Sunday, December 28, 2014

Farmers Pizzeria Offers an Outstanding Array of Foods

On Farmers Blvd and 111th Street is a hidden jewel for good food.  It is a quaint no frills restaurant with tasty well prepared food. The eatery offers a large variety of community comfort foods.

Farmers Pizzeria, offers great traditional pizza, burgers, pasta, fries, wings, salads and so much more. We really love the food at Farmers Pizzeria.


The pizza is delicious and they have other great foods like Italian food, burgers, wraps, and salads.  They offer specialty pizza too like BBQ Chicken, Chicken & Broccoli, White Pizza, Hawaiian Pizza, Buffalo Chicken Pizza, the meaty Farmer's Pizza and other selections.

Furthermore they have scrupulous pasta dishes like Pastas with Marinara Sauce, Garlic and Oil, Clam sauce, Alfredo Sauce, Vodka Sauce, and with Meat Sauce or Meat Sauce with Cheese.  Also they offer great burger meals with staple burger meals like Burgers with Fries, Cheese Burgers, and a really good turkey cheese burger.  They also offer "Deluxe" options with fries.  The also have healthy food choices. 

What I love about the restaurant is that it has healthy food choices too like grilled chicken and avocado salad, turkey burgers, and grilled chicken wraps. Farmer's Pizzeria has great Italian food but also is one of the few places in the community where you can get good healthy food choices as well.

There are a few tables for visitors and they will deliver to your door as well. Farmers Pizzeria also offers a wide selection of well known brand name beverages in package deals with some meals. For instance if you order chicken fingers they come with fries and a soda or iced tea. Farmers Pizzeria, has a few tables for sit down meals but also delivers to your door as well. They also do catering for your events and social functions. They even have Peace Teas too which is an inexpensive healthy beverage which doesn't have ingredients like corn syrup and additives. Peace tea comes in a lot of flavors.

The staff at Farmer Pizzeria are very pleasant to work with and are efficient in getting your meals. Farmers Pizzeria is a great place in the comunity to get Pizzas, burgers, and other good meals. To order from Farmers Pizzeria Click Here

Farmers Pizzeria has a wide array of foods in addition to classic and specialty Pizzas

Friday, December 26, 2014

End Your Year On a High Note!

We hope this email finds you in the best spirits going into the holidays. We hope you are enjoying the holidays!

Me and my staff are excited to tell you about a great place in our community with positive entertainment.  We are going into the New Year gratefully acknowledging the most successful year ever at Jackson Room in Southeast Queens.  Their, increasing successes would be impossible without supportive people like you in the community.

In their last performance "Jazz UP Your Holidays," in November was sold out and featured a riveting special performance by the legendary Tom Browne, of "Funkin for Jamaica" fame and acclaim!  They also performed a vibrant creative reggae version of "Let it Snow."

They plan to keep the same upbeat momentum Saturday, December 27th, 2014, with their next performance "End Your Year on a HIGH Note!"  The staff at Jackson Room are inviting you to attend this next joyful and jubilant holiday performance.

If you're looking for an exhilarating and enjoyable event to treat your friends and loved ones to , "End Your Year on a HIGH Note" will be right up your alley. So why don't you plan to join them at Jackson Room?             

They will be playing the "world class jazz in our community" you've come to expect from Jackson Room performances.  Their talented cadre of musicians for the evening will be:

Yayoi Ikawa - Piano

Essiet O Essiet - Bass

Lionel Cordew - Drums

Yours Truly, Ed Jackson - Sax

Come on out and enjoy this joyous holiday special occasion. They'd love to see you there.  They expect a great turnout so please make your reservation now.                                                                                                                                                         

"End Your Year on a HIGH Note"
with the Ed Jackson Quartet

Saturday, December 27th, 2014

2 Shows: 8:00 & 10:00 

Cover: $15.00  (includes 8:00 show & 10:00 show) 

Free Healthy Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments 

Make a Reservation

Or

Make a  telephone reservation (Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm)
by calling: (718) 525-2387
 
Best Regards,

Ed Jackson and the Staff at Jackson Room 

P.S. If you or someone you know would like to host your event at the Jackson Room, let us know.
 
You can now follow us on Facebook 
  



 Support Jazz in Queens by sharing this blog with someone you know.
Checkout this set at Jackson Room to see the quality of jazz in our community
 

Jackson Room
192-07 Linden Blvd
St Albans, New York 11412
(next door to Jackson Tax Service)


(718) 525-2387


Sign Up for Updates 
 

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Jazz UP Your Holidays in Southeast Queens!

Jackson Room, in St. Albans, Queens, are understandably feeling especially thankful as they go into the holiday season.  "They are reflecting well on the positive developments over the last year and the great memorable musical moments with warm memories" says Ed Jackson, owner of the local jazz club .

"We have just finished one of our most popular performances this year - The Jazz Collective Brings it Home, which was an overwhelming great success according to Mr. Ed Jackson.  He then thanks his supporters for their continued patronage.  Jackson then admonishes jazz lovers in the area to move forward into this festive time of the year with a sense of joy and look to "Jazz Up Your Holidays!"

Jackson and the staff at Jackson Room, want residents in the NYC area to go into the Holiday Season and enjoy it from an exhilarating high note.  During this time of year Jackson Room's owner can't help but pause, reflect, and look to join with other friends and loved ones to musically celebrate treasured sacred traditions.  Jackson Room's goal is to goes forward from this level of heightened enthusiasm and therefore presents their next high energy performance  on Saturday, November 29th entitled "Jazz Up Your Holidays!"

"Jazz Up Your Holidays, will jump start your holiday season with heightened musical upliftment and set an exhilarating spirited tone for the season" further claims Ed Jackson.

They will be playing festive holiday inspired music for your ultimate listening pleasure.  This is a part of their Month's End Jazz Motivations series.  The local jazz establishment continues to bring outstanding world class music to our community Saturday, November 29th, 2014 when the outstanding cadre of musicians will be:


Ed Jackson - Sax
Carlton Holmes - Piano
Marcus Mclaurine - Bass
Lionel Cordew - Drums



Jackson Room, anticipates a great response so please don't delay.  Why don't you take a second to make your reservation to attend "Jazz Up Your Holidays," right now? RSVP for Saturday, November 29th, 2014

Come on out and experience this important occasion only made possible due to the invaluable patronage and efforts of this neighborhood jazz establishment. Make your Reservation now.


                                                                                                                                                  
"Jazz Up Your Holidays"
with the Ed Jackson Quartet


Saturday, November 29th, 2014
2 Shows: 8:00 & 10:00 


Cover: $15.00  (includes 8:00 show & 10:00 show)
Free Healthy Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments


Make a Reservation
 
Make a  telephone reservation (Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm) by calling: (718) 525-2387
  

Best Regards,


Ed Jackson and the Staff at Jackson Room



You can now follow us on Facebook 
  

 Support Jazz in Queens by sharing this blog with someone you know.
 

Jackson Room
192-07 Linden Blvd
St Albans, New York 11412
(next door to Jackson Tax Service)


(718) 525-2387


Sign Up for Updates 
 

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Making 54 Look Good - Jamil Miller

Signature Jamil Miller Power Poise
Jamil Miller is making her mark in natural bodybuilding. She is taking the industry by storm. Jamil is 54 years of age today and is winning national bodybuilding contests with a short intense workout regime. She is a resident of Southeast Queens, New York, who is soon moving to Arizona next month to expand a workout franchise she has been partnering with in the past. Recently she won the Hercules Natural Bodybuilding Championship in NYC in the Women's Division.

Jamil has come a long way in bodybuilding from over 7 years ago when she started.  Miller the former legal secretary was over 215 pounds but pounded her way into world class fitness condition with will power, 20 minutes of intense training a day, and a very effective meal plan.  Over the years she has become a highly sought after personal trainer employing a highly effective and exclusive fitness system which doesn't require hours in a gym to reap outstanding results.


Jamil says she has been most inspired by weight related illnesses and deaths in her family which encouraged her to change to a healthier lifestyle for herself and her family. Ms. Miller has 2 sons and 6 1/2 grand children.  She says "she has 6 1/2 grand children because there's one on the way." 

People close to Jamil affectionately call her "Glam Ma."  Jamil known for her quiet but intense demeanor, no doubt will be missed in the NYC area where she has many loyal clients and fans.

Jamil has been a fitness and meal planing mentor of mine and helped me change my diet.  I feel much better and lost a lot of body fat.  On the meal plan she gave me and my daughter it has helped her lose 20 pounds in less than a year.

She says she looks forward to new challenges, accomplishments, and warmer weather in Arizona.  Although Jamil has fond memories of NYC she states with a jovial smile "I'm outchea!"  We're sure Arizona will warm up to her fitness business.  Good luck Jamil.  Follow Jamil on her website or Facebook.  By Kamau Austin exclusive to the Southeast Queens Scoop.  

Jamil Miller Exudes the Spirit at Church


Jamil Miller with her Friend Lifestyle Icon B Smith
    
Jamil "Glam Ma" Miller Posing in a Bodybuilding Competition

Jamil Miller's Latest Trophy the 2014 INBF Hercules
Open Women Heavyweight 1st Place


Friday, July 11, 2014

"Jazz Up the Future's Past"

Glimpse and Support the Future of Jazz.  Come checkout Neo-Genesis, a new promising up and coming jazz band performing in Southeast Queens, this weekend.

They will be performing an electrifying tribute to renown historic Jazz greats Bill Evans and Scott Lafaro this Saturday, July 12th at Jackson Room in Southeast Queens. Jackson Room is dedicated to "bringing world class jazz back to Our Community and promoting future Jazz Artists. To learn more visit

Friday, June 20, 2014

Down Home West Indian Restaurant Rises in St Albans

There is an economic rebound going on in St. Albans, around the intersection of two of the busiest streets in the Southeast Queens neighborhood. Corporate chains like 7-Eleven, Dunkin Donuts, and Dollar Stores have recently opened up in the intersection of Linden Blvd and Farmers Blvd.

However, not all of the promising new businesses are national chains or franchises. A cozy West Indian restaurant Triple C, is rising in the area also and has a lot of potential to be a great place to eat a delicious cultural meal.

Triple C is one of the few West Indian Restaurants in Southeast Queens where you can sit down in comfort and enjoy fresh food from the Caribbean and bring your laptop to use Wi-Fi internet access.  The food is delicious and fresh.

The stew chicken and curry chicken dishes at Triple C are outstanding. The rice and peas seasoned to perfection. The fried plantains will not disappoint you.

Owner Claudette Campbell, is a pleasure to speak to and she treats her customers very well. Ms. Campbell is dedicated to serving patrons only the freshest food with real ingredients from the Caribbean.

She is also serves vegetarian meals for people who would prefer those healthy food options. If you like to sit down, relax, surf the net or bring friends and loved ones to a nice Caribbean Restaurant you have to checkout Triple C located at 188-36 Linden Boulevard, St. Albans, NY 11412. The phone number of the restaurant is 718-749-5984.

If you have a great business or social event contact us at the Southeast Queens Scoop. Contact us at our Managing Site: http://www.searchengineplan.com/contactus.htm

Monday, June 2, 2014

UpLIFT Our Young People & Empower the Community - Column with Terryl Ebony

Check out some important community developments from Youth and Community Activist Terryl Ebony.


Don't Reward Disrespect from Your Children

If your child is in my Fresh Start Program, that means he committed some type of crime, was arrested and plead guilty. So, I'm finding it very hard to understand why a child that is facing 1 - 3 years in prison, is not attending school, not working, smoking, drinking, and disrespectful to boot, is being gifted a "Beema" (yes, a car). Am I missing something? I need some answers because I don't know whether to cry or ask the parents if they want to adopt me. Heck, I won't give no problems or back chat.

But in all seriousness, then they have the audacity to call me and tell me all these negative things he's doing. "I'm sorry mommy, you have taught your child - it is okay to be a disrespectful bum. He won't change unless you change."


Community Board 13 Reminder

CB13 Reminder - For those interested in speaking up or getting involved in youth issues, we are having a meeting this Wednesday, June 4th @ 7:30pm - Community Board 13, 219-41 Jamaica Avenue, Queens Village, NY 11428. Please come out to support our youth or tell us about what you are doing to make a positive impact on a child's life.


Mayor Bill de Blasio Announces 10,000+ Pre-K Seats for NYC 


Very proud this afternoon as our district is where Mayor de Blasio announced 10,000+ new pre-K seats for NYC, including over 500 in Jamaica alone. For more information or to sign up a child for one of these spots visit: http://nyc.gov/prek


One of the Young Men in
 Our Community Needs a Global History Tutor

A young man in my program is desperately seeking a GLOBAL HISTORY tutor. This is the only Regents that he needs to pass in order to graduate with a high school diploma. He has taken the exam several times and has not passed. He is becoming increasingly unmotivated. Therefore, I am reaching out to my community to intervene. This young man is in the Queens area. He is willing to travel. Any help that can be provided would be greatly appreciated. Please spread the word. I don't want him to give up. I don't want him to end up behind bars.


 Internships at Parks

Parks & Recreation offers a variety of internships in various departments within the Agency. For more information on available positions, please explore the categories below or contact the Internship Coordinator at (212) 360-8212.


Gun Buy Back Event

A Gun Buy Back event is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2014, within the confines of 113th Precinct. The location is Majority Baptist Church, 115-21 Farmers Boulevard St. Albans, NY 11412 from 10:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M. hours. Please spread the word!!!!


HEAP Cooling Assistance Program

Are you having a rough time dealing with the summer heat? Are you struggling to purchase an air conditioner? The HEAP Cooling Assistance Program can help eligible households with up to $800 towards the purchase and installation of fans or an air conditioner. This program is accepting applications through August 29th.

Please call 929-221-5862 to have an application mailed to your home or visit this link click here for more information. Call as soon as you can because this program is provided on a first come, first served basis until funding runs out.



Weekly Meditations


Love Yourself 1st Unconditionally

"It saddens me when I hear people say they love their children unconditionally, or they love their mate unconditionally, but they can't honestly say they love themselves unconditionally. That means that you love others more than you love yourself. There is a problem with that. Yes, I said it. You should not love anyone more than you love yourself - including your children. This is a sure fired way for those very people that you love so much to lose respect for you. Love thyself FIRST!"


Attraction

"You will attract who you are."


Young Men and Respect

Why is it that the boys in my program respect me more than their own parents? Because I'm NOT their friend and we establish that Day #1. They know I love them. They know I will do my best for them and give them whatever I can. They also know their will be consequences for any negative behaviors. There are rules and regulations that must be followed.

As a parent, you can't come to me and ask me to help your child because he/she is disrespectful when you have set no boundaries. You are the one that needs help. If this sounds like your household, I suggest you contact The Misunderstood Youth Development Center (MYDC) asap. We can help you get your family back in order, but please recognize that it starts with you.



Covering Positive Things in Our Community

"There is so much being done to spotlight the negativity happening in our communities. What is being done to spotlight all the positive things, people, organizations, business, careers, education, etc? We have so many unsung heroes and sheroes among us. We need to shine light on the positive. Hope is not lost; and Victory is not lost as long as we do not give up. We must maintain faith."


Personal Evaluation

"Who were you yesterday? Who are you today?"


Get Over it

"You are not over something if you keep bringing it up. Let go, Let God!"

Bio: Terryl Ebony is the Founder and Executive Director of Misunderstood Youth Development Center (MYDC). MYDC’s mission is to create various peer-oriented programs building self-expression while Helping to Understand, Develop and Stimulate the Minds of Our Youth. She is also a motivational speaker, radio show host, mentor, marketing and networking expert. You can find out more about her organization by clicking here


 No Spam Only The Scoop On Southeast Queens

Saturday, May 31, 2014

The Ed Jackson Quartet Presents "Back to Brazil" at Jackson Room in St.Albans

Ed Jackson Saxophonist &
Club Owner, Entrepreneur
On Saturday, May 31st, 2014 in keeping with his vision to bring world class jazz to our community in Southeast Queens, renown saxophonist Ed Jackson, has assembled an All Star Quartet along with special guest Brazilian musical sensation Paula Maya, to showcase their talents at the modern Jackson Room, in St. Albans, Queens, New York. 

Ed is a former noted instrumentalist with the Legendary Fatback Band. Ed Jackson is also the producer of his highly regarded jazz album Colors.  His band known as the Ed Jackson Quartet, features a world class group of jazz musicians.

This Saturday he will be performing with the extraordinary Brazilian jazz vocalist and pianist Paula Maya. We'd love to see you there. Join us...  

Saturday, May 31st, 2014

"Back to Brazil!" Enjoy a Night of Exceptionally Entertaining Jazz, Samba and Bossa Nova with the World Class Ed Jackson Quartet featuring our Special Guest-Paula Maya from Brazil.


Ed Jackson - Sax
Marvin Horne - Guitar
Lionel Cordew - Drums
Ron Monroe - Bass
Paula Maya - Piano & Vocals

Two shows: 8:00 and 10:00
Cover: $15.00 includes...
Free Healthy Hors d'oeuvres and Refreshments




Let's make Southeast Queens the Epicenter of Live World Class Jazz once again. See videos of the Ed Jackson Quartet & Paula Maya Below.


The Ed Jackson Quartet at Jackson Room


Paula Maya in Action



Thursday, May 22, 2014

Inspiration and Healing Are Like Music to This Doctor's Ears


Dr. Yolanda Webster
Dr. Yolanda Webster looks at people as gems or in fact diamonds ready to shine forth with Spiritual beauty. Her dream of becoming a motivational author and inspirational writer is within grasp and crystallizing like a precious stone being formed out of the coal.  Webster a respected musical educator from the prestigious Columbia University music program is on a mission to use her God given talents and aplomb to encourage others to push forward in life.

To Webster, hearing how others are inspired by her mentorship, Christian service and published books is music to her ears.  Dr. Webster is CEO of Diamond Enterprises Inc., an inspirational publishing company.

Webster, who grew up in the Black historic urban enclave of Bedford Stuyvesant knows how to rise to a challenge in life, persevere, and make a difference.  She affirms her deep Christian roots as being an important source of her resiliency and resolve “some of the greatest lessons I've learned in life on how to succeed are that God has a purpose and a plan for my life and His plan for me is only for my good.”

Dr. Webster is determined to encourage those who are ill and in need of a helping spirit. This is a part of who she is naturally and her core beliefs “I overcame formidable challenges in life because I took the focus off myself and focused on the greater good for other people” she reveals.

Dr. Webster has had her bouts with illnesses and uses music as a way to heal sick and infirmed souls that she empathizes with in her ministry. In reference to her inspirational music ministry in hospitals she adds “I became involved in health related ministries when I became ill and someone reached out to me from a religious support group.”

While some may be skeptical about the need for yet another motivational guru in a world full of them Dr. Webster isn't at all dissuaded.  She feels with her extensive music background and affinity to those going through illnesses she has a unique divine calling to make a difference in the world and help others.

She shares her deeper feelings about her purpose by stating “Some of the greatest lessons I've learned in life on how to succeed are, God has a purpose and a plan for my life and His plan for me is only for my good.”

Her confidence can’t be rattled because of her abiding faith in God.  She says with certainty “He loves me and wants only the best for me.  He already began this work in me and promises to complete it. I'm in partnership with Him.”  If Dr. Webster can continue to bring her unique skill set and compassion together to continue to inspire others her efforts will set the stage for some melodious motivations in the inspiration book publishing genre.

I asked Dr. Webster some questions on her life and perspectives on overcoming obstacles and challenges. Here were her reflections on my questions.



Kamau: Dr. Webster, what is the name and goals of your business?

Dr. Webster:  The name and mission of my business is "Diamond Enterprises Inc., and my mission is to inspire, encourage and uplift other people.

Kamau: Where did you grow up?

Dr. Webster: I grew up and went to school in the historic area known as Bedford and Stuyvesant, in Brooklyn, New York, also known as Bedford Stuyvesant.

Kamau: When did you decide you wanted to minister to and help others?

Dr. Webster:   I decided  that I wanted to help other people when I realized what I've experienced in life could be a benefit to others with similar experiences.

Kamau: What inspired you to want to write books and become an entrepreneur?

Dr. Webster:   I wanted to become a book author and entrepreneur when I realized that I could reach more people and inspire them and share spiritual insights through my writing and business.

Kamau: Who were some of the people or role models that inspired you in life?

Dr. Webster:   Some of my role models that influenced me to become a Christian and to go into the ministry and music are the late Bishop Norman Rochford, Pastor Teretha Turnage, and Prophetess Loretta Taylor.

Kamau: What are or were some of the biggest challenges you have had in life.

Dr. Webster:  Some of the biggest challenges to me becoming successful in life were becoming a book author and entrepreneur.

Kamau: How are you overcoming these challenges?

Dr. Webster:   I overcame these challenges because I took the focus off myself and focused on the greater good for other people.

Kamau: What are the biggest lessons in life you've learned on how to succeed?

Dr. Webster:   Some of the greatest lessons I've learned in life on how to succeed are, God has a purpose and a plan for my life and His plan for me is only for my good.  He loves me and wants only the best for me.  He already began this work in me and promises to complete it. I'm in partnership with Him.

Kamau: How did you become involved in health related ministries?

Dr. Webster:   I became involved in health related ministries when I became ill and someone reached out to me from a support ministry.

Kamau: How can people contact you?

Dr. Webster:  My email address is: DeladyTinker7@gmail.com.




Friday, March 14, 2014

Jeff Foxx of WBLS Interviews Pioneering Southeast Queens Producer of Tribute to the Ladies

Renowned Radio Personality Jeff Foxx, of WBLS fame, has just recently interviewed two outstanding music impresarios Charles Morais of Southeast Queens  and Skip Boardley, Jr., formerly of the legendary Crown Heights Affair. They talk about how they were inspired to create "Tribute to the Ladies." "Tribute to the Ladies" is a provocative single which affirms the tremendous contributions of women. 

This is obviously a great song to talk about especially during Women's Heritage Month (isn't Women's History Month an oxymoron LOL!).

Check out their insightful Interview below. Just give it a few seconds to load...



Check Out Entertainment Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with The Jeff Foxx Radio Show on BlogTalkRadio


More about Charles Morais and Skip Boardley Jr


Queens, New York - March 13th, 2014 - A significant number of music fans, especially women, express their concerns that too often in today’s youth orientated urban music there is much in the lyrics that objectifies and demeans women. However, two veteran music producers are going against these disturbing marginalizing music trends against women of color, and in fact taking the music industry by storm

Skip Broadley Jr., and Charles Morais have worked with some of the top legendary luminaries in music including the Jackson 5, Crown Heights Affair, the Spinners, the Commodores, and Kool & the Gang just to name a few. Morais, also has contributed to a body of music with his diverse music skills and talents. He in fact wrote the dance classic “Body Music” which was on Prelude Records.

Morais also played keyboards for the Strikers. He is a former keyboard player with the pioneering and legendary Crown Heights Affair. Charles is furthermore a former keyboardist for Made in USA, formerly signed to Delete Records.

These two established music industry insiders are now collaborating on independent musical expressions and “Tribute to the Ladies” is their 1st single created to affirm and lift up women. Many in the industry ask what better way to start a musical venture than to create a song that celebrates the women in our lives?

Affirming women is definitely going against the grain in contemporary urban music and promises to rock the music industry because women buy a great deal of music but ironically are often disrespected” opines Kamau Austin, a popular social media writer and blogger. Austin feels we need more music industry celebrities and creative geniuses like Skip Broadley Jr., and Charles Morais, to “stand up” and create positive and loving music about women the way they have done.

“The lyrics for “Tribute to the Ladies,” just came to me in the studio” reveals Skip Broadley Jr., the lead vocalist of this future R&B classic. “It was as if the words flowed down from the divine presence above - into me” adds Broadley.

Just think about the women who have helped you in your life” chimes in Charles Morais the composer for “Tribute to the Ladies.” He subsequently asks “where would we be without the women in our lives like our Grandmothers, mothers, sisters, daughters, wives and other female loved ones?” Morais credits his mom with inspiring him to become proficient in music sending him to piano and music lessons at a very young age.

Checkout the Tribute to the Ladies Video below...



Tribute to the Ladies, is certainly an artistic expression that digs deep into our soulful love and appreciation of all women and women of color. Charles Morais and Skip Broadley Jr, the collaborators, creators and producers of this uplifting single, came up with both the lyrics and melody of this elegant song.

Both men have extensive and distinguished backgrounds in the music industry. Charles Morais was born and raised in Brooklyn New York. At age six his mother enrolled him into classical piano lessons. At this age he began to learn musical fundamentals.

At age 13 he started to play with several local bands in the area, because in those days there were bands on every block. At that time he enjoyed the rich eclectic and diverse blends of music being played by these bands. Charles also gives special thanks to his mentor, teacher, and personal friend jazz pianist Bill O’ Conell.

Skip Boardley – was born and raised in Delaware.  He has worked with Arthur Conley (“Sweet Soul Music”). Skip also performed with Willie Feaster and the Concrete Wall and also Lloyd Price. He is also the former lead vocalist and writer for the legendary Delite Recording Group “Crown Heights Affair.” He has written songs for the R&B group Enchantment. Boardley performed on stage with the Jackson 5, Spinners, Commodores, Kool & the Gang, and Con Funk Shun to name a few.



Friday, March 7, 2014

7 Super Ways to Jumpstart Your Southeast Queens Business

Blacks in Southeast
Queens Make more
Income than Other
Ethnic Groups
One of the ways we aim to keep Southeast Queens viable and cutting edge as a community here at the Southeast Queens Scoop, is to do regular articles on topics like technology, real estate, investing, and small business development.

Jamaica, NY and the larger Southeast Queens area is a strong striving, middle class, and progressive community. We all know some of the world's most successful celebrities and entrepreneurs come from this historically rich and legendary area of New York City.

In fact, I took just the top 12 celebrities from  Southeast Queens, people like Russell Simmons, Daymond Johns, Ja Rules, Richard Parsons, and Joe Morton (the Dad from Scandal) and combined their net worth it is over 1 Billion dollars.  Also Southeast Queens, according to the New York census and the New York Times, is the 1st and only large area in the US where: Blacks make more aggregate income than other ethnic groups in the surrounding area.

Therefore, It wouldn't be hype to draw parallels between Southeast Queens and Greenwood, Oklahoma, a suburb of Tulsa, known more in informed Black circles metaphorically as "Black Wall Street." Could Southeast Queens be equated to the modern day equivalent of "Black Wall Street?"

Both communities have their divergent upscale community features.  However, really Wall Street is the sector of the US that symbolizes its capital markets.

Southeast Queens Needs More
Black Businesses to be like Black Wall Street
In my opinion the term Black Wall Street isn't really a good moniker for Greenwood, Oklahoma.  Greenwood had a lot of local black businesses and professionals. It would be better characterized as an upscale Black Main Street.  

On the other hand Southeast Queens has a lot of working class and middle class people who work for the NYC government, Corporations in Manhattan, and small businesses in Queens.  What I would like to see in Southeast Queens is more viable Black businesses in fields other than restaurants, haircare, and real estate offices. I've been in business over 20 years and here are some of my tips for Southeast Queens residents looking to start their own businesses.

The following are 7 Super Ways to
Jumpstart Your Southeast Queens Business


Before you go into a startup please be realistic.  Over 80% (actually I've read as high as 95%) of small businesses fail within 5 years.  In order to not be in that statistic learn as much about your industry and running a business in it as you can.

1. Avoid launching a business without any glimpse that it will make money - not just in your mind but in the real world.  Try to avoid taking a noncritical view of your business. Especially, if you don't have a lot of capital to waste do your due diligence before starting a business endeavor as much as possible.

2. Test in consumer shows or trade shows in your industry - if there is a viable market for what you are offering and listen to feed back to see if people are willing to spend money for what you are offering.

3. Join an existing business, even if you are a volunteer - in your industry to see how they are run before taking your leap of faith.  Learn what makes money in your industry and how to sell products and services with the most profit margins.

3. Gain inside knowledge on your industry - so you know the seasonal shifts which will affect your cash flow. If you can learn not only the operations of a business but the sales and marketing aspects as well you will be on much more solid ground running that business.

4. Discover how the major players in your industry operate - and see if you can model some of their behavior and how you can fill a niche better than your major competitors.  Save as much money as you can before you start and get mentors in your industry.

5. Clean up your credit and try to get a good source of financing to fall back on or aggressively leap forward with whether this source is an angel investor, crowd funding source, or some reliable microfinancing sources.  Create a compelling digital footprint online including an automated email follow up system, social media presence, a search engine friendly website, Google+ and Bing Local listings, and a blog.


6. Build a good team to support - you with savvy business mentors, family who can work with enthusiasm in the business, and people you trust.  You can't build a successful business by yourself - you need a team.

7. Consider doing a business plan - and run it by your support group and potential investors. I strongly suggest this.  By taking the steps above your business plan will be that much more informed and compelling to potential investors.

These preparatory moves will save you a lot of time and headache in the future. You will be in the elite 5% of business startups that actually make it.  Kamau Austin is the publisher of the Southeast Queens Scoop Blog. If you need mentoring or consulting on starting up or expanding your business in Southeast Queens contact me at 973-298-6148 or Click Here


Monday, February 24, 2014

Inspiring People is Music to this Professor’s Ears

Dr. Yolanda Webster looks at people as gems or in fact diamonds ready to shine forth with Spiritual beauty. Her dream of becoming a motivational author and inspirational writer is within grasp and crystallizing like a precious stone being formed out of the coal.
 
Webster a respected musical educator from the prestigious Columbia University music program is on a mission to use her God given talents and aplomb to encourage others to push forward in life. To Webster, hearing how others are inspired by her mentorship, Christian service and published books is music to her ears.

Dr. Webster is CEO of Diamond Enterprises Inc., an inspirational publishing company. Webster, who grew up in the Black historic urban enclave of Bedford Stuyvesant knows how to rise to a challenge in life, persevere, and make a difference. Webster now lives in  Long Island and does ministry and support work in our area.

She affirms her deep Christian roots as being an important source of her resiliency and resolve “some of the greatest lessons I've learned in life on how to succeed are that God has a purpose and a plan for my life and His plan for me is only for my good.” Dr. Webster is determined to encourage those who are ill and in need of a helping spirit.

This is a part of who she is naturally and her core beliefs “I overcame formidable challenges in life because I took the focus off myself and focused on the greater good for other people” she reveals. Dr. Webster has had her bouts with illnesses and uses music as a way to heal the sick and infirm souls that she empathizes with in her ministry.

In reference to her inspirational music ministry in hospitals she adds “I became involved in health related ministries when I became ill and someone reached out to me from a religious support group.”  While some may be skeptical about the need for yet another motivational guru in a world full of them Dr. Webster isn’t at all dissuaded.

She feels with her extensive music background and affinity to those going through illnesses she has a unique divine calling to make a difference in the world and help others. She shares her deeper feelings about her purpose by stating “Some of the greatest lessons I've learned in life on how to succeed are, God has a purpose and a plan for my life and His plan for me is only for my good.”

Her confidence can’t be rattled because of her abiding faith in God. She says with certainty “He loves me and wants only the best for me.

He already began this work in me and promises to complete it. I'm in partnership with Him.” If Dr. Webster can continue to bring her unique skill set and compassion together to continue to inspire others her efforts will set the stage for some melodious motivations in the inspiration book publishing genre.  To visit Dr. Yolanda Webster's Blog Click Here

Contact Info:
Diamond Enterprises, Inc. New York, New York
Call: 516-808-6263


3 New Tech Updates Savvy Southeast Queens Residents Should Know

A Picture of St. Albans Memorial Park on Google Maps

 A Major Upgrade for
Google Maps

Jamaica, NY and the larger Southeast Queens area is a strong striving, middle class, and progressive community. We all know some of the world's most successful celebrities and entrepreneurs come from this historically rich and legendary area of New York City.  Southeast Queens, could be equated to the modern day equivalent of "Black Wall Street."

One of the ways we aim to keep Southeast Queens viable and cutting edge as a community here at the Southeast Queens Scoop, is to do regular articles on topics like technology, real estate, and investing. Today we want to keep you in the loop about 3 important technology developments you should know about.

1. Major Enhancements now Available with Google Maps. Who doesn't use Google Maps right?  Google Maps is usually the segue into getting driving, transit, and biking directions to distant places for most people online using either mobile devices, PCs, or MACs.

Google Map Pic of Jamaica Ave
Southeastern Queens, being as close to the suburbs as you can get in NYC, is where many people own cars, bikes, and take public transportation.  Therefore many use Google Maps.  Billions of people all over the world take advantage of the brilliant artificial intelligence technology behind Google Maps to get to unfamiliar destinations.

Over the years Google has been spending a fortune with promising new features powered by synergistic technologies like Google Earth.  Now Google obviously has integrated its powerful satellite technologies more fully into Google Maps. Savvy Southeast Queens residents should take a couple of minutes to see what the new Google maps has to offer.

The experience of using the new Google Maps is stunning.  Pick a city like New York, LA, or Paris and click streetview and it's almost like visiting the destinations in person. You have to check it out.  The Wall Street Journal gives 5 great features of the new Google Maps at: http://ow.ly/tTmN4



2. Facebook Buys Message Service WhatsApp for an Historic 19 Billion Dollars


Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg
Recently Message Replacement app WhatsApp, was bought by Facebook for 19 Billion dollars! WhatsApp is reported as having 450 Million users (twice the size of Twitter). The venture capital firm Sequoia Capital, invested 60 million to back this startup and now it's ROI will be worth about 3 Billion dollars say industry analyst reporting to the Wall Street Journal. This ranks as the largest-ever purchase of a company backed by venture capital.
I wonder if many people in the US ever heard of WhatsApp, or use it's service? I've never even heard of them before and they have 450 million users.

This goes to show you the international scope of social media and mobile apps.  A company can command 19 Billion dollars to buy it out and ironically very few people have heard of it in the US.


Philip Green, a hedge fund investor and consultant with a tech background said recently "I have been using WhatsApp for over three years, but I will admit it was introduced to me by my London and European contacts. I don't think any of my American friends use it or have even heard of it."

However, some tech savvy people I talked to who hailed from Caribbean countries like Miquel Soares who has family in the Caribbean uses WhatsApp as an inexpensive way to stay in contact with friends in the Caribbean. Soares confides "I use WhatsApp to stay in touch with family and friends in the Caribbean. The cost is less than $1 a year for unlimited texting it is really a no brainer."
Hedge Fund Expert Philip Green

Facebook will make WhatsApp a stronger brand in the US.  This is a good development especially for Southeast Queens residents because many have family in the Caribbean, South America, India, Europe and Africa.  They will now increasingly have a low cost option to send text messages and stay in touch with family throughout the world.

The WhatsApp co-founder and CEO Jan Koum, is to join Facebook's Board of Directors, is now worth about 6.8 Billion dollars. I wondered if this buy is going to increase the value of Facebook?
 
However, some investors feel that protectionism is behind the move "it's similar to a record company signing an artist intentionally to keep them off the shelf" said one online user.  But 19 billion is a lot to pay to shelf a company.

This move for Facebook has to be about a ROI down the road. For instance when the WhatsApp business gets to 1 Billion users paying $5 dollars a year for the service Facebook will handsomely recoup their investment.  

I also asked Green if he thought WhatApp is worth the investment for Facebook.  This is what he had to say "of course WhatsApp, is over-valued and not worth $19 Billion, especially since WhatsApp has barely made $20 million a year in revenue since its inception. But it's not about current worth, but exponential growth. Mark Zuckerberg and his Facebook boys know what they are doing. Trust me."

Obviously having the option of buying an inexpensive texting app to contact people outside the US will be a great thing for Southeast Queens Residents. 

In light of the recent buy of WhatsApp by Facebook here is a good idea what how it can help you: http://ow.ly/tSInX
 

For more info checkout the Wall Street Journal's site link: Go To the WSJ site


3. Google Acquires False Click Detection Company Spider.io


IT Expert Miguel Soares
Also recently in the news: Google is always investing in programming/development enhancements like most tech companies, and is also into acquiring companies with advanced technology to advance it's ranking algorithm.  False clicks and impressions is a big problem for Google and other online media companies.

This is why Google buys a company known as Spider.io to help detect false ad impression activity created by bots.  I asked Miquel Soares, an IT project manager for top level corporations what he feels about this new tech buy from Google.

He stated "they are very nimble, and really leverage these companies to solve an issue. Resistance is futile. By detecting and eliminating the bots, they can promise their clients authentic clicks.  Google is also probably looking to get a competitive advantage over Yahoo and Bing." I agree with Soares this is a nimble move for Google.


This is an especially important development for Southeast Queens entrepreneurs.  Entrepreneurs in our economically promising area can invest in Google advertising with more certainty.

In an area with lots of potential customers of middle class status it is imperative for business owners to use modern search engine promotion like pay-per-click advertising on computers or mobile devices.  Large numbers of Southeast Queens residents, like many similar communities, are using mobile devices and computers to find businesses, services, and information in their area.

Therefore business owners could be leaving considerable amounts of money on the table not using search engines to position their businesses. For more info on this tech biz development with Google See the Full article


Also the bottom line for Southeast Queens residents who have stakes or investments in Google or Facebook this will be good news for their portfolios. These are very important tech developments to know for Savvy Southeast Queens residents. Written by Kamau Austin, Publisher Southeast Queens Scoop.

Kamau Austin