" Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.."

"Some gave up home and love of friends,
And went in quest of thee, self banished,
Through dreary oceans, through primeval forests,
Each step a struggle for their life or death;"

-To The Fourth of July by Swami Vivekananda

The Declaration of Independence: A Transcription

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html

"But some day greater dragons will come into the world."

"How many things are now called the worst evil, which are only twelve feet wide and three months long! But some day greater dragons will come into the world."- FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE, Thus Spoke Zarathustra

     Starring the incredibly talented Australian super hunk, Eric Bana (Lone Survivor, Troy, Munich) and Venezuelan heart throb Edgar Ramirez, a new American crime-horror story directed by Scott Derrickson debuts in theaters July 2nd.  "Deliver Us From Evil" is based on  the factual accounts of Ralph Sarchie (Bana) a New York cop who encounters a renegade priest, Mendoza (Ramirez), after being pulled into a supernatural case. The priest tries to convince Sarchie, against his religious beliefs, that all of the strange and horrifying occurrences are demonically related. Together, the unlikely duo collaborate to solve an epic mystery, combating paranormal forces working against them.

     The movie may conjure up weak comparisons to "Se7en", "Silence of the Lambs", "The Exorcist" and Derrickson's own "Exorcism of Emily Rose".  Bana and Ramirez make for a memorable team with HBO's Newsroom's gorgeous Olivia Munn and former Community star, comedian Joel McHale rounding out the cast .  If creepy, bone chilling and disturbing are your magic mix for a spooky thrill ride,  hold on to your popcorn and don't miss the darkness.

"As the moon follows the path of the stars."

 “Many paths lead from the foot of the mountain, but at the peak we all gaze at the single bright moon.”- Ikkyu     

"One person can make a difference, and every person should try."

“Turning a human being into a thing is almost always the first step toward justifying violence against that person.” – Jean Kilbourne

     On Monday June, 23rd, 168 children were rescued from sex trafficking abuse as part of a nation-wide investigation known as Operation Cross Country VIII. Additional statistics can be found on the FBI 's website  http://www.fbi.gov/ .  Your local, state and federal law enforcement partners and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children took part in a week-long operation becoming the largest and most successful Operation Cross Country to date. The investigation spanned 106 cities, including areas in Illinois, Ohio and Missouri. The Innocence Lost National Initiative has resulted in the identification and recovery of approximately 3,600 children who have been sexually exploited. This year’s Operation Cross Country sweep was the eighth since its inception in 2003.
     As Americans we need to be reminded that sex trafficking is not just an illegal activity happening over seas or only involves children in third world countries. Child prostitution occurs in our own neighborhoods, to relatives, children you know, teach or interact with medically or professionally on a daily basis. If you suspect a child or an adult is in danger:
    Call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-3737-888
The National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) is a national, toll-free hotline available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The hotline is available 365 days per year. The NHTRC is not a law enforcement or immigration authority and is operated by a nongovernmental organization funded by the Federal government. If you are reporting an emergency, call 911.

http://www.polarisproject.org/what-we-do/national-human-trafficking-hotline/the-nhtrc/overview

"If your heart is broken, make art with the pieces."

Wake, butterfly -
It's late, we've miles
To go together.

- Basho

     Many of our lessons in resilience are learned simply by being alive as members of the human race.  Resilience is pushing through our own painful gauntlet, emerging stronger and slightly more irrepressible on the other side. Have you been injured in an accident? Do you have  children? Have you struggled with divorce? Have you experienced war or combat? Did the death of a loved one have a devastating affect on your childhood? Have you been the victim of neglect or violence? The list of circumstances is endless. Opportunities to build our strength and  continue to grow on our journey are presented to us every moment.  With patience, we may gain the personal insight and courage needed to develop our true wisdom and sustain our resilience.

     * Recognize that you have a choice. Remaining emotionally paralyzed versus learning how to overcome your fear is a choice.

     * Accept change. Change is a natural part of the universe. It is happening all around us and within us at all times. When we constantly struggle against change, mentally, we will do more harm than good. Do we surrender to ghosts of the past and fear an unpredictable future? We hopelessly joust an invisible force that doesn't exist right now. 

     * Let go of anger. Let go of any emotion that will fester and cause you shame, guilt, frustration or resentment. Learn to understand yourself and cultivate self-awareness. Show others compassion but most importantly show yourself compassion.

     *Learn to laugh. Put life and negative situations into perspective. Pessimism and negativity stem from our inability to poke fun at ourselves. Self-righteous people rarely laugh at themselves. Satire, parody and a healthy sense of humor comes from an appreciation and understanding of the beauty and absurdity of life. 

    * Develop a sense of meaning by forming deeper connections with strangers, loved ones, animals, organizations of interest to you and especially by your own personal expression of culture, music and art. Remind yourself  daily you are a unique and beautiful soul whom like the once frail, confined caterpillar has been steadily emerging with stunning grace and gratitude from the struggle.

“If your heart is broken, make art with the pieces."
Blueprint for a Breakthrough
― Shane Koyczan

“Never love anyone who treats you like you're ordinary.”

“One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving.”

― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

     Friday, June 20th is  " Take Your Dog to Work Day"-  

     We love our dogs because dogs, unlike most human beings, are non judgmental. They want to be with us whether we are rich or poor, Jewish or atheist, gay or straight, Democrat or Republican.  The silence we share is profound. When you are with your beloved companion you never worry about being entertaining, charming, topical or keeping up with current events. With a dog you will always have the right words. Love can be shown in actions rather than words. Love can be felt in silence. No office gossip. You don't need to impress your dog with your expensive house, car, trophy spouse or superior knowledge of  business or politics. Dogs want to be with you because they love you. Period.

     Dogs love us unconditionally. Is there any greater love? How often can we sit comfortably with another companion in complete silence without the wheels of our mind spinning out of control? What should I say? What are they thinking? Did I remember to put on deodorant today? What time are we eating? The self absorbed endless spinning thoughts are all about our self- perception and our fragile ego. Dogs are the opposite of ego. Dogs don't care how much money you make, if you attended Harvard, MIT, burp out loud or chew with your mouth wide open. Dogs are always happy to be with us. They encourage our creativity by allowing us moments of silence. That's why taking them to work can be such a special time to share with your best friend. They are present without intruding on our solitude. They make us happy and they keep our minds and hearts in the moment. They keep us honest.

      When I shared my life with dogs we would sit peacefully outside or walk in the sunshine of a cool cloudless day and there was such a deep loving connection. A deep loving wordless connection.               Silence. Our own pets teach us patience, responsibility, compassion and to think outside of selfish behavior. Dogs increase our own health and wellness by encouraging exercise and lowering our blood pressure by petting and hugging them. Who hasn't bonded and become more sociable because they love dogs? So take your friend to work if permitted and enjoy a beautiful experience!.

 Remember, even if your boss and co-workers occasionally make your life a living hell, your dog is a little slice of heaven who will always love you no matter what!

Check the link below for more details regarding 'Take Your Dog to Work Day"
http://www.takeyourdog.com/About/

“Never love anyone who treats you like you're ordinary.” 
― Oscar Wilde

"And there is no end to illusion..."

“Dream delivers us to dream, and there is no end to illusion. Life is like a train of moods like a string of beads, and, as we pass through them, they prove to be many-colored lenses which paint the world their own hue. . . . ”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

     Chicago natives, OK Go have a portfolio of some of the most remarkably creative videos ever assembled including "Needing/Getting", filmed on a race track obstacle course with microphones strapped to the bands helmeted heads while maneuvering a speeding vehicle.  Being accompanied by a rocking out gang of high school marching musicians for the video "This Too Shall Pass"  endeared them to band geeks across America. The memorable and adorable "White Knuckles" featured the ensemble interacting with some truly talented canines.  The bands 2006 award winning video for "Here It Goes Again " was directed by choreographer, Trish Sie. The video was shot while the band members performed on treadmills in one long continuous take. 

     So it comes as no surprise that OK Go chose to debut "The Writing's On the Wall", the first video single from their latest album Hungry Ghosts ( due out in a few months which you can pre-order online) with a similarly clever mind boggling experience. Enjoy the optical massage. 

 To watch  OK Go's  brand new video for 'The Writing's On the Wall"  click on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m86ae_e_ptU
     

“This is a wonderful day. I've never seen this one before.”

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
― Marcel Proust

      Especially for Father's Day,  I am re-posting "Gratitude"  the beautifully stunning award winning film by cinematographer, director and producer Louie Schwartzburg. As a visual artist Schwartzburg has been creating the most gorgeous, breathtaking artwork for over three decades. The intensity of his inspirational masterpieces creates a hauntingly memorable experience you want to share with those you love. Who or what brings the gift of joy into your own life? The short film is a  moving reminder of thankfulness for each moment. Do we fully appreciate the beauty and wonder that surrounds us each day? For many artists this is what we are alive for.... 

  "Gratitude" includes profound narration by Brother David Steindl , a musical score by Gary Malkin and  Schwartzberg's captivating time lapse photography. Once again, enjoy. A gift to all. 

"When I say nothing, I say everything."

“The story of life is quicker than the wink of an eye, the story of love is hello and goodbye...until we meet again”

― Jimi Hendrix

       Raise your hand if you had to look up the word "lazaretto" in an online dictionary.  A lazaretto is a place of isolation such as a prison or military hospital used to separate those patients with infectious diseases from the healthy folks . " Lazaretto"  (Third Man/XL Recordings/Columbia), White Stripes founding father Jack White's new solo album is worth the research and exploration. Speaking of infectious, the album will invade your ear canals exploding with bountiful beats and righteous riffs. The eclectic consummate showman has assembled an artful array of kaleidoscopic tracks for your listening pleasure. "Lazaretto" opens with "Three Women," a brash and bluesy hymn that transforms into a sexy, sultry meltdown  "I got three women – red, blonde and brunette,"  and "It took a digital photograph to pick which one I like."

      With bits and pieces of lyrics scraped together from his youthful journals, short stories and  personal heartaches, White has carefully crafted eleven distinct musical mind trips.  Songs flavored with reggae, country and pure pop power will keep audiences genuinely enthused and entertained. The beautifully melodic "Alone in My Home"  and the brilliantly blazing  "That Black Bat Licorice " keeps you captivated. The innovative, daring Detroit darling, White should be voted least likely to ever be boring or mundane in the world of contemporary rock. "Lazraretto " will find devotees  hitting play again and again. 

 ... and speaking of incredible musicians, Happy Birthday to my multi-talented nephew Drew on June 13th. Love you! 

     

"Heartbreak is life educating us."

"I've seen a look in dogs' eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts."-John Steinbeck

     According to recent data published by the Humane Society of the United States over 2.7 million perfectly healthy adoptable cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters each year. The Greek word "euthanize" means "good death" and although we may use euphemisms such as "put down" or "went to sleep" these softened complaisant words will never lessen the impact of knowing millions of animals are senselessly slaughtered due to irresponsible human behavior. The harsh reality is that human beings are the cause of pet overpopulation. Healthy, loving adoptable animals are paying for our mistakes with their lives. With spaying and neutering programs, responsible breeding and the abolishment of puppy mills we have the power to prevent overpopulation and a potential companion animals certain death sentence.

     Animals killed in US shelters are almost always euthanized by intravenous injection, typically using a very high dose of pentobarbital or sodium thiopental. Unconsciousness, respiratory then cardiac arrest follows rapidly, normally within thirty seconds. Observers generally describe the method as leading to a quick, painless and peaceful death. Leading up to the moment of death is another story. Some frightened animals may stay in a shelter for months or a mere week before death due to overcrowding. Organizations that lack room and resources will likely euthanize animals more quickly. If animals remain unclaimed or are not adopted out within a certain time limit they have no choice but to be killed.

     Euthanasia in an animal shelter is typically carried out by a veterinarian or a veterinary technician working under the veterinarian's supervision. Often animal shelter workers are trained to perform euthanasia as well.  Until the US and other countries around the world face the harsh reality and examine the root causes of overpopulation all efforts for its control will be less effective. For the sake of millions of innocent animals we cannot continue to look away.

"Heartbreak is life educating us." George Bernard Shaw

"This is a call to all.."

"I've experienced great things, I've experienced great tragedies. I've done almost everything I could possibly ever imagine doing but I just know that there's more."- Dave Grohl

   
     The highly anticipated Sonic Highways documentary series is set to debut this fall on HBO. Written by Foo Fighter's front man Dave Grohl with Mark Monroe, and produced in conjunction with Therapy Studios, James A. Rota and John Ramsay, the series will explore the magical aura and rich history of music studios around the country.
      Featured studios include Steve Albini’s Electrical Audio in Chicago; Rancho de Luna in California; and Washington, D.C.’s Inner Ear Studios. Sonic Highways will interview the artists who recorded at the studios, revealing amazing tales of musical craftsmanship.  Heart's Nancy Wilson, The Eagle's Joe Walsh,  Fugazi’s Ian MacKaye, Minor Threat and Paul Stanley of Kiss are rumored to be in the spotlight.

   Dave Grohl explained in a recent interview with Billboard, that Sonic Highways will be exploring the musical identity of each studio as well as the sights and sounds of the corresponding city.
      “It’s basically the history of American music broken down to the cultural roots of each place: Why did Chicago become a blues capital? Why did country go to Nashville? Why did the first psychedelic band, Thirteenth Floor Elevators, come from Austin? How did the second line rhythm make its way to New Orleans? It’s crazy.”
       Looking forward to the autumn premiere just might make summer's end a little sweeter.

"This One's for You...

“It is easy to believe we are each waves and forget we are also the ocean.”
― Jon J. Muth

         "Got my toes in the water, ass in the sand." Life is good today. Beautiful. Happy Birthday, June 2nd to my extraordinary sister, Les. Love you. Thank you for reminding me of this song. Life is good today. Fully engaged in our present moment we have the ability to understand we're part of the graceful flow of a gentle wave. It's easier to realize this when we are physically at the beach with our "toes in the water and ass in the sand."  We forget we can recreate the experience internally at any moment. We become the wave. When we sense we may be dragged under water or fail to be who we really are, we have to be reminded we are the ocean. Just as the ocean generates the wave, the mind generates our thoughts. Ancient sages spoke of not changing what we see but how we see it. Are we tiny helpless swimmers drowning in the world's sea of raging storms? Or are we calm, cool Big Kahunas? Are we the powerful surfers who take control of the board and choose to ride our waves? The choice is ours. The choice is always ours.

     Like the ocean tides our time on earth is wave after wave of sadness, suffering and pain but life is also wave after wave of great joy, knowledge and wisdom. Our personal moments are as beautiful, ugly, tense, relaxing, meaningless or meaningful as we to choose to make them. No matter how much our minds convince us we're winners or loser's with "Life's Scratch Off Ticket", we choose to appreciate one million dollars or five. Because honestly, we could lose that cash in an instant. We can lose everything we own as quickly as we can scrub off a  hidden number with a nickle. How we react to good or bad fortune is always our choice. And  in the end, how do we know the difference?  All of us occasionally fantasize about business domination, owning our own private island or being a hedonistic rock star but even "lucky" people who earn millions are truly no happier or content than those who earn pennies. Happiness never has or ever will be a commodity. 

 Here's to riding your own wave.

and special Happy Birthday wishes go out to Angie-June 6th

                             Drew-June 13th & Steve, June 26th

“Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances. ”

“Life is pure adventure, and the sooner we realize that, the quicker we will be able to treat life as art.”
― Maya Angelou

The free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings
with fearful trill
of the things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom

The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing

The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

Maya Angelou

           

“The love that moves the sun and the other stars”

                     A LOVE THAT MOVES THE SUN  :

                     A Memorial Day Tribute and thank you to those we have loved, lost 

                     and  those we have never met.  by Lisa More

                          We are One.

                          I am a part of you.

                          You are a part of me.

                         You are the heart of me who never returned.

                         Standing courageous and brave on a battleship

                         silently waving good-bye to every thing and 

                         every one you ever loved.

                         You are the haunting shadow of the past

                         who chose passion over quiet resistance,

                         who chose noble warrior over gentle stillness.

                          You are the memory that lives in me,

                          selflessly flying missions on the untamed wind,

                          mapping out the intricacies of our future freedom.

             

                          You are a part of me cut open, wounds bleeding

                          heart beating out of your chest with fear,

                          swallowing tears and moving forward into

                          the unknown darkness.

                          We are One.

                          I am a part of you.

                          You are a part of me.

                          We will never glimpse the beauty of the

                          Universe in each others eyes yet

                          every atom we share of our Truth and

                          our legacy gives me the strength to fight for

                          Our peace.

                     

                                                                                

                          

                   

                           

                         

                         

"It's time to begin, isn't it?"

"The unfortunate, yet truly exciting thing about your life is that there is no core curriculum. The entire place is an elective."- Jon Stewart

        If  you are attending commencement  exercises  for a high school student in 2014 the lucky graduate probably made their debut in 1996 like my adorable nephew Jared. 1996 was the year The New York Yankees won the World Series, The Chicago Bulls were NBA champions and the Dallas Cowboys took home the Super Bowl Trophy.
      "Show me the money."  and "You had me at, "hello"." were the most obnoxiously repeated movie quotes from  "Jerry Maguire" . Tom Cruise was the hottest actor and  the music world mourned the death of rap artist Tupac Shakur. Frank McCourt's  movingly tender account of his mother "Angela's Ashes" was the top selling novel.  Dancing the 'Macarena" at clubs and wedding receptions was mandatory and  Mariah Carey with Boyz II Men reigned on top of the pop charts for over a year with the sentimental power ballad, "One Sweet Day". Now that you feel sufficiently ancient, lets congratulate the class of 2014.
      Jared chose a different Imagine Dragon's song for his blog but "It's Time" seems perfect for students and young people who are about to start a new chapter in their lives. 

It's time to begin, isn't it?
I get a little bit bigger but then I'll admit
I'm just the same as I was
Don't you understand
That I'm never changing who I am 

     My nephew has grown up to be an intelligent, hardworking student who excels at almost every endeavor. He is an athlete, musician, comedian, scholar and remains true to himself. These qualities have much to do with his loving, nurturing parents whose combined personalities created a compassionate, caring, individualistic Super Mind. When I discovered the following quote online it reminded me of his Mom and Dad, "I smile because you are my son. I laugh because there is nothing you can do about it."  All of your aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews love you with all our hearts. We couldn't be more proud. Love you.

Congratulations, Jared. You have always been an awesome inspirational force and will continue to be. Carry on.

"And just like a drum I can hear their hearts beating"

 Jake:  "Whatcha wanna be married to me for?"

 Melanie: "So I can kiss you any time I want."- Sweet Home Alabama

     

            Congratulations to Season 18 - Dancing with the Stars- Mirror Ball Trophy Champions, professional ice-dancer, Meryl Davis and veteran dancer Maks Chmerkovskiy. The charismatic duo won the hearts of millions who sensed an ensuing hot and heavy chemistry. Like any riveting soap opera, fans excitedly tuned in to speculate a blossoming romance. During a taped rehearsal segment Chmerkovskiy finally admitted what devoted audience members were dying to uncover, "I want to ravage her and have ice-skating, big, Russian, mean babies. We're going to call them Oleg and Boris. Their nicknames are going to be Bear. Both. One nickname for both."

      When would Prince Maks propose? "Probably tomorrow," he joked.

      Of course those who follow the show understand that Maks has a tantalizing history of  falling for his radiant  "stars". Former dance partner and current  DWTS co-host Erin Andews dated  Maks during and after a seasons finale.  He has enchanted colleague's like the beautiful Karina Smirnoff whom he had a long term partnership and briefly dated Australian hottie Peta Murgatroyd.
       Chmerkovskiy was born in Ukraine. His family, including younger brother Val, also a  professional dancer, immigrated to the United States when Maks was still in grades school. In addition to stirring up gossip and whipping up whirl wind romances, Chmerkovskiy owns and operates a dance studio in New York City. The lovely and much envied Meryl Davis is one half of an Olympic ice dancing dream team.  Davis and partner Charlie White were 2014 Olympic Champions, two-time World champions, 2010 Olympic silver medalists and two-time World silver medalists.

        At one time almost my entire family watched and voted for their favorite Dancing With the Stars couple. My niece even made us glittering voting paddles a la DWTS judges Lynn Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli stamped with "10" 's to hold up during the show.  Even though I've missed entire seasons and haven't been able to catch every episode, my family and friends will attest, Maks has always been my favorite dancer. Now my sisters keep me updated and informed.

     As a matter of fact, my sister Laurie will be celebrating a birthday on May 22nd. She is an incredible  teacher, sister, auntie, wife, mother and a true romantic at heart. The video above, "So Close" from the Disney film Enchanted is dedicated to her.  Like many of us she dreams of a world that dances and sings 24/7, a continuous production of Glee, a life as one great big magnificent musical extravaganza. If it could be gift wrapped, it would be given to you. Happy Birthday. Love you. Make a wish.

"Hope is never silent."

"Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself." - Harvey Fierstein (Tony Award winning actor and playwright)

     What's generating all the social media buzz around Arcade Fire's new video for the previously released song "We Exist"?  Could the hype be centered around the handsome star of  The Amazing Spider Man parading about in drag?  Could it be the intriguing video concept that grabs our attention and mesmerizes our imaginations? Or could it be that Arcade Fire has released yet another memorable angst anthem?  British actor Andrew Garfield transforms himself into a super hero of a more profound nature, taking on the role of a young man struggling with gender identity. Originally filmed live during Arcade Fire’s performance at the Coachella Festival in California back in April, the video has recaptured the hearts of Arcade Fire devotees and piqued the interest of thousands of new fans. 

     Although all songs are open to interpretation by the listener and lyrics are subjective; the basic premise of both the song and the video "We Exist" is empowerment. In an interview with Time Out Magazine, Arcade's front man, song writer and lead vocalist Win Butler confirmed, 

        "There’s a song on “Reflektor” called “We Exist”, which is about a gay kid talking to his dad. In dominant cultures there’s what’s normal, and everything else is abnormal. It’s one of the darker tendencies of humanity to think everyone should fit into a mold."  

      Arcade Fire certainly knows a thing or two about maintaining their unique presence in the placating cookie cutter pop music world. They are an excellent example of a rock band that has refused to be bullied by music executives or compromise their distinctive sound. Thankfully, they've remained true to themselves and continue to impress and empower. 

  

“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”

“To know that you do not know is the best.
To think you know when you do not is a disease.
Recognizing this disease as a disease is to be free of it.”
― Lao Tzu

     

       May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month since 1949. Along with traditional therapies many psychologists and researchers continue to document the amazing benefits and healing power of animals. Pets can serve as important sources of social and emotional support for all of us. Individuals facing significant health challenges such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or severe depression have shown significant improvement in overall quality of life from pet companionship. According to research published by the American Psychological Association  pet owners were just as close to key people in their lives as to their animals, indicating no evidence that relationships with pets came at the expense of relationships with other people, or that people relied more on pets when their human social support was poor or unreliable.  The results of the study were reported in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology^®, published online by APA.

     According to researchers, "  We observed evidence that pet owners fared better, both in terms of well-being outcomes and individual differences, than non-owners on several dimensions,” said lead researcher Allen R. McConnell, PhD, of Miami University in Ohio. “Specifically, pet owners had greater self-esteem, were more physically fit, tended to be less lonely, were more conscientious, were more extroverted, tended to be less fearful and tended to be less preoccupied than non-owners.”

      In the video above, highly decorated U.S Army captain, Luis Montalván would never back down from a challenge serving two tours of duty in Iraq.  However, after returning home from combat, the pain of his physical wounds, traumatic brain injury, and crippling post-traumatic stress disorder ultimately took its toll. Luis Montalvan soon found himself unable to face the challenges of every day life such as climbing stairs or riding a bus to the VA hospital. He began to drink more and more, eventually cutting himself off from all the people he loved. Alone, unable to sleep, alienated and suffering with chronic pain, Luis began to wonder if he would ever recover. PTSD is a debilitating reaction to trauma  that affects a human beings biological and psychological functions. Although not completely understood, those who suffer from PTSD  symptoms have shown incredible response to music, art, and especially companion animal therapy.

     For additional information about Mental Health Awareness Month visit http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/

"The most difficult thing in the world is to reveal yourself..."

"Most people don’t know what they want or feel. And for everyone, myself included, it’s very difficult to say what you mean when what you mean is painful. The most difficult thing in the world is to reveal yourself, to express what you have to… As an artist, I feel that we must try many things – but above all, we must dare to fail. You must have the courage to be bad – to be willing to risk everything to really express it all." – director John Cassavetes (Rosemary's Baby, The Dirty Dozen)

      Do you have a thirst for cinema and a voracious appetite for film?  Get hooked on SnagFilms, a website dedicated to offering advertising-supported documentary and independent films. Films are streamed free on the website, which contains a library of over 5,000 works of art. Filmmakers can submit documentaries at any time for consideration as well. On the site you will find films produced by PBS and National Geographic, on subjects such as The Times of Harvey Milk  and Morgan Spurlock's Super Size Me. SnagFilms was founded in 2008 by internet visionary, Ted Leonsis who also owns and operates indieWire the online publication featuring the independent film industry.

      One of the greatest pioneering film directors in cinematic history, John Huston (The Maltese Falcon, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre) once cast off a key to his creative kingdom,

 " I don’t try to guess what a million people will like. It’s hard enough to know what I like." 

 A priceless gem from the remarkable genius director of Sin City and Machete creator, 

Robert Rodriguez,

" Do not be told something is impossible. There is always a way."

Staying true to artistic vision and insight is what sets most creative people apart from dollar driven Hollywood suits. Produced mostly or completely outside of major studios, independent films allow for comprehensive creative control, uncensored freedom and unapologetic expression. Independent films typically have a lower budget and are often in limited release. With the advent of newer and cheaper technology it's easier than ever before for an aspiring  film maker to produce, edit and distribute a short or full length feature. Although success is sweet, cashing in or selling out isn't the main goal of an indie film.

      What you will  discover on SnagFilms is thousands of  fascinating movies of every genre, short films and documentaries to delight any and all taste buds. The website even offers up shows and mini-series to fulfill marathon movie moments or "binge viewing" weekends. Check out legendary conductor, Leonard Bernstein directing lessons in music theory on Omnibus or watch the incredible Oprah Winfrey in The Women of Brewster Place, a series based on the novel by Gloria Naylor.

       Featured in the video above is two time Leo Award winning and five time documentary nominated film, The Good Son. This feature documentary focuses on former boxer Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini's own personal account of his families history and his own meteoric rise and fall. A tragic battle with fighter  Deuk-Koo Kim would alter Mancini's life forever. The saga of loss and redemption, father's and son's, hope and forgiveness, features actor Mickey Roarke, Ed O'Neil, Sugar Ray Leonard and historic interviews with Kim's own family, including his son, Jiwan Kim. 

The Good Son is currently promoted by SnagFilms and will be available soon.

http://www.snagfilms.com/

"You'll never know how much I miss you."

GLENDA-  A Mother's Day haiku

Your eyes full of love,
burn into the minds of five.
Warm our hearts from inside.

     Among her many loves, music is what burned into my souls memory of Mom. She suffered tremendously at the end of her life. She surrendered to a painful, hard fought battle with cancer the day after my 12th birthday. The morning of her death, preparing to leave for school, as part of our routine since kindergarten she was slathered with good-bye kisses,  " I love you, Mommy."  Walking away, naively believing she would be waiting for my 3:15 pm return to rehash a days adventure, a door closed. A door closed forever. Even though the memory of that twenty-four hours lives on in every cell of my body, it has been refused a power to negate or lessen all the profoundly beautiful moments we bonded as mother and daughter. Being one of her five children, my memories are shared with my sisters and brothers and yet they are distinctly my own. Our perception will never be another persons reality. Our perception is exactly that, ours. No two people will ever experience an event or tell a story in exactly the same way. It's what makes our lives our own extraordinary journey. And for the record, Les, Laurie, Steve and Dave;  Mom always loved me most. (wink). 

     Songs, harmony, melody, lyrics, her voice, the way she moved and swayed when she danced has been seared into my mind. To this day, when one of these cherished songs is heard on the radio or captured online, the floodgates of memory break open wide. During my childhood music constantly played on the stereo, car radio, TV and record players. The soundtrack of Mom's life was downloaded to my brain over twelve years. For this blog there were numerous coveted songs and artists to choose from but the achingly loving sentiment and gorgeous voice of Johnny Mathis says it all. Mom adored him so I grew up loving his music too. She introduced me to The Stylistics, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Led Zepplin, Eric Clapton, The Beatles, Elton John, Sonny and Cher, The Fifth Dimension, Mac Davis, and countless other musicians and performers. She had a crush on Bee Gees front man, Barry Gibb. One of the last songs that really touched her heart was, "How Deep is Your Love".

      "You'll Never Know" goes out to my brothers and sisters and especially to all children who have lost their mothers far too young. Life is just a moment in Time. You can't change events from the past. You can't go back. You can't live there either. Acceptance of the past allows you to move forward and live in the present. The greatest gift you can give your mother is to live a happy, peaceful, loving life in the present moment. Be here now. 

                                                                                      With love and peace always,

                                                                                                                       Lisa

"Looking for the moon, it is here in this wave and the next."

"The moon, like you,
is far away from me, but it's our sole memento:
if you look and recall our past through it,
we can be one mind."

-  Saigo

   Awesome Nightfall

TWENTY-FOUR BRAND-NEW HOURS
By Thich Nhat Hanh

"Every morning, when we wake up, we have twenty-four brand-new hours to live. What a precious gift! We have the capacity to live in a way that these twenty-four hours will bring peace, joy, and happiness to ourselves and others. 

Peace is present right here and now, in ourselves and in everything we do and see. The Question is whether or not we are in touch with it. We don't have to travel far away to enjoy the blue sky. We don't have to leave our city or even our neighborhood to enjoy the eyes of a beautiful child. Even the air we breathe can be a source of joy.
We can smile, breathe, walk, and eat our meals in a way that allows us to be in touch with the abundance of happiness that is available. We are very good at preparing to live, but not very good at living. We know how to sacrifice ten years for a diploma, and we are willing to work very hard to get a job, a car, a house, and so on. But we have difficulty remembering that we are alive at the present moment, the only moment there is for us to be alive.
Every breath we take, every step we make, can be filled with peace, joy, and serenity. We need only to be awake, alive in the present moment. ...""

"Everything that's difficult, you should be able to laugh about."

*"A woman saying "yes" to a date with a man is literally insane and ill-advised, and the whole species' existence counts on them doing it. ...how do women still go out with guys, when you consider the fact that there is no greater threat to women than men? We're the number one threat to women. Globally and historically, we're the number one cause of injury and mayhem to women. We're the worst thing that ever happens to them. That's true! You know what our number one threat is? Heart disease."- Louis CK *

     The wait is  finally over.  "Louie" is  back at last on  FX . End your Cinco de Mayo festivities by tuning in Monday May 5th at 10pm EST. Louis C.K. returns to television after a lengthy hiatus completing among other projects, Oscar winning movie, Blue Jasmine and notably appearing  as a budget conscious FBI director in David O. Russell's, American Hustle. No stranger to accolades himself, the clever, original  writing and performing of C.K. on the much loved "Louie" has garnered this sensationally seasoned comic, director and producer a number of Emmy Awards. 

As the "every man'" philosopher and the attentive, observant father, Louie, the character is off beat, intelligent and somewhat neurotic. He allows us to ponder our own existence every episode from start to finish. Louis C.K., the comedian and writer evokes the same kind of humorous reflection in his stand-up audiences.

 ""I'm bored" is a useless thing to say. I mean, you live in a great, big, vast world that you've seen none percent of. Even the inside of your own mind is endless, it goes on forever, inwardly, do you understand? The fact that you're alive is amazing, so you don't get to say, " I'm bored".

-Louis C.K.

 Genius.