Ei.Ventures and Orthogonal Thinker Acquire 12×12 Estate in The Sandbox in Anticipation of PSLY.COM Launch Post-Merger with Mycotopia Therapies in Q1 2022

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Miami, Florida – January 4, 2022 – Ei.Ventures, along with Orthogonal Thinker, is excited to announce the acquisition of a 12×12 estate in The Sandbox, a virtual world where players can build, own, and monetize their gaming experiences on the Ethereum blockchain. This purchase represents the third-largest land sale in the Metaverse and is valued at $2.22M. The land will be called PSLY.COM, the name of the soon-to-be merged company of Ei.Ventures with Mycotopia Therapies.

After only a week on the platform, Ei.Ventures and Orthogonal Thinker CEO David Nikzad was ready to invest in a legacy project for the combined companies’ vision of psychedelic therapy and move into the Metaverse over the next 36 months, noting, “The combination of our tech, cannabis, psychedelics, outer space, and crypto-related holdings will all be utilizing this exciting space. We are very excited to invite all of our portfolio companies and investors to be part of something extraordinary.”

Ei.Ventures now owns 144 pieces of Sandbox land that make up this 12×12 estate. Their neighbors include noted companies like Axie Infinity, SANDBOX, Binance, and many others. PSLY.COM is now right in the middle of these disruptive giants.

While the exact plans for the PSLY.COM Sandbox space are still in development, expect wondrous VR experiences of Hawaii, positive psychedelic trips, healing modalities, and much more.

Nikzad adds, “As I remember my early days as an investor going to Y Combinator, it was about looking at things that were 10B disruptive. Health and Wellness is a trillion-dollar market. As we’ve now gone through COVID and are still in the craziness of it, these technologies will become much more important as communications and how financial transactions are handled is changing,” and ends with thanks to “Blockchain.com, MetaMask, NFTTRADER, and all the individuals and teams, including Ei’s co-founders, that came together to execute this transaction.”

Mycotopia CEO Benjamin Kaplan adds, “as we are working to close our merger with Ei.Ventures, we are so heartened by the forward-thinking moves Ei is making to set up PSLY.COM for success in the Metaverse and beyond.”

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Ei.Ventures Closes Out an Exciting 2021, Heads into 2022 Leading the Way in Psychedelic Medicine Development, Fundraising and more

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Miami, Florida – December 15, 2021 – First and foremost the Ei.Ventures’ Reg A+ raise has been incredible. Support from investors from all over the country has topped expectations. As it stands, Ei.Ventures has raised $19,914,863 of a $50 million qualification.

With new studies emerging showing that microdosing psychedelics has a clear association with fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, it’s no wonder there is such a desire to see Ei.Ventures’ Psilly and other psychedelic medicines hit the mainstream.

And as of last week Ei.Ventures announced some exciting news regarding its Go Public pathway: the company signed an LOI with Mycotopia (TPIA) to explore a merger and the formation of PSLY.COM, a $360 million transaction, and will apply to list shares on NASDAQ. More info about the potential merger and anticipated NASDAQ listing is available here. Ei.Ventures CEO David Nikzad notes, “This is a very exciting deal that provides more certainty in a “Go Public” path forward and disrupts the typical investment-banker run going-public model which is often full of bumps and headwinds. Ei.Ventures anticipates closing on the merger in March 2022, assuming we reach a definitive agreement.”

Part of Ei.Ventures’ business strategy has been to develop revenue producing products and partnerships while the novel psychedelic medicines move down the clinical pathway and into legal jurisdictions. On that front the company has been working on three key partnerships over the past few months.

The first joint venture partnership is with The3RDBevCo out of New York. The3RDBevCo is focused on creating first to market functional beverages into the $110 billion global functional drink market. The3RDBevCo will produce the Psilli line of functional mushroom drinks. Psilli will come in five unique blends that target energy, immune support, sleep, cognition, and mood. Interested beverage and mushroom fans can register to win a lifetime supply on launch in late Q1 of 2022 and learn more about Psilli here.

Ei.Ventures also made progress on the clinical development front, with an engagement with Tioga Labs, a premier transdermal research and development company with US offices in San Diego, a noted biotech hub. Tioga has secured the required DEA credentials to handle psychedelic drugs, and has acquired the raw materials to begin development and testing of a transdermal delivery system. Forbes covered the engagement here.

In conjunction with the development of this novel transdermal formulation, Ei.Ventures has also signed a non-binding LOI with RYAH, a connected device, big data, and technology company focused on valuable predictive analysis in the global medical plant and nutraceutical intake industry. RYAH has developed a smart patch technology that would further enhance the transdermal delivery system.
The proposed collaboration is expected to:

  • Assess the compatibility of the RYAH Smart Patch delivery and monitoring device, software, and data platform with Ei.Ventures’ proprietary psychedelic formulations
  • Further Ei.Ventures’ research and development strategy, accelerating use testing on controlled delivery and monitoring of psychoactive compounds for mental wellness treatments
  • Position the companies toward a commercial licensing arrangement to deliver psychedelic therapies, in anticipation of governmentally approved treatment options for mental healthcare

There is more info about the LOI here.

In addition to these, Ei.Ventures is working on finalizing an additional partnership with a biotech company focused on developing novel bio synthetic psychedelic materials. This would allow rapid production of botanical psilocin for the current clinical development at an incredibly low cost.

It would also allow pursuit of additional novel patents and IP within the space at a rapid pace. As such Fox Rothschild has been engaged as counsel for further IP development and filings.

The company anticipates that three other very major initiatives will be announced soon.
Ei.Ventures CEO David Nikzad concludes, “As 2021 comes to a close we would like to wish all in the psychedelic, startup, and investment communities, along with our new friends in the South Florida business community, who have been so incredibly welcoming, a wonderful holiday season and a fantastic new year in 2022.”

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Ei.Ventures Partners With The3rdBevCo for PSILLI™, a line of Mushroom Infused Functional Sparkling Waters

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Ronkonkoma, New York/Miami, Florida – November 17, 2021 – Noted medicinal and supplemental mushroom research and development company Ei.Ventures has partnered with rising functional beverage company The3rdBevCo on the first ever line of mushroom infused sparkling waters, called PSILLI™. The line is targeted to be available to wholesalers in late Q1 2022 and to the general public shortly thereafter.

The3rdBevCo CEO Peter Scalise notes, ““I must say meeting the founding team of Ei.Ventures really gives credence to the phrase first impressions are the most important. We immediately hit it off with a working chemistry I never experienced before. We share the same vision, path forward and are laser focused in achieving our goals. Get ready because we are about to bring to market a whole new category in the functional beverage sector unlike anything seen to date that is sure to be the talk of the entire industry from distributors to consumers.”

PSILLI™ is a perfect addition to The3rdBevCo’s growing product range of functional beverages, which include the energy drink line LAID™, CDB energy shot Chill’d™, and ProsecGO™ for those looking for a non-alcoholic experience of Prosecco.

As scientists are discovering, not only are most of the claims about medicinal mushrooms true, but they’re often also safer and better tolerated with fewer side-effects than many modern pharmaceuticals. With PSILLI™, functional mushrooms will be available to
The3rdBevCo’s nationwide base of retailers, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and event venues, allowing everyone to experience mushrooms’ positive effects.

Functional mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses with a myriad of health benefits including immune support, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, blood sugar management, brain health and cognition support, nervous system support, and increased energy and stamina.

PSILLI™ will use a variety of mushroom types to create five distinct formulations: Brain Boost to support cognitive and immune function; Study Buddy, a Nootropic supplement; Energizer, a natural energy enhancer; Good Mood a mood optimizer and appetite moderator; and Bedtime, for relaxing.

PSILLI™ will be packaged in the popular 12 ounce slim can and come in five amazing flavors – Black Cherry, Mixed Berry, Blood Orange, Pineapple Hibiscus, Pomegranate Watermelon. With no sugar, zero carbs and only 10 calories in each can, PSILLI™ will be functional and delicious!

Ei.Ventures CEO David Nikzad notes, “We’re so excited to partner with The3rdBevCo on the PSILLI™ line of functional beverages, as they are a leader in the space and can help us spread understanding of the value of mushrooms through the enormous beverage channel. Once people start to use functional mushrooms, they’ll be eager to try the other supplemental mushroom products, and eventually medicinal products that we are bringing to market.”

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NEW DOCUMENTARY PUTS TECHNOLOGY ADDICTION IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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DETOX aims to create urgent dialogue on digital wellness, helps parents address and prevent addiction symptoms

Los Angeles, CA – November 16, 2021 — Documentary filmmaker, David Donnelly, today announced a new film to address the increasingly alarming issue of technology addiction, entitled DETOX. The feature-length documentary explores how pervasive technology use is impacting our daily health and wellness, and offers solutions for reducing the harmful effects of tech reliance.

In March 2020, a screening series at The Kennedy Center for Donnelly’s previous documentary, FORTE, was canceled as the nation began closing doors for COVID-19 safety precautions. Donnelly, whose livelihood is making international films, was grounded, and while quarantined in London, began to explore the disturbing proliferation of technology addiction symptoms. His fascination and research became the basis for DETOX.

“The combination of global wifi and ubiquitous smartphone usage is influencing the behavior of billions of people, and yet we know so little about how it’s actually impacting us as humans,” said Donnelly. Since he began making the film, countless events have unfolded that spotlight the issue, including Facebook’s recent whistleblower news.

The film features shocking new insights on how tech devices are affecting our physical and mental health from digital sociologist and author, Dr. Julie Albright; bestselling author Robert Greene; the co-founder of one of the nation’s first technology addiction centers Dr. Hilarie Cash; and more. These experts identify the roots of the problem and provide easy, applicable solutions for healthier relationships with technology–especially for parents who are routinely monitoring phone and technology exposure for their families.

The filmmakers are producing the film independently before approaching distributors to maintain the focus and integrity of the message. An Indiegogo campaign is now live to help the film launch essential conversation on digital wellness–supporters can choose virtual premiere tickets, an accompanying DETOX book featuring bonus interview content, exclusive NFTs, and sponsored screenings.

About David Donnelly
Donnelly is an award-winning American filmmaker, writer, speaker, artist, and entrepreneur. He has written, directed, and produced music videos, video installation art, short films, and feature-length documentaries, which have been featured in Forbes, Playbill, and NPR. He has directed three films, Forte, Nordic Pulse, and Maestro, and is currently working on his fourth, Detox. Donnelly’s educational films are used in thousands of classrooms across North America.

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Grammy-Winning Be Why Music Founder Jai Anand Releases Debut Single “Ra Ma Da Sa”

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“This is stunning,” says noted KCRW DJ Chris Douridas
LOS ANGELES, CA – Jai Anand (née Julie Yannatta) is the founder, owner, and now, an artist on Be Why Music. The California-based, multi-Grammy-winning record label is dedicated to releasing music that uplifts humanity. She is also a yogi and the founder of Club Kundalini, a global digital community of yoga teachers and students whose purpose is to heal the planet by exploring and applying the wisdom and sacred technology of Kundalini Yoga and Sikh Dharma. Club Kundalini was launched earlier this year on the Clubhouse app and has developed into a community of over 3000 people.

“The two ventures have long roots in my life and through the years have grown together to culminate in my first release for the label,” said Jai Anand. “Working with Japanese musician and arranger Heday Ikumo, we created a lush, symphonic rendition of the Ra Ma Da Sa mantra. Also known as the Siri Gaitri mantra, Ra Ma Da Sa is said to embody the radiant healing energy of the cosmos. Part of my practice also includes mandala art, so I also created the cover at for the single.”

Recorded at the famed Apogee Studios in Santa Monica, California, Jai Anand tapped Billboard Top-10 New Age Artist Joss Jaffe for his tabla chops. The track was mixed by Brandon Duncan, acclaimed engineer known for his work with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, and Nick Cave.

The track is off to a strong start with noted DJ and music supervisor Chris Douridas giving the track a sneak peek spin on this show on LA’s trendsetting NPR station KCRW on November 21st. Douridas said of the track “This is stunning.”

After living in various parts of the U.S., an extended stint in Finland where she recorded and sang in a rock band, completing college and a law degree, Jai Anand directed her lifelong love of music into working in the business. Settling in Los Angeles, industry icon Jeff Ayeroff hired her at the indie label Shangri-La Music, where she became General Manager. In 2007 the pair executive produced Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur benefit album, an anthology of John Lennon covers for which Yoko Ono donated the publishing. In 2012, they released a follow-up — Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International. The 76-track collection features an unparalleled assemblage of well-known artists who covered songs from Dylan’s catalogue. Bob Dylan also donated his publishing and together, the two albums have raised over six million dollars for the charity.

Leaving Shangri-La Music in 2010, Jai Anand launched Be Why Music, distributed by Warner Music Group’s Alternative Distribution Alliance. She released the work of artists in various genres but, in time, came to embrace her affinity for music that lifts and inspires. In addition to growing the label, from 2013-15 she also served as president of SandbagUSA, the US division of Radiohead’s merchandise company. In 2017, Be Why’s release of White Sun II won a Grammy for Best New Age Album. In 2019, her release of Opium Moon’s self-titled album won the same award. With the label’s recent signing of Jim “Kimo” West, who won the award in 2021, Be Why Music now has three Best New Age Album winners in its artist family.

Be Why Music recently released Snatam Kaur’s “River Ganga”, featuring Krishna Das, Deva Premal, C.C. White Soul Kirtan, Manose, Todd Boston and Ramesh Kannan, benefitting the WASH Alliance, an interfaith environmental group based in India serving the Ganga and her people. Now, with the release of Jai Anand’s own interpretation of Ra Ma Da Sa, and in the spirit of Sat Nam, the sacred seed mantra of Kundalini Yoga from which great things are said to grow, she continues to entwine her passions to share healing light with the world through yoga and music.

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David Nikzad’s Noted “Utopian Holding Company” Orthogonal Thinker Has Relocated to Miami to Lead for the Future

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Miami, Florida – November 1, 2021 – Orthogonal Thinker, a self-described “Utopian Holding Company” led by noted investor and exec David Nikzad, is pleased to announce its move to the hottest new venture market – Miami, Florida. This move has invigorated the company, leading to 15 new deals inked since he arrived in early July. Orthogonal makes strategic investments and joint-ventures with companies which contribute to the Orthogonal eco-system of companies in new and emerging industries.

Nikzad, founder and CEO of Orthogonal Thinker notes, “Part of the secret of my success is that I’m just enough ahead of the curve, and my recent move to Miami is just another example of that. We are so excited to be part of the growth of the South Florida startup scene, which is so inclusive of the verticals we specialize in – space, crypto, cannabis, psychedelics, and clean food.”

Orthogonal’s most exciting company is their subsidiary Ei.Ventures. Ei has had an amazing year, cresting $20M committed with their Reg A. As part of their research and development into natural psychedelic compounds, EI recently announced via Forbes that they have partnered with transdermal delivery powerhouse Tioga Research to develop a transdermal patch for sustained delivery of psilocin, the active ingredient in psilocybin mushrooms, for mental health applications.

As part of Ei’s dual track approach, they are planning to launch their line of functional mushroom MANA nutraceuticals imminently, and a functional beverage with mushroom botanicals in early 2022.

Building companies through crowdfunding has always been part of Orthogonal’s DNA, as some early investments included crowdfunders WeFunder, RealCrowd, DealMaker, and Republic. Through this experience and the recent success of Ei’s Reg A, Orthogonal is now positioned as a leader in the Reg A fundraising space and have vertically integrated their internal team to manage Reg A raises for their portfolio companies.

Nikzad adds, “We couldn’t be more bullish on Miami and are looking to show our gratitude for the wonderful reception we’ve gotten in South Florida by bringing funding from all levels of investors to this growing region.”

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Emotional Intelligence Ventures Reg A Raise at $20M, Company Pursues Psylocibin Transdermal Delivery Research, Plans Nutraceutical Mushroom Supplements Launch

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Miami, Florida – October 18, 2021 – Emotional Intelligence Ventures, led by noted investor and exec David Nikzad, are pleased to announce their Regulation A raise is currently at $20,114,949, with more investors coming in daily. Ultimately, they are looking to raise a maximum of $49,999,999, and believe this is a completely doable goal. A Regulation A offering allows for retail investors to invest in pre-public and private companies. The net proceeds of the offering will be used to accelerate the development and distribution of Ei’s medicinal and functional mushroom product lines.

David Nikzad, founder and CEO of Ei.Ventures notes, “We are so committed to the nonaccredited investor, that we are pursuing a Regulation A offering.” Adding, “As I’ve been fortunate to invest early in numerous companies like Airbnb, Betterment, and Vidyard, and three equity crowdfunding platforms (WeFunder, RealCrowd, Republic), I’m really passionate about democratizing investment opportunities so any investor can reap the rewards, and take all of the risks of early investment in game-changing companies.”

As part of their research and development into natural psychedelic compounds, EI recently announced via Forbes that they have partnered with transdermal delivery powerhouse Tioga Research to develop a transdermal patch for sustained delivery of psilocin, the active ingredient in psilocybin mushrooms, for mental health applications.

The company believes this announcement along with the increasing interest in the psychedelic medicine for mental health space, and a rising tide of medicalization, decriminalization, and legalization of psychedelic mushrooms are driving interest in the overall psychedelic medicine space, and Ei.Ventures in particular.

On Monday October 4, the Seattle City Council voted to decriminalize the non-commercial possession and cultivation of many psychedelics, including mushrooms, for “religious, spiritual, healing, or personal growth practices.” Council members passed the resolution unanimously, with a 9-0 vote. This makes Seattle the largest city in the United States to decriminalize psychedelic plants and fungi.

As part of Ei’s dual track approach, they are planning to launch their line of functional mushroom MANA nutraceuticals in early 2022. They are creating proprietary formulations using a unique formulation process for enhanced bioavailability and efficacy. These products target cognition and immune system; energy, vitality, mood, sleep, and weight loss; mental and physical optimization for micro dosers; nootropic or Smart Drugs; and joint & muscle pain.

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In Time for Marvel’s Multiverse, Epic Games’s Metaverse, and The Matrix Resurrections, MIT and Game Industry Alum to Release The Simulated Multiverse October 15

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In a follow up to The Simulation Hypothesis, MIT Computer Scientist Rizwan Virk explores the idea of the Multiverse from the lens of Simulation Theory, Video Games, and the Mandela Effect

San Francisco, CA – September 20, 2021 – MIT computer scientist and Silicon Valley video game designer Rizwan Virk announced the much anticipated follow up to his bestselling book, The Simulation Hypothesis, will be published October 15. The book comes as interest in multiverses and metaverses are at an all-time high with the release of The Matrix Resurrections in December, Marvel’s ongoing Multiverse storyline, and the exciting developments of Epic Games’ Metaverse.

The Simulated Multiverse explores deeper questions about the nature of space and time in all possible universes. Virk explores the idea that parallel universes are a result of different runs of the simulation, with variables changed, an idea first proffered by Philip K. Dick, and a rational explanation for the mysterious Mandela Effect. By tying science fiction ideas and Virk’s extensive knowledge of computer science, quantum physics and video games, this book expands our idea of our world.

“When the Matrix came out in 1999, it was in the realm of science fiction,” said Virk. “With today’s advancements in Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and the Metaverse, a simulated universe is not far away.

“With The Matrix 4 and Free Guy, this is the year of simulation movies; but multiverses are extremely popular too, appearing in everything from TV shows like Marvel’s Loki and What If… to The CWs The Flash and Superman & Lois. In this book, I explore how a multiverse might work.”

This book addresses the idea that there are multiple versions of us in different timelines, like multiple processes running inside a giant computer and explains everything from parallel universes in quantum physics to the Mandela Effect.

Virk is the founder of Play Labs @ MIT, a video game startup incubator at the MIT Game Lab, and co-founder, advisor and investor in many video game startups.

The Simulated Multiverse is for computer scientists, science fiction and comics fans, video game enthusiasts, and those looking to understand the nature of reality.

The author is also announcing that translation rights for his previous book, The Simulation Hypothesis, have been acquired will be published into a number of languages/countries, including Chinese (via China Machine Press) Portuguese (via Citadel), French (Editions Extraordinaires), and Japanese (via Tokuma Shoten).

The new book is available for pre-order in Paperback or eBook format now and will be released on October 15, 2021. Pre-ordering can be done at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XFR749T/ or by visiting the authors website at http://www.zenentrepreneur.com/.

About the Author:
A graduate of MIT and Stanford, Rizwan (“Riz”) Virk is a successful entrepreneur, angel investor, bestselling author, video game industry pioneer, and independent film producer. Virk was the founder Play Labs @ MIT (www.playlabs.tv) a startup accelerator for playful technologies held on campus at the MIT Game Lab, and is currently at the School for the Future of Innovation in Society at Arizona State University’s College of Global Futures.

His previously published books include: Zen Entrepreneurship (Bayview, 2013), Treasure Hunt: Follow Your Inner Clues to Find True Success (Watkins, 2017), The Simulation Hypothesis (Bayview, 2019), and Startup Myths and Models: What You Won’t Learn in Business School (2020, Columbia University Press).

Virk’s video games have included Tap Fish, which was downloaded over 50 million times, and games based on TV shows like Penny Dreadful and Grimm. Virk has been an investor and founder in many startups, including Telltale Games (creator of narrative games based on The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones), Tapjoy and Discord. He has been a producer on Thrive: What on Earth Will It Take?, Knights of Badassdom, starring Peter Dinklage, the TV show The Outpost, and adaptations of the works of Philip K. Dick and Ursula K. Le Guin.

Visit his author and professional websites at www.zenentrepreneur.com and www.bayviewlabs.com.

Praise for the Simulated Multiverse and the Simulation Hypothesis:
“How am I unreal? Riz Virk counts the ways. So many ways we might all live in one (or more) simulated worlds. Palpable ‘reality’ may be as delusional as our old notion that the heavens revolved around Earth. And just like Galileo did then, Virk may help open our eyes to a greater (if humbling) cosmology.”
—David Brin, author of EXISTENCE, The Postman and EARTH.

We are used to thinking of the afterlife as a sort of simulation with less reality than our world of solid objects … However, a few cutting-edge thinkers have posited that this world in which we live is a simulation. In his second book on the subject of simulation, Rizwan Virk walks us through the concept of a computer-generated reality that Philip K. Dick posited in the speech that he delivered in Metz, France, in 1977. This volume is well-researched and eminently readable for any interested reader. The topic is fascinating, and the writing is clear. Perhaps The Matrix is more than a science fiction film; perhaps it reveals some truth about our world and our lives in this world. Read this book, if you dare.
—Tessa B. Dick, author of Conversations with Philip K. Dick, wife of Philip K. Dick

Refining his impressions of the progress of AI since his research at MIT… Virk has expanded his thesis in the wider scope of the multiverse, building on the framework of pioneers such as Nick Bostrom and Kurzweil. The result is a new challenge not only to theories of simulation, but to what constitutes reality itself, and human illusions of our rightful place within it.
—Jacques Vallée, venture capitalist, author of Forbidden Science

Virk … makes a cogent, clear-eyed guide to the head-spinning science of parallel universes, quantum indeterminacy, and the possibility—terrifying or relieving—that our perceived reality is in fact part of a great simulation.
—Publishers Weekly

I’m grateful to be living in a branch of the multiverse where if I’m asked to go into more detail about the relationship between Total Recall and quantum physics, I can simply point someone in the direction of this comprehensive and entertaining book. To quote a certain 1999 blockbuster: Woah.
—Rodney Ascher, director of A Glitch in the Matrix

“In The Simulated Multiverse, Riz Virk takes simulation theory and The Matrix to a new level. Using computational tools – complexity, artificial intelligence, video games and quantum computing – Virk explains an interpretation of our world that sounds like science fiction: that we are living multiple parallel timelines. If you want to get glimpses not only of our possible digital futures, but also of multiple parallel pasts and presents, read this book!”
—Brad Feld, venture capitalist and author of The Startup Community Way

“MIT scientist’s ‘Simulation Hypothesis’ makes compelling case for The Matrix.”
—The Next Web

“Those looking to expand their brains for a few hours should enjoy this cerebral work. A well-crafted discussion of simulation that is unexpectedly persuasive.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“In The Simulation Hypothesis, Riz Virk provides a deft and knowledgeable blend of video game history, hard science speculation, and science fiction references. Whether or not you believe we all exist in a simulation, I found it both fascinating and entertaining.”
—Noah Falstein, former chair of the IGDA, former Chief Game Designer at Google

The Simulated Multiverse
An MIT Computer Scientist Explores Parallel Universes, The Simulation Hypothesis, Quantum Computing and The Mandela Effect
by Rizwan Virk
Bayview Books | October 15, 2021. Available as e-book and Paperback ISBN: 978-1954872004

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14th Annual Angel City Jazz Festival Presents Myra Melford, plus the Jamie Baum Septet+1 at the Skirball Center October 15

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Los Angeles, CA – September 16, 2021 – Angel City Arts ends the 14th Annual Angel City Jazz Festival with performances from two of the top women jazz players, festival favorite Myra Medford plus the Jamie Baum Septet+1 October 15 at the Skirball Center, 2701 N Sepulveda Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90049, at 8pm. Info and tickets are available at https://angelcityjazz.com/event/myrajamie/.

Myra Melford, whom the New Yorker called “a stalwart of the new-jazz movement” — has spent the last three decades making original music that is equally challenging and engaging. She’s explored an array of formats, among them ruminative solo-piano recitals (as she’ll perform at this show), deeply interactive combos, and ambitious multidisciplinary programs.

Since debuting on record as a bandleader in 1990, she’s built a discography of more than 25 albums as a leader or co-leader, and has been awarded numerous DownBeat poll placings, a 2000 Fulbright Scholarship, a 2012 Alpert Award in the Arts for Music and, between 2013 – 2016, a Guggenheim Fellowship, the Doris Duke Performing Artist Award, and the Doris Duke Residency to Build Demand for the Arts.

The Other Side of Air, the most recent release by her quintet Snowy Egret, was named one of the best jazz recordings of 2018 by the New York Times and one of NPR Music’s 50 Best Albums of 2018. “This is music with an endless capacity for elasticity and surprise,” NPR wrote, “along with an affirming spirit of coherence.” http://myramelford.com

NYC jazz flutist/composer, Sunnyside Records artist and 2014 Guggenheim Fellow, Jamie Baum, released her 6th CD, Bridges with The Jamie Baum Septet+, in May 2018. Internationally recognized and listed in DownBeat Critics Polls every year since 1999, she’s toured in over 35 countries and worked/recorded with many renown and diverse jazz artists ranging from Randy Brecker, and Roy Hargrove, to Ralph Alessi, Anthony Braxton, and Wadada Leo Smith, and many more.

A brief backstory… The Jamie Baum Septet was formed in ’99 and has been Baum’s compositional muse ever since. With two highly acclaimed CDs and several tours under their belt, Baum expanded the group in 2010 to the current Septet+. Their Sunnyside release, In This Life (2013), was met with much positive attention, Baum noted: “So many wonderful things came from that recording that I could not have anticipated. Not only was I nominated in 2014 by the Jazz Journalists Association for ‘Flutist of the Year,’ but my band, The Jamie Baum Septet+, was nominated as ‘Best Midsize Ensemble of the Year’ – in the same list with only two other bands, The Wayne Shorter Quartet and Steve Coleman’s Five Elements!” https://jamiebaum.com

In addition to Jamie leading and playing flute, her current Septet+ includes Jonathan Finlayson on trumpet, Sam Sadigursky on alto sax and bass clarinet, Chris Komer on French horn, Brad Shepik on guitar, John Escreet on piano, Ricky Rodriguez on bass, and Jeff Hirshfield on drums.

For more information on the Angel City Jazz Festival and to purchase event tickets please visit http://www.angelcityjazz.com/.

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14th Annual Angel City Jazz Festival Presents Billy Childs Jazz Chamber Ensemble with Dianne Reeves at The Ford October 14

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Los Angeles, CA – September 15, 2021 – Angel City Arts enters the third week of their 14th Annual Angel City Jazz Festival with Billy Childs Jazz Chamber Ensemble featuring special guest Dianne Reeves Thursday, October 14 at The Ford, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd E, Los Angeles, CA 90068 at 8 pm. Info and tickets are available at https://angelcityjazz.com/event/jazzchamber/.

Billy Childs has emerged as one of the foremost American composers of his era, perhaps the most distinctly American composer since Aaron Copland – for like Copland, he has successfully married the musical products of his heritage with the Western neoclassical traditions of the twentieth century in a powerful symbiosis of style, range, and dynamism. A native of Los Angeles, Childs grew up immersed in jazz, classical, and popular music influences. By the time of his graduation from USC, Childs was already an in-demand performer in the LA jazz scene, soon thereafter he was discovered by trumpet legend Freddie Hubbard. He recorded and performed with a number of other influential jazz musicians including J.J. Johnson, Joe Henderson, and Wynton Marsalis. Thus far in his career, Childs has garnered thirteen GRAMMY nominations and four awards. In 2006, Childs was awarded a Chamber Music America Composer’s Grant, and in 2009 was the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship. He was also awarded the Doris Duke Performing Artist Award in 2013, and most recently, the music award from The American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2015. https://billychilds.com

Five-time Grammy winner Dianne Reeves is the pre-eminent jazz vocalist in the world. As a result of her breathtaking virtuosity, improvisational prowess, and unique jazz and R&B stylings, Reeves received the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for three consecutive recordings – a Grammy first in any vocal category. Featured in George Clooney’s six-time Academy Award nominated Good Night, and Good Luck, Reeves won the Best Jazz Vocal Grammy for the film’s soundtrack. Reeves has recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. She has also recorded with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim and was a featured soloist with Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic. Reeves was the first Creative Chair for Jazz for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the first vocalist to ever perform at the famed Walt Disney Concert Hall. https://diannereeves.com

Child’s Jazz Chamber Ensemble players are Larry Koonse on guitar, Carol Robbins on harp, Daniel Rotem on sax, Dan Chmielinski on bass, Christian Euman on drums, and Sara Andon on flute. They will be joined by Reeves along with Moira Smiley on vocals and Alexander Gedeon presenting a poetry recitation. They will also be accompanied on some numbers by The Lyris Quartet, a string quartet that focuses on the music of living Los Angeles composers. Its members are Alyssa Park and Shalini Vijayan on violin, Luke Maurer on viola, and Timothy Loo on cello.

For more information on the Angel City Jazz Festival and to purchase event tickets please visit http://www.angelcityjazz.com/. For the Angel City Jazz Festival COVID safety policy, please see https://angelcityjazz.com/safety-policy/.

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