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Picture this: a small dinner between friends turns into a jam session. A group of people who had not seen each other in years reconnects over their passion for making music and creating apps. The atmosphere is great, and the energy is high. They let talent, inspiration, and a good time take over as they play their instruments and sing. And that is how some of the greatest bands came to be.
Back in July 26, 2013 that is exactly how The Band Famous was born. Norell and Zander–the founders–visited their friends for dinner and soon turned that occasion into an improvised jam session. They played music and out of that recording came the tracks you can now listen to in their debut album, Last Words.
Norell and Zander met in 2010 when she posed for him as a body paint model at DVS1’s Hush Studios in Minneapolis. From the very beginning, she noticed Zander’s kindness and passion for helping and promoting other artists. This is a quality they both wanted to be part of their band and their careers.
The Band Famous became the first band to code, develop, and deploy an exclusive app album for their debut. It gives users the opportunity to listen to the album offline, enjoy live interactive in-app concerts, and the chance to play a strategic, retro, sophisticated video game of Rock, Paper, Scissors.
Besides their innovations, they stand out because they foster a community and queer-based enterprise that is all about inclusion and acceptance for those who have been shunned by family and friends over their alternative lifestyles. Their purpose is to help others love and accept themselves and inspire them to follow their dreams to take their lives by the reigns and make it what they want for themselves. The founders say, “we want to inspire, we want to uplift, and we want to give back even more by raising awareness and proceeds for charities close to our hearts.” In the end, they want their audience to be in a better state of mind after listening to their music.
Their passion and talent led them to create a loving and accepting fanbase. With them in mind, Norell and Zander created an online Hall of Fame where they share the music they enjoy. Because they care about musicians, they share others’ talented new records–with their permission–with their fans online. They also have their own TBF Radio for free every hour of every day to keep their followers company at all times.
From the beginning of their careers, both Norell and Zander have shown how important it is for them to create a safe space for people to be themselves. Through their music, their Hall of Fame, their radio, and their app, they want their fans to feel accepted. Year after year, they continue to spread awareness and love. The way you can perceive this is by listening to their music or visiting their LA store on Saturdays from 3PM to 5PM.
It’s very common for new homebuyers to get too excited about a few features of the house and hurriedly finalize a purchase. Sometimes they may focus too much on certain aspects and completely ignore other important features. But, when deciding about purchasing a house, ignoring the plumbing faults can be a major mistake. Certain plumbing details that escape your inspecting eyes can turn out to be major faults and cost you expensive repairs. How would you feel if the day after you move in you find overflowing tubs of water in the toilet?
Read ahead for some tips and tricks to keep in mind while you house-hunt.
Check the toilet flush: Don’t let the fear of embarrassment keep you from checking the toilet flush in every bathroom. Each and every toilet flush should be checked to inspect the plumbing. This way you will be able to figure out if there is a poor water pressure, a clog, or a leak.
Test the water pressure: Most of the water-based home appliances like the dishwasher and the washing machine require adequate water pressure for optimal functioning. You can easily check the water pressure of your prospective home by running the shower or the hot water.
Question the pipe age and material: Pipes can be made of different materials including copper, cast iron, galvanized, or PVC. Depending on the type of the material, pipes may be prone to damage or wearing off sooner. For example, if you consider galvanized pipes for example, they would need to be replaced after 30 years. Therefore, being informed about the age and material of the plumbing pipes will help you gauge their effective lifespan. In any case, if the plumbing is made of lead pipes, you should steer away from the deal immediately because of the risk of lead poisoning. Shower faucet parts also depend on pipe material, as aging galvanized or lead pipes can damage these components. Checking both plumbing and shower faucet parts helps ensure safety, durability, and long-term performance.
Keep a lookout for visible signs of damage: Keep out for pipes or fixtures that look rusty or worn out. Some places you should definitely check are the inlet and outlet pipes of the water heater, water purifier etc. In fact, do a thorough inspection of these appliances for detecting leaks, corrosion and buildups.
Check the basement: You may think that the basement would just be another storage space in the house, and don’t care about taking a trip underground. But as a prospective house owner, you should not ignore the basement inspection, especially from the plumbing point of view. Inspect any pipes and drains in the basement for leaks or damage. Enquire about the sump pump and check the reliability of its perimeter drainage system.
Check outdoors: While the backyard and the lawn may not catch much of your attention, they carry some plumbing secrets you ought to unravel. Outdoor leaking pipes may commonly go unnoticed by homebuyers. While you take a walk outdoors look out for any suspicious water puddles, wild growths near the walls and mold growth on the building surface. These may be indicative of pipe leaks.
Ask about the septic tank: Feel free to enquire whether the house has a septic tank and where it is located.
Inquire about the rain drains: Every house needs a fault-free and effective rain drainage system. Rain water flooding can cause huge water damage and even health issues due to unreasonable humidity levels in the house. It’s a good idea to inspect the rain drains and downspouts and be assured of their effectiveness.
If you are not satisfied with the quality of the home’s plumbing after a thorough inspection, you should inform the agent or the seller about your opinion. In fact, it would be a smart move to get a professional plumber to inspect the plumbing further and give you a clear state of affairs of the house’s plumbing.
Capitol Records will release Sam Smith’s new album, Love Goes, on October 30th. Today, as the album pre-order launched, they shared their new single, “Diamonds,” a dazzling dancefloor anthem that showcases Sam’s unforgettable vocals in a defiant tale of love lived without regret. Smith wrote the track with Shellback (Adele, Maroon 5, Taylor Swift) and Oscar Holter (The Weeknd, Tove Lo). Shellback and Oscar Görres (MARINA, Allie X) produced. Download/stream “Diamonds” HERE.
In the official video, Smith dances alone with abandon, reveling in their newfound freedom and emerging from a stormy night to greet the morning sun. The clip was directed by Emmy award winning filmmaker Luke Monaghan, who also teamed up with Smith on such videos as “Too Good At Goodbyes” “Writing’s on the Wall” and “I’m Not the Only One.” Their work together has amassed over 2.5 billion streams. Watch the “Diamonds” video HERE.
The album’s 17 songs were written over the course of the past two years. The pandemic gave Smith a fresh perspective on the album and impacted both its title and the recording of tracks such as the recently released “My Oasis,” a cross-continental collaboration with Burna Boy. As Smith details in this announcement, posted today, “Every time I went into the studio I promised myself I would shoot for the stars and have no limitations…I am sorry it’s taken a while. But these unprecedented times gave me the room and space to fall in love with these songs all over again…After it all I still believe love is the answer. And with love in our hearts and kindness in our words and actions, we sing on.” The new album builds on the 30 billion career streams Smith has amassed and the global success of their multi-Platinum debut and sophomore albums, In the Lonely Hour and The Thrill of It All. For the artwork for Love Goes, Smith worked with world-renowned British fashion photographer/filmmaker Alasdair McLellan (Vogue, Kim Jones, Louis Vuitton) to bring their vision to life. Love Goes is available for pre-order HERE. Fans who pre-order the digital album will instantly receive “Diamonds” plus “My Oasis,”“Dancing with a Stranger,” the chart-topping collaboration with Normani that has sold more than 13 million units and racked up over 2.5 billion streams worldwide, “To Die For” and “How Do You Sleep?” The new album also features collaborations with Labrinth (“Love Goes”) and Calvin Harris (“Promises”). See below for track listing. Love Goes follows 2017’s The Thrill Of It All, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and also topped the charts in the U.K., Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and Belgium. Awarded four stars by Rolling Stone, the album included the hit single “Too Good At Goodbyes,” which recently became Smith’s second song to receive over a billion streams on Spotify, after “Stay With Me.” Smith, who has won GRAMMY, BRIT, Golden Globe and Oscar awards, recently featured on Tiwa Savage’s new song, “Temptation.”
Sales is not everyone’s strong suit, and used car sales has its own stigma. But with the right preparation, you can have the confidence you need to get the most money selling your car. Here are a few strategic tips you can use when selling a used vehicle, no matter the kind or condition.
Preventative Care
Getting the most out of your car in the future begins with how you take care of it today. Preventative care like regular oil changes and safe driving will help you get the most return when it comes time to sell your car.
Oil Change – Motor oil keeps your engine in proper working condition by lubricating its moving parts. This protective barrier also regulates engine temperature and prevents corrosion, which could lead to very dangerous and expensive damage that will show up on your vehicle history report.
Keep Clean – It may not seem like it, but keeping your car clean will help with your resale value. Taking your car through a touch-free car wash on a regular basis will help prevent paint from fading and could even prevent rust.
Safe Driving – A bit of a no brainer, but accidents dramatically decrease the value of your car. Even when repaired, a car that has been repaired following an accident is a red flag on the vehicle history report. Even if the outside looks good, the buyer has no way of knowing any residual effects of the accident and may choose to avoid the risk all together.
Prep for Success
Curb appeal applies to cars as much as it does homes. Getting more money for your vehicle can be as simple as cleaning it up and taking good photos. Prep your car, inside and out, for eye-catching photos from every angle including detailed shots. Wait for a nice day with optimum lighting and drive to a place with ambiance such as a park, atop a parking garage with the skyline in the background, or even just the side of a building with a clean wall. Don’t forget to eliminate distractions like garbage from the area. Great photos of a detailed car will naturally attract more attention and likely get you more cash in the end.
Getting more money for your vehicle can be as simple as cleaning it up and taking good photos. Great photos of a detailed car will naturally attract more attention and likely get you more cash in the end.
Transparency
After you’ve cleaned and photographed your car, put together a consolidated write up. You could even provide your own copy of the vehicle history report. Whether you’re sharing online or in-person, offering as much information as possible gives car buyers confidence that you’re not trying to hide anything. This transparency creates a foundation of trust which will help you secure your ideal asking price.
Understanding Value
Understanding the value of your car is the next step in getting the most out of it. The last thing you want is a situation where the buyer knows more about your car than you do. If you don’t know enough about the value of your car you could either undersell yourself or let someone talk you out of what your car is truly worth. Do a little research and look into pricing across sites such as Kelly Blue Book, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local dealerships.
Key Factors
There are a few primary factors that determine the value of your car, though some of the details can be subjective. The vehicle’s mileage and condition are two standing factors no matter the make or model. The value of your car based on its year is somewhat relative. Typically, the newer the better, unless your buyer is a collector or there have been recalls associated with the year of your car. The make and model can be somewhat subjective because buyers desire different cars for different reasons (ie. electric, luxury, comfort, size). Ask yourself why you bought the car in the first place.
Other factors that affect the value of your car:
Owner Care
Number of Owners
Stock Accessories
Aftermarket Upgrades
Unique Factors
Throughout the time you’ve owned the car, you’ve undoubtedly made some changes to fit your lifestyle. Have you added a roof rack to haul snowboards or mountain bikes? Did you add navigation and update the stereo equipment for a better road trip experience? Did you lift your truck and add bigger tires? These things can increase the value of your car.
Opportunity Factors
Something to keep in mind when you’re prepping to sell is demand. Today’s car market is unique. While many are working from home and driving less, Americans are much more inclined to own a personal vehicle to avoid public transportation. Furthermore, the cost of gasoline and climate change campaigns are inspiring drivers to reduce their carbon footprint. Both of these factors make electric and hybrid vehicles more attractive.
Something to keep in mind when you’re prepping to sell is demand. As more people are inspired to do their part in helping the environment, electric and hybrid vehicles have been more attractive to prospective car buyers.
Negotiating & Wiggle Room
Now that you’ve prepped, photographed, and posted your car for sale, it’s time to gear up for negotiating. Selling privately through sites like Craigslist, eBay or Facebook Marketplace will get you the most for your car. If you have the right connections, you may be able to park your car with a for sale sign in a high-traffic area to attract potential buyers. When you sell to a dealership, they have to plan for overhead, profit, and commissions. This means the purchase price needs to leave enough room for markup and less money for you.
If you’ve researched similar vehicles for sale in your area, as well as the appropriate value for your car based on the factors mentioned above, the final tip for getting the most money for your car is to include a little wiggle-room in the asking price for negotiating. For example, if your car is valued around $10,000 and nearby dealerships are selling the same vehicle for $9,000 to $12,000, consider listing your car with an asking price in that range, but $2,000 above your ideal sale price. Wise buyers will always make an initial offer below asking price, and if you have a cushion for negotiating, you should be able to offer a competitive rate that still gets you the most money for your car.
Your Trade-In is Someone Else’s Treasure
Whether you’re retiring a hand-me-down clunker or you’re growing from sports car to SUV, there is a buyer who will find what they need in what you’re selling. Getting the most money for your used car simply requires a little cleaning, research, and strategic negotiating. In the end, if the sale isn’t as important as your time, you can always donate your car to nonprofits like The Salvation Army or Habitat for Humanity, who are helping individuals and families rebuild their lives.
Despite the challenges online platforms face, casinos do their best to ensure customer information is safe and secure. They provide efficient, safe payment methods without disclosing their data or bank details. Mobile casinos are reliable, safe, honest, and ethical. Here is a look at how they achieve this.
Licensing and Regulations
Opening a mobile casino is not as simple as it may seem. Financial compliance is mandatory. Operators must adhere to rules set by their governments regarding gambling, and attain a license to run the casino. An official agency strives to protect players and ensures that they are not exploited. Gambling sites that do not oblige to these rules are shown the door.
Regular Audits
Regular auditing is mandatory for all licensed mobile casinos. Third parties monitor how these sites handle players’ funds. They also check player rights and if they are fair to players. This move ensures that casinos prioritize customer care and not take advantage of them in any way.
Technical Security
Mobile casinos are in fact secure, take Vegas Casino, for example. Since players have to key in their names, email, date of birth, mobile number, and preferred payment methods, the level of security of this data is at the highest. These sites ensure that they have the perfect technical protection that prevents leakage of such sensitive information. It’s also helpful in minimizing fraud.
Most of them invest in reputable companies that are experienced in matters of online security. To achieve this, they prompt users to a 2-step verification, ID verification, segregate players’ funds, secure encryption, and advocate for responsible gambling.
Fairness of Games
Casino games depend on luck, and all numbers are generated randomly for every single gameplay. External companies check the Random Number Generators (RNGs) to prevent any malicious deals. This ensures that every player gets equal chances of winning, hence making it fair. Winning depends on luck and playing smart, not artificially manipulated.
Software
So far, several reputable software developers are known for releasing some of the popular games. These companies’ trustworthiness is evident in their awesome mobile slots. Mobile casinos offer games made by well-regarded software providers. Players have nothing to worry about as these games are similar to the desktop versions.
Before the games are released to the public, they are usually tested for fairness. Players can be rest assured that nothing has been tampered with. Examples include; NetEnt, Microgaming, IGT, Play’n GO, Bet Soft, Big Time Gaming, Red Tiger Gaming, Playtech mobile slots, among others.
Ownership
There are countless sites owned by reputable groups in the betting industry. These names are widely known and enjoy a vast client base. Players who wish to try out a new site should first do a background check to get relevant information.
Safe Deposits and Withdrawals
This is the number one factor to consider when it comes to payment methods via a mobile device. It is also the responsibility of customers to exercise by not sharing their passwords with other people. Mobile casinos offer simple, quick deposit and withdrawal methods that guarantee instant access to money.
The process is well streamlined such that there haven’t been any cases of loss of money. Most sites accept mobile wallet payment methods such as Skrill, PayPal, Wire Transfer, and Neteller. Alternatively, customers who prefer the convenience of cards are free to use their Visa or Mastercard. Always check the available options before settling for one.
HYbrid RSA Encryption
There is no way other unrelated third parties can intercept your transaction details because the data becomes encrypted. The process takes place between two groups, the casino, and the bank, for instance. Once a player authorizes a payment, the bank releases it immediately. The online site gets this data and completes the process by crediting your gaming account with the amount.
SHA 3-Hash Algorithm
Gambling sites use this algorithm to prevent any interference with Random Number Generators. This point takes you back to the need for fairness in games. Players don’t have to worry about the mechanisms of winning because the algorithm takes care of that.
Conclusion
From the above, it is evident that mobile casinos exercise security measures similar to desktop sites. Nothing is compromised. What matters the most is the safety and security of the players and the games they play. Casino auditors and regulators keep these sites on toes, so that they can provide great payment methods as well as maintain fairness in games. For these reasons, players shouldn’t shy away from enjoying great gaming experiences by trying out slots on their mobile devices.
The ability to quickly adapt to change is a key aspect of running any successful organization. However, in times of crisis, that change can often come quicker than the organization and its stakeholders could imagine. Unfortunately, for nonprofit organizations and their beneficiaries, the COVID-19 global crisis has drastically changed the world. The need in our communities is greater. However, the opportunities for raising much needed funds have been hampered by social restrictions. So how does a nonprofit organization keep their donors engaged in times of crisis?
Communications
Communicating with our stakeholders is an integral part of telling our story. In a normal operating environment, we share with people who know us and those who don’t, who we are and what we do. We explain our challenges and needs, and we celebrate our successes with thanks to donors for their collective support.
But our story, much like the operating environment, has now morphed. We have quickly recognized the need to change how and what we communicate. We understand that donors are being bombarded with information about all the current needs in our society. So rather than get lost in the noise, we are finding a balance of increasing communication without being overwhelming, through impactful storytelling – where donors can clearly see the need and the impact of their donation. And, we are adjusting the way we raise funds, while continuing to lend support to the organizations that have been a part of our flagship program.
We also understand that there are many who will undoubtedly rise to the occasion, even before we can ask for a helping hand. And for that, we are grateful.
Technology
Our focus at the Herbalife Nutrition Foundation is simple and globally unifying – help bring nutrition to children and families in underserved communities around the globe. So, with donors spread throughout the world, engaging with them can sometimes be a challenge, but that is something we’ve adapted to, and now relish in that global reach.
The challenge we are facing today as a result of COVID-19 is that we are an event-driven organization that raises 90% of funds from events, to one where events have been eliminated. So, since we are limited on the ability to host events and gatherings, and failing our communities is not an option, we must adapt and move forward.
Thanks to technology, we found a way to offer peer-to-peer fundraising tools that allow those who want to help, to create their own fundraisers. Donors can share heartwarming videos about why the cause means so much to them. They can inspire others by snapping photos of their outreach. Without social media, it would be much more difficult to bring a global audience together, to share in our collective work and our reach, helping so many along the way.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
English poet John Donne famously wrote, “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” These words are evident in the way people have come together to support each other in these critical times, and the way organizations have stepped up or partnered with others to lend a hand to those in need.
Our partner organizations around the world are doing amazing work and setting examples of how adaptation in times of crisis can be done right – from changing the way they operate daily, to offering services to more than children. For example, SOS’s Children’s Villages is working to educate and reduce the spread of COVID-19, offering psychosocial support and alternative childcare in developing countries. Other organizations like Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), are helping provide meals to children and families who otherwise would go without, while also working to provide adequate technology to students who are now studying from home.
This is who we are and what we do. We adapt and we overcome. We use technology to help us tell our story. And our story will be shared again and again, helping us not only to raise awareness, but allowing us to collect funds that will make an impact in the lives of children and families, all around the globe.
When you retire, your whole life changes. Or, at least that’s how it feels. For most of us, our careers are a huge part of our entire identity, and you will probably feel a lot different once you hang it up.
That can be good and bad. For some, it is fully and undeniably a great feeling on day one. A dream come true. For others, the transition is difficult. And that can lead to some negative effects — both mentally and physically.
The best way to make sure you can adapt quickly and avoid any severe downside is by staying active and staying healthy. The more you can do to remain physically, mentally, and emotionally fit, the better it all will go.
The following represent three great ways to maintain your physical and mental health after retiring.
1. Pick Up Something New
By the time you hit retirement age, you are probably pretty set in your ways. The last thing that might seem like a good idea is even more change. But it really can help. It doesn’t have to be something major. Replacing the hours you normally spend at work with something else, however, will do you a lot of good. Join a new club, pick up a new hobby, or get involved in your community in a new way. And add brain health supplements like Cogniultra and Brain Savior to your routine to support cognitive function and mental clarity. It can really help you adjust — you won’t be just losing something but adding something as well.
2. Embrace the Water
One of the difficult parts about getting older is that it’s harder to exercise and stay in shape. Even people who have always been fit and love to run or play sports have trouble maintaining their routines because it can be so hard on the joints. The solution? Jump in the pool! There’s a reason that even pro athletes rehab in the water. You can continue using you body and strengthening your muscles — plus your lungs and heart — without risking injury.
3. Get Top Coverage
Of course, no matter how fit you stay, there will always be some health concerns. That’s just inevitable as people age. So you need to make sure you have the best possible healthcare coverage. For most seniors, this means going with some type of Medicare Advantage plan. This allows you to expand upon the coverage of the traditional program at a very affordable rate. There are many different types, but it’s hard to go wrong with a Medicare Advantage PPO plan that includes benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t. Make sure you have access to all the medical care you need.
Staying Mentally and Physically Fit
After you retire, there will be an adjustment period. But you can minimize the negative parts of this transition by implementing the right strategies. The goal for everything should be staying healthy — and improving your health.
After all, you don’t have to grind away at a 9-to-5 anymore. You might even be able to strengthen your body and sharpen your mind with more free time and more energy to devote to yourself.
Start by replacing your work hours with some new hobbies. Stay fit with low-impact activities like swimming. And make sure you have the best healthcare coverage possible. This alone will help so much. You can embrace retirement head on and start loving your life more and more every day.
PRESENTS TUMBLER AND TIPSY BY MICHAEL KULUVA VIRTUAL PRESENTATION OF THE SPRING/SUMMER 2021 COLLECTION DURING NEW YORK FASHION WEEK
Global Audience Invited to Engage At Home to Celebrate Accessible Fashion
UPPER NYACK, NY (August 25, 2020) –CreakyJoints®, a Global Healthy Living Foundation digital patient community for people with all forms of arthritis, today announces it will present the Spring/Summer 2021 Tumbler and Tipsy® by Michael Kuluva collection timed to New York Fashion Week. As a designer with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and CreakyJoints member, Michael advocates for social distancing and following local guidelines to stay safe and reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Therefore, “The Newest Normal” collection event – filmed in Canada where Michael is residing during the pandemic — will be presented virtually and premiere on YouTube on September 16, 2020 at 8pm ET. Immediately preceding the premiere, Michael will participate in a live #CreakyChats on Twitter to discuss the inspiration behind his collection.
As the Spring/Summer 2021 Tumbler and Tipsy® virtual show starts, viewers will meet arthritis advocateEmily Sirotich, whose sleep is disturbed by pain and is seeking support from the CreakyJoints website. It won’t be long before she crosses path with Michael and gets magically transported to the collection presentation. Once there and in partnership with Cherrytree Records, her journey will be punctuated by music from global music superstars including Lady Gaga, Sting, Shaggy and more.
“I’m thrilled to bring my COVID-conscious collection to a global audience because being physically distant does not preclude joint celebrations,” said Michael Kuluva, designer of Tumbler and Tipsy. “My new collection was inspired by my desire to inject light, color, and happiness into our world, which may feel smaller as we hunker down to protect each other during the pandemic. When I get dressed in something that looks amazing and feels great, it sets the tone for the rest of my day. I hope my collection inspires self-care.”
“My involvement in the Tumbler and Tipsy Fashion Show highlights the importance of bringing lived experiences into the spotlight. Arthritis advocacy can take many forms, and it is inspiring to see Michael Kuluva showcase the experience of arthritis patients on the world-stage,” said Emily Sirotich, a PhD student at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada and a member of the Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance, CreakyJoints, and the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance.
The Newest Normal
Michael continues to innovate, filling The Newest Normal with comfortable clothing that is great for lounging around in, but stands out from the crowd with high volume colors and glam touches that will make the wearer feel confident. Always inclusive, Michael’s clothing is easy to put on and many of the collection pieces will have hand-painted, glow-in the-dark details thoughtfully placed to emphasize where people living with arthritis experience pain – on the inside and out.
“The pandemic has upended everyone’s lives, particularly those who are at increased risk because of underlying conditions or living with a chronic disease, like I do. When I need support, I’m glad I can count on CreakyJoints to be there for me. CreakyJoints parent organization, the Global Healthy Living Foundation, jumped into action and launched a Covid19 patient leadership council and support program, available at GHLF.org. Additionally, I can find community day or night on their social media channels, log my symptoms into the ArthritisPower mobile app and participate in their monthly #CreakyChats,” added Mr. Kuluva.
Before the show, Michael Kuluva will participate in a live #CreakyChat on Twitter (@CreakyJoints) to answer questions about his collection and living with arthritis, particularly during the pandemic. Join the #CreakyChat at https://twitter.com/CreakyJointson September 16, 2020 at 7pm E.T.
CreakyJoints co-founders Seth Ginsberg and Louis Tharp said, “Every year, we’re surprised and inspired by Michael’s Tumbler and Tipsy collection, which is always inclusive without sacrificing fun or style. We congratulate him on his forthcoming premiere and look forward to continuing our relationship with him because he sets an important example of how to live and live well with rheumatoid arthritis.”
About Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling and loss of function in the joints throughout the body, but typically the small joints of the hands and feet. RA can strike at any age and, if left untreated, can cause joint damage and even permanent joint destruction or harm to the body’s organs. RA is an autoimmune disease that is treated typically by a specialist called a rheumatologist. Read more about managing RA in “Raising the Voice of Patients: A Patient’s Guide to Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis,” available for free download at http://creakyjoints.org/patientguidelines.
About Tumbler and Tipsy
Anchored by the creative mind and brilliant talents of professional figure skater turned fashion designer, Michael Kuluva, Tumbler and Tipsy is not only reworking, redefining and revamping the world of fashion but is taking it over with his sexy yet stylish brand. Tumbler and Tipsy is produced in Los Angeles, CA with colorful collections that are distinctive but never repetitive, chic and classy while being comfortable and versatile. Tumbler and Tipsy is not just a line of clothing, it’s a collection of art, it’s an embodiment of chic fashion in the modern world, and it’s a representation of a lifestyle: fun, bold, luxurious and daring. www.tumblerandtipsy.com
About CreakyJoints®
CreakyJoints is a digital community for millions of arthritis patients and caregivers worldwide who seek education, support, advocacy, and patient-centered research. We represent patients in English and Spanish through our popular social media channels, our websites www.CreakyJoints.org, https://creakyjoints.org.es, www.creakyjoints.org.au, and the 50-State Network, which includes more than 1,500 trained volunteer patient, caregiver and healthcare activists.
As part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation, CreakyJoints also has a patient-reported outcomes registry called ArthritisPower® (ArthritisPower.org) with more than 28,000 consented arthritis patients who track their disease while volunteering to participate in longitudinal and observational research. CreakyJoints also publishes the popular “Raising the Voice of Patients” series, which are downloadable patient-centered educational and navigational tools for managing chronic illness. It also hosts PainSpot(PainSpot.org), a digital risk assessment tool for musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. For more information and to become a member (for free), visit www.CreakyJoints.org.
In Greenwich Village near where Stonewall Inn resides, a monument will be built to honor the legacy of Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, trailblazers and history-makers for the LGBTQ+ community. Marsha P. Johnson was a black transgender woman and drag queen, whose outspoken activism and radical vision during the Gay Liberation Movement continues to inspire people today.
A monument isn’t the only place bearing her memory. Marsha’s House- operated by the nonprofit Project Renewal- opened on February 15, 2017 to continue to serve the community as Marsha did, by taking in homeless LGBTQ+ young adults. With the added risks and discrimination that they face, Marsha’s House seeks to provide valuable resources and shelter to these LGBTQ+ youth.
According to a report done by the National Institutes of Health, around 62% of homeless LGBTQ+ youth have faced discrimination from their families. Jazmine Pérez, Program Director of Marsha’s House, stressed the importance of having a “safe space dedicated to [LGBTQ+ homeless youth]” as “New York City had never had housing tailored to their needs.”
These youth face particular adversities that are further complicated when alternative housing options do not have the facilities to aid them, or are outright discriminatory towards them. A study done by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln shows that 41% of homeless and runaway LGBTQ+ adolescents they interviewed have major depression, in comparison to 28% of homeless heterosexual adolescents interviewed.
Marsha’s House boasts a variety of programs catered towards some of the issues that LGBTQ+ individuals face. Pérez outlines services which include “referrals to legal supportive services, education, healthcare, and employment programs.”
Additionally, clients that come to Marsha’s House are assured personalized living arrangements that assist each individual in finding employment and housing. “Our Case Managers and Peer Counselors meet with clients to ensure compliance with their individual living plan. They work closely with our Job Developer, Vocational Counselor, and Housing Coordinator to secure employment and housing.”
Concerns over Covid-19 pandemic are ever prevalent in the context of shared living facilities, like homeless shelters. However, Marsha’s House eases some of this concern by screening potential clients for the virus, enforcing social distancing, and cutting down accommodation from 81 beds to 60 in its 5-floor-walk-up facility. The facility maintains 20 rooms of various sizes, from single rooms to larger rooms that accommodate up to 6 people.
But Covid-19 hasn’t been the only adversity Marsha’s House has faced in recent years. The Trump administration has continued to be a source of disparaging policies and remarks against the LGBTQ+ community. On July 23, 2020, the Department of Housing and Urban Development formally announced a proposal that would reverse the 2012 Equal Access Rule, which warrants protection for homeless transgender people against discrimination by homeless shelters and other federally funded alternative housing.
This comes as a setback and large blow to the transgender community. A 2015 survey done by The National Center for Transgender Equality shows that “70% of respondents who stayed in a shelter in the past year reported some form of mistreatment, including being harassed, sexually or physically assaulted, or kicked out because of being transgender.” The HUD’s rollback on the Equal Access Rule would only serve to undo the progress that has been made to make homeless shelters more safe to the marginalized people that need them.
“The rhetoric and policies of the Trump administration have disregarded the very identities of our clients and staff, especially when it comes to the intersectionality of our existence,” said Pérez. “Speaking personally, as a woman of color with trans experience, I feel like I have three strikes against me in the eyes of this administration.”
Despite these incredible challenges they face, Marsha’s House continues to receive equally incredible help- from the support coming from their progressive state of New York, to the generous donors that help fund Project Renewal, to the operations staff that help run things every single day. “Our Marsha’s House Heroes are our operations staff. As essential workers, they have not skipped a beat with reporting to work and providing the support our clients needed. Being that we are a shelter, we operate 24/7/365, and our operations staff members are always here for their full 8-hour shifts.”
Madison Beer release her latest single “Baby” via Sing It Loud/First Access Entertainment on exclusive license to Epic Records. With the drop of the single comes a dreamy voyeuristic video that finds Madison plucked from a picturesque scene and dropped into the dark reality of life. “Baby” is taken from Madison’s forthcoming debut full length album Life Support, out later this year. You can listen to the single here.
“Coming out of a dark time mentally I inevitably had to build my confidence back up,” says Madison. “Writing ‘Baby’ made me feel in control of myself and my body again in the best way. When I wrote ‘Baby’ I was not only reminding myself that I can have what I deserve but also warning the next person that comes into my life that being with me is conditional . ‘If you wanna be my baby’ then know I’m going to be loud, quiet, wild, sexy, shy, high, low. I’m not going to apologize for who I am or shrink myself down anymore so if you can’t deal, then keep walking. I am regaining my confidence and this song truly makes me feel powerful and I hope it supplies anyone who might need a boost of confidence the same thing.”
Madison’s debut album, a strong personal and artistic statement, is slated for release later this year. “Her soon to be released album,” states V Magazine, “will surely pay homage to her years of growth in the spotlight with an entirely new depth of clarity.” Life Support sees Madison where she thrives – commanding complete creative control through writing her own songs, producing and creating her own visuals. The album will feature previous releases “Good In Goodbye,” “Selfish,” and “Stained Glass” which have a combined total stream count of over 282 million. “Selfish” is now also certified Gold in the US.
Prior to signing with Epic Recordslate last year, Madison Beer achieved unprecedented success as an independent artist with her partner First Access Entertainment. Her debut EP As She Pleases boasts over 950 million streams and made her the first independent female solo artist to break into the Top 20 radio charts, after having debuted in the Top 5 on iTunes in 18 countries and in the Top 10 in 42 countries worldwide. Globally, Beer has over 2 billion streams across her catalogue.
She’s attracted the endorsement of Time, NME, V Magazine, Billboard who named her among its coveted “21 Under 21” list and Rolling Stone who hailed her as a “raising pop star.” Madison will be debuting “Baby” on The Late Late show with James Corden on August 26th.
