I Am Refocused Radio

Honest and introspective, Naomi Sky's music transports you to a dreamy reality full of infinite possibilities. She enchants listeners by giving them a glimpse into her world and inside her head. For the past 23 years, she's been observing the world, taking it in and admiring everything and everyone around her. While in college, these habits contributed to feelings of isolation and loneliness pre-pandemic, it all led to the creation and idea of her upcoming album: Vulnerable. This project focuses on accepting, releasing, and celebrating emotions. It’s her introverted side opening up to the outside world. The lyrics discuss everything from falling in love to learning how to let go, the confusion of heartbreak and disappointment, anxiety, and the possibility of a Future Love. The deeper into the album you go, the more you feel her grow; it's an inside look at
Naomi Sky's blossoming Self Love journey.

A strong believer that the arts are healing to the soul, Naomi Sky loves singing, songwriting, dancing, journaling, choreographing, modeling, and painting. These creative outlets have allowed her to explore all the facets of herself.
"We all play many different roles in life, and every unique role that we play, every part of us makes up the whole. Life is a combination of logic and magic", she says and her music reflects this. Her writing is deeply rooted in love, faith, loyalty, curiosity, self-exploration, and embracing the unknown. While it may not be clear why she is feeling an emotion the moment that she experiences it, she uses her emotions as a powerful tool to reflect and find the hidden meanings and synchronicities of life, her Life Path.

Hoping to empower people through her music to embrace their emotions and search for their own happiness, Naomi Sky is passionate about the mind-body connection and overall health. She was born in Arlington, Virginia and grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Joining the modeling industry at age 15 combined with her family's values gave her an appreciation for healthy habits, a healthy mindset, and authenticity in the entertainment industry. With a major in communication studies and a minor in music from the University of Miami, she intertwines all her passions to advocate for health. As she continues to grow, create, and develop her skills, her talents grow and expand, too.

Her first single, Let's Dive In, was released in August 2020. A year later, her second single, "With You," was released in August 2021, and she is releasing a third single in October 2021. Her full album is predicted to be released sometime in 2022. Check out @itsvulnerablenaomisky on Instagram to stay up to date on new releases

"I aspire to spread peace, love, compassion, and honesty with my art and energy. I'm constantly learning from the world and the people around me, and I'm so grateful for all my experiences. Thank you for joining me in this exploration of life.
I love you infinitely"
​

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ABOUT WE ARE NOT LIKE THEM

"Now these women, they can WRITE!" -Terry McMillan, New York Times bestselling author of It's Not All Downhill from Here

"We Are Not Like Them will stay with you long after you turn the last page." -Laura Dave, New York Timesbestselling author of The Last Thing He Told Me

Told from alternating perspectives, an evocative and riveting novel about the lifelong bond between two women, one Black and one white, whose friendship is indelibly altered by a tragic event-a powerful and poignant exploration of race in America today and its devastating impact on ordinary lives.

Jen and Riley have been best friends since kindergarten. As adults, they remain as close as sisters, though their lives have taken different directions. Jen married young, and after years of trying, is finally pregnant. Riley pursued her childhood dream of becoming a television journalist and is poised to become one of the first Black female anchors of the top news channel in their hometown of Philadelphia.

But the deep bond they share is severely tested when Jen's husband, a city police officer, is involved in the shooting of an unarmed Black teenager. Six months pregnant, Jen is in freefall as her future, her husband's freedom, and her friendship with Riley are thrown into uncertainty. Covering this career-making story, Riley wrestles with the implications of this tragic incident for her Black community, her ambitions, and her relationship with her lifelong friend.

Like Tayari Jones's An American Marriage and Jodi Picoult's Small Great Things, We Are Not Like Themexplores complex questions of race and how they pervade and shape our most intimate spaces in a deeply divided world. But at its heart, it's a story of enduring friendship-a love that defies the odds even as it faces its most difficult challenges.

ABOUT JO PIAZZA

Jo Piazza is a bestselling author, podcast creator and award-winning journalist. She is the author of many critically acclaimed novels and nonfiction books including Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win, The Knockoffand How to Be Married. Her work has been published in ten languages in twelve countries and four of her books have been optioned for film and television. Jo is also the creator, host and executive producer of the hit podcastsCommitted, Fierce and Under the Influence. A former editor, columnist and travel writer with Yahoo, Current TV and the New York Daily News, her work has also appeared in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, New York magazine, Glamour, Elle, Time, Marie Claire, the Daily Beast, and Slate. She holds an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania, a master's in journalism from Columbia University, and a master's in religious studies from New York University.

ABOUT CHRISTINE PRIDE

Christine Pride is a writer, editor, and longtime publishing veteran. She's held editorial posts at many different trade imprints, including Doubleday, Broadway, Crown, Hyperion, and Simon & Schuster. As an editor, Christine has published a range of books, with a special emphasis on inspirational stories and memoirs, including numerous New York Times bestsellers. As a freelance editorial consultant, she does select editing and proposal/content development, as well as teaching and coaching, and pens a regular column-"Race Matters"-for Cup of Jo. She lives in New York City.

Link to articles about We Are Not Like Them

: https://people.com/human-interest/voices-against-racism-jo-piazza-christine-pride-novel-inspired-by-their-own-interracial-friendship/

https://www.thebookseller.com/blogs/reading-cure-1275853

ABOUT JO PIAZZA'S PODCAST UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Under the Influence is a deep dive into the Mom Internet, a place haunted by aspirational marketing where it feels like every other mom is a social media influencer trying to sell you something, all while posed in white kitchens that never seem to get messy. with toddlers in cloth diapers that never ever leak; a bastion of carefully curated lives that are #blessed.And behind this airbrushed perfection is money, so much money. Billions and billions of dollars. Journalist and mom Jo Piazza looks at how we got here, what it all means and how the commodification of motherhood is driving mothers a little insane. And through it all she wonders whether or not she has what it takes to join the ranks of the momstagrammers, if she too can make thousands of dollars off beautiful photos of bath time, frolic-ing in fields of purple flowers and posing her newborn next to a beautiful latte.

Episodes here:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-under-the-influence-with-76687187/

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President of Human Coalition, Jeff Bradford Talks about his recent article:


"We have to do more than prevent abortions"

https://www.christianpost.com/voices/we-have-to-do-more-than-prevent-abortions.html


Jeff Bradford serves as President of Human Coalition, where he channels his experience as a seasoned business leader to initiate and cultivate relationships with major and principal donors.

As former owner and CEO of Cross Media, Jeff built that company from 4 to 80 employees, and grew sales from $400K to over $14 million. He brings a breadth of knowledge about leadership development and sales cycle management. Most recently, Jeff was a managing partner of CGO Partners, a consulting firm focused on corporate growth.

After learning about Human Coalition (HuCo) in 2010, Jeff was so moved by how the organization verifiably saves preborn children from abortion, he began volunteering. He eventually left the business world to work with Human Coalition full time in 2012. Since then, he’s helped grow HuCo into one of the nation’s largest pro-life organizations.

Jeff graduated from the University of Texas (Austin) and holds a BS in Finance.

He and his wife Tricia have four children.

The health of any civilization is measured by the culture it creates and celebrates. In America, since 1973, when the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion-on-demand in Roe v. Wade, our’s has been one of sterilized death—not of combatants on the battlefield but of babies in the medical confines of hospitals and clinics . . . and in the intimacy of the womb.

Abortion is a stain on America. And the God who gives life will not hold us guiltless. Thomas Jefferson wrote, “I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just and that His justice cannot sleep forever.”

We tremble as well.

We are Human Coalition—a collective of individuals bound together in answer to a common call: to do all we can to remove the stain of abortion from America. We are change agents—not simply because we are against abortion but because we are for life. We are for preborn babies who need to be protected in the womb; for women who should not have to choose the life of their baby for a fulfilling life; for families whose members should flourish in an environment of value and love; for mothers and fathers who deserve a chance at being mothers and fathers; and for society that needs all its children to live and thrive if it is to be called “civilized.”


https://www.humancoalition.org

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SCARLET - Model & Entrepreneur - a professional traveling model, and influencer, based in Florida.

"The day I was scouted for my first photoshoot, forever changed my life. I live to create, and I come alive in front of the camera. I strive to make each and every shoot my absolute best work yet. This passion and dedication is shown in everything I do.

I work in a wide variety of genres, and pride myself on my versatility as a model. I also work with a wide variety of companies, brands, and individuals on all types of creative projects or marketing campaigns. I am proud to present the collection of my work here, across several platforms. I look forward to connecting with you!" - Scarlet

Modelmayhem Interview/press: https://www.modelmayhem.com/education/modeling/16573-model-qa-scarlet-begonias

https://www.shootwithscarlet.com
https://www.instagram.com/scarletbegonias_wildroses/?hl=en
https://www.modelmayhem.com/scarletbegoniaswild
https://www.facebook.com/shootwithscarlet
https://twitter.com/scarletbwild

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Jay Elle’s latest release, the 12 song album “Ride the Wave”, was arranged, mixed and produced by Caleb “kbc” Sherman (Cygnus Sound Studio). The album was mastered by Paul Logus (plxmastering.com). “The pandemic feels like one of those endless rainy days that I hated as a child. Boring!!!!!” says Jay Elle. “Back then, on rainy days I couldn’t go out. According to my mom, if I were to get my hair wet I would most certainly catch a cold. Apparently, everyone else’s mother thought so too. There was no one to hang around with on rainy days. At home, I was on lock down with the same old toys. No guitar then. No Internet. This new album is about how to best enjoy yourself while waiting for the sun to shine again.” Whether he relies on pop, rock, or more intimate voice and guitar arrangements, Jay Elle obviously puts a lot of effort into crafting excellent lyrics with powerful messages. His latest release, the LP “Ride the Wave” focuses on sharing his way to deal with the pandemic. “I think that much of what we do in life is ride one wave after another, as best as we can. Some waves are fun to ride, like recording a new album, and some are tough. Riding a pandemic is no picnic. But what choice do we have? I take life as it comes, and ride the wave.” All of the songs on this new album are fun waves to ride. “Ride the Wave”, of course, and “Want Me Bad, “Miss Mess”, “Rainy Day”, and a song written for The Vampire Diaries actress, Nina Dobrev: “Tequila Kiss” (Instagram @nina). I am a big fan of Ms. Dobrev. So, I wrote a song about my experience as a fan and follower: “Tequila Kiss”. I do think Nina is a terrific actress. If we ever meet, I would love to discuss how she prepares for a part. She is “all emotion”. And always very precise. And very entertaining, on screen and on Instagram. Music was always part of Jay Elle’s upbringing, especially at family gatherings and celebrations. And at home, the radio was always on. Jay Elle is an acoustic pop singer songwriter who brings warmth and energy through diverse, well-crafted, “five star”, guitar-driven melodic songs. His soft inviting voice will uplift and soothe your spirits and his witty lyrics will provoke deeper thoughts about the world while sharing optimistic, positive, upbeat messages that will “have you carry on with your day with a smile”. 2 Contact Information: Jay Elle [email protected] His best friend from school, Philippe Blin, and a musical cousin both kindled Jay Elle’s musical curiosity when they showed him how to play a few chords on his guitar. But his lifelong obsession with the beauty and power of song accelerated when his aunt bought him a guitar of his own. According to Jay Elle, “I became more interested and dedicated more time to guitar playing and songwriting than other activities. I would get this spine tingling feeling when I heard certain songs, a blast of energy, like I could do just about anything. It felt hopeful and positive.” The positive energy of music eventually lead Jay Elle to enroll at the Geneva Conservatory of Music, where he studied theory, composition, classical guitar, and singing. But Jay Elle’s heart was more attuned to popular music, and he soon joined a band and was quickly immersed in blues, rock, jazz and pop. “I listened to a lot of guitar heroes,” says Jay Elle. “Between the rigor of rendering a classical piece as it was written, and the open fields of blues or jazz improvisation, I feel that the pop song format is ideal if you can bring some of these elements together to serve a great melody and meaningful lyrics.” His passion for blues, jazz, and pop lead Jay Elle to relocate to the country where it all began, the United States. Living in New York City opened up a lot of musical opportunities. After meeting singer/songwriter/producer Margaret Dorn (Bette Midler, Boz Scaggs, Judy Collins, Rosanne Cash), Jay Elle was soon playing guitar on her albums and co-writing songs with her. Jay Elle also worked closely with entrepreneur Bill Aucoin, best known for managing Kiss and Billy Idol. In New York, Jay Elle formed a jazz ensemble with composer/guitarist Byron Estep, who is perhaps best known as the executive director of Blue Man Group. Jay Elle’s time in NYC also lead to working with John Dubs (Front 242), who was instrumental in honing his production chops. But although Jay Elle has been fortunate enough to work and learn from some important musical talents since landing in NYC, his focus, drive and passion has been creating and performing his own songs. In 2017, he released his first EP of original music, the critically-acclaimed “Rising Tide”, produced by veteran engineer Warren Schatz (Evelyn “Champagne” King, KC & The Sunshine Band, Vicki Sue Robinson). In 2019, Jay Elle released a self-produced EP, “Ease Up”, mixed and mastered by Grammy nominated engineer/producer Brent Kolatalo (Lady Gaga, John Legend, Lana Del Rey, Bruno Mars, Ariana Grande, OneRepublic, etc.). “Ease Up” featured a collection of groovy, uplifting, guitar driven songs. All of the tracks presented a positive attitude toward a life event that Jay Elle experienced or witnessed. With “Ease Up”, Jay Elle stated, “I want to share optimistic and positive messages that focus on looking forward and moving on from imperfect situations. I’m optimistic about the future and I want to share that viewpoint.”




https://jayellesongs.com/

www.instagram.com/jayelle2222

www.facebook.com/jayelle2222

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STEVEN WEBER JOINS NBC'S CHICAGO MED (FROM DEADLINE)



NBC's Chicago Med is leaning into Dr. Dean Archer's controversial promotion to interim chief of the ED by upping Steven Weber to series regular. The news comes after the explosive Season 6 finale in May that saw power-hungry Dean continue to dangerously bend the rules to suit his agenda.



Additionally, two new doctors are joining Gaffney Chicago Medical Center as Guy Lockard and Kristen Hager have landed series regular roles on the Dick Wolf-produced procedural, which returns for its seventh season this fall. The new cast additions follow the shocking departures of Yaya DaCosta and Torrey DeVitto at the end of last season.

Lockard will portray Dr. Dylan Scott, who left a career as a Chicago police officer to become a doctor. Whether the doctor has any connections to characters in Chicago P.D. is as yet unknown.



Hager plays Dr. Stevie Hammer, a brilliant and scrappy emergency room attending physician.



NBC's One Chicago Wednesday lineup, anchored by Chicago Med at 8 PM, returns Sep. 22. The franchise is produced by Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television, part of Universal Studio Group.



STEVEN WEBER BIO (FROM IMDB.COM)



This Queens-born actor has certainly proven himself adept at everything from quirky comedy to flat-out melodrama earning TV stardom in the early 1990's and maintaining a strong foothold on stage, film and TV in its aftermath.



Steven Robert Weber was born on March 4, 1961, to Fran (Frankel), a nightclub singer, and Stuart Weber, a nightclub performer, and Borscht Belt comic and manager. He was already appearing in television commercials by elementary school age. He later studied at the High School of the Performing Arts in New York and graduated from New York State University. The fair-haired, fair-skinned actor worked a series of menial jobs during his salad days as a struggling thespian (custodian, elevator operator, singing waiter) until earning his break on TV in a presentation of one of Mark Twain's stories. Quickly making his film debut in the popular comedy The Flamingo Kid, he nabbed a running role on the soap opera As the World Turns a year later. On the set he met first wife Finn Carter, another co-star on the daytime drama. Steven stayed put for a year then went on to gain recognition in more offbeat and/or prestigious productions on film and prime-time TV. He played a rock star in the thoroughly offbeat foreign-made film Angels and showed real command as John F. Kennedy in the epic miniseries The Kennedys of Massachusetts.



That same year TV stardom came his way with the sitcom Wings. Co-starring with Tim Daly as Brian Hackett, the looser, goofier more aimless half of the brotherly team who co-owned a one-plane, Nantucket-based airline, the actors' chemistry, not to mention a terrifically eclectic supporting cast, kept the show on a steady course for seven seasons. Easily typed now as a genial, lovable loser type, Weber faced the prospect of severe pigeon-holing. So during the show's off season, he started showing up in more serious roles. He suffered at the hands of the deranged Jennifer Jason Leigh in Single White Female; appeared in a second chiller with The Temp; and made a cameo in the highly depressing, award-winning Leaving Las Vegas. His flair for comedy shone in is straight-man role as Johathan Harker in the critically acclaimed horror spoof, Dracula: Dead and Loving It He truly impressed both critics and audiences alike as the complex title character in Jeffrey, a gay romantic film comedy, and then completely defied all odds by starring in an epic TV-movie version of Stephen King's horror classic The Shining, seizing the role inherited from Jack Nicholson and brilliantly making it his own while earning a Saturn award for his chilling efforts.



By the time "Wings" came to an end in 1997, Weber had divorced his actress/wife Finn Carter (they had no children) and married actress/TV executive Juliette Hohnen on July 9, 1995. They have two children, Jack and Alfie. He and Laura Linney were selected to play the TV-movie leads in the popular A.R. Gurney theater piece Love Letters. While other TV series comebacks have fared less well, including the short runs of The Weber Show (which he produced), The D.A., Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Happy Town and Chasing Life.



Steven bounced around solidly in other venues. In 2002, he joined the cast of the smash Broadway musical "The Producers," taking over the nebbish Matthew Broderick role. In 2004, he went to London to appear on stage with Kevin Spacey and Mary Stuart Masterson in "National Anthems." Other plays over the years have included "Throwing Your Voice," "Something in the Air" and "Design for Living."



Steven has remained quite productive into the millennium with recent film outings in Sexual Life, The Amateurs, Inside Out, the title role in Choose Connor, Farm House, My One and Only, A Little Bit of Heaven, Son of Morning, the comedy Being Bin Laden in which he played Osama Bin Laden, Crawlspace, Kiss Me, Amateur Night, A Thousand Junkies, The Perfection and Allan the Dog. Seen even more prolifically on TV, he has graced such popular shows as "The D.A.," "Will & Grace" (as Will's brother Sam), "Monk," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "Desperate Housewives," "Hot in Cleveland," "Parenthood," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Sleepy Hollow" and "This Close."



The actor continues to play a stream of comedic and dramatic recurring roles on such TV programs as Without a Trace, Brothers & Sisters, Dallas (the New Generation), Murder in the First, Helix, iZombie, House of Lies, NCIS: New Orleans, Ballers and Get Shorty and more recently appeared as a regular on the mystery series 13 Reasons Why and comedy series Indebted. In addition, he has given voice to a few animated programs including Ultimate Spider-Man, Avengers Assemble The Bravest Knight and Puppy Dog Pals.

https://www.nbc.com/chicago-med

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RENEE TAYLOR BIO

Taylor worked as a comedian in the early 1960s at the New York City nightclub Bon Soir. Her opening act was a then-unknown Barbra Streisand. In 1968, Taylor played an actress portraying Eva Braun in Mel Brooks' feature film The Producers, a role she got while performing the play Luv with Gene Wilder, whom Brooks decided to cast as protagonist Leo Bloom.

Taylor and her husband, Joseph Bologna, co-wrote the Broadway hit comedy Lovers and Other Strangers and received Oscar nominations for having written the 1970 film adaptation. In 1971, the couple co-wrote and starred in the film Made for Each Other.



A 1985 offering of theirs included the two-character comedy title It Had to Be You. The story concerns two entertainers who meet, fall in love, eventually irritate each other, and decide to marry and collaborate on playwriting together. Taylor and Bologna also co-wrote and starred in the television show Bedrooms, a series of four skits on love which Jeff Jarvis in People called "cute (if slightly off-color)." In 1996, after a several year hiatus, Taylor and her husband co-wrote and acted in the film Love Is All There Is, the story of two Italian-American families who must learn to get along when their son and daughter decide to get married.



In the mid-1990s, Taylor and Bologna wrote and produced the off-Broadway play Bermuda Avenue Triangle.



From 1992-94, Taylor played the overbearing Jewish mother of Brian Benben's lead character on the HBO series Dream On. In 1993, she was cast as the mother of Richard Lewis, and the ex-wife of Don Rickles, in the Fox sitcom Daddy Dearest, which was canceled after a two-month run in the fall. Also in 1993, Taylor was slated for sporadic guest appearances on the new CBS sitcom The Nanny, playing Sylvia Fine, the mother of Fran Drescher's title character. After the cancellation of Daddy Dearest, Taylor was upgraded to a recurring cast member during the first season of The Nanny and eventually a full-time cast member by the third season. Her roles on the two broadcast network series were concurrent with her work on Dream On.



Taylor is most often recognized for her role in The Nanny. Her character is intent on helping daughter Fran find a husband and has a passionate love for food. Taylor's husband, Joseph Bologna, made two guest appearances on The Nanny. First, as an egomaniacal actor named Allan Beck, who tormented Maxwell Sheffield (Charles Shaughnessy) and second, in the final season, Bologna again guest-starred as a doctor and admirer of Sylvia in the episode "Maternal Affairs".



In recent years, Taylor has guest-starred as Ted Mosby's neighbor, Mrs. Matsen, on How I Met Your Mother. She also had a guest-starring role on the Disney show, Shake It Up, portraying a cranky elderly woman, Mrs. Lacasio, in a retirement home. She also had a guest-starring role on the Nickelodeon show, Victorious as Robbie's cranky grandmother who needed Robbie's help with the internet.



In addition to her numerous guest-starring appearances, Taylor has worked as a voice actor as the character Mrs. Start in the animated feature film Ice Age: The Meltdown, and in a recurring role as Linda's mother Gloria in the animated Fox series Bob's Burgers. Taylor also played Martha Benson in the film Opposite Day, released in 2009.



Taylor also appeared on Fran Drescher's latest show Happily Divorced as the best friend of Fran's mother. In 2011, Taylor was cast in the short-lived Fox cartoon Allen Gregory, in which she voiced the character of Principal Gottlieb. In 2013, she starred in the Tyler Perry film Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor as Ms. Waco Chapman, the owner of Chapman drug company.



In 2016, Taylor starred in the Netflix movie The Do-Over with Adam Sandler as the role of Mrs. Kessler and in the TV show Rock in a Hard Place. Recently, Taylor appeared in the 2017 film How To Be A Latin Lover.



Taylor had a role in Tango Shalom, which she acted alongside her husband, in his final film role before his death.



ABOUT TANGO SHALOM, NOW IN THEATERS



Tango Shalom was directed by Gabriel Bologna, son of Renée Taylor and the late Joseph Bologna. The cast includes Golden Globe Nominee Lainie Kazan (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Oscar and Emmy Award-winner Renée Taylor (Adam Sandler's The Do Over, The Producers, The Nanny), Karina Smirnoff (Dancing With The Stars), Joseph Bologna (My Favorite Year, Blame It On Rio, Big Daddy, Lovers and Other Strangers), Jos Laniado Claudio Laniado (Mudbound), Bern Cohen (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), and Judi Beecher (Taken 3, Family is Family, La Garconne).



Synopsis: When a female Tango dancer (Smirnoff) asks a Rabbi (Jos Laniado) to enter a dance competition, there's one big problem-due to his Orthodox beliefs, he's not allowed to touch her! Desperately in need of splitting the prize money to save his Hebrew school from bankruptcy, they develop a plan to enter the competition without sacrificing his faith. The bonds of family and community are tested one dazzling dance step at a time in this lighthearted fable. In Los Angeles, the film can be seen at Landmark Theaters on Pico and Town Center 5 in Encino, and September 10 opens at The Laemmle in Newhall. In New York, at AMC Empire 25, The Village East Cinema By Angelika, and also opens on September 10 at The Cobble Hill 5 and Williamsburg Cinemas Brooklyn, Kew Garden 6 Queens, and Malverne 5 and Roslyn 4 on Long Island. Canadian Cinéma Cineplex locations include Forum et VIP - Montreal, Empress Walk - Toronto, and Fifth Avenue Cinemas - Vancouver. Tango Shalom finished its three day weekend engagement better than expected at $20,581, with an astonishing per theater average of $5,145 (second best only to Marvel's Shang-Chi). Tango Shalom also claims bragging rights to the best 2021 exclusive opening, as well having the best PTA, this Memorial Day to Labor Day summer season. Showing daily gross increases this weekend (Saturday +32% from Friday and Sunday +54% from Saturday) boasts to be the number one independent film release this weekend.



On Friday, September 10, the interfaith movie that promotes peace, tolerance and inclusion, will expand onto more screens in New York and Los Angeles, and also across Canada in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver with additional screens to be announced soon.



Here's the Tango Shalom trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6w9qkvKca8

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KADEN LEBSACK WINS SEASON 13 OF AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR (FROM AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR NATION.COM

Ater timing out on the Stage Four rope climb, 15-year-old Kaden Lebsack is the American Ninja Warriorseason 13 Last Ninja Standing.

During the finale episode, Kaden performed sheer art on Stage Three. He gracefully and stoically swooped through all seven of the seemingly impossible obstacles. Kaden was the only of the final four competitors to reach the buzzer. Austin Gray was the season's runner-up with his time to Eyeglass Alley.

Kaden has impressed us all season long. Ahead of his run in the Qualifiers, Kaden's dad told us something that turned out to be a warning in regards to what Kaden was capable of: "I don't think many people in the world have a drive like Kaden does. When he finds something he wants, he pushes it really hard until he gets it."

Right after that, Kaden put up the fastest course completion of the night.

In the Semifinals, Kaden tore through the course again, taking the third spot on the leaderboard.

After a run on Stage One of the National Finals that left him in the fourth spot on the leaderboard, Kaden faced Stage Two. Here's where we all really started to understand the level of talent we were dealing with. Of the 27 Ninjas who took on Stage Two, only four stayed dry. And Kaden came out with the fastest time to the buzzer.

"It was crazy watching Stage Two," Kaden told us. "All of these insane athletes not being able to finish. I definitely think the cold had a big part to play. It was super hard to warm up. I ran non-stop for 10 minutes before my run and I was still freezing. It was very cold and I think that played a huge part in people not having the performances they would have liked."

The make-or-break moment of Stage Two was the blind grab of the Falling Shelves. The move took out competitors like Jake Murray, Sean Bryan, and Adam Rayl. Kaden, a rookie, had a different approach that got him through.

"My strategy was to not get a huge backswing on it. Just kind of relax on the swing I was releasing off of. I saw a lot of strong Ninjas get a huge swing and I think that messed them up."

The smart strategy moved Kaden to the buzzer, a big enough moment in and of itself.

"I could not believe I hit the Stage Two buzzer. It was crazy. I'm still in shock. I have no words for it. It's absolutely mind-blowing," Kaden said just hours before he'd stand at the bottom of Stage Four.

"I was definitely nervous (prior to Stage Three). I tried not to think about it too much until they brought us over to do rules. Stage Three looked brutal the first time I saw it. Everyone who was with me on Stage Three was capable of clearing. I thought all of them could. Seeing all of them go down was shocking to me. It was absolutely crazy to be a part of it as well."

But Kaden, in a testament to his maturity as a competitor, didn't let those falls get into his head. As he put it, "You gotta go out there and do your own thing."

The Stage Three obstacles slid by him in a blur, but Kaden recalls one standout moment, "I remember the last Flying Bar cradle. Thinking about how long I've been wanting this. It's finally coming true. I couldn't believe it."

We spoke to Kaden ahead of his Stage Four climb, but at this point, we all knew he was the Last Ninja Standing for season 13. That's a massive accomplishment for anyone, let alone a rookie.

"There are so many emotions," Kaden said. "I can't believe I cleared Stage Three. It's been a dream of mine forever. To actually do it, it's awesome. I really can't believe it. It hasn't sunk in yet. I'm so shocked to be the Last Ninja Standing. Hopefully, I can be the ANW season 13 champion."

The $1 million prize was just beyond Kaden's reach as he timed out on the rope climb. But that outcome only gives him a goal for the future. And he still earned $100,000 for his trouble. He might even share the riches with his fellow teen Ninja Warriors.

"I owe Max Feinberg a trip to Disneyland. He bought me a smoothie once and I said if I won ANW, I would take him to Disney.

To close out our season, we asked Kaden to share his "Oscars moment speech." Who does he want to thank for this year?

"I'd thank my coach John Maul. I've trained with him every single day forever. For the past five years. I couldn't ask for a better coach and training partner. This season is more than I could ever ask for. I've been working so hard for this. And for it to start paying off, it's crazy."

Kaden Lebsack, a 15-year-old rookie, accomplished almost everything there is to accomplish on American Ninja Warrior in just one season. What could that mean for future seasons of the show? It means fans better buckle up.

Kaden Lebsack in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpCr2-vzbXg&t=127s

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Josh Hurt and Brandi Ross talk about The Worship Gathering Weekend in San Antonio #WGSA21 September 18th & 19th

The Worship Weekend is BACK featuring Todd Dulaney, Doe Jones, & Many More!!! About this event

What is The Worship Gathering?

The Worship Gathering is a night of spontaneous corporate worship lead by worship leaders/pastors from all around the nation. It is a place where people from all walks of life come to encounter God together to create a worshiping community.

Dates:

The WG Summit: September 18th, 2021 9a - 1p
The Worship Gathering: September 19th, 2021 5:30p - 9p

Add to calendar
Location

Now Word Covenant Church

12525 Nacogdoches Road

San Antonio, TX 78217

Hotel Information

Courtyard San Antonio Airport by Marriott


615 Broadway Street

San Antonio, Texas 78217

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-worship-gathering-weekend-in-san-antonio-wgsa21-tickets-166116046567

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ABOUT SCOTT CONANT AND PEACE, LOVE AND PASTA



Peace, Love, and Pasta: Simple and Elegant Recipes from a Chef's Home Kitchen, Scott's most personal and accessible cookbook to date, delves into the evolution of how his cooking has changed throughout his career, and how he has established the strongest connection he's ever had to his food as a result of his deep relationship with his family. Previously living a life continuously on the road, like so many of us, during the pandemic Scott embraced the unprecedented opportunity to be at home and cook with (and for) his family every day. This change actually affected the direction of Peace, Love, and Pasta which is now a celebration of the art of cooking for love. The book showcases the foods Scott grew up with and those he makes for his loved ones today, offering restaurant-quality meals that emphasize the beauty of simple, fresh and flavorful Italian dishes. It also includes authentic Turkish recipes as an homage to his wife, Mel's, heritage and the meals that are a staple in their home. Recipes from Peace, Love, and Pasta include:



*A guide to handmade pastas such as Scott's famed signature Pasta Pomodoro made with fresh basil and tomatoes, butter, and olive oil



* Simple staples, from Scott's Broccoli Rabe Pesto to his Roasted Garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and EVOO Spread



* Must-try seafood dishes such as Hamachi Crudo with Ginger Oil and Finger Limes and a delicious, brothy flavor bomb called Branzino Alla'acqua Pazza that combines branzino with lobster, spices, herbs and heat



* Perfectly cooked meats such as the Prime Rib with Parmigiano-Reggiano Popovers and Dijon and Demi-Glace Glazed Leg of Lamb with Lemon-Herb Crust



* Dishes for the whole family inspired by Scott's daughters, ranging from Ayla's Truffle Tajarin and Karya's Ricotta Raviolini with Melted Baby Tomato Sauce



* A detour to Turkish home cooking inspired by Scott's wife, Mel, and her family's recipes including Börek, two ways, Cevizli Kömeç (Walnut Bread), Manti, et al



Peace, Love, and Pasta also includes recipes for breakfast, soups, sides, salads, antipasti, and sweets



SCOTT CONANT BIO



Scott Conant brings a deft touch and unwavering passion to creating soulful food in a convivial atmosphere. With a career spanning more than 35 years, a portfolio of acclaimed restaurants and an ever-expanding brand, Conant has established himself as one of the world's leading chefs.



A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Conant built a reputation for outstanding leadership and culinary creativity early in his career, running the kitchens of famed Italian spots such as il Toscanaccio, Chianti and City Eatery, all of which earned glowing reviews throughout his tenure.



Conant officially put his name on the map when he opened the beloved L'Impero in 2002, which garnered a three-star review from The New York Times, the title of "Best New Restaurant" from the James Beard Foundation and praise from top publications such as Gourmet and Food & Wine, the latter naming him "Best New Chef" in 2004. Following the success of L'Impero, Conant opened Alto, an elegant Italian restaurant in midtown Manhattan. Always looking to raise the bar, Conant eventually moved on to bring his own vision of sophisticated, savory Italian cooking to life. In 2017, he opened Mora Italian, a modern, convivial osteria in Phoenix, Arizona, and in April 2018, he debuted Italian steakhouse Cellaio at Resorts World Catskills in Monticello, New York. Now, Conant has expanded his Arizona restaurant portfolio after taking helm of The Americano, an Italian-inspired steakhouse in Scottsdale, in October 2020.



In 2018, Conant launched his Sprezza line of cooking and pantry essentials, bringing his passion for food culture into homes and giving fans an opportunity to cook with authentic Italian flavor in their own kitchens. The Sprezza collection of nine sauces, spreads, olives, and more embody the three tenets of Chef Conant's restaurants - honesty, integrity, and soul.



Conant is known to fans worldwide for his Food Network appearances, including his long-running role as a judge on Chopped. In 2020, he began hosting the spinoff Chopped Sweets, and he has served as host of Best Baker in America seasons 2 and 3, Topgolf's Chef Showdown, and Beat Bobby Flay. In addition, he has made numerous guest appearances on The Today Show, Rachael Ray Show, and Good Morning America, among others. He has also published three cookbooks: New Italian Cooking, Bold Italian, and The Scarpetta Cookbook. His newest book, PEACE, LOVE, AND PASTA, will debut in September 2021.



As Chef Conant continues to embark on new opportunities, he looks forward to sharing his enduring philosophy: savor the pure pleasure of food, down to its last taste.

Get the Book today!

https://www.amazon.com/Peace-Love-Pasta-Elegant-Recipes/dp/1419747363

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.