What's up with DEI in Film?

 

The push for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Hollywood, while rooted in noble intentions, has sparked debates about its execution and impact on the industry. Critics argue that the aggressive implementation of DEI policies has, at times, prioritized representation over merit, resulting in storytelling and casting choices that feel forced or tokenistic. This has alienated portions of audiences who feel these efforts detract from authentic narratives and the artistry of filmmaking.

 Additionally, some contend that the focus on meeting quotas may overlook the nuances of genuine diversity, such as cultural depth and unique experiences, ultimately risking the industry's ability to produce compelling, universally resonant content. The challenge lies in finding a balance that celebrates diversity without compromising the creative essence of Hollywood.

 The impact of social media on mental health is a topic of significant debate and research. Several studies have been conducted on this issue, and the general consensus is that social media can have both positive and negative effects on mental health, depending on how it's used and the individual's personal characteristics. Here are some of the potential negative and positive effects of social media on mental health:

Negative Effects:

Comparison and Envy: Constant exposure to others' highlight reels can lead to feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, or even depression. Users may feel that their lives are not as exciting or successful as those of others, which can lead to feelings of inferiority or dissatisfaction.

Cyberbullying: The anonymity and ease of communication on social media can sometimes lead to aggressive behaviors, online harassment, and cyberbullying, which can have severe mental health implications, especially for younger users.

Increased Anxiety and Depression: Some studies have suggested that heavy use of social media can increase feelings of anxiety and depression, especially in adolescents.

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Seeing others participating in events or activities can lead to a fear of missing out, which can cause anxiety and feelings of exclusion.

Distraction and Reduced Productivity: Overuse of social media can lead to procrastination, which can increase stress, especially for students or professionals with deadlines.

Disrupted Sleep: Excessive use of social media, especially before bedtime, can interfere with sleep patterns.

Positive Effects:

Connection and Community: For many, social media provides a sense of belonging, an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and support from online communities.

Awareness and Advocacy: Social media has played a crucial role in raising awareness about various social issues and mobilizing change.

Learning and Information Sharing: Many people use social media to share and receive information on topics of interest, broadening their horizons and learning new things.

Emotional Support: Sharing personal struggles can lead to others offering advice, support, or sharing their own experiences, making one feel less alone.

Opportunities: Whether it's for business, art, or other endeavors, social media provides a platform to showcase talents, products, and ideas to a vast audience.

To make the most out of social media and mitigate its potential negative effects:

Set time limits for usage.

Take regular breaks.

Avoid using it right before sleep.

Curate your feed to reduce exposure to negative or triggering content.

Engage in face-to-face social interactions to maintain a balanced social life.

If you feel overwhelmed or notice a decline in your mental health, consider consulting with a mental health professional.

In summary, the relationship between social media and mental health is multifaceted. It is essential to be mindful of one's consumption and ensure that it aligns with one's well-being and life goals.

When AMPTP Met Aspartame: A Sugary Film Tale

Hello dear readers! Today, we are going to embark on a laughably enlightening journey comparing two things that, at first glance, seem as different as chalk and cheese: AMPTP and Aspartame. Now, before you squint your eyes in confusion, let's take a deeper dive into the uncanny similarities between these two.  Join us for a conversation about this sweet but deadly topic!  

The Introductions

AMPTP: No, it's not the next boy band or the name of your weird uncle's favorite radio station. AMPTP stands for Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. In a nutshell, it's a trade association that represents production companies in the movie and TV world.

Aspartame: A zero-calorie artificial sweetener you might've heard of (or tasted) if you've ever sipped a diet soda. Found in countless products, it’s like the popular kid of sweeteners.

Now, let’s dive into why these two are bizarrely connected in my imagination:

Similarity #1: Sweet Deals and Sweet Drinks

AMPTP: These folks negotiate some of the most lucrative deals in Hollywood, ensuring your favorite films and TV shows get produced and distributed. They are responsible for making things look sweeter for producers and, indirectly, for viewers.

Aspartame: It sweetens up your drinks without the calories. Got a sweet tooth but don’t want the guilt? Aspartame to the rescue!

Similarity #2: Controversy Queens

AMPTP: It isn’t a Hollywood story without some drama! The AMPTP has found itself in the limelight AGAIN with a BITTER dispute for control of everything related to creative entities!  Which is unhealthy! 

Aspartame: Did someone say “Unhealthy”? Aspartame has been the subject of various health debates over the years, with studies, research, and opinions coming from every direction.  I think it's safe to say, it's not safe. 

Similarity #3: Can’t Live With Them, Can’t Live Without Them...(Ummmm NO!!!)

AMPTP: Love or hate them, (Mainly hate these days) the television and movie world wouldn’t be the same without the AMPTP.  This is NOT true!  They wouldn't exist without the creative souls behind every signal film, TV, or play in history!   They might play a pivotal role in the entertainment you consume but will not survive without smart HUMANS that create things!  Small production companies will rule the future. 

Aspartame: Whether you're a fan or a critic, it’s hard to ignore this sweetener's ubiquity. It’s everywhere!  Just like flies on S@#T!  God gave us fruits to sweeten anything.  Man-made sugar is garbage. We can live without garbage. 

Similarity #4: Acronym Agony

AMPTP: Let’s be honest, the first time you heard "AMPTP," you probably thought it was a typo or a secret code.

Aspartame: Okay, it isn’t an acronym, but try saying it five times fast. Or even spelling it without Googling.

In Conclusion

While AMPTP deals with the sweet and sour of Hollywood Aspartame tackles our sweet cravings. Unfortunately, they both have deadly side effects and need to be reconsidered and other alternatives created.  it's clear that both have made their mark in their respective worlds. And while you may not see a blockbuster film about Aspartame produced by AMPTP anytime soon (or maybe you will, who knows what Hollywood has up its sleeve?), it’s fun to draw connections between two seemingly unrelated entities.

So, the next time you’re sipping on a diet soda while binge-watching your favorite series, take a moment to appreciate the sweet symphony of AMPTP and Aspartame working in harmony to destroy your viewing pleasure and give you kidney stones!  Cheers! 🥤🎬

Big Tech's Grip: The Debate over Content Suppression

In the digital age, big tech companies have become the gatekeepers of information, wielding immense power over content that reaches billions of users worldwide. While these platforms have undoubtedly revolutionized communication and access to information, concerns have grown about their role in suppressing content. Allegations of political bias, censorship, and monopolistic practices have ignited debates over free speech, privacy, and the future of a truly open Internet. In this article, we will explore the contentious issue of big tech's content suppression and its potential implications for society.

The Dominance of Big Tech

Tech giants such as Facebook, Google (including YouTube), Twitter, and Amazon have come to dominate the digital landscape. These companies possess an unparalleled ability to shape the flow of information and control access to content on their platforms. Their algorithms and content moderation policies determine what content users see, while their market power enables them to influence the narratives and opinions circulating online.

Content Suppression and Political Bias

One of the primary concerns surrounding big tech companies is the perception of political bias in their content moderation practices. Critics argue that these platforms disproportionately target certain political ideologies, leading to the suppression of conservative or alternative viewpoints. Such allegations have fueled accusations of partisan censorship and have raised questions about the platforms' commitment to fostering open and inclusive debate.

While tech companies have repeatedly denied explicit political bias in their policies, the opacity surrounding their content moderation processes has created an air of suspicion. Calls for greater transparency and external oversight have intensified, with many advocating for independent audits to ensure fair treatment of diverse perspectives.

Censorship and Freedom of Speech

The issue of content suppression ties closely with the concept of freedom of speech. Advocates for a free and open internet argue that big tech's growing influence compromises this fundamental right. When platforms remove or restrict content, they may inadvertently stifle public discourse, preventing essential discussions on controversial topics. Critics claim that by acting as de facto arbiters of truth, tech companies are infringing upon individuals' right to express their views without fear of censorship.

At the same time, supporters of content moderation argue that it is necessary to maintain a safe and healthy digital environment. They point out that limiting the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and harmful content protects users and fosters an online space conducive to constructive dialogue. Striking the right balance between moderation and free speech remains a formidable challenge, as it often involves complex moral, ethical, and legal considerations.

Monopoly and Alternatives

Another aspect of content suppression involves the dominance of big tech companies in the market. The concentration of power in a few hands raises concerns about monopolistic practices, which can stifle competition and innovation. Some argue that the lack of viable alternatives further exacerbates the issue of content suppression, leaving users with limited options for expressing their opinions and accessing diverse perspectives.

Regulatory Efforts and Policy Considerations

In response to mounting concerns, policymakers around the world have grappled with ways to address big tech's content suppression practices. Some propose stricter regulations and antitrust measures to curb the companies' monopolistic power, while others advocate for clearer guidelines on content moderation to ensure fairness and accountability.

Tech companies themselves have started taking steps to address these concerns. Initiatives for enhanced transparency, external oversight, and user appeals have been launched to make the content moderation process more understandable and inclusive. However, the implementation and effectiveness of these measures remain subjects of ongoing scrutiny and debate.

Conclusion

The issue of big tech suppressing content is a multifaceted and contentious matter that touches upon fundamental principles such as freedom of speech, privacy, and market competition. As society continues to grapple with the digital revolution's impact, striking a balance between content moderation and free expression will be crucial. Ultimately, finding solutions that respect diverse perspectives, encourage healthy debate, and ensure accountability is essential for creating a more equitable and open digital landscape.

 

Watch the Counterparts Show July 18th 2023 at 7pm Central to learn about the SAG-AFTRA and the WGA Strike and how you can help. Even if you're not in the entertainment industry, you can help! Please tune in!

www.counterpartsshow.com

The 2023 SAG-AFTRA Strike: A Fight for Equity and Modernization.

The entertainment industry has always been a realm of glitz and glamour, where our favorite stars come to life on screens big and small. However, behind the scenes, the reality for many actors, voice actors, and media professionals is not always as glamorous as it appears. In 2023, the SAG-AFTRA strike emerged as a resounding call for change, demanding fair compensation, improved working conditions, and industry-wide reforms.

At the heart of the strike was the need for equitable compensation in the face of a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The rise of streaming platforms and digital content consumption has transformed the way we engage with entertainment. Yet, as the industry has shifted, traditional compensation models have struggled to keep pace. SAG-AFTRA members recognized the disparity and fought to ensure their valuable work in the digital realm was adequately recognized and compensated.

Residuals became a major point of contention during the strike. With the growing dominance of streaming services and video-on-demand platforms, the distribution of revenue generated from these platforms needed to be reevaluated. SAG-AFTRA pushed for improved residuals, aiming to secure fair compensation for their work in the ever-expanding digital arena.

Another critical aspect of the strike was the focus on health and safety. The grueling hours and demanding schedules endured by industry professionals took a toll on their well-being. The strike highlighted the importance of work-life balance and the need for better rest periods, aiming to create safer and more sustainable working conditions for all.

The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike was more than just a fight for individual gains. It served as a catalyst for industry-wide reforms. The demands raised by SAG-AFTRA members shed light on the need for modernization, ensuring that the entertainment industry adapts to the evolving dynamics of content creation and consumption. It sparked conversations about fair treatment, diversity and inclusion, and the equitable distribution of opportunities.

Ultimately, the strike served as a powerful reminder that the entertainment industry thrives because of the hard work and dedication of its professionals. It highlighted the collective strength of SAG-AFTRA members and their unwavering determination to bring about meaningful change. By standing together, they sent a clear message: the industry must evolve, adapt, and prioritize the fair treatment and compensation of its talented workforce.

As negotiations continue and the entertainment industry charts its future, it is crucial for all stakeholders to listen, engage, and work toward a more equitable and sustainable industry. The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike will be remembered as a pivotal moment that challenged the status quo and paved the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all those involved in the world of entertainment.

The World of Supplements!

Vitamin supplements: the ultimate cure-all for all that ails you! Or so we're told, anyway. But let's be real, the world of vitamin supplements can be a confusing and, at times, downright comical place.

First of all, there are so many different types of vitamins and supplements out there, it's hard to keep track of them all. There's Vitamin A for your eyes, Vitamin B for your energy, Vitamin C for your immune system, and Vitamin D for your bones. But wait, there's more! There's also Vitamin E for your skin, Vitamin K for your blood, and even Vitamin Z for, well, we're not entirely sure what that one does, but it sounds important!

And then there are the various forms these vitamins come in: pills, gummies, chewable tablets, liquids, powders, and even sprays! It's like a never-ending game of Whac-A-Mole, trying to figure out which one is right for you.

But it's not just the vitamins themselves that are confusing, it's also the dosage. Some bottles recommend one pill a day, while others say to take three. And then there are the ones that tell you to take "as needed," which begs the question: how do you know when you need it? Are there warning signs? Will you suddenly start feeling weak and dizzy if you don't take your Vitamin D?

And let's not forget about the "extra" ingredients that are often added to these supplements. Sure, they may contain the vitamin you're looking for, but they also come with a whole host of other things like herbs, minerals, and even caffeine. It's like buying a bag of potato chips and finding a toy surprise inside...except the toy is a bunch of other unnecessary ingredients.

But perhaps the funniest thing about the world of vitamin supplements is the way they're marketed. Have you ever noticed how every single supplement out there claims to be the "best" or the "most effective"? It's like a never-ending competition to see who can make the boldest claim. "Our Vitamin C will boost your immune system by 300%!" "Our Vitamin B will give you the energy of a marathon runner!" "Our Vitamin A will make your eyes so strong, you'll be able to see through walls!"

In short, the world of vitamin supplements can be a minefield of confusion and absurdity. But at the end of the day, we all just want to feel our best and live a healthy life. So, whether you choose to take a daily dose of Vitamin C or a handful of Vitamin Gummies, just remember to always do your research and talk to your doctor before adding any supplement to your routine.

Watch our latest episode on supplements!  

Nashville, Tennessee is known for its rich music culture, and there are plenty of venues that offer a great combination of BBQ and live music.  One of the best in the city is Papa Turney's.

Papa Turney's is located at 3937 Bell Road Hermitage TN 37076.  The restaurant features a menu of classic southern BBQ dishes, including pulled pork, brisket, and ribs, that are sure to satisfy any appetite. 

It has great live music performances from local acts as well as traveling musicians, which include blues, country, and rock and roll. They have a great jam session on Saturday night so bring your instrument, get some great food, and jam with some of the friendliest people in Nashville. Whether you're a die-hard blues fan or just looking for a fun night out, Papa Turney's is sure to deliver.

What sets Papa Turney's apart from other BBQ and live music venues is the atmosphere. The restaurant has a traditional, down-home feel that makes it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The venue has indoor and outdoor seating, so visitors can enjoy the music and food in both comfort and style. The perfect spot for a date night, birthday party, or any occasion you can think of. The owner Michael is the perfect host and truly cares about everyone having a great time.

Overall, In my opinion, Papa Turney's is the best BBQ and live music venue in Nashville. The combination of great food, drinks, and music, along with the friendly atmosphere, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Nashville's music and BBQ culture.

Visit: https://www.facebook.com/PapaTurneys

The Responsibility of an Artist

Artists have a unique responsibility in society as they have the ability to inspire, challenge, and shape cultural norms through their work.

One responsibility of an artist is to create work that is true to their own vision and perspective. This means being true to oneself and not succumbing to external pressures to conform or create work that is popular or profitable, but not authentic.

Another responsibility of an artist is to push boundaries and challenge societal norms through their work. This can include tackling difficult and controversial subject matter and pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms and mediums.

Artists also have a responsibility to use their platform and influence to raise awareness about important social and political issues. They can use their art as a form of activism and raise awareness about issues such as poverty, inequality, and social justice.

Additionally, artists have a responsibility to give back to their communities and to support other artists. This can include mentoring young artists, participating in community art projects, and supporting small independent galleries and art spaces.

In summary, artists have a unique responsibility to be true to their own vision, to challenge societal norms, and to use their platform to raise awareness about important issues to give back to their communities and support other artists.  

Listen to Charles Andrew Payne talk about the responsibility of an artist and more!

LINK:  https://youtu.be/78G63QhJ_mA

Breaking down the Homelessness Crisis in America

Unless you've experienced homelessness, it's very difficult to explain it to someone who's always had a roof over their head, however, it's necessary in order to evoke change. So how do we do that? Well, first you must find those that have been helping for many years and engage with them in a meaningful way. I can't think of anyone better than Bobby Watts to explain the challenges and inspire change within the social justice space.

Bobby Watts is the chief executive officer of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, which supports the 300 federally funded Health Care for the Homeless programs and 100 Medical Respite providers with training, technical assistance, sharing of best practices, research, publications, and an active policy and advocacy program working to eliminate homelessness.

We were very honored that Bobby agreed to visit us at the Counterparts Show. We had a great time not only getting to appreciate his journey but also learning about subsidized housing and some of the challenges we're facing in the fight to end homelessness.

As someone who's experienced homelessness, I recommend watching and sharing this episode and reaching out if you need any assistance or know someone who does. Thank you to Bobby and everyone at the Council for the amazing work they do. Visit https://nhchc.org/ to learn more.

Watch the Counterparts episode with Bobby Watts here: www.counterpartsshow.com

Thank you and don't forget our Livestream show is every Tuesday at 7PM Central / 8PM EST.

Business Drowning? This episode is the life preserver to save it!

 We've become so accustomed to seeing business gurus shouting how you can be as great as they are if you just behave how they do.  Nothing wrong with it. It's a style but it's so refreshing to listen to a road-tested professional with tremendous statistics discuss workable strategies to improve your business without yelling, YOU GOTTA GRIND BITCH!!!, once.  Well, we got that and then some when Rafferty Pendery visited the Counterparts Show Tuesday, September 6th 2022.  www.counterpartsshow.com  

The following is borrowed from his websites.  https://www.raffertypendery.com/  https://www.studio98.com/

"He started his first company at the age of 11 and has not lost his love of business since.

Rafferty has worked on projects with NASA and the Canadian Space Agency and co-authored research papers on using online technology to create public awareness and participation in analog research projects. This has earned him a spot as one of the youngest members of the prestigious Explorers Club.

He founded an online marketing firm 10 years ago which has serviced a wide range of businesses ranging from small and mid-sized companies to Fortune 500’s. Through acquisitions and the creation of new ventures, he now owns a group of 6 companies with staff and clients all over the world.

His companies have done work for brands such as Time Warner, Ashley Furniture, Super Shuttle, Red Bull, Hilton, Humana, Double Tree, Mizuno, HP, and many more.

He is an international speaker who has helped thousands of businesses around the world with organization, expansion strategies, social media, and online PR and marketing."

As you can see, he's a powerhouse in building strategies to help any business worldwide.  In the next few days, we'll be sharing some golden nuggets he gave us that I know will help anyone who wants to improve their reach in their current business or just maybe start that business you've been dreaming about for years.  There is really no better time to start a business than today!

Thank you to everyone that watched the episode!  Watch the show LIVE every Tuesday at 7pm Central 8PM EST where we Spotlight Conversation with Creative Minds.  Visit www.counterpartsshow.com  

Born and Raised in The Bronx! Counterparts Show

 Yo!!!  You from Da Bronx!!??  Nice!  Welcome!  Our first episode on The Bronx from our show Counterparts was a ton of fun but we felt we barely scratched the surface.  What did you expect, we had a lifetime of memories and experiences to cover.  We will be doing a part 2 for sure.  

In the episode, we covered the building I grew up in called Chester Hall.  The address was 1058 Southern Blvd.  A beautiful pre-war building that was considered luxury living back in the 30s.  During my time living there, it was a well-kept and clean build.  Unfortunately, the years and the landlords were not kind to it and it fell under deep dispare. I am happy to report, that Chester Hall is getting a facelift and hopefully full renovation.  One of my bucket list items is to visit the building and enter the apartments I lived in.  410, 304, and 503.  

Maybe take some pictures and pay honor to the space where my creative energy was developed.  In part 2 of our Bronx series, we will cover more of the history of the boro and talk about how my grandparents kept me out of trouble.  Maybe I'll tell the story a few breakdancing stories.  Stay tuned!  

The company that built 1058 Southern Blvd or Chester Hall as I remember calling it, was called A-Re-Co (American Real Estate Company) and the neighborhood had quite a few of these buildings that were all built between 1908 - 1912. Apparently, A-Re-Co bought the last farmland. The neighborhood was known as Areco for decades. These were all built about the exact time the subway lines reached Hunts Point.

I like sharing this picture cause it was taken during the time when I was living in that building behind the train. 1058 Southern Blvd in The South Bronx!! If you lived around here during the 80s let me know! (right)


To contact us or see some of our shows, Visit our page: www.counterpartsshow.com

They are Starving for your Potential

 Remember you become a serious threat to those who can't bring you down to their level. They secretly hate you for it but they might hang around you in the hopes that they can slow you down from winning. Some don't even know they're doing it. They just can't imagine winning at the levels you're striving for. It's not real to them so it shouldn't be real to you. They will try to make you think it's not real. It's a sad fact that negative people don't know their negative. They blame others for everything bad in their lives and take no responsibility for any of it. Do NOT allow one ounce of your potential and drive to be stolen by someone with very low or no potential or drive. JHS

Hang Tight Earthlings! It will be Glorious!

 When you're afraid that someone will ruin your plans of deceiving a civilization, you must shut them down at all costs. And if they don't go away, then you must scream, threaten, cheat, and lie to make sure they can never again participate in preventing their destructive plans and their criminal activities. Especially their money flows.

But these poor souls don't realize that the criminal wants to get caught and will continue to make mistakes and say stupid things in that direction. They can't help to get tongue-tied or let a little truth slip out when they're speaking. We laugh at it but it's really a sad thing to witness. Someone who can't confront those they are lying to will stumble as so much video footage has proven. Of course, these criminals control how this info gets distributed to millions, so it gets manipulated. Many are still under a veil of lies, but many more, and I mean MANY MORE, have removed this veil to take a closer look and now know that something is wrong. It doesn't take long to see something isn't right. For me, the viewpoint shift happened in 2018 and it took about 2 days of reading and listening to someone and then seeing things for myself. Seeing it was huge and in just 2 days, I realized I had been duped for most of my life. I can only pray and hope that more people will take the time to lift that veil slightly and see what's there. Just give it chance to see the information.

The next 18 months will be glorious but very scary to many who haven't lifted the veil and those that don't even believe there is a veil will become very dangerous and destructive people. Stay away from them and protect your family and friends. God bless you all. JHS

www.counterpartsshow.com 

   

 April 29th 2020 and December 8th 2021. What a difference studying and spending all those hours on webinars and workshops trying to figure this out. Sometimes having to clear almost every word in an article just to know what the hell they're talking about. Trying to explain to friends and family why I was doing this and sometimes I was trying to explain it to myself. But here we are and I'm truly grateful.

Thank you to anyone that watched the early shows where I had a weak signal, choppy audio and all you saw was a blurry Puerto Rican with a goatee that changed colors!
The guests were always great and I know the value was there and it's the main reason I kept going. Now I've done hundreds of hours on interviews, Live streams, plus being a guest other hosts podcasts, and more. The future looks great and I thank you all for the support on this journey. we're just getting started. Love, JHS

Twitter CEO canceled.... here's why it happened..

 

Twitter failed as a viable platform because in its inception it was intended to allow everyone to express themselves freely. When it was realized that the majority of the people on there were becoming even more suspect to the intention of some political parties, it had to be stopped and redirected back to the original agenda. If you look at those numbers, the majority were interested in stories about corruption and demanded honesty from political figures. Many political leaders couldn't deliver and those that did speak their truth, whether you agreed or not, received the most attention, shares and exposed accountability that was covered up by mainstream media.  This was a no no and needed to be stopped and they did stop it by pushing buzz words such as misinformation, fact checker, social justice, white privilege and distribution of wealth. Well, it seems some are starting to pay closer attention and asking questions.  The majority is actually much bigger because of the condemnation of free speech.  As usually, the ones who do not want anyone to hear any other opinions but the ones that move their criminally charged agenda forward, have failed again. 

Twitter was a beautiful platform that allowed and even forced a person to be creative with their views and freely express it. It will be missed. I know it's still here but in the eyes and hearts of freedom lovers, it's dead and has been for a while.

www.johnhenrysoto.com 

Watch This Before You Make Another Decision

Just make a decision and never look back. Stop dwelling....

Why I gave up complaining. By John Henry Soto

When I hear people complain about how hard it is to make it because of where they grew up, I can't help to think of my grandparents coming here in the mid-40s without knowing a word of English and finding factory jobs they worked for 20 years. They were around my age now when they arrived here! Then I remember my grandma telling me how she had to leave school in the 3rd grade to go to work. Her job was cleaning clothes in the river and sewing. She was 8 years old. My grandpa told me stories of working as a truck driver for the fire department. Things were a little different back then. He also drove a rock truck from the village to the city for building materials. I still carry his metal belt license on my key chain. I remember as a young boy walking by my grandpa's bedroom while he was resting after work and seeing him laying down wide awake scratching his forehead deep in thought. I always wondered what he was thinking about. I never had the nerve to ask him because I was afraid it wouldn't be good and it would make me sad. But I'm sad now anyway so in retrospect, I should have asked. His space felt sad to me but he always smiled and was the funniest dude around. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him in some way. I never met my dad so he was it for me and I couldn't imagine a better role model.

My grandma worked at a zipper factory called ACME. That's right ACME. Same place the Coyote spent a fortune on gadgets to try to capture the Roadrunner. She worked there for almost 20 years. Someone convinced her she should retire and she did. Three years shy of being eligible for a pension. Not sure if it was deliberate or not but it really bothered her. She said she did it to take care of me because my mom was working at the time and had remarried. I don't have all those details families don't talk about. My grandma was a tough lady and ruled the house. She worked hard and I never heard her complain that the work was too much. She did, however, hate the commute to her job in Long Island City and spoke about that a lot. The subway announcements she never understood so she had to ask around and sometimes people were not very nice to help her. But she always had the furniture she wanted and we always had food. Food was a big part of growing up for me. I miss those days and I truly miss her. Today is my grandma's birthday. She would have been 108! She lived to 96 so that's pretty amazing. My grandpa was 96 when he moved on! My mom was a lot younger which was very sad. I'll write something soon just about how great she was.

I truly can go on and on in detail about my family and my upbringing but that wasn't the reason I began writing down these thoughts. The purpose was this. I use these stories and memories whenever life challenges me harshly or I'm physically tired or it feels like it's a never-ending journey towards success. I look at my life and realize what an amazing success I already am and how blessed I am to have the opportunities in front of me. Today I feel really great. I would like to thank you for reading. ❤️🙏 JHS

Empathy is a Powerful Tool

Empathy is not sympathy. Giving someone sympathy devalues them and makes them feel worse. Empathy is understanding a person's situation and helping. In business, empathy is lacking and has been for a long time. It's destroying companies and alienating consumers and employees. Its time for a change and I feel a change coming. Whether you're into social media or not you must admit that it's forced some businesses into uncomfortable areas by making them have to be accountable for, not just the product they sell, but also their employees from the top to the bottom. It's a new day and I feel the change. I choose to try to stay ahead of the game and implement empathy as part of my strategy. Social media moves fast and all I can do is try to keep up. I'm behind many but more importantly, I realize I'm ahead of many as well and that's what's exciting. For me, this moment and 2019 will be a year to rediscover my purpose, nurture my family and move at a faster pace as an artist. It's going to be fun and I look forward to taking this journey with all of you. Thank you for reading and your support. ❤ JHS

Two IMPORTANT Items to apply on your Journey...

If you’re about to venture on an exciting trip, like the one I’m currently on, but you’re terrified, well, join the club! But also remember that it’s not you that’s afraid. It’s the idea that others will know you're afraid and might try to discourage you. This sometimes comes as a playful dig to you by someone that loves you but it still creates the same effect. It creates doubt which leads to fear. Just know that the fear is exterior to you as a spiritual being so that means it’s not part of you. Someone else created that fear and you accepted it as your own. It’s created somewhere else. If you eat some nasty fast food and get a stomach ache then that’s you because you allowed it to enter your body. You have control to NOT let fear enter your body or your mind in this case. Here are two simple tools that I follow every single day. The first thing that I apply is that I’m organized with my daily goals and I keep moving forward no matter what enters my space or like Dory sings in Finding Nemo, Just keep swimming Just keep swimming. If you’re moving forward at all times then someone who's trying to prevent you from succeeding will just have to either move over or you can run them over and they’ll become roadkill and then you can look in your rearview mirror and giggle. Yes, I intended that to be rather cruel and dramatic because it is and you shouldn’t put up with anyone trying to prevent your happiness. Family members and close friends tend to be the biggest culprits in this area. Look for it, stay organize and keep moving! The second thing I apply is to stay focus on your daily goals. You should have at least one item that you want to accomplish every single day towards a goal. That’s right. 7 days a week 365 days a year. It can be as simple as emailing someone with an idea or just studying a book, article or film for an hour. It’s not impossible to do and once you start you’ll be amazed at how much time you have to spend with your true friends and supportive family.  This is not always easy but necessary if you want to have the kind of life that YOU control. Your job as a living breathing spiritual being is to find solutions to problems and not make excuses. You will always have problems but how you confront them will judge how well you do in life. People who make excuses for a living never reach their full potential of ability or happiness and that is tragic. A person’s happiness can be measured by how far they can see into the future and then reach for it. Just standing idle staring at it will not get you there. So move!  Thank you for your time.  JHS
www.johnhenrysoto.com

I Grew up in the Ghetto and I don't use it as an Excuse to not Produce....

I know that's a long title but like I said I have no excuses to NOT produce so I produced a nice long title for you.  You're welcome.  So why am I writing about growing up in the South Bronx during one of the darkest days of that community?  70s 80s and 90s.  Well, because it goes hand in hand with just about anyone who's looking for excuses to not have to work hard to produce and just "Take it easy."  In my case, I could have used the excuse of growing up poor and in a violent neighborhood or not getting a good education etc... and you what, people around me would have supported that viewpoint and never push me to reach for more.  Shame on them!  Accountability was lost when I was growing up.  We just weren't expected to live long enough to achieve anything so they tried to make us feel better by excusing our laziness and lack of effort and candy coat their excuses by calling it "support".  That's so messed up.  So today, when someone throws a line out at me like, "Don't work so hard." or "Take it easy." it drives me a little batty because I remember what it took to get out of the South Bronx and extinguish the ghetto mentality that was instilled by a scared community.  And the sacrifices.  A lot of sacrifices.  Now, don't get me wrong, There's a big part of the South Bronx in my heart and I have a lot of love and admiration for the neighborhood.  I just refuse to use that experience as an excuse to not try to reach for the stars. Ok, maybe that's a little corny but it's heartfelt and really the main reason why I don't let anyone get away with making excuses that sound super lame.  I hear it all the time and I make sure I comment on it because I feel it's my responsibility to help them see what I've worked so hard to see.  And that is, the control you have on your future is based on the actions you decide to take today and not the hand you were dealt.  Take a really close and honest look at the actions you take towards your future.  Are they exactly what you should be doing?  If things don't work out are you using a million excuses to justify those actions?  And lastly, can you see movement towards your goals or are you sitting in your excuses.  You need to seriously look at that.  I want you to have a chance.  A chance to create exactly what you want.  You deserve it and you can do it.  Thank you for your time.  JHS
www.johnhenrysoto.com