“Walk slowly through the world and pay attention”

“Sometimes,' said Pooh, 'the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”
― A.A. Milne

      This week the TOP TEN Comedy downloads at the iTunes store are:

10. The Essential Weird Al Yankovic- Weird Al Yankovic

 9. Himself- Bill Cosby

 8. True Stories I Made Up- Daniel Tosh

 7. Beyond the Pale- Jim Gaffigan

 6. Harmful if Swallowed- Dane Cook

 5. Unsung Hero- Josh Sneed

 4. Obsessed- Jim Gaffigan

 3. King Baby- Jim Gaffigan

 2. Brian Regan- Brian Regan

 1. Mr. Universe- Jim Gaffigan 

      You may have noticed by scanning the list one comedian appears to dominate the downloads. Jim Gaffigan is an Illinois born, Indiana native and father of five whose deadpan delivery and brilliant sarcasm has us "Obsessed" with this beyond pale 'King Baby". 'Mr Universe" is currently the crowning glory of comedy downloads and Gaffigan has recently released a new book titled Dad is Fat. As the tale goes "Dad is fat." were the first words proudly scrawled on a dry erase board by one of Gaffigan's young sons. Besides being genuinely funny on a wide range of topics from  food fetishes to the art of napping, utilising his observational genius with family friendly wit and clean language what other attributes have heralded Jim Gaffigan's obvious rise in popularity?  Gaffigan  himself grew up in a large Midwestern family, married a devout Catholic woman and is a devoted father of two daughters and three sons. Many parents can easily relate to his jokes. Listening to comedy is immediate stress relief. Being a parent may be frustrating at times but doesn't have to be debilitating if you put life events into perspective. It's imperative that all parents develop a sense of humor and laughter is especially important for parents to be. My brother Dave and sister-in-law Krissy will welcome their first child later this year. WHOO HOO! Congratulations! So if you know any potential parents who will be celebrating a bundle of joy with family dinners, parties and baby showers, add a special gift of laughter for Mom & Dad. They will need it. Check out the video above.
 Wait until the Louis C.K baby names blog rolls out.
 But for now, here is a clever snippet from "Dad is Fat" :

“No matter how you feel about your extended family or family gatherings you will be attending. This is because now the ultimate reason for attending family gatherings is for your children to have the time of their lives with their cousins. Little kids love their cousins. I’m not being cute or exaggerating here. Cousins are like celebrities for little kids. If little kids had a People magazine, cousins would be on the cover. Cousins are the barometers of how fun a family get-together will be. “Are the cousins going to be there? Fun!”
― Jim Gaffigan, Dad Is Fat  

  Bri, Drew, Kaitlyn and Jared- all of you will make a positive impression welcoming your new cousin. And Parker has kisses waiting.

     What allows us to create or maintain a sense of humor is the ability to observe. We have to pay attention. Like babies and children, we should be fascinated by what surrounds us. Admittedly, most of us don't or won't stop to look around once in awhile. Humor or sarcasm places our personal and global circumstances into proper perspective allowing us to teach children the resilience they'll need to survive. Without a doubt, children learn their coping skills from the adults around them. Life is both cruel and beautiful, comic and tragic, in times of crisis we give children strength. We give them hope. There are few gifts of gratitude sweeter than sharing our laughter or making others smile. Great love and laughter walk hand in hand.

     A special Happy Birthday to my niece, Brianne on March 14th. Love you, always and forever.

     

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.”

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”

― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness

       Since the first proclamation in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, March has been designated Red Cross Month. The American Red Cross is part of the largest volunteer network found in over 187 countries. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent network is the largest humanitarian force on the globe with a presence and assistance in almost every country. The network is made up of all the national and international organizations around the world which are allowed to use the Red Cross or Red Crescent emblem. It also represents all the activities they undertake to relieve human suffering throughout the world.

     The global network is unified and guided by seven Fundamental Principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. All Red Cross and Red Crescent activities have one essential central goal: to help alleviate suffering.  Without discrimination, whether during conflict, in response to natural or man-made disasters, or due to conditions of chronic poverty their purpose is assist those in times of greatest need. The International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross, Red Crescent Societies and the national societies are independent. Each body has its own individual status and does not exercise authority over the others. The highest decision-making body of the global network is the International Conference which meets every four years to ensure unity in the work of the international network. Together, they discuss and act upon humanitarian issues of common interest. Delegates to the International Conference are members of the ICRC the IFRC, national societies and representatives from signatories to the Geneva Convention. For more in-depth information regarding the Red Cross including how to become a volunteer or donate go to their website at .http://www.redcross.org/about-us/history/global-red-cross-network

         Founded by Clara Barton in 1881, the  American Red Cross is one of the most important, trusted and immediately recognized humanitarian organizations in the USA.  The American Red Cross is not a government agency and depends entirely upon charitable public donations to continue its mission of service including disaster relief, blood donation supplies, supporting military families and providing health education and safety training to millions of our citizens. http://www.redcross.org/what-we-do

"If speaking is silver, then listening is gold."

"Neither a man nor a crowd or a nation can be trusted to act humanely or to think sanely under the influence of great fear."- Bertrand Russell

    This is  referred to as a  "The More You Know"  post because there are many Americans (including myself) who vaguely understand or confuse circumstances and historical significance surrounding Russia, Crimea and Ukraine. Most American citizens were aware of  the political conflict but were shielded from the intensity. We  have become more exposed to Russia's social intolerance, human and animal rights violations and environmental issues since the Sochi Olympics but interest fades and fickle attention spans return once the games are over. We know even less about Crimea and Ukraine. Now is a good time to catch up on your history and geography. http://www.mapsofworld.com/world-map-image.html

      A referendum on the status of Crimea is to be held on March 16th 2014, Russian news agencies have reported. Crimea is a sovereign Ukrainian territory, home to a large ethnic Ukrainian population and popular vacation/tourist destination. Crimea is to the Ukraine as the Florida Keys are to Florida and the US.  Why is Crimea so important to Russia?  The naval base at Sevastopol, on Crimea’s southwestern tip (Mediterranean) ensures Russia remains a global military power. 

 According to Forbes  contributor  Greg Satell , "It has been alleged that the port city has been used extensively to supply Bashar al-Assad throughout the current civil war in Syria. And while the lease agreement with Ukraine regarding the base remains valid until 2047, the majority of the Black Sea coastline is held by NATO allies except for Georgia on the east, which is actively seeking NATO membership, and Ukraine in the north." Crimea is an integral part of the Ukraine. Demonstrators continue to protest but not all Crimean's are pro-Russian by any means.

   

     Another ominous result of the Russian- Ukrainian clash is the continued censorship of journalists, photographers, cameramen and foreign correspondents.  In Russia, the number of unsolved murders has soared since 2006 when journalist and human rights activist, Anna Politkovskaya was shot to death near her home in Moscow. Politkovskaya was well known for her public opposition of Vladimir Putins policies in Chechnya. Since 1992, hundreds of journalists, cameramen, photographers and editors have mysteriously disappeared,  been abducted, tortured or died in a violent and unexplained manner. According to the Paris-based organization Reporters without Borders between  March of 2000 and July of 2007, 21 Russian  journalists were murdered because of their work. These brutal statistics beg the world to further investigate why these voices are being permanently silenced.
   
      Diplomacy is the only option.  Future negotiations should focus on stabilizing the Ukrainian government and economy, seeking peaceful resolution without personal aggression or military intimidation and keeping all lines of communication open without fear of retribution.

     

“Let silence take you to the core of life.”

“Listen closely... the eternal hush of silence goes on and on throughout all this, and has been going on, and will go on and on. This is because the world is nothing but a dream and is just thought of and the everlasting eternity pays no attention to it.” ― Jack Kerouac

In Silence by Thomas Merton

Be still.
Listen to the stones of the wall.
Be silent, they try
to speak your

name.
Listen
to the living walls.

Who are you?
Who
are you? Whose
silence are you?

Who (be quiet)
are you (as these stones
are quiet). Do not
think of what you are
still less of
what you may one day be.

Rather
be what you are (but who?)
be the unthinkable one
you do not know.

O be still, while
you are still alive,
and all things live around you

speaking (I do not hear)
to your own being,
speaking by the unknown
that is in you and in themselves.

“I will try, like them
to be my own silence:
and this is difficult. The whole
world is secretly on fire. The stones
burn, even the stones they burn me.
How can a man be still or
listen to all things burning?
How can he dare to sit with them
when all their silence is on fire?”

“There is no real ending. It’s just the place where you stop the story.”

"What makes compelling fiction or cinema is when you're basically taking the most intense moments of experience and you're creating a song or a narrative out of it". 

 - director/writer David O. Russell 

       Phenomenal screenplay writer/ director Paul Schrader (Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, American Gigolo, The Canyons) once quipped -"When screenwriting, be prepared to drop your pants and show your dirty laundry. If you can't do that, better find yourself something more polite."  

  Screenwriting is extremely difficult and most writers will need to heed Paul Schraders advice to be successful. Many movie viewers or audience members arrogantly believe they could easily write something better than whats on screen. The truth is they have no idea how much time, effort and imagination it takes to create captivating cinema. What is a screenplay? A screenplay is the script for a movie, video game or television show (teleplay) which includes acting instructions and scene directions. The major components of a screenplay are action and dialogue. The "action" is written in the present tense. The "dialogue" are the lines the characters speak.

      Sunday, March 2nd during the 86th Academy Awards the Oscars will be honoring screenplay writers from two distinct categories, "original" and "adapted". What is the difference?  An original screenplay is a script not based upon previously published material such as a short story or novel. This category was first created in 1940 as a separate writing award from the Academy Award for Best Story. The nominees for best original screenplay 2014 are:
               
Woody Allen, Blue Jasmine
Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack, Dallas Buyers Club (view movie trailer above)
Spike Jonze, her
Bob Nelson, Nebraska
Eric Warren Singer and David O. Russell, American Hustle ( Russell, pictured in the photo above is also nominated in the Best Director category for American Hustle)

Creating  the adapted screenplay is also a challenging process. Writers are often concerned with being true to the original work. On occasion the writer of the original book, story or novel has the power to exert considerable influence over the screenplay writing process such as editorial control.

The nominees for best adapted screenplay:

John Ridley, 12 Years a Slave
Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope, Philomena

Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke, Before Midnight

Billy Ray, Captain Phillips

Terence Winter, The Wolf of Wall Street

     Although a memorable movie experience is largely subjective there are certain factors that film aficionados agree upon; an inspiring story, brilliant direction, incredible acting and gripping dialogue. All films begin with words on a page but the emotional impact of extraordinary cinema brands a deep impression on our hearts and psyche forever. A story never stops. What are some of the best movie screenplays of all time?  Here are a few original and adapted screenplays that seem to appear on every movie lovers list.

Orson Welles and Herman Mankiewicz,   Citizen Kane (1941)

Julius J. and Phillip G. Epstein, Howard Koch,   Casablanca (1942)

Woody Allen, Marshall Brickman,  Annie Hall  (1972)

Robert Towne,   Chinatown  (1974)

Mario Puzo, Francis Ford Coppola,  The Godfather (1972)

Joseph L. Mankiewicz,  All About Eve  (1950)

Paddy Chayefsky,  Network  (1976)

Budd Shulberg, On the Waterfront (1954)

Quentin Tarantino, Roger Avery,  Pulp Fiction  (1994)

Sidney Howard,  Gone With the Wind (1939)

"Hell is empty and all the devils are here..."

“People speak sometimes about the "bestial" cruelty of man, but that is terribly unjust and offensive to beasts, no animal could ever be so cruel as a man, so artfully, so artistically cruel.”

― Fyodor Dostoyevsky

         On Sunday, March 2nd at 7 PM EST on ABC, comedian and  beloved talk show host, Ellen DeGeneres will honor actors, writers, artists, musicians and film makers with the coveted golden Oscar statue at the 86th  Academy Awards ceremony. Among many competitive categories this year is the documentary film. The nominees for best documentary film include:

“Cutie and the Boxer” Zachary Heinzerling and Lydia Dean Pilcher
“Dirty Wars” Richard Rowley and Jeremy Scahill
“The Square” Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer
“20 Feet from Stardom”( nominees to be determined) and the overwhelmingly powerful,
     “The Act of Killing” produced and directed by Joshua Oppenheimer (see photo and clip above) with Signe Byrge Sørensen.

     "The Act of Killing" is the disturbingly raw documentary of the deaths of nearly a million opponents of Indonesia's political regime, the heads of the country's death squads celebrated as heroes. Challenged to  examine their brutal actions regarding the killings, the men produce elaborately staged plays and movies   reenacting mass slaughter.

     Anwar Congo, a former gang leader and his friends recreate surreal cowboy scenarios,  musical dance numbers, and film noir gangster vignettes.  Even though Congo and his band of mass murderers are scrutinized in the media their reign has continued ever since 1965 when the government of Indonesia was overthrown by the military.

     Joshua Oppenheimer, the thirty-nine year old documentary film maker and Texas native studied at Harvard University and currently lives in Europe. His paternal grandparents were from Germany. His grandfather had left the country before Hitler's rise to power and was studying in America. Oppenheimer's grandfather returned to Germany during World War II and was able to rescue some family members, but most of his relatives were killed in the Holocaust.

  Oppenheimer is quoted as saying of the real-life murderers of  " The Act of Killing", 

 "within minutes of meeting me, they would tell me horrible stories, often boastfully, and would say, 'How about if we go to the place where I killed people, and I will show you how I did it?' And then they would often lament afterwards, 'Oh I should have brought a machete along to use as a prop,' or 'I should have brought friends along who could play victims, it would have been more cool that way.'

     Even though the haunting movie has been described as "terrifying" and "painful to watch", the human rights atrocities and complete lack of humanity captured need to be seen, heard and discussed by all generations. There are critical human rights offenses that have to be addressed and understood right now in the Ukraine, Venezuela and Uganda. "The Act of Killing" proves there is no other form of cinema as potent or compelling as the documentary film.

     

     

"let life be like music and death a note unsaid.."

" I have lived through many wars and have lost everything many times- including my husband, my mother and beloved son. Yet life is beautiful, and I have so much to learn and enjoy. I have no space nor time for pessimism and hate." - Alice Herz- Sommer

     "Music Saved My Life"- Alice Herz-Sommer,  who is believed to be the oldest Holocaust survivor, has died at the age of 110. On Sunday, February 23rd, 2014, her death was announced by a family member  in London, England where she resided. Herz-Sommer was an accomplished pianist whose death came a mere week before her incredible life story of surviving two years in a Nazi prison camp through an inspiring devotion to music and her young son is nominated for an Oscar.


       Alice Herz-Sommer is the focus of "The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life" a short documentary film directed by Malcolm Clarke and Nicholas Reed. The film is expected to win in their category. The Academy Awards ceremony will air on ABC, March 2nd.



                             

                              

     

     

Read more at http://collider.com/oscar-nominees-2014-best-documentary-short-subject-films-review/#525DSRPGUt2C6heE.99

“Fear doesn't shut you down; it wakes you up”

“  Dr. Claire Lewicki:  Tell me what you love so much about racing?

   Cole Trickle:   Speed. To be able to control it. To know that I can control something that's out of control."
                                                                             -Days of Thunder

  

      A surprising but true statistic about professional motor sports is that 80% of people who say they don't like racing have never even attended a LIVE race. Those who have an undying love for racing of any kind will tell you it's not only intense competition, its the entire physical and emotional package. What makes people want to go fast? Why do some of us feel the need for speed? Is speed or risk the real attraction for professional athletes?  Race car drivers undoubtedly experience an "adrenaline rush" while performing but professional motor sport athletes are ten times more likely than the average individual to be curious risk takers.
      Understandably,  the first time any of us try something new we may feel nervous and scared. Feeling a small amount of fear is actually healthy and essential for our own survival. There is good fear, keeping us alert and alive in dangerous situations and then there is crippling fear which causes us to remain frozen in our comfort zones. Eventually, facing and overcoming our fear builds a great sense of self-confidence. We feel stronger and more motivated. But for a few, biological factors cause a handful of human beings to constantly crave living on the razors edge. Being addicted to extremes, whether its a lifestyle of dangerous thrills or sports related risks is all about being an adrenaline junkie rather than a true competitor.

     If you want to increase your heart rate this weekend check out the Daytona 500- "The Great American Race" with Grand Marshall, Captain America- Chris Evans.
 http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/Tickets-Events/Events/2014/Daytona-500/DAYTONA-500.aspx
     The Sprint Cup Series race begins at 1:00pm EST on Sunday, February 23rd in Daytona, Florida.



      One family member who has been watching the Daytona 500 events unfold this week is my niece, Brianne Masirovits who is an aspiring sports public relations assistant. Currently, Bri is managing PR in retail. Her dream is to work as a public relations specialist in the field of professional  motor sports. As a recent college graduate with a degree in Communications,  Bri is truly a knowledgeable racing enthusiast and social media expert whose sincere passion draws others into loving the sport. Nothing would make me happier than to see her dreams come true. As she whole-heatedly proclaims of racing, "It's the best thing on the planet!"  See? No fear.

   
   
   

GO 99!  
Congrats 88!

"A reader lives a thousand lives."

“A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading.”

― William Styron, Conversations with William Styron

         Do Americans read more than we think or are we just good at lying on research surveys?  According to data collected by the Pew Internet Research Project ( January 2014) 76% of American adults ages 18 and older have read at least one book in the past year, (69%) of adults have read a book in print in the past 12 months, 28% read an e-book, and 14% listened to an audio book. One potent combination we cannot deny is the love affair between books and movies. Either an unforgettable story inspires a fantastic screenplay or an emotional, compelling movie prompts the resurgence of a previously published book (2007) as is the case of the incredibly powerful eyewitness account of Operation Red Wing by former NAVY SEAL, Marcus Luttrell.  (Twelve Years a Slave and The Monuments Men are further examples.) 

 Stories are intended to be retold again and again. There will always be deeply penetrating glimpses of another life we want to reread or watch on screen over and over, allowing us to understand and share our humanity.

      So what are Americans reading? Specifically, in the non-fiction category, the number one best selling book in the country as of February 18th, 2014 (New York Times)  is Lone Survivor by former NAVY SEAL, Marcus Luttrell with Patrick Robinson.

         2.) The Monuments Men, by Robert M. Edsel with Brett Witter. The novel based on historic facts   was the basis for the screenplay of the current movie The Monuments Men.

        3.) Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup.  First published in 1853, the book Twelve Years a Slave is the narrative of a free man who was kidnapped, sold into slavery, and spent 12 years in bondage before escaping. The recently released movie which has garnered many film awards brought forth the  potency of the formidable journey.

       4.) Duty by former US defense secretary, Robert M. Gates

       5.) Killing  Jesus, by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard. The host of "The O'Reilly Factor" recounts the events leading up to Jesus' execution.

       6.) David and Goliath, by Malcolm Gladwell.  Gladwell is also the author of  the best-selling "Outliers" and "The Tipping Point".

       7.) Things That Matter, by Charles Krauthammer.  Essays spanning over thirty years from the life of the conservative columnist.

        8.) All Joy and No Fun, by Jennifer Senior. As a journalist, Senior examines how parenting has changed over the past fifty years.

        9.) Glitter and Glue, by Kelly Corrigan.  Corrigan's memoir explores the beauty and complexity of  mother and daughter relationships.

       10. ) Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand is based on the true survival story of an Olympic runner who was a prisoner of the Japanese in World War II.

           

"butterfly in the sky, I can go twice as high.."

"Thank you, LL Cool J, for restraining a burglar in your house and not knocking him out despite what your mama said."

― Jimmy Fallon, Thank You Notes

             Jimmy Fallon brings The Tonight Show back to New York City starting, Monday, February 17th, 11:35/10:35 central on NBC.  For the first time since 1972 when Johnny Carson captured the hearts of an entire country, The Tonight Show will be airing from the  less pretentious, energetic East Coast. Staying alive, staying awake and staying in New York City will prove to be the edge Fallon favors to keep his current devoted hipsteresque audience while attracting a fresh crop of curious late night viewers.  Fallon appeals to a young diverse crowd who are just as familiar with Alt J and Imagine Dragons as Wiz Khalifa and routinely recognize which Twitter "hashtags" # are trending.  But don't worry. He is unlikely to alienate any late show demographic. Jimmy Fallon is a handsome, puppy loving, new father and native New Yorker who happens to be an accomplished actor, singer and musician as evidenced by the late night snack above.

     Another reason audiences will look forward to Fallon is his innate ability to interact creatively with his guests, so much so, many of his skits, hilarious conversations with ever amusing announcer, Steve Higgins and his multi-talented  house band The Roots go viral immediately. Being a former Saturday Night Live cast member he  understands the importance of keeping on top of current events, hot topics, trends as well as chatting up the latest actors and artists. Jimmy Fallon's most endearing quality is his amazing talent for unique musical compositions and live off the cuff performances. On a slow news day all Jimmy Fallon will need to do is improvise a song, giggle and smile at the camera. So stay awake. All is right with late night.

"One eye sees, the other feels.”

“It is by going down into the abyss that we recover the treasures of life. Where you stumble, there lies your treasure.” ― Joseph Campbell

     One point you must keep in mind while watching The Monuments Men is that the film wasn't intended to be a sweeping epic vision of World War II.  The Monuments Men is one small yet significant story taken from an almost incomprehensible history of  tragic events. As long as you remind yourself of the basic premise you will sit back and  imagine yourself traveling along with unsuspecting characters on a harrowing journey. Critics and movie fans whose reviews I've read should seriously refrain from unfairly comparing this film to the unflinchingly intense Schindler's List  or the brutal realism of Saving Private Ryan. The comparisons are trite and ridiculous.

     What you should know is that the film was directed by Oscar winning  actor/director George Clooney, is based on the true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history. The screenplay was written by Grant Heslov and Clooney based on author Robert Edsels novels. The Monuments Men is a digestible entertaining action drama focused on a platoon of various art historians, museum curators and architects  performed with sincere reliability by notable stars such as Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Bill Murray, John Goodman and Hugh Bonneville. The actual historical "Monuments Men" was an unusual rag-tag crew tasked by president Franklin D. Roosevelt with sneaking into Germany to rescue artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves. Without this little known platoon and similar specialized forces the German army would have destroyed everything as the Reich fell. 

     Sentimental and nostalgic at times, the audience will be drawn into the seemingly impossible mission which becomes an emotional personal battle for each character involved.  Despite what other movie viewers may say; if you possess any true authentic feelings at all you will shed tears during The Monuments Men. The movie reminds us that there are no small acts of love and kindness. There are no small acts of spite or hatred. Author and Nobel Prize recipient Elie Wiesel implores us to remember that the " opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference.”  

     

“The best way to predict the future is to create it."

“There are no safe paths in this part of the world. Remember you are over the Edge of the Wild now, and in for all sorts of fun wherever you go.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

     Please, be a passionate supporter of music, dance and art programs in our public schools.  Learning to play percussion instruments, marching and concert band transformed my life as a teenager. My nephew who will celebrate his milestone 18th birthday soon plays the trumpet and has performed as drum major for his high school marching band. We come from a family of music lovers and band geeks. Do you know of the Blue Devils, Vanguard or Cadets?  Are you familiar with Phantom Regiment, the Madison Scouts or the Cavaliers? My nephew and I love watching the intensity and excitement of the (DCI)  Drum Corps International Championships each year. He has also had the amazing experience of attending the event live in Atlanta, Georgia.  The clip above is an inspiring taste of DCI's 2013 championship featuring, Carolina Crown.

 Over thirty years ago, Drum Corps International (DCI)  developed an incredible nonprofit, global youth activity of artistic, educational and organizational influence. Musicians, dancers and supporters work their ass's off to put on a hell of a show. Through the annual DCI Tour and more than 35 World Championships in 17 North American cities, Drum Corps International provides entertainment to millions through live performances and nationally-televised events. As their website states Drum Corps International is Marching Music’s Major League™.http://www.dci.org/corps/

     When I recall  my adorable nephew's performances in concert and marching band it sincerely makes me smile knowing how meaningful those performances can be for young adults. Our own emotions and music are so entwined. Memories of band camp, relentless practice sessions, travel, laughter and especially the bond with other musicians will live in my heart forever.  My nephew has the intelligence and charisma to succeed at whatever he chooses to pursue but hopefully he continues to embrace music and the performing arts in some capacity.  Music brings so much joy to the world and especially to the players on stage ( or turf). What better gift to bestow than the blood, sweat and tears of an exhaustively rehearsed yet thrillingly rewarding performance?  Then again, he excels at practically every subject and endeavor. What an adventure ahead. Whatever journey he chooses, whatever road he travels in life- he should know he will be loved. Happy Birthday, Jarebear!  Celebrate. Many hugs and kisses to you and to your very proud Mom and Pops! 

                                               

"Night and day. Day and night."

"The needle tears a hole.
  The old familiar sting.
  Try to kill it all away
  but I remember everything"
                       Trent Reznor- "Hurt"

      Most of us will never truly comprehend serious, life altering addictions. We may think we know the moment by moment struggle of an addict because we admit  to current or former battles with caffeinated  beverages, food or cigarettes. What is compulsion versus addiction? Why do some people turn into addicts and others don't?
     Addiction can be used to describe a physical or biological compulsion. There is an over reaction of the brain to specific stimuli. Overtime, addicts build up a tolerance for the substance which causes them to need more and more of a stimulant in order to create a high. Surprisingly, most addictive behavior isn't related to either physical tolerance or exposure to such cues. Human beings compulsively surf porn sites, gamble, shop or use drugs in reaction to being emotionally stressed. We do this whether or not we have a physical addiction. There is a compulsion to act out. Since these psychologically based addictions are not formed from drug or brain effects, they can account for why people frequently switch addictive actions from one drug to a completely different kind of drug, or even to a non-drug behavior. This type of behavior is disturbingly shocking for many but described perfectly in the short documentary clip above from  "A Deadly Dance"(2013), a film about modern day heroin addiction in the Northeastern US.
      The focus of the addiction isn't what matters but the need to take action under certain kinds of stress. For example, most people who smoke, smoke more cigarettes when they are nervous or stressed out. Smokers may begin to chain smoke under duress. When a smoker decides to quit, the stress of life doesn't magically disappear. After a smoker conquers their physical nicotine addiction they may turn to food and begin to eat compulsively. Stress is the psychological trigger. Treating this type of addiction requires an understanding of how addictions psychologically work. We become mindful of our triggers and habits.
     We need to move away from feeling that addictions are purely pleasure seeking
 and  hedonistic, are due to lack of moral fiber or strength of character and move more towards understanding how to truly help people who are clearly suffering. Shaming and guilt do nothing to help those with compulsive or addictive personalities. If we truly wish to help people with addictions we must allow them to express themselves freely. We need to observe what is going on inside and out. We need to understand why they act and feel the way they do. At this point there are still arguments for and against nature versus nurture. Experts continue to debate whether drug dependence and addiction mean the same thing. Effective treatment and compassion is key. Compassion is always key.

   

“Let the games begin!”

 “It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.”- Vince Lombardi

           Smack talk, trash trading insults, scathing parody videos and over 4 million dollars in intensive advertising campaigns- the Super Bowl is all about hype and halftime shows. But we know this. By now most of us have placed our bets on a team we've barely followed all season. We will wager on a city, gamble on a quarterback,  pick a point spread as long as we have buffalo wings, beer and nachos, it's all good- for the love of the game. We are drawn into the pride of pageantry and riveted by the excitement of rivalry. Seattle or Denver? It's impossible to predict which team will reign victorious at the end of a black and blue bruising, bone crushing battle. Now the REAL game will be passionately followed by millions upon millions of fanatical fans tuning in to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet. Sixty-six adorable adoptable puppies and kittens (cats and kittens provide the halftime entertainment) are ready to rumble on the grid iron.

     All of  the Puppy Bowl’s  tough yet tender competitors are indeed shelter dogs.  Due to the Puppy Bowl's October production but February airing, most of these puppies have already found loving homes. However, there is still a slim chance three or four puppies in the lineup could be available for adoption.  If you are interested you are encouraged to log onto AnimalPlanet.com during the airing.  If you see a puppy you'd love to give a forever home they may be adoptable.  If the puppy is not available the shelter may have more information about other puppies who are equally adorable and may even come from the same litter.
   Don't stop there. If your heart is truly set on rescuing a dog or cat go directly to petfinder.com for adoptable pet information in your specific area. Let the love and games begin!


   

“Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live”

“If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane.” 

― Robert Frost

     One of the most enjoyable ways to spend a snow day is inside warm and toasty, cuddled up on the couch with a nice mug of hot something watching a few great movies. Unfortunately, if you have the flu you will be quarantined to your bedroom but don't despair. As long as you have access to a TV or the internets you can  relieve your crankiness quickly with a comforting dose of laughter . Want to view something completely new?  Recently, comedian, actor, writer and director Louis C.K released his 1998 black and white film, "Tomorrow Night" available to download  on his website for $5.  The movie showcases the pre-famed comedic performances of Conan O'Brien, Steve Carell, Robert Smigel and Wanda Sykes.

      Need more medicine? How about a loving spoonful of classic comedy?  Below is the Top Ten List of Funniest Comedy Movies of All Time as selected by the AFI (American Film Institute). Although comedy is highly subjective there are memorable movies all of us watch again and again as the humor and wit are timeless. One of my favorite classic comedies is the parody film Airplane! directed by the notorious Jim Abrahams and the fabulously insane Zucker Brothers. As a child, "Airplane!" was one of my first films viewed at a movie theater seated and surrounded by the infectious laughter of parents and hundreds of captivated adults. At the time most of the films sardonic humor was entirely over my head but I understood enough to know that comedy and listening to people laugh was delicious. After subsequent viewings and relentlessly quoting  "Airplane!" over the years ( "Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue.")  whenever it unexpectedly pops up on TV, I will always stop,  watch, giggle and appreciate something new. Feel better soon.

  10. AIRPLANE!. 1980

9. THE GRADUATE. 1967

8. IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT. 1934

7. M*A*S*H. 1970

6. BLAZING SADDLES. 1974

5. DUCK SOUP. 1933

4. ANNIE HALL. 1977

3. DR. STRANGELOVE OR: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP

WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMB. 1964

2. TOOTSIE. 1982

1. SOME LIKE IT HOT. 1959

“There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still.”

“Just as parents care for their children, you should bear in mind the whole universe.” ―  Dogen 

      When first being exposed and educated about the atrocities that animals suffer in mass producing factories, my feelings were of horror and outrage.  My thoughts were like millions of other concerned animal advocates and animal lovers, "How can human beings treat animals this way?" The passion to alleviate suffering was centered on my emotional pain. It was almost impossible for me to look at photo's or read articles without crying or feeling sick to my stomach. Even after many years of being exposed to first hand accounts, reports on abuse, starvation and torture it's still just as incredibly painful. But we cannot ignore or look away from suffering. Human or animal. Those of us who have owned, truly honor and love dogs cannot imagine inflicting cruelty or allowing our pets to be harmed. In order to understand the breeder/ owners, operators and workers of puppy mills, emotions have to be internalized in order to take effective action.  

      Most Americans find puppy mills deplorable, inhumane and want them completely eliminated. For the most part we are a culture of dog doting, pooch pampering pet parents and to me that is a beautiful thing. Hopefully, future generations of children will never be exposed to dogs as a mere money scamming commodity, soul less product or an object to be thrown away like trash. Dogs, cats and other companion animals are family, friends, guides, healers and especially heroes. Think of all the ways dogs and companion animals have saved and rescued human beings.

     So why are puppy mills still operating in the United States? What is the root cause of  over breeding, sickness and death of millions of innocent animals? The biggest factor and the main component in almost all corruption is greed.  What can you do to stop puppy mills?

        Many states have laws that regulate breeders and/or retail pet sellers.  Know your state laws. To find out how your state stacks up, click here http://www.animallaw.com/  The people who run  puppy mills do not give a damn about the dogs and the conditions they live in. They care about the money they get from selling dogs. Running a puppy mill is a form of  animal cruelty. When puppy mills are discovered by authorities, they're shut down.

      Any breeder or shop that sells you a puppy that becomes ill or dies within a certain time frame is going to be held accountable and should be. Many of these puppies are bought and sold from puppy mills. The Puppy Lemon Law insures a time limit in which the puppy or dog may be returned due to certain problems but varies from state to state. In some states, the period for returning a dog with an infectious disease is 14 days. There are also 7, 10 and 15 day periods for infectious diseases. Any fees incurred will have to be paid by the breeder or dealer. The veterinary fees as well as the certification fees that are necessary to declare the dog as unfit for purchase are another expense that would be reimbursed. Typically, these range up to about 50% of the price paid for the puppy or dog. 

      It's up to the public to inform authorities if they know of a mill or even suspect that one is operating.

 If you suspect that a shop in your community is dealing or selling puppy mill dogs contact your local law enforcement or animal control. Together we can stop puppy mill operations in the US.  Each and every one of us has the power to take action. 

"Gardens are made of darkness and light entwined..."

“It’s lovely to know that the world can’t interfere with the inside of your head.” ― Frank McCourt, Angela's Ashes

       Faith, forgiveness and balance are generously layered in an engaging ninety-eight minute quest of two   life paths entwined. The screenplay for  Philomena, co-written by the brilliantly perceptive British comedian, producer/ actor, Steve Coogan ( The Other Guys,Tropic Thunder) is based on the investigative book, The Lost Child of Philomena Lee by BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith. Coogan portrays Sixsmith with the appropriate dash of cynicism, sprinkled with stinging wit opposite the legendary Golden Globes and Tony Award winning, Dame Judi Dench.  Philomena, the film focuses on the intense struggle of Philomena Lee,  who as a young Irish-Catholic teenager gave birth to a child conceived out of wedlock. Church doctrine forced the young Philomena to sign a contract that strictly denied her any type of inquiry into her son's adopted family. It is only later in her own life, after starting a family in England that Lee is introduced to the curious yet reluctant, Sixsmith. Together the ever hopeful Lee and the slightly skeptical BBC reporter set out to uncover the mystery of her long-lost son. Undoubtedly, tissues are required but there is also a beautiful balance of clever humor thanks to Coogan's insightful commentary and Dench's extraordinary performance. Although Philomena may have been overshadowed by bigger box office fare this year, don't miss this unforgettably powerful journey of the heart, mind and soul.

"I am the captain of my soul."

“At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love”
― Martin Luther King Jr.

      Ahimsa is a Sanskrit word which means to cause no harm or injury, a term interchangeable with non-violence. Non-violence is more than just the absence of violence;  it is a way of taking positive action to resist oppression or bring about meaningful change. Ahimsa is one of the cardinal virtues and important tenets of the major Indian religions (Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism).  As a multidimensional concept ahimsa is inspired by the premise that all living beings (including animals) hold their own spark of divine spiritual energy. Essentially, to hurt another being is to hurt oneself.
 ( Galatians 5:14 " For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." ) ( "That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation; go and learn.")—Talmud, Shabbat 31a.
 Even the ancient Greeks followed a form of ahimsa- "What thou avoidest suffering thyself seek not to impose on others." – Epictetus. Why is it so easy to speak of such concepts but almost impossible to live by them?

      The formidable Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi strongly believed in the principle of ahimsa and the application of non-violent civil disobedience. As an American pastor, activist, humanitarian, and leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights using non-violent civil disobedience based on his own Christian beliefs. Why is non-violence the most difficult code to honor in the world when the majority of ethical beliefs, philosophies and major religions espouse we should love, respect  and live in peace with one another? Non-violence is not passivity but creative activity and a recognition of our shared humanity.

  MLK once stated -"The choice is not between violence and non-violence but between non-violence and nonexistence."   When you look into the eyes of another human being, what do you see?





    


 

“Those who get in the way of loves path will be kicked by horses."

“Humanity's true moral test, its fundamental test…consists of its attitude towards those who are at its mercy: animals.”

― Milan Kundera

           80% of Americans are opposed to horse slaughter or brutally killing horses in slaughter houses and using their meat for human consumption. The United States Congress released on January 13th, 2014 a brand new funding bill for FY2014. Although this is still a controversial topic among many advocates-
here are a few points to ponder.
        Without inspectors horse meat will not pass USDA standards for human consumption. Processing plants that would have opened will no longer be profitable.  Does this resolve the entire horse slaughter problem? Not by a long shot. However, it does stop the processing of horse meat in the States. The reason your pet pooches dog food must pass USDA inspection is sadly because many poor hungry people eat it to survive in this country.  Given a choice most of us would rather eat dog food than dog meat which is why this bill is so crucial. If we allow the consumption and processing of horse meat then we will start to allow the import and export of other animal meat products such as dog, cat, fox, monkey, etc. There is much to examine and reflect when considering which animals are chosen for human consumption and which animals are not. As a society, as Americans, we cannot allow ourselves to continue on a barbaric path. What this legislation will do is ensure humane euthanasia for horses in this country, the way our canine and cat populations are humanely euthanized due to our senseless over breeding.
      A horses execution in a slaughter house is absolutely brutal, terrifying and most certainly not humane.  Typically shipped for more than 24 hours at a time, horses are left without food, water, or the ability to rest in over crowded transports. They are often seriously injured or killed in transit. Accurate stunning or (shots to the head with a bolt gun)  are difficult. Horses often endure repeated blows and sometimes remain conscious during dismemberment. They essentially could be skinned alive. There is no quick and painless death. Before the last domestic plant closed in 2007, the USDA documented unimaginable cruelty violations.

     The fact is we don't need horse, dog or monkey meat to survive in this country. Congress needs to examine why one of the most prosperous nations on Earth is allowing its poor and elderly to eat dog and cat food for sustenance in the first place.  Inspection legislation involves more than a trillion tax dollars. Numerous animal welfare organizations across the country including the Humane Society of the United States, ASPCA, consumer safety groups and thousands of concerned citizens worked tirelessly for Congress to respond. Capitol Hill's message back to the American people was recognizing that our animal populations deserve better and the dangerous business of horse slaughter has no power here, now or ever.

   Advocates are now fighting hard to make sure Congress takes the final crucial step in protecting America’s horses by passing the Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act (H.R. 1094 / S. 541) to prevent both the slaughter of American horses for human consumption in this country, and  preventing export abroad. Contact your own Congress members and ask them to cosponsor the SAFE ACT.

“Those who get in the way of loves path will be kicked by horses."
~Kyoya”
― Bisco Hatori, Ouran High School Host Club, Vol. 17