BubblegumPop

Time 2020-11-06 04:03:11

Web Name: BubblegumPop

WebSite: http://bubblegumpop.typepad.com

ID:106458

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I have been captured, kidnapped and held to ransom. By silence. I realised this when I woke up at 10.30am in the morning in the king size bed. Check out was in 30 minutes .There was no way I had time to have complimentary breakfast by the pool and check out. The decision was made. I had no choice. I would have to stay another night. I vaguely recall something like this happening yesterday too at the Emerald Iguana Inn in Ojai California. I arrived promptly, at 2.30pm. A shuttle bus was due to pick me up at 4pm to take me to the sprawling residence of award winning eco architect Marc Whitman and his wife Julia. I am not quite sure whether it was the gentle rustling of hummingbirds in the trees, the lush sound of fresh bubbling water, the gecko darting in front of my toes, the smell of tropical plants, or the promise of a decent bath in my amply beautifully furnished and specklessly clean luxurious two bedroom cottage…but either way..the hour disappeared and I was not ready to leave for a shuttle to any property. I fear Sherry Sonte - Pena the manager of the Emerald Iguana Inn is right ” the only thing missing here are the fireflies and pixies”. The hard working fairies had clearly captured me eons ago. The Emerald Iguana Inn and its partner the Blue Iguana Inn are a hop skip and a jump from Los Angeles. One and a half hours. The Emerald Iguana Inn the kind of enclave that sneaks up on you without your realizing it. It thrusts you into never-never land- that deep relaxative state of well being where truly, nothing else is important. However, the rest of California and the world is important and it is for this reason I am here.Architect Marc Whitman and his wife Julia have invited me to the hills of Ojai to their beautiful and Gaudi inspired residence to bring attention to the replacement of carbon producing “dirty” fossil fuels with clean renewable “green” energy. This is a critical step in living in harmony with nature. SAYING ‘NO TO PROPOSITION 23’ helps keep the original 2006 California Legislation that required consumers and industries to begin reducing their carbon emission active - AB32. This proposition has also promoted the economic feasibility and practicality of emerging technologies. Right now out of state oil companies are throwing millions of dollars to try and overturn this important proposition. The oil companies are stating their Proposition 23 will create new jobs which, apparently according to architect Marc Whitman, in his speech last night, is untrue. In fact AB32 legislation apparently ensures and creates more jobs by furthering building and sustainable development in green building and emerging technologies. One only has to look around at how many employers the Whitmans sustain to see this as living proof. A study sponsored by the UC Berkeley law school s Center for Law, Energy the Environment, concludes that the Proposition 23 initiative would disrupt climate change efforts in California, eliminate green jobs, chill energy investments by regulatory uncertainty and create unfair differences in the treatment of various business sectors. In short Proposition 23 would in fact damage the states economy and eliminate jobs. It is clear, that Californias global reputation and tourist branding as the state of great beaches,nature hikes and clean,free, environmental spacial living is also clearly in jeopardy if this legislation is overturned. Marc Whitman recently received the “Best of Ojai 2010” award that celebrates his architecture firm’s innovative and inspiring eco-friendly design.I have witnessed first hand that Marc has his priorities and intentions in the right place. Marc and Julia stand by their words in action. A tour of their house, that has been lovingly built from a small old hunting lodge through the years reflect their deep sense of the natural surroundings and lving in one with nature. Inspired by the Spanish architect Anotno Gaudi who became famous for his unique and highly individualist designs the sprawling house wraps around the stream ,and grounds with gentle curves.Curved walls inspire peace and harmony. Marc continues his tour of the house. As he shows nooks and crannies that inspire warmth and creativity he said that Prop 23 is rooted in arguments that fly in the face of logic and common sense. The New York Times recently reported $7.9 million out of $8.2 million raised for the Prop. 23 campaign is from fossil fuel interests, almost all of them from outside of California. Marc wrote in his article for Fox and Hound, that Proposition 23 entirely avoids addressing the fact that California clean energy laws encourage investment in more energy efficient buildings, which creates jobs in the construction sector . AB32 provides the necessary incentives for increased renewable energy, which leads to additional jobs to develop solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects. Marc finished his tour and said that clean tech job creation in the state outpaces the statewide average by a factor of 10, according to the Employment Development Department s 2010 report.’ This is virtually opposite of the skewed facts that the oil companies are presenting for their Prop 23 initiative. Prop 23 is opposed by a broad and diverse coalition. It includes both Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman, Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Sen. Barbara Boxer, as well as Gov. Schwarzenegger. So does the San Jose Mercury News, San Francisco Chronicle, nearly all of the state s major newspapers and univerisites. It is clear that Calianfornias reputation and way of living as a relatively natural environment is at stake if Proposition 23 came into play. Mark and I return to the gathering for the fundraiser outside. As the tall trees spread their wise branches on the 300 acre property and the botanical gardens above beckoned it was hard to imagine that the introduction of one proposition could shroud California s entire way of spacial living,breathing and sense of peace. Los Angeles, the city that fought so hard for years to keep its car emissions down to success,would once again be shrouded in pollutants,but this time, it would stretch further than the eye can see...to the very special places that Californians come in droves to on the weekends outside of each the major city hubs of California. I notice sponser Dr Adolfo Murillo toting his award winning Californian organic tequila-Alquimia Tequila to the willing crowd. Organic certification may no longer fairly apply to Californian produce if this Proposition passes. Vote NO TO PROP 23 by Anna Wilding Anna Wilding is an award winning director, writer producer,freelance writer. Her recent film Buddha Wild launched on DVD nationwide on 25th October and played in cinemas in the USA wild- to be on be with nature Tags: adolfo murillo, alquimia tequila, anna wilding, barbara boxer, blue iguana inn, emerlad inguana inn, marc whitman, no to prop 23, ojai, whitman architecture SAN FRANCISCO, CA, October 28, 2010 — Buddha Wild Monk in a Hut, the award winning feature documentary that has played in selected cinemas to critical acclaim in the USA has been officially blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The film’s director, producer and actress Anna Wilding met His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2009. The Dali Lama also approved images of himself to be used in the bonus features. Buddha Wild releases on DVD nationwide, in stores and online, through Reality Entertainment on October, 25th, 2010. Pre Order discounts are available through Amazon. The film examines the lives of missionary Theravadin monks from Thailand and Sri Lanka in an “upbeat, engaging” way that departs from traditional linear documentary story telling.Anna Wilding drew on years of experience in movie making in mainstream Hollywood style, combined with her experience in high end music videos and on the spot guerilla reporting. The film was noted by the Academy of Pictures Arts and Sciences, and qualified for the Oscars and is subsequently archived by request in the Academy Library Collection. Music is by award winning Emmy composer Charles David Denler. Buddha Wild, which has been called “daring and heartfelt” by Patrick Rutnam, of The Sri Lankan Reporter, has become somewhat of a crossover film proving popular in Asia and the USA with both the general cinema audiences as well as the Buddhist community. Monk in a Hut was awarded in the Best Feature Documentary in the USA by Kids First at National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and has been invited by a number of national and international festivals and series’ including SAG FOUNDATION Screening Series, India’s International Festival of Films on Tribal Arts and Culture, USA Kids Films Festival, Calgary Film Series, Santa Fe Film Series, Culture Unplugged Asia and others. The film has been strongly supported by the Buddhist community and has been screened in Temples and Buddhist Museums and even New York’s World Earth Week NY. Buddha Wild went viral in India ranking number 8 out of most watched and popular films, out of 500 films, in Culture Unplugged Film festival. Buddha Wild was cited as “a must see film” by Janet Walker, Splash Magazine. ”Worth it, a fine film for family viewing,” said Moonrise Movie Magazine, Canada. LA Weekly gave it critics pick and “Moving Pictures Magazine said “beautiful and moving” It received LA Weekly Critics Pick and others. New York Flavorpill critic, Chloe Leichman, describes it as “a refreshing synthesis of Eastern and Western politics and culture, without a nibble of Hollywood cheese…Buddha Wild explores what really goes on behind the monastery doors, touching on hot-button issues like the roles of women, racism, and celibacy in a monk’s daily life.”To view the trailer visit: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=RealityEntertainment#p/u/4/DK9j6whwYOoTo receive a review copy of the film or to schedule an interview, please reply to this e-mail. Please include your mailing address. Thank you. ACTORS TOLD TO AVOID THE HOBBIT. I spent three years dealing as a consultant/ crisis management during shooting on LOTR, due to poor conditons and wages ,dead horses and many other things . I still have yet to paid. I was thanked by New Line Producers for my humanitarian efforts. So glad to see advance action on the new films with unions worldwide supporting better conditions. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11414204I made a huge difference.Thank you me very much..and yes! I can claim credit.As LA Times and anyone on LOTR knows .Quietly and silently...--Lets hope the conditions are far far better...and less deaths, injuries and everything else.FULL VINDICATION! Already had vindication on the horses- all three LOTR films were ordered to remove the false statement no animals harmed or injured ..Thank you me very much!VICTORY! AW010540Back in LA LA land....I find myself at one of the several lounges hosting events for the Emmy Awards. It was uncannily hot for LA on dem der rooftops, and I feel for those sponsors with reddened faces who took a while to get umbrellas. I appreciated the Naked Juice that was being handed out.Blueberries, that will keep me going all day and night. It s a good time of year and it s nice too that this lounge,the Reality Cares Giving Lounge in honour of the 62nd Emmy Awards, tries to make a conscious effort to give something back, to charities and to promote eco living. Several charities were present including Help for Orphans,one of my favorites,which builds orphanages in Kenya, and recently assisted on the ground in Haiti. Nourish the Children was also there,and it provides thoughtfully crafted and packaged nutritious meals to poverty stricken area in the 3rd world. Heaven Simone clothing line was presenting it s fashion focused and spiritually moulded clothing to inpsire young kids from troubled backgrounds.The charismatic Charlie Larson was there ,showcasing his handbags and jewelly.Charlie is tied into and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Breast Cancer Charities in London.His collections sells throughout the middle East and Europe.We had a nice chat on his new webseries TV show www.charlielapson.comCase- mate make sophisticated blackberry and iphone holders..so check them out!Other giving lounge sponsors included:Fashion Forms, ShoeDazzle, Jet Blue Joico,Charlie Lapson, Susan Foster Jewels, Jenny B Clothing, Gabby Applegate, Cuff Couture, Brit Boy Fashions, Jordan Klein, Rock Star Denim, OPI, Evolve Wellness, Case-Mate, Coca-Cola, OneHope Wine, Izze, Naked Juice, Famous Cupcakes, Villa Blanca Restaurant, Maison Catering, Pinks, New Beauty Magazine, Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine and The Hollywood ReporterNow back to the heat. Least among you I gravitate towards the light and the enjoyment of summer so it takes quite a bit to get me to the cinema on an early Saturday morning.However a friend called and said their film was screening just down the hill,so there I was.I was complete with occasional tears as I watched the story of Richard Kelly(Cedric Saunders), unfold before my eyes.The Least Among You is inspired by the true story of a falsely accused black college graduate forced to serve probation in an all-white seminary.After his false arrest at the 1965 Watts Riots, Richard Kelly (Cedric Sanders) finds himself serving probation at an all-white seminary where he is faced with racism, daily abuse and lack of support. Just when he reaches his breaking point, Kelly finds an unlikely mentor ,played by the ever soulful and wise Lou Gossett Jnr, who helps motivate and guide him. Richard soon undergoes a transformation that forces him to choose between his dreams and his destiny.Cedric Sanders plays Richard with an intelligent sensitivity off-set well, by Lou Gosset Jnr s deep humanity . I greatly enjoyed William Devane s engaging performance as the head of the seminary which served as a catalyst. Starletta Du Pois was well cast as Lou Gossett Jnr s wife. The supporting actors Lauren Holly, Clement Von Franckenstein, John Reynolds, all deliver. I was touched by some of the dialogue in the film and kudos to the writer, Mark Young,who also served as Director, for writing some thoughtful and emotionally charged dialogue.The film was produced by Mark Young, Julia Verdin and Zoran Popovic.The Least Among You is now out on DVD, Digital Download and On Demand from Lionsgate. Helping HandsI am waiting on quotes from the ground from FILM AIDS Founders and Board for this story.Last time i spoke to them they were on the way to Kakuma.Please see below the story for commentary from the ground.FilmAid International brings World Cup football matches to African refugeesFilmAid International is mounting live broadcasts of the World Cup games for more than 70,000 African refugees at the Kakuma camp in northwestern Kenya.Refugees from countries including Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo are watching the matches (as well as short PSAs about malaria prevention, early marriage issues, and more) together through the World Cup finals on July 11. The games and clips are projected on a giant outdoor screen, around which thousands gather to share the excitement of the South Africa-set event.Sports and movies transcend politics and can help heal and unite people – key aspects of FilmAid’s mission. FilmAid also is bringing World Cup screenings to the people of Haiti, who continue to grapple with the effects of the recent earthquake. FilmAid (FilmAid.org) is an 11-year-old humanitarian organization that harnesses the power of film to inform, educate, inspire and bring hope to displaced people around the globe. Founded by film producer Caroline Baron FilmAid started its work in Macedonia in 1999 and has since expanded to Africa, Asia, the U.S. Gulf Coast and Haiti. Along with daytime and evening screenings of feature films with universal appeal, FilmAid shows informational clips on topics including nutrition, disease, safety and social issues. And through FilmAid’s Participatory Video Program, refugees have access to training and equipment to tell their own stories. The Kakuma camp was established in 1992 to support Sudanese refugees and has become a safe haven for others from Somalia, Ethiopia, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Uganda and Rwanda. The camp population now stands at more than 71,000 refugees, with nearly 60% hailing from Somalia and almost 30% from Sudan. Kakuma is administered by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Beyond FilmAid’s activities, the UNHCR is assisted by a wide range of organizations, including World Food Program (WFP), Institute of Migration (IOM), International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Kenya’s National AIDS Control Council (NACC). I have since received a lovely note from Michael Angst Chairman of Film Aid ,who was just in Kenya,and was able to immediately share the following with me, from the airport. As readers know I have spent time in Zimbabwe.It is an incredible continent.I am always open to supporting African issuesHere are some excerpts from Michael s email. Our first visit was to the camp in Dadaad, which now has close to 300,000 refugees (primarily Somali) residing in a camp that was originally built for approximately one third of that population.Stress from the over-crowding is palpable, although I was amazed at the inventiveness and adaptability that is evident throughout the refugee community to make the best of extremely difficult conditions. The refugee community in Dadaab is supported not just by dedicated international humanitarian workers, but by the numerous services the refugees provide each other. Our second visit was to the camp in Kakuma, where FilmAid has operated for nearly 10 years (the camp has existed for nearly 20 years). Like in Dadaab, most of the FilmAid staff that deliver our services aremembers of the refugee community. As I got to know each of them, I was simply stunned by the matter-of-fact manner with which each would recount the horrible and violent circumstances that caused them to seek refuge in the camp. I was also simply blown away by the enthusiasm, professionalism, and care that each of them put into the work they provided for their communities through FilmAid.The FilmAid World Cup screening I attended in Dadaab was a replay of the Netherlands victory that took them to the finals. Although we had the technology to show the Germany vs. Spain game live that night, the live game started too late in the evening, so we worried about the security risk of such a late event.Even so, the cheer from the thousands of fans that erupted with the first goal of the game shattered the silence of the dark desert night in Kakuma.My friends in Kakuma are mostly pulling for Spain. So am I. (excerpts from email) Thanks for the updates Michael .

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