Tuesday, September 29, 2015

"The power of a vote..."


"Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputations can never effect a reform."- Susan B. Anthony, social activist




                  In the United States we have a tendency to take our freedoms for granted until we are seriously challenged or threatened to have them taken away. If history teaches us anything it's to be less apathetic and more vigilant about the power we hold in modern day elections. We do love our films and this powerful story marches us arm in arm with millions of brave women who struggled with heartbreaking personal tragedies and injustice while demanding their human rights. Focus Films brings us in limited theater release October 23rd, Suffragette
        A suffragette is a woman who advocates for the right to vote in political elections. In the United States women were granted the right to vote in 1920 with the 19th Amendment to the U.S Constitution. So believe it or not in less than 100 years women in this country have demanded their right to vote and have fiercely fought for reforms which allow us to maintain our independence and freedom. Freedom is independence."Independence is happiness.", rightfully attested  American activist, Susan B. Anthony. Still, in many nations today the fight against oppression is far from over.
              In the United Kingdom the push for women's suffrage became a national movement as early as 1872. A full movement began in 1906. Marches and protests spanned a decade beginning in 1918 during World War I. After submitting and rejecting bill after bill, British parliament granted women over 30 who owned property limited suffrage. Finally, in 1928 all women over 21 were granted the right to vote.
            Suffragette  retells the  saga of strong and relentless British mothers, daughters and rebels who sacrificed their lives for women around the world. Now in 2015, the fight continues. Written by Abi Morgan (The Iron Lady)( The Hour) and directed by Sarah Gavron (This Little Life), Suffragette stars Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter and the incomparable, Meryl Streep.

 The official movie trailer can be seen above. See full movie details and release dates here  http://suffragettethemovie.com/#landing/home


Friday, September 25, 2015

"Keep feeling fascination..."

"Summer ends, and Autumn comes, and he who would have it otherwise would have high tide always and a full moon every night."-  Hal Borland, author, journalist.


  
https://www.nasa.gov/

                          A Supermoon Lunar Eclipse is fascinating because it's a rare event in our human history. The last time most Earthlings witnessed a Supermoon lunar eclipse was in 1982 when TIME's "Man of the Year" was the computer, the first CD player was sold in Japan, the Weather Channel made its debut,  E.T and Chariots of Fire topped the box office, Michael Jackson released his Thriller album and the most popular song in the US was "Don't You Want Me" by the Human League.

        The next Supermoon lunar eclipse will occur 18 years from now in 2033, so if you have the opportunity don't miss this incredible visually breathtaking event, Sunday, September 27th between 9:07 PM and 12:27 AM.  Tweet photo's to # SuperBloodMoonLunarEclipse

  NASA will be providing a live feed on their website. https://www.nasa.gov/

           

Monday, September 21, 2015

"Why are you here?"

"Self-esteem comes from being able to define the world in your own terms and refusing to abide by the judgments of others."- Oprah Winfrey
 http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/3518.Oprah_Winfrey?page=2




 
                    Why am I here? All human beings contemplate this question whether we hold doctorates in astrophysics or gather coins on a crowded street corner from strangers. At some point in our seemingly insignificant existence we want to know what the hell it's all about. Alone at night, gazing spellbound at the limitless sea of pulsating stars we wonder..tenderly searching the eyes of a loved one or beloved child and feeling our hearts burst with overwhelming warmth, listening to the orchestral echoes of waves as they ebb and flow on secluded sands, still, silent moments in solitude when we feel as if we are truly the only soul on earth...we question..WHY?  

       Religion, science, philosophy, art, literature, the power of rituals are fascinating to us because they give our lives meaning. There are so many breathtakingly beautiful images depicted in the  preview glimpse video of  Oprah Winfrey's,  "Belief"'  it left me eagerly anticipating more. In less than a month a seven part series will air on OWN beginning October, 18th. If you are a curious human being with much to learn about yourself,  others, and the world around you, I would highly recommend watching this program. 

http://www.oprah.com/app/belief.html



Friday, September 18, 2015

" The makers of magic...."

"If I was any more on edge, I'd be Bono..."



"I'm a tearless clown. If I were to get a tattoo it would be the two masks and they would both be smiling." -  Andy Samberg, writer, comedian, 2015 Emmy Awards emcee.








                  The 67th Emmy Awards ceremony will be held Sunday, September 20th at 8PM, EST airing on FOX. Hosted by writer, actor and star of the hilarious TV action comedy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Andy Samberg will be sure to keep audiences enthusiastically entertained. The live broadcast will be filmed from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. By the end of 2015 nearly 400 or more television shows are projected to be in production due to the meteoric rise in streaming services. This indicates the weekend binge-viewing public is enjoying and demanding more television scripts, which is excellent news for aspiring writers and actors.

          The 2013 and 2014 Emmy Awards have been two of the highest rated television variety shows in a decade. No doubt the charisma and charm of Samberg will carry the 2015 broadcast in the same dynamic direction. The video above contains the nominations for this year.

 The link to the official Emmy Awards show can be found here: http://www.emmys.com/awards/emmys

Monday, September 14, 2015

"Making history, one play at a time."

"I was a little disappointed I didn't make a better kick. I was sure it was going right but it did go through. I'll probably beat myself up for that for a little while but it was awesome." Kent State Golden Flashes kicker, April Goss ( source: AP Sports)













                When a university football team makes history it usually appears as a feature in national or local sports coverage but somewhere between the adoration of Urban Meyer's Ohio State dream team and the start of the NFL season a unique story was left benched in many areas of the country. Kent State may be an unfamiliar school to some but in Northeast, Ohio you can't throw a Great Lakes Brewing Company beer bottle cap without hitting someone who graduated or at least attended a branch of Kent State University- seven or more family members included. On Saturday, September 12th, Kent State Golden Flashes football player, April Goss became only the second female in college history to score in an official season game. As field goal kicker, Goss lifted the Flashes extra point to help dominate Delaware State in a 45-13 victory,   

        As a senior soon to graduate, April Goss may not have another opportunity to score a field goal during a  regulation game with her specialty teams. Goss has kicked down the door for other young women who may consider trying out for the Flashes in the future.  Along with her teammates, acknowledgment must be given to former Kent State four-year letterman defensive back and current coach, Paul Haynes, who has proven to be an exemplary leader and supporter of Goss.




Katie Hnida was the first woman to score for an FBS program in 2003, kicking two extra points for New Mexico.

Friday, September 11, 2015

"The art of hugging."



           Your weekend forecast calls for 100% chance of puppy hugs. Sunday, September 13th has been designated "Hug Your Hound" Day. Animal lovers across the world are encouraged to take time to appreciate the valuable gifts our dogs unselfishly provide without reciprocity. Our pets require proper time and attention and most dogs absolutely relish being cuddled. We know giving and receiving affection makes us feel good both emotionally and physically but have you ever wondered why we love to hug each other so much?
              Oxytocin is the hormone that plays a significant role in our ability to bond with our mothers or care givers early in life. We are born with the need for physical contact. Its been scientifically researched and well documented that both animals and human babies who go without affection have developmental delays such as being withdrawn, despondent or depressed. Touching and caressing creates bonding, intimacy and most importantly a sense of trust. When we're secure with our emotions we naturally desire to hug what we love. We show our gratitude for others with affectionate gestures from playful swats on the behind, bro-chest thumps or deeply passionate bear hugs that leave us breathless. Some people try to avoid PDA (public displays of affection) or describe themselves as "non-huggers" but essentially these individuals are consciously keeping distance. Hugging and snuggling is normal, natural  human behavior and essential for truly strong healthy relationships. Hugging relieves stress and provides reassurance. So hug, hug, hug, hug and hug some more. Hug your hounds and hug the humans you cherish on each and every opportunity.





Tuesday, September 8, 2015

"Follow your own path..."



           " Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise."
             Seek what they sought."

                                                     Matsuo Basho-  poet (1644-1694)

Thursday, September 3, 2015

"Late night heats up again...."





         We may be approaching the autumn months but late night TV is heating up again. What's so hot?  Only the return yet debut of one of the most sizzling talk show hosts in America. How would you like to be front row and center for the first ever Late Show with Stephen Colbert? http://www.cbs.com/shows/the-late-show-with-stephen-colbert/   The countdown to Tuesday, September 8th, 11:35 PM EST is running out for two lucky winners to be randomly selected, flown to New York City, enjoy accommodations at a four star hotel and of course attend the premier as Stephen Colbert's VIPs.  Additional details can be found about the Late Show experience at professional dream makers Omaze  fundraising website. https://premiere.omaze.com/experiences/colbert 

      All proceeds for the premiere ticket raffle will be donated to support the Yellow Ribbon Fund http://www.yellowribbonfund.org/  Yellow Ribbon Fund  continues to be one of the strongest advocates for returning service men and women, filling in the gaps of the often long and complicated recovery process. Be sure to check out the video above for more information.