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Tuesday, November 18, 2025

MCM WORLD MEDIA Announces the Release of “Echoes from the Holler”

 

Produced by Grammy-Nominated Mark L. Carman and Distributed Worldwide by Orchard / Sony

Portsmouth, VA— Date — MCM WORLD MEDIA, in partnership with Piney River Publishing, proudly announces the release of Echoes from the Holler, a powerful new Appalachian collection produced by Grammy-nominated, multi-award-winning musician and producer Mark L. Carman. The album will be distributed globally through The Orchard / Sony Music, ensuring worldwide access to this uniquely Appalachian project.



Echoes from the Holler captures the heart and soul of Carman’s West Virginia roots, blending traditional Appalachian instrumentation with authentic storytelling and rich musical detail. Each track reflects the rugged landscapes, deep faith, and powerful cultural heritage of the Mountain State.

“This album comes straight from the hills where I came from,” Carman said. “The stories, the people, the music. Echoes from the Holler is my way of honoring Appalachia and giving something back to the place that shaped my life.”

Raised in Raleigh County, West Virginia, Carman has amassed more than 2,800 commercially released works of music, collaborating with legendary artists including T. Graham Brown, Trace Adkins, Leon Russell, Vince Gill, The Oak Ridge Boys. His skill as a producer and songwriter has earned him international recognition, multiple awards, and Grammy nomination.

With Echoes from the Holler, MCM WORLD MEDIA continues its mission of elevating authentic American music and storytelling. The album showcases the sincerity, craftsmanship, and Appalachian pride that define the company’s growing body of work.

Availability

Echoes from the Holler is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and all major streaming platforms. Physical CDs can be purchased through official channels at www.MCMWorldMedia.com

About Mark L. Carman

Mark L. Carman is a Grammy-nominated, multi-award-winning producer and musician with more than 2,800 commercially released credits. Raised in Raleigh County, West Virginia, his work spans gospel, country, Americana, Pop, and inspirational music.

About MCM WORLD MEDIA

MCM WORLD MEDIA is a creative production and publishing company dedicated to music, storytelling, and media innovation. With an expanding catalog of global releases, the company champions artistic excellence with a strong connection to Appalachian heritage.

For interviews, review copies, or media inquiries, please contact:

MCM WORLD MEDIA Publicity Office

Email: info@MCMWorldMedia.com


Website: www.MCMWorldMedia.com

Friday, October 31, 2025

Ray Bennett Releases New Album 'Songs We Used to Sing'

 

Produced by Grammy-Nominated, Multi-Award-Winning Producer and Songwriter Mark L. Carman

Released by MCM World Media | Distributed Worldwide by The Orchard, a Sony Music Company

Portsmouth, VA — Beloved vocalist Ray Bennett has unveiled his long-awaited new album, Songs We Used to Sing, a stirring collection of classic hymns beautifully reimagined for today’s listeners. The project is produced by Grammy-nominated and multi-award-winning producer and songwriter Mark L. Carman and released under MCM World Media, with worldwide distribution through The Orchard, a Sony Music Company.

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For years, fans have asked Ray to record a hymns album; and now that dream has been realized. Songs We Used to Sing features fresh new arrangements of beloved traditional hymns such as Amazing Grace, In the Garden, Rock of Ages, and Farther Along, all performed with heartfelt sincerity and deep reverence. Carman’s production captures the timeless beauty of these songs while bringing a modern warmth and emotional depth to each performance.

A highlight of the album is the original title track, 'Songs We Used to Sing,' written and composed by Mark L. Carman. In this masterful piece, Carman weaves together the titles of forty-five beloved hymns into a single, seamless song that pays tribute to generations of believers who grew up singing these sacred classics. The result is both nostalgic and powerfully moving — a love letter to the music of faith.

Also featured is 'Bright New Morning,' a powerful testimonial song delivered with passion and conviction by Ray Bennett. The song reflects themes of renewal, grace, and gratitude, perfectly complementing the album’s overall message of hope and faith.

“These are the songs that shaped our faith and carried us through the hardest seasons of life,” says Bennett. “I wanted to make a record that would bring back those memories — not just for nostalgia’s sake, but to remind people of the strength, peace, and joy found in these timeless hymns.”

With Carman’s signature touch as producer, Songs We Used to Sing blends the best of traditional gospel heritage with world-class musicianship and heartfelt artistry. The album offers an experience that is both familiar and fresh — uniting generations through the shared language of faith and song.

Album Details

  • Artist: Ray Bennett

  • Album Title: Songs We Used to Sing

  • Label: MCM World Media

  • Distribution: The Orchard — A Sony Music Company

  • Release Date: November 1, 2025

For Interviews, Airplay, or Media Requests:

Press Contact: MCM World Media 757-392-5000    Email: rayssoloministries@gmail.com

Website: Ray Bennett Online     Preview: PREVIEW SONGS WE USED TO SING!

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

International Property Alerts Presents: From Remote Atolls to Billion-Dollar Islands — Coral Residences at the Maldives Property Expo

 

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A ribbon of turquoise water stretches beyond the horizon. Gentle waves lap against powder-white sand, scattering finger-size coral fragments like pearls. In the distance, a cluster of palm-canopied islets seems untouched by time. Yet beneath that timeless beauty lies a quietly unfolding revolution. Visionary developers are charting new frontiers on these remote atolls, reimagining their raw elegance as destinations for discerning investors. What was once the preserve of intrepid explorers is now at the heart of a billion-dollar transformation.

 

For decades, the Maldives’ atolls have held a magnetic pull for creatives and adventurers. Isolated sandbanks offered a sanctuary from the noise of modern life and a canvas for private escapades. Small-scale bungalows perched on stilts, accessible only by seaplane, catered to a niche clientele. It was a dream lifestyle, but one that few could claim. The prevailing narrative framed these islands as a fleeting luxury, a temporary escape rather than a grounded asset.

 

That narrative is shifting. Developers armed with deep-water experience and a commitment to ecological stewardship are harnessing infrastructural advances to unlock real estate growth. Seaplane terminals evolve into regional airports. Solar microgrids complement desalination plants. Underwater cabling brings high-speed internet to villas once reliant on satellite links. Each new jetty and solar panel is calibrated to uphold the islands’ fragile ecosystem while elevating their utility. The result is value creation rooted in resilience.

 

As infrastructure matures, so too does the demand for residential offerings that marry privacy with panache. A new tier of branded residences has emerged: fiber-optic connectivity in living rooms, spa-worthy bathrooms with panoramic ocean views, private infinity pools grazing the horizon. Investors recognize that scarcity is the ultimate luxury. For every plot of land reclaimed or repurposed, the market tightens. The calculation is simple: a limited supply of ocean-side real estate plus a growing appetite from high-net-worth individuals equals potential for superior returns. For global investors exploring international property, this evolution positions the Maldives as one of the most desirable frontiers in the world.

 

In parallel, public-private partnerships have begun weaving robust anchor institutions into the island tapestry. Deep-water marinas invite superyachts to moor alongside fishing dhonis. Underwater conservation parks double as brand-new tourist draws. Local communities benefit from training programs in hospitality, marine biology and sustainable agriculture. Smart grids reduce dependence on diesel generators. This harmonious approach lays the groundwork for islands that can thrive in an era of climate uncertainty.

 

The ripple effects extend beyond construction sites and reception desks. Island development brings stable employment, invigorating the local economy without eroding traditions. Fishermen swap nets for management roles. Traditional artisans find new channels to market woven mats and lacquer boxes. School facilities expand, powered by solar arrays, elevating the next generation’s prospects. The Maldives’ identity remains intact even as its economic foundation diversifies.

 

Long-term investors prize resilience as much as yield. Climate-adaptive design—elevated promenades, mangrove reintegration, salt-tolerant landscaping—mitigates risk. Developers are partnering with oceanographers and climatologists to craft master plans that anticipate rising seas. Financial models increasingly factor in environmental certifications as indicators of asset longevity. In the post-pandemic era, well-appointed villas with private ingress, robust air filtration and seamless service have only heightened their appeal. These dynamics make property for sale in Maldives not only an indulgence but a forward-looking investment in sustainability and exclusivity.

 

Data underpins this shift. International tourist arrivals to the Maldives have grown at an average annual rate of 6 percent over the past decade. Luxury segment occupancy consistently exceeds 75 percent, even in off-peak months. Price per square foot for island-front land has appreciated over 50 percent in five years. Meanwhile, diversified revenue streams—residential sales, hotel management fees, fractional ownership structures—combine to deliver compounding returns. This is a market defined by scarcity, underpinned by robust demand from Asia, Europe and the Middle East. As highlighted in the property for sale in the Maldives guide, these indicators point to a maturing investment environment where lifestyle and legacy intersect.

 

Amid this landscape, Coral Residences, Maldives, emerges as the new benchmark of island living. Conceived by a team whose pedigree spans high-end hospitality, sustainable architecture and marine conservation, Coral Residences offers a collection of bespoke villas that frame the Indian Ocean like living artwork. Each residence is sited to maximize solar orientation and ocean currents, ensuring natural ventilation and minimal carbon footprint. Interiors are appointed with locally sourced hardwoods, coastal stone, and hand-woven textiles that echo the region’s cultural heritage. Private lagoon access invites dawn swims among kaleidoscopic fish formations.

 

Amenities are curated for connoisseurs of comfort: an underwater glass bar, a floating cinema for moonlit screenings, a wellness pavilion where guided meditation drifts on the breeze. Every detail, from the hand-blown glass chandeliers to the precision-engineered water filtration systems, has been vetted by experts. The development’s commitment to coral restoration reintroduces native species in surrounding reefs, making the seaside tableau more verdant by the season. It is luxury that transcends opulence—steeped in purpose and built to endure.

 

Investors seeking both lifestyle and legacy find in Coral Residences a proposition that defies compromise. Anticipated rental yields of 6 to 8 percent annually, coupled with targeted capital appreciation of 20 percent over five years, sit alongside an intangible added value: access to a curated network of global peers, bespoke concierge services and invitation-only gatherings. This is island ownership reimagined as a holistic experience, rather than a static asset.

 

For those intrigued by the promise of a resilient play on paradise, the upcoming showcase in Bangkok will illuminate every facet of this pioneering venture. Hosted in an intimate setting, the event offers private consultations with the Coral Residences leadership team, live renderings, and an exclusive preview of the master plan. It is an opportunity to engage with the vision before the global launch, to secure first access to the most coveted plots, and to align with a new paradigm of coastal investment.

 

In these remote atolls, a metamorphosis is underway. What was once a passive backdrop for vacation memories has become a frontier for strategic capital. Carefully engineered infrastructure, a vision rooted in sustainability, and a commitment to local prosperity have combined to transform sand and sea into an asset class of the highest order. The question is no longer whether the Maldives can sustain its allure. The question, for a select few, is how swiftly they can claim their place in this evolving narrative. To begin that journey and learn more about available opportunities, contact us today.

Explore Coral Residences

https://internationalpropertyalerts.com/the-coral-residences-maldives-a-new-era-of-luxury-island-living/

 

Register for the Bangkok Showcase Event

https://offers.internationalpropertyalerts.com/coral-residences-bangkok-show

 

Join us in Bangkok this season for the Coral Residences Showcase, a rare opportunity to explore luxury island living and investment potential in the Maldives. Reserve your spot here: https://offers.internationalpropertyalerts.com/coral-residences-bangkok-show

 

Monday, October 27, 2025

Life Coach and Author Jackie Wallace Launches Children’s Book Vinny’s World Tour – An Adventure in Imagination

 

More than just a story, the book features the uplifting “Secret Map Challenge” — a heartwarming family tradition that nurtures imagination, hope, and togetherness.

LAPEER, MI — October 26, 2025 — Entrepreneur, life coach, and podcaster Jackie Wallace is thrilled to announce the release of her newest children’s book, Vinny’s World Tour – An Adventure in Imagination — a beautifully illustrated story that inspires children to dream without limits and believe in their own creative power.

“Everything I write, whether for kids or adults, carries a message of hope and possibility,” said Wallace. “That comes straight from my own journey — overcoming setbacks, chasing dreams, and navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.”

Inspired by her grandson Vinny, the story follows a curious young boy who uses his Secret Map to travel anywhere his imagination dares to go. What began as a personal story written just for him quickly evolved into a heartfelt book with a universal message about courage, creativity, and pursuing the “impossible.”

To extend the message beyond the story, Wallace created The Secret Map Challenge, a simple yet meaningful yearly tradition that helps families connect, dream together, and document their children’s imagination over time.

The Secret Map Challenge

How It Works:
Each year on your child’s birthday, have them create a colorful “Secret Map” filled with dreams, goals, and imaginative ideas for the year ahead. Display it somewhere they can see daily to keep their sense of wonder alive. When the next birthday arrives, tuck the old map away in a special folder and start anew — capturing another chapter of their growing imagination.

By the time your child turns 18, you’ll have a priceless keepsake — a time capsule of creativity, confidence, and growth. More importantly, you’ll have created a cherished family tradition that fosters hope and togetherness.

“The Secret Map Challenge is intended to help families build a legacy of belief and hope,” Wallace explained. “It’s more than just a craft — it’s a bonding experience that strengthens family values and encourages children to believe in what’s possible.”

Early Praise

Ananya Hazarika from Readers’ Favorite wrote:
“Vinny's World Tour stands out for its meaningful themes, fun writing style, and vivid illustrations that capture the spirit of imagination. It’s an amazing adventure book that kids aged four and above will love reading!”

Availability

Vinny’s World Tour – An Adventure in Imagination is now available on Amazon in paperback format. Learn more about the book, The Secret Map Challenge, and Jackie Wallace’s coaching and creative work at www.gamechangercoaching.today.

About Jackie Wallace

Jackie Wallace is an entrepreneur, author, and podcaster. As the founder of Change The Game Coaching LLC, she helps individuals discover clarity, courage, and purpose. Her writing — for both children and adults — celebrates imagination, possibility, and the belief that it’s never too late to dream again.

MEDIA CONTACT

Name: Jackie Wallace

Email: gamechangercoachingtoday@gmail.com

Website: www.gamechangercoaching.today

Saturday, October 25, 2025

Wealth Managers and Global Investors Turn to the Maldives for Strategic Portfolio Diversification

 

IPA to Host Executive Advisory Sessions at Maldives Property Expo in Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand — Elly Herriman, Director of Global Marketing & Innovation at International Property Alerts (IPA), today confirmed that the Maldives is emerging as a strategic diversification market for international investors seeking asset security, rental resilience, and long-term capital preservation. These themes will headline the international property showcase, the Maldives Property Expo in Bangkok on November 8, 2025, at The Collective, One Bangkok.

The Maldives combines permanent land scarcity with regulated development and a luxury-led tourism base, creating a distinct profile versus high-volume urban markets. Official tourism data show the country closed 2023 at ~1.88 million arrivals (a record), with momentum continuing through 2024–2025—supporting robust demand for upscale accommodation. For investors referencing a property for sale in the Maldives guide, these fundamentals highlight why the nation remains one of the most resilient and rewarding markets for premium real estate investment.

 “The Maldives isn’t just a beautiful destination—it’s a disciplined portfolio asset,” said Elly Herriman. “Investors are diversifying out of volume markets and into supply-constrained, globally desirable locations. That’s where long-term value lives.”




Legally, foreign buyers in the Maldives purchase through government-compliant long-term leasehold structures under the Tourism Act. Freehold land ownership for foreigners is not generally permitted (a 2015 freehold pathway was subsequently repealed), but secure, registrable long-term leasehold remains available via licensed projects—a framework IPA will outline in detail at the expo. For those exploring property for sale in Maldives, understanding these legal frameworks is essential to making informed, secure, and rewarding investment decisions.

The market’s income profile is supported by some of the highest luxury ADRs (average daily rates) globally, with independent analyses placing the Maldives among the top-tier ADR destinations—a key driver for investors pursuing professionally managed rental programs rather than hands-on operations. 

Why the Maldives Works in a Wealth Strategy

  • Permanent land scarcity & regulated development underpin long-term supply protection.

  • Top-tier luxury ADRs support rental resilience when professionally managed. 

  • Government-compliant leasehold gives clear, legal ownership rights to foreign buyers via licensed projects. 

  • Global demand depth (Europe, Middle East, Asia-Pacific) sustains exit liquidity in premium tiers. 

Featured Strategic Asset at the Expo: Coral Residences

Coral Residences, Maldives (the Exclusive Featured Development) is structured for foreign buyer participation via a long-term, government-compliant leasehold with transfer and inheritance rights, plus optional, professionally managed rental—all presented with full documentation review at the event. (No guaranteed returns are offered; programs operate under Maldivian tourism regulations.) 

Chris White, Founder & CEO of International Property Alerts, said:

“Portfolio investors don’t chase trends—they secure positions,” noted Chris White. “The Maldives offers what few markets can: scarcity, structure, and global demand.”

Andy Grimley, Head of Global Distribution, will lead private strategic allocation sessions:

“We build a purchase plan around each investor’s usage and income goals,” said Grimley. “These are executive-level consultations.”

For personalized guidance or to schedule a private discussion about ownership opportunities, contact us today. You’ll receive expert insights on the process, ownership options, and how to make your Maldivian investment vision a reality.

EVENT DETAILS

Event: Maldives Property Expo – Bangkok

Date: November 8, 2025

Venue: The Collective, One Bangkok

Access: By Private Appointment Only

BOOK APPOINTMENT NOW

Secure your consultation: offers.internationalpropertyalerts.com/coral-residences-bangkok-show

Andy Grimley – Head of Global Distribution • andy@internationalpropertyalerts.com • 

WhatsApp: +44 7719 238132


Thursday, October 23, 2025

Larry V. Dykstra Shares His Journey in New Book “My Redemption from Pluto”

 

The author explores the redemptive power of self-reflection and relationships in his thought-provoking new book. 

Larry V. Dykstra, author and retired marketing executive turned therapeutic musician, announces the release of his inspiring new book, My Redemption from Pluto: Lessons Learned from Life’s Relationships. Through a blend of personal storytelling and reflective insight, Dykstra invites readers on a journey of rediscovering meaning through life’s relationships—with oneself, others, the world, and the divine. 

In My Redemption from Pluto, Dykstra crafts a powerful narrative that blends memoir, life philosophy, and spiritual reflection. Drawing from decades of corporate experience, personal challenges, and volunteer work in hospitals and children’s care centers, he explores the essential lessons found in everyday encounters. Each story unfolds as a moment of revelation—an opportunity to better understand who we are and how we connect to others. 

Structured around five key parts—Self, Others, World, Transcendent Power, and Integration—the book explores human growth through authentic storytelling. Dykstra’s voice is conversational yet profound, weaving humor and humility into lessons that are both relatable and enduring. From finding passion and purpose after career transitions to rediscovering joy in serving others, his reflections speak to readers of all backgrounds and ages seeking a deeper understanding of life’s meaning. 

“In many ways,” Dykstra shares,“My Redemption from Pluto is about coming to terms with missed opportunities and finding redemption through awareness. The title itself came from a time when I felt like Pluto—demoted and distant. Writing this book became a way to reclaim purpose by revisiting the lessons life had been teaching me all along.” 

The book’s origin traces back to a parting presentation Dykstra once gave to colleagues titled ‘25 Things I Learned in 25 Years in Business.’ Years later, that presentation evolved into a collection of stories that transcend business wisdom to uncover universal human truths. These experiences—ranging from moments of loss and humility to rediscovered joy and faith—illustrate the author’s belief that life’s greatest teachers are found in its relationships. 

A gifted storyteller, Dykstra uses his own vulnerabilities to encourage readers to pause, reflect, and embrace growth.“Each of us,” he says,“has lessons waiting to be discovered in the ordinary moments of our lives. This book is my invitation for readers to explore theirs.” 

My Redemption from Pluto ultimately becomes a testament to resilience, compassion, and spiritual awareness. Whether confronting change, facing personal loss, or seeking meaning in the later chapters of life, readers will find comfort in Dykstra’s honesty and optimism.

About the author 

Larry V. Dykstra is a former corporate marketing executive, musician, and author who has dedicated his post-retirement years to using music as a tool for healing. As a volunteer with children’s hospitals and therapeutic programs, he has seen firsthand the transformative power of compassion and connection. Dykstra is also the author of Music on a Mission: The KidLinks Story, chronicling a nonprofit’s four-decade legacy of music therapy for children. He also edited and published his father’s World War II memoir In the Service of My Country: I Never Regretted a Day. This book bears witness to bravery and cowardice, laughter and tears, the tragedy and triumph that accompany war. He lives in Dallas, Texas, with his wife, Sandy, continuing his lifelong passion for storytelling, music, and service.

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Dr. Akira Olsen’s New Book Empowers Readers with Micro-Routines for Mental Health and Everyday Wellness

 

Clinical Psychologist Offers Practical, Science-Backed Tools for Self-Acceptance, Balance, and Emotional Growth

San Francisco, California — October 18, 2025.
Renowned clinical psychologist and author Dr. Akira Olsen announces the release of her inspiring new book, The Journey to Self: Practical Exercises for Building a Positive Relationship with Yourself and Transforming Your Mental Health — a guide designed to help readers cultivate lasting emotional wellness through small, evidence-based daily habits known as micro-routines.

Blending Western psychological science with Eastern holistic wisdom, Dr. Olsen introduces a compassionate and actionable framework for achieving sustainable mental health. Her book provides step-by-step tools that empower individuals to build self-acceptance, emotional stability, and purpose — especially for Gen Z and Millennial readers facing stress, burnout, and information overload in today’s fast-paced digital world.

“The smallest actions, done mindfully, can rewire how we think and feel,” says Dr. Olsen. “Micro-routines create a foundation for emotional strength, balance, and self-kindness — one minute at a time.”

A Holistic Framework for Modern Wellness

The Journey to Self is organized around five essential pillars — Mind, Body, Heart, Relationships, and Finance — illustrating Dr. Olsen’s belief that genuine well-being is rooted in the harmony of all life domains. Each section offers short, practical exercises grounded in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Positive Psychology to help readers:

  • Rebuild focus and emotional awareness.

  • Improve self-esteem through compassion and self-coordination.

  • Create daily structure that supports motivation and calm.

  • Strengthen relationships and communication.

  • Align personal habits with long-term purpose and fulfillment.

  •  

Healing Through Small, Consistent Change

At the heart of Dr. Olsen’s message is a simple truth — lasting growth begins with small, intentional actions. Rather than striving for perfection, readers are guided to slow down, reconnect with their inner world, and practice gentle self-observation. Through these moments of mindfulness and self-appreciation, change unfolds naturally.

Addressing the unique challenges of today’s younger generations, Dr. Olsen emphasizes that self-care is not indulgence — it’s resilience. Her micro-routine approach helps readers break cycles of anxiety, pressure, and comparison, replacing them with clarity, confidence, and calm.

“Mental health improves when we bring kindness into our routines,” Dr. Olsen explains. “Each small action — a breath, a reflection, or a moment of gratitude — can transform how we live and love.”

About Dr. Akira Olsen

Dr. Akira Olsen, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and 2024 Marquis Who’s Who Honoree, celebrated for her leadership in advancing youth and family mental-health education. She is the Founder and CEO of Journey Health, a digital mental-health clinic that integrates mind, body, relationships, and community through holistic, evidence-based care.

Her work bridges psychology, mindfulness, and personal transformation, reaching audiences across the United States, Canada, and the UK. Dr. Olsen’s mission is to make mental-health education accessible and empowering for all, inspiring self-awareness and compassion as paths to growth.

For more information or media inquiries, visit www.drakira.com.


Media Contact

Company name: Dr. Akira Olsen Psychologist Inc.

Contact person: Dr. Akira Olsen

Email: drakiraolsen@gmail.com

Website: https://drakira.com

City: San Francisco

State: California

Country: United States





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