Dear family and friends:
While literally being forced to sit I snuck in some goodies from the broad collective in this long overdue message. Let's call it crew sourcing. Carpe diem & enjoy!
In this issue:
1) Soleil Global, www.soleilglobal.org: take THE Haiti trip, Executive Director search, Volunteers, Blake Lively donates 200 Luci lights
2) The Council of Urban Professionals (CUP, www.nycup.org) hits Los Angeles and 4th Annual Media & Entertainment Forum in NYC
4) Full Blossom Healing : Crystal and Flower Essence Based Healing by my wife, Jennifer. (the quote of the day is hidden in this section)
5) Laurence Latimer's Julibox as seen on The Today Show
6) Optimus Time by Alain Sylvain
7) Feel the music and buy it: Meleni Smith!
8) Haiti Cultural Exchange: November 16th, Freedom Song f/ Emeline Michel
9) Help Babita Patel fight child slavery
10) Nana Ekua's Bday Request-- Help Orphan Aid Africa
11) Buy Bridget Siegel's book: "Domestic Affairs"
12) Random thoughts: Election, Energy,
Peace & Light,
Jacques-Philippe
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*This message is being sent to 15,000+ people. If you wish to add a new business, ground breaking idea, major special event, etc. please send me 2 to 4 sentences about your "art/talent/very very special event" and our team will decide if it can be included. For more dejour thoughts please follow me on Twitter @jacquespiverger.
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1) Soleil Global, www.soleilglobal.org: Take THE Haiti trip, Executive Director search, Volunteers, Blake Lively recently donated 200 Luci lights to SG to benefit 200 school kids in Haiti!
New Leadership & Exec Director Search: SG continues to make major strides. It has new leadership in Ayo Roach (Chair), Alison Cruz (Vice Chair), Arana Hankin (Secretary), and Corey Boddie (Treasurer). I will always be the Founder and Emeritus Member (Meaning know more real power, but lots of love. Read about why i founded SG by clicking here: http://www.soleilglobal.org/about/foundersmessage/). The organization is now ready to bring on a full time Executive Director. If you or someone you know is interested please let me know. This is a unique opportunity to take an organization that has made tremendous strides in the last 3 years to a whole new level.
Hats off to Blake Lively for purchasing 200 Luci lights for the entire crew of Gossip Girl and donating 200 Lucis to SG to benefit 200 school kids in Haiti!! This will benefit over 1,000 people if you figure at least 5 people per family and it will bring SG that much closer to its goal of eradicating Energy Poverty through its "Light up the World" campaign. Let's all follow Blake's lead: www.soleilglobal.org.
Joining SG on a life changing trip to Haiti. You will see the impact of solar powered light first hand. In the last year we have taken groups of 7 to 25 people. The next trip is on the weekend of November 15th. It includes people from all walks of life as usual, lawyers, NGO experts, philanthropists, financiers, tv/film celebs, etc. There is room for 2 more people on this trip-- first come first serve.
Most importantly, SG wants your energy, participation, ideas and volunteerism. Join the movement!
2) The Council of Urban Professionals (CUP, www.nycup.org) hits Los Angeles & 4th Annual Media & Entertainment Forum
This month CUP officially hits Los Angeles. Contact us at info@nycup.org to get involved. The team is great and only one way for you to find out:) Separately, we are hosting our 4th Annual Media & Entertainment Forum. This is quickly becoming a marquis event in NYC. Top business leaders meets sizzle with a backdrop of deep relationships that make for a memorable experience. You don't want to miss it.
Of course I'm biased and partial, so I've included the reviews I found on Amazon below... they are quite good. Either way, buy the book:). It's only $9.95 and it will make her feel good.
This book is a great and helpful guide in aiding someone or a couple in dealing and coping with the day to day issues that may come up. It is concise, well organized and relatable with great examples.
Mike and Margareth's book is straight forward- just like its title mentions, it is no-nonsense. It is also a really short read, even the slowest reader can knock this out in no time. I like that both writers are upfront about their experiences and it shows in the product. I am pleased to have read it and will begin implementing some of their strategies. I don't think this is just for young couples- as some readers have mentioned. I think this book applies to all people who want to improve their current relationships. Disagreements and misunderstandings happen to all people- young, middle-aged, or old! The lessons in the book are priceless and I am truly excited to have read it! I will be giving a copy to my closest friends!
If you're looking for good relationship advice, Mike & Margareth's No-Nonsense Book for Couples is a must read. It's literally straightforward information on how to improve your relationship. It's already drastically altered the way I relate to my wife and it's helped us grow closer together. I'd recommend it to any couple that wants to improve their relationship. This is a great book to help newlyweds get started out on the right foot!
4) Fullbloom Healing: Flower Essences and crystal healing by my wife, Jennifer
"Everything is energy and that's all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality." -Albert Einstein
I want to take a moment to share my resident healing expert, Jennifer Hickman Piverger, with you. After several years of studying alternative healing, she's launched a company called FULLBLOOM. She offers energy and space clearings, healing with crystals, chakra alignment, and flower and gem essence elixirs. Details are below. She can use these modalities to "clear" people of their ailments/issues. She now has 10-15 consistent clients, not least of which is yours truly:). She would never approve of the following statement, but for the layman (like me) an easy way of describing it is "you can get the high without the low that is generally associated with various legal and illegal stimulants. A possible, not guaranteed, outcome is a long-term very positive disposition and true health." Appointments are on a 1st come first serve basis and limited slots are available:)! Email or text me if you would like an appointment.
A few testimonials:
"Jennifer has the gentle touch of a kind healer and the practical nature of a New Yorker. Her 'flower power' works in a subtle yet potent manner. My results have been exactly what I've needed."-- Piper
"I'll admit my wife twisted my arm encouraging me to try Jen's remedies for a few maladies, the most important a nagging hacking cough. After a few weeks I did notice quite a difference after months of keeping my wife awake at night. We are both sleeping a lot easier now. After trying steroid inhalers that didn't work as well. It's nice to have a remedy that is chemical free."-- Carl
About Flower Essences:
Created by the English physician, Dr. Edward Bach in the early 1900s, flower essences are an all natural form of healing. Similar to homeopathic remedies, flower essences work on a vibrational level to restore the mind, body and spirit to its highest potential. They help to realign patterns of emotional dysfunction into balance and well-being. The essences can assist with issues such as: sleep problems, indecision, fatigue, life direction, self-esteem, and anxiety. Having been used for over 70 years throughout the world, they are safe to use on everyone including children, pregnant women and pets. There are no negative side affects. Each flower remedy will bring about healing. For optimum results, a customized blend of essences created with a practitioner is highly recommended.
Crystal and Energy Healing
Crystals have been used for healing for thousands of years. Ancient texts, including the bible reference the healing power of stones. Through the use of specific crystals, imbalances in the seven main energy centers of the body, or chakras can be determined and realigned. When these centers are in alignment, a person may feel stronger, balanced, clearer and relaxed. In addition, clearing negative energies around us and in our living and work environments also contribute to our vitality levels.
Energy healing combined with flower essences work synergistically to bring about positive and permanent shifts for the individual that is seeking healing and positive growth.
Hurricane Sandy Special-- For those affected adversely by the storm in the tri-state area, Jennifer will be giving out a special flower essence formula that will address grief, trauma, fears and anxiety. Limited quantities are available and they will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.
5) Laurence Latimer's Julibox as seen on The Today Show
My good friend, Laurence Latimer, recently co-founded a start-up I think you'll be interested in. Julibox, www.julibox.com, is a curated collection of world-class cocktail recipes and all the premium spirits and mixers needed to make them -- delivered to your door. Julibox facilitates the discovery of new cocktails and spirits and encourages sharing among friends. You can see the great customer feedback at hashtag #julibox or @discoverjulibox. And they've been written-up in some leading-edge online lifestyle sites, Inside Hook and Tasting Table. Plus they make great gifts! You should sign-up for a subscription at www.julibox.com. Last week they got a major plug on the Today Show. Check it out in minutes 2:45-4:16 here!!!
This is an original piece (that's not novel) by one of my partners in crime and work that all innovators/influencers should be mindful of.
There is an age old saying that goes something like, “there is a time and a place for everything.” Typically this is brought up in regards to proper conversation topics at a dinner party or how to conduct yourself in some other formal setting, but the phrase has greater implications for innovation. The world of innovation is a rather unforgiving one, ideas very regularly get euthanized by clients or budgets or both. And it’s typically for good reason, people working at innovation companies or in innovation departments are on the cutting edge of what is possible. New technologies? They’ve heard about it. New services? They’re already signed up. But sitting so close to the bleeding edge can sometimes result in the creation of concepts or inventions that the world is just not yet ready for, and you can’t drag people into the future. These innovators, as it were, are ahead of their time.
At its simplest, Optimus Time is the window of time when forces are aligned for the ideal introduction of a new behavior, product, or idea. Get up on it here and spread the word: http://sylvain.co/OptimusTime
7) Feel the music and buy it: Meleni Smith!
8) Haiti Cultural Exchange: November 16th, Freedom Song f/Emeline Michel
In Haiti, the historic Battle of Vertières on November 18th, 1803 marked the final battle for independence from France and signified the beginning of a new era in Haitian history.
On November 16th, 2012 we will pay tribute to the Haitian revolutionaries that fought, fell, and yet succeeded in establishing the world’s first independent black nation. Through song, dance, and celebration, we will channel the legacy of Haiti’s revolutionary sacrifice and remember.
Emeline Michel, internationally-acclaimed Haitian songstress will perform a special set highlighting her famous Rasin and Rara sounds as well as give us an exclusive chance to hear songs from her upcoming album, “Quintessence.”
KaNu Dance Theater will open the evening with a homage to the legacy of the Haitian Revolution.
Stay with us as we travel into the evening with DJ Val Jeanty spinning a mix of Rasin & Konpa that will keep us dancing all night.
WHEN:Friday, November 16th
Doors open at 7pm, Late night DJ party begins at 11pm
WHERE: Galapagos Art Space
16 Main St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Map
Take the A/C to High St, F to York St, or 2/3 to Clark St
$50.00 VIP Priority Admission
$35.00 General Admission
$20.00 Late Night DJ Party
9) Help Babita Patel fight child slavery
holy cow. i'm taking on yet another photography project.
& i want you to be a part of it.
it's a photography workshop with 25 restaveks (child slaves) in Haiti. it's happening the week of the anniversary of the Haitian earthquake in Jan 2013. 25 kids will photograph & discover the beauty of their own country, their own people & most importantly, themselves.
you know how much my time photographing Haiti has changed my life. i can only imagine what it will do to a child who HAS NEVER HELD A CAMERA BEFORE. pure magic comes to mind.
here's where you wave your wand & help me make this happen. we need to raise $6,000 for equipment. things like cameras, memory cards & batteries. a printer, paper & ink for the gallery show of the kids' images we'll host at the end of the workshop.
so click on the link below.
yes, this one. http://www.indiegogo.com/viewfinderworkshop?a=362498
and donate! we got some awesome perks for every dollar you donate. including the granddaddy perk of coming with us to the workshop. it's all tax deductible, so feel free to give even more!
AND share, share, share with everyone you know. spread the word. whisper it to a friend. shout it from the rooftops. facebook it. tweet it. whatever you want. the more we raise, the more kids we'll get to teach photography to. amazing how that works!
you know how i love to send out emails about my photography, so you know i'll be letting you all know of how the workshop is doing. so stay tuned!
creole word of the day...merci beaucoup, which is really french. means thank you so much!!!! :D
10) Nana Ekua's Request-- Help OrphanAid Africa
If Nana is doing it, it's great. please support!
In August, I had the opportunity to visit the OA eco-village in Ayeniyah, Ghana and I was so inspired by the sacrifice and commitment it took to secure the land, build the school and housing, and support some of the weakest in our world. In the last two years alone, OAhas helped nearly 10,000 children, young adults and families receive financial and educational support, healthcare, HIV/AIDS awareness, treatment, education and vocational training. The goal is to support vulnerable families, especially women-headed households, to provide efficient care to their children, to promote a stable and loving home and, most importantly, to prevent abandonment.
Approximately 138 children attend OA’s primary school each year after receiving school uniforms and school-related costs. In addition, junior high students receive sponsorships to continue their education. Young adults receive financial support as they continue higher education or vocational training.
11) Bridget Siegel's "Domestic Affairs"-- buy it today!
If I can't be them as least support them:). Long time G-town friend, Bridget Siegel, has laid down the gauntlet with her first novel. To be honest, I'm surprised it did not come out 10 years ago. If you knew her as a teenager you would understand:) Buy one for yourself, your friends and colleagues at: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/domestic-affairs-bridget-siegel/1104516213.
Also, it's perfect to release some tension given this election cycle. See the synopsis below.
When twenty-something political fundraiser Olivia Greenley is recruited by her close friend Jacob Harriston to join the Presidential campaign of Georgia Governor Landon Taylor, she is intoxicated by optimism and opportunity. Taylor’s commitment to social equality and economic responsibility in the post-housing-bubble era is palpable. Sacrificing her sleep, comfort and income are certain to help make the world a better place. Right?
Domestic Affairs: A Campaign Novel vividly captures the fervor and idealism of campaign life—as well as the disillusionment staffers feel when told to make the inevitable compromises. Leaving a meeting with foreclosure victims to hop onto a private jet is one thing, but how to justify dining at a $2,000-a-plate dinner knowing how many lunches the money could buy for at-risk kids? How far does one go when the ends appear to justify the means? And what’s a girl to do when the most charming, erudite, capable and ostensibly honorable man in the free world
12) Random thoughts
- Not much steam left as this took a little longer than expected. As a matter of business please excuse any emails, calls or texts I have missed or not responded to in the last year. I have literally not seen myself during this time due to what I'm terming an intense "production cycle" for myself. Know that my intentions are positive. If something urgent was missed please reach out again and I will make every effort to follow up.
- This Tuesday, November 6th is ELECTION DAY. I'm voting for Barack Obama as I started supporting him in 2003 when he was a little known Illinois State Senator running for the US Senate. During that campaign a friend, Robert Smith (may he rest in peace), reached out to me and said let's "help get Barack into office". We did not know that State Senator Barack would soon be US Senator Barack. Nor did we know that he would ever be President Barack Obama. However, we did know he was special. We recognized his rare ability to inspire greatness in others. As such we readily galvinized 1,000s of people on 3 different occasions in 2003/2004 in DC and NYC. Since then Barack Obama has been a joy to watch. His policy positions should not even be in the same forums as those of the Republican nominee. Did you see the last debate? Those two people should not be on the same stage. Some argue that the Republican nominee won the 1st debate and lost the next two. That is a valid statement, but one should allow themselves to delve a little deeper. President Barack Obama lost the first debate on form. He was not as upbeat and articulate as usual. He was flustered at times whereas he is generally known for being above the fray. He did not lose on substance. The Republican nominee, however, is not competent to be President of the United States or any country for that matter. It is a frightening thought that a person can basically run on a platform that espouses the points below and still be taken seriously.
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- women are not as valuable as men (52% of the electorate)
- gays should not have the same liberties as the rest of the population (4% of the electorate)
- Latinos should go back to LatAm and MX (~20% of electorate)
- "47% of Americans are just needy". These are mostly retirees and veterans. (47% of the electorate).
This person would be worst then George W because at least George had a firm compass and you knew where he stood on issues. Given this reality it is incumbent on each of us that we vote on Tuesday or before and that we get all our friends, especially in those swing states, OH, FL, WI, VA, PA, etc., to do the same. I am not concerned that people don't know who the better candidate is. I'm concerned that we are entering a period of serious apathy whereby we no longer understand our power-- the mighty PEN, the might VOICE, the expression of one's point of view without fear of retribution. Reclaim your right and let's get President Obama back in office. (even Republicans, Governor Chris Christie and Mayor Michael Bloomberg understand that their party does not have a credible candidate. let's all follow their lead and support our PRESIDENT!)
- As parting words I would refer you to Einstein's energy quote once again, "Everything is energy and that's all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality." and I would suggest that we internalize the power of this message.
- Separately, I went on a long run this morning-- not a marathon, but long for me:). While spending this quality time with myself math and science theories streamed through my mind. In particular, the idea of perfection. What is a dot or a line, but an approximation to that impossible realization? It does not take substantial mental gymnastics to go from this concept to that of striving for excellence in all that we do with the understanding that it will never happen, so let's make room for reality. I hope to go further on my next long run-- maybe a year from now:). For now I have shared many of my thoughts. What are yours? I welcome the opportunity to build with you.