazz, hip-hop, electronic, Arabic, and pop.
Dance in Israel has developed in two directions: expansion of the Jewish folk dance genre; and the establishment of art dance, leading to stage productions created by professional choreographers and performed by trained dancers. Israeli art demonstrates rich and diverse approaches as well as a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography and video art. Israel has developed a flourishing film industry, with movies competing in international film festivals and winning numerous awards.
David M. Levin, 2033 Main Street, Suite 600, Sarasota, FL 34237. Phone: 941.366.8100. Email: dlevin@RacingForIsrael.org
Lion Adventure Travels
LION ADVENTURE TRAVELS
Welcome
LION ADVENTURE TRAVELS
We believe in travel, journeys that build harmony, connection between people, communities, and the environment. We believe in its potential to enrich lives, heal individuals and empower societies along the way. We are pleased to announce exclusive tours in various parts of Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean, South Pacific and South America, designed to develop and foster such connections and experiences: between people, communities, and landscapes often in stunningly scenic, sacred areas around the world.
Buddhist Monastery in Mountains of Taiwan
Marrakech
Treehouse in the Rainforest of Malaysia
Meet our President of Lion Travels
Jigme Lama aka Nar Lama born in West Nepal and has been a rural development worker since 1996, having worked with various development organizations in Nepal and overseas. He studied MA (Rural Development), and BA (Rural Development, Buddhist studies) from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. He has been active in the adventure tourism and in particular immersive, charity tours for more than a decade in Nepal, Tibet and is equally active in charity and development works.
Jigme believes in the power of tourism to bring positive changes in societies and individuals. He is also a founding member of Great Himalaya Trail Nepal Alliance, a contributing author at Levekunst Art of Life and OM Times. He lives in San Francisco, USA with his wife and son.
To learn more about our Adventure Tours and for a schedule of upcoming destinations please call us by Phone:
412 690-5530
Start Your Adventure Today
Lion Adventure Travels – DISCOVERING THE WILDLIFE HERITAGE OF MADAGASCAR – 11 DAYS
DISCOVERING THE WILDLIFE HERITAGE OF MADAGASCAR – 11 DAYS
A Mecca for Wildlife Heritage
Madagascar is a Mecca for the diversity of life with a unique faunal and floral world. We have selected parks and reserves that will offer you the best opportunities to discover endemic species: lemurs, chameleons, birds etc in their natural environment amidst a variety of breathtaking landscapes. We will also pass through exciting settlements and people.
Excellent hiking opportunity
The beautiful landscapes of the Isalo National Park allows you excellent hiking opportunities and exploration of the area.
Travelling sustainablly
Our destinations and partners are selected based on the expertise of locality as well as commitment to sustainability. Together we make sure we follow the highest standard of sustainability and social responsibility.
TO BOOK PLEASE CALL:
(412) 690-5530
Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival in ANTANANARIVO ! Meet with our representative and transfer to hotel,
DAY 2: ANTANANARIVO – ANDASIBE
After breakfast, departure to ANDASIBE. Along the high gorges and undulating plains, the journey to the east is more wooded due to abundant rainfall. On the way, stop at the Peyrieras reserve to observe different types of endemic amphibians and chameleons. Also visit the historical gendarmerie museum. Lunch on the way. Continue to Andasibe. On arrival, in the afternoon, visit of the private reserve of VAKONA LODGE to observe some crocodiles and lemurs. Nocturnal visit of the private association park to discover the nocturnal lemur, chameleons, snakes
DAY 3: ANDASIBE – AKANIN’NOFY PALMARIUM
4 hours including transfer by motorboat. After breakfast, drive to Manambato for motorboat transfer to Ankanin’ny Nofy via Rasoabe Lake. Lunch Walk along the white sand beach. Night tour of the mysterious lemur: aye aye. Dinner and night at PALMARIUM hotel
DAY 4: AKANIN ‘ NOFY .
Visit of the palmarium, private reserve to see extraordinary animal species such as lemurs, birds and some plant species like vanilla orchids. afternoon: visit of the village, traditional alambics of essential oil Lunch Dinner and rnight at PALMARIUM hotel. !
DAY 5: AKANIN’NOFY!–PERINET Back to Perinet. Lunch. Arrival at the hotel, dinner and overnight at VAKONA LODGE or similar
DAY 6: ANDASIBE – PERINET – ANTANANARIVO
Visit of the national reserve of ANALAMAZAOTRA, visit of 4 hours, or VOI (belonging to the association of the villagers) Incursion into the forest to see the Indri Indri, the largest existing lemur and hear his call singing as he cries, and watch the birds.
The forest of ANALAMAZAOTRA is the unique sanctuary of INDRI INDRI . other species of lemurs can be seen in the reserve.
Extreme rarity of native species of birds. The fern is particularly dense: fern, epiphytic plants and endemic variety of orchids. Interesting walk in the clear paths of a primary forest. Lunch Back to Antananarivo. Check-in at hotel, dinner and night.
SECOND STEP : THE DEEP SOUTH
DAY 7: ANTANANARIVO – FORT – DAUPHIN – BERENTY
FORT DAUPHIN, THE PARADISE OF BOTANISTS
A beautiful landscape offering diversity with lush vegetation typical of eastern Madagascar and the semi-arid and bush of its mainland. The city is built on a peninsula between two large deep bays. Flight to FORT DAUPHIN (subject to flight schedule). On arrival, transfer to the hotel or drive continuation to Berenty, 81 km (this program will depend on the flight schedule.) Rather bad road to Berenty but offers great scenic interest. After lush vegetation and the discovery of carnivorous plants, crossing thorny shrubs characteristic of southern Madagascar. Botanists’ paradise with its extraordinary variety of euphorbiaceace, unique in the world. The famous baobab, “mother of the forest”, the funerary figures of Antanosy with commemorative stones of the dead.. Lunch. On the way, large sisal plantations. First foray into the forest and night visit. The reserve is of great interest to ecotourists: 340 ha along the Mandrare River, a private reserve created in 1936 by a French family. Fauna and flora of a gallery forest: lemurs, turtles and a wide variety of endemic birds. A museum inside this famous forest that shows: musical instruments, the soul of Antandroy.
DAY 8: BERENTY – FORT DAUPHIN
Morning incursion in the reserve to observe birds and a museum inside this famous forest that shows musical instruments, the soul of Antandroy. Lunch then in the afternoon, return to Fort Dauphin. Dinner and overnight at CROIX SUD. Hotel.
DAY 9 : FORT – DAUPHIN – LOKARO – FORT DAUPHIN
After breakfast, departure by motorboat to the village of EVATRA through a typical landscape of tropical vegetation. Upon arrival at the village, trekking to the beautiful bay of LOKARO. Picnic lunch and return to FORT DAUPHIN by boat Dinner and night at the hotel CROIX SUD.
DAY 10: FORT – DAUPHIN – ANTANANARIVO
Morning visit of the private reserve of Nahampoana. This is another type of reserve with the bamboo forest. You can still see some kinds of lemurs in the rainforest, such as catta lemurs, sifaka and lemur mongooses, some kinds of waterfall birds. Lunch. After the visit, return to Fort Dauphin and fly to Antananarivo.
DAY 11 : ANTANANARIVO – VOL INTERNATIONAL
Transfer to the airport. Upon arrival in Antananarivo, transfer to the hotel, check-in.
Cost
Person Person Cost : $ 2950
Single supplement : $ 500
This includes full board, flight not included, based on 2 adults sharing the room. TVA included
CALL FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
(412) 690-5530
Everest Base Camp Trek – Lion Adventure Travels
Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest has been in the imagination of adventurer worldwide since the summit of Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1950. The majesty and myths associated with Everest and the Sherpa community living there are so great trekking to its base camp (17,590′) itself is an adventure of a lifetime.
TO BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE PLEASE Call us (412) 690-5530
The trek commences with a tour of heritage sites of Kathmandu and early flight from Kathmandu to the Lukla in the heart of the Khumbu Region. On the first day, it is an easy hike of around three to four hours with overnight at Phakding, a Sherpa village. The treks from the next days then goes north upwards the Dudh Kosi valley to Namche Bazaar; the trading hub, main town of the region. The trail then follows Imja Khola from Namche. On the way, you will get some spectacular views of the Khumbu Himal, Thamserku and Kantega with Amadablam in the distance, and Everest and Lhotse dominating the skyline. The trail then ascends gradually up the Imja Khola eventually, passing the tree line behind before Dingboche. From there to famous Kalapatthar takes a further two days, passing through the Everest glacier. Here you will have a close direct view, experience of Mt Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse, towering above you.
The rest of the journey takes about five days, retracing to Lukla, enjoying and exploring the landscapes and life in Everest region. You will then fly back to Kathmandu.
Despite the name of the Everest being associated with height, and altitude, its possible for anyone with reasonable fitness. And our itinerary has been designed to allow you plenty of time to get acclimatize and our guides will ensure that you will stay healthy and safe.
Trip Highlights
• Trek to the base of Mt Everest, the world’s highest mountain.
• A challenging hike to Kala Patthar (18,192′), Nangkartshang Peak (16,672′). and Everest Base Camp (17,590′).
• Visit and interaction at Sherpa and Himalayan villages in Everest region.
• Visit medieval cities and World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu
Brief Itinerary
01 Arrival in Kathmandu,
02 Kathmandu valley sightseeing.
03 Flight to Lukla – trek Phakding (2652 m.), Overnight Lodge
04 Phakding / Namche Bazaar (3446 m.), Overnight Lodge
05 Rest day in Namche, Overnight Lodge
06 Namche Bazaar / Thyengboche (3867 m.) Overnight Lodge
07 Trek to Pheriche (4252m), Overnight Lodge
08 Acclimatization at Pheriche, Overnight Lodge
09 Trek to Lobuche (4930m), Overnight Lodge.
10 Lobuche / Kalapattar (5545 m.) Overnight Lodge
11 Gorak Shep / Everest Base Camp / Lobuche (4930 m.) Overnight Lodge
12 Trek to Pangpoche (3985m), Overnight Lodge
13 Trek to Namche [3450m), Overnight Lodge
14 Trek to Lukla (2800m), Overnight Lodge
15 Fly to Kathmandu, Overnight Star Hotel
16 Departure
PRICE: (Per Person)
US $ 2450.00 (2 Pax)
US $ 2350.00 (3 – 4 Pax)
US $ 2250. 00 (5 – 6 Pax)
US $ 2150.00 (7 – 8 Pax)
US $ 2050.00 ( 9 + Pax)
Single Supplement for Kathmandu & Pokhara only:
US $ 375.00
TO BOOK YOUR ADVENTURE PLEASE GO TO:
PRICE INCLUDES
Airport picks and drops.
3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with Breakfast.
English speaking Nepali Guide
Porter 1 for 2 clients
Accommodations in lodges during trekking
Three meals a day while on trek as stated in the itinerary
Insurance for Nepali staffs.
TIMS permit
Everest National Park entry fees.
Sightseeing in Kathmandu World Heritage Sites as per itinerary, Transport & guide only.
Flight Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu
PRICE EXCLUDES
International Airfare to and from Nepal
Accommodation in Kathmandu other than mentioned above.
Alcoholic and canned drinks.
Dinner & Lunches in Kathmandu
Medical treatments and medical insurance
Emergency and Evacuation costs
Clients Travel insurance
Nepal visa.
Costs associated with cancellations, delays & porters due to road works, unavoidable by Company.
Personal correspondent & phone calls.
Changes to existing ticketing (flight) and itinerary
Sleeping bag
Personal items and all that is not mentioned in the lists above inclusion.
Trekking gears
Domestic airport tax, extra baggage fare
Trek Facts
Duration: 16 days
Starting from: Lukla
Ending at: Lukla
Grade: Moderate and difficult
Highest access of the trek: Kalapatthar 5545 m.)
Culture: Sherpa
Mode of trekking: Lodge
Himalayan sights: Khumbu Himal, Thamserku and Kantega with Amadablam in the distance, dominating the skyline ahead are Everest and Lhotse.
Most attraction of the Trek: Mt. Everest and more.
Trek Barometer:
Fitness *** Culture *** Nature **** Comfort**
Why Lion Adventures?
We have a team with 15 + years of experience in adventure tourism in Nepal and Asia. Our local networks, experience and commitment to locals and sustainability make our trips uniquely special for visitors and locals alike.
General Information
Accommodation & Meals
Teahouses and decent lodges are available along the entire trek in Everest region. Teahouses are simple houses, often the home of the family that runs them, and offer basic meals in a communal eating hall along with bedrooms, usually with two single beds. There has been development of decent hotels along the trail now days.
Airline tickets
You will need to book your flight tickets in advance and let us know about your flight details in advance. It helps us to keep tracks of confirmed participants and arrival in Nepal.
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance to protect from unforeseen circumstances. Please let us know if you need any help.
Cancellation and Transfer Policy
You can reserve your seat by paying a deposit of $400. Final payments need to be done at-least 60 days prior to departure. If you have to cancel the trip; the following charges will be made:
No charge will be applied for cancellations before 60 days
A charge of 10% will be applied for any cancellation made prior to 30 days of departure date.
A charge of 25% will be applied for any cancellation made prior to 21 days of departure date.
A charge of 50% will be applied for any cancellation made prior to 10 days of departure date.
No refund for any cancellation made thereafter
Weather
There are generally two traditional tour seasons for travel in Nepal. One from March to May and the next being October – December. June – August – September is time of rain and monsoon. However, there is local life and visitors are taking advantage of the off seasons too. In March – May temperatures are relatively comfortable in the day although it can be a bit cold in the morning and evenings. This is the time when there is greenery in the mountains and flowers are blossoming. The second season from October to December is most preferred in terms of clear sky and views as well as local activities. During the day its usually sunny but in the morning and evening, especially in the later season, it can get cold at freeing temperature. There is also high chances of snow and wind in passes above 4000 m. Usually its safest to descend to lower elevation or your camp before later noon.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND FOR MORE ADVENTURES WE OFFER PLEASE Call (412) 690-5530
Remembering Heather Heyer
May 29, 1985 – August 12, 2017
Heather Heyer dedicated her life to standing up for those she felt were not being heard, her family and friends said.
Ms. Heyer lived alone with her Chihuahua, Violet, named after her favorite color. Friends described her as a passionate advocate for the disenfranchised, often moved to tears by the world’s injustices. That led her to join demonstrators protesting white nationalists in Charlottesville, VA.
Heather worked as a paralegal for a Charlottesville law firm, assisting clients through the bankruptcy filing process.
Co-worker Victoria Jackson said: “Heather said, I want to go so badly but I don’t want to get shot. I don’t want to die.”Heyer went anyway because she wanted to stand up for what she believed in.
Others said Ms. Heyer, who lived in Charlottesville spoke out against inequality, urging co-workers to be active in the community.
“Heather was a very strong woman,” said Alfred A. Wilson, manager of the bankruptcy division at the Miller Law Group in Charlottesville, where Ms. Heyer worked as a paralegal. She stood up against “any type of discrimination,” he said. “That’s just how she’s always been.”
Mr. Wilson hired Ms. Heyer at the recommendation of a friend. She had a high school diploma but not a background in law, working as a bartender and waitress, but he said she had an eye for detail and was “a people person.”
“If you can get people to open up to you, that’s what I need,” he told her. “I’ll teach you everything about the law you need to know.” She did not stop working as a waitress even after she started at the law firm. Mr. Wilson said in an interview he found her at her computer crying many times.
“Heather being Heather has seen something on Facebook or read something in the news and realized someone has been mistreated and gets upset,” he said. A couple of years ago, she was dating someone who became agitated after learning Mr. Wilson was black and that they were friends. “She just didn’t like the way he was judging me as a minority male that’s doing well for myself,” Mr. Wilson said, adding that Ms. Heyer stopped seeing the man after that.
Thirty-two-year-old Heyer was killed when a car plowed into a crowd of counterprotesters gathered to oppose the “Unite the Right” rally of white nationalist and other right-wing groups. Nineteen others were injured. A 20-year-old man from Ohio, James Alex Fields Jr., is charged with second-degree murder in Heyer’s death.
Heather’s father Mark Heyer said his daughter had strong convictions and was passionate about helping people.
“She died trying to bring about that purpose,” he told CNN. “She was always passionate about the beliefs she held, she had a bigger backbone than I did.” Her mother, Susan Bro, addressed Fields:
“This wasn’t a video game, buddy,” she said in an interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper. “This was real people. There are real consequences to what you did. I’m sorry you’ve chosen to do that. You have ruined your life and you’ve disturbed mine, but you took my child from me.””And I’m going to be the voice that she can no longer be. You gave us a national forum, and maybe I should thank you for that, but I can’t. I’d rather have my child.” ‘We were against hate’
James Alex Fields Jr., of Maumee, Ohio, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, three counts of malicious wounding and failing to stop at the scene of a crash that resulted in a death, the police said.
Charlottesville, in a statement about Ms. Heyer, said: “This senseless act of violence rips a hole in our collective hearts. While it will never make up for the loss of a member of our community, we will pursue charges against the driver of the vehicle that caused her death and are confident justice will prevail.”
Gov. Terry McAuliffe praised Heyer: “She was doing what she loved,” McAuliffe said. “She was fighting for democracy, (for) free speech, to stop hatred and bigotry.”
A sign remembering Heather Heyer sits in front of a statue of Robert E. Lee in Emancipation Park.
“Researched,. edited,. written and compiled from these sources”
“I began singing and performing as soon as I was walking”
“I started with piano lessons in elementary school, like most do, but grew aggravated with the classical approach and I quit in middle school because I just wanted to play songs I liked which at the time was nearly exclusively Sara Bareilles, Regina Spektor, and anything Disney.“
“After graduating highschool, I forced my dad to take me to Ireland (I raised the money, but I’m not the kind of girl you let travel alone). One evening we moseyed into a pub where I heard the autoharp for the first time. I told my father it was the most magical thing I’d ever heard. I was gifted my harp that Christmas (2014)and it has become my songwriting companion and good traveling buddy because it’s far more portable than a piano.”
“I don’t know how my health doesn’t affect my art. Being diagnosed with MS as young as I was, my experience with illness has shaped my perspective so intimately, I wouldn’t know how to split the fine hairs of illness vs. family vs. culture vs. geography etc“.
“I learned a young age that honesty is the
price of compassion,so honestly–
I’m not the most afflicted. I’m not the
most deserving, but, I need help, and as much as I can get.”
I have scars on my brain and have to take a lot of precautions to maintain my health. I’ve been sick for most of my life and I know I need all the help I can get, so I’ve learned to help myself.
My work skill set pertains to childcare and hospitality (they call me Mary Poppins ). I write stories for children and songs for all ages, and I make lots of friends who contend with me.
I’ve learned, as well, that helping myself means, there are times where I must ask for help.
Nutrasine, a critically essential supplement I’ve taken since I was six years old, was discontinued in 2014 after the passing of it’s inventor. In a miraculous turn of events, my family now owns the rights to produce and distribute Nutrasine for myself and others like me. You can help by donating to my ms.annegirl PROJECTS.
Songwriting has always been profoundly organic for me. Melody and lyrics come simultaneously 99% of the time, and depending on where I am or what I’m doing when the song starts to come, I’ll either sit down with my harp or piano and start figuring out the chord progression, or I (most often) record sound bites on my phone and save them for a rainy day.
when I was 3-5 years old I had a habit of sitting on strangers laps and asking them to tell me a story (true story). I’ve likely heard more versions of Three Little Pigs than any child ought to be allowed, but it was only the beginning. I began babysitting at nine and by twelve had quite the collection anecdotes, so all of my children’s books are based on, or inspired by actual events (I always include a dedication to the tater-tot who gave me the idea, see I Wanna Be An Animal and There’s a Bleck On My Plate on Amazon). I struggled with insomnia in middle school-early highschool and so the night became my creating space. I’ve discovered how to harness powers during daylight hours, but I still occasionally have sleepless-seasons that result in a new album/book/God-knows-what…
TOOT, the album, was recorded during my exacerbation in 2016. I only had strength to record my vocal/piano/harp tracks then go back to sleep, so there are things about it if I had gotten to participate more in the production process I’d have done differently. TOOT was mostly a gift from my brother (Isaac McCready, sound engineer) to me. During my 4 month exacerbation, I wrote around thirty songs and TOOT is really just the tip of the iceberg of what I created in that season. So, I guess, recording an album for me so far has just been a record of time passing and standing still. That said, I hope to release a demo album this fall titled “Golden“.
“MY “resolve” is the result of never being allotted the courtesy of having secrets a day in my life. For readers who likely won’t understand the scale of being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at six years old, the day I was diagnosed, I became international property. My MRI’s were being studied across the globe and every two hours or so, medical students came knocking on my door to “observe” me (ask me to do things I wasn’t strong enough to do). I wasn’t old enough to understand or explain to anyone what was happening to me and got used to grown-ups speaking for me, speaking over me, and talking about me like I wasn’t in the room. My music and stories have become my way of taking ownership of my story because I am in the room; I am international property because I’m not a mistake and have found a way to belong. My sole source of encouragement these days is the Holy Spirit because I live at rock bottom (literally what my doctor told me) and down here it’s just me and him vs. the world. The impact of my relationship with God and music has most positively expressed itself through my senior friends“
“I’ve recently begun playing at a local retirement community every other Wednesday and their feedback is the richest. My new favorite comment is, “You have a lovely voice, but you’re just so pleasant to look at!” Readers can’t know that I’m no beauty queen, but I’ve been told time and time again that I have joyful presence, that I bring levity to heavy situations, that I seem to easily find the most practical way to accomplish a task. I was told to give my very best and in all my years, despite the recognition my voice has received, I’ve come to know the greatest gift I’ve been given is my perspective; it is all I am and all I have to offer, and though I’m learning through trial and error not to “throw my pearls to pigs” all in all I ‘put myself out there’ because where else am I supposed to go?
John Lennon was born on October 9, 1940. He rose to fame as a member of the iconic singing group, the Beatles. Lennon recognized that he could use his celebrity status to change the way people thought about issues.
Imagine at Strawberry Fields Central Park [Taken by the Founder of One World Blue Media 1992]
He was committed to the anti-war movement raging over the Vietnam War. Starting with their famous “Bed-Ins for Peace,” Lennon and Yoko Ono who he married in 1969, turned the tables on the paparazzi that followed their every. Using their honeymoon at the Amsterdam Hilton in March 1969 to start their anti-war efforts, the Lennons invited the worldwide media to join them in their hotel suite. They sat in bed for two weeks from nine in the morning to nine at night, engaging in discussions about world peace. A second Bed-In followed three months later in Montreal, where Lennon wrote and recorded what became the unofficial refrain of the peace movement — “Give Peace a Chance.”
As Lennon explained:
What we’re really doing is sending out a message to the world, mainly to the youth, especially the youth or anybody, really, that’s interested in protesting for peace or protesting against any forms of violence… There’s many ways of protest, and this is one of them. And anybody could grow their hair for peace or give up a week of their holiday for peace or sit in a bag for peace. Protest against peace, anyway, but peacefully, because we think that peace is only got by peaceful methods, and to fight the establishment with their own weapons is no good, because they always win, and they have been winning for thousands of years. They know how to play the game violence, and it’s easier for them when they can recognize you and shoot you.
Lennon was prepared for public mockery and vilification. He explained, “Bed-ins are something that everyone can do and they’re so simple. We’re willing to be the world’s clowns to make people realize it”. (Richie York, 1969)
Following the Bed-Ins, Lennon and Ono lent support to the plight of the working class by way of a shipbuilders’ work-in, railed against the Vietnam War, voiced discontent over the brutal murders of 14 unarmed civil rights protesters in Northern Ireland (memorialized in “Luck of the Irish” and “Sunday Bloody Sunday”), bemoaned the death toll from the uprising at Attica Prison and held forth with leading American peace activists using music as the medium for their message. Released in October 1971, Lennon’s Imagine album became his call for world peace.
Lennon’s involvement with the anti-war movement grew deeper and more directly political. “Give Peace a Chance” was the chant of the massive Vietnam Moratorium March in Washington in the fall of 1969. Lennon become the target of FBI surveillance for his part in the anti-war movement and engagement with leftist politics. A planned 1972 anti-Nixon tour with Jerry Rubin and Rennie Davis caught the attention of the authorities. A past drug’s offence would be used to threaten Lennon with deportation. He would struggle to gain permanent resident status in the U.S.
Lennon’s capacity and desire to move across cultures was evident in his art and politics. Inspired by his song “Imagine”, Lennon called a press conference in 1973 to announce the establishment of Nutopia, “a conceptual country” that “has no land, no boundaries, no passports, only people.’ Nutopia’s national anthem- a brief line of silence- appears on the album Mind Games (1973). The event was intended to be both playful and provocative.
Right up until his death on December 8, 1980, at the hands of an assassin, Lennon remained true to the anti-war activism that had shaped much of his life. Time magazine contributor Martin Lewis noted in his remembrance of Lennon on the 20th anniversary of his death:
John Lennon was not God. But he earned the love and admiration of his generation by creating a huge body of work that inspired and led. The appreciation for him deepened because he then instinctively decided to use his celebrity as a bully pulpit for causes greater than his own enrichment or self-aggrandizement.
The Ideals and Beliefs of One World Blue are Founded Upon the Dreams and Beliefs of John Lennon and all great people as Dr. King, Mahatmah Ghandi, Rosa Parks, Dr. Bishop Reginald Kelly and Maya Angelou who lived their life to Stand for Righteousness, Equality and Peace.
This letter below was written by the Founder of One World Blue, Mr. Joel Pirchesky MPPM, when he was in elementary school circa 1983. All of the aforementioned have given great inspiration to the life and work of Mr. and Mrs. Joel and Baila Pirchesky and the conception and implementation of The One World Blue Network and Global Community!
I have a dream that the world would be better and a safe place to live.
Children should not be afraid to be without their parents. They should not be worried about being kidnapped. People should realize that they should not hurt anyone and try to understand what they are doing.
I think it is very meaningless to have war. It is senseless to fight and kill one another. God did not put people on Earth to fight, argue, or hurt each other.
Poverty is very harmful and cruel to people. It can sometimes kill a person. It would be nice if poor people did not have to go to bed hungry.
Robbery scares me a whole lot, and I am sure it scares alot of other people too. People are sometimes shot and killed because they protect their belongings. Probably if people had the things they needed, there would be no more robberies.
It is a shame people are so terrified about highjacks on a plane that they don’t even go on them. I hope in the future people will be able to go on a plane without worrying about a highjack.
If people try and work together they can make this world a better one. I am willing to try, are you?
Imagine at Strawberry Fields Central Park [Taken by the Founder’s Wife, Baila, of One World Blue Media 1999. Taken a decade before Baila and Joel had met one another. The two were on the same wavelength and destined for each other. We all have Destiny if we Just IMAGINE ! Joel and Baila wish you their Love, Light and Peace]
Dany Vavrek Acoustic
Dany Vavrek is an acoustic singer/songwriter based in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Combining a broad and continually growing catalog of originals and covers with a warm, unpretentious, and welcoming stage presence, Vavrek’s music leaves you with a cozy feeling.
“My passion for music was sparked in the 6th grade when I was 13 or 14 years old. I attended catholic school and was a bit of a trouble maker at the time, a class clown of sorts. My music teacher decided to teach me a lesson and insisted I be in the school play. At first, I thought the joke was on her. I didn’t think much of it. Then she told me that I was going to be singing and that got my attention. It was through this that I found my voice.”
Dany spent most of his musical career fronting bands as a vocalist. His first band, Further Gone, had much success very quickly. They made waves on the Johnstown music scene at a remarkable pace. At their height, they opened for the legendary band Foghat, known for such hits as “Slow Ride” and “I Just Want to Make Love to You.”
“Further Gone broke up because our egos did us in. We had so much success so fast that we let it get to our heads. It was a valuable learning experience and ultimately paved the way for me to expand and grow as a musician. I joined a group called YUM, which became an 18-year venture, probably some of the best years of my life and extremely formative.”
After YUM suddenly and unexpectedly dissolved in 2017, Dany was left uncertain about what he was going to do musically. He had always been a singer and seen himself in that light exclusively. After being in a band for so long, to suddenly need to start over seemed like a daunting task.
With the encouragement of some close friends, Dany was charged with actualizing a potential he did not recognize in himself.
“Jen Butchko, a friend who had helped me land the 18-year gig with YUM, was at it again. She, along with Katie Fisher, told me that I should continue to play music. It was kind of a different approach for me as I didn’t play an instrument in either band, so learning to play one, and sing was something I never thought possible. Katie and Jen both convinced me to at least try, and so here I am, playing guitar and singing as a soloist.”
ONE WORLD BLUE QUESTION: Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Dany Vavrek: “Without a doubt I would say Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20). The tone of his voice, and the way he delivers the message in a song. Scott Stapp (Creed), James Taylor, Elton John, just to name a few.“
ONE WORLD BLUE: How can musicians utilize this time during a worldwide pandemic for the good, both personally as well as for the good of humanity?
Dany Vavrek: During this time of quarantine, It is my belief that it is the best time to connect with your audience simply because we are all In this together. Personally I am going to Facebook and performing ‘LIVE’ from my living room every night (except Wednesdays and Weekends) to give people something to look forward too. I am taking requests from them and trying to make them ‘part of the show’. I think it’s important for people to just forget about the trials of life for awhile and just listen to something that maybe they wouldn’t have ever experienced otherwise.”
“Through this process, I’ve learned a lot about myself and about unearthing abilities within. We sometimes are not aware of our capabilities until we are pushed in a direction we never considered. My growth with guitar greatly surprised me, and to be doing what I’m now doing musically is really a dream come true. The response has been so heartening and encouraging. Friends have told me that I just have no idea how many people are listening around the country. I’ve even had requests for merchandise and Dany Vavrek acoustic gear. With the assistance of a good friend I’ve opened my online store.”
Like most musicians in this uncertain time, Dany has had his public performance schedule cleared indefinitely due to the Pandemic. Dany has been utilizing his time expanding his repertoire each week as he receives many requests on his Facebook live concerts. He enjoys the challenge of learning new music and continues to push himself to grow as an artist. Dany is also a Veteran, a Marine, and he spends some of his quarantine time pairing with others to bring meals to disabled veterans in his area.
A Large Impetus and Inspiration for a Network like One World Blue was my trip which I took when in college in 1993 on Semester At Sea.
We Journeyed to 10 Countries Around the World While Studying on a Ship. What an Adventure and Eye-Opening Experience it was to the Beauty and Magnificence of the World!
Joel Pirchesky MPPM – Founder and CEO of ONE WORLD BLUE LLC
THE ARCHERS OF BHUTAN
Masaka Kids Africana
MISSION AND HISTORY
Masaka Kids Africana is on the ground in Uganda to help as many young people as it can. It gives children safe shelter, food, clothing, education and medical care. In Uganda, there are no public schools, so without school fees, children don’t learn. Through Masaka Kids Africana, children gain an education and the life skills they need for future success. Their lives are completely transformed.
Masaka Kids Africana sponsored children have gone through some of the worst experiences a child could face — but through dance and song and sharing their love of Uganda, these children connect to each other and the world. They see their own potential — they have hope for their future.
Masaka Kids Afrikana Children’s Home
At the heart of Masaka Kids Afrikana is the family structure. When orphaned and vulnerable children are placed in a loving family environment, with a mother and siblings who love them, the children find a place that they can call home.
Masaka Kids Africana mission is to rescue and save children in Uganda who are starving or in need, and seek to provide a loving and safe environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
The Masaka Kids Afrikana Children’s Home was started in 2013,March 30. The home strives to share the love of a family with the children as well as the people in the nearby villages. By raising these kids in a loving environment they receive hope to give them a foundation that will help them succeed in life and one day be able to give back to their community and the world.
EDUCATION SUPPORT
Keeping children in school helps a nation thrive, which builds friends in vital parts of the world. Masaka Kids Africana gives children a safe place to live, eat, love and learn, from age 5 all the way up to completing their secondary education, vocational training or university.
“God gave me the opportunity to do something bigger with the stage I’ve been given.” – Michael “The Bull” Manna
Life is a journey. Each of us is on an individual quest, and as a human family, we all have a shared story and destiny. To seek, search, question, and wonder is to be human, and to be human is to be perfectly imperfect. The difference between a fake diamond and a real one is that a real diamond has flaws.
“I do not have it all figured out, I am not a saint by any means. I have made countless mistakes. Bad things that happen are not of God. If we allow him to, he can turn them into good 200 times over.“
Michael “The Bull” Manna, 36, from Pittsburgh, PA made his boxing debut in 2011 at the age of 28. Mike took to his stage at a point when many others in his field are approaching, or have reached their prime. As Manna likes to say, “I’m 36 years old, that’s 137 in boxing years.” Boxing for Manna has become a spiritual path; a means to access his deepest inner self, to access his creator in a very personal way.
Michael’s childhood was a very turbulent one, he came to boxing through street fighting. Mike’s heart was burned, and psyche severely scarred at a young age, facing both physical and sexual abuse, and the betrayal of friends. Fighting and boxing became an outlet for Mike, sometimes in very healthy ways, and at others, not as healthy.
Listen to Michael’s story below:
Michael had come to a place in his life, the tension of the crescendo of feeling stuck with what to do to calm the storm inside. He turned back to boxing, trained harder and more focused than ever before, and started his amateur career in 2011. Mike had 50 fights in his amateur years winning only 19 of them, but always by knock out, he always lost on points, though never lost by knock out. He cites the legendary Rocky Marciano as a pivotal boxing influence, because like Marciano, Michael just does not quit.
It was for this style of fighting he was chosen by team Pittsburgh to fight against team Ireland in an international tournament in 2015, which he won. Team Ireland wanted a rematch in 2016, and this time they threw their big guns at Mike, a very seasoned and well-trained fighter; and though this time Michael lost, again like Marciano he did not relent, and even landed quite a shocking knock out. These matches launched Michael’s career in the sense of some name recognition in Pittsburgh and in the larger boxing world.
On a run in North Park in Pittsburgh,on August 15, 2017, Mike prayed for guidance, he was thinking of going professional but was seeking a spiritual muse for doing so.
“God told me on that run, the distinct thought and calling was, “if you do more with the stage I’ve given you, all will be given to you and then some.” I decided I was going to donate any earnings I made in boxing, all of them, to charity. I had enough of doing it my way and I decided to make myself a vessel and do it God’s way.“
“Looking back on things now, there are some choices I wouldn’t have made, and certainly no child deserves abuse; but I wouldn’t change my story, because ultimately it’s all part of what makes me who I am.“
“If my story can touch one other person it’s all been worth it. To me, it’s not about me, my name, my persona, or anything like that, I’m just a knucklehead, I’m doing this for God; I’m doing this to touch other souls, and give them hope, strength, and support.“
Mike is a loving father, and by day he sells insurance, boxing he has set aside as his covenant with God; each match, whatever he earns is and will be donated to a charity of his choice. His first two fight purses went to Children’s Hospital Cancer Center, having a close connection to children fighting cancer, Michael’s cousin was diagnosed with Leukaemia at the age of 4. Michael also donates his time training and mentoring youth between the ages of 8-14 years old at Jack’s Boxing Gym in the North Hills, in Pittsburgh, PA.
“I believe part of really giving, is giving of what one doesn’t have. I hope that my story, and my choices, and the use of the gifts God has given me for good, will inspire and encourage others to do the same, each in their own way, everyone has their path in adding goodness to the world.“
Straight Up Photography
WHY CHOOSE STRAIGHT UP PHOTOGRAPHY?
– Straight up Photography was born out of the fire of high stress environment of Hollywood film making. Each job done is carefully planned and plotted to achieve the highest quality footage . Planning around weather patterns, seasonal look, and time of day are all just the tip of the iceberg. Flying legally under the FAA guidelines is a huge part of being a legit business. At no time, will I fly in a situation that will jeopardize the client, air space, or laws.
In real estate, we have all heard the buzzwords: curb appeal, neighborhood, first impression, potential, solidity, bang for the buck, and the famous three words, location, location, location. Advertising of real estate has evolved from want ads to pictures to video walk-throughs to the present forms of social media: Facebook, blogs, twitter, etc. My company, Straight Up Photography (SUP) is now offering you the newest approach, the holistic approach of seeing the property from the sky, both micro and macro views.
!
My remote piloted aerial vehicles are equipped with the state of the art cameras that can show the buyer every aspect of the property in question and save a lot of time trudging through spring rain muddied backyards and extended property lines. My photographs and videos expose the surrounding neighborhoods to provide the potential buyer a chance to survey the location from all cardinal directions.
The seller benefits as well when he or she is selling a quality property. Businesses also find it a boon to be able to provide potential clients a complete look at the buildings for sale. A new quality roof can be hyped along with basic building structural integrity.
-Member, in good standing, of Pittsburghs local film union I.A.T.S.E 489 since 2007.
-I’ve worked on multiple major motion pictures such as,
Batman Dark Knight Rise
Captain America Winter Soldier
Jack Reacher
The Next Three Days
The Road
SouthPaw
Concussion
Outsiders Season 2
-Used to working in a high stress environment with long hours and big budgets on the line.
-(UAV) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle University, Basic pilot
-Million dollar Liability Insured
-(AMA) American Modelers Assn. Member and insured
-Registered Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
-Advanced A/V editing
-Coldwell Banker, Howard Hannah, Nexus Realators
-Faypen Business development land plotting
-Wind turbine damage inspection
-Connellsville Rec Board festival videos
-Connellsville City Chamber of Commerse welcome signs
-Car lot commercial videos
-Fox Castle B&B
-Pittsburgh Highrise and Condo Promo videos
-Pittsburgh Social Exchange Promo Videos
-Roofing inspection
-Pipeline inspection
-Property assesment
-Commercial footage
-Sporting event coverage
-Each Drone is a state-of-the art DJIplatform. Phantom3 advancedInspire1GPS lock to avoid flyaways. Return to home setting, HD video quality. First Person Veiw (FPV) to ensure best framming of subject matter. Second display to show client what is being seen by the drone.
I am a seasoned in-house brand steward; team lead and client relations professional with hands-on experience creating strategies to deliver groundbreaking concepts that redefine how brands connect with customers and bring stories and experiences to life in unique and memorable ways.
I know what it takes to build and inspire teams to deliver exceptional results having managed all aspects of hundreds of creative projects. Whether you’re a Fortune 500 company, global agency, or entertainment brand I can create an experience that delivers results while staying within budget. My portfolio contains work for clients & programs including Super Bowl, Caesars Entertainment, Showtime Networks, AT & T, DIRECTV, Discovery Networks and many others.
With an ever-burning desire to consistently innovate, Setting Entertainment client list grew to include Fortune 500 companies in retail, sports, technology, media, fashion, and hospitality.
Career highlights include 6 multimillion-dollar Super Bowl events broadcast live on NBC Sports Network and over a dozen Super Bowl performances by some of the biggest names in music and entertainment such as Jay-Z, Beyonce, Maroon 5, Pitbull, Usher, Katy Perry, Mary J Blige, LMFAO, and Justin Timberlake. Brad’s passion for production and design has earned his national work attention on ABC’s Nightline and Forbes Magazine.
Sunday’s Kind of Country was established in 1995 with one simple mission in mind: to bring Positive Message, Christian Country Music to its listeners.
Today, SKOC, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is one of the fastest growing radio programs in the country. With its incomparable, inspirational show and award winning host, Robby Lynn, it’s quickly gaining a great reputation across the country.
Become a member today and have access to the Members Only section of our online radio where you can enjoy exclusive “behind-the-scenes” footage and watch our streams LIVE!
Theo is an artist located in in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
“My art is my way to get my emotions out. I find it difficult to describe my art because it’s always changing. What you see on the canvas is in some way a reflection of my emotions at that time.”
“I believe I improve with every painting and I learn something new. The meaning of my art is up to the one viewing it. There is no set answer or reason for any of it. It is up to you to decide what it means to you, or how it makes you feel.”
For inquiries into any piece or for any private commission requests please email me at theo.caloyer@gmail.com
Portrait Price $500
The Trees Price $300
Price of The Violin $250
Price of The Violin $250
Some of my other favorite pieces:
I will be sharing more pieces in the near future
For inquiries into any piece or for any private commission requests please email me at theo.caloyer@gmail.com
IV – Xiang Wei Tuo Cha, “Blood of the Ancients”, Shou Nest, Chinese Pu-er.
Description: This large nest variety shares the shape of pu-erla, but it is much larger. It is one of our darker, ruddier pu-ers. The strong, earthy, slightly astringent flavor is reminiscent of underground caverns where treasures are kept secret. – Taken from the menu at Dobra tea house (www.dobrateapgh.com)
Original Thoughts: Chris over at Dobra told me this is his favorite tea. He said it goes on and on and on and on and on. Sounds like heaven to me. On this second occasion of drinking “Blood of the Ancients”, I only had time for a few infusions, because I had to meet a friend for dinner, but I recall the first time I experienced this, I got a ton of infusions out of this. Fast forward into the future to February 25, 2016, I ended up having about 35 infusions of this stuff! I had about 96 ounces of tea on this evening and even around the 28th or 29th infusion, it was still going strong. This Pu-erh tea is no joke, its got the stamina of a 16 year old. There is also a very cerebral, logical process of pouring this tea, as its served on a bamboo tea tray reservoir box. First you take pitcher of hot water and pour it into the gaiwan of loose tea. Then you take the filter off the spring and place it over the small tea pot and carefully pour into that vessel. Finally, you take the filter off, place it back on the spring and pour the tea into the cup. If you are looking to impress a friend or show off your tea skills, this is the tea to get!
Original Poetry: Everlasting, you come to me from the cosmos, never-ending, never bending. Elderly and wise, you teach me from the depths of your nebulous book. I am eternal in your vortex of darkness.
Science Has Proven That Group Meditation Literally Changes The World
Not a lot is truly understood about quantum physics, but one thing science is at least a little bit sure of is that mass meditation has quantum results on both the meditator and the world.
In 1978, researchers discovered what they call the Maharishi Effect. They discovered it when a group meditation of 7,000 people took place and they all meditated with the intention of having a positive effect on the city. They did this for 3 weeks. The results of that group meditation transformed the city’s crime rates, acts of violence, and death. There was an average reduction in all three by 16%. Impressive!
Since then, more than 50 studies have been conducted on the Maharishi effect with varied results. Most studies indicate the clear power of meditation to transform global life and patterns.
When the study was repeated in Wales, they got amazing results. In 1987 Merseyside had the third highest crime rate of the eleven largest Metropolitan Areas in England and Wales; by 1992 it had the lowest crime rate. 40% below levels predicted by the previous behaviour of the series. There were 255,000 less crimes in Merseyside from 1988 to 1992 than would have been expected had Merseyside continued to follow the national crime trend.”
These results truly are incredible. It’s wonderful to see meditation have such a profound effect. To add to this thought, David Edwards, a Professor of Government at the University of Texas at Austin says:
“I think the claim can be plausibly made that the potential impact of this research exceeds that of any other ongoing social or psychological research program. It has survived a broader array of statistical tests than most research in the field of conflict resolution. This work and the theory that informs it the most serious consideration by academics and policy makers alike.”
Writer/retired prison chaplain collaborates with death row inmate on a children’s book for the times.
Almost everyone knows the story of Noah’s Ark, and how Noah saved two of every animal from the Great Flood. In How the Rainbow got its Stripes, Noah protects his pets, as well. To thank Noah for saving their lives, they look for rules to help everyone live in peace after the Flood.
Eventually, they find seven basic laws which form the basis for the seven colors and stripes of the rainbow.
The story was created by writer and retired chaplain Len Estrin, who previously visited several PA correctional facilities for the Aleph Institute, Northeast Region.
“Today’s society is torn by strife,” Estrin said. “My book emphases the values we have in common; rather than the opinions that drive us apart.”
Estrin could have picked any illustrator, why did he choose one on death row? “I asked several artists, but none worked out. An inmate suggested Kevin Marinelli to show how people with vastly different backgrounds could unite for a better world.”
Mr. Marinelli was convicted of a murder that occurred during a 1994 robbery. His sentence is currently under appeal. How the Rainbow Got its Stripes represents Marinelli’s first effort as an illustrator. (A self-taught artist, his drawing of former U.S. President Barack Obama accompanies this release.)
Says Mr. Marinelli, “The project was very rewarding and I feel a great sense of accomplishment. I’d love for some kid to see my illustrations and realize no matter where you are, no matter how far gone you feel you are, there’s always hope for a better life, to be a better person and to do something positive with yourself.”
Mr. Estrin echoes Mr. Marinelli’s opinion. “These seven laws can help hit the reset button on society by stressing the moral foundation we all have in common. Even the U.S. Congress has recognized their importance.”
In 1991, the 102nd Congress passed Joint Resolution 104 which declared “ethical values and principles have been the bedrock of society from the dawn of civilization, when they were known as the Seven Noahide Laws.”
According to Mr. Estrin, the laws of Noah apply to Jews and Gentiles alike, and should not interfere with personal religious practice. Rather, he claims, the laws enhance it. “The laws help people live peaceful and happy lives. For that reason, How the Rainbow Got its Stripes is a fable for our times.”
How the Rainbow Got its Stripes is available on Amazon.com
The mission is simple: change the world one tree at a time.
By subscribing and becoming a part of 8 Billion Trees’ global initiative, 8 Billion Trees will save 100 existing trees and plant at least 10 new trees per month on your behalf.
8 Billion Trees thinks it’s something to smile and feel good about. And so do the animals you’re helping to save.
We all know deforestation is destroying habitats, fueling climate change, and increasing pollution. But most people just don’t feel it’s possible to do anything to help.
Planting trees won’t solve all the world’s issues. But it’s something tangible that we CAN do that will make a BIG difference and start saving the lives of millions of endangered animals immediately.
8 Billion Trees is conserving 100 existing trees and planting 10 new trees for every item sold.
Follow the 8 Billion Trees team as it travels to the Amazon to fight deforestation where it matters most.
8 Billion Trees was founded with a simple idea: if people can destroy the Earth, they can also help to rebuild it.
Co-founders Michael Powell and Jon Chambers were inspired by groups like Ecosia and Trees for the Future, but saw the opportunity to do something even bigger: plant and save 8 billion trees.
Taking their passion for entrepreneurship and channeling it into a cause for greater good, 8 Billion Trees was born on November 10th, 2018.
At 8 Billion Trees, the goal is to become the most environmentally aware company on the planet. 8 Billion Trees doesn’t simply want to reduce the negative impacts of habitat destruction, deforestation and irresponsible forestry–it wants to use these issues as fuel to completely revitalize what it means to be environmentally friendly. By changing our environment and spreading awareness, it is hoping to make a global change.
It also hopes to serve as an example for other companies by proving that focusing on social and environmental responsibility just as much as profit is a sustainable business model.
Everything 8 Billion Trees does as a company is dedicated to furthering its environmental mission.
8 Billion Trees’ mission is really to restore the Earth and fight against the evils of deforestation. 8 Billion Trees is always striving to find new ways to revitalize and restore the environment. Ultimately, we are here to leave the world a better place than we found it, while inspiring others to do the same for an Earth of tomorrow that is greener and brighter for all.
By conserving existing trees and planting new trees we can help to save endangered animals.
By subscribing and becoming a member, you take a stand in the fight for a better, greener, more sustainable Earth.
Friends! Yinzers! Co-conspirators in Patriotic Magic! Fellow lovers of jazz and bellydance and burlesque and everything that makes life worth living!!!! I am happy to know you! I am happy that we are connected, even if it’s sometimes only through the digital ether we know of as the inter webs!
I don’t write enough. In this modern age, we who began our journey hitch hiking on the “information superhighway” are sometimes (maybe I am just speaking for myself here, but I doubt it) are sometimes overwhelmed with the immense connectivity of it all. Everything is a tweet of one hundred forty characters or less and has a sparkling animation and a hyperlink to somewhere else…. And I am guilty as anyone. I instagram. I tweet. I facebook. Sometimes I dream of myspace, Tribe and Friendster and simpler times… I even remember actually writing cards and letters. I also remember beepers and pay phones…. but lest we fall too much into nostalgia, I must say, I also love the new stuff. I love making music with people all over the world. I love writing something in one place and then emailing someone else in Los Angeles or Dublin and having them send me a track back. I love being able to load my music onto a small device and have the carefully and passionately composed tracks play out of speakers that I get to sing to, and I dream of the days when I can actually take when whole band with me….
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Phat Man Dee is a cosmic jazz cabaret vocalist, bandleader, events producer, videographer, poet and part time sideshow marvel. She regularly appears with both her jazz group “The Cultural District”, the sideshow burlesque group “Kabarett Vulgare” and in “The Lemington Gospel Chorale” directed by Pastor Deryck Tines. She performs live approximately 100 dates a year in nightclubs, theaters, educational facilities, private events and festivals. She has been voted in the Pittsburgh City Paper’s Readers’ Polls of 2010-2015 as one of the top 3 local jazz acts. Phat Man Dee’s passion for social justice is evidenced by the number of events she has performed for, and organized, to raise funds for and build awareness of important social issues like fighting racism, pursuing environmental justice and peace. In addition to her live performances, Mandee also teaches voice to young people through two musical programs, the We Rock Workshop, directed by Liz Berlin of Rusted Root and Creative Life Support, and the Afro American Music Institute, directed by Dr James Johnson and his wife Pamela Johnson, currently celebrating 33 years in existence.
Frank DeBlase of Rochester, NY’s City Paper had this to say about Mandee: “This woman is as zaftig as she is zany. It’s the perfect marriage of a beautiful voice and a twisted mind, kind of like Karen Black in a more cabaret setting. But it isn’t all high-brow low-jinx; Phat Man Dee has a set of powerful pipes behind her exquisite phrasing.”
Phat Man Dee is an old-fashioned jazz torch singer with a number of new twists. She sings & duets her original compositions and eclectic repertoire of standards in English, Spanish, French and sometimes German and Hebrew. Her performance range is just as wide, spanning opera, theater and burlesque. From blues to filk, from opera to indie, Mandee’s range is nothing short of breathtaking. Her CDs include “Life Just Goes On”, “Torch of Blue” and “Merry ChristmaChannaKwanzaa Vol 1.1” and “Hey Phat Chick! (Ya Got it Comin’ to You!)” During the summer of 2015, Phat Man Dee spent a glorious summer exploring the hither, the thither and the yon, in a massive 12 country, 15 city tour of Europe, shooting season one of the currently in post production, “Take it to the Bridge with Phat Man Dee”!
The Life Coaching Team of One World Blue
Coaches of One World Blue – Talent, Business, Life and Health
One Hour Coaching Session with one of our accomplished Coaches $145 per hour
Naftali Ziff Pirchesky
CEO and Founder of 1WorldBlue Media Network
Naftali has 30 years experience in energetic healing based on his spiritual journey. 30 years experience with Native American Flute healing and transcendence and 30 years practitioner of Natural Chi Movement.
What you will Receive with Your Music, Meditation and Healing Session with Naftali:
Learn Relaxation Techniques
Feel Refreshed and Rejuvenated
Assist with deep healing for physical, emotional and spiritual well being
(from Doug Allen, Exec. Producer of NFL’s entire Players Party):
“Last year, you damned up a pond in Louis Armstrong Park in New Orleans to make space for an extra 10,000; we didn’t think you could top that. We were wrong, this year you created a virtual city on a peninsula in San Diego. Averaging 60,000 people a day for four days, they were entertained for over 13 hours each day. Yes we provided the NFL Players, but you provided the “Super Bowl of Parties” indeed. Congratulations, we couldn’t have asked for more.”
— Doug is President, Players, Inc. and Asst. Director NFL Players Association (Former)
Brad is a seasoned in-house brand steward; team lead and client relations professional with hands-on experience creating strategies to deliver groundbreaking concepts that redefine how brands connect with customers and bring stories and experiences to life in unique and memorable ways.
Brad knows what it takes to build and inspire teams to deliver exceptional results having managed all aspects of hundreds of creative projects. Whether you’re a Fortune 500 company, global agency, or entertainment brand Brad can create an experience that delivers results while staying within budget. His portfolio includes work for clients including HBO, George Lucas’ Industrial Light & Magic, VH1, AT&T/Warner and the USA Network/SyFy Channel.
Tempa Lama’s warm compassion and wisdom has helped many individuals on their chosen path. He is a man of deep insight and understanding as well as also someone with a wonderful sense of joy and humor to accept all of life’s moments and challenges. He is loved by many and brings love to those he meets.
Producer and Advisory Consultant for the A&E, Architecture & Design, and Music & Mining Industries, with emphasis on Sustainability, Ira helps fulfill an array of Companies’ organizational and team goals. He enjoys teaching, troubleshooting and guiding clients to achieving Excellence through a balance of management, tech and lifestyle choices.
An accomplished liaison, Caplan’s acumen for syncing artists, producers, and Fortune 500 execs, green and team building.
Nicole Jansen is a Certified Human Behavior Specialist, Business Breakthrough Coach, Strategic Intervention Coach, and Master Facilitator, Nicole Jansen has developed her own special brand of transformational coaching and mentorship, which focuses on tapping into your strengths and true purpose, integrating business and life mastery principles for lasting success. She has coached and trained leaders, helping them achieve extraordinary results in business and in life.
Jim brings an unusual blend to the world of coaching, with classic education from Carnegie-Mellon University school of business, chaplaincy training, life, relationship and empowerment coach training. His 20+ years of teaching spiritual counseling, business and non-profit organizational experience combine with his business acumen (natural counselor’s gift of serving others, Jim is a natural coach. He began with Refuah Coaching Institute of Jerusalem, then the Coaching Institute, and finally with iPEC (Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching), where he became an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner and Certified Professional Coach.
Today, Jim thrives assisting his clients to greater personal freedom and joy, more successful and fulfilled lives. He especially helps busy service professions and entrepreneurs reduce stress and achieve more personal, professional and communal happiness and success.
Jenny helps purpose-driven professionals striving to to live up to their true potential to optimize their health and boost immunity. She works to restore and revitalize their physical, mental, and emotional well being throughout the process. Once they’re in a space of balance, it allows them to show up with vitality, focus, and presence in all aspects of their lives.
With a background as a clinical herbalist and a health and nutrition coach, Jenny designed a system to guide people through the process of healing from within called The Gut Check Method: Heal the Gut, Optimize Your Health.
To Learn more about our coaching through One World Blue reach us at info@oneworldblue.com
Mr. Roger Humphries – Jazz Legend – Pittsburgh
Interview and article written by Gedaliah Aronson – Journalist for One World Blue
Roger Humphries is a living jazz legend. He is the bearer of the torch of the music, and a long-standing pillar of Pittsburgh’s illustrious and continuous contribution to America’s art form.
“People have all kinds of ideas about what others should do or not do with their lives. You can do whatever you wanna do in life; you just gotta go for it. Often, this takes the strength of the mind not to be discouraged by other people’s opinions.”
– Roger Humphries
Roger grew up in a large and extremely musical family. At the age of 3-1/2, his family already recognized his talent and aptitude for the drums. Roger’s uncle Frank Humphries, a multi-instrumentalist and veteran jazz recording artist, was undoubtedly a significant influence on Roger.
At the age of just 4-1/2, Roger sat in with the Tab Smith Big Band, who Frank Humphries was working with at the time. Roger was encouraged by his older brothers to hone his craft and harness his gift.
By the age of 14, Roger was playing professionally, and at just 16 years old, he led his own band at Carnegie Music Hall in Pittsburgh. His drumming was strongly recognized by his elders, who kept a close and exciting eye on his development.
At 16 as well, Roger had already met and sat in with two of his biggest influences, and two of the most celebrated drummers in jazz history, Max Roach and Art Blakey.
“My early concept of what my sound would be was to combine the elements that I loved of three of my biggest drumming influences, Max Roach, Buddy Rich, and Art Blakey. I’ve had a love of music for as long as I can remember, and I listen to and learn from everything.”
In 1962 at the age of 18, Roger was recruited by the great Tenor Saxophonist and fellow Pittsburgh native, Stanley Turrentine. Turrentine was married to organist Shirley Scott, and it was in this context that Roger joined their group.
From there, in 1964, Roger went to New York to audition for the legendary Horace Silver and landed the job with Horace’s quintet. Also auditioning for Silver at that time was another drummer who would also rise to international acclaim, Billy Cobham. Cobham would go on to play with Miles Davis and was later recruited by another Davis disciple, John McLaughlin, for his new fusion concept called The Mahavishnu Orchestra.
“Horace heard in me the sound he was looking for at that time. It’s not important to be preoccupied with being “the best in the world,” which is a very subjective thing. I was given a gift, and I honed my craft, and I’m extremely grateful for the blessing of music.”
While with Silver, Roger toured Europe twice and appeared at the Monterey Jazz Festival. There, Humphries was interviewed by renowned jazz writer Leonard Feather. A summary of that interview is included in the Encyclopedia of Jazz in the Sixties.
Roger recorded three albums while working with Horace Silver. They were “Song For My Father,” “Cape Verdean Blues,” and “Jody Grind.” The Song For My Father Album is one of the most legendary of our time, still being played by most jazz radio station as a popular hit. His tenure with the great Horace Silver lasted a little over three years from 1964 through 1967.
During the recording of these albums, he played with such giants as Joe Henderson, James Spalding, and Tyrone Washington (saxophone), Teddy Smith, and Larry Ridley (bass), Woody Shaw, and Carmell Jones (trumpeters) and J.J. Johnson (trombone).
In 1965, Roger recorded with the great trumpeter Carmell Jones, for the album called “Jay Hawk Talk.” He has also recorded with such artists as Geri Alan, Herbie Mann/Phil Woods, Richard Groove Holmes, Kenny Blake, Frank Cunimondo, Dwayne Dolphin, and Nancy Wilson (2004 Christmas CD.) He also appeared on Oprah Winfrey and Bryant Gumbel’s TV show with Nancy Wilson.
Roger is widely considered as one of the most exciting percussionists in the business. He has provided the rhythmic beat for such greats as: Ray Charles, Horace Silver, Richard “Groove” Holmes, Stanley Turrentine, James Moody, Lee Morgan, Dr. Billy Taylor, Benny Green, Lionel Hampton, Coleman Hawkins, Clark Terry, J.J. Johnson, Dizzy Gillespie, George Benson, Jon Faddis, Slide Hampton, Randy Brecker, Joe Williams, Milton Jackson, Jimmy Smith, Jimmy Witherspoon, Nathan Davis, Pete Henderson, Don Patterson, Gene Harris, Grant Green, George Harris, Freddie Hubbard, Bill Doggett, Jack McDuff, and a long list of great musicians that seems endless.
After playing with various groups around the country, ace drummer Roger Humphries decided to organize his own group. in 1972 he formed RH Factor and in 1996 he assembled Roger Humphries’ Big Band. Roger gives special thanks to Dr. Harry Clark, principal of The Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) who has allowed him to have such a beautiful experience teaching the kids at the school.
The late Dr. Nathan Davis also gave Roger an opportunity to teach and share with the students at the University of Pittsburgh. Roger has influenced the careers of a number of his students and musicians also through participation in a number of clinics such as the, Slippery Rock University Summer Jazz workshop, Mellon Jazz Masters Class and Concerts and the teaching goes on especially on the stage.
Roger Humphries continues to be a beacon of light in the world of music, and education. He is not only one of the most celebrated drummers in jazz history till today, he is a tower of strength, inspiration, generosity, and kindness to all who know him and know of him.
May the Almighty bless Roger with great health, happiness, strength, long life and endless music. If you are a music fan, make your way to Pittsburgh and catch Roger wherever and whenever you can.
Sound Healing Session with Joel Nuftali Ziff Pirchesky – a Modern Day Global Shaman
45 Minute Healing Session with accomplished Sound and Energy Healer Joel Nuftali Ziff Pirchesky – a Modern Day Global Shaman
Joel has 25 years experience in energetic healing based on his spiritual journey.
20 years experience with Native American Flute healing and transcendence
25 years practitioner of Natural Chi Movement
What you will Receive with Your Session with Joel:
Learn Relaxation Techniques
Feel Refreshed and Rejuvenated
Assist with deep healing for physical, emotional and spiritual well being
Chris Bellamy/Silver Buckle Records Artist/Chris Bellamy Publishing/Chris Bellamy Music. Chris Bellamy…Performing Artist, Songwriter, Recording Producer, Master Guitar Player, Studio Engineer, Music Career Consultant and Owner at Chris Bellamy Publishing. Chris is a signed Artist at Silver Buckle Records in Fort Worth, Texas. That’s a lot of hats to wear!
Add to that, one hundred and fifty plus dates a year, where he is playing live gigs which he books himself! Mostly, his shows are in the Southeastern United States in places where folks like to hang out! “South Florida and the Florida Keys, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and in his home state, North Carolina.” It is here in these places that you can find Chris Bellamy doing what he does best. Having fun, loving what he’s doing and bringing smiles to the people’s faces that he performs for!
Chris Bellamy gets substantial radio play on Country, Jazz, the newly emerging Trop-rock radio genre as well as Live music NPR broadcast and Bluegrass stations.
Michelle Kaye is a multi-award winning recording artist, keyboardist, percussionist, film composer and singer/songwriter from Saint Paul, Minnesota. She has written music for film, radio, meditations, fashion shows, the dance floor and more.
The Akademia, out of Los Angeles, California, awarded her with ‘Best Pop/Dance Song’ in July 2015, for her song ‘Don’t Disappear.’ “Michelle Kaye’s earnest dance floor oracularity is just the thing for a life-changing night out on the town – listen to her and be healed.” – The Akademia. They also awarded her ‘Best Christian Ballad’ for her moving song, “A Prayer Away” in 2016.
Michelle connects heart and mind to create songs that evoke emotion.
“One World, One Light”
by Michelle Kaye for One World Blue
“Peace”
Music and Vocals by Michelle Kaye with surround vocals by Divincemoore – lyrics by Joel Pirchesky, founder of One World Blue Media
“I compose music in many genres. I have written public service announcement music, written film scores, released 7 solo CDs, I can write in many genres, including but not limited to: dance, pop, new age, classical, meditational, electronic, funk and trance. In 2015 I won 2 awards from a company based in California, called ‘The Akademia.” I write custom music to suit your needs.”
From an interview featured on Marquix Global Network with Independent reporter Blake Wright
BLAKE: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
MICHELLE: ‘Don’t Disappear’ is about a time in my life when I actually ‘disappeared’ from life. I had given up on my music career, was distant with friends and family, and didn’t really know what I wanted out of life. Then I got diagnosed with type 1A breast cancer and went through the treatment alone. It was a hard time in my life.
Well, I eventually got better and re-invented myself and decided to keep the faith that everything was going to be okay. I decided to let go of the fear and get out into the world. Writing this song was empowering; to be able to express what I was going through helped in the healing process as well. My wish is that other people out there struggling will feel the hope in the song too.
BLAKE: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
MICHELLE: Yes, definitely. My mother, Kaye, passed away in 2004. Before that year, I literally had not been playing my piano for the last twelve years. I decided to purchase a digital piano and started to play again. It was like therapy! All of a sudden I was creating original music out of nowhere! Losing my mom was the hardest thing I ever had to go through. I still miss her terribly, and she never knew I started to make music as my career. She was a beautiful, loving soul whom I get inspiration from on a daily basis.
BLAKE: How would you characterize yourself as a musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving…)
MICHELLE: I think we as artists are very diverse, and it’s hard to categorize ourselves as one characteristic. I create my music from whatever mood I’m in when I go to my keyboard. So, I would characterize myself as many things: happy, positive, down-to-earth, serious—so does that make me complicated? I hope not! I think I’m more eclectic. I don’t follow trends with my wardrobe, I don’t follow trends with my songwriting and I feel comfortable going against the grain.
_____________________________________________
BLAKE: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
MICHELLE: Three generations of women have played piano in my family: my grandmother, my mother, and myself. I was classically trained from age 5, whereas my grandmother played by ear. I picked up on that as well—must be the genes! I’m also a percussionist, and two of my aunts played drums, as well as my mom, so, yes – it runs in the family! I feel very blessed to have been introduced to music at such a young age. My sister played the tenor saxophone in high school and was quite good!
Michelle Kaye’s brother, on the other hand, she says was more of an artist rather than a musician and that he had a great eye for graphic design.
A place “Where Hope Starts, and the Community Gathers to Share”. TOH serves meals 5:30–7p.m., Monday-Friday at no cost to the Morris County area.
MOBILE FOOD PANTRY
A generous donor contributed a school bus that was wrapped with our logos and signage. Our Mobile Food Pantry distributes food throughout Morris County.
For updated information on our food distribution please view our Facebook page.
Joe Rieland is devoted to getting the maximum value of what others no longer use. His profession involves recovering donated organs and tissues for transplantation. “I prepare the operating room, assist surgeons, and help assign the recovered organs to waiting patients.” It’s intense, time-critical, and emotionally draining work. For that reason, Joe needed a way to relax. Little did he know, however, that his professional commitment would lead to a similar, yet decidedly different, pastime!
“Several years ago, I wanted tables for my apartment.” He looked on-line and liked designs that had an industrial feel. “I can do that!” he thought. After completing his first creation, he was hooked. “I went from one to two, and over the last four years, I’ve made over 20 tables.”
Joe Rieland’s one-of-a-kind pieces are available on-line at www.Redefinedandco.com. Joe calls his approach “repurposing,” and, in many ways, it mirrors his work for one of 58 Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) in the U.S. “Most people are not aware of it, but over 16,000 transplants were performed last year. Yet over 74,000 patients are actively waiting for organ donations. For example, I know of a 40 year old mother of two children who suffers from Polycystic Kidney Disease. Her husband donated his kidney, but it was rejected. Today, she receives dialysis three times a week, and needs a live donor with A+ or O blood. She is just one person and there are so many more.”
Joe first became involved in organ donation while working as a paramedic and Anesthesia Technician. “I was offered a part time job and then it turned into career. I get a rush of adrenalin realizing that people are living as a result of what I do.” However when he went home at the end of the day, he found it hard to unwind. “I needed a way to take my mind off work; something to act as my personal therapy. Redefined and Company has provided it.”
His passion takes him to scrap yards, salvage and recycling operators, and barn sales. “Every piece is a reclaimed and reused artifact from an industry or historic event.” To date, he’s made tables out of wood from the 1933-34 Chicago World’s Fair, the Kenosha Chrysler Automotive Plant, and barn in rural Wisconsin. The result has a beauty that only time can give. “My furniture has been called a kind of functional art,” he notes.
In addition to tables of all sorts, shapes and sizes, Joe Rieland refurbishes vintage era signs (“Used Trucks, EAT, CAFE, CABINS, GARAGE”). He restores barber poles, lighted directional arrows, neon advertising, and antique farm items. He’ll also work with clients who have their own supplies. “I love making their dreams come to life,” but quickly adds, “If they are in too rough shape, it might not come out the way they expected. But I will do my best.”
Producing a table can take anywhere from a week to eight weeks, depending upon its design, materials, and the finish. This finish is especially important. “I let each layer of finish dry for 24-48 hours between reapplication to insure good coverage. If it doesn’t look good, I won’t hesitate to start all over.”
Redefined and Company’s clients range from college grads furnishing their first apartment to retirees to people who collect vintage and/or industrial art. While the clients may be different, they all have one thing in common. “When people choose something from Redefined and Company, they get a unique conversation piece they will proudly own for years.”
If you are interested in a particular piece or a project, contact Joe at Redefined and Company.
1-414-248-6849
7760 S 6th St,
Oak Creek, WI 53154
If you are interested in saving a life by helping fill the need for transplants, contact the live donor transplantation program at your nearest hospital or your nearest Organ Procurement Organization.
I am a true example of “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Growing up I always helped my Mom with art projects or some sort of creative endeavor. I recall being a young kid and hanging out with my Dad at his cabinet shop where I just wanted to tinker and build things. Because of that, working with my hands is in my blood. From pinewood derby cars to eventually shop class and then being in wood working competitions (not winning…); I was always drawn to some kind of project.
As I grew older and began my career, I felt as though something was missing. Many people call my work functional art, similar to what I do at work. I assist in the recovery of organs for transplant from deceased organ donors. Part of which is finding a new recipient for these organs. The commonality is evident in my tables; I am taking something that is no longer sufficient for what it was intended for and making it into something that can be used again. Having a creative outlet is what was missing. I needed a way and reason to get my hands dirty, and something to act as my own personal “Therapy.” After successfully producing my first re-purposed table, I was hooked!
My tables begin with a cast iron base; each is unique from its original purpose. They become the foundation and are paired with wood from the 1933-34 Chicago World’s Fair, the Kenosha Chrysler Automotive Plant or a barn in rural Wisconsin. Every piece is unique in its own way; it is not perfect, it has dents, dings, rust and beauty that only time can give.
During the Holocaust more than 12,000 Jews were gassed every day in Auschwitz’s gas chambers. Amongst them were the wife and 11 children of Rabbi Yekutiel Yehuda Halberstam, scion of the famous Sanz Chassidic Rabbinic Dynasty.
In June 1944, 10,000 inmates, including the 39 year old Rabbi Halberstam, were transferred from their camp to Warsaw. There they were ordered to dismantle what was left of the burned out buildings of the Warsaw Ghetto and load the debris on to waiting trucks that would take them to Germany.
By the end of July, the 2,000 inmates who had survived the Nazi brutality were ordered on a march to the infamous Dachau Death Camp in the German heartland. The tormented frail inmates were forced to walk 20 kilometers a day under the torturous August sun. Those who could not maintain the pace were instantly shot by the drawn rifles of the bloodthirsty S.S. Guards.
Rabbi Halberstam was shot in the shoulder and a lost considerable amount of blood, but seeking medical help was out of the question. As he was losing his strength he made a vow to the Almighty G-d: “If I merit to survive I will garner all my energies to build a hospital in the Holy Land where every human being will receive the same dedicated medical care irrespective of nationality or creed.” He at the same time noticed a tree with luscious green leaves along the road within reach of the marching inmates. The Rabbi tore off a large leaf and with his last ounce of strength managed to place it on his wound. The bleeding stopped and the Rabbi survived.
Yom Kippur 1945
Upon conducting his first inspection of the Displaced Persons Camps in the U.S. Zone of occupied Germany, General Dwight D. Eisenhower stumbled upon the makeshift Synagogue in Feldanfing (near Munich) where survivors were assembled for Yom Kippur services. General Eisenhower was greeted by Rabbi Halberstam, who represented the thousands of survivors. Eisenhower inquired about the conditions in the D.P. Camps, wanting to hear the concerns of the survivors. So impressed was the General by the intelligence, selflessness and strength of spirit of this physically destitute Rabbi that he decided to ask him for a personal blessing. The Klausenberger Rebbe helped Jews rebuild their lives after the Holocaust. My grandmother’s cousin Rabbi Aharon Yehudah Wilner had the privilege of being the head of the American Klausenberger Yeshiva a yeshiva being an advanced studies religious school. In this way he helped the Rebbe rebuild and strengthen Jewish religious life in the United States. But the Rebbe was also involved in helping Jews come to Israel.
November 1954
When the Sinai Campaign War between Israel and Egypt– provoked by Egypt’s blockade of the Port of Eilat – was launched, the dynamic Chassidic community of Kiryat Sanz in northern Netanya in Israel was already well established. The first multiple dwellings were already standing and inhabited. Construction of a flourishing diamond factory built by one of New York’s leading diamond merchants was progressing rapidly. A brick factory to produce building blocks necessary for the ongoing construction was established. Educational facilities for children and a Community Center for adults were built.
Fulfilling His Vow
Realizing that the fast-growing City of Netanya was still without a hospital, Rabbi Halberstam resolved that the time had now come to uphold the vow he made during the fateful march from Warsaw to Dachau in August 1944. He dedicated a prime plot of land on the northern edge of Kiryat Sanz, commissioned architectural plans and in 1958 the cornerstone was laid for a modern general hospital. The hospital would include all basic medical departments and ancillary services required for a municipal hospital.
Recognizing that no source of continuous funding was available for the project’s construction Rabbi Halberstam decided to build the hospital “brick by brick” depending on the availability of funds that he would be able to raise. Consequently, construction of the hospital building progressed at a very slow pace. Nevertheless, the Rabbi was determined to proceed with this vital project despite the difficulties. After years of determined effort and overcoming insurmountable hardships, the hospital was opened on June 21, 1976.
Since opening its doors in 1976, Laniado Hospital – Sanz Medical Center has emerged as a modern and highly advanced medical center with expertise in almost all major medical disciplines. Its modern 430 bed comprehensive health care facility is the only hospital serving Netanya’s 350,000 residents as well as the rapidly growing city’s surrounding towns and villages. Laniado is recognized throughout the country for its quality medical care, often attracting patients from around the country.
Following the creed of its founder, Rabbi Halberstam, Laniado Hospital ministers to all people, Jew and Arab, rich or poor alike. Its physicians and nurses all subscribe to a set of principles that place the dignity of all patients first. Laniado Hospital’s medical staff personifies the maxim of selfless dedication to patient, and every patient benefits from some of the world’s most advanced medical technology regardless of age or ability to pay. The medical and nursing staff have never left their patients, it is the only hospital in Israel whose devoted staff have never participated in the many recurring strikes affecting the Israeli health system.
As the only medical facility in Netanya, Laniado maintains a huge ambulatory care program in general medicine, pediatrics and women’s health. Besides the hospital’s impeccable medical/surgical departments and units, diagnostic, therapeutic, and research facilities, the growing Laniado Medical Complex includes a three story Geriatric and Rehabilitation Center, an award-winning School of Nursing, a state-of the art Children’s Hospital, and an all-inclusive Diabetes Center.
At a Benefit Reception for Sanz Medical Center/Laniado Hospital, Ambassador Maxwell Rabb, Cabinet Secretary and close confidant of President Eisenhower, revealed that Eisenhower had mentioned to him on several occasions the blessing he had received from a Jewish Rabbi in the D.P. after the end of the war. The President recalled the Rabbi’s assurance, “that in merit of his leading role in liberating the Jewish People from the most evil power in the history of mankind, the Almighty will bless him to ascend to the highest leadership position in the Free World”.
Laniado needs your support. Dovy Asper (Author of Post) gave them $18 and got a nice thank you telling him of the great healing help they give. If you give, the Rebbe, Dovy believes will certainly be giving a good word for you in his eternal home above. He is no longer alive but his vision, caring and good deeds live on. You can contribute by clicking on http://www.laniadohospital.org/donate/
Setting Entertainment
EVENT PRODUCTION-EVENT CONSULTING ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL
S.E. is committed to assist in maximizing your ROI
Our long term partner relationships allow us to negotiate on your behalf to minimize costs and maximize value. We understand the impact of each piece of the event puzzle and can assist in determining if the spend is worth the value and impact, and offer alternative solutions when necessary.
Innovation
We are committed to staying ahead of the competition, learning new techniques and coming up with fresh and inventive ideas to create a unique experience for you and your guests every opportunity.
Audience Engagement
We believe the key to an effective event is not just the event itself, but the levels of audience engagement and their event experiences.
Technology Social
Setting Entertainment fully embraces technology and social media as a means of enhancing the overall experience which can be an extremely effective tool to increasing engagement among guests.
Company Philosophy
Clearly understanding the goals of our clients for their guests.
It is crucial to be good listener taking in a lot of ideas and input and executing with confidence.
Having a clear vision
Vision is seeing the big picture and making sure the sum total of all the event pieces add to what our clients expect
Being flexible
In a world of shrinking budgets and shortened lead times, we believe it is imperative to be flexible, ready to move quickly but efficiently and be prepared for change at any moment
Being passionate
SE is passionate, dedicated, and experienced in assisting and bringing our clients visions to life
LaVerne Baker Hotep, is founder of Verna Darnel, Intl., a consultancy specializing in numerological forecasting and analysis. She is also a member of the UK-based Internationales Numerolgues. Finally, as a family development specialist for the Allegheny County Family Support Center, LaVerne utilizes her many talents, as well as her social and historical trauma training as a tools to empower families in Pittsburgh, Liberia and the Sudan.
I’m LaVerne Baker Hotep, Numerology Practitioner, human potential specialist and founder of Verna Darnel International, a consultancy specializing in helping women and girls recognize their innate abilities, expand their creative potential, and align with their personal and universal soul purpose through Numerology. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, community educator and peace advocate. And among my many other endeavors, also a performing artist, radio talk show producer and host.
I have used numerology to guide my decisions in every aspect of my life and I have helped empower hundreds of clients by revealing the meanings of names, dates and cycles. I have found it to be a powerful self-help tool, affirming our own inner whispers of wisdom. My unique approach combines Numerology and Intuition to create a profound synthesis of both ancient and spiritual sciences, providing insightful and inspiring consultations.
“Understanding of the language of numbers can provide insight into any person, place or thing in the Universe.”
An ancient technology that uses numbers to map the soul’s purpose and show the way to a fulfilling life
Numerology is an ancient technology that uses numbers to map the soul’s purpose and show the way to a fulfilling life. Numerology uses a person’s name and birthdate to form a profile. The letters are converted to numbers. The numbers represent a blueprint of the divine plan that was created before we were born. That plan indicates the natural talents, skill and abilities we possess and reveals what we will learn and what we may experience during our lifetime. Primarily a self-help tool, numerology provides a way to gain greater awareness and understanding into our inner being and true nature. Having a greater insight into our strengths and weaknesses will help us in every aspect of our lives.
Consultations
A numerology profile is a personalized aid to help you appreciate and plan your life from a place of deeper understanding. It will give you information about yourself and your destiny that can help you realize your full potential and get the most out of life.
“I am grateful for the insight provided in a reading by LaVerne Baker Hotep, master numerologist that adds depth and color to areas of my past and present life. This ancient, often overlooked Science, Numerology, highly valuable yet unknown to far too many people who could certainly use it, can lead to a greater sense of direction in one’s appreciation of existence and activity in the world.”
– Alice Walker, author of “the color purple”
“Your presentation was well-received. Thanks to you, our audience learned how this ancient science can be used as a tool to better understand the themes and patterns of life.
– Helen M. Palascak, Director, Upper St. Clair Library
“I thought the class was so interesting. I learned so much about myself through numerology. LaVerne is so knowledgeable; I want to learn more about the subject! Excellent class. I have learned so much about myself. You are so helpful!”
Student from class at Carnegie Mellon University
“My reading not only confirmed what I knew to be my natural talents and purpose in life, but gave me a level of comfort in pursuing my true calling.”
– Kesi, Pittsburgh, PA
Gutman’s Story Goes to Hollywood
Ynet News did a video of Gutman Locks spiritual journey.
“The footage they found to illustrate the story is outrageous. It is always embarrassing to see what I had to go though to get here, but the lives the video will help far outweigh the embarrassment…at least that’s what they keep telling me.”
HAVE YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE PRAYED FOR AT THE TOMB OF KING DAVID
PSALMS OF DAVID ARE RECITED 24 Hours a Day 7 Days a Week
Dear Friend!
Mosdos Kever Dovid HaMelech (The King David’s Tomb Institutions) is a new nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about this holy site and to following in the footsteps of Dovid HaMelech by engaging in prayer and Torah learning to help the Jewish people and bring the final Geula closer.
Where is King David’s Tomb?
King David’s Tomb is a site on Mount Zion, by the Old City of Jerusalem, considered to be the burial place of the biblical king. It is a symbol of prayer and yearning that has become somewhat neglected by visitors since 1967 when Jews were once again able to pray at the Kotel – the Western Wall. Also buried there are King Shlomo, King Chizkiyahu and other biblical kings, as recorded in the Navi (Books of Prophets).
Who was King David?
King David is a central figure of the biblical narrative, a former shepherd who became not only a king and great army general, but also wrote the book of Tehillim (Psalms), established Jerusalem as the capital city of Israel, and purchased the land on which his son built the first Beis HaMikdash (Temple). His name is synonymous with leadership and prayer, courage and conviction, piety and song.
The Importance of this Holy Site
The site of King David’s Tomb, also known as Zion, is the source of blessings and salvation for the Jewish people. “R’Levy says, “All the blessings and the comforts and the favors that Hashem gives to Yisroel, they all come from Zion.” Children – as it says, “May Hashem bless you from Zion…and live to see your children’s children.” (Tehillim 128:5-6). Life – as it says, “Like the dew … that falls upon the mountains of Zion. There the LORD ordained blessing, everlasting life.” (Tehillim 133:3). Livelihood – as it says, “For Hashem has chosen Zion … I will amply bless its store of food, give its needy their fill of bread.” (Tehillim 132:13-15). Blessing – as it says, “May Hashem bless you from Zion.” (Tehillim 128:5). Salvation – as it says, “O that the deliverance of Israel might come from Zion!” (Tehillim 14:7). Torah – as it says, “For the Torah shall come forth from Zion.” (Isaiah 2:3). – Vayikrah Rabbah
שהיה בעת מלוך מלך בישראל שהיו נותנים מס למלך, והיו המלכים מגנים עליהם מכל צר ומשפיעים עליהם כל ההשפעות הטובות,
גם עתה שיתנו מס למלכים, שהם דוד המלך ושלמה המלך ע”ה שהם בבחינת “דוד מלך ישראל חי וקיים”, מלכים חיים וקיימים,
ואמר שאת המס יתנו לציון דוד המלך ושלמה המלך ע”ה כל אחד אלפיים דאלער [2000 $], כדי לקיים “האלף לך שלמה” ועוד אלף לדוד המלך [בבחינת “אאלפך חכמה ואאלפך בינה”]
שזהו המס שנקצב לישועות למעלה מדרך הטבע. ומי שאין ביכולתו ליתן סכום זה בבת אחת יתנו בתשלומים [לשון קדשו מצורף למטה]
Our Mission
Our mission is to strengthen the Jewish presence at the historic site of King David’s Tomb while using the Psalms and teachings of Dovid HaMelech to strengthen Jewish identity. We aim to inspire others and through the merits of King David and King Solomon, his son, we should witness the redemption and the building of the third Beis HaMikdash (Temple).
Our Guiding Principle
Mosdos Dovid HaMelech was established in order to raise awareness to wake up Am Yisrael and connect them to the yearning for the Beis HaMikdash. “Rabbi Shimon ben Menasiyah said, “Yisroel will not see the signs of eternal redemption until they return and ask for three things: the Kingdom of Heaven, the Kingdom of the House of Dovid, the Beis Hamikdash.”” – Yalkut Shimoni
Our Activities
Mosdos Kever Dovid HaMelech has taken it upon ourselves that the site of King David’s Tomb should always be filled with prayer and Torah learning, a place where Jews can flock to connect to Hashem through prayer, Tehillim, introspection and inspiration, following in the footsteps if Dovid HaMelech. “King David would pray for all matters that the Jewish people need until the coming of the Messiah – for the sick to heal, for the healthy to not become ill, for their livelihood to be blessed and for all harsh decrees to be canceled. ” – Rabbi Klonymous Kalman Epstein (Meor VaShemesh)
• Regular Prayers – At this holy site, we ensure that there are prayers three times a day, including Shabbos and yom tov.
• Refreshments and Meals – Mosdos Dovid HaMelech hosts a shalosh-seudas meal every Shabbos afternoon that is open to everyone. We have a Kiddush after davening on Shabbos and yom tov mornings with cakes, herring and drinks. Three times a year, on Shavuos, Purim and Hoshana Rabba, Mosdos Dovid HaMelech hosts a festive meal at Kever David HaMelech. We also offer refreshments for people who visit the site on Rosh Chodesh, late at night and after fast days.
• Prayer and Psalms – Tehillim (Psalms), daily prayers and Torah study take place at King David’s Tomb every day. Often, people approach us to pray on their behalf. To strengthen their prayers, they give tzedakah (charity) which we distribute to the poor and needy.
• Kollel Chatzot (The Midnight Gathering) – There is great spiritual power in the middle of the night. Scholars and rabbis meet at Kever Dovid HaMelech each night around midnight to study Torah and pray, thus bringing light into the world at the time of the greatest darkness.
• Torah Learning – Groups of people meet daily at Kever Dovid HaMelech to learn Torah. This strengthens the place because it is always filled with words of Torah, Tehillim and tefillos for Am Yisrael.
• Mishmeres Tehillim and the Holy Zohar – There are eight groups of people who recite Tehillim (Psalms) in rotation at Kever Dovid HaMelech every day, thus ensuring that there is never a moment where these holy prayers, written by King David himself, are silent at this site. Every three hours the groups rotate. At present, due to inadequate funding, the groups number just three people each. With your help we can appoint more people to each group and ensure that there is never a pause in the prayers.
• Future Plans – These include regular transportation to the site of King David’s Tomb and increasing the accessibility to the Tomb itself to enable more people to visit this holy site.
אפשר לתרום דרך עמדות נדרים פלוס /קהילות על שם מוסדות קבר דוד המלך
לינק לתרומה דרך קהילות – נדרים פלוס
העברה בנקאית: בנק פאג”י סניף 177 מס’ חשבון 152854 ע”ש “מוסדות קבר דוד המלך”
בברכה
מוסדות קבר דוד המלך
טל’ 02-644-18-18
בברכה
מוסדות קבר דוד המלך
טל’ 02-644-18-18
How can you be a part of bringing the Geula closer?
Firstly, you are invited to join us. To visit Kever Dovid Hamelech to daven, say Tehillim, learn Torah and join our activities. For those who cannot physically come to the site, we offer a service where we will pray for you act as your messenger to beseech Hashem for all your desires, in the merit of Dovid HaMelech. Most importantly, we invite you to join us as a partner. By sponsoring prayer sessions, Torah learning or refreshments at Kever Dovid Hamelech, you ensure that the merit of these activities is counted in your name. All our activities are covered by donations from private individuals who wish to be part of the spiritual power found in this special place. Please join us with a tax deductible donation of $xx,xxx and in your merit we will all be worthy of greeting Moshiach and witnessing the rebuilding of the Beis HaMikdash speedily and in our days.
Please help us to increase our current activities and strengthen all of our prayers. We are all waiting for the geula. The world needs mercy from shamayim, and yeshuos from Hashem. There is no better way to storm the heavens. This is the place to ask Hashem for salvation, mercy and geula.
We thank you for your consideration and look forward to welcoming you to Kever Dovid HaMelech.
“The body has the ability and innate desire to heal itself.”
-Dr. Cheng “Charlie” Yang
The Chinese Acupuncture & Herbs Center has proudly served the Pittsburgh community since 2001, delivering professional, friendly, and holistic care. The husband and wife team of Cheng “Charley” Yang, L.Ac., and Xuan “Maggie” Liu, L.Ac., have been treating patients with an extensive range of acute and chronic conditions, from pain management to weight control. They have used their extensive training from China in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help individuals of all ages to overcome injury and imbalances, allowing clients to reach and restore optimum health.
“I find it very important to stress that Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine have both a 2,000-year-old documented history, as well as extensive and numerous peer-reviewed studies in the modern scientific community. Acupuncture has made its way into the American “mainstream” of medicine, which has already been gaining great momentum toward a more holistic approach to healing in general.“
In addition to acupuncture, the center employs other medical and health-enhancing treatments, including electric stimulator, Chinese herb treatment, infrared therapy light , and cupping. Each session is individually tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs.
“In Traditional Chinese Medicine in general, and in acupuncture specifically, we focus on the flow of Qi, the vital energy that flows through the body, enlivening and allowing the organs to interact with each other as a team. The body has the ability and innate desire to heal itself. We can see this quite readily in everyday life, such as when a cut in the skin develops a scab. The human body has a very advanced and complex immune system, as well as many mechanisms to help us deal with pain and so many other ailments. Acupuncture aims to unblock and rebalance the natural flow of energy (Qi) in the body that may have been interrupted by a multitude of potential causes.“
“Some clients have certainly asked me before if the relief and positive results they experience from the acupuncture is “all in their own heads?” I always try to point out that the well-known idea of a “placebo effect” is something that is built into all approaches in medicine. Mindset, when it comes to healing, is crucial. Certainly, anything could all be “in our own heads,” and placebo has a valid basis in medicine, and it is part of any healing process. The positive feeling one has toward their healing is part and parcel of that process.“
Practitioners of TCM treat the whole person, not just the disease. Through the stimulation of well-defined acupuncture points using fine, sterile, and disposable needles, the practitioner opens energy pathways to correct imbalances and blockages that can cause disease or pain. Acupuncture can stop the transmission of pain signals to the brain and increase circulation in the problem area, promoting tissue regeneration.
It also stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers. Herbal formulas used in TCM enhance and support acupuncture treatment. Specific combinations of herbs contain active, complementary alkaloids and other components that work synergistically to ignite positive changes in the body. They correct imbalances, target illnesses, and harmonize and integrate bodily systems.
Conditions Treated
GENERAL HEALTH
Pain (Back/Neck/Shoulder)
Stroke Recovery Therapy
Stress/Depression
Headaches/Migraine
Arthritis/Joint Pain
Allergies/Asthma
Insomnia
Carpal Tunnel
Fatigue
Constipation/Diarrhea
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
WOMEN’S HEALTH
Infertility
Menopause
Irregular Cycles
PMS
Postpartum
Pre-conception
Labor Induction
Morning Sickness
Breech Presentation
Dysmenorrhea
MEN’S HEALTH
Fibromyalgia
Infertility
Anxiety
Sports Injury
Urinary Issues
Dizziness
Prostate
Depression
Health Maintenance
Impotence
“Philosophically speaking, the Yin and Yang, the balance of seemingly opposite yet interrelated energies, has major implications for how we view medicine and healing. In TCM, thinking cannot be categorical or dismissive; when it comes to health, there is no one right way. The only constant thing is change, and there exists no one proper way alone to approach a healthful life.“
“Modern Western medicine and I intend absolutely no disrespect toward it in the least, has a historically more categorical approach toward wellness and healing. Certainly, as a practitioner of TCM, I cannot take an “all or nothing” approach towards a client’s health, I must tailor my treatment to each individual and work with them to try and unlock their own inner healing powers. Western Medicine is becoming less categorical and more inclusive, and this can be seen by the growing broad acceptance and employment of acupuncture in hospitals across America.“
Fertility:
In a study published in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility, twice as many women who received acupuncture, in addition to medically assisted reproductive therapy, had documented clinical pregnancies. In 2007, the results of seven randomized control trials published in the British Medical Journal concluded that acupuncture improved the rates of pregnancy and live births with embryo transfer among women who received in vitro fertilization.
Acupuncture can boost fertility by:
> Regulating the menstruation cycle and improving ovulation.
> Increasing blood flow to the uterus.
> Reducing stress hormones.
>Balancing Qi of liver, kidney, and spleen.
> Normalizing dysfunction of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.
Acupuncture for fertility and conception is most effective when received for several months before insemination or in vitro fertilization or egg transfer. Although acupuncture and herbal medicine can be effective on their own, clinical evidence suggests that a combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western medicine works best.
As the many baby pictures and thank you notes on the walls of our office attest, Maggie has had the pleasure of many successes in assisting women who were unable to become pregnant or carry a baby to term before receiving treatment with Chinese medicine.
“I came to you after my husband and I had difficulty conceiving. We were only 28 and were surprised that after nearly two years of trying- no baby. We were uncomfortable with the idea of fertility drugs and even discussed adoption. After reading numerous articles on acupuncture, I called you. You treated me during the three fertile days of my cycle, and two weeks later, we had a positive pregnancy test! Our beautiful baby daughter was born on March – gorgeous and perfectly healthy! Words cannot express my gratitude.“
– Kristyn and Tom
“I came to you after my husband and I had difficulty conceiving. We were only 28 and were surprised that after nearly 2 years of trying- no baby. We were uncomfortable with the idea of fertility drugs and even discussed adoption. After reading numerous articles on acupuncture I called you. You treated me during the 3 fertile days of my cycle and 2 weeks later we had a positive pregnancy test! Our beautiful baby daughter, was born on March -gorgeous and perfectly healthy! Words cannot express my gratitude.“
– Megan
“While we do have extensive experience, study, knowledge, and practice with herbs in the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it remains an aspect of our work, which is in low demand. I would certainly love to expand and be able to offer the full scope of our practice, but at this point, it just remains a financial incapability. It is something I can offer on a very small scale, and some clients have specifically asked me about herbs, but it would not be possible, currently, to offer much more than my knowledge and advice.“
“Nothing in the world can simply be seen as bad or good, the world is not black and white. Everything is a delicate balance of energy, including, of course, the body. Acupuncture is a tool that aims to unlock within a person his or her natural and specific Qi. We are not putting any substances into the body, we are not giving any supplements with regard to acupuncture, we are simply unlocking that which is inherent and innate to the body.“
I am not the body by Paramahansa Yogananda (Photography by Linda Divincemoore)
I am not the body. I am invisible. I am Joy. I am Light. I am Wisdom. I am Love. I dwell in the dream body through which I am dreaming this Earth life, but I am ever eternal Spirit.
Photography by Linda Divincemoore
I am beyond everything finite … I am the stars, I am the waves, I am the Life of all; I am the laughter within all hearts, I am the smile on the faces of flowers and in each soul. I am the Wisdom and Power that sustain all creation.
Paramahansa Yogananda
Switch for better by Coach Edwin
BY COACH EDWIN
Switch your life for better.
You are not happy change.
You upset take a break.
You been trying hard and it’s not working, change the technique. Ask for some outside help. Do not get stagnant. Switch and bring the change in you.
What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Relaxing Waves – Ocean Sounds to Sleep, Study and Chill
Anna Maria Island Florida 2021
Runaway Bay Jamaica 2019
Sleeping Music, Meditation, Stress Relief Music, Yoga, Zen, Spa
Relaxing Sleep Music • Deep Sleeping Music, Relaxing Music, Stress Relief, Meditation Music
Linda Dibucci Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty
Linda Dibucci
Real Estate Professional in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania United States
Expertise, Loyalty, and Integrity
With over 30 years experience, Pittsburgh real estate agent Linda DiBucci is renowned by colleagues and clients for loyalty, professionalism, and knowledge of this dynamic and unique real estate market. Linda and her team’s mission is to provide each of our clients with extraordinary service, act with honesty, integrity, and truth. Linda consistently ranks in the top producing agents in the region. Together with Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty, we are your premier destination for all things real estate related in the Greater Pittsburgh area.
3402 Harts Run Road
Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, 15116
United States
412.850.5404
Kambale Musavuli
Shining a Light on Darkenss
By Rege Behe
Kambale Musavuli knows what the heart of darkness looks like.
A native of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), he has become an eloquent witness to the atrocities in his homeland that has been torn apart by violence, rape, and genocide. But as Musavuli, a national spokesman for the Friends of the Congo points out,the tragedy in Africa is mostly unknown outside of the continent.
“I always wonder what will it take for the world to know that six million people have died,” he said during a TEDx lecture in Chicago in 2013.
Think about that: Six million people is more than the populations of 32 of the 50 US states. Six million people is more than the populations of Finland, Ireland, and Finland.
“I’m speaking to you as a brother and I’m also speaking to you as a human being,” Musavuli told the audience in Chicago. “And I hope … you will think of the Congolese as your brothers and sisters who need your support.”
According to the website World Without Genocide (http://worldwithoutgenocide.org), the DRC has been beset by violence since 1996, with Rwanda, Angola, Namibia, Chad, Libya and Sudan among the other nations involved. Currently, most of the fighting takes places in the provinces of North and South Kivu bordering Rwanda. Some of the conflict is political, notably the unrest caused by Hutu refugees of the Rwandan genocide who now live in the Congo. The region’s rich natural resources — including diamonds, copper and gold — also have factions vying for its control.
“Congo is a like a nightmare in heaven because it has so much blessing,” Musavuli said, noting how his idyllic childhood was regularly marred by violence.
Musavuli fled his homeland in 1998 when he was 17 to attend high school in North Carolina. He then attended North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, NC, where he studied civil engineering and became active in social causes. He worked with Greensboro area activists on issues of ranging from minimum wage to police brutality to improving the immigrant experience.
Most importantly, he started to speak about the unimaginable loss of life that occurs in the DRC.
“I don’t think people can comprehend that every single day, 1,500 Congolese people die,” Musavuli said. “Every two days, 9/11 happens in the Congo.”
Musavuli’s activism gradually started to garner attention, with appearances on ABC News, National Public Radio, and Radio France, and in the Canadian documentary “Surviving Progress” which included Martin Scorsese as an executive producer.
As a spokesman for his country, Musavuli asks everyone to consider the consequences of inaction.
“Twenty or thirty years from now, we are going to be asking an important question,” he told the TEDx audience. “… When you heard that six million people died in the Congo, what did you do about it? Because that’s the question that comes back when you read the book “Night”(by Elie Wiesel) about the Holocaust: How come we didn’t know that millions of people were dying in Europe and no one did something? You have to say `I heard the guy with the accent … and I was so moved by it I decided that until peace comes, I will do something.'”
NOW A LOOK AT SOME OF OUR ESTEEMED MEMBERS, MANAGEMENT TEAM AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
!
!
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Park Part 3 by Nathaniel Pantalone
Elephants drinking and bathing in the mid-day sun.
A mother and her baby. The baby was happy to sleep right before this photo, but the mother insisted they needed to leave.
Two zebra. The younger one is eating grass.
A “laughing” zebra. Same group as the photo above. The lighting is odd because of the smoke from the “controlled burn” seen in the first or second post.
A weaver finch nest.
A small bird in a tree.
All photos are copyright of their owner, Nathaniel Pantalone
Japanese Matcha Tea Ceremony Chanoyu By Nathaniel Pantalone
Matcha ceremony (Chanoyu) is very complicated. Students of Chanoyu go to University to learn and study every aspect of it! Books that are written about it cannot hold all of its complexities within. Nonetheless, in this Spotlight, we will endeavor to shed a faint light on one of the most beautiful and complicated ceremonies in the world: Chanoyu.
What is Matcha?
“Matcha is a first class type of powdered, extra-fine ground tea that is used for the Japanese tea ceremony, Chanoyu, during which the tea is whisked with a bamboo tool called a chasen, in a handcrafted bowl called a chawan. Quality Matcha is always a pea-green, extra-fine powder with a distinctive, grassy aroma. The foamy infusion is fresh and deep green with an unforgettable, intense taste. Its health benefits are endless! We recommend that it be enjoyed after dessert or with a Japanese sweet, but never drink it on an empty stomach!” Taken fromDobra Tea
Matcha is made from the leaves of the Gyokuro tea plant. Gyokuro that is shade grown for more than 20 days is harvest by hand. The leaves are preprocessed into tencha by steaming and drying. When ground in a milstone (think giant granite stones), the tencha becomes matcha.
Two styles of matcha are served during the tea ceremony. The first, thin-style matcha, called usucha (oo-Soo-cha) is served to each person. The second, thick-style matcha, called koicha (Koy-cha) is shared among the guests.
What is Tea Ceremony?
Japanese tea ceremony is about four elements: wa, kei, sei, and jaku or harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. When one includes all elements, one can enjoy the simplicity of drinking tea. Harmony can be created through cleanliness; the ceremony is held in a room without clutter and with elegant decorations, like flowers in a vase or a flag of calligraphy. Respect is created by thoughtful consideration of everything and everyone involved in the ceremony. Topics that can lead to arguments are not discussed during tea ceremony. Purity comes from the cleaning of the utensils and the boiling of the water. Tranquility is achieved after the calm consumption of the tea.
The Five Parts of Chanoyu, Simplified
The Yoritsuki (receiving room): The receiving room is prepared to comfort the arriving guests. In the room, guests may prepare themselves for the tea ceremony by changing their cloths (kimonos are popular choices) or using the bathroom. Usually a pot of hot water is available to the guests to refresh and cleanse their palate. Sometimes the hot water is made with toasted rice. Relaxation is important before the tea ceremony.
The Roji (passageway): In traditional tea ceremony, after preparing in the yoritsuki, the guests move outside to the garden. The garden is specially prepared as a passageway to the tearoom. Stepping stones surrounded by moss are common. The ground is lightly sprayed to mimic the clean look of a gentle rain. The passageway is meant to create tranquility by experiencing the beauty of nature and refreshing the mind.
The Tskukubai (symbolic cleaning): Within the roji is a special place for guests to cleanse their hands and mouths called the tskukubai. It is made of carefully placed plants, stones, and pebbles. a stone basin filled with constantly flowing water allows the guests to physically clean before the ceremony, refreshing the body.
The Machiai (waiting room): The machiai is a waiting area comprised of a wall with a small roof and bench beneath. It is an area for guests to wait for the rest of the group and quietly enjoy the tranquility of the garden. The host appears after everyone has gathered in the machiai. The guests greet the host with a simultaneous bow. With a gong, the host invites the guests into the tearoom.
The Chashitsu (tearoom): After the drum of the gong fades, the guests walk to the unique entrance of the tearoom. The entrance, called nijiri guchi, is small, only about three feet high and two and a half feet wide. All guests must humbly stoop to enter the tearoom. Upon entering, guests slide toward the alcove, which displays artistic calligraphy, typically the work of a well known Zen priest, and bow to show respect. Flower arrangements and incense holders are also present. After examining the artwork, guest move toward the host to inspect the teakettle and utensils. After inspection they take their places for the tea ceremony.
The tearoom gives the sense of elegance and peace. Soft light shines through the shoji screens, highlighting the objects on display, and incense perfumes the air. The soft sound of boiling water is heard. Beginning the gathering, the host opens a sliding door that connects the kitchen to the tearoom and enters the tearoom. Everyone, including the host, quietly bows with respect. The host welcomes everyone and explains the special reason for the ceremony, if there is one. The guest of honor, or main guest, thanks the host on behalf of the other guests.
Description of Ceremony
A door made of rectangular rice paper windows opens. Two outstretched hands reach through the doorway and place a utensil on the floor. The hands, now pressed on the floor, allow their master to shuffle into the room. The master is a Japanese woman, dressed in beautiful green robes (kimono) with a large belt and a bow tied in the back. She picks up the utensil, places it ahead of her again, and shuffles toward it a second time. Finally within the room, she stands, walks slowly toward the flag of poetry enshrined on the wall, kneels and bows to it. She then approaches the kama, the water vessel in the room, inspects it and the ornate vase misisashi next to it. Since everything is correct, she walks to the corner of the room, by the door to kneel and rest. She is guest.
This description is from a tea ceremony watched by the author
UPDATES TO FOLLOW! Written by Nathaniel Pantalone for OWB LLC.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Park Part 1 by Nathaniel Pantalone
Part one of photo diary of Hluhluwe Park in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa).
A small monkey who was keen on eating some of my breakfast.
An interesting bird.
Smoke from the controlled burn of the grassland.
A mad elephant. (We got to close to the babies)
All photos are copyright of their owner, Nathaniel Pantalone
The Power of One
Aleph – A Meaning of Oneness
Another name for our Creator is Ein Sof, literally the “Without End”. Ein Sof is related to the word, Ayin, which begins with an Aleph and means “nothing”. Aryeh Kaplan explains that one connotation of the term Ein Sof is “the Ultimate Nothingness”. Whatever creation springs from this Ultimate Nothingness is itself ultimately nothing. The essence of Aleph and our lives is therefore nothingness. We can see this when, for example, we examine the nature of our minds. We can’t hold onto the past mind, we can’t hold onto the future mind, and even the present is fleeting and elusive. Our minds, like the Ein Sof and like Aleph, are impossible to grasp, simultaneously empty and full.
The Paradox of Ultimate Nothingness is that because it is so vast and all-encompassing, with no beginning and no end, it is also Ultimate Oneness.
Ultimate Oneness, Ultimate Nothingness – Aleph embodies it All.
From : Mystical Teachings of the Hebrew Letters. Richard Seidman. Thomas Dunne Books. St. Martin’s Press. New York.(2001)
“To transcend motion and stillness is the highest meditation… People who reach such understanding free themselves from all appearances without effort and cure all illnesses without treatment.”
–Bodhidharma, Grand Patriarch of Zen
What does the Biblical Concept known as “Yesh Me Ayin”, i.e creating “Something from Nothing” as the universe is always being created, actually mean?
G-d spoke and the World came into Being. Before Speaking is the Thought. The Creator is constantly Creating the World every moment, “Something from Nothing”, and it also occurs within each of Us. We are Co-Crreators with our Higher Power, our Higher Self, the True Identity and Source of Everyone and Everything. Every moment we are creating our Lives, State of Mind, and Direction from our Thoughts, our Thinking. We must Learn to be in control of our Thoughts, our Inner and Deepest Intentions. We play an active part with our Creator and help shape our Lives and Destiny with it. That is why prayer is so important and yes, effective.
My personal insight and opinion from my understanding is that “Something from Nothing”, is as I said also always occurring within each of Us.
So what is my point? What am i getting to?
What is the Yesh. the “Something”? In relation to us on our human level and consciousness, the “Yesh” is the Thought (Our Thoughts, one thought at a time).
“The Ayin”, the “Nothing” (or as it is known the “Nothingness”? – is the emptiness between the thought, between your individual thoughts as they come to your mind). Creation arises out of this Emptiness.
Healing happens in that Emptiness (in that Space)
Tap Into the “Ayin”, the “Nothingness”. Nothingness is connected to the Highest World in Creation called “Atzilut”, according to Judaism. In this Place everything is One, and there is not a linear line between Past. Present and the Future. It is all connected here. Miracles happen here when you connect to this Space and Place. Prophets saw the past and future from being in this state.
To Quiet the mind and reach that place brings One Healing
All my blessings in whatever form brings the greatest Peace, Healing and Measure
