Jan 28, 2014

Right--I Read Jason Evans, Then I Watch the Blacklist

11:17 pm
Jan 27, 2014

TV

‘The Blacklist,’ Season 1, Episode 13, ‘The Cyprus Agency’: TV Recap

James Spader in “The Blacklist.”
 
Photo by NBC – 2014 NBCUniversal Media, LLC
The Blacklist” is a puzzle wrapped in an enigma shrouded in mystery. My job is to help all of you unravel the mystery and one way to do that is to highlight the most thought-provoking posts of the week in the comment section.
Last week, a poster named Chris brought up a great idea when he said that Tom may have had his memory wiped. On the one hand, lots of nefarious folks seem to be focused on Tom, but Tom’s actions thus far have appeared to be anything but those of a secretive spy. Chris says the Lucy Brooks/Jolene character we met last week may be trying to trigger Tom’s old memories. Great idea, Chris! Keep ‘em coming! Plenty of posters are focused in on Lucy Brooks/Jolene. Many think she may be an older version of the young woman in the photo Red took from The Stewmaker’s book of victims. I am not so sure about that, as the Stewmaker seem to kill all his victims and Jolene is certainly still alive. Still, Red’s interest in Lucy Brooks is one of the main mysteries being explored on the show right now.
A quick reminder that last week’s episode left off with Red confronting Meera Malik because he had discovered she was the mole. I must admit, this revelation left me a little bit confused. What kind of mole is she supposed to be? Everyone knows she is a CIA agent who has been placed at the FBI to be a part of the team investigating Red’s Blacklist members. Is the implication that Malik is working for Fitch (Alan Alda)? I don’t really get what kind of mole she is supposed to be… but maybe she and Red will talk about it and make it more clear. Anyway, let’s see what is happening tonight on the show.
A woman who appears to be an escapee from a hospital, or a mental ward, is walking down the street. She is mumbling, “They took my baby.” A police officer approaches her just as a man comes up, claiming to be her husband. The “husband” has a thick mustache. The officers wants to figure out what is going on but mustache man shoots him. Handlebar then turns around and shoots the woman too.
Tom and Liz are looking at a 3D sonogram of their baby. They are a little freaked out but will soon be parents. Liz has decided she wants to take some time off from work to be with the baby when they get it. Quite a change from her attitude last week. I guess looking at the sonogram has changed her. Sorta sweet.
She meets with Red, who tells her about an evil organization known as the Cypress Adoption Agency. Liz doesn’t believe it is a coincidence that Red is asking her to investigate an adoption agency just as she is about to adopt. He tells her that Cypress offers the promise of perfection. The parents-to-be tells Cypress exactly what they want and Cypress actually abducts the child who perfectly fits the bill. The CEO is a man named Mallory. The agency’s lawyer is a man named Caldwell. Red gives Liz the identity of the child who will be abducted next.
She goes to visit the Rowlands, the couple who were going to adopt the baby. She gets them to work undercover and they go meet with the lawyer, Caldwell. The Rowlands ask too many questions and the lawyer gets nervous. He walks outside and Liz approaches him. He gets very agitated and mumbles, “I’m already dead.” He runs out in the street. As he is about to tell Liz something about The Cpress Agency, a bus slams into him and he is instantly killed. This is muuuch more than just a story about adoption.
Red goes to see Malik, who it appears he is holding in some warehouse. A man who interrogated her says she is clean and telling the truth. She tells Red that someone higher up authorized her to give up information on the blacksite, information that led to Red’s abduction at the hands of Anslo Garrick. She tells Red she wants to know who was behind it as much as he does. She offers to work with Red on the investigation.
At The Cypress Agency, the FBI is raiding everything. CEO Mallory is there and says he knows nothing about illegal adoptions. He seems like he is fully cooperating.
Meanwhile, Liz wants to talk to Dir. Cooper about taking some time off, but she gets the impression that he will not take kindly to it.
The FBI investigation is thus far turning up nothing. The FBI cannot verify any of the details of any of the adoptions by Cypress in the past year, but they cannot prove the adoptions were illegal either. Red gives Liz some advice – don’t just look at the DNA of the children, look into the parents. When the FBI does that, they find that 5 woman are the mothers of many of the Cypress babies… and all the women are listed as missing persons.
All the missing women are attractive, smart women who were students at top universities. The FBI figures out that Cypress is grabbing the women and then getting them pregnant. That’s sick!
Malik steals Dir. Cooper’s ID and uses it to hack into some secret FBI files and copy them.
The FBI figures out that a Georgetown student named Charlotte is Cypress’ next target to be kidapped and turned into a mommy. We see handlebar mustache man stalking her. Ressler and Liz arrive moments too late to stop handlebar from grabbing her, but they get his license plate.
Handlebar takes the woman to Mallory, who is upset. Mallory says the Agency was supposed to go silent. Mallory pulls a gun and kills handlebar.
Mallory goes to a fertility clinic called Galatea. He tells the doctor there to shut everything down.
The FBI finds the dead body of one of the women who tried to escape from Cypress. An autopsy reveals that she had been sedated for the past three years… but she has given birth multiple times in that time. Wow, Cypress doesn’t just farm babies from these women, it  keeps the women unconscious the whole time. Super sick!
Malik gives Red the intel she got from Cooper’s computer. He examines it and says, “Our business is done, Agent Malik.” Red now knows who betrayed him. I am sure we will soon find out.
The FBI delves deeper into Mallory’s background. He came from the foster care system and had deep psychological problems. He had to take some strong drugs just to maintain his sanity. The FBI tracks Mallory to the Galatea fertility clinic by tracking the drug he takes. Ressler ends up having to shoot the lead doctor at the clinic. Liz chases Mallory and ends up finding all the sedated women who are pregnant. She and Mallory get into a fight but Ressler saves the day when he shoots Mallory in the arm.
One final cherry on top of the Cypress Agency sickness. Liz finds out that Mallory is the father of all the children the agency put up for adoption. He stole women, but he was the only father.
Liz goes home and tells Tom she just cannot go through with the adoption. She tells him she does not think they are ready for this. “Something’s not right,” she tells him. I think Red’s constant mantra that Tom is not who he claims to be has broken Liz’s trust in her husband.
Red goes to the home of FBI Director Dianne Fowler. It is nighttime and she is in her nightgown. He tells her he knows she is the one who betrayed him and gave up the plans for the blacksite. He pulls a gun on her. She starts talking about how Fitch (Alan Alda) will protect her. “Shut up,” Red says and he shots her in the belly. He tells her that he and Fitch have an agreement. They each go about their business and don’t get in each other’s way. “You and I don’t have an agreement,” he tells her. She tells Red that she knows the truth about “that night” and what happened to his family. She asks him if he wants to know the truth. He tells her he does, “But, if you know the truth then somebody else also does.” With that, he pumps several more bullets into her.
We see Tom being comforted about Liz’s decision not to adopt by his new friend, Jolene/Lucy. The episode closes with Red’s “clean up expert,” the old lady named Mr. Kaplan, cleaning up Dianne Fowler’s body.
And the episode is over!
Strong episode! The Cypress story was so creepy and sick that it held my attention more than the susual weekly blacklister does. And thank goodness Liz and Tom have decided not to adopt. Getting a child in the middle of all this would have been really messy! I think this allows the show to still turn Tom Bond into a bad guy, if they want, and not leave Liz stuck with a child she must care for. I love that Red got revenge on Fowler and that we learned at least a little tiny bit more about what Red wants (to know the fate of his family) as well as more talk about his relationship with Fitch.
Now it is your turn. Let all of us know your thoughts and theories about the show by posting something in the comment section. As always, I’ll be highlighting the most thought-provoking posts in my recap next week. It is worth noting that Blacklist Executive Producer Jon Bokenkamp told me when I interviewed him that he and his staff read this blog and the comment section to see what we all think and even to get ideas, so don’t be surprised if your crazy idea ends up actually happening on the show!

If you want to read more of Jason Evans’ commentary on the Movie and TV industry, follow him on Twitter @TVFilmTalk and be sure to check our Speakeasy every Monday and Wednesday for his recaps of The Blacklist and Arrow.

copied from wsj....speakeasy.....jason evans
So, Jason Evans comes out with his Blacklist update on Monday evening before the show--First, I read Jason, then I watch the show, then I read Jason and the comments.............I think Fitch is from outer space and wants to take over the world and Red was forced to work for him and Tom is in on it--clearly........what do you think?

Jordan Belfort: Lessons in Life, Lessons in Sales



copied from you-tube

Jordan Belfort offers interesting ideas on sales success and dealing with people at work and in life.

Stockholm: A Clean Place to Raise Children

View of Stockholm.

Introduction to Stockholm

Finding the optimal work-life balance which improves overall quality of life remains a huge challenge for many cities around the world. From generous parental leave and vacation time to fostering innovative design and technology companies, Stockholm consistently features as one of the top cities in the world in terms of high standards of living.
Two intrinsic reasons that make Stockholm a leading city are its openness and its creativity.

Sources of inspiration

From a very early age, children are encouraged to try their hands at different things. Almost every child learns to play an instrument, perform in school plays, and participate in a variety of sports and extracurricular activities. Trying as many things as possible allows you to begin to figure out what you’re really good at and where your natural strengths lay.
This characteristic value of experimenting from a young age leads to an open mindset and a natural willingness to explore and implement new ideas and trends within all facets of society. From edgy contemporary museums like Fotografiska and innovative fashion and design powerhouses to bold chefs and restaurateurs like Björn Frantzén and Mathias Dahlgren driving Stockholm’s thriving culinary scene to award-winning songwriters, musicians, producers, and entrepreneurs.
This open mindset is what continually shapes Stockholm’s innovative culture and lifestyle. Openness builds self confidence which allows people to be creative and to daringly follow their dreams.

Hotbed of creativity and innovation

From Anders Celsius creating the thermometer in the early 1700s to Skype connecting the world in the 21st century and prestigious Nobel Prizes handed out every December in Stockholm, Sweden fosters innovation and in 2012, Sweden was ranked by the Global Innovation Index as the most innovative country within the European Union.
Stockholm remains that epicenter of Swedish creativity and innovation. Its educational system incubates and encourages business startups and the city’s natural openness and free democracy encourages research and development.
According to the fDi Intelligence Unit of the Financial Times, Stockholm is one of the top ten European Cities/Regions of the Future in terms of its infrastructure, economic potential, human recourses and business friendliness. Stockholm’s forward-thinking culture fosters innovation which in turn produces popular and globally relevant companies; many of which are headquartered in the city.
Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) brings Stockholmers’ minimalist and practical yet chic style of fashion to the world. Skype continues to bring people living across different continents closer by enabling them to make free voice and video calls over the Internet while Spotifyallows users to freely listen to, stream, and share millions of music tracks to their computers and mobile devices, and with others.
Brand names “Battefield” and “Minecraft” are extremely popular within gaming circles, however many may not know that these games were conceived and developed in Stockholm. With over 50 million game units sold since 2003, multiplayer war action game “Battlefield” developed by EA Digital Illusions CE remains the largest Swedish cultural export since ABBA in terms of revenue.
Another popular global game with millions of players is “Minecraft” - developed by Markus "Notch" Persson who runs the company Mojang. This creative Lego-like collaborative game lets users place and break blocks to create fantasy worlds. With revenues of half a billion Swedish kronor, Minecraft is just one of many examples within Stockholm’s rapidly expanding gaming industry.
Judging by the products these local companies provide, you’ll begin to notice an underlying thread of collaboration, connectivity, and accessibility.

Accessibility

Making everyday things and activities truly accessible to a broader audience remains one of the characteristics that sets Stockholm apart. Not just making public places, transportation, and buildings accessible for those with disabilities, but also thoughtfulness that extends beyond price discounts when it comes to families as well.
For example, parents traveling with infants and babies in strollers ride free on public buses.  After all, where would parents leave their stroller-bound child while having to pay the bus driver?
Religious freedom is encouraged in Sweden and providing accessibility to a variety of places of worship to practice one’s faith makes Stockholm one of a few global cities where you’ll find churches, mosques, and synagogues all within walking distance of each other, catering to the city’s increasingly diverse residents.
With over 60 million copies of his bestselling trilogy Millennium sold worldwide, late authorStieg Larsson introduced a different side of Stockholm to the world beyond long-held stereotypes; revealing a more accessible, more contemporary, more diverse, and grittier face of the city through his lead fictional characters – journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker-extraordinaire Lisabeth Salander.

The sustainable lifestyle

Scandinavia’s challenging weather often cultivates resourcefulness, conservation, preservation, and sustainable projects which lead to inventions that continue to leave a mark globally.
Stockholm is a city that truly practices what it preaches in terms of sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives, and this trait earned it the first ever inaugural “Green Capital of Europe” award from the European Union.
Beating out 34 European cities to win that much coveted European Commission Award; Stockholm’s green initiatives - from purifying rain water to converting waste into biogas for its public transportation system – continually earns our photogenic Scandinavian city recognition for its commitment to green living and as an example of sustainability at work.
Well on track towards eliminating dependence on fossil fuels by 2050, Stockholm has been aggressively reducing carbon emissions since 1990 and the city’s public transportation system runs on renewable fuels.
Stockholm’s residents have found a way to seamlessly integrate eco-friendly living with the modernist style and minimalist designs Sweden is known for without sacrificing taste or comfort. Facets of this can be seen in the most mundane of daily tasks – from reusing and paying for plastics bags for groceries to sorting and recycling anything that can be reused – in a collective effort to lower the city’s environmental footprint.
With 90 hotels bearing the Nordic Swan Ecolabel (“Svanen”) denoting their compliance with strict environmental and health regulations, Stockholm has the highest number of eco-friendly lodging in the world hands down.
From households using low-flush water-conserving toilets and low-energy high-efficiency light bulbs to restaurants serving organic cuisine and fair trade products, residents have a collective stake in making Stockholm sustainable.
In nursery schools and kindergartens, toddlers are already taught how to separate plastics from paper in an effort to instill good recycling habits at an early age.
Walking around Gamla stan and taking in its historic buildings in pastel, burnt sienna, and dark orange colors, you’ll find that Stockholm has been able to grow and expand with modern times by converting, repurposing, and weaving itself around old architecture. A deep respect for the environment means Stockholm doesn’t needlessly tear down old buildings but rather builds and wraps itself around historic architecture.
In essence, developing and inventing the new while protecting and preserving the old.

Work-life balance

Besides frequently meeting up with colleagues, family, and friends for fika – coffee breaks complete with pastries like kanelbullar (cinnamon buns), residents are big on privacy and personal work-life balance. Public spaces are designed around maximizing privacy such as shaded trees for picnics and secluded corners to relax, and it’s not uncommon to find businesses closing as early so employees have adequate downtime.
As a big cosmopolitan city, Stockholm benefits from its proximity to nature and clean water. The city itself sits on 14 islands, just a few out of over 30,000 islands in its greater archipelago and about 40% of its inner core is made up of green spaces. You’re always within walking distance from water, lush greenery, and parks; many of which are interlaced by over 760 kilometers of biking routes, walking paths, and canals.
DjurgÃ¥rden is Stockholm’s greenest island in terms of lush forests and parks, but it is also home to unbroken areas of park land - The Royal National City Park – which was designated the world's first National City Park in 1995 and covers an area of  27 square kilometers.
Because most of the city’s residents move in from smaller towns, they bring their love for recreational outdoor lifestyles with them and begin to expect both – modern city living with adequate access to and time for outdoor living.
The government’s institution of “Allemansrätten” allows you to freely and responsibly camp, hike, cycle, canoe, kayak, and pick berries and mushrooms anywhere unless signs prohibit trespassing, making it easier to enjoy nature. So you’ll find visitors and residents alike heading to popular parks such as DjurgÃ¥rden and Hagaparken to unwind.
Not just enjoying nature, but doing so responsibly and in a caring fashion with the city’s collective sustainability in mind.

Our sweet spot = Where culture and nature meet

The city continually tries to find that sweet spot between rich cultural experiences, high quality of life, and a genuine and caring love for the outdoors and its natural resources.
From transforming centuries-old neighborhoods like bohemian Södermalm ("Söder") which was once a 17th century slum into one of the city’s hottest neighborhoods for vintage shopping and offbeat cultural experiences to up-and-coming districts around Hornstull, Mariatorget, and Norrlandsgatan  close to Stureplan, Stockholm never rests on its laurels.
Stockholm remains a city in constant change. After all, its openness and accessibility breeds creativity.
Welcome to Scandinavia’s open and creative capital!

copied from......http://press.stockholmbusinessregion.se/StoryIdeas/Introduction-to-Stockholm/

Jan 26, 2014

JFK: The Last Word On The Assassination Promo 2 - John Barbour Dick Russ...





published on Jan 19, 2014
Join Legendary Best Selling Authors Dick Russell Joan Mellen and Jim Marrs Jan. 31 7pm PST Live Streamed From The University Of Las Vegas http://www.unlvtv.edu/live.htm
Hosted by Two Time Emmy Winning Creator of "The Jim Garrison Tapes" John Barbour

For "JFK: The Last Word On The Assassination"...

Featuring new information, detailed narratives concerning Jim Garrison, the Kevin Costner character from the movie 'JFK' and the only man in real history to have brought charges to bring justice to the killers of John F. Kennedy. Shocking data from these four experts brought together for the first time ever.

Do not miss!!!
Jan. 31 2014 7pm PST http://www.unlvtv.edu/live.htm

Publicity Courtesy of the Starfire Wolflair with Carolyn Rose Goyda
Promotional Video By DanaWanaPskana

Jan 25, 2014

Sten Martin - V.log P100-D65 UK (Randomized T-Shirt)--Thank you, Sten Martin, for all of your good ideas.

Thank you Jordan...Sales person forever...Jordan Belfort tells us how to close the sale.....

Sten Martin - I want this blouse right now.........

Hi Mesa Students: Addition of a fashion class--Construction and Intro--Mesa College San Diego

Hi Mesa Students

We are adding a Saturday class of Fashion 130, Fashion 199A.  This is
Construction and the Lab. We have not offered a Saturday class in a long
time, so please let your friends know. The class (FAsh 130)  will meet on
Saturdays from 9:00 - 12:00 (Fash 130) and the lab portion will meet from
12:30 - 3:30 p.m. I do not know the CRN's yet, but I expect them to be
posted, hopefully today.

This is a great opportunity to take construction and the lab together in one
day.

We have also added a second daytime Intro to Fashion Class on T TH, 9:30 -
11 a.m.  CRN 04459.

See you all next week!

Susan Lazear

Mary J fan forever: Blige's Father Stabbed by Ex-girlfriend

Music: Mary J. Blige – Stay [Bonus Track] | ThisisRnB.com - Hot New ...


Is there a lady stronger or more inspirational than Mary J. Blige today?

Or more beautiful.....inside and out.

Prayers and good thoughts to Mary and her family from the ronnie republic.


Mary J. Blige's father stabbed by ex-girlfriend

Compiled by Tony Hicks Contra Costa Times
POSTED:   01/24/2014 08:11:33 AM PST | UPDATED:   ABOUT 24 HOURS AGO



Mary J. Blige's father was in critical condition Friday after being stabbed early Thursday.
According to WOOD TV 8, an ex-girlfriend stabbed 63-year-old Thomas Blige in the neck during a domestic dispute at a southside apartment complex in Battle Creek, Mich. Blige reportedly accused the woman of slashing his tires.
Police found Blige with three stab wounds, including one in the neck. The Battle Creek Enquirer reported Blige underwent surgery at a hospital in nearby Kalamazoo, Mich.
The Enquirer reported police arrested the woman, who was wearing blood-splattered clothing, at her apartment Thursday. She was treated at a local hospital for a cut was in jail, awaiting her arraignment in Calhoun County.
The Huffington Post said there have been at least seven domestic violence between Blige and the unnamed woman, who reportedly was sentenced to six months of probation after entering a no-contest plea to charges of aggravated domestic violence against him in October.
Blige has reportedly described her father as a jazz musician and Vietnam War veteran who suffered from post-traumatic stress syndrome. According to Biography.com, Thomas Blige abused her mother. "He left us when I was 4, but he'd come back from time to time and abuse her some more," she reportedly said.
In her song, "Father In You," Blige sang, "When I was a little girl, I didn't have a father / And that's why I'm leaning on you."

copied from contracostatimes.com

Jan 24, 2014

from NDIGO: Sounds and Grace: Lee England Jr.


avatar
LaToya Cross is a graduate of Specs Howard School of Broadcast & Media Arts in Southfield, MI and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Magazine Journalism from Columbia College Chicago. She has been published in Blazinstreetz.com, Gloss Magazine Online (GMO), InChiCity.com, and JET Magazine. Her work as a writer and visionary engages arts & culture, education and philanthropy. In addition to being a writer and editor, she works with and mentors youth as an After-School instructor with Orion's Mind and volunteers with Open Books Literacy Program. LaToya also offers freelance communications assistance. 



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Sometimes you come across talent so great that it puts you in a trance. A state of  “maaannnn, I wish I could do that!” But more so the present fact that this person, this artist, is capable of producing such creativity is mind –blowing and often I find myself being a proud observer – proud of the creator and producer of said art.  As if I were there from the beginning when the vision was planting and there in the moment the dream had flourished.
Lee England Jr., is my latest “awe” moment. I am a fool for just realizing how familiar I am with his work! LOL. With personality and a skill set that he executes like second nature, this brother is baaaaaad.  Young, ambitious, and extremely talented the twentysomething – year- old violinist and vocalist intrigues the ear by taking familiar songs and tweaking them, adding a kaleidoscope of sweet instrumentation and intertwining rhythms.
During his  mini-concert performance at the University of Chicago’s Logan Center for the Arts over the weekend, England fused the sounds of  jazz,  R&B, pop and soul into an hour-long experience for all genres and audiences.  Lee England  and fellow musicians beautifully played Rihanna’s hit single, “Diamonds” , performed various tunes by Adele, threw in their twist of Cee Lo Green’s “Crazy” and  eloquently combined Usher’s “There Goes My Baby” with Michael Jackson’s “Lady In My Life”. The transitions were smooth as he and his Soul Orchestra weaved in and out of songs with an aesthetic that soothes your audio stream.
From Chi-town education and setting Lee England’s musical foundation to the breeze of Venice Beach in sunny California, the L.A. scene propelled Lee’s destiny. In the midst of performing at various NBA Games, his arena continues to grow and has encountered working with artists such as Eric Roberson, Stevie Wonder, Babyface, to name a few and has gained credentials as an opening musician for artists such as Chrisette Michele, Rick Ross, Ryan Leslie, and MC Lyte, to name a few, respectfully.
A Jordan Brand Ambassador, handpicked by Michael Jordan specifically after a performance at his annual party during the NBA All-Star Weekend a few years back, England has mastered his skill in multiple ways by receiving three degrees from Southern Illinois University, inclusive of a  B.S in Music Business and B.A. degrees in Music Education and Music Performance.  The hard work and dedication exudes during each performance as it is clear that when the violin is in his presence – the two, he and his instrument,  become one.
Street Soundz
Get in Tune with Lee England Jr.: reverbnation | twitter