GRATITUDE – 39 THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR IN AMERICA
No one can get in the way of what I feel for you–songwriter, Alicia Keys
To be thankful of life and to value it, is always to hold the keys of the kingdom’s expansion. Here’s 29 things I’m thankful for having lived in America for four and a half years:
1. clean water. 2. enough food to feed everyone. 3. good humored people. 4. freedom of speech. 5. freedom of expression 6. enough homes to house everyone. 7. Barack Obama and the Obama family 8. some of the best smiles in the world. 9. fun. 10. diversity. 11. spirit. 12. new technology. 13. the American people. 14. country music. 15. best live concerts. 16. california. 17. african-american people. 18. native american indians. 19. choice. 20. passion. 21. demonstrative people. 22. diversity of 50 states. 23. Hawaii. 24. New York City. 25. enough medicine and skills to cure people/ medical research. 26. gifted filmmakers. 27. football. 28. generosity of spirit. 29. Maori and Kiwi in hollywood. 30. innovation. 31. big thinking nation. 32. America’s children and elderly. 33. Hispanic-Americans 34. America is a haven for Jewish people. 35. America is a haven for Arab people. 36. Peace keeping role. 37. fireworks displays. 38. ice cream flavors. 39. Saying “God Bless America” is still the way you show you deeply love your nation.
What most excites me is America’s potential to be realigned and focused towards ‘a new American life-style revolution’ and an incredible future ahead. Living here, I have been a part of this culture changing in tough years– I believe for the better and the good.
To read more on why gratitude is America’s most attractive trait this decade, this events company Premiere In A Box says it all in their website copy when defining what L.I.F.E means to them. Read it to be inspired. Fun. They are also based in Canada too.
[Image: Britney Spears via Cover Awards from Vogue]
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 12.4.10~
THE KNOWLES WOMEN TAKE ON CRYSTAL METH CULTURE WITH THE LAUNCH OF MISS TINA FASHION LINE
I love Beyonce Knowles‘ P.R moves on the celebrity and merch chess board lately. They’re smart, to both make bank and also to speak into an accelerating drug culture as people escape in recession to avoid the reality of a scaled back American dream.
The last week in Hollywood has been insane for people aged 20 to 45 being wasted on stuff-not-alcohol, at some bars. On a level, I’ve never seen before, in terms of the amount of wasted people, has quadrupled.
Don’t get me wrong, like Hollywood is not a convent, so drugs are a part of it, but the level of people wasted, is oppressive. Not because of them being wasted in higher numbers (no pun intended) but because it’s a sign of these economic times, that crushes peoples spirits. That pisses me off. It’s like a silent but present bully, weighing heavy on a generation of Americans psyches. It’s sad to see occurring.
What sucks, is that no one looks happy, either. Like, it’s not like the hippies were happy and cool in the 70′s, rebelling for a social cause. It’s not that look at all. The look is dark and scared. They look glazed and beaten up, in that state. Did I mention, that these California people are incredibly gorgeous though, so it makes the tragedy even more gutting, from an ‘aesthetics’ stand point.
I think of parent artists, who created these canvases called their American children. I don’t think these artists, bled on canvas to tell this kind of American picture. That irks me too. This is inter-generational art, under threat. Being eroded. Gutted. From within the soul. It has to stop. Then there’s the foreboding feeling, that there’s still more knocks to come. They know it too. So perhaps, they are leaders of the next wave of challenges, if they get through these temporal ones.
Wonderland is definitely in reverse. It’s a bit off putting. Like surreality, gone lopsy. A tad bit odd.
As we know, crystal meth drug culture is a big issue. Especially in many L.A communities (not to name hoods). Put simply, crystal meth culture exists for people who can’t afford the culture of diamonds and chandeliers. They’re shut outside it, yet all the role models being held up, are dripping in both. There’s a disconnect, so crystal meth culture exploits this – and the masses get hooked in. It’s a very social drug.
Thankfully in New Zealand we had a crystal epidemic a decade ago. I have a niece named Crystal, who developed her own strategies as a babe, to avoid it, when it hit her generation hard. She’s instinctually smart and an amazing person. And I think of her, when I look at these 40 year-old kids on it. Knowing, that teens and the 50+ set who are most at risk of it, are not even present in the room.
It’s a trip to watch, strip people of their ability to fight back, at what’s costing them their dream in the first place. That one, is going to be around for a while.
When Lady Gaga came on the scene – her Bad Romance video has many crystal symbols in it. In fact, many of Gaga’s fans get her crystal symbology. The same way red wine drinkers do. She’s a marketing genius at producing symbols, to attract and cyphon markets. Beyonce is too, but needs more symbols generated – to now compete at the level Gaga has been with symbols generation.
Since Beyonce switched it up with a good P.R team – her marketing is set to take on drug culture. This week, we saw Beyonce take her diva self to the block – for a block party. This positions her brands within reach of the little people who first made her a star (safety in Beyonce whiplash aftermath from the public that swung to now Gaga-flavored fickle times), but the positioning of Beyonce on the block, also declares her war for community issues and concerns, that happen in neighborhoods, that need an angel (or advocate).
And, she’s now – launching her statement against “tina” culture 
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OBAMA TARGETS BUSH’S ‘WEALTHY’ TAX CUTS PROMISES, AS A SWEETNER TO WIN POPULOUS VOTES IN MIDTERMS
Progress in politics today can be difficult and is like this tee shirt’s message. [On overload] Thinking. Please wait.
The patience of a saint is needed. Washington is very interesting at this nano-second. In the political circus ring today, we have a first term president up against the ropes in recession’s gloom, and a U.S deficit he inherited, that he’s in charge of addressing. What is a man to do, wearing his Rocky boxing gloves, while he takes the microphone, Wednesday?
This was it: “Singling out House GOP leader John Boehner in his home state, Obama delivered a searing attack on Republicans for advocating “the same philosophy that led to this mess in the first place: cut more taxes for millionaires and cut more rules for corporations.”
My thoughts are split on this one:
a) this will appease the struggling majority of people not wealthy, that a sense of ‘justice’ has come their way, under a new President’s lead. A good message to send a majority in a mid term voting strategy that well–acts as a sweetner to most Americans.
b) On the other hand, everything I’ve observed about the ideological values of American, life and culture in any field, while living in it for almost five years–glorifies the wealthy (as signifiers in a system of American ‘success’). It doesn’t seem fair to me, that the concept of ‘The American Dream’ that is held up as the jewel of democracy (even though it’s straight up rooted in capitalism very openly and without any pretension to this fact) that all in America are constantly encouraged to run after, pursue and strive for as an ideal of the Great American Way… well, why should the very people who got there to the allusive finishing line–then have their medals stripped from them? Or worse, downsized when they ordered the McDonald’s super-sized french fries, happy meal, option in the America, they too were promised? Two wrongs, don’t make a right.
Isn’t that flogging your heroes of the system, who paid for it (ie: how political campaigns ‘work’ and how candidate frontrunners are funded in this country), that all in politics serve, if we’re honest?
WORD ENTRIES AS LIGHT
The entrance of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.–the ancient poetic illuminating words of Psalmist King David, Ezra and poetic literary, musical friends.
فَتْحُ كَلاَمِكَ يُنِيرُ الذِّهْنَ، وَيَهِبُ الْبُسَطَاءَ فَهْماً.
פֵּ֖תַח דְּבָרֶ֥יךָ יָאִ֗יר מֵבִ֥ין פְּתָיִֽים׃
你 的 言 語 一 解 開 就 發 出 亮 光 ， 使 愚 人 通 達 。
La révélation de tes paroles éclaire, Elle donne de l’intelligence aux simples.
La exposición de tus palabras imparte luz; da entendimiento a los sencillos.
Ko te whakapuakanga o au kupu he homai marama; na reira i homai he mahara ki nga kuware.
[With retro live soulful music by grammy winning poetic-psalmist, Lauryn Hill today for our entertainment]
~Poetry with love today, brought to you by US. Horiwood.Com, California USA. 8.19.10~
JUST FLASH MOB DANCE: I GOT A FEELING WITH OPRAH AND THE BLACK EYED PEAS
Love is contagious in the dance of life. “You just never know whose in on it”–Kim Bryan
Here in L.A, sweetness sits beside you, when sometimes you can feel a tad bit gloomy on things, and sweetness makes you smile.
Kim Bryan showed me flash mob clips today, that made us both laugh. Although the Opera singing clips were amazing, let’s go with a taste of Illinois. The smile on Oprah‘s face as The Black Eyed Peas surprised her with a dance tribute from Chicago, was precious. I think I enjoyed seeing Kim laughing at Oprah’s surprised expressions, more than seeing Oprah celebrating the kickoff start of her 24th season.
“I’ve got a feeling that today’s gonna be a good day… so just dance.”
When you witness scenes like this, reminds you how much spirit the American people have. An eclectic tapestry of colorful people who love life, and love fun. Thank you Kim, Oprah and thank you Chicago.
~Posted by Horiwood.Com, Hollywood California USA. 8.6.2010~
FILM PRODUCER JODI HANNAH IS UP 240% POPULARITY THIS WEEK IN HOLLYWOOD
“True Hollywood fact: When Jodi Hannah gives you a hug, her love for the world, radiates heat from her heart like fire to touch the world, and make an uplifting difference”–Horiwood Today.
On IMDB, film producer Jodi Hannah wife of director Eric Hannah (director of the latino friendly rom com film, Meet Me In Miami, is up 240% in popularity this week! She’s a hot honey. Just spotted today in Beverly Hills. You’d never know, Jodi has had two children, a daughter Rain Hannah and son Wind Hannah, and she looks like she just stepped off the fashion runway… Well, the sun-kissed beach runway version of California, that is. So pretty.
Jodi Hannah also does amazing film distribution strategies, across America and in California when she works on film projects, that have a unique ability to feed the hungry in City communities.
Love her. She’s a believer in creating uplifting entertainment with spirit, producing courageous extreme sports documentary film as displayed in her film Extreme Days, and Lifting Up America too. Go girl! :)
Jodi is all about lives being touched: Here’s a report of a Hollywood film premiere event Jodi and Eric were a part of: “If you attend one of our movie premiere events you will see hundreds of lives being touched. Here are just some of the many responses to our Hollywood premiere.
From Andrew Wolfberg, Attorney at Law, volunteer for Jewish Big Brothers/Big Sisters:
“My ‘little brother’ and his mother have had a difficult past few months especially after he was diagnosed with Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T). I have never seen him smile as much as I did at your event. He especially enjoyed his ride in a huge green [Interstate Battery] limousine.”
[Picture - top: Jodi Hannah, above image: Eric Hannah, Music: Earth, Wind & Fire -September]
A QUICK KIWI STUDY OF JERRY BROWN – CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR KING ELECT – 11.4.10
“A clear perspective – JB”
Jerry Brown has returned to the ring, to be Governor Elect of California.
He’s 72, fighting fit – and holds press conferences at Oakland.
He’s California Governor King 2010′s. What got Jerry elected? The strength of the brown people vote of California, namely Latino.
Let’s see what grey powered wisdom he creates within California to lift up America and maintain the festive contribution Latina and Latino, Hispanic-Americans have been giving California for hundreds of years, before all of us aliens got here to rock it out with Star Trek films and the like.
Exciting stuff. Wisdom at the forefront is a gift of grey powered citizens world wide. The vote of the majority, is a gift of brown people worldwide –lest we ever forget. Obviously, brown and grey of any color can work successfully together. ‘Brown’ cultures of the world, respect their elderly, in a way that many ‘societies’ in ‘the modern’ world, have forgotten.
I’m excited about Jerry Brown here in Cali. Depth with style. Not a bad combo. His spirit reminds me of a California version of a “Winston Churchill solid oakwood kind of bloke.” I’m going with that feeling and vibe. Solid like oak wood.
Needless to say, Salsa chips are up in California with this news. Today though, for Oakwood nations – I’m going with an image of brown jellybeans in a jar – in honor of a clear perspective, Brown and people like him can offer US all.
In the Maori language as customary and appropriate from New Zealand to a new King – “Mihi atu ki a koe ou tatou Rangatira o Te Kawangatanga Pai a “Hori-Rakau.” Kia kaha. Ka Tu to Wairua Kitea Pai. Karawhiua.”
Go Fellah.
Here’s Jerry Brown in pictures from the LA Times –after a win, that Obama described as being a “shellacking.” At the moment: “The governor-elect has a ‘very sobering’ meeting in Washington today, with the director of finance and vows to begin work on a spending plan, which must be submitted within days of his taking office in January.” It’s all about a good excel spread sheet really, aint it!
[This post by Hollywood's resident Maori brown-Kiwi lad, demonstrating the art of Brown Shell Power - The Kiwi Pop Art Way in the Hollywood Hood. Horiwood.Com. Ca. USA. 11.4.10~
Closing Thought: The people of this man on a broom (pictured cleaning in Oakland after Jerry Brown's victory speech), were responsible for saving California (possibly America's too) future. Go Latino and Latina of the USA and THE WORLD! Cool people. Caliente politics are sweeping America, right now! Clean sweep shellackings, even! This one going in Obama's favor. :)
We are because we see through color
we see people all connected to Earth and brown soil
from the youngest to the eldest, from the least to the greatest
all sustained with Life from the Middle (heart) of Earth's goodness.
We like to share
smiles
around like Chinese-esque Kiwi fruit
grown in Middle Earth and California.
~NZ Kiwis for Latina, Latino, California, all people of America & more fun in the World. Pic sources: tahi, rua, toru. Music: Good Kiwi girls sounds: When the Cats Away starring Annie Crummer & friends… Kia Orana!!!~
November 5, 2010 | Categories: Annie Crummer, California, China, Diversity, Eco-Friendly, Economy, Espanol, Grace, Kiwi Pop, Latina, Latino, Leadership, Liberty, Life, Maori, Mexico, Music Videos, Native American Indians, New Zealand, Politics, Polynesian, Pop Art, Producers, Tino Rangatiratanga, UK, United Nations, Wisdom, Wisdoms Buffet, World News, World Peace | Tags: Annie Crummer, California, Campaigns, China, Combatting Racism, Cross-cultural Narratives, Diversity, Earth Romance, Eco-Friendly, Economic Growth Opportunities, Economic Teen Bullying, Economy, Espanol, Govenorship, Grace, Gratitude, Green and Brown are the new Black, Green Technologies, Grey Power, Helensville, Heritage Arts & Culture, Hispanic-Americans, Hobbitsville Hollywood, Hori = Maori, Indigenous Peoples - United Nations, Indigenous Thinking, Jerry Brown, Kawanatanga, Kitchen Architecture, Kitchen King, Kitchen King Speaks, Kiwi Pop, Latina, Latino, Leadership, Liberty, Life, Lift Up America, Maori, Maori Art House Cinema, Maori Filmmaking, Mexico, Middle Earth, Middle Earth Politics, Middle Eastern Representation, Midnight Oil, Mighty Men, Music Videos, Native American Indians, Native Canadian Indian, New Zealand, New Zealand Filmmaking, New Zealand is a Minerals Rich Nation, Plutarch, Politics, Polynesian, Polynesian Filmmaking, Pop Art, Pop Culture Commentary, Producers, Quircke Productions, Rarotonga, Tino Rangatiratanga, UK, United Nations, United States of Brown, What's cooking in your kitchen for the World?, When The Cat's Away, Winston Churchill, Wisdom, Wisdoms Buffet, World News, World Peace | 2 Comments »