A wise man once said, ‘If G-d is infinite in his power and wisdom, then every life is equally precious. By deduction, nothing can be worthless or more.’ On the surface, many of us feel trapped by the physical restraints of the corporeal world. The boundaries, borders, and limitations we face oftentimes curtail our aspirations, clipping our proverbial wings before we take flight. So many of the challenges we face are summarily dismissed by cliched expressions – ‘That’s Life’ – ‘That’s the way the cookie crumbles’ – ‘There is plenty of fish in the sea’ – ‘This too will pass’, et al. When we seek answers, we need more than empty platitudes.
The trials and tribulations we encounter desperately require solutions.
Left to our own devices, the resolution is managed by an oftentimes frail emotional mindset. If we are broken inside, searching and yearning for answers, it is no wonder we can’t make any sense of the world we live in. It seems absolutely impossible to see the light when we are enveloped in a stranglehold of darkness. The suffocating embrace of emptiness and despair is truly soul-destroying. When the world appears to have turned its back on us, we often turn inward for resolution. We yearn for answers, from within the very core of our being.
Sometimes, we need to look beyond the obvious.
Well beyond the textbooks and literature. An innate understanding of the universe is beyond the scope of human comprehension, but every now and then the universe provides humanity with vessels with a deeper understanding of the great unknown. Indeed, in the space-time continuum, everything is relative, and it is theoretically possible to bend time and space to understand the future in the present. This metaphysical approach to understanding the corporeal world and all its maladies proves useful in the presence of guru guides. These soulful readers exist among us, in the form of palm readers, Tarot card readers, Fortune Tellers and Astrologists.
A natural degree of skepticism is healthy, but the true value of this type of metaphysical service is evident with a free psychics reading online.
The universe is a hotbed of unbridled energy
Perpetually expanding and contracting with each of its infinite components. This energy is never lost or destroyed; it is merely transferred across the universe occupying myriad different forms, ad nauseam. When these metaphysical elements are shared with special human beings, the power of insight is unlocked and it is at that precise moment that the ‘enlightened’ among others truly blossom with a gift so precious it cannot be ignored.
Thousands were left without any power this weekend as one of the hottest days of the summer also struck New York City. Areas in Brooklyn including Canarsie, Flatlands, Mill Basin, and Bergen Beach were affected by the power outages and had many concerned for the nursing homes in the area as the heatwave grew stronger. The heatwave which lasted all weekend long left the city in the high 90s with a high percentage in humidity making the outdoors almost unbearable.
This lack of power has continued on from the Manhattan blackout which occurred about a week ago and affected nearly 40 blocks around Times Square. To restore some of the city’s power, Con Edison had to shut down much of the power in Brooklyn and Queens. As many as 50,000 residents in the Brooklyn and Queens areas suffering without air conditioning.
Mayor Bill De Blasio was not happy with the circumstances and called for an investigation on the power outages. Con Edison worked endlessly in order to restore power for their customers bringing as many as about 20,000 people back up with their power. Emergency generators and air-conditioned buses were sent to elderly facilities.
All power is expected to be turned back on this evening. Locals and residents are able to check the status of power on Con Edison’s interactive map.
From resistance bands a great option which will give you plenty of variety and special grips to Bulgarian bags and the newest four-movement exercise to target your rear delts, working out can often contain a few complexities here and there – sometimes too many. With all of the newest technology and year-long fads crowding our minds, we can often leave the simplest movements by the wayside. To make your entire body stronger, bring up imbalances and get some conditioning in while you’re at it, there is one old-school, simple strength training movement to add to your repertoire: the farmer’s walk.
Photo by Binyamin Mellish from Pexels
The farmer’s walk is as easy to understand as carrying your groceries inside – only much, much more physically taxing. To perform this exercise, simply grab two heavy (for seasoned gym-goers, half your body weight in each hand should be a good starting point) weights – dumbbells, kettlebells, trap bars, plates, etc. – let them hang down at your side with your palms facing your body and start walking. Make sure to focus on keeping a good posture and tall spine, keep your grip tight and take short steps – the weight will handle the rest. For more strength and hypertrophy (muscle growth) benefits, focus on heavier weight and shorter walks – longer walks will help you improve cardiovascular performance and have an effect on the nervous system similar to a set of sprints.
Benefits of Strength Training with the Farmer’s Walk
Photo by Victor Freitas from Pexels
“It’s just walking, right?” If that thought crossed your mind, you’re not wrong, but that is the beauty of this exercise. Walking in a controlled manner with extremely heavy weight comes with a ton of benefits, even being cited as a safer alternative to the deadlift. Your arms will take a beating keeping the weight inside your hands and at your sides, your shoulders and back will be taxed from maintaining proper posture, your core will struggle to keep everything together and your legs and glutes are pumping with each step. If you’ve heard the term “functional strength training” thrown around in the gym, this is it. A single, heavy exercise that will improve your musculature and translate to increased athletic performance in every aspect and generally better fitness.
Training will also naturally help with HGH levels, which includes the ability to build and repair muscle, keeping the body fit and energetic, and its anti-aging abilities. Building this naturally takes some time though, so here are different types of HGH injections that may speed up this process.
For more fitness and strength training tips, head over to our Downtown Fitness section.
Ask 10 people to name a role played by Ivana Miličević, and you’re likely to get 10 different answers. To many, she is Anastasia Rabitov and Carrie Hopewell from the Cinemax series Banshee, the fourth season of which premieres on April 1. To others, she was first noticed as Julia from the critically acclaimed CBS show, Love Monkey. I first came to know Ivana while she played Missy on HBO’s cult hit The Mind Of The Married Man. And these are just the television roles. Ivana has appeared in numerous big screen hits, including Casino Royale, Love Actually, Vanilla Sky, Jerry Maguire and Enemy of the State.
Prior to Ivana’s success as an actress, she was a steadily working model. The Michigander was born in Sarajevo and first came to New York in her late teens for modeling. Currently, Ivana is bi-coastal, keeping homes in both SoHo and Los Angeles. She spoke to Downtown about what’s ahead for her once Banshee wraps. [Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the Spring 2016 issue of Downtown Magazine.]
At what point did you realize that you were a working actress and not just a model? Was it being cast in Vanilla Sky?
Ivana Miličević: It was very “ombre,” actually. I was modeling into my 20’s, and somewhere along the way I had less and less time for modeling jobs, because I was getting more acting jobs. It was quite lucky and very seamless. I don’t remember the tipping point, though.
It was definitely around the time we were shooting Vanilla Sky. Plus, Vanilla Sky was so fun, because there were so many people cast in it for that super-fancy party scene, including my friend and co-star from Head Over Heels, Shalom Harlow.
Your show Banshee started filming in Pennsylvania this season. Had you spent much time there prior to this season?
I: This was my first time in Pennsylvania. The other years I was just pretending to be in Pennsylvania, because the show was previously shot in North Carolina! It was interesting to be in the actual state where our show takes place. I was sorry that I didn’t go to Amish areas, though. I think I would have enjoyed that very much.
How would you describe Banshee to someone who hasn’t yet seen the show?
I: Oh, man, that is always such a hard question. It’s an over-the-top roller coaster ride. It’s violent, it’s pulpy, and it explores passionate love for family, passionate love of…well, passionate love, revenge, friendship and how many ways you can skin a cat. Plus, it’s a show where we have an ex-con posing as a cop, a gangster’s daughter posing as a soccer mom, an old Cadillac dealership posing as a police station. Nothing is as it seems.
I: (laughs) Um, no? But if I’m not smiling and I have a certain look on my face, I think people can be intimidated by me. I’m a tall lady.
I understand that you are bi-coastal and keep a place in SoHo. What is it that drew you to SoHo in the first place?
I: I have always regarded SoHo as a special place since I was 18 and came to New York for the first time. To me, it was the epitome of “downtown”—THE downtown.
Where in New York did you live when you first had a place here?
I: When I was 19, I lived in a model’s apartment on 54th and Broadway with four other girls. People were always talking about Studio 54, which was a block away. I used to fantasize that maybe in a very recent past life I had died there. Perhaps trying to get in through a vent or maybe I just passed out one night on my roller skates.
What do you like about New York that you feel you don’t get from living in Los Angeles?
I: I have been shooting a recurring arc on the Starz show Power, which has kept me in New York for much of the winter. I have seen so many great plays! I wrote a kid’s poem. I don’t do things like that normally. I also wrote an essay for New York-based start-up PYPO.com. I took an acting intensive with my Banshee babe, Trieste Dunn, with her teacher from the North Carolina School of the Arts. All of these different ways to be creative have been filling my days when I have time off from the show! I am not saying that L.A. doesn’t have its own creative energy; it’s just different.
You did theater in L.A., appearing in Greedy. Do you have any New York theatrical aspirations?
I: After spending this past fall and winter in New York, I did get a bit of the stage bug. I participated in a O reading of Women of Manhattan, at the Circle in the Square Theater, on Broadway. I kept calling it my Broadway debut! So I would love to, if the right thing came along at the right time and, most importantly, if New York theater would have me!
Is there a Croatian restaurant in New York that you can recommend to our readers?
I: Yes! Well, technically, it’s Serbian, but it’s basically the same. I’m going there today, actually. It’s called Kafana, and it’s on Avenue C. Have the cevaps, lepinje, avjar… The branzino is served whole with just olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Divine! Have it with the potatoes and the Swiss chard. Heaven! Oh, and grow a pair and have a shot of slivovic, but just kind of sip it. Like little kisses. That’s how you get used to it. Let it wash over your tongue and the roof of your mouth like gasoline!
I remember reading your name in Mary Weiland’s memoir about life with her ex-husband Scott. How did you two first meet?
I: Wow, what a wonderful question! To this day, Mary is one of my best friends. The first time we laid eyes on each other was at a casting in Los Angeles. We bonded over notoriously always “forgetting” our bathing suits when the audition might call for that. Then we lived together many, many times, including in New York.
Also on the surprising connection end, your brother plays in 30 Seconds To Mars. Did you yourself have musical aspirations growing up?
I: (laughs) No, not really. Well, I always wanted to play the harp. My second choice was playing the drums—my rhythm has always been better than my tone—but a harp was too expensive and impractical. Drums were too loud. So my parents made me play piano, which I didn’t like.
Banshee aside, what can you tell me about your work on Power?
I: It’s a great show starring Omari Hardwick and 50 Cent. I play a hotel heiress who needs a club man like James St. Patrick to help her open clubs in her new eco-luxe boutique hotels. And then shenanigans ensue.
When you’re not busy with your career, how do you ideally spend your free time?
I: With family and friends. I have a very close relationship with my parents and brothers. We cook a lot. We laugh a lot. It is very cozy. I also really love to travel. I was just in Tokyo for the first time and was floored by how much I love it there. In lieu of taking selfies, I made a trailer starring my friend’s sock as a sock puppet. You can see it on my Facebook page, if you’re interested. No pressure, of course!
These days, it seems that all of the essential TV series to watch are on cable networks. Power, as seen on Starz, is of no exception. Its season two premiere brought in 1.43 million viewers, which was a record for the channel. Meanwhile, the season two finale of Power generated 2.39 million viewers.
Power returned for its third season on Jul. 17. The second season of the show — whose stars include Omari Hardwick, Naturi Naughton, Lela Loren and Joseph Sikora — currently has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, showing great promise for this new 10-episode season. In support of Season 3, Downtown caught up with actor Joseph Sikora, who portrays Tommy Egan on Power, for some Q&A.
JS: The Little Prince in The Little Prince at the Touchstone Theatre, directed by Sandra Grand.
Was there an event or a person that inspired you to pursue a career as an actor? Or a particular film?
JS: Michael Shannon after seeing him in the play Killer Joe, by Tracey Letts, at the Next Theatre in Evanston, Illinois, in like ’93? That was the first time I was totally blown away.
For you, was schooling or training from a teacher essential to your becoming a professional actor?
JS: No.
What do you wish more people knew about acting?
JS: You don’t have to be pretty to be great. It is an ancient and honorable craft. We are not the characters we play.
How did the opportunity to appear on Power come up? Did you audition? Hear about it from someone related to the show?
JS: I heard about it from one of my managers, Patrick Keane. I was unable to audition for it when it first came around, but when he heard that they were still looking for the role, he really pushed to make sure I was able to record an audition and send it off to Los Angeles.
For someone who hasn’t seen the show before, how would you describe it?
JS: A love story between two brothers and their struggle to survive and follow their dreams.
Does a person have to watch the series from the first episode to understand everyone that’s going on in the new season?
JS: Probably a good idea. But I have heard of people coming in late and then going back to season 1 and it feeling like getting a secret backstory.
Joseph Sikora & Omari Hardwick
How do you personally compare to your character Tommy?
JS: We both like food. We are both 5’11” and blonde. However, I am not a murderer, I don’t do drugs and I have a slightly easier time keeping my anger under control.
Aside from Power, are there any upcoming roles of yours that you can talk about?
JS: Yes, I will have a supporting role in the remake of Jacob’s Ladder starring Michael Ealy.
Is there a kind of role you haven’t yet done but are still hoping to for bucket list reasons?
JS: Bond. James Bond.
Do you have aspirations to write, produce or direct?
JS: Yes. I already have written quite a bit. I really enjoy it. I would love to direct — it’s time. I will be producing shortly.
When not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?
JS: With my dog and my beautiful wife. I go to the gym and jog around Brooklyn. I love to play pool and find great food.
What are some of the shows that you watch on television when you have the chance?
JS: Vinyl, The Knick, Survivor’s Remorse, The Girlfriend Experience — on Starz — and Game Of Thrones.
Finally, Joseph, any last words for the kids?
JS: School. Stay in it. Follow your passion and work hard — no excuses. Don’t blame other people if you aren’t succeeding. Always take time to have fun.
The feature film directorial debut from Writer/Director RICHARD MONTOYA is based on his award-winning play of the same name, originally produced at the Mark Taper Forum for Culture Clash. WATER & POWER – Shot over 12 extraordinary nights in Los Angeles, the film tells the story of two brothers nicknamed Water & Power by their hard-working father who was an irrigation field man for the famed Department of Water & Power of Los Angeles (LADWP). From the blue-collar housing projects of the city’s Eastside to the very corridors of power where deals are made in the City of Angels – WATER & POWER explores a cautionary tale – with a Chicano twist. Told in the classic L.A. noir style – with a darkly humorous tone- a hallmark for which Montoya is known in the theater and television. WATER & POWER is available on digital platforms on January 20, 2015.
WATER (ENRIQUE MURCIANO) is a rising political star and California state senator. POWER (NICHOLAS GONZALEZ) is a top cop in the LAPD elite upper chain of command. Following an unexpected and unavoidable tragedy, the brothers find themselves in a seedy motel room on the eastern edge of Sunset Boulevard on a dark and rainy night. Can they survive the long night? Can there be Water without Power? Will they remember the tough love lessons taught to them by their hard-working father? Montoya is a SUNDANCE INSTITUTE alumnus for the Directors & Writers Labs and received an Annenberg fellowship for the writing of his screenplay.
Montoya wrote the play for his legendary performance company CULTURE CLASH. Academy Award nominated Edward James Olmos is the Presenting Producer on Water & Power, lending his invaluable support, and
experience in distributing films that speak powerfully to the audience.
PRESENTED BY Edward James Olmos
PRODUCED BY Mark Roberts
EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY Jim Flach
CO-PRODUCED BY Lorenzo O’Brien Richard Montoya, Emilio Rivera, Marco
Santiago,Jr., Gingger Shankar, Katrina Mattes
COSTUMES Christina Wright & Carlos Brown
EDITED BY Michael R. Miller ACE MUSIC BY Gingger Shankar
PHOTOGRAPHY Claudio Cheo DEVELOPED AT The Sundance Institute
STARRING – Nicholas Gonzalez, Enrique Murciano, Emilio Rivera, Robert
Beltran, Wanda de Jesus, Jacob Vargas, Lupe Ontiveros, Sal Lopez, Roger
G. Smith and Clancy Brown.
