As you may know, I work in higher education. I believe so strongly in the power behind knowledge. My grandfather was noted for saying that he gave his children an education because it’s inheritance is far greater than any material possession he could leave them.
In a time where media sources are questionable and so much information is available in all sorts of platforms (print, tv, radio, internet, etc), I am very thankful for the brave people who dare speak of topics that make many uneasy. I would like to share with you a list of my favorites in hope that you will check them out and challenge yourself to the message the directors are providing.
Flow: Director Irena Salinas builds the case against the growing privatization of the world’s dwindling fresh water supply with an unflinching focus on politics, pollution, human rights, and the emergence of a domineering world water cartel.
The Corporation: This film explores the nature and spectacular rise of the dominant institution of our time: CORPORATIONS.
Food, Inc: Food, Inc. exposes America’s industrialized food system and its effect on our environment, health, economy and workers’ rights.
Why We Fight: An interesting movie about the military-industrial complex.
Who Killed the Electric Car: Who Killed the Electric Car? is a 2006 documentary film that explores the creation, limited commercialization, and subsequent destruction of the battery electric vehicle in the United States, specifically the General Motors EV1 of the 1990s.
As I said, some of these topics are not easy. Some of the content you may not agree with. The point of viewing these films are to open your eyes to accounts major media may not share with us. The point is to understand both sides before discounting one as conspiracy or fallacy. The point is to open your mind and educate yourself so that we as a society can actually create a platform for dialogue rather than to allow ourselves be told how to feel by powers that be.
In the past several years, I have become increasingly interested in the Laws of Attraction. Although I formally stumbled upon this way of thinking through a friend’s recommendation of daily emails from Abraham-Hicks, I can thank my mom for teaching me concept that your mind is a magnet. Therefore, what you put into it is what you will attract.
We each have our own ways of honing our mental abilities. I myself enjoy the inspiration of pretty things (insert Rufus Wainwright song here). After seeing “The Secret” (the movie), what most resonated with me was the idea of the vision board. I had already amassed a collection of magazine cut outs of inspiring outfits, furniture, textile patterns, vacation destinations, etc. Technically, I had the most important part covered. However, I admit to having my doubts. Visual representations of what I wanted were safely tucked into a folder for reference, what did I need to organize them on a board for?! I enjoyed the idea of it but brushed it to the side. That is until I saw its power.
I began to hear results others had with this technique. First, my sister had borrowed “The Secret” (the book) from my mother (unbeknownst to her, shall we say secretly) and had put together her very own board. She was living with my parents and in a bit of a rut. Within a month its creation, she found a new job, found a great apartment, and moved in a serious direction with someone she cares for deeply.
After my sister moved out, my mom discovered the board taped behind her bedroom door and enthusiastically called me to encourage me to work on one. What was shocking to her was not that my sister had some great strokes of luck, but that the things she attained were all things she put on her vision board! I attributed it to coincidence and left for a business trip, where I met another person who had found similar luck with her vision board.
A year later, not only do I have a vision board, but an inspiration board as well. I use my vision board for serious personal goals (I can happily attest that some things have come to materialize!) and I use my inspiration board for lovely outfits and colors to inspire me on a daily basis.
I only have but a humble camera on my phone, but I wanted to share what my inspiration board is like…
Isaac Mizrahi uses inspiration boards to teach women style. His website even allows you to make one online.
So if your feeling in need of a visual motivator, I challenge you to work on one and if you are so inclined, post links to yours as a response!
If you haven’t read the “about me” section, this blog is my chance to share with you things that make me so happy, it makes my heart beam with joy! And for those of you who know me, I LIVE for music. I recall being 5 years old and my parents spending Friday nights hanging out and listening to some new record they had just purchased. The first show I remember them taking me to was Liberacci at Radio city, and although I can’t say I’m his biggest fan, the guy had a stage presence. From Culture Club to old Argentine Tangos I was taking it all in.
There was a time not too long ago where I was fortunate enough to attend 5 live shows a week. At these shows I have been blessed to meet many talented musicians the New York/New Jersey area has to offer. One of those accomplished musicians, is my dear freind April Smith. If you’ve not heard of her, Do not pass go, do not collect $200!!
I have often referred to music as my therapy, and April’s stuff has often been the best medicine my tired heart could ask for. If you ask me to suggest a song, as cliché as it sounds, I like them all too much to suggest just one! What makes my heart want to beam – no, EXPLODE with joy is that she and her band have decided to record a new album. But recording a new album takes money. Money and indie band doesn’t always have to make. That’s why April has linked up with Kickstarter.com to help fund the new recording.
As I write this her band and crew are on their way to Chicago to play Lollapalooza. This is not just a big deal becuase it’s Lollapalooza, but becuase this great band is currently not backed by a major record label. In a world where major corporations are the Godfathers to success, it is refreshing to see an example of talent getting you as far as you can dream! I hope you will take the chance to listen to April’s music and check out her Kickstarter post…and if you believe that good music can succeed at being independent, I hope you help fund this great project by September 8th. We’ve got 34 days and counting.
…in the meantime I am really excited to hear about all the new fans they make on the road
On this warm July evening, I would like to share some reflections on my quintessential accessory- the hand held fan. I am rarely caught without one in my purse or tote. Even in the winter, one can find themselves in situations where one has one too many layers on, and in locations where heaters are set one too many degrees above the comfort level. While some argue that the energy used to fan themselves produces more heat than one is trying to find relief from, I will place my bet that these individuals have not been caught in a concert venue so tightly packed it could rival a can of sardines.
What appeals to me most is it’s ability to provide much aesthetic value to a basic function. Cooling yourself off while looking incredibly stylish all at the same time. It has been my dream to be part of the movement to bring back the hand held fan to the forefront of accessories and I would like to thank my mom and grandma for passing down this tradition to me.
Grandma Nelly Edith and her fan:
My fondest memories of hand held fans are of my mom spraying the fabric of her fan with perfume so that the air that cooled you was also delightfully aromatic.
Although I have some lovely Asian fans, I have a predilection for Spanish fans. The Asian fans I find seem less sturdy and less original that the woodwork on the Spanish fans. I can spend hours gawking over these one of a kind pieces: Spanish Plates.com
I’ve never ordered from this site, because I have been fortunate enough to have traveled to Spain, and have friends who bring me back fans from their excursions to “La Madre Patria”…well at least my unofficial “Madre Patria”…
So while the current hand fans users are often eccentrics and uber fashionistas (ie, Monsieur Lagerfeld), I think this has the potential to be the beginning of a new green chic movement. Who says being environmentally conscious has to be drab?? Certainly, not I.
Flow: Director Irena Salinas builds the case against the growing privatization of the world’s dwindling fresh water supply with an unflinching focus on politics, pollution, human rights, and the emergence of a domineering world water cartel.
The Corporation: This film explores the nature and spectacular rise of the dominant institution of our time: CORPORATIONS.
Food, Inc: Food, Inc. exposes America’s industrialized food system and its effect on our environment, health, economy and workers’ rights.
Why We Fight: An interesting movie about the military-industrial complex.
Loose Change 911: A film that argues 9-11 was an inside job.
