"Moment by moment."

"Don't call it uncertainty- call it wonder. Don't call it insecurity- call it freedom." -Osho

        We all experience moments of nervousness, hyper awareness, fear. Do you perform or speak in public? Are you taking an exam? Are you going out on a first date with a crush? Do you have a job interview?  Many of us get a sinking feeling in the pit of our stomachs when having to face certain events or people in our lives. There is nothing wrong with being nervous. Nervousness shows we actually care about the outcomes of our actions. However, we may notice the more we focus on ourselves, the more anxious we become, doubling our own discomfort. We imagine all the possibilities which lead to failure or disappointing our loved ones. How harshly do we judge ourselves?  Would you judge others so harshly? Where did these negative and critical thoughts originate?
     The real problem is we write stories in our minds that simply aren't true. "If I flunk this exam, I'll never get into college." "If I mess up this speech everyone will think I'm an idiot." " If they don't like me it's because I'm unattractive." " If I don't make everyone happy I'm unlovable." Your mind is constantly busy manufacturing terrible scripts that have nothing to do with the reality of your situation. So take a step back. Breathe. One of the best ways to overcome fear is to entirely rewrite and edit our dramatic scenes. In the eloquent words of author, Pema Chodron, "The future is completely open, and we are writing it moment by moment." How do we refocus our attention and overcome fear and uncertainty?

When we find ourselves in a fearful confrontation our adrenaline  kicks in, our faces flush, our mouths become dry, our hearts beat faster. We become hyper alert and more aware of physical sensations. But if we can cool down and stay calm, we have the ability to refocus our attention on others. Our anxiety begins to slowly dissipate. We refocus on our audience, refocus on being part of a team or refocus on the individual with whom we're speaking. By taking our mental focus away from ourselves we can redirect all that nervous energy and conviction towards our initial objective. Why are we there? Why are we doing what we're doing?

Positive affirmations may sound like pop psychology cliches but we all develop strong mental habits which began in our own minds. We have to replace negative self-talk with positive thoughts. Believe we can't and we won't. Believe we can and we'll find a way. Remember the scene from the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein film, The Sound of Music when Maria was sent from the abbey to act as governess for the von Trapp children?  Even though her future felt incredibly uncertain, she fought back her self-doubt with encouraging words, consoling her frustrations.

  "I Have Confidence"

What will this day be like? I wonder.

What will my future be? I wonder.
It could be so exciting to be out in the world, to be free
My heart should be wildly rejoicing
Oh, what's the matter with me?

I've always longed for adventure
To do the things I've never dared
And here I'm facing adventure
Then why am I so scared?

Read more: The Sound Of Music - I Have Confidence (Maria) Lyrics | MetroLyrics

Why are we so scared of the unknown?  Rest assured, it's normal to desire security. Staying in our comfort zones gives us a sense of safety. Letting go of our need for certainty, letting go of fear little by little allows us to gain more strength and courage. The more courage we gain, the more positive steps we take in obtaining what we really want in life.  Word by word, moment by moment, chapter by chapter, we give ourselves permission to create reality from our own passions and dreams. Each day, we should wake up and realize we are the fearless authors of our own story.



A special birthday wish, March 14th, goes out to my niece.
I will always believe in you, Bri.  Love you, forever.

"Watching the moon."

    "Watching the moon at midnight."

Watching the moon

by Izumi Shikibu

Watching the moon
at midnight,
solitary, mid-sky,
I knew myself completely,
no part left out.

" Use your voice."

"How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!" - Maya Angelou, poet

     

        The first female to become United States Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright was quoted as saying at the 2006 Celebration Luncheon for the WNBA's All-Decade Team,  "There is a special place in hell for women who don't help other women."  Building a worldwide support system for women and girls is crucial for further advancement. True, women in many countries have come a long way but disturbing facts remain. Globally, only 24 % of senior management roles are filled by women.  Each year, an estimated 1.2 million children are trafficked into slavery, 80% are young girls. In some countries the gender pay gap is 15% or higher. 70% of those living in poverty are women and children. So while we have every reason to celebrate our she-roes we must seriously examine why progress is being stalled or completely halted for so many. We must protect our human rights. When we empower ourselves we must find a way to empower others. (photo's above:  First female, African-American astronaut, Dr. Mae Jemison, Sandra Day O'Connor, first woman appointed to the U.S  Supreme Court, Admiral Michelle J. Howard, first female four-star admiral in the history of the United States Navy.)

 

    March has been designated  "Women's History Month" and Sunday, March 8th is "International Women's Day."  Many classrooms, college campuses and international organizations will honor and discuss the inspiring, courageous and often tragic timeline contributions of women in history. Let us also thank our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, teachers, mentors and all women who have loved and supported us on our journey.  Please take a moment to remember all men and women who have fought and those who continue to fight for human rights, justice and human dignity every day, all over the world. 

"And our little life is rounded with a sleep."

"The two big unfixables are aging and dying."-Dr. Atul Gawande, Being Mortal

              The New York Times "Best Sellers Nonfiction Books "list for the week of March 8th, 2015 includes the factual account of a former Navy SEAL and the political memoir of a White House campaign strategist. At number five is a courageous examination of aging and death in our society by masterful author and surgeon, Dr.Atul Gawande. Being Mortal has spent 20 weeks on the best sellers list for its illuminating look at a subject most of us refuse to speak of with much honesty or openness.

    "Hope is not a plan. We find from our trials that we are literally inflicting therapies on people that shorten their lives and increase their suffering out of an inability to come to good decisions."
http://atulgawande.com/book/being-mortal/

      Dr. Gawande's insightful comments come from professional observations as a physician and the personal experience of losing his own father to cancer. With great compassion Gawanda  focuses both on medical procedures and living conditions in later life. He addresses the reality of those nearing the end making their own choices. Living situations are primarily aimed at "safety" concerns at the expense of retaining autonomy, especially when a spouse or adult children are making the decisions. Dr. Gawande shows us how physical conditions are most often treated as medical crises needing to be callously corrected instead of managing pain and ensuring quality of life. Knowing when a treatment is causing greater suffering or has become futile for a  patient is imperative. Gawande eloquently discusses a topic many people fear and yet must face. Being Mortal has been suggested as required reading for those in the medical health care field but it should be seriously explored and contemplated by anyone who faces mortality- all of us.



New York Times Best Selling Combined E-Book & Nonfiction for the Week of March 8th


  10.    THE BLACK COUNT, by Tom Reiss
    9.    YES PLEASE, by Amy Poehler
    8.    BELIEVER, by David Axelrod
    7.    THUNDERSTRUCK, by Erik Larson
    6.    KILLING PATTON, by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard
    5.    BEING MORTAL, by Atul Gawande
    4.    THE BOYS IN THE BOAT, by Daniel James Brown
    3.    WILD, by Cheryl Strayed
    2.    UNBROKEN, by Laura Hillenbrand
    1.   AMERICAN SNIPER, by Chris Kyle with Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice


best-sellers-books

"And now your moment of Zen."

“It is just an illusion here on Earth that one moment follows another one, like beads on a string, and that once a moment is gone, it is gone forever.” ― Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse-Five

                                       

      Currently, fans of late night television have encountered  more changes than a pubescent Peter Brady. David Letterman proclaims his retirement, Craig Ferguson bids farewell, the departure of beloved Stephen Colbert of The Colbert Report and then Daily Show host Jon Stewart announces he's leaving soon. Yes, we adore Larry Wilmore. We've absolutely fallen for Jimmy Fallon. Conan is the coolest. But those of us who have matured nurtured by and admiring  Stewart's uncompromising wit and cerebral satirical style will feel an acute emptiness.("The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: where more Americans get their news than probably should.") Jon Stewart created an entertainment empire at Comedy Central and has introduced us to an amazing cast of incredibly talented comedians and performers including Aasif Mandvi, Rob Corddry, Samantha Bee, Jason Jones, John Oliver, Steve Carell, Ed Helms, Kristen Schaal, John Hodgman and Jessica Williams to name a few. Even though we know change is an inevitable part of life, our attachment to a four nights a week fake news guru is a powerful force. Sadly, in the end, like all things, we must let go.

Jon Stewart's words of wisdom.


“Insomnia is my greatest inspiration.” 

"Why is it that if you take advantage of a corporate tax break you're a smart businessman, but if you take advantage of something so you don't go hungry, you're a moocher?"

"Fatherhood is great because you can ruin someone from scratch."

"I like not to be good at anything, so I keep hopping around."

"I’m not going to censor myself to comfort your ignorance” 

 “By the way, when you finish the bottle of Crown Royal, you can still use the pouch to hold your broken dreams.” 

“If everything is amplified, we hear nothing.”

“The internet is just a world passing notes around a classroom.”

“The Westboro Baptist Church is no more a church than Church's Fried Chicken is a church.”

  "You know what they say: If at first you don't succeed, f**k it.” ―  The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents America (The Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction

The wild places are where we began. When they end, so do we."

“For most of history, man has had to fight nature to survive; in this century he is beginning to realize that, in order to survive, he must protect it.”
― Jacques-Yves Cousteau

         What is an endangered species? Why should all of us be active and more concerned with this issue? Its a fact, the destruction of a single habitat affects many species of animals, plants, insects, and other organisms. The biodiversity of adjacent habitats will remain altered forever. An animal species that is endangered is at serious risk of extinction throughout most or a significant portion of its range. A species is considered " threatened" if it is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. Right now, around the world, the destruction, modification, or restriction of habitat resulting from human activity such as urban development, deforestation, mining, and pollution are the greatest threats to our wildlife. In addition human exploitation of an animal species for recreational, commercial, educational, scientific or other purposes results in diminished populations. Disease,  displacement from invasive species and competition among animals for resources are also driving numbers down.

       Why should we care? Due to a global increase in air and water pollution, forest clearing, loss of wetlands, and other man-made environmental changes, extinctions are now occurring at a rate that far exceeds the speciation rate. Every extinction diminishes the complex diversity of life on earth. The loss of  one single species may result in few environmental changes. Where we are failing miserably and selfishly is the realization that all life on earth is interconnected. When our species or living  connections are destroyed, whole ecosystems fail,. Thrown off balance, our own survival will be jeopardized. The diversity of animal and plant life provides us with food and many of our life-saving medicines. When a species is destroyed, the benefits it may have provided will be gone forever.

    What can you do? Get involved. Join an organization which truly fights for the survival of all animal species such as the World Wildlife Fund  http://www.worldwildlife.org/initiatives/protecting-species  or  The National Wildlife Federation http://www.nwf.org/news-and-magazines/national-wildlife.aspx . Educating ourselves and our children is free and its something we can all do. 80% of Americans strongly support ending all commercial trade in elephant ivory in the US. Sadly, the US is one of the largest importers of ivory. The beautiful elephants we see slaughtered by illegal poachers in documentaries and news stories continue to be killed because US citizens and those in other countries consume ivory products. Make sure our government officials are passing and enforcing laws to stop the trade. Protecting elephants, tigers and rhino's from extinction is our collective responsibility. These magnificent creatures have the right to be here and the right to live. If we continue to stand by and do nothing but watch their destruction we are only destroying ourselves.













"The wild places are where we began. When they end, so do we.”
― David Brower

"From the East Coast to the West Coast."

“Tradition is a guide and not a jailer.”
― W. Somerset Maugham

       
      Sunday, February 22nd, 2015 from the East Coast to the West Coast of the US there will be action packed excitement and the moving presence of pageantry and tradition. Start your engines at 1 PM  EST for the 57th annual DAYTONA 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on FOX  from Daytona International  Speedway- Daytona, Florida. Actor, Vince Vaughn, star of 20th Century Fox’s and New Regency’s soon to be released comedy “Unfinished Business,” ( in theaters March 6th ) will serve as Grand Marshal. Recording artist Kid Rock will perform. Be sure to catch the spectacular opening ceremonies as for the fifth straight year, the world-renowned U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will provide a breath taking flyover during the finale of the National Anthem. The Thunderbirds feature six F-16 Fighting Falcons. The squadron is composed of 12 officers and more than 100 enlisted Airmen serving in about 30 Air Force career specialties.
          With over 43 drivers The Daytona 500 was the first 500-mile (800 km) auto race to be televised live green flag-to-checkered flag on network television when CBS aired it over thirty years ago in 1979.  http://www.nascar.com/en_us/race-center/sprint-cup-series/daytona-500.html

     On the West Coast live from Hollywood at 7 PM EST ,  The OSCARS keep us entrhralled and entertained with a long tradition of honoring the finest in film making. http://oscar.go.com/   The 87th Academy Awards ceremony will be hosted by popular stage, screen and television actor Neil Patrick Harris. The very first Academy Awards ceremony was held in private and the winners were already revealed three months prior, far different from the glamorous highly anticipated public spectacle it is today. In fact the first gala was staged at the Blossom Room banquet hall of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Approximately 270 people attended the May 16, 1929 event as guest tickets could be purchased for a mere $5. Fast forward to 2015, now actors, directors and producers are courted with expensive cuisine, over flowing gift baskets worth thousands of dollars and the "ordinary folk" can follow the ceremony with a simple smartphone app. Oscar.com , the OSCARS online companion website actually took home an Emmy Award for "Outstanding Creative Achievement in Interactive Media". Check out all the nominees  http://oscar.go.com/mypicks  Even events close to our hearts, deeply rooted in years of rituals and convention change. From female stock car drivers to interactive OSCAR after parties some traditions follow a natural flow of evolution.
                                                 



http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/Tickets-Events/Events/2015/Daytona-500/DAYTONA-500.aspx

"The shadows will fall behind you."

"Turn your face toward the sun and the shadows will fall behind you.”
― Maori proverb

10,000
       -Wu Men (Wumen Huikai) poet


Ten thousand flowers in spring,
the moon in autumn,
a cool breeze in summer,
snow in winter.
If your mind isn't clouded
by unnecessary things,
this is the best season of your life.

"In the longrun we get no more than we have been willing to risk giving."

"In the longrun we get no more than we have been willing to risk giving."-Sheldon Kopp, author, psychologist.

                           If you love movies more than you love Valentine's Day then you've chosen an acceptable week to attend the theater. Opening this Friday, February 13th:

Kingsman: The Secret Service  reveals an ultra-secret spy organization who recruits an unrefined street thug to train for a super high powered program fighting global threats and sinister masterminds. The film has been denounced by some critics as a gratuitous violent graphic novel come to life featuring the ultimate Bond-esque British gentleman, Colin Firth. The film was directed by Matthew Vaugh (X-Men, KickAss, Layer Cake) and stars Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Caine, Mark Strong, Taron Egerton and Mark "Luke Skywalker" Hamill. But if fast-paced thrill-a-minute,smash, smack slap, jab, jaws to the floor action and suspense is too much, how about a saucy S&M love story slightly less rough and tumble?

Fifty Shades of Grey opens on Saturday, February 14th.  Based on the 2011 best-selling E.L James novel, the movie introduces newcomers Dakota Johnson and Jaime Dornan. The screenplay was written by talented British writer, Kelly Marcel (Saving Mr. Banks, Terra Nova) and directed by Sam-Taylor-Johnson. Many critics have railed against the lack of female pleasure visible on screen and seem to believe the movie is oriented more towards the thrill of male dominance. Unfortunately, many women who were intrigued by the eroticism of the book may be disillusioned with the performances. So if you're planning on seeing the movie for a first date be prepared to squirm uncomfortably in your seat like a Catholic nun at a Magic Mike review or take mental notes for some spicy experimental recreation later.  However, "disappointed" is not the sexiest "safe" word.  

If you  truly want to play it safe wait a week and see the inspiring Disney family film,  Mc Farland USA which premieres on Friday, February 20th.  Directed by Niki Caro, the film portrays Kevin Costner as a cross country coach for a small California town.  Based on a true story, a passionately persistent teacher transforms a team of athletes into championship contenders. (Trailer featured above.)
Also in theaters soon.
 The Last Five Years with Anna Kendrick,
 What We Do in the Shadows  -February 13th

February 20th

Hot Tub Time Machine 2 -starring Adam Scott, Thomas Lennon
Focus  with Will Smith
Maps to the Stars with Juliann Moore, Robert Pattinson, John Cusack
Little Boy
The Duff
Everly starring Salma Hayek
The Lazarus Effect
 '71                          

"And the songs of every poet past and forever."

"Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along." ~Rumi

          As Valentine's Day approaches many of us think about who, what and why we love. We may reflect on what it means to "fall in love", be "head over heels" or "love struck". Is it lust or love? Is it an infatuation or a crush? Is true love holding on forever or letting someone go?  Each one of us has or will have a "first love". Some of us have married our first loves. Some of us will never speak to our first loves again and others may be quietly pining away in hopes of one day reuniting. If you have a heart it has been broken, it will likely be broken again, it will bleed and it will beat wildly at the sight of your affections. We may have a soft heart or a hard heart but all hearts keep us breathing and alive, and as long as we are alive we are capable of loving again and again or always.

    The poem below was penned many years ago for my "first love". Even if your heart has been broken, the experience of  loving and being in love is profound. When our relationships end we swear will never love someone again, but we do. This is the power of love.  Despite the many infatuations, crushes and heartaches to come, he was the first. Like photographs in our mind, each person we have loved is part of our story and leaves a beautiful imprint on our hearts.

Radiation Man 

by Lisa More

To my curious artist, who contemplates
angles with a discriminating eye
Brushing the canvas, he colors rainbows
ashen and black
Drowning in azure blue, I know the
angelic pout of a sensitive soul.
"What?" " When?" "Why?", he asks.
Looking up from the Gita, softly
I whisper "Namaste", smile and continue to read.
How can I explain the unknown?
Spiraling around our hearts
the universe.
Yin and Yang melt in embrace.
Each blink of an eye photographs a memory
captured in the mind.
Weaving his pictures
they are dark and obscure like Lynch
He is sand lured by the waves of the sea
and what he sees is illusion.

   


A special Happy Birthday to my nephew, Jared. Love you.

"Guess what? I've got a fever and the only prescription is.."

"To me, clowns aren't funny. In fact, they're kinda scary. I've wondered where this started and I think it goes back to the time I went to the circus and a clown killed my dad."

- Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey

          40 years ago, technology pioneers Bill Gates and Paul Allen developed a BASIC program for the Altair 8800 computer, NASA launched the Viking 1 planetary probe toward Mars, Bruce Springsteen released his third album, "Born To Run",  director Steven Spielberg's thriller "Jaws" was number one at the box office and Saturday Night Live debuted on NBC. Turning "40" never looked so "marvelous".   

        Most of us have grown up along side the celebrity cast changes, the memorable catchphrases, the personal tragedies and the comic triumphs as each week SNL capped off  a purely entertaining week in review for the  American public. Many of us have our favorite sketches, characters and spin-off movies as we may enjoy the present shows and  bask in the nostalgia of years past.

      If you think about the sheer amount of  raw talent SNL has developed it's impossible to deny its been a real laugh factory, churning out star after star. From Gilda Radner to Chevy Chase and Tina Fey to Jimmy Fallon, the list of writers, comedians, actors, musicians and entertainers who launched careers on the SNL stage is note worthy and truly amazing.

   Executive producer and creator, Lorne Michaels told The Hollywood Reporter when asked about the 40th anniversary special:

  

     "The rules we used were these: Every host was invited. Every musical guest was invited. Any cast member and writer who had been here longer than a year was invited. Not everybody is going to come. The other rule we used, which was just the simplest way to go, was if people sent back their RSVP, they were in the mix of people we could write for. On the 25th anniversary — which turned out remarkably well and was the first time I thought, "I could stop now and be good" — we did mostly live moments with tape and clips. This time, we have some of that, but we're doing more performances."

     The  40th Anniversary celebration begins at 8PM EST, Sunday, February 15th. 

"Find another planet, make the same mistakes."

"Spend some time to float in outer space
 Find another planet, make the same mistakes
 Our mind's all shattered when we climb aboard
 Hoping for the scientist's to find another door." -
"Lampshades on Fire"- Isaac Brock, Modest Mouse

                     The Top Ten Alternative songs for the week of February 8th, 2015 include music from the illustrious Foo Fighter's, Imagine Dragons, Cage the Elephant and an eclectic crew of accomplished musicians who will release their first full length album in 8 years, Modest Mouse. Strangers to Ourselves will be available on March 3rd but the pre-released track "Lampshades on Fire" is already at number 8 on the Billboard charts. The albums delayed premiere may have been prompted by the departure of founding bassist Eric Judy and the frustration of clicking with the right collaborator's, including rumors of track production with former Nirvana bassist, Kris Novaselic  and Outkast's Andre "Big Boi" Patton.

     "Lampshades on Fire"  was first featured live during Modest Mouse concerts and provides us an eerie rhythmic metaphor for our future environmental self-destruction. Listen to the track above, the top ten list is below:



10. Figure it Out-  ROYAL BLOOD

 9. Rollercoaster- BLEACHERS

 8. Lampshades on Fire- MODEST MOUSE

 7. Take Me to Church- HOZIER

 6. Stolen Dance- MILKY  CHANCE

 5. Something  From Nothing- FOO FIGHTERS

 4. Shut Up and Dance- WALK THE MOON

 3. I Bet My Life- IMAGINE DRAGONS

 2. R U  Mine? - ARCTIC MONKEYS

 1. Cigarette Daydreams- CAGE THE ELEPHANT

"Happiness is the best thing in the world."

"“I shall take the heart. For brains do not make one happy, and happiness is the best thing in the world.” 
― L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

              From coast to coast frenzied football fans will gather together in crowded bars or living rooms gleefully trash talking opposing teams this weekend. Ice cold tasty beverages in hand, a heart burning heap of Buffalo wings balanced on the knee, as arm chair quarterbacks mentally control the outcome of the entire season finale if they just scream at the TV screen loud enough. Are we ready for some hard hitting, fast and furious, cheering, charging action? Are we imagining the spectacular stunts of the Seattle Seahawks  vs. the nimble ninja-like New England Patriots?  No!


       Team Fluff  vs, Team Ruff? YES!  Puppy Bowl XI or "11" if you're too lazy to look up Roman numerals will begin Sunday, February 1st at 3:00PM EST on Animal Planet. A tremendously talented tribe of goat cheerleaders will be featured for the first time this year but once again the half time extravaganza will be purrrrferectly performed by adorable cute n'cuddly kitten, Katty Furry.  For information about the Puppy Bowl XI's adoptable starting line up check out this link: http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/puppy-bowl/

                   
                 

"Everyone should have time to play."

"  I currently make a living writing and telling jokes and I will never believe that. Thank you, Universe. And holy sh%#."-Sal Vulcano , Impratical Jokers

     "Impractical Jokers" premiered on TruTV,  December 15, 2011 and will introduce all new episodes Thursday, January 29th at 10pm. The show follows the hysterical antics of four New York  City friends who have known each other since childhood, comedians Brian "Q" Quinn, Joseph "Joe" Gatto, James "Murr"Murray,  and Salvatore "Sal" Vulcano.

( The Tenderloins  http://thetenderloins.com/ comedy troupe ) 

     The premise of "Impractical Jokers" is conquering the challenge of over the top public pranks as the guys are filmed by hidden cameras.  What makes the show truly unique from other prank programs is unfiltered spontaneity. Unlike other prank programs such as "Jack Ass" or "Candid Camera" one or more of the performers may be acting out a hilarious dare as the others remain behind the scenes feeding them lines. Watching the amusing cohesiveness of the four friends while they crack each other up is just as entertaining as the pranks. You never know whats about to transpire as evidenced in the clip above. The show is intended for adult audiences. So if the blustery winter weather is leaving you icy cold, cuddle up and chill out with "Impractical Jokers"  for some serious laughter therapy. It's a guilty pleasure you'll want to indulge.

http://www.trutv.com/shows/impractical-jokers/index.html

" Paw prints on our hearts."

“Without close and reciprocal relationships with other animal beings, we're alienated from the rich, diverse, and magnificent world in which we live.” ― Marc Bekoff, The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy - and Why They Matter

         January 24th is Change a Pets Life Day. This special day was created to encourage pet adoption and spread awareness about animal welfare. Shelters across the U.S. participate by offering reduced adoption rates and spaying and neutering education.  If you have ever owned a pet you understand how animals enrich lives. Cats and dogs provide us with companionship, unconditional affection and many times motivate us to adopt healthier life habits such as exercise or learning how to relax. Encourage friends to adopt from a local shelter or rescue, foster a pet or simply volunteer to assist others in finding a match. There are millions of adoptable animals waiting for a home. 

     Below is an excerpt from an article that I wrote almost two years ago about an adorable rescued cocker spaniel who changed my life forever:

"Maddie was the most beautiful cream colored cocker spaniel and the first dog I've ever owned. Her soft golden fur felt like velvet to the touch. She loved snuggling and giving endless kisses. When she looked at you her big chocolate brown eyes seemed to melt any heart and peer into your soul. Excitedly, she greeted each new day with enthusiasm, wiggly spaniel behind, a "good morning" lick on your face. Time to get up, Human! She owned me from the very first day we met to the last graceful breath that shattered my heart. She allowed me to feel joy and happiness in her presence just as I feel joy and happiness at the mere thought of her now.

.......Maddie inspired me to participate and write for the prevention of animal abuse, spaying and neutering and dog fighting law campaigns. My love for her unleashed even more of my compassion not only for dogs but all animals. She expanded my awareness. Owning and loving Maddie allowed me to connect to other organizations that utilise the power and amazing gifts that dogs bring to the world. Service dogs are trained to allow disabled veterans more freedom and aid returning soldiers with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Daily, dogs serve our military and emergency services with courage. Service and companion animals assist the blind, those suffering from seizures, the elderly and even help children with Autism and learning disabilities.

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?
Even as the grieving and healing process continues for Maddie, perhaps there will be another dog in the future. But there was only one Maddie Mooshie Diamond Lotus Buddha. When the time is right I will be ready to be owned again. There has yet to be a word created in the English language to define ALL that encompasses Dog. DOGS ARE LOVE. Maddie was truly a beautiful, happy, affectionate, loving sweetheart. She is missed every single day. However, I know I am a better human being for having her in my life for twelve unforgettable years.
Thank you, "My Little Buddha" . You will always bring me happiness. "


Naturally, humans assume saving an animal is changing their life but many humans will be surprised at just how much animals change our lives..forever.

" Everything. Just as it is."

"The whole moon and the entire sky are reflected in one dewdrop on the grass".-Dogen

 

         

 Eyes burn in my mind

 recognition in a flash

 branded by a glance

  

"Looking for something different?"

   

 "I’m beyond excited to have this chance to continue my relationships with Comedy Central and the brilliant, Jon Stewart.  I love the city of New York and promise to only wear my Laker t-shirts when I’m layering.”- Larry Wilmore, Comedy Central

                  


               True, you may recognize the multi-talented writer and producer, Larry Wilmore as contributing "Senior Black Correspondent" for the Daily Show, but Wilmore began his impressive career as a stand- up comic and actor. He has appeared in movies such as “Love Bites,” “Accidentally on Purpose”, " Dinner for Schmucks" and “Happy Endings.”  He has written for the hilarious sketch comedy show “In Living Color" and “The Jamie Foxx Show" as well as "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air".  With the late brilliant comedian, Bernie Mack, Wilmore co-created  the award-winning “The Bernie Mac Show,” taking home an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series.  He has appeared in episodes of  the critically acclaimed comedy "The Office" and acts as consulting producer. He is executive producer of the new ABC hit series “Black-ish,”. His first book, “I’d Rather We Got Casinos and Other Black Thoughts,” was released to an enthusiastic fan base by Hyperion Books in 2009.  His newest adventure is at the helm of The Nightly Show which premiers, Monday, January 19th at 11:30 on Comedy Central.   http://www.cc.com/shows/the-nightly-show

            The Nightly Show is said to" feature a diverse panel of voices " discussing current events from a unique perspective. No doubt the show will be highly entertaining considering  Wilmore's normal laid back, skillful, satirical style and appointed Lead Writer, Robin Thede, known  for her exceptional work with a Los Angeles based all-female sketch-comedy group. Executive producers for The Nightly Show are Wilmore, Emmy Award winning writer and stand-up comedian, Rory Albanese and the incomparable Jon Stewart.  So if you are " looking for something different" all the cool kids will be watching The Nightly Show debut on Monday.
     
      

"Freedom from fear."

"Imagine a world in which we are all enlightened by objective truths rather than offended by them." ~ Dr.Neil deGrasse Tyson, 2014

             

               On Sunday, January 11th millions of French citizens gathered side by side with notable world leaders through out Parisian streets. Journalists described the somber scene as the most monumental demonstration in the history of France.  Rallies were also held in cities around the globe including Tokyo, London and New York, not only to mourn the tragic loss of seventeen innocent French murder victims including police, journalists and cartoonists killed at the headquarters of "Charlie Hebdo," a satirical magazine in Paris but come together to fiercely defend freedom of expression.  French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius stated on i Tele TV,
 "The terrorists want two things: they want to scare us and they want to divide us. We must do the opposite. We must stand up and we must stay united.” 

          Why is freedom of expression so crucial for all of us?  Freedom of expression is imperative to democratic systems of self-government and especially here in the US because it allows the American people to check and balance our governments corruption or excess. To ensure the American people have power over their elected government, they must be educated, well-informed and  most importantly have access to all available ideas, different points of view and unfiltered information. The greatest breeding ground for prejudice, hatred and ignorance is oppression. Tyranny is why extremists thrive in certain areas of the world. Extremists gain power by suppressing education, tolerance and basic human rights.

     Our right to express our thoughts, play with "good" and "bad" ideas, criticize and satirize freely with others affirms our own creativity and unique individuality. Every man, woman and child was born with human rights, deserves dignity and should be allowed to fulfill their own potential. Freedom of expression encompasses so  much more than free speech or free press, it is a true expression of our own humanity which must be actively exercised and protected every day we are alive.

"Film as dream, film as music."

"Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.”
― Victor Hugo

   

              The 72nd Golden Globe Awards ceremony honoring the very best of film and American television will be held Sunday, January 11th. Hosted once again by the beautiful, brilliant duo, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, both highly esteemed writers, comedians and actors in their own right. With over fourteen main categories the focus of the evening is undoubtedly film. But could there really be a full genuine cinema experience without a film score?  Internationally renowned composer, Aaron Copeland once eloquently stated, "To stop the flow of music would be like the stopping of time itself, incredible and inconceivable.”    The ebb and flow of sound in a film score is a powerful medium for setting tone and atmosphere, creating mood and stirring our sentiments like no performance or special effect ever will. Whether subtle or intense, listening to music accompanying a film or television show has an undeniable affect on our emotions. Listed below are a few film soundtracks you may have unintentionally ignored.

     This year the nominees for BEST ORIGINAL SCORE - MOTION PICTURE

  LEXANDRE DESPLAT  for THE IMITATION GAME

 JÓHANN JÓHANNSSON for THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING - including The Dreams That  Stuff Is Made Of. (video above)

 TRENT REZNOR,, ATTICUS ROSS for GONE GIRL

 ANTONIO SANCHEZ for BIRDMAN 

 HANS ZIMMER for INTERSTELLAR

For a full list of all nominees:

http://www.hfpa.org/nominations-2015/

"..of strength and tragedy"

"Human slavery is a robust multi-billion dollar industry...only drugs and weapon dealing are more profitable."-Dr. Noel Bridget Busch-Armendariz

         It is estimated that more than 20 million men, women and children around the world are victims of human trafficking or a form of modern-day slavery. Victims are subjected to coercion, intimidation, threats of physical violence and brutality to serve the purpose of commercial sex or forced labor. Victims are typically vulnerable young children, homeless teenagers, poverty stricken men, women and families but it can happen to any one of us. Traffickers utilize various techniques to control their victims, keeping them enslaved for months, years or an entire lifetime. Under lock and key, chained, imprisoned is how many traffickers hold victims in inescapable bondage. More frequently other less detectable techniques are used such as isolation from the public or limiting contact and constant monitoring, isolation from family, friends and community, restrictions of ethnic or religious associations, confiscation of visas, passports or identification documents. Traffickers use threats of violence toward victims or their family members, shaming, control of the victims' money or holding money, debt bondage or placing an enormous financial obligation or undefined debt on the victim forcing them to" earn" their right to freedom which many will never experience again.


       Trafficking human beings occurs around the globe, including here at home in the United States.
 "Human Trafficking Awareness Day" is dedicated to raising our perception of human trafficking and sexual slavery worldwide. The designation of  January 11th began in 2007 by the United States Senate. The United Nations has begun to highlight this disturbing topic to work tirelessly towards global awareness.
      What can you do? First be aware of the products and services you use. Do the companies use child or forced labor? Be a conscientious consumer. Check out  http://www.dol.gov/ilab/. Take steps to investigate or encourage companies to eliminate slavery and human trafficking for their supply chains and to actively inform and publish information for consumer awareness.

     United States residents call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center
 1-888-373-7888  Help is available 24/7. Connect with a service provider in your area, anonymously report information or a tip on potential human trafficking activity.

 Visit http://www.polarisproject.org/ for more information.

" Stories in the air...."

" A bird is three things: feathers, flight and song. And feathers are the least of these." -Marjorie Allen Seiffert, poet

         Go outside, sit down, relax and close your eyes.  Listen carefully. What do you hear? Some of us may notice the rumbling of traffic, people bustling, life swiftly moving down gritty crowded city streets. Some us may hear the occasional lonely beagle howling in the distance or the vibrations of an airplane engine gliding high overhead.  Listen closely to what remains unconsciously tuned out. Bird songs. 
        Monday, January 5th is "National Bird Day". "National Bird Day" is a campaign to educate and bring about awareness of the increasing plight of wild native and exotic birds around the world.   Birds are an especially important species because they serve as barometers of our delicate ecosystems.  Due to loss of habitat, disease and the illegal pet trade songbirds and many of the world's parrots are endangered. According to recent research almost 12% of the worlds nearly 10,000 bird species may face extinction within the next century. Why are birds so crucial to our planet? Like all other species,  birds keep our earth in balance.  Birds not only disperse seeds,  they eat insects and mosquitoes, they pollinate plants and help recycle nutrients back into the earth. Birds scavenge dead carcasses preventing diseases, predict weather and climate changes and welcome in each season of our lives.
    For more educational information about "National Bird Day" or additional resources visit:

                     http://www.audubon.org/   or http://www.nationalbirdday.com/


   It is difficult to imagine a world without birds. They are an immediate reminder of nature and much too often, like many creatures that surround us, birds are ignored or simply seen as a nuisance or unimportant.  From the largest falcon to the tiniest of hummingbirds, they help sustain the earths resources and have allowed us to dream. Birds were our first instructors of flight, inspiring us to soar as we imitated their precision. We admire how gracefully birds spread their wings and fly from place to place, encouraging our own freedom. The echos of their beautiful songs have influenced  countless engineers, scientists, musicians, sculptures, painters, writers and poets. Please continue to preserve and honor them with avian education.

     


   "So you must persist in asking
    where my heart goes all the long, cold night.
    Like following trails left by birds
    who vanished with yesterday's sky."
                                Koho Kennichi