Here is the full segment of Polished for Pennies National Debut on ABC’s The Revolution hosted by Tim Gunn! We have a lot to talk about and a lot to share about our experience, so we hope you keep it here and buckle up for TONS more on P4P’s “Road to the Revolution”! Comment, ask, and never hesitate to write us, tweet us etc… We love to hear from you!
Found this picture and Boom! Easy and Cheap way to organize all of those eye pencils, lip pencils, and make-up brushes! Stop at the dollar store and pick up glass vases and fillers such as stones, beads, or even potpourri! Make sure if you use scented fillers, the caps to your pencils are always on! :)
(Source: weheartit.com)
Interview with Elena Roger, who reprises the role of Evita on Broadway’s 2012 revival.
The Winding Road to DreamTown Is Paved with Hope Along the Way
“Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.” Thomas Jefferson
Lately, I find myself inspired awhile feeling a sense of frustration, so I find it appropriate to quote good ole T. Jefferson. Smart guy. Actually his is a poetically profound statement. Life’s success or failure is a matter of attitude. Right? oh yes, I say.
Well, on this summer evening I’m enjoying the calming breeze as I write from my back porch reflecting on my experiences as a child, where I come from and the socio-economic, class and racial divides of a equatorial country along the Andes that too often goes forgotten, by the world and its own people. Deep thoughts I know. But that is exactly where inspiration comes from, the personal - - it is universal. So, what better way to change people’s attitudes for positive change than with what us artists do - -storytelling. Empowering, Uniting, Inspiring…. I could go on. But really, this is a story of hope and one that aims to touch the hearts of aspiring soccer players for generations, their communities, and simply anyone along the way who has a dream to achieve beyond their limitations. Yes, it is about the power of a hopeful and committed attitude.
DreamTown, an inspiring documentary, follows three generations of soccer players from my beloved Ecuador while shedding light on what too often is unspoken in a very ethnically diverse country, racism. The province of Esmeraldas has been home to Afro-Ecuadorians for centuries, and within its tropical lands this community has long struggled against poverty and recognition - - it’s place as a relevant corner in a country blessed with the best cacao, flowers and natural resources in the world.
The story evolves from the town of La Chota, where hope arises from generations of burned dreams, for this is a land so special that it has united a divided country. Yes, many will argue that Ecuador is a united front, that people are proud and all inclusive. I argue for the truth. And, the truth is that for the first time the skill and passion of a people, marginalized for too long, brought unity to a community that had been lost to despair. Soccer…. Goals… The World Cup for the first time, then a second time, and now the hope for the future at the feet of the people of La Chota. All due to the power of an attitude that needs to be shared loudly for it will move you to see smiling faces and the vicious cycle of poverty broken with a the power of the right attitude - - reaching for a goal!
NOW, this IS a story to be told and communities have the power to help spread the message of how attitudes can transform communities and offer hope and a future to those committed to their dreams.
There are only a few days left for DREAMTOWN to reach its funding goal to complete this compelling project, and while the business of filmmaking may be long and hard, the winding road to DreamTown could be paved with hope along the way, that you get inspired and get involved. Visit: DREAMTOWN.
A thought has dawned upon me. Having passed the men and women so eager to judge and damn the nameless faces passing them beneath the sun, I have realized there is an imbalance in this world, a lack of compassion and acceptance that pervades our daily lives.
So, I will be a sidewalk prophet, and I…
(Source: dreamsandashes)
There are many things to give up, but never a dream. Especially if that dream can empower a nation, a people and bring back hope and prosperity for a community that has been marginalized for too long. I love soccer; I love Ecuador and I love the fact that this is a great project and I’d like to spread the word…..
Think this is what we can call transparent filmmaking - -get involved.
“DREAMTOWN: A STORY YOU HAVEN’T SEEN
Our documentary follows three Afro-Ecuadorians from El Chota Valley as they pursue their dreams to play professional soccer. The film is set in El Chota Valley, an impoverished town that is home to Ecuador’s top soccer talent. However even after making it to the World Cup in 2002 and 2006 it remains marginalized. ”
There are many things to give up, but never a dream. Especially if that dream can empower a nation, a people and bring back hope and prosperity for a community that has been marginalized for too long. I love soccer; I love Ecuador and I love the fact that this is a great project and I’d like to spread the word…..
Think this is what we can call transparent filmmaking - -get involved.
“DREAMTOWN: A STORY YOU HAVEN’T SEEN
Our documentary follows three Afro-Ecuadorians from El Chota Valley as they pursue their dreams to play professional soccer. The film is set in El Chota Valley, an impoverished town that is home to Ecuador’s top soccer talent. However even after making it to the World Cup in 2002 and 2006 it remains marginalized. ”
World-renowned choreographer Maria Torres welcomes her guests Imagenes Latinas of Venezuela at Broadway Dance Center on June 23, 2011. Get inspired by this red hot salsa number. What better way to spend the afternoon than by taking one of Maria’s classes at BDC followed by a special performance. Look for a full interview with Maria in August, courtesy of NALIP and Buttons NY.
Are you trapped in urban isolation and lost physically and spiritually? Do you feel society’s human, personal touch is being eroded by technology? You are not alone. And because statistics indicate that 1 out of 110 children are affected by autism, this film is sure to matter to you, as all these themes are explored in H.O.M.E., a feature-length film by Daniel Maldonado, Winner of the Best Short at the 2010 HBO/NY Latino Independent Film Festival.
Cold but Smokin’ Banana Republic! Who would’ve thought that I’d find some green plantains right smack in the middle of Amsterdam… Actually right in the middle of the Red Light District. Now, I can think of some wonderful recipes that include plantains with peanut butter. delicious, rich Fish Cazuela from Manabi, Ecuador. Those colors just pop on what was a cold, rainy, dreary yet so cool day in Amsterdam. AND Salsa was playing on the streets too. … Circa Dec. 2010.
Spiced! The Best thing about NYC? Can’t list one…. TOO many to write, but to start the wonderful aromas of Chelsea markets are simply enchanting, seductive and delicious. Took this gorgeous shot of colorful, exotic spices on my way to a friend’s bday party. Lucky me. Love those colorful buckets of spiced powders and leaves…
Adrian Martinez Shares Insight on the Film Industry
Over the summer, I sat with fellow artist, Adrian Martinez, for one of the most generous interviews of my show, Latin Slate. What a wonderful actor and person. Considering acting? Take a listen to his generous soul.
December’s LATIN SLATE features ADRIAN MARTINEZ- Actor/ Producer/ Director/NALIP member. His range of movies goes from studio features like Morning Glory, Taking of Pelham 123, and The Interpreter to indie features like It’s Kind of a Funny Story, Don’t Let Me Drown, In America, Pieces of April, Mona, and The Miracle of Spanish Harlem. We have also seen him in a variety of TV roles on Law & Order, The Flight of the Conchords, and The Sopranos.
