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- Remembering My Beloved Friend, “Jolly” Jerry Boulding, also known as “The Doctor of Radio”
“Jolly” Jerry Boulding, also known as “The Doctor of Radio”, was a radio industry pioneer who developed the country’s first urban format for satellite delivery called “Heart & Soul.” As a program director, Boulding has programmed 16 radio stations in over 6 major markets throughout the country. After growing up in Beaver Falls, Penn., Boulding got his start at WILY in Pittsburgh. By the time he joined WOL in Washington, D.C., he began using the air name “Jolly Jerry B.” His success there led to a series of programming jobs across the country and to another nickname: "Over the course of his career, Jerry picked up the nickname "The Doctor of Radio" -- because he always made the ratings better, and healed sick stations." Boulding made black radio thrive during a time when white stations were the only ones to play blues and soul. He brought life and flavor to Chicago’s WVON radio station in 1977 when he hired a young 20-something-year-old disc jockey named Tom Joyner. By giving Joyner a chance, Boulding set the stage for his multi-million dollar empire, reaching millions on the radio today. Boulding remembered being told that he didn’t sound black. His response, “What is black supposed to sound like?” Interested in the other side of music, Boulding accepted an offer to head the Black Music Division at MCA records. In the book “Turn It Up, American Radio Tales 1946-1966″ by Bob Shannon, Boulding said, “I believe in what radio is, and what I know it can be.” “The white guys taught us formatics, but we taught them hipness,” Boulding told Bob Shannon, author of Turn It Up! American Radio Tales 1946-1996. “Beyond the music, it was the hipness that a lot of white folks came to black radio to hear.” Chicago programming guru Jim Smith said Boulding was a pioneer at taking Top 40 concepts and applying them successfully to black radio. Jerry was a man who was one the greatest pioneers in both Urban & American Radio Broadcast. Ike and Tina Turner with Jerry Boulding The Ike & Tina Turner Revue WWRL station in New York City January, 1970 Boulding, who initially made great strides in radio programming in the late 1960’s and 70’s, saw radio transform with the changing civil times of America. The music and commentary on the air reflected the changing climate of the black community and the struggle for equality and civil rights. Jerry Boulding co-founded, Black Radio Exclusive and later founded Urban Network Magazine, a Los Angeles-based urban media company with two online radio shows, and served as Senior Vice President of Entertainment Programming for American Urban Radio Networks. As I reflect back and as I write this in 2021, we saw the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 remind us that we still have a lot to learn. The terms "urban" and "Black Music Division" that Jerry headed at MCA Records are no longer terms that are used today. Industry executives railed against those words which are born out of racial stereotyping of black communities. Living Legends Foundation, a charity Boulding co-founded to recognize and honor music and radio industry professionals. I had the immeasurable pleasure of working with Jerry at All Access in Malibu, California. At that time, Jerry also continued his consultancy specializing in network syndication and ratings analysis for major market stations including KJLH/Los Angeles. At 75 years young, following a short term illness, my beloved friend, Jerry Boulding passed away in Westwood, California on Thanksgiving evening, November 28, 2013. Jerry's beloved wife, Maggie remarked, "Jerry was a very special man. We've always known that, but we really found out when Jerry became ill. So many folks spoke of him as their mentor. The outpouring of support was amazing." I remember that Thanksgiving Day so vividly. I was with my parents and brother in Massachusetts at my brother's in laws house, when I got the text from my boss telling me about Jerry. I could not stop crying. Jerry was just one of those amazing people that if you are lucky enough to meet in this lifetime, you should without a doubt consider yourself blessed. I felt blessed to be with my parents, brother and nephew on Thanksgiving and yet at the same time, Jerry's passing truly tore me apart. I cannot for the life of me hold in my emotions and all I wanted to do that day was be upstairs and just think about Jerry and remember all the amazing times we shared together. I took some time to myself in the guest room upstairs for a bit, but that day, all I could think about was Jerry.....his smile, his voice and his sunshine ray of light personality. Jerry was always inquisitive about what I was working on as he saw my passion for interviewing music artists and we would swap all kinds of stories and he would give me invaluable pointers and feedback. Jerry always took the time everyday to ask me about myself, my family......life. And I in turn, would ask him about....life. He was always sharing so many wonderful stories about himself, his son, Aaron his granddaughter, Sage and his lovely wife, Maggie. When he talked about them, his face and smile would shine even brighter than it already did. When I returned back to Los Angeles from the Thanksgiving holiday the reality of not seeing Jerry's face began to really set in. A few months later on January 10, 2014, my co-workers and I went to West Angeles Church of God In Christ on Crenshaw Blvd. in Los Angeles. I sat at Jerry's Celebration of Life service next to my co-worker, Matt who was nice enough to let me have all his tissues. All of a sudden, he nudged me on the shoulder. He gently whispered something....."What?," I whispered..."It's Stevie," he said. I looked up, puffy eyes and all, squinting my eyes to see a man being walked down the aisle. It was Stevie Wonder paying his respects to Jerry. Once he reached the podium, Stevie would go on to tell us all about how Jerry played Stevie's music on the radio when Stevie was being turned down left and right from radio stations. (How insane is that?!?) Stevie told us one of Jerry's favorite hobbies was taking apart old radios and putting them back together again. As Stevie told more stories about himself and Jerry, my tears began to dry and were soon replaced with laughter and a smile. That is what now comes to mind whenever I think of Jerry. His joyful laughter and his ray of sunshine smile.
- Mama Joy's Top 10 TV Series Recommendations
10) The Slap (Hulu) - 1 Season, 8 Episodes This American drama television mini-series which is an adaptation of the Australian series The Slap, which was based on Christos Tsiolkas' 2008 novel The Slap. It revolves around the aftermath of a birthday party for a middle-aged city employee where Harry Apostolou (played by, Zachary Quinto) slaps someone else's misbehaving child, Hugo, after he kicks him in the leg. Hugo's mother, Rosie (played by Melissa George), insists on criminal charges, claiming that Harry's slap has caused Hugo PTSD. Though Rosie's diagnosis is later undermined when Hugo mentions how much he misses seeing Harry, the case slowly makes its way to court. Each episode tells the story from the perspective of a different character. The cast also includes: Thandie Newton, Uma Thurman, Penn Badgley, Blythe Danner and Victor Garber. 9) Seinfeld (Hulu) - 9 Seasons This show is MY JAM. Anytime it is on tv, I stop whatever I'm doing and watch, no matter how many times I've seen the episode. No matter, what mood I am in, it instantly makes me happy. Seinfeld is an American sitcom television series created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld. It aired on NBC from 1989 to 1998, over nine seasons and 180 episodes. The show stars Seinfeld as a fictionalized version of himself who is the main protagonist and focuses on his personal life with three of his friends – George Costanza (Jason Alexander), former girlfriend Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and neighbor across the hall Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards). Seinfeld is set mostly in an apartment building in Manhattan's Upper West Side in New York City. It has been described as "a show about nothing," often focusing on the minutiae of daily life. 8) Parenthood (Hulu) - 6 Seasons Loosely based on the 1989 film of the same name,The series is set in Berkeley, California on the east shore of the San Francisco Bay. The show revolves around three generations of the Braverman family: the patriarch Ezekiel "Zeek" Braverman, the matriarch Camille Braverman, and the families of their four children Adam, Sarah, Crosby, and Julia. Adam is married to Kristina and they have two children, teenage Haddie and eight-year-old Max. Max is diagnosed with Asperger's. Sarah is divorced from Seth, and has two teen children, Amber and Drew. Crosby has a son, Jabbar, with ex-girlfriend Jasmine. Julia is married to Joel and has a daughter, Sydney, and a son, Victor, whom they adopted after finding themselves unable to conceive a second child. 7) Being Mary Jane (Hulu) - 4 Seasons BET's first hourlong scripted drama is a follow-up to the same-titled TV movie that premiered on the network in the summer of 2013. The series returns Gabrielle Union to the lead role of Mary Jane Paul, a successful cable news anchor who has a closet, packed with designer clothes and shoes, a beautiful home, a nice car, and the drive to achieve even greater heights. Yet something is missing. As Mary Jane looks to start a family of her own to share life's greatest gifts, she discovers who she really is and the people who help define her. 6) Better Things (Hulu) - 4 Seasons `Better Things' is the story of Sam Fox (actress, Pamela Adlon who played spitfire Marcy Runkle on Californication), a single mother and working actor with no filter trying to raise her three daughters -- Max, Frankie, and Duke -- in Los Angeles. She also looks out for her mother, Phil, an English ex-patriate with questionable faculties who lives across the street. Whether she's struggling to keep her daughters close or trying to push one of them out of the nest, Sam approaches every challenge with fierce love, raw honesty, and humour. At the end of the day, Sam's just trying to earn a living, navigate her daughters' changing lives, survive her family, have fun with a friend or two, and also -- just maybe -- squeeze in some private time. 5) The Golden Girls (Hulu) - Binge watch all 7 Seasons (like we did during quarantine and it kept us laughing our asses off!) Four mature women live together in Miami and experience the joys and angst of their golden years. Strong-willed Dorothy, spacey Rose, lusty Southern belle Blanche and matriarch Sophia, Dorothy's mom, occasionally clash but are there for one another in the end. After all, when the show's theme song is titled `Thank You for Being a Friend', the ladies have to remain friendly with one another. 4) Killing Eve (Hulu) - Binge watch all 3 Seasons! Writer + Creator: Phoebe Waller-Bridge Eve's life as a spy is not adding up to what she had hoped it would be when she started. She is a bored, very smart, MI5 security officer who is very desk-bound. Villanelle is a very talented killer, mercurial in mood, who clings to the luxuries of her job. Eve and Villanelle go head to head in a fierce game of cat and mouse, each woman equally obsessed with the other as Eve is tasked with hunting down the psychopathic assassin. Sarah Barnett, BBCA president, says, " `Killing Eve' stands out in a sea of scripted stories as refreshingly entertaining and great fun." 3) Magic For Humans (Netflix) Magician Justin Willman blends good-natured magic with grown-up laughs in this series that sends him out on the streets and into locations like schools to baffle unsuspecting people. He aims to wow the marks as he performs the tricks and illusions in front of them, with no camera tricks to assist him. Along the way, Willman squares off against a robot in a magic battle and delivers a surprise proposal to a woman who married herself. 2) Up To Speed with Speed Levitch (Documentaries / TV Series on Hulu) - 6 Episodes Up to Speed is a historical six-episode travel web series starring Timothy "Speed" Levitch and directed by Richard Linklater airing on Hulu. It is hosted by the quirky New York tour guide Timothy "Speed" Levitch who takes viewers on a "magical history tour" in order to “hang out and empathize with the inner psyches of famous landmarks and visit with the monumentally ignored monuments.” Each episode seeks to highlight places, people, things, and monuments that are usually overlooked by the average tourist in lieu of the more known sites. Visiting San Francisco, Kansas, Missouri, New York City, Chicago, and Monticello/University of Virginia Levitch narrates the history of each object and includes a broader history of the time so viewers can understand its importance. Besides highlighting little known monuments, the other aspect that makes Up to Speed different is that Levitch converses with each monument, asking them questions about their role in history and their feelings about current developments. Each of these items speaks back to Levitch with a unique and often equally quirky personality, some even going so far to yell profanities at him. Each episode is written by Levitch and is infused with his unique poetic language and philosophies such as: "Status quo only begets more status quo unless we as a species attack it by way of appreciating the beauty in the unexpected" and "Instead of asking why, ask why the fuck not?” Levitch ends each episode performing with a band and freestyle singing about the monuments highlighted in that episode. These factors have made it a fan favorite on Hulu earning it a four star viewer rating and many positive reviews. 1) For Life (Hulu) - Binge watch Season 1 (13 episodes) and Season 2 (10 episodes). Inspired by the life of Isaac Wright Jr., "For Life" is a fictional serialized legal and family drama about an imprisoned man, Aaron Wallace, who becomes a lawyer, litigating cases for other inmates while fighting to overturn his own life sentence for a crime he didn't commit. His quest for freedom is driven by his desperate desire to get back to the family he loves and reclaim the life that was stolen from him. Aaron's complicated relationship with a progressive female prison warden helps shine a light on the flaws and challenges in the U.S. penal and legal systems.
- Mama Joy's Netflix Recommendations - September Edition!
10) explained An enlightening 2018, 3 Season Series Documentary from VOX which dig into a wide range of topics. News site Vox is behind this series that puts the spotlight on topical issues that impact people's lives. The docuseries -- which features episodes that generally range from 15 to 20 minutes in length -- aims to dig deeper into topics, questions and ideas that aren't often part of the daily news cycle. Among the subjects covered are the rise of cryptocurrency, why diets fail, and the world of K-pop music. Some of the highlights include: Season 3: Sugar (Mama Joy's most recommended of the series) Royalty Flags Dogs The End of Oil Chess Know Your Skin Season 2: Cults Billionaires Animal Intelligence Athleisure Coding Pirates The Next Pandemic The Future of Meat Beauty Diamonds Season 1: Monogamy Designer DNA Slavery, Housing Discrimination, Racial Wealth Gap Wild World of K-Pop The Rise of Cryptocurrency Why Diets Fail The Stock Market eSports Extraterrestrial Life Exclamation Point Cricket Weed Tattoo Astrology Can We Live Forever? The Female Orgasm Political Correctness Why Women Are Paid Less The World's Water Crisis Music 9) Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal Netflix's documentary “Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal,” gives viewers an enraging and shocking look into the largest college admissions scam in history. A deep dive into the fraudulent methods used by Rick Singer to get the children of rich and famous families into top U.S. universities. (2021) (Documentary / Crime) Starring: Matthew Modine, Jill Peterson, Sarah Chaney, William-Christopher Stevens, Wallace Langham, Josh Stamberg and David Starzyk. 8) Sweet Girl He lost the love of his life to a pharmaceutical company's greed. Now his daughter is without a mother, and he's without justice. For now. (2021) Cast: Jason Momoa, Isabela Merced, Adria Arjona, Lex Scott Davis, Justin Bartha, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and Amy Brenneman. 7) ALL AMERICAN Inspired by pro football player Spencer Paysinger, this sports drama features NAACP Image Award winner Taye Diggs as a coach. Culture clashes and brewing rivalries test a teen football player from South Los Angeles when he’s recruited to the Beverly Hills High School team. (2018) (3 Season Series Drama) Starring: Daniel Ezra, Taye Diggs, Samantha Logan Creator: April Blair 6) 9 to 5: The Story of a Movement In this documentary, female office workers in '70s Boston inspire change with a call for better pay, more opportunities and an end to sexual harassment. Directors Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar follow up their Oscar-winning "American Factory" with this fascinating story. Cast: Jane Fonda, Karen Nussbaum, Verna Barksdale, Ellen Cassedy, Laurie Brown, Rose Aguirra and Adair Dammann (2021) 5) UNTOLD Through five sports stories loaded with preconceptions, this series offers a potential alternative for thinking about the fan-athlete relationship. “Untold” is ostensibly about sports, but there's a curious connector across this Netflix documentary series. These five sports stories include: UNTOLD: Malice at the Palace - Key figures from an infamous 2004 incident between players and fans at an NBA game in Michigan discuss the fight, it's fallout and its lasting legacy. (2021) UNTOLD: Breaking Point - Under pressure to continue a winning tradition in American tennis, Mardy Fish faced mental health challenges that changed his life on and off the court. (2021) (Sports) (Mental Health) UNTOLD: Caitlyn Jenner - Caitlyn Jenner's unlikely path to Olympic glory was inspirational. But her more challenging road to embracing her true self proved even more meaningful. (2021) (LGBTQ) UNTOLD: Deal With the Devil - Christy Martin broke boundaries and noses as she rose in the boxing world, but her public persona belied personal demons, abuse and a threat on her life. (2021) (Martial Arts/Boxing & Wrestling) UNTOLD: Crimes and Penalties - They were the bad boys of hockey — a team bought by a man with mob ties, run by his 17-year-old son, and with a rep for being as violent as they were good. (2021) 4) The Chair At a major university, the first woman of color to become chair tries to meet the dizzying demands and high expectations of a failing English department. Starring: Sandra Oh, Jay Duplass, Holland Taylor / Creators: Amanda Peet, Annie Julia Wyman. (2021) (Comedy/Drama) 3) Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj Hasan Minhaj brings an incisive and nuanced perspective to global news, politics and culture in his unique comedy series. Minhaj left The Daily Show in August 2018 to host this weekly comedy show. In April 2019, Minhaj won his second Peabody Award for Patriot Act, and he was listed among TIME's 100 most influential people in the world. (2018) (6 Seasons) (Political TV Show) 2) The Prom A group of down-on-their-luck Broadway stars shake up a small Indiana town as they rally behind a teen who just wants to attend prom with her girlfriend. Starring: Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, Jo Ellen Pellman, Ariana DeBose, Andrew Rannells, Keegan Michael Key, Awkwafina and Kerry Washington. (2020) (Musical/Comedy) 1) The Laundromat When her idyllic vacation takes an unthinkable turn, Ellen Martin begins investigating a fake insurance policy. When Ellen gets swindled out of insurance money, her search for answers leads to two cunning lawyers in Panama who hide cash for the super rich. Starring: Meryl Streep, Gary Oldman, Antonio Banderas, David Schwimmer, Jeffrey Wright and Sharon Stone and James Cromwell. Director: Steven Soderbergh (2019) (Comedy/Drama)
- Veterans Day
By: My Papa Ed Veterans Day always brings back memories of my Grandfather, Daniel Goffredo. He was an immigrant from Naples, Italy who came to America. He once told me that as the ship he was on passed the Statue of Liberty, his heart filled with love for the country he was about to enter. Several months after he arrived, he met my Grandmother, Maria Polumbo who came to America from Bari, Italy and they married a year later. Growing up in New York, we lived with our Grandparents in a tenement building in the Bronx. My Grandfather was so proud of being in America that starting when I was old enough to walk on my own, he would wake me up on Veterans Day morning. He would dress me and take me by his hand to the Grand Concourse were the annual Veterans Day Parade would take place. He would hike me up on to his shoulders as the bands and every military service marched by. My Grandfather pretty much kept to himself and spent most of his time sitting at the dining room table playing solitaire. The one day of the year were he became animated was Veterans Day, which I now realize how important it was to him. The ravage of war throughout Europe that he experienced as a young man and the bravery of the allied forces gave him such gratitude for the freedom he was experiencing in America.
- The Loss of Innocence - November 22, 1963
By: My "Papa Ed" DeRosa November 22, 1963 was a dark day in American history. No matter what your politics were, the moment that President Kennedy was assassinated and murdered, we all lost our sense of innocence. That day unleashed a path of tragic events that over the next several decades, has left us in a downward spiral of fear and distrust of our basic beliefs. It is difficult to think of the loss of contributions that the music of John Lennon would have provided us with, or the success of social justice and racial equality in this country that Martin Luther King dreamed for us. Many other events too numerous to mention have chipped away at the bedrock of our way of life. The question before us is, do we continue to harvest the seeds of hate and distrust or do we look at the better angels in all of us to awaken a more mature and enlightened society?
- The Day The Music Died - December 8, 1980 - Remembering John Lennon
By: My Papa Ed The tragic murder of John Lennon left an irreplaceable void in the world of music. There are very few people that leave an amazing legacy on the world and he was one of them. His lyrics will forever demonstrate the hopes, fears and joys we all experience in our lives. John's contribution and collaboration with Paul, George and Ringo will go down in music history as a moment in time that to this day has not been replicated. We can all learn from his message of peace and harmony in a world that has become increasingly fractured. In his words, " Imagine all the people living life in peace..." he knew there was a better world that we can all live in if we try. Rest in Peace, John.
- CLEANSING CONCEPTS - Ionic Foot Detox, Infrared Sauna, Bio-Electric Lymph Drainage and More!
It's been quite a long time since I've treated myself to some much needed selfcare. The kind of self care where you are in someone else's hands and you don't have to worry about a thing. From the moment I walked into Cleansing Concepts at their Red Bank, New Jersey location (they also have 2 other locations in New York) I felt a wave of calm wash completely over me. Truly. The serene sound of gentle music playing, soft lighting and magical Maria offering me water with electrolytes before my infrared sauna made me feel like I was already floating on a cloud. I chatted briefly with another Nicole who has just finished her infrared sauna and she told me how she has been going to Cleansing Concepts for years as she has some chronic pain that the infrared sauna helps to ease. She told me that she actually has an infrared sauna at her home, but she loves coming to Cleansing Concepts for the utterly relaxing and zen experience. Once the infrared sauna was ready, Maria walked me to my very own private sauna room. Once again, I felt like I was stepping into another tranquil world and left all my stresses in another realm far far away! It may sound silly, but it's true. PREPARATION FOR INFRARED SAUNA + OTHER DETOX SERVICES Prior to going to your session(s) you will want to drink plenty of water. You will also want to come showered with no lotion, makeup or deodorant. You are detoxing after all, so you want your skin to be able to breathe. You will also want to wear loose comfortable clothing. Some guests prefer to wear a bathing suit while others opt to wear their birthday suit. Either way, you are provided with towels but are welcome to bring your own. After your session, it is not recommended to shower for your body will continue to detox for up to 2 hours after your session, however if you wish to, Cleansing Concepts does have a private shower available. If you are feeling faint, please ask for electrolytes to replenish your body. I had several glasses of electrolyte water prior to my session. If you are going to bring your own water, be sure to bring it in a BPA free plastic bottle or even better, a glass water bottle. *SAFETY MEASURES: IF ANY OF THE BELOW APPLY TO YOU, CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN PRIOR TO SAUNA USE... Menstruating Pregnant or Breastfeeding Cardiovascular Issues Obese Diabetic Take Certain Medications (diuretics, barbiturates, beta-blockers, anticholinergics, antihistamines, over the counter drugs) Drink Alcohol or Use Drugs Elderly Child Chronic Conditions or Diseases Associated with Reduced Ability To Sweat or Perspire (ie: Multiple Sclerosis) Hemophiliac / Prone To Bleeding Fever / Insensitivity To Heat Recent Acute Joint Injury Implants (metal pins, rods, artificial joints, or other surgical implants) Pacemakers / Defibrillators *Read more about the reasoning behind these medical conditions and contraindications for infrared sauna here. BENEFITS OF INFRARED SAUNA I've been wanting to experience the benefits of an infrared sauna for quite some time. I've been reading more about heavy metals poisoning, symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention. Heavy metal poisoning can be caused by: Industrial exposure Air or water pollution Foods Medicine Improperly coated food containers, plates and cookware Ingestion of lead based paints Ingestion of insecticides, herbicides and pesticides (Source) Cleansing Concept uses Sunlighten’s Infrared Sauna The mPulse® . This infrared sauna offers near, mid and far infrared technology. This smart technology is customizable to individual needs and allows you to track results. It is not just a sauna, it is a wellness tool that is adaptable to your health needs over time. DETOXIFICATION Detox from a Sunlight Sauna is 7 to 10 times greater than a conventional sauna. In a conventional sauna the average person sweats out 3% toxins and 97% water. (Source) According to Sunlight Sauna, the average person sweats out 20% toxins and 80% water! I noticed that my sweat was extremely minimal while I was in the infrared sauna. Not sweating in a properly functioning sauna may mean that you are dehydrated, or it could be an indication that your sweat glands are not functioning properly. (Source) This is something that I will look into further with my primary physician. PAIN RELIEF Relieve back, neck, and arthritis pain with far infrared sauna heat therapy. Researchers studying HRP (Heat Responsive Pain) have observed remarkable therapeutic benefits by using continuous low level heat therapy for treating lower back and upper body pain, all conditions that fall under the HRP classification. (Source) I have been suffering from excruciating "tech neck" from looking down at my phone, computer etc. and the infrared sauna has given me hope since it's effects really relaxed my body and especially my neck where I hold so much of my stress and tension. WEIGHT LOSS According to Sunlight Saunas, a 30 minute far infrared sauna session can burn up to 200-600 calories. As the body works to cool itself while using a far infrared sauna, there is a substantial increase in heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate. Sunlight Saunas far infrared heat therapy raises core body temperature causing passive cardiovascular conditioning. Your body’s natural response to far infrared heat therapy is to increase circulation and sweat. Check out the results with a heart rate monitor and you will be amazed. LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE Sunlight Saunas Solocarbon heaters were used in a clinical study with the University of Missouri Kansas City in 2005 and were shown to lower blood pressure from a 30 minute sauna session three times a week. (Source) Repeated Sunlight Saunas far infrared treatment improves impaired blood vessel functions in patients with high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. This suggests a preventative role for sauna use for arteriosclerosis. (Source) IMPROVE CIRCULATION Heating of muscles with far infrared produces an increased blood flow level similar to that seen during exercise. Body temperature elevation also produces an increase in blood flow. SKIN PURIFICATION Improve your skin’s appearance with regular use of a Sunlight Sauna. Open wounds heal quicker with reduced scarring. (Source) According to Sunlight Sauna, far infrared heat therapy helps acne, eczema, psoriasis, burns and any skin lesions or cuts. It also reduces wrinkles, makes skin look radiant, firms and improves skin tone and elasticity. Regular use may also help reduce cellulite trapped beneath the skin, lessen the appearance of scars, and help burns heal significantly. (Source) PREPARATION FOR AN IONIC FOOT DETOX Prior to your session, you will want to remove any and all jewelry from your ankles and toes. Make sure you do not have any lotion on your feet. As a reminder, you will also want to wear pants that can easily be rolled up. It is recommend that any person falling into one or more of the categories below NOT use the IonCleanse® System. Please check with you medical physician for further advice. **THIS IS NOT AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST, but rather the most frequently asked about** People who have a pacemaker Organ transplant recipients Pregnant or nursing women Anyone on medication, the absence of which would cause mental or physical impairment, such as psychotic episodes, seizures, etc. Anyone on blood thinners (ie: coumadin or warfarin) or medications that regulate heartbeat. Click on the > arrow above to see my BEFORE + AFTER Ionic Foot Detox results! HOW DOES AN IONIC FOOT DETOX WORK? Ionic Foot bath is a foot soak (IonCleanse® System) that uses water charged with positive and negative ions – electrolytes – which helps draw toxins from your body out through your feet through a process of exchange between the positive and negative ions in your body, and their opposite numbers in the water. Read more about it here. WHAT DOES AN IONIC FOOT DETOX REMOVE? Heavy Metal Toxicity Lactic Acids Pesticides/Fungicides Cholesterol Deposits Drugs/Medication Debris Lymphatic Congestion Cellular Debris Exhaust Fumes Parasites Second Hand Smoke WHAT DID MY IONIC FOOT DETOX SHOW? Vanessa explained to me that the color of my water showed signs of detoxing from my kidneys, bladder, urinary tract and "female prostate" (hence the yellow & green color). She also told me it showed some detoxing from yeast (white flecks) as well as heavy metals (black flecks). LASTING BENEFITS OF AN IONIC FOOT DETOX Liver Detoxification Increases Energy Reduces Stress Pain Relief Improves Memory & Sleep Sexual Health Stronger Immune System Oxygenates Your Cells Better Well Being & Attitude Calms & Relaxes SERVICES OFFERED 3 Weeks 'til Wedding Detox BioElectric Lymph Drainage Chi Machine Colon Cleansing Ear Candling FIT Body Wrap Infrared Sauna Ionic Foot Detox Lipo-Light Wellness Cocoon (only available at the Garden City, New York location) Ozone Steam Sauna DIGESTIVE CARE PRODUCTS Detox Clay: Soap, Toothpaste, Deodorant, "Mud", Drink & Powder Essential Wellness: Whole Psyllium Husk Powder, Essential Omega Oil Blend, Essential Probiotic, Essential Plant Enzymes, Candida Balance, Activated Charcoal Capsules, Colon Kit (all products can also be delivered to your doorstep) I made my visit early evening so I could continue floating to bed once I got back home. Before I left however, I got to chat with the Owner of Cleansing Concepts, Vanessa Galati-Drew. (tap here to read Vanessa's bio) Vanessa turned to holistic natural medicine when she almost died after conventional methods failed to help her with her digestive issues and a misdiagnosed ruptured appendix. After exploring many different options, Vanessa discovered colon cleansing, a gentle internal bath that aids the body in the detoxification process. Cleansing helped her to heal and she has dedicated the last 10+ years of her life to helping others rebuild their health and well-being. Vanessa explained to me that her mission with Cleansing Concepts is... "To provide holistic alternative therapies in a relaxed atmosphere that creates balance and harmony so that guests can leave feeling renewed and show up in life as the healthiest and most present version of themselves." After two plus years of this pandemic, Cleansing Concepts non-invasive approach has me feeling refreshed, a bit less stressed and reinvigorated. Their state-of the-art facility and highly trained technicians provide customized treatments and consultations and I'm excited to try their other treatments like the lymphatic drainage. I left Cleansing Concepts feeling rejuvenated and revitalized and already counting down the days until my next visit. Whether it is cleansing advice or nutritional support that you may need, Vanessa and her lovely staff are here for you! To learn more + book your zen experience, visit Cleansing Concepts HERE.
- Why COLON CANCER Screenings Are So Important.
Shawn Leyden, of Maplewood, New Jersey was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016. A busy executive at the state's largest electric and gas provider, Shawn was on an aggressive every-other-year colonoscopy schedule due to a family history of colon cancer. However, he had missed a scheduled colonoscopy that might have caught his colon cancer earlier. He eventually scheduled his colonoscopy at Saint Barnabas Medical Center with Mark Gilder, MD, a colon and rectal surgeon and an RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group provider, who found a large polyp. It was later removed with minimally invasive robotic surgery. "Dr. Gilder spent a lot of time with me and my wife, explaining everything that needed to be done," Shawn says. This year, Shawn went for a follow up colonoscopy screening with Dr. Gilder and we're happy to report, he remains cancer free. "I regret not keeping my scheduled colonoscopy appointment," says Shawn Leyden of Maplewood. "If I'd stuck with what my doctor told me to do, I might not have gotten colon cancer, or I at least could have avoided the need for a six-and-a-half-hour surgery," he says. Schedule a colonoscopy today. As New Jersey's only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, together with RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, provide patients with the most advanced cancer screening and treatment options including both routine and complex surgical procedures, sophisticated radiation therapy techniques, clinical trials and novel therapeutics such as immunotherapy and precision medicine. If you are due for a routine colon cancer screening, don't delay. To request a colon cancer screening appointment, please click here or for a consultation with a Medical Group gastroenterologist near you, click here. Get screened. Early detection of colon cancer can save your life. March was Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and a great reminder to schedule your colon cancer screening. Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women combined in the U.S. and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the US. Screening is the key to preventing colon cancer. It is important to talk to your doctor about any unusual symptoms, personal history, family history, and risk factors. Based on your age and history, your doctor may recommend colorectal screenings, including a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a procedure that enables the doctor, usually a gastroenterologist, to evaluate the inside of the large intestine (the colon). During the colonoscopy, the doctor examines the colon for any abnormalities, including growths or polyps (which are often precursors to cancer). A colonoscopy screening has the potential to detect and even prevent colorectal cancer because polyps can be identified and removed. Source: RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group
- My Top 10 Favorite Clean Items at TRADER JOE'S
Strolling the aisles of Trader Joe's can be confusing if you don't know how to read labels properly. This is the first installment of many posts on My Top 10 Favorite Clean Items at Trader Joe's because, sadly, not everything there is clean and healthy. I hope I can make your next shopping experience at Trader Joe's easier and save you money along the way! I love Whole Foods, but I have found the same clean items for less money at good 'ole Trader Joe's. Trader Joe's Organic Coconut Sugar is an ideal substitute for cane sugar and is derived from flowers and organically grown Indonesian coconut trees. The nectar of the coconut flours is collected, boiled and ground into powder to create this delicious sweetener. Ingredients: Organic Coconut Palm Sugar. Contains: Coconut. Certified Organic by Quality Assurance International (QAI) Serving Size: 1 tsp. (4g) Servings per container about: 114 Calories: 15 Total Fat: 0% Sodium: 0% Total Carbohydrate: 4g / 2% Sugars: 4g Protein: 0g Organic Vermont Maple Syrup Trader Joe's Organic Maple Syrup was created by hand-selecting (and tasting) various batches from multi-generational producers in Vermont. The glass bottles range from delicate to mild (early season harvest) to very bold & strong (later in the season). Note: Always buy glass when you can over plastic! We are big fans of the Grade A Dark Color Robust Taste. This syrup is just a bit more intense than the amber color, but is still well done. It is a bit woodsy, but nothing that hid the maple & slight vanilla flavors. We even use it as a sweetener in coffee! 100% Greek Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Cold Pressed) Per Mashed: "When it comes to picking out good olive oil, the choices can be somewhat daunting. Just about every grocery store has a wide variety of choices, all at different price points, and that's before one even considers hitting up a specialty shop. Even olive oil experts will agree though, that it's really not necessary to spend an arm and a leg for a decent olive oil, and you can find some seriously great ones on the shelf of your local Trader Joe's." If you happen to find Greek Kalamata extra virgin olive oil (above) on the shelf at your Trader Joe's grab one! The editors of Bon Appétit are big fans of the stuff, and found it to be a great everyday olive oil to keep on hand. Lifehacker is also a fan of this Greek olive oil calling it "delicious" and commending its low price point of around $9 a bottle. This is an olive oil of good quality and won't break the bank, and can use it in everything from salad dressings to simply drizzling over fresh bread without the guilt that might come with a pricier olive oil! Dr. Bronner's - Castile Soap Did you know that you can use Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap as a laundry detergent? Just take 2 tablespoons of Dr. Bronner's then add white distilled vinegar and viola! You've got yourself a clean, non-toxic laundry detergent that you made in a matter of seconds! This is a list of all the ways you can use Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap HERE GoMacro Bar - "Protein Purity" We love this clean, "Protein Purity" Bar made with Sunflower Butter + Chocolate (Organic, Non-GMO, GF, Vegan) because it is High Protein! You can sometimes find it at Trader Joe's, but we have recently found the Kids size (which is half the size & price) at either Whole Foods or via Amazon. Great for throwing in your bag for an on the go snack or after a doctors appointment you had to fast for because of blood work....Trust and believe, this will perk you right up! Organic Coconut Aminos This is THE perfect soy sauce substitute! It is made with super clean ingredients: organic coconut sap, water and sea salt. That's all! I use this on my warm & cold veggie bowls, veggie dumplings, veggie wraps, plant based sushi, over noodles (like my Citrus Soba Noodle recipe...coming soon!) as well as these recipes: Crispy Orange Cauliflower with Coconut Jasmine Rice Asian Inspired Quinoa Bowl How To Make Your Own Salad Dressings and Marinades Coconut Oil (Organic, Virgin, Unrefined, Cold Pressed) T.J.'s sells this in a glass jar or this super convenient box of 14 individual packets. The packets are so incredibly handy if you want to take them with you on the go during a day when you are out all day long, travelling, camping etc. Use Coconut Oil for: Making pancakes + waffles + cookies + muffins + cupcakes + breads etc. Making Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Cooking Safely at High Temperatures Making Healthy Mayonnaise Making a Natural Deodorant Making a Non-Toxic Insect Repellent Removing Stains Soothing Chapped Lips Making Your Wood Furniture Shine Healing Ragged Cuticles Making Homemade Salad Dressings + Marinades (click HERE for my recipes) Benefits of Coconut Oil Protecting Your Skin From UV Rays Increasing Your Metabolism Improving Your Dental Health Relieving Skin Irritation and Eczema Improving Brain Function Moisturizing Your Skin May Help Fight Infections Increasing Your "Good" HDL Cholesterol May Reduce Belly Fat Protecting Your Hair From Damage Increasing Hunger + Food Intake Improving Wound Healing Boosting Bone Health Combating Candida Reducing Inflammation Quick Energy Source Relieving Symptoms of Arthritis Improving Liver Health Source + more info on coconut oil, check out Healthline's article 29 Uses For Coconut Oil, HERE . Organic Unsweetened Flake Coconut As described on the package, this is pure unsweetened, organic coconut with absolutely nothing added to it and it's ideal for snacking and cooking! "It's just what you would get if you went to the effort to harvest, crack, shred and dry the coconut yourself (once you found yourself in the tropics where the nuts grow)" Organic Thick & Chunky Salsa First things first....the 2 reasons we LOVE this Trader Joe's Organic Thick & Chunky Salsa is 1) Contains NO citric acid 2) Contains NO added sugar Made with big chunks of organic diced tomatoes, organic tomato paste, organic onions, and organic jalapeños, then spiced with organic cayenne pepper and organic dehydrated garlic, Trader Joe's Organic Thick & Chunky Salsa is fresh and flavorful, packing just the right amount of medium-level heat. Organic Pumpkin Only ONE INGREDIENT is in this can: Organic Pumpkin. That's all! Look at the back label of most other canned pumpkin, organic or otherwise and you will find fillers, gums and unpronounceable ingredients. I love anything pumpkin pie related and I will make pumpkin inspired treats year 'round so this item is a favorite and a staple of mine in our pantry! I will be sharing clean versions of the recipes below for all of the ways I use organic pumpkin year 'round!
- October Spotlight - Why I Love ACURE - Non-Toxic SKIN, HAIR + BODY Products
Mama Joy & I have been using ACURE's Lemongrass & Argan "Curiously Clarifying" shampoo & conditioner for the past year after becoming aware of them via Thrive Market. We've tried other non-toxic shampoo & conditioners by other brands but unfortunately, they don't lather up, so I kept searching and I'm happy to say that our search is finally over thanks to ACURE! ....If that doesn't sound like a commercial, I don't know what does...lol, but seriously, ya girl loves trying out non-toxic products but if they don't measure up (I have high standards) then I keep searching. Since we love ACURE's hair care, I thought, let me reach out to ACURE and ask them if I can try some of their skincare products. They happily obliged and gifted me the following products (above + below) which I'm CRAZY IN LOVE with and I wanted to share with you why. When I'm selecting skincare items for my face, I choose items that are super hydrating & as I said (and most importantly) made with all clean & non-toxic ingredients. Since I've been living in a different climate in both California + Florida, my skin was SHOOK when I got to New Jersey and experienced winter for the first time in years. That coupled with the fact that we've been in a pandemic (indoors with heaters, air conditioners & wearing face masks) my skin has really been crying out for extra hydration. I can now say (after using their skincare products for the past 2 months) without hesitation, that the ACURE Ultra Hydrating & Rejuvenating skin care line has helped my skin tremendously and honestly it has performed beyond my expectations! My completion is back to being it's hydrated & glowing self again! My skin literally drinks up the Radically Rejuvenating Dual Phase Bakuchiol Serum the way I drink up a smoothie! The serum absorbs right into my skin within seconds & I love that it doesn't leave any residue on my face like other brands that I've tried in the past AND it's not oily. It's SUCH a winning combination and I need to stock up on more ASAP because I'm almost out. Ya girl is about to go all, "A lot of people have been asking about my skincare routine..." on ya, but I can't help it! I love ACURE because it's magical & affordable! Not sure which product you need? There are lovely ACURE team members who can help you when choosing which items best suits your skin type. They helped me pick out the ones I chose below for AM + PM. I've also broken down the categories below for ya.. Just click on any of the blue writing and it will link you to the item on ACURE's website! Besides ACURE's website and purchasing at your local Whole Foods, ACURE is also available at these clean online beauty stores that I also love and shop at frequently: Credo Beauty, Birchbox, Pharmaca, iHerb and The Truth Beauty Company. Be sure to message me to say hi and for a coupon code before you check out! Just drop me a message here or on my Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn ,Twitter or foghorn....lol SKIN BY COLLECTION: The Essentials / Brightening / Radically Rejuvenating / Seriously Soothing / Ultra Hydrating / Resurfacing / Incredibly Clear BY CATEGORY: Cleansers / Scrubs / Face Mists / Moisturizers / Day Creams / Night Creams / Oils + Serums / Eye Care / Masks / Sheet Masks / Hydro-Gels BY SKIN TYPE: Normal to Combination / Dry / Sensitive / Oily + Acne Prone HAIR BY PRODUCT: Shampoo / Conditioner / Dry Shampoo / Shampoo Bar BY HAIR TYPE: Curly + Wavy / Frizzy / Thin + Flat / Oily / Color Treated / Damaged + Stressed BY BENEFIT: Curls + Waves / Smooth + Shine / Volume + Bounce / Moisture / Balance / Color Care BODY BY CATEGORY: Body Lotions / Body Scrubs / Deodorant / Hand Sanitizer / Body Wash GIFTS + KITS SALE ITEMS ACURE'S STORY - ACURE are skin & hair wellness enthusiasts who believe in the power of purity to uplift the way you feel. ACURE wants to see every action you take lead to a stronger, healthier, more vibrant you that is ready to kick ass and take names! INGREDIENTS - ACURE sources the highest quality ingredients for your skin. No parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, paraffin, petrolatum, mineral oil or animal testing allowed! SUPER POSITIVE EFFECT - ACURE products always uplift, for skin & hair that performs at its absolute best and a planet that flourishes. If you need any more reasons to fall in LOVE with ACURE and their non-toxic products: THOUGHTFUL INGENUITY ACURE mixes together the perfect combination of super nutrients for powerful products. SHEER PASSION ACURE is on a mission to steer people toward better for you and accessible skin care & hair care that will allow them to shine their brightest. CHARITABLE PARTNERS ACURE believes that each and every one of us can make an enormous impact on the world by making small changes in the items we use, the purchases we make and the way we approach each day. As a company, ACURE also tries to make an impact by pursuing a triple bottom line. ACURE believes that people and our planet are just as important as profits. So, they support organizations that also support these values. UNITE FOR HER is a breast cancer non profit organization whose mission is to bridge the gap between the medical and wellness communities by providing accessible resources through complementary therapies that supplement medical treatment, caring for the physical, emotional and financial needs of the breast cancer patients they serve. They enhance the lives of patients and empower people of all ages to make healthy lifestyle choices through wellness education and breast cancer awareness. TURNING GREEN is a student led movement devoted to education and advocacy around environmentally sustainable and socially responsible choices for individuals, schools, and communities. TG seeks to engage youth in the transition from conventional to conscious, empowering the next generation and mobilizing action to sustain our earth. TRUE TRANSPARENCY - ACURE FACILITIES All ACURE products support US manufacturing facilities, each of which is audited by SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) for social responsibility. As a member of Sedex, ACURE openly shares manufacturing data with our retail partners. The four pillars of a SMETA audit are labor standards, health and safety, business ethics, and the environment. Each of ACURE suppliers must meet their rigorous code of conduct, be open to year-round audits, both announced and surprise. Here you will find info on our manufacturing partners. TERRACYCLE TerraCycle® and ACURE have partnered to create a national recycling program. Look and shine your brightest when you recycle ACURE skin care and personal care packaging. Learn more here.
- It's Time For RECESS!
I'm obsessed with RECESS! No, not school recess, silly! This CBD calming drink is exactly what it says it is - Recess for adults! Recess is not a CBD brand, rather, a company with a mission to provide a way to help their consumers feel “calm, cool and collected.” I first heard about Recess over a year ago during the summer at my favorite lunch spot at the beach. I'm a sucker for typography and design, so I was obviously drawn to the colors & font and then when I got closer and read the can, I was 99.9% sold by the clean ingredients. Each of their all-natural sparkling waters are formulated with filtered water, 10 mg of broad-spectrum hemp extract (CBD), and three other adaptogenic ingredients: American ginseng to improve memory, lemon balm to boost vitality and L-theanine to reduce stress.* *(Be sure to check with your doctor to make sure these ingredients are safe for you in case you are taking other medications etc.) The flavors are absolutely mouthwateringly divine! They come in: Blood Orange Black Cherry Coconut Lime Pomegranate Hibiscus Peach Ginger Blackberry Chai I love to sip on Recess throughout my work day to calm me down and lift my mood! It's such a treat! Speaking of treats....When the gang at Recess are not making beverages, they stay busy by making other things like a line of self-made apparel (“Realitywear”) and ongoing limited release collaborations with top like-minded brands. Recess x Maxbone CBD Dog Treats With so many quarantine pups starting to get their first real taste of reality, Recess called up their friends at Maxbone to bring back their CBD dog treats to help your furry friends with the transition, because dogs need some calm in their weird new lives just as much as we do right now. Recommended for medium & big dogs. Break into smaller pieces. (*Be sure to check with your dog's veterinarian to make sure CBD & these ingredients are okay for your dog.) Recess now comes in powder form that can be added to almost any beverage or to have just on its own with water on the go! I love being able to bring the individual packets with me on a road trip or flight. It's so convenient and saves me time and money in the long run! Founder of Echelon Creative Inc. Social Agency AND Food, Cooking, Health & Product Queen, Michaela Blaney shared 3 recipes using each flavor and when I tell you they are ahhhhhhhmaziiiiing. I'm not joking. Try any or all of these recipes below over ice and thank me later! TAKE-A-CHILL-PILL TONIC 🍋 • juice of 1 lemon • 1 inch knob of ginger peeled + sliced • few sprigs of mint • RECESS lemon mood stick • water + ice Steep the first 3 ingredients in boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain, add cold water, mood stick + ice and enjoy on a hot day! BERRY HAPPY SMOOTHIE • 1 frozen banana • 1/2 cup frozen blueberries • 1 scoop vanilla ORA ORGANIC protein powder • RECESS berry mood stick • 1 cup almond milk Blend and enjoy post workout! COOL + COLLECTED COFFEE ☕️ • 1 cup of organic PURITY COFFEE • 1 cup of coconut milk • few drops of local raw honey • ORA ORGANIC plant based collagen • RECESS unflavored mood stick Froth or blend all ingredients hot. Serve and get your coffee jumpstart without the jitters. Shop RECESS with FREE SHIPPING HERE! Disclaimer: Information provided in this post is for informational purposes only. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided in this blog post for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this post.
- New Year, New Beginnings...
2022 is here and all I can think about is how it marks six full years of being an entrepreneur. Six full years of successes, setbacks, great decisions, mistakes and continuous learning and growth. I have to remind myself at times that where I am today is so far beyond what I was six years ago. I love the new year, it feels like a fresh start with endless possibilities. Even though New Year’s resolutions can be cliché, they really do help motivate me to set new goals. I have gathered some great tips on how to set healthy habits that I want to share: Start small: Don’t set yourself up for failure by setting a goal you are not prepared for. For example, might not be a great goal to run a marathon, if you never go on runs. Start with a one mile run every day of the week and increase your endurance from there. Be precise: Don’t simply just say I’ll start eating healthier. Think about how. Like, I will cook at home Monday-Friday instead of ordering take-out. Or, I will prepare all my lunches from home instead of eating out. Or I will stay away from sugar Mon-Friday. With precision and consistency goals become tangible. Stay Consistent: They say it takes at least 30 days for something to become a habit, so don’t drop the ball after a couple of weeks. The longer you practice these healthy habits they will become a routine! This holiday season was quiet & low key. It’s been so nice to recharge, rest & reset. I feel a lot more energized & excited for 2022! I have so many thoughts & plans for what’s to come in 2022, including my yet to be named Podcast! If you have any suggestions on names, drop them below! One Thing I’ll Leave Behind In 2021: Wasted Energy. It’s okay to only focus on the people and tasks that give energy and life back to you and that which makes you happy. On Thing I'll Continue To Do In 2022 and Beyond: Feel the sun on my face and spend more time outside. It sounds so basic, but for me, I've been a literal hermit. I think a major reason why my sleep hygiene is so out of whack is that I'm not getting enough natural sunlight & therefor my circadian rhythm is off. One of the most powerful ways to de-stress is to spend time outdoors. Holiday eating, drinking, and socializing can be hard on your overall well-being, so give yourself a break with the restorative effects of nature. I’m so thankful for each & every one of you reading this who have supported me & follow along! I can’t wait to see what 2022 brings & how much more growth & opportunity is in the new year! How are you feeling? What are some things that you are going to leave behind in 2021 & what are you looking to do for yourself in the new year (and beyond)?