Magazine Swap

Think there's nothing you can do to go Green this Spring in 1 Minute?

Starring - Emily Brock
Written by - Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks - Dennis Arinella.

For more information, please visit - What You Can Do

Clothing Swap

Think there's nothing you can do to go Green this Spring in 1 Minute?

Starring - Maria Perry
Written by - Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks - Dennis Arinella.

For more information, please visit - What You Can Do

And the Awards goes to...

Congrats to the Cast & Crew of The Sexually for our wins at the 2010 LA Webfest!

Jeff Lycett brought home - Outstanding Achievement , Lead Actor in a comedy or drama.

And The Sexually took home Outstanding Achievement in a comedy Series!

Stay tuned for Season three coming soon - and wait to see just what these British rock stars have gotten into this time.

Spring Cleaning Alternatives

Think there's nothing you can do to go Green this Spring in 1 Minute?

Starring - Alicia Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Written by - Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information provided by - The EPA (www.epa.gov) and The American Association of Poison Control Centers (www.aapcc.org).

Special Thanks - Jessica Wehrman and everyone at The American Association of Poison Control Centers, Dennis Arinella.


For more information, please visit - What You Can Do

Diary of an American Shopper day 148

Diary of an American Shopper Day 148

So this may seem like a bizarre topic to discuss in Diary of an American Shopper since there really isn't any "shopping" involved per se, but it's something I have always felt pretty passionate about so away we go.

When I was a kid one of my strongest memories was when we would switch from winter to summer clothes and back again. My mother would plop my sister and I in front of the TV to watch the Wonderful World of Disney with popcorn while she would send my dad upstairs to collect the loot. He would come downstairs like Santa but instead of carrying a red velvet sack, he was carrying contractor bags filled with goodies. Now these were clothes we had seen before, many of them had become old friends going from Jess to me as hand me downs. I would get so excited. Would this be the year that Jessie's striped pants became flood waters and therefore mine? Or would she no longer fit into her rainbow t shirt that I'd been coveting?

My mom made hand me downs fun. We would do fashion shows with Jess and I walking down the hallway runway and striking our best Christie Brinkley. My dad and mom would plop down for dessert and watch their kids become models. They would applaud and judge the clothes and make us feel like super stars. Whatever was left over after receiving low scores went to the church for anyone who needed it.

From this two of my all time favorite games was born. 1 look at my loot- the act of taking out new purchases and showing them off. And 2 the spring cleaning clothing swap.

My parents made hand me downs exciting and fun and they ingrained in me the idea of recycling or donating clothes. I can't even imagine throwing something into a dump. Even accessories get donated. There's always someone who wants a pair of bright blue hoops!

So let's bring it up to date. One of the favorite in office games now is still look at my loot. I pick two weekends a year (usually when the weather gets warmer or starts to turn crisp- lots of people think apple picking while my mind turns to my closet).

I still fashion show for Jessie but our parents have been replaced by poodles. Instead of it being a chore, its a highlight of the season as I become Heidi Klum walking around my apartment.

Anyway contractor bags have been replaced by shopping bags, but Julie and Melissa descend with the same fervor that we did as little ones. And I don't have that guilty feeling about getting rid of something that I spent a lot of money on or was a gift. This way it can live on. Its a bit like Sisterhood of the Traveling pants that something that fit me could also fit Melissa, Julie or Jess.

And one more hidden benefit- I rediscover clothes I haven't worn in a long time. Its like a whole new wardrobe for everyone. And whatever doesn't fit still goes to the church.

Its a win win for all.

This certainly isn't a new tip, so let me know your stories!

I mark day 148 a reinvention of what I already have!

Parched - a guest blog by Karen T. Hartline

Parched

Well, I haven't written for a few days as you may have noticed. The official reason is that I have been quite busy and a few things changed in my schedule last week that made it difficult to fit blogging in. You know how it goes. But there is something else that has made sitting down and writing this blog even more difficult. I bought a bottle of water. Yes, after I went on and on about how we just have to stop buying this stuff, what did I do? I bought a bottle of water.

It was at a theater. As usual, I hadn't been anywhere close to the daily requirement of water and I was parched. Here's the conversation between me and the guy at the snack table.

Me: "Do you have any juice?"
Him: "No"
Me: (Pointing to a bottle I didn't recognize) "What is that?"
Him: Water. (He gets one from the fridge)
Me: Oh. Do you guys have a water fountain?
Him: No (He opens the bottle of water) If we had a water fountain, we couldn't sell bottled water.
Me: (Awkward laugh)
Him: I know. We're a bunch of dirty capitalists here. (He hands me the opened bottle of water) That will be three dollars.

Then next thing I knew, I was crouched in a corner drinking this bottle of water with my cookie, hoping I could finish it before my friend (who reads this blog) came out of the ladies room. As you know, I mess up. My only penance is transparency on this blog and the promise that I will continue to try and not mess up, especially after I get really preachy!

Is this a bad time to give an assignment? Probably, but I'll do it anyway. I have been given the task of writing about conserving water at work. Now, much of what I have in mind has to do with transferring what I do at home to the work place. As you may or may not know, I work from home. Sure, I've had plenty of office jobs, but that workplace mentality kind of goes out the window when you spend some days working in pajamas while doing a mud mask. So, I was wondering if anyone has any ideas for conserving water as it applies to the workplace. Any thoughts???

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To read more entries from Karen T. Hartline's blog please visit - Every Last Drip

Give Clean Drinking Water

Think there's nothing you can do to help give Clean Drinking Water in 1 Minute?

Starring - Taeonna Ancrum
Written by - Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission and Project Athena, www.projectathena.org

Statistical Information provided by - charity:water, www.charitywater.org

Special Thanks - Meredith McCaroon, Nicky Yates and everyone at charity:water, and Dennis Arinella.


For more information, please visit - What You Can Do

Provide Clean Water to Children

Think there's nothing you can do to help provide Clean Water to a Child in 1 Minute?

Starring: Jack Halaby & Alicia Arinella
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical information provided by: www.waterislife.com

Special Thanks: Kristine, Ken and everyone at waterislife.com , and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - What You Can Do .

Safe Drinking Water

Think there's nothing you can do to help provide Safe Drinking Water in 1 Minute?

Starring: Julie Tortorici
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical information provided by: Action Against Hunger, www.actionagainsthunger.org

Special Thanks: Susannah Masur and everyone at Action Against Hunger,and Dennis Arinella


For more information, please visit - What You Can Do .

26 Real People Making a Real Difference

26 Real People Making a Real Difference

Posted using ShareThis

Support Those Who Need Water

Think there's nothing you can do to Support Those Who Need Water in 1 Minute?

Starring: Pat Patterson
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical information provided by: Mercy Corps, www.actioncenter.org

Special Thanks: Caitlin Carlson and everyone at Mercy Corps and the Mercy Corps Action Center and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - What You Can Do .

Spread the Word about Clean Drinking Water

Think there's nothing you can do to Spread the World about Clean Drinking Water in 1 Minute?

Starring: Maria Perry
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical information provided by: charity: water, www.charitywater.org

Special Thanks: Meredith McCarron, Nicky Yates and everyone at charity:water, and Dennis Arinella


For more information, please visit - What You Can Do .

A conversation with Susannah Masur, communications officer at Action Against Hunger to honor World Water Day

Some of you WYCD followers out there, may remember the name Susannah Masur. She is a communications officer at the organization, Action Against Hunger We worked with Susannah and Action Against Hunger on videos for our first Hunger week. In addition to focusing on issues such as hunger and malnutrition however, this organization also puts their attention toward access to clean drinking water.

This week, in honor of World Water Day, What You Can Do premieres our Clean Drinking Water week. Since World Water Day is tomorrow, March 22nd, we thought the best way to open the week was to get more background on the importance and significance of this Day – and that’s where Susannah comes in. To find out more about World Water Day and the plight of many without access to clean drinking water, please read below.

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Tomorrow is World Water Day. Can you explain the significance of this day and why it is necessary?

At home in the United States, clean drinking water is easy to come by. We can simply turn on the faucet, and out it comes. So it’s easy to forget that in many parts of the world, people simply don’t have access to clean water. Roughly a billion people drink from dirty water sources on a daily basis. And, more than a third of the world’s population lives without access to basic sanitation and hygiene. Unsafe water and unsanitary living conditions lead to a host of water-borne illnesses that can devastate entire communities across the developing world. Every day, 4,000 children die from entirely preventable water and sanitation-related illnesses like diarrhea, dysentery, and cholera. And in Africa, it’s estimated that half of all girls that stop attending primary school do so because of a lack of safe and private toilets. World Water Day was established by the United Nations in 1992 with the goal of drawing the world’s attention to this global water and sanitation crisis.

What’s the good news? The situation isn’t hopeless at all. We know how to save the lives of millions of children, protect our natural resources, and advance education and economic growth by deploying solutions that already exist. Individuals and agencies like Action Against Hunger are providing communities all over the world with sustainable access to clean water and sanitation and training in hygiene practices like hand-washing and safe water handling. What’s missing is the funding and political will to scale up these proven, cost-effective solutions to reach more communities in need.

What, in your opinion, is the major reason that so much of the world is lacking access to clean water?
There are many reasons why people may lack access to clean water, but much of it boils down to one simple fact: by and large, donors, governments, and the public have not prioritized this issue. We’ve made a lot of headway on a lot of global health issues, including HIV/AIDS and other preventable illnesses like river blindness. But we haven’t done the same for water, sanitation, and hygiene.

For example, it’s estimated that for about $30 billion, near-universal sanitation can be achieved. When you add up all the current global funding for sanitation, it’s only a fraction of this amount. To put things in perspective, the average amount spent on soft drinks in the United States every year is $72 billion. So $30 billion to ensure proper sanitation isn’t a lot of money in the grand scheme of things when you consider how many lives can be saved.

World Water Day is an opportunity for citizens to make their voices heard on this issue. Clean water and sanitation can be a reality for people around the globe if we demand it.

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For more information, please visit - Action Against Hunger

An Interview with Candice Hopkins, Director at Loveisrespect.org, The National Dating Abuse Helpline

In our opening interview with a representative from the National Domestic Violence Hotline, we learned (if we hadn’t realized it before) that domestic abuse crosses all socio-economic lines. However, with the need for services like The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (loveisrespect.org), it is clear that domestic/dating abuse happens in various age demographics as well. Because many people experience their first relationships as teenagers, we thought it was important to get more information from an expert at the Helpline. Candice Hopkins, Director at loveisrespect.org (the National Dating Abuse Helpline) answers our questions below.

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What are some warning signs to look for in teen abusers?
These are some behaviors that a teen who is abusive might exhibit in their relationship.

Peer Pressure
Isolation/Exclusion
Anger/Emotional Abuse
Using Social Status
Sexual Coercion
Threats
Minimize/Deny/Blame
Intimidation

A teen who is abusive will often display the following behaviors specifically:
• Call your girlfriend/boyfriend names?
• Text or call them excessively and get upset when they don’t respond?
• Monitor their email or profile on a social networking site?
• Feel you have a right or need to know where they are most of the time?
• Get jealous or angry when they spend time with friends or family?
• Ask them to change their clothes or style of dress?
• Get in their face during a disagreement?
• Push, slap, or punch them for any reason?
• Restrain them to keep them from leaving during an argument?
• Guilt or force them into having sex?
• Threaten to hurt them or yourself if your relationship ever ends?

If a teen exhibits the behavior in their youth what are the steps to take to keep them from being an abuser in adulthood.
If a young person has displayed abusive or controlling behaviors in their relationships and adults whether parents or other concerned adults have witnessed something or are concerned the first step is to acknowledge the behavior and initiate discussions of healthy relationships. There are limited counseling options available that a teen can be referred to but the best option is parental or other adult influencer involvement on establishing what appropriate and healthy behavior is. We believe that these conversations, interventions, and guidance can help impact the rates of adult domestic violence.

When you’re a teen, you are experiencing relationships for the first time – so how can someone know if/when they are being abused. How can they tell the difference between normal behavior and abuse if they’ve never been in a relationship before?

These are the most common warning signs we share with young people:

• Look at you or act in ways that scare you?
• Act jealous or possessive?
• Put you down or criticize you?
• Try to control where you go, what you wear or what you do?
• Text or IM you excessively?
• Blame you for the hurtful things they say and do?
• Threaten to kill or hurt you or themselves if you leave them?
• Try to stop you from seeing or talking to friends and family?
• Try to force you to have sex before you’re ready?
• Do they hit, slap, push or kick you?

Most young people contact loveisrespect because they recognize “something doesn’t feel right” in their relationship. They often do not recognize the warning signs until we are discussing their relationship. Even those who have not been in relationships describe that something said or done to make them uncomfortable, or that a friend or family member expressed concern. Most of the conversations had with young people is around discussion of the warning signs of an unhealthy relationships.

What is the first thing you would tell a parent who suspects that their child is being abused?

If a parent contacts loveisrespect we discuss with them the dynamics of teen dating abuse and validate their concerns. Most parents are seeking information and support about how to talk to their teen about their concerns. We offer suggestions on how to start a conversation with their teen and how to use our web site, events in the media, or curriculums covered in schools as jump off points. In addition we go through safety planning options including discussions on whether or not a parent should make their teen break up with the abusive person, should a parent limit technology, and what the parents’ legal rights and options.

What, in your experience, have been some of the most prevalent myths teens have about abuse?

Many of myths of teen dating abuse are similar to those of adult domestic violence. It is believed teen dating abuse is not a problem in middle and upper middle class schools and environments. That violence is seen only in lower SES schools. Many people believe that teen dating abuse is only the physical and do not acknowledge or recognize the emotionally abusive and controlling behaviors are such a large part of an abusive relationship. Another myth is that the abused in the relationship is either to blame or some aspect of the abuse or has done something wrong by not leaving the relationship. For teens, peer pressure and the social strata of high school deeply impact this myth. In addition, a myth of teen dating abuse is that it is a recent phenomenon. The recent media attention due to celebrities involved in teen dating abuse and the use of technology have created a myth that this is a new issue, but there have always been teens involved in abusive relationship but there is more attention and focus applied at this time. This creates great opportunities for education and awareness.

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To learn more, please visit - Love is Respect.

Combat Domestic Violence While You Work

Think there's nothing you can do to combat Domestic Violence at work? Watch this.

Starring: Desmond Dutcher
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical information provided by: The National Domestic Violence Hotline, www.ndvh.org

Special Thanks: Retha Fielding and everyone at the National Domestic Violence Hotline, www.ndvh.org, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - What You Can Do .

Teen Dating Abuse

Think there's nothing you can do to combat Teen Dating Abuse in 1 Minute? Watch this.

Starring: Maria Perry
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical information provided by: The National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline, www.loveisrespect.com

Special Thanks: Margaret Potyrala and everyone at The National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline, www.loveisrespect,org, Retha Fielding and everyone at the National Domestic Violence Hotline, www.ndvh.org, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - What You Can Do .

Stand Against Domestic Violence

Think there's nothing you can do to combat Domestic Violence in 1 Minute? Watch this.

Starring: Carolina Caro
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical information provided by: The National Domestic VIolence Hotline, www.ndvh.org

Special Thanks: Retha Fielding and everyone at the National Domestic Violence Hotline, www.ndvh.org, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - What You Can Do .

Combat Domestic Violence by Supporting Women & Children

Think there's nothing you can do to combat Domestic Violence in 1 Minute? Watch this.

Starring: Taeonna Ancrum
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical information provided by: Doorways for Women and Families, www.doorwaysva.org

Special Thanks:
Candice Lopez and everyone at Doorways for Women and Families, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - What You Can Do .

MILESTONE Has Passed the Test!

After receiving high marks in the Downtown Short Film Festival's Audience Choice Screenings, we've made it through to the final round! Join us on Friday, April 30th at 8P for a screening of Milestone at the Duo Theater. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: Downtown Short Film Festival 2010.

Combat Domestic Violence

Think there's nothing you can do to combat Domestic Violence in 1 Minute? Watch this.

Starring: Susannah Knox
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Consulting Producer: Mary Micari
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical information provided by: National Domestic Violence Hotline, thehotline.org

Special Permission from: Recycle 4 Domestic Violence, www.recyclefordomesticviolence.com

Special Thanks:
Retha Fielding and everyone at the National Domestic Violence Hotline, Anna Pollock-Nelson and everyone at Recycle 4 Domestic Violence, Jessica Rakshys and the Rakshys Family, John Kelleran, Siller Wilk LLP

For more information, please visit - What You Can Do .

An interview with Katie Ray-Jones, Operations Director for the National Domestic Violence Hotline

The National Domestic Violence Hotline has been a vital part of WYCD’s week on Domestic Violence. Created in 1996, the Hotline is a nonprofit organization and serves as a resource for the general public, law enforcement and government officials. It was only natural then, that we asked a representative at the organization to field some of our questions surrounding domestic violence.


The following is an e-mail interview with Katie Ray-Jones, Operations Director for The National Domestic Violence Hotline.


1. On your website (ndvh.org), you have a link that says 'Is this Abuse?', do you find that people are often in denial or have confusion about what domestic abuse is?

Many victims/survivors who call the National Domestic Violence Hotline are unaware of the many different ways their partner can be abusive. People may identify the physical abuse in the relationship, however, once a victim/survivor is speaking with an Advocate it becomes clear how emotional abuse is integrated into the relationship. Additionally, many survivors tell us that the emotional abuse is often the most hurtful type of abuse and the hardest to heal from. We also provide education around sexual abuse. Many women believe it is not possible for their husband/partner to rape them and that it is their duty to have sex or provide sexual acts whenever their partner asks or forces. Another method of abuse that often goes undisclosed is strangulation and we provide education to our callers about the effects strangulation can have.

2. What do you find is the most misunderstood about domestic violence?

People have a hard time understanding why someone stays in an abusive relationship. When friends or family members call the National Domestic Violence Hotline this is often the main source of their frustration. Domestic Violence is a complex issue and the power and control tactics that an abuser uses often leave the victim/survivor fearful for their own safety and in many cases their children’s safety. Additionally, many victim/survivors have been forced into isolation by their partners and believe they do not have anywhere else to go. Many women describe “being broken” by their abuser and feel they do not have the strength to leave the relationship. In many cases, children are involved and the woman is not only afraid for their safety, but does not know how she will be able to support the family.

3. In terms of statistics, do you find that many cases go unreported?

In 2009, 90% of callers to the National Domestic Violence Hotline indicated they had never called a Hotline before. At the NDVH, we speak with every caller about their options. Some victim/survivors have indicated their partner has threatened further actions if they were to call the police. Below is a link, with specific data related to unreported domestic violence cases.

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/topics/crime/intimate-partner-violence/practical-implications-research/ch2/extent-reported.htm

4. People sometimes reference ‘the face’ of domestic violence – is there such a thing in terms of socio-economic terms? There seems to be this myth that it doesn’t happen in affluent neighborhoods. Where did that come from?

NDVH receives calls from diverse races, religions, sexual orientations, cultures, socioeconomic statuses and backgrounds. People often isolate domestic violence to certain cultural factors whether it be socioeconomic status, education level, particular cultures, etc. This happens for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is easier for people to believe it doesn’t and can’t happen to them, their sister or their neighbor. It is difficult for people to believe a highly educated, wealthy man who doesn’t have financial stress would abuse his wife. We have had caller’s express their views were shaped on how they were raised, things their friends told them, a movie they saw on television or something they read in the paper. However, it is important to note that there are many families who live in poverty who do not have domestic violence. Domestic Violence is about someone’s need to have power and control over another person and that need is present in all walks of life.

5. We’ve heard two statistics that we were curious about. The first was that the Superbowl has the highest rate of domestic violence – is that true? The second is that domestic violence is one of the leading causes of death in pregnant women. Can you speak to both of these things – whether they are true or not?

From a historical perspective, NDVH has not seen call volume increase around the Superbowl. We have not seen any national studies to support that. What we do know is that domestic violence occurs every day and that in 2009, NDVH averaged 22,000 calls a month.

We are aware of statistics that indicate domestic violence is one of the leading causes of deaths in pregnant women. According to the Center for Disease Control, at least 4 to 8 percent of pregnant women—that's over 300,000 per year—report suffering abuse during pregnancy. Additionally, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to American women between 15 and 44 and is estimated to be responsible for 20 to 25 percent of all hospital emergency room visits by women.

What we know is that pregnancy can be stressful in all homes. In homes where power and control dynamics are present, physical abuse may occur. We have had many callers who indicated the physical abuse started when she was pregnant. We believe there are several reasons for this. One, a lot of attention is being given to the mom and baby. Most likely she is leaving the home to go to doctor appointments. Her abuser may not like this. We hear stories from women who say their husband didn’t want them to go to the doctor or that their partner didn’t want them to talk about the pregnancy. Additionally, pregnancy may be feeling really tired or nauseous and her partner may become angry that she is not doing things around the house that she normally does.

Also, sometimes pregnancy in abusive relationships is an unintended consequence. Their partner may have raped them or refused to use contraception and then became upset that she is pregnant. Additionally, the abuser may have impregnated their partner to ensure their partner will not leave them.

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For more information about how to combat Domestic Violence or to talk to someone who can help, please visit The National Domestic VIolence Hotline.

Diary of an American Shopper day 133

Diary of An American shopper day 133

Okay, so it's been a while.  I've ben doing my best. I found jeans that were Made in the USA. And surprisingly I was able to find some yarn (from imported materials - not really sure what that means, but I think it's better than nothing).  We purchased some What You Can Do post it notes that were from recycled paper and soy ink, so that got me thinking....

With Go Green Work week ending, I wanted to open the question to everyone - How do you run a cost-effective office while still trying to "be green" and "buy american?"  It's really not so simple.  When given the choice between an eco-friendly notebook and a brand new one, you're looking at a difference of at least $1.  These figures can add up.  And when you add the "Made in the USA" label to any of these eco-friendly lines, not only does the cost typically go up, but the choices go way down.  So I ask, what is an office manger to do?  Are you supposed to choose the trees or your budget? 

Sadly, I think I know the answer to this question for most people, and frankly, I don't think you're wrong.  I'm not talking about a multi-million dollar company choosing the bottom line, I'm talking about the little guy that is struggling to make it.  For small companies, dollars and sense make a big difference, and I know that we can't always be looking at what is environmentally friendly.  But I wanna know why?

How come there isn't any sort of tax incentive or subsidizing on these products?  I know that I can get a tax break if I make my office run on green energy, but that costs money to install. What about starting small with basic office supplies?  Well, as far as I know, tax breaks aren't there yet. Why not? And why can't our government help us out for making these good choices the way that they choose to subsidize some crops like corn and soy?

I feel like the only way these can become universally acceptable and the new norm is if we can make them more cost-effective.  What do you think?

I mark day 133 frustrating. 

Small Changes at Work Make a Big Difference

Think there's nothing you can do to go green at work in 1 Minute?

Starring: Emily Brock
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information Provided by: The Environmental Protection Agency

Special Thanks: Jack Halaby & Dennis Arinella.

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

We're Heading back to the Berkshires

Milestone is headed to Massachusetts and the Berkshire International Film Festival! This is one of our favorite festivals and we're so proud that we're headed back there again!

The community really comes out for this fest and the surrounding area is really beautiful. So, if you're in the area, or looking for a nice weekend getaway, check them out and go see Milestone! The Berkshire International Film Festival

Energy Use Work

Think there's nothing you can do to go green at work in 1 Minute?

Starring: Pat Patterson
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information Provided by: The Environmental Protection Agency

Special Thanks: Jack Halaby & Dennis Arinella.

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Go Green Work: Lunch

Think there's nothing you can do to go green at work in 1 Minute?

Starring: Melissa Jernigan & Greg Gallagher
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information Provided by: The Environmental Protection Agency

Special Thanks: Dennis Arinella.

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

LA WEBFEST

On the Leesh is thrilled to announce that two of our web series: The In-Betweens of Holly Malone and The Sexually have been accepted in this year's LA Webfest.

LA WEB FEST KICKS OFF MARCH 26-28, 2010: at Stage 52 Theater , 5299 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016

Go Green Work Paper

Think there's nothing you can do to go green at work in 1 Minute?

Starring: Damion Fitz
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information Provided by: The Environmental Protection Agency

Special Thanks: Dennis Arinella.

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Carpool to Work

Think there's nothing you can do to go green at work in 1 Minute?

Starring: Taeonna Ancrum
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information Provided by: The Environmental Protection Agency

Special Thanks: Dennis Arinella.

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Are Dinosaurs Finally Going Extinct? Part of the Carbon Sharing Guest Blog Series by John Ausiello

Are Dinosaur’s Finally Going Extinct?

In 1700, the world was comprised largely of small agrarian communities, the population totaled less than one billion people and the average life span was less than 30 years. Today, nearly 6.8 billion people walk this earth with almost 500 million living in megacities around the world, all interconnected through a dizzying array of intercontinental flights, internet connections and I-phone conversations. The average life span in the United States is currently 77 years. In a mere 300 years we have radically transformed how we live, were we live and for how long we live. How did this happen? A complex question no doubt but in part it is because we learned to harness the energy sequestered in the fossilized remains of carbon-based plants and animals from millions of years ago: first coal in the 1700s and later oil in the 1800s. With abundant and cheap fossil fuels we have created an industrialized food system that is dependent on energy-intensive machinery and diesel-powered transport, enabling us to feed 6 billion mouths. With abundant and cheap fossil fuels we have created a multi-trillion dollar economy that is dependent upon the production and distribution of oil-based products on a daily basis while in the process generating more wealth than the world has ever seen. And with abundant and cheap fossil fuels, we have created a complex public health/health care system dependent on cutting-edge technology to cleanse our water, sanitize our cities and revolutionize our understanding of human disease, all combining to more than double our average life span in a few hundred years. In short, affordable energy has quite literally helped reshape our world.

Unfortunately, there is growing concern that our fossil fuel endowment is not as robust as most think and not as large as currently needed. On the surface, such fears may seem preposterous (despite all the talk about the renewable energy sources, oil, coal and natural gas still power approximately 85% of our daily endeavors). Yet an ever expanding group of learned professionals would argue otherwise due primarily to their concerns about “peak oil”, the moment in time when the world’s annual oil production has reached its peak.

The story begins in 1956 when a geologist name King Hubbert predicted that US annual oil production, then the largest in the world, would peak by 1970 followed by a permanent decline. At the time his ideas were ridiculed but history was ultimately on his side. In the early 1970s, US oil production did peak, rather quickly transforming our nation from the undisputed international leader in oil production to the largest oil importer in the world. Today, numerous geologists and oil experts are predicting that world-wide oil production has reached or will soon reach its peak. While it is not possible to explore in detail all the ramifications of “peak oil” (quite literally countless books are now available discussing some or all aspects of this phenomenon) suffice it to say it will pose a tremendous challenge to our energy intensive society where oil remains our most widely used primary energy source. If production peaks and demand continues to rise (which is almost a certainty in the rapidly growing economies of China and India) basic economic principles dictate that prices will increase, perhaps dramatically, effectively ending the era of cheap oil.

Of course, alternatives to oil exist but the most likely short-term replacements are coal and natural gas. Since these fossil fuels are already in wide-spread use, ramping up production in the short term would not be difficult. However, with the threat of global warming growing by the day, it will be necessary to decrease fossil fuel consumption, particularly coal, the dirtiest of the fossil fuels. Further complicating the picture, coal and natural gas are finite resources themselves and are likely less abundant (at least at easily affordable prices) than commonly believed (some contend coal and natural gas production could peak in the next couple of decades). Renewable energy remains our best option but at this moment wide-spread use exists only in the dreams of environmentalists, raising serious questions about our ability to quickly and affordably replace declining oil production with any combination of renewable energy sources. It is quite likely therefore that we must accelerate our conservation efforts.

It is time to realize that our primary energy sources are not as stable as many think. Some fear that within the coming decade, peaking oil supplies will trigger an energy crisis characterized by volatile and escalating prices. Amazingly, despite the threat of peak oil, this evolving story has received little attention within the mainstream public. As with most challenges there are solutions (in my mind the most important is conservation) but first we must begin to acknowledge the threat. Until we do so, we will continue to squander our remaining fossil fuels, making eventual solutions that much more difficult. So I challenge those less familiar with this subject to pick up one of the many books currently available and to educate themselves on the matter. If we truly are entering the twilight years of the fossil fuel age, we need more informed leadership than is currently available. We need to replace the child-like cheers of “drill baby drill” with the more nuanced, informed mantra of “conserve baby conserve.”

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Blog is part of Carbon Sharing, a guest blog series by John Ausiello

Part 3 of our interview with Project Athena Founder, Robyn Benincasa

Part 3 of Jessica's interview with Robyn Benincasa- creator and founder of Project Athena

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Jessica: Why the name Athena?

Robyn: I did some research on names that would hopefully match what we wanted to do, and I looked up Athena and she is the goddess of wisdom and war. So it was kind of fitting because we said in the beginning- well through war comes wisdom. And every one has been through a war. And hence we’re in that place where we’ve gotten a lot more wisdom from the war. And that’s what we want to share.


Jessica: Why is sports your answer to recovery?

Robyn: There’s something really life altering in a positive way about having a little bit of a struggle- a little bit to overcome. And while people have overcome things, obviously all of these women have overcome physical things that have set them back, this is something that is more for their spirit than anything. And I mean there are a lot of things that can help you recover. You know-music and hobbies and all that kind of good stuff. But I think that everyone who is on this team that’s kind of producing Project Athena- we’ve all gotten so much of who we are and what we need in life to be positive about ourselves through sports. Through athletics. And it’s, you know, something that we’ve been doing since we were kids. And that’s what we wanted to bring to women. There’s something neat about being a little bit afraid of something, and wondering whether or not you can do it, and then making it happen. And your confidence level soars. When you’ve been looking at something for a long long time- you know like ‘oh man before I had breast cancer I always figured I’d do a marathon someday, and then after breast cancer I know it’s not even going to be possible’ and we’re saying ‘yes it is’! And it may be a 6 hour marathon, It may be a 7 hour marathon but it IS doable. And you can do it. And we’re going to be with you every step of the way. And to see the light in their eye and the lightness of sprit, and the way that they latch onto it so much after their event. I mean we’ve had at least half of our Athenas want to come back and do whatever the next thing is even if they do it as a fundraiser. It’s just they now believe and they now understand that we’re not trying to make them into a 3 hour marathoner. It’s just about being out there with your girls. And sports just happens to be the method.


Jessica: What is your ultimate dream for Project Athena?

Robyn: I’d like to see us have mentors- it’s starting to happen now- where we have mentors all across the country- all across the world. You know we have other women who are writing to us now and saying, ‘There’s nothing wrong with me, but I’m a coach. Or I’m a physical therapist. Or whatever it is – and saying I want to help. So my dream is to have people in every city who are coaches and mentors for Project Athena. And that we have local chapters all over the place of women helping other women.

So much of the time people don’t know where or how to reach out. Or they think that a training group is so far beyond their capability. And they just need to have someone that is like, ‘You know what? We’re not here to run a 50 miler, we’re gonna walk a 5k. And that’s what we’re gonna do.’ And I think so many women are afraid that they’re so far down the totem pole physically that they can’t even get started, and that’s what we want to change…
So much of recovery is at a cellular level. You know are you happy? Do you have a positive spirit? Do you believe in yourself? And that’s where we’re trying to put people’s minds , and the athletic part is just a means to an end.


Jessica: How can the average person help Project Athena?

Robyn: A couple of things. Obviously we always need donations. It’s a 501C3 non profit, Project Athena Foundation. We also need mentors in different communities. We have many many but if you have a special talent or are willing to help coach,you know, maybe a local Athena .. in your area- we’d love to hear from you .
And also we’ve developed these fundraising adventures ….


Jessica: Thank you so much Robyn- you really rock!

Robyn: I am so lucky and blessed to have what we have with the team and with the Project Athena foundation,

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For more information or to learn how to sponsor a woman, please visit ProjectAthena.org

Empower Female Athletes

Think there's nothing you can do to empower Women in 1 Minute?

Starring - Josh Zitomer
Written by - Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission and Project Athena, www.projectathena.org

Statistical Information provided by - Project Athena, www.projectathena.org

Special Thanks - Robyn Benincasa and everyone at Project Athena, and Dennis Arinella.

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Part 2 of our interview with Project Athena Founder, Robyn Benincasa

Part 2 of Jessica's interview with Robyn Benincasa- creator and founder of Project Athena

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Jessica: How do you feel that this project, and the women you‘ve worked with during this project have changed you?

Robyn: Oh my gosh, It’s been- everything we dreamed it would be, and nothing like we thought it would be.

We thought we’d be kind of out inspiring these women- and you know- helping them get through things and I’m telling you , it’s so amazing. I mean after every one of these events that we do with these women – Melvie, and Florence and I are going ‘Oh my God, that is the most awesome person I’ve ever met!’ You know, we’re so inspired by them, and we’re so honored that they’ve let us into their lives. It’s such a neat feeling. We had a 2 time breast cancer survivor that came with us on one of our races to Costa Rica. It was her dream. She’d been a fan of adventure racing for a while- and she had wanted to do sort of a mini adventure race- and we were already going to Costa Rica to do this 160 K ultra run – our racing team- so we brought her along as her Athenaship Grant to run some of the legs with us.

And I’m telling you – oh my goodness- this woman- is just so amazing. She was a firefighter from back east. And she had a double mastectomy the first time she was hit with the breast cancer. Had full reconstruction. Then was hit again three years later. And they had to deconstruct everything – take out so much cartilage from inside her chest- because it had spread into her chest wall-and that they couldn’t even reconstruct her anymore.

And she was just the most amazing spirit. She had one breast, and we were all kind of wearing these tight little tank tops, and we thought maybe she might want to wear a sweatshirt or something ? Oh Hell No! She has her tight little tank top on and she is just- that grin you know -from ear to ear, and she’s like ‘So what? So what?’ You know? ‘Who cares? It doesn’t matter.’ And we’re looking at her and she didn’t want any of our…’Oh my gosh, this must be crazy for you ‘ I mean it was amazing how the tables had turned and she showed us how to be- you know- around people like her. Just the positive spirit that she had. And she ran with us 2 and a half of the 5 days, and these were ugly, ugly days- and she was having a hard time because of her chemotherapy . It kind of keeps you from sweating as much as you need to- and man, I’m telling you that kid was just so inspiring to us. And she just kept going ,and she was like, ‘I don’t care if we run. Let’s walk.’ And time and time again, these women just amaze and impress us.

We just took a woman who had survived a brain tumor. And they actually had to crack her skull to get it out of her head. They had to crack the orbit of her eye. And she never dreamed she’d run again, and she just did a half marathon with Melissa last weekend.

We took a woman with a spinal degeneration to do the Great Wall of China marathon. And it’s just amazing to watch these women kind of ( sighs) …In the beginning when we talk to them they’re like ‘I don’t know, I’m not sure if I can do this. Do you think I can ? And you guys are so awesome.’ And then when they get done, something amazing has happened to them. Almost everybody has come back and said. ‘ OK what are we doing next? What are we doing now? …’So it’s so neat to just watch them believe in themselves again. To have their groove back. I mean that’s really what its all about.

In the early days, it was kind of all about being on the podium and winning, and doing great things for our sponsors and our team, and our reputation. And you know, in way it’s pretty cool that I have these 2 metal hips now, because it really has changed my focus, to what is and- you know- dealing with that with a big huge smile on your face. That’s what it’s all about now. I’m loving it!

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For more information please visit ProjectAthena.org

Sponsor a Woman

Think there's nothing you can do to support women in 1 Minute?

Starring: Tella Storey
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information Provided by: Women for Women International, www.womenforwomen.org

Special Thanks: Lyric Thompson and everyone at Women for Women International, and Dennis Arinella.

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Support Women's Policy

Think there's nothing you can do to support women's policy in 1 Minute?

Starring: Carolina Caro
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information Provided by: The Institue for Women's Policy Research, www.iwpr.org

Special Thanks: Jennifer Clark and everyone at the Institue for Women's Policy Research, and Dennis Arinella.

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Empower Women While you Shop

Think there's nothing you can do to empower women in need in 1 Minute?

Starring: Alex Marshall-Brown
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information Provided by: Global Girlfriend, www.globalgirlfriend.com

Special Thanks: Karen T. Hartline, Stacey Edgar and everyone at Global Girlfriend and The GreaterGood Network, and Dennis Arinella.

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Empower Women in Need

Think there's nothing you can do to empower women in need in 1 Minute?

Starring: Julie Tortorici
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information Provided by: Mercy Corps, www.mercycorps.org

Special Thanks: Caitlin Carlson and everyone at Mercy Corps, and Dennis Arinella.

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com