"Gathers all things to his heart for ever."

"Silence is round me, wideness ineffable;
White birds on the ocean diving and wandering;"
                                   Ocean Oneness -Sri Aurobindo

Ocean Oneness

 Sri Aurobindo

Silence is round me, wideness ineffable;
White birds on the ocean diving and wandering;
A soundless sea on a voiceless heaven,
Azure on azure, is mutely gazing.

Identified with silence and boundlessness
My spirit widens clasping the universe
Till all that seemed becomes the Real,
One in a mighty and single vastness.

Someone broods there nameless and bodiless,
Conscious and lonely, deathless and infinite,
And, sole in a still eternal rapture,
Gathers all things to his heart for ever.





In loving memory of my Aunt Eloise who has passed. My heart and thoughts are with my Uncle Charles,  cousins Jim and Eric. As I recall she was raised near peaceful waters, delighting in the beauty of ocean waves and the calmness of sunlit beaches. She cherished her family, adored her dogs. For many of her former students, friends and colleagues she will be remembered as a lover of  language, a great and patient teacher of words. May we feel her spirit in our moments of silence and know her gentle presence when we speak of her memory.

"It Always Seems Impossible Until It's Done."

“When all the trees have been cut down,
when all the animals have been hunted,
when all the waters are polluted,
when all the air is unsafe to breathe,
only then will you discover you cannot eat money.”

-Native American Proverb

http://peoplesclimate.org/global/

     Earth is our home. It's our only home. We don't have a back up planet. We don't have a  "Planet B". That's why finding solutions for how we can prevent further damage to our Earth and how we all play a part in our Earths healing is so critical. Climate change occurs when long term weather patterns are altered by human activity. Global warming is just one way we can accurately measure drastic weather changes. Scientists, global leaders and concerned citizens on every continent understand climate change in no longer up for "debate". It's a fact. 

       What can you do right now? Contact your local and state political representatives. Contact your local media and inform them you want immediate action on climate change. Remind them that by reducing greenhouse gas emissions we build healthier communities, promote economic innovation and create new jobs.  Most importantly, the next time you're at the polls, vote for politicians who actively support effective climate policies.

On September 20th and 21st join Peoples Climate in mobilizing Global Action. For more detailed information about events in your area and around the world go to http://peoplesclimate.org/global/

"Hope costs nothing."

“We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another.” ― Veronica Roth, Divergent

          With a screenplay by acclaimed writer Dennis Lehane (Gone Baby Gone, Mystic River ) and an incredible international cast featuring the captivating Swedish actress, Noomi Rapace ( Dead Man Down, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo), the UK's remarkable Tom Hardy (Warrior, Inception) and the late superbly talented James Gandolfini (The Soprano's)  THE DROP is one of the most anticipated films of 2014.  Michael R. Roskam, the Academy Award nominated director of Bullhead  exposes the dark, seemingly hopeless underworld of Brooklyn gangsters in his new crime drama opening September 12th. THE DROP captures the despair of an isolated bartender Bob Saginowski (Tom Hardy) through his own neighborhoods dangerous scam of illegally funneling money to local bar mobs  or "drops". Together, Saginowski himself along with his intimidating, protective employer/ cousin Marv (James Gandolfini) find themselves caught up in a crippling heist.
     THE DROP is based on a story Lehane created called "Animal Rescue" which was actually the original title of the movie. A secondary sinister story line unravels a plot of  rescuing tortured and abused animals or mainly the adorable puppy you see in the photo and preview above.  Rated R for mature audiences,  clocking in at 1 hour 46 minutes, Fox Searchlight has limited theater release for enthusiastic fans but hopefully this cinematic payoff will drop in a neighborhood near us all!

"Sings by itself for nobody."

"Let no one touch this gentle sun
In whose dark eye
Someone is awake."

Song for Nobody 

by Thomas Merton

                                               

 A yellow flower
(Light and spirit)
Sings by itself
For nobody.

A golden spirit
(Light and emptiness)
Sings without a word
By itself.

Let no one touch this gentle sun
In whose dark eye
Someone is awake.

(No light, no gold, no name, no color
And no thought:
O, wide awake!)

A golden heaven
Sings by itself
A song to nobody.

"To Justify the Unjustifiable."

“From the beginning men used God to justify the unjustifiable.”

― Salman Rushdie, The Satanic Verses 

                An extremist ideology of any kind distorts perception of reality. The inability to allow others the basic human dignity of freely expressing, practicing or questioning their own belief or political system is a form of psychological enslavement. Oppression, terrorism, violence,  are all  manipulative tactics used to gain power and control. Fundamentalism is characterized by extreme religious behavior which tends to elevate text or literal translation as the infallible words of God rather than translated and interpreted by man. Extremists dislike uncertainty and demand allegiance. A higher purpose allows them to commit atrocities without remorse. Their calling extinguishes their own light of humanity, believing they will be praised and rewarded for deeds in the afterlife. The straight and narrow, obedience, discourages contemplation or questioning. The extremist's world is right or wrong, black or white, left or right, liberal or conservative. There is no gray, no compromise, no need for diplomacy, no mutual respect. Why should there be? You are the devil, evil, less than human and they see themselves as most certainly right.

“What can you say to a man who tells you he prefers obeying God rather than men, and that as a result he's certain he'll go to heaven if he cuts your throat?” 

― Voltaire, Philosophical Dictionary.

      Although we immediately identify oppression in other countries we neglect to examine the extremism in our own country or investigate the "American Taliban".  All fundamentalists distort scripture or tenets of a religion in order to establish dominance or gain political sovereignty. Morality is no longer an issue when everything they do is justified as God's will  including beating, starving, torturing men, women and children, honor killings, genocide and rape. Fundamentalism is not only intolerant but sadistically inhuman and sectarian. Extremist ideology systematically condones restricting the rights of women, often seen as less valuable, even less human as a man. Extremists have an almost obsessive restriction on female sexuality and independence. What do they fear? What do they want? Fundamentalist ideas tend to be barbaric and cruel in the face of modern society and modern morality. If we truly wish to understand our enemies we must first look inside ourselves. 

"The satiric and sublime...."

"Clown and guru are a single identity: the satiric and sublime side of the same higher vision of life". - Theodore Rozak-author

                                                                           


 You may recognize North Carolina native, comedian, actor and writer, Zach Galifianakis from his Emmy Award winning internet comedy series on Funny or Die,  "Between Two Ferns" http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/18e820ec3f/between-two-ferns-with-zach-galifianakis-president-barack-obama or numerous films from the hilarious  Hangover series to the political satire, The Campaign co-starring Will Ferrell. Coming soon to FX you'll discover Galifianakis in a brand new sitcom co-created by Emmy winning superstar stand-up comedian, writer, Louis C.K and  Portlandia writer and director, Johnathan Krisel titled, Baskets. Ten episodes are in the works set to begin filming for FX by Louis C.K's production company Pig Newton in 2015 for a 2016 debut. But fans would love to see the start date moved up sooner. The official  network description of the comedy is listed below:

"In a world constrained by corporate interests and the homogenization of society, one man in Bakersfield, California dares to follow his dream of becoming a professional clown.  But after an unsuccessful enrollment at a prestigious clowning school in Paris, the only job he can find is with the local rodeo.  Baskets follows Chip Baskets’ (Zach Galifianakis) pursuit of his dream, against all odds, to be a respected clown." 




     Memorable Zach Galifianakis Quotes:


 "The only time it's ok to yell out 'I have diarrhea' is when you're playing Scrabble...because it's worth a shitload of points."

"I failed kindergarten because I couldn't spell my last name."

"When I was a kid I had dyslexia. I would write about it in my "dairy".

"I told my neighbor I was going to be on the Conan O'Brien Show, and he was like, "Yeah, right." I said, "No, I am." He goes, "So do something only you and I would understand." *looks straight into camera and stops playing piano* I know you stole my rake."

"I'm writing a book about Siamese Twins that are attached at the nose. It's called: "Stop Staring at Me!"

"You know you're an alcoholic when the bartender knows your name... and you've never been to that bar before."

“Dogs are the magicians of the universe.”

“Dogs are the magicians of the universe.” ― Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Women Who Run With the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype

       Founded in 2004, "National Dog Day" is celebrated by animal lovers around the globe on August 26th of each year.  Created by author and animal behaviorist, Colleen Paige, the day has been designated to promote rescue shelter awareness, dog adoption and celebrate the human-canine connection. It's a special day to honor and appreciate dogs that assist our Armed Forces and emergency services,  dogs who serve as guide and companion canines as well as the dogs who share our lives as part of our families.  http://www.nationaldogday.com/

     Most importantly, August 26th is a day to act, a day to continue education and rescue efforts,  preventing abuse and neglect of these beautiful animals. The goal of the "National Dog Day Foundation" is to save the lives of at least 10,000 a year. 

     Did you know?

Dogs can be trained to sniff out cancer and other diseases in humans. Mysteriously, dogs can predict epileptic seizures and it's been scientifically proven they can detect fluctuations in our blood sugar. 

Watch ten more incredible facts here:

    

     

     

    

“We don’t create a fantasy world to escape reality, we create it to be able to stay.”

“We don’t create a fantasy world to escape reality, we create it to be able to stay.”
― Lynda Barry - American author, cartoonist 

          Before you dismiss the 2014 Emmy Awards Show as another aggrandizing, shallow show business fluffa-thon, delve deeper into our allure of fantasy and performance, especially when our world appears to be in a constant state of chaos.  Throughout history from our earliest ancestors cave drawings to our modern scientifically based 3D graphic designs, entertainment is more than a sitcom or mini-series, show business is a necessary form of escape.  Even the Emmy statue itself is a unique work of art- a  graceful winged  muse balancing a solitary atom representing the Television Academy's desire to elevate the arts and sciences. Moderation is key to escapism. As the obscure rock band Circe Survive philosophized, "the difference between medicine and poison is in the dose." 

     A spoonful of escapism prevents dystopia from going down. Without a sugary sweet sprinkling of positively preposterous affirmations, Mary Poppins wouldn't be so supercalifragilisticexpeali .. no? During stressful events and tragic circumstances it's imperative to refocus our attention- it's for our own survival. A shift in our thought  patterns prevents us from becoming hopeless and depressed when a situation is out of our control. Atrocities in our world continue but we can all play a part in helping  each other.  Most of us do have control over our own mind. We have the power to prevent further escalation. We have the power to prevent further damage. Now is the time to show our appreciation for beauty and pleasures great and small in our lives. What do we know of tomorrow?  Now is the time to honor the people who make us laugh, cry and contemplate.  Now is the time to show our gratitude for those who keep us informed, entertained and especially those who keep us safe.  

     One of my favorite quotes of all time was eloquently spoken by English professor John Keating portrayed by Robin Williams from "Dead Poets Society". Keating's inspirational words were soul crafted by a brilliant screenplay writer  named Tom Schulman:
  

    " We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. To quote from Whitman, "O me! O life!... of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless... of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?" Answer. That you are here - that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. That the powerful play *goes on* and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be? "

         

      Theater, dance, drama, music, comedy, graphics, special effects, costume and set design, audio, direction, writing  -all of the entertainment arts and sciences serve humanity in more ways than we can ever imagine. When our children choose careers in  sports, humanities or performing arts we should be as equally encouraging, elated and proud as those who pursue political science, medicine, or physics. It ALL matters. We all deserve to make our own wish. Allow your star to illuminate a new path in the universe. 

Congratulations to the Graduate. Love you, Drew.

Birthday wishes to Jack.

Peace always to my family and friends.

     

"Find a new way to stand."

“Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new center of gravity. Don't fight them. Just find a new way to stand.”

― Oprah Winfrey                          

 Gratitude to Old Teachers 

                           by Robert Bly

When we stride or stroll across the frozen lake,
We place our feet where they have never been.
We walk upon the unwalked. But we are uneasy.
Who is down there but our old teachers?

Water that once could take no human weight—
We were students then—holds up our feet,
And goes on ahead of us for a mile.
Beneath us the teachers, and around us the stillness.

"Things are not what they seem; Nor are they otherwise."

Things are not what they seem;
Nor are they otherwise.
-   Lankavatara Sutra

      Buried beneath grim shadows, drowned in fear, burns an intense heat of power hungry rage, human history punctuated by hatred . Fury is uncontrolled anger. Rage is destructive.
Anger is not always so. But how much anger is too much anger? 

When does anger begin to destroy you, hurt those

 around you- every breath a contagious disease? 

     Some anger is healthy. Anger can be a healthy emotion. If we feel threatened anger will motivate us to take action. Anger transformed with passion will foster positive change. Instinctively, the natural way for human beings to express anger is to respond aggressively. Anger is an adaptive response to threats; it inspires powerful feelings and behaviors allowing us to fight and to defend ourselves when we are attacked.

 A certain amount of anger is necessary for our survival.           

Healthy anger allows us to protect our boundaries from invasion.

      But too much anger distorts our reality. It makes our blood boil.  Our temperatures rise. We may want to scream, slam a door or smash something or much much worse, we may choose to harm, acting  out our violent impulses on other living beings. We are seeing so much anger in the world right now. But anger and right action are complicated. Contemplation on serious, effective resolution is more lasting, creative and productive with a clear, calm mind versus negative raging thought waves.

“Anybody can become angry — that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way — that is not within everybody's power and is not easy.” ― Aristotle 

          Anger - " is an emotional state that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage," according to Charles Spielberger, PhD, a psychologist specializing in anger studies.

 Anger, like other emotions is accompanied by measurable physiological and biological changes. Anger causes your heart rate and blood pressure to rise and increases levels of energy hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline. An adult or child's temporary temper tantrum may be viewed as healthy. Constant anger or rage is not. Uncontrollable angry outbursts can lead to serious quality of life issues from individual fighting to nations at war. Study after study supports that being angry all the time leads to high blood pressure and heart disease. We are not rational in a fit of rage. We will not be constructive- only destructive as we have seen time and time again throughout civilization. Unreleased or repressed anger may cause a number of serious physical and mental problems as well, including many forms of cancer and serious depression. Flaring up quickly, "angry" is never a natural state of mind. Anger is a disturbance of mind. But what often begins as a ripple on the pond, ends in a dangerous tsunami.

     At home or on the global stage, we must eventually let go of anger and frustration in order to move forward. Anger itself is not the problem, our problems arise from the direction of our own energy. We need to use our anger to motivate, to resolve conflict and search for real meaningful answers. Anger can no longer be used as an excuse to tear apart, place blame and accuse, destroying our lives and others lives in the process. All of us must carefully examine the true origins of our own anger. 

"But this day, today, is yours."

"This day is a special day, it is yours."

        Robin Williams was not only an incredibly talented actor,  stage performer and comedian he was a great humanitarian with an exceptionally giving spirit. Williams contributed his time and resources to over twenty-eight charitable organizations including Comic Relief, Doctors Without Borders, The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, Prince's Trust and Dogs Deserve Better. One of  Robin Williams last public photo's was taken to raise awareness for former St. Louis Cardinals baseball manager Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF). 

      August 16th is "International Homeless Animals Day".  August 16th has been designated to  focus on pet over population and animal cruelty around the globe.  It's an opportunity for people to get involved with educational programs, organising events such as raffles, music concerts and dog walk-a-thons, to raise money and distribute vital information about spaying, neutering and puppy mills. Williams adopted his pug, "Leonard Bean",  from The Curly Tail Pug Rescue, a shelter in New York City. http://www.isaronline.org/ihad.html

     Robin Williams was adored, admired and respected by millions of fans around the world and although his tragic death will shed much deserved light on overcoming depression and suicide prevention, it is noted that in his family's public media statement they respectfully wished Robin Williams would forever be remembered for the endless gifts of laughter, love and compassion he so generously bestowed  upon his fellow travelers.
 Peace always, O Captain. My Captain.

              

     

    

                                                                    Today

This day is a special day, it is yours.
 Yesterday slipped away, it cannot be filled anymore with meaning.
About tomorrow nothing is known.
But this day, today, is yours, make use of it.
Today you can make someone happy.
Today you can help another.
This day is a special day, it is yours.

 by Vijaya Samarawickama

"It's a marvelous night for a moondance."

 "The limits on your enlightenment come not from the age you stopped going to school but from the age you stopped being curious."- Dr.Neil de Grasse Tyson

      Do you ever wonder why we have a moon? What does it do? What would happen to the Earth if our moon disappeared? Why are so many poets, artists and musicians inspired by moonlight? Does the Moon affect our emotions and moods? Can you name all the phases of our Moon? How do lunar cycles effect oceans tides?  Why do wolves and dogs howl at the moon? Where did the word lunatic originate? Sorry, this post won't answer all the above questions but the Moon certainly provokes our inquisitive nature especially when appearing larger, brighter and more touchable than normal. We like it super sized. In fact, "Supermoon" isn't an astronomical term at all but was coined  in the past decade to describe the gigantic appearance of our lone gorgeous satellite.
      Sunday, August 10th, the moon will appear closer to the Earth than any other time in 2014. So be sure to go outside, look up at the night sky with awe and admire what most of us take for granted. Without the Moon, humans wouldn't exist. Winds on our surface would blow at hurricane force. Similar to planet Venus, Earth would  have an uninhabitable dense, toxic atmosphere. According to space scientist Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, besides orchestrating our tides, the Moon dictates the length of a day, the rhythm of the seasons and the very stability of our planet. Crucial, practical, reasons our survival depends on the Moon aside, what truly fascinates me is the profound insights garnered by scientists, writer's, philosophers, painters and composers such as Claude Debussy who created the breathtaking Clair de Lune, the French word for "Moonlight" or Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata.  This evening balance your scientific knowledge of Moon facts with a marvelous night for a moondance.

     “The moon does not fight. It attacks no one. It does not worry. It does not try to crush others. It keeps to its course, but by its very nature, it gently influences. What other body could pull an entire ocean from shore to shore? The moon is faithful to its nature and its power is never diminished.” 

― Deng Ming-Dao, Everyday Tao: Living with Balance and Harmony

"Clouds come from time to time.."

Clouds come from time to time

and bring a chance for men to rest

from looking at the moon.

-Matsuo Basho

“The world is always open, waiting to be discovered.”

“Discovery consists of looking at the same thing as everyone else and thinking something different.”
― Albert Szent-Györgyi

           Take common or ordinary information, expand your knowledge of the subject matter, add an engaging charismatic host and you're "going deep". Humorist and co-creator of National Geographic's hottest new show Going Deep with David Rees, takes an in depth look at common household items or simple overlooked concepts, blowing your mind with fresh analysis.

        Entertaining? Absolutely. Satirical? Only slightly. Rest assured Rees's adaptation of explanations in the show are  prepared with great consideration. Each episode concludes with tips and techniques viewers can try out in the comfort of their own homes. Heavily researched, fact-checked, and tested by a group of  accredited experts, Going Deep's format has been described as Bill Nye the Science Guy  possessed by Martha Stewart. Humor and curiosity are an unbeatable combination.

     Do you think you know how to make ice cubes? How do you tie your own shoe laces? Is there really a right way or wrong way to open and close a door? Those topics are just a few of the fascinating thirty minute how-to segments explored, Monday's at 10PM on the National Geographic Channel. 

"Love is the One Thing That Transcends Time and Space."

“We are made of stellar ash. Our origin and evolution have been tied to distant cosmic events. The exploration of the cosmos is a voyage of self-discovery.” ― Carl Sagan, Cosmos

                                                                       

According to a recent informal IMDb movie poll the most anticipated films of 2014 are 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, 

Guardians of the Galaxy, 

Sin City 2: A Dame to Kill For, 

The Hobbit 3: The Battle of the Five Armies 

and my personal choice, Christopher Nolan's sci-fi epic Interstellar.  If  previews are an indication, similar to the brilliant British director's previous work,  Interstellar will be a stunning visual  feast. The screenplay was a collaborative effort between Christopher Nolan and his accomplished brother Johnathan, produced by Christopher Nolan's wife Emma Thomas and Lynda Obst, with cinematography by Hoyte van Hoytem and music by legendary composer, Hans Zimmer . In 2010, Zimmer created one of the most beautiful and powerful film scores for the thrilling heist drama Inception, one of my  favorite movies of all time. Inception was written, directed and produced by the amazing mind of Christopher Nolan. Eager North American audiences will have to countdown to November 7th when the valiant voyage of the mythic space odyssey is scheduled  for official lift off. Until the release date, have a taste of the intriguing clip above.

Interstellar features Oscar winner, Matthew McConaughey as part of an adventurous team of space travelers who encounter an unexpected wormhole. The film reunites two other cast members from Nolan's super successful Batman trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises's Anne Hathaway and the celebrated Michael Caine.  The movie has a remarkable all star cast including, Oscar nominated (The Help and Zero Dark Thirty), Jessica Chastain, handsome Wes Bentley of Hunger Games fame and the talented Casey Affleck. John Lithgow, Bill Irwin, Ellen Burstyn  David Gyasi and Topher Grace round out an exciting ensemble. For more information and up to the minute film highlights check out the Interstallar movie website below.

http://www.interstellarmovie.com/

“Non-violence, which is the quality of the heart, cannot come by an appeal to the brain.”

“Non-violence, which is the quality of the heart, cannot come by an appeal to the brain.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

     Mad Max: Fury Road  peers into an uncertain, "every man and woman for themselves" apocalyptic future, featuring a stellar cast, talented crew and worthy appeal to special effects enthusiasts and gear heads across the land. Set to be released in 2015, Comi-Con revealed our first look at the remodeled Max on "Preview Night". This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Comi-Con show, making it the country’s longest continuously-run comics and popular arts convention. As a lover of cinema or chameleon actor Tom Hardy, many have been anticipating the film's trailer which is an intense, action packed adrenaline pumping thrill ride. It doesn't disappoint. But it does make you ponder.
     We live in a world of war, endless fighting and constant conflict. What if the Mad Max scenario is the future of humankind? What the story of Mad Max really brought to mind is the question: " As a species, why are we so violent"?  Humans are violent creatures. Is acting on aggression a habit? Where does this violent behavior come from? Are we hardwired with it, or do we learn this behavior?  And is there any way to move beyond being a violent creature?  Author and activist Thich Nhat Hanh wrote in his thought provoking, philosophical book,  Living Buddha, Living Christ, that although we often think of peace as the absence of war, this is our own illusion :
     "Even if we transport all the bombs to the moon, the roots of war and the roots of bombs are still there, in our hearts and minds, and sooner or later we will make new bombs. To work for peace is to uproot war from ourselves and from the hearts of men and women. To prepare for war, to give millions of men and women the opportunity to practice killing day and night in their hearts, is to plant millions of seeds of violence, anger, frustration, and fear that will be passed on for generations to come. ” 

    Richard Wrangham, a Professor of Biological Anthropology in the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University has studied primate behavioral ecology, violence, ape conservation and the evolution of human diet since 1989. He has observed wild chimpanzee behavior in Kibale National Park, Uganda. In 1996, Wrangham and Dale Peterson published Demonic Males: Apes and the Origins of Human Violence (Houghton Mifflin). During an interview for The BigThink  http://bigthink.com/ Wrangham stated that exploring questions about the roots of human violence is one of the most fascinating aspects of human evolution. Is it fully understood? No.

              “We are an unusual species because we have such an extraordinary mix of these two aspects. We show them both to extremes; we’re amazingly more cooperative than almost any other species and we’re extraordinarily destructive compared to most other species."  

     So human beings have the ability to choose between intolerance and violent aggression benefiting few or resolving conflict with understanding and diplomatic means benefiting many. Why do we continuously choose violence and conflict? Which seeds do we want to sow for our future generations?

   

“Let yourself be drawn by the stronger pull of that which you truly love.”

“Let yourself be drawn by the stronger pull of that which you truly love.” ― Rumi

“Sometimes one creates a dynamic impression
  by saying something,
  and sometimes one creates
  as significant an impression
  by remaining silent.”
     ―  Tenzin Gyatso, Dalai Lama XIV

"And when I'm dreaming, I know that it's all right."

"I'm letting all these feelings out even if it means I fail,
 Cause this is what I was meant to do and you can't put that on sale."
-"Back to the Shack"  Weezer

          Everything Will Be Alright in the End,  is available for pre-order right now before being unleashed worldwide September 30th. Weezer's lastest  release was produced by former Car's creator and musical mastermind, Ric Ocasek. http://www.weezer.com/   Ahead of the premiere date the band will play a series of North American shows beginning on July 24th. Check their website for more details.
      Weezer will be performing live on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday, July 23rd, 11:30pm EST.
      Like their catchy riffs and stick- in- your- head lyrics the cover for Everything Will Be Alright in the End is as unique as the band.  In a Radio.com interview, Weezer's guitarist front man and vocal virtuoso, Rivers Cuomo explained the artwork:
        “Right now, all I can say is that there’s something about the vibe of that painting that really appeals to me where it’s kind of terrifying and it’s kind of endearing and cute at the same time, It’s right on this line, this edge between scary and funny which I think is appealing to me. I think Weezer has been on that line for a lot of our career.” 
      Artist Chris McMahon has been gaining a steady following after designing a set of landscape paintings featuring these magnetic monsters.
 See more of Mc Mahon's work here: http://twistedsifter.com/2014/05/adding-monsters-to-thrift-shop-paintings/

     Yes, life in general is definitely walking on the edge between scary and funny. But in the end, listening to Weezer allows us to tolerate a few more memorable minutes each day.  

“ There are moments when the light reaches you.”

“Love is of all the passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart, and the senses.”
― Lao Tzu

     Author, Richard C. Morais's enchanting novel "The Hundred-Foot Journey" inspired  Steven Knight's (Locke) highly anticipated screenplay for the movie opening August 8th. The film was produced by powerhouse trifecta, Juliet Blake, Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey. "The Hundred-Foot Journey's" international cast stars Academy, BAFTA and Golden Globe winner, Dame Helen Mirren and introduces many movie audiences to adorable Manish Dayal who portrays a genius initiate chef to Mirren's queen of cuisine, Madame Mallory. 

      Swedish writer and director of "Chocolat", "What's Eating Gilbert Grape " and " The Cider House Rules",  Lasse Halstrom takes the helm on an extraordinary culinary quest of perfection. If you have been fortunate to see a movie preview or read the book,  you know the story serves up a generous mixture of  spicy romance, a pinch of passion,  more than a healthy heaping of humor and a delicious dash of universal wisdom. Foodie or not, we are all craving the release of  one soul satisfying meal.

“But even in hell there are moments when the light reaches you.” ― Richard C. Morais, The Hundred-Foot Journey

"Find the Strength to Open Your Heart"

"Compassion is the keen awareness of the interdependence of all things."
— Thomas Merton 

       Recent world events may provide some of us with enough distance to pause or reflect on our own humanity. Still more of us adopt an attitude of " it will never happen to me." "It's far away.", "It's not my family, "It's not my problem." But there is a measurable difference between those who abuse this stance due to callousness and those who must use distance in order to emotionally survive emergency situations or help resolve conflict. 

Pema Chodron, author of  "The Places That Scare You" relates a powerful message:

      " For arousing compassion, the nineteenth-century yogi Patrul Rinpoche suggested imagining beings in torment — an animal about to be slaughtered, a person awaiting execution. To make it more immediate, he recommended imagining ourselves in their place. Particularly painful is his image of a mother with no arms watching as a raging river sweeps her child away. To contact the suffering of another being fully and directly is as painful as being in the woman's shoes."

     Compassion encompasses all living creatures and until we realize we are all connected on this Earth, we will continue to watch men, women, children and animals suffer in violent acts of war, terrorism and hatred. Apathy and indifference will continue which is easier than searching deep inside ourselves for genuine understanding of another persons loss, pain and frustration. We have an untapped capacity for empathy. Most human beings know what it feels like to suffer injustice. That's why we react when human and animal rights atrocities occur. We allow ourselves to feel, to imagine being in another's place, human or animal. Children learn this life altering skill from observing the adults in their lives.

       Selfishly, many adult criminals refuse to extend empathy or compassion to animals especially if money and power are involved. Right now, worldwide and in cities across the United States there are thousands of puppies in local pet shops who are bought and sold from illegal puppy mills or breeding factories. These animals suffer tremendous cruelty while mass produced, neglected, tortured, killed and tossed away like stuffed toys. Puppy mills are the main supplier of puppies to pet stores in your community and pet shops online. July 21st has been designated NO PET STORE PUPPIES DAY.  For more information please follow the link here: http://www.aspca.org/blog/july-21-no-pet-store-puppies-day  With so many unwanted and perfectly adoptable pets in shelters why would any one chose to support a puppy mill by purchasing at a pet store? Please, expand your awareness of these operations in your own neighborhood. Animals depend on us for their survival. Please, don't allow them to suffer. All animals are a part of our family and no member of  Earth's  family is insignificant.

     

     

  

  

  

     

  

  

"Know what happiness is for you.."

"It's good to be able to laugh at yourself and the problems you face in life. Sense of humor can save you."- Margaret Cho (Brainy Quote)

     

     Eight releases in eight days bestowed upon music lovers around the world. Thank you, "Weird Al"   Yankovic.  "I Love Rocky Road" was my first scoop of this amazingly versatile artist's tasty spoof treats. My youngest nephew is a huge fan and so is anyone with a love of music and a developed sense of humor.

    Produced by multi talented Nerdist creator Chris Hardwick, Seth Laderman and Johnny Wickham the video for "Weird Al" Yankovic's 'Tacky"-the Pharrell Williams's "Happy" parody is one continuous  intentionally tasteless take. The funny obnoxious spoof features "Weird Al " with guest appearances by lovely comedians Aisha Tyler, Margaret Cho, Kristen Schaal as well as actor Eric Stonestreet and the lovable comically crude joker Jack Black. 

     "Mandatory Fun", " Weird Al's " fourteenth studio album released today will feature "Inactive" a parody of Imagine Dragons, "Radioactive" and "Foil" a genius look at Lorde's "Royals". 

 A little lyrical preview:

“I never seem to finish all my food.

 I always get a doggie bag from the waiter.

 So I just keep what’s still  unchewed.

 And I take it home. 

 Save it for later”  

 Trust me. We are all saving room for more of "Weird Al"s scrumtrulescent desserts in the days to come.

"The Heart Leads You Back..."

“Make your mistakes, take your chances, look silly, but keep on going. Don’t freeze up.” ― Thomas Wolfe, You Can't Go Home Again

       Reflecting on his life in a Sports Illustrated  (SI.com) first person essay NBA star LeBron James stated , "My relationship with Northeast, Ohio is bigger than basketball." and openly admits, "I didn't realize that four years ago. I do now."  Besides Thomas Wolfe, who says you can't go home again? Sure Northeast Ohio and especially Cleveland has been the punchline for  endless jokes over the years. (i.e "What are the only two seasons in Cleveland?- Winter and construction.)"  LeBron James is like a "snowbird" grandparent in reverse, leaving Florida to move home to his native Akron. Crowned with "The Mistake on the Lake" moniker long before King James was even a twinkle in the eye, it's time for a resurgence. So besides the return of  LeBron what else is hot in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio right now?

       The Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame

 In the early years of radio Alan Freed popularized the term " rock ‘n’ roll" as a Cleveland deejay. Local stations still refer to Cleveland as the Rock ‘n’ Roll Capital of the World. Although this claim may be disputed, North East Ohio has produced many notable musicians from Nine Inch Nails, Devo, pianist Jim Brickman, Tracey Chapman, Filter, The O'Jays, and Guided by Voices to Akron's Chrissie Hynde and The Black Keys. The choice of Cleveland as site of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and Museum resulted from tireless organized fund raising efforts to win a call in poll when sites were being considered.

   

   GREAT MOHICAN POW-WOW • July 11-13, 2014
Pow-Wow time is the Native American people's way of coming together, dancing, visiting, singing renewing friendships and making new acquaintances. The Pow-Wow includes dancing, story telling, drumming, crafts, trades, great food and more. This year featuring POW-MIA Ohio Vietnam Wall & Program. Competitors and guests come from around the country. You can plan to spend a day or a weekend enjoying the tradition and pageantry of Native American culture. This friendly competition is held at Mohican Reservation Campground. 1-800-766-2267 or www.mohicanpowwow.com

67th Annual Italian Festival
Downtown Lock 3
200 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308
For more information it-am.org

 IT'S ALIVE! Young Frankenstein is Fully Charged at Beck Center

80th Anniversary Season Closes With Electrifying Mel Brooks Musical
Purchase tickets online at beckcenter.org 
Beck Center for the Arts is located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, just ten minutes west of downtown Cleveland. 

Summer Festival of the Arts
Saturday 10am-7pm; Sunday 11am-5pm
Youngstown State University's annual Summer Festival of the Arts features over 70 local, regional, and national artists. Artist's Marketplace and family activities including children's hands-on art tent. Music, theater and dance performances by various groups throughout both days. Festival of Nations features foods and performances from various ethnic and cultural groups in the Mahoning Valley.
 www.ysu.edu/sfa

Toledo Lighthouse Festival Jul 13, 2014
Sat 10 am-8 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm $3/person
Boat rides around Maumee Bay State Park, 1400 State Park Rd., 419.691.3788
toledolighthouse.org
Jul 12, 2014 - Over 50 nautical arts and crafts vendors; silent auction with gift cards, sports memorabilia, continuous entertainment in the amphitheatre, delicious festival foods, children's activities, a sand castle contest, and more.

Go see a Cleveland Indians game at Progressive Field
 or enjoy a  "Grape Escape" Wine-Tasting Excursion
Each train trip is 2 hours in length and travels through Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Time: 7:00-9:00 pm
Departs: Rockside Station

After growing up in Ohio, moving away and recently returning home there is plenty of family, beauty and history missed and even more to discover and appreciate.
So welcome to Northeast, Ohio or welcome back. It's not Miami but at least it's not Detroit. (wink!)