The Chicago Journal

Your Gateway to the Heartbeat of Chicago

Kelly Merrick Is the Next Big Thing in MMA Working His Way to the UFC

With grit, dedication, and a lot of hard work, MMA fighter Kelly Merrick is steadily rising to his dream of competing in the UFC. The undefeated Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu maintains a record of 4-0 and he is setting his eyes on an even bigger achievement in the coming years – a UFC championship belt. 

Currently training in Grit Training Center in Butte, Montana, he works tirelessly to perfect his Jiu Jitsu, kickboxing, and Muay Thai training. With the help of the coaches at Grit Training Center, he has successfully transformed into someone a lot of young people can emulate and look up to. Kelly Merrick understands very well what it takes to make it to UFC, and training with the best coaches has helped him greatly to prepare  for his ultimate goal. 

At this point in this career, he is open to training under more MMA coaches to get the best practices of every athlete. He believes that in order to take home a UFC championship belt, he needs to be teachable and humble enough to seek the counsel of those who are better than him at the sport. As someone possessing a champion’s mindset, humility is one of his top attributes, knowing that the road to the UFC championship is best taken with people he can trust and learn from. 

Kelly Merrick is one of the most hardworking and dedicated MMA athletes at Grit today, working tirelessly to perfect his form and fighting styles. If anything, he is one of the most driven athletes there is in the industry. “I know that there is no one working harder than me and I will always make sure I’m the hardest worker in the room,” the rising MMA athlete shared. “I have dedicated my life to this sport since I was 5 years old when I started Wrestling. I will not allow anyone to stand in my way of accomplishing my dreams to be one of the greatest Mixed Martial Arts athletes in the world.”

To remain consistent and focused on achieving his goals, Kelly Merrick is mostly motivated by his parents, apart from his personal dreams for himself. He works hard to be able to express his gratitude to his parents for raising him well. He hopes to be able to repay them for all their hard work by allowing them to retire and enjoy stress-free days ahead of them. 

It is just a matter of time before Kelly Merrick makes it to the UFC and becomes a top 15 contender. In the next few years, he sees himself becoming one of the world’s toughest fighters and bringing honor to his family and the country as well. Along with his success in the sport, he also envisions massive growth for Grit Training Center. He wants to see it expand and accommodate more athletes who can train with the best. As a nationwide gym, it can be a safe haven for a lot of young people aspiring to make a name for themselves in MMA. 

As Kelly Merrick works his way to the top of his game, he hopes his life serves as an inspiration to others to never give up on their dreams, but simply to focus on their goals by working hard. In the end, he believes that it is a person’s dedication and hard work that will take him to his desired destination. Learn more about Kelly Merrick and Grit Training Center by visiting this website. Follow Grit on Facebook for updates on its latest events.

The Fast Fire Watch Co. Is Keeping A Watchful Eye on America Providing the Highest Quality Fire Watch Guard Services in the Nation

Fires have ravaged the lives of many people, shut down institutions, and caused millions worth of property damage for businesses. When it comes to fire hazards, safety is of the utmost importance. Fortunately, The Fast Fire Watch Co. Co. is keeping watch and providing top-of-the-line services to its clients all across the United States.

The Fast Fire Watch Co. is the premier fire watch security guard service in the USA, keeping America safe from fires at every turn. It is the highest-rated fire watch security guard service provider founded and operated by retired fire service professionals who have dedicated their lives towards continuing their service to the American people.  

Whether it’s long-term or temporary fire watch guards for clients, The Fast Fire Watch Co. offers the same degree of high-quality services that nobody else can offer. The company is known for the consistency of its services, staying true to the four pillars that it must adhere to, namely fast dispatch, fully equipped guards, Fire Marshall compliance, and emergency-trained fire watch officers. 

The Fast Fire Watch Co. has guards on standby 24/7 all across the nation, ready for dispatch at a moment’s notice, simply just a call away. The team is well aware that these dire situations call for the most upstanding services possible. The Fast Fire Watch Co. guards are always on time and always ready to serve their clients, knowing full well the responsibilities and the quality of service that they need to uphold. 

Every guard is trained to keep a log and monitor the area per city and state ordinance. They also work with the local 911 authorities and ensure that fire hazards are immediately identified and corrected. The Fast Fire Watch Co. specializes in commercial fire watch services to a wide array of clients such as financial institutions, industrial locations, medical offices, hospitals, private venues, schools, warehouses, and many more. 

The company also offers special event security for various kinds of activities and locations. This includes fire-prone locations such as movie sets, trade shows, conventions, expos, sporting events, and speaking engagements that attract massive crowds. Guards are also available to do construction fire watch and hot work watch. 

Regulations and ordinances have been put in place that require businesses and establishments to work closely with experts composed of fire officers and fire security guards to preserve the safety of the people and their properties. Upholding excellence at all times is a hallmark of the service that The Fast Fire Watch Co. employs. The company’s accommodating team of expertly trained guards are alert at all times, never missing a beat in the process.

The Fast Fire Watch Co. excels in the industry due to its reputation for high-quality services without fail. Its results have shown tremendous success over the years, completing more than 10,000 watch patrols with quality and sheer professionalism. The Fast Fire Watch Co. always puts the needs of its clients first and foremost, offering their unwavering support to where it is needed the most.

Some of its esteemed clients include big industry names such as Hilton, Lockheed Martin, Amazon, Turner, and Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. The Fast Fire Watch Co. is creating a safer America thanks to its strong adherence to the safety of its clients and their properties. As a premium fire watch guards service, the company has provided nothing but excellence to its many clients. Staying true to its brand of safety and reliability, The Fast Fire Watch Co. Co. is truly a company that everyone can count on.

Actor TJ Jackson Joins the Cast of ABC’s “Women of the Movement,” Executive Produced by Will Smith and Jay-Z

Women of the Movement is an upcoming six-episode series developed by ABC, written by Marissa Jo Cerar, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, and produced by Jay-Z, Will Smith, and Aaron Kaplan. The series will revolve around Mamie Till, the mother of Emmett Till, whose name has been prominent in the civil rights movement. Joining the star-studded cast is rising star, TJ Jackson.

Women of the Movement is a longtime passion project for Jay-Z, Will Smith, and Kaplan. Initially developed at HBO five years ago under a different writer, when the project left the network, the producers decided to shift the focus on the women of the civil rights movement. They cited Mamie Till as one of the thousands of strong, influential women in the fight for equality. 

Jackson’s most recent role was in Hulu’s adventure comedy Vacation Friends, featuring Lil Rel Howery, Yvonne Orji, John Cena, and Meredith Hagner. The movie follows two couples going on vacation to Mexico, a trip that tests their friendship when they return home. 

Currently, TJ Jackson is busy wrapping up projects set for release in 2022. Along with Women of the Movement, He will star in romantic comedy F-Boy Free written and directed by actor George Lott (Universal Pictures Little) alongside Greenleaf star Jennifer Sears.  

Learn more about TJ Jackson by visiting his official website and Instagram page.

Agam Pandit on Making a Difference in the World Today

Agam Pandit is one of the top young influentials around the world. When it comes to making a legacy that will impact many generations to come, serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former Indian cricketer Agam Pandit has made a lot of investments that many people can learn from. Today, he is one of the world’s biggest influencers in the area of business and philanthropy, inspiring fellow businessmen and aspiring entrepreneurs to put their money in worthy investments that will not only improve communities today but will also create a sustainable future for coming generations. 

Most of Agam Pandit’s investments are into strategic and new developments that promote clean and renewable energy. He is best known for his business acumen and fresh ideas that contribute greatly to growing economies around the world. After completing his postgraduate studies, he worked at Barkley’s Bank PLC, India, for a few years. He handled retail assets, sales, and commercial banking. His rich experience in banking, finance, and marketing enabled him to handle the wealth and investment management of major projects related to infrastructure, real estate, loan, and equity finance. Over time, he was able to build confidential investor relationships and started working with international companies. 

As a philanthropist, Agam Pandit is the director of Lead India Foundation USA, an organization formed by India’s ex-president and aerospace scientist Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. He has spearheaded a wide array of impactful projects that are designed for youth development, women empowerment, and sustainable energy. Despite his busy schedule and many responsibilities, he makes time to volunteer for Navjyoti Global Arm, which is managed by Dr. Kiran Bedi, the governor of Pondicherry, India. He has also supported the organization’s fundraising initiatives to ensure that it reaches its goals of helping communities. During his free time, he also volunteers at the Old Age Home in London. 

His contributions in various noble causes have been recognized by US presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. Other national figures also honored him for his contributions, from Hillary Clinton to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr. Kiran Bedi, and Abu Dhabi King Sheikh Nayan. Agam Pandit is also a passionate supporter of United Nations initiatives, including clean and renewable energy and energy access projects. He is currently the global brand ambassador of PUREPrana, a nanotechnology-enabled air sterilizer and respirator.

Agam Pandit is a proud graduate of Harvard University’s School of Business. He finished his Master’s in Commerce from Mumbai University. 

To say that Agam Pandit was a cricket superstar in India is an understatement. He was a member of the Junior Indian Cricket Team that won the World Cup in 1996 at Lords, England. He also played for India A Cricket Team in the 2005 Tri-Series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Abu Dhabi. Eventually, he was chosen by the Australia Cricket Board for special training in Australia. He also played professionally for several years in the United Kingdom. 

At a young age, Agam Pandit has accomplished so much for his generation and the many more that will follow in the future. The way he intentionally lives his life is one that is worth hearing about. As he continues to influence lives positively, the world can expect more inspiring stories about him in the coming years. 

Find out more about Agam Pandit by visiting his website. Follow him on Instagram and Facebook for updates on his latest projects.

Fitzgerald & Campbell APLC Senior Partner Gregory Fitzgerald Tackles Student Loan Lender Article

The financial situation of most Americans usually includes being saddled with crippling student loans. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, student loans in the United States have grown to approximately $1.76 trillion, and graduate students accrue roughly 50% of that amount. The issue runs deep, and it continues to affect millions of American citizens all across the nation. Fortunately, the famous “debtor protectors,” Greg Fitzgerald and William Campbell, have established the Fitzgerald & Campbell APLC law firm to help people eliminate their debt.

Fitzgerald & Campbell APLC is a law firm composed of skilled debt attorneys who will stop at nothing to help Americans who have been buried under debt. They provide financial advice and legal services to their clients, especially on issues involving loans and debts. The founding partners firmly believe that the student loan crisis needs to be addressed as soon as possible, which is why they have offered their services and resources to remedy the issue.

“The idea behind the establishment of the firm was primarily to help as many people as possible offset their student loans,” explained Fitzgerald. He observed that the main problem is not the unwillingness to pay back the debt but instead the misleading and confusing information by the lender as part of their tactics to make the borrower accrue more interest.

Recently, Gregory Fitzgerald took exception to an article published by SoFi entitled “Is There A Statute of Limitations on Debt?” Most people would agree that the simple answer is yes, because they assume the author is referring to lawsuits on debt and not the debt itself. “For example, as correctly pointed out in the article, the expiration of the statute of limitation does not mean you no longer ‘owe’ the debt. It merely means the debtor can not win a lawsuit brought by a creditor if the lawsuit is filed after the expiration of the time identified in the applicable SOL,” explained Fitzgerald.

Simply stated, lawsuits on some debts become “time-barred” based on the applicable state law. However, SoFi went too far and wrongly published the statement that “some debts, like student loans, are not subject to statutes of limitations,” which is obviously wrong as per Fitzgerald. “Private student loans ARE subject to an SOL. SoFi knows this because they deal exclusively in private loans. The fact that private student loans do have an SOL cannot be disputed. Again, SoFi knows this. Yet they went on to reiterate the fallacy three more times in the article,” exclaimed Fitzgerald. “That’s not a typo. That’s pushing a message. It is misinformation,” he added.

The article goes against the very foundations of the work that Fitzgerald & Campbell APLC are putting out to the world. It is spreading misinformation rather than providing proper education regarding debt and loans of any form. Especially in the sensitive topic of student loans, SoFi has made bold claims which happen to be untrue, and Gregory Fitzgerald took the time to question their statements and challenge their claims.

Without a doubt, Fitzgerald & Campbell APLC are standing at the front lines in the fight against debt of any form. In the years to come, they hope to continue to educate more and more people and guide them toward the right ways to manage their debt and discern valuable information that they might come across. For now, Gregory Fitzgerald has made his position clear and has put his foot down against the misinformation that seems to permeate American media today.

To know more about Fitzgerald & Campbell APLC, make sure to visit their official website.

Nour Atta: Shaping Today’s Retail Traders through Stock Hours

Finding one’s passion early, being able to pursue it, and attaining great success is a rare opportunity that should not be wasted. Entrepreneur Nour Atta is one of those fortunate enough to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience and the incredible young man is determined to share his knowledge with others.

What jumpstarted the options trader’s career was the unique opportunity of being offered to participate in an internship on Wall Street at a very young age. At the time, he was only 16 years old, and even though he was mostly tasked to do clerical duties, it was enough to pique the teenager’s curiosity into the field of trading.

The internship was instrumental in showing the aspiring trader the endless possibilities that a career in trading can provide. It did not take long for his interest to quickly grow into passion, and eventually, he decided to pursue a career in trading. Now, he has achieved an impressive success turning $20,000 into a multi-million-dollar operation.

However, more than accomplishments in his personal career, what makes Nour Atta stand out is his mission to teach people how to become master traders. Through his venture Stock Hours LLC, he has transformed regular individuals into six-figure retail traders.

The business initially started as a way for the young expert to share his knowledge with his closest friends and create a community that helps one another grow. Due to its outstanding goal and culture, what started as a small circle quickly snowballed; and now, Stock Hours has over a thousand students.

One crucial aspect that contributed to the success of the brand is its accessibility. The company uses a Signals Chat and Nour Atta has perfectly explained their winning strategy, “In this signals chat we literally post trade ideas each morning and signal our entries live on voice as well as host lessons 3-5 times a week along with much more.”

Aside from that, the venture has a dedicated team of qualified interns who are readily available to help any new students with any concern. It is this unparalleled level of commitment that has catapulted the business to the top of the industry.

Because of its notable impact in helping the retail market’s knowledge base grow, the company has been recognized by many as “The Only Educational Platform To Help You Learn About How To Trade in Market.” On top of that, it has earned a whopping $8 million in profits for 2020 alone.

Nour Atta has grand plans for the future of his company and students. He sees himself growing Stock Hours from a humble community of traders into a full-fledged hedge fund. For now, the brilliant business owner remains steadfast in his objective of educating and empowering more individuals to become an expert retail trader.

Learn more about Nour Atta by visiting his Instagram page and YouTube channel. To know more about Stock Hours LLC, check out its Instagram & Youtube.

Why Wavy Baby Brows Believes Ombre Powder Brows Are the Future of Brow Aesthetics

Ombre powder brows have been a big trend as of late as it provides people with a more long-lasting eyebrow solution that still looks natural.  Wavy Baby Brows is one business that has brought the powder brow movement to a new level, showing that it’s an excellent option for anyone who’s looking for an eyebrow finish that they can proudly show off. 

Wavy Baby Brows was started by brow artist Kierra Pershall who started her business not too long ago but has already had a swarm of bookings. She attributes a lot of her success to the fantastic result that powder brows have on her clients, but it’s also hard to neglect that she does it so well. Her clients have noted her work for the masterful finish, some noting that it looks like she’s been doing it for decades. 

A few months ago, Pershall opened her business up and started taking eyebrow workup bookings. In as little as two months, she would see tremendous growth. When starting Wavy Baby Brows, Kierra intended to simply create a space where women could feel beautiful and confident. However, she sticks to a no judgment rule and provides service to anyone who walks through her doors. 

Before starting Wavy Baby Brows, Kierra found herself in industries and workplaces where people were often judged for their appearance. “It made people feel limited,” shares Pershall. “I wanted to take another step towards conquering that by creating a community where people don’t have to worry about other people’s opinions.” Accordingly, Wavy Baby Brows has grown into a brand that stands for acceptance and inclusion, something that has become a battle cry across this nation in a time of great difference-based divide. 

Kierra’s decision to focus on eyebrows wasn’t random. After chancing upon a study that showed how facial features like lips and eyebrows tended to fade with age, she realized how important the eyebrows are to retaining or returning a youthful glow. In addition, women spend hours fixing their eyebrows from scratch every week, costing them a lot of time and effort. With Wavy Baby Brows’ ombre powder brows, women no longer have to spend that much time and can free themselves up to do other things. 

Ombre powder brows are different from microblading, another semi-permanent eyebrow styling technique that has become popular now. Where microblading uses a small carving blade to cut into the skin and put in the pigment, ombre brows use a less invasive machine than microblading, allowing for shorter downtimes and lesser risks of infection or allergic reactions. 

Kierra hopes to one day expand her business and open a salon or beauty center where she can serve more people and collaborate with other creative minds on other services that will help build confidence in people, especially women. She believes that aesthetics go more profound than most people think and that there’s nothing “shallow” about wanting to look your best. 

Before offering ombre brow styling, Kierra Pershall was a YouTube vlogger who shared her journey as a mom and wife. She is married to Nathan Pershall, who is also a successful businessman. Learn more about Wavy Baby Brows and Kierra Pershall by visiting their Instagram profile.

365Live.com Unveils Their New App with a Major Labor Day Weekend Music Showcase

Society has come a long way in terms of making products and services more accessible to the majority. In the past, most things had to be done manually, which took a lot of time and required a lot of effort. Now, virtually anything can be done online, including finding and booking event tickets which can be done on the revolutionary platform 365Live.

The brand is the go-to site for many fun-loving individuals who are looking for fun events and experiences. The event platform stands out because it provides people with helpful information about various parties and concerts. But, more importantly, it helps these individuals book tickets to said events with ease.

On Labor Day weekend, 365Live threw the biggest party to unveil and share its newest mobile application with the world. When the brand announced the festival, many people scrambled to score tickets which were quickly sold out, leaving many to be on the lookout for similar upcoming events. The celebration was held in Miami, Florida, and was attended by more than 5,000 individuals. 

The hip-hop music festival was a two-day affair that happened on the 4th and 5th of September. It was hosted by A-list personalities and celebrities like EZ Stevie and Yes Juelz. On top of that, attendees were treated to exclusive performances from hip-hop superstars and up-and-coming artists such as French Montana, Trey Songz, Chinese Kitty, Bizzy Crook, and Yung Reece.

The festivities carried on well into the night, with afterparties being hosted at the famous Vendome Nightclub. Hundreds of people joined in on the fun and celebrated the significant milestone with the company.  

More than having a good time and jamming to great music, the festival focused on letting people know about 365Live’s newest platform. The mobile application is available for download on Android and iOs. It has incredible features such as location services which help direct the user to nearby events and the hottest happenings within the area. In addition to that, they can book tickets, respond to RSVPs and coordinate with friends all in the app.

The comprehensive platform is not limited to big events. Instead, it shows users a wide range of experiences and entertainment, including art shows, live music, brunch, or clubbing. 

Aside from promoting its revolutionary platform, 365Live has also devoted time toward a significant cause in the midst of the fun and partying. On the last day of the festival, the team has raised money to help in the ongoing relief efforts for the earthquake victims in Haiti. 

The future looks bright for 365Live as it continues to evolve with the times. More than being an app that shows parties and events, the brand is determined to continue finding ways to connect people with fun activities that bring them joy and nourish their mental and emotional wellbeing. 

Event organizers have also ensured that the festival strictly complied with CDC Guidelines and protocols, and participants were required to wear masks upon entry.To know more about 365Live, check out its official website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Shawn Mendes Joins Life Is Strange TV Series as an Executive Producer

Source: People

For those who missed it, Shawn Mendes has joined the Life Is Strange TV series adaptation as an executive producler.

Life Is Strange is a popular video game created by the French game developer Dontnod Entertainment and published by the European subsidiary of gaming industry giant Square Enix. First released in January of 2015, the episodic adventure game quickly rose to prominence for its excellent visuals and gameplay, as well as its masterful utilization of the butterfly effect.

The story centers around Max Caulfield, a teenager with the unique ability to rewind time. As she navigates her personal, social, and school life, she is faced with the difficult task of saving their town from impending doom.

The game was well-received among the gaming community and has earned a score of 85 out of 100 on Metacritic. It has even won the British Academy Games Awards or BAFTA Games Awards for Story in the year 2016.

A year after its debut, Legendary Television disclosed that it had picked the game up for a television adaptation. Unfortunately, the project has seemingly come to a standstill five years later, and most people have already forgotten about it. However, the team behind the promising show has recently announced several exciting developments, and the buzz surrounding it is slowly picking back up.

First off, they have teamed up with singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes. The award-winning musician will be an executive producer for the adaptation. In addition, he is contributing his musical expertise and prowess by overseeing the music for the series. He will be working with Permanent Content partner Andrew Gertler.

Aside from that, Anonymous Content will also be joining the team. The production company is best known for its work on numerous notable projects such as 13 Reasons WhyMr. RobotThe AlienistThe OA, and Dickinson.

It is important to note that despite disclosing significant updates, it will take some time before the audience can finally watch the series. In addition, as per sources, casting and other crucial information are yet to be confirmed. Still, these significant updates are a big sign of progress, and they have given fans hope that the project is well underway.

In the meantime, fans can reminisce by playing through the game again. They could also indulge in the franchise’s other offerings. Its latest game, Life is Strange: True Colors, is scheduled to be released on September 30 and will be set in a different universe following a brand new protagonist, Alex Chen.

With a dedicated following patiently waiting for its release, the production team of Life Is Strange has their work cut out for them. While many are excited to see the beloved game on the small screen, most are eager to see the writers and showrunners’ take on the plot of  Life Is Strange. Most importantly, fans are looking forward to seeing their favorite aspect of the game come to life from its characters, their relationship with one another, as well as the riveting story of Arcadia Bay.

Joshua Valentin on What It Takes to Beat the Odds and Become Successful

Dedicated photographer and videographer Joshua Valentin is one of the most promising personalities in the industry today as he hustles to become a remarkable filmmaker. His deep love for the arts springs from his family of Puerto Rican origin, his source of overwhelming support and inspiration. Today, he is showing the world that despite the discrimination and bullying he has experienced on countless occasions, a person like him does not back down easily and that beating the odds necessitates grit, determination, and persistence. 

From the very beginning, Joshua Valentin was inspired to establish Valentine Studios by his father, who also owns his own business. Early on, he saw firsthand the many challenges and benefits that came with running his own business through his father’s work. Despite the common pitfalls of being a business owner, he also realized that the benefits far outweighed the problems. Determined to explore new possibilities, Valentine Studios became a reality. 

Joshua Valentin is a firm believer in the value of hard work and patience when it comes to pursuing success. What matters most to him is to achieve his goals steadily at a pace that will allow him to sharpen his photography and videography skills further by immersing himself in the kind of work that will expand his experience. Interestingly, he is not in a hurry to succeed. Instead, he wants to savor the whole process of getting there by learning new techniques and styles every day, making the right connections, and investing in the right equipment that will allow him to elevate his craft. When the time is right, he is confident that his success will be sweet and humbling, knowing that he did not cut corners and worked tirelessly to prove his worth in the industry. 

In the next few years, Joshua Valentin looks forward to doing extraordinary projects, even the ones he never deemed possible for someone of his humble beginnings. Dreaming big, however, is something he has always been good at, and making them happen is his greatest passion. He envisions himself working in top Hollywood films and collaborating with some of the industry’s biggest and most admirable names. He wishes to learn from them and combine their expertise with his skills so he can continue to build a respectable name in the business.

In the near future, he also sees himself directing music videos for big music artists and contributing to giving life to their vision. Ultimately, he wants to be instrumental in creating some of the most impressive and unforgettable video content of this generation and make them his legacy. He wishes to inspire young people to pursue their dreams early. If they are into directing, they ought to start where they are now and work their way to the top. When they hear about his life story, he hopes that they will see a committed artist who never gave up, someone who pressed on despite the odds so that he can make a difference in the world. 

Follow Joshua Valentin on Instagram to learn more about his projects and services. Connect with him on Linkedin and explore exciting possibilities with his team.