whereitzat magazine may 2014

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and Inspiration

The Theatric Rise of Orisha

Melinda KatzQueens, The Worlds Borough

Love

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ContentsFeature ArticlesArticles

Love and Inspiration

Rise of Orisha

Melidna Katz

May Vol #125th edition

WhereItzAt Magazine is published monthly by WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved. WhereItzAt Magazine is a registered trademark of WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without written consent is prohibited. Views of editorial content do not necessarily reflect the views of WhereItzAt Magazine, WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. or its advertisers. For questoins, comments and concerns address your letters to: WhereItzAt Magazine • 219-10 S. Conduit Avenue • Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 or email:[email protected]

WhereItzAt Media Group Inc.219-10 S. Conduit Avenue,Springfield Gardens, NY 11413

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CHAIRMAN & PUBLISHER

CLIVE WILLIAMS

PRESIDENT & ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

CHRISTOPHER C. WILLIAMS

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

ANNETTE GORDO

pg 20

pg 22

pg 23

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ADIKA BUTLER

ONLINE PUBLISHING

NAKISHA DUNCAN

ART DIRECTOR

VICTOR STOUTE JR

PHOTO JOURNALIST

MARJORIE FLASH

NEW MEDIA INITIATIVES

ROCKSTONE MEDIA GROUP

CONTROLLER

MICHELLE WILLIAMS

LEGAL COUNSELOR

GARNETT H. SULLIVAN, ESQ

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

ADIKA BUTLER - DR. CLIVE WILLIAMS MARJORIE

FLASH - CHRIS GODFREY SHERON P. - REUBEN

JAMES

PHOTOGRAPHERS

CHAMPION HAMILTON OF CHAMPION EYE MEDIA

MARJORIE FLASH OF MY FLASH KEN/UNIVERSAL

MEDIA

ON THE COVER IMAGE

RAYMOND AND SUDAN DEANE

Member of

8 Where do we go from here

10 “A Legacy Reborn”Women Celebrating Women

12 Alicia’s Palace: One of Trinidad’s Secret Treasures

14 Okinawa Karate Kobudo Kai

16 15 Incorrectly used words that can make you look bad

18 Caribbean Business Connections Celebrates its 2nd Anniversary

26 Melinda Katz Rebranding the borough of Queens

28 Are you sacrificing too much for your relationship?

32 Sizzla gets Radical

34 Black Aids Institute strongly cindemns Donald Sterling’s bigotry

36 The Dumplin Shop New and Improved

38 7 Popular pieces of Business advice you should ignore


Offers Expire June 30th, 2014

WhereItzAt Magazine is published monthly by WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. All Rights Reserved. WhereItzAt Magazine is a registered trademark of WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without written consent is prohibited. Views of editorial content do not necessarily reflect the views of WhereItzAt Magazine, WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. or its advertisers. For questoins, comments and concerns address your letters to: WhereItzAt Magazine • 219-10 S. Conduit Avenue • Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 or email:[email protected]

WhereItzAt Media Group Inc.219-10 S. Conduit Avenue,Springfield Gardens, NY 11413

461 Elmont Rd. Elmont,NY 11003Phone: (917) 749-7613


Clive Williams, CEO/ Publisher_________________________

PUBLISHER’S VIBE

If you are Black, educated, wealthy, privileged and arrogant, pay attention, the wider the wealth gap becomes, the narrower your escape route becomes, we are all inextricably linked in this economic vortex of “inequality for all.” Simply put, if your wealth is in real estate and your tenants can’t pay their rent, your asset could be compromised. Sadly, wealth or the absence of it, seem to breed a suspicion and defensiveness that leads to antagonism. I am not seeking at this time to offer how to redress this situation, but to point out that a real problem exists and can only be mitigated when we find a way to cooperatively increase our assets and keep them in our families.

In the United States, assets reflect the value of homes, automobiles, personal valuables, businesses, savings and investments. Now you might respond that you possess some, or all these assets. However, if at any time you have to use your assets to liquidate debt, you are clearly NOT among the 1% or even the 20% of the wealthy in America. The rich rarely have to touch their assets because they attract huge incomes in addition to their assets. Earlier this year, just before President Obama’s State of the Union, the media released a study showing that the wealthiest 1% owned 40% of the nation’s wealth, the bottom 80% only own 7%. The gap between the top 10% and the middle class is over 1000%, yes that’s one thousand percent.

An understanding of the power and reality of wealth is necessary for us to pursue this discussion intelligently: remember wealth derives from the value of homes, automobiles, personal valuables,

businesses, savings and investments. It is that wealth, combined with incredible income that buys class status and perpetuates the passage of wealth from one generation to another. For those who possess it, that wealth provides both short and long term security which most times lead to social prestige and ultimately to political power, which leads to more wealth. More wealth leads to more options, more options means less restrictions; the wealthy enjoy a sense of unbridled freedom.

Yes, Black America had made gains, but the recession which reputedly ended in 2009, has not ended for Blacks, who are still reeling from the economic body slams of that unforgettable period. The truth is, Black income and wealth is on the decline since the “great depression,” this according to recent government data which revealed that Black households own only 6 – 7c for every $ 1 owned by white households. A recent US Census Survey of Income and Program Participation revealed a precipitous drop in the median net worth of both Blacks- 45% and Latinos- 58%. Far worse, Blacks and Latinos have been declared “liquid asset poor,” which means that in a bind they cannot cover their basic living expenses for three months. Frightening!

In an upcoming feature story on Black wealth in America, I will provide for you a snapshot of the wealth gap in a society that claims to be the most advanced in earth’s entire history. Yes, though we are advanced scientifically, technologically and economically, we are one of the poorest in the equitable distribution of those resources, this sounds every bit like an oxymoron,” we are rich but poor,” (my words). The real complexity of this wealth gap between Blacks and Whites in America is further exacerbated by a widening gap between blacks themselves, as you will see in the incredible fortunes being amassed by Black sports and entertainment celebrities as opposed

to the vast majority of working-class Blacks. The sad truth is, the very second anyone mentions the need for an overhaul of our irrational and unfair distribution of wealth, the rich and their lap-dogs come out snarling “socialism.”

The rich have traditionally lived off the poor, but they are rich enough to convince everybody else through the perfidy of mainstream media, that they are the ones taking care of the poor, it’s a snow job and we know it; the mythical “trickle- down effect” of wealth in America is a lie; the working poor are rallying for their right’s to earn not a minimum wage, but a living wage and the right to take care of their families. As the publisher of Whereitzat, I stand unequivocally behind the movement to provide a living wage for people working in industries that have traditionally shafted them on the pretext that if they paid better wages, they would lose money.

America is facing the same moral and ethical dilemma it has faced before the Civil War, an institutionalized and cynical system of inequality and injustice that awards the spoils to the wealthy and powerful. Now more than ever the real CHURCH needs to stand up for its people because the political and legal systems are rigged – isn’t that what Jesus would do?

Is the American Dream becoming a nightmare for Blacks


Very often we hear the lie that our people don’t support one another with progressive business endeavors. It’s part of a divide and conquer tactic that has plagued us for a very long time. However after 11 years of helping to show my community “WhereItzAt,” I am truly grateful for the support that my business partners and I have received from people who look just like us.

The second annual B.I.G. Awards is a formal acknowledgment of those industrious and pioneering men and women who share the same level of commitment to community. A sense of community and economic solidarity will be critical elements to our survival in “post-

racial America.” It sounds funny when I use the term “post-racial America,” after the Donald Sterling fiasco, which only exposed the true face of America’s power brokers, and the deep moral fractures in Black leadership.

I usually laugh at Negroes who talk about a “post-racial America” with a straight face. I usually keep these kinds of people away from me because no Black man or woman of integrity and sound mental health genuinely believes that we live in a “post-racial society.” Culturally, Blacks in America share more in common with other groups of people than they ever have, but that’s only because many of us have lost our way.

Many Black people would rather fade into the background of racial ambiguity, than proudly move forward into the future alongside other races on the planet, while acknowledging the fact that they are distinctly different from them. Too many of us have “down” syndrome. We just want to be “down” with everyone, no matter how much we have to sacrifice who we are to do so.

There is a prevalent misconception that one day we’re all going to be accepted by the larger society and live happily ever after. You will never be accepted. At best, you will only be tolerated, and even then, your days of being tolerated are numbered if we do not make some serious adjustments. No affirmative + no Black institutions = Black death and servitude. All we have is each other. We must continue to support each other emotionally, spiritually and economically with our endeavors. Love that is expressed in a proactive manner is stronger, and more genuine, than love that is expressed as the result of a circumstantial reaction. If we’ve got love for each other, then we must cultivate a spirit of interdependence. Before Blacks in America can convincingly address racism on a national level we have to do a better job of loving and supporting each other. If Black people don’t place Black life back on the gold standard, then who else will?

-Adkia Butler

Where do we go from hereEDITOR’S DESK


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Medgar Evers College was a hive of activity on Saturday March 15, 2014 as MEC’s Caribbean Research Center, in collaboration with The Black Women for Fairness Equity & Justice presented the Third Annual Shirley Chisholm Women’s Empowerment Conference, celebrating the life and ethos of the first African-American woman to enter Congress. That baton is being carried to the next level by the Hon Yvette D. Clarke (the first Caribbean-heritage Congresswoman to represent New York City) who herself stands on the shoulders of her esteemed mother, the Hon Una S.T. Clarke, Brooklyn’s first Jamaican councilmember.

Women of all hues, shapes and ages participated in a packed program of panel discussions and workshops covering the status of women, health, education, leadership, civic and political engagement, jobs and economy,

finance and youth engagement and networking opportunities. The event was endorsed and attended by local and national politicians, an indication of the political clout wielded by the organizers.

Stand out presentations came from Dr. Claire Nelson, Yvette Clarke and Bishop Sylveta Hamilton-Gonzales. Comptroller Scott Stringer an unscheduled and impromptu speaker brought greetings from his famous activist aunt Bella Abzug and also praised Congresswoman Clarke, dubbing her a trailblazer in Congress for her active role in changing legislation impacting women. He brought news of his appointment of the first diversity officer – Carrah Wallace and spoke of his efforts to ensure the inclusion of more minority communities in the City’s procurement procedures, both pronouncements receiving a round of applause.

35th District Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo recently appointed as City Council’s Chair of Women’s Issues also brought welcome news of a push to ensure that people of color play a key role in environmental, land use and zoning decisions affecting their communities.

-Sheron P

“A Legacy Reborn” – Women Celebrating Women

(516) 876-9300

NEWS


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I decided to spend some time in Trinidad starting from early January, it was for a mixture of both business and pleasure. In the heat of the carnival season, my friend Angie invited me to an all-inclusive brunch. My senses evolved when I saw the secret within the Chancellor Hills of Trinidad, “Alicia’s Palace.” The green ambience of flora and fauna as well as the view of the Gulf of Paria felt so good, as a New Yorker, to lose myself in this scenery that seemed to engulf my senses.

I stayed in one of the Palace’s beautiful double occupancy rooms with very comfortable mid-sized bathrooms which gave me, as a seasoned traveler, just what I desired. The staff was so friendly; the food was terrific. An array of

tasty local dishes kept my taste buds jumping, and when I wanted a variety of healthy fruit drinks, I turned to the Chancellor Breeze, the in-house health bar, with so many sweet delights!

Alicia’s Palace is very close to the capital of Port-of-Spain—about 10-15 minutes away depending on the time of day you are travelling. Some days, I visited the Queens Park Savannah where a lot of carnival activities take place; the Botanical Gardens and the Zoo are also close by. There was so much to keep me busy. It was interesting seeing the three Bengal Tigers, two females and one male; they came all the way from Pretoria, South Africa.

I spent a lot of time by the pool sipping on those irresistible fruit punches while soaking in the beautiful weather. The ambience really took my breath away, those who enjoy taking leisurely walks or the more serious runner, will find the Chancellor Hills has more than one secret to offer. The ambience continues to enhance no matter what you do. I am at home now in Brooklyn where there is a unique culture and sub-culture around me, yet my mind drifts away to the gem within the Chancellor Hills. I think I will soon be back.

By STACIE EWING

Alicia’s Palace: One of Trinidad’s Secret Treasures

TRAVEL AND LEISURE


Okinawa Karate Kobudo Kai, is an organization dedicated to inspiring and mentoring disadvantaged and at risk youth to lead healthy and nondestructive lives. Provide support and opportunity for boys and girls of all ages to participate in the daily practice of Okinawan/ Japanese traditional karate and

kobudo. Promote the practice of humility, self control, integrity and courtesy in and outside of the dojo. Through grants, scholarships, fundraising and corporate sponsorship enable our youth to participate in local, national and international competitions. We support, develop, protect and promote the art and sport

of karate do in the community and beyond. Okinawa karate kobudo kai cooperate, support and assist other karate organizations, bodies, associations, schools and parties that serve/ promote the tenets of karate do.

For information call 516-873-0111

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While I like to think I know a little about business writing, I often fall into a few word traps. For example,”who” and “whom.” I rarely use “whom” when I should. Even when spell check suggests “whom,” I think it sounds pretentious. So I don’t use it.

And I’m sure some people then think, “What a bozo.”

And that’s a problem, because just like that one misspelled word that gets a resumé tossed into the “nope” pile, using one wrong word can negatively impact your entire message.

Fair or unfair, it happens.

So let’s make sure it doesn’t:

Adverse and averse

Adverse means harmful or unfavorable; “Adverse market conditions caused the IPO to be poorly subscribed.” Averse means dislike or opposition; “I was averse to paying $18 a share for a company that generates no revenue.”

But you can feel free to have an aversion to adverse conditions.

Affect and effect

Verbs first. Affect means to influence; “Impatient investors affected our roll-out date.” Effectmeans to accomplish something; “The board effected a sweeping policy change.” How you use effect or affect can be tricky. For example, a board can affect changes by influencing them, or can effect changes by implementing them. Use effect if

you’re making it happen, and affect if you’re having an impact on something someone else is trying to make happen.

As for nouns, effect is almost always correct; “Once he was fired he was given twenty minutes to gather his personal effects.” Affect refers to emotional states so unless you’re a psychologist, you’re probably not using it.

Compliment and complement

Compliment is to say something nice. Complement is to add to, enhance, improve, complete, or bring close to perfection. So, I can compliment your staff and their service, but if you have no current openings you have a full complement of staff. And your new app may complement your website.

For which I may decide to compliment you.

15 Incorrectly Used Words That Can Make You Look Bad

Continues on pg 22


Freeport, NY- May 12, 2014 – Caribbean Business Connections (CBC) is a membership organization that was established in 2012 by Hanif Russell and Sandra McCarty for the purpose of creating new partnerships between Caribbean and American business professionals. This business network serves as a resource and a nucleus for the Caribbean business community as it continues to grow at a rapid pace. Business owners of non-Caribbean descent find this platform to be very helpful as it gives them the opportunity to connect with Caribbean professionals.

Networking is vital to the success of any business and CBC’s monthly networking events allow connections to be made and reinforced among business owners from diverse professions in the New York area. These events are held the first Wednesday of each month, usually in Caribbean owned locations like Dunns River Restaurant & Lounge, Magnet Sports & Entertainment

Lounge, Paradise Cove Caribbean Restaurant and Spices Negril Restaurant & Lounge.

Caribbean Business Connections’ Advisory Board members, Ray Thomas, Irwine Clare and Kyle Griffith and its Co-Founders, Sandra and Hanif are focused on forming strategic alliances with companies and organizations that can benefit the membership. Some of the alliances and partnerships are with TB Bank, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Fidelis Care, Fusion, Clarke & Associates, Levine Wiss, Logical Financial Solutions, Belimage International Group, Whereitzat Magazine, Go Caribbean!, LI Caribbean Heritage Festival, Network USA and 561Ads.com

In 2013 and 2014 Caribbean Business Connections partnered with Nassau County Executive, Ed Mangano,

to recognize outstanding business leaders in Nassau County. 2013 honorees were Dr. Aurbey Lewis, Clive Williams D.C.H Douglas

Mayers, Dawn Warren Esq, Gina Faustin, Karen Dawkins, Millicent Clarke Esq., Naala Royale and Samantha Champagnie. 2014 honorees were Annette M. Hurd-Runcie Owner, Karlene Largie, Robert G Bullock, Cindy Brown, W. Fitzrgerald Kerr Ph D., Stephen Drummond Esq., Jude Dartois andVanilo Saint Louis.

For more information on Caribbean Business Connections see www.caribbeanbizconnection.com or send us and email at [email protected], 2014 Caribbean Business Connections celebrates its second anniversary at Magnet On June 4th Sports & Entertainment Lounge in Elmont. Join us and meet the leaders in the Caribbean business, civic and political communities.

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Raymond Deane (31) and his wife Sudan Deane (29) granddaughter of Prince Buster king of Ska Music are an inspiration to today’s generation. Raymond Deane a young inspired director Acts, Writes and Produces his own Films with childhood best friend Phillip Hammond. Wife Sudan Deane, Actor and founder of Sudan Deane’s Inspirational Club, makes a connection with the world utilizing social media to promote Positivity, Love, Entrepreneurship, Empowerment, Beliefs, and Reprogramming the subconscious mind.

Ray and Sudan met at a barbeque 12 years ago just as she was graduating high school; Sudan’s friend revealed Sudan had a crush on Ray and made the introduction. Soon after they had their first date, one that Ray humorously calls “the date from hell,” swearing he would never date her again. Ten years later they are

happily married raising their 2 sons, Raydan Deane (10) and Christian Deane (5). Who are students P.S. I.S 270Q The Park School of Inquisitive Minds in Laurelton Queens, the inspirational duo says, despite the fact that they didn’t start their relationship the traditional way, they are a perfect for each other. Recently the couple celebrated their 10th anniversary at luxurious Pa-Nash Restaurant in Rosedale Queens.

They both agreed that raising their two sons over the last 10 years hasn’t always been easy, but through communication and knowing that for them this is a lifetime commitment, they are able to get through the rough times. Ray says they better each other in so many ways and have grown into the best possible people they could be by working on the problems from within first.

When asked why she started the Inspirational Club Sudan describes it as such: “I was born and raised in the heart of down town Kingston on Orange Street. Living in Jamaica I had a “life changing experience” and witnessed things that made me develop a passion for wanting to help others. Since migrating to America at the age of 15 my goal has always been to inspire the lives of others, so I started Sudan Deane’s Inspirational Club on Facebook and Sudandeane.com, through my leadership I want people to know, I didn’t give up and neither should they. I wanted to create an outlet for people who aren’t normally acknowledged and I find using today’s technology to be more productive and efficient in getting the message across. I believe everyone needs a support system from, kids that are being bullied to single parents. But unfortunately not everyone feel they have that place available to them. Now they have a platform where they can go to express themselves without feeling less than anyone else. I believe recognition and gratitude goes a long way and I want to show that ordinary people are special too by reprogramming the subconscious mind to a healthier way of living and transforming into a more positive way of thinking.”

The other half of this dynamic team is Raymond Deane (Writer/Director/Actor) and Editor in Chief of Raymond Deane Films and Phillip Hammond (Entrepreneur/Producer) both natives of Queens New York, These two have best friends since the since the 4th grade at St. Claires School in Rosedale Queens and have been dreaming of success in the entertainment business. These two young

and InspirationLoveFEATURE


men started their own web designing business back in 2003. With their professionalism and great work ethic, they were able to make an impression designing and hosting websites for a large number of businesses including the NAACP, and R&B recording artist Chrisette Michele. They’ve also designed websites for Lawyers, Doctors, Small Businesses, Non Profit, Health, Entertainment, Sports and Product websites. This part of their business has expanded and in 2005 PH Consulting and Media (named after Phillip Hammond) was born.

PH Consulting and Media specializes in high-definition professional videography production services, effective and targeted

TV/ internet advertisement services, attractive custom designed websites and social media pages for small businesses throughout New York City and New Jersey. The company has produced commercials that Raymond Deane has directed. These can be seen on The Food

Network, Bravo, Cooking Channel, ESPN, MSNBC, NY1, Travel Network & Bloomberg Television They shoot and edit professional TV ads for restaurants which has been their most financially successful venture. Raymond’s wife Sudan Deane does hosting for businesses in need of a host. They also do TV ad placement for television commercials.

In 2009 Raymond Deane and Phillip Hammond ventured in film making. They both believe that the power of filmmaking can be used to spread a positive message on important issues in a fun and entertaining way. Their professionalism and approach in how they operate their business has left a sense of comfort/trust in establishing clients and building relationships. So far Raymond Deane films have had 2 feature films and a Music video which is now playing on MTV called “Voices in My Head’. The first feature film is a drama named “Travail” a suspenseful and controversial relationship script which was written by Raymond Deane,that teaches people the importance of being honest and loyal. The second movie was their first social awareness film which is an anti-bullying film titled “Red Head Randy” which took a very different approach to spreading the message that bullying and discrimination in schools must end. In combination with the film, they also ran a successful campaign called “The Red Head Randy, Stand up to Bullying

Tour,” which brought out hundreds of kids to a positive place where they could feel free, loved and accepted without the anxiety and fear of being made fun of or spoken down to. Raymond Deane shared a mantra with the kids throughout the tour which is, “Opinions Don’t Define You, That’s a Fact!’Ray believe it important for kids to understand that for every ONE person that calls them ugly, there are TEN more that believe they are beautiful. So it is extremely important to surround themselves with people who will see how great they are.

Ray and Phil are getting ready to begin production on their third 3rd film, a movie Ray’s wife Sudan titled “Play to Win” a kids sports and fitness film to inspire kids to get up and get fit by playing outdoors and reducing the time they spend on video games and on computers. Ray and Phil have an amazing vision for this movie. They want to make it fun kids fitness film with a powerful message that will play in schools across America and worldwide. After the production of the film is complete they are seeking collaborations with visionaries with similar interest like, Michelle Obama and Dr. Oz.

What’s next for this couple; Ray says regarding his profession he wants to be the next Tyler Perry or Spike Lee. He also has a 5 year plan to make more movies, this he believes, will give him an opportunity to accomplish his other goals. Sudan is planning on having an award show for her inspirational club every year. She plans on continuing to pursue her goals of inspiring others and acting in movies, hosting and modeling. Both Sudan and Raymond acted in the movie “Red Head Randy” They plan on starring in a movie together that will begin filming in 2015.

To join Sudan Deane’s Inspirational Club visit her website at www.sudandeane.com and hit like on her Facebook page. Share your story and Lets Get Inspired Together.

To reach Raymond Deane and Phillip Hammond visit www.RaymondDeaneFilms.com and www.PHMediaConsulting

FEATURE


Criteria and criterion

“We made the decision based on one overriding criteria,” sounds pretty impressive but is wrong. Remember: one criterion, two or more criteria. Although you could always use “reason” or “factors” and not worry about getting it wrong.

Discreet and discrete

Discreet means careful, cautious, showing good judgment; “We made discreet inquiries to determine whether the founder was interested in selling her company.”

Discrete means individual, separate, or distinct; “We analyzed data from a number of discrete market segments to determine overall pricing levels.” And if you get confused, remember you don’t use “discreetion” to work through sensitive issues; you exercise discretion.

Elicit and illicit

Elicit means to draw out or coax. Think of elicit as the mildest form of extract or, even worse, extort. So if one lucky survey respondent will win a trip to the Bahamas, the prize is designed to elicit responses.

Illicit means illegal or unlawful. I suppose you could “illicit” a response at gunpoint... but best not.

Farther and further

Farther involves a physical distance; “Florida is farther from New York than Tennessee.”Further involves a figurative distance; “We can take our business plan no further.” So, as we say in the South, “I don’t trust you any farther than I can throw you.” Or, “I ain’t gonna trust you no further.”

(Seriously. I’ve uttered both of those sentences. More than once.)

Imply and infer

The speaker or writer implies. The listener or

reader infers. Imply means to suggest, while infer means to deduce (whether correctly or not.) So, I might imply you’re going to receive a raise. You might infer that a pay increase is imminent. (But not eminent unless the raise will be prominent and distinguished.)

Insure and ensure

This one’s easy. Insure refers to insurance. Ensure means to make sure. So if you promise an order will ship on time, ensure it actually happens. Unless, of course, you plan to arrange forcompensation if the package is damaged or lost--then feel free to insure away.

Number and amount

I goof these up all the time. Use number when you can count what you refer to; “The number of subscribers who opted out increased last month.” Amount refers to a quantity of something you can’t count; “The amount of alcohol consumed at our last company picnic was staggering.”

Of course it can still be confusing: “I can’t believe the number of beers I drank,” is correct, but so is, “I can’t believe the amount of beer I drank.” The difference is I can count beers, but beer, especially if I was way too drunk to keep track, is an uncountable total--so amount is the correct usage.

Precede and proceed

Precede means to come before. Proceed means to begin or continue. Where it gets confusing is when an “ing” comes into play. “The proceeding announcement was brought to you by...” sounds fine, but “preceding” is correct since the announcement came before.

If it helps, think precedence: Anything that takes precedence is more important and therefore comes first.

Principal and principle

A principle is a fundamental; “We’ve created a culture where we all share certain

principles.”Principal means primary or of first importance; “Our startup’s principal is located in NYC.” (Sometimes you’ll also see the plural, “principals,” used to refer to executives or (relatively) co-equals at the top of a particular food chain.)

Principal can also refer to the most important item in a particular set; “Our principal account makes up 60 percent of our gross revenues.”

Principal can also refer to money, normally the original sum that was borrowed, but can be extended to refer to the amount you owe--hence principal and interest.

If you’re referring to laws, rules, guidelines, ethics, etc, use principle. If you’re referring to the CEO or the president (or the individual in charge of the high school), use principal. And now for those dreaded apostrophes:

It’s and its

It’s is the contraction of it is. That means it’s doesn’t own anything. If your dog is neutered (that way we make the dog, however much against his will, gender neutral) you don’t say, “It’s collar is blue.” You say, “Its collar is blue.” Here’s an easy test to apply. Whenever you use an apostrophe, un-contract the word to see how it sounds. In this case, turn it’s into it is. “It’s sunny,” becomes, “It is sunny.” Sounds good to me.

They’re and their

Same with these; they’re is the contraction for they are. Again, the apostrophe doesn’t own anything. We’re going to their house, and I sure hope they’re home.

Who’s and whose

“Whose password hasn’t been changed in six months?” is correct. “Who is (the un-contracted version of who’s) password hasn’t been changed in six months?” sounds silly.

By Jeff Haden- Inc. Magazine

Continues from pg 16

EDUCATION/CAREER


If there’s one word that describes Melinda Katz it is, authentic; she’s the daughter of the late David Katz, founder of the Queens Symphony Orchestra and Jeanne Dale Katz, founder of the Queens Council of the Arts. Her parents were tireless contributors to the civic life and culture of Queens, which clearly gave Melinda a head start in community service. She grew up in Forest Hills and is an avowed cheerleader and advocate for everything Queens. I said she is authentic because of her interaction with us at Whereitzat when we sat down to interview her, after her first four months in office as Queens Borough President. She was gracious and engaging without the puffery that usually accompanies office holders of that stature. Ms. Katz is not just another politician; she is an accomplished and talented singer and Broadway performer with an impressive resume. Not satisfied with that, she was an outstanding student at Amherst and went on to earn her Law degree at St. Johns University, all this while experiencing the adversity of losing both parents before she was 21 years old.

Whereitzat: This month marks your fourth month as BP, what responses have you received from this very diverse multi- ethnic borough as pertaining to your leadership?

BP: It’s been a great four months, the fact that my administration and that of the Mayor got started at the same time with the emphasis on Pre K, has been helpful. My emphasis is to increase seats for Pre K, through community based organizations and we want to get kids out of trailers and introduce full day Pre K. We are also working with the Department

Of Education to ensure that the needs of our kids are met; we are desperately working to get more seats for our children. We get together every month with the School Construction Authority all in an effort to prevent further over- crowding. So we have to start the building process now.

What I consider very critical for the Borough of Queens in the process is to emphasis the branding of our Borough. There are over one hundred and sixty languages spoken here, which makes it interesting and ideal for visitors, so there is no way that anyone should come to New York and not come to Queens to enjoy the diversity of its culture and its food. Queens should be branded as “The Worlds Borough” In New York.

Whereitzat: Is there a real opportunity for tourism in Queens?

BP: There sure is, and we are working with NYC and Company, They have been like a fixture in Borough Hall. And have become very involved in the World’s Fair celebration which is where I am going to kick off the branding of the Borough and focus attention on the New York State pavilion. The Pavilion is the centerpiece of the fair and can be seen from the Grand Central Parkway as well as from the planes coming in for landing. It is the major attraction that was part of the World’s Fair in 1964 whose theme was “Peace through Understanding” which epitomizes our diverse borough of Queens. It is an outstanding show piece which represents Queens throughout the world and should be a magnet to attract not just the residents of Queens but our visitors as well. If you are showing Paris you show the Eiffel tower, that’s their centerpiece. Manhattan attracts tourists because they spend money on marketing their attraction, Queens

must do likewise if we are to be taken seriously, so yes, we are going to advertise and market our Borough in its Re- branding phase. This is something my administration is committed to do. It’s been 50 years since the 1964 World’s Fair, so on May 18th we are doing The World’s Fair commemoration and cultural Celebrations in our Borough.

Whereitzat: Let’s talk about you jobs creation plans for Queens

BP: Forty six percent of our residents are new immigrants, many of whom are equipped with the expertise to start a small business and many have already done so. And as you know, small businesses generate employment, so what we are doing here at Borough Hall is to assist small business to get started and create more employment. We have a dedicated expert at Borough Hall whose focus it is to assist these small businesses. So what people should know is that if they have a business challenge they have a resource at Borough Hall.

The remainder of this interview will appear in the June issue of Whereitzat and will be online at gowhereitzat.com

MELINDA KATZRE – BRANDING THE BOROUGH OF QUEENS

THE WORLDS BOROUGH

POLITICS/CULTURE


Once she brings the lightning and thunder, Mother Nature is expected to bring the rain. But what is expected of a young man who uses technology to do the same? After Nosa Igbinedion, 29, released the trailer for his new film Oya: Rise of the Orisha, a virtual tsunami of excitement and anticipation flooded the digital shores of social media. Thousands of faces lit up. Hearts rumbled with intrigue. A super heroine of the African continent was spinning her way to the big screen.

Although Oya may not be as recognized as the Greco-Roman gods and goddesses who have told their stories in movie theaters across the planet for several decades, the level of curiosity and interest that she has garnered is very well deserved. The original Buffalo Soldier (the buffalo is one of Oya’s animal totems), who is usually armed with two machetes, is a tireless West African warrior goddess who is invoked and externally revered throughout Nigeria, the Caribbean, and Brazil. She has also been embraced by diasporic communities throughout the United States and Europe that practice the sacred psychology that underlies the African life sciences.

Like her polygamous husband Shango, Oya

has the power to generate lightning and thunder. Royally adorned with a rainbow crown of nine colors, Oya embodies the cycles of change and transformations that occur within nature, as well as within our personal lives. Her wrath and anger brings violent storms, raging hurricanes, terrifying floods, and sudden calamity. She’s kind of like the god Saturn with feminine sex appeal and a severe case of PMS. You don’t want to mess with Oya. As I’m writing this article I can hear her say “I wish a chick would.” The film synopsis for Oya: Rise of the Orisha states:

“For centuries the doorway between the world of the Orishas and our world has remained closed, until now. Our hero, Ade, is one of the few people with a connection to one of the gods, Oya. She has been tasked with the job of protecting the innocent and that means keeping the door to the gods shut.

If the doorway to the gods is opened, they will wreak havoc and chaos upon us as retribution for our abandonment of them. To keep the door shut, Oya must find ‘the key’ and keep the young girl who has the potential to open the doorway safe.

The adventure unfolds with a host of memorable characters and a string of unexpected twists as Ade goes in search of the key. She battles against those who wish to open a portal and unleash a horde of forgotten gods and goddesses into the world, with powers and skills beyond our human comprehension. These supernatural gifts have the potential to change the course of human history for mankind, forever.”

WhereItzAt Magazine recently spoke with the UK-based prodigy over Skype on a stormy Saturday afternoon. Among other things, we discussed the film, the media’s power of depiction, and the growing sense of cultural awareness and pride among young Africans.

After you released the trailer for your film there was a lot of excitement across social media. What made you want to do an action movie on the Orisha, and why did you center it around Oya in particular?

That’s an interesting question. To be honest, I guess it goes back into my history, and my past as a film maker. I’ve been making films for about seven or eight years now. My initial introduction to film was The Hydra. It was a short film that went on to win quite a lot of awards and was kind of like my introduction to the film industry, especially over here in the UK. It was for an audience at the British Film Institute, and it really was successful.

From there, I started to make a lot more films. But I started to realize that the films that I was making was more targeted towards the tastemakers in the film industry, as opposed to what I like, and what I’m interested in. I sat back and thought to myself, “What is it that I really like? What do I want to talk to people about with my films?”

Growing up, I’ve heard loads of stories about various parts of my culture. I’m from Nigeria, so I decided that I would make a film about Nigerian deities, specifically the Orisha, just because I felt that they are beings that connect with humanity on a deep level. They are all about connecting humans to a higher level of consciousness. I thought it would be a really apt subject for this film.

The reason why I chose Oya is because I was looking at the different Orisha, and there was something about her that just stood out to me personally. I didn’t want to just make a film to please and placate the tastemakers and the institutions—especially those here in the UK. I just wanted to make a film that I liked. Oya’s energy is very much about coming to a place, destroying everything and then rebuilding it again. I think that’s why I chose her, and the Orisha as a whole, to work with.

What are some of the greatest challenges you’ve faced in putting this film together?

The Theatric Rise of the OrishaENTERTAINMENT


When you’re making films that are aimed at the tastemakers—and by tastemakers I’m talking about people and institutions who say “If you’re gonna make a film I want the film to be about what I say, and I will pay you if you make it about what I say it should be about.” I did a couple of films like that, and I realized that there weren’t many institutions from the get go who were ready to make a film about African gods.

We had to raise funds for this film ourselves, and the way that we did it was through crowd funding from various people who would like to see this type of film. I heard a lot of people talk about films that they don’t want to see. My mentality was that I was going to take it upon myself to put something different out there, and if you want to see it and you have 5 pounds [Editor’s Note: “pounds” is a reference to the UK currency] 10 pounds, 1 pound, whatever—put it together to show me that you really want to see this film.

So micro funding, or crowd funding, was the way that we raised funds, but it was quite difficult. That was the main challenge. Also, I have a great team working with me, but as far as production, making a super hero movie, at this level, with this amount of money, you’re always going to have to do more than one job. You have to put in extra hours. In addition to being the director, I also wrote the script and I handled the effects. But for me, if there is something I want to see, something I want to do, I have to go one hundred percent into it to make sure it happens.

You said earlier you were Nigerian. What is your ethnic background? Are you Yoruba, Hausa? Where did you grow up?

I’m from Edo State, specifically Benin City. It’s a city in the South of Nigeria with a very rich history. Anyone reading this can Google “The Benin Empire.” It’s quite well known. As far as the relationship that we have to the Yoruba culture and the Orisha, it’s quite close. We’re cousins. We have the same origin, we both agree on that, but often disagree about who came from who. Still we share the same

customs and the same deities.

I actually grew up in the UK. I’ve spent most of my life over here. I’ve always been influenced by African culture. My parents gave me my name so that I would never forget where I came from. I don’t have an English name as many Nigerians tend to.

In many African films—particularly those coming out of Nigeria—traditional African religions are often characterized in a very negative light. What do you think about this as a Nigerian film maker?

Before I say anything, I just want to say that Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry has amazing potential to shape the mentality of the world—just in the sense of giving a voice to people who haven’t been heard before. I would like to preface by saying that, but on the other side of things, it’s kind of crazy how we sometimes see what we actually originated as a people in a negative light.

There is an element in the Oya storyline that sort of talks about the shrines being destroyed. This came from me actually reading about sacred shrines in Nigeria actually being destroyed. The Nollywood demonization of traditional African religions is an extension of that self-destructive mentality.

We have such a rich culture that the world doesn’t really know about. It’s kind of like we’ve taken the images that Hollywood has presented to the world about us, and we reenact these destructive stories which only work against us. We live in the 21st century where just about everyone has a social media platform, but many of us are still reenacting the propaganda that others have spread, yet we have the platforms to say something different.

It’s sad, but I’m working with a group of young Nigerians in the film industry and our aim is to bring change and do away with some of these old stereotypes that are still prevalent in the Nigerian film industry.

How will the world be able to see your film?

We did a crowd funding campaign for the shoot that you saw the trailer for. The idea was to provide a visual for larger financiers. The script for the feature is already on its fifth draft. It’s quite near its completion. We’re going to have a few screenings for the short film in the UK, the United States, and hopefully Brazil and Cuba. There are already a couple of festivals that have requested screenings for people to see wherever they are.

The next step for us would be going into production for the feature film. We’re quite close to where we want to be on that. It’s a long process with obstacles, that I’ve had to navigate my way through, but we’re getting into a good place. If it is picked up by a major distributor great, but not before the majority of the production is done.

How can we help you with your efforts?

We’re just working on getting the trailer and short film out as much as possible. What people can do now to help me and my team is go to our Facebook page Oya: Rise of the Orisha, and like us there. Look for the trailer on YouTube, like it, share it within your networks. They can also visit our website which is www.oyariseoftheorisha.com

To read the interview in its entirety, log on to www.ThirdEyeMax.com

By: Adika Butler

ENTERTAINMENT


Queens Borough President Melinda Katz visited her high school alma mater, Hillcrest High School in Jamaica, on Friday, May 9. The Borough President met with Hillcrest’s

principal, David Morrison, and with faculty members and with several students, including representatives from Hillcrest’s student government. Some of the kids Borough

President Katz met are enrolled in the school’s ground-breaking Small Learning Community program, which has small groups of students participating in specialized programs structured around their areas of interest (such as pre-med, pre-law and theater). The Borough President said it was great to walk down the halls of her former high school and have the opportunity to talk with current students about their hopes and dreams for the future as well as their goals for their own careers. She was truly inspired by the efforts of the administration, faculty and students to create a great environment to learn and succeed.

Melinda Katz revisiting Alma MaterNEWS

A rap icon who hasn’t dropped an album in nearly 15 years is now calling himself “the first billionaire in hip-hop” — and he might be exaggerating by only $200 million.

Beats Electronics, a company co-founded by Dr. Dre that specializes in high-end headphones and a recently launched music streaming service, is in talks with Apple and on the verge of being sold for a cool $3.2 billion, according to media reports.

By Chris Richards - Washington Post

An Apple deal may make Dr. Dre the ‘first

billionaire in hip-hop.’ It’s a bittersweet victory.


Although some progress has been made with regard to gender equality, we still live in a society that subtly glorifies men and their egos. Women are still being taught how to get their man to love them; how to get their man to be more attentive; how to get their man to stop cheating. The list goes on and on. But the question here is: why are women the only ones doing all the work? What responsibilities do the men have?

If a relationship needs work, it is the woman who needs to understand that men generally do not like to express their emotions and that it is up to her to talk things over with him and give him space. Women from all the things that you have to do, aren’t you tired by now? Women, it is not your job to think like a man. With all that you have going on, how are you supposed to find time to think like a man when you have barely begun to think for yourself?

Don’t you think it’s time that men began to self-parent themselves and deal with their emotional issues before they get involved with someone else? It is not your responsibility to grow a man. If children are also in the relationship, a woman barely has time to be a mother to her children because she is too busy being the mother of her partner. The children are the ones who ultimately suffer and grow up resentful.

Every relationship is a give and take, but if you are doing more of the giving then your relationship is seriously off balance. Problems will arise and when they do are you always the one apologizing because you want to take the high road? After a fight there should always be a cooling off period. Is he the one always taking a longer time out each time? Do you find that your mate will say hurtful things to you and then act like it was nothing? Does he apologize and then expect you to accept

it and move on? Some men will apologize because they do not want to speak about the problem.

After an apology a normal person would be reluctant to bring up the conversation again because the person who wronged them has already apologized. It is important to understand that this is another dip and dodge technique. By apologizing he dipped under your accusations and then dodged having to discuss the problem. He’s home free and you are left feeling like you have just been spun like a top. Now you are confused. It’s a nice football tactic and a clever one too. It takes an emotionally mature man to reach out to his mate when things are not going right. His primary concern would not be to prove that he is right, but lovingly nurture his relationship with his mate, respect her as an individual, and respect her feelings.

There are some men who behave in a very controlling, possessive, jealous and calculating manner. They are more interested in having

you as a possession rather than as a lover. They will go to any lengths to manipulate your emotions so you would think that they are serious regarding developing a relationship with you. That kind of behavior is manipulative and destructive. It’s the reason why sane women snap. Unfortunately that kind of behavior can only happen to you when you have completely given up who you are just to be in a relationship. This is called loosing yourself. You are not stupid, dumb, an idiot nor did you deserve what you got. Some women embark on a mission of self-flagellation when they realize how much of themselves they had given up for their relationship.

There is nothing wrong with wanting a relationship. Each of us have the desire to be in a loving, stable, mature and committed relationship and so we should. But if that is your only desire then that will be your recruitment calling card for men who don’t give a hoot about themselves, so they won’t give a hoot about you. A man will make all sorts of promises just so you would believe that he really wants to change. So you stay to “help him” and he has you under his control. It is important that you learn to identify this behavior from early on. Otherwise, later on down the road you will find your emotions entangled in a ball of emotional mess. On the outside this man may come off as self-centered, selfish and self-absorbed. However, a man who behaves like that is hiding an emotionally scared and insecure little boy deep inside of him.

By TRUDY-ANN EWAN

Are you sacrificing too much for your relationship?

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National association of university Women Scholarship awards


Caribbean Business Connection Networking Event

Lady Kendra’s Birthday Party


VP Records unleashes Sizzla’s Radical, a collection of rare and unreleased material during the 2014 Grammy nominated icon’s formative years. Radical unearths musical gems from the Xterminator label sessions between the early ’90s and ’00 that were produced by the late legendary Philip Fattis Burrell. Fattis helped forge some of Sizzla’s best work to date, including his 1997 breakthrough album Praise Ye Jah that is widely considered one of the top conscious reggae albums of its time.

Whether Sizzla is addressing society’s ills or singing love songs, the like-minded Radical (overseen under the direction of Fattis’ son Kareem Burrell) features the reigning king of roots’ honest, raw and thought-provoking

lyrics. Sizzla’s palpable spirit and vigor for life shine throughout this revolutionary collection of obscure or previously unreleased material, which features live instrumentation from Jamaica’s studio aces like Sly Dunbar, Steven Stanley, Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith and Dean Fraser.

Since his emergence in the early 90s, Sizzla has undeniably put his stamp on the genre regardless of the current style or trend. The Jamaica-born reggae vocalist’s previous effort The Messiah (released in 2013 on VP Records) earned him his first Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album. Rap mogul Jay Z also recently sampled Sizzla’s timeless classic “Solid As A Rock” on his latest album, while hip hop artists like 50 Cent and Ja Rule used the same tune in their songs too.

Sizzla gets radicalENTERTAINMENT


Standing from left to right: Vicent Petraro, Attorney and Counselor at Law, Ken Koenig, Board Member, Bruno Scap, Galeas Consulting, Hiawatha Colbert, Capital Credit Processing Card, Beatrice Morton, Affinity, Jack Friedman, Executive Director of the Queens Chamber of Commerce ,Tonya Perry, Mutual of Omaha, Albert F. Pennisi, President of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, Craig Ratigan, TD Bank, Patricia Mezeul, Flushing Bank, Cathy Berger, Development Director of the QCC , Richard Xia, Fleet Financial Group, Xi Verfenstein, Fleet Financial Group, Denise Savino, Automatic Industries, Showky Kaldawy, Mondial Automotive Inc., Clive Williams, Whereitzat, Cheryl Miller, Legal Shield, Tanya Whittmore, Healthfirst.

BUSINESS

Queens Chamber of Commerce New Members Reception


LOS ANGELES, May 13, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Last night, during an interview with Anderson Cooper, the disgraced Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling tried to distract the public from his history of racial bigotry by changing the conversation to attacking and stigmatizing people living with HIV/AIDS.

Among many other offensive statements Donald Sterling made, he said this about Magic Johnson: “What kind of a guy goes to every city, has sex with every girl, then he catches HIV? Is that someone we want to respect and tell our kids about? I think he should be ashamed of himself. I think he should go into the background.”

The Black AIDS Institute strongly condemns both Donald Sterling and this type of thinking. “Donald Sterling’s statements are shocking and appalling,” says Phill Wilson, the Institute’s President and CEO. “We are not going back to dark ages when people living with HIV/AIDS were characterized as promiscuous sexual predators, who should hide and be ashamed. Mr. Sterling would have us go back to the days of keeping children out of school, and denying people with HIV housing.”

In an era in which nearly 40 percent of the

American public reports having a friend or family member who either has died from AIDS or are living with HIV/AIDS, Donald Sterling’s beliefs are not only prejudiced and antiquated, they undermine efforts to fight the disease.

This type of ignorance contributes to HIV/AIDS stigma. Stigma causes people to avoid getting HIV tested and, if they do test positive, delay seeking care and treatment, struggle to adhere to their medication, and in the case of Cicely Bolden, are killed for disclosing their HIV-positive status.

Ending the AIDS epidemic requires us to create an environment in which people feel safe to disclose their HIV status to their sexual partners and loved ones, where we fight stigma wherever it exists, and where people living with HIV/AIDS feel no more ashamed by their illness than a person who is living with heart disease.

For 15 years the Black AIDS Institute has been on the front line—often working with the Magic Johnson Foundation and the NBA—to fight stigma, increase knowledge and awareness about the facts of HIV and end the type of misinformation that Mr. Sterling tried to disseminate to deflect attention away from his own bigotry.

And instead of demonizing people with HIV/AIDS and alienating them from care, we should be taking advantage of the opportunity that currently exists to end the AIDS epidemic so that our children can grow up in an AIDS-free generation.

The Black AIDS Institute urges communities, advocates, policymakers and, once again, the NBA to work aggressively to create an environment where we eliminate HIV-related stigma—one where people living with HIV can live their lives openly, honestly, freely and with integrity in a society where that is the norm and not the exception.

About The Black AIDS Institute

Founded in May 1999, The Black AIDS Institute is the only national HIV/AIDS think tank in the United States focused exclusively on Black people. The Institute’s mission is to stop the AIDS pandemic in Black communities by engaging and mobilizing Black institutions, leaders and individuals in efforts to confront HIV. The Institute interprets public- and private-sector HIV policies, conducts trainings, offers technical assistance, disseminates information and provides advocacy and mobilization from a uniquely and unapologetically Black point of view.

The Black AIDS Institute Strongly Condemns Donald Sterling’s Bigotry

CULTURE


The Dumplin Shop New and ImprovedBUSINESS

Have you ever tasted food so good that the taste lingers with you for a lifetime? Well I have and you would too if you had ever tasted salt - fish and dumpling from the legendary Ronnie Bop Shop on Windward Road in East Kingston, Jamaica W.I. Simple but unforgettable food served with pickled onions, carrots, pimento in vinegar, that saltfish and dumpling was a Kings meal; it was even sweeter after a hard night on the town. Please, indulge me when I tell you, the taste of that saltfish, dumpling, escovitched fish, ackee and saltfish, fried sprat and fritters never left my taste buds. So when I came to America, I met a friend who had the old Ronnie Bop experience and she immediately took me to a rustic, clean, home style restaurant on Bronxwood Avenue in the boogie - down Bronx called The Dumplin Shop. It was the start of a new love affair, Ronnie Bop Shop re-incarnated in the Bronx New York.

If you are real Jamaican you know that particularly after a hard night, salt – fish and dumpling or fried fish and dumpling

with fried plantain with vinegar and onions is not only mouth – watering but totally re – invigorating for those who had partied too much the night before. I soon found out that the Dumplin Shop, much like its defunct counterpart in old eastern Kingston, had become a tradition in the Bronx, which brings me to share the story of this iconic family restaurant tradition.

Just as the decade of the 1990’s dawned in the Bronx, two hardworking and enterprising brothers from the Parish of Hanover, Jamaica, W.I decided to open a small retail business selling Fresh Fish, all the time believing there was a market for that because Jamaicans consume quite a lot of fish. They had given up a School bus business they owned because of the over regulated nature of that business, now they began to have second thoughts, John Douglas and Tideman Douglas had put everything in a new business that had very little customers. On one memorable day in the 90’s as their hopes dimmed, their frustrations grew, so did their hunger, forced to prepare food, they borrowed a one burner stove to cook some of the fish they sold. The smell of well seasoned fish wafted out, provoking the olfactory senses of their neighbors who started placing orders for cooked fish, in six months dumplings were added to the fish menu and happy customers created the name, “The Dumplin Shop.”

In 2002, John Douglas one of the founders returned to Jamaica after handing over the running of the business to Kerieth Mair his nephew. This period proved however to be one of the most challenging as there was an explosion of new Caribbean restaurants, more food choices as well as demographic shifts in population. Mr. Mair’s inspiration to persevere came from his sister Jennifer John, (now deceased) who motivated him to accept the challenge and provided financial

support for the NEW AND IMPROVED DUMPLIN SHOP. The dramatic shift in location, image and décor in addition to full service dining is only possible because of a powerful family team, working to ensure full customer satisfaction, high quality food offerings and customer friendly pricing. At the heart of this family team are Chef ’s Collin Douglas and Anthony Douglas with transitional support from Errol Douglas; Kereith articulates the family plan to open their sit - down dining room and Lounge as well as a tropical styled outdoor patio to offer theirexpanding customer base an Island atmosphere to relax and enjoy.

Getting to the DUMPLIN SHOP is now easier than ever before, it sits conspicuously, overlooking Exit 12 off the 95N at the intersection of E 222nd Street and Baychester Avenue. Call 718 653 3143 to place your orders or make inquiries. THE DUMPLIN SHOP, 1530 E 222ND STREET, BRONX, N.Y. 10469.


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The premier event for the recognition and celebration of business leadership and achievement, invites you to its

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“Think Big, Achieve Big – and realize Big Rewards”


EDUCATION/CAREER

1. Don’t start up.

From the moment inspiration hits and you come up with a business idea, the deluge of bad advice begins. Much of this is from the well meaning but risk averse. Sensible caution and careful planning never hurt anyone, but not pursuing their dreams most certainly did. Your first step is ignoring those who tell you not even to start.

“I have lost count of the number of people who told me not to take the risk of starting my own business, or not to undertake a particular project,” Michelle Wright, CEO of Cause4, has written. “But whilst it’s often not a walk in the park, there is no way I wouldn’t have wanted to try.”

2. You need a perfect business plan.

Market and customer research is essential, but so is a willingness to start despite imperfect information and flexibility once you get going. “When you are first starting out, there is a 100 percent chance you’ll encounter obstacles and opportunities that no business plan could account for. The only way to deal with them is to be flexible,” cautions Jim Belosic ofPancakes Laboratories/ShortStack, who admits to never having a business plan. “The need for a business plan simply doesn’t exist, and I would argue that making one is a poor use of your most valuable resource: your time,” agrees fellow business plan skeptic Anthony Saladino of Kitchen Cabinet Kings.

3. Don’t quit your job.

Situations vary, of course, but limping along with half measures is often more about fear than it is about failing to make your mortgage payments. “When you have enough customers to support your minimum overhead, jump to doing the business on an exclusive basis.

Only with complete focus will you be able to grow the business to its full potential,” iniststs author Barry Moltz.

4. Never say die.

Tenacity in the face of daily struggles and inevitable difficulties is great, but business is full of failure. Holding on simply to hold on is a terrible idea. Sometimes it’s a far better to let go, learn from your mistakes, and move on to something more promising. “This hard fast rule can lead to bankruptcy. Don’t go down with the ship!” urges Moltz, who says it’s far better to know when it fold ‘em.

5. The customer is always right.

No, the customer is often confused, unaware of his true needs, or more trouble than he’s worth. “While the goal of every entrepreneur is to make as much money as humanly possible, saying no to some paying customers may actually get you there faster,” Charles Gaudet of Predictable Profits explains. Moltz agrees: “If the customer was always right then it would be too expensive for any company to stay in business.”

But it’s not just that some customer demands cost more than they bring in. It’s also that customers are sometimes clueless about the best solution. “While taking client feedback is critical, giving customers what they want - instead of what serves their lives and businesses - is a copout,” says Kelly Azevedo of She’s Got Systems, who works “incredibly hard to educate my audience and persuade them. In real life, the customer is not always right.”

6. Think big.

While it’s great to dream of changing the world or upending an industry, the truth is most businesses move incrementally, despite

management cliches to the contrary. “What can be wrong with reaching for the stars? Plenty. Most really big solutions begin small and build momentum. How seriously would anybody have taken Amazon if it started as the ‘everything store’?” notes a BusinessWeek roundup of management truisms that should be shown the door.

It’s also fine if your business idea is downright boring. “As an entrepreneur we all think we are Steve Jobs. I’m guilty of it as well,” writes entrepreneur Dan Norris. “For most businesses, this really isn’t how things work out. Our most successful product WP Curve is boring - we fix websites! But it works because a lot of people need their website fixed.”

7. It’s the idea (or execution) that matters most.

Some folks say success is mostly about your idea. Others insist it’s mostly down to your execution. Both camps are wrong because both are important. “The truth about ideas is that even the best succeed only when they attract the attention of the people who matter-;and when the timing is right,” insists BusinessWeek. “Business ideas are meaningless if you can’t back it up,” concurs Moltz. But Norris offers an important caveat to this ‘the idea isn’t everything’ wisdom. Execution also isn’t everything. “A bad idea that’s well executed will fail. I know that because I’ve done it,” he admits.

Of course this isn’t an exhaustive list. There’s plenty more bad advice out there. What other old chestnuts would you advise your fellow entrepreneurs to ignore?

By Jessica Stillman – Inc Magazine

7 popular pieces of Business advice you should ignore.

whereitzat magazine may 2014

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