A Cautionary Tale: Empire Broadcasting Group, Basket of Grifters?

 A Cautionary Tale: Empire Broadcasting Group, Basket of Grifters?

OK, this post is a bit off topic, but I think it's important to share.

On the 13th of Dec. 2016, I received a call from Eleanor, stating she worked for Empire Radio, which was actually incorrect, the “station” is called Empire Broadcasting Group, (a typo in her script, maybe),  she left me a message. I returned it the next day. Just to backtrack a bit, I did look-up Empire Radio, which does seem to exist.

Eleanor returned my call and we spoke on the 15th of December. She stated that the producers of the online radio station were interested in Tummy Love and my story. What led me to the work I do now? They felt it would inspire others, if my story was shared in an eight minutes interview. Eleanor did state if all went well with the interview and the producers liked my delivery, story etc., I’d be asked to return for a 30 minutes spot, at a cost. She claimed Empire Radio had millions of listeners all over the world. Still thinking it was FLO Empire Radio (there's an actual Empire Radio out there too) and not Empire Broadcasting Group, I thought that was feasible.

Fast forward to my scheduled interview date 1/06/2017. I was interviewed by Michael David. Other than a black sesame seed from my oatmeal making me cough,  the interview went by pretty quickly and pretty smoothly. I had written out a short script to keep myself on point, I tend to think by association and can get off topic rather quickly. Knowing I had only eight minutes, I wanted to keep it clean and focused. I’d even prepared a special offer for the first 15 listeners that joined my email list to receive a free bottle of my Full-Tummy Massage Oil, and, if there was enough time, a short guided meditation for less anxiety and better digestion. The two are very much connected, anxiety and digestion.

As the interview came to a close, I did manage to slip in the massage oil offer, but not the meditation…”Oh well, that’s show biz…”, I thought to myself. After the interview, Michael David asked me to reply to their last email, stating how the interview went. “Do I get some kind of survey?”, I asked. “No, just reply to the last email.” Weird...however, I did reply with a “Thanks for the opportunity!”

Minutes later, I got a phone call from Ken Bennett, one of the “executive producers”. He claimed he heard the interview, loved it and positive responses were already coming in from their listeners. He would love to have me back again for three 30 minutes spots. Which I could design as a Q&A with callers or just a straight interview with Muriel Donnely. This Muriel Donnely, from what Ken described, is a well-known TV personality who brings the best out of guests on her show.
Ken was full of praise for my delivery of the interview and even joked about coming to Detroit for lunch or massage, on me.I guess when he felt he’d done enough fluffing, which included telling me that a press release would go out to NBC, ABC, CBS and all social media outlets; the cost for all the work they’re doing for me, would usually be $8,000. BUT this week and ending this week, only, they’re charging $1,500 for three 30 minutes spots on their station.

Within 10 seconds he whittled the special offer down to one 30 minutes spot for $600. He also said don’t take my words as a hard sell, take it as “enthusiasm” because he knows how many people have been helped growing their businesses because of these interviews, in the past. Also claiming they have 225,000 Twitter followers. Of course, I must decide now and he’d transfer me to the payment department (or something to that effect). When I told him, I’m not making a decision right now because, I want to think about the offer and perform some Due Diligence on his company. He abruptly said, “okthankyouKeely” and hung-up. Well, that told me a lot. Scammers? Grifters playing the long game? Or could it be more like a fake till you make it kinda deal?

Anyone getting calls from Empire Broadcasting Group beware! In the meantime, I’ve got 15 bottles of Full-Tummy Massage Oil up for grabs.

Here’s a few things I discovered with a little research on the correct company:
-EmpireBroadcastingGroup.com was created Nov. 2, 2016.(Whois.net).
-They have 56,000 Twitter followers instead of 225,000. Much of their posts seem to be click bait. Joined Nov. 2016
-Most of the photos on their website look like stock photos.
-Couldn’t find video interviews with Muriel Donnely or Donnelly in view.
-Terrible graphic design
-When you’re asked to reply to the email about how the interview went, that reply is entered under Testimonials on their website.
-Lastly, I have yet to hear from any "listeners" via phone call, email or any other social media outlets.

Smudging For The New Year And Everyday

 

 

 What is smudging and what does it have to do with loving my tummy?

 

Historically smudging has been used (and in continual use) to clear sacred spaces. Spaces filled with cluttered, heavy energy that affects the energetic body. This "clutter" can contribute to chronic anxiety, depression  and other imbalances. Anxiety, in Traditional Chinese Medicine is rooted in the stomach, depression the liver. Smudging is a holistic tool in creating an environment for grounding, healing and balance. In addition, Sage, Palo Santo and many other smudging helpers have antibacterial and antiseptic properties. These properties can come in handy if you're feeling under the weather, from a stomach virus, for example. Learn more from the links below and watch my "Smudging with Palo Santo" video for thorough instruction on how to smudge.  Happy New Year and Happy Smudging!-Keely Shop Palo Santo

Clear 2016 with Palo Santo (Holy Wood) Smudge

More info:

A smudge stick is a bundle of dried herbs, usually bound with string into a small bundle. The herbs are later burned as part of a ritual or ceremony. Plants that are often used include sage and cedar. Wikipedia https://g.co/kgs/3v9HVB

The Ancient Art of Smudging | Spirituality & Health Magazine

spiritualityhealth.com/articles/ancient-art-smudging

Mystics say the Native American practice of smudging, or purifying a room with the smoke of sacred herbs, can help clear negative energy from a space. And the apparent benefits are steeped in science—when burned, sage and other herbs release negative ions, which research has ...

‎Energy Cleansing with Sage · ‎7 Sacred Resins to Burn for ...

A Sage Smudging Ritual To Cleanse Your Aura & Clear Your Space ...

www.mindbodygreen.com/.../a-sage-smudging-ritual-to-cleanse-your-aura-clear-your...

Mar 13, 2015 - Smudging your sacred space, your home or office, or even your body with sage is like taking an energetic shower, or doing a deep metaphysical cleansing. The smoke from dried sage actually changes the ionic composition of the air, and can have a direct effect on reducing our stress response.

Hello all, here's more juicy info on V-steams!

 TummyLove.net
Hello all, here's more juicy info on V-steams!

The video link below was posted on circa.com.
I found it to beautifully done, cute AND informative.
Must make plans to visit Agape Healing Arts Center! http://www.agapehealingarts.com/services
Vaginal steams (V-steams), in conjunction with abdominal massage can be exceptionally beneficial.

Would you like information on steaming at home? Visit my past post for v-steam history and home use. Shop here for home use.

Enjoy the video!
http://circa.com/scitech/health/this-yoni-root-steam-bath-is-like-a-facial-for-your-vagina

Adventures in Anal Steaming.

Ready to steam a bottom;G-Steam plant combination

Ok, soooo I know this whole At-Home V-Steam and G-Steam stuff is pretty new to just about everyone. Even though it's been around for hundreds of years in many countries and cultures. These latest blog entries are meant to inform with a little entertainment just to keep it real and relaxed. Which I feel is pretty important because many topics on the "down there" parts are usually related to a cuss word or solely thought of as the "the naughty bits and the dirty bits".

Congratulations to me! I got a guy to try out the G-Steam (in some spas called the A-Steam) plant combination. I approached him in a way that most delicate subjects are broached...via text. Here's how it went:
(We enter on the conversation where I deftly switch the subject.)
me: Hmm...I'll take you up on that. But I'd also like a favor. I'm test running my G-Steams. Yes! Steams for the guys. I need feedback and you're pretty open to new things. (He's a Leo, so he loves flattery).What about it?
him: Elaborate
me: Is that a question? If yes, not at all. I boil a pot of herbs place it in the toilet (thoroughly cleaned) you sit for 15-20 minutes. Then, dare I say, relax for ten and tell me how you feel/felt during and after your "treatment". (He's also very type A. Ideally, relaxing an hour afterwards would be most beneficial but, I knew that wasn't going to happen. One must meet one where they're at.)
him: Bwahaha! Is there a prize? (Men, big negotiators)
So, I had to promise interesting reading material and a quick massage afterwards.
him: lol! Damn you, Keely. That's some vulnerable junk.
me: I'll/we'll make sure it's the perfect temp. That's one thing to figure out, maybe a towel underneath "Jr.," to elevate him from the steam. Then once it cools...let'em hang free. Then, it kinda becomes a steam and soak. The steam will be therapeutic for your prostate, anus (pause for laughter)...and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles.
Well you mull it over...
Him: I'll do it.

He, let's call him Leo comes over and tells me from the get go that he's a little nervous about this thing I've got him into. I give him a walk through of what's going to happen. Show him the herbs simmering on the stove; how the pot of herbs will be placed in the commode with a comfy towel folded on the seat for...comfort. Instead of my reading material, he decides to do some steaming research on his phone while experiencing his own steam. Leo's been in for about 5 minutes, I check in, he says it's a little hot but he moved around a bit and it's ok now. It has now been 17 mins, he's pretty quiet...good sign. I tell him "in 3 minutes it will be 20 minutes, do you want to stay there?' "I can stay another 3 minutes", he says. Very good sign.

Leo emerges from the bathroom visibly relaxed, heavy eyelids, speech slower and voice...a bit deeper. All signs of relaxation. Most people look like him after having a massage.

Leo's review:
It was fun being your "guinea pig". I must admit that it felt as though the steam chose my scrotum as it's victim. Once the temperature became a little more bearable, it was extremely relaxing and felt like I was receiving a facial or more properly termed an a-scial(?)
Scrotum ended up relaxing and dropping with the steam and sitting.
Additional comments via phone:
I felt clean...more of an awareness, engaged... and the area felt toned, like a workout without working out.
What did you do with the "family jewels" while the steam was cooling?
Had to move my balls away from the heat. (up into his lap)
Any awareness around your anus during the steam?
No attention on the anus because I was focused on comfort of my scrotum (very understandable)
How long did the awareness and other affects last?
One day
Did you have any expectations?
None whatsoever. I would suggest using a foot stool while steam, it adds to the level of comfort.
Would you do it again?
Yes

Some points to pass on to future At-Home G-Steamers:
-Make sure the temperature is comfortable for all body parts involved. Just place the lid over the herbs and wait a few minutes to cool. This is no time to be a tough guy.
-Placing your feet on a short stool while steaming, relaxes the buttock and leg muscles while opening the pelvic floor muscles allowing more steamy access to the anus (pause for laughter).

-Do not use any type of steam if trying to increase sperm count. You can use the steam bath as a warm sitz bath instead.

At-Home G-Steams can be useful for:

relaxing pelvic floor muscles
improving circulation of blood, lymph, chi, oxygenation of tissue
improving tissue/muscle health and tone
releasing congestion around the prostate and bladder
relaxation of gluteal muscles
improving anal tissue health and tone (hemorrhoids should be treated with a warm sitz bath)
relaxation of the sacral muscles and attachments (lower back).
a total bod chill out

*After steaming, light stretching like child's pose is pretty amazing.

Thanks for being so brave, Leo!!!!

The Unsuspecting V-Steam "Volunteer" Part 2

German Chamomile

Remember the unsuspecting "volunteer" from the last post on V-steamin'? Her second review is below.

Dear Keely,

here are my results for the Cheeky (grounded) herb pack vjay steam:

After a stressful day, I welcomed the warm, soothing steam and immediately started to relax.  I did the steam for 25 minutes. The tension, anger, stress started releasing immediately from the bottom and on up.  My left shoulder even relaxed and released.  Cloudy, fearful thoughts were cleared from my mind. During the steam my abdomen started gurgling, belching occurred and BM followed about 30 min later.  This morning I feel lighter, energetic and optimistic.  This is the way to go to alleviate stress and to get back on positive mindset train

Thank you!

The Unsusptecting V-Steam "Volunteer"

So I just got off the phone with a friend who was going to be in my neighborhood in about two hours and wanted to drop by for a visit.  It'll be good to see her but I did have plans to work on the computer and do some random milling around the apt. (I do this sometimes...actually a lot.) Hmm...yes, it'll be great to see her but we're going to get something more than a social visit out this day. She has been signed up to try a V-steam. Did I mention it before she arrived? Heck no! But, she was  not surprisingly down for the experience. Yay!

Having worked with her before, I know a great deal about her medical history; reoccurring uterine fibroids, constipation and anxiety. Her diet is not the most beneficial...alas, a work in progress.
I gave her the low down on what was going to happen and what she had to do, which was nothing more than sit over a steaming pot of herbs. Easy enough...well let's get going! The herbs were ready when she arrived, just a bit more steeping and cooling. I have to make this comfortable or she'll never trust any of my experiments again. Now the herb concoction has cooled enough, I place a towel on the seat of a very well cleaned toilet, pot o'herbs placed inside the toilet bowl, seat down. I tell her to undress from the waist down, make sure the towel doesn't slide and block the steam...doodle...doodle...doodle...ask if she has any questions, then I leave the room. Ok, now it's been about 5 mins...
me-How you doin' in there? Temperature comfortable?
her-I'm fine, yes, the temperature is fine.
me-Seat comfortable?
her- Yes, it's comfortable.
Ok, all seems good so far. The recommendation for steaming is 15-20 minutes. It's has now been 20, I let her know the time (she's also on a bit of a schedule, don't want her to have to rush afterwards). And to my surprise she asks to stay for another five minutes. "Sure", I say. That's a good sign.

This is what she had to say about her experience:

expectations(if any), then actual experience
I did not know what to expect at first.  As I sat down, the steam hit and it felt relaxing and comforting.  Long overdue, I thought.

how you felt during the steam and after
I enjoyed the steam, my pelvic floor relaxed, all tensions left,  the cramped feeling in my abdomen was released too.  It put me in great state of mind

comfort of sitting
After sitting 30 minutes, I started feeling the inside of edge of the toilet seat, may be due to the towel shifting a bit.

what you felt the night of, how you slept (any difference from any other night)
Feeling lighter, at peace in mind, and body.  I slept comfortably and woke up with energy.  Plus my bowels moved pretty good.  Plus the steam effects lasted another 2 days for me.  There was no discharge.

She took home a 'to go' bag of herbs to use after her menses; more reports coming up.

For your own V-steam experience order here.

Get to know your V-Jay Steam cast of plant helpers a little better.

All of the plants below are organically grown or wild harvested using sustainable practices; gathered with gratitude and respect.

Plant Properties

(To place an order, go to-http://www.tummylove.net/VJ_Steams.html)

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)
prevents infection, speeds healing of wounds, natural antibiotic for skin infections, energetic clearing, mental clarity, relief from menstrual cramps promotes blood circulation, gentle disinfectant for mucous tissue

Catalpa  (Catalpa bignonioides)
Traditionally used to treat asthma and bronchitis, the seeds have been used to treat external wounds.  The tree itself is great for holding soil together, counters soil run off (useful grounding energy).

German Chamomile  (Matricaria recutita)
Nervine-calms headaches, hyperactivity, migraines; nourishes and rejuvenates the skin; counters scaliness, inflammation, wrinkles and stretch marks; *urinary tract infection (*U.T.I); Antispasmodic, Tonic, Diaphoretic-detox; Sedative; Emmenagogue-promotes menstruation, Antiseptic for all *inflammations

Comfrey  (Symphytum officinale)
Demeculent-soothes and relieves inflammation; Astringent-used to heal **sore, bumps, bruises and general vascular health 

Grapefruit  (Citrus x paradisi)
gentle astringent

Lavander  (Lavandula augustifolia Mill.)
Aromatic; Carminative; Nervine; Restorative; Tonic against faintness (or light head); Antispasmodic; uplifts the spirit

Magnolia  (Magnolia soulangeana)
Toner; Astringent; Antiperiodic-prevents reoccurrence of disease, of certain fevers, esp. malaria; Stimulant; Antiseptic-external wounds and pain; used to prevent fainting

Spearmint  (Mentha spicata L.)
relieves pressure of migraine headaches, treats general nervousness and digestive disorders; Antivial-inhibits **herpes; Stimulant; Relaxant; Antiseptic; Antispasmodic-relaxes muscle spasms

Mugwort  (Artemisia vulgaris) Emmenagogue-brings on suppressed period; Diuretic-increases flow of urine,; Diaphoretic-promotes perspiration (detox); with acupuncture used as moxa to warm tissue and remove congestion; sooth cramping; used in Russian folk medicine for nervousness, fright, female weakness-amenorrohea and dysmenorhoea

Plantain  (Plantago lanceolata)
Alterative; Astringent; Diuretic; Antiseptic; soothing, repair of fresh or chronic wound or sores, bruises; remedy for neuralgia (*herpes); reduces inflammation; hemorrhoid relief; accelerates skin healing
*Side note-I gave plantain as a salve to my sister for a toenail that broke and then came off. It staved off swelling and infection pretty nicely.

Rosebuds  (Rosa centifolia L.)
(gentle) Astringent; used to counter anorexia and bulimia (internally as a tea); the aroma opes the lungs and strengthens the heart(courage); lifts the spirits; gives the skin a 'rosy complexion'

Red clover  (Trifolium pratense L.)
Alterative; Sedative; Deobstruent; Antiseptic; stops bleeding of wounds pain and infection
Caution! Red clover is a phytoestrogen, it makes things grow. If you have uterine fibroids avoid its use.

Yarrow  (Achillea millefolium) very strong) Astringent, Alterative; Diuretic; Tonic; Diaphoretic-promotes perspiration, treats incontinence, tightens and invigorates the skin



Sources:
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/all-you-need-to-know-about-catalpa-trees-701533.html
Indian Herbalogy Of North America, Alma R. Hutchens
Herbs That Heal, Arden Moore and Bridget Doherty
A Modern Herbal, Mrs. Mr. Grieve F.R.H.S.
Rainforest Home Remedies, Rosita Arvigo and Nadine Epstein
Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Fruits, Vegetable and Herbs, John Heinerman
Holistic Aromatherapy, Christine Wildwood