Of Note: Invisible Children

A Note On Kony 2012 --

With over 80 million views, Invisible Children has sparked a movement of young people, through YouTube, social media and highlighted a warlord that has long been wanted by the ICC. Through content made for children with the simplest explanation of Joseph Kony and his atrocities in Northern Uganda, the organization has been able to raise awareness and money to support their cause. They encourage students and viewers to buy media and help make Joseph Kony famous so that Congress will pay attention and help fund military operations to bring Kony to justice. 

But the campaign has not been without criticism. Invisible Children CEO, Ben Keesey and Film Producer, Jason Russell have made a number appearances on NBC, CNN and other media outlets to answer for their intentions. The organization has been drilled over their financial distribution, a perceived western-world driven campaign and even why they're producing a film that has been a story for more than a decade. 

Granted, CNN interviewed Jacob Acaye, featured in the Kony 2012 film who says it's not too late, especially if Kony is still kidnapping children, making them child soldiers and raping young girls. He says the mission is important and he wants justice for he and his brother, who was killed by Kony. While there are Ugandans who support and are part of the campaign and Invisible Children's programs for education and assistance, others are raising a red flag.  

A couple of days ago; the campaign's producer, Jason Russell was detained by police after reportedly being drunk in public and stripping to his underwear in Pacific Beach, San Diego. He was taken to the hospital for treatment and Invisible Children released a statement saying he was hospitalized for "exhaustion, dehydration and malnutrition. The past two weeks have taken a severe emotional toll on all of us, Jason especially, and that toll manifested itself in an unfortunate incident yesterday"

So the question remains: was the campaign a good idea? Or were there self indulgent intentions behind raising funds to make Kony famous? Immediately, those defending the campaign would say no. They might blame the projected media attention or the pressure of such a large campaign. 

Interestingly enough, activists in Uganda conducted a screening, bringing thousands of Northern Ugandans, some former victims of Joseph Kony to view Russells film and join the debate, react to the content. And the result, documented by Al Jazeera, was anger and distrust. For some, it comes from the fact that Kony no longer exists in Uganda. Reports indicate that he has gone into the bush somewhere in the Democratic Republic of Congo. For others, they want to call attention to the Ugandan government leaders who allowed the LRA's atrocities and still some feel as if Invisible Children are calling them weak, patronizing them and their pain.

Ultimately: while they may have had some pure intentions identifying a terrible villain to a new generation; Invisible Children seems to have more to answer for; their strategy was to take Joseph Kony and turn him into a celebrity. To a culture who has spent years (and still is) recovering from the fear of this man and his oppression, turning him into a celebrity, putting him on T-shirts and posters, to them, shows an ignorance on the part of the organization. For many Ugandans, Jason Russell is missing the point and doesn't understand their need or their view of justice.  

Ironically, then, the point is: it's important to be open to understanding the customs and culture of people groups that you're trying to represent. One, two or five does not represent an entire country or an entire region. People need to see your humility before their see your capability. Learn from them, then help them. And be honest, as a non-profit organization, you're held at a higher standard, so complete transparency is key. Then again, there must be a balance: don't put yourself so closely in the public eye that even cause is just about an image, and it looses the flavor. Be willing to morph and change when perhaps, just maybe - the means doesn't bring a justified end. 

Will Joseph Kony be caught? Eventually yes. Evil men cannot stand. Will Invisible Children have helped with their awareness campaign? Maybe. 

What happens Next, God only knows, and Time will tell. 

video blog 1: ...road trip blues...

From My Twitter Yesterday:

funny little story, my car overheated. Oye, need some yes n lovin...spe-cial.(T-MINUS 10 HOURS BEFORE TAKE OFF)

Beginning 2wonder if my car troubles are a sign from Above that im not supposed to leave the beach. (AFTER 2ND TIME CAR STEAMED, FILLED WITH ANTI-FREEZE)

Car lame again, a lil Bosen music to laugh the desert heat away while we wait....

Just witnessed a fishy exchange bt the tow truck guy, a wad of cash, & a mystery vehicle. ....haha.

Will soon b headed to vegas for free...

 leaving socal by tow...after 11 hours. Mmm

In Vegas, ate a lil sub, waiting to hear back on the car, new mechanics seem reasonable. Exhausted!

eyes tired, glasses all day, looking forward to shower sometime in the future. still aghast it took us so long to get to vegas a typically 4.5 hour drive....still waiting on car update.

Funny story: the ol' green klunker didn't survive. The adventure continues.... ;)

for those of you wondering: i'm safe & sound with a cousin in the Vegas - we ate food, i showered, watched home videos - and laughed at our silly 80s hair -- now i'm researching....peace & love my hippies. i miss you all.

documentaries unknown- update

nearly half way through the month of august and i haven't updated you. i'm terrible i know. but here we are and i have a few moments to keep you in the loop. 

putting together a film, much less a journalistic documentary, is not as easy as it sounds. first, there's the planning. the content must be worth its weight & gold. the story has to be relevant, appealing and most of all directed toward an audience that either wants to hear it or needs to hear it. 

more-over, it's important to note that, particularly in the media focused generation we live in: the documentary, the story must be visually intriguing and capture attention. if it doesn't - then who cares and one might as well give up from the start. then again, evaluation of time, research and effort must also be taken into account concerning the worthiness of the story. 

so it was: some time ago, i opened up a new idea, for a documentary film that had personal passion as well as unique spin to an old tale. most prominently, the topic deals with women. 

but i digress, just a little. 

after the idea formed, it took time to write down on paper, succinctly, but effectively appeal to a friend and director who -- with skills --- that could help me bring the documentary to life. it wasn't difficult, but now we both face the process of gaining our audience and ultimately supporters. 

we have subjects for the piece, ideas for the set up, the plot is easily in place and even the time and type of effort necessary are in tact. but we're missing a couple things: 1) financials. yep, every film, no matter how big or small needs a budget and expenses rack up quick. 2) nailing down professional sources so as not to look like we made it up. 

ironically, #2 is easier than it looks. in fact just days ago, i met one such source who's thoughts on how present statistics in a way that will drive the message home and solidify the information we're presenting. it will also legitimize the generational turn of women and their quest for empowerment, confidence in the 21st century. 

all this to say the meeting went well. and since raising aid for the project in such a short amount of time didn't lift off (and Heaven knows it does take time and is harder than it sounds): i'll regroup with my director and change the course just a tad, so the coming days of planning, filming, editing, traveling and submitting become that much easier. 

as for the coming days: i will be traveling cross country, and truthfully, may just have a few surprises along the way.

for now friends: peace & love.

Window Pain: Don't Just Stand There

it's become the current controversial video. eminem and rhianna band together for a music video that scratches deep into the intensity of domestic violence. the song carries and eerie and even beautiful melody but the controversy swirls around two people who have experienced, participate in the pain of it's lyrics. while some believe that eminem writes the song as a glare on his problems with former wife kimberly anne scott- who he has divorced twice; eminem stated in an interview that he wrote the song, partially, with rhianna in mind- and unsure whether or not she would come on board. nevertheless, the video has raised flags. why? mostly because the song offers no real resolution in the end and because the video uses glitzy actors and therefore the violence seems glorified. others want to know why rhianna would sing such a song in the aftermath of her tumultuous relationship with chris brown.

but i would like to add a few things here, and why, i can at least appreciate - perhaps the unclear message- and it's surrounding issues. first and foremost, everyone knows that eminem likes to rile up his audience, and in this case, i think it's a fine piece to get people talking- about the ramifications of domestic violence. his intention or not, let's take it for what it is. it's important to note that meagan fox, who stars in the video - has donated all of the money that she would receive to a woman's shelter - one that takes in and caters to victims. finally, for the video itself: it may be "hollywood quality" - as is any war or complicated depiction in film (it's what they do) - and rhianna may even still be suffering some of the pain she endured in her recent relationship, but sometimes, pain can create - artistic things not only in the lives of it's audience, but call attention to those that need to hear it  for their own good and turn something wretched into something beautiful.

it's true, the video doesn't offer that happy ending we all want and crave. but who's to say that it couldn't inspire those who suffer to take steps toward bravery, and a deeper healing? the fact is the abused do run back to their abuser many times before they develop enough strength to leave. the love, the hate- it's all there, and it.is.terrifying. it's a sad truth- but real. there are a plethora of both women and men who swallow domestic violence in their homes each and every day-  this is what it looks like and sometimes worse. so why not ask: how can we help them out of the pit they are in? and what message should we be offering- perhaps one of hope, perhaps one of love....?

those who live and have lived in such desperate situations have done so alone in the dark and in confusion. maybe it's time they know they're not alone anymore and maybe it's time to promote a discussion that, while difficult, is often ignored. perhaps such a shocking video and touchy subject can be the very thing to say- "this is the way [out]...walk in it."

"therefore i am going to allure her; i will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her.
there, i will give her back her vineyards, and make the valley of achor [trouble] a door of hope. there, she will sing as in the days of her youth..."
hosea 2.14-15

click here for the national domestic violence hot-line website

trippy and loathing it

"And that, I think, was the handle - that sense of inevitable victory over the forces of old and evil. Not in any mean or military sense; we didn't need that. Our energy would simply prevail. We had all the momentum; we were riding the crest of a high and beautiful wave. So now, less than five years later, you can go up on a steep hill in Las Vegas and look west, and with the right kind of eyes you can almost see the high-water mark - that place where the wave finally broke and rolled back"

(raoul duke)

last night; my friend maggie took me to intermezzo cafe for a little celebration treat. this was the second time in a week that we'd been here, and ironically for a second turn, our conversation lead to effect that illegal drugs have on a person's brain. what began this most bizarre exchange was my mention that i had recently watched the "cult classic," if you can call it that- fear and loathing in las vegas. johnny depp's portrayal of hunter s. thompson - though called raoul duke in this instance- is rather cinematic to say the least and it was one film, that well, i was glad ended. not to say that the plot, nor the narration didn't hold any ground or message, but since the entire film is one big drug trip, interrupted by scenes of intense vomiting, it's safe to say that one viewing is enough for me. the fact is: i can handle guts and gore of a war film or perhaps a solid action flick, but vomiting, my friends? well, that's just where i draw the line. stomaching that- makes me want to hack it back up in regret.

nevertheless, the film gave interesting insight to man known for being a revolutionary in his own right, and i suppose, i could cross the line and say thompson was down right crazy. but he was known for participating, madly, in his stories. this called: gonzo journalism. not only so, but his extensive drug and alcohol use was common knowledge.

ironically the film plays out a journalist sent out on a story about a motorcycle race and he drags his friend and proclaimed attorney - the two ensue in an alternate world "adventure," if i dare say, that is seduced by lsd among other insane substances. the hallucinations are awkward and uncomfortable. and my friend, maggie, says to me: "that movie is my anti-drug." good thing, her stories are fascinating and wild enough without tales of 3d scaley lizards in a bar.

johnny depp's pose of the thompson character displays serious indignity. but i admit that the draw beyond this illicit man's brain had some perspective to offer in the run down of a dwindling movement 40 years ago. then again, has history repeated itself to the point where this film remake is testifying to a modern societal downturn in a failed utopian pursuit?

persons unknown

nbc's summer drama, persons unknown, is a bit of a tag to the ending of abc's lost. now granted, i never got into lost, and i should probably give it a second try. and i'm certain, that for lost fans, persons unknown won't compare. however, the mysterious show has kept my attention and i'm interested in what happens next. s

even people wake up in an abandoned hotel - without a clue as to who would kidnap them or why. cameras surround the island ghost town as well as electro-shock security and no identifiable way to get out. there are mysterious door men and asian cuisine  that do not seem to know any more than the constituents do about their presence in the town. the camera rocks back and forth between and full screen characters and the eye of the cameras watching them- creating an eerie and bizarre horror film thriller. not only so, but from the outside - a journalist is following one of the disappearances and his interest could get him injured, if not killed. the dialog and writing are simple, maybe too simple among the characters and it's obvious that the plot is nothing new, but i suspect that the odd twists and turns of the storyline will, at the very least, keep an audience in tune. 

i do wonder, however, if the show might be too intense for a summer fling. nbc's shows have struggled for one reason or another in the last couple of years, and thus far, abc is trumping their ratings with the bachelorette and true beauty after just three episodes. it's also been reported that it was originally created for syfy -and certainly - that comes out in the various scientific problems they tackle to solve throughout the course of the show.  it is also being directed by none other than michael rymer (battlestar galactica, which i whole-heartedly enjoyed). nevertheless, nbc picked it up. 

needless to say, if you're in need of a crime, mystery-thriller, this might be worth watching. 

eight days...

...until the official launch of the untamed focus media website. i know what you're thinking, "untamed...what?" it's been a little known secret for a long time, but when i started pursuing photography and film, and old dream of mine began to take shape and i am thrilled at the opportunity to spread my wings a little further. on june 1st, 2010: a gallery a photography, film projects in the making and way for you to contact me and be part.

Captive in North Korea

Role Call

The Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s was one of, if not the most prominent movements in U.S. History to date. The Civil Rights Bill was signed in 1964. But what came before and what came after are events remembered by those who were involved much more than L.B. Johnson's signature. 

Friday afternoon, I went to the Atlanta Film Festival's, Crossing in St. Augustine: a documentary of the events that took place in Florida right before the passing of the bill, and events that Andrew Young, akin to Dr. King and his cause, participated and fought for among the St. Augustine community. 

Long before Young and even King arrived: the stirrings, in what is believed to be the United States' oldest town, were already getting heated. Teenagers were beginning to realize that the severe segregation in the community was not right and they were taking it into their own hands to protest White Treatment. Their devoted leader, and community dentist, Robert Hayling helped push them and guide them to make a stand for their rights and tried to do so peacefully, following the SCLC message. 

The summer of 1964 was certainly the most explosive. The town's officials were grossly unaware of their prejudices against the black community and even advertised that they were among the first to provide services and education. Nevertheless, integration did not exist. As the boomer children began to recognize their limits- assigned them by the white community, they grew to realize that action needed to be taken. During one day side march; six youths under the age of 18 stopped for a break and a burger. When they were refused and would not leave, they were arrested, and told by a judge that they parents must sign a form barring them from protesting until they were 21. Four of them did not sign and were sentenced to prison.

Following, protesters in St. Augustine became known for their night marches, mostly to accommodate working men and women who could not join during the day. They were stopped, met and beaten by members of the KKK. Their fellow white friends and neighbors that joined the marches were often yanked from the crowd and beaten even more.

Andrew Young had actually been sent to Augustine in hopes to quiet the protests (as Dr. King was concerned for violent outbreaks with the Civil Rights Act on the line). He had intentioned to turn them back, as some had been found w/ weapons, and teach them the art of non violence. However, they were not willing to give up fighting for their rights and so he stayed to teach them. One night when he led them to the "crossing" street --he was met with severe blows to the head and kicked fiercely on the ground. He didn't realize all that had happened until 2006 when he saw the footage.

Nevertheless; he got up and kept moving w/ the people. Less than a month after Young's arrival in June- a significant event took place that just may have pushed President Johnson to sign the Civil Rights Act into Law (July 2, 1964). A Hotel owner, James Brock, poured acid into a pool in order to get protesters out. The picture found it's way around the country and the world.

Crossing in St. Augustine applauds all the heroes from that summer, from that year, both members of the black community, the protesting white community and even the journalists that participated- that received beatings and even those who were out to attack the black community. In way, Andrew Young noted, they were "unsung" heroes- for if they had not resisted equal rights to the extent in which they did, St. Augustine might not be given the credit due for what was needed and what happened there.

Mr. Young presented a powerful message, a peaceful one. He provided a history lesson that is important to remember, particularly b/c the town often refuses to address its past.

I was pleased with how the film presented itself. And I hope that continued progress will continue for the people of St. Augustine in the light of this film.

Peace, Love...Tunes

Woodstock: the (in)famous concert that is believed to have defined a culture or rather, a subculture. Three days of peace, love & music...that was their anthem, their slogan and one of the largest mass gatherings in history.

I recently finished the 4-hour long documentary film as well as finished reading The Road to Woodstock by Michael Lang (the brain behind the banner).

I was immediately drawn into the film by the intimate overview of the scene. Throughout the movie- the music kept coming with the opening act from Richie Havens, to songs from The Who, Janis Joplin, Canned Heat, Santana and Jimi Hendrix. In between each two-song set, the film cut to the "happenings." Everyone was covered from the kids who attended the festival to the towns-people scrambling to make food for as many as they could to the port-a-potty plummer (no joke). What caught my attention was how many of the officers and towns-people complimented kids attending, noting that they were pleasant and mannerly. At one point, two men were caught on tape arguing- one said, in a very bitter tone, "they're all happy and on pot!" while the other contorted "well if it makes 'em happy, then why not let 'em have it? we got to feed them, what else are gonna do?!"

The film often went to a split screen of multiple "events" taking place, for example- a reporter interviewing on person in one window, and naked people taking a bath in another. It was an amusing site.

But, I would have to say that the part that stuck out to me the most is Santana's set. He was a new artist at the time and according to Lang's book, one of the latter artists to be signed. His set was one of the longer ones in the film and apparently was the first band to really get people on their feet dancing. At one point, Santana's drummer slipped into an incredible solo. The documentary did a fantastic job showcasing the drum talent with an overlapping-triple split screen: I felt like I could have been part.

Ironically though, Woodstock was not with out backyard drama among the organizers, the town and the musician's managers. Hendrix's managers insisted more money than what Lang & his team were offering anyone and had to settle for splitting him into two acts (an acoustic set at the beginning and the last performer) and therefore two payments to justify a $30,000 compromise. The Who caused problems from the moment they arrived and included rude occurrences at the local hotel accommodations. For some artists, half of their agreed payment was due upon arrival to the Woodstock site, and of course, by that time, the organizing team didn't have a dime and and John Roberts pulled out family funds to make up for the loss. And estimated 500,000 people went to the event, after losing track ticket sales and collectors, fencing problems, it became a free....and the masses swarmed- and stayed through rain and mudslides.

Despite the financial disaster; Lang said that it he felt the weekend had been a success, both interviewed in the film and written in his book 40 years later. Even Max Yugsar, who owned the land, thanked the crowd for being able to show the world that they could gather so many- peacefully and respectfully -against the critics.

Lang's book definitely provided an in depth view of the chaos behind the scenes, while the film itself- grazed the surface of bohemian expression and incredible music.

I'd have to say my only eye-brow raising moment was Michael Lang's comparing the weekend to the 2008 Inauguration. The political accomplishment for Barack Obama- while seemingly symbolic for it's moment could not truly be characterized what would come for better and worse. Not only so, but Woodstock-- the people, the weekend, the music, the equality and even the substance abuse-- will long live judged for that weekend alone. The Inauguration, in my opinion, will fall by the waist side and the political figure will be judged by his Presidential run. Nevertheless, I will agree that today's generation shows some reflection of a previous one.

He's on a Horse...

Let's start the month off right, with a little humor and the probably the best commercial out there right now-

"Meet Me in Montag..."

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is one my all-time favorite movies. If you've not seen it, well the video may not make sense...but it's a love story, backwards. As it begins w/ two people who are fed up w/ one another on a quest to erase each other, and along the way, they re-ignite why they fell in love in the first place. Two of the most diverse characters finding each other...again, through memories. We all have moments when we need to be reminded of who we are, and people we love, and why we love them- and sometimes, we even get a second chance. To erase one's memory is to erase a purpose. Enjoy...

...to keep kids off drugs...

have you seen the new anti-meth ads? the montana meth project has certainly done a fantastic job at scaring its audience. i have heard parents criticize the fact that the commercials are running during prime time television or even daytime television when their young children may be watching. true the images are disturbing. and true, prime time may not be the best hours to air the ad: but then again, drug users are getting younger and younger. the popular d.a.r.e programs of the 80s don't seem to be doing the trick any more. it almost seems appropriate to be realistic, and unfortunately the truth about the drug is scary. what do you think?

Happy New Year!

A good review of 2009-Hope you enjoyed your New Year's Eve ....thank God for 2010

Everyone Has a Best Of....

Why should I exempt myself? It's a fun game of picking my favorites and you think I'm either right on, or way off. Either way, I get the chance to display some of my Favorites from the year 2009. Are you ready to jump for joy because my picks are groovy? Or perhaps you are ready to burst into tears at my terrible taste? Here I go!

**Top 5 Commercials of 2009:
(5) Playstation 3 makes me laugh. Coming in at number five is their newest commercial for the PS3, which advertises the blue-ray capability. It starts with a young teen complaining that his Grandmother can't stop watching movies while he's waiting to play. A representative of the company comes on screen to brag about the cool feature and remind the kid that his Grandmother used to push a hoop with a stick. A stick...a stick. Laugh out loud quality commercial.

(4) Number four: Victoria Secret's latest Christmas commercial. Producer Michael Bay (Transformers, Pearl Harbor, The Island and Friday the 13th), was asked to be involved with newest promotion of gorgeous lingerie. And he shows us that Charlie's Angels doesn't have to be cheesy! Between scenes of beautiful women in the rough and delicate feminine stages, Bay creates a sensory image for the customer that wants to make sexy a statement. The music choice - "Merchant of Death" from the Iron Man soundtrack. It's as if the intent is to make these models heroic. I'm a fan of the product anyhow, as are most women, and now I feel like I'm in charge. A solid vote from me.

(3) Next up: I nominate Stand by Me by Playing for Change. It was more than an incredible idea for a music video; it promoted unity across the globe. It called attention to the homeless on the street, an issue I certainly connect with, and the non-profit organization made a name for itself, raising money using the music of many street performers to grab the public's attention. Playing for Change has since made other amazing videos with similar themes and voices and they were given a top 10 spot on best album list for the year by the Associated Press.Beautiful!

(2) Running 2nd is a Viral commercial. A small ad agency in North Carolina, called Boone Oakley created a cartoon parody of what other agencies do and what they do. What's funny about it is the level of comic honesty the stick-figures express (and I'm putting that lightly). I'm not joking. I couldn't help but laugh out loud watching this and it was more of a "what-on-earth-that's-hilarious" sort of laugh. Ironically, at then end of the commercial, when they rolled their demo reel, I immediately recognized a Ruby Tuesday commercial that had circled the web and even TV. Despite their low-key status and not residing in a big city, they seemed have made a name for themselves just by being creative. Fantastic.

(1) Finally: Levi Jeans' "Go Forth" campaign has impressed me the most this year. It is a campaign that brings the old and the new together. Levi's campaign created a retro feel and went bounding through America seeking the identity of rising generations...soliciting that under it's name-brand jeans. Not only do the commercials recite century old poems, but the cinematography expresses the beauty and the depth of youth at the same time. The colors fade tainting to black and white, flashing between simple and sexy images that are as profound as everyday people. They've posted short documentary spots on their Facebook page that target communities around the country. They allow the public to post creative writing samples and photography on their website. They even donated $100,000 dollars to Charity: Water. And after all that: I want to buy a pair of Levi jeans an be part of it all too. Brilliant!

**Top 5 Music Videos of 2009
(5) In November Rihanna released her album, "Rated R," along with single and video Russian Roulette. I have never been a huge fan of Rihanna, as I felt, previously that the young star's voiced sounded forced more often than not. But this year, she has matured in a unique way. After her frightful incident with former boyfriend, Chris Brown, earlier this year, she took her pain and emotions and put them into incredible music. Russian Roulette is a tell tale of an abusive relationship and the video itself shows a woman's inner battle - her inner battle in getting out of the relationship. It also show split second scenes that seemed to replay her struggle. Her voice as well drenched with passion and ease.

(5) Tied at number 5, just because I couldn't make up my mind- is Beyonce's Sweet Dreams. Beyonce's videos from "I am Sasha Fierce" have been truly dynamic. They have showcased her vocal ability as well as her dance ability, and I'm loving it. Sweet Dreams not only is a great dance video, but just as in a dream, the colors and effects are rather surreal, from the her outfits to the floating glass after she busts through a mirror. It's an extremely sexy and visually appealing video.

(4) Weezer makes the chart for me this year. Recently released I Want You Too video and featuring Sara Bareilles. While the album does not contain this version, I found it impressive that Weezer pulled in Bareilles' talent to duet the song in a laid back recording video. The casual session resonates with the indie rock/pop sound despite the fact the Weezer is under a major label. It's simple and gives the song a fun image of two people falling in love, and enjoying life together. Fan-tas-tic.

(3) From late 2008 and all 2009 year long, Lady Gaga has made and HUGE impression among audiences of all types. I have a great appreciation for the talent that Lady Gaga has and uses in every avenue of her music. From her voice, to piano to her dance ability, she really has what it takes to draw a crowd and rise to the top of the charts. She is the first ever to have 4-Number-1 singles of of any album. With a re-release and some new tunes to follow-up of The Fame, Gaga rolls out a resounding new video to accompany "The Fame Monster": Bad Romance. The song itself carries ode to Alfred Hitchcock in the lyrics, and combines dance with a colorful Russian-Mafia type story. Her voice bellows through longer notes and her changing appearance throughout the video sheds Gaga's faces - both beautiful and, well, interesting to say the least. Amazing video.

(2) Coming in half-way, I pick Jordin Sparks, Battlefield. The song itself is a bit "anthem-y" and the video gives a very simplistic view of that. But it's important to note why this video really sticks out to me. Watch Jordin's face at about 2 minutes and 43 seconds in: the moment is a split second but it shows the determination of the song~ the sadness of struggle but the drive to move forward and conquer the challenge of a difficult relationship.

(1) U2's "No Line On The Horizon" has been a dynamic album this year. Complete with a 360 world tour, the band has once again shaken it's audience into excitement. One of the most incredible songs on the album, Magnificent, comes in as the number one video. It opens with the sun shining bright and the mystery of a glorious city covered under sheets as if it is being prepared to unveil significant beauty. From scenes of Bono's worshipful state to the revelation of unique people and the emasculate stone city, the song lifts the listener to think higher. Even the lyrics are truly compelling: "I was born/I was born to sing to You/I didn't have a choice but to life you up." Simple, beautiful, praiseworthy, Magnificent.

Honorable Mention: 2009 has been one of the most interesting years for the world of Music. The world lost one of the greatest inovators of pop music: Michael Jackson. Stepping beyond the Jackson 5 and growing up in front of our eyes, Jackson entered the 80s with a few dance moves no one could imagine to try. His album, Thriller, one of the most successful albums of all time. So in honor I will list on of my favorite dance videos of the Jackson era: Smooth Criminal.

So now the question is: what do you think?

Perfect Silence

"Prayer is sitting in the silence until it silences us, choosing gratitude until we are grateful, praising God until we ourselves are a constant act of praise"
~Richard Rohr

What silences you this Christmas? What stills your mind? What forces you attention so much so, that you are rendered speechless?

The season is at hand and in the last 24 hours, any sign of restless has ceased to exist. Oh, sure, it's the season to be busy...but what is busy but the insane commercial promotion of a beautiful holiday?

It doesn't need to be filled with gifts, but rather people- those that you love the most and perhaps even those you don't. It doesn't need to be overwhelming, instead, let it be a time to slip away from the daily stresses that grab our attention so much more easily than silence.

Yes, the noise of our work places, our phones, our challenges can seem so loud. But maybe just perhaps....instead, think on things, or go out and do the things that bring joy to life: hug your child, give the poor, smile once more in the day, keep in mind that the beauty of this holiday, is more about how we give ourselves than what we receive from others. The very meaning of this holiday is of course, that we were given- the greatest gift of all from One that loves us most, LIFE.

Let silence be a way of life. End this year, start the next in a life of gratifying rest-- that your life may display all that it was created to be.

Happy 40th Birthday!

In honor of the Sesame Street's 40th Anniversary (and as a proud American), I thought I would share one on my favorite characters. Certainly, as a child, I thought he was the funniest, and now, so many other reasons to love...Oscar the Grouch. Wink.



*Little known fact: as I've just recently learned it, myself, Aerosmith covered Oscar's song...how much COOLER does that make Oscar?!

U2 Should Have Seen it Live

The crowd's voices began to rise with anticipation as U2 walked toward the stage. The twitter remarks went ballistic with excitement, and so- in all their glory, began a beautiful serenade live from YouTube.

First of all, the fact that technology has given the gift of live concert viewing is, in itself, incredible. But beyond that, I find it fascinating that U2 gave it's fans a chance to get a little more connected, as many may have missed opportunities to physically attend this year's 360 World Tour.

The concert opened up with Bono's vocals easing into the song, "Breathe" and continued non-stop for close to 2 and half hours, ending beautifully with "Moment of Surrender."

In tune with their humanitarian spirit, the band pointed to many peaceful leaders around the world that have made a difference~ such as Nelson Mandela, and a special tribute to Aung San Su Kyi, who has been the focal point of persecution by Myanmar forces. Bono even tacked on a rendition of "Amazing Grace," as if in a state of worship. It was beautiful.

This certainly was the closest I have been to a real concert by U2, and certainly plan an appearance in the coming future. I was impressed. In all his thank you's; Bono thanked and asked the crowd to pull our their cell phones, in an attempt to joke, he said, "I'll text ya later," but with the intention of a final, and cheesy wave of lights....which actually, turned out to look like a city at night or perhaps, even more, a constellation...a patter of stars in the sky.

The Rose Bowl stadium, and its sea of fans made the live streaming experience truly unique.

Vincent

A bit of Tim Burton's creativity...for Halloween....(wink)

House MD~ Season 6

It's a week away...