This is the 7th in a series of terrific podcasts provided by the Las Vegas Review Journal, The Mob Museum, and Binion’s Hotel. They have gone to great lengths to give us a taste of history. This podcast is about Judge Harry Claiborne, the only federal judge to do prison time.
I owned a restaurant on the water in San Diego years ago, and I remember him coming to San Diego and being at our bar every night. What happened to him was a travesty. Listen for 45 minutes and get an understanding of how Las Vegas worked at that time.
Vaping enthusiasts know the long-term economic value of investing in a high-quality vaping device rather than settling for disposable vapes and cheap low-quality devices. However, to leverage the actual value of a high-quality vape device, you need to use proper maintenance practices.
A fundamental way to maintain your vape hardware is to store it safely when not in use. The term vape hardware encompasses the device, components, vape tanks and coils, and accessories like batteries and chargers. Now you know why proper vape device storage is essential, but what are the best tips for storing your vape hardware? Let’s take a look.
1. Keep Removable Batteries Enclosed in A Case
Batteries are the life force in vape devices as they supply the energy needed to fire a device and commence the vapor production cycle. While some vape devices feature integrated batteries, most vape devices use removable 18650 batteries and li-ion batteries.
While removable may seem sturdy and rigid, they are vulnerable to elements like dirt and debris. Once damaged, the batteries will hamper your device’s performance or, worse still, damage the device. A damaged vape device means inconveniences like no more vaping on tasty, coughing up money for a new vape device.
If your batteries are left exposed, they may collect debris that sticks to the batteries’ terminal, hampering current flow. They can also accidentally contact other metals and trigger a short-circuit, which often results in a leakage. Leaked battery contents can damage your vape device permanently.
Batteries stored with the positive and the negative ends touching can also short-circuit or lead to a thermal runaway. Therefore, always store your vape batteries in a battery case with the opposite ends away from each other. Most replaceable vape batteries come with a battery case; if not, you can purchase the case separately at an affordable price.
2. Unplug The Charger From The Power Source While Not In Use
Although often overlooked, vaporizer device chargers are crucial hardware components for vaping devices, and they also require proper storage for optimal performance. Most people leave their vape device chargers like permanent fixtures on power outlets even after the vape device is fully charged. Although it may seem convenient, such behavior shortens your charger’s lifespan.
Note that the charger’s circuit components keep working while connected to a power source despite unplugging your vape device from the charger. Making your charger work on overdrive may damage the circuit components and cost you a new charger. Therefore, once your vape device reaches peak capacity, unplug your charger and store it away from pets, fluids, and children.
3.Keep Your Hardware Components Away From Moisture and Extreme Temperature
It is a no-brainer that fluids and electronics don’t work well together. Besides damaging electronic components, water and other fluids may also cause corrosion and further structural damage to vaping hardware. Therefore always store your vape hardware in a dry, low-humidity storage space.
Apart from fluids, exposure to extreme temperatures may also shorten your vape device’s lifespan. Exposing your vape device to extremely high temperatures by leaving it near heat sources or under the sun may trigger a thermal runaway. Thermal runaways occur when a battery’s internal temperature rises beyond the battery’s heat dissipation capacity and may even cause an explosion.
High temperatures also affect the battery’s electrolyte capacity leading to diminished power capacity. Frigid temperatures also contribute to diminished battery capacity. So, always store your vape hardware safely at room temperature.
4.Designate A Safe And Secure Spot For Your Vape Hardware
Besides electrical damage, bumps and dents may also cause significant or even irreversible damage to your vape hardware. Although accidents are prone to happen, storing your vape device and vape accessories in a safe and secure area will minimize damage. For this reason, it is prudent to invest in a solid storage box for your vape hardware. You can also modify a jewelry box or a makeup organizer and use them to store your vape hardware.
Additionally, store your vape away from high-traffic areas prone to accidents. Keep your device where you are least to drop them or step on them and out of reach of children and pets.
Most vape devices lack the appropriate ingress protection (IP) rating to protect them from outdoor elements like condensation, direct sunlight exposure, and dust. Therefore, the vape device’s hardware becomes vulnerable to damage from outdoor elements when left outdoors.
Such exposure may slow the device’s performance or damage vital functional components.Hence, keep your vape devices’ hardware indoors at all times; for portable vape devices, always keep them close, or carry them in a waterproof Ziploc bag while outdoors.
6.Designate A Safe Storage Space For Vape Accessories
Free vape accessories add value to your vape device purchase and convenience to your vaping experience. Vape accessories like glass stems and sub-ohm coils also enrich your vaping experience. But they also need extra care and protection from damage. Therefore, store them in an organized manner in a safe area you can easily access with ease.
Vape hardware and accessories facilitate the efficiency and performance of your vape device, thus enriching your vaping experience. These top tips will help you store your vape hardware correctly and lengthen its lifespan.
Author Bio:
Crystal has been closely studying the vaping or cheap naked vape juice and cannabis industry trends for quite some time. Intrigued by the booming growth of this sector, she takes interest in penning down her views providing quality insight on CBD and current marijuana trends, particularly medical cannabis.
If you are looking for the ultimate bachelorette party or girl’s night out in Sin City, look no further than Magic Mike Live inside their brand new showroom at the Sahara Hotel. These “magic” men play to sold-out audiences Wednesday through Sunday and often pay special attention to the birthday girls and brides-to-be wearing a white veil.
MML is a 5-star, critically acclaimed theatrical production based on the 2012 hit film Magic Mike and the 2015 sequel Magic Mike XXL starring the Hollywood heartthrob, Channing Tatum. It was conceived and co-directed by the actor who played the original Mike Lane in both films.
It’s a 90-minute immersive experience that encourages audience participation, so if you are more comfortable being an observer, don’t opt for front-row seats. This professional dance troupe will keep you entertained from beginning to end, keep you on the edge of your seats, and leave you breathless with their seductive dance moves and sultry good looks, each with perfectly sculpted bodies. There’s also singing, great music, state-of-the-art visual effects, unexpected surprises, and lots of laughs! The MC is hilarious.
Magic Mike Live is not your typical raunchy “sausage fest” or a strip club show; it’s classy, just a touch “naughty,” and designed with an inspiring message of women empowerment.
People with leaner bodies tend to be more injury resistant, more flexible, have quicker cardio recovery times, and are healthier than individuals with active lifestyles, but have high levels of body fat.
Not only that. When you feel and look physically great, you are more confident in interacting with others, both in professional and personal settings.
So, if you’ve made your decision to reduce body fat and get leaner, read ahead to know some tips to achieve a lean muscular body!
1. Consume Enough Protein
Nutrition plays the most important role in achieving a lean physique.
You may be able to challenge your body through exercises. But without proper nutritional support, your progress may not be as effective. It’s because a healthy food intake supports muscle development.
To get started, we encourage you to consume plenty of protein, approximately 0.7 grams of protein per kilogram of your body weight.
This Dietary Reference Intake amounts to 56 grams of protein per day for the average sedentary man and 46 grams daily for the average sedentary woman.
Protein will serve as a fuel source for your body and will help you build lean muscle. Its common food sources are meat and fish, seed and nuts, legumes, eggs, Greek yogurt, chicken breasts, lean beef, and lentils.
By eating enough protein, it will likewise help you feel fuller longer and you’re more likely to resist the temptation of eating snacks in between meals.
However, some people, like bodybuilders and athletes, need to supplement with protein as they’re not getting all the essential amino acids and protein that their body needs through food alone.
These supplements and protein powders may also aid in recovery by improving muscle performance and reducing muscle damage.
2. Develop Your Own Fat-Shredding Complex
A complex is a sequence of workouts performed back-to-back in a single area, using a single piece of equipment, without changing weights, and without rest between exercises or you may rest between sets but these breaks are short, only about 90 seconds or so.
To burn out fast and build muscle, develop your own fat-shredding complex. For instance, a squat is a compound exercise because it works the calves, glutes, and quadriceps.
You may also try this complex: deadlift bent over row, hang clean, thrusters, and overhead squat. Another barbel complex is: snatch grip deadlift, hang snatch, overhead squat, behind-the-neck press, and good morning.
The reason why complex workouts are effective is that they increase caloric burn, work capacity, and exercise post-oxygen consumption.
Consequently, this raises your metabolism. But as a word of caution, complex workouts are not best for beginners. Build a solid foundation of strength conditioning and training first before you attempt an intense workout.
3. Do Triathlon Training
Swim, bike, and run? The triathlon is all about endurance, meaning you have to be physically and mentally fitter than before. It’s not easy but is certainly not an unachievable target.
And when you gear up for a triathlon, you’ll be building up stamina to learn and perfect three different sports.
Your workout is also in no way monotonous and boring. Simply put, you will most likely dedicate time to build up your muscle mass so that you will have an increased endurance capacity for the multi-sport.
In a race that lasts several hours, having stronger muscles will give you more stamina so you’ll go the distance.
Don’t worry, many triathletes have fun training because every day is a new challenge. You can join a beginner’s triathlon near you, about three or four months away.
As you slowly start to build up endurance for each sport, your body will be leaner, for sure.
4. Focus More on Your Body Fat Percentage
Another tip to help you get leaner is to focus less on weight and more on body fat percentage. It’s because the number that you see on the scale every morning is not a good indicator of your body composition. It does not tell you about the distribution of your weight or the ratio of fat to lean tissue.
The only accurate way to measure your body composition is body fat percentage. Normally, 10 to 20% body fat percentage is considered healthy for men and 18 to 28% for women.
Understanding your body fat percentage will help you decide the fitness goal that will reflect your healthy body composition changes.
5. Score Enough Zzzs
Getting enough sleep (7-9 hours per night) is one of the most important habits to help build muscle.
It enhances human growth hormone release and muscle recovery via protein synthesis.
Skimping on shuteye means that your body does not produce good hormones needed to keep tissue healthy and build muscle.
6. Eat Carbs Post-Workout
It’s a common misconception that you should not be consuming any carbohydrates when you are trying to lean out or on a diet.
But carbs are vital for muscle building too because they are protein-sparing. This means that they conserve muscle tissue as the body gets energy from carbs instead of protein for energy.
Carbs prevent muscle degradation, help muscles recover from exercise, and prevent muscle weakness. In short, carbs are like other macronutrients that have an important role in your body composition.
So, instead of cutting carbs out of your diet, just be smart about what type of carb you consume. We suggest you choose carbs, like quinoa, brown rice, or sweet potatoes instead of refined carbs, like bread and pasta.
Moreover, eat carbs only after your workout to slow the breakdown of protein that happens post-workout. As a result, eating carbs after a workout may aid muscle growth.
7. Don’t Overdo Things
Lastly, we encourage you not to overdo things. Don’t go beyond what your body needs for cardiovascular exercise nor should you take your diet too far. Moderation is still the key when it comes to a slimmer body and healthy life.
Make sure you have rest days between workouts to give your muscles time to rebuild.
Takeaway
You see, it’s not overly difficult to get stronger and more muscular. You just have to find the right motivation and routine to do so.
But remember, getting fitter and leaner does not happen overnight. So, just enjoy the process and be patient with yourself. By adopting such a mindset, it’ll be easier to embrace fitness as a wellness strategy and that becomes your powerful tool to get the body that you’ve always wanted.
In 2020, COVID-19 forced nationwide school closures, compelling children to access education via remote learning. This had serious consequences for some students. Others, however, have learned to thrive in this atmosphere.
We’ll take a look at the impact of online learning during the lockdown. Then we’ll discover some ways parents can help their students mitigate the problems it presents.
The Consequences of a Year of Online Learning
Children were meant to play with their peers and get outside. But once the pandemic hit, the lockdown forced students to remain at home for their education. Online learning saved the school year but impacted the physical and mental health of students. Once stuck inside, kids were online for longer periods. This increased their risk for health issues like obesity, related diseases, sleep disruptions, and eye strain.
Isolation also hurts their mental health. Some students struggled with ADHD, depression, and other mental challenges associated with screen time and lack of peer interaction.
Specific student groups had additional challenges:
Younger students cannot pay attention to screens for long periods of time. Their schoolwork suffered. Plus, growing children missed critical peer interaction necessary for development in these early years.
Students with special needs also struggled. Some cannot focus on a screen or work independently. Others require in-person instruction; for example, hand-over-hand guidance.
In addition to this, parents working full-time often could not provide the support required by these students.
What can be done to remedy these challenges before another lockdown strikes?
How to Help Students Meet Remote Learning Challenges
Parents and teachers can work together to help students overcome these remote learning challenges. If your child is struggling with school online, the first thing to do is discover the root of the issue. Here are some strategies you can use:
Health Testing
Depending on the issue, you may want to take your child for formal testing. For example, students struggling to focus may have ADHD or they may need prescription glasses. This will help you rule out problems that can be more easily solved.
Assess Your Child’s Learning Style
Not every student learns the same way. When your child is learning from home, you’ll have to figure out the best way to approach his online education.
For example, some students are visual learners. Some do better by taking notes. Others need to hear the subject matter. Take note of what works best for your child.
Work With Your Child’s Teachers
The best thing to do is to talk with your child’s teachers about their learning habits. They may be trained in different learning styles. Ask them how they have supported your child when remote learning was used in the classroom. They may have tools and tips that can help them at home.
Get Support in the Home
You can also get additional support for your student. Tutors and other types of aides can work alongside him to direct his attention. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan in place, he may qualify for behavioral support or other in-home providers to get him through the school day.
Supportive Education Apps
Another good idea is to find educational apps with supportive features to help your child in their studies. Be sure to look for apps that have interactive sessions, live tutorials, and testing features. It’s also wise to find an app with the capability to take attendance so that you can track your child’s logins.
These ideas help organize your child’s remote learning time. Equally important, though, is teaching them to manage their time properly.
Time Management for Better Health
It’s not realistic to have students spending the same amount of time on remote learning as they spent in the classroom. At school, days are broken up with peer engagement, changing classes, lunch and recess, gym activities, and other school assemblies. You should do the same at home.
The best approach is to teach your child to manage his time. This will help him find that essential balance between work, movement, and relaxation that is vital for good health.
Some activities you can do with your child even in times of lockdown include:
Game breaks. We recommend board or card games to take a break from screens.
Life skills. There’s nothing wrong with assigning chores but try to make it fun or empowering. Kids feel independent when they get to do their own laundry or cook for the family.
Get outside. You can give your kids their own “recess” time in your yard if you have one, or by walking or biking. Or pick up some sidewalk chalk and let your child create art outdoors.
Nature walks. Nature has been proven to improve your health. Research shows that it improves brain function, physical health, mood, self-esteem, and more. You can even include science lessons at a local park!
A year of remote learning has had a tough impact on students around the country. These steps reduce the negative impact of online education so you can have a happy, healthy, thriving student.
Neal Portnoy is an internationally acclaimed artist and entertainer who has been drawing since he was five years old, and over the years, he has had his art published thousands of times.Neal spends his days at Portnoy Gallery, where he draws and showcases his one-of-a-kind originals.
If you’ve ever wondered how highly talented and passionate creatives spend their day, NSAEN sat down with Neal Portnoy to find out.We go behind the scenes to learn how he got into illustrating, to hear about some of the notable projects he has worked on and is working on, his commitment to his craft, how he built his career and his brand to this point, how he uses his illustrations to tell a story, and how he brings to life the characters he creates.
NSAEN: Have you always been artistic?
Neal Portnoy:Since I was five years old, and I have no formal training, it’s an ability I was born with; it’s my passion.I tell people if you don’t have a passion for what you do, then do something else.Listen, I don’t want to pat myself on the back, but I am a damn good artist.You have to believe in yourself because if you don’t, no one else will.
NSAEN: Have you always used your art to make a living?
Neal Portnoy:Yes
NSAEN: You call yourself a portrait artist or a caricature artist or both?
Neal Portnoy:I am a creative, and I call myself an illustrator, but I can do caricatures and portraits; I also do commissioned art.
NSAEN: Who are some of the most famous subjects?
Neal Portnoy:Frank Sinatra, Mr. Las Vegas himself – Wayne Newton – Jay Leno, and sports legends Jack Nicklaus, Red Sox Hall of Famer, Ted Williams; Walter Zenga, quarterback Drew Bledsoe, WNBA star Rebecca Lobo, former Boston Red Sox outfielder Dwight Evans, hockey great Ray Bourque, and Doug Flutie, Jr.Creating limited edition lithographs for these sports stars earned me the title of “The Norman Rockwell of Sports Artists.”
NSAEN: You only use felt-tip markers; how did that come about?
Neal Portnoy:I used to use nothing more than pen and ink.Pen and ink is all crosshatch.
NSAEN: What is cross hatch?
Neal Portnoy:Crosshatch is when you do a line horizontally and then vertically; you keep adding the lines to create the illusion of shade or texture in a drawing.Then I tried Sharpie Markers.I asked myself, ‘Why am I trying to do 300 lines to get black.When you make one line with a Sharpie, you get the same effect.Then I found out they made Sharpies in different colors, then I went to design markers and then to Chartpak AD Markers, and they have over 200 colors.I don’t say Magic Markers because it’s a brand name; the correct terminology is that I work with “felt-tip markers.” If you put a paintbrush in my hand, I am useless.
NSAEN: Tell us about your time with the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Neal Portnoy:I worked as the illustrator at the RJ for 16 months.I was published 197 times on the front page of every section, including national recognition for my Trump/Pence Inauguration Day drawing on the front page of the paper.
NSAEN: I understand you are active in philanthropic causes, and you use your work to help raise money.Can you explain a little about that?
Neal Portnoy:We love giving back to the community.I work a lot with non-profits and many different charities, especially where children are involved.I have a passion for children! I’ve done work for the Children’s Miracle Network and St. Jude’s Ranch for Children. An illustration of Mike Krzyzewski, Hall of Fame coach from Duke – 1,000 prints numbered and signed — raised $374,000 that built a wing in Duke Children’s Hospital.Now I’m working with the Tyler Robinson Foundation on a very similar project that has the potential of raising $500,000 for the Foundation; all the money will go to the kids and The Tyler Robinson Foundation!
NSAEN:How long have you had your art studio in Las Vegas?
Neal Portnoy:I have owned Portnoy Gallery since 1974.
NSAEN: So everything on display in your Gallery is for sale?
Neal Portnoy:Yes, everything in my Gallery and on my website, from originals to reproductions of the originals on multiple different surfaces from paper, canvas, and acrylic to textiles and reproductions in newspapers, magazines, and publications.
Reproduction rights, the keyword is ‘published.’ Published means, how will you reproduce the artwork?Will it be featured on the cover of a magazine, will it be printed on a wearable item, or will it be double matted and framed on somebody’s wall?Multiple uses, reproductions…keyword ‘published.’
NSAEN: So not only are you a talented artist, but you’re also an athlete and an entertainer, and people book you for corporate and special events?
Neal Portnoy:Yes, they book me as an entertainer.I am an entertainer who just so happens to be able to draw. It’s a live performance with a quick sketch, humorous caricature, cartoons — for the entire five minutes that it takes to do a full-color cartoon, you can’t shut me up.I am a comedian, but the real entertainment is taking a white piece of paper and suddenly making it come to life in five minutes.People want to listen to me as much as they want to be drawn because I am very quick-witted and humorous; I pick on everyone; I roast anyone within ears distance.
NSAEN: So have you always been funny?
Neal Portnoy:Yea!(Sidebar, I guess you had to be there, but that made me laugh right out loud)!
NSAEN: Do people come to your studio for a drawing?
Neal Portnoy:No, I do everything from a picture.
NSAEN:I heard you were an athlete.
Neal Portnoy:Former athlete.I played semi-professional baseball for two years and coached college baseball for 14 years.I got started with my own art studio after an injury derailed my hopes of playing professional baseball.So I enhanced my abilities as a sports artist by illustrating everything from Media Guide covers to Hall of Fame award portraits for schools nationwide.
NSAEN:I am dying to find out how you got your drawing in the new Allegiant Stadium.
Neal Portnoy:Persistence.I went after them; the drawing was done before they even got to Vegas.I did an 18′ x 24′ drawing that took me two weeks to complete.I heard the Raiders were moving to Vegas, so I said, ‘You know what, they’re going to build this new stadium, and I would love my drawing to be at the entrance when people walk in.” A drawing of the greatest names in the Raider’s history, so I started drawing.I researched contact numbers, sent emails, posted on social media trying to find out who knows who, who knows what — and then when I finally got through to them — they said to me, “We are very aware of who you are, everyone has seen your drawing.” They hired an art firm who reconfigured my original drawing to fit in a28′ x 40′ space going up the escalator inside the stadium, which I had to okay before they mounted it on the wall.The NFL and the Las Vegas Raiders now own the original artwork, but they still need my approval before reproducing it onto anything because the artwork is signed by me.
NSAEN:What are some things you can add your artwork to — greeting cards, canvas, glassware, cups, tote bags, awards — the possibilities seem endless.
Neal Portnoy:Yes, it has all been done.
NSAEN: So what do you see for your future, do you want to expand?
Neal Portnoy:Yes, I always want to expand.I will always have my studio, although it’s more like a museum with 48 years of artwork.We have events all the time so people can come to see what I do. It’s overwhelming; you have to see it to believe it.
I want to be on Ellen; I want to be on Jimmy Kimmel, Good Morning America, to show the world my art.I have a unique style; literally, no one in the country can do what I can do with felt-tip pens.I certainly haven’t seen anyone, and no one else has either.There are better artists out there than me, but the fact that I am a portrait caricature artist at heart, when I cross over to do an illustration, I’m not trained anatomy-wise to know the structure…there’s always caricature in it, but it looks exactly like the person, I am to capture personalities; it’s not a distorted or a gross exaggeration like most caricatures.
If you look at any piece on the walls in my Gallery, no matter where you are in the Gallery, the eyes look back at you; the eyes talk to you. That’s emotion, that’s personification; uniquely important.In caricature, every line is an expression, and there is caricature in every illustration.
NSAEN: Let’s end with some personal stuff.Where are you from originally, are you married, how do you like living in Las Vegas?
Neal Portnoy: I’m married to my beautiful wife and business partner, Dorothy, I’m from Holden, Mass; I have two sons. We’ve lived in Vegas for five years, and we love it!
NSAEN:Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about yourself.
Neal Portnoy:My pleasure.
NSAEN:There is no end to Neal’s talent!This larger-than-life personality is a comic, an entertainer, and a talented artist.If you’ve been “Portnoyed” and included in Neal’s distinguished collection, or you own an original Portnoy, consider yourself lucky.
This extravaganza of fantastic performances with over 30 of the most talented, sexy, and breathtaking artists from around the world—including dancers, acrobats, aerialists, skaters, ventriloquists, comedians and, along with plenty of showgirls, (the iconic kind of past) is now running in the Jubilee Theatre at Bally’s. Beautiful acts with amazing grace, along with comedy, images of Frank, Elvis and Marilyn with their hit songs, will amaze you.
With the return of the heart-stopping “Globe of Death” motorcycle act to a stage filled with aerialists, acrobats, dancers, and the iconic Las Vegas showgirls, you will rave about the new show—“EXTRAVAGANZA”!
Created and directed by famed director Hanoch Rosènn, who also brought the award-winning, family-friendly show, “WOW – The Vegas Spectacular,” to the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas a few years ago. It did over 1000 performances and won countless awards.
“Following the success of ‘WOW,’ and the way the city embraced the show, I am thrilled to bring ‘EXTRAVAGANZA’ to Las Vegas!” says creator, Hanoch Rosènn. “The show is my homage to this amazing city – bringing not only tremendous and unique performers from all over the world – but, also, some of the most iconic and thrilling acts, as well as, the return of the classic showgirls, who made the Jubilee Theatre home for so many decades.”
I was lucky enough to see it for industry night. The room features huge LED screens and the sound system is great.
Running Thursday through Tuesday, with Wednesdays dark, at varying times of 7, 8:30 and 9:30 with prices starting at $103. Totally child friendly, go to Bally’s to buy tickets or online at any of the Las Vegas ticket broker sites.
“Looking back, losing my leg was a gift” – Steve Chamberland, founder of 50 Legs (www.50legs.org).
I met with Steve when he was suffering from a nasty bronchitis.Nothing will stop him from meetings when it comes to the cause he has been called to.In fact, Steve got a reality show deal for 50 Legs, which I am told will launch a big fundraising event at Berts Barracuda Harley Davidson on January 15, 2022, with Brett Michaels as main act and of course LawFran as one of the main sponsors.
Steve lost his leg back in 2003, he had no insurance or any resources to pay for a prosthetic leg.As an aspiring wrestler trained by FCW (Florida Championship Wrestling) in the “School of Hard Knocks”, Steve rubbed shoulders with Jimmy Hart, Hulk Hogan and the likes.He put his resilient fighting skills to work and found a way to fund his prosthetic leg.He even signed on as a pro-wrestler.Shortly after that he crossed paths with young Ania, who also lost her leg at a very young age. Steve found a way to get Ania a prosthetic leg, and that is when Jimmy Hart told him “This is why you lost your leg!”And that, ladies and gentlemen, is when 50 Legs was created.
To date and thanks to sponsors such as LawFran, Suncoast Brotherhood of Florida, Hulk Hogan, Berts Barracuda Harley Davidson, Prosthetic & Orthotic Associates of Orlando, and a myriad of other partnering businesses and individuals, approximately $3 million dollars has been raised and children (576 so far) have been helped because of 50 Legs.
Steve is a former semi-pro football player, amateur hockey player, and pro-wrestler; Steve Chamberland understands the importance of physical activity. In addition to immediate health and mobility benefits, it also impacts your quality of life, confidence level, and self-worth. It is with this mindset that 50 Legs gladly provides quality prosthetic legs to children, adults, and military wishing to live an active lifestyle.
In addition to helping children, Steve has a true respect for those who serve our country and has provided legs for many service men and women. 50 Legs was also one of the first to help and support victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. If you ask Steve how he feels about losing his leg, he might surprise you. “I just want to help people better their lives.” All you have to do is watch Steve interact with children to see he is truly in love with what he does.
Next time you catch me complaining (If you ever will), remind me to count my blessings and, if I catch you complaining I will do the same for you. My good friend and award winning actress Krista Grotte Saxon says, “Life is brutal but it is also so beautiful”.She is so right.
GET LIT WITH iLUMINATE™ FROM AMERICA’S GOT TALENT TO THE LAS VEGAS STRIP – THE STRAT THEATER AT THE STRAT HOTEL, CASINO & SKYPOD
Las Vegas, get ready for world-renowned performance group iLuminate™(pronounced “i” “luminate”), as the brand new production show at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod beginning on August 26th.The STRAT was formerly The Stratosphere, located on the north end of the strip. Premiering in the 10 time slot, iLuminate™ is the ultimate Vegas night out and the most fun you’ll ever have seeing the group named “Best New Act in America” by America’s Got Talent.
With some of the city’s best dancers and comedic hosts, iLuminate™ will showcase several styles of dance and music in this multi-sensory night out. ‘Getting lit through the ages’ is the theme of the show which combines state-of- the-art technology with ‘electrifying entertainers performing in the dark to create an incredible visual arts experience.’
Created by dancer and software engineer Miral Kotb, iLuminate™ allows explosive performances utilizing customized wireless lighting programs creating outstanding lighting effects along with the precision and perfectly performed dances.
“It’s been a dream of mine for so long to open this Vegas show so I’m thrilled that the time has finally arrived!” said Kotb. “I feel we are bringing something so fun and different to the city and we’re excited for everyone to come out and join the party!”
“This production is so innovative and it’s exciting to see the show come to life,” said Golden Entertainment, Inc.’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Entertainment Brad Goldberg. “We look forward to having the iLuminate team as part of our world-class entertainment lineup.”
“The incredible lineup we have set at The STRAT Theater is so diverse and we are ready to plug in and shine with iLuminate – a magnificent concept that really brings something different to the Vegas landscape of entertainment,” said Adam Steck, producer and founder of SPI Entertainment. SPI is a global theatrical production company who along with SR. VP Alex Schechter program and operate The STRAT Theater.
The show’s creative team includes co-director West Hyler whose previous position was with Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour and Jersey Boys, as well as Kevin Teasley as musical director who previous clients includes Usher and Jennifer Lopez.
iLuminate™ will run Wednesday through Monday. Tickets begin at $49, plus additional taxes and fees, and can be purchased online at tickets.thestrat.com or in person at the box office at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod. Guests must be 16 years of age or older. For more information on iLuminate™, please visit www.iluminate.com.
Direct sales can be a very lucrative business. I’ve heard some say that in order to be successful, you have to have experience. It amuses me when I hear that, because how do you get experience?
If you have chosen to be in direct sales, it is vital that you make a 100% commitment. Whenever I hear someone say that they are going to give sales a try, immediately I know they are going to fail. You cannot just give it the old college try, you have to just do it! It’s going to be challenging but I promise you it’s going to be worth it. Let me encourage you to start right where you are and don’t look back.
Over the last few weeks, I have been giving some sales tips which I believe will help you to reach a higher level. Let’s continue today with some top sales secrets.
1) Stop pitching and start engaging.
Yes, It is important that you learn the presentation and know what you are supposed to say. The only way you’re going to get good at something is to keep doing it. Your goal though is to get to a point when it becomes very natural. This may take a little time but keep plugging away, and you will keep improving . You will find that prospects get turned off when they feel like they are being pitched; the key is to have a conversation presentation. This will produce better results.
The top salespeople will know the script well enough to cover relevant information, but their goal is to have an approach which will lead to discovering the prospect’s particular needs. You have to get to the point where you ditch the pitch and start engaging with your prospects. Learn to develop a rapport while, at the same time, being in control of the conversation. This is where asking questions comes in. When you ask questions, make sure you are listening intently so you can come up with a solution for your prospect. Selling is not telling. Quit selling and start helping.
2) Stop overselling and get to the point.
Too many sales people get into what we call “information overload.” A prospect is ready to close, but the salesperson keeps on talking and eventually talks themselves out of the sale. At this point, you are basically just wasting the customer’s time.
Learn not to waste time covering information that is not important to the specific situation. Top salespeople will cut what needs to be cut to keep the meeting on topic. Get to the point and keep it simple.
3) Learn how to handle objections.
Sales is simply eliminating objections before they come up. Top salespeople know what to do when a prospect has objections. Learn to welcome the objection, come up with a testimony and a solution to that objection, and then follow up with a question to maintain the control.
There is no need to be pushy. Often when prospects bring up issues, they may just be questioning the trustworthiness of the salesperson more than anything else. Your job is to build trust by being sincere, genuine, and having the prospect’s best interest in mind.
4) Have fun.
One of my slogans in our industry is “having fun and making money.“ This is so true when it comes to sales. I’ve heard many salespeople who have had great weeks and months and they will always tell me that they are enjoying the process. They are having a blast.
Learn to not take things too seriously. A prospect knows if you are stressed out, it’s hard to hide that. Go out and use the sales field as therapy. Enjoy yourself and let your prospects see that you really enjoy what you are doing. If you have a lot of fun, they are going to respond much more positively. The bottom line is, people like to be around people who are positive and enjoy life.
I wish you great success. Believe in what you are doing. Always remember that you’re going to improve each and every day. The key is to stay positive, be persistent and, no matter what, never ever give up. You can do this!
Have a blast this week and go out and help somebody!
Interact with everyone in the room as you search out the "who done its", who is the “murderer", and did they deserve it or are they innocent? Plenty of pre dinner hints and clues with a lot of "shady" characters.
