How Journaling Benefits Students Mental Health

Editorials

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01/22/2021

How Journaling Benefits Students Mental Health

What do you know about journaling? Most of us take journaling as a teenage or high-school hobby. Well, the truth is that anyone who can write should keep a journal. Journaling has a lot of benefits for your mental health.

Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, and stress, you can find your way out by simply writing down your thoughts. When you journal, you boost your memory. This helps a lot if you are in college and you want to keep track of your progress.

Here are the reasons you should start journaling as a student:

It Keeps You Focused and Mindful

Developing mindfulness is very important for students. Having a relaxed mind is good for studies. If you want to get the most out of books, you must be in a perfect state of mind to master everything you study.

When you are mindful, you focus on what is happening now. You stop worrying about your past and what is likely to happen tomorrow. Journaling helps you put all your thoughts down on paper to stop worrying about other things that affect your studies indirectly.

Keeping a journal is one way of practicing constant meditation. Journaling can help you cope with stress, improve sleep, and live a healthy lifestyle. You become more informed about your surroundings and everything that is happening in your life. You are more alert and enthusiastic when you keep a journal. These are important attributes to becoming a successful student.

Enhance Memory and Comprehension

How well do you recall what you learn in class? Whenever you write something down, you are more likely to recall it in the future; some studies have proved that this is true. If you engage in the constant practice of writing down your thoughts, you develop a sharp memory and boost your comprehension.

Students that keep a journal tend to be more creative than those who don’t. When journaling, you practice using words in expressing your thoughts. Journaling gives you the platform to let your thoughts and emotions flow freely on paper. Additionally, journaling helps you hone your writing skills. Therefore, when you receive essay or paper writing assignments, you feel less frustrated and don’t need to turn to writing services like WritePaper for help anymore.

A recent study has also established that journaling can help students improve critical thinking and boost their school grades. Critical thinking is an important skill every student needs to improve their grades and become better employees when they finally join the job market.

Goal Setting

The simplest way to achieve your goals is to keep reminding yourself that you can make it. Journaling is like having a vision board that reminds you constantly about your dream and goals. When you keep a journal as a student, you can list down all your goals and track your progress daily. Journaling allows every student to put down their thoughts and write down smart goals.

Whenever you write down your goals in a journal, you weigh them and determine whether they are achievable. You can also discern different goals in your list, group them in order of urgency, and troubleshoot any challenges you encounter in the process.

Tips to Help You Maximize the Benefits of Journaling

If you want to get the best out of your journaling as a student, you should:

Make writing a hobby. Write at least one page every day to improve your writing skills.
Don’t forget to note the most inspiring events, projects, and memories in your journal.
Keep asking as many questions as you can. Highlight the key questions and get back to them when you find correct answers.
Draw doodles, graphs, maps, and schemes. You can also use pictures where you lack words to explain yourself.
Make your journal more informative by adding notes and links from the internet.
Read your journal from time to time until you find the most significant passages.

How to Find Enough Time for Journaling

Have your journal with you every time and write when you find some spare time. You can journal during lunch breaks and when on the bus.
Fix journaling in your time table and daily routine.
Use journaling as a time stealer. Instead of watching TV or surfing the net, you can write during your free time.
Improve your positivity throughout the day by journaling first thing in the morning.
Introduce journaling as a way of revising school work and preparing yourself for exams.

Final Thoughts

Students face different problems that may have a direct impact on their studies. Keeping a journal is one way of countering most mental problems like depression, anxiety, and stress.

Journaling, as a student, can help you a lot. When you journal, you improve your memory power, attract positive thoughts, enhance your sense of well-being, and improve self-confidence. If you want to counter your fears and develop mental strength, journaling is the right place to start your journey.

NoHo News January 21

North Hollywood News

NoHo - North Hollywood

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01/21/2021

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NoHo News: Your Art on Billboards. Silent Films. Theater is ALIVE. Sidewalk Singers. NoHo Restaurant Delivery. Wear a mask so we can keep NoHo an arts district. #KeepNoHoArtsy.

Here’s your NoHo arts community update! We look forward to sharing lots of fun and unique news, events, profiles and updates on what’s happening in the NoHo Arts District.

Every Thursday we send out our NoHo e-News. Do you get it? It takes 30 seconds. Make sure you sign up, it’s FREE. Sign up HERE>>

This issue of NoHo e-News is about what’s going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>

Here’s a glimpse at what’s going on in North Hollywood.

Click on the image and to see the online version of our NoHo News…ENJOY NOHO!

Follow NoHo News with Bloglovin

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

“The Hill We Climb”

What We're Listening to

Lisa Bianconi

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01/20/2021

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When a poem needs to become a song…

No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, today we open our hearts and look toward our collective future. Let us all hear the beautiful and inspiring words of Amanda Gorman, a Los Angeleno, L.A. Poet Laureate and WriteGirl alum.

Amanda is a 23-year-old Harvard graduate who made history as the youngest person to deliver the presidential inauguration poem. Her moving poem, “The Hill We Climb,” is a beautiful work about unity, healing and perseverance.

Let us all listen to our future generation and repeat her wise words because they should be made into a song. And we would definitely put that on repeat and learn every single word.

“And so we lift our gaze, not to what stands between us, but what stands before us. We close the divide because we know to put our future first, we must first put our differences aside. We lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another. We seek harm to none and harmony for all.”

Thank you, Amanda Gorman, for making the words to move our souls and hopefully our actions.

Importance of Space for Dogs and Puppies

Pets District

Bethany Wilson

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01/19/2021

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Importance of Space for Dogs and Puppies

The key to any training, puppy or dog is…SPACE. Becoming more aware of your environment and how the lack of space with certain things creates pressure on your dog.

Things like:

-Traffic

-Neighbor saying hi to you

-Friendly dog down the street -holiday decorations outside -barking dog behind a fence

-etc.

Sean O’shea, another dog trainer that has written articles on space, he came up with this as a good intro:

“If there’s a crazy person loose in the state next to you, you’re probably not very worried for your own safety. If you hear he’s in your city, you’ll be more aware, but not likely freaking out yet. If you hear he’s in your neighborhood you’re going to be freaking out and likely barricading yourself in your home. If you were outside and he was walking towards you, well, that’s real PANIC TIME!!!

That’s the magic of space. Get enough space and just about anything scary is tolerable. Get too close to something unnerving and panic sets in. Sometimes all you need is a foot or two to be cool, and sometimes it’s a lot more (the Good Dog Way blog 2017)”.

I’m not only talking about things that scare your dog or puppy (though that is a concern). This goes for things that are creating a large amount of excitement as well.

We utilize space to challenge dogs and puppies, but also to create success. For instance you just want to be able to walk by your neighbors working in their yard without your dog going nuts with excitement. Yes, you should learn how to hold your dog accountable, it’s an important piece of the puzzle, but you also need to practice how to use space and pressure for long term success.

Specific Training Example:

You see your neighbor getting out of their car. You say hello while bubbling out into the grass as far from the front of their house as possible. Your dog is very excited, barely holding it together. Then, walk across the street and work them across the street more calmly. Holding them accountable will mean more and you can have success with asking for a sit and a proper heel. Do a few turns, etc. When the dog really settles, cross back over, even though the neighbor is probably in the house by now. This is how you utilities space for proper training, building good habits and working your dog through their emotions and/or previous bad habits.

Next point is dogs are animals that don’t rationalize, therefor they are very in tune with certain instincts we don’t use much anymore. (I know you knew that, but bare with me). So if a nervous, but aggressive dog is barked at, they are observing their surroundings, deciding where they can flee to. Looking for the exit or the escape. Especially if they have had training and instead of reacting (barking/lunging), they are looking for the out. Puppies will do this too and flee when they just hear barking. Puppies OFTEN bolt into the street because it’s an open space. In these situations your dog needs to know you will give them more space so they don’t need to look for the exit and have that fight or flight response.

An example is a dog coming right at you is very calm looking and you easily can stay along the wall you are walking with your dog. Your dog is curious, but stays with you. Doesn’t seem to mind the lack of space.

The next dog you see is pulling hard towards your dog, desperate to say hi, staring at them intensely. Your dog starts to become jittery and unsure. In their head they are trying to figure out how to respond and they physically feel pressure from you, being one leash and the wall so they have no place to go but forward or back. If you don’t make a decision for them quickly, they will choose fight or flight (or extreme excitement depending on the behavior you are working on). You have to get out and around or that lack of space becomes a pressure cooker!

The flip side is your dog can see that same dog out in an open park and be just fine and still listen to you because of space.

Dogs that feel the pressure cooker often will turn towards reactivity in a matter of weeks or months as a way to cope. Another reason we talk about leadership and space so often, even young puppies.

“The point is, the pressure your dog feels, and how he reacts is absolutely situational and contextual. You can’t expect your dog to have a one-size-fits-all reaction. He’s a complex emotional creature, and he’s going to determine the level of pressure he feels – and how he reacts – dependent upon lots of factors.

Some tips

-More space equals more comfort. Sometimes just 1, 2, or 3 feet of movement away from the trigger can alleviate the boil-over.

-Dogs that your dog has developed a grudge (or simply a bad habit like greeting and playing on the street) with will be the toughest challenges.

-Dogs see and feel being trapped, so be keenly aware of not putting yourselves in no- escape, high-pressure spaces.

-Dogs see/feel the intent, attitude, nastiness, posturing of other dogs, and act accordingly.

-Dogs see whether owners have control and whether they are confident or freaked, and act accordingly. (The Good Dog Way Blog, 2017)”

All successful dog training starts and ends with how you utilize space for success and then space to challenge to build tolerance to different situations. The better you are at utilizing space 95% of the time, the more tolerant your dog or puppy will be of the unexpected close situations you can’t navigate easily. Hopefully this article puts your mind in the right space (haha, see how I did that) in order to take different techniques, advice and training you learn and apply to your dog more successfully.

-Bethany Wilson

Credit for the idea for this blog goes to The Good Dog. This specific article is something I have been giving clients for years to prep them for dog training with us. I hope you have found some value in it.

Bethany Wilson

Ruff Beginnings Rehab

818-732-1364

http://www.RuffBeginningsRehab.com/

https://www.facebook.com/RuffBeginningsRehab

https://www.youtube.com/c/RuffBeginningsRehab

How to Give Your Dog the Ultimate At-Home Spa Day?

Editorials

Lisa Bianconi

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01/19/2021

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How to Give Your Dog the Ultimate At-Home Spa Day?

What’s the one thing that you crave the most after a hectic week at work? If you’re like most people, you’d want to indulge in a refreshing spa treatment to recharge your batteries. So, why would you deprive your doggie best friend of that joy?

Here’s the thing – a pampered pooch is the happiest and the absolute best. Dogs love being cared for and would give anything to spend quality time with their favorite humans. While you can take them for a grooming session at the nearest pet salon, there’s nothing better than spoiling them with an at-home spa treatment.

To begin with, it won’t take much to make your furry friend happy. Even a gentle massage and some treats will make them smile ear-to-ear. But you can always take it up a notch on special occasions, such as their birthday.

The good news is that you’ll find plenty of grooming kits at your local pet shop or online stores, such as PetCareRx.com. Also, on the plus side, you’ll get to bond with your pooch and spend some quality one-on-one time with them. It’s the least you can do for them after all the affection and love they shower you with.

Curating the perfect in-home spa experience for your dog isn’t rocket science. However, it’s essential to create a proper plan for the entire day. This will give you an idea of the supplies, such as treats, towels, grooming tools, etc. you’ll need.

In this blog, we’ve handpicked a few useful tips to help you treat your dog to a memorable at-home spa day. Let’s take a look.

1. Start with a Workout Session

Doesn’t a spa treatment feel more relaxing after a few hours of intense workout? Well, it’s going to be the same for your dog. Also, a bit of workout will help your dog burn some of that excess energy and make them easier to tackle while grooming.

That’s why it’s important to start the day on a positive note with some form of exercise. It could just be a short walk in the neighborhood park or a few minutes of playing fetch in your backyard.

Depending on whether your dog is up for it, you could also consider taking them for a hike on their favorite trail. The key is to closely monitor your dog’s mood and figure out the best form of workout for the day.

2. Set the Scene

Now that your dog is back home after the daily dose of exercise, it’s time to kickstart the spa day. The ideal way of doing this is to create a spa-like ambiance in your living space. To begin with, choose the right setting for all the grooming-related activities to take place. It could be your living room, bedroom, or even the terrace.

Once you’ve selected the space, the next step is to create a relaxed and dog-friendly environment. The easiest way of doing this is to fill the space with your canine companion’s favorite toys and other belongings. Keep their bed, cushions, and a blanket for them to lie down.

If you have a vaporizer at home, you could also light up some mild aroma oils to create a calm and peaceful atmosphere. However, make sure you consider your dog’s sensitive nose while selecting the fragrance.

3. Play Some Music

What’s a day at the spa without some relaxing tunes playing in the background? Apart from its numerous therapeutic properties, music is also known to be a stressbuster for dogs. For instance, studies have shown that classical music has a calming effect on anxious and jittery shelter dogs.

That’s why music needs to be a part of your dog’s at-home spa treatment. Unless your dog is fond of a particular genre of music, you could play some soft and melodious tunes to help them relax. Or you could play their favorite song and watch them break into a wide smile.

4. Be Your Dog’s Masseuse

Now that you’ve set the tone for the day, it’s time to treat your dog to a gentle massage. Use your fingertips to gently massage the top of their head and work your way down to the rest of their body. It’ll help your pooch unwind and prepare them for bath time.

5. Run a Warm Bath

Most dogs aren’t exceptionally fond of bathing. However, a day of grooming wouldn’t be worthwhile without a splash of warm water. Make sure you keep all your supplies, including towel, comb, shampoo, toys, and treats, ready before running the water.

If your dog is particularly averse to the idea of bathing, you could distract them with their favorite snacks and treats. Or you could smear some peanut butter on the side of their tub to lure them in. Gently brush their hair with a comb or brush before applying water and shampoo.

Once you’ve rinsed the shampoo, don’t forget to pat them dry with a towel. You could also use a hairdryer for this purpose. However, make sure you keep it at the lowest temperature and speed setting to prevent your dog’s sensitive skin and hair from burning.

6. Time for a “Pawdicure”

Once your pooch calms down after the bath, it’s time to clip their nails. Again, you can use a blob of peanut butter or their favorite treats to distract them while you trim their nails. Don’t forget to use a file to soften the edges of their nails.

Have you ever done an at-home spa experience for your dog? Share your recommendations in the comments section below.

“Who Is Jeff Rector?”

North Hollywood News

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros

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01/19/2021

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Meet Jeff Rector

Jeff Rector has been around Hollywood for many years. As an actor, a comedian, a writer and producer and now, in his latest incarnation, as a solo artist.

The thing I have discovered about solo work is how it can truly separate those who are serious about their art as a professional performer from those who have something to say only this one time. Which doesn’t mean to say that what they have to say is any less relevant or important than those to whom this is one of many or indeed that they are any less good at saying it. It’s just different…in a good way. But Jeff Rector is a serious performer and this is a seriously considered and produced show. He works all the time and you may even recognise him from his many film and TV roles. But in this time of Covid, when very little is going on in TV and film in L.A., it has become more vital than ever for performers of every kind to create their own work, to hire themselves and to find interesting ways of sharing their work with the world.

Lucky for Jeff that the glorious Whitefire Theatre is hosting their hugely successful Solofest, the largest solo festival outside of New York. They are pioneers of virtual plays and have been able to bravely continue on with theatre online through 2020 and now into 2021 to give these amazing solo writers and performers a valuable venue and a precious lifeline to the rest of the world…creatively speaking.

We wondered what Jeff thought about all this and so we asked him!

How did you start out in show business?

I started out doing theatre at Taft high school and Moorpark College. While I was at Moorpark, I joined the Speech Team and became a state and national speech champion. I also majored in telecommunications and I learned to write, direct and produce my own films. As an actor, I already had an agent and was doing some modeling and commercials at that time as well. I would encourage any actors to take some classes in school, get a feel for it and see if that’s something you really want to commit your life to. Because it is acting a full-time career, it’s not a hobby and it’s not something you can do part-time and still be successful. You have to be fully committed and you have to want it with all your heart!

You have done so many difference types of performance, what drew you to a solo show?

I’ve pretty much done everything else. Ha! Theatre, modeling, commercials, soap operas, industrial films, stand-up comedy, comedy improvisation and I have appeared in over 100 television shows and motion pictures. I met the queen of Solo Shows, Jessica Lynn Johnson a few years ago and started taking her classes. It was a real eye-opener! I realized I don’t need to be cast in a play, to do theatre. I can create my own material and do whatever I want. How awesome is that? And fun too. It’s incredibly liberating. The downside to solo shows or stand-up comedy is that you’re all alone up there. If you kill it, it’s ALL you and if you bomb, it’s All you. Ha! I would encourage anyone to study with Jessica, she is amazing and she does a lot of workshops for free! I don’t know too many teachers who do that.

Do you have any tips on getting into show business and writing your own material?

There is no quick or easy way to get into Hollywood. You have to work hard, train, study and hope you get some lucky breaks. I always encourage people to do extra work. That way, you’re at least on set, in front of the camera and you’re learning by watching and doing. You are basically getting paid to learn. And sometimes, you get lucky and get picked by the director to say a line or two. I did a lot of work when I went in the morning as an extra, and left the set that night with a speaking role. It does happen. As far as writing goes, like Nike says, “Just do it!” Get on your computer and just start writing. Whether it’s comedy, drama or a combination (dramedy) just start writing, you’ve got nothing to lose. Who knows, it might actually be good. Ha!

Moving forward, in this crazy covid world, what’s your next step?

Not getting Covid again. I did once, but I got through it and then tested negative. I’m continuing to write, direct, produce and act and was actually blessed with a really good 2020 year, work wise. I have a few projects coming out this year, a currently untitled docu-drama with the amazing Matthew Modine about the college admissions scandal directed by “Tiger King” executive producer Chris Smith, the romantic comedy “Save The Wedding” and I just worked on Micahel Bay’s new film “Ambulance.”

What have you learned about yourself from this process?

I guess I can do it all. Ha! I don’t want to sound conceited, but people kept telling me, “Pick one thing and do it well!” That’s a bunch of crap! You can do it all if you set your mind to it, and I have! There is too much out there in the world to experience, to limit yourself in any way. My favorite saying is, “You can do and be whatever you want in this world! Don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t!”

If any of your readers see my show this Sunday night, January 24th at 6:00pm, I will be doing a live Q&A and would be happy to answer any questions, in person. If not I wish you all the best. Just keep creating!

“Who is Jeff Rector?”

Written, Directed and Performed by Jeff Rector

Developed with Jessica Lynn Johnson.

The Whitefire Theatre’s Annual Solofest

WHEN:

Sunday, January 24 at 6PM

TICKETS>

What Is a Payday Loan?

Editorials

Staff Writer

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01/18/2021

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What Is a Payday Loan?

There are life situations when you need to take a payday loan. People often use the services of microfinance organizations as they are a reliable option and excellent helpers in financial hardships.

There are situations when you might need a payday loan urgently. Moreover, visiting a bank is another headache. After all, the terms of a payday loan will be beneficial only to the bank. Thus, high-interest rates only aggravate the whole situation.

Today, a large number of citizens are not officially employed. Therefore, you can get a refusal to get a payday loan from any banking institution. After all, banks do not accept applications from those customers who do not have a certificate of income and official employment and their only hope could lie on the shoulders of organizations like Directloantransfer.

Payday Loan Benefits and Tips

Taking a loan online is trying to take a payday loan from a microfinance institution. Fast money and online loans are a lucrative offer gaining more and more popularity among citizens.

For several years now, there have been so-called microcredit organizations in the United States. Many of them provide their customers with funds on favorable terms, including obtaining a payday loan. The number of users of such organizations nationwide is more than a million people per month.

The main customers of the payday loan organizations are usually young people between the ages of 25 and 35. With all the statistics, the age of the audience is getting smaller every year. Now you can even meet those who want to get a loan at 20 or even 18 years old. In this case, the borrower of a payday loan gets a real chance to solve all financial issues. It helps to get the maximum benefit thanks to a microcredit or payday money.

Main Benefits To Note In a Payday Loan:

You can draw up an application and a contract online without even leaving your home at any time of the day;
High mobility of consideration of the received data of the customer;
The company issues the final decision on permission on a loan after 15-30 minutes;
Favorable lending conditions and a minimum interest rate of 0.01% per day;
Observance of complete anonymity to all borrowers, as well as the protection of their personal data when getting a payday loan;
Within 30 minutes, a new customer can receive the minimum amount of money, and for regular customers, the registration time takes a few minutes.

Users should not even have doubts that the best choice would be to take out a payday loan in a microcredit organization.

Despite the Complex Bureaucratic System

Citizens are trying to solve all their financial problems despite the complex bureaucratic system of applying for a payday loan in banking organizations. It can provide a customer with the convenience and mobility of modern services in the provision of financial services. Such services will be available anywhere and at any time convenient for a customer. You only need an Internet connection.

Most Frequent Reasons For Obtaining a Payday Loan

Delay in salary;
Money for treatment is urgently needed;
Home renovation or purchase of household appliances;
Organization of celebrations (weddings, anniversaries, and others);
Need money for shopping;
An urgent trip.

There can be many such reasons why borrowers need to take a payday loan. The main thing is that each of them still requires a certain amount of money which may not be at hand at the right time.

Payday Loan Will Not Be Issued Without a Certificate of Income

A bank loan, taking into account a payday loan, until recently, was one of the most popular types of receiving money urgently. Today banks can also issue loans on the purchase of a car, apartment, and other large purchases. But such a loan will lead to a number of disadvantages, including very high-interest rates and not favorable conditions offered to the borrower.

Citizens who are employed in official jobs also need to collect a whole package of documents stating that the person is solvent, has a constant income, and much more. Banks thus put forward very unfavorable conditions for potential clients:

It is necessary to confirm official employment (letter of recommendation from work and other documents);
Evidence that the person earns a high salary level every month. This fact will allow to repay the loan and receive a payday loan;
Real estate documents are also required.

In microcredit organizations, you can receive funds and resolve the issue in a trouble-free manner, while banking organizations drag out the results of solving a loan from several days to several months. Apart from that, the number of refusals to customers exceeds the number of loans issued. But there are situations when a person necessarily needs money and there is no time to wait.

In addition, banks threaten to pay large fines in the case of late payment and debt obligations to the card. Another disadvantage is additional interest.

What Should You Pay Attention to When Taking a Loan?

Many micro-credit services offer their customers to take an interest-free loan with a payday loan. Moreover, regular users can also enjoy all the benefits of loyalty programs. For example, discounts on issuing loans without certificates and guarantors, as well as taking a loan in a few minutes online.

In order to choose the most suitable organization, a customer needs to pay attention to the characteristics of the declared services, lucrative offers from the organization, periods and amount that can be expected from the service, and find out all the conditions of repaying the loan.

It is also very important to choose a service with an understanding and competent staff who will be able to prompt and advise exactly what the borrower needs.

The Group Rep Gives Back Despite the Pandemic

North Hollywood News

Lisa Bianconi

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01/18/2021

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The Group Rep Gives Back Despite the Pandemic

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Every year for the past 40 years, the Group Repertory Theater Company has put on a holiday party for foster children housed in group homes. The young people, escorted by their counselors, come to theatre for lunch, games, entertainment and a gift for each of them delivered by Santa. It’s a full day at the holiday decorated Lonny Chapman Theatre in NoHo, with spirited members and friends of the theatre company serving as elf hosts throughout the day.

We chatted with GRT company founding member actress/producer Janet Wood, who chairs the committee that puts on the annual Kids Holiday Party. Ms. Wood has been part of the event from its beginnings. We wanted to know about how the tradition of the party came about. In addition, we were wondering how they went about putting on a holiday party for the kids this year.

How did the Group Rep Theatre Company get involved in having holiday parties for kids in need?

We started out about 40 years ago. It was the brainchild of Lynn Rosen (Bright), a former member, and in those days 5 or 10 of us went to the foster facilities and brought gifts and entertained. We did games with the kids and they just loved it and clamored for more.

How long have you been a member of the Group Rep? What made you want to take on the role of chairing the annual event?

I am one of the Founding Members of the theater, one of 11 or 12 actors who came together to do theater and invite audiences to a little 34 seat theater over on Van Ness Blvd. When Lonny Chapman came in and became our Artistic Director, everything exploded. We did the play “La Ronde” and were an instant hit in town. I gradually took on the role of chairing the event every year. When Lynn left, Irene Chapman and I took over and produced the holiday show event for about 20 years. Then when Irene left, I took over the whole thing. But it does take a village. So many members and friends of the theatre company are involved in making it happen.

What usually happens at the annual Kids Holiday Party? What do the kids experience and enjoy?

The theater is decorated from top to bottom. The Group Rep members dressed in holiday attire serve as hosts for the day. The kids play games, see a magic show and entertainers perform. Lunch for 100 people is served, followed by holiday songs, and a play written especially for them. At the end, Santa comes out and gives each child a gift from Santa.

How did the party plans change due to the pandemic? What, if anything, was put together to make a celebration for the kids this holiday season?

I was very conscious of the fact that we could not have the party and was worried that the kids would feel we forgot them. And so, I decided to create a virtual party and send it to them! The one-hour virtual show “CELEBRATION!” included a Group Rep member Zoom audience wall, a magician, singers, jokesters, and a violinist. We ended the show with the finale of the previously recorded “A CAROL CHRISTMAS” (GRT’s Ovation nominated original musical written by Bruce Kimmel and Doug Haverty). All the hours of recording were brought together by the amazing editing of Doug Engalla, with graphics by our Artistic Director Doug Haverty. It was indeed a labor of love.

Dr. Jay Silverman & Janet Wood Kids Holiday Party 2020

Is there anything you wish I had asked about or would want a reader to know about the annual Kids Holiday Party?

When we started out, GRT members would donate a gift to give to the kids. As the years went by and the need grew, I decided to raise money for decorations, rentals, lunch, prizes, etc., including a gift for each child. That has continued to this day. Many people donate, including the Rotary Club. Plans are already underway for the 2021 annual Kids Holiday Party. If a reader is so inclined, donations would be most appreciated.

For more information about the Group Rep or the annual Kids Holiday Party, please visit thegrouprep.com or leave a message at 818.763.5990.

Jargon vs. Slang in Essay Writing

Editorials

TheNoHoArtsDistrict

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01/18/2021

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In essay writing, often jargon and slang are used interchangeably. However, jargon and slang are different. Jargon is a language limited to a specific framework or industry. Slang, on the other hand, is the language used in informal settings.

Jargon vs. Slang

The main differences between jargon and slang include:

1) Jargon May Be Formal, But Slang Is Informal

Jargon is used in different fields, and its understanding is limited to the people in specific fields. For instance, agonal is medical jargon, and only professionals in the field will understand that it means a major negative change in a patient’s health.

Slang is used among friends or a given circle.

2) Jargon Is Permanent, But Slang Is Seasonal or Temporary

Jargon is permanent and remains the same over the years in the given industry. However, slang is temporary and varies with different circles, and may be replaced by another slang over time.

Jargon words can be found in the English dictionary, while slang words are not there.

Can Jargon and Slang Be Used in an Essay?

As aforementioned, slang is informal and does not qualify to be used in an essay. The reason why experts discourage slang in essay writing is the fact that they create confusion, both in spelling and meaning. Remember that slang varies with circles and may carry different meanings with different audiences.

Jargon is formal and, therefore, can be used in essay writing. Professional writers from EssayService, for instance, are required to understand the different industry jargon, depending on their clients’ needs. If they are writing business essays, they should be in touch with business jargon. The same applies if they are doing medical, engineering, or technology essays.

When to Use Jargon

Experts advise against the abuse of jargon and also insist that if you have to use jargon, you should use it the right way. Jargon can be an asset in your essay writing when used in the following ways:

1. When You Are Speaking to a Technical Audience

If you are writing about a technical topic, then you will be using jargon. Technical topics require a technical approach that will make the reader relate. The reader will find your work more interesting if the language is specialized.

Using jargon when writing technical topics will also make your work easy. There will be less explaining of terms, as there are globally accepted words or abbreviations for the object or subject that the reader will understand at first glance.

The use of jargon also is an indicator of knowledge and experience and consequently creating credibility in your work.

2. To Make Your Content Extraordinary

If you know that the reader would be impressed by unique content, you can use jargon to make your writing less basic. While still maintaining a technical audience, you can use jargon to make your vocabulary appealing and create some element of wordplay.

3. When You Are Required to Write a Really Short Essay

The first step towards getting a good score in your writing is following the instructions provided by your professor. The guidelines can either indicate a long or short essay.

Well, one might think that short essays are easier to work on. However, remember that they need to make sense. They, therefore, should include an introduction, a coherent body, and a conclusion. Jargon provides you with an opportunity to write a detailed essay without exceeding the word count.

The use of jargon is, therefore, a smart way to maneuver the short essays.

Mistakes to Avoid When Using Jargon in Your Essay

While using jargon in essay writing is acceptable, you should be careful not to weigh down your paper’s quality in the process.

1. Do Not Abuse Jargon

Using jargon when you don’t need to can be considered abuse too. Jargon should be used singly with no accompanying explanation or definition of terms. The purpose of using jargon is to write something accurate and straight to the point; embellishing it, therefore, beats the purpose.

Also, overusing jargon can affect the readability of your essay. As much as the reader may be familiar with the technical terms, chances are, they might also need to translate the phrases to understand your point. Minimize the use of jargon only when you need to maintain the flow of your essay.

2. Do Not Mistake Slang for Jargon

Jargon and slang are different. Jargon is found in the dictionary, and it is formal. Before you use words that you are not sure if they are jargon, confirm first to avoid affecting your work’s credibility.

Take Away

There are instances where you are allowed to use jargon. That is when the topic is technical, or your audience is technical. Use jargon the right way to enhance the credibility of your work. Avoid fluff and overembellishing, as it will diminish the quality of your essay.

Three Tips for Editing a Solo Show

Soaring Solo

Jessica Lynn Johnson

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01/17/2021

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“Kill your darlings, kill your darlings, even when it breaks your egocentric little scribbler’s heart, kill your darlings.” -Stephen King

Whether you reference your editing process as killing your darlings or killing your babies, either way, it feels like a murderous rampage of your thoughts, feelings, and ideas.

You finally found the courage to confide all of these vulnerable truths, and you divinely discovered such a creative way to express yourself, and now you have to slice and dice it all.

It feels like too painful a prospect.

Yes, editing is brutal.

However, no one wants to sit through two and half hours of your life story no matter how fascinating and inspiring it may be.

Your audience is human. They need to go to the bathroom. They need a snack. They need something else to focus their short attention spans on.

So, it is of dire importance that you determine which excerpts of your solo show script hit the stage and which ones hit the cutting room floor.

Before you begin to cut away the fat, you must first determine just how much extra weight you have to lose. To do this, set your timer and conduct a master read of your entire solo show script. Say the lines out loud and do your best to emulate your performance pace so that your runtime is as accurate as possible.

On average, most purely comedic solo shows tend to range from 20-minute shorts to 60-minute, full-length shows. Whereas, a more dramatic solo show will typically run anywhere from seventy to 90 minutes, or thereabouts.

Editing your story into a strict time frame is notably one of the most challenging aspects of creating a one person play. Therefore, I have given three useful tips to ensure that your final draft captures the integrity of what you wish to convey, while still being as succinct as possible.

1) Be patient enough to do tiny, tedious trimming.

Start small.

Take one page at a time and read each sentence out loud. Sometimes just hearing the words come out of your mouth reveals a clunky passage you may wish to simplify. Keep reworking and rereading it aloud until it rolls off your tongue smoothly.

By doing this sort of close examination, you may also realize that you are listing adjectives and examples rather than taking the time to find one word or reference that describes the sentiment perfectly.

The circuitous nature of your writing may also be an indication that you have not asked yourself what it is you are really trying to say. So, take a moment to clarify your intention with each passage of your solo script. Once you have clarity on your objective, then prioritize being clear and concise.

Finally, you simply might not trust the power of your words, nor the excellence of your acting, and therefore you try to compensate with longwindedness.

Have faith that if you merely tell your story in a truthful and timely manner, your message will be received by your audience.

2) Be brave enough to do bold, BIG cuts!

Once you have done the tiny and tedious edits I spoke of above, it may be time to do some bigger cuts if your runtime is still too long.

This is where truly difficult decisions must be made because you are no longer just substituting words and tightening sentences, but in this phase you may be dropping entire storylines, losing characters, and cutting fun fluff that you truly do not need.

In this stage of editing, imagine that each story in your solo show must defend its purpose for staying. Every character has to have a damn good reason to stick around in your script. Each punchline has to elicit a belly laugh.

With each examined excerpt, ask yourself; does it move the story forward? Could the story possibly move forward if it were missing? Is it entertaining and interesting? Will it benefit my audience? Do I need to say it to deeply express myself?

At the end of the day, if you just really, really like it, but you know deep down it is not serving the overall story, then do yourself and your audience a favor and kill your darling.

Remember, you can always bring it back if it continues to haunt you once it’s gone.

3) Be humble enough to let others into your process.

Editing alone in your creative cave is a very valuable part of the process so that you honor your own voice first and foremost. But, there comes a time when you are simply too close to your own story.

You cannot decipher what is compelling and what is navel gazing. You no longer know if a joke is funny or if you just read it so many times that it lost its comedic edge. You have lost perspective on how impactful your journey really is and devalue your own triumphs.

When we arrive here, we want to find a trusted few to invite into our sacred creative space, share our solo story, and receive their constructive criticism.

At this point, we have spent enough quality time with our own thoughts, feelings and opinions about our script, that we can confidently allow another set of eyes and ears to weigh in and weed out those final edits.

Hopefully, by incorporating these editing tips you will complete a fantastic final draft of your one person play that will convey your message in fewer words, while leaving your audience wanting more!

Jessica Lynn Johnson

Founder & CEO of Soaring Solo LLC

SoaringSoloArtist@gmail.com

www.SoaringSoloStudios.com

Enjoy these Solo Theatre Resources to further guide you on your solo journey!

Tune in and Support the SOARING SOLO SALON on Friday January 29th @ 7pm (PST)!

What You Need to Know About Starting a Business in California

Editorials

Lisa Bianconi

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01/15/2021

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With its beautiful beaches and massive farmlands, it’s understandable why California has been a hotspot for just about any business. In fact, the Golden State has the highest number of small businesses in the US, with 4.1 million small businesses fuelling the state’s economy. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur looking to have a slice of The Golden State’s ever-booming business landscape, here are some things you need to know before you start your new venture in California.

Culture is thriving

One thing that sets California apart is its high regard for culture and the arts. From entertainment hubs as grand as Hollywood to areas like the NoHo Arts District, which houses theatres, dance studios, and recording studios — there’s no shortage of creativity in the state.

This has proven fruitful for many businesses, because this love of culture has opened up opportunities for more experimentation. Together with famous fast food chains, you’ll find dainty offbeat restaurants serving delicacies from various cultures; along with big names, you can also find local clothing brands that innovate and help set trends in fashion. Opening your business in the state means having an open-minded audience and having the freedom to be as original as you want to be with your ideas.

It leads in innovation

Just last year, California was named the top state in the US for innovation based on six categories: research and development intensity, productivity, clusters of companies in technology, STEM jobs, residents with degrees in science and engineering disciplines, and patent activity.

This fact is due largely to California being home to Silicon Valley, the long-time center for innovation. The presence of large tech companies in the state, such as Google, Apple, and Facebook, has strongly bolstered the economy and provided numerous business opportunities in tech and development for entrepreneurs to take advantage of.

Taxes may be a challenge

California’s general reputation when it comes to taxes may be intimidating to many. It’s understandable, though, with the state individual income tax rate at a high 13.3% for the top bracket. For California entrepreneurs with LLCs, this is in addition to an $800 annual franchise tax on the business itself. Required for all LLCs regardless of income or age, this amount is due four and a half months after you officially register your business with the state, and then on or before April 15 for every year after.

This may seem a lot for entrepreneurs who are just starting out, but there’s a lot of support for businesses in the state. The NoHo Business Improvement District has compiled a list of support and resources for financing startups and small businesses.

There’s a deep talent pool

The Golden State is known for its many prestigious universities, such as Stanford University and CalTech, whose impressive alumni have gone on to start the likes of Google and Hewlett-Packard. Not only do these universities produce very employable graduates, the sheer number of companies put up by these individuals have in turn attracted a diverse and versatile pool of talent into the state. Therefore, choosing to open a new venture in California, means you will have access to this talent, which could be crucial in the success and longevity of your business.

Starting a new business in the US requires a well-developed business plan, which asks you to consider many factors like your business objectives, how you’ll position yourself in the market, and of course, the costs that are needed to establish your startup. While the state is not the cheapest to open your new venture in, few places come close to the vibrancy of California. Its roots in arts and culture, constant innovation and technology, and its talent pool make it a great place to start a business. Along with a supportive community, it is truly worth considering California among your array of options.

Anza Borrego – The Best California State Park You’ve Never Heard of

Active Journeys with Jack Witt!

Jack Witt

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01/14/2021

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Anza Borrego – The Best California State Park You’ve Never Heard of

About a two-hour drive east of San Diego is California’s largest state park – Anza Borrego.

A lot of people have never heard of the park and/or since it’s a desert park, it doesn’t appeal to them. But I’m here to tell you, it’s well worth a visit. The park features washes, wildflowers, palm groves, cacti and sweeping vistas. Visitors may also have the chance to see roadrunner, golden eagles, kit foxes, mule deer and bighorn sheep as well as iguanas. There are plenty of motels, hotels, and resorts (and restaurants) in the town of Borrego Springs, which is right at the edge of the park’s main visitor center.

There are several highways that crisscross this huge state park. California Route 78 runs east to west through the middle of the park while County Routes S1, S2, S3 and S22 link the various sections of the park. So, it’s scenic drives galore.

And there are numerous hiking trails in the park. In fact, the famed Pacific Crest Trail passes in and out of the park several times. This blog post will feature a couple of easy day hikes that you can do if you have one full day in the park.

But like any desert setting, Anza Borrego gets extremely hot in the summer and evenings/early mornings can be very cold in the winter months. I went in November, and it was perfect hiking weather – around 65F and sunny during the day. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen though regardless of what time of year you go.

A popular hike suitable for most fitness levels is the three-mile Palm Canyon trail. The trailhead is located at the furthest parking area of Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. The trail itself is well marked and leads to an oasis of fan palms Keep your eye out for bighorn sheep who venture down into the canyon for water and to graze on the various plant life that depend on the oasis’s comparatively abundant supply of water.

If you’re not claustrophobic, next head over to The Slot. It’s a fun one-mile out and back level hike that winds you through narrow siltstone tall walls in a trench type maze deep inside a canyon. It’s mostly shaded so offers a nice respite from the desert heat. It’s truly one of my favorite hikes of all time, almost an amusement park ride for hikers. The trailhead is located off Route 78 by turning onto a dirt road marked Buttes Pass and driving about two miles to the parking area. It’s a sandy dirt road, so suitable for most low clearance vehicles.

Cap off your visit to Anza Borrego State Park by viewing the giant metal art sculptures dotting the landscape just off S22. They are scattered over 10 square miles, and since the landscape is so barren in the park, you really can’t miss them! There are super-sized dinosaurs, horses, sloths, tortoises, mammoths, saber toothed cats, dragons and more.

All in all, Anza Borrego State Park is an outdoor treasure of Southern California, just waiting to be discovered. You can also combine your time there with a visit to the Salton Sea (about 30 min. drive away) and the nearby quaint mountain town of Julian (also about a 30 min. drive).

SaveArtSpace Call to Artists

North Hollywood News

Lisa Bianconi

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01/14/2021

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Attention all NoHo and L.A. visual artists. Your art could be on a billboard.

Founded in 2015, in Brooklyn, NY, SaveArtSpace is a non-profit organization that works to create an urban gallery experience, launching exhibitions that address intersectional themes and foster a progressive message of social change. By placing culture over commercialism, SaveArtSpace aims to empower artists from all walks of life and inspire a new generation of young creatives and activists.

SaveArtSpace – One of the Your Art LA 4 (2020) selected artist V & V

“We found success with all forms of artwork, be it fine art paintings, drawing, digital art, photography and beyond. We’ve even installed iPhone images in the past. We welcome all artists to submit their art work!

It’s best to check out the what kind of work the curators make, and if you make similar work, you may have a good chance of being selected.

We hold 2-3 open calls a year in southern California, and monthly open calls around the country, see saveartspace.org/submit for all available open calls. There is always an opportunity to have your art up on billboard in your neighborhood or somewhere else!”

Your Art Los Angeles 5

Have your artwork displayed on ad space in Los Angeles, CA. Curated by Amy Smith and Brendan Pattengale.

WHEN:

DEADLINE: January 25, 2021

HOW:

– Each artist is encouraged to submit up to ten (10) images. $10 per image.
– They will announce the selected artist via social media and email.
– There is a 2 to 6-week turnaround time for notification and installation after each deadline.

SUBMIT YOUR WORK>>

#KEEPNOHOARTSY

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

Countless Thousands “And the Triumph of Justice” Album Release

Music Reviews

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros

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01/14/2021

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Countless Thousands “And the Triumph of Justice” Album Release

Countless Thousand’s new album “And the Triumph of Justice” is fast-paced, melodic punk rock with a softer side.

It’s full-on energy and loud, big, sweeping sounds, but the vocals are melodic and gorgeous rather than the more predictable punk rock sound. The combination is something relatable, angry still, but with a bit more obvious compassion for the listener. Recorded during lockdown in two kitchens…with riotous, rebellious, gorgeous, lusty and quite beautiful freeness of thought and unhinged lyrical journeys.

I’m English, so punk rock is something of a tradition for me. I grew up listening to The Clash, The Sex Pistols and a whole bunch of ska bands with their feet firmly planted in punk. I have the mosh bruises to prove it still, in fact!! But I have also grown to like the more Americana punk of Green Day and Say Anything. Punk always has something to say and always in the most honest way. They call themselves Theatrepunk, a label which describes this music perfectly.

There’s a lot to talk about right now, to shout about, to scream about. So punk feels like the perfect antidote to all this mess. Punk doesn’t lie, it is raw and brutal and fierce and unafraid. We need punk more than ever it seems and this album from this very aware band, Countless Thousands, is a perfect blend of fire and thought.

Soft on one track, full throttle on another, this album is full of delicious irony. Bless them for shamelessly evoking their Americanness, but without all the bullshit. They seem to revel in their own history even as they invoke that special kind of US sarcasm. I love the lyrics, which are surprisingly easy to decipher for a punk band. But then this isn’t a traditional punk band really. The guitar is a bit more melodic thank UK punk, less saw, more harmony. It’s punk for our hellish era, with walls of warmer sound and huge and brilliant drums, roof-raising vocals and lovely comic asides.

I’m enjoying Countless Thousands and their, dare I say it, Adam and the Ants-like drumming and epic, frosty guitar. This is a big, big album, 16 tracks!!!! It seems to relish its distant and loving call back to the 80s. It is rock opera and pub punk with a twist of revelatory, world-changing themes. It’s pretty brilliant actually, the more you hear it, the more you love it and it did love it!!!

Bravo! Local band…Glendale, CA. Who new punk rockers roamed the sweet, meandering avenues of Glendale?

Favorite song, “Murder Assassins from the Future.” I’m a sucker for a love song.

Davey Munch – Bass; Light Return – Gtr/Vox/Recording; Danger Van Gorder – Vox/Gtr

Producer Name(s): Light Return

Here’s another favorite, “Lazar Wolf.”

Official Website: http://www.countlessthousands.com/

Facebook: facebook.com/CountlessThousands

Twitter: @Countless1000s

Instagram: instagram.com/CountlessThousands

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Lxh4SFyh0rvf3tZWbw55Q

Bandcamp: bandcamp.com/countlessthousands

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/countlessthousands

Youtube Channel: youtube.com/countlessthousands

NoHo News January 14

North Hollywood News

NoHo - North Hollywood

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01/14/2021

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…

NoHo News: Silent Films. Theater is ALIVE.. Sidewalk Singers. NoHo Restaurant Delivery. Wear a mask so we can keep NoHo an arts district. #KeepNoHoArtsy.

Here’s your NoHo arts community update! We look forward to sharing lots of fun and unique news, events, profiles and updates on what’s happening in the NoHo Arts District.

Every Thursday we send out our NoHo e-News. Do you get it? It takes 30 seconds. Make sure you sign up, it’s FREE. Sign up HERE>>

This issue of NoHo e-News is about what’s going on in North Hollywood and a selection of some theatre shows. But we have a ton of them. Did you know that the NoHo Arts District has the highest concentration of theatres outside of New York City? Just check out the NoHo Arts District Theatre Guide>>

Here’s a glimpse at what’s going on in North Hollywood.

Click on the image and to see the online version of our NoHo News…ENJOY NOHO!

Follow NoHo News with Bloglovin

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

“THE BUSINESS OF ACTING”

North Hollywood News

Lisa Bianconi

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01/14/2021

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“THE BUSINESS OF ACTING” Exclusive, One-Day, Online Seminar, Thursday, January 28.

“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” -Winston Churchill

From the Actors Workout Studio:

Due to Covid and stay-at-home orders, most actors are unable to work and have more time on their hands. Here’s an opportunity to commit to doing “inner work” on your acting life.

In this seminar, we will discuss the Business of Acting. This is not just a ‘to-do’ list; it’s a deep look inside yourself to find your power zones.

So much of being able to succeed in this business is directly related to your unconscious attitude and behavior.

“How you do anything is how you do everything.”

We will examine your personal blocks and patterns and help you break through to more freedom, expression and alignment with your personal power.

The seminar is taught by Fran Montano, the owner and artistic director of North Hollywood’s Actors Workout Studio for more than 30 years. He is one of L.A.’s top acting coaches, an Emmy Award winner, and author of the book “Act Authentically. “

With more than 30 years of experience in the business, Fran will work with you on your journey, helping you find your blocks, finding your personal power zone, and creating a plan for the year.

WHEN:

Thursday, January 28
10:00AM – 3:00PM PST

PRICE:

$125.*

SIGN UP:

Email to sign up: info@actorsworkout.com
http://www.actorsworkout.com/
(818) 766-2171

*Current AWS Students who complete the class will get a $125 credit on their next tuition bill.

Thinking of taking an acting class? Call or email for more information and save!

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

Acting, Writing, Directing in the Age of Covid

Actor & Director in LA

Javier Ronceros

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01/13/2021

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Acting, Writing, Directing in the Age of Covid

I anguished over the title of my new articles for 2021. I dare say, I even had a few words exchanged with my higher ups regarding the title.

When you think about it, are titles really important in this business? You betcha, they matter. But we call them credits instead of titles. There are titles in Hollywood, e.g. Executive of Film Development, Show Runner, A-List Talent. Hyphenates are also popular; Writer/Director, Actor/Model, Actor/Director. Or in my case; Actor/Writer/Director. My justification for all of my titles comes from a work ethic I have always adhered to, “If I have professionally accomplished and have been paid or had work produced, then I can, with good conscious, use that title. I have been a working actor since 1989 and been a member of SAG-AFTRA since 1990 (check). I was hired as a director for a feature film that was completed, released and won awards (check). And finally, my short stories were adapted, along with original short subject screenplays, produced, and distributed (check).

So, what is the bloody point to titles in this business? Well, since March of 2020 and into the new year, the entire film business has been halted, changed, and adversely affected for any years to come. Titles may no longer hold the same weight as they used to have, but the new kid on the block is, and probably has always been, content. How does an actor act if the only options are theatre plays on Zoom? Writers can still write and rewrite, and rewrite. Directors can finish films that have been shot, but not edited. As for filming new content, I for one have found it to be very difficult to film anything because of the lock downs and the added cost of hiring a Covid safety worker and the costs of testing and sequestering cast and crew in hotels. Actors can only work, if they are hired. That’s not to say that there aren’t things we all can do to further our craft while we wait for the film business to go back to the way it used to be.

Now , I do have some friends and colleagues that have been fortunate enough to work during the pandemic . Back in April of last year, I was even hired for a film, but just last week, SAG-AFTRA and its sister unions have recommended that all film and television production shut down during this last wave of the pandemic. So, knowing the harsh reality of the effects of the pandemic, what is an actor, writer, and director to do? As it turns out, quite a bit.

As I mentioned earlier, writing is sometimes a duty for me rather than a labor of inspired creativity. Now is the time for me to finish that rewrite that I keep talking about and seem to never have time to properly sit down and work on it. It is also the time for me to get those seemingly brilliant ideas, characters, scenes, and even jokes, out of my head and unto paper

What about directing? Well, I have three projects that as a writer/director I have had “in the can” for several years as it were. In one case, it has been five years since I said I would finish this project, but the delays (excuses) went from weeks to months, to years. I have another project this about to hit its second year of not being completed. I hired an editor to finish it for me and that did not turn out well. I had a colleague and friend take a whack at it with mixed results. It is my turn. And finally, I have an incomplete project that has enough footage that I could cut in order to see how, or how not to proceed.

Acting seems to be the lonely orphan of the artistic siblings. I could ring up my fellow thespians and ask them (beg them) to work on a scene with me and then we could perform it to each other on Zoom. Not the same, you may say. You would be correct. So, what can a tripe hyphenate do in this time of global upheaval?

The answer for me has been the very device that is meant to inform me, entertain, me and lately, infuriate me; the television. As an actor, I can rewatch films and performances that made me want to get into the business in the first place and inspire me all over. I can finally see those classic films that everyone talks about and says they are must sees for someone in my profession. I can watch new works and new actors to get a pulse of what is in the horizon for me as a potential worker in these new shows and movies.

As a director I can watch the same selection of films and study the techniques, good and bad, that can help me widen my palette as a visual artist and expose me to storytelling from countries and filmmakers around the world.

And as a writer, I watched a lot of Master Class. I gifted this service to myself for the holidays and it truly is the gift that keeps on giving. Why just the other day, I had breakfast with Aaron Sorkin and listened to him talk about “Intention and Obstacles.” Margaret Atwood entertained me during my recovery of Covid-19 with stories about her inspiration for her characters and stories in her many award-winning novels. I also, just for fun, eavesdropped on Martin Scorsese talk about his challenges with his vast library of work. I guess my point it, that as an artist, you have so many amazing resources to stay connected to your art during these challenging times, that you can still thrive and let yourself fuel your creativity by spending time with the masters. These can come in the form of books, YouTube videos, your watchlist on Netflix, or as I have found, Master Class.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a lunch date with Steve Martin and later in the day, Helen Mirren will join me for high tea. Stay safe, be creative, and use your time wisely.

**** For information on Los Angeles theatre, tickets to theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District, theatre reviews, the NoHo Event Calendar, restaurants, news and local businesses in NoHo, or anything and everything about the NoHo Arts Community, bookmark nohoartsdistrict.com. Follow us on Twitter @OfficialNoHo. On Instagram @NoHoArtsDistrict and Facebook @NoHoArtsDistrict.

IRA and Retirement Plan Limits for 2021

Money Matters

Lillian Appleby

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01/12/2021

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Many IRA and retirement plan limits are indexed for inflation each year. While some of the limits remain unchanged for 2021, other key numbers have increased.

IRA contribution limits

The maximum amount you can contribute to a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA in 2021 is $6,000 (or 100% of

your earned income, if less), unchanged from 2020. The maximum catch-up contribution for those age 50

or older remains $1,000. You can contribute to both a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA in 2021, but your total

contributions cannot exceed these annual limits.

Income limits for deducting traditional IRA contributions

If you (or if you’re married, both you and your spouse) are not covered by an employer retirement plan, your

contributions to a traditional IRA are generally fully tax deductible. If you’re married, filing jointly, and you’re

not covered by an employer plan but your spouse is, your deduction is limited if your modified adjusted

gross income (MAGI) is between $198,000 and $208,000 (up from $196,000 and $206,000 in 2020), and

eliminated if your MAGI is $208,000 or more (up from $206,000 in 2020).

For those who are covered by an employer plan, deductibility depends on your income and filing status.

If your filing status is single or head of household, you can fully deduct your IRA contribution up to $6,000 ($7,000 if you are age 50 or older) in 2021 if your MAGI is $66,000 or less (up from $65,000 in 2020). If you’re married and filing a joint return, you can fully deduct up to $6,000 ($7,000 if you are age 50 or older) if your MAGI is $105,000 or less (up from $104,000 in 2020).

Income limits for contributing to a Roth IRA

The income limits for determining how much you can contribute to a Roth IRA have also increased.

If your filing status is single or head of household, you can contribute the full $6,000 ($7,000 if you are age

50 or older) to a Roth IRA if your MAGI is $125,000 or less (up from $124,000 in 2020). And if you’re

married and filing a joint return, you can make a full contribution if your MAGI is $198,000 or less (up from

$196,000 in 2020). Again, contributions can’t exceed 100% of your earned income.

Employer retirement plan limits

Most of the significant employer retirement plan limits for 2021 remain unchanged from 2020. The

maximum amount you can contribute (your “elective deferrals”) to a 401(k) plan remains $19,500 in 2021.

This limit also applies to 403(b) and 457(b) plans, as well as the Federal Thrift Plan. If you’re age 50 or

older, you can also make catch-up contributions of up to $6,500 to these plans in 2021. [Special catch-up

limits apply to certain participants in 403(b) and 457(b) plans.]

The amount you can contribute to a SIMPLE IRA or SIMPLE 401(k) remains $13,500 in 2021, and the

catch-up limit for those age 50 or older remains $3,000.

Note: Contributions can’t exceed 100% of your income.

If you participate in more than one retirement plan, your total elective deferrals can’t exceed the annual limit ($19,500 in 2021 plus any applicable catch-up contributions). Deferrals to 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, and SIMPLE plans are included in this aggregate limit, but deferrals to Section 457(b) plans are not. For example, if you participate in both a 403(b) plan and a 457(b) plan, you can defer the full dollar limit to each plan — a total of $39,000 in 2021 (plus any catch-up contributions).

The maximum amount that can be allocated to your account in a defined contribution plan [for example, a 401(k) plan or profit-sharing plan] in 2021 is $58,000 (up from $57,000 in 2020) plus age 50 or older catch-up contributions. This includes both your contributions and your employer’s contributions. Special rules apply if your employer sponsors more than one retirement plan.

Finally, the maximum amount of compensation that can be taken into account in determining benefits for most plans in 2021 is $290,000 (up from $285,000 in 2020), and the dollar threshold for determining highly compensated employees (when 2021 is the look-back year) remains $130,000 (unchanged from 2020).

Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax planning or legal advice. We suggest that you consult with a qualified tax or legal professional.

LPL Financial Representatives offer access to Trust Services through The Private Trust Company N.A., an affiliate of LPL Financial.

How To Succeed As A Film Location Scout In L.A.

Editorials

Lisa Bianconi

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01/11/2021

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Location scouting is an inevitable part of a film or TV production. It’s one of the most hectic pre-production processes that need to be done smoothly. It involves having the location manager look for physical settings to rent for a film project. The procedure covers visiting many areas, rushing through traffic, and even visiting unknown homes to find that perfect location.

The entire scouting process can get overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time to shoot a film in the Los Angeles area or if it’s your first time to do this job. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure that the scouting process runs successfully.

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Here are a few tips when scouting locations for your film project.

Visit The Location In Person

These days, film-ready locations put up websites to display the areas you can rent for your shoot. They could put all the specs and amenities with photos to boot. But as digital media may not be completely reliable when it comes to seeing a place, it’s always better to inspect an area in person. Whether you’re scouting for a warehouse, a house, or even a forest, visiting the property site in person will not only give you the real picture of the location, but you will sense it better if it’s not a good fit for your film’s story.

When you’re scouting for a location, collect all the crucial information required for your production. Make sure to take notes and cross-check the information with what the script needs and calls for in the location.

While personally visiting locations can be time-consuming and may take a while to get the perfect location, know that it’s part of the process. To make it easier, talk to location scouting companies in Los Angeles that can provide you with a basic list of possible locations to rent. Shortlist your preferred areas, then do an ocular inspection one by one.

Know The Value Of The Location

Location scouting involves renting places where you can shoot some or many scenes of a film or TV series. Many areas are ready to host such media production work, so some location managers think they already know how much a place would cost.

However, even before visiting any property, make sure to find out how much they’re renting it out for shoots. Knowing the value range of the property will give a clear idea if the price is fair or if there’s any space for negotiation if it’s too expensive for your film budget. Knowing the value beforehand will also give you an idea of how to communicate with the homeowners. You could prepare to offer a package or negotiate for discounts.

Visit The Location At Different Times Of The Day

From beautiful period homes to modern structures or rooftop venues in Los Angeles, several locations could have a magical effect under particular lighting conditions. Thus, schedule to visit the property you’ve selected at different times of the day. That way, you could have an idea of the color, texture, and mood that the property reflects under varying natural light set-ups. This helps you better understand how the space may look during the production.

Once you’ve sealed the deal on the location, you could also bring the necessary crew members to do a test shoot or deeper site inspections. For instance, the film’s cinematography team needs to be there so they can perform light temperature measurements. The production design team also needs to do a thorough walk-through so they would know how to ‘dress up’ the place according to the specs of the script.

Discuss All The Logistics With The Homeowners

To ensure that you succeed as a film location scout, make sure to communicate all the logistical details of your production to the LA property owner. As a renter, you should be aware of all the issues you might face while working and discuss them with your host, and you should be honest with them at all times. Never spring new ideas and spur-of-the-moment decisions to the owners, as they could cite you for breach of contract.

Some of the common issues faced during production are shoots lasting more than the hours initially agreed upon, shoots being scheduled outside of the approved dates or time of day, executing stunts and fight scenes bigger and more dangerous than what was initially conveyed, and having too many people on the set. If the property owners are first-timers in renting out spaces for film shoots, a responsible location scout should orient them properly on what happens during a film production shoot, not just discussing the basics of insurance and permits.

Ask For Permission Before Doing Anything

When visiting a property for your film project, make sure to ask permission for even the smallest things like taking pictures. Ask for a property tour so the host can show you around and point out areas that might be off-limits for the crew. It will also give you time to ask essential questions you may have regarding the location.

When the scouting team is careful of their interaction with the host during the scout, it’s often an indication of professionalism and assures the host that the team is likely to be cautious during the filming. But if the scout team is oblivious of the host’s concerns and insists upon things they want to happen during filming, it’s an indication that the production could border on being unprofessional as the shoot unravels.

Furthermore, even if you’ve already secured the property and the crew needs to make revisions on the spot, always ask for permission first before letting the crew move or remove things and alter anything drastic in the place.

Conclusion

As location scouting requires visits to several locations and may involve dealing with different property owners, it could get a bit overwhelming at first. But knowing the basics and acting professionally would let you pull it off like a pro.

Remember to visit the location you’re scouting in person, discuss the filming logistics honestly with the owners before signing the contract, and relay the filming opportunities and limitations of each location to the various crew departments concerned. Following these simple tips will help you succeed as a film location scout in LA.

ZJU Silent Film Festival

North Hollywood News

Lisa Bianconi

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01/11/2021

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They may have closed our theaters but they haven’t closed NoHo’s creativity. Don’t miss the first ever Zombie Joe’s Underground (ZJU) Silent Film Festival.

“We are keeping our ZJU and NOHO community creatively fun and liquid by holding our first ever ZJU Silent Film Festival. We are currently accepting submissions of silent films that are three minutes or less, something that can easily be created while still being Covid-safe. The soundtracks for accepted films will be composed by ZJU’s very own master musician Kevin Van Cott (“Blood Alley,” “Tortured Souls,” “Brave the Dark”) and when we screen them, Kevin will be performing the music LIVE…

It is our unique, fun and fantastico theatre-community event!” – Jana Wimer (ZJU Silent Film Festival Director & Coordinator) and Zombie Joe

DEADLINE: Friday, January 22, 2021

RULES:

– Must be silent – as in no sound whatsoever.
– Total running time must be NO LONGER than 3 minutes. Seriously. We won’t even consider it if it’s longer than 3 minutes.
– Your production must be Covid-friendly.
– Must be turned into janawimer@me.com by 6pm on Friday, January 22, 2021.
– As far as the soundtrack, Van Cott will have complete freedom and will not be taking notes.

Other than that, there are no rules. We are looking for films in the spirit of ZJU. We want you to be creative – be crazy, weird, poignant, whatever! Have something to say, but using only visuals. Just remember things like, ya know, story, and not being boring.

MORE INFO>>

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK

The Importance of Having Pet Insurance for Your Dog

Editorials

Lisa Bianconi

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01/07/2021

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Every pet owner must take proper care of their pet in order for them to live a long, healthy and happy life. This requires providing them with healthy food, a well-protected living environment as well as taking them on regular walks and engaging them in various activities. Besides these things, there is another way of securing your pet’s health and that is obtaining pet insurance.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that every dog’s life comes with uncertainties. This means that no matter how much you do for keeping your dog’s health in check, there may be a time when your companion would need immediate medical care. So, instead of paying out of your pocket for all medical expenses, obtaining pet insurance for your dog will undoubtedly come in handy in such situations.

However, many pet owners constantly ask themselves the same question: Is pet insurance worth it? In order to better understand how everything works, in this article, we have gathered all the information you need to know about pet insurance, as well as what the benefits of having one are.

Photo by Richard Brutyo from Unsplash

How does pet insurance work?

The main purpose of pet insurance is to protect your dog’s health and minimize the overall costs of veterinary expenses you would otherwise pay on your own. Therefore, one of the best and most important things about pet insurance is that it comes with monthly premiums, annual deductibles and copayments. For example, the annual deductibles can be very low and cover about 80-90% of the medical bills, therefore obtaining great value in cost reduction.

Finding the best pet insurance for your dog mostly depends on your pet’s current health condition and the coverage you are looking for. That’s why you have four options you can choose from if you are looking to obtain pet insurance. Here is a brief explanation of each type.

Wellness

As the name suggests, the wellness insurance plan covers all routine or preventive care. This typically includes regular checkups, yearly vaccines and even dental work. Since it doesn’t cover illnesses or accidents, it is usually sold as an add-on option to other health insurance plans.

Accident-only

The accident-only insurance plan covers any harm or injuries caused by an accident. Some of these include car accidents, scratches from fighting with other dogs and even snake bites, but not breed-specific issues or tick and flea bites. It is suited for any dog with a clean history of pre-existing health conditions.

Photo by Karsten Winegeart from Unsplash

Accident-illness

The accident-illness insurance plan also covers any harms or injuries caused by accidents as well as illnesses diagnosed by a vet. These include cancer, infectious diseases, hereditary and skin conditions. However, it doesn’t cover diseases where there is a vaccine available for treating it. It is best suited for dogs that are prone to certain health problems.

Accident-illness with wellness

The accident-illness with wellness insurance plan is considered the best type as it covers accidents, illnesses and routine care checkups. Although it may be the most expensive insurance plan, it provides the best comprehensive level of insurance. This insurance plan may have age limits as it is best suited for ageing dogs and dogs which are prone to certain health issues.

Benefits of pet insurance

Besides providing coverage for all veterinary fees for treating injuries and illnesses, there are other benefits of obtaining pet insurance for your dog. Here is an explanation of each benefit.

Reduces pet care costs

Taking care of your dog isn’t very cheap. For example, a specialist visit to diagnose cancer in dogs costs about $1500 which doesn’t include further chemotherapy or radiation. Therefore, if you are looking to lower the burden of large expenses, obtaining pet insurance can certainly help you do so.

Factors that affect the insurance rates include your dog’s age, species and breed as well as the coverage package you choose. Just remember to double-check all policies in the insurance plan so you will know what your coverage package includes and for how long.

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels

Helps provide the best veterinary care

As opposed to human health insurance policies which often require you to use a certain health care provider, pet insurance policies let you choose a veterinarian of your liking. So, if your dog has been going to the same vet ever since it was born, you don’t have to worry about looking for a certain veterinarian.

Another advantage of obtaining pet insurance is that you won’t need a referral from a doctor to see a specialist for certain health conditions your dog may be struggling with. This is very useful especially for emergencies that may occur after closing hours or during holidays.

Comes in handy for unexpected emergencies

If for some reason your dog gets accidentally injured or diagnosed with a serious health condition, pet insurance can come in handy by getting your pet the best care in such unexpected emergencies. Besides this, you will also have a piece of mind knowing that you wouldn’t have to worry about large expenses for treatment.

For example, if your dog must undergo immediate surgery which is often quite expensive, you can use your pet insurance plan to cover all costs. Also, this includes any additional vet treatments and medications that your pet must take after the surgery. Therefore, you would avoid paying anything out of your pocket.

Final thoughts

Generally speaking, pet insurance serves as a safety net to help you protect yourself from unexpected costs as well as it provides your pet with the best possible treatment and care. All you have to do is choose one of the abovementioned insurance plans which best serves your dog’s needs. By obtaining it, you can rest easy knowing that if your dog suffers from an unexpected injury or illness, the pet insurance plan can help you and your pet go through such situations with less worry and reduced additional or unforeseen expenses.

Characteristics of Marine Paints

Editorials

Lisa Bianconi

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01/07/2021

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Marine paints and coatings are applied to ships’ hulls to protect them from corrosion when at sea.

The marine coating consists of a pigment diffused in a liquid called a vehicle. When this is spread thinly, the vehicle changes over time, turning it into a dry film with adhesive properties.

The drying phase undergoes one of these processes:

When the vehicle has solid resinous material dissolved in a combustible solvent, it will evaporate to leave a dry film.
If the vehicle includes linseed oil, the vehicle will create a film of dry paint through a chemical reaction with the air.
A dry paint film is produced by a chemical reaction between the vehicle’s reactive ingredients after its application, either by mixing the separate reactive ingredients before application, the ingredients’ reaction to higher temperatures, or diluting the reactants with a solvent. In the latter process, the reaction happens while the paint is still in the can.

Vehicle types of paints that prevent corrosion

Marine coatings, such as the marine paint by Durabak, have different vehicle types.

Pitch or bitumen.The solution is typically available in a solvent such as white spirit or naphtha. The pitch or the bitumen can be heat-blended with other materials to produce a vehicle.
Oil-based.The materials may comprise vegetable drying oils like tung oil or linseed oil. Driers are added to accelerate the drying time by the natural reaction with oxygen.
Alkyd resin.This type of vehicle improves the drying time and film-forming properties of the drying oil. The main ingredients are acids and alcohol. Alkyds may be made with oil-free acids or oil-fatty acids.
Oleo-resinous. This vehicle mixes artificial or natural resins with drying oils. The reaction of the resins with the oil will hasten the drying time of the vehicle. Other resins need heat so that the resin can dissolve and the oil to form a body.
Chemical-resistant.A chemical-resistant vehicle resists severe exposure conditions. This type includes epoxy resins, epoxy resin/coal tar, isomerized rubber, and chlorinated rubber, polyurethane resins, vinyl resins, and zinc-rich paints.
- Epoxy resinsare made from natural gas and petroleum and provide excellent chemical resistance and adhesion. The resins are tough and flexible. They are more expensive because they are filtered during their manufacturing to remove unwanted side products.
- Coal tar/epoxy resinis almost similar to epoxy resin, but the vehicle comes as a two-pack product. The resin and the coal tar pitch are blended before use.
- Isomerized rubber and chlorinated rubber. The isomerized rubber is chemically produced from natural rubber. The chlorinated rubber is plasticized, and both are made from natural rubber. When mixed with organic solvents, the vehicle has more solid content, so it is thicker, making it more resistant to alkalis and acids.
- Polyurethane resins.Urethane is produced by the reaction between compounds that contain hydroxyl and isocyanates. The paints have several properties, such as weather and chemical resistance, resistance to abrasions, high gloss, hardness, and toughness. However, polyurethane resins are not used underwater on steel ships. They are more applicable to yachts due to their high gloss.
- Vinyl resinsare produced through the polymerization of the vinyl group’s organic compounds. They produce very thin films when dry due to the mixture’s lack of solids, requiring the vehicle to be applied in several coats. The steel must be coated with a primer before applying the vinyl resin, but it is very effective as an underwater protector of steel hulls.
- Paints rich in zinccontain a sufficient quantity of metallic zinc to ensure that the electrical conductivity can cathodically protect the steel.

Knowing the characteristics and properties of marine paints will help you choose the right vehicle to use on a ship, yacht, or boat.

Soul; Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom; The Midnight Sky

Movie Reviews

Mike Peros

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01/06/2021

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Soul; Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom; The Midnight Sky

What should you watch next? You would think 2020 was just like any other year, with the way the major studios are releasing their heavy hitters right after Thanksgiving.

And while I have not seen the latest Wonder Woman (the franchise been updated to the 1980s—and I guess characters in the film will still have a hard time realizing that Diana Prince and Wonder Woman are one and the same—but I digress), I have checked out a few worthwhile films, mainly on Netflix and Disney +.

The best of the bunch is Soul, the latest Pixar release, and it’s a heartwarming fantasy of a part-time music teacher (voiced by Jamie Foxx) who is still pursuing his dream of making a living as a jazz pianist. He’s got a mother (Phylicia Rashad) who would like him to stick with the teaching – especially after he gets a full-time, permanent offer. As luck would have it, he gets a chance to play a gig that might catapult him into the “big time”—until a mishap lands his untethered soul in an otherworldly way station where he clutches at any chance to undo what has been done and make his way back to his body. Part of his success hinges on his tenuous relationship with a recalcitrant soul (Tina Fey) who is waiting to be placed in an earthly body—another part hinges on evading the efforts of a persistent soul collector who needs to collect him to make the numbers work (shades of A Matter of Life and Death, though this collector is not as endearing as Marius Goring’s emissary). There is a lot to like in Soul, from the voice performances of the major players (including Angela Bassett as a jazz queen), to the animation and the visual design, and the depictions not only of jazz (with contributions from the incomparable Jon Batiste) and the difficulties of following your passions, but what it means to be alive—and what it takes to make a life worth living.

https://twitter.com/MaRaineyFilm/status/1318597857742516225/photo/1

Music and identity are also at the forefront of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, the film version of August Wilson’s award-winning play (adapted effectively by Ruben Santiago-Hudson) which focuses on a Chicago recording session for blues singer Ma Rainey (Viola Davis, on key in both her ferocity and moments of reflection) and the four Black musicians who are accompanying her. Three are (very) seasoned veterans (Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo and Michael Potts) well aware of the inequities of the music business and the world in general, and are content to just play the music (metaphors abound). Brash Levee (Chadwick Boseman, dynamic and heartbreaking in his final role) is younger and more possessive of his art; he is also a would-be innovator who would like to revitalize the blues and make them more universal in appeal. Ma is also possessive of the music, and wants it performed the way she has become accustomed to, and sees no reason for change. She is also protective (in her own way) of her impact on the culture, her status among the races—and of the talent that surrounds her (although it isn’t always apparent). All of this puts Ma into conflict with Levee, especially with regard to an arrangement of “Black Bottom”—and also with Sturdyvant, the white producer who wants to capitalize on Ma’s fame—while paying as little as he can. Somewhat in the middle are her long-suffering manager, her stuttering nephew, and her own gal pal who proves to be a huge temptation for the impetuous and hot-blooded Levee. Though there are some cinematic additions (including some relevant, powerful images), the words and the actors (and also the music) are the thing to savor here, and each character in the ensemble gets a chance to “solo.” The director George Wolfe keeps the camera close but not too close, and there are some fine compositions (along with some obvious symbolism). Though not everything rings entirely true (especially toward the end—but no spoilers here), the filmmakers have succeeded in taking a potent stage work and creating a meaningful, relevant, and powerful film.

https://twitter.com/midnightskymov

The Midnight Sky is an end-of-the-world movie that is perhaps a little timelier than intended. George Clooney (who also directed) is a scientist at an Arctic station thirty years into the future, and some unnamed event has led to the imminent end of the world as we know it (well, Earth is still there, but the survivors will not be surviving much longer). After the other members of the lab depart, the cancer-ridden Clooney stays behind in order to make contact with a spaceship that is returning after making the rounds to find alternate inhabitable areas in space (they’ve succeeded) and to tell them to stay there—since only death awaits them on this planet. If this reminds you of On the Beach (another doomsday scenario), and maybe Silent Running, and other melancholy tales of futuristic isolation—you’re not alone. This one does hold the interest, especially in the first half with Clooney encountering a young girl (Caoilinn Springall) who has been left behind, and his struggles being juxtaposed with the returning crew (among them Felicity Jones, David Oyelowo, Kyle Chandler, Demian Bichir, and Tiffany Boone). Though the characterizations don’t go much beyond the surface, the cast endows them with some dimension. There are the requisite obstacles (some just incredible), and some of the developments and “revelations” may not be so revelatory if you’re closely following the action, but it doesn’t diminish the impact of the final exchanges, especially between Clooney and Jones. It’s a seriously flawed film but the moments that work have an impact.

Five of the Most Dangerous Activities You Can Do

Editorials

Lisa Bianconi

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01/05/2021

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Pexels Pixaby

People like to do all kinds of things for fun. You might have recreational activities that you enjoy, and perhaps they’re nothing more dangerous than lying on the couch and reading a novel or maybe playing some video games.

Perhaps you like more hazardous activities, though. You might enjoy them because you crave the adrenaline rush that accompanies them. If so, you have to accept the inherent risks.

Let’s talk about a few of the more dangerous activities you might attempt. If you’re a daredevil and you want to experience a thrill, you might want to try one of these, or perhaps you already have.

Motorcycle Riding

Thousands of people across the country are motorcycle owners, and they ride them frequently. Motorcycle riding is an easy way to injure or kill yourself, though. That is because:

With motorcycles, you don’t have the protective shell a car gives you
Some drivers do not share the road with bikers very well

Take Florida, for instance. The Florida Department of Highway and Motor Vehicles says that in 2019 alone, there were 8,890 motorcycle accidents. 550 of those accidents were fatal. There are similar stats in many states.

You can make this activity a little safer by wearing a helmet and pads. You can also try to avoid riding when it’s raining or snowing. You might stay off the roads at night.

Even with all of those precautions, though, motorcycle riding is a perilous activity. There’s no getting around that.

Base Jumping

Base jumping is another daredevil activity. If you’ve never heard of it, you base jump when you jump from a fixed object. You use a parachute, and it guides you to the ground safely.

You can base jump from:

The earth
A span
An antenna
A building

Aficionados say that those are the four base jump varieties. Those who do it feel like it’s one of the world’s biggest thrills. Your pulse pounds, you take a deep breath, and then you soar into the void as you freefall for several seconds.

While you might enjoy this activity if you’re a thrill-seeker, it’s easy to understand the danger involved. You’re plummeting toward the earth, often from hundreds or even thousands of feet in the air.

If anything goes wrong with your parachute, you could easily die or break every bone in your body. Some people regard base jumpers as crazy, but there are always those who want to push their courage to the limit, and this is one way to do that.

Surfing or Bodyboarding

Surfing or bodyboarding are other high-risk, high-adrenaline activities that some people like. You can get yourself a surfboard or a bodyboard and find an appropriate beach. You want one with some large waves, but not so gigantic that you can’t handle yourself when you tackle them.

Much like base jumping, if you think about what your body is doing, it’s easy to understand why you can hurt or kill yourself if you decide to give this a try. You might take some lessons, but even experienced surfers or bodyboarders can kill themselves if a big wave rolls over them.

The wave can pull you under, and you can hit your head or another body part on a rock. You could lose track of which way the surface is, and you can drown. Also, if you’re paddling atop your board, you can attract a shark’s interest. They might mistake you for a nice, juicy seal and take a bite out of you.

Bungee Jumping

Bungee jumping and base jumping are similar to one another. Rather than a parachute lowering you to the earth, you attach an elastic cord to yourself and jump from a great height. You might leap from a bridge or something similar.

Much like the other pursuits on this list, you can see why there are deaths and injuries if you undertake this hobby. You can make an equipment mistake, and the line can break, or it might not be the proper length. You can strike the ground, or you might fly back up and bounce off the bridge’s underside, or whatever else from which you leaped.

You can also get dizzy while hanging upside down and experience some severe nausea. It won’t kill you, but you might lose your lunch before you manage to get back on solid ground.

Bull Running

Some people who crave the adrenaline-packed lifestyle feel that there’s nothing like bull-running. If you go to Pamplona, Spain, you can take part, and there are other places you can do it as well.

With bull running, there is a closed-off course, and you get a bit of a head start, along with some other daring or possibly suicidal individuals. You take off running, and just behind you, a volunteer releases a hoard of angry bulls. They charge down the street after you, and you either run all the way through to the course’s end, or else you leap over one of the barriers and escape.

There should be no real confusion about what the danger is here. Bull running and bullfighting, or really anything involving these deadly animals, can easily kill you.

A bull will gore you if it gets a chance, and it might even jump up and down on you a few times for good measure. You’re essentially taunting these animals, and if they catch you, they’ll enjoy getting their revenge.

If you never feel like you want to take part in any of what we mentioned, that’s fine. Some people crave excitement, while others like taking a quiet bike ride or a little stroll. They don’t want to court death or danger.

There’s nothing wrong with either way of conducting yourself. It’s just your preference. If you decide to surf, base jump, or anything else we mentioned, though, you need to realize the potential results. If you’re okay with those, more power to you, but it’s possible you could end up a statistic.

Happy Anniversary Solofest!

North Hollywood News

Lisa Bianconi

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01/04/2021

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Live theatre continues with Whitefire Theatre’s Solofest 2021!

What is Solofest?

Solofest is a festival of one-person shows, or solo theatre, that is a celebration of the solo journey, not a competition. This year, all shows will be streamed.

WHEN:

The annual Whitefire Theatre SOLOFEST 2021 runs January 8 through March 28.

WHERE:

The Whitefire Theatre streaming. http://www.whitefiretheatre.com

The Whitefire Theatre first opened 39 years ago. Artistic director Bryan Rasmussen saw the possibilities in this theatre not only as an owner, but also as an actor and director. Having acquired it in 2005, it took a few years to learn and develop the business. Hosting a solo festival was always part of the plan, though it did not come to fruition for several years.

Solofest began in 2012 with a handful of solo performances. As a solo artist and having launched his own show, Rasmussen knew firsthand how cost prohibitive performances are for artists and wanted to create a more accessible model. Most festivals require the fee paid in full prior to the performance so he developed a financial structure that allowed artists to feasibly launch their show. The brilliance was in the simplicity. A deposit is paid to secure the date, and the balance comes out of box office sales. Once the fee is met, the rest of ticket sales goes to the performer. There is no other structure like this in the US and this model is part of the foundation for continued success of Solofest.

Through unending hard work, creativity, and relationship building, Whitefire produces the second largest solo festival in the US with an authentic and positive reputation among the solo artist communities on both coasts.

Brandon Raman in "I Can't Indian Good" — Brandon Raman in “I Can’t Indian Good”

Growing consistently each year, Solofest 2020 had 80 performances scheduled prior to the opening night of the festival. Mid-March of 2020, the world was upended by a global pandemic, and the artistic community was devastated. But for Rasmussen, there was a path forward. Whitefire started recording performances as early as 2011. Technology advanced, and better equipment became more affordable so Rasmussen invested in live-streaming equipment in 2017 with the goal to expose the solo artists and their work to a global community. With the help of Technical Director Brandon Loeser and award-winning Lighting Designer Derrick McDaniel, the magic occurred – live streaming could be intimate theatre through the camera lens.

The main hurdle was for the solo artists to embrace this change. Ten brave souls who had performed earlier in the year were invited to return and live-stream their shows in “Best Of Fest.” While many theatres across the country had gone dark, Whitefire found success in its first live-stream festival. In addition, with a GoFundMe campaign and many theatre supporters, Whitefire was able to keep its doors open. In June, Whitefire launched “Streamfest,” with Laurence Juber, guitarist for Paul McCartney and Wings, opening the festival. By mid-July, as the country reckoned with racial injustices, Rasmussen was inspired by the Black Lives Matter protests and was compelled to offer up the theatre to the Black solo artists. Juliette Jeffers, a prominent teacher, solo artist, actress, writer and director, curated the festival. “Black Voices” solo festival emerged in the fall of 2020 and will now be an annual festival.

Well, 2020 was a significant and unforgettable year. The pandemic wrought devastation on so many communities, and with people facing countless hardships, they have turned to the arts for expression and solace. Whitefire adapted quickly to a new normal, and when live theatre returns, live streaming will continue to be integral to the theatre’s offering, making theatre more accessible than ever.

It is with gratitude from the heart to all the artists and supporters that Whitefire Theatre’s Solofest can celebrate 10 years.

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The Whitefire Theatre Presents “Winter Tales”

THEATRE REVIEWS

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros

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01/04/2021

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The Whitefire Theatre Presents “Winter Tales”

“Winter Tales” is part of the Whitefire Theatres Live Stream series that adapts classic holiday short stories by Robert Frost, Henry James, O. Henry, and A.A. Milne. Adapted and Directed by Bryan Rasmussen

The Whitefire Theatre has really stepped in for the entire Los Angeles theatre community during this extended and literal “dark” age. Bryan, Nancy, Neda, Brandon, Derrick, Dayna and Rachael have all worked so hard to bring us SoloFest and StreamFest and Black Voices to soothe our souls, entertain and inspire us.

They have become the proverbial oasis in this vast desert of Netflix, Amazon, Disney and Hulu, continually pushing the boundaries and giving a priceless space and support to actors, writers and producers of theatre. Where would we be without them?

“Winter Tales” at Whitefire Theatre – “Christmas in St. Kitts .” Juliette Jeffers, photo by Bryan Rasmussen.

“Winter Tales” is the brainchild of Bryan Rasmussen, the artistic director of the Whitefire Theatre and is a collection of adaptations of the works of Robert Frost, Henry James, O. Henry and A.A. Milne. I love adaptations of classics. Particularly when done with reverence, humor and love. These particular stories are such a perfect balance of depth and wintery sorrow, hope, delight and reminiscence. It’s almost like a family get together, where everyone gets their turn to express themselves, to share what they hold in their minds and hearts at this time of the year.

Since we can’t do that ourselves and in person, the pandemic keeping from us the warm fireside chats, the jovial embraces, the welcome strangers. But this collection of fine actors and beautifully selected prose give us is a few precious moments of this. A Dickensian visit of the ghosts of what should have been this year. Story after story, monologue, anecdotes, songs all heartfelt and authentic. Infusing us with what we all need so badly right now. Tenderness and love, fond memories and some fun.

Everyone was excellent and wonderful of course. I am so thankful for the suspension of my daily dread and a blissful pause in the direness of the world around us from watching them perform. Only art can do this. Utterly transporting us from wherever we are, like a meditation. Gifting us a new perspective and leaving us with warm feelings of gratitude that last and last.

Thank you to everyone involved in “Winter Tales.” Let’s remember our connections even as we are so disconnected and support these projects and theatres like The Whitefire that continue to care for us when we most dearly need it.

The Whitefire Theatre’s Solofest is beginning soon, more incredible work from the creative teams that work through the Whitefire Theatre like Jessica Lynn Johnson and Juliette Jeffers and, of course, the brilliant and lovely Bryan Rasmussen.

You can check out what is already programmed for the coming months on their website https://www.whitefiretheatre.com.

Cast

Barbara Brownell

Ryan de Quintal

Juliette Jeffers

Dan Anderson

Syn Hardy

Kevin Neighbors

Neil Thompson

Sammie Wayne

Crew

Lighting by Derrick McDaniel

Projections, sound and editing by Brandon Loeser

Costumes by Dayna Lucas

Casting/Production Manager by Rachael Stein

Can’t Make Film? What’s Been Great on Our Small Screens in 2020

The Slings and Arrows of Independent Filmmaking

Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros

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01/04/2021

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Can’t Make Film? What’s Been Great on Our Small Screens in 2020

Stuck at home? Aren’t we the lucky ones though?

So many people have had to keep working during the pandemic, and I don’t mean the ones working from home, I mean the delivery drivers, the nurses and doctors, the people who run the city, the grocery stores and the restaurants that have survived.

How can we ever thank them all enough? Maybe by not being assholes and wearing our bloody masks.

So in place of writing about what may or may not happen to independent film in the coming year, since next to nothing has happened in 2020 in that regard, I thought a list of what came out on our telly’s and was really really good this year, was in need.

I’ve watched a lot of TV. A pretty high proportion of this has been news based. CNN for me is still king, Anderson Cooper the best. But of course there has been an enormous amount of entertainment binging and not just cake shows.

So here is my list of favorite TV and film in 2020, in no particular order of excellence.

“Star Trek Picard”

If you are a bit of a trekkie, or just a general sci-fi nerd then “Picard” is what dreams are made of. Set a couple of decades on from when we last met him, Captain Picard is thrust into the latest universal struggle and impending doom. Older and more driven than ever he assembles his own “crew” and the whole adventure is just about as perfect as any “Star Trek” could be. It excels at the extraordinarily difficult balance of bitingly new and deeply reverential. I happily confess to watching the entire season twice, at least.

“Lovecraft Country”

Another sci-fi adventure, but this time entirely new and set in the fifties in the south. This is a beautifully written and gorgeously produced show. It’s full of wisdom, innovation and the darkest time of our history. It follows a black family discovering their place in an ancient line of witches. The performances are superb and there are many many moments of “what the heck,” but in the best possible way.

“The Queens Gambit”

An excellent story about a chess genius discovering herself through beating the poop out of pretty much everyone she plays. Such a stunningly stylish show. With long stretches of zero dialogue, which I found refreshing. Our imaginations are left to do their thing and its distinct and blissful lack of exposition makes it a joy to watch.

“The Mandalorian”

Of course “The Mandalorian” is on my list. It should be on everyones list. Brilliant, exciting, slowly unwinding, retro futuristic melodrama. With a hero who many consider their favorite of the “Star Wars” saga. The Greekness of its tragedy is matched only by the dryness of its wit. I loved it, couldn’t fault it honestly.

“The Trial of The Chicago 7”

I thought I would probably love this given that it’s written and directed by Aaron Sorkin. But brilliant dialogue aside, the story of what actually happened to these guys is a lesson worthy of each and every cracking line and fantastic performance. Excellent cast, too, lots of Brits! A stand out film of this year for sure and for a filmmaker a masterclass in construction.

“The Social Dilema”

This documentary should make you very, very afraid. As if we don’t have enough to be scared of right now I hear you cry. But really, everyone should see this film, if only to understand what is happening in our crazy political world. It’s also exceedingly well put together, it educates and astounds you with each additional person’s account of their terrible role in our undoing. It will blow your mind, in fact, and, honestly, our minds really do need to be blown. Basically it explains why you keep getting ads for shoes you looked at once on Macy’s popping up in every feed you are on. And how that is actually just a segway to the end of civilization…not kidding.

“The Umbrella Academy”

This is season two, we had to wait a while for this and, to be honest, I was a bit nervous, I though “how could it get any better than season one?” Well, not better, but more is the answer to that. Incredible story, surreal and gorgeous performances, fascinating storyline, lovely, big budget effects and lots and lots of humor. More sci-fi but who doesn’t need to escape right now, even when the end of the world is its central theme?

“Soul”

Where do I begin? This will make you cry. But in the best way. It is about death, which you might think we don’t really need at the moment. But this is Disney death, so death lite? It also has a great soundtrack and Tina Fey is in it….cartoon in it. I love this, everyone I know who’s seen it does. It’s very deep but beautiful and profound and funny. Watch it.

“Enola Holmes”

The game’s afoot! Lovely, silly adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes’ story, but from the perspective of the younger sister, Enola. Rollicking fun, danger at every turn, beautiful period film set in my beloved England of course. Funny and carefree entertainment. Boy do we need this!

“Mank”

A genius filmmaker, David Fincher, examines the genius of screenwriter Herman J Mankiewicz.

Black and white, as stylish as the “Third Man,” it follows our alcoholic hero through the trials of his own fire as he attempts to save himself and Orson Well’s “Citizen Kane.” It’s pretty astonishing and the history it tweaks as it tells is remarkable. Art house, comic, revealing and revelatory. Miss it at your peril.

“Borat Subsequent Movie Film”

Not for everyone, but definitely brilliant. I love Sacha Baron Cohen. Some do not, but then I feel very strongly that he doesn’t give a toot about that. And nor should he, you can’t make something for everyone, especially not insightful, caustic, hilarious and rivetingly real stuff like this. If you have a stick up your butt, you might not like it. Everyone else will see its beauty.

“Let Them All Talk”

What a cast – Meryl Streep, Dianne Wiest, Candice Bergen. Directed by Stephen Soderbergh and set on the QE II. Brilliant, funny, painful, witty, striped back and clear. It’s about friendship and perspective and the lies we all tell ourselves to sleep at night…but in a good way. The performances are electric, the story full of pathos and oh so real. It’s a joy to watch them all in through the same lens.

“Watchmen”

This is like nothing you have ever seen. It’s hard to describe because although its clearly sci-fi, it feels as if it could be happening somehow right out side your door. The characters and their reason are perfectly and exquisitely expressed in every single frame. It’s opera, it’s fable, it’s reality TV, it’s home movies and “2001: A Space Odyssey.” A continuation of sorts from the original Watchmen film, this carries on through the prophecy, letting the world unfold and unravel. Many many awards will be bestowed.

“Perry Mason”

Exquisite. Achingly beautiful and profoundly sad. How this got made is a miracle. Thank you HBO. Los Angeles in the 30s is a star in and of itself, but the performances, well really, just so incredible. It’s sort of a prequel to the original show. How Perry became Perry so to speak. But it stands alone and I love, love, love it.

“I May Destroy You”

This is English. I’m actually not sure it could every get made in the US, although it did end up on HBO. It’s comedy drama I suppose but in the way life is comedy drama. Harder to define than you might think and truly excellent. Created, written, co-directed, and executive produced by Michaela Coel. It ran on BBC in the UK. It is extraordinary and tells the true story of a sexual assault and the consequences, as it effects the central figure and her friends. It’s artful and hilarious and gorgeously done. Riveting storytelling with no limits and no boundaries. It’s why art exists.

So that’s my list. I probably could go on, add a few more, but these ones were the most resonating with me, the most memorable and important in this year of “the rapture.”

But 2021 is here. Dare we let it in? Do we have a choice? This does feel a lot like the beginning of the third act. Just when we see a light at the end of the tunnel, when the mist clears, the audience can finally take a breath. Isn’t that when the whole story takes another turn and the masks are truly removed, so to speak. I’m holding on for our hero to save us as we take our last gasp and drag ourselves across the dusty floor toward the one remaining gun with it’s one remaining bullet.

Let’s hope we don’t have to use it on ourselves.

Happy New Year!!!! May 2021 bring with it our salvation.

How Social Media Is Transforming the Art World

Editorials

Lisa Bianconi

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12/31/2020

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One would be hard pushed to think of an area of life that has not, in the very least, been altered slightly by the rise of social media. What began as a tool for keeping in touch with our old classes and far-flung families has morphed (and re-morphed) itself repeatedly, to the point where nothing is entirely free from its influence.

The art world, however, subsisted throughout countless ages and movements before social media was ever even a twinkle in Mark Zuckerberg’s eye – and yet, there are plenty of ways in which this digital phenomenon has change, and created new avenues for, the art world.

Read more about the ways in which social media has transformed the world of art and creativity, below.

The Mediums are Changing

Before the internet, artistic mediums remained relatively clear-cut. Paint, graphite, marble, clay, pastel, ink – even, at a push, unwashed bed linens. We could experiment with new styles, such as street graffiti, and inject life back into old ones, such as calligraphy.

On the internet, however, we all possess a limitless canvas that is open to more interpretation than real life can ever warrant.

Consider game development. As a medium, this has only been in existence since, say, the late seventies. While the first video games made their way onto primitive screens as early as the 50s, this was more a case of advanced engineering and computer science than artistic expression.

The artistry that is now being poured into the development of games as diverse as open-world fantasies and online slots each and every day is testament to the ways in which the internet has generated an entirely new playing field for creatives.

Similarly, the significance of graphic design has risen tremendously alongside the growth of the internet itself. In many ways, the boon offered to the movie industry by the at-home video player, or the revolution radio brought to the music industry are comparable to the myriad ways in which the internet transformed the art world.

The Influence of Social Media

One of the most notable changes brought on by social media is, in a broader sense, an individual’s ability to curate their own following, and to manage their own reputation. For models, for instance, this translates to finding fans and work without going through a traditional agency. For artists, however, this means garnering a fanbase or audience without ever needing to get your foot in the door of a single real-world art gallery.

Social media is, to the creator with enough self-drive, one giant art gallery, and somewhere within that platform is a suitable audience who will enjoy, treasure, and invest into that work.

Furthermore, artists can develop a stronger relationship with those who appreciate them. It is no longer the work itself that is solely responsible for establishing a connection between artist and fan; through other mediums, such as video and podcast, artists can explain themselves, shed light on their creative processes, and even begin to pass on wisdom and insight to aspiring artists without ever stepping foot into a traditional classroom.

With that, the seclusion of the artist is minimised – as is the sense that creators are removed from the ‘normal people’ of the world. We are able to exist on a level playing field, while also exhibiting our work and developing a following who, not twenty years ago, may never had found our word in the first place.

Geographical and social barriers are brought down, and the gatekeepers of the art world no longer hold the only keys there are to success.

How Are Smart Homes Changing the Security World?

Editorials

Lisa Bianconi

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12/30/2020

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How Are Smart Homes Changing the Security World?

After you buy a house, one of the first steps is to find the best security system for it. Today’s development of home security systems and technology will make that decision much harder than ever. Wired, no wired, wifi, smart home, or is there a combination of all?

What is the best option for your house and your family? Which system can respond, to your needs, the best? How are smart homes changing the security world, and are they a good option for you?

Keep reading and find out something about the history of the home security world and smart homes.

Development of home security systems

A long time ago, home security systems weren’t interesting and innovative as they are today. With limited resources and a lower level of development, people couldn’t do much. But throughout history, people have been trying to find the best ways to secure all valuable things in their life.

The first type of protection were animals – guard dogs. Next, people used hidden bells that would expose thieves if they try to break into a house. These were some of the poorly sophisticated systems.

Afterward, deadbolt locks were developed. They were good enough till criminals find a way to breakthrough. With the development of electricity and magnets, people invented the first voltaic burglar annunciator. After on, people realized that they need some type of surveillance to make home security system almost perfect.

Today, we have a wide range of choices, from wired and no wired video surveillance, to the best wireless security system and smart homes.

What is Smart Home Technology?

Has it ever happened to you that you went on the trip and everything was fine, but suddenly a little heart stroke break off all enjoyment – you are not sure if you turned of iron, the cooker, or water? If the answer is “Yes!”, then the Smart Home Security System is something that would interest you.

Image from www.pixabay.com

The smart home is a type of security system. It includes a home setup where all types of devices can be controlled remotely from anywhere you are. You can do that by using a smartphone or other network device through an internet connection. It is a self-learning system, so it can remember the owner’s habits and schedules, and make adjustments if it is needed.

This system can include a hardwired or wi-fi system. Also, you can have both. In that way, you can peacefully, set up your home studio and be sure that nothing will happen to it.

How does Smart home work?

The working process of this security system is really easy when you look from outside. You have the main device and the internet of things. When something isn’t as usual with devices interconnected to this system, it will send a message to you or other recipients.

Benefits of Smart Home Security System

1. Home management insights and managing all from one place
With this system, you can see the functionality rhythm of you and your home. How often you’re on your computer, what do you prepare for dinner, etc. And good thing is that you can find out all of that from only one device or just one app from the phone.

2. Energy efficiency is increased

As said before, this system learns your habits and schedule, so it can provide better usage of energy. For example, it can turn on or turn off the lighting, depending on whether you are in or out of the room.

3.Remote control of home devices

For example, in this cold weather, you can turn on the heating while you are on a way to get back home.

4.The level of home security is maximized

Potential challenges with Smart Home Security System

This home security system sounds so good, almost perfect, but there are some challenges with it, such as:

Is it intuitive for non-users?
How many people can use this system?
Is it easy to make changes to setups?

Conclusion

It is more than obvious that Smart Homes are changing the Security World more in a positive than in a negative way. It is a very innovative and interesting method of securing your home from different dangers, burglary or a moment of inattention.

One is sure – can’t wait to see which changes smart homes will bring to home security systems in the future.

“When I Started Loving Myself”

Acting Tips, Acting Exercises and Workshops

Fran Montano

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12/29/2020

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Happy holidays to you and yours.

I hope you’ve had a safe year. As we come to the end of the year, many people are contemplating the year regarding how and who they are. So much of your work is being in touch with your instrument, your feelings, points of view, knowing who you are, how you operate, and constant self evaluation. I found this inspiring poem from Charlie Chaplin that he wrote on his 70^th birthday. I share this with you as this month’s holiday message.

“When I Started Loving Myself”

When I started loving myself

I understood that I’m always and at any given opportunity in the right place at the right time.

And I understood that all that happens is right – from then on I could be calm.

Today I know: It’s called TRUST.

When I started to love myself

I understood how much it can offend somebody when I tried to force my desires on this person, even though I knew the time is not right and the person was not ready for it,

and even though this person was me.

Today I know: It’s called LETTING GO.

When I started loving myself

I could recognize that emotional pain and grief are just warnings for me to not live against my own truth.

Today I know: It’s called AUTHENTICALLY BEING.

When I started loving myself

I stopped longing for another life and could see that everything around me was a request to grow.

Today I know: It’s called MATURITY.

When I started loving myself

I stopped depriving myself of my free time and stopped sketching further magnificent projects for the future.

Today I only do what’s fun and joy for me, what I love and what makes my heart laugh, in my own way and in my tempo.

Today I know: It’s called HONESTY.

When I started loving myself,

I escaped from all what wasn’t healthy for me, from dishes, people, things, situations and from everything pulling me down and away from myself.

In the beginning I called it the “healthy egoism”, but

Today I know: It’s called SELF-LOVE.

When I started loving myself,

I stopped wanting to be always right thus I’ve been less wrong. Today I’ve recognized: It’s called HUMBLENESS.

When I started loving myself,

I refused to live further in the past and worry about my future. Now I live only at this moment where EVERYTHING takes place, like this’. I live every day and I call it CONSCIOUSNESS.

When I started loving myself,

I recognized, that my thinking can make me miserable and sick. When I requested for my heart forces, my mind got an important partner.

Today I call this connection: HEART WISDOM.

We do not need to fear further discussions, conflicts and problems with ourselves and others since even stars sometimes bang on each other and create new worlds.

Today I know: THIS IS LIFE!

Written by Charlie Chaplin