A commencement address urging black graduates to not "make excuses" raises some eyebrows

On Sunday, President Obama delivered a commencement address at Morehouse College, the historically black all-male school, espousing personal responsibility and exhorting graduates to not use their race as an excuse for failure.

"We've got no time for excuses — not because the bitter legacies of slavery and segregation have vanished entirely; they haven't," Obama said. "Not because racism and discrimination no longer exist; that's still out there. It's just that in today's hyperconnected, hypercompetitive world, with a billion young people from China and India and Brazil entering the global workforce alongside you, nobody is going to give you anything you haven't earned. And whatever hardships you may experience because of your race, they pale in comparison to the hardships previous generations endured — and overcame."

For the most part, Obama's speech was well-received, both by his audience and the national press. "He spoke movingly of his struggles to discuss the responsibility of men as fathers and husbands, and the need for the young graduates to be role models," wrote Zeke J. Miller at TIME.

Yet while the president sought to strike an inspirational tone with his message, some viewed his race-based remarks as part of a disturbing pattern in which he has held blacks to a different standard than other demographics.

The Atlantic's Ta-Nehisi Coates argues that while the president urged African Americans to accept personal responsibility, he's not made that the focus of his remarks to other groups.

Taking the full measure of the Obama presidency thus far, it is hard to avoid the conclusion that this White House has one way of addressing the social ills that afflict black people — and particularly black youth — and another way of addressing everyone else. I would have a hard time imagining the president telling the women of Barnard that "there's no longer room for any excuses" — as though they were in the business of making them. Barack Obama is, indeed, the president of "all America," but he also is singularly the scold of "black America." [The Atlantic]

Further, Coates says that Obama's focus on his personal background omitted the important role social policy plays in preparing people for success. He argues that the president, as the most powerful policy-maker n the nation, is in a prime position to affect those policies.

"As the president of 'all America,' Barack Obama inherited that policy," he says. "I would not suggest that it is in his power to singlehandedly repair history. But I would say that, in his role as American president, it is wrong for him to handwave at history, to speak as though the government he represents is somehow only partly to blame."

A similar criticism of the president caused an uproar at Morehouse, and led the college to reduce the role of pastor Kevin Johnson in its graduation ceremonies. Johnson had criticized what he said was a lack of diversity in the president's cabinet, in an op-ed titled, "A President for Everyone, Except Black People." Obama "is more of a historical leader than he is a transformational leader for the African-American community," Johnson wrote.

Rich Benjamin, writing in Salon, said the speech had an "ironic whiff" because the president shied away from discussing, in stark terms, the economic disparity between races in America. Rather than focusing on how the recession is "throwing non–college educated black men under the bus," the president, employing "creaking racial symbolism," instead told graduates to not throw themselves under the bus.

Similarly, Jarrett L. Carter asked why the president talked about what graduates could do for themselves, but not about what he could do for them. Writing in the Huffington Post, Carter, the founding editor of a website that covers historically black universities, said the president could have done more to promote existing institutions that develop young men into future leaders.

"His belief in the individual potential of black people is instantly recognizable, but his disconnection from creating attention and support for systems which specifically cultivate and inspire black people to realize that potential has been startling," he says.

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Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/does-obama-unfairly-hold-blacks-different-standard-155500433.html

As long-time GBS chair, Debbie had a smile on her face as she noticed most of the attendees were Greenwich women in their 30s, 40s and 50s "How thankful I was to be able to pass this event on to younger people -- two thirds of the crowd were 50 and under," she says.

Debbie created the first Greenwich Bible Study group at Christ Church 28 years ago with about 50 women. That, she says, has led to the creation of what is now some 60 to 70 ecumentical Bible study groups across town, all stemming from her first GBS group that still meets weekly at Christ Church.

"GBS planted the seed," says Debbie. "Over the years, as people learned about GBS, they were given the tools to start their own groups with their friends in their own homes." One recently formed group she knows of has 30 women in it.

Debbie's initial idea for GBS came from a visit to her native California. A friend in Los Angeles took her to a Community Bible Study group (a national organization of Bible study groups) where she saw a church "full of friendly, happy, lovely women." She decided on the spot to come up her own group.

Her concept for a Bible study group was different from what she experienced in her married and church-going life in Greenwich. Instead of discussing "a paragraph of scripture or a religious book," she says, "I wanted to get people to understand the Bible as a whole. The Bible is so full, so true and multi-faceted -- it hangs together from the Hebrew Bible to Revelation. It is God revealing Himself. I wanted other people to be excited about it."

In that first year, Debbie formed a committee of a dozen or more people to help launch her Greenwich Bible Study group. "There were 50 to 60 of us -- we were in our 40s and 50s," she said, "We met every Wednesday, fall, winter and spring. The church that accepted us with open arms was Christ Church Greenwich."

Her group recruited various ministers to teach them on specific bibilical subjects, Debbie says. The numbers in the group grew to 80, then to 100 over the next few years. To further grow GBS, she created an annual, high-profile GBS luncheon with inspirational speakers. The first luncheon attracted more than 200 people, says Debbie.

One of the speakers at the group's first luncheons was the Rev. Neely Towe, the now-retired minister of Stanwich Congregational Church. She ended up partnering early on with Debbie at GBS. "She was a mentor and a partner with me in GBS," said Debbie. She remembers Towe talking on "Esther in the Bible, living in her society, finding similarities to her in our affluent world," she says. She adds, "Neely had the ability to bring in young people. They related to her."

Debbie wanted to engage more young people in GBS. "So I thought, `Let's do a lecture series,'" she says. The theme would be "Becoming a woman of excellence." It was aimed at women under 50 -- women of ages 30 to 40. The young people who knew Neely from church also brought their friends." Seventy to 100 young women came. No older people were allowed, says Debbie, "Unless they brought someone young."

Debbie cited what she sees as the three "greatest successes" of GBS. "The first is finding people so spiritually hungry coming to GBS. The second is having young people coming. And the third," she says "is having helped launch a Catholic Bible study group."

"Bible study is not something the Catholic church did," she said. But one day, Debbie was sought out by the Catholic daughter of a member of Debbie's Bible group -- Julie Ricciardi -- wanting to create a Bible study group. "Ricciardi was able to obtain permission fto do so," says Debbie, "at St. Mary Church." She called her group, "Walking with Purpose."

"This was huge," says Debbie, "The first year there were 100 people. It's been going now for four or five years with 100 people -- with totally young people. And now, she said, "There are 21 branches of `Walking with Purpose' Bible study group across the country."

"It's a phenomenon," says Debbie. "We all feel," she says, "that our Bible study groups have completely changed our lives for the better.

"There's a community we found in GBS that is different from any other community. You can be completely open and safe. It's all about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, not picking the Bible apart, but to have the Bible speak to you in a personal way."

At this most recent luncheon, the motivational speakers spoke personally.

Carlson was proud, she said, of revealing her Christianity on camera. "I'm totally comfortable of being a Christian in my own skin," she said. Wall Street executive Carla Harris talked of her "Pearls of Wisdom" for people navigating the work world. "I am authentically His," she said, "and you'll know that if you know me."

Looking across at the room filled with well-dressed young women, Harris had said of the 22nd GBS Luncheon, "That's a big deal," and again, "That's a big deal."

Debbie agrees. "I don't think there's another place quite like Greenwich, Conn. for Bible study. Those people who bring people to Bible study are real leaders. These women are Christian role models in the world."

Debbie adds, "It doesn't matter how much you have -- people tend to have the same problems: jealousy, bitterness, feeling betrayed, all that insecurity. People are the same no matter what their affluence."

In Greenwich, she says, "It's even harder for people ,as they look like they have their act together. Greenwich can be a lonely place. You don't feel you can share things." But, "It's all different in Bible study," she said, "It's loving, nonjudgmental and supportive."

People have been coming for a long time to Debbie's Bible study group. "We come from different places, and we love each other," she said. It's the best day of our week."

Article source: http://www.greenwichcitizen.com/news/article/Debbie-Reynolds-shares-her-Greenwich-Bible-Study-4519920.php

His wife, Anita Olsen Harper, his children and the Harper family
 offered the following statement:

Elijah is survived by his loving wife Anita Olsen Harper, his devoted
children Bruce and Holly.  He was step-father to Karen Lawford, Dylan,
Gaylen and Grant Bokvist.  He is predeceased by his daughter Tanya.

Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee, who regarded
Mr. Harper as a close, personal friend says his passing represents an
enormous loss for everyone who truly wants Canada to be the best
country it can be.

"Nobody understood better the concept of First Nations sovereignty, and
the positive impact that it will have on Canada's cultural, social and
economic well-being," says the Grand Council Chief.  "We will miss his
courageous and inspirational voice, and send our sincere condolences to
members of his family."

The Late Elijah Harper was born on March 3, 1949 at Red Sucker Lake
First Nation in northeastern Manitoba.  He was educated at residential
school and later studied at the University of Manitoba.

Elijah began his long career in public service when he was elected Chief
of his community at the young age of 29.

In 1981, he was elected as Member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly
for Rupertsland, an office he held for 11 years.  He was the first
elected First Nations person to serve as MLA.  In 1996, he was
appointed to the Manitoba cabinet as Minister without portfolio for
Native Affairs, and in 1997, as Minister of Northern Affairs.

He was best known for his historic role in blocking the Meech Lake
accord.  Many Canadians will remember the humble, yet, iconic figure,
seated in the House of Assembly raising his ever-present eagle feather
refusing unanimous consent of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly.  As
result, he was recognized as Newsmaker of the Year by the Canadian
Press in 1990.

In 1993, Elijah was elected for one term as Member of Parliament for the
Churchill riding.  In January 1998, he served a term as Commissioner
for the Indian Claims Commission.

Red Sucker Lake First Nation bestowed him the title of Honourary Chief
for Life for his heroic work.  He is also the recipient of the
Commemorative Medal of Canada, a National Aboriginal Achievement Award,
the Order of Merit from St. Paul's University, the Order of the Sash
from the Manitoba Métis Federation, and the Gold Eagle Award from the
Indigenous Women's Collective in Manitoba.

Following his active career in public service, Elijah spent much of the
rest of his life visiting First Nations, meeting with Indigenous
leaders across North America, working with charities, and doing
international humanitarian work.

The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians as its
secretariat in 1949.  The UOI is a political advocate for 39 member
communities across Ontario, representing approximately 55,000 people. 
The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in
Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires,
which existed long before European contact.

SOURCE: Anishinabek Nation

Article source: http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/elijah-harper-march-3-1949-160300090.html

The one incongruity is a large, unframed black-and-white photograph of seven young men and women in front of a large country house that hangs on a wall behind an old brown sofa. Judging from the scruffy, long-haired appearance of the subjects and the quality of the print, the photo was taken some time ago and looks out of place amid the hi-tech gear.

"That photo is what brought me to Prague," says Taf Hassam, a British-born multimedia artist and lecturer, and currently an artist-in-residence at Prague's MeetFactory.

The 32-year-old Hassam explains that he'd gone to research and lecture on protest music at the Wyspa Institute of Art in the Polish city of Gdańsk in 2011 when he became interested in dissident culture. That led him to become acquainted with the work of the late Dutch sociologist Jef Helmer, who'd traveled back and forth between the Netherlands and Czechoslovakia in the '70s and '80s. In Helmer's archive at the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam, Hassam came across this photograph in a samizdat publication.

"The heading of the photograph is 'Czech Dissidents Gathering Somewhere in Bohemia 1982,' " he says. "I thought it was a very odd title, very mysterious, and it got me wondering: Who are these people? What was that culture like?"

Hassam hopes the three-month residency at MeetFactory, a large, unattractive former factory situated on the wrong side of the tracks in the wilds of Smíchov, will help him learn more about the context of the photograph, which was taken by Helmer, and to identify and perhaps even meet some of the people in it. Eventually, he and American video artist Kirby Mages, who is also a MeetFactory artist-in-residence, plan to produce a video and texts based on their findings.

"We were initially planning to do a big show with musicians," Hassam says, with a nod at the guitar, "but to do that in a month's time is too soon. The aim is to present the work here, to show it and see people's reactions. We will use the show to bring people together."

Hassam said that meeting the people in the photograph would be thrilling but was of secondary importance. "The photograph opened up a world to us. That journey is the most important thing."

Mages, a 26-year-old native of Chicago, had never been to Prague before Hassam invited her to join him in the project.

"It's incredible that I've been given this chance," she says. "And it's incredible to be given the time to do the research and to know that there'll be a final outcome in a short period of time."

Of the MeetFactory ambience, she says, "This is a really supportive community. It's great that they provide you with an exhibition at the end of your residency."

In the case of Hassam and Mages, the MeetFactory also provided a translator to help them understand the material in the Czech archives they are sifting through. The translator happened to be the boyfriend of Zuzana Jakalová, the curator of the MeetFactory's artist-in-residency (AIR) program.

"We get about 25 residents a year, and they usually stay for three months," Jakalová says. "At present [late April], we have five residents, but five more are expected to come next month."

The program is partially supported by a subsidy from the city of Prague of 6.5 million Kč ($330,000) spread over four years, she says. There is also support from the Culture Ministry and the institutions that sponsor the artists, such as the French Institute and Goethe Institute of Prague, the Visegrad Fund, the Mondriaan Fund of the Netherlands, which supported Hassam's residency, and the U.S. Embassy, which sponsored Ohio-born artist Tracy Featherstone.

Several walls of Featherstone's large well-lit studio are hung with drawings and collages, which she says form the inspirational launching pad for sculptures she is currently exhibiting at the MeetFactory.

"The idea is based on translating one fact into another," Featherstone says. "This will involve the translation of the collages into sculptures."

A few of the sculptures, made from various materials, were displayed in the center of the studio. Her art is wildly dynamic; she has, for example, designed objects to be worn and which required human models to be exhibited.

"It's not possible in one exhibition to see all the craziness," she admits.

Featherstone - who is associate professor of art at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio - says what she especially likes about the MeetFactory residency is that "this is life. There's music here, and we all discover the city together. I took in Prague. The city is part of the work."

She, Hassam and Mages share an apartment in Prague 2 that is one of two flats owned by the MeetFactory and used to house some of the residents. The others live in their studios.

"I love Prague," Featherstone says. "I would live here. There's a good vibe for art here and big spaces for art."

The MeetFactory - which also offers music and theater programs and houses three galleries - was founded in 2001 by Czech artist David Černý. It was flooded out of its original Holešovice home in 2002 and resettled in its present site three years later.

The residency program is managed by the MeetFactory's art council, which currently consists of Černý, art theoretician Tomáš Pospiszyl, MeetFactory curator Karina Kottová and art critic Jan Vitvar. The art council, in cooperation with a representative of the supporting organization, ultimately decides which artists will be offered a residency.

According to Jakalová, it took long negotiations to finally have Featherstone come to Prague as a resident. The show of the works she produced during her residency opened in the MeetFactory's Kostka Gallery May 6 and will run until May 31.

In addition to the exhibitions, the MeetFactory also makes its artists in residence available to the public with monthly open houses (weekly during the summer months).

"We open up the studios to the public and let them talk to the residents and explore the process of their work," Jakalová says. "We like to think we are contributing to Prague's cultural diversity. We not only show people international art exhibitions, we not only show the works of art, but we also show them how these artists make the works."

The next open studio is scheduled for June 6, when visitors will have a chance to speak with (among others) Joaquín Segura, a 32-year-old visual artist from Mexico City whose work investigates, he says, "radical ideologies, from far left to far right, guerilla movements, the nature of power and institutional crisis in contemporary life - because coming from Mexico, failure is something you have to face every day."

One example of his work is a video titled The Anarchists and the Bombs, in which a sign language expert translates a seminal text that originally appeared in the early-20th-century anarchist journal Tierra y Libertad (Earth and Freedom).

"I'm interested in the dynamics of power," Segura says, "especially how power plays on the international art circuit. So I investigate the global context of power and its effects on art."

He says he is just doing research in Prague, to eventually produce short videos, sculpture and photographs. "My process is quite slow," Segura admits. "When I have enough, I make connections between the materials."

The MeetFactory residency is his first opportunity to see Prague. He says he first heard about MeetFactory seven years ago when he met a Czech editor visiting Mexico City.

"I love the laid-back attitude they have here," Segura says. "I have the space and freedom to do what I want. And it's a rich environment for focusing on work."

Jakalová says that this is precisely the aim of the AIR program.

"The residents come from far away, and they need a lot of comfort and good conditions for work," she says. "Some of the artists do research; others need materials and tools. They all have different expectations. Some want to network and explore the scene; others are keen on working on projects. We are their enablers."

Siegfried Mortkowitz can be reached at
smortkowitz@praguepost.com

Article source: http://www.praguepost.com/tempo/16260-nurturing-international-art.html

PUBLISHED:

13:40 EST, 15 May 2013

|

UPDATED:

14:28 EST, 15 May 2013

It's hailed as one of the most glamorous events in the showbiz calendar, but it seems even the Cannes Film Festival can't escape the latest dreary spring weather.

Just days after celebrities attending the TV BAFTAs in London were marred by windy weather ruining their perfect looks, it seems the 2013 Cannes Film Festival Opening Ceremony has been blighted by rain.

Leonardo DiCaprio was even among the A List guests who were left drenched and clutching umbrellas on Wednesday night as they made their way across the sodden red carpet.

Little bit wet then! Leonardo DiCaprio managed to still have a smile on his face as he addressed the crowds in the pouring weather

Raincheck: The cast of The Great Gatsby huddled up as the heavens opened on Wednesday

He appeared in good spirits as he greeted the crowds, some of whom had surprisingly camped out since Sunday to grab a glimpse of their favourite stars.

But as the event continued, so did the outpouring of rain, with stars including Carey Mulligan, Freida Pinto, Nicole Kidman and Georgia MAy Jagger all needing helpers to hold umbrellas over them.

And Leonardo's Great Gatsby co-star Carey Mulligan experienced the difficulty of trying to remain glamorous in torrential rain.

Pouring down: Nicole had earlier told the Daily Mail she didn't mind the weather, and even laughed as she looked up at the sky with an umbrella over her head during the red carpet arrivals

The actress was hit on the head by an umbrella as she prepared to walk the red carpet.

Several men with umbrellas crowded around her limo to keep her dry as she walked the few steps from the vehicle to the sodden red carpet.

On the dry section of carpet Carey posed with her leading men Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire.

Keeping dry: Despite the downpour, Leonardo didn't seem to mind the lashings of rain as he turned up to see his movie The Great Gatsby open the 2013 festival

No sunshine today: Carey Mulligan, who stars alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in The Great Gatsby, looked up to the sky as she tried to shield herself from the rain under her large umbrella

'There were so many people around me as I got out of the car that I couldn't move and I got hit on the head by an umbrella.

'I suddenly went 'What the xxxx' and I didn't realise there was a TV camera in my face recording everything' she chuckled as she told the Daily Mail.

Even so, she still looked very pretty in a pink couture Dior gown.

Meanwhile, Nicole Kidman said the storms that soaked the Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet didn't bother her.

'It's only rain. It's pouring out there but I love the rain. I love it,' she told the Daily Mail.

Rain, rain, go away: DiCaprio received huge applause when he arrived at Wednesday night's Opening Ceremony dressed in his suit as the rain poured down more and more

No umbrella holder: The actor was happy to protect himself from the wet weather as he made his way past other stars posing for pictures during proceedings

Gentleman: Leonardo passed his umbrella to Elizabeth Debicki happy to stand in the rain as he protected her designer gown

'We complain when we don't get any. I can handle a rain shower', the actress said as she ascended the red carpet looking simply stunning in a gown created for her by Dior .

She matched her dress with pink patent shoes. Julianne Moore, also in Dior, braved the downpour.

As stars arrived at the foot of the red carpet they were greeted by brigades of ushers holding black golf umbrellas .

They were escorted to  a covered area of the carpet to pose for photographers but they had to sashay up the steps with nothing overhead to protect them.

And Frieda Pinto also tried to ignore the rain as she stunned with her entrance.

The 28-year old actress had to dive under an umbrella to protect her Gucci coral silk chiffon halter gown on the soaking wet red carpet on Wednesday

Wearing embellished shoes that peeped out from beneath her voluminous skirt, Frieda wasn't the only star suffering under the rain clouds.

The cast of The Great Gatsby huddled together as the heavens opened on the star-studded gathering.

Luckily for Freida, her dark brown locks were threaded into plaits and pulled away and up of her face that would hopefully stand against the wet weather.

The hairdo also allowed her Chopard earrings to dangle in full glory from her ears.

Mimicking the opulence of that detailed in F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novella, Frieda had certainly picked the right occasion for this outfit.

Rainy days: A steward keeps Frieda protected as she heads towards the screening

Billowing: Frieda sashayed down the red carpet at the Theatre Lumiere on Wednesday

Bold: Frieda Pinto wore a vibrant pink gown to the Cannes Film Festival Opening Ceremony and screening of The Great Gatsby

Intricate: The actress's hair had been pulled up into a plaited 'do which showed off her Chopard earrings

As one of L'Oreal's brand ambassadors it's no wonder Frieda opted for such an intricate updo and glowing make-up look.

But she's also flying the flag for another important issue, that of female education in developing countries.

The actress is one of several narrators in the new documentary Girl Rising, and credits another woman for doing their bit for the women of the third world: 'I think Hillary Clinton has been such a powerful force for this movement.

Glamorous: Frieda's show-stopping outfit certainly fitted The Great Gatsby occasion

'At this year’s Women in the World
Summit, she said women’s rights are still human rights, and we must
seize this moment for change. But we all know that change can only
happen if we move into action.

'With an inspirational leader like
Clinton giving this cause her full support, we need to feel responsible
enough to make the most of it,' she said at the Washington screening of
the documentary.

The Cannes Film Festival got off to a blockbuster, if stormy start, as Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby opened on a soggy French Riviera.

Amid heavy rain, dancing flappers flocked down the Cannes red carpet Wednesday night, bringing a touch of the Jazz Age to the Croisette. Gatsby stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire helped give the festival's opening day a strong dose of star power.

At the opening ceremony, DiCaprio, joined by his Gatsby co-star, Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan, declared the 66th Cannes officially begun.

Over the next 12 days, dozens of the world's most artistically ambitious films will premiere on Cannes' global stage. But Wednesday was a day for blockbusters - both the big-budget Gatsby and Hollywood's most accomplished director of spectacle: Steven Spielberg.

Spielberg is serving as jury president at this year's Cannes. His presence here is a rarity (he's had films at Cannes before, including E.T. and Sugarland Express, but never had a movie in competition), and he was received like a visiting head of state, a king of cinema.

The Lincoln director received a standing ovation at the opening ceremony and was serenaded with a performance of Miss Celie's Blues from his 1985 film, The Color Purple.

He heads the jury that will decide the prestigious Palme d'Or, given to one of the 20 competing films, with entries ranging from the Coen brothers (Llewyn Davis), Alexander Payne (Nebraska) and Steven Soderbergh (Behind the Candelabra).

This year's jury is an intimidating, starry bunch, including Nicole Kidman, Ang Lee and Christoph Waltz.

'Everyone sits in judgment of us, Spielberg said. So it's our turn.'

Luhrmann's 3-D adaption of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is this year's festival opener, a choice that surprised many since the film opened last week in North America. Cannes typically takes precedence over release schedules, but Gatsby sails to the Croisette after a robust weekend haul of $51.1 million.

After Luhrmann noted in a news conference that the film had pushed Fitzgerald's novel to the top of the bestseller list (selling more copies in a week than in the author's lifetime), DiCaprio added with a grin: 'And a little film adaptation is doing quite well at the box office.'

But while Gatsby is getting a victory lap on the Cannes' red carpet, it comes to the festival with the sting of mixed reviews. Many film critics have taken issue with the movie's stylistic flourishes.

'I knew that would come,' said Luhrmann, noting Fitzgerald's 1925 novel was also initially received poorly. 'I just care that people are going out and seeing it. I really am so moved by that.'

Gatsby plays out of competition at the festival, but Spielberg should have his hands full with a slate lacking any obvious favorite. Internationally-respected filmmakers like Roman Polanski (Venus in Fur), Asghar Farhadi (The Past) and Jim Jarmusch (Only Lovers Left Alive) are to premiere their films in competition.

Every year, the Cannes jury president is psychoanalyzed to help predict the Palme d'Or winner. This year is no different, with onlookers guessing that Spielberg will either gravitate toward the kind of warm-hearted films he's best known for, or seek to deliberately contradict that assumption with a more audacious choice.

The international jury also includes Romanian director Cristian Mungiu, Scottish filmmaker Lynne Ramsay, Japanese director Naomi Kawase, French actor Daniel Auteuil and Bollywood star Vidya Balan.

'I'm going to have to look at the Sidney Lumet film 12 Angry Men, again as a tutorial to prepare myself for the final day of deliberation,' Spielberg said with a smile.

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Article source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2325095/Cannes-Film-Festival-2013-The-wet-carpet-Leonardo-DiCaprio-drenched-Opening-Ceremony-hit-rain.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

Black Herpes / HIV dating site

Ontario, Canada (PRWEB) May 14, 2013

BlackPozDating.net is the number one confidential online community for black people with Herpes, HPV, HIV and other STDs to connect with other African American with the same conditions. The website just added Private Album to help its members to protect and allow members control their privacy better.

According to a March 2010 NPR report, the Center for Disease Control reported that 48 percent of black women between the ages of 14 and 49 have herpes simplex virus type 2, or HSV 2 as it's called. Overall, blacks and women were much more likely to be infected. The prevalence among all women was almost 21 percent compared to 11 percent for all men. Thirty nine percent of blacks were infected, compared with roughly 12 percent of whites. The emotional impact of discovering that you have herpes can outweigh the physical health issues one has to deal with.

BlackPozDating.net seeks to provide all of its users with the best chance to find love, support, hope, friendship, understanding and information in a non-judgmental, non-discriminatory, and completely anonymous environment, where members can feel involved and can be comfortable being themselves.

The website just added Private Album to protect and allow members control their privacy better. It is another very important feature about privacy control which they designed for the special needs of this niche group of members with STDs.

A Private Album allows members to upload private photos. Other Members will be able to view if a member has a Private Album. If they want to view the private photos in Private Album, they have to send a request to the owner. The owner has the right to accept or deny request of other members to view his private photos.

In addition to providing this helpful service to help members connect with one another, the website also provides a great deal of educational, helpful information about the various STDs, as well as online STD Chat, inspirational stories about how STD members cope with their STD and much more. The site is really a one-stop resource for people who wish to know more about STDs, receive support and encouragement if they are STD positive as well as to be able to connect with other STD positive individuals for friendship, support and even dating opportunities. Being diagnosed with an STD does not need to be the end of life or to have to settle for being a recluse, many individuals are STD positive and now this website allows them to connect and share with one another in a safe and confidential environment.

BlackPozDating.net is a confidential online community that is leading the way in providing education, support, and contacts for friendship and dating among its members who are black and STD positive. The company has been helping the Black STD positive community lead more connected lives for over 10 years, and has become the number one site for black STD positive individuals to connect with others who share the same struggles and dreams. For individuals that want to learn more about the many opportunities for education, support, friendship and even dating opportunities, they can visit the company website at http://www.blackpozdating.net.

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Article source: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/5/prweb10712348.htm

Now this local cancer survivor is helping others through social media.

"We call ourselves warriors because we've been through a war to get to where we're at, and we're fighting almost everyday," said Ayala.

Ayala is a survivor of pancreatic cancer. She's especially lucky because the Whipple surgery she underwent was very dangerous.

Doctors going over the procedure, explain patients only have a 20 percent survival rate over a five year period, because of the complications.
 
Post surgery Ayala tells us every day she has spasms of pain.

"Like someone is blowing a balloon up inside of you and you can't catch your breath.  the pain is an 11 from one to ten."

Because the surgery is extremely rare support groups are hard to find.so ayala took to facebook.

"It's so rare. so get on the page and know you're not alone."

Across the world hundreds joined and shared stories and encouragement

"We pray for people, if they don't want prayers, then positive vibes i've even shaked chicken bones for them if that makes them feel comfortable."

ayala's facebook work, getting her nominated for a heroes in medicine awards banquet at the kravis center

"it's a hell of an ordeal but i went through it. and hundreds of others did.  they can do it."

With a little help from facebook.making the world a more familiar place for cancer survivors needing support from across the world.Whipple Warrior: Pancreatic cancer survivor helps others through social media

Article source: http://cbs12.com/news/top-stories/stories/whipple-warrior-7221.shtml?wap=0

Article source: http://feeds.abcnews.com/c/35229/f/654826/s/2bb8ef91/l/0Labcnews0Bgo0N0CUS0Cvideo0Camericas0Ecup0Eboat0Ecapsizes0Eleaving0E10Edead0E19146864/story01.htm

LAS VEGAS, May 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mindpix Corporation (OTC Pink: MPIX)

Mindpix Corporation (MPIX) announces that they have entered into a broad-based Co-Production Agreement with Lerer Media (www.lerermedia.com). The Co-Production Agreement with MPIX provides for MPIX to work with Lerer to bring increased distribution, production resources, sponsor activation as well as developing ancillary revenue streams to include live streaming and paid video-on-demand for cable television and broadband viewing. 

Lerer Media is the production company of record for Mission One Voice™ (www.missiononevoice.org) whose mission is to bring America's top entertainers to our service members and their families. Past Mission One Voice™ and Lerer Media events include King of The Game with NBA Pros; The Fort Hamilton Concert with Grammy artist Ne-Yo, a concert with singer-songwriter, Trey Songz.

Mission One Voice™ has two upcoming events with the Grammy and multi-platinum artist and actor Ludacris, June 1, 2013 at Fort Bliss, Texas and June 8^th at Fort Irwin, California. 

Lerer Media and MPIX are also pleased to announce their collaboration to launch a series of concerts under Lerer Media's Hip Hop for Heroes™ banner starting in the fall of 2013. While these events are still in development, the plan is for a series of community concerts with leading hip hop artists that will lead up to a multi-artist global television special on Veterans Day, November 11, 2013.     

Lerer Media President and Founder, Alycia Lerer, says, "MPIX is a fantastic partner to provide further reach and support for our live concert events. I have built significant relationships with both the US military and leading music artists and I am confident that MPIX will help us take this to the next level.  This bolsters the dual mission of creating awareness for the importance of service members who risk their lives to protect me, my family and our nation as well as to raise funds for specific causes related to the military like C*A*M*M*O, The Center for American Military Music Opportunities, a 501c3 (www.cammomusic.org) providing music therapy to our troops and veterans and We Are Building Lives, (www.wearebuildinglives.org) a 501c3 that helps to place homeless veterans.  I am excited about the opportunity to work with MPIX on both our existing roster of events as well as the upcoming Hip Hop for Heroes™ concert series."

"We are thrilled to be supporting Lerer Media and their important work with our Armed Forces and Mission One Voice™.  This is a unique opportunity to work with an inspirational effort and an amazing set of musical artists," says Victor Siegel, President and CEO of MPIX, "Alycia and Lerer Media have an extraordinary track record of producing events for our service men and women on US Military bases across the country and abroad. We are privileged to join her spirit and mission in creating world-class events to bring awareness and support to the Mission One Voice™ initiatives. This is the first of what will be many examples of Mindpix's ability to leverage our extensive industry experience, technology capabilities and global broadcast distribution relationships to drive revenue and long term asset value for ourselves and our valued partners."

About Lerer Media
Lerer Media is a multi-media live production and distribution company that produces concert events for global media distribution. Lerer Media is the production company of record for Mission One Voice™ (www.missiononevoice.org), a program and initiative to provide entertainment to military service members and their families in the US and abroad.   Over the past six years Lerer Media has focused on programming intended for global audiences working with the US Military to help bridge the gap between military and civilian population though the power of music and entertainment.  Lerer Media has successfully brought together musical artists, celebrities and entertainers in live events to boost morale and bring communities together. 

About Mindpix Corporation
Mindpix Corporation (OTC Pink: MPIX) is a media company that primarily focuses on music and multi-media global television program content. MPIX is a go to source for the production, distribution and monetization of major music and entertainment events.  This includes proprietary projects that MPIX owns or is a co-production partner in as well as providing a turn-key solution for other major music and media events.  MPIX owns, develops and licenses intellectual properties and program content across a full spectrum of media; the  "Four Screens" that consumers connect to: Live Events, Television, Internet and Mobile Media.  The Company targets media content and programming that lends itself to brand development and attracting niche consumer groups. Then MPIX seeks to fully monetize these brand and consumer audiences through enterprise relationships.   These brands and related content programs are also capital assets that will generate increased revenue streams over time as well as provide residual value in building a media library of content.  This 360-degree approach to media in all areas truly differentiates MPIX.  MPIX operates entertainment content and has the licensing rights to the original master recordings of a music library catalog of over 17,500 songs. MPIX has recently updated their disclosure and financial information at OTC Markets.

All files can be found at the following site: http://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/MPIX/filings/

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and as such, may involve risks and uncertainties. These forward looking statements relate to, amongst other things, current expectation of the business environment in which the company operates, potential future performance, projections of future performance and the perceived opportunities in the market. The company's actual performance, results and achievements may differ materially from the expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements as a result of a wide range of factors.

For Contact:
Reina Ziegler
info@mpixcorporation.com

Article source: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/mindpix-corporation-announces-co-production-202200658.html

Article source: http://feeds.abcnews.com/c/35229/f/654826/s/2bb7b27c/l/0Labcnews0Bgo0N0CUS0Cvideo0Csinging0Etwins0Ehit0Enote0Evaledictorians0E19144340A/story01.htm