I feel very fortunate to live in New York City. I guess that goes without saying, but I’m going to explain anyway. I’ve been thinking about this proposed documentary that I posted a few days ago (see below) addressing the need to encourage creativity within the school systems. In so many communities, children and adults are just not exposed to enough culture.

But, what I love, love, love about New York City is that we are a community bursting at the seams with culture and creativity!

I was walking through the Times Square subway station today. There’s always a lot going on in there, musicians and crazy stuntmen capitalizing on the tourists with their deep pockets and fresh (not jaded) interest and awe. Maybe it just struck me as particularly timely today, when I passed by a crowd gathered around a seven piece band, who was indentified by the banner behind them as the Alex LoDico Ensemble. Led by Italian trombonist and composer LoDico, who shares his stage time in the subway stations with gigs at the Knitting Factory, the performance was a part of the MTA’s Arts for Transit, in a program titled Music Under New York. The MUNY program features over 100 soloists and groups performing in over 25 locations. Anyone is welcome to apply to participate in the program, and about 70 applicants are chosen to audition- a performance in and of itself which is held in Grand Central Terminal each Spring and is open to the public.

There is no denying that New York City has its fair share of problems and poor decision-making, but I think any artist would agree that if other communities could follow in our footsteps when it comes to getting the arts out there, there would be no shortage of creativity or talent in this country

On Saturday, President-elect Obama gave his first press conference. I was thrilled by his genuine, amiable presence, listening to him confidently field and answer the more or less typical questions from the audience. My favorite, but unusual question came from one reporter who asked what kind of dog the White House would be getting?!

Of course, Obama’s answer was true to his professional, succinct and logical personality. He said that one of his daughters is allergic so they’ll have to get a hypo-allergenic breed. But obviously, if they had it their way, they would get one from the pound. In that case, it would be a mutt, “like me” (The man is unflappable).

I think it’s so funny that the type of dog the President chooses for his family is important State business! I remember that Chelsea Clinton had a cat named Socks, but other than that, I don’t feel like there was ever much attention paid to the pets residing in the White House. Apparently, though, I’m wrong. I have just discovered a website that lists all of the pets from each presidency: http://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com
So the pressure is on: as Obama aspires to bring change to this country, the eyes of the Associated Press will also be watching his choice of animal companions. As if the man doesn’t already have enough decisions to make!

I just browsed through the ASPCA website and fell in love with a soft, floppy golden-haired Lhasa Apso dog named Brandon. I think that his calm, relaxed demeanor would be perfect for the White House

* photo credit: aspca.org *

There’s a team of award winning film makers producing a documentary to send out a great message about the need for creativity in the education system. They argue that policies like ‘No Child Left Behind,’ is breeding failure in kids and creating
an unfair assessment of school teachers. It’s not just a problem in our public schools in America, it’s a problem within all schools around the world. Children are being educated out of their creativity capacities, disheartening many talented and gifted children through a narrow definition of intelligence. As a result, we’re stripping away the visionary leaders of our future.

As an artistic person myself, I want to see the education system encourage creative thinkers. Our education system was created at a time where the world needed laborers, not creative thinkers. Now with technology and globalization, those creative thinkers are our futures. Instead of cultivating unique ideas and talent, we’re medicating them or worse, we’re telling them that their talents and passions aren’t of any worth. There are math geniuses but what about comedic geniuses? Even the geniuses we think of today like Albert Einstein or Leonardo da Vinci, were so great because they knew what their purpose was early on in life and applied their own creativity and passion to it. Everyone wishes that they knew early on what their life purpose is. It’s crazy that most education systems don’t do much to encourage us to find it!

These film makers believe that part of the reason is how we’ve been taught to think. Please help support the film makers so that they can spread the message of the need for change in the education system! They are trying to raise $20,000 by December 6th for the production of the film. If they don’t raise the money by then, it will all be returned. BONUS, you’ll get a lucky ticket to the premier in NYC if you donate a $10 minimum. Please go to the link below to donate to this great cause. You’ll be happy that you did and I promise that Karma will reward you

* CLICK HERE TO DONATE *

* photo credit: http://educationinnovation.typepad.com *