TABLE OF CONTENTS – DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE

ACTORS:

BUSINESSES:

Michael Gentile

Cudahy Fire Department

Peter Madrigal

Driftless Road Adventures

ART WORK:

BOOK REVIEW:

Eric Hackler - Photographer

Tails to Chill Your Bones To

Petra Lo – Painter

The Bloody Trail

The Conflagration – Janene Aird

Exile on Front Street

Where the Air Is Thin – Stephanie Moore

FILM REVIEW:

AUTHORS:

Baby Fish

Max Brillion

Charles Haux

Deb Hunter

I Know You

BIKERS:

CHARITIES:

Black Sheep Tattoo Shop

3 Wishes

Hollywood’s Roadhouse

Queens to the Rescue

Crystal Kittleman

National Pediatric Cancer Foundation

ARTISTS:

FILMMAKERS:

Stephanie Bartz

Anka Malatynska

Josh Eilers

Renata Gabryjelska

PR/MEDIA

MUSICIANS:

Emily Taffel

Frankie Silver

Andrea Pass

Suzanne Grzanna

TV REVIEW: Good Girls Mayans MC

NOTES FROM THE FOUNDER I am so very glad that you have decided to subscribe to this sensational publication. In doing so, you are assisting me in keeping art alive in cities all across this country. My philosophy has always been that every person is capable of creative expression. Some choose to share it, while others care to shelf their offerings. My hope with this magazine is to both assist artisans to get attention while allowing new or unknown talents to publish work. I would love to encourage a reader to get in touch with their imaginative side, and make them feel free enough to share their own eclectic side. What good is a dream if you cannot turn it into a true reality? At eight years of age, I was already able to identify my #1 goal for my future. I wanted to be a writer because I believed that words were magic. They had the ability to affect people in a positive way. Further, when writing, I would always feel that tickle in my tummy. The one that speaks to you silently and says, “This is what passion feels like”. I am blessed that even now at the age of fifty, I still get that same feeling every time I compose any article. I did spend the majority of my life working a side shuffle that was not entirely focused on publishing or putting words in print. I was always writing, but it would be years before anything went public. Once I released my first book, two more would follow. Next came freelance journalism, then on to radio. The air waves would lead to film festivals, and this led me to screenplays and making movies. Every career choice I made in the last ten years has always centered around ways I could keep writing. Finally, I dared to do something scary, as well as incredible and insane – start my own online magazine. In 2019, media personnel across multiple platforms are losing their livelihoods, and there are fewer and fewer media outlets left as each week passes. Some of us still want to read good journalism – good stories that cover great people or places. It is this belief that birthed the Art is Alive Magazine. So, what can you as the reader expect to see within the written walls of this magazine? Well, since an artistic angle can be found within almost anyone or anything, that gave me lots of ground I could cover. You will see various forms of original art from artists all across the country. One can read reviews of books, films and television shows. Feature articles on authors and actors, as well as filmmakers and fantastic business owners and bikers. Musicians and members of the media, as well as notable nonprofits. I am proud to state that I have the high honor of not only providing first interviews for some participants, but also being their first publishing platform. I sincerely hope that I am able to entertain, educate, motivate or move you all by these articles. I am not your typical Founder, in that I am constantly asking for advice and am always open to opinions. If you like or do not like what you see, I want to hear about it. If you have suggestions for future content or artistic endeavors for me to cover, I am listening. If you want to contribute or just chat, I am here. My door and desk is always open to you. Also, never be afraid to share your sentiments on the pieces that I have authored. There is always room for improvement, even if you sit in the top seat. Lastly, no business is built by way of one man or woman, but rather a whole lot of both. I personally wish to thank all of my contributing writers, story subjects, and those publicists and pals who assisted me in assembling this issue. I am grateful every day for the love and loyalty given me by my dearest friends, for they motivated me to make this move into publishing. A huge thank you from my heart to my amazing children, for they make me want to be bigger and better for them and for me. You are my whole world. To Nan Roddy, thank you for being the first teacher to believe that I had a gift that needed to be seen on a larger scale. Finally, I must mention my partner in life and in love, for I would have stopped pursuing this project months ago. To you FF – you make me believe and see my best self. You allow me permission to follow any path without apology or apprehension. You are my reason and you are remarkable. You also helped me be the best writer I could ever be. Thank YOU. Enjoy!

Michael Gentile: A Mix of Hollywood and Humility Written By: Cindy Mich My first face-to-face encounter with Michael Gentile found me both stunned and surprised. Indeed, he truly is the sixfoot tall sensation that many revere as remarkable. It was also unmistakably clear that he was empty of an ego. One might expect a man of his caliber to be completely aloof or arrogant, as he has been entertaining audiences for over twenty-five years. Sure, his dialect and demeanor reveal a man who is majorly introverted and minorly shy and sarcastic. However, just as with a whole majority of other actors, he shows one face to society and another in front of those he fancies or befriends. Frankly, this interviewer found herself a bit exhilarated, yet extremely hesitant, about interviewing this man. He arrived looking stylish for the season, full of sweetness in his tone, and truly being charming and clearly attentive. It felt as if a younger version of Clark Gable had arrived to be interviewed by meager little ME. Truly an honor, yet a touch terrifying. So, we started off with his family origins and fondness for the arts as an adolescent. Born in Long Island, Michael quickly made mention that he considered himself a “coma kid”. He was not necessarily a star student with the best behavior, but he did hold a high level of personal logic and listening skills. He expressed avid appreciation for the several years he played school ports, as this taught him a deeper sense of discipline and dedication. He even managed to make it to the level of MVP in football! I learned that Michael played various horns as a hobby, however, the trumpet ended up holding his heart. It was also adolescence where he started to enhance and even embellish his facial expressions. This physical technique would eventually become one of his signature acting styles. Following in the educational footprints of his father, Michael did also attend Fordham University – though not directly for the study of theater. Shortly after graduation, the small theater stage began to beckon this actor’s attention. He would eventually end up performing in a total of sixteen theater productions. Since he personally possesses a true appreciation for classical authors, it is not surprising that he acted in three Shakespeare plays: Hamlet, Othello, and Romeo and Juliet. His work and wonderful reviews fueled his artistic fires, clearing a path towards motion pictures. It would actually be 1993 before Mr. Gentile got to act in his first film role. The Force Within was the name of the film, and he gave me the impression this was a creative challenge, yet overall a positive life lesson. This lady wishes his story found him with steady weekly acting jobs, but alas, almost all actors have side shuffles. Michael has had many, and of those mentioned, being a private investigator stood out in his stories. At one point, he even opted to take off a number of years to re-assess and reorganize himself and his life. After seven years, he came back bigger, bolder, and better. His onscreen performances are slowly progressing to a total of almost forty, and there is no sign of him stopping. Michael went from being a novice in non-verbal cues to mastering so called “movie mime”. Every role allowed him to pick new personalities to play. A mathematician, Medicare fraudster and maniacal gangster. Army Sergeant, annoying father, and absentee lover. When I inquired as to which role shows audiences the majority of the real Michael, he stated his role as Gil in the short film Charles Haux. For reader reference, Gil is a character chuck full of sarcasm and sassiness, yet

perplexing and philosophical. Seems as if playing a plethora of identities is easy times for this thespian, as he played nine characters in The Triacca Code. Well, fellow actors may be reading this article and asking, how does he pull off all of this with such proficiency? I did direct our chat to cover what he calls his basics for being a prepared professional actor. He invests an insane amount of time into understanding and absorbing the written material. He believes we all have an identity, so it needs to be searched out within the written words. Once you can mentally see your character, spend time with them. In his situation, he holds a liking to playing good natured souls, but honestly does not mind stepping into a terrible man’s shoes. Additionally, if you can help it, work with what he calls a “high caliber staff”. This will lend itself to a movie made with highly professional performances and praise. Finally, although Michael did not directly mention it, he did infer that the ability to effectively do foreign accents is a positive for finding employment. He himself can pull off dozens of dialects, including my personal favorite – Italian. One would assume his parents bestowed him this present, as his dad spoke said language and Mom speaks Spanish. As to remaining reflections on the rigors of acting, Gentile asserts that he truly does not mind doing auditions. The process and preparation are like old friends, so it is familiar and far from scary to him. He also prefers to be positioned as last in line, whether that means with a casting agent or on the cinematic screen. Michael steers clear of seeking the center spotlight to hold for himself. He longs to be his real and raw self so as to hopefully secure repeat business. Lastly, he consistently remains realistic about his goals within this grand industry. He views his own work with an honest and open microscope so as to avoid deep disappointments. Spoken like a true star. I sincerely became saddened that our short time together was coming to a close. However, I had to ask: where can we find you in the near future? Gentile has two feature films available via Video on Demand – Pickings and Cigarette Soup. He played a supporting role in a fun web series entitled Flyering. He grabbed the lead role in the dark drama The Damaged, which earned him a Best Actor Award. He won the same said award in 2018 for his work in the short film, Charles Haux. As for current productions, watch for Monster Mash, A Hundred Looks of Love and The House Arrest Rooneys. Additionally, He just landed the role of Prince Vyazemsky in the historical drama, Who Killed Pushkin. If plays are your potion, he can be seen monthly in NYC doing Plays and Pizza at Lucky Jack’s Bar and Lounge. Lastly, 2018 found him launching his own clothing Line (MG Frocks), and in 2019, co-founding a new NYC indie film festival entitled Bedford Falls Film Festival. In conclusion, Michael Gentile has the makings of an indie icon. Honesty and humility; class and character. He brings to each performance an invaluable mix of improv and imagination. Michael makes us hate him one second, then wish we could stop weeping. He is hero and antagonist; saint and sinner. He is the NEW HOLLYWOOD – and I for one cannot wait to see him on the red carpet when he is handed his star! For further information on his films or frocks, please visit: www.michaelgentile.net.

Peter Madrigal: A Man With Many Interesting and Inspirational Sides Written By: Cindy Mich

The interesting thing about today’s television stars is that at times, audiences only acknowledge them as singular to their set roles. I am not ashamed to immediately admit that this reporter recognized Peter from the production Vanderpump Rules. It was within our phone calls and personal emails that I finally gained a fuller appreciation of his artistically ambitious side. Fortunately for both of us, I am the Founder of this magazine, so I own a spotlight by which to shine upon all sides of this inventive individual. Peter Madrigal is a lovely concoction of part creative, food connoisseur, film producer, and sole proprietor. One may not be able to assess his full makeup by peering at his presence on Bravo, but his new businesses are being broadcast widely across the West Coast. Madrigal is working feverishly fast to mesh more closely to his fans via a variety of flashy and newfangled creations. Beneath the attractive face and athletic figure lies a load of flair and finesse that makes him more special and sizable than the camera may capture. Tracing back a bit to Peter’s childhood, one would witness a little boy running around a Texas ranch. I am unaware if this is intentional, but he seems to carry a few of the typical Texan traits. These folks are known for being big on the friendly factor, they tend to go bigger on everything they ever try, and are really rooted in their own ways. Three realistic ways to describe Mr. Madrigal all right there! He chose a career path unlike those of his parents, as mom is a botanist and dad was an attorney. Despite his decision on the occupational side, they still supported him and provided him a solid sense of appreciation. Seems like a solid starting foundation. College life would be the next challenge, so Peter hit the books to attain a Theater Arts/Film Degree from USC. While working on his studies, he did dare to engage (excitedly, I might add) in some school theater, proving to be somewhat of a tour de force in stage acting. Madrigal made mention of the thrill factor felt while performing in Romeo and Juliet and Beuwolf, but in time it would be film that ultimately provided him more powerful titillation. It was also within these early days that he did embark in modeling for a short stint. Although this stage of life was short lived, he did end up doing a very cool Dracula video. Flipping forward to 2013, the world would watch Madrigal make his debut on the very popular program, Vanderpump Rules. As so many millions are already familiar with this LA shot series, little remains to reveal. However, Peter did share that life on television can have many positives, as well as one or two tiresome tasks. He states, “I feel as if I have to be on at all times.” Since so many moments are spent in front of the camera, you always need to be ready to roll in attitude and appearance. This can certainly take an excessive amount of energy. A person must pay attention to every detail every second. Regardless, audiences actually will acquire a better understanding of the way a real restaurant works when watching. He is hopeful that viewers will see all the various snippets necessary to offer a nice dining experiences for visitors. Tune into Bravo on January 7, 2020 to do so. Most are familiar with the fact that Peter is the Manager of the aforementioned SUR Restaurant, which is the backdrop for most of the entertaining episodes of Vanderpump Rules. He began his employment at Lisa Vanderpump’s lovely establishment in 2008, and has remained part of her staff to this day. Since this was the first time someone recruited him

to work in a restaurant, I am certain that he chose to soak up a slew of knowledge in almost twelve years. At present, Peter is on premise four days a week, and does bring his own sense of style and shine when managing this lavish dining location. He was spot on specific as to what customers can await when snacking at SUR. Within forty-five seconds of arrival, one is automatically greeted by staff. Once seated, menus are provided within the first minute or so, and then drink orders are done. He specifically said that he expects servers never to be overbearing, but rather proficient and polite. Madrigal makes it clear that “I love it when servers say they are bored because they are all caught up servicing customers.” I gather that all their staggering success stems, in part, from Peter’s smart tactics implemented in the everyday running of this restaurant. Also, I hear the food is at a full five-star rating! Two more facts I must not forget to mention. He does notice that a number of show followers stop in to eat, and encourages them to take a second to stop and say hello. Come shake his hand, as he is not just friendly to his own circle – he has room for new friends. I was also able to coax out a couple of secrets as to how he sustains his healthy hair. Apparently, take caution to not wash it more than three times a week and utilize Keratin treatments. Now, we can all look snazzy minus a stylist or hair salon. Speaking of hair, Peter acts as Co-Owner of a side business called Hairo. He climbed on board with the Founders back in 2015, and the line is still developing as we speak. Since so many are synonymous with his hair, Madrigal was an obvious match for this Boston based company. Hairo products are all water based, which allows stylists to “cocktail” solutions for clients’ hair challenges. I am told that their next product shall be a coconut shampoo. As if all of the above did not already keep Peter devoid of down time, he heaped on more ventures so as to secure another successful year. He intends to continue his partnership with the Cameo platform. To the readers who do not recognize this name, it is a personalized video shout out service which features a ton of talented stars from which you can order a recorded message. True fans will get a more intimate and interactive way to mingle with Madrigal through his social gaming application, Peterific Slots. The game gives players loads of levels and fun challenges as they play. However, for some, the actual payoff comes in the big prize – having face to face time with this television star. Head to Google Play or the Apple store to download the application. Should you wish to watch any of the films in which Peter acts as Producer, check out The Raiven Destiny. This is a passion project which took four years to complete, and is currently making its way through the film festival circuit. Labeled as a twelve-minute science fiction film, it has three strong selling points. These are solid special effects, dynamic dialogue, and astounding audio. You can also get a glimpse of Peter’s television co-star, Tom Sandoval, as he is part of the cast. As much as he enjoys collaboration, Peter also loves to create his own campaigns. We can all look forward to the release of his candle line in a few short months. Since he loves the smell of a candle spreading across a clean house, he took the time to select a few fragrances, and will soon establish an online store by which to sell said items. Last, but not least, get ready for a Rose flavored vodka. Madrigal is known to enjoy the occasional indulgence in a cigar and a couple glasses of wine. Hence, why not mix vino and vodka? Peter has also hinted that he is shopping around a TV series concept and a few more films are in his future. He is adamant about taking time so as not to rush through the making of a movie. Let’s all cross our fingers that we soon see these new written works. To summarize, Peter Madrigal is an independent thinker and igniter of fires for success every second he sees fit. As we age, maturity makes us all evaluate where and what we shall envelop into over time. Peter chooses to put a bit of himself into every corner of the country, bringing stylish and sophisticated products to the population. Despite intermittent discouragements, he never gives in, nor gives up. He pays little mind to what is negatively said of him, as he is too busy being a substantially successful guy. By success, I do not mean just in dollars and cents-but rather in being an intelligent, innovative and immensely gracious guy. I am proud to know you, Peter Madrigal. Peter can be found at: https://www.instagram.com/peter_madrigal/

PHOTOGRAPHY OF ERIC HACKLER

ARTIST BIO: “I started creating photos so as to make a difference and give back in some small way for all art has given me. In the case of my photography, this means attempting to show people views and angles often unseen. I have been lucky enough to shoot in Europe, Iceland, & soon in Canada (fingers crossed!). Back home in NYC, I am working my way through the National Parks. When not out in nature, I am on film sets as a director and cinematographer, on stage as a fight choreographer, or in a post-production suite as a film editor. I am also the Founder of an independent production company, Checker Liar Pictures. If we take the world only as it seems, nothing ever changes. So, let’s tilt the lens a little.” To see more of Eric’s work, please visit: www.erichackler.com

PAINTER PETRA LO

ARTIST BIO: Dr. Petra Deeter is a serial entrepreneur and an award-winning film director and actress. She is passionate about visual storytelling and occasionally explores her artistic expressions by painting. She is a survivor of domestic violence and is a strong advocate for women. Her website is: http://petradeeter.com

Where the Air Is Thin: Learning to Breathe After My Brother’s Suicide Authored By: Stephanie Moore

“Hello,” I mumbled. “Hey, are you sleeping?”, my sister asked. “Yeah.” “I need you to pay attention, OK? Are you paying attention? I really need you to pay attention.” “Yeah, I’m paying attention.” “Brad took his life.” With those words about my brother, phantom trains rumbled. Writhing in some invisible pain, my body revolted with hyper-ventilation and nausea overtook me. Under a half moon in the pre-dawn hours of a tepid August morning, I ran outside and listened to the soft clanging of wind chimes. Frogs bellowed, crickets chirped, and moths fluttered about the light radiating from the bathroom window. All the world was peaceful except for the dismantling of my existence. The sounds of internal implosion. There are moments in life that obliterate the landscape of all you knew. Visions that paint the past in grey and words that capture the future in bitterness. In a living room lit by small, decorative lamps, I watched my mother transform into an old woman that early morning. With the retelling of those four words about her son, her once smooth complexion was overridden by wrinkles and crevices. A haggardness covered her and her irises drained of their color. I listened to her beg my sister to stop, to wait, to go back. Throughout the hours that followed, my brain became stained with her moans of “Mama,” a desperate prayer to her mother that had passed 41 years ago. Clad only in his briefs, I watched my father begin his disintegration into a void of nothingness. Before my dazed, tear fogged eyes, I witnessed his Parkinson’s disease shake him into a wheelchair and his dementia thrust him into a nursing home only months later. Brad was my father’s favorite among all five of us kids. We all knew it, including Mom, but none of us seemed to mind. He always carried a special affection and pride for his third son, and perhaps, in the back of our minds, we all knew the reason. Brad had the energy of a prince who was on the verge of taking over the world. He was, physically, the runt of the litter. Although no taller than his sisters, he dwarfed when standing beside his brothers. This only made him fight harder, and he eclipsed all of us siblings in many ways. Where we stumbled; he rose. What we feared; he played with eagerly. What we dreamt of; he attained, and what we thirsted for, he bathed in. How could a father not appreciate that? How could any of us in the family blame him? However, the Golden Boy was gone. Motivated by a collapsed serotonin vein, he drove six hours north to the cabin in Vilas County and quickly left us. Dad’s mind burnt out, Mom’s mind convulsed, and mine flickered. It went in and out of consciousness with a relentless flow of disbelief, confusion and vertigo, inducing sorrow. Like a star that explodes in a nebula, Brad’s shimmer could no longer be found. Yet, the remnants of his power showered down, covering me in invisible soot. I rewound mental tapes of him on a constant loop. The twinkle his eyes would carry when he smiled; the way he would wrap his arm around my shoulder when we stood together in a picture. His honey complexion and pompadour hair; even the vein that would protrude from his left forearm. They would waltz through my brain. His spirits was gone, and yet, unstoppable. Suddenly, simple memories that we had made of sand, turned to pearl... It was just another night, it seemed, to be filed away in the bottom drawer. It was another Friday evening at the bar with pitchers of Miller Lite collecting on a pub table. Brad gave me my jukebox lesson on one of those nights. He led me to that fluorescent lit record player in the corner and said, “OK, this is a science. It takes skill to play a jukebox just right. You have to look around at the crowd and sense the mood. If it’s low key, you play mellow songs. If it’s nutty, you play high energy songs. Here, I’ll show you.” There I stood, with my big brother, receiving my first tutorial in bar etiquette. The cigarette run to the gas station? It held no more weight than any other stale routine of the day but somehow, looking back on it, it is vibrant and spiritual. I can hear folk songs playing in the background, and out of the corner of my eye, I can see Brad tapping his foot that rested near the wheel well. A concert was an excuse for a good time. We thought we would spend two hours in that hall wrapped like corn silk in the fingers of a melody. Funny how quickly two hours can become an eternity. In one phone call, an evening that you hung a curfew on becomes an experience that you hang a happiness on for a lifetime. In childhood, I admired his ability to build a sheet fort. I longed for his imagination, and I envied his bravery as he would volunteer to sleep with me through the night because I was afraid of the dark. In adolescence, I admired his popularity and the fact that, by using only his words, he forced a bully to stop heckling me when I was a freshman. Adulthood brought on friendship and respect and I could sense, finally, that it was a mutual feeling. After twenty-some years, I was no longer the annoying little sister, I was an equal. We used to look the other way when we passed in the hall, exchanging only mumbled, artificial comments to each other. Finally, after years of fighting and name calling had subsided, he threw his arm around me, breaking any blow he ever made. I ate it up. My big brother finally did not just love me, rather, he now liked me. The charmed big brother saw something beautiful in his black sheep little sister. The brain is an enigmatic

organ. It is, without a doubt, the most beautiful, rancid, powerful, and mysterious creation. One day, in the midst of an admired marriage to his high school sweetheart, a highly respected job and three wondrous children, it caught him. Suddenly, with only the flick of an invisible switch, Brad became a little Pinocchio tethered to a string by a salivating black-eyed Geppetto. In one swoop of the devil’s arthritic hand, Brad transformed from a doting father who would hold his daughter up to the basketball hoop to a man far from the gathered crowed at his daughter’s tee-ball games. A man so despondent that he stood alone. The man who loved his wife with a passion I had never seen before, and may well never again, became cold, distant, and neglectful. The brother that had finally let me into his brilliance disappeared into silence and shut the door behind him. Eventually, my desire to speak to him was overrun by his inability to be social. Conversation was impossible and seemed futile, so I simply stopped trying. A huge and an “I love you” at Christmas had been the most I could get from him. His yearly Valentine’s Day card to me stopped arriving in the mail, and my birthday cards were no longer signed by him, but rather by his wife. He stopped smiling in pictures. Brad had left us years before he left this world, and we were just too blind to see it. Death does tend to bring everything to the forefront. You see with new eyes and you catch glimpses of the deceased everywhere. You see visions and you hear voices, but instead of being frightened, you long for it to be a reality. You paw at it and try to hold it closer. I would spend broken moments of the day gazing out of the kitchen window, seeing flashes of my big brother. Nanoseconds of his frame in denim overalls and an orange tank-top. He would be riding his John Deere tractor through his garden, turning over the soil for next autumn’s crop of pumpkins. Perhaps he would be kneeling beside Dad who was sitting in a lawn chair, looking at him in a way that only a boy can see his father. Or, he may be sitting with his wife and me around the fire-pit, smoking a cigar with a glass of whiskey sweating in the grass. I saw him all around me and everywhere in a way that I had never seen him before, with a power I never knew he had. Ghosts – they are epic creatures. Grief is an excruciatingly awkward place to live. It is like being surrounded on all sides, within an inch of your flesh, by razor sharp iron spikes. It is anvil heavy and has an overwhelming way of convincing you that it is insurmountable. Out of all the emotional hollows I have found myself in, grief is the most disturbing. Perhaps mourning is so eerie because you are thrust there by something you cannot control-death. You are held hostage by something you cherish — love. My existence became swallowed by Brad’s absence. In every breath, I searched for his spirit beside me. While I sat in my car in some random parking lot smoking cigarettes, I would find him in sad songs. Gazing out of my window at a passing world that held no more vibrancy, I shuddered at the fact that my brother had become a muse for heartache. I tasted him in the burn of alcohol as I scorched my liver night after night, fumbling with emotions that were too large to grasp but had, nonetheless, been left in my lap. I would go out to the cemetery several times a week. I would not talk. I would just stand there, silent with my hands in my pockets. However, if I was there, next to his grave, his presence was still with me. Since I could not hear his laugh or the inflection in his voice, I would listen to the stillness of his heart. Maybe if I invited him to haunt my existence, I would never have to say “goodbye.” It was an easy decision for me – I would break beneath his weight just to feel him one last time. The blackness did not die with Brad; rather, it only spread to everyone who loved him. He made the pain a wildfire, a riot. The bruised clouds that he left above us made me some kind of wreck. I became vulnerable to fear and exposed to wrath. Life jolted to grossly intimidating. Suddenly, I was a soft heap of flesh so petrified of what my next breath would bring that I was tentative to take one. The aftermath of death is not only wrapped in the emotions of sorrow and fear. It is not only felt in the rippled sleep one experiences, but a sleep that is a breed apart from her blissful sister because she oozes with emotional mucus. It is not only heard in the tearful whimpers of a mother as she lies sleeping with her deceased son’s shirt tucked beneath her pillow. It is also seen through the flicker of DNA that you see in your loved one’s eyes. When I would look at Brad’s children, I would see two little girls without the shelter of a father. When a little boy at school took to teasing one of them, who would reassure her, with all authority, that he only does so because he likes her? Should a boy reach for her hand at the movie theater on her first date, does she place her hand in his or awkwardly reach for her soda? What would Daddy think if she accepted it? I would look into the innocent eyes of his two-year-old son and I saw a boy who had no one to teach him the correct release point for a fastball. No, he would have to learn that the hard way after giving up a grand slam to the opposing team. He would also have to fumble his way through finding the grace that one needs to employ when casting their fishing line into a tranquil river. Suicide leaves a stain that no other agent of death can claim. It heckles you. From inside of your head where you can’t reach to pull it out, suicide mocks you with “what if’s” and “I should have’s.” Death is always accompanied by regrets, but with suicide they become more than mere regrets. That one phone call you put off, that last beer you just did not have time for, or the smile that so easily could have been an embrace. They become, in a survivor’s mind, the bullet, the blade, the noose. I convinced myself I had been capable of saving Brad’s life with only my touch, only my words. Adjusting to death is backbreaking, callous inducing work. You have to move the dead in your mind from right here beside you to somewhere out there. Turn a friendly conversation to a prayer, from something you can touch to something you will never come close to ever again. Shock bled into confusion, confusion bled into denial which transformed into agony and

anger. Eventually and invisibly, through some wonder of time’s ferocity, I arrived at compassion and understanding. It is not an easy place to get to on this earth. Some never do arrive. It is honestly a long Herculean journey, but through time, I began to link suicide to disease and love to not being some kind of savior in life, but being forgiving in death. Love holds no one captive, but rather we hold love captive. We hold onto it with all of our strength till our knuckles turn white because we believe that in order to truly have something you have to own it. That is not the case with love. It is much like a butterfly trapped in a jar. We capture the butterfly because we adore it, but seem to forget the reason we adore it is because it’s free. There were moments, while set adrift on some turbulent sea, when all I could think about was how easy it would be for me to join Brad. He was just a bad mood and a bottle of pills away. Perhaps I could find him in that new atmosphere, or he would meet me where this life and the unknown intersect. He would be standing at a jukebox with his back turned to me wearing his orange tank-top and overalls with his corn-cob pipe tucked into the chest pocket. He would press a button, wait a second and then, as the record drops and the needle softly scrapes the surface, he would slowly turn around. As his boot heels clicked on the wooden floor, he would approach me, spread his arms wide and tilt his head with a Cheshire Cat grin. He would call me “Stephers” just like he always used to do, and I could touch him. I could smell his cologne, admire the wave in his hair, and feel the callous on the pad of his hand. Oh, the fun we would have up there in some big blue sky, bouncing our legs up and down to the “boom-chicka-boom” rhythm of Johnny Cash who would be standing atop a white marble stage. He appeared so young, innocent, and pure that he still dressed in cream suits. His skin would be smooth and his frame thin. He would strum his Martin guitar high up on the neck while singing “Big River”, as Brad and I stood leaning up against an oak-railed bar. Bobbing our heads to keep tempo, the alcohol would swirl around ice cubes made of holy water. The smoke would be thick around us. But even as romantic and alluring as those visions seemed to me, I knew, despite the plan that my mind had erected, I could not do it. I was incapable of grabbing that bottle of pills that sat on my dresser. I would not untwist the cap on that bottle of water. I will not, with good conscience, grab my car keys and drive far out of town where only a stranger would find me. Something did not allow me to do so. Was it thirty years of programming? Thirty years of taking breath after breath, no matter how labored that pushed me to seek another sequence? Was it guilt? The shudder of reality that suicide had brought to my door? Was it Brad, with his chin resting on my shoulder and whispering in my ear that, no, this was not my road. This was not the time – this was not me. He knew me as only a brother could know a sister. The arc that bows my hair just above my ear; Brad knew it well. The acne that scarred my face when I was sixteen – he never focused his gaze upon it. No, he always looked me in the eye. I was never one to fit in, but I think, maybe, he admired my courage. I could be awkward and insecure, but I think, maybe, he admired my honesty. I could also be exhaustively temperamental, but I think, maybe, he admired my passion. He kept me alive with his inaudible whisper in my ear. This was reason enough to carry on – the belief that Brad wanted me to live. Acceptance is elusive, like trying to capture fog in your hands. You see it before you. You watch your hand grasp at it, and then when you open your fingers to admire and cherish its wonder, you find it has disappeared. Perhaps acceptance is so difficult to attain not just because of its stealthy elusiveness, but because of its scope. Death encompasses everything. It swallows our lives, our memories, our plans and our hopes. There is more to digest than a funeral; more to say goodbye to than a person. You have to forfeit the future, too. Suddenly, there is one less bouquet of flowers on Mother’s Day, one less confidant to seek for advice and reassurance. There is nobody to go to concerts with anymore, so you regretfully let your favorite band pass through town. The past becomes painted in a different light with colors your eyes have never seen. The future just stops moving forward, and in between is a memory you would rather not keep forever. I had told myself early on that I would let Brad’s death take me under, but it does no honor to the dead to die along with them. Honor shows itself through gratitude that my big brother would sit with me on the bus as I started kindergarten just to make me feel safe. It is with a smile that I remember him reaching for my hand at his wedding and asking me to dance. His life remains through the sweet scent of cigars. His eyes still twinkle through mine because I spent thirty years absorbing his light. Redemption. It is all one can retrieve from tragedy. There is not a silver lining to suicide. Nothing can make up for that breed of grief. It cuts too deep and the scars are ugly. However, if you can traverse that juggernaut and navigate that open water back to dry land, you have triumphed. Following Brad’s death, the only demand I put upon myself was to breathe. Breathing bought me time, time granted me acceptance, and acceptance redeemed me. Am I what I once was? No. I am more frightened of life than I used to be, as if pieces of my exoskeleton have been torn away. Yes, my heart does have a perpetual ache, but I am still here. With my brother’s hand soft upon my back, I am still here. The comfort learns to appreciate the splinter. The koi fish learns to swim against the reef. Hurt is honestly the only place where the healing can begin.

The Conflagration Authored By: Janene Aird Flattening himself against the hot cement while balancing his weight on the narrow ledge of the building, Tiro gauged the distance to the nearest window at about six feet. He never thought that he would get himself in such a predicament. After all, he was renowned in certain small circles as Maestro de Fuego – Firemaster. Since the Great Mutation, the word “fire” had spawned thirty new synonyms, each with imperceptible shades of difference. For example, a raging fire with a column height of twenty feet or more, and whose temperature created a mostly blue flame, was called a “Resinator”. Resin is usually soluble in alcohol, but this kind of fire would feed voraciously on both and continue to burn higher and hotter. Secondarily, there was the “Hydrocclusion”. This one fed on only water. Any minute particle of water or water vapor that collided with even a spark of fire multiplied tenfold in heat and size. Resinators and Hydocclusions were not the most feared of the classifications. There were many more that were worse . . .much worse. Types of fire and the eggheads who conjured up their names was the last thing on Tiro’s mind right now. The soles of his shoes were beginning to stick to the ledge. This concerned him greatly, since his soles were made of organic halides designed to cool by interrupting the chemical reaction needed for flames to continue burning. He was afraid that this fire was a new mutation that burned hotter than any classification he had known. These shoes had sprinted thirteen blocks on a solid stretch of asphalt engulfed in liquid fire. Just like the threat of one match starting a forest fire back when fire was in its original state, one drop of cooking oil got this one going. Within seconds, across both lanes, curb to curb, the streets were on fire. It was a beginner, though, so it would take several minutes to gain its top temperature. Compared to running through the alternative of columnar blasts that were roiling around the corner, the streets afire route was a walk in the park. He was on his way to pick up his son from a burning building. Burning buildings were status quo, so this would be akin to picking up Esker from soccer practice. Technically, Esker was safer inside the building than out on the streets. His son had lived his entire life surrounded by fire, and was well-versed in escape. Fire can behave like a living, breathing animal. Once you study its habits, you and it can coexist in a variety of circumstances. Besides, much of the behaviors of fire had mutated along with its appetite. Where it was once fueled by traditional materials like wood products and flammable gases like acetylene, ethylene, and ammonia, it now fed on virtually any substance. Historically effective retardants with carbon dioxide or helium bases now worked like kindling on a grand scale. Water was the most baffling marriage to fire. The two fierce rivals were now on an eternal honeymoon, cutting a wide swath wherever they roamed. However, it was not just a hungry beast. Researchers tried to explain away the behaviors in scientific terms, but eventually had to admit to the fact that fire now possessed emotions. There were no physical properties associated with the erratic behaviors that they studied. There were no constant results in the independent variables that arose in the different types of fires. For no apparent reason, the fire would extinguish itself as though it had suddenly become depressed and given up. Without any change in atmospheric conditions or any additional materials, a fire would rage out of control as if angry or fraught with anxiety. Normally, what would constitute a holocaustic blaze had sometimes quietly burned at a comfortable temperature as if offering nurturance or expressing love. Rather than pass it off as a chaotic mystery, scientists resigned their decisions on the matter to accept emotion as a characteristic of this mutated fire. He had to move fast or his halide-soled shoes would become ornaments on this precarious ledge. There was a squelching sound as Tiro lifted his right foot and sidestepped gingerly toward the window. No light was emitting from the glass, so he felt safe knowing that this particular room was not on fire. His left shoe made a similar sound as he slid his feet together. He would then repeat this process five more times and deliver his right hand on the cement window casement. It felt much cooler than the surrounding wall he was hugging. Using a device kept in one of his many tool pockets, he gently tapped the large pane of safety glass. Through earlier happenings that evening, the tool he needed was already in his hand. He had great respect for his breach cleaver. It was a technological wonder. Its internal wiring sent an explosive jolt through a conical hammer head with almost no effort on his part. It could shatter any kind of glass, any thickness, on the spot. He listened now as the safety glass crackled maniacally, then imploded inward. Swinging himself to safety, Tiro took a moment of thanks as he hugged the floor where he landed. The events placing Tiro on that ledge in the first place was a comedy of errors, although now looking back, none of it seemed funny. He lived in the building that delivered him from the ledge just moments ago. His suite was on the 51st floor – twenty stories above the branch fire that steadily roared below. A branch fire only moved sideways. It was incredibly hot – close to 1000 Kelvin. The interesting property of this fire is that it formed a symbiotic relationship with the material from which it was feeding. So, the fire that consumed the cement of the building, digested it, then excreted an amount almost equivalent to what it had originally consumed. The walls regained their form perpetually as the fire burned. They both benefitted from being near each other. This fire had been ablaze for almost six months at the time that Tiro got himself stuck on a ledge of the 21st floor. A fire this hot, even though it crawled sideways, threw its infernal heat

upward a full story. Tiro would not normally be this close to mortal danger, but he could not resist a dare. Basko and Tiro had been friends since before The Mutation. They both had memories of cool grassy fields and refreshing lakes and streams that once graced the outskirts of their peaceful neighborhood. That was second grade. They were both thirty-five now. An inextinguishable fire that burned for twenty-eight years would seem like the Final Conflagration, but the unusual mutations that accompanied it gave it an ebb and flow nature. The highest floor of the Coeur Brulant Tower, the 73rd , was Tiro and Esker’s home. From that height, Tiro and Basko could see the patchwork of fire versus non-fire regions of their sprawling city. They were explorers, by nature, and had scaled the majority of the building walls in the city. They once did this as an extra-curricular activity, but their talents were eventually recognized and rewarded. Tiro had an unusual kinship with fire. He understood it, did not fear it, and seemed to communicate with it in a way no one could really explain. So, Tiro and Basko were hired by an elite research firm. Their job was to take “living” samples of fire from various sites and deliver them, intact, to the laboratory for testing. When they wanted to switch things up on their off days, they would explore the buildings’ interiors. Being welcome in all of the interior rooms they explored was a different story. They were not exactly fugitives since they had never been caught, but that also did not exactly make them innocent. The 25th floor of Couer Brulant was designated as the lobby. It had been transferred with the onset of the branch fire six months ago. Tag-teaming in their charming way, Tiro would distract the clerk at the desk with information about the newest fires around town, and Basko’s magician movements secured master keys to every inaccessible room in the building. There were twelve keys altogether. It did not take them long to learn which keys gained them access to which areas. The room that lured them the night of Tiro’s fall was originally a convention center that a wealthy wood baron had converted into the ultimate party lounge. It had four 16’ x 16’ screens that broadcast 1,500 satellite channels. The signals had not been affected by the fire thanks to a sheathing technology that protected them. Not everybody got these channels . . . only the super-rich. A pact was formed between the wood baron, a few of his counterparts, and the research and development company that designed the technology to preserve the system. The expansive space was festooned in luxuriously thick carpet upon which resided multiple couches, love seats, loungers, and ottomans. Cocktail tables and fully stocked wet-bars could be found at convenient intervals around the 90’ x 120’ room. A twenty-foot vaulted glass ceiling joined a continuous 90’ x 20’ plate glass window overlooking the city. It was a majestic sight. Windows of this size were not possible in the pre-mutation days. A particular fire known as the “Galvinator” was a perfect medium that combined the usual substances to form glass – Silicon dioxide, Sodium oxide, Calcium oxide. It was the mystical electric current that flowed through this type of fire which created a glass that was feather-light and durable. However, it looked and felt like traditional glass once it was incorporated into its architecture. Basko’s and Tiro’s secret hideaway was a goldmine to them, and they agreed to keep this secret between themselves. One could blame it on the breach cleaver, but operator error had to be considered as well. Tiro was no longer amazed at how easy it was to talk Basko into celebrating anything, and doing so to extreme degrees. Since the discovery of the lounge, they both tried to keep the wet-bars re-stocked, but keeping up with Basko’s tolerance to alcohol was like controlling fire. Two fully stocked bars remained on the night of the fall. Basko made it clear that a re-stocking effort would be necessary in the morning. He could drink a fifth of any grain alcohol like it was a light beer. Tiro had seen him drink seven fifths of whiskey in a single day without too much of a backlash upon sobering up a day later. He attributed his unusual tolerance to alcohol as a strange bi-product of fire mutation. Basko was a regular drinker before The Mutation, but after . . . well, he was just plain abnormal. “C’mon, you gotta be able to drink just one little fifth in a night, Ti. Look a’me! Here goes number four! Now, I’d like to sing you a little song while I juggle these empty rum bottles.” He was a pretty good juggler, Tiro had to admit. Strangely, he got better when he was drinking. There was truly no one more entertaining. There was a nothin’-left-to-lose feeling in the air that night which Tiro embraced. He took Basko up on his challenge. After sipping from shot glasses for about an hour-and-a-half, Tiro shot a glance at the ornate wall-clock hanging behind him. He was late picking up Esker. “Gotta go, Bask.” “Me, too. There’s a lotta liquid in four fifths.” “No. I need to pick up Esker. He cannot get out of the building he is in without my help.” “That’s why they call you Maestro de Fuego, mi amigo. You know how to work with it. You are like business partners. Okay, need my help?” “Nope. Just need to get my bearings.”

Tiro stumbled to the window, tripping on one of Basko’s empty rum bottles. He had his right hand in his pocket at the time. When he started to go down, he instinctively grabbed for his breach cleaver, hit the window, and shattered it efficiently. As his body began to lurch forward through the gaping hole he had made, Basko sprung across the room to grab for his arm. He caught him by the sleeve, but it began to rip. Basko’s rappelling rope was within reach. They always had their ropes with them, as they scaled buildings every day for a living. He spun the rope around Tiro’s wrist like a rodeo star roping a calf. Basko had six feet of rope between Tiro’s wrist and what he was gripping with every bit of strength he could muster. Tipsy is a good word. When you have had enough to drink that you begin to physically tip, you have earned the title. Tiro was tipsy. He had a slight foothold on the ledge below their lounge. He was listing from side to side and back and forth, however, pitching and tilting like a distressed airplane. He leaned back, looking at Basko with double vision, and said, “Okee, Bashko. Pull me upf.” The strain of Tiro’s spastic rum dance unraveled the rope from around Basko’s forearm and hand, ripping a good layer of skin from the elbow down. Desperately grasping as the rope burned through both hands, Basko felt Tiro fall fifty-two stories before he was able to tie off the rope around a support beam. That sounds like a lot of rope, and it is. Another technological advancement necessitated by fire was strong, thin, lightweight rope. Rappellers often carried five hundred feet of rope, weighing no more than eight pounds, and easily slung over the shoulder of an average man. This huge fall placed Tiro at Ground Zero for this building: the floor above burn zone. He had to get the rope untangled from his body. As he fell, he knew that when the rope ran out, it would need to be wrapped around more than just his wrist. Otherwise, the fall would probably pull his arm completely off. What happened, right before he began his rapid descent, was that a good one-third of that five hundred feet of rope fell below him as he tottered. As he continued to fall, he kept gathering the slack rope and looping it around his arms and legs in a stunning display of aerobatics. By the time the rope ran out, his final destination was painful, to be sure, but he still had all of his body parts. Basko felt the rope go taut, and he had no idea if this was good or bad. What happened next really mystified him. The rope grew slack. He pulled the entire rope back through the jagged opening until he was holding a severed end. He was certain that he knew Tiro’s fate. Tiro worked feverishly to free one hand enough to reach his pocket knife. He had to cut himself loose before Basko tried to hoist him back up. He would surely be strangled or ripped apart if he had been hauled up fifty stories in a tangle of constricting rope. When he finally got his knife open and ready to cut a strategic piece that he figured would free his bound arms and legs, he felt a tug that tightened the ropes around the arm he needed to be free to cut the rope. Basko was trying to bring him back up! He played Tug-o-War with Basko for about thirty seconds as he slashed violently at the stretch of rope he knew would save him, presuming he could completely cut all the way through it. Sweat poured from his face due to the heat of the branch fire from below, along with the terrifying thought of being strangled by his best friend. With the remainder of the strength he had and the very little slack left in the rope, he sliced through it, and it fell away like a silk robe from a slender frame. He planted both feet firmly on the twenty first floor window ledge, marveling at how sober he had become in the past few minutes. He did not want to untangle his fingers from the carpet that he gripped with both hands. He had to hold on until the short film entitled, Tiro’s Life, stopped flashing before his eyes. Basko came flapping in like a homing pigeon. Tiro often thought that his friend had planted a G.P.S. chip in him while he was asleep one night. It was uncanny how he could always find him. “Buddy! Y’all right? Jeezus Leweezus! You still in one piece? I mumbled and squirmed so he knew I was alive and to get him to quit asking questions. “Let’s go get Esker”, I said. “He might start to worry that something bad happened.”

Film Review – Baby Fish Authored By: Michael Haberfelner

Willie (Kevin Richmond) and Carolyn (Erika Diamond) return to their hotel room after clearly doing a bit too much drinking on the beach, and it is clear what is on both their minds. However, that is about where their similarities end, because after all, they are not horny teens anymore. They have been a couple long enough to have a teenage son of their own, and just wish to enjoy the freedom of not having to look after him for one night. Willie would love for the both of them to jump right into the intimacy part, while her idea is more along the lines of having a nice hot bath together as a means of re-connection. Soon, this slight difference of opinion about the remainder of the night blooms into an argument, as they try to determine when their initial romance was lost. The deeper they dig, the more they find out it might have never been there. Then again, romance and love are not always the exact same thing.

Baby Fish is a film that very likely rings true with most couples who have made it through the first few years and are working to rebuild their level of closeness. Couples whose relationships are based on love and respect sometimes get to a point where that initial feeling of being in love might have evaporated. Couples that try to evoke the “good old days”, despite the fact that they looked much better in hindsight during younger years. Writer/director Dustin Chandler manages to make all of this palpable by not presenting the audience with all the information from the get-go. His gradual reveal about Willie and Carolyn helps to leave his audience in anticipation as to where each of their heads and hearts lie after all this time. Enough information is left for one to use their imagination – to paint their own picture. What a wonderful directorial effort, as it neither pushes nor draws to any sort of finite finale, whereby giving the actors enough room to stretch. Further, actors Kevin Richmond and Erika Diamond both fill their roles beautifully and develop enough chemistry to really make this work. Well worth a look for sure.

For further updates on Baby Fish, visit their page at: https://www.facebook.com/BabyFishShortFilm/

Film Review – Charles Haux Authored By: Cindy Mich

Independent movies are made all year, but it is the memorable ones who never cease to seem new or noteworthy. One such stand out film is Charles Haux, created by full time teacher Nicholas Iorio. Iorio is identified as both Writer and Director of this terrific ten minute short. No stranger to scripting, Nick is also credited for creating an episode of the television series, Trafico: Everybody Has A Price, in 2015. Hence, he has the ability to engage minds both inside schools or on big screens. He is crafty at using characters to explore the conscience and unconscious thoughts of others. This strength shines through the story telling of Charles Haux, which is impressive to do in only six hundred seconds. Shot within five days and for a mere $5,000, this director chose to shoot in Westchester County – Mount Vernon, New York to be correct. It is also important to note that the movie itself is based upon a short story of the same name. To start, there are a number of inferences implied within this tale, starting with the title. “Haux, by definition, is an intention to deceive or defraud. Therefore, we as an audience are handed small hints of the bigger story. It is easy to detect the overall mood set within the musical selections placed by the Producer. Moments of doubt are set to darker vocals, whereas uplifting scenes are showered with more upbeat instrumentals. If viewers hold interest in these working musicians, research the band Voyager Spark. They are the sole singers on this soundtrack. Speaking to the overall acting performances, the cast act as a collective message board to our beloved character, Charles. The opening scene showcases an interesting interaction between the lead and a looming love interest, Felicia. Played by Natalie Pavelek, her role is to remind Haux that there is hope and happiness beyond his current battles. Pavelek appears to easily embrace the role of a coy and charming gal well and with warmth. Haux himself is portrayed by Shan Agish, who comes off is comfortable playing a man stuck within life’s unpleasantries. Agish shows the viewer he can act as a strong and sensible character while ignoring his obvious insecurities. Young actors capable of pulling off combined complex characters are admirable. Enter Haux’s equal, Gil. Gil’s role is being boyfriend to the mother of Charles’ missing on-screen girlfriend, Samantha. He and Charles clash two times within this cinematic story – both in part due to the fictional dog “Bag”. Gil is embodied by expert actor Michael Gentile, who percolates a perfect mixture of skepticism and sarcasm into this role. Gentile enhances the cat and mouse chase set for him by the storyteller, igniting what seems like a solidly permanent cringe like state. Haux hates that Gil really represents his conscience come to life. Case in point with Gil’s line – “You are a right person and you do right things.” Charles must see himself through Gil’s mirror, and it is far from a pretty picture. Grand casting in Gentile, as his mannerisms and mixed messages serve for a stronger screen story. No surprise that Michael scored a Best Actor Award at the Art is Alive Film Festival for this performance. One other scene to speak on centers around Gil’s son and his seemingly strange fetish with the fish tank. The first time Charles visits, he is complaining that the fish are sick and tilting sideways. Second time around, they are all dead. One could ascertain this is really representative of Haux’s relationship. Troubled, then turning toxic. Well played, producer. Overall, Charles Haux is a colorfully interpretative and introspective look at life through lost eyes. I see it as the ying and yang of everyday existence, played out by the peculiar. It begs one to ponder this poll: do we as humans deliberately deceive ourselves so as to avoid obvious defeat? Is a facade more appealing than fact? Any movie that makes us think this much is a modern masterpiece. Nice work, Nick. For more information on Charles Haux, visit: https://www.facebook.com/CharlesHauxShortFilm/

Movie Review – I Know You Written By: Cindy Mich

Within our society, there is a large longing among the “average” to envelop into extraordinary beings. This type of expected excellence is encouraged by mainstream media, coupled with continual competition among cultures and classes. Many view luxurious and lavish lifestyles as part and parcel of a human being. The elite and established who walk across our televisions or theaters are provided with endless appreciation and adoration due to star status, again given by the industry gods. This mantra and/or mindset is the primary focus of the film I Know You, contrived from the cranium of master movie maker Colin Gerrard. Simply stated, I Know You is an adventure experienced by one man employing a leading lady and a camera crew. He is hoping to bring a buzz by channeling all the right circuits, pushing for all the right pictures, and creating an imaginative illusion. As the unique plot unfolds, you will witness how an ordinary couple is turned into Rome royalty, and just how appearances may not exactly mirror real life experiences. It certainly does carry the ability to make one go WOW in the last moments of the movie. There are three pivotal points that stand out about this film. Gerrard choose Italy as his set location, and that sets the stage for some marvelous and magnanimous backgrounds. It also falls in line perfectly with the poignant log line of the project: in today’s culture, assumed, rather than actual, identity is all some see in a person. Secondly, it hits the nail on the head about privilege being provided to anyone presenting themselves as living a grand and gifted life. Lastly, theater attendees will walk out asking themselves a basic question: does it matter more to revel in recognition deserved or delivered due to presumption of prerogative? Although its completion date was 2014, the following years would find this film winning 16 awards and 69 nominations. Colin Gerrard has managed to make magic on the silver screen five additional times, much to the delight and desire of his fans and followers. His sensational gift for storytelling, partnered with beautiful backdrops, is a guarantee for a grand picture regularly and repeatedly. Look out for his newest endeavor, Eli, currently crossing the country via the indie film festival circuit. Please visit the website to stay abreast of this fine director’s future films: www.7colliproductions.com.

Black Sheep Brings Stylish Ink and Stunning Art to South Milwaukee Authored By: Cindy Mich Tough to believe, but not one single tattoo shop existed in South Milwaukee until June of 2019. Former citizen of Chicago and military man Keith Zoller is banking on building a booming business within Wisconsin. He, his wife Donna, and Tim comprise the total team. All have dedication to the greater good, which is to formulate big and beautiful body art. They may not be big in number, but are abundant in aptness. Keith, in his younger years, grew up around custom cars and bikes. It would not be long before he began completing custom paint jobs on choppers. Painters are detail-oriented individuals with strong drawing skills, and these traits helped him to more easily transfer to tattooing. Zoller recalls a day and age where artists did apprenticeships before beginning to initiate inking. Since the industry has had a significant shift, these trainings did not stay the standard. That fact fueled his displeasure of the industry for a short span. Luckily, he would warm back up to the idea of doing body ink sooner than later. Due to the fact that Keith held a day job in traffic control, it became obvious that Donna would regularly run the shop. Truth be told, she originally learned tattooing skills straight from Keith. She stemmed from a seventeen-year job at Exit in Chicago. In some ways, coming from a bar background prepared her for building a business. Superior customer service skills and super outgoing personalities go far with clients picking out permanent body art. Some are somewhat scared, while others are truly thrilled. One needs to trust that the Owner will provide both an enriching and exciting experience, as tattooing is a true rite of passage. Donna did tell me that “running a business can be challenging, especially when attempting to get new clients.” Honestly, with her hands-on approach, I am surprised to hear her make that statement. When meeting with those requesting a tattoo, she helps them to create a draft image of the design. This way, when a client comes to the chair, all are on the same page in terms of the final product. Easy and efficient – what more could you want? The third piece to the shop puzzle is master tattoo artist, Tim Goodfellow. Prior to my visit to the shop, I had been given some great feedback on his skills from past customers. They indicated that he was very personal and professional, as well as being an immensely interesting person. As to his tattooing, all used adjectives such as excellent and exceptional. Tim told me that his specialty lies in the area of black and grey designs. He also disclosed that doing tattoos is not just a job, but a natural need for him. It sounds as if the lifestyle is one of Tim’s true loves. Another bonus to Black Sheep Tattoo – artists with a true adoration for their art. The shop does various types of tattoos, as well as coloring, but removals are not available for now. Both Tim and Donna do the daytime shift, while Keith takes his turn at night. Open hours are 12pm to 8pm, Tuesday through Saturday, allowing all three to enjoy two days to themselves. When it comes to pricing, Black Sheep is competitive within the community. Minimum costs for tattoos are $60.00, and no appointment is necessary. Since we are hitting the holiday season, do expect that promotions will be popping up soon. Looking forward, Keith and Donna expect to do an expansion before next spring. South Milwaukee could be the start of a very cool chain for this couple. Before I took my trip to meet these fine folks, I was feeling truly intimidated. My phone chats with Keith left me feeling that he was such a very serious and strictly intense person. What a splendid surprise to find out that he is far from my original observation. He is a gentleman with an admirable goal of bringing quality service to South Milwaukee residents. He insists that he will flourish with this entity that focuses on placing picturesque imagery on a plethora of people. Donna is delighted that they are building real roots in an area open to new creative avenues. As for Tim, he seems thrilled to have a real home to practice and perform tattoo applications. These are small business owners who treat patrons like pals. They bring thirty years of tattooing experience to the table, and are flexible with their time and techniques. Before long, Black Sheep Tattoo is destined to be one of the best shops in the state. Stop down to see them soon before they get too swamped! To learn more about their services, visit their website: https://www.blacksheeptattoo.net/

Sharon Neuhofer: A CEO with Character and Charisma Authored By: Cindy Mich I surely can see how civilians are initially intimidated when newly meeting Ms. Neuhofer. Sharon presents herself as a powerful and punchy, yet polite, lady who lives an enviable existence. Many longtime residents of Milwaukee recognize her as a local celebrity. Owning a respectable and renowned bar tends to accumulate attention which Sharon takes in stride. Hollywood’s Roadhouse acts as a beloved haven for the biker community to rest, relax, and recharge their inner batteries. Although the majority of patrons are motorcycle enthusiasts, Sharon also hosts friends and families who do not have a hog. The Roadhouse sustains a safe, yet friendly and family type environment – making it so easy for caretakers to bring their children to dine. Since she is blessed to be called family in two circles, both frequent her lakeside lounge. Hence, the restaurant is rarely devout of dear ones, which this Owner deeply appreciates. Located between Okauchee and Moose Lake, this spot assures for some scenic travel while taking the trip. While in the area, you can visit the Roadhouse, then run to the three other neighborhood taverns. Sharon has no issue sharing her patrons with fellow area proprietors. As to the decor, Hollywood’s place is plastered with more than just motorcycle memorabilia. The walls tell untold stories of Sharon’s world, while the bathroom and bottom level sparkles with Marilyn Monroe. Once a small secret, the downstairs has become a must see after dining. Clothing, charms, and custom jewelry are a small glimpse of her sizable stash. Sharon also seasonally sells both T-shirts and sweatshirts in the lobby level. Focusing on food for the moment, Neuhofer noted to me that her restaurant is rated two-to-three-dollar dining. Hence, you can expect an affordable as well as appetizing experience. Since she hosts around fifteen events in a year, Sharon understands the necessity to provide a menu that holds variety while serving volume. Whether Baskets or Burgers, Sandwiches or Sidebags - her food is well cooked, wonderfully presented, and always a warm temperature. As she states, “my food is sexy.” Sharon had started as a cook herself at the Roadhouse, and now acts as the actual bar ambassador. Even though she is the focal face of the bar, she too has her own backstory. Sharon chose motherhood at the mere age of eighteen, fortunately having the help of her family. Bob and Sande Neuhofer are a strong support for her in general, but also gave her a powerful push to begin her business. Before being a business owner, she held employment at Harley Davidson, as well as putting time in at Potawatomi Casino. I do believe, however, that her Bachelor's Degree in Business Management helped mold her into a business maven. She would eventually envelop into entrepreneurship on May 1, 2010, and to this day, is proud of her professional path. As with all of us, Neuhofer has not led a life free of tragedy or trauma. She carries her own battles and burdens, but hides them happily under her sweet smile. One area of agony that Sharon is not secretive of is her plight with PTSD. She may struggle with this disorder, but it never diminishes her drive nor desires. Further, she fills her mornings and many evenings engaging in charity work within the community. To name a few -she is a strong supporter of the VA Hospital, the House of Hope, and Angels Grace Hospice. Others reached out to her in the hopes she would become an advocate for NAMI, and she seized this opportunity with open arms. Her hopes are that she “is an example every day and always carries a compassionate look at life.” Seems to me that she has succeeded. Her second love in life next to her daughter is riding and the road. Having proclaimed she wishes to perish on a bike one day, Sharon cherishes every second she spends on her marvelous 2008 Street Glide motorcycle. She started as a back seater, and quickly realized she relished the power provided while in control of her own cycle. Her love of this lifestyle led her to creating an R.C. – Wisconsin Iron Angels. Bonding through bikes has truly brought her many blessings. In conclusion, this fifty-two-year-old Pewaukee resident has lived a dream, doing it on her own terms, and in her own time. She is beloved by many a man, cherished by children, and precious to her parents. She stands for strength, success and survival. Sharon is a femme fatale, and I say this fondly. When doing this interview, it was my intent to show readers the personal and professional side of Hollywood. If I did my due diligence, next time you head to Nashotah – just say hello to Sharon. See the her in Hollywood. Visit her website for more details: http://www.hollywoodsroadhouse.net/

Crystal Kittelman – A Warm and Wonderful Windsister Authored By: Nicole Doran Ride like the wind...or in her case, a Windsister. Meet Crystal Kittelman, Founder and Head Organizer of a female motorcycle riding group entitled Windsisters of Colorado. Why Windsisters? According to Kittelman, “We all share the same wind. This group is a way to connect with like-minded women, whether they are riders or honey huggers.” (I have come to learn that this means riding on the back of a bike.) Most importantly, Crystal saw the need for a positive environment for ladies. I had the pleasure of speaking with Crystal via telephone, and she graciously opened up about her love of riding, the Windsisters, and a little insight into herself.

Where it all began.... Four years ago, this venture started with four friends chatting over lunch about their mutual interest in riding motorcycles. Each meeting thereafter, they would bring a friend and before long, the group grew incrementally. Kittelman breaks the ice for attendees at these events by playing “Pass the Ass.” She explains, “I send a stuffed donkey around the room, and each person tells us about their background. We learn where they are from, how long they have been riding, and a fun fact about themselves.” Kittelman’s fact: she is called Sparkle, and has logged over 50,000 riding miles. She feels there are three reasons people join a group such as the Windsisters—to gain lifelong friends, social media acquaintance friends, or bar friends. Whatever the reason, the group holds a place for all levels of interest. The Facebook group Windsisters of Colorado was birthed about a year ago, and now holds over four hundred members. Their social media page is a place to share stories, tips on bikes and maintenance, as well as upcoming events. Its purpose is to provide another means of encouragement and support for the female riding community. As the Windsisters were increasing in size and stature, she began to work at the local Harley Davidson dealership in her hometown. The ladies at her employer decided to host quarterly social events as another means to network and hopefully help to increase the number of new Windsisters!

Love of riding... With over twenty-five years in real estate and currently in property management, Crystal had not ridden a motorcycle before the age of 30. Her husband and his whole family ride, and she figured she should learn to ride as well. After taking a rider’s course, she fell in love with it. Crystal explained, “It’s unlike any freedom I felt before. The one place I can go is on my bike and clear my head.” She confesses, “Like most women, I am self-critical.” Riding enables her to focus on herself and the road, whereby clearing her brain of other distractions. Besides her love of riding and the Windsisters, Crystal affirmed that her biggest passion is volunteering. It was something instilled in her by her mother. Raised by a single mom, she recalls volunteering every weekend during her childhood. Said time was spent by visiting homes for the elderly, where she would read books to the residents and assist with any other tasks needed by the facility. Kittelman further stated, “Volunteering is a good way to fill the emptiness inside. It’s a “gut check”. When I’m craving something, it reminds me to be thankful for what I already have.” Crystal’s weekend calendar is normally full of events supporting various causes, including the Colorado Firefighters, boxer dog rescue, and suicide prevention. Crystal relishes any opportunity to network with like-minded people who also give of their time.

So, what’s next? Crystal and her husband will take their favorite trip in August to the motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota. They also enjoy traveling to Mexico where she can bask in the sun on the beach while he goes scuba diving. One thing Crystal says she has learned lately is to not plan too much in advance and live a bit more in the moment. She is balancing her time between her love of riding and love of giving. In addition, she has created a motor blog entitled Miscreant Moto Maid. It will include her, her husband and her beloved boxer’s misadventures. The vlog presents information and tips on motorcycle gear, places to travel, along with a host of other fun stuff. Crystal’s stance is nobody has to be perfect. Why Miscreant? Kittelman chuckles and says, “Because like us all, I strive to be good, but struggle with evil.” With Crystal, there’s no pretense—just a genuine, giving person. In conclusion, I did not want to forget to include the reflections of Kittelman from our respected magazine Founder, Cindy Mich. It was through her that I was introduced to this classy gal Crystal. Cindy and Crystal share a number of years of friendship and full on respect for one another. Cindy has become an inspiration and igniter of Crystal’s dreams, giving her the hope that she is perfectly acceptable as she is, within her own skin. Crystal has been a significant, and often behind the scenes, cheerleader for every business or brand Cindy has created. She is a sounding board for her, and a source of strength. Moreover, during her son’s period of illness, she was instrumental in rallying bikers from across the country to show their support for her family. They are sisters in head and heart, regardless of location. In the Colorado area and desire to connect with Windsisters of Colorado? Look them up on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/296952647886581/

Stephanie Bartz: A Storyteller with A Stylish Camera Authored by: Cindy Mich Wisconsinite and Wauwatosa resident Stephanie Bartz spent some time with me reflecting on her years of putting stories into print. After twenty-five years of being behind a crystal-clear lens, Stephanie has learned how to bring people, places, and particular objects into their best light. She stated that frequently, while allowing subjects to do as they wish, she finds the real story behind the snapshot. Enhancement and enlightenment of all sides of any client are Bartz’s biggest priorities. Based upon her revolving roster of clients, it seems as if Stephanie does not disappoint. Originally from Wales, Ms. Bartz stems from a somewhat artistic type family. She has one brother who is musically inclined and an aunt who had created crafts. Once her passion for photography began to blossom, schooling became the next step in her story. Stephanie attended MATC, and eventually earned an Associate Degree in Photography. Her mindset on education is that schooling is smart, but so is making time to mentor with other professionals. I did happen to have a quick chuckle when Stephanie confirmed working a short stint at Great Expectations Dating Service. I thought I truly was the only woman old enough to remember this business had ever been built! Speaking of services, Bartz has also been a member of the Milwaukee Artists Resource Network since they started. She is of the belief that they bring a greater good to our community. Further, they set the stage for a nice array of networking within each of their events. Interestingly, her demeanor does seem atypical of the average photographer. One would presume her to be extroverted, huge on social interaction, and excited to be in big crowds. However, Bartz is a mixed bag of introvert and extrovert who enjoys her own company. She described picture taking as her favorite place to allow for interaction with other individuals. It also cultivates further curiosity for her about people and their behavior choices. When it comes to categories of photographs, she specializes in: personal/pets, small business, groups and creative sessions. One product which is her personal trademark is Pixessories. These are the result of images that are shrunk down to turn into accessories. As Stephanie is a far cry from “cookie cutter”, she gives customers freedom to choose the how, where, and why their pictures are taken. Her shots end up being a burst of infinite imagination. Colors are sharp and snap out at you, and all showcase the subjects in a fun and fabulous way. This writer’s personal favorite photos are a man making art with Cheetos and those wearing the Wonder Woman face frame. Apparently, I am not the only reporter raving about her handy work. Stephanie has been featured on WTMJ4.com, M Magazine, Shepherd Express, and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Milwaukee A List Awards also presented her a prize for Best Pet Photography. Finally, some of her shots are currently housed in a few rooms of the KinnMKE Boutique Hotel in Bay View, Wisconsin. Stephanie does also share a similar passion for one other occupation, and that is location scouting. For twenty years, she took her out of the box beliefs and sharp skills as a picture taker to find new and niche areas for filming. As of our last conversation, she had no desire to slow down or stop performing either of her paroxysms. Lucky for us in Wisconsin that these are her wishes. To view Stephanie’s work, go to her website: www.sbartzphotography.com

Interview with Magician Josh Eilers Conducted by: Faith Kohler Do you believe in magic? We definitely do, so we were excited to sit down with Green Bay, Wisconsin magician Josh Eilers (aka Myster E). Josh started learning magic at the age of 12. His first encounter was when he saw a magician performing at a local event, and it was at that moment, the “magic bug” bit. We asked Josh to give us a behind-the-scenes look into his magical career and tell us more about his journey. We hope you enjoy learning more about this mysterious magic man!

So...Myster E...smoke and mirrors aside...who are you, really? Well, I originate from the great state of Wisconsin. I am married, and my wife and I just bought a house. We are looking forward to having kids someday, and we just got ourselves a puppy.

When did magic begin to spark your interest and why? I have had an interest in magic since childhood. What I discovered is that I love the reactions received from people. When I observe their astonishment during each performance, and see the impression I make on them, it is fulfilling. Magic lets people forget about whatever else is going on in their life. It lets them live in the moment, even if just for a brief few seconds.

What kind of training is out there for any future magicians inspired to follow your lead? When I started out in magic, there did not seem to be a lot of formal training out there. That said, sometimes the best performers are self-taught. I have learned a lot on my own by searching websites and learning different effects. If people out there are interested in learning magic or considering it as a career, I would encourage them to reach out to professionals in their area for networking, mentorship, and advice. I can tell you that I am out here and always willing to help. They can also look into groups and programs such as the International Brotherhood of Magicians, or Jeff McBride’s Magic and Mystery School.

As a magician, how do you keep your skills sharp? As with any skill, practice makes perfect. You have to practice and train in magic. It is hard to say how often, as it is contingent upon the effect, the person, and what skill level already attained. The best type of practice for any magic effect is to do it in front of an audience. Whether it is for your family and friends or a complete stranger willing to sit still for a

few minutes, going out and performing is the best way to practice. Practicing in front of a mirror or filming yourself to study are also great ways to up your performance game. Trying to perform without practicing can completely ruin an effect. It can give away your secrets instead of wowing your audience. The worst outcome is not getting any reaction to your magic because your audience might not understand if it was not done right.

Magic can mean different things to different people. Can you tell us a bit about your unique brand of magic? My favorite magic to perform is with stuff that people recognize. I love it when I can create wonder using simple, everyday things. For example, I perform an effect using a grocery bag and audiences absolutely love it! I am that guy who can make a grocery bag fun and exciting. That is part of what makes me unique. However, to me, all magic is very powerful. I have started to venture into illusions, which is a new area of magic for me. I am always finding ways to widen my range. My performances also mix magic with stand up because I really enjoy making people laugh. As a performer, it’s really fulfilling to bring wonder and joy, while at the same time, make audiences chuckle. Magic and stand up tend to complement each other. Without stand up, magic can be powerful, but add that comedy and it becomes that much more entertaining.

Tell us about your greatest performance, and the coolest thing you’ve ever done. The best performance I did was while I was performing at a festival in Michigan. It was jam packed full of kids and adults alike...all fans of magic. I cannot give away too many details of the show itself, but it was great seeing so many people just enjoying themselves. The coolest thing I ever got to do was perform in front of NFL player Randall Cobb. When I finished, the look on his face was pure astonishment and wonder. I look forward to someday being able to share my magic with lots of celebrities!

So, any horror stories or epic fails while performing? Promise, we won’t judge! There was one time I can think of when I suffered an epic fail. I tried to escape from a straightjacket. It was secured incorrectly, which translated to a very difficult escape. I actually had people walk out on me, then obtained help from an audience member to get out. But you know what? Even after that experience, I will eventually try that stunt again! Why? Because practice makes perfect, and I have learned that you must move on from your mistakes to be successful.

Magic is an illusion...but life is real. Can you tell us how you balance the time and tasks that are part of your very interesting career? Magicians are like any other business owner. You need to check emails daily and find ways to schedule shows. I also make time to practice almost every day. I might pick and choose what effects to practice, but I practice, practice, practice...that is how I insure peak performance! I take time to research events, make connections, and build business relationships as I book my performances. It takes organization, but it is worth the wait and the work once I am out there performing.

What advice would you offer to readers who want to follow this magical career path? The best advice I can give to someone looking to become a magician is this: never give up. I would also suggest that they start doing magic as a hobby. It takes a lot of work to build up to magic as full time career. People will help you along the way...you just have to ask. Also, never give up on your dreams! To stay in touch with Josh, visit his website: http://greenbaymagician.com/

Emily Taffel, Fiercely Friendly at Mugsy PR Composed by Michael Gentile Within the fast paced and hyper-competitive world of public relations, there are some who are well adjusted, calm and collected folks. One such person is Emily Taffel, who seems the epitome of positivity and grace under pressure. As the Founder of Mugsy PR since 2012, she has imbued her spirit and ethics into the vibrant Florida scene.

Being likable seldom tops anyone’s list of most valuable business traits, yet Emily manages to blend affability with true professionalism. “We are not sharks, but we are dolphins. We’re friendly and we’re smart.” More collaborative than cutthroat, these dolphins are more than willing to put up a sizable splash on behalf of a client. Placement is placement, after all.

Despite being an industry insider as well as a pragmatist who knows how to keep the lights on, she is also every bit a creative. She was nicknamed “Mugsy” by her Father, who had an affinity for gangster flicks. The archetypal hoodlum moniker stuck when he noticed how little Emily would “mug” for the camera at any opportunity. Theater studies at the University of Miami seemed like a natural fit, but that is just the most obvious of a dizzying array of creative pursuits. When business does not beckon, time is somehow found for acting, burlesque dancing, fire eating and a T-shirt business, to name a few.

Mugsy PR represents everyone from South Florida local faves like Concrete Beach Brewery to International sensations like Masha and the Bear. Throw in musicians, movie makers, restaurants and resorts, and one realizes why the phrase “never a dull moment” was coined. Yet, there is nothing slapdash about how they accept their clients. Their rejection rate is more akin to that of an Ivy League school. Says Emily, “So much of the media nowadays is not focused on true artistic endeavors of real people, but on what publicists and marketing people want out there.” Mugsy PR chooses clients very sparingly, as they dare not represent any person or product unless they wholeheartedly believe in their meaning and mission. One last thing, it does not hurt if they like you. “Every client that we take on has to have a story behind them

that we absolutely adore. They also have to be good people who we enjoy working with because we are closely connected with our clients. We work for them as if their companies were our own.” Needless to say, a friendly referral is the likely consolation.

Entering PR as a tattooed receptionist with hot pink hair, Emily proved to be a good fit for an industry where one must speak in brand voice like it is owned. (That often implies talking in a fast and furious cadence that most civilians can’t keep pace with.) “It is a talent you have to adapt to in this industry”, so she says with a laugh. Emily’s tales of adaptation in the industry don’t end there. She told of her first job at Haber and Quinn representing the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (the world’s largest yacht show). A hurricane not only threatened the event but the entire region, causing the heavy media presence to disperse. Amidst panicked clients, Emily and the H&Q team worked a bit of PR alchemy, turning the disaster into an event. This included press conferences, time lapse video of the emergency yacht relocation, and disaster relief for the local population. Why not smell like a rose while helping the less fortunate?

Although she has now branched out further into entertainment and hospitality PR, Emily still keeps her foot in the door of the luxury and marine industries. Southern Florida seems to be the real constant. Fast paced and on-par with NYC and Los Angeles, SoFlo PR seems to offer a unique blend of fashionable, vain and somewhat nuts people. (She freely admits to playing the Florida Man Game) Sounds like an ideal laboratory for marketing, no?

Truth be told, there are frustrations within her field. For instance, when clients insist that Richard Branson should be available for a keynote speech sparsely thirty days in advance. Oprah is touted as the only acceptable backup, and the conversation is over… “Crazy requests are my everyday”, says Emily. On the flip side, there are the blatant, glorious successes, such as enabling a client to propose legitimate marriage in the middle of a WWE Championship Wrestling Match, all on twelve hours' notice. Make no mistake, there is a palpable sense that there is a calling at work here, but it does not always come easily. People are more insular than ever, and this does not bode well for public events. Emily notes how attendance is harder than ever to secure, even when offering free, award winning craft beer! She feels this may be due to the overwhelming nature of technology and information overload nowadays. While I am inclined to agree, free beer is just that. Emily believes there is a craving in everyone to reconnect in a more authentic way. While hopeful, only time will tell.

Meanwhile, Emily is living a contented life as a wife and stepmother; full of fulfillment and imagination. Would it not be wonderful if we all found our calling so readily? Surprisingly, she does not particularly care for the beach, perhaps a natural consequence of an Albany transplant moving so far south. What is apparent is that Florida is a perfect fit for Taffel, Mugsy PR, and many of the sunshine states’ most vibrant clients.

For further details on Mugsy PR, visit their website at: www.mugsypr.com.

Andrea Pass PR – Proven Placements and PR Models Make Pass the Perfect Pick Written By: Cindy Mich Public Relations is one profession which is ever changing and evolving. With this world relying on reputable media which is mise en scene, along with gradual gravitation towards pay-to-play, public relations is a pickle. Success in this sector relies upon placements, public appearances, and social media magnetism. Possessing strong skills, along with proven success while working in a proverbial Pandora’s Box, are part of what makes Andrea Pass the impressive and inspiring business owner she is today. Fortunately, there are a few solid publicists that remain at the top of their game. Andrea is a top tier marketing mogul who has been thrilling clients for over thirty years. Her approach with all clientele is hugely hands on, honest, and hard-hitting campaigns that excel normal expectations. She has a deep intent to deliver relative to the needs of her regular and returning clients. Pass is not your run of the mill President – she is a wiz in the PR world! Andrea has not always headed up her own business, but rather worked up the ranks as she studied and surveyed her own surroundings. Fired up to sprint and not skip to the top, Pass pursued her education in the classroom and within her current business climate. She earned her Communications degree from Glassboro State Collage, then took the tools handed her to gain employment as a columnist. After contributing to staples such as The Record and Toy Business Magazine, Andrea captured a comprehension of how the publishing world works, as well as its powerful influence. Combine experience with essential people skills, and a creative personality, and she was ready to create miracles in marketing. Pass began to float between New York City bases public relations firms, working primarily in the businessto-business account areas. Typical client types were in the food and fashion areas, as well as non-profits and nourishment providers. As she obtained more attention for her methods, Andrea would eventually end up acting as Vice President for a few local agencies. Prominent positions hold with them high honors, and Andrea happily has been handed awards. Her top two include Leading Women Entrepreneurs Top 25 Brand Builder for 2018, and DRMA Member of the Year Nominee Finalist. Colleagues also call upon her for leadership of reputable collectives. Examples of these exemplary organizations include United Investors Association, in which she is a Board Member, and the Workshop Council for the Performance-Drive Marketing Institute, where she is a Founding Member. Additionally, as Andrea sees a need to network with similar mindsets, she is an active member of Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce and the New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners. It may appear as if she is an all work focused versus fun type woman, but this is not her norm. When not running to a stadium to see the New York Yankees, Broadway or Billy Joel is beckoning for her presence. Further, Ms. Pass has a fabulous family, including one son and a daughter who is soon to be a blushing bride. Let us not also forget her variety of vacation spots, which sadly only get sporadic visits due to her schedule. Seems like a lovely sprinkling of fun stuff! A little less than two years ago, Andrea took a chance on her own talents and founded her own agency, Andrea Pass Public Relations. She felt certain that her combination of strong media relations programs and poignant PR models would help win her a huge client roster. She was not wrong. As I am writing this article, the Pass posse includes: Par Avion LTD, Bluewater Media, Peel Away Labs, 4ocean, and Circadian Optics. Fortunately for them, her services include the capability for coverage in top shelf television such as Today, Good Morning America, and Ellen. As to print platforms with whom she woos are the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. One can look forward to lots of media love while within her fold. Finally, the boss herself is beckoned on occasion by radio hosts to make appearances. Her latest appearances include Selling In A Skirt Podcast, Inventors Launch, and Tuttle Innovation Podcast. With 2020 creeping up so closely, business owners have a bunch of publicists to pick from within this fickle industry. If you are hoping to find someone who you can trust and truly does deliver, Andrea is your gal. If you seek a woman with serious and sensational formulas for profit production, Andrea is your answer. To set up an appointment to start your adventure to success, visit: www.AndreaPassPR.com

NBC Gives A Gift to Gals Across the Nation in “Good Girls” Authored By: Cindy Mich I rarely am required to write television reviews. However, when a worthy product pops up, it warrants me taking time to publish my thoughts. The network automatically gained two plus points from me for casting Christina Hendricks and creating clever and catchy promos. I always admired the sass and spunk that Hendricks put into her portrayal of Joan on Mad Men, and perhaps that may be part of her real-life persona. Hence, it is likely that her role on this recurring series would parallel this personality type. As to the TV teasers, they set the stage for audiences to see a humorous, yet hugely relatable, story line. Here are what I call my “fabulous five” of this ten-week series. First off, other females are fine with slow and steady story development, but not this lady. I need a show to absorb my attention, and Good Girls gained it within the first thirty minutes of the pilot. The backstories were believable and bold, and the leads are largely likable. The ability to amaze and appeal to audiences continues each week within each word spoken on screen. Clearly, writer Jenna Bans is strongly in tune with her desired demographic. Secondly and sad to say, our current culture seems inundated with constant claims of inappropriate innuendos in the workplace. Although this behavior befalls upon both sexes, the shame stories seem focused on males forcing themselves on females. Thus, girls today are in need of new reminders that gentlemen are still alive, and that women are still strong and sound solo. They need to believe that goodwill and great intentions exist; that bad guys can be beat or maybe even humanized. Good Girls had one scenario centering around non-consensual intimacy, however, the entire series showers women with empowerment scenarios. It makes ladies believe that they can make the impossible a possibility. These females, when bonding within their own brilliance, can conquer anything and come out being wiser. Finally, each can fight their fears and stand up to any enemy and maintain their dignity and not feel disgraced. All strength by these show heads. Third of all, it is really refreshing to see a cast that holds no boundaries relative to genetics or gender identity. Diversity is not limited to the leads, as both the child and adult actors are richly abundant in ranges of race. Now if only the real world would recognize and realize we are all equal in worth and warrant respect. Fourth is my assessment of the acting in Good Girls. Collectively as a cast, every single member lends a “likeability” factor to their role. The viewer will appreciate the ability to admire them as they are, whether fabulous or flawed. Each actor affords us a smile, smirk, or sense of shock at some point in the story. A performer’s ability to make audiences feel emotion is a sign of excellence. For me, I always connect with certain characters, as they seem to subconsciously stand out. These are Rio, played by Manny Montana, and Ruby, portrayed by Retta. Montana offers us two sides of a criminal’s coin. One is a straight shooting, stone faced and greedy gangster. The second is a man who uses satire, sarcasm and tough talk to hide his own insecurities and inherent loneliness. Duality of oneself is common for many in the world, including myself. Retta perfectly portrays the role of a petrified, yet punchy, mother. She works hard to convince us she can break the law while maintaining a moral conscience. Her role as the voice of reason against her cohort’s lack of rational thoughts is spot on successful. Also, she is cleverly convincing as a mother who must be her daughter’s hope and safe haven while derailing her from possible death. A plus on all casting choices. Fifth and finally, the premise of Good Girls is said to be centered around three females who commit lower-level crimes to help them solve high priority problems. However, I believe it really circulates around one strong sentiment – LOVE. Their choices, positive or purely negative, are mainly motivated by love. Weaved within the show, there is love of spouse and siblings, friends and family, and a major love of money. There are also loves lost, and a general longing for love. If none of the above convinces you to tune in, I shall do a short and sweet summary. Good Girls is a cornucopia of fun and finger biting moments, as well as silly and splendid emotional story lines. It is guaranteed to give you a great escape from general real-life drama. So worth watching! To view past episodes, visit their website: https://www.nbc.com/goodgirls

Mayans MC (FX Network) More Than Motorcycles and Mayhem Authored By: Cindy Mich Throughout the year, I am approached to compose creative reviews. Those tossed my way in the television world are chosen based upon their casting and creative story lines. As I am a backseat Harley rider, this acted as one major motivator to provide print coverage for said show. The definitive seal to the deal came when witnessing the abundance of audience support showered upon every cast and crew member of Mayans MC. Due to the aforementioned, and a dozen more reasons, here I am to review this FX success story. Creation and cultivation of interest and intrigue which sustains viewers and visibility on television is truly tough. Soliciting fine looking faces and big bodies can attract attention, but likely will lose audiences after a few shows. This program employs attractive actors who embody emotion and energy every second on screen. They have done their homework, along with slapping on some extra credit work within each scene. Additionally, within several of the lead actors, we see a splendid spectrum of ethnic exhibitions. To be more specific, these are Mexican, Dominican, Cuban, Irish, Hispanic and Venezuelan. Pooling together such an array of culture to carve out tales of family and fury is purely priceless. If only people in the real world could perform so well hand in hand – Sigh. Finally, the ingenious scribblings and solid content created by Elgin James and Kurt Sutter serves as a solid foundation upon which these thespians can stand and tell a beautiful story. Many fans started following the show expecting several Sons of Anarchy similarities within each episode. A true testament to success is to become a standalone show. Mayans MC has different drama and diversity, while still showcasing strong spousal, sibling, and father/son relationships. Two triumphs on one network carved out by a few chimerical characters – NICE. Before doing a breakdown of these characters, bonus points must be provided as to songs and speech. The theme song had a major makeover, resulting in a more resilient, remarkable feel from a female songstress. As to the dialect spoken during most shows, one is rarely offered lengthy vignettes with foreign languages. This forces the actor and associated players to step up the performance, and man, have they done so through ten episodes. Lastly, as a Milwaukee native, I must mention the show promotion point. I will bet a bunch of you never noticed that Miller Coors paid for promotional consideration on Mayans MC! Onto the character critique, and this should entice even non-viewers to enlist into watching on a weekly basis. In order to encapsulate the entire cast, I would need to write numerous reviews. Hence, I shall shine my spotlight on as many as space allows. A mature, mysterious father and friendly neighborhood butcher is played by Edward James Olmos. Edward portrays Felipe Reyes, a nearly completely numb man who appears direly disconnected from his deeper self. He comes off as rigid; yet has a real sense of regret that surfaces slightly from time to time. True to form, Olmos could speak three sentences and audiences would jaw drop in awe. He is the epitome of excellence with his delivery during dramatic roles. Reyes is another testament to his poignant talents as a pantomimist. Felipe acts as a somewhat sympathetic, yet stoic, parent to both Ezekiel (EZ) and Angel Reyes, played by J.D. Pardo and Clayton Cardenas, respectively. EZ comes across as a wild and wounded man; tippy toeing on a constant tight rope between being the bad boy and illusive informant to a lunatic lawman. The loss of his mother and first major love have left him enormously empty – which reduces one to rage more often than once. Pardo’s portrays Ezekiel’s heaviest hurts through his eyes, and his body language radiates a deep discomfort with his own identity and issues. Immensely captivating to see him create two sides of one character so simply. Cardenas is charged with the task of balancing Angel’s resentment and ripe sense of abandonment against his powerful need to be accepted and abandon his sizable “soul” scars. Clearly, he elects to utilize humor and snide sarcasm as tools to combat his true torture. Cardenas brilliantly brings to screen a man battling dark

demons with immeasurable insecurities – making us route for him to be his best self. He gets viewers to gaze upon him as not just the misfit, but rather a man owning his weaknesses while forgiving that beheld by his own family. The love/loathe battle between brothers is beautiful and bothersome to watch, but Pardo is perfectly paired with Cardenas to build a beacon of shelter from their own storm. Angel’s love interest and long-standing rebel is played by the vivacious Venezuelan actress, Carla Baratta. Named Adelita, she too is walking a narrow live wire, as her life finds her stuck between the cartel and the Mayans Club. Her intense belief in her battle often places Adelita in harm’s way, both physically and psychologically. Baratta comes off as crude while maintaining compassion; passionate and proud of her people. Her dedication and devotion fuel her fire, and she would die before surrendering to man-made Satan. Baratta is a bold bright actor who clearly immerses herself in becoming this raw and remarkable woman. Mayans MC may be her US television debut, but she makes us believe she is a well-established entity in the acting world. Now, the Reyes family could be construed as the proverbial protagonists, hence, there is always an antagonist. Make way for Miguel Galindo, son of a drug lord who is witty, classy, and charming. Remember, underneath lies ruthless and rough – and at times, relentless. Three-way winner in the acting world Danny Pino is point-on perfect to pull off this gritty gangster. Viewers have seen him gravitate from larger than life to lost and lonely. He is no longer on solid footing at home or among his huge entourage. Pino has a giant gift for effectuating emotion, verbally or non-verbally. We want to watch him work his magic minute by minute despite the darkness. From his walk to inferring winks, Pino’s performances are award winning and purely precious. Bravo to the creators in casting a solid and strong lead to stand alongside Pino, and that is Sarah Bolger. Bolger infuses immense intensity and even bigger evil into her role as Emily Thomas, wife to Miguel Galindo and EZ’s ex. Even though there is an inferred chemistry churning between Emily and EZ, she realizes her real-life role is cartel lord’s companion. The once innocent Thomas has grown to embrace an inner greed while succumbing to the spite that seems to surpass her love for Miguel. Bravo, Ms. Bolger! Last but not least is Dita Galindo, mother to who some call a mad man named Miguel. Ada Maris plays a mom with a stockpile of secrets disclosed week by week. She is sharp tongued and shrewd; willfully waiting to pounce on her prey. Manipulation and mind tricks are in her trusty tool box 24/7. Maris is a marvel on screen, between her scary stars and somber suggestions. She makes me remember that acting legends still live. This brings us to Mr. Marcus Alvarez, brought to life on Sons of Anarchy by Emilio Rivera. Now working in another world, Alvarez appears to carry a calculated and cold persona. It is harder to read his motivations, and he seems more unhappy and uncentered alongside Miguel. I have come to regard Rivera as one of my favorites, as even his on-screen silence says something. The best actors are artisans who bring life to the lifeless and meaning to the unmemorable. Alvarez has life and meaning because Rivera plays this role. Congrats, fine sir, on a fabulous season. The final character I have come to honestly admire and appreciate is Johnny “CoCo” Cruz, played by Richard Cabral. Cruz is seemingly overflowing with ongoing agitation and angst. His weapons are volumes of violence and vulgarity, and at the core, he is crushed by the horrors of hell he has seen. His soft spot seems to lie within the club and children. It is hard to tell where CoCo starts and Cabral ends, as they seem singular. Cabral brings all of his heart, himself, and strong star power to his portrayal. I have yet to meet him but feel I must simply say, I am proud of your work, Mr. Cabral. I was blessed to be offered feedback from fans; with the compliments being big and the criticisms so small. Regardless, every individual, if offered the opportunity, would watch, dish on, and discuss this show several times a day. Mayans MC has wooed the world. To conclude, Mayans MC is a series that transcends crimes and clubhouses. It is a show that displays the deep love and large destruction felt by families, both on and off motorcycles. These characters frustrate you in a flash, then fill you with fear in a few short seconds. All are complicated, a small bit crazy and chaotic. Yet, they are also every day humans with heartbeats. They represent the several sides and shades of every being in society. If you want a weekly hour of television which finds you screaming, sighing, and or/sitting in shock, tune in to FX on Tuesday nights at 9pm. More importantly, if you seek to see statuesque storytelling played out by astounding and atypical actors, Mayans MC is a perfect pick. To see previous episodes: www.fxnetworks.com/shows/mayans-mc

Cudahy Firefighters: Helpful and Humble Community Heroes Authored By: Faith Kohler Have you ever wondered who the people are behind the first responder uniforms in your community? The ones who arrive day or night when emergencies occur and manage those incidents to safety? The Art Is Alive Magazine caught up recently with Joe Fremy at the Cudahy Fire Department. We asked Joe, who is the President of the Cudahy Professional Firefighters Association Local 1801, to share some of his story with our readership. A husband and father of two small children, Joe has been serving our community as a firefighter for fifteen years. Calling himself a “non-college bound type,” he followed high school with course work at WCTC and MATC to put himself on the career path that led to his firefighting career. Having previously served as Vice-President, and now Lieutenant and President of the Cudahy Professional Firefighters Assocation Local 1801, his skills and knowledge serve to benefit other firefighters as well as our community. Joe is quick to admit that “being the President of the Union brings both rewards and challenges (just like that of a firefighter of Lieutenant), but running the union would not be possible without the great team of guys who have stepped up to help me.” When asked to describe a typical day in the life of a Cudahy firefighter, here’s what Joe had to offer us. With between six and eight firefighters on duty at any given time, their primary function is to go out on calls for service. Some take advantage of down time to catch up on their sleep, while others enjoy meals that friendly community members bring over. Some firefighters may play video games or watch movies as well in between calls. But according to Joe, one of the most significant ways firefighters use their time is to continuously train for emergencies. He explained that while his firehouse has a more mature group of firefighters, training is still a must. His team’s specialty, the High Angle Rope Rescue, is a technique in which firefighters must enter and exit a scene with a sixty-degree angle or higher. They are completely reliant on those ropes to hold themselves and any victims they rescue, so correct placement and technique is critical. Approximately twenty percent of their calls are fire-related, and they go out on a lot of ambulance calls, many of which are residential. According to Joe, the team is often asked to assist first responder units from neighboring cities, and they have a long history of working well with city police and the local SWAT team. We asked what he wanted the public to know about the needs of their firehouse. Aside from the new roof and door the building needs, Joe said he would like to see more employees join the team in the future. He also said they would welcome more female firefighters at their location. Moving on to pros and cons, we asked Joe to offer us a peek behind the curtain at some of the less glamorous aspects of being a firefighter. Like any profession, he explained, it can have its ups and downs, but for firefighters this can be somewhat extreme. According to Joe, they have long stretches of down time where boredom can start to set in, followed by a spike in adrenaline that accompanies a call for service. Dealing with bureaucracy was next on his list of challenges faced by first responders, followed by perhaps the most serious con he cited. Firefighters, Joe explained, are at higher risk than the general public for a variety of cancers because while performing their duties they can be exposed to toxins and environmental hazards that can adversely impact their long-term health. Wanting to end the interview on a positive note, we asked Joe to share some of the best things about his chosen profession. He proudly stated that they are a small crew that accomplishes sizable things. One of the most positive aspects of being a firefighter, Joe told us, is being so invested in the community. When medical emergencies or fires occur, and you see those uniforms arrive on scene, remember Joe’s words – “We are normal. and we are your neighbors.” For updates on the Cudahy Fire Department, see their social media page: https://www.facebook.com/cudahyfiredepartment/

Driftless Road Adventures Bring New Road Routes to Riders Authored By: Michael Gentile

Dodging glaciers for two million years is a blessing for a truly unique corner of the American Heartland. The fabled “Driftless Area” – consisting of parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa, is named for being devoid of glacial drift (sand and rock residue left by retreating glaciers). Said area managed to avoid the steam rolling effect the glaciers had on much of the Midwest. Today, what remains is a 24,000 square mile region of breathtaking terrain inclusive of deep cut river valleys, rugged rock bluffs, rolling farmland, waterfalls, mesas, buttes and pinnacles. Pardon the geology lesson, but one should comprehend how unique this area is in order to grasp what inspired Dale Hoke to form Driftless Road Adventures in 2018. Born is the Wisconsin section of the Driftless Area, Dale and wife Renee later moved to the Iowa section, another State but still very much at home. They also found the region to be ideal motorcycle country. Since there seemed to be an endless array of roads, trails, and terrain to explore, he wanted to spread the word to other bikers. He offers thirty-three different day trip routes of up to 280 miles, covering over 8,500 miles of roadway. Says Dale: “Renee and I enjoy riding there so much that we thought others might also enjoy it. We think it is a real hidden gem. There is a lot of natural beauty, history, and thousands of miles of great roads. Lastly, I guess we feel that we are a part of a community of riders, and this was our way of supporting and contributing to the whole culture.” All GPS routes are offered for free, however, the t-shirts, maps, and pre-loaded SD cards are available on their online store. Patreon support has been enthusiastic and sponsorship is growing. Bravo to Dinky General Store and Woodman Lake Cabins for their support! Dale and Renee, who ride a BMW 1200GSW, want riders to relax and enjoy the best possible pre-planned routes so they can focus on the ride itself. Those familiar with the area appreciate the many hidden gems that Dale provides through these routes. The experience, according to Dale, “is going to be different for everyone. Personally, we enjoy exploring new roads and seeing new sights. We usually see wildlife, which is always exciting. There are a lot of times that we ride for an hour or more and never see another car, so we enjoy not fighting the traffic. We love seeing the different farms and small towns. Of course, the roads are amazing. They will satisfy almost any rider, as some are small overgrown country lanes, and others are big, fast highways. I do think some of the roads can be challenging for riders if they are not careful.” Looking ahead, additional and varied routes are in the works, with future plans to include unpaved and gravel routes. Their “Driftless Challenge” runs throughout the riding season and is likened to a motorcycle scavenger hunt with six monthly prizes and a grand prize finale in October. More riders, support, and enjoyment seem to be their worthy goal. Whether one rides or not, Driftless Road Adventures is well worth a look and just might earn a spot on your bucket list. For more information, visit www.driftlessroadadventures.com

Book Review – Tales To Chill Your Bones To Written By: Susan L. Fiebig

Michael Haberfelner’s collection of fifteen short stories written to surprise and shock readers has a certain charm to it – that is if a horror book can possess charm. These “soft horror” short stories with a twist are sometimes predictable, but still slightly unnerving. Written for the timid just delving into shock fiction, the author writes in a style that is easy to digest even if some of his tales are difficult to swallow. The stories are not too scary, but definitely unsettling in nature. Some subjects are relevant today, such as “Survival of the Fittest” set in a post-apocalypse world where surviving means creating illusions in order to rise to the top. Other stories involve the devil, rats who rule the world, murderers of all shapes, sizes and forms, and even computers designed just for sex. The author included a few narratives that this reviewer believes should have been left out in order to give the collection a more uniform flow. However, everyone will be able to find one or two pieces that will satisfy their need for horror and a few that will make them chuckle. The final short story is touching and completes the collection with a much-needed hug after all the violence. In addition to Tales to Chill Your Bones To, Michael also released the German language novel, Bauliche Angelegenheiten, and a string of other stories in various publications. He intends to one day turn them all into an anthology. Copies can be obtained at: https://www.amazon.com/Tales-Chill-Bones-Michael-Haberfelner-ebook/dp/B07SQRZVSN/

Susan Fiebig Searches For the Perfect Place and Producer of Bloody Marys Composed By: Cindy Mich Susan Fiebig brings both a fascinating and focused assessment of Bloody Marys in her book, The Bloody Trail: In Quest of the Best Wisconsin Blood Marys. Although published in 2013, the critiques and content are essential anytime and absent of expiration. I personally prefer a book that chooses to tune into things like taste and higher health benefits instead of mere technical training. This way, it becomes more about the experience verses bragging about the “expert” angles to alcohol. Plus, who better to judge this juicy cocktail than a gal who has hung at her family’s tavern since she was a younger tot? Susan provides a lovely introduction which explains her scoring system, along with all critical areas assessed before making base decisions. This reviewer was also really uneducated about the origins of this spicy spirit until reading her words. Her appraisals are solidly based upon six factors: ingredients, taste, presentation, size of chaser, atmosphere, and talent of the drinkologist. To me, this seems like a thorough and tailor-made process designed to help drinkers choose a top cocktail. It almost comes across as an encyclopedia of Bloody Marys. Very cool and chic. As the reader makes their way through these forty-four pages, Susan teaches us the importance of beverage size, meaning of the Bloodys and beer chasers. Things such as type of glass and the price are pertinent, as one would like bigger for a better price. Further, poor presentation and purely average performances by bartenders are a big no-no in her book. Give Susan a Bloody Mary with an avalanche of appetizers that looks appealing and is affordable, and she is in heaven! One other plus point here are the backstories on each business, as well as the “brag points” of each place. Hearing these facts fuel customers to patronize such places, so good points to put in the book. Susan also includes updates to her articles so audiences are aware of any closings. To conclude, The Bloody Trail: In Quest of the Best Wisconsin Blood Marys is a concise and clever publication that pinpoints swanky locations and swell libations. It is of perfect length, with eleven being a proper number of locations. This statistic allowed Susan to cover all 65,496 square miles of our fair state of Wisconsin for her search. I will let you read her book to find out her secrets for successful Bloody Marys, however, she does welcome reader recommendations to include for future editions. Speaking of additional endeavors, Susan did produce a second book on this subject entitled Adventures on the Bloody Trail: The Quest Continues. Overall, both are sensational reads! To obtain a copy of the book, follow this link: https://www.amazon.com/Bloody-Trail-Quest-WisconsinMarys/dp/1937165574

Exile on Front Street: Revelations From A Rebel Rider Authored By: Cindy Mich George Christie is a crusader for freedom and fulfillment of offered opportunities. Surely, society identifies this soldier solely as a Hells Angel. Presidency played a part for thirty-three years. Then in 2011, George gave up club leadership to captain his own life charter. Although he maintains a new life mission, his overall makeup is still that of an outlaw. Exile on Front Street: My Life As A Hells Angel and Beyond is a dark, deep novel of non-fiction detailing Christie’s various life and love choices. He seems to shed a constant and clear illumination upon the history and inferred hypocrisy of the Hells Angels. One of the positives to these prose are random and reoccurring revelations about his character and charisma. Add in an abundance of heartwarming and hilarious apologues, and this becomes a must, not maybe, memoir to treasure. Repeated readings of this tale by said reviewer was a pleasurable perk to my profession. I initiated with the intent of discovering if this man wore a mask of fact or fiction. Was he bitter from the battles or tamed by truth and discovery? Although one’s own assertions will arise from a fresh read, I can provide a personal peek at my final findings. One main motivator for this man was finding and fitting in the right role. Bestowed with a respect for women and the road, George sifts from school to surfboard; corner office to clubhouse. His search for self finds him climbing an atypical hierarchy. The portrayal on paper of Christie is somewhat unparalleled to the typical Hells Angel. Easy going and un-enthusiastic about weapons; light on the drugs and drinking. His deep desire for freedom and fun, riding and reverence to his country appear as singular similarities to alternative associates. Interestingly, he is persistent in presenting a true distrust of authority, yet respects certain gents of that same cloth. Within these written pages, you see his crusade to capture a loyal and loving partner twice in his lifetime. You learn of the rigorous rules Christie chose to follow and foster as a patch, then as a President. You will find out how his band of blood brothers eventually evolved into strangers versus supporters. Watch how the consequences of a chosen lifestyle hand him ongoing omissions in income, identity and an unrelated, unlikely burial of his own boy. George Christie is a sinner in the eyes of many, with a penance paid up through present day. George Christie represented what society labels as a criminal of our culture, imprisoned by the burdens of one’s heart. George Christie is also allegiant in ways to the same world which brought about a betrayal. Lastly, George Christie is to be taken and trusted on his own terms. No mask to be found; rather a mirror to a man whose traveled roads were both tender and tumultuous. There are myriads of men and women who question the level of honesty and honor carried by Christie. He served his country, club and children on the blind faith they all would be truthful and trustworthy. Walk in blindly and buy the book – then decide if you are a canonist or a cynic. For further details on George, visit his website at: http://www.georgechristie.com/

Author Interview – Max Brallier Composed By: Cindy Mich Max Brallier has authored a number of books, but is most notably known for his penmanship of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling adventure-packed series, The Last Kids on Earth. The middle grade series, published by Penguin Random House, is filled with monster and zombie action sequences, laugh-out-loud humor, and an overall escape from reality for young readers. Beyond the bookshelves, the story is coming to life on Netflix as an animated series developed by Atomic Cartoons. Coinciding with the launch of the Netflix show, Brallier’s newest book in the series entitled The Last Kids on Earth and the Midnight Blade was released on September 17th (currently #2 on the New York Times Children’s Series bestseller list) and features illustrations by Douglas Holgate. In addition to the series and newest edition to the book series, Cyber Group Studios and Atomic Cartoons have named Jakks Pacific as their toy partner. Jakks will be releasing a range of official merchandise based on the series and show. These items will include action figures, activity toys, role-play accessories, vehicles, plush items, novelty items, games and play electronics. I took some time to sit down and interview Max about his career, his creations, and his fun projects for the future. I hope you all enjoy the article!

As I understand it, you did a seven-city tour in 2018. Please tell our readers the most exciting, as well as exhausting, part of engaging in such a sizable event. The kids are the best…along with the teachers and librarians. The most exciting part are the kids’ questions – and really, their suggestions. “Why did Jack do that?” “June should do this!” “A cool monster would be….” “When are they gonna do this??” It gets me excited to get back to my computer to get writing. The most exhausting part is traveling by truck – that’s how we did this tour – in a JEEP done-up to look like Big Mama, the end-of-the-world monster battling vehicle from the series. Three weeks of traveling to a dozen states with different time zones and weird hours – all in the passenger seat of a Wrangler. I came home exhausted by the travel, but pumped to get into the next book because the kids’ voices are so fresh.

You have spoken quite highly of the skill set possessed by illustrator Douglas Holgate, who has worked on the Last Kids on Earth series. Explain how his work enhances your words, and how accurate his designs are relative to your dynamic characters. Some sort of art god was looking out for me when my publisher hired Douglas. He just gets it. Doughlas takes what I write, and amplifies/enhances it by a million. So, now I just sort of get out of his way. I toss out a few key words or maybe reference an image from a film or something I have found online, and he does his thing. I’ll have a rough or sort of foggy notion of what a scene, creature, or a moment might look like, and then he goes off and expresses it with absolute clarity.

Curious to ask – any particular reason that you wish to write under the pen name Jack Chabert? Oh, just silly contractual publishing stuff several years ago. I was working with different publishers doing different sets of series. My paternal grandfather’s first name was Jack, and my maternal grandfather’s last name was Chabert. I put the two names together and liked the sound of it – and it seemed like a fun way to honor the two people I love.

I found it interesting that you used to work for St. Martin’s Press. Detail your duties while working there, and share any substantial tips they taught you about publishing your written works. It was so incredibly helpful – I can’t really emphasize that enough. First off, it was fun. The book publishing business is full of great people. You want to hang out with them, be friends with them, and be part of their success and happiness. I work in marketing, which was the perfect slot to learn the business. Marketing people are almost like the connective tissue – touching most every part of the publishing process. I worked on marketing campaigns, advance reading copies, book cover copies, advertisements, brochures, industry shows, and so on and so on. The marketing folks work closely with editors on one hand, and with the sales team on the other hand. I learned so much about publishing that I think (or hope) it makes me a better writer for my publisher. I know what their lives are like. I know how many books and authors they are juggling, how tight budgets are, and the importance of certain meetings. Most importantly – I met people who became my friends. These friends were the ones who introduced me to agents and editors that allowed me to get published in the first place. I highly doubt I would be an author now if I had not been in publishing prior to this point.

In the past, you have designed video games for Poptropica.com. For the novice, break down the difference between how you formulate a game versus a book, and which is more complex creatively? You are telling a story with both, and you want the player or reader to feel certain things at certain moments. It is the intricacies of the story that I find far more complex in doing books. As there is no game play to rely on, it is all about the story.

For some time, you were providing school visits, as well as offering visual visits, to children in grades 1-6. As of now, are you still participating in this program, and if not, do you anticipate a return to this routine? I have pulled back a lot on that front. Just had to, as the time to do them just sort of ceased to exist. Between family, the book series, the Netflix series, touring, and other writing – there just are not enough days in the year. However, I would like to get back to doing them. I loved walking the schools, hearing from the readers, talking to the teachers, librarians, and parents. So – hopefully!

Many may be unaware that you write for adults in addition to children. Have you been able to gather a greater crowd in this demographic, or are your fans primarily in the young adult arena? The majority of fans are definitely in the elementary to middle school range – though Last Kids does, uniquely, seem to draw in an older audience, too. I’ve been very lucky on both the kid and adult side of things – though the kids stuff comes more naturally to me. As to Galactic Hot Dogs, Last Kids on Earth, Eerie Elementary, and Mr. Shivers, it just all came together; it just all clicked. There is so much luck to this job. The idea that I have any fans at all just seems insane and silly.

You have been blessed, in that you have composed and completed over thirty books and games. To those reading who may either be starting to write or wish to publish, what sort of advice could you lend them as far as launching a career? Secondly, you are on the best seller list for both the NY Times and USA Today. How was the transition from being a regular to so called royalty type writer? Working in a publishing house is a great place in which to pursue a writing career. You quickly learn the business and its people. Instead of spending years trying to find an agent who might get your work into an editor, you just wander

across the hall and into an editor’s office. You become buddies. You travel to conferences together, lunch together, and go out. It was really helpful for me as an aspiring writer to get to know editors and what they are looking for as far as content. Also, it is helpful on judging writing. Working in publishing, you see a lot of writing. It helps you to be honest about your own scribblings. Can I do this? The best seller lists…well, I think everybody enjoys praise and confirmation a little bit. That is what the best seller lists are – a little bit of confirmation that “okay, you belong here.”

Please provide a small summarization of your writings, and also, name your favorite book to date. My current kids’ books are The Last Kids on Earth series, Mr. Shivers series, Eerie Elementary series, Galactic Hot Dogs series, and the work-for-hire-books for Poptripica, The Regular Show, LEGO, Adventure Tim and some others. My best-known adult book is Can You Survive the Zombie Apocalypse? I am also one of the writers for my Last Kids on Earth show on Netflix. Further, I co-wrote the screenplay for the adventure/horror film (grown-ups only), VFW. My favorite book will always be the first Last Kids book. Writing was the hardest thing I ever did, but also the most rewarding.

September of 2019 found your book being turned into a Netflix series. Explain the who, when, and where as far as viewing. Further, how fun is this fact – besides the likes of Rosario Dawson and Bruce Campbell lending their voices – you also got Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) lol. How did that come about? The voice talent on the Last Kids show is just amazing – it still blows me away. Best voices in the business – and, to my delight, voices that come out of the nicest people in the business. Anyway, the show’s producers, and the show runner, well, we would just brainstorm over lunch about the best possible voice talent. We refused to tell ourselves that any person could not be had. We then went to them and their reps and begged. Really! We ended up getting every voice we had dreamed of. So, there is also a voice god to go along with the art and publishing gods I mentioned earlier. Man, as I type this, it dawns on me that I may be the luckiest guy in the world.

If folks happen to read this interview and want to meet you in person, how would they do so? Keep an eye on the Last Kids on Earth social media listed below. If I am going to be somewhere – it will be on there. And hey, always fun to meet new folks – so come, come, come!

Finally, talk to me about upcoming projects, either online or offline. I am working on the next three Last Kids books, a new Mr. Shivers book, and another season for Last Kids on Netflix. I am also pitching some pretty exciting stuff that I hope will end up on screens. But, alas, I am not allowed to mention what those are……because of annoying grown-up reasons.

Further details on Max Brallier can be found on his website: http://www.maxbrallier.com/

Author Interview – Deb Hunter Composed By: Jennifer Vaglica

Deb Hunter is a writer, a wife, and a fighter. In 2018, she was diagnosed with Stage Four Colon Cancer. By the time it had been discovered, the cancer had metastasized to her liver. The only option available was to fight, and that is exactly what she did. I have been given the honor of interviewing her. Instead of focusing on her illness, I have chosen to focus on her writing. Composition has been something that she seemed to gain both joy and strength from during her sickness. Deb actually writes under a different name, and that is Hunter S Jones. Most of her books focus on the Tudor time period of London, as she had majored in History with hopes of one day becoming a professor. It seems as though life had other plans for her future.

Deb, thank you for giving me the opportunity to interview you. Of all the questions I could ask, the first one is pretty straightforward. Tudor History is not something many people decide to write about for a living. In History class, we learn the rhymes about Henry the 8 th and his wives, but that is usually where it stops. What made you decide to dive into Tudor History? Hi! First, thank you for hosting me today. Tudor history is just so colorful – there’s literally something for everyone. Drama, passion, suspense – it is its own world in a way, with a million questions left unanswered. Look at Reign, The Spanish Princess, and many other shows and a few movies – all are inspired by the Tudor era. I majored in History and planned on being a Professor. Instead, I was offered a sales and marketing position making twice the money a teacher would make, so that ended that dream. However, the love of the era has been my passion of a lifetime. Plus, studying the Tudors taught me what humans are capable of doing to one another. This served me well in corporate America and international business. I feel it had a lot to do with making my professional career so successful.

I myself am a large fan of history and the supernatural. What made you choose this genre? Great question! In a way, I believe it choose me. As I researched, I found more information about how the Tudor Era dealt with science and medicine. With my career being in pharmaceuticals, I had an interest in those topics and never knew the two were so entwined with what we classify as the supernatural. It’ really fascinating. I had the exact time of Elizabeth’s coronation calculated by an astrologer because astrologers were scientists at that time. What was the most daunting thing when trying to get your work published and distributed?

For me, the most daunting thing was finding an editor who understood that I border on experimental literature. My stories are not always linear or chronological, and they are all full of hidden symbolisms and meanings. Too many literature classes spent reading avant garde writers, I guess. The thing is, not everyone gets that, and I’m fortunate to have a great content editor– It’s Your Story Content Editing– and copy editor – BZ Hercules.

Is there a specific person during the Tudor reign that you feel you identify with most? Another great question! I’m not sure I identify with any one person. Like a lot of people, I’m horrified with the way Anne Boleyn was treated. It’s unfathomable that a man could love someone so much that he would change his kingdom to marry you, only to have you executed??? It’s one of the great mysteries of history. Likewise, I don’t really believe Henry’s third wife, Jane Seymour, was a meek and subservient person like we have been led to believe. Also, I’m curious about Sir Francis Bryan. How did the most popular poet of his time leave only one work that we can identify today? He was a rascal, but kept his head during all Henry’s mood swings and there is a lot to say for someone with that type of agility. I’d love to find out more about him.

What is your process when it comes to writing? Unlike most writers, I don’t have a dedicated time or place to write. It’s a creative thing and often totally spontaneous. Although with history and historical fiction there is a lot of research required, which means a large amount of time is spent reading about a topic. The one thing I always do is make an outline. I do attempt to stay within its parameters, well sometimes.

You said your husband is Scottish? Was he born in Scotland? Do you mind saying on how you met? Yes, he is from Scotland, and is originally from Glasgow. We met when I was spending a week in London on vacation. Long story short, we have been together for the last twenty years What would your advice be to any young budding writers trying to get published for the first time? Don’t quit your day job! Be persistent, be on time, and be nice to everyone.

Is there anything coming from you in the future that you’re excited about? Right now, I’m concentrating on healing and being happy. Occasionally, I will write a post for Medium or my blog, As for All Things Tudor. There are a couple of things in the works, so we’ll see what happens. In October of 2020, I will be one of the headline speakers for Tudorcon. That will be great fun! It’s a live event, but if you can’t make it in person, you can attend it digitally. Don’t you believe those would make for great holiday gifts?

Finally, it has been fun interviewing you, and I hate to see it come to an end. What one thing would you like people to know about you? I want to thank everyone who has supported me during the nightmare of the last two years. Their kindness means everything.

To learn more about Deb Hunter, visit her website at: http://allthingstudor.com/.

Granting Wishes For Mothers Of The Unwell Authored By: Sherri Wallace When I was ten years old, my six-year-old brother was diagnosed with leukemia. He fought this disease for seven years and through seven remissions. Sadly, in May of 1992, he succumbed to his illness and died at the age of thirteen. My mother rarely left his side. She was alone a lot with my brother during his treatments and hospital stays. I saw the loneliness, anguish, and how completely helpless my mother felt as he sat struggling. In June of 2012, another lady named Sylvia McKelvey suddenly lost her husband to a massive heart attack. She was devastated, and this massive loss left her in a fog of deep despair. September of that same year, a woman asked Sylvia to do a Bible study for herself and other women who had children with cancer. Reluctantly, Sylvia agreed. She was not sure why she said yes, but when she met with these fifteen women, she immediately knew the answer. She witnessed women who were in the fight of their lives, battling for their sick child to ensure their every need was met. This kind of fight takes its toll. They were exhausted, scared, and some were so far away from the rest of their families that they also felt isolated. Sylvia soon realized that they needed an advocate for their physical and psychological needs. Around Christmas time, a friend of Sylvia’s donated a bunch of costume jewelry to her. The night of their next meeting, Sylvia laid out all of the donated jewelry for the women to peruse. As Sylvia put it, “What I saw next was awe-inspiring. I saw that these women were not afraid, lonely, or tired. These women had a brief moment to step out of their own reality and be women again. They were holding jewelry up to each other, ooh-ing and aah-ing and having the best time.” After this meeting, Sylvia realized that these women needed a spokesperson. Her daughters did an online search to locate a support group for women with critically ill children, but they found nothing. Therefore, they decided to create a group on their own. They saw that these women needed three things – spiritual, emotional, and physical support. Hence, this is how 3 Wishes for Her, a.k.a 3W, was formed. 3W helps women by doing everything they can to support the aforementioned needs and give them the tools necessary to get through this battle with their child’s illness. By bringing these women together, this group has become a driving force of friendship, love, and support for each other. Sylvia stated, “They rally around each other in the most beautiful ways.” For example, a mother and her child were being sent home because no further treatments could be done. This mother had to take her dying child home and make him as comfortable as possible while he transitioned from this life to the next. Because of 3W, she was not alone. This group of women stand by each other through triumph, sadness, and if necessary, through death. “We will walk with you” is their motto. 3W holds separate meetings every Monday night – two in Shelby County and one in Tipton County. They attempt to have an agenda planned for the night, but the reality is bad news can come at any time. The ladies then forego their plans and support a mother who needs it. Because mothers from all over the world seek treatment in the Memphis area, 3W’s efforts have been felt globally. 3W has received a few grants which help to keep their meetings going, but this is not enough to sustain them. Grants do not even begin to alleviate the needs of 3W, which include gas cards, food, transportation, and the list goes on and on. In the past, there has been assistance from local establishments and restaurants. Once a year, Christian Brothers Automotive in Bartlett volunteers their time to help these women with any automotive needs they have. The Owner, Scott Few, gets local automotive stores to donate all the parts needed to ensure these women have safe and reliable vehicles to transport their children to and from their doctor’s appointments and treatments. At present, 3W is in desperate need of a seven or eight passenger van. This would make it easier on Sylvia to transport these mothers to and from meetings, as well as allow her extra space for collecting donations. She also hopes to eventually add more groups in other states, but she needs money and people to achieve this goal. When your child gets sick, a mother has to put her life, and many times, her job, on hold to embark upon the worst fight of her life. In a world where it is financially necessary for both parents to work, this can cause a huge strain on a family. Hence, we as a country can assist 3W by either sending straight donations or doing some volunteer work. For further information on 3W, please visit their website at: www.3wishesforher.org.

Aligning Animals and Dear Drags For Rescues Authored By: Sherri Wallace I will be the first to admit that the only thing I know about drag queens is what little I have seen on television. I am aware that the need for monetary donations to non-profit animal rescue organizations is astronomically high. So, why would any drag queen pair up with rescue groups? To me, that sounded like one of the weirdest smash-ups to date. Yet somehow, the Founders of Queens to The Rescue, Michelle Shara and Brandon Hilton, make it work. Michelle Shara works a fulltime job as a supervisor of an airplane repair station, and in her spare time, she volunteers at the Red Cross and for various animal rescue groups. Michelle stated, “I began by volunteering at events, then fostering and transporting animals until my life just revolved around dogs and airplanes.” One night, while watching RuPaul’s Drag Race, she thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool if someone had a drag show to raise money for animal rescue?” However, she was unsure where to find drag queens who would be willing to help. Thus, Michelle decided to reach out to Brandon Hilton, a local drag queen, for help. Brandon, (aka Onya Mann), was immediately on board. Brandon indicated that, “It was the best thing I have ever said yes to.” Being an animal lover himself, he could not say no. He knew it would be a great way to showcase drag shows while helping animals at the same time. As there is such a stigma centering around queens, what a better way to put people at ease than to have them attend a drag show where animals would be of benefit. Michelle informed me that, “People don’t realize the cost these animal rescue groups incur for each animal. They have to transport these animals to the vet, get their shots updated, have them spayed or neutered, and feed and house them until they can get them adopted. I have a rescue dog. It costs me about $1,500 a year for food and the vet. Imagine that multiplied by twenty, thirty, or more animals.” They put out some feelers to find a venue, and a local brewery elected to donated their space. Michelle was thrilled with the idea of having a drag show at a “straight” place, which was unheard of in the Bible Belt area of North and South Carolina. They admit that the first show was a “hot mess.” There was no air conditioning and only three queens signed on, but they raised $1,800 and the crowd loved it! Next thing they knew, rescue organizations were contacting them to be featured in a show, venues were donating their spaces and asking to host shows, and queens were signing up left and right to help out. Michelle and Brandon’s original thoughts of an annual event quickly became much more, and Queens to the Rescue was officially born! So, what can one expect at a Queens to the Rescue show? Depending on the venue and how many performers are available, there will be a band or a DJ. Onya Mann host the shows, and she is the “Kiki” of the party. She introduces all of the talented entertainers and mingles with the crowd. After speaking with this amazing person, I can attest that Onya has an uncanny ability to put doubting people at ease. Some of the stunning performers that you might have the pleasure to see are Shania Satisfaction, Vegas Van Dank, and Erica Chanel. You will watch these gifted entertainers put on a show that will bedazzle you and leave you begging for more. After speaking with these caring and compassionate people, I am very much looking forward to seeing these awesome artists in action. I have learned that Queens to the Rescue has had issues with ignorant and uninformed people, but how can you hate on performers who are donating their time and effort to put on an awe-inspiring show to benefit animals that have been abandoned and/or abused? As Tricia, whose stage name is Lust, learned, “I did not realize how many caring and wonderful people there are in such a callous world.” My hope with this article is that I have inspired some people to open their minds to think about what these generous entertainers are trying to do, and to bring their money and kindness to come see them perform. If you can only attend one show to help one cause, you will leave with a new perspective and admiration for some magnificent and talented performers. For more information on their upcoming shows, you can visit them on their website: www.queenstotherescue.com.

National Pediatric Cancer Foundation Fights to Find Cures for Childhood Cancer Authored By: Cindy Mich As a parent, when we are powerless to shield our children from struggles, it is true torture. Every infant becomes ill during some segment of their life. However, not all are delivered a deadly diagnosis. Currently, there are forty-three children a day that are told they have cancer. It may also surprise some that this sickness is the #1 cause of death in children. These statistics are alarming, and strongly alter the course of a family’s fate. Fortunately, around 1,300 nonprofits have been established to aid pediatric cancer patients. Within those collective charities, one entity has the title of Top-Rated Cancer Charity in the United States for the last three years. They hold a hundred percent score for financial health and transparency. Additionally, this Foundation has funded eight Phase I trials in twelve years. National Pediatric Cancer Foundation is their name, and doing noble deeds is their everyday intention. NPCF opened its doors in 1991 with the intention of making money matter. As CEO Dave Frazer phrased it, “We value every single dollar.” It was of great importance to him that $.089 of every dollar be delivered to doctors for treatment and/or research. From then on through today, the average amount for clinical trials and child hospitalizations has seriously sky rocketed. It is currently $15,000 to enter a trial, and an average of $40,000 for inpatient stays. So, you can see that every cent is crucial as to care. As far as subsidizing said services, the Foundation formulated methodical means as to fundraising. A number of daily duties we do at home were incorporated into ways for funding. For example, all of us get our hair cut or have to pick out clothing. These tasks get turned into initiatives, i.e. Cut and Color Your Hair Event, Fashion Shows, etc. Revenues received from campaigns are then applied to two areas: translational science (hypothesis), and clinical trials. Thus, the cash gets disbursed to the directors who can hopefully create a cure. Fortunately, these crusaders of charity have been able to house services in hospitals within sixteen states. One such service is the Sunshine Project, which unites doctors and researchers to fast track less toxic and more targeted treatments. Clearly, NPCF is pulling every punch to crush cancer in children. It has been stated that the success of any company is based upon the abilities of the boss. Mr. Frazer is a retired military officer who is married with both children and grandchildren. Dave describes himself as a man who “does not detangle often from his duties.” He never really leaves the office in head or heart. He grasps the gravity of this prognosis –and the sense of helplessness held by parents. Frazer is fascinated by those in treatment, as he stated that, “during events, children beam with happiness. Despite these terrible treatments, they find reasons to radiate joy.” As you can see, his Foundation and the benefactors to funds have a hold on his soul. Not all CEO’s have such a personal investment in their professional interests. Impressive. The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation’s success rate can be seen in an array of areas. Their fourth fashion show this year in Jacksonville, Florida yielded $50,000. Significant sponsors are lining up to lend a hand – ones such as Simon Mills, Mercedes Benz, and Walgreens. Presently, they are developing Product #11, which is a compound that could assist adults as well as children with cancer. Overall, there has been over $23,000,000 raised for research. Most recently, they signed on Supermodel Kathy Ireland as International Youth Chair. As with any non-profit, it is necessary to get hundreds of helping hands. Individuals can become part of the National Ambassador Program so as to raise awareness and donations. There is a continual need for contributions, as well as general volunteer staff. Attending of scheduled events is always advantageous for the Foundation. Their next Fashion Funds the Cure Show takes place on February 8, 2020 in West Palm Beach, Florida. They are also holding a Grand Slam Fishing Tournament in Sarasota, Florida on March 7, 2020. Lastly, one can buy their 2020 calendar that showcases twenty children. Our children are our future, and we all have a duty to preserve and protect their path. Help NPCF to save the lives of these little ones. For further details on the Foundation, visit their website at: https://nationalpcf.org/

Anka Malatynska: Bi-Coastal Cinematographer with Beautiful Cinematic Visions Written By: Cindy Mich In case one is unfamiliar, a film cinematographer refers to one who either oversees camera work or operates a camera within the making of a movie. He or she holds a heavy responsibility, for the entire story sits in their hands. The audio and appearance; its strengths in storytelling, and the artistic value are all formulated by the camera lens of a cinematographer. No surprise that the highly acclaimed moving picture maker, Anka Malatynska, describes this job as “just crazy.” One must be a tad bit insane to handle the problems and pressures of this trade. Yet, if you get it right time and time again while making it look so simply manageable, you know that you picked the perfect profession. Such is the case for renowned cinematographer Anka Malatynska. Thirty-nine-year-old Anka stems from an ancestral line of female strength. Her mother is the essential elder in her family, and made her cognizant as a child of her blessings. Malatynska concluded as a juvenile that her one “joy job” would be cinematography. Sadly, her father passed on prior to witnessing her work – yet he still had a huge impact on her. I would surmise that he watches over her each time she gets on set. Being schooled on equipment and effective ways to film seemed essential, so Anka navigated her ship towards NYU. She eventually earned a BFA in Documentary Film and Photography, and then spent two years at AFI, having made mention that her mentor was also an alumni member. She shared that this school is designed to push people to exhaustion, yet she managed to make it. Anka even took part in their Fox DP Lab Program in 2018. Malatynska has a deeply distinctive style and solid vision that she incorporates at each shoot. Her belief is that great art comes from a cross-over of many cultures. Hence, it helps that she is of Polish heritage. These folks are well educated, and the country maintains miracles of nature. Some might state that Anka’s work is a mere miracle. Further, she is forever welcoming new suggestions as to the methodology by which her films are made. She is never a dictator, for it is always a democracy within her work domain. Turning to her personal narrative for the time being, Anka has been retained twenty-three times to shoot a variety of television shows. Three of her higher profile programs were RuPaul’s Drag Race, The X Factor,and Top Chef Duel. Since her specialty is documentary storytelling, anyone who expect her to happily agree to shoot an adaptation of Little Women, and so she did in 2018. Within the same year, Anka’s camera created a sweet short about an American and mourning Muslim who merge during a heartbreaking life moment called Breaking Fast. When not running her racy sets, Malatynska makes time for shooting music and commercial videos. If life ever lags a bit, perhaps she can finally finish her book on the art in cinematography, which is only at the outline stage at this second. Since she has spent sixteen years as a cinematographer, Anka understands that vast experience holds with it an expectation to help educate. Although admittedly nervous when talking in front of groups, she still elected to teach students at Northwestern University in Qatar. “Teaching allows me to become re-infected with a passion for my occupation, and I personally enjoy the audience contact”, she states. The average person would not think Anka would need professional re-affirmation, as her life story is a big billboard that screams Bravo. Yet, when talking of her accolades she clarified that even she needs confidence boosting. Lucky for her those came via a feature in Filmmaker Magazine, and being named one of ten rising stars by American Cinematographer Magazine. Hulu even hunted her down, and she will now be working with them on a series called Monsterland. Since her latest priorities center around visual storytelling and narrative filmmaking, this endeavor shall serve to be a fantastic fit. To learn more about Anka, please go to her website: www.ankavision.com

Renata Gabryjelska: A Director Destined to Defy Fear and Foster Dreams Authored By: Cindy Mich

“Do everything with heart and passion”, proclaims director Renata Gabryjelska. I am ready to report that she does not know the meaning of half way or half-hearted. This gal goes in with all hands and feet, breaking her own rules to create monumental movies. Staying comfortable is something she will shed to sustain a story. Renata wants to start conversations with her audience, as she uses film as a forum to communicate. She has much to say, and many seem to be listening.

Gabby (her given nickname) has had to live with inner fear since age six. Having learned she has a heart arrhythmia, medication and medical maintenance became part of her ongoing picture. As a teenager, she dreamt of trekking the Himalayas, but shelfed this for some time due to personal doubts. As of three years ago, she would fulfill that dream by trekking to the Mount Everest Basa Camp 5.364 m.n.p.m. with her producer Magda Jaworska. It was a very important moment when she conquered the summit, as it showed her that despite her weaknesses, she could succeed and overcome her fears. Renata finds that managing one’s mind is a constant process – and today, she is still trying to tame it. Since she also harbors a shy side with a penchant for privacy, one has to ask themselves: does film making really fit this personality type?

As time ticked along, Gabryjelska would continue to push herself past personal comfort levels to live a fuller life. She was formerly a model, having participated in a beauty pageant and then became Wicemiss Poland. Although absent of a degree in acting, Renata did do a spell of short performances. The girl has got some true guts!

Eventually, Gabby gained her education through the Andrzej Wajda’s Master School of Film Directing. From the start, she wanted to direct stories that were hugely interesting and highly inspiring. She will do the aforementioned with little to no budget because of their significance. Therefore, her film with the Auschwitz/Birkenau Foundation fit right within her requirements. In working as a director, she was finding her strength and a stronger level of confidence. When allowed

to stay behind the scenes, Gabryjelska can speak her own language as she sails through the creative process. Part of her talent package also includes setting up scripts, which appears to amuse her as much as directing. Another area of acceleration for Renata is film editing. She confessed that her hands were not the ones doing the direct edits on personal film projects. Her level of emotional investment is too high to correctly cut her movies. While discussing her own process, she always performs editing alone and in absolute silence. She enjoys reshaping scenes with hopes to have new and more colorful creations. At this time in her life, her schedule allows for less edits.

As I have offered plenty of professional points, let me show you a glimpse of Renata, the person. She loves all types of travel, and has journeyed to both Africa and Madagascar. Her husband, who is thirteen years her senior, is an Art Director. She has taken time to train for a marathon, and seems to treasure her visits to the gym. Working out is a way for her to handle mental and physical plights productively. Lastly, she ranks as #40,799 Most Girl Crushed Upon Celebrity Woman. This chick is a little cutie!

Time to turn towards her film, Safe Inside, which was her directorial debut and beheld some big challenges. She had never worked with animals in the past, the crew was sizable, and the leads were from two other countries. The story centered around dreams that turn to nightmares, asking us to ponder if one can live in two parallel worlds at once? Regardless of the uncertainties, she pushed on to finish filming. As of now, she has won seven awards and been nominated thirteen times. She also found a warm and enthusiastic response to her work in the states. International acceptance was indescribably important to Renata, as was the serenity that came with winning.

In the foreseeable future, Renata looks forward to doing a movie set during the time period of 1922, as well as the Poland film premiere of Safe Inside in 2020.

Renata Gabryjelska is a beauty in a whole bunch of ways. It is so incredible to see someone blush because they are so tickled pink by being able to perform their passion. I see the glimmer that she gets from conquering any crisis. I see how her film has served to be her safe place – a shelter where can she speak without talking and create without being captured on camera. Renata has found another version of herself while wearing a few hats, and she enjoys the on and off exchange of roles. One day, I hope she sees that Renata is award winning as is, on or off set. For more on her work, visit her site at: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0300400/

Frankie Silver: Dashing Dancer and Memorable Musician Authored By: Cindy Mich The first time one’s eyes behold the beautiful face of Frankie Silver, it is easy to get lost in his looks. This fancy and fearless NYC male musician holds his heart on his sleeve, and makes certain all points of his personality are intermingled within his music. Silver believes he has a service to provide to the population that supersedes his career as a creative. He is here to both heal and change the world – and he assuredly embraces his role as empath with excitement. This single Spaniard is evolving into a fine and fabulous artist whose achievements include being a brilliant music man, but an even better human being. Silver’s roots are not really that regular, in that he was adopted and raised in Philadelphia by Jewish parents. He was never remiss of real love, stupendous support, nor acknowledgement of his true talent. Fun fact – Frankie did one day discover his ancestry is part Native American! Fortunately for Silver, he has been free from the bashing and disgusting discrimination endured by so many when mentioning that they are gay. Although he did not declare at what age he came out, it is clear that he is openly proud and presently comfortable with said status. Having spent a sizable number of years training in dance and developing vocal skills, Silver began to cherish these as creative entities of expression. He would eventually grow out his skill set to include gymnastics. Starting out in the Philadelphia Boys Choir, it was early on that Frankie discovered that within song lied comfort. He found another side of himself – one which could capture the attention of onlookers and move them with extreme emotion. Granted, at this point in his life, he had not yet determined his full occupational destiny, but knew music would be in the mix. Honestly, at the age of nineteen, most of us are not nearly at full maturity. However, Frankie would find himself getting forced full throttle into a rotten reality. An unexpected injury resulted in three years of physical therapy for Silver. During this down time, he lost functionality of his right hand. A fountain of fear and uncomfortable uncertainty came crushing down on this sweet soul. Between his strong will and solid want to propel professionally, he completed treatment and never looked back at that wounded being. It was truly time to make his meaningful mark on the universe. Moving to New York City in 2010 ended up being hugely beneficial for Frankie. This wacky New Yorker became more and more open to owning the possibility that through hardship holds the eventual triumph. Boy, did the blessings start showing up in a big way. Although the work was tough and trying, Silver speaks highly of his tour of Italy with the International Opera Company and Royal Ballet of London. Equipped with experience in dance, along with large levels of patience and people skills, he began to create himself a career in choreography. Disney and ABC Productions were enthusiastic employers of his superb stage shows. It was in 2017 that he tooka chance on constructing his own business. Silver Studios LLC was a launching pad for him to produce music the way he wanted, at his own pace, and in his own space. Frankie could now use his own company to make music that speaks to the spirit. He would have a high impact on other individuals, both here and on an international level. Silver credits his accident as being the catalyst for his eventual evolution as an artist and a human being. He also made mention that his mentor, author Dan Millman, gifted him with a greater enthusiasm and encouragement for life. Dan taught him to “exist to be happy, not to impress.” Wise words we should all live by. Frankie surely seems to have molded his life around adhering to this motto. More recently, our music man released his EP, Coming Alive, in 2018, and promises that his new CD will be out by Spring of 2020. He has willingly worked on stage for the sole benefit of aiding Safe Horizons, a non-profit which promotes justice for victims of crime and abuse. Thirty-one-year-old Frankie Silver is a splash of sweetness and sparkle. His songs are full of depth and sultry vocal sounds that are almost entrancing to the ear. His presence and personality are both mammoth and magnanimous. Men want to be like him, while women wish to be closer to his personal corner. He is a firecracker of fun, and surely worth seeing and supporting. To learn more about Frankie, go to his website at: www.frankiesilvermusic.com

Dazzling Sax Diva Suzanne Grzanna: An Award-Winning Maven of Music Authored by: Cindy Mich

A brilliant saxophonist, sultry jazz singer and Grammy Award voting member, Suzanne Grzanna is a world-class artist who has traveled the world. The recent release of her CD, Daybreak, and her single, Spring Waltz, are just the latest accomplishments in a career full of high points. I was lucky enough to grab a few moments with Suzanne to discuss some of memorable moments and how she rose to become such a shining star!

In doing my research, I discovered that your parents are both professional musicians. Did you feel as if your life path was in some ways already planned or pre-destined due to this fact?

My parents love music and always encouraged me to practice my instruments. My career was not planned, but my parents were always hopeful that I would follow in their footsteps. I fell in love with performing music and that is how my passion has grown. I had the knowledge and training from my parents, but I made my own decision to pursue music as my career.

Currently, you are both a jazz singer and saxophone player. However, you also have experience with the clarinet and the piano. How well versed are you at playing these instrumental pieces? Further, will there be time in the future to strengthen your skills on these two musical tools?

I practice the piano all the time. In fact, I recorded a Sonatina my father composed on the piano. I will be releasing it next year. As far as the clarinet, it is very similar to the saxophone so it is easy for me to pick it up when I want to play it. As there is only so much time in the day, I keep my saxophone and voice as the top priority.

It must have been intensely exciting to hear your own compositions used within independent films. Tell your readers how you had been offered this opportunity, and moreover, share your personal feelings about the significance music has within a theatrical production.

Yes, it is so exciting to hear music I composed in films. It brings a deeper insight into the film and music. I have been working many years to submit my music to different films. It is a wonderful feeling to finally get my compositions placed in them. In the last few years, my music has been in the film A Different Direction (Colleen Ann Brah – Director), Wild Honey (Francis Stokes – Director), and this year I composed a song on the new film Seaper Powers (Released Dec 2019).

Staying along the same lines with the big screen, I see that you have done work as an actress. Talk about what motivated you to try movies after music, and what do you feel has been the role that really mirrors the real Suzanne?

I have always loved acting. Performing music and playing different characters are very similar. In music, you use sound, lyrics, and instrumentation to create emotions. In acting, you use your voice and emotions to become the character. I will be in the upcoming film Western Conviction (Colleen Ann Brah – Director). It is in pre-production right now. I can’t wait!’

You are the head honcho over at Diva Records, and have been the big boss there for twenty-six years. Explain why you felt the need to start your own label, and what is your largest accomplishment to date regarding this treasure?

Twenty-six years ago was the beginning of the Indie Labels. Not many artists had CD’s at this time. It was very expensive to record and release an album, but it was my dream to continue my passion for music and have control over my music. I have a Music Degree and a Business Administration Degree, so it seemed like the perfect fit to start my own business. I think my biggest accomplishment is creating music and growing my business for all of these years.

Rumor has it that during your down time, you can be found kickboxing. Forgive me for saying it, but you seem so very soft and strongly feminine. One may not imagine you doing such a physical sport. How did you end up indulging in such an interesting hobby?

Early in my career, I got my black belt in Tae Kwando. I do not practice it anymore, but kickboxing is a way I relate to Martial Arts. I have a lot of fun working out and it helps me focus and feel good. I would recommend kickboxing to anyone.

You are the only interviewee in this issue who has been fortunate enough to end up on the Grammy Awards ballot. My question to you on this is: for you, is the achievement already accomplished by the mere nomination, or is the win what would be more noteworthy for you?

Well, it is always nice to win, but the journey makes who you are. : )

To date, you have released six CD’s with Daybreak being the most recent. Which of these stands out the most in your mind, and for what reason? Can you elaborate a bit on how each one differs from the next?

It is hard for me to pick just one of my albums, since they are all different parts of my life. My original song Simply Sunday has won the most awards to date, so I will go with that album. I started my recording career with The Cat’s Meow album which is one of my favorite songs. I recorded half of the album in New York and half in Milwaukee. I worked with such amazing musicians such as Dave Hazeltine, Gerald Cannon, Randy Baugher, to name a few. Because of the success of the album, Christopher Landowski, filmed The Cat’s Meow video which aired on television. I had a lot of original songs of my father’s and mine written for this CD. It was so nice hearing my compositions coming to life with this album. I did a lot of touring during this time. I recorded Fly Me To The Moon CD because I wanted to have some standards that people knew in addition to my original music. My Simply Sunday album was inspired by a trip I took to Maui. I just love Hawaii!! I have been known to watch golf, so in between some of the shots, I came up with a few songs.

Most of this album is original music of mine or my father. My Santa Baby and Christmas Night were albums I recorded for Christmas. I composed both of the title songs. I love Christmas and wanted to put my spirit into the season. The Spring Waltz single was recorded Live at a Pre-Grammy Event. Alex Otey played piano and my father composed the song. I was very happy with my performance of the song and wanted to share it with everyone. My other single Wedding Day is very popular for weddings. I composed the song and it is my view on marriage. Daybreak was inspired by my father’s original composition. He is such an amazing composer. I wanted to feature his wonderful song Daybreak and get it out to the public. My parents have worked so hard to take care of their family and did not have the opportunities I was given. I like to give back to them and feature my father’s music. The rest of the songs are favorite jazz standards that many love.

When we look at your backstory as far as schooling, you attended both Wisconsin Lutheran Collage and Carroll University. I see you have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, so my one question is: has most of what you learned in college been of large benefit to your musical occupation, or was there as equal of an education attained by actual performance and pure creation?

I would say college and life experiences both helped me. I learned a lot in school and had time to practice my instruments. Having a Music Degree and Business Administration Degree gave me an advantage for running my own business. There are so many aspects to being a musician in today’s world. But, at the same time, one learns from life experiences. In fact, I am still learning all of the new platforms that have transpired over the years. (YouTube, Spotify etc.)

You and I are both from the same hometown – Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Numerous local print publications, along with venues, have told your tale and hosted you. You then went on to accumulate attention from Billboard Magazine and American Pride Magazine, as well as performing at The Hollywood Bowl, Roxy Theater and many more avenues. Is it true what they say in that your home holds your heart most?

You are very kind to say that. : ) Of course, I am proud to say that Milwaukee is my home. It is such an amazing city. A best kept secret to the world. There are so many amazing musicians in Milwaukee, and I am proud to be a part of our music scene. Los Angeles is my other home. I just love being there. New York would be my next choice.

Japan, Paris and Russia are three countries that have taken to playing your tunes. Is your following internationally as strong as in the states? Is there translating involved?

My following is growing internationally. In fact, I have a few new projects in the works for those countries. I have not needed translating yet...

If anyone reading this interview would like to attend one of your events in the near future, where would they find you?

They should join my mailing list and name their city to find out when I will be in their area for a concert. Live your life and love it! : )

For further information on Suzanne, visit her website: http://saxdiva.com/

The Bard Written By: Matrell Wood

The Bard is a high fantasy adventure story set in the world of Aévan. Magnus Alexander is a captain in the Astorian Royal Guard Corps who spends his days telling tales of grandeur to the other guards in his command. Sixteen years ago, his life was torn apart by the notorious leader of the Emerald Blood Bandit Guild, Cade. Every day, Magnus relives the moment Cade murdered his wife and kidnapped his daughter. After Cade took everything from Magnus, he disappeared without a trace. For years, Magnus searched and when the trail went cold, his life once again fell apart. Now, news has come to Astoria that Cade has been seen for the first time in sixteen years. Once given the mission to pursue the lead, Magnus heads out with his former protégé, Neoma, and the Astorian assassin known as the Shadow, Elias. Together, the three of them take on a most dangerous adventure in order to avenge his wife and save his daughter. With darkness looming over Aévan and the threat of the Emerald Blood on their backs, these three will set out to finish the story that began when Magnus's happy life came to an end. For information on The Bard, visit: https://ahndrianarchives.com/