Michell: Sortet, what kind of artist do you consider yourself to be?

Sortet: I am a multidisciplinary artist whose work is based on the image – photo, video, painting – and the language. I entered poetry through a Japanese haiku of master Basho:

Old pond

A frog plunges

Sound of water

At the option of various meetings in the middle of the Belgian poetry (Jacques Izoard, Ben

Ares, David Besschops), I began to write texts in the automatic way and aphorisms. Some of my texts have been published in several reviews.

My work on images is about art and its several meanings and interpretations. What’s art?

For you and for me. What can be considered as an artistic work… and what does that

mean? Pictures, videos and paintings are asking the beholder if what they are seeing is

art. And with that question, I say “yes…this is Art!”

Michell: When did you decide to become an artist and why?

Sortet: I didn’t decide to become an artist… I mean things came from themselves. You are an artist or you are not. You may also be an artist without making anything. It’s a way of thinking, a way of analyzing all the info you are receiving while you are living, and how you are using all that amount of info, how you are treating it.

After my video-editing studies, I first met people involved in filmmaking. I made some videos (http://www.dailymotion.com/fr/relevance/search/malagawi/1#video=x21r3d). Then, I let myself into a more contemporary way of expressing my art; I mean I included more than one way of expressing my thoughts: Performance (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xgz01_l-homme-politique-en-colere-se_fun?search_algo=2#.UXaf0St5y04), photography, painting and poetry came into my life.

Michell: What other things do you do outside of art?

Sortet: I give haiku lessons to people (children and grown-up); how to write a simple poem with only 17 syllables; how to be concise and express a whole bunch of meanings; how to feel evanescence with words. I run. I read. I listen to music. And I open my eyes and my mind… at least, I am trying.

Michell: Please tell us a bit about your culture there in Belgium.

Sortet: Belgium is a small country with 3 national languages. I am from the French-spoken part of the country. You may reduce the Belgian culture (but there are a lot more things to see and to hear when you come to Belgium) to five points: surrealism, contemporary dance, electronic

music, beers, and comics.

Surrealism with people like René Magritte or Paul Delvaux

Dance with people like Ann Teresa De Keersmaeker, Wim Vandekeybus, or Jan Fabre

Electronic Music with New Beat, which came in 1987

Beers, more than 700 (Gueuze, Trappist, or white ones)

Comics with the well-known Tintin written by Hergé

To be precise, I made that reducing because I had to make some choices. Life and culture in Belgium are obviously, more important than that. And I invite you to come and discover it by yourselves.

Michell: Are there dominant art types there in the cultural atmosphere?

Sortet: Most of the arts are well-represented in Belgium. But I may say Cinema has a bigger impact as well as music.

Michell: Since you teach creative writing, what is the most important thing that you teach your students?

Sortet: The secret is that they teach themselves. I am trying to let them discover their internal

fire. Forget the rules and let your heart speak. Words will come if you open your mental and perceptual doors.

Michell: Where do you teach your classes at? Do you also teach them online?

Sortet: I give my lessons in schools and art associations. Not online.

Michell: What are some of your future goals

Sortet: I am working on a CD with my texts accompanied with an electric guitar.

And my concept of http://www.gaetansortet-art.be  is going on and on. It’s not finished, and it is a life project which continues.

Michell: Thank you Sortet for sharing with us about your art.  

About the Author

Michell Spoden is the author of Stricken Yet Crowned and is also pursuing a transitional housing project for woman with an agricultural aspect. She has a degree in Business Science Administration and is finishing her bachelor’s in Project Management.

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Secure your home

Taking some time to review the security of your home can lead to the prevention of big-time losses and tragedy later. The most effective way of doing this is by receiving professional consultation and subsequent home security system coverage. Whether you live in Saint Paul and need a trustworthy, Saint Paul MN home automation system, or you live in Virginia Beach and just need some additional camera coverage, be sure to act before the bad-guys do.

Review insurances

Insurance coverage can be a complicated issue. Do you know what your accidental death payout is? Do you have flood coverage at your home? Is sewer backup a part of the coverage? These are all questions to be asked of present coverages, in addition to questions you should ask yourself about whether or not all of your assets are currently covered.

Vehicle preventive maintenance

It can be very easy to simply overlook all of the many important facets of your vehicle that need maintenance. In addition to the many fluids a vehicle depends on, there are many parts that need adjustments, checks, and regular replacement. Preventive maintenance is the key to spending less in the future.

Home preventive maintenance

Like your car or truck, your home is a complex machine, consisting of many parts. The proactive homeowner should periodically check the roof, foundation, HVAC system, plumbing and electrical connections, caulk joints, and much more. Again, preventive maintenance is much easier and less costly than reactive maintenance.

Say you care

When tragedy strikes, or when a person may just simply need the help of another, the last thing one needs is to have been unclear about their feelings. Take the time to tell those you care about that you do care. Additionally, small spats and disagreements are seldom worth the circumstances they can go on to create.

Conquer bad habits

Some are inclined to tobacco products. Others may habitually bite nails or fixate on a thought or concept unnecessarily. Being aware of a bad habit is the first and possibly most important step. Follow through by taking action to curtail the issue before it curtails you. Proactive is not always easy upfront, but is certainly for the better.

This concludes our short-list of suggestions on taking a more proactive approach to your life. What are your ultimate goals? What ultimately makes your life happier and easier? No matter your course, goals, style, or background, a proactive approach is almost certainly going to be one of the best ways to get there.
About the Author

Angela Prickette is a recent college graduate. She works for herself as a freelance writer and photographer writing on behalf of http://www.vivint.com/en/city/oh/dayton. Her favorite activities include, skiing, rock climbing, and personal fitness.

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Michell: Yew, please tell our readers a bit about yourself.

Yew: My first name is Yew Kwang, a 43 years old Singaporean. I am a full-time photographer who runs a photography studio back in my home country. Before switching into a full-time photographer, I was a senior mechanical engineer dealing with process and production in an MNC. I hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering, which really has nothing to do with photography.

Michell: When did you begin your own company and why?

Yew: I started learning photography in the year 1999 during my spare time when I was still doing my engineering work. For the next 2 years, I was lucky to have the opportunity to learn and work with many experienced photographers on events and fashion. I am also glad to have friends who trusted me enough to engage me as their wedding photographers!

It was in the year 2002 where I finally gathered that photography was what I wished to pursue as my career and therefore made the decision to start up the company. Since then, my main focus of work is on weddings and events.

Michell: Did you attend college to learn photography?

Yew: I did not attend any college to learn photography. Back in those days, very few institutions in Singapore offered full-time or even part-time photography courses. I was fortunate enough to learn and pick up my photography skill from a photojournalist.

Michell: I noticed on your site it states “Fine Art”. Why do you refer to your art this way?

Yew: I refer my photos as “Fine Art” because the photos are digitally enhanced to my own vision and it compasses my perceptions, emotions, and feelings at that moment in time when the photos are taken.

Michell: Please share with our viewers a bit about your culture and what you love best about it.

Yew: I live in Singapore. It is a vibrant, multi-cultural, and cosmopolitan city where people of different races and religions reside in harmony. We have a rich heritage of old oriental streets in Chinatown, Muslim cultural activities at Arab streets, and the Little India at Serangoon Road, which brings out the ambience of the Indian culture. Due to the diversified races and cultures, it has always been easy when it comes to food as there is a wide range of local and international cuisines readily available.

What I love best about Singapore is the racial and religious harmony where one can see a temple, mosque, or church in the same locality. Also, interestingly, despite the different languages of all races, we coined Singlish, a common language of Singaporeans.

Michell: What is the atmosphere for business in the art world in your country at the present?

Yew: At the present moment, business in art world in Singapore is growing and there are many reasons to be optimistic. The government has deliberated the development of visual arts over the last two decades and it has resulted in the growth of a vibrant art scene with good infrastructure and a growing art market. With an increase in the number of art exhibitions, we are attracting more art collectors from local and overseas. The younger generation is also actively participating in art activities and many have chosen to study in the field of Art.

Michell: What are the most favorite things you like to take photos of or enjoy looking at?

Yew: I love to take photos of people and their lifestyle. It offers me an opportunity to communicate with them and understand their culture. I love to capture scenery and landscape too; it provides me a good reason (or excuse) to travel!

Michell: Who are some of the clients you have worked for?

Yew: I worked with independent clients on assignment basis most of the time. There are private collectors who purchase my work online. There are also corporate clients who either engage me for a specific project or purchase digital images for their corporate calendar and greeting cards through my website.

Michell: Today there are many companies who do not use photographers at all, what would you say to them about why they should?

Yew: It is always important to have photos professionally taken, regardless of whether it is a personal headshot for company profile, a corporate shot for brochure or a product shot for ecommerce. This can be only be achieved if you hire a professional photographer who possesses the right skills and has the proper equipments to do so.

Unlike in the past where companies hired photographers to shoot to their requirements, many of them nowadays simply go for stock images. We have to understand that stock images are shot for general purposes and it can never accurately represent your own company. When you hire a photographer, he or she will customize the shoot specifically for your need and this is crucial for the company if they want to have their own branding.

Michell: Would you like to describe “success” in two words for yourself.

Yew: Self-fulfillment.

Michell: Please share with us what your plans are for your business in this near future.

Yew: My plan is to establish myself as a fine art artist, focus more on creating fine art images, and eventually travel around the world, take beautiful photos, and share my experience.

Michell: Yew, thank you for taking the time to do this interview and we wish you great success in all of your endeavors.

Visit Yew Kwang’s fine art website http://yewkwang.photoshelter.com to see his work and his blog http://www.yewkwangphoto.com/blog for updates.

 About the Author

Michell Spoden is the author of Stricken Yet Crowned and is also pursuing a transitional housing project for woman with an agricultural aspect. She has a degree in Business Science Administration and is finishing her bachelor’s in Project Management.

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1. Address the person directly

A generalized approach doesn’t connect with the blogger. It can come off as lazy. Spell the name correctly. A simple oversight like a misspelled name can offend the blogger. The first thing the person notices after opening the emailed request is the greeting. Be polite. Be as courteous as you can in your request. Do not assume that the blogger will accept the request, but be confident in your writing.

2. Request with the niche content in mind

If you are going to make a request, target the request directly by providing samples of work that closely fit in with the topics covered on the blog. Send samples of previous work done. Make sure that the request includes samples of work you have previously completed. If possible, submit links to content that falls within a certain niche. Send your best samples. If you haven’t created any content that fits within that blog’s niche, send your best samples to the blog. It can be difficult to attach samples of your work if you are working with a contact form, but do the best you can. Be sure you never contact a blog that is a totally unrelated niche as well.

3. Edit the request

If you are requesting to write for another publication, make sure your content is flawless and contains no omissions, grammar mistakes, or spelling errors. Have someone review the content. A grammatically incorrect email can immediately ruin your chances of having your guest post accepted.

4. Create an actual pitch

Approach the blogger with specific topics or titles you think would make a good fit for the blog. Busy bloggers do not have the time to send follow-up emails requesting further details. Pay attention to the title. Try to be as a creative as possible when pitching your title. Include a few bullet points to give the blogger an idea of what to expect.

5. Be Succinct

The email should be brief and to the point. Be as direct as possible to show respect for the blogger’s time. Assume that the request will be skimmed and write short sentences that get straight to the point.

Once you get over the jitters of submitting your very first guest blog request, it becomes that much easier. A courteous, concise, error-free request improves the chances of it being accepted by the blogger.
About the Author
This article was written by Dixie Somers. Dixie is a freelance writer who enjoys writing for the technology, business, and family niches.

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Care2 is hosting a petition that asks Santa Barbara County Parks Office to allow Billy to his usually play area in the park. As described on the petition page, Billy was taken by his owner to play in the area for smaller dogs because Billy’s disability made him at risk of being bullied and sacred by other, healthy dogs of his size. He has always been fine and friendly with the smaller dogs.

But the concerned park ranger’s reservation about his size has changed Billy’s life now as the aging dog’s happy time outside in canine company has been seized suddenly. Feeling it is unfair to take away the fun part of Billy’s life thus, the petition on Care2 demands that Santa Barbara County Parks Office permits the friendly dog to enjoy his play time in park with smaller dogs.

The petition has received a good deal of attention; it been shared over 9700 times on facebook and signed by more than 33,000 people while it aims at getting 34,000 signatures.

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Michell: Jann, please give us a brief description of Flower Essence Therapy?

Jann: Flower essences are herbal infusions or decoctions, made from the flowering part of the plant, which uniquely address emotional and mental aspects of wellness. The first 38 flower remedies were formulated by a British physician, Dr. Edward Bach, in the 1930’s, although new remedies from other plant species are now available.

To understand how flower essences work requires a recognition that the human being is more than a physical body, and also incorporates a “body” of life energy, a “body” of sensitivity and feelings, and a spiritual essence or self. Flower essences are energetic imprints of the life force of plants which interact with these subtle bodies of the human being, and evoke specific qualities within us. We can say that they work in a similar way to inspirational music or art, which carry meaning through the vehicle of sound or light, while the flower essences work through the medium of water.

Modern physics has known for nearly a century that matter and consciousness are intertwined. However, medical science still generally works with a nineteenth-century model of the human being as a mechanism in a world of machines. We expect that in the coming century, medical science will develop ways of studying the impact of consciousness on health, and we will learn more about the ways in which flower essences work. However, empirical research, which consists of the collection of case studies and practitioner reports, will remain the primary source of knowledge about how flower essences work.

Michell: Is this type of therapy better or more effective than others?

Jann: Flower Essence Therapy addresses the underlying emotional/soul issues which are related to the journey toward wellness, and can lead to a much more complete state of health than the suppression of pain, or artificial stimulation of feelings through bio-chemical intervention. Flower essences can help people who suffer from physical illness by addressing the emotional responses to the illness, and by working with the underlying conflicts and tensions that may have contributed to the onset of the illness. However, flower essences are not cures for any specific illness, and are chosen on the basis of mental and emotional issues, rather than specific physical ailments.

Michell: Can you tell us names of certain flowers that are directed to heal certain types of things, for example Lilies, Cherry Plums, Holly?

Jann: Each flower essence has indications for the positive aspect of healing desired and the pattern of imbalance being addressed. Of the three you mentioned, for example:

One lily (there are many), Mariposa Lily:

Positive qualities – Maternal consciousness, warm, feminine and nurturing; mother-child bonding, positive connection to mother and similar female figures
Patterns of imbalance – Alienated from mother or from mothering role, feelings of childhood abandonment or abuse; orphan state of consciousness

Cherry Plum:

Positive qualities – Spiritual surrender and trust, feeling guided and protected by a Higher Power; balance and equanimity despite extreme stress or adversity
Patterns of imbalance – Fear of losing control, mental and emotional breakdown; desperate or destructive impulses; acute tension and rigidity

Holly:

Positive qualities – Loving and inclusive gestures to others; heartfelt compassion; ability to express gratitude to others
Patterns of imbalance – Social isolation; jealousy, envy, suspicion, anger

Following are links to the many other flower essences and their indications which can be used for healing:

List & qualities of the FES Quintessentials (North American flower essences)
List & qualities of the Healingherbs (English flower essences of Dr. Bach)
List of Leading Flower Essence Formulas

List & qualities of the Range of Light flower essences

Michell: I noticed that there are the actual garden centers in different places but not open to the public. Are you in need of more growers of flowers for medicinal purposes? If so, how can someone become a grower and be a part of your network?

Jann: No, no growers are needed, as our products are produced in our Terra Flora gardens or at the actual sites where the flowers grow. The flower essences and herbal oils which FES produces are certified Organic and certified Biodynamic, and so we need to use flowers grown with those certifications as well.

The gardens at Terra Flora, in Nevada City, California, headquarters of Flower Essence Services, received official Biodynamic certification effective October, 1997, by the Demeter Association, the international accreditation agency for Biodynamic Agriculture. Biodynamic® is a term that actually predates “organic” by several decades. While it encompasses many of the principles of organic farming, such as the elimination of all chemicals, Biodynamic agriculture fosters the individuality of the entire garden and farm organism, so that each part creates a greater whole. Each farm or garden is in turn connected to the Earth as a living being, and the cosmic rhythms of Moon, Sun, planets, and stars that support the Earth’s true identity.

FES Quintessentials flower essences are certified Biodynamic® and organic, effective in mid-1999. This certification means that FES flower essences contain more than 95% Biodynamic® ingredients. We use a brandy preservative made from Biodynamic® grapes and our plants are either grown in the Terra Flora Biodynamic® gardens or wild-harvested in small quantities in pristine habitats.

Michell: I noticed there is a place for using flowers to help those who want to quit smoking?  This is very interesting. http://www.flowersociety.org/quitting-tobacco.htm     Do you see this sort of therapy leading the races to help people to quit smoking?

Jann: We can’t be certain how many people have utilized flower essences for smoking cessation. However, the article referenced here is based on reports and testimonials from people who have utilized flower essences in their recovery from tobacco addiction. Following the publication of that article, we have had people tell us that they made remarkable changes in their smoking habits and were able to stop the addiction. We have been very heartened to learn of these recoveries.

Michell: Please explain the Theoretical Essence of flower therapy?

Jann: There are several ways to approach a scientific understanding of flower essences:

A. Clinical reports and studies

The most extensive scientific information we have about the effects of flower essences comes from empirical evidence:

1) Clinical reports from flower essence practitioners in many countries, a sample of which can be found on the Flower Essence Society web site at www.flowersociety.org/Practitioner_interviews.htm

2) Clinical outcomes studies such as the Depression study in Calix, volume 1, Flower Essence Society, 2004, pp. 89-106

3) Double-blind placebo studies, such as the stress and environmental sensitivity studies done by Dr. Jeffrey Cram

Cram, J. R. “A psychological and metaphysical study of Dr. Edward Bach’s flower essence stress formula.” Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine Journal, Volume 11, No. 1 and Cram, J. R.. “Effects of two flower essences on high intensity environmental stimulation and EMF.” Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine Journal, Volume 12, No. 3., also available at www.flowersociety.org/scientific.htm

B. Evidence that water carries information

The idea that water can be a carrier of information was the subject of pioneering and controversial studies by the French scientist, Dr. Jacques Benveniste. (See Schiff, Michel, The Memory of Water: Homoeopathy and the Battle of Ideas in the New Science. Thorsons, London, 1995). Some researchers have suggested that the clustering effect of water, the bonds between molecules, may be involved in the “memory of water phenomenon,” and that this might be a partial explanation for the effects of highly dilute homeopathic remedies. In a similar way, the water that is the matrix for the flower essence carries the energetic imprint of the flowers used to prepare the essence. This is a promising area for further research.

C. Evidence that emotions affect human physiology with profound health consequences is now widely accepted. The field of “psychoneuroimmunology” studies the effects of psychological stress on the functioning of the immune system. One good reference in the field of mind-body medicine is Pert, Candace, Phd, Molecules of Emotion, The Science Behind Mind-Body Medicine, Simon and Schuster, New York, 1999. Flower essence therapy is founded on the knowledge that emotions and attitudes are key factors in health and wellness.

Michell: I was at the store the other day and there was flower honey. Do you make that? If so, how is that done?

Jann: There are beehives at Terra Flora, and we do collect the honey. However, most flower honey sold in stores is labeled as such because the beekeepers locate the hives in areas predominated by particular flowers and sources of nectar.

Michell: Do you work along with horticultural therapists?

Jann: No, we don’t.

Michell: What if someone does not care too much for flowers? Are herbs and trees of the essence also?

Jann: Flower essences are named as such because the part of the plant used to make essences is the flower. Flowers of herbs, of course, are included, as well as flowers from trees.

Michell: I also noticed that you use this type of therapy on Animals? Please share with our viewers how this has worked?

Jann: There are many other articles and case reports on the website that explain the use of flower essences used with animals: http://www.flowersociety.org/Animals.htm. Flower essence therapy has proven very successful helping animals heal from a variety of emotional, and also behavioral, conditions. Please see this link for just some of the lead essences used with animals: http://www.fesflowers.com/pdf/Animal%20flyer.pdf.

These are just some of the ways flower essences can be given to animals:

Misting — Many animals can be treated by misting on the body and in the air surrounding the animal. This method allows access to frightened animals and can also be used with marine animals when out of water. A light mist can be applied near the lips or nose to entice licking. Take care to learn the particular boundaries and reactions of each animal you are treating. Many birds enjoy misting, while other animals may be startled until they become familiar with the technique. Pet or hold the animal or otherwise establish bonding before treating the animal, so that flower essence dosing is viewed within a positive context.
Topical Direct — Lightly spray drops of the formula on the paws, behind the ears, on the pulse points or other energy receptors of the animal’s body. The animal will either lick the essence or simply allow them to be absorbed through the skin. In some cases, you can spray the essence into your own hands and then massage into the appropriate area. You can also formulate a carrier cream for these purposes.
Food Biscuit — The formula can also be sprayed onto tiny morsels of food — the most ideal is a dried biscuit. However, vibrational medicines like flower essences are best taken apart from food so that the more subtle influence can be registered without interference. Therefore, only one small biscuit should be used during the time of flower essence treatment and this activity should be separated from regular eating.
Water Bowl — Apply one or two sprays of the formula into the animal’s water bowl at least twice a day. Fresh water should be put in the bowl each time and the essences stirred clockwise and counterclockwise to energize the water. For large animals – such as in water troughs for horses – increase the dosage accordingly. This method works well for horses or other animals that have private waterers and drink regularly. It is less successful for animals like cats who have irregular drinking habits, or where the same water source is shared by more than one animal. Also, the flower essences will evaporate and must be replenished regularly.

Michell: Thank you Jann! I am very impressed at this type of therapy and since we were given the land in order to subdue it what a blessing it is to have access to such great type of therapy.

To see what’s new on the International Outreach page of Flower Essence Services, please visit http://www.flowersociety.org/international.htm.

About the Interviewer

Michell Spoden is the author of Stricken Yet Crowned and is also pursuing a transitional housing project for woman with an agricultural aspect. She has a degree in Business Science Administration and is finishing her bachelor’s in Project Management.

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1. Your health is affected

Substance abuse can lead to a number of health problems depending on the type of drug used and the duration of the abuse. Kidney, liver, and lung damage are frequent long-term effects. HIV/AIDS infection, hepatitis, pneumonia, blood-borne infections, psychiatric problems, and death can occur. Headaches, irritability, insomnia, weight loss, high blood pressure, and heart problems may also be present.

2. You suffer withdrawal symptoms

Even though the person may wish to stop using the substance, he or she does not because the withdrawal symptoms can be extremely unpleasant. Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, tremors, muscle pain, sweating, palpitations, seizures and stroke can occur. The person may try again and again to kick the habit on his or her own, but the severity of withdrawal symptoms may prevent their success. Drug rehab helps to reduce the ill effects of withdrawal with medications and professional support.

3. Your relationships suffer

Addiction brings a wide variety of psychological changes that can make interpersonal relationships difficult. Lying, evasion, not showing up when expected, financial problems, lost jobs, stealing, and social embarrassment can cause friends and family members to avoid the person or come into frequent conflict with him. If broken relationships are a part of your life, consider drug rehab in Utah, to help restore your emotional balance and your relationships with others.

4. Your finances are a mess

Substance abuse often brings financial problems. Feeding an ever-growing need for more drugs, neglect of financial affairs, reckless spending and loss of employment can reduce assets and drain savings. If your finances have become unruly because of your substance abuse, seek out help to get back on track.

5. Your sleeping habits become chaotic

Substance abuse disrupts normal wake-sleep patterns. The person may sleep all day and be awake all night. This can be disruptive to the household, cause loss of employment, and destroy health. If your sleeping patterns are getting in the way of normal activities, it’s time to get help for your substance abuse.

About the Author
Madyson Grant is a small business owner and a professional writer. Her passion for helping others fuels her writing and her search for more helpful information.

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Michell: Robert, please introduce yourself to our readers.

RDB: My name is Robert D Boyd Jr., CEO, and my wife’s name is Lucinda Boyd, President, and we are both 50 years old. I am African American and my wife is Caucasian.

Michell: Please tell us a bit about your book and why it was written.

RDB: The Streets Don’t Love You Back started in 2009 and it is a story of strength, prayer, and perseverance – the autobiography of a man who grew up in the eastside ghetto of Detroit, Michigan. His father a prominent Reverend and well-known author chose not to be a part of his life. His stepfather was a good man and treated him and his siblings as his own until one day when Rob was nine years old, he watched his grandfather stab his stepfather to death. That event changed his life and by age 10, he was involved in the gang, drug, violent, street life. Rob eventually became so immersed in the lifestyle that he became a Boss and Drug Kingpin; he spent time in and out of jail and watched many friends get killed or go to prison. This manuscript is definitely a story of hope, change, healing and forgiveness. After reading this book, you will see that crime doesn’t pay and that “the streets don’t love you back.”

Michell: Outside of the book, what other things are you doing?

RDB: We helped the homeless, autistic kids, domestic violence shelters and golden glove boxers too. My wife’s family has been teaching golden glove boxing since 1965, called the Phoenix Boys Center. Our outreach never stops and we are constantly working to help people of all ages.   Our movement is striving to educate the youth about the dangers of gangs, drugs, violence, and abuse and that there are many alternatives to the gangbanging, thug, drug, and hustling, street life. Our focus is educating through true stories of people who used to be involved in the gang, thug, drug, violent, abusive street life and how living/surviving the street life has affected their lives, the lives of others, how they have changed their life and what they are doing now.

Michell: When did you decide to start your own business?

RDB: This movement got started in 2009, when we realized that we needed to do more and more was needed.  Please keep in mind that you can book me for an event or conference, I would love to walk alongside you and create change for a better tomorrow.

Michell: What is the name of your other book? And please share a bit about it. What moved you to write the second book?

RDB: Never Hit a Woman is about “Domestic Violence and Abuse… NO EXCUSES!!!” This book discusses the different types of abuse and how to recognize the warning signs. There are amazing stories of women in various abusive situations and how they survived them. The book has many suggestions on what to do when you need to leave an abusive relationship and how to do it safely. No one deserves to be abused! This book is meant to help women and men live safer and healthier lives and respect each other without killing each other or having bad blood with each other. It is my hope is that through this book, those in a violent relationship and those seeking help for others will learn how to move away from a bad relationship, gain strength, and to move on with their life.

Michell: What is the best advice you could give to those who are hurting themselves or others and know they are going down the wrong path?

RDB: Reach out to someone for help if you don’t reach out anyone knows you need help.

Michell: Do you work with young adults only? If so what ways do you try to help them?

RDB: We work with adults, teens, females, and males. We are just here to inspire change that is healthy and for the better of mankind.

Michell: Have you ever helped people in other countries or from other countries?

RDB: No, I have not; however, I am open to helping them and my advice would be, don’t be afraid to reach out to us, even though we do not live in the same place psychically, we are all human .

Michell: What is your motto in life and why?

RDB: My motto is the streets don’t love you back and death is forever; change your ways before this be you death or life in prison

Michell: Robert, please tell our viewers about any of your other long-term goals.

RDB: Our goal is that the “The Streets Don’t Love You Back” Radio Show, the “Change Reality Show”, the “Keep It Real Show” and our Speaking Engagements be a vehicle to continually educate by sharing true stories of those who lived that life. We hope to change the lives of others. My wife and I believe that through our vision and The Streets Don’t Love You Back Movement we can and will create change and healing for many people around the world.  In addition we are now selling products for our movement to help raise awareness and raise funds; there is also a scholarship fund you can donate to as well.  We sell such things as tee shirts, sweat suits, hats and actual space for advertising.

Michell: Also, you reach out to inmates to inspire them for a positive transformation, right?

RDB: Yes, the Streets Don’t Love You Back newsletter goes out to 150 prisons around the country every month, fed/state, for our inmate members who support and spread the message to help others and save lives.

Michell: Robert, you are doing a great work and there certainly is much need for this sort of outreach.  As a humanitarian and a person of faith, I would like to personally thank you for all that you are doing to make the world a better place. We wish you all the very best now and always.

RDB: Thank you for the interview, god blesses you, and keeps up the great work!

Note from Interviewer: Robert D. Boyd Jr’s books are currently for sale at Barnes & Nobles, Amazon, Camino and Google Books. Also please do not forget to sign up for our newsletter that goes out every month. Visit http://thestreetsdontloveyouback.ning.com/ to learn more about Robert D Boyd Jr’s work.

About the Interviewer

Michell Spoden is the author of Stricken Yet Crowned and is also pursuing a transitional housing project for woman with an agricultural aspect. She has a degree in Business Science Administration and is finishing her bachelor’s in Project Management.

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Karen Alton — If you’ve been watching the news lately, you might have heard cautionary tales about how antibiotic resistance is rising, and that seemingly, no one is safe. Also, the risk isn’t isolated to the United States. Sally Davies, England’s chief medical officer, published a report that drew international attention, particularly after it was picked up by the Reuters news service.

The Need to Take Action

In her report, Davies mentioned that there have only been a handful of new antibiotics developed in recent years, and that further action is needed to combat the rise of so-called “superbugs.” She even went on to warn that routine medical procedures could become increasingly dangerous because a person may be at risk for going under the knife for something common, only to contract a fatal strain of antibiotic resistant virus.

MRSA Not the Only Problematic Virus

MRSA is one of the most widespread types of antibiotic resistant viruses, Both in Europe and the United States. Stateside, it’s said to be responsible for about 19,000 deaths per year, with similar numbers in Europe. MRSA is common in hospital environments, but recent developments have highlighted a strain of gonorrhea that also resistant to antibiotics. Although gonorrhea is a bacteria and not a virus, some health professionals say this new version of the sexually transmitted disease could quickly put a damper on bedroom activities unless an effective treatment is found.

Treatments Are Already Less Effective

It was once easy to manage gonorrhea cases with a shot of penicillin. However, MSNBC reported that scientists have noted how previously effective treatments don’t seem to have the same power as before. Now, gonorrhea responds best to a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins, and other types don’t work as well as in times past.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States reports that most recent data indicates over 336,000 gonorrhea cases per year. Although this may seem like a large number, some health professionals say that it still falls far short. Regardless of precise numbers, gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported infectious disease in the United States.

Fighting Back Against Antibiotic Resistance: A Team Effort

Healthcare workers say that managing the problem of antibiotic resistance is something that both patients and providers can do together. From a patient perspective, it’s important to be proactive and ask healthcare professionals whether there are other methods of treatment besides antibiotics. Also, when antibiotics are prescribed, patients should only take them for the recommended duration, and not share the medication with others. On the other hand, healthcare workers can help prevent the spread by being careful not to over prescribe antibiotics, and also taking the proper measures to control identified instances of antibiotic resistance problems in healthcare settings.

Staying Safe, Every Time

If you’re worried about the risk of contracting this new type of gonorrhea, fortunately it’s no harder to prevent it now that it has been in previous years The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mention that condoms reduce the occurrence of STDs like gonorrhea, as long as the products are used properly and consistently. Also, it’s very simple to gain peace of mind by visiting a testing center in your area. All strains of gonorrhea are problematic because they often don’t show symptoms right away. Rather than waiting for symptoms to show up, think about getting into the practice of regular sexual testing.

Whether you’re thinking uneasily about if you might be inviting a superbug into the bedroom, or just went to keep you and your partner as safe as possible during intercourse, simple measures are still worthwhile.

About the Author

Writer Karen Alton is a blogger for health testing centers that perform confidential testing. Centers in Colorado Springs are just one of a nationwide chain of labs available.

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Starting a cardio workout

Exercise is one of the most fundamental tools for weight loss. Cardio will get your heart rate up and help you burn calories quickly. To maximize your efforts, you will likely want to get moving every day. Running, swimming, and biking are all great ways to amp up your exercise routine and start burning away the weight left behind from your pregnancy.

Making smart dietary decisions

Weight loss may start in the gym, but the battle is won in your kitchen. In order to keep those pesky pounds away, you will want to cut out refined sugars and minimize your fat intake. Processed foods in general are best avoided, while healthy fruits and vegetables should make up a large portion of your daily intake.

If you are having trouble making the right decisions in your kitchen, you may wish to consider meeting with a nutritionist or personal trainer. These experts are trained to provide you with the knowledge you need to lose weight. Professionals may also provide you with extra tools you can use to lose weight, such as kinesio tape and free weights.

Establishing a healthy routine

Beyond the foods you eat and the exercise you put in each day, you need to ensure you are following a healthy routine. For many women, this means increasing water intake and avoiding mindless snacking throughout the day. You will also want to eat smaller meals more frequently, which can help keep your metabolism in top shape. Finally, do not eat heavy meals late at night, as this can weigh you down and cause your body to store excess calories.

Beating the bulge and gaining a beach-ready body demands both hard work and determination. Further complicating matters, you have a young child to supervise. Although it can be challenging to carve out time to exercise, do not neglect your needs simply because you have a young baby. Instead, you may want to consider taking up exercise routines that you can follow with your child. This can help keep you motivated and will allow you to multitask efficiently. This article shows what other recent mothers did to fit exercise into their daily lives.

About the Author

Brionna Kennedy is native to the Pacific Northwest, growing up in Washington, then moving down to Oregon for college. She enjoys writing on fashion and business, but any subject will do, as she loves to learn about new topics. When she isn’t writing, she lives for the outdoors. Oregon has been the perfect setting to indulge her love of kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking.

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