Category Archives: Education

Author Eloy Ortega’s Book Memoirs of A Contractor in A War Zone

Cypress, TX, May 29, 2024 –Eloy Ortega has completed his new book, “Memoirs of A Contractor in A War Zone: Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Theater of Operations”: a gripping work that sheds light on the author’s experience of going to a foreign land and entering a war zone as a civilian and not as a soldier.

Author Eloy Ortega came from the barrio. Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on August 2, 1965, he embarked on a fifty-seven-year adventure. His childhood was full of strife, as he grew up homeless and was orphaned by the age of fifteen. Surrounded by poverty, his life turned to juvenile delinquency, and he found himself constantly in trouble with the law—nevertheless, he had big dreams of getting himself out of the barrio. When he was eligible, he joined the army. Fate, however, intervened, and within two-and-a-half years, he left active duty because of the passing of several of his immediate family members.

Within a couple of years, he was able to join the Army Reserve in Corpus Christi, Texas. Two years after that, he moved to Rio Grande City in South Texas where he was a Unit Administrator for the Army Reserves. While in uniform, he deployed to Saudi Arabia’s Operation Desert Storm, serving under LTG William Pagonis for six months. Leaving the Army Reserve, at this time, he met his wife, thereupon changing his life forever. He initially worked in law enforcement in Rio Grande City. Unfortunately, after giving birth to their second daughter, his wife was diagnosed with cancer; thus, the family moved to seek medical attention in Houston, Texas, warranting his resignation as a deputy from the Starr County Sheriff’s Department.

While in Houston, to support his family and his wife’s treatments, he strove to join Kellogg, Brown, and Root (KBR), which was the main civilian support for US troops. This was his opportunity to continue, even as a civilian, to serve. He applied, and on August 3, 2003, he was on his way, via Kuwait, to Iraq’s Operation Iraqi Freedom. His administrative and leadership skills enabled him and his team of operators to develop the best water supply system—in a war zone. This launched him to become the logistics leader in Water and Utilities Operations throughout the war zone. At the end of this period, he met and briefed numerous high-ranking military leaders and congressional visitors, receiving high praise for his overall demeanor, communication skills, and knowledge.

During his service in Iraq, he was wounded by a mortar attack and received the Secretary of Defense for the Defense of Freedom commendation. The wound would lead to future medical and psychological challenges. More serious issues followed, and despite this, he has survived. With determination and belief in oneself, Eloy shows that anything is possible.

Eloy writes, “Departing Kuwait to Iraq, I was issued a bulletproof vest with no plates due to supply shortages. I remember asking for a second bulletproof vest without the steel plates so that I could make myself believe if I got shot the vest would help me. I continue to ask myself what I was doing there if I loved my family with all my heart, and then another thought came in my head. I remembered why I was there, so then I prayed to God to guide the way for me and everybody along with all civilians and military going to Iraq. One significant sign caught my attention; the most little did I know the importance of it will be significant later as the story goes on. We proceeded to load our Chevrolet dually truck with plenty of cases of water and MREs to survive. We were told to take whatever we wanted to take, because if we wouldn’t take it with us, we wouldn’t have it. After going to the market in Kuwait City, we purchased enough snacks, chips, and my favorite soft drink. I got enough Dr. Pepper to last for several months.”

Angel Gonzalez & Brittany Gonzalez’s New Book Taking the Leap Into Commercial Real Estate

Arvada, CO, May 29, 2024 –Fulton Books authors Angel Gonzalez, who has over nineteen plus years of experience in finance, banking, and executive management with fortune five hundred companies, and Brittany Gonzalez, a managing partner with over twenty years of experience in the banking industry, have completed their most recent book, “Taking the Leap into Commercial Real Estate”: a thorough guide providing valuable insights into commercial real estate syndication and the benefits it can offer to investors.

With his nearly two decades of experience, author Angel Gonzalez has experience with a broad range of industries, including accounting, capital management, marketing, and consulting. He began investing in real estate in 2005 and built a portfolio of single-family homes before discovering the power of commercial real estate and syndication. Angel is a veteran of the US Army and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and business administration from Augsburg University.

Over the course of her career, author Brittany Gonzalez has taken on various roles focused on customer service, payroll, and finance. She has a passion for helping others, whether that is mentoring individuals/couples to be their best and strive for more or to provide a listening ear. She holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Bethel University and a bachelor’s degree in human resource and general management from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She is active in the community, volunteering for nonprofit organizations such as Feed My Starving Children, Bridging, and People Serving People.

Angel and Brittany share, “The investment strategies outlined in the book focuses on value-add investments, which involve acquiring properties that can be improved through strategic management and renovations. This approach can generate increased cash flow and appreciation, leading to long-term growth for investors.

“The Keystone Advantages strategies offer investors access to recession-resistant real estate, high-quality investment opportunities, and regular passive cash flow. By investing in prevetted private equity transactions, investors can also benefit from strategic placement of their investment capital.”

How This Former Fisherman Turned Crisis Into His Launching Pad

Joshua Tree, CA, May 29, 2024 –From Crisis to Triumph:
In Vaughan’s transformative guidebook, “Take Advantage of Your Crisis,” he empowers readers to harness the hidden opportunities within adversity and emerge stronger. He shares practical methods for reframing challenges as stepping stones to greatness, leveraging setbacks as springboards for growth, and cultivating a mindset that sees crisis as an opportunity for transformation. For Example, Vaughan delves into a transformative approach he developed to overcome his own battles with addiction. This unique program, Vaughan argues, aligns with fundamental human needs and instincts. After implementing these steps, Vaughan found a profound and lasting positive impact on his life. Whether you’re facing personal hurdles, career shifts, or life’s curveballs, this book provides a roadmap to unlock your full potential and achieve lasting success.

Author Bill Pirkle’s New Book The Rotten Apple

New York, NY, May 28, 2024 –Bill Pirkle, who holds a degree in mathematics, has completed his new book, “The Rotten Apple: How the Teachers’ Union Destroyed Our Schools”: a gripping, true account of the author’s own experiences in witnessing the control a teacher’s union can have over a school board, and the detrimental impact it can have on the education system, oftentimes leaving students in the dust.

After working as an emergency substitute teacher for over three years, teaching from kindergarten to twelfth grade, author Bill Pirkle was appalled by what he saw, especially in grades 7 through 12. He began attending school board meetings and making suggestions on how to improve the schools, and also wrote “The Pirkle Report” for his local paper, trying to explain to the public what was going on.

The school board refused to even consider his suggestions, despite his experience of actually having been in the classroom. It was then that he realized the school board was afraid to make any changes that might upset the teachers’ union, and thus, “The Rotten Apple” was born to show how the teachers’ union actually controls and runs the schools.

“In the ’50s, the schools worked,” writes Pirkle. “Now they don’t. What changed? Did the children’s brains change? Did the parents change? No. What changed is that there was no teachers’ union in the ’50s. Now there is. Now we can’t evaluate teachers, test teachers, and fire bad teachers. Now they are in total control of teaching since they present themselves as experts, having gotten a degree in education. They presume and assert that they know more about this than the people who should run the schools.”

WHFF.TV Broadcast and Media Launches the Un-Ideal Parent

Greenwich, CT, May 28, 2024 — WHFF had committed to a soft launch (or pre-launch) of 50 top-quality supports at the end of 2023. By the 1st quarter of the following year, it received a total of 14,000 views and continued content delivery to over thousands of free subscribers around the world. Costs were reduced by completing surveys and continuing to serve ads via email. As we know, a household can have multiple viewers, so it’s likely that many more people watch a streamer’s series or movies than you expected. But streaming games does more than just drive subscribers, according to Netflix. Storage is required. One way he keeps viewers interested is to keep them excited about new series while they wait for their favorite shows to return. And while WHFF focuses on the parenting channel and is committed to healthy parenting, we welcome research on what the future holds.

One of the more popular returning series is the Un-Ideal Parent. A now depreciated podcast from iHeartRadio. Throughout the season, the shows focus on improving communication with siblings, parents and children, and parents who have difficulty engaging with their children. There were varying views presented by Dr. Rachel Levitch as host, but the points were clear. It’s hard work being an “ousted” parent that wants parenting rights and privileges enforced. Dr. Rachel Levitch works with Strengthening Parent-Child Relationships through building your personal self-image & managing emotions. She can be reached at https://dr-rachel-levitch.cid-edu.org. Her motto is simple: “your child(ren)s success depends on yours.”

Whether your child is an adult or under 18, there are triggers and traumas that even good parents must go through. And now, the series, which began on April 14, 2024, with the first episode of the second season, is a story about co-parenting with a less-than-ideal narcissist.

The Un-Ideal Parent’s season 2 episode 1, Dr. Levitch points out that narcissists only care about themselves. They don’t hesitate to humiliate or discredit others if it gets them what they want. But to be certain; tune in to the latest episode of the parenting channel at WHFF.tv.

Jessica Stafford’s Newly Released Through Small Eyes

La Fayette, GA, May 28, 2024 — “Through Small Eyes (Life from a Dog’s Perspective)”: a heartwarming story of sibling connection. “Through Small Eyes (Life from a Dog’s Perspective)” is the creation of published author, Jessica Stafford.

Stafford shares, “Through Small Eyes is the story of one dog, Harley, whose life suddenly changes as another dog, Mia, of a different breed joins the family.
Harley assumes his life will be ruined and his family will no longer love him.
Harley soon learns he was very wrong.

“The moral of this story is that even when our lives change because we get a new brother or sister, even if they look different than we do, family is family—no matter the size, shape, or color—and families always love each other no matter what.”

Author Abbas Kadkhodayan, Ph.D.’s New Book Guarding Human Health

Maryville, IL, May 28, 2024 — Abbas Kadkhodayan, Ph.D. has completed his new book, “Guarding Human Health”: a timely work that provides the most relevant scientific information that is publicly available in the open literature including its author’s opinion regarding environmental pollution, nutrition, non-communicable diseases such as obesity, and their effect on human health.

Author Abbas Kadkhodayan writes, “Our body is a complex biological machine that gets directly affected by anything we ingest, inhale, or absorb through skin. Among these three ways that various substances enter our body, we have no control of substances that are entering our bodies through inhaling or skin absorption, with the exception of intentionally inhaling tobacco/drugs or absorbing cosmetics and some non-oral medications. Also, we only have limited control when it comes to ingestion because we have no idea how much our foods are contaminated with xenobiotic chemicals (chemicals foreign to our biological system, such as food additives, preservatives, drugs, and environmental pollutants). These days, regardless of how careful or how knowledgeable one can be, still it is impossible to avoid environmental pollutants totally. These pollutants are everywhere: they are in the air we breathe, they are in the water we drink, they are in the food we eat, plus they are in anything that we use, manipulate, and touch.”

Published by Newman Springs Publishing, Abbas Kadkhodayan, Ph.D.’s data-backed work explores important factors that affect human health and longevity such as environmental pollution, type of nutrition, and various non-communicable diseases and, in particular, the current obesity crisis that only started to become vividly visible in the last 4 decades or so.

Readers who wish to experience this eye-opening work can purchase “Guarding Human Health” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iBooks Store, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.

Reading Rocks in Rockford 2024 Features Local Author Kim Childress and Ink-a-Dink Bookstore

Grand Rapids, MI, May 28, 2024 — Reading Rocks in Rockford 2024 Celebrates 15 Years at the KDL Krause Memorial Library, highlighting Michigan authors and illustrators, including Kim Childress, author of Find Your Future in Art and founder of Ink-a-Dink Children’s Bookstore; and featured 2024 author Kelly Baptist, known for Isaiah Dunn is My Hero, The Electric Slide and Kai, Eb & Flo, and more.

In its first season pop-up event, Ink-a-Dink will offer books for kids of all ages at reduced event prices. With each purchase of a featured title, receive a free book from a selection of titles, courtesy of Girls’ Life Magazine, Childress Ink, and top publishers.

Arrive at 9:45 AM to join a sidewalk parade by dressing up as your favorite character. Plus free crafts and activities throughout the day. Bring the family for a fun day celebrating summer and the love of reading.

Love to Code Academy Announces Formation of Coding and Robotics Teams for Elementary Students

Liberty, MO, May 27, 2024 –Love to Code Academy, a leading educational institution dedicated to fostering technical skills and character development in young learners, is excited to announce the formation of new Coding and Robotics Teams for elementary-age students. These teams will compete in the renowned VEX GO Competitions, offering students an unparalleled opportunity to develop their coding and robotics skills in a fun and competitive environment.

Empowering Young Innovators
At Love to Code Academy, whose mission is to empower the next generation of technology leaders by providing a comprehensive education that integrates character development with technical skills. Their newly formed Coding and Robotics Teams embody this mission, providing students with the tools and support they need to excel in both technology and teamwork. Guided by the Champion of Character traits—teamwork, passion, harmony, persistence, sportsmanship, integrity, and commitment—students are prepared to take on challenges both in and out of the digital realm.

Exciting Opportunities in VEX GO Competitions
The VEX GO Competitions are a premier platform for young coders and robotic enthusiasts to showcase their talents and ingenuity. Participating in these competitions allows students to:

– Enhance Technical Skills: Learn and apply coding and robotics concepts using VEX GO kits.
– Foster Teamwork: Collaborate with peers to design, build, and program robots.
– Build Character: Develop critical soft skills such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving.
– Experience Thrill of Competition: Engage in a dynamic and supportive environment that encourages innovation and resilience.

Join Love To Code Academy on This Exciting Journey

“We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to our students,” said Ron Allen, Founder of Love to Code Academy. “Our goal is to create an environment where young learners can explore their passion for technology while developing essential life skills. The VEX GO Competitions provide a perfect platform for our students to challenge themselves, grow, and have fun.”

Sign Up Today
Enrollment for the new Coding and Robotics Teams is now open. Parents and students are invited to join in this exciting journey. To learn more about the program and sign up, please visit their website at https://lovetocodeacademy.com or contact the enrollment advisors at enrollment@lovetocode.academy.

Bay Atlantic University Celebrates Graduates and 10th Anniversary

Washington, DC, May 27, 2024 — On Friday, May 17, Bay Atlantic University (BAU) celebrated its graduating Class of 2024 with a Commencement Ceremony marking a decade of excellence. Representing all academic programs, the graduates were honored alongside hundreds of proud family, friends, faculty, and staff. The ceremony was a key element of BAU’s 10th Anniversary Celebrations and was held in the Ballroom of the historic National Press Club, just a few blocks from BAU’s downtown Washington, D.C. campus.

After processing in to Edgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance,” the ceremony got underway with Gjergj Dollani, Bay Atlantic University’s Chief Growth Officer, serving as emcee. Linda Robertson, Chair of the Board, was the first of the Commencement’s speakers. In her address to the graduates, Chairwoman Robertson called attention to the importance of their accomplishments and highlighted the role they will soon have in the world, encouraging them to “move to the head of the line”:

“Your degree from Bay Atlantic University helps you stand out in this next part of your life’s journey.

“You are part of the elite 7.5 per cent of the world’s population who have earned a degree from a higher education institution. Move to the head of the line.

“You are part of a statistically in an even smaller number of world’s Gen Z’s who have earned a degree in a country that is not the country of their birth. Move to the head of the line.

“You are statistically in an even smaller, smaller number of the world’s Gen Z cohort who have graduated from a fully accredited institution from the prestigious New England Higher Education Commission, one of the most prestigious Global Higher Education Accreditation Agencies. Move to the head of the line.”

Chairwoman Robertson also presented Bay Atlantic University’s President, Dr. Sinem Vatanartiran, with a pair of formal symbols of the university as part of the 10th Anniversary celebrations. Mr. Ismail Oz (P’24) generously donated a ceremonial mace and chain, each of which will be used in all future formal academic gatherings.

After graciously accepting the gifts, Dr. Vatanartiran took to the podium to speak to the graduates. She first addressed all those who helped the graduates to arrive where they are today, including family, friends, and faculty, before providing some history for the occasion of Bay Atlantic University’s 10 Year Anniversary. With this context in mind, Dr. Vatanartiran discussed the special place the Class of 2024 has at BAU and offered encouragement as she considered the futures of the graduates as well as the university:

“As we reflect on the past, we are reminded of the countless challenges we’ve overcome, the successes we’ve achieved, and the invaluable contributions of everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey. From our dedicated faculty and staff to our passionate students and supportive alumni, each one of you has played a pivotal role in shaping the identity and spirit of Bay Atlantic University.

“As we look ahead to the next ten years and beyond, I am confident that Bay Atlantic University will continue to thrive and make a positive impact on the world; for the betterment of individuals and our society. Together, let us embark on this journey with courage, determination, and a commitment to excellence.”

Janice Tagoe, Valedictorian of the Class of 2024, served as the Commencement Ceremony’s final speaker. Ms. Tagoe, who graduated summa cum laude with a M.S. in Big Data Analytics, encouraged her fellow graduates to look forward with excitement to the possibilities in store for them, but also to take the time to express gratitude and reflect fondly on their time at BAU:

“Throughout our time at Bay Atlantic University, we have been blessed with opportunities to grow intellectually, socially, and personally. We have engaged in thought-provoking discussions, collaborated on projects that pushed the boundaries of innovation, and forged lifelong friendships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. These experiences have not only enriched our academic journey but have also shaped us into the well-rounded individuals we are today.

“As we stand on the brink of new beginnings, let us not forget the invaluable lessons we have learned along the way. Let us remember the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, the power of empathy in building meaningful connections, and the significance of integrity in all our endeavors. These values, instilled in us during our time at Bay Atlantic University, will serve as guiding principles as we navigate the complexities of the world beyond these hallowed halls.”

After Ms. Tagoe received an award in commemoration of her achievement as Valedictorian, the Faculty of the Class of 2024 Award was named. This award, as chosen by the members of the Class of 2024, was given to Dr. Zelalem Mengistu, Professor of Cybersecurity. Presenting the awards was Dr. Michelle Landa, BAU’s Chief Academic Officer, who noted that students appreciated how “Dr. Z” made course content accessible and approachable.

Finally, each graduate had the opportunity to hear their name and degree read aloud, walk across the stage, and shake hands and take a photo with Dr. Vatanartiran. Loud cheers and applause were heard from around the Ballroom for each graduate, as the families and friends gathered showed their support for their own students as well as the other members of the graduating class.

A reception took place immediately afterwards, also hosted at the National Press Club, which included a class book for graduates to sign and numerous photo opportunities. All told, it was a grand celebration befitting the effort and achievements of Bay Atlantic University’s Class of 2024. The full recording of Commencement is available on Bay Atlantic University’s Facebook page and can be accessed here: Bay Atlantic University Commencement 2024.