Wednesday, March 30, 2011

A Great Way to Close the Month

I'm learning that you will never be great just as an individual full of ideas and couldas. You must not only dream, you must also do. You must not only take, you must also give. You must not only exist, you must also live. In this life, the light is only on for a brief time, share it.



Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Must See: Beautiful Boy


2010 Toronto Film Festival Winner

The Laboratory of Life

March 28, 2011
DailyOM
Take Action

There is a popular misconception that we might be able to just wish our dreams into being. Maybe on some other level of consciousness this is the case, but here on earth what we need to do is take action in our lives. Vision is an important companion to our efforts, but it can’t accomplish anything all by itself. When we focus on what we want and ask for what we want, we are initiating a conversation with the universe. Our desires, passionately defined and expressed, bring about valuable and relevant opportunities, which we then respond to by either taking or leaving them.

Many of us are afraid to step out into the world and make things happen, and so we hang back, dreaming and waiting and watching. There are times in life when this is the right thing to do, but this phase of inaction must eventually give way to its opposite if we are to build our dreams into a reality. This can be really scary, and we may fail and struggle, but that’s okay because that’s what we’re supposed to do. Waiting for everything to be perfect before we act, or waiting for what we want to be handed to us, leaves us waiting forever. No one expects us to be perfect, so the best thing we can do for ourselves is to get out there and take action on our dreams.

One of the hardest parts about having a vision is that when we test it in the laboratory of life, it often comes out looking completely different than what we had in mind or, worse, it doesn’t come out at all. If you read the life stories of people who have brought their dreams into reality, you will hear many stories about this experience. But you will also hear about hard work, taking action, perseverance, and, finally, the successful birthing of a dream.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

A Brief History of Film Intros


via MyModernMet

Villa Geldrop


Located in the Netherlands, this articulate four bedroom was designed by Hofman Dujardin Architects. They wanted to allow tremendous amount of natural light to flow through the open spaces in the axe-shaped foundation. The villa also includes a dining room, kitchen, study area, and play area.

Make the Difference


The Thai Military Bank has launched a new campaign: “Make the Difference” with a film meant to inspire people to work harder and smarter to help positively change the world.

The Panyee FC challenged convention and became a great inspiration for new generations on the island. This film is based on a true story.

“City Silhouettes” by Jasper James




From Beijing-based, British photographer Jasper James

Super-Electro 918 Spyder

Porsche 918 Spyder – Plug-In Hybrid Supercar







For Press Release, Click Below

Taking the Risk & Accepting Our Calling

March 22, 2011
DailyOM
Permission to Be Real

Most of us are familiar with the idea of keeping it real and have an intuitive sense about what that means. People who keep it real don’t hide behind a mask to keep themselves safe from their fear of how they might be perceived. They don’t present a false self in order to appear more perfect, more powerful, or more independent. People who keep it real present themselves as they truly are, the good parts and the parts most of us would rather hide, sharing their full selves with the people who are lucky enough to know them.

Being real in this way is not an easy thing to do as we live in a culture that often shows us images of physical and material perfection. As a result, we all want to look younger, thinner, wealthier, and more successful. We are rewarded externally when we succeed at this masquerade, but people who are real remind us that, internally, we suffer. Whenever we feel that who we are is not enough and that we need to be bigger, better, or more exciting, we send a message to ourselves that we are not enough. Meanwhile, people who are not trying to be something more than they are walk into a room and bring a feeling of ease, humor, and warmth with them. They acknowledge their wrinkles and laugh at their personal eccentricities without putting themselves down.

People like this inspire us to let go of our own defenses and relax for a moment in the truth of who we really are. In their presence, we feel safe enough to take off our masks and experience the freedom of not hiding behind a barrier. Those of us who were lucky enough to have a parent who was able to keep it real may find it easier to be that way ourselves. The rest of us may have to work a little harder to let go of our pretenses and share the beauty and humor of our real selves. Our reward for taking such a risk is that as we do, we will attract and inspire others, giving them the permission to be real too.


March 17, 2011
DailyOM
Worthiness
The issue of worthiness may come up in many areas of our lives, as we ask, often unconsciously, whether we are worthy of success, love, happiness, and countless other things, from supportive relationships to a beautiful home. In the end, though, it all comes down to one thing: our willingness to claim our space in this life as humans on this planet at this time. When we accept our divinity, we no longer question whether we are worthy, because we know that we are meant to be here to fulfill a particular purpose, a purpose that no one other than us can fulfill.

There are no replacements who can take over and live our lives for us, no other person who has had the experiences we have had, who has access to the same resources and relationships, who carries the same message to share with the world. Our purpose may be large or small, and in most cases it is multi-leveled, with important actions taking place on the interpersonal level, as well as in terms of the work we do in the world. Small acts of kindness share the stage with large acts of sacrifice, and only through accepting and honoring our divinity can we know what we are called to do and when.

Ultimately, we are all equally, exactly, completely worthy of being here in this life. Moreover, we are all essential to the unfolding plan of which we are each one small, but important, part. If we suffer from low self worth, it is because we have lost track of understanding this truth, and allowing it to guide our actions in the world. Seeing ourselves as part of something larger, as beings called to serve, is the ultimate cure for feelings of unworthiness. In the end, it’s not about evaluating ourselves as worthy or unworthy, so much as it’s about accepting that we have been called here to serve and taking the steps required to listen and respond to what our lives are asking us to do.
via DailyOm

Worth the Watch: "United We Rise"



For more info, click peop1e

Monday, March 21, 2011

The Future of Gaming

Years ago the Yoostar Entertainment Group release 'Yoostar,' which allowed 'normal people' like you and me to have a part in some of the best movies and television scenes. The game is a video karaoke of sorts, judging individuals performance along side some of Hollywood's biggest stars.

About two weeks ago, Yoostar 2 was released for the Xbox 360 Kinect and PlayStation Move.

"To populate the Yoostar clip library, in-house artists digitally erase actors or other key figures in a licensed film or television clip. The company has patented this technique as its proprietary Active Immersion Technology"

Some top scenes include: "This is Sparta & Tonight we dine in hell," "I'll be back," "One-man wolf pack. & Oh, Lord – it's Mike Tyson," and "Stifler's mom."



Technology will only continue advancing and I look forward to the future of gaming.

Color Me World


Bo-Kapp, Cape Town, South Africa


Pelourinho, Brazil


Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy


Colorful Old San Juan

To view more, click here

Monday, March 14, 2011

To Be or Not to Be, You Decide



As I sit here, a bit sick and finally relaxed and digesting the last 72 hours of my life, I begin to recognize the beautiful things I have learned: the importance of traveling lightly, the idea of taking care of something if you love it and remembering your focus, your mission and what's really important in life (this of course will vary from person to person).

Day 1 - Travel Lightly
After a tiring weekend of helping people move and relocate several parts of their life (including myself) throughout the chaos which we know as Hollywood, I began to think so much about the things we possess in life.

Friday night, I had plans for dinner and clubbing, but from the hours of 6 to 10, I found myself in the situation of working overtime for a job I did not even ask for. As I kept questioning myself, "what the hell did I get myself into" and "why aren't people totally honest with each other,' everything begin to be overshadowed by the amount of useless crap I saw before me as I helped transport stuff from a U-Haul into an apartment, and then the reverse for someone else.

Why do some of us feel the need to possess so much stuff? Why can't we be content with solely the necessities of life? And why does it take 'aches and strains' to realize that maybe, we do have too much of the things we really do not need.

Yogi Bhajan once said, 'a principle in life to remember is to travel light. You are traveling all the time. Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light." By being light not only on our toes, but also on our backs and arms, we are able to get further, much faster. By traveling light, we gain a peace of mind like no other. We become free.

Day 2 - Take Care of the Things You Love

Saturday night as I strolled down the stairs with my hands in my pockets, I noticed they were not very deep. But keeping up with the Hollywood lifestyle, I thought I looked good and kept walking towards my destination anyway. A few hours later and a few drinks down, I began to loosen up as the alcohol allowed Hollyweird to become more comfortable. Couch hopping and mingling from hour to hour turned out to be a blast, until I reached in my pocket for a phone that was not there. Finally, the needed reality started to set in. 'Why aren't you being more careful,' my conscience began to ask me as emotions began to flow.

Have you ever lost something, inanimate or not , that you truly loved? Why did you lose it? Could it be that you truly did not care 100% for it, or maybe that you took it for granted solely because you began to get comfortable? Why is it in our nature to become so comfortable with things in our lives? And why does it take losing them, to realize how much we loved them?

I can not do anything about the past, but the future is definitely mine to create as long as I am alive. With all my future technologies, toys, relationships and etc., I will focus on loving and appreciating them more, if I truly care. With this one life that we are all blessed with, it is simply to be or not to be - to do or not to do.

Day 3 - Remembering What's Important

Finally it was Sunday, a day in which I could focus on transporting my own stuff into my first apartment ever. I thought it would be a day to remember and it definitely was, but not for the reason I hoped for.

Point blank - I was exhausted in mind, body and soul. I had just spent the entire weekend, which is mostly meant for rest, to work just as hard as I did during the previous week. I had no phone, my emotions were high and my energy was rather low. Again, my conscience began to talk: "what's really important to you in life?" "Why did you really move to Los Angeles?" "Why, why, why," as I walked down the street conversing with myself, blending in with all the crazies in Hollywood that once had a dream - once.

Throughout the last two weeks, I worked my ass off and during those weekends, I partied even harder.

But that is not who I am.

When Shrek tells Donkey, 'ogres are like onions,' I realize he is talking about people like me. I can not live a life of simply working and partying, I need much more. Creativity is who I am and I need to revert back to more of it. Some weekends need to have a focus of mind, body and soul and some weeknights should be accompanied by great wine and even greater friends. These last few months in Los Angeles have been absolutely amazing to me, but remembering what is important sometimes get lost in between those beautiful cracks.

To be or not to be: I am here to create, to grow and to love. Parties will always be around, but if I do not focus on what's important, the things I love will not. Although it took the last 72 hours for me to digest the shit I have been through, it is the 23 years of existence that allows me to realize how truly blessed I am.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has ever added to who I am and the ogre within.

I truly realize it is all about this:

One Life, You Decide™



1) How are you going to begin freeing your mind, body and soul?

2) How will you show more love for the things you care about?
3) What is your mission in life?
4) What are your goals?
5) What is your purpose/what are your purposes?

Wednesday, March 09, 2011

Anatomy of a Young Boss


THE BRAIN: INNOVATION & INGENUITY
Young bosses often have ideas and create concepts that are either outside of the box or improve on an already existing concept. Many also capitalize on their youth by tapping into the pulse of their peers, studying trends and market needs, keeping up with the fast pace of today's technologically advanced world, and holding a foundation of basic knowledge in a chosen field.

To nurture this: Don't be caught dead without the most efficient tech tools. Know and engage your market in order to tighten up an aptitude of spotting the next big thing. Stay abreast of the latest trends and what's going on in the everyday world. Keep technical skills up to par with the proper training or education, whether it's via seminars/courses/shadowing/hands-on. Collaborate with other thought leaders to gain different perspectives. Take it from Jamail Larkins, 26, CEO of Larkins Enterprises and Ascension Aircraft: "Every single time you get the chance to meet someone, see if there’s anything you can pick up and learn and apply to your life or your business."

THE EYES: VISION & FORESIGHT
Vivid imagination. Strong tenacity. No boundaries. All of these factors play a part in a young boss' day-to-day vision. The idea that one is "too young" or "too fresh" to embark on revolutionizing an industry, heading a major project or spearheading a movement is a farce. They move with purpose and plan accordingly.

To nurture this: Learn from those before you by knowing who is already in the game and successful. Be open to ideas and thoughts of others that could contribute to the overall success. Be in tune with your own inner confidence and power that guides you to make your dreams a reality. Glenn Lamont McMillan, 29, joined Wall Street at a very young age and saw the benefit of a great network of financial services professionals that led him to become one of the youngest directors at Deutshce Bank, managing a more than $3 billion portfolio of seven- and 10-year U.S. Treasury Bonds. 

THE HEART: PASSION & MOTIVATION
Behind any successful venture is a connection to what is being offered for profit. Great entrepreneurs often tout a "calling" or pursue businesses that capitalize on things they are passionate about, whether it's fashion, technology, news, politics, music, or making things better in the world. They often take what they're good at and capitalize on it, whether it's connecting people with things or sealing a deal via a knack for persuasion and networking. For example, 26-year- old Kimberly Wiley took her passion for eco-friendly products and cosmetics to start FSL Cosmetics and has taken her line straight to New York Fashion Week.

To nurture this: Know distinctly what your strengths and weaknesses are and build on the strengths. Anything that does not support your passion, get rid of it. If you're not 100% into the concept, deal, idea or next step, reevaluate why you're doing it and whether it's good for your brand. Find other ways to expand what you offer to the world in a way that upholds the mission of your company or your vision of why you do what you do. Surround yourself with or build a team that is just as passionate about the mission as you are and can play a role in making it happen in the most effective—and profitable—way possible.

THE HANDS/FEET: HARD WORK & ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT
It's sometimes impossible to have a physical hand in every aspect of a business, but many young bosses have a hands-on approach to their ventures. They do the work. Early mornings and late nights are often not foreign to them. Some even dabble in every corner of the business, from marketing to customer service to Website updating. Young entrepreneur Angela Benton juggles managing her brainchild, Black Web 2.0, with consultant work, speaking engagements, and other branding opportunities.

To nurture this: Strive to be mentally and physically fit to keep up with the pace. Know when to delegate so you won't get burned out too quickly. Find a work-life balance that fits the way you do business. Marketing CEO Tina Wells incorporates a mandatory lunch break and reserves weekends for leisure, not work.

viaBlackEnterprise

Monday, March 07, 2011

22 Blockbuster Movies, 22 Black Directors



F. GARY GRAY

Felix Gary Gray acquired a lengthy resume as a music video director before hitting pay dirt with the 1995 ‘hood favorite Friday. While he’s continued to create rap and R&B videos, his feature film credits include mainstream fare like The Negotiator (1998), A Man Apart (2003), The Italian Job (2003), Be Cool (2003) and Law Abiding Citizen (2009)—projects that have brought in nearly half a billion dollars in combined earnings. Quite a man of action when it comes to suspense films, Gray’s skills as a director have served him just as well working with Uma Thurman, John Travolta and Kevin Spacey as actor/artists Christina Milian and Jamie Foxx.

ANTOINE FUQUA
Perhaps best known for directing Training Day (2001) and more recently Brooklyn’s Finest (2009), the Pittsburgh native’s first film, The Replacement Killers (1998)—which starred Mira Sorvino and Chow Yun-Fat—was anything but urban. Projects like the international thriller Tears of the Sun, which starred Bruce Willis, the Mark Wahlberg action flick Shooter (2007) and the hugely successful King Arthur (2004), which grossed more than $200 million worldwide, are just a few examples of this director’s range.

ALLEN & ALBERT HUGHES
The Hughes brothers started making movies when they were just 12-years-old and premiered their urban classic, Menace II Society (1993) at Cannes Film Festival when they were only 21. After the creating Vietnam period piece Dead Presidents (1995) and the controversial documentary American Pimp (1999), the twin directors completely stepped outside color lines to direct Johnny Depp and Heather Graham in the 2001 thriller From Hell, about Jack The Ripper’s infamous serial killing spree in Victorian Era London. The project grossed nearly $75,000,000 worldwide. It would take another nine years before the Detroit natives’ next joint feature, 2010’s decidedly non urban, The Book of Eli, which earned nearly twice as much as its $80 million budget and starred Denzel Washington as a blind man in a post apocalyptic wasteland who helps actress Mila Kunis escape from Gary Oldman’s tyrannical rule.

TIM STORY
A graduate from the USC film school, Story got his start directing music videos for the likes of Gerald Levert, India.Arie and ’N Sync and made a pair of independent projects before making a name for himself in Hollywood with 2002’s Barbershop. Generating more than $75 million with his first feature film, Story began his shift mainstream with 2004’s Taxi—co-starring Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon—which resulted in more than $68 million in ticket sales worldwide. However, it wasn’t until the California filmmaker landed the job of directing the superhero blockbuster Fantastic Four (2005) and its 2007 sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer that he proved his mainstream bankability. To date, both films have collectively grossed over $619 million worldwide.

SYLVAIN WHITE
Initially garnering accolades and awards for his short film work, White transitioned into commercials and music videos. One of his first full-length features was I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer, the third chapter in the popular horror franchise, but it was 2007’s Stomp the Yard that introduced the French-born director to mainstream audiences. The dance flick generated more than $75 million worldwide. Last year, White attempted to expand his international appeal with the action film The Losers, which starred Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Zoe Saldana, Idris Elba and Chris Evans, but the project only generated $23 million domestically.

Friday, March 04, 2011

Minorities Bowing Out of Big Awards, DailyVariety

On the eve of the 42nd annual NAACP Image Awards, the talk has turned to the significant lack of inclusion of African-American nominees in three previous awards shows: the Golden Globes, SAG Awards and the Oscars.

This year, the Academy Awards is dubbed a "lily white awards show" by Vicangelo Bulluck, exec producer of the Image Awards.

"It's perplexing. Is it some subconscious reaction where some of the walls went up?" he queries. "There were some works that were worth recognition -- the young actresses in 'For Colored Girls,' Halle Berry in 'Frankie & Alice' and Sam Jackson in 'Mother and Child.' "

To the challenge that there are not enough films out there for consideration, Bulluck responds, "That's the line we always hear, 'They can't find us. They can't find us as executives. They can't find us as talent. They can't find us as directors. They can't find us as writers.' We know that's not true."

Bullock offers a joke: "Maybe the Oscars needs to also extend the acting categories to 10. Maybe that way they could be inclusive."

The awards exec is not alone. Some nommed Image Awards producers note the problem and weigh in.

Thursday, March 03, 2011

A Big Boom for Custom Tailors



ROME—Custom-made clothes—which were popular in the '50s and '60s—are making a big comeback in Europe.

"People have come to realize that the expensive designer suit they are used to buying is made to fit a thousand other people," says Rome-based tailor Luigi Gallo, who has been in the trade for more than 30 years. "In addition, they're paying a huge price for that logo sewed into the jacket."

Amid the buzz of New York and Milan fashion weeks, designers have been saying they see a pick-up in luxury spending after the steep drop-off from the economic crisis. But many custom tailors say business held up even during the recession. Mr. Gallo says he has been swamped with orders for custom-made, or bespoke, suits, dresses, wedding gowns and raincoats. Predicting a boom in business, Mr. Gallo even opened a small tailoring school in 2007 to groom young artisans.

Status Factory by Ron English


Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Returning to Bedtime Stories

I'm bringing bedtime stories back into my life. Why did I ever stop something that relaxed and stretched my imagination so much as a kid?

Starting with Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are by Dr. Seuss.

Self-Published Author Making Her Dreams Come True

Unknown, living paycheck to paycheck in Austin, Minnesota, rejected by publishers all over New York, Amanda Hocking decided to self-publish on ebook platforms only. She sold 100,000 of her works in December, and over 10 months she's had more than 900,000 in sales. She's 26 and is now making enough money to quit her day job and become a full time writer, in fact she's a millionaire. She's going to be featured in 'Elle' Magazine's April issue, all without what everyone thought was essential to make it as a writer: a big New York publishing house. Watch the local news story below:


via HuffingtonPost.com

Introducing Apple IPad 2



Optimism: Framing Your Life



This morning I practiced yoga for the first time. I admit it was harder than I expected, but as the drops of sweat fell to the mat, I was able to let go of some of the negative energy that was passed to me yesterday. Allow me to paint a picture:

Two Constituents, Thirty Minutes.

As a means of fellowshipping and wanting to discover more about each other, we decided to do so over a meal. Engaging in conversation about life and the present, we flowed from topic to topic as we transitioned into future goals.

Initially the conversation went very well until I realized this person was, knowingly or unknowingly, very discouraging. As I began talking about my future goals, my younger-than-average age was soon discovered and created a bit of a detour in our conversation.

Everyone who knows me knows that I have traveled extensively, living amongst other cultures and partaking in authentic cuisine. Result: I want and will have my own restaurant one day. My associate’s reply, "I gotta say from experience of working in the restaurant business, it's going to be pretty tough for you, but I don't want to be discouraging."

“Ok thanks.”

The conversation continued as we talked about how hard the entertainment industry is to break into and "how hard it will be for me to get to the positions I would like." Because for most people, it just occurs ‘happenstance.”

“Thanks again big guy, for your wise words.”

My readers, allow me to give you some different advice.

NEVER put limitations on yourself, others are going to do that for you. With every grain and cell in your body, you must truly believe your dreams can come true.

As Steve Jobs stated at a Stanford commencement speech: “your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

When you come into your own not only as a dreamer but also as a doer, you will notice an increase in your hustle and a decrease in your fear. You will still have some negative people trying to pull, twist and kick you off your path. But also know this: you will be equipped. Dust the dirt of your shoulders and allow all the negative comments to roll off like beads of sweat to the ground.

My friends, I think the beast of negativity tried to influence me yesterday, but to hell with him.
“I’m an optimist. It doesn’t seem too much use being anything else.” –Winston Churchill

One Life, You Decide

Tuesday, March 01, 2011

Lasers: T-Minus Four Days

New Era Flagship Store Tokyo


This weekend the New Era flagship store in Tokyo opened its doors to the world. The New Era Tokyo store is the first of several New Era stores scheduled to open in 2011. Hong Kong, Los Angeles and Chicago are the next cities on the list (Hmm...gotta love these three cities).