It seems that with the warm weather (and in some cases, extra free time) of summer comes a heightened knack for creativity. Summer is a great time to embrace your creative spark. How about allowing your imaginative and original juices to flow right onto the kitchen table with some bright summer table accessories?

If you’re looking for a little inspiration, why not look to Madeline Weinrib? The New York textile designer, who was recently featured in the Style section of the New York Times, has a few great ideas for brightening up a summer table. Weinrib suggests using table cloths and place settings with unique designs, such as those with vibrant patterns or home-made details.

According to Weinrib (as stated in the New York Times), “summery linens are generally not very expensive, and a fun way to add a little beauty to your life.” Who doesn’t want that?

Weinrib found some of her favorite items at William Wayne & Company in Greenwich Village in New York and from designer, Leah A. Howe (her items can be purchased online at etsy.com).

Adding some beauty to your life and your summer table can also be fun with D.I.Y projects. Micheal’s, the well known craft store, “where creativity happens”, has a plethora of fun craft projects for creating great table accessories. If you log on to michaels.com, you will find craft ideas that are all categorized by difficulty, such as the Beach Time Drink Charms or the BBQ Place Holders. These crafts and more add originality and fun to any table.

Another great idea is using bandanas as table-runners. Get bandanas in bright, vibrant, summer colors, like yellow, blue, pink, etc. and stitch them together. Almost immediately, you have a festive, summery table runner.

For a little bit more sophistication, and no less creativity or charm, Country Living suggests flowers, flowers, and more flowers. From posies to hydrangeas and every gorgeous petal in between, arranging flowers in unconventional settings- cans decorated in beaded bracelets and used as vases, or flowers placed in Chinese lanterns- makes for gorgeous and original center pieces that your family, friends, and other guests are sure to never forget.

Some other great table accessory ideas include oilcloth cut-out coasters, leaf-covered candleholders, sand candles, and so much more. Keep in mind that summer is the time to add as much color and embellishment as you want. It’s almost impossible to go wrong with any of these or other ideas.

Summer may be coming to an end, but you still have time to adorn your table with all of the trimmings of the season, and with so many ideas- traditional and unconventional; original or from the mind of an ingenious designer- you’ll have so much to look forward to for next summer.

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As a child, Chris Dickens loved to story-tell and act out his imagination.  He had dreams of one day becoming an entertainer. But, like many of us, as we grow and get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, he allowed his dreams and passions to subside while he raised a family.  Check out what made him realize the importance of revitalizing and striving for his dreams, and how he is now making them a reality.

1) Tell us about “Vigilante Project.”

“Vigilante Project” is a new and exciting film written by yours truly and my writing partner, Phil Morgenthaler. Our company, Yvette Avenue Productions, is actively looking for any and everyone that can help to bring this project to the big screen.

2) What is the thought process behind the film?

Our thought process was simple: How does the average Joe become a vigilante?

We created this relationship between the main character and his sister, and then we have this tragedy which calls our hero to action. But, where does he start? What would you do?

We’ve all seen the superhero movies, and by that I mean the guys that have special powers, special training, or special resources to help them get the job done. However our main character is not a superhero. He’s a college student in New York City. So, with no superpowers, limited income, few resources, and no detective experience, Alvin Gentry seeks retribution. Those superhero type films typically have a short training montage. In the case of Vigilante Project, the film is the montage.

3) Are you living your dreams?

I fell in love with storytelling at a very young age. My dream has always been to entertain and to share my vision with the world. This project has allowed me to do that not only on paper, but also on film.

Taking the advice of a potential producer to put together a demo reel, we shot a trailer for the film to showcase the character’s costume, fighting style, weapons, and to introduce the basic premise of the film.

It was very low budget. We found our lead actor and crew on Craigslist. Everyone else involved were friends that jumped in to help.

Seeing the finished product was amazing. Phil and I were able to take our ideas, and put them on screen. I can’t wait to see it on the big screen, but for now you can check it out on YouTube. Here’s the link on our web site: www.vigilanteproject.com

4) Are your career goals in line with your personal goals?

As a Christian, my personal goal is to live a life that’s glorifying and pleasing to God. I know that the film industry and the Hollywood lifestyle can be a dangerous place, but temptation is not just in Hollywood, it’s everywhere. With God’s help, I believe that I can continue to be a good husband, father, and I can be an amazing filmmaker as well.

Vigilante Project is the first in a long line of films that I want to make. I am hoping that this launches my career, and grants me the necessary access to learn “the business.” I have a lot to learn, but my ultimate career goal is to someday direct feature films.

5) Has there been an event/person that has greatly influenced you to be the person you are today?

One of my best friends, Mike Urbano, died in a motorcycle accident in 2005. That event shook my world to the foundation. He was like a brother to me and when he died it was a huge wake up call. Not only did it bring me back to a relationship with the Lord, but it also inspired me to go after the things that I want. Life is short, and then you die. It’s what you do today, and where you’re going after, that’s important.

6) Three years ago, did you envision yourself being where you are today? If not, what’s different? What would you change?

Three years ago I was working as a commodities broker and was focused on technical analysis and trading. To be honest, making movies was the last thing on my mind. Every now and then I would get an idea. I’d jot it down and daydream a bit, but it wasn’t until the market changed in 2008 that I really started planning my escape from the cubicle.

The truth is we’ve had some of these ideas for years. When I was in the 8^th grade, Phil and I were playing a role-playing game (nerdy I know). We were deep into it and some cool stuff was happening and I remember telling him, “I wish you could see what I see in my head. We should make a movie.”

I guess I never lost the vision or the desire to be a filmmaker, but there definitely were times that it was more prominent than others.

7) How do you empower yourself? What keeps you motivated and staying on course to reach your goals?

I empower myself through visualization. I stay motivated because in my head it’s already happened, and I just have to take the steps to get there. In my mind, I have already sold the screenplay. In my mind, I have walked the red carpet at the premiere. I stay motivated by setting goals.

They say that the difference between a dream and a goal is writing it down. I take it one step further. I visualize the goal, write it down, and then work backward until I get to today. In that process I ask myself, “What can I do today to sell my screenplay? What can I do today to get to that red carpet? What can I do today to win that Oscar?”

Anybody can say that they have an idea for a movie. My question is, what did you do today to make that movie happen?

8 ) What types of obstacles did you have to overcome?

The biggest obstacle was my inexperience. I’ve always been a gifted writer, but writing a screenplay is a different world. Thankfully I had Phil giving me his input and sharing his ideas, but he’s a rookie too! And don’t get me started on filming. I thank God for Sam Tabari and Tanner Grimshaw, our crew. Their experience as film students really helped a lot, and I was blown away by the editing and music that they did. I hope to work with them again someday.

9) What have you learned about yourself through this journey?

I have learned how much I love film. Originally I saw myself as just a writer, but this thing has snowballed into so much more. I love everything about the process, from the storyboards and scouting locations, to casting, directing, editing, music- the whole 9 yards. Writing is my primary focus, but then again I have A.D.D.

10) Who/what keeps you grounded?

My faith keeps me grounded. Without the Lord in my life, I’d be a completely different person. Every morning starts with prayer and spending some quality time with my Bible and/or my devotionals. I am not a morning person and oftentimes I am running late, but I need that to remind me of what I am truly trying to accomplish that day. Thank God for smart phones. Need scripture? There’s an app for that.

11) Has your personal life changed as a result of your career achievements?

I think that I am more grateful. Putting myself into the character’s shoes really made me appreciate what I have.

12) How do you embody guts, glamour and grace? (Must answer)

I am fearless. I am secure in myself, my beliefs, my talent, and my vision. I used to be afraid of failure until I realized that without failure there can be no success.

13) What’s one defining moment in your career?

To be honest, I don’t think it has happened yet. I had a huge victory when we finished the script, and then another when we premiered the trailer on YouTube. We got almost 1000 hits in 24 hours! However, I think that the defining moment is coming.

14) Who/what are your favorites (pick 5):

a)    Charity – American Cancer Society. My Grandmother died of cancer and every year I participate in the Relay for Life event.

b)    City(ies) – Seal Beach. It has everything.

c)    Color – Purple. Strange for a guy, I know. But it’s the color of royalty, and someday I will be king.

d)    TV Show – Too many to choose. HBO is a big one with True Blood, Hung, and Entourage. I also love the Boondocks on Cartoon Network. I watch Law and Order SVU, and CSI (Vegas and New York), and I love some of the more clever shows on cable like Burn Notice, Dark Blue, White Collar, and Leverage.

e)    Animal – I love big cats. I have to say the Jaguar, but the Lion, Panda, and Killer Whale are all in there somewhere.

15) With your success, do you think money can buy you happiness?

I don’t believe that money can buy happiness, but it can take away some of the things that make you unhappy. I imagine that after we sell Vigilante Project I will have a lot less financial stress, and less stress makes me happy.

16) What advice can you give to other people on the rise?

The book of Proverbs is the best piece of advice ever given. It’s like a strategy guide for life. Proverbs talks about everything from choosing your spouse, to getting a loan, to being a parent. There are 31 chapters so go to BibleGateway.com and read one chapter a day. You’ll thank me later. Be sure to read the New Living Translation or the NIV. The old school King James will only frustrate you. In fact, e-mail me (Chris@VigilanteProject.com) and I’ll read it with you. We’ll compare notes.

Other than Proverbs, the advice I would give would be to enjoy the journey. If you’re like me, you have a goal in mind and you’re busting your butt to reach it, but every once in a while, stop and smell the roses. Be true to yourself, enjoy the journey, and don’t be afraid to look stupid.

17) What’s up next? Projects, trips, next big splurge…

The sequel of course! Seriously, we do have a sequel that we’re working on as well as a few other films that we’re developing. We’re also looking at the possibility of making a graphic novel. We’ve always loved comics and I think a Vigilante Project comic or graphic novel would be awesome! We’re going to be at the Long Beach Comic Con in October promoting the film, so come out and meet us, shake our hands, and ask some questions. We might even have a comic to sell.

Other than that, right now we have a few different people reading the script. I won’t name drop but we have a pretty well known actor that is interested in the role of Alvin, and some other Hollywood talent that is interested in directing and/or producing. I was lucky enough to find a wonderful script coach/script broker and she is helping us get our project into the right hands.

18) Anything else you’d like to share???

I just want to say thank you to my wife Jenny for always having my back, and thank you to the rest of my family as well. I know that Phil wants to thank his wife Lisa, his brother Steve, and the rest of his family too.

Check out www.VigilanteProject.com! Watch the demo trailer at http://www.youtube.com/VigilanteProject, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VigilanteProject, and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/VigilanteProjec.

See you on opening night!

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Los Angeles-based public radio station KCRW (89.9FM and KCRW.com) are proud to announce their latest release — the Ozomatli vs KCRW Soundclash Remix Project — available August 17th on iTunes.

KCRW Music Director and host of Morning Becomes Eclectic Jason Bentley, Anthony Valadez, Aaron Byrd, Anne Litt and Tom Schnabel all remix songs from Ozomatli’s fifth studio album “Fire Away” as part of this unique creative collaboration between KCRW and Downtown Records / Mercer Street Records.

“The Soundclash series was envisioned as a chance for KCRW DJs to get more involved in the creative process of an artist we feel strongly about and the results of the Ozo Soundclash are truly inspired,” said Bentley, “Take Anne Litt’s re-imagining of the vocals for “Love Comes Down,” with a capella group Sonos, or the subtle beauty of the sitar performance on Anthony Valadez’ version of the same song. Tom Schnabel turns in a dreamy and soulful take on the song “45″ and Aaron Byrd transforms “Are You Ready” into a frenetic percussion workout. Each remix is unique and represents the individuality of the talented crew we have on air here at KCRW.”

KCRW was the first radio station to play Ozomatli’s music, before they were signed to a label. The station also hosted their live performance debut in 1997 on Morning Becomes Eclectic. The band recently made their 7th appearance on “Morning Becomes Eclectic”, and Ozomatli will be also appearing at the Hollywood Bowl as part of KCRW’s World Festival on Sunday, September 19. 

Fire Away is Ozomatli’s band’s fifth studio full length, and first for the NYC based Mercer Street Records / Downtown Records. Produced by acclaimed producer Tony Berg, Fire Away features eleven new Ozo songs. Fire Away is arguably Ozomatli’s most diverse album yet, ranging from the emotionally resplendent ballads “It’s Only Time” and “Love Comes Down,” the 60’s Stax influenced vibe of “45”, to the Spanglish of “Nadas Por Free”.

Ozomatli’s music — a collision of hip hop and salsa, dancehall and cumbia, samba and funk, merengue and comparsa, East LA R&B and New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga and Indian raga — has long followed a key mantra: it will take you around the world by taking you around the city of Los Angeles.

2009 proved to be a busy year for Ozomatli, serving as US cultural ambassadors with a US sponsored State Department trip that included Ozomatli community outreach and performances in Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand. The band was also honored to play for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s 32nd Annual Award Gala, held in Washington DC in September.

2010 looks to continue Ozomatli’s feverish pace. In addition to taking their incendiary live show on the road in support of Fire Away, the band recently collaborated with the Boston Pops Orchestra for the 125th Pops Anniversary Celebration, and once again served as US Cultural Ambassadors with a State Department trip to China and Mongolia in June.

Ozomatli vs KCRW Soundclash Tracklisting
1. Love Comes Down (Anne Litt remix) – Produced by Anne Litt and Mark Kilian. Featuring Sonos (vocals), Julio Moreno (percussion), Kim Carroll (charango). Mixed by Casey Stone.
2. 45 (Tom Schnabel remix) Produced by Jeff Rona
3. Love Comes Down (Anthony Valadez remix) Produced by A. Valadez. Featuring I, Ced (Keys & Bass), Itai Shapira (Sitar), Miguel Atwood-Ferguson (Strings), Mixed by Itai Shapira
4. Are You Ready (it’sAByrd’s Bundao remix) Produced by Aaron Byrd for SCS Productions
5. Malagasy Shock (Jason Bentley remix) Produced by Jason Bentley and Chris “Smitty” Smith. Featuring Tom Holkenborg (bass, guitar)

For more information, visit: http://www.kcrw.com/soundclash

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Sometimes the best ideas strike when you least expect it. That was the case for Heather English, owner and designer of English Retreads, an eco-chic handbag and accessories company based in Boulder, Colorado.

“The inspiration for English Retreads came when Heather had a predicament; she was searching for a new vegan handbag that was stylish and eco-friendly—a lofty request at the time,” said Kate Salomon, English Retreads’ business manager. “While some people get their best ideas in the shower, Heather got hers while floating down Boulder Creek on an inner tube,” she said.

But English didn’t want to make just any kind of bag—she wanted to make one that used recycled materials.

“It occurred to me that this inner tube could be made into the handbag I’d been dreaming of,” English said.

That was eight years ago. Today, the company makes a plethora of bags, clutches, key rings, and wallets.

Since the bags are vegan, the company also follows an environmental stewardship practice.

“It is important for us to commit fully to being a socially and environmentally responsible company because we simply feel there is no other way to do it,” Salomon said. “We want to make sure we are providing a completely beneficial product so consumers can feel good about their purchases,” she said.

The production process of the bags sets the company apart from other handbag manufacturers.

“Because our material is repurposed, our production process is a bit different,” Salomon said. “We have to procure the used inner tubes from truck stops, clean it, and then cut it before making our handbags and accessories.”

English Retreads gets the inner tubes from local truck and bike shops.

“All of them are happy to save material for us to pick up and reuse. They often indicate that they feel proud of ‘helping out’ and ensuring that less waste is making it into our local landfills. Of course, a few homemade brownies or cookies can sweeten the deal too.” Salomon said.

The bags can be purchased in colors like Apple, Jet, Pumpkin, Quarry, and Scarlet.

One customer, Shannon, wrote on the company Web site that the Model T Luxe small bag was “one of the smartest handbags ever!” and added five reasons why she loved it, including it’s easy ability to be cleaned.

“I can toss it in the washing machine when it gets dirty or when other women drool on it because it is so awesome. I usually wash [it] alone on the gentle cycle so I don’t snag any clothes or towels with the zipper,” she wrote.

The fashion following that English Retreads has experienced proves that one simple idea and the need for a chic, yet eco-conscious handbag can evolve into something bigger that bridges the gap between style and the environment.

Since English designed her first bag, Salomon said, “her designs have been classic enough so they never go out of style, yet funky enough to be eye catching,” showing that the company is saving the world of vegan bags, one recycled inner tube at a time.

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When it comes to seducing your man, there is one thing that’s true: if the chemistry’s there, the right touch is all it takes to take your private time to the sexiest level.

But, what about keeping the fire going without touch? It’s possible to build some serious heat and passion that way, making him so hot he won’t be able to wait to get at you. And maybe when all that tension bubbles over and you have no choice but to finally get it on, it may top some of the best sex you’ve ever had. After all, isn’t that how it usually goes when you satisfy an unbelievable craving?

So try one of these ways to turn him on and build the tension for your next heat-filled night!

• Peep show: Giving him a chance to watch as you undress or shower is a special show just for him. So next time you’re heading for an extra long shower or slipping out of your clothes after a long day, let him watch. He’ll be climbing the walls to touch you.

• Sexy notes, texts, or photos: When he can’t be near you, leaving him little reminders of the fact that you can’t wait to ravage him is a great way to keep him thinking of – and craving – you. Scribble him little notes or take some hot photos and leave them at his place or in his pocket. (Of course, you may want to spell out to your man that it’s meant for only his eyes).

• Midnight phone call: After a long day, his voice can do just the trick to put you to bed, especially if you can’t be together. Consider calling him in the middle of the night and tellingl him you are thinking of him. It may lead to a midnight phone sex session that may make him run over to your place to satisfy the urge.

• Musical seduction: We all know there are some songs that can do wonders to get you in the mood. Classic jams by Marvin Gaye and Al Green, or even Maxwell, Usher, Ne-Yo, or Tyrese define “sexy”. Try burning some of your favorites and slipping a CD into his bag or leaving it at his place. That’ll be the only soundtrack you need the next time you see each other.

• Blindfolded taste test: Cover your man’s eyes and sit him down to feed him tasty fruits and treats, and have him guess what they are. The mix of not knowing what’s coming next, tasting decadent flavors, and you feeding him will definitely excite him!

• Wear his favorites to bed: Put on a sexy nightie and wear it to bed the next time he stays over. Watching that satin or silk on you will certainly be enough for him to scoop you in his arms and have his way with you.

• Move your body: Do some sexy stretches to soft music while he’s in the room. Watch him put the Blackberry aside or put down the remote just to pay attention to your every bend and curve. He’ll love it.

• Cybersexin’: This is the age of the Internet. So use it! Set up a date via instant messenger with your man and start describing what you would do to each other. Soon, your fingers will be burning up the keyboard as you get carried away with your fantasy – and you’ll be itching to try it all out.

• Sexy movies: Movies with a steamy sex scene always make for good viewing time. Choose a few, like Disappearing Acts or Unfaithful, with some hot scenes and bring it over for a movie night. Now there’s a nice treat.

• Leave your scent: Is there a fragrance you wear that he can’t get enough of? Try wearing some the next time you see him, or leave a little on his pillow. That should make for some very sweet dreams for him.

• Erotic story time: Bookstores are filled with sexy books that make for quick reads and have some very satisfying scenes. Pick one up, maybe your favorite titles by Zane, and read a couple of chapters together each night. Soon, you’ll be aching to act out your own chapters!

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We love getting away to the beach as much as possible. If that’s not an option, there’s always someone who has a pool. Getting a tan and splashing around in the water are a blast, but not so much for your hair. The salt in the ocean and the chlorine from pools can severely dry out your locks and can lead to split ends and other damage, but we have found a few ways to rescue your hair from such a fate.

Hot Oil Treatments

Scrubbing the summer vacation you just had out of your hair can leave it looking dull and lifeless. Hot oil treatments like, Luster’s Pink Hot Oil Treatment, are good ways to breathe life back into your hair. It contains vitamin E and jojoba oil that rinse clean in the shower to help soften and add shine in a quick pinch.

Deep Conditioner

A deep conditioner should be used on a weekly basis to give hair that extra bit of moisture it may lose when washing out other hair products throughout the week. Ojon’s Ultra Hydrating Conditioner contains their signature ojon palm nut oil and shea butter to help moisturize and detangle matted beach tresses without weighing them down.

Hair Masks

Sometimes the damage can become very intense and leave your locks feeling brittle and looking wild – that’s when a hair intervention is needed. Moroccan Oil’s Restorative Hair Mask works wonders like its sister, the Intense Hydrating Mask. With their keratin-enriched formula, both products help to restore elasticity and rebuild the hair’s strength.

Hair Trimming

Split ends can’t be saved with conditioners like the rest of your hair can, and it’s best to cut them loose! Hair is supposed to be trimmed every eight weeks to maintain its health and keep split ends at bay, but summer fun definitely speeds up the damage process. A trim can offer you a fresh start for next season that is right around the corner (eek!).

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After a two-year investigation, a four-member bipartisan House investigative panel concluded that Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) was in violation of ethics rules of the House of Representatives. Rangel’s 40-year legacy is in jeopardy of being tarnished as the scandal of a public trial looms in the horizon.

Charges against Rangel allege that while he was the Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, he solicited donations from people with business before the committee, and that he improperly used his position to preserve a tax loophole worth more than half a billion dollars benefiting a firm which pledged $1 million towards the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service at City College of New York. Rangel also allegedly sent improper letters on congressional letterhead to over 100 foundations, requesting gifts of $30 million for the Rangel Center.

He’s also being accused of failing to pay taxes on rental income for his Caribbean home in the Dominican Republic, as well as receiving four rent stabilized apartments below market value, which he used as his campaign offices. The panel also alleges that he did not properly disclose more than $600,000 in income and assets. In total, Rangel was hit with 13 ethics charges that he vehemently denies.

In the midst of the House ethics committee’s accusations, Rangel is currently seeking a 21st term representing New York’s 15th District in Harlem, with no plans to withdrawal from the race. Many democrats are pushing for Rangel to resign for fear that the scandal will affect their ability to retain their control in the House. The public trial before the House ethics committee is not expected to start until after the September 14^th primary, which may help Rangel win reelection and divert attention away from the scandal as he campaigns in Harlem, but Democrats fear that a public trial in the midst of midterm elections will give Republican opponents fodder to use against them.

Many supporters believe that with 40 years of service, Rangel’s popularity will win him another term. Rangel faces four fairly unknown opponents, including forerunner state assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV, who lost to Rangel in 1994, and whose father lost his seat to Rangel back in 1960. The others are Joyce Johnson, Vince Morgan, and Jonathan Tasini.

President Obama weighed in last week, hinting that Rangel may want to avoid a public scandal. “I think Charlie Rangel served a very long time and served his constituents very well, but these allegations are very troubling,” he told CBS, “I’m sure that what he wants is to be able to end his career with dignity. And my hope is that it happens.”

In a written statement prepared by Rangel’s legal team and submitted to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct stated, “Congressman Rangel did not dispense any political favors, he did not intentionally violate any law, rule or regulation, and he did not misuse his public office for private gain.” If the bipartisan panel finds Rangel guilty, he could face censure, a fine or even expulsion from the House.

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Everyday my boyfriend calls me complaining about his job. How do I make him happy?

First of all you can’t necessarily make him happy, and it’s not really your job to. I say this because happiness is a choice we make as individuals; we choose to be happy or unhappy, period, and as much as we think others influence this decision, they do not. Because we always look for things to make us feel something good- money, etc. – we do not often realise that emotions come from within us, first and foremost, and we are in full control of them.

If your boyfriend is unhappy at work, you, first of all, need to know what is making him so unhappy that he feels the need to complain about it every day. Yes, complaining is a symptom of unrest, but also bear in mind that people who complain are not always looking for a solution. They get something from complaining. This could be sympathy from you, understanding from others, a friendly ear…the list is endless. If you buy into someone’s complaints they will often complain for a whole lot longer than necessary.

So what can you do?

Offer a friendly ear, suggest solutions, and see what happens. If your great advice is ignored and the complaints continue, then the real problem is probably not his job, and when you think about it, this makes sense because a job is an inanimate object (kind of like complaining about a football or a biscuit!). What he is possibly unhappy about is what you need to know, and this could be reflective of his position in life. For some people, jobs illustrate where they are in life. Not earning enough or not being in the right position could lead to complaining. The main point is that he may be unhappy about himself.

When it comes to making him happy, in short, you can’t. What is more important is to get to the source of his complaints and here you will need to think outside the in order to really see what his real issues are.

It sounds like he has a sounding board in you but do not take on his issues- they are not yours. Yes, you may feel for him but when these phone calls start to take over your day, it is time for them to stop. He is a big man who may just need to take control of his life so that when he calls, he is talking about happy things instead.

Good luck.

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International female empowerment organization, United Initiatives for Peace (UIP), is returning to Haiti to implement a 8 day summer camp  and enrichment program for 100 girls within the Port Au-Prince area. The camp, “Bel Kan”  which translates to “beautiful camp” in Creole, will be facilitated by 20 qualified volunteers from across the United States and will be directed by UIP founding director Diesa Seidel. “Bel Kan” is sponsored through individual donations, volunteers, UIP fundraisers and Diesa’s “Run for Haiti” (San Diego Marathon) as well as through partnerships with Religious Youth Services (RYS) and The Haitian Academy.  
 
The origins of this venture come from Diesa Seidel’s January 2010 volunteering trip to Haiti. During this experience, she survived the now infamous 7.2 magnitude earthquake that claimed over 300,000 lives and displaced countless others. Diesa has since pledged to host the annual summer camp, Bel Kan, for girls who have suffered in the wake of the catastrophic earthquake.  The camp will offer sports, art, and dance activities as well as life skills and the traditional American favorite camp snack Smores. “Our vision is to create a deeper sense of peace, joy, and stability through a fun and interactive summer camp. Nobel Peace prize winner Albert Schweitzer once said that “beauty will change the world”, and that is our hope for Bel Kan.”
 
About United Initiatives for Peace
United Initiatives for Peace (UIP) is a 501©3 tax exempt global non-profit organization that offers empowerment programs for females through sports (basketball) and the arts. UIP promotes higher education, experiential & creative learning, health & recreation, and community involvement & service work as tools of enrichment to strengthen the lives of young women. For additional information on the United Initiatives for Peace and their efforts, please visitwww.unitedinitiatives.org.

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DJ Spinna and Matthias Heilbronn take the Yvette Rovira album in a new direction with a Galactic Soul mix of “I Remember Love” by Spinna and a mix of “Let’s Go Out Tonight” by Matthias Heilbronn. Spinna and Heilbronn add a high-energy house vibe to Rovira’s sound, which is influenced by everybody from Stevie Wonder and Billy Joel to the Beatles and John Mayer to India Arie.

“I tend to listen to a lot of hip-hop, old school R&B and blues,” she says, but I also try to expose myself to what’s happening now. I’ve been listening to Robin Thicke, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Jay-Z lately.” In addition to working on her own music, Rovira regularly sings with hip-hop band The Lifted Crew in Brooklyn.

Yvette Rovira Remixes

“Remember Love” (DJ Spinna Galactic Soul Remix)
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“Let’s Go Out Tonight” (Matthias Heilbronn Mix)
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“Let’s Go Out Tonight” (Album Version)
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About the Album
Working with producer Rob Mounsey (Rihanna, Mary J. Blige), and the same tight family of musicians with whom she’s collaborated for the past few years, newcomer Yvette Rovira has recorded a dozen tracks for her self-titled album, flavored with Latin-inspired percussion, funk and old-school R&B references, all sung with a distinctive power and passion.

Among her collaborators is the rapper Lex Doe, who adds his distinctive edge to two songs, “City of Lights,” which Rovira describes as her “love song to New York City,” and “Psychedelia,” the singer’s take on the Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky.” A closer listen to the lyrics of that particular song, with its trippy synth lines and multi-layered vocals, brings to light one of most striking aspects of Rovira’s songwriting – her lyrics resonate with a positive message, whether she’s heading for the dance floor (on the high energy “Let’s Go Out Tonight,”) or baring her soul (on the pop ballad “Passion,” which Rovira says is about her love for music.)

Notes of inspiration and power course through the single, “Everybody Stand Up,” which opens with the words of no less a spiritual leader than Mahatmas Gandhi: “Be the change that you want to see in the world,” Rovira sings as the song opens. “So often I hear people complain about things but offer no solutions,” she explains. “I’m inspired by leaders like Gandhi and Martin Luther King to be of service, which sometimes can be as simple as stating your opinion in a positive way.”

“Give Me Just a Little Bit of Time,” which features M.C. Atlas, fuses pop, gospel and hip-hop into a poignant parable with universal appeal. Seemingly at first to be just another song of love and longing, its true message unveils itself with M.C. Atlas’ rap: “This story is told through the eyes of a man who’s lived 80 something years…holding the hand of his wife who can’t stand…watching the love of his life slip away…. ” Atlas had just come back to New York after the death of the grandmother who’d raised him. He wrote his verse in reaction to that, directly from his experience,” says Rovira. “At some point in our lives, we all experience loss.”

All this talk of Rovira’s ability as a songwriter should in no way detract from her power as a singer. Her voice pulses and soars on soulful anthems like “Fearless,” and rides waves of emotion as her vocals intertwine with guitarist Nicholas Cassarino’s on the R&B ballad, “Hold Me.”

Only two tracks on the CD were not written by Rovira – “Love Can Find a Way,” written by producer Rob Mounsey. and “Don’t Let Me Lose This Dream,” one of the lesser-known songs from Aretha Franklin’s 1967 Atlantic Records debut, I Never Loved A Man the Way I Love You. “When I get into an artist’s music, I get a little obsessed, and I listened to this CD over and over,” laughs Rovira. “Sure, ‘Respect’ and the title track were Top Ten hits, but this song really resonated with me, because it’s how I feel about my own dream of being able to pursue a career as a musician.”

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