Serial Thoughts and References

I have come to the conclusion that Adnan is innocent and there has not been a podcast, interview, comment or thread that has swayed me from that belief.

I’ve heard opinions that Sarah Koenig and the Serial team have shown bias. “Jay was painted a criminal while Adnan was strongly favored in the series” and I overall disagree with these opinions.  By the end of episode 12 I feel like we are left to consider that either Adnan is guilty or has really bad luck. This did not sit well with me. Contrary to what many believe I thought Serial was the hardest on Adnan.

“anthology of anonymoUS” (What Is It That Bullies You?)

Memories of my childhood  make me smile, laugh, cry, cringe, regret, regress, and reflect.   There was someone in Jr. High who bullied me, and during that time I was a tornado of negative emotions with no real understanding of why it was happening.  A classmate of mine, Michael Anthony (who you have read about before For Billy: The Movie) made it his goal to show people who have had a bullying experience that we are not alone.

“The anonymoUS initiative  is a non-profit anti-bullying movement dedicated to helping all people — all ages, all races, all demographics and all orientations — come out, come together and overcome the things that bully them. What began as a simple letter writing campaign has since exploded into an artistic movement, inspiring a feature-length documentary, a book, a musical soundtrack and a live stage show; all focused on exploring the most painful bully of all.”

anthology of anonymoUS (The Book): A powerful collection of 99 responses to the question: “What is it that bullies you?”   This book is a unique look into raw, uncensored truths, experiences, and emotions that will amaze you.  Each story, poem, email, confession is different, yet we can all relate.  Michael Anthony inspired these anonymoUS authors to band together and show us all “Even in our darkest moments, we are never alone.”  Order your copy of this book today! For each copy of the “anthology of anonymoUS” that is purchased through this site (www.iamanonymous.org), $1 will be donated to an anti-bullying program that operates within the delivery zip code.  It is extremely important to consider that by referring this book to your friends, parents, grandparents, cousins, uncles, aunts, teachers you could be helping someone going through a difficult time.

anonymUSe (The Music): “An 18-track musical collection that explores our inner bullies through an eclectic mix of folk, jazz, new age, R& B, spoken word and dance music.”  Anthony asked a group of talented musicians to respond in song to a variety of the anonymoUS written pieces. Beautiful music has been created to release and re-illustrate the pain someone has once gone through (if this isn’t Karma for the bullying, I don’t what is!) The pain someone has felt, has now been turned into a candid,amazing song.   This is also one of the first non-profits EVER to release a soundtrack along with its book. Show your support to these artists by ordering your soundtrack today and be sure to get a listen preview at the anonymoUSe site.

Let’s face it, we know Michael Anthony is not stopping with a book and a CD.  The anonymoUS initiative isn’t even CLOSE to being done yet.  Plans for a play and workshops are also in the mix, so keep visiting http://www.iamanonymous.org for more information, updates and news.    I also recommend you follow Michael Anthony on Facebook, or YouTube.

Since I could not word it better myself (to describe the incredible achievements and drive this man has), I will end this blog with more information on Michael Anthony and why he is making my generation PROUD!

Michael Anthony Nalepa is a Wheeling, Illinois native who now works as a professional writer and producer in Los Angeles. His work has been featured in Glamour, The Advocate, Reader’s Digest, TV Guide and TMZ, as well as on NBC, Country Music Television, Sirius Radio and TV Guide Network.

 

For four years, he served as Creative Director of Alternative Programming for the Celebration Theatre and now hosts and his own award-winning theatrical variety hour at Lilly Tomlin’s LAGLC theatre in Hollywood.

 

His work as an equal rights activist launched the “anonymoUS initiative”, an international letter writing campaign dedicated to helping people of all ages, races and orientations overcome what bullies them through art and activism. An anti-bullying documentary based on Michael’s childhood in Wheeling, IL is slated for national release in 2013.

 

 

Red Hot at The Oscars

It made my Sunday night to see RED on the Red Carpet of the 83rd Annual Academy Awards. My top three picks at the 2011 Oscars all donned this hue and looked stunning.

1. Jennifer Lawrence: Nominated for best actress in a leading role for Winter’s Bone.  I have to admit I had no idea who Jennifer Lawrence was until I watched the Oscars. Simply put; she is gorgeous.  This dress was my favorite. I am such a fan of the simple elegance this dress exudes.

I <3 Earth

On Earth day I find myself reflecting on how green I’m being. Especially after watching today’s Oprah! I have a sudden urge to go out and buy more kitchen towels, and stop using paper towels every 5 minutes. I want to go buy cloth diapers, cause I don’t want my daughter’s poopy diapers in landfills for eternity (this one is probably not going to happen if I’m being realistic), but will encourage me to potty train her sooner. I want to stop using plastic bags, recycle more, and donate and reuse as much as possible.

Here are some things that we can all do to make our world more green, we’ve all heard them before, but we can all use a reminder. These are just a few suggestions to get you started on a more green path.

Forever 21 Expands to Plus Size

Plus-size fashionistas will soon be able to sport Forever 21 threads! For those who are fuller figured probably know that Forever 21 only carries S, M & L and go up to a size 10. The new plus-size line, Faith 21, launches May 1st, and will carry XL, 1XL & 2XL sizes. If you’re in that size category I would mark the calendar! It will be available at http://www.forever21.com and in select stores. I personally think Faith 21 will be a huge hit since the average American woman is a size 14.

Alexander McQueen Fall 2009

Despite of what your initial reaction might be, these are not images from a horror film.

It’s the British bad boy designer Alexander McQueen, who delivered an extraordinary show in Paris. He’s the most innovative designer out there, who is not affraid to express

We Gonna Party Like It’s Your Birthday

One of my best friend’s and lush360 counterparts birthday is coming up! What does this mean? An excuse to go out and party like it’s 1999! For those of us who have little ones at home and going out is a rare occasion, can really understand my excitement! So while the event is still about 2 weeks away, the online window shopping and the “what are you going to wear” discussions begin. You all know what I’m talking about ladies!

While I tell myself I am not going to buy anything new and just wear what I have in my closet… I can’t help but browse!

The Roots on Late Night!

Say-it-ain’t so! I’m very excited for one of my favorite hip-hop bands the Roots. They are the house band on the Late Night Show with Jimmy Fallon. As some may think this may be a mistake I have high hopes for both the Roots and Jimmy Fallon to survive together. Yes this means the Roots have “retired” from touring (for now I say) but they have a new gig. As ?uestlove said “This would basically match or surpass what we would make touring 200-plus days out of the year. And, two, this allows us to be home.” Not sure how Jimmy scored with having the Roots as his opening band but he has the best band in late-night. I will most definitely stay up to watch them every night. I think this is a great choice and will allow growth for both. The Roots will certainly raise their profile and attract new audiences.

When we saw the Roots live in the summer of 2003 I can tell you they are a very electrifying band, the best in the business! Being known for a heavily jazzy sound and live instrumentation they are the new sound hip-hop needed. If you don’t know about the Roots check them out with their latest album. Spread the word!

Rising Down
In Stores Now!

others to check out!
Do You Want More
Game Theory
Illadelph Halflife (2nd favorite)
Organix
Phrenology (my favorite)
Things Fall Apart
Tipping Point

The Roots – The Seed (2.0): OG Lyrics Version

[photos:defjam.com | media:youtube.com]

Fabiola’s Oscar Winners & Loser!

Angelina Jolie – Flawless

Oscar-nominated Angelina Jolie looked flawless in this cultivating strapless number by Elie Saab. The Best Actress nominee’s opted for a half-updo with cascading romantic curls that

Krissy’s Red Carpet Oscar Winners…

Karina had some great picks for her Red Carpet Winners! Penelope, Kate & Jen definitely looked stunning on the red carpet for the 2009 Academy Awards. I always love the unveiling of the elegant gowns these actresses choose when the Oscars come around. While neither of my 3 picks won an award last night (2 of the ladies were presenters), they won in my eyes as trendsetters with amazing grace and style.

Pick One: Taraji P. Henson who was nominated for best supporting actress in, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button looked phenomenal in her white tiered gown by Roberto Cavalli. I have to say a reoccurring theme I noticed at the Oscars was the comeback of white, ivory and champagne colored gowns. (I get the feeling Michelle Obama influenced this trend with her gorgeous white Jason Wu inaugural gown). The gown fit Taraji’s figure perfectly. Her hair, jewelry (by Fred Leighton) , & red clutch tied in such a beautiful and elegant look. You may also remember Taraji rockin’ a simple white gown at the SAG awards in January. What I loved about Taraji in both white gowns was that she accomplished two completely different looks for the proper events. Finally, how can this woman be 38 years old?!?!? She looks 10 years younger AT LEAST 🙂 Taraji was my favorite from the night!

Taraji P. Henson (Oscars)

Taraji P. Henson (SAG Awards)

Pick Two: Alicia Keys who presented