Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Celebrity Author & Motivational Speaker Mark Papadas!



Mark Papadas and I AM 4 Kids
Mark Papadas
Highly successful author, speaker, coach and businessman Mark Papadas has worked with world class self-help authors and motivational leaders like Tony Robins, Brian Tracy, and Zig Ziglar. After years of improving the lives of adults, Mark turned his focus to the most important people in the world — OUR KIDS! 
 IAM4KIDS
Mark Papadas created I AM 4 Kids  
to fulfill 
the needs of children!

Let’s find out more about this incredible educational foundation and the man behind it!

 Interview

Alex: Please tell us a bit about yourself and what motivated you to create this phenomenal non-profit organization known as I AM 4 KIDS

Mark Papadas Bio:

Mark Papadas is an author, speaker, coach and founder of I AM 4 Kids™, an innovative children’s empowerment program that is revolutionizing elementary education. After years of training and coaching adults, he’s delivering those same self-empowerment tools to children.

Being blessed to work in the self-development field for over 20 years, working with and for such leaders as Brian Tracy, Zig Ziglar, and Anthony Robbins, Mark has been witness to countless success stories by those who realize their power and achieve their goals using proven tools and strategies.

When introduced to the concepts of personal growth and self-empowerment in high school, Mark was immediately hooked. Growing up in the 70’s, his parents worked hard to keep food on the table and make ends meet. Frequently, Mark was in the care of two older brothers – one of which often got his point across with his fists. Many times, he was beaten severely. While it was a difficult period growing up, he learned to control his mind and look inward for strength. Those tough childhood years are the threads that help Mark relate to the challenges many children face today.

Mark is an engaging leader, great motivator and superb teacher. His creative energy has compelled him to create several innovative programs that are helping tens of thousands of people today.

Some of his career achievements are:

  • Created I AM 4 Kids – an innovative new children’s empowerment program taught in elementary schools teaching each child how to create their own empowering identity.
  • Authored the book 10 Secrets to Empower Kids and Awaken the Child in You!
  • Nominated for 2011 Chicago Innovation Award for I AM 4 Kids.
  • Wrote final chapter in collaborative eBook, "The Way Out…Your Guided Path to Success" with Brian Tracy, Bill Bartmann, Jim Cathcart, Steve Siebold, Hyrum Smith, Marsha Petrie Sue, Ivan Misner, Don Hutson, & others.
  • Appeared with legends such as Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy.
  • Hosted live talk radio show - The Motivational Hour - on AM 560 WIND on Sunday mornings from 2005 – 2007.
  • Managed the operations of Anthony Robbins & Associates - Chicago.
  • Designed programs such as I AM…The Power of Your True Identity™, The R.A.P.I.D. Sales Method™, and Their Lips are Moving™ - which have changed the lives and fortunes of individuals and businesses.

Mark is bringing his message of identity, empowerment and leadership to the most important people in the world — OUR KIDS! 

Why I AM 4 Kids:
As someone who has been a student of personal development for decades and trained/coached adults successfully for years, I can’t tell you how many times people have said, “Why didn’t they teach me this stuff in school?” Also, as a parent of three amazing kids and a coach of multiple youth sports, I had been teaching kids “informally” for a number of years. Then, one night as if by fate, I had an epiphany - a stream of consciousness in which the program, the characters, the format, and the business model came to life. I realized that I had found my life’s purpose. The reason I was on the planet. The “why” of all the things I had learned and experienced up to that moment. All that was left was to build an organization and execute the plan.


Alex: This may seem like a simple or naive question but why does empowering kids at an early age work?

Mark Papadas: First off, let me tell you that I believe every child is born with all the traits and characteristics they need to be successful throughout their lives. It is the stuff they learn from adults as they are growing up that handicaps them.
 There is a reason why we chose the age group of 2nd thru 5th graders. It is the optimal time to reach kids. It is the point in where they are developing both their cognitive thought processes as well as their belief system. Unlike adults who have to “unlearn” their disempowering patterns, belief system, and lack of identity, kids are a blank slate at this point in their development. The identity that a person develops as a child is the identity they will have as adults. The younger a child develops an empowering identity, the more likely he/she is to succeed…not just now but as teens and adults.


Alex: What are some of the educational results parents and teachers can expect by implementing I AM 4 KIDS strategies? 

Mark: Children will do better in school. By capitalizing on the Mind/Body connection, the child will be in their peak learning state in school. In our pilot classrooms, over 60% of the kids grades improved and disciplinary actions decreased by over 70%. As the program is implemented in more schools across the country, we fully expect that attendance will improve as well.


Alex: How long does a typical I AM 4 KIDS program take and what are the costs associated with the program?

Mark: The I AM program only takes a couple hours of in-class time but is a lifelong gift for anyone who goes through it. The DVD portion of the program takes between 90-120 minutes – depending on the class size. After that, it literally takes less than two minutes of time in class each day to keep anchoring the identity. All other aspects of the program are extracurricular. We designed the program with input from classroom teachers as well as administrators. We have eliminated all of the objections that a school would have to implementing the program… including cost. The program costs the school ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!  The costs of implementing (about $3,500 per school) are paid by corporate sponsors and philanthropic donors.


Alex: What does a typical I AM 4 KIDS class look like?

Mark: I think you are asking what happens in the class rather than the socio-economic demographics. So, that’s the direction I’ll go with this answer. The program consists of an interactive DVD of me interacting with the 5 animated I AM 4 Kids characters. It is divided into several short engaging segments with each followed by an exercise to be done in class or for homework. After that, we use technology to communicate and challenge the kids and their family to live up to their identity each and every day.
Alex: I ‘m sure there are many, but can you tell us a few of the success stories from the I AM 4 KIDS graduates?
Mark: Due to privacy laws dealing with minors, I cannot give specific details of individual children. There have been several children who went from failing grades to Honor Roll within a year. But the real successes come from the projects the kids do in the final step of the process. For examples of projects that kids have come up with:



Alex: The I AM 4 KIDS supporters/sponsors are people and companies that embrace the mantra “Make a Difference EVERY Day!”  Who are some of the big name supporters for this phenomenal foundation?

Mark: Some of the big name corporations who have supported us to date are Jones Lang LaSalle – the world’s largest commercial real estate company and Goldman Sachs.
In terms of celebrity backing, there is Barbara Niven – one of Hollywood’s busiest actresses, celebrity fragrance designer Geir Ness, and several former NFL players like Emery Moorehead and Shafer Suggs.


Alex: IAM4KIDS works within the educational system how can an interested educator or parent become involved within the United States?  Would it be possible to recreate the IAM4KIDS experience overseas?

Mark: Absolutely. That is part of the reason we chose animated characters. This is becoming a movement that will spread across the globe. It is too important not to.


Alex: Mr. Papadas your new book, “10 Secrets to Empower Kids & Awaken the Child in You!” has been receiving accolades from various educational stakeholders, can you give us a few practical parenting tips that we could start on right away?

Mark:
1. Expect greatness and let your kids know it. For many years, the last thing my wife and I say to our kids when they leave for school each day is “Be Great!” to which they reply enthusiastically, “I AM!”  It is a little thing that has an amazing impact over time.
2. Lead by Example. This is important for many reasons. We all know the old quote, “Action speaks louder than words.” If your words are not congruent with your actions, your kids will doubt what you tell them. They hear one thing but see another. If you are not the trusted source, who then fills that void? Gangs? Cliques?
3. Decisions have consequences. We have to let our kids learn from their mistakes and accept the consequences for their choices and actions. If kids never experience the “bad” of a bad choice, how can we expect them to consistently make good ones?


Alex: Where can we get hold of your new book “10 Secrets to Empower Kids & Awaken theChild in You!”?
or


Alex:Mr. Mark Papadas, once again thank you for taking the time out of your hectic schedule! 

Mark: Thank you Alex! 

For more information check out this IAM4KIDS informational video!

 Make a Difference EVERY Day!

More information on I Am 4 Kids 

Ambassadors
Geir Ness Celebrity Fragrance Designer 
geir ness I AM 4 Kids






Celebrity & Healthy Lifestyle Consultant SASHA!
 Sasha





See you next week!
Celebrity English - Alex
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Monday, October 29, 2012

Celebrity Halloween

Celebrity Halloween Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey
Oct. 31- Halloween is in a few days! Halloween is a great time for getting together with friends and family.   Halloween is a time-honored tradition in North America that everyone enjoys with pumpkin carving, food & drink, wearing costumes, trick or treating, and visiting haunted attractions, and more!

Let’s see what the celebrities are up to!  And for those of you who are new to Halloween I have added some common/natural Halloween Language.


Let's go to a pumpkin patch!
Halle Berry and daughter Nahla in the pumpkin patch!
Halle Berry and daughter Nahla in the pumpkin patch!

 
Celebrity Halloween Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba and daughter Honor at the pumpkin patch!
Let's pick a pumpkin!
...get a pumpkin.
...find a pumpkin.
...select a pumpkin.
...buy a pumpkin.


Let's carve a pumpkin!
Scary Pumpkin
Scary Pumpkin!

Celebrity Halloween Edward Cullen
Edward Cullen Pumpkin Carving
Celebrity Halloween Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp Pumpkin Carving
Let's carve a pumpkin that looks scary!
Let's carve a pumpkin that looks like Johnny Depp!


Dressing up as...
Celebrity Halloween Katy Perry
Katy Perry as a Vampire!

Celebrity Halloween Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera & Jordan Bratman dressed up as zombies!
to wear a costume.
to go as a ghost or witch or...
to dress up as a zombie or a vampire.

 

Go to a Halloween Party!
Celebrity Halloween Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton attending a Beverly Hills Halloween Party!

Fergie and Josh Duhamel going to a Halloween party!
Fergie and Josh Duhamel going to a Halloween party!
Let's go to a Halloween Party.
...go to a Halloween Party for Kids.
...go to a friend’s place for a Halloween Party.
...go to a nightclub for a Halloween Party.
...have/host a Halloween Party.


Let's go trick or treating  (kids and parents or young kids up to about age 10-12years old)!
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie trick or treating with their kids
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie trick or treating with their kids


 Let's give out some Halloween treats!
Mark Zuckerberg and wife giving out treats at Halloween!
Mark Zuckerberg and wife giving out treats at Halloween!
...to give out candy.


Let's see a famous haunted attraction!
Woods of Terror (Greensboro, North Carolina)
Woods of Terror (Greensboro, North Carolina)




Scary Food & Drink!
Spider Bug Cookies!
Cheese Fingers!

Hot Dog Mummies!
Scary Apple Monsters!
 
Drink with Eyeball in it!

Witch's Brew!


Have a safe Halloween!
 Celebrity English
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Sunday, October 21, 2012

The Mickey Strange Experience!

The Mickey Strange Experience_Metro
 Mickey Strange’s vibrant sound is powering through the music world!  Already well known in the alternative underground music scene, Mick’s blend of Goth, Electronica, Industrial and rock is trending heavy on the Internet.  This vocal powerhouse out of Detroit is getting rave reviews from his fans, media, and DJ’s!

Laney & Friends say,  “You are the King of the    Underground!”

Metro Times Detroit calls Mickey Strange “Liquid Fire!"

“The Dark man from Detroit sheds some light in Brazil” - DJ. Markus Marques - Brazil


“Mickey Strange Rocks This Place!” DJ Jetta - New York


Interview
Alex: With 340 million Google website hits, how are you feeling?  How long have you been in the music game?
Mickey Strange: Wow! I didn’t even know!
Two weeks, just kidding I have to mess with you a little bit Alex…being old as the moon you know; I have been around a long time.


Alex: What got you into music and what keeps you going?
Mick: As far back as I can remember - I was singing on a picnic table with my Batman cape on and fell off and broke my collarbone. I don’t remember much after that…I have always been singing - always. What keeps me going? -  I do it for me. It’s who I am. Record deal or no Record deal.

Put your faith not into men, for men only reflect the being that you are.


Alex: Who were some of your musical influences growing up?
Mick: In order – Jim Morrison, David Bowie, Iggy Pop and Peter Murphy – I have a real low voice.

I would have to say “Bowie” sent me over the edge…I’m terribly attracted to the bizarre.

The one major highlight of this past year was meeting MikeGarson I was really nervous – I think he knew it…what an amazing talent!!!


Alex: Where does the fantastic 'Mickey Strange' artwork come from?
Mick: LOL – I can’t draw a straight line if my life depended on it – seriously! I love art so much…I really do admire people that can draw and paint…then came Photoshop! I said “ah” what a great form of self-mutilation…LOL - I do all the pics with my phone and Photoshop.

Started school at Bauhaus Design 1919–1933 - I have been around a long time remember.


Alex: When you are creating lyrics or a new song, what types of things inspire you?
Mick: The Supernatural. I’ll leave it at that for now.


Alex: As a professional singer, would you mind giving us a few tips on projecting your voice or on some voice training exercises?
Mick: First of all no one is tone deaf.  That is false information.  Everyone can sing.

Ear Training for pitch control - musical notes have colors.

There is a breathing exercise called “Breath of the Dragonby Bruce Lee” most don’t know about.

Vibrato - start real slow - equals control.


Alex: Where can people check out your music online or in person?
Mick: Free downloads for everyone.
Mick’s blend of Goth, Electronica, Industrial and rock music!

I’m hiding right now but coming out live real soon…


Alex: Thank you for the free downloads!  That’s very cool of you!  What can we look for in the future from Mickey Strange?
Mick:
As long as I am in the three-dimensional world – there will always be a song.

Keep up with the digital artwork – that I didn’t think anyone would really care about.

A lot of musical videos that I’m really excited about!


Alex: Mick! Thank you for taking the time out of your busy recording schedule to do an interview here at Celebrity English!  I really enjoyed the Mickey Strange Experience! You are a true artist and gentleman! 

Mick: Thanks so much Alex I had a wonderful time and thanks for having me.
Thank you everyone for all your support!!!

I am that which I am
A changing thing indeed
And while I am that which I am
I am willing to allow all others to be that which they are
I recognize that there are not two of us that are the same
I recognize that we have many differences
I recognize that there are things that are similar
There are things that are even same
And in all of our sameness
And in all of our differences
I find joy

-Mickey Strange

 


See you next week! Watch for Mickey Strange updates at Celebrity English Facebook!





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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

What do Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman and Matt Damon have in common?

Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt

Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman

Matt Damon
Matt Damon
What do Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman and Matt Damon have in common?
(a)Extremely successful movie stars.
(b)On the Hollywood the A-list.
(c)All have learned language accents to do famous movies.
(d)Tim Monich.












AnswerAll of the Above

(a) and (b)
Of course both are obviously correct.

(c)
Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman and Matt Damon have all been quite successful at portraying characters using accents that they did not grow up with.  Here are some famous examples:

Brad Pitt – Southern Accent - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button


Nicole Kidman – American Accent - Hemingway & Gellhorn


Matt Damon - South African Accent – Invictus



(d)
Tim Monich
At one point or another, Mr. Tim Monich has coached Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman and Matt Damon on creating believable accents for character portrayals in movies.

So, what can we learn from this linguistic master?

Tim Monich’s Style
Monich’s archive, assembled over thirty years, is almost surely the largest private one of its kind, with approximately six thousand entries. He also collects accents from TV. Monich begins by talking with the director about how a character should sound, then he talks to the actor about the character and decides which voices from his archive might provide a model. He usually gives an actor four or five choices, and the actor selects one, from which Monich makes tapes distilling the vowel and consonant sounds that typify the dialect. Monich and the actor then “play a word, listen to it and say it,” he said—do language lab. Monich invents rhymes and sentences using words from the script—what he calls random acting. He also writes an actor’s lines in a faux-phonetic style he made up by combining elements of actual phonetics with approximations of sounds.
By the time the actor stands in front of the camera, Monich has done the bulk of his teaching work. Eventually, the accent recedes as a concern.
~The New Yorker~


Well this week I have no comments only applause for the A-List Masters.
Thank you for caring and sharing! 
And may your star always shine brightly!


Have a good one! 
See you next week,
Alex

Celebrity Language and Culture!
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Sunday, October 7, 2012

Eating Well with Celebrity Chef Cordell

Chef Cordell - Food and Health
In Chicago and looking for an unforgettable Foodie experience? 
Celebrity Chef Cordell is the talk of city!  Classically trained in French cuisine and well known at the best restaurants in Chicago, Chef Cordell brings his extraordinary gastronomical experience to the people.  This phenomenal Celebrity Chef is engaging the ‘hearts and minds’ of the Windy City in a growing movement known as Eating Well With Chef Cordell (EWWCC). Whether he is cooking for a private clientele or educating in the Chicago Community, Celebrity Chef Cordell’s passion for food and wellness has created a buzz soon to go viral.


Alex: Chef Cordell, what sparked your interest in the culinary arts?

Chef Cordell: Since I was an early teenager, I’ve always had an affinity for cooking.  Both of my parents cooked, and they taught my sister and me at an early age.  When I was 15, I started selling cookies and brownies to classmates and church members, and it stuck with me!


Alex: What is “Eating Well with Chef Cordell” all about?

Chef Cordell: Our mission is to educate and raise awareness of healthy eating, and its benefits, to the public at large.  We purvey this via cooking classes, public speaking, food writing, Personal Chef Service, catering, and workshops/seminars.  Our long term goals include establishing urban gardens in major metropolitan cities, specifically in "food desert" areas, whereas residents of these communities will be able to learn how to farm, maintain, and produce fresh produce for sale to fellow residents.  In this process, we intend to educate and employ local citizens.  This plan will lead to establishing co-op style grocery stores in these same areas.


Alex: As an extremely talented Chef with a wide variety of styles and foods in your cooking arsenal, what are some of your favorite dishes to put on a menu for a small private party?

Chef Cordell: Thanks for the kind words, I definitely appreciate it!  I look to be as open and accommodating to my clients as possible.  Flautas of any kind, risotto cakes, salmon wontons, and most things involving duck, just to name a few. 


Alex: Where do you find the ingredients to create your culinary masterpieces?

Chef Cordell: I love supporting local Farmers markets and local butchers as much as I possibly can.  By shopping at these types of purveyors, the potentiality of freshness is increased, and you can generally talk to the growers regarding types of practices that they used to grow the foods. 


Alex: On your website Chef Cordell.com, Community Outreach programs/events are listed as an important part of your life, can you elaborate on that for the readers?

Chef Cordell: Community Outreach is HUGE in my business and personal life; to say anything else would be an outright lie.  With all of the help that I’ve received in both my business and personal life, I feel eternally indebted to be of service to everyone as often as possible.  Currently, I volunteer with several organizations in Chicago & Charlotte, including “Operation Frontline”, The Salvation Army, “Polished Peebles”, and a few mentoring groups for young people.  I’ve also been very fortunate to have spoken to children on the elementary and high school level, regarding cooking, careers, and motivation.


Alex: Currently, what food dishes/styles, from other countries, are you interested in?

Chef Cordell: I’m enthralled with Indian, Mediterranean, Spanish cuisines; these highly flavored and mostly healthy styles of cooking definitely excite me!


Alex: Who do you consider some of ‘the greats’ in the cooking world today?

Chef Cordell: Well two of my favorites include the late, great Patrick Clark, and Julia Childs.  Currently, Alton Brown is definitely my favorite.  I also like a few others, including Bobby Flay, Ming Tsai, Rick Bayless, and Giada de Laurentiis.


Alex: What celebrity would you like to cook for and why?

Chef Cordell: I’ve been very fortunate in being able to work with a few national celebrities to this point.  I’d LOVE to work with my favorite jazz artist, Mr. Al Jarreau.  I’d do my BEST to keep him alive for another 70 years to bless the world with his amazing talents!  Other than that, any celebrity who’d be willing to want to eat healthier!


Alex: How can people get in contact with Chef Cordell?
Chef Cordell Chicago
Chef Cordell: I can be contacted by email at chefcordell@gmail.com, online at www.chefcordell.com, and by telephone at (773) 609-FOOD (3663).


Alex: Celebrity Chef Cordell, thank you for caring and sharing! It’s been a pleasure talking to you today!  Looking forward to your radio program!  And for all you Foodies out there make sure to look up Chef Cordell the next time you are in Chicago!
Have a great week everyone! And remember you are what you eat!
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