Entertainment Category - Page 9 of 23

From Hard Times to Victorious: Lessons from ‘Beneath the Skin’ by Jess Winns

The Chicago Journal Staff on March 8, 2023

Jess Winns, a Chicago native and accomplished entrepreneur, author, and speaker, shares her journey in her first book, “Beneath the Skin.” Based on her own transformational experiences, Jess outlines a framework for thinking that turns victims into victors and teaches how to transmute pain.

It was never an easy path for Jess. She grew up in a single-parent household in Chicago. For the first half of her life, they lived in a basement apartment of a family building that felt more like a prison, with paint-chipped pipes across the ceiling and barred windows. Growing up in darkness, Jess was resolute that this would be her past, not her future. “I became determined to do whatever I could in this life so my future family never had to experience the darkness of poverty.” She began taking steps to make her dreams a reality, and in 2008, Jess graduated from DePaul University as a single mother. Struggling to find a job and passionate about providing opportunities for the community, she founded Empowering Youth Through Travel, a non-profit organization that provided overseas travel opportunities for inner-city Chicago youth. After the birth of her second daughter, Jess recognized that she needed to prioritize her family, and took a step back from non-profit work. She moved her family to Austin, Texas, with dreams of starting her own business. When life in Austin didn’t go as planned, she worked odd jobs for a while, then moved her family to Costa Rica to reset and dream for the future.

While living abroad, Jess found herself struggling as a single mom without support. She began journaling her experiences and lessons learned, with the idea that it could one day turn into something she could pass down to her daughters. This was the birth of what would become her first book- a piece of her heart that she tucked away for seven years.

After four months in Costa Rica, Jess decided to settle back in Chicago and pursue her entrepreneurial dreams. She turned the handmade skincare she had crafted for her family into a business, affectionately named Ari Rose Body Care after her first two daughters. While building the business, she honed her skills and became a Functional Nutrition Counselor, Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, and Leadership Coach. “I had a clear vision of what I wanted my life to look like. I wanted to own my time and create an independent and free life, and I had faith that there was something far better around the corner.” The business continued to grow, and after six years, Jess felt an intrinsic desire to share her wellness journey with others. What started as a way to support her family quickly turned into an opportunity to educate the community on wellness.

Having focused on physical wellness for so long, Jess realized there was more to wellness than meets the eye. “I own a skincare company, but life is so much deeper than that. I felt like it was time to go beneath the skin and share the importance of developing yourself and transmuting negative energy into something positive.” Now a successful business owner and author, it felt like the right time for Jess to chronicle her personal development journey and memorialize her legacy. “Ultimately, it is all for my daughters. I want future generations to have a piece of me to hold on to, something that echoes through the years.” She encourages readers to remember that “We have authority over our lives. Regardless of your circumstances, the power is within you to make a change. Step outside the box and create a life you love.”

Josh Gottsegen: Inspiring Healthy Choices and Diversity through the Tropland Universe Media Franchise

The Chicago Journal Staff on February 23, 2023

Josh Gottsegen is a creative force to be reckoned with, as evidenced by the success of his Tropland Universe media franchise and the Joosh’s Juice Bar children’s book series. A passionate advocate for healthy lifestyle choices, Gottsegen infuses his colorful and imaginative stories with positive messages about food and nutrition, encouraging children and adults alike to make healthy choices.

Gottsegen’s journey to becoming a successful children’s author and media creator is rooted in his love of writing and storytelling. He began writing as a child and has always been drawn to the power of words to transport readers to different worlds and inspire their imaginations. This love of writing and storytelling led him to create the Tropland Universe franchise, a rich and diverse world filled with colorful characters and exciting adventures.

At the heart of the Tropland Universe franchise is the Joosh’s Juice Bar series, which follows the adventures of Joosh and his family as they navigate the ups and downs of running a healthy juice stand in the heart of Tropland Forest. Through his stories, Gottsegen promotes healthy eating habits and encourages children to make positive choices regarding food and nutrition. He also explores the culture of food, introducing readers to a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods in a fun and engaging way.

As the Tropland Universe franchise has grown and evolved, Gottsegen has continued to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. His first novel, ‘The Adventures of Rockford T. Honeypot’ was published in 2020 by OneLight Publishing and was quickly received by hundreds of bloggers rating the book 5 stars on Amazon. More recently, one of the most exciting new developments in the franchise is the incorporation of AI art, which allows Gottsegen to create new characters and concepts in a whole new way. Using midjourney and photoshop, he is able to generate unique character designs, settings and storylines that would be extremely difficult using traditional methods. This innovative approach has led to the introduction of exciting new characters like King Mak, Princess Penelope, and Queen Kona from Gottsegen’s upcoming novel, “The Myth of the Pear Princess”, adding depth and richness to the already vibrant Tropland Forest.

In addition to promoting healthy lifestyle choices, Gottsegen is also committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in his stories. The diverse cast of characters in the Tropland Universe franchise reflects the diversity of the real world, helping to teach children about acceptance and understanding. From Zebra rockstars to magical superheroes, and a menagerie of quirky animals and creatures, the Universe of Tropland Forest is a celebration of diversity and imagination.

Overall, Josh Gottsegen is a true creative visionary, constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling and inspiring children to make positive choices when it comes to food and nutrition. Through the Tropland Universe media franchise and the Joosh’s Juice Bar book series, he has created a magical and imaginative world that captures the hearts and minds of readers of all ages. With the incorporation of AI art and other innovative techniques, the future of the Tropland Universe looks brighter than ever, and we can’t wait to see what Josh Gottsegen comes up with next.

Pietro Barba – Crafting Stories Through Editing

The Chicago Journal Staff on February 20, 2023

When did your passion for creating stories begin?

My passion for writing began during my elementary school days and was greatly influenced by my Italian teacher in middle school, who encouraged me to explore this love for storytelling. Writing, for me, has always been a refuge where I can face reality, rework it, play with it, and explore my thoughts, emotions, desires, and the world around me without worrying about others’ judgment. In high school, I discovered the world of cinema and realized that I had the ability to bring my stories, which were once just on paper, to life. So, together with my friends, we started making short films. Whenever there was a project at school, whoever was in my group knew that we would be making a movie. All this was possible thanks to my first camera, gifted to me by my grandfather.

Have you considered following your family’s vocation for medicine? How did it turn out?

Despite my strong interest in the world of cinema, with a father who was a dermatologist, a sister who was a dermatologist, another sister who was an osteopath, and only my mother who was an artist of patchwork, I decided to follow my family’s vocation and try to get into medicine. I took tests for a year, but perhaps because I didn’t really want to enter, or perhaps it was fate, I didn’t get into any schools. I was left with two options, either to go abroad to study medicine or to find a way into the world of cinema. It was then that a short film I made was noticed by a producer who commissioned me to make a video for a congress against cyberbullying.
Pietro Barba

Tell us about your first experiences as a video maker.

The short film “Behind the Keyboard” marked the beginning of a collaboration between me, my friend Giovanni Perolo, and Dr. Guadagnini. Together, we made a TV series called “Se solo sapessi” (If only you knew) that was broadcast on Telearena for two seasons. After finishing the collaboration with “Se solo sapessi,” I started working for a well-known multimedia agency in Verona as a camera operator and video editor.

How did you arrive in Los Angeles?

It all happened during a family dinner when the parents of a childhood friend recommended the contact of a guy who worked for a well-known American film academy. Excited by the proposal, I flew to the United States, to Los Angeles, to get my degree in cinema and follow my dream.

What are your professional experiences in the world of film editing?

After completing my degree in film, I had the opportunity to work on numerous short films for various directors in Los Angeles, many of which have won awards in competitions. Editing has always been one of my main passions, as I see this process as essential to bring a film to life, using programs such as Resolve, Premier or Avid to impart that vital spark to the plot and characters. Later, I found work at a multimedia agency, where I was in charge of editing masterclasses and trailers for TV series. I also edited numerous videos for commercial spots, documentaries, and many other narrative works.

Current projects and future job prospects?

Currently, after 3 months of work, I am in the process of refining a feature film on which I also worked as a gaffer. It was the most important formative process I have undergone in my career as an editor, and as a result, many other opportunities have arisen. In fact, I have just started working on a new feature film as an editor and have several short films in the pipeline. Due to the many work commitments, I have decided to create a team so that I can manage to complete everything in the best possible way. One of my future goals is to open an editing company.

Where can our readers find you online?

Email: pietrobarbafilms@gmail.com

Instagram: @pietro_barba

Website: pietrobarba.com

SamBoat Sets Sail in Chicago

The Chicago Journal Staff on February 15, 2023

If you’ve ever gazed at the sails and motorboats on Lake Michigan and wished to be on the glittering water yourself, there’s good news — chartered yacht rentals are now available in Chicago through SamBoat.

“SamBoat’s first boats in Chicago have just been uploaded to the website,” says Robert Harrington, the company’s US Country Manager. “We’ve launched our fleet in Chicago several months ahead of the warmer summer season so people can start planning and reserving their yachts well ahead of time. You can now book for the summer holidays (Juneteenth, July 4th or Labor Day), as well as the events you have coming up this summer, such as weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries.”

SamBoat enables ordinary people to rent their own boats through a simple and secure online platform. “The idea is new and is based upon the sharing economy we’ve seen explode over the past half a decade,” Harrington says. “Renting a boat has never been easier. It’s now just as easy as booking yourself an Uber or Lyft. It’s very much like Airbnb, except instead of renting a home, you would be renting a boat or yacht.”

How SamBoat works

SamBoat rentals are located along Chicago’s shoreline of Lake Michigan at a variety of different yacht clubs and berths. Rentals can last anywhere from a couple of hours or days to even weeks or months. For those who don’t know how to skipper a yacht themselves, many listings include the possibility of hiring a crew.

The website is a simple, easy-to-use interface. Just specify your port of embarkation and the dates for your trip, as well as the kind of boat you are interested in: motor or sailboat. Click on “Search,” and a list of appropriate options will appear. Photographs of the sleek hulls immediately deliver a thrill — which yacht can you see yourself driving over the waves or sunbathing on?

The website also allows you to choose the order in which listings appear. One option gives you recommended boats first, while another shows you the options from least to most expensive. It’s also possible to sort the listings by previous customers’ highest average rating.

Once you click on a particular listing, that boat’s web page comes up with more details, such as its length, year of manufacture, and horsepower. More photographs will pop up, and some will even show you the yacht’s interior, as well as the staterooms or cockpit. Each listing has a clear description of the boat’s additional features, such as Bluetooth audio, kitchen, wet bar, or sun pad.

The service also opens up opportunities for those who own yachts. “Boat owners can make money by offering their boats for rent through our platform,” Harrington says. “This can help offset costs while you’re not utilizing the boat yourself. Otherwise, you can turn your boat into a full-time money-making operation.”

Chicagoans would rightly feel lucky to have such possibilities at their fingertips. Harrington feels the same way about Chicago.

Why Chicago is the perfect fit

“Chicago is a great place to get out on the water, especially during the warmer months,” Harrington says. “It’s not only one of the largest cities in the country, but also one of the hotbeds for tech startups. While SamBoat is based in Bordeaux, France, we needed to have a presence in such a large, dynamic, influential American city.”

No other operator offers the ease, reliability, and affordability that SamBoat brings to this market. “The alternatives haven’t always lived up to Chicagoans’ expectations in terms of customer service and price,” Harrington explains. “We’re excited to finally offer a solution that will live up to expectations.”

According to Harrington, SamBoat is better than the other options in Chicago for several reasons. “We have flexible payment options and payment plans,” he says. “There’s no need to shell out the full amount of your yacht charter months in advance. We are also happy to come up with a personalized plan for you.”

He also referenced SamBoat’s fantastic selection. “You’re bound to find the perfect yacht for your day on the water, whether it’s a 30-footer or a 70-footer,” he says. “There’s no need to browse for hours looking through different websites.” SamBoat’s flexible cancellation policies ensure stress-free booking.

SamBoat is also less expensive than other boat booking websites. “For the same exact boats,” Harrington observes. “Why pay more for the same experience? Keep that extra money for a few bottles of champagne while on your yacht charter.”

Other places SamBoat operates in the US

According to Harrington, SamBoat is available in basically all the large coastal US cities, from California to Florida and up to New England. “We’ve especially seen rapid growth in South Florida at ports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach,” he notes. “The company is growing at a rapid pace; we’ve recently added Mexico and the Caribbean with a particular focus on the beautiful resort cities of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Cancun.”

Nothing compares to the serenity and satisfaction of blue mind. That unparalleled experience is what SamBoat is bringing to Chicago and other ports throughout the US.

“Above all, we’re always trying to share our love of the water as broadly as possible,” Harrington says. “At the end of the day, some of your very best memories will be time spent on the water. We’re excited to help people create those memories.”

HIGHLIGHT: FASHION DESIGNER STEVIE EDWARDS

The Chicago Journal Staff on February 14, 2023

(Chicago Actress @thereallraye in a Custom Stevie Edwards signature white dress…Photo courtesy of @imerickrobinson)

Stevie Edwards, Chicago’s King of Fashion. After having a career in fashion for over 30 years. Stevie deserves the title. Only a few men designers from Chicago have been around designing in different genres, such as from the 80s up until now. Stevie has experienced it all. Yet, he still says the 80s are his favorite.

His experience comes from high school, majoring in Tailoring and mastering the art. Continuing to learn his style, Stevie worked with the late Reginald Thomas, a dear friend who also worked for the legendary Barbara Bates. But Stevie credits his success to the legendary Iconic late Great Eunice Johnson, who purchased Stevie gowns and showcased them in her International Fashion Fair Show, which also led to an editorial in Ebony Magazine and an appearance on The Oprah Show.

Stevie recently received major editorials from WWD, Vogue, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar and Sheen Magazine. Stevie is trying to stay relevant by expanding her brand and securing a LA location. I wanted to dress in Black Hollywood, so I had to move here. I still reside in Chicago, so I’m bi-coastal with my clients. Stevie clothes have dressed the elite, such as Diana Ross, Tiffany Haddish, Billie Woodruff, Terisa Griffin, Jody Watley, LisaRaye, and Claudia Jordan, to name a few.

To keep up with the latest on Stevie Edwards, visit his Website, IG, Twitter, and Facebook.

Empty Calories by Kyle Washington will Force You to Evaluate Your Most Cherished Social Relationships

The Chicago Journal Staff on February 6, 2023

At first thought, the term ‘empty calories’ would cast your mind back to old nutrition ads you might’ve seen in the grocery store, or on TV where a bunch of food menu options is considered ‘empty.’ Empty because while they seem sweet and give you some form of energy boost, they are devoid of essential nutrients you need for life. Have you ever felt the same way about your relationships? Romantic or otherwise? If you have not, you need to order a copy of Kyle Washignton’s Empty Calories. You might have some empty calories relationships you need to eliminate from your life.

We all have had those people in our lives that make us feel good and excited at the moment, but in reality, they do not bring us real value, empower us, or help us be our best selves. “I call those relationships, Empty Calories!” says Kyle Washington.

So what would you do when the glue that holds your life and family together wears off and the center cannot save you? This situation was the story Kyle captured in his novel ‘Empty Calories’ of a family whose wife, mother and enormously influential person pass on suddenly, leaving them scrambling for equilibrium.
Kyle Washington

Washington shows how a selfish and domineering woman controls and influences family members despite appearing to be a perfect wife and mother. The mother and wife, Ellie, is a prosperous and career-driven woman who tightly supervises her family. Although the family appeared to be a solid unit to outsiders, it broke down following Ellie’s passing because of the mother’s rigid control. The father and his five children encounter difficulties and problems after she passes away, which marks the beginning of the family’s decline.

According to the book, relationships don’t matter if they are meaningless or hollow and rule people’s lives. The novel “Empty Calories” shows how someone can abuse and manipulate family members to the point where they cannot work or live independently. As soon as the mother passes away, the family breaks down under strain. They encounter significant hardship because they rely on instructions and cannot comprehend the difficulties of living independently without other people’s decisions. Washington implies that excitement is enjoyable or satisfying relationships that serve no useful purpose. Because the interactions are similar to food without any nutritional value for a person, he refers to them as “empty calories.”

About the Author

Kyle Washington is the youngest of his family’s five siblings and a native of Houston, Texas. He raised his daughters alone while working as an executive for a Fortune 500 company. To better understand people’s perspectives, behaviors, values, and beliefs, he enjoys traveling and interacting with new people. People have a variety of stories to tell because of their varied upbringings, way of life, and experiences. His travels and interactions with unique individuals improved Washington’s writing skills for new books and novels. Washington’s interactions inspired the novel Empty Calories with various people and their lives.

He encourages people to start sharing their empty calories relationships on social media using #emptycaloriesnovel

Empty Calories by Kyle Washington is a must-read novel!

Alcoholic Beverages to Kick Off 2023: ALB Vodka, MurLarkey, Canpagne Wine Co, Dos Hombres, 818 Tequila, Proper Twelve, & DE-NADA

The Chicago Journal Staff on February 2, 2023

As the new year is upon us, people are looking to celebrate their accomplishments and memories. From holiday parties to new year parties with work colleagues, friends, and family, there is no shortage of celebrations to attend this time of year. Especially now as we are further removed from pandemic externalities, people across the globe are getting together with their loved ones in restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, as well as their homes enjoying each other’s presence. With the festive season boost and the return to normal in general, American consumer demand for premium spirits grew as US supplier sales were up 12%. With an environment ripe for new brands to gain market share, let’s look at the fastest-growing and most exciting alcoholic beverage brands to check out in 2023.

Number 1: ALB Vodka

Affectionately dubbed, “your favorite bartender’s favorite vodka,” ALB (/ā’el’bē/) Vodka is made in Albany, NY, but for the people. Taking NYC by storm last summer, ALB Vodka has dramatically grown its reach across the country this past year. The premium handmade gluten-free vodka is the fastest-growing spirit in the US as it’s garnered favor with industry decision-makers, cultural tastemakers, and the everyday consumer. People are resonating with ALB’s corn-based vodka not only because of its signature smooth taste, achieved by an innovative charcoal filtration regimen — and the famous NY water — but also because of its allure and affordability. Despite its lack of marketing, ALB Vodka has been authentically stamped by both celebrities and bartenders without any insincere promotions. ALB Vodka can be seen on the shelves of 5-star hotels like the St. Regis, Michelin-starred restaurants like Le Bernardin, top-rated bars like Refinery Rooftop, IYKYK speakeasies, and the most exclusive private clubs like Casa Cipriani as it draws a crowd. As vodka itself is enjoying a renaissance, ALB Vodka is the go-to vodka for the drink of the moment, the espresso martini – replacing Tito’s. ALB Vodka is the perfect spirit to introduce, or gift, to friends and family before the rest of the world catches on this upcoming year, and without breaking the bank. We expect ALB Vodka to be the most disruptive spirit of 2023.

Number 2: MurLarkey

Established in 2014, MurLarkey is an award-winning spirit brand boasting 100% all-natural gin, whiskey, bourbon, and vodka products all of which are hand-crafted in the USA. Among the 40+ awards bestowed on MurLarkey’s spirits, the Virginia-based brand was honored as the 4th best distillery in the US in 2021 by Travel and Leisure. As a pioneer in sustainably sourced ingredients, MurLarkey’s innovative Farm to Flask initiative is as impactful as it is clever; MurLarkey only uses raw grains and corn sourced from local Virginia farmers and never uses artificial ingredients. MurLarkey’s ImaGINation™ Gin won gold at the 2020 New York Intl Spirits Competition for its proprietary blend of 12 All-Natural Botanicals. MurLarkey’s Smokehouse® Whiskey won the gold medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its mouth-watering smoked BBQ nose followed by a silky smooth finish. Among many great all-naturally flavored whiskeys, MurLarkey’s Salsa Borracha Whiskey won the gold medal at the 2022 ADI International Spirits Competition for its unique ‘mezcla de’ tomatillos, ancho chilies, cumin, coriander, poblanos, jalapenos, scallions, cilantro, fresh corn, red onion, shallots, limes, oranges, green bell peppers, tomatoes, and whiskey. With a wide array of additional spirits to try in 2023 from the Birthright Bourbon (2022 New York International Spirits Competition Double Gold Medal Winner) to the Divine Clarity Vodka (2x International Gold Medal Winner), we are excited to see what the new year has in store for MurLarkey and its newly expanded 25,000-square-foot distillery and tasting room.

Number 3: Canpagne Wine Co.

Canpange Wine Co is an exciting new brand flipping the wine industry on its head while maintaining the class the drink is typically associated with. The brand was founded by wine industry veterans with a combined 30 years plus of experience between the two of them. David DesForges and Ovid Battat are capturing consumer attention with the brand’s pithy name as well as premium Bubbly Rose and Mimosa products. The Bubbly Rose has notes of fresh ripe strawberries and tropical fruits with much more carbonation than other canned sparkling wines due to a proprietary canning technique. All of their products are certified kosher, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free. The Peach Mimosa is refreshingly light with plenty of bubbles and not overly sweet like many other canned cocktails and uses only premium wine and fresh fruit juice. Three more mimosa cocktails are set to be released in the spring with Passion Fruit, Blood Orange, and Wild Berry flavors rounding out the lineup. Canpagne Wine Co. products are not only great tasting, but they are the most convenient way to enjoy sparkling wine on the go. Canpagne Wine Co. does not use added sugar or artificial flavors and is committed to using grapes sourced in the USA from sustainably farmed and family-owned vineyards. 2023 is sure to be a big year for Canpagne Wine Co.

Number 4: Dos Hombres

Dos Hombres is the popular mezcal brand founded by Brian Cranston and Aaron Paul. The two celebrities and ex co-stars are following in the footsteps of other celebrities endorsing or founding spirit brands. Similar to vodka, although not quite to the same extent, mezcal is a popular drink of choice in the cultural zeitgeist at the moment. Handcrafted in the hillsides of a small village of Oaxaca, Mexico, Cranston and Paul leverage their star power to help bring the authentic Dos Hombres mezcal to the market. Dos Hombres is currently resonating with the highly active mezcal community, as well as creating mezcal converts, with its Espadin, a 6-year-old Espadin agave, and its limited-edition Tobala, a 25-year-old Tobala agave, products. Dos Hombres follows a very particular and authentic harvesting, cooking, milling, fermenting, and distilling process that leverages the knowledge of multiple generations of mezcal producers, or mezcaleros, utilizing the nutrient-rich soil of the Sun Luis del Rio region of Oaxaca. We expect Cranston and Paul to take this great-tasting traditional mezcal to new heights in 2023.

Number 5: 818 Tequila

With a commitment to sustainability and a few key celebrity endorsements – as well as an incredible taste – 818 Tequila is one of the most popular tequilas in the country right now. Produced in Jalisco, Mexico on a distillery that runs on biomass and solar power, 818 offers award-winning Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo tequilas. Additionally, 818 is capturing consumer, and celebrity, attention with its premium reserve product. Eight Reserve is a masterful blend of Añejo and Extra Añejo tequila aged up to 8 years in French and American barrels. Beyond its award-winning taste, Eight Reserve’s highly unique bottle, beautifully crafted in the shape of an ‘8’ or infinity symbol, is making waves throughout the culture as people are saving the bottle and want to be photographed with it similar to Clase Azul’s bottles. Consistent with the brand’s strong sense of responsibility and pride regarding its positive impact on the community and environment, 818 Tequila’s popular Eight Reserve ceramic decanter bottle is handmade by local artisans in Pachuca, Mexico. As more people become aware of the brand, we are excited to see what 2023 has in store for 818 Tequila.

Number 6: Proper Twelve

As our only whisky on the list, you may have heard about Proper Twelve because of its association with famous MMA fighter Connor McGregor, but it caught our attention because of its classic taste. McGregor is certainly helping the brand gain visibility, but the Irish superstar is a perfect brand representative for the traditional Irish whiskey company. Proper Twelve’s triple-distilled, fine-grain, single-malt whiskey is resonating with both sides of the pond for its smooth taste featuring hints of vanilla, honey, and toasted wood. Proper Twelve is the perfect melange of celebrity endorsement and authentic Irish milling, masking, fermenting, and distilling. With a far-reaching social media presence and popular merch, Proper Twelve is threading the needle with a coherent brand vision, featuring signature cocktails like the ‘Proper Caic’ and the ‘Proper Shirley.’ We expect Proper Twelve to continue growing in 2023.

Number 7: DE-NADA

Founded by Danny Neeson and Adam Millman, DE-NADA Tequila partners with 5th-generation distillers in Jalisco Mexico to produce their Blanco and Reposado tequila products. DE-NADA is one of only 65 Tequila brands that are currently Confirmed Additive Free. With its name punning on “of nothing,” DE-NADA is committed to offering only pure tequila. Further, it has achieved CarbonNeutral® product certification in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol. DE-NADA is crafted, from field to bottle, at The Vivanco Estate in the Highlands of Jalisco. Millman and Neeson — once New Orleans-based college friends — started their dream project of creating delicious tequila in 2017. They began tasting and traveling, and eventually, their palates led them to NOM 1414, the Vivanco family’s artisan distillery ‘Mi Ranchito.’ The Vivanco family and company share the founders’ values of quality, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. With major plans for growth, 2023 is set to be a big year for DE-NADA.

Clinton Benoit: The Versatile Visionary Making a Breakthrough in the Latin Musical World with “La Vida No Es Complicada,” A Heavy metal and Merengue infusion

The Chicago Journal Staff on February 1, 2023

The Dominican Republic is where the music and dancing of the merengue originated. It is distinguished by its quick tempo and beat, which is frequently played on instruments, including horns, accordions, and saxophones. Since its creation in the late 19th century, merengue music has grown to include elements of hip-hop, salsa, and other popular music genres. People of various ages and socioeconomic levels enjoy listening to and dancing to merengue in the Dominican Republic and throughout the rest of the world.

The heavy metal guitar, on the other hand, is a significant and influential element of contemporary music that has influenced innumerable artists and listeners all over the world. It is among the most enduring and popular genres thanks to its quick-paced, high-energy sound.

Only a talented, polyvalent, and risk-taking artist like Clinton Benoit could have been able to pull off a Merengue and Heavy metal guitar admixture.

Clinton Benoit is a versatile individual who excels at mixing a variety of musical genres. He has performed with several bands, but with the recently released Rock Merengue single “La Vida No Es Complicada,” which is uncommon in the Latin music business, he’s gone solo. This brand-new fusion of typical merengue music with some strong metal guitar riffs has been receiving exposure in the Latin music scene in the US and Latin America.

However, not all of this song is sung in Spanish. A remarkable blend of many languages and cultures is created when the song begins with some lyrics in Haitian Creole and transitions to Spanish background vocalists and some English lyrics. This fusion, according to numerous Hispanic local radio stations in the heavily Hispanic cities of New York and Los Angeles, could be Clinton Benoit’s breakthrough in the Latin music industry.

Clinton Benoit has received numerous offers from Latin music producers inviting him to perform with well-known Dominican and Puerto Rican performers at important Latin music events. The song is available everywhere online, and the music video is hosted on both clintonbenoit.com and his official YouTube page.

In online interviews with two different television hosts, Clinton talked about his struggles before becoming a well-known Haitian star, and also talked about his newly adopted coffee brand, “Cafe Lux.” He appeared to be very humble and acknowledged that there was still work to be done when it comes to marketing the “Compas Direct” brand, the traditional Haitian musical genre to cross over. As a singer, social worker, and police officer, Clinton Benoit has addressed the issues of why Haiti is politically challenged and how to address those challenges for a better future. He also talked about his hometown of Jacmel, where he grew up being exposed to the Cuban sound and other Hispanic countries. He is a visionary who is not afraid to take risks and is a great artist with a very strong voice.

Finally, with his brand-new song “La Vida No Es Complicada,” which showcases his range as a versatile, visionary, risk-taking, and modest musician, Clinton Benoit is making history in the Latin music industry. With his incredible talent and commanding voice, this rising Latin music artist can be expected to achieve even greater things.

Elite Pickz Expands Winner’s Circle by Upping Its Game and Online Presence

The Chicago Journal Staff on January 26, 2023

In January 2020, Elite Pickz saw the opportunity to help everyday fans take an actionable step to dive into their passion for betting on sports and hopefully create a new source of income. Founded by Bill Harrelson, the company meticulously researched the space and developed a unique business plan. It would use complex data rather than opinion to set odds and offer picks to its members.

In a world where the House always wins, sportsbooks and casinos engineer gaming to show a profit. Eager sports fans place bets daily online and in person, thinking that because they’ve watched a particular team or sport their entire life, they know how to play the odds and beat them. But winning in the sports betting industry has little to do with opinions and gut feelings. It’s about correctly using analytics and advanced models to capitalize on market inefficiencies. That’s where Elite Pickz comes into play.

In a quest to establish a data-based consultantship, Elite Pickz “tested” (interviewed) multiple sports bettors who claimed to be pros selling picks. Unfortunately, the company discovered many were frauds. The industry is full of individuals claiming improbable win rates and monthly profits but not knowing about the science behind making informed picks.

Elite Pickz didn’t throw in the towel, though. The business bet on itself to root out the perfect, legitimate consulting team of professionals—one of the first U.S. sportsbook employees on the east coast and a handicapper with a long and documented track record. This collaboration is different from its competitors’ approach. These experts established a tested formula that helps bettors create what they call positive expected value (+EV) picks based on targeted, precise information, not just intuition.

It all goes back to data. Using advanced models and numbers, Elite Pickz meticulously mines information using comprehensive and tested systems to achieve massive profitability long term. The team consistently beats closing lines on the large majority of their picks—this is almost unheard of in the industry. Beating closing lines consistently creates an edge over the House. When a bettor plays an advantage enough times, they see a profit. Elite Pickz demystifies how to achieve these results for its clients.

The betting consultants aren’t afraid to tell followers when they take a hit, either. Some days the House wins. Transparency is paramount to the company’s success; it doesn’t hide losses like its competitors, enhancing its credibility with clientele.

Elite Pickz is excited to announce its latest expansion by officially launching its website in Winter 2022. The site will focus on the customer by offering in-depth information and opportunities for an enhanced experience. The company primarily operates through Instagram, with its impressive 145k followers. It also has a Discord channel for members only. The team knows growing its internet presence provides potential for a larger winner’s circle.

The company sells informed data in daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly packages. With each monthly pass for picks, they will often guarantee results. If the team fails to generate an ROI during your month, they offer an additional month free. The company’s customer service focus develops long-term relationships with bettors who respect that integrity.

Elite Pickz also offers a free email service with tips on sports betting to educate its audience and increase returns. Even if someone is new to sports betting and hasn’t committed to utilizing Elite Pickz services, they can receive the free emails.

Meeting the full-circle desire to give back some of its profits, Elite Pickz selects one day a month to donate a portion of sales to a charity. The company knows that giving back to build community is always a sure bet and makes everyone a winner.

ABOUT

Elite Pickz is a sports betting consulting company based in the U.S.A., founded in January 2020. The company focuses on building long-term client relationships by using data-driven picks to help them generate income through sports betting. The company consistently beats closing lines on the large majority of their picks, a very rare achievement in the sports betting consulting industry.

Contact:

Elite Pickz Team

@elitepickz

bill@elitepickz.com

https://elitepickz.com

Source: Elite Pickz

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Filmmaker R. Parthiban Succeeds in Creating the World’s First Non-Linear Single Shot Film “Iravin Nizhal”

The Chicago Journal Staff on January 26, 2023

Indian filmmaker Radhakrishnan Parthiban has been revolutionizing the film industry in his home country with his distinct style and creativity over the past years. His most recent project, Iravin Nizhal, is the world’s first non-linear single-shot film that has defied many production boundaries and achieved a groundbreaking feat all on its own. Written and conceptualized by Parthiban himself, the unstoppable filmmaker also plays the protagonist in the project that saw 59 settings, more than 300 actors, 150 technicians, numerous costume and makeup changes, and a 50-year time span, all perfectly choreographed into one single shot and achieved after a grueling 90-day rehearsal period.

Parthiban is a three-time winner of the prestigious Indian National Film Awards for his exceptional performances in the industry. He has acted in more than 72 films, directed 15, and produced 12. Mostly, his films highlight his rich cultural background and showcase the Tamil language.

As can be expected, shooting Iravin Nizhal was a massive logistical and production challenge. Aside from the adult crew, the production team also had to take charge of animals and children who were part of the supporting cast. All of them were carefully trained to follow the timing of the continuous scenes. Apart from ensuring that everyone was in sync, the production team also had to incorporate multiple weather, technological, social, and historical aspects in order to come up with a genuine experience for viewers.

Naturally, several surprises and challenges took place during the actual recording despite the series of rehearsals that were undertaken. Parthiban and his team made room for a lot of improvisation and creativity to come into play, and the result was exquisite. Scenes were shot with several takes to guarantee the accuracy of the narrative and the perfect arrangement of scenery and stage elements.

The film was created with the help of some big names in the industry. AR Rahman, an Academy Award Winner for his work in Slumdog Millionaire, did the music and background score of Iravin Nizhal. He was a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 2010. Additionally, Craig Mann served as the Supervising Sound Designer. He won an Academy Award in the category of Best Sound Mixing for the film Whiplash. Finally, Cottalango Leon was the VFX Supervisor. He is an Indian-American computer graphics technician who was awarded a joint Academy Award for scientific and technical achievement in 2016.

Iravin Nizhal is Parthiban’s official entry to the 2022 Academy Awards. The filmmaker wants to highlight Indian ingenuity and creativity in the area of filmmaking. He worked tirelessly for the past ten years to perfect the script, hoping to bring honor and due recognition to the Tamil film industry. Considered his best work yet, the film will not only highlight the Tamil film industry but also Indian Cinema in general.

Before Iravin Nizhal, Parthiban wrote, directed, and produced the 2019 thriller Single Slipper Size 7, the world’s first single-actor film. Parthiban also played the lead in the movie, which entered the Asian Book of Records and India Book of Records for having a single person write, produce, direct, and act in the project.

Iravin Nizhal is now available on Prime Video.