OccupyWall Street - Civil Disobedience Gone Wild?

The power of messaging, riding on the back of a propaganda machine can turn a movement into a circus. The OccupyWallstreet movement was originally a protest against the financial industry, it's lobby, the US congressmen and senators who support legislation that facilitated fraud, mortgage servicer fraud, pension raiding, high risk investments, that created the credit crunch with the too big to fail approach. The movement is suppose to be the "we are not going to take it anymore and we are going to vote out congressional members that support corporations at the expense of the people". A teaparty sort; more like the french revolution, from the Marie Atwonette protester's point of view. A referendum, to illicit job creating legislation, and retribution.

Instead, the protest has become a melodramatic circus, with people jumping on the bandwagon all over the country for the sake of expressing their anger and disdain in a bubble. Without a centralized messaging strategy it has morphed into an unorganized circus of testifier's and holy ghost enactments against banks. That was displayed with this George Washington Law student who screamed and yelled like "big mama at a sad funeral", while begging to be arrested. The spectacle diminished the objective, and the message was lost in translation. That was not effective Civil disobedience.

The movement is suppose to send a message to elected officials. Those officials must comprehend the repercussions of the "people's anger". That anger will turn into votes against politicians that erode governmental protections. Oust politicians that push financial deregulation which facilitates the fraud and thievery that has destabilized the economy. Most importantly, preserve the equity of American working class by voting out politicians that push risky convoluted investment instruments, tax loopholes which give corporations moving off shore to evade taxation and exporting jobs. Or politicians that protect only wealthy Americans that legally evade taxes, while their corporations receive outlandish tax subsidies paid for by the American people.

The video below shows a George Washington law student screaming about the bank that foreclosed on his parents house. It is incredibly tragic. However, he should have articulated the actual injustices; the mortgage servicer fraud, predatory lending practices and aggressive illegal foreclosures violating mortgage regulatory laws that the government ignored.



In addition, the financial industry driven globalization has exported jobs to cheap labor countries. The loss of American jobs has driven down demand for products due to lack of consumer income from joblessness. Buffoonery does little for making change. It appears 21st century Liberals have shut Jessie Jackson out of this administration. Jessie Jackson has 50 years of human rights, equal rights, civil disobedience, social justice, logistical protests and communications. Without his participation, it appears the voice of the voiceless has been silenced. The Obama administration has had the tables turned on them by the Teaparty.

To hedge off the OccupyWallSt movement from becoming a mockery, operatives of this movement should enlist Jessie Jackson's consultation; before all this screaming and yelling falls on deaf ears. This movement needs management leadership and clear communications to be heard. Change can't happen if no one is listening. OccupyWallST has spread to Los Angeles, Austin, Portland, and Washington DC. The message must be passionately articulated in a measured disposition with a smooth delivery.

6X6 - The Art version of a NYC Music Festival

What If There Were No More Art Galleries? 6x6 is the answer to that question.

6X6 is the Art Version of the Music Festival.
www.6X6NYC.com
Sept 11, 2011 thru Oct 8, 2011
547 W. 27th Street NYC &
548 W. 28th Steet NYC





Baang and Burne Contemporary was founded in 2009 by two artists: Kesha Bruce (aka Mr. Burne) and Charlie Grosso (aka Mr. Baang).

The partners named their roaming gallery after a cold-war era spy term for “covert sabotage and demolition operations" because it perfectly describes our philosophy about tearing down the barriers that are part of the old-school art buying experience and creating a new innovative art experience.

Also, the two say they love spy movies.

Simply put, Baang and Burne events are where people who love art and people who make art come together.


For details on donating to 6X6!
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Source: baangandburne.com

TrustLaw Women reports World's Most Dangerous Countries for Women

Targeted violence against females, dismal healthcare and desperate poverty make Afghanistan the world's most dangerous country in which to be born a woman, with Congo a close second due to horrific levels of rape. Pakistan, India and Somalia ranked third, fourth and fifth, respectively, in the global survey of perceptions of threats ranging from domestic abuse and economic discrimination, genital mutilation and acid attack. A survey compiled by the Thomson Reuters Foundation to mark the launch of TrustLaw Woman*, puts Afghanistan at the top of the list of the most dangerous places in the world for women. TrustLaw asked 213 gender experts from five contents to rank countries by overall perceptions of danger as well as by six categories of risk. The risks consisted of health threats, sexual violence, non-sexual violence, cultural or religious factors, lack of access to resources and trafficking. The collection of images that follow were provided by Reuters to illustrate the dangers women face in those 5 countries. -- Paula Nelson (*TrustLaw Woman is a website aimed at providing free legal advice for women’s' groups around the world.)
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Source: www.trust.org 6/15/2011 Fact Sheet Worlds Most Dangerous Countries for Women

The Naked Protest in Canada

Skinny Girl entrepreneur, Bethanny Frankly brought the Naked Protest movement to my attention in her twitter pics. Bethanny Frankel tweeted on 6/18/11 at Vancourver's 2011 naked Bike Ride. She said; "I think I just peed my pants. WHY is there a naked bike ride in vancouver?" Too Funny! Absolutely classic pick. Very Fire Island on the fourth of July.

Talk about making a statement. There are those who believe that removing their clothes brings attention to an issue. Well, it definately got my attention. But is this really a protest? It seems more like a statement than a protest.

Photograph by: Jenelle Schneider, Vancouver Sun

In 2009 hundreds of Vancouverites stripped down to the buff in a protest against oil dependency and car culture as they headed around the seawall from Sunset beach on their downtown Vancouver tour. Now that was an effective protest....I think it made a clear statement.

After reading about the Naked Protests, I learned it has become trending. It appears for some it may not be a protest at all. Could you imagine the Tea Party protesters butt naked screaming about taxes and healthcare. Now that would be a powerful statement. lol...

Read more about Vancouver's Canda's Naked Protests: Vancourversun.com

World Economic Collapse Explained in 3 Minutes : Are You Prepared For Financial Armageddon?

What is there to say? No jobs in Greece = no income to pay backs EU loan. Period! If European Union invested in manufacturing in Greece, the Euro would not be in jeopardy.

Coca-Cola Style!

When did Coca Cola get so stylish? The Atlanta company is showing it's true style. I like Pesi, but I love Diet Coke. The new packaging make me want to drink Coca Cola.

In 2009 Coca Cola light made a tribute to Fashion. Eight Italian fashion designers (only women) Donatella Versace, Alberta Ferretti, Anna Molinari for Blumarine, Veronica Etro, Silvia Venturini for Fendi, Consuelo Castiglioni for Marni, Angela Missoni and Rossella Jardini for Moschino, have teamed with Coca Cola for fund raising campaign in support of the victims of the earthquake in Abruzzo, Italy. The Coca-Cola light’s bottle and have sold them at auction during the “Tribute to Fashion” show in Milan.



Eight Italian fashion designers (only women) Donatella Versace, Alberta Ferretti, Anna Molinari for Blumarine, Veronica Etro, Silvia Venturini for Fendi, Consuelo Castiglioni for Marni, Angela Missoni and Rossella Jardini for Moschino, have teamed with Coca Cola for fund raising campaign in support of the victims of the earthquake in Abruzzo, Italy. The Coca-Cola light’s bottle and have sold them at auction during the “Tribute to Fashion” show in Milan.

By, 2013, Coca-cola will have an eco friendly bottles.

The industrial designer Andrew Kim has created a new Coke bottle concept that could significantly change the sodamaker's footprint. For every 4 bottles currently shipped, the square bottle design could ship 6. This means every shipping container could hold 4,000 more bottles of Coke. Kim also considered that Americans use 2 million plastic bottles every 5 minutes, so he made the bottle itself green. It is 100% plant based, made entirely from sugar cane byproducts. But, Pepsi beat Coke by launching a plant based bottle this year. However, this new eco-friendly Coke is quite entising.

The Optimist’s Creed by Christian D. Larson

I read the book The Secret several years ago. It discusses the forces in the universe that impact the trajectory of ones life. Hence, One can skew those forces by ones thinking and actions. The essential theme is focus, prayer, meditation and karma can sway the forces in the universe in the direction you will it to. It takes effort, committment and determination. The book is incredibly inspiring. I received a tweet with the Optimist Creed that I'd like to share.

In the book The Secret has an optimist creed that I am trying to live by. However, in these distressing times I do fall short.

The Optimist’s Creed by Christian D. Larson

I promise myself

1. To be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.
2. To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person I meet.
3. To make all my friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.
4. To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.
5. To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
6. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.
7. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
8. To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature I meet.
9. To give so much time to improving myself that I have no time to criticize others.
10. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
11. To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words, but in great deeds.
12. To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side, so long as I am true to the best that is in me.

SuperCorp: How Vanguard Companies Create Innovation, Profits, Growth, and Social Good

If one has adequate operating income, Transformational Leadership out wits and trumps "Business As Usual" everytime. However, the lack there of, stunts growth and creates a vacuum effect; hobbling to the next month instead of bootstrapping. There is no greater examples of transformational leadership than the rise and fall of to big to fail corporations. As we watch startups zoom past the old gaurd, taking their marketshare in a single bound; as they slowly scurry to respond. IBM's lost opportunity has made Bill Gates the richest man on the planet, and SUPER philanthropist that's changing world. Google's arragance over Facebook provided Google a valuable lesson. One in which they will not let happen again. Frankly, it appears Google is apart of the new crowd. Therefore, they have taken note and acclimated; no resting on their laurels, and moving forward with Cloud (SaaS) and digital media properties that are leveling the playing the field for consumers and businesses. Whose being ignored now?

I love it. Transformational enterprises consists of transformational leaders that are flexible, eager to learn, and culturally considerate and diverse. Roseabeth Moss Kanters iterates these concepts in her book " SuperCorp: How Vanguard Companies Create Innovation, Profits, Growth, and Social Good". This book resonates with me because while in corporate america, I was amassed in a sea of tunnel visioned monolithic "Old Guard" who beleived the corporate culture was strictly "Business as Usual". It was frustrating at the least. However, Times are changing.
I so agree with Publisher's Weekly's review of the book. Publisher Weekly wrote: Harvard Business School professor Kanter (Confidence) offers cutting-edge insights on corporate competitiveness in this timely and captivating assessment of what it takes to succeed in the face of rapid technological, cultural and economic change. Asserting that globalization increases the likelihood for shorter organizational life cycles, Kanter argues that companies must be more nimble than ever to survive. Drawing on stories of such businesses as Proctor and Gamble, Digitas and Cemex, she describes how vanguard companies exploit their strong cultures to adapt and innovate, often harnessing the momentum of change to capture market share or squash competition. Those companies that will thrive in the future, maintains Kanter, have stamina, energy, long lists of contacts, an appetite for communication, comfort with ambiguity, and a belief that the company's values and principles mean that they are part of something bigger than just a job. This dense work may be demanding for many, but the opportune lessons within are worth the effort for readers seeking to compete in a global marketplace that is changing more rapidly than ever before. (Sept.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Rosabeth Moss Kanter holds the Ernest L. Arbuckle Professorship at Harvard Business School, where she specializes in strategy, innovation, and leadership for change. Her strategic and practical insights have guided leaders of large and small organizations worldwide for over 25 years, through teaching, writing, and direct consultation to major corporations and governments. The former Editor of Harvard Business Review (1989-1992), Professor Kanter has been named to lists of the "50 most powerful women in the world" (Times of London), and the "50 most influential business thinkers in the world" (Accenture and Thinkers 50 research). In 2001, she received the Academy of Management's Distinguished Career Award for her scholarly contributions to management knowledge, and in 2002 was named "Intelligent Community Visionary of the Year" by the World Teleport Association. Check her out on Facebook

THE WORLD’S FIRST DESIGNER LOW ENERGY LIGHT BULB

London design brand Hulger has launched Plumen, a product it describes as “the world’s first designer low-energy light bulb”.The Plumen 001 was designed in collaboration with Sam Wilkinson. The Plumen bulb uses 80% less energy and lasts 8 times longer than incandescent bulbs, giving you the opportunity to purchase an ecological product with style. It works just like any low energy bulb but it has a lot more presence.The name Plumen comes from ‘plume’ – the bird’s decorative feather, designed to attract attention to its’ prowess and beauty. We believe our designs do the same for the neglected low energy light bulb.

Ecologically energy efficient and beautiful, captured in a sustainable work of Art used as a light bulb. I love the design of the Plumen.
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Source: Dezeen.com

When was the last time you changed your mind about something?

Frankly, it is never to late change. In business, the flexibility to change is a requirement. In ones personal life I'd say timing is everything. But who really has perfect timing? Although, I wish I were always right, I am not. Admitting this fact, changing course, an tweaking the plan along the way is required in life. Hence, Jeff Swartz says it best in a response to the Fast Company 30second MBA question.

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Source: 30 Second MBA
The 30-Second MBA, an ongoing video “curriculum” of really good advice from the trenches, directly from people who are making business happen.

Aftershock: The next economy and America's future

Robert Reich neglected to mention the disconnect between the the great depression and the great recession was that government used propaganda to make people patriotic and loyal to our country. The position was that all people had a responsibility to the progression of the country. The country understood that America was the best country in the world to live. We were a country of immigrants then. We had a responsibility to each other.

As for the civil rights movement, it took more than fifty years to end Jim Crow. President Johnson twisted arms, black mailed and threatened congressmen to do the right thing; to be a "The Great Society". It wasn't easy then,and it won't be easy now. However, Obama plays fare and doesn't exercise mussel behind closed doors. Consequently, the GOP have no respect for him. The lack of respect has diminished his power and authority. Moreover, it has created a more determined resolve by the GOP to run the administration around in circles by attacking them from all sides; running out time for the administration to make progress on anything. Ultimately resulting in the demise of the middle class.

Funky Good Time!

As the never forgotten fabulously famous James Brown said, sometimes you have to have a "funky good time". I must admit, I am closet bedroom dancer, but for sometime I have not been inspired to cut a rug. There must be an inch of dust on the acid jazz and disco CDs on the shelf. As the DJ booth has been empty some time. Dealing with the struggle of recession and life's challenges has gotten the best of me. But the video below has brought a bit of needed inspiration to snap my fingers, even though it is ridiculously humorous.


The bedroom dancing dude to James Brown in this video appears to be an exceptional exhibitionist contortionist. I must say that I so understand his joy, because James Brown also inpires me to snap my fingers and dancing in the light!

Jeramaine Clark "I AM KRITEEK'D" URBAN ART SHOW

Jeramaine Clark is wonderful young artist that produces the most phenomenal Urban Pop art. A recent 2010 AAMU Alum, is making his mark on the Atlanta market. Once the world sees his work, I think he might be the next Basquait.

Born and raised: St. Louis, Mo
Recent graduate: of Alabama A&M University
Major events: Theshoegame.com 3rd year anniversary party, Nike Town Lennox Mall, Atlanta, Ga (Sold painting to prominant sneaker head “Mayor”)
Sneaker Friends ’10 Compound, Atlanta, Ga (Sold painting to platinum hip hop recording artist Rick Ross)

CONTACT INFO: www.kriteekd.blogspot.com

kriteekd@gmail.com


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Source: Mademonarchs , www.fresh-cool-dope.com and a repost on AAMU News Watch

The James Morrison effect!

Something about a man singing about the love of a woman with a guitar, a smooth voice and lyics that touch the soul.
James Morrison is a scrubby little "short" british dude with a smokers version of a silky smooth Sam Cook voice, that totally touches my soul. His voice sounds like it is so telling, but I was wrong. Not that it matters because I've experienced the James Morrison effect after listening to only two songs. That CD will be a keeper. Yes, I am among the population that still appreciates CDs, even though I run and bike listening to the ipod. Two thumbs up and three bravos for James Morrison.

Veronica Chambers, HAVING IT ALL?

Farai Chideya, author of THE COLOR OF OUR FUTURE said; "Veronica Chambers' HAVING IT ALL? is more than a collective biography of successful black women. The book is a history lesson about women who've transformed the cultural image from Aunt Jemima to uber-mogul Oprah Winfrey--and transformed America in turn. Most importantly, Chambers reveals the moments of self-transformation that happen in every black woman's life, through the stories of some of the most fascinating and accomplished people in America."

The Publisher Weekly wrote; In a series of interrelated essays, Chambers (Mama's Girl), explores the lives of middle- and upper-middle-class African-American women. Throughout, Chambers nicely weaves historical and literary anecdotes into her insightful narrative. While identifying this population as linchpins in the astronomical rise of a black middle class, she pursues such questions as how their "creative and indomitable spirit" translated into corporate reality while black men languish; why they no longer feel the need to choose allegiance between race and gender; what the image of Aunt Jemima declares about today's affluent African-American woman; and why they are more likely to be alone than any group of black women before them. Nonetheless, these women, Chambers says, have a strong sense of community and a renewed feeling of empowerment, which enables their transition into a predominantly white mainstream culture. Largely based on interviews of black women defying conventional perceptions, and written for those "who have crafted successful lives without role models or media coverage," the book lends a panoramic effect to such figures as former Whitney curator Thelma Golden, television host Star Jones, Barbara Bush's former press secretary Anna Perez, Anita Hill, and the growing population of African-American stay-at-home moms.

I do agree with both reviews. In addition, the book is entertaining but it lacks the multifarious dimension of the African American experience. The book is spoken from the voice of a first generation middle class African American, born during the intersect of opportunity and change. Therefore, the examples are primarily from the entertainment, media and politics of the 20th century. Of course, there is an entire history filled with African American role models found in the libraries, alumni associations and grounds of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Even in our failures we can find answers to the mysteries of success by going back to the base; HBCU's. Gen-X'ers are the beneficiaries of women who came before us. Those determine women who who broke down the door, allowing Gen-X'ers to walk through and catapult ones self through the glass ceiling like Super Woman. Black Women are not pop culture super heros, but dignified, intelligent, enduring souls rooted in family and the pursuit of happiness. I like this book, as I do of all Veronica Chambers books. Had she of attended an HBCU the book might have a different voice with a longer list of women from all the industries. Black women carry the weight of the world on their backs. It's utterly fascinating how Chambers unravels those truths.