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Sunday, February 23, 2014

The Real Amanda Bertoncini from Princesses of Long Island

The Fierce and Real Amanda Bertoncini 
I recently had the chance to chat with the fun and fabulous Amanda Bertoncini CEO and founder of  the product " Drink Hanky" . She is also one of the stars of  Bravo television's break out shows Princesses Of Long Island. Despite misconceptions and the connotations that come along with having a label such as princess ...Amanda, as I found out, proved to be anything but! She is a hardworking, fun loving entrepreneur and above all else...she is real. What you see is what you get and Amanda wouldn't want it any other way!
Get to know her the way I see it as she answers my questions below! Xx Billy Charles
  What is your full name ?Amanda Anne Bertoncini

What is your nationality? Italian and Greek. 100% Jewish 


Where did you grow up? Born in  Forest Hills, NY moved to Great Neck, NY when I was 7 years old. I attended Saddle Rock elementary school and Great Neck South Middle School & High School. Graduated from Hunter College in Manhattan. 

When and how did you come up with the idea for your product Drink Hanky and tell my readers what it is!
The Drink Hanky is what our team likes to call, beverage couture. It is a fashionable sleeve for hot or cold drinks. I  love iced coffee even in the winter. With the Drink Hanky your hands won't become numb from the cold, it prevents rings on your desk and cup holder, as well as being a fun  fashion statement. Bring your Drink Hanky's to the gym, parties and even as house warming gifts. 


WORK! Drink Hanky!




I started The Drink Hanky website in November of 2011, which after creating the patent, was finally ready for its introduction. Before it's first production,  I would paste napkins together with scotch tape and make my own sleeve for drinks. That would fall apart after 30 minutes! With my partners, we created a box-like figure on the bottom of each Hanky so that it  will stand even without liquid in the cup or bottle. Each Drink Hanky also has elastic now for a better fit. 


Where would you like to see your brand go in a few years from now?   
I would like to sell The Drink Hanky to top retailers such as Bloomingdale's, Target and Bed Bath & Beyond as well as sports arenas and theaters. 

How did you end up on Bravo TV's Princesses of Long Island? Has it been good for your business? 


Amanda and her fellow Princesses

 Our production company is from Long Island and was privy to our group of girls. They pitched it  to bravo and what a ride  that has been! Even though I always said "where are the cameras for this?!" during dramatic situations I never thought that would actually happen. From the show my company, The Drink Hanky was able to find two terrific partners to take the business to the next level. I am beyond grateful. 



What surprised you the most about filming a Reality Show?   

The way people automatically think they know who you are. I have worked since I am 13 years old and there is nothing spoiled about me. Also how people thought Jeff was gay! Wow that could not be further from the truth! 

Describe your style to me and how do you feel about the Lady GaGa comparisons?   



Va Va Va Voom!


The " Ga-Ga-esque" Amanda B
I am Obsessed with Lady Gaga!
So keep 'em coming! I have loved her since she had brown hair and would perform at dive bars on the lower east side. We are both an Aries. Her birthday is March 28, 1986 and mine is March 31, 1986. We look alike, I am obsessed with fashion and we both can have dirty minds ha! People even say we talk alike. I was mistaken for Gaga while pumpkin picking with Jeff at Hicks farm. I was taking pictures with fellow long islanders who watched Princesses and this woman literally thought I was Gaga. I kept telling her "no" but she didn't speak English. I thought to myself, 'ok well make her day then!' I have always had my own style which is very bohemian and vintage. I love pairing things together that people don't necessary think of.
Any news with your beau Jeff yet as far as being engaged? 


Amanda and her beau Jeff 



Not engaged yet but still very much in love! It is our 2 year anniversary February 1st. 2 years exactly since the day we met on the Long Island Rail Road!

Which girls are you the closet with on the show ? 


Amanda and Joey


I am the closest with Joey. She is absolutely hysterical, witty, and a true genuine friend. She will say things to my face if I need to hear the hard truth and vise versa. That's what real friends do. 


Your Mom seems really fun and down to earth in which ways has she influenced you?   




My mom and I grew up together. She is amazing! She has always been very maternal and close to me. She once said this piece of information to me and I never forgot it. "Never rely on anyone but yourself". She helped make me the mature, independent, and compassionate woman I am today



Give me 5 Turn ons/offs: 



Turn on's  - kisses on the neck- when Jeff is strong but sensitive- honesty - well dressed - wit  
Turn off's - overbearing people - fake people - pretentious people-liars- B.O



Thank you so much for being REAL and please tell my  readers where they can find the fabulous  Drink Hanky? ...and I still want one with Skulls for my scotch glass...
I am obsessed with skulls so I will make that happen for sure! Your readers can purchase Drink Hanky in a  2, 4 or 5 pack today at...

www.drinkhanky.com and also on Amazon!

Follow us on twitter for all updates at @drinkhanky and @TheRealAmandaB_

Monday, December 16, 2013

Russian Actor Ivan Okhlobystin Is The New Hitler!


Russian Actor Ivan Okhlobystin Is The New Hitler!


After hearing of the recent news and comments made by Russian actor Ivan Okhlobystin stating that " all gays should be burned alive in an oven" I'm deeply saddened disgusted ...he is the new Hitler! I understand opinions but where do we draw the line as humans!?
This type of attitude can not be tolerated in the media or the world at large! I am asking all my family, friends and supporters of HUMAN rights to stand up and help abolish this type of behavior!

Xavvi Matisse, editor and founder of Revolutionary Gay Magazine, says...

 " I completely agree. This is not an opinion... this is a direct attack and words like that should never be tolerated, not even towards anyone else. This questions the morality of this actor and while some people say stupid things, this is how Hitler started. Russia is obviously behind it which makes these remarks even more dangerous for the LGBT community in Russia. I am appalled at these statements  and anyone that encourages such a horrible man should question their morals."


PLEASE SHOW THE WORLD, YOUR FAMILY , AND FRIENDS  THAT THIS TYPE OF BARBARIC ATTITUDE WILL NOT BE TOLERATED TOWARDS GAY PEOPLE OR ANYONE ELSE! PLEASE PETITION AGAINST THIS VILE BEHAVIOR HERE:

http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/vertical-entertainment-wizart-animation-sack-ivan-okhlobystin


Follow me on Twitter @BillyCharlesNY
Follow Xavii Matise on Twitter @XaviiMatisse and his online magazine, Revolutioary Gay Magazine,  which will go into print next year, here @RevGay

REVOLUTIONARY GAY MAGAZINE

Monday, December 9, 2013

Dr.Michelle Golland...Hollywood's Bad Ass Shrink Is In!

The Fabulous Dr.Michelle Golland
Dr. Michelle Golland first came to my attention while watching last season of Shahs of Sunset on Bravo TV.  Dr. Michelle is cast member Mercedes Javid's therapist and MJ, as she is known,  bravely chose to let cameras in to her sessions with Dr. Michelle " Hollywood's Bad Ass Shrink".  Dr. Michelle was a force to be reckoned with and in a few short minutes of air time she managed to steal the show so to speak leaving viewers wondering who exactly this beautiful doctor with the punk rock edge was...myself included. I googled Dr. Michelle Golland and I found an impressive resume which included a stint on Logo TV's Felt,  Good Morning America, Larry King Live,  The Nancy Grace Show, Dr Drew on Call and Piers Morgan Live ( just to name a few ) and an  author of a relationship book ( The Love Matrix )  ...needless to say I needed to know more! I started following her on Twitter and she followed back and we started to interact much to my excitement. I though she had a great personality and I was anxious to learn more about her. I invited her to be a guest a weekly show that I am a part of,  The Gina Show starring Gina Cutillo on inravio.com,  and she was more than happy to oblige! Dr. Michelle  gave Gina and her viewers  a very candid,  open and fun interview!  Below Dr.Michelle took the time out of her busy schedule to answer a few of my questions and give my readers further insight into who she is and what she does. As you will read for yourself Dr.Michelle Golland is a passionate, smart, fun and real woman who doesn't pull any punches and can back up her advice with not only credentials but life experience , knowledge and compassion! I found her to be a breathe of fresh air and even though she lives a life that many would consider to be glamorous she remains humble ... in my opinion that makes her more fabulous to know and  that's the way I see it ! Xx Billy Charles

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Cypress in Orange County, California.   It is classic suburbia with 1970’s track-homes built over orange groves and strawberry fields.  It is not too far from Huntington Beach, CA which where a spent a lot of time at life-guard stand number 3.


What's your nationality?
My father has some Portuguese in his family while my mom has a mixture of Irish from her dad and native American from her mother.  


What was your childhood/family life like?
I am the youngest of three girls.  My mom was your typical stay at home mom whose life was centered on her girls and creating a good solid home life.  My dad worked hard and was successful as a cabinet maker in the housing boom of the 70’s and 80’s.  We were a loud bunch for sure!  I like to say in our home we were all chiefs and no little Indians!  Lots of love and at times a lot of strife but I think for me growing up in my family and fighting to have a voice as the youngest girl has created the very loud and bold woman I am today.  Softball was a huge part of our family and my dad instilled in us team work.  You show up and play hard.  My parents instilled in me a sense of community coupled with compassion and a healthy dose of competitiveness to make sure you get done what you set out to do whether in play, work or life in general.




What did you think you wanted to be when you grow up and how did you end up in your current profession?
Growing up I knew I wanted to do something “helpful”  I don’t even think I had a sense of what that meant.  I have always been a BIG personality and had the ability to bring people together even as a young child.  I was pretty fearless and was always able to speak my mind even if maybe I “shouldn't have” so at different times I thought about being a lawyer or even a politician.  In college I studied political science and psychology.  That is why even in my work in the media I am inherently political and passionate about my liberal political beliefs. 







How did you become a therapist to the stars? 
In my Clinical therapy practice clients come to me by word of mouth.  People do not come to me because I am in the media but I think I am in media because of how I am in my chair with clients.  What you see on TV is what my clients experience across from me in my office.  I am a no bull-shit straight shooter and tenaciously fight for the goodness of my clients even when they are unable to do it themselves.  I believe that is why I have high-profile clients because many of them become surrounded by “yes” people and I am certainly not invested in them like others who are in their lives.  What I am invested in is THEM as a human, a spirit, a person struggling to live better, love better and to feel peace and connectedness.  That is what I see as my role in my clients lives whether they are “celebrities” or not.



Please tell my readers how you earned the nick name " Hollywood's Bad Ass Shrink?"
I giggle just a bit when I see myself referred to Hollywood’s Bad Ass Shrink because it really is connected to a high school nickname which is Mad Dog.  The Bad Ass or Mad Dog part of me is truly an energy that I carry within my soul.  She is a tenacious protector of self and others.  She emerged from being bullied and being unable to watch another person suffer while in my presence if there is something or anything I can do to be of help I will step in and intervene.  It really comes down to being fearless and brave whether in my actions or in my word, I believe that is pretty bad ass.  The Hollywood part is that I don’t care how much money you make or if your a head of a studio or you that you wrote an academy award winning script if I think you are messing up your life I will call your Bull Shit out.


Whose idea was it to televise Mercedes Javid's  sessions with you on  Bravo TV's The Shahs Of Sunset ?
My work with MJ began with her phoning me directly and wanting to work on herself and her relationship with her mom.  This was not producer planned TV at all.  What you see on The Shahs is true therapy work.  Those 4 minutes took 2 hours to shoot.  There was much more in those sessions than what you see on the show.  I am honored that my clients, like MJ, who I work with on TV are brave enough to share themselves in such a vulnerable manner and trust me enough to guide them in a public forum. MJ’s mom was incredible to me in her ability to show up and be open and honest about truly painful personal issues.  As a mom I know facing your child in pain can be the most gut-wrenching process ever experienced especially if you yourself are the cause of that pain.


Has that opened any new doors for you?
My work on the Shahs of Sunset has allowed me to show a young demographic what therapy can be and how change can be created in your life which is important for me as a psychologist.  In the media people definitely recognize me as MJ’s Therapist and they often follow that up with that they LOVE MJ!  Which I of course tell them how much I LOVE her as well.   My media career has definitely been helped by being on The Shahs of Sunset.








What advice that you usually give to your clients is sometimes hardest for you to follow?
My biggest issue is creating balance between work and family.  That is my personal struggle.  I love my husband and kids and get such joy and peace and love from those relationships but I simply feel so blessed to have my career and I truly enjoy working with my clients and working in the media.  It is tough but I keep struggling to create the balance that is needed to live deeply and fully in both parts of my worlds.  I like to say I am a recovering perfectionist so I assume it will never be perfectly balanced.



I have been with my partner Scott for 13 years and I always tell people the most important things to work on for us has been communication, compromise and making sex a priority ( even if it means planning it) what advice would you give couples trying for longevity ( which is harder and harder theses days ) ?
For my couples clients the hardest thing for them to do is to be MORE EMPATHIC to their partner.  Oh and also to SHUT UP!  What I mean by that is sometimes we should not say what we are thinking just because we are thinking it...   The idea I need to say everything crap because then I am being authentic is just that... Crap.  We may not be thinking good things or helpful things so than you need to be quiet and be able to check yourself before you speak.

Also, especially when you have kids many couples think the kids become the most important thing and they lose focus on their love relationship.  Sex and intimacy is a critical piece of any relationship and must be tended to like other areas.  It can be an indicator for some couples of other areas being off and needing attention.  In long relationships it is critical to remember there is an ebb and flow in our sexuality and to be curious rather than judgmental around sex or ones libido with yourself and your partner



Are you in to astrology and if so what ways are you like your sign ?
I do enjoy astrology!  I am totally and completely a LEO.  I am a lioness for sure...  I am fiery and fierce but if I give you my belly and you rub I will pure like a kitten.   My husband is also a Leo... I will say it is a very passionate and at times a lot of roaring in our house!



Dr.Michelle and her gorgeous family!
Family is what matters most to Dr.Michelle!

What are a few of your passions/hobbies?
I am passionate about  the issues of teen pregnancy and bullying.  I believe in our country we deal with teen pregnancy and sexuality through the political lens when the issue is really a public health issue.  Don’t get me started!  Can you feel my passion!?  Mad dog comes out quickly around this issue!
In my down-time I enjoy just hanging out with my kids playing wii, watching movies and just being together.  I love watching my son at his Tai Kwon Doe classes and see my daughter sing and perform in musicals.  My husband and I love to go out to dinner and o clubs to dance or listen to music.  On my own I love to do yoga and write.  Both writing and yoga give me a sense of grounding and peace in a crazy, wonderfully chaotic life.


What is your home life like away from the cameras and what would be your perfect day off?  
My perfect day off would be sleeping in until 9am and never getting out of my pj’s and first alone staying in bed watching bad TV that is sooo good like the Real House Wives, Snapped or Love it or List it on HGTV.   A little later that day my husband and kids would climb in bed and we would all be in our PJ’s and watch movie after movie.  One day we watched the entire Star Wars series back to back while each of us napped on and off.  THE BEST!



Please give my readers 5 of your Turn ons/offs

Turn Ons

  1. My husband Michael Golland
  2. Rap and Hip Hop Music – especially the 90’s
  3. Bravery
  4. Trapp Candle #18
  5. A really cold beer

Turn Offs

  1. Being fake or not owning your sh*t
  2. Bullying
  3. laziness
  4. burning incense
  5. ginger on sushi

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions! Please tell my readers where they can find you...


The pleasure was all mine! I hope you enjoyed my answers! They can find me at...

YouTube Your Shrink is in : 
http://www.youtube.com/user/michellegolland?feature=watch


                                 CLICK PHOTO FOR DR.Michelle's Official Web Site !


Facebook: Dr. Michelle Golland

                             Twitter @DoctorMG

Monday, November 18, 2013

Billy Charles NY The Way I See It Xx: Ashley Parris talks Music With BCNY All The Way Fr...

Billy Charles NY The Way I See It Xx: Ashley Parris talks Music With BCNY All The Way Fr...: Ashley Parris or just call him Pa Recently Ashley Parris has been tearing it up on the UK music scene and is now preparing to go inte...

Ashley Parris talks Music With BCNY All The Way From The UK!


Ashley Parris or just call him Pa
Recently Ashley Parris has been tearing it up on the UK music scene and is now preparing to go international with his latest collaboration accompanied by  Texas based rapper Ronnie Millionz...all at the ripe ol' age of 22! Ashley's positive energy and smooth voice are contagious and I am sure we are going to be hearing a lot more from him! I was very excited that Parris took the time away from  his busy schedule to fill me in on what he has been up too as well as  what is coming next for this music maven! 


BCNY : State your full name and who you like to be known as..
AP: Ashley Ivor Parris but people call me Parris or Pa

BCNY: Where are you from?
AP:  I'm  from Cardiff in Wales but have recently moved to London in England (UK)

BCNY: How old are you?
AP: 22

BCNY: How long have you been making Music and writing songs?
AP: Since I was around 18. I started producing my own beats for fun and then went to music college from there. It was at music college where I started to write and sing more. I mostly only write and sing now but I also love opportunities where I get to co produce other projects!


BCNY: How would you describe your sound?
AP: Alternative R&B I think sounds about right but if I was to compare myself with other artists sounds I would say I have a Drake, Weekend, Miguel,  Frank Ocean vibe.

Studio Time

BCNY: What are some of the things you draw your inspirations from?
AP: A lot of my songs are written from personal experiences but I also love to put myself in other peoples shoes and try and see things from their perspective...sometimes it can get emotional as you have to convince yourself  you have experienced the subject/topic.

BCNY: Tell me about what you are working on currently?
AP: I have just finished a joint e.p with an American based rapper from Texas called Ronnie Millionz (@TheRMillionz). The E.P is due to be released in a few weeks. The E.P has an American vibe to it mixing rap and RnB vocals, we've tried to mix it up a lil by putting a dance RnB track on there while keeping to our chilled out meaningful roots.
I am also in the middle of writing my solo E.P which I have 4  and a half tracks for at the moment. It is slightly different to my debut mixture that I released  in august (The Old Me) as it's less about  relationships and aimed at wider situations we face daily as beings, release date will be around February.


BCNY: Where would you like your music to take you career wise?
AP: My aim is to be in the entertainment industry but the dream would be a singer and songwriter although I would just as happily settle for just song writer as that's where my main passion lies. If not, Sainsbury's (grocery store) wasn't so bad  (both laugh)


BCNY: Tell me about your release " The Old Me " and how that came about ...
AP: The Old Me is the name of my debut mix tape which I released in August. It tells the story of  failed passed relationships from beginning, middle to end.  I had a lot of the songs for over a year some even 2 years but felt like I couldn't waste the material, it didn't deserve to be binned although the reason for writing a lot of the tracks on it weren't a factor anymore. The mix tape was initially supposed to be called "Pillow Talk" but after discussing with my good friend Dan,  how the tracks were old and not emotionally relevant, that the mix tape was "the old me",  Dan stopped me and said " call it The Old Me then". so I did. The mixture is mainly pure R&B bus has hints of my new found style in there.

BCNY: You have done a lot of collaborations which has been your favorite and why?
AP:Wow ( laughs)  that is tricky, my fave would have to be the track I did with Ronnie Millionz called "Open your eyes" purely because of how random the collab was but then again Laura Wolfie jumping on "OverDosed" and that was real random too! Also Diamond jumping on " Living for today" so it's kind of a terrible answer! ( laughing) 

BCNY:What do you want your fans to know about who you are as an artist?
AP: I am always smiling. If  I'm not then there's something up.As an artist if I could write music everyday I would.  I'm inspired by everything I see and everyone... so if you do some crazy shit in front of me you might make it on a track ha!

BCNY:  Please give my readers 5 turn ons / 5 turn offs...

AP: Turn ons:  Eyes, women's bums, pizza lover (pepperoni is a must) , being cute and some good old banter !
Turn offs: BBQ based pizza (including but not limited to sweetcorn, pineapple and onions), someone  who is too organized, people who worry about simple stuff , people who don't love food and liars!

BCNY:  Thank you for giving me the scoop pa! 
AP: ( laughing ) Pleasure was all mine BC and thank you for featuring me on your site! 

BCNY: Anytime! I look forward to your new release! Where can my readers find you and your music?


AP: My mixture is on dat-piff and band camp and you can connect with me on the following links...


My Official  website is under construction but will be going live in around two weeks which is: www.ParrisOfficialMusic.com



Twitter : @ParrisMusicFFM

Facebook: Parris Music

Instagram: @ParrisMusicFFM