Monday, May 31, 2010
What You Can Do presents: Support the Troops
Action Link: Donate Miles
Starring: Mark Agard
Written by: Mary Micari
Consulting Producer: Mary Micari
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 Fisher House Foundation
Statistical information provided by: Fisher House, Fisher House Foundation
Special Thanks:
James D. Weiskopf and everyone at Fisher House
Dennis Arinella
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Supporting Our Troops
Allow me to introduce myself. Hi. I’m a flaming liberal. I’m anti-gun, anti-violence and anti-war. I think if every dime spent on war and getting people killed were spent on education and diplomacy, the world would be a hell of a lot better off than it is now. That’s me. Nice to meet you.
When I began working on this week of episodes about supporting veterans’ and soldiers’ issues, my flaming liberal values weighed heavily on my mind – mostly, how much I believe war is nothing but a misuse of power. While we all know that in a job like this – writing about supporting various causes – the risk of sounding like a hypocrite runs high. No one person can do everything. But for some reason, this time, I really felt like a charlatan. Who am I to talk about supporting veterans and soldiers when I don’t support war?
But then it hit me. I’m using soldiers and veterans interchangeably with the word war. See how I did that a couple of sentences ago? Well, sure, I’ve understood intellectually that you can “support the troops” without supporting the war. But it wasn’t until working on these episodes that “supporting the troops” meant more than a thumbs-up at a bumper sticker going by.
When a 21 year-old man comes home, unable to walk and can’t get around in his own home, war is not the issue. When a soldier can’t buy simple things like razors and socks because the nearest “convenience store” is hundreds of miles away, war is not the issue. When a family can’t afford to fly to the hospital where their injured mother is staying to show their love and support, war is not the issue.
No one’s telling you to throw away your politics or keep your mouth shut on the issues. But when it comes to supporting active duty soldiers and veterans, really, who cares? It’s not about guns, violence or war, it’s about people, families and life. And they deserve way more than a thumbs up.
When I began working on this week of episodes about supporting veterans’ and soldiers’ issues, my flaming liberal values weighed heavily on my mind – mostly, how much I believe war is nothing but a misuse of power. While we all know that in a job like this – writing about supporting various causes – the risk of sounding like a hypocrite runs high. No one person can do everything. But for some reason, this time, I really felt like a charlatan. Who am I to talk about supporting veterans and soldiers when I don’t support war?
But then it hit me. I’m using soldiers and veterans interchangeably with the word war. See how I did that a couple of sentences ago? Well, sure, I’ve understood intellectually that you can “support the troops” without supporting the war. But it wasn’t until working on these episodes that “supporting the troops” meant more than a thumbs-up at a bumper sticker going by.
When a 21 year-old man comes home, unable to walk and can’t get around in his own home, war is not the issue. When a soldier can’t buy simple things like razors and socks because the nearest “convenience store” is hundreds of miles away, war is not the issue. When a family can’t afford to fly to the hospital where their injured mother is staying to show their love and support, war is not the issue.
No one’s telling you to throw away your politics or keep your mouth shut on the issues. But when it comes to supporting active duty soldiers and veterans, really, who cares? It’s not about guns, violence or war, it’s about people, families and life. And they deserve way more than a thumbs up.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
An Interview with the 15-40 Connection
While we were researching Health Week we were stunned to discover that cancer is the leading cause of death among young adults in the United States. We were lucky enough to hook up with the 15-40 Connection a nonprofit based in Worcester Massachusetts who is fighting to change it. Below please find my interview with the 15- 40 Connection. What You Can Do would like to say a special thank you to Jim Coughlin Sr. and Tricia Laursen for all of their help.
1) What is the 15-40 Connection and how was it created?
The 15-40 Connection is a nonprofit organization raising awareness of the fact that cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death among young adults. Cancer survival rates have remained nearly unchanged for 35 years in the 15-40 age group. This is in sharp contrast to cancer survival rates for children and people older than 40 over the same period of time, which have increased by 30 percent.
2) Why is cancer the Number 1 cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 40?
On the front end, it really boils down to delayed diagnosis. We all know that late stage cancers are more life-threatening. Why the delay? Young adults tend to ignore symptoms and often consider their bodies invincible and immune to disease. They don't know that subtle changes in your health can be symptoms and they put off consulting a doctor. This is complicated by health care providers who do not consider cancer in young adults when faced with ambiguous symptoms. A delayed diagnosis gives cancer time to progress to more advanced stages.
3) How do we begin to change this?
15 to 40-year olds need to know that 70,000 of their peers in the US are diagnosed with cancer every year. It happens. Go to the doctor regularly and discuss your family history with your doctor, be aware of your normal health and call your doctor if you notice a change. Have the courage to self-advocate if your instincts tell you something is wrong and you don't yet have a diagnosis. Check yourself! Learn how at http://www.15-40.org/resources.html
4) What could a person do to help you and to get involved?
Spread the word, spread awareness. Ask your friends to become more aware of their health and fan the 15-40 Connection on Facebook. Until June 1, the 15-40 Connection will receive $1 to help spread cancer awareness for every Facebook it receives Help your peers become aware of the importance of their health. Send the 15-40 Connection a text or video blog; share your story. People learn from others experiences. We'd love to hear your ideas at www.15-40.org or info@15-40.org.
1) What is the 15-40 Connection and how was it created?
The 15-40 Connection is a nonprofit organization raising awareness of the fact that cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death among young adults. Cancer survival rates have remained nearly unchanged for 35 years in the 15-40 age group. This is in sharp contrast to cancer survival rates for children and people older than 40 over the same period of time, which have increased by 30 percent.
2) Why is cancer the Number 1 cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 40?
On the front end, it really boils down to delayed diagnosis. We all know that late stage cancers are more life-threatening. Why the delay? Young adults tend to ignore symptoms and often consider their bodies invincible and immune to disease. They don't know that subtle changes in your health can be symptoms and they put off consulting a doctor. This is complicated by health care providers who do not consider cancer in young adults when faced with ambiguous symptoms. A delayed diagnosis gives cancer time to progress to more advanced stages.
3) How do we begin to change this?
15 to 40-year olds need to know that 70,000 of their peers in the US are diagnosed with cancer every year. It happens. Go to the doctor regularly and discuss your family history with your doctor, be aware of your normal health and call your doctor if you notice a change. Have the courage to self-advocate if your instincts tell you something is wrong and you don't yet have a diagnosis. Check yourself! Learn how at http://www.15-40.org/resources.html
4) What could a person do to help you and to get involved?
Spread the word, spread awareness. Ask your friends to become more aware of their health and fan the 15-40 Connection on Facebook. Until June 1, the 15-40 Connection will receive $1 to help spread cancer awareness for every Facebook it receives Help your peers become aware of the importance of their health. Send the 15-40 Connection a text or video blog; share your story. People learn from others experiences. We'd love to hear your ideas at www.15-40.org or info@15-40.org.
Friday, May 28, 2010
That Couple Is Cheating On Me
I was part of a great foursome. And by that, I don’t mean some dirty foursome, as in swing-this-way-foursome. My ex and I had a couple that we got along with perfectly. There was no - ‘oh, the women are friends, so the husbands have to hang out’ or ‘he’s nice but man, she’s a nightmare.’ We all genuinely liked each other. Even our dogs got along. We’d go out to dinner, have game nights, movie nights, simple hang out nights and sometimes, we’d separate and do just the girls while the guys hung out.
Now our foursome is a threesome...again, not the dirty kind. The couple is like family to me and I still love hanging out with both of them and try to do it as often as possible. And while I think I’m pretty fun to hang out with, I can’t morph myself into two people (and I certainly can’t morph myself into being a dude). Naturally, my friends found another go-to couple for their game nights and such. Naturally. Yet, I find myself... jealous. Is that weird? My girlfriend and I have spoken about the breakup of my marriage often, but recently the discussion was less about my feelings regarding said breakup, or the transition to singlehood and more about what a bummer the breakup of the foursome has been. It’s really a big ol’ bummer. She concurred.
When I go on dates now, I find myself not only looking for someone that could possibly be a good fit for me, but I try to suss out whether they’d be a good fit for my friend’s husband. I want to ask... “so, um... Do you like strategy games? Are you up on technology? Could you say, have a well thought out conversation about a good graphic novel you’ve read recently? Do you even read graphic novels? And if no, would you be willing to have a go at reading one soon?”
And do I add these questions before or after the question about whether he’s okay with my dog sleeping in the bed (see previous entry if confused)?
Oy. I should just create a questionnaire. Or better yet, maybe I’ll just bring my friend’s husband and my dog on the date with me. Just get it all figured out right then and there.
Thoughts?
Now our foursome is a threesome...again, not the dirty kind. The couple is like family to me and I still love hanging out with both of them and try to do it as often as possible. And while I think I’m pretty fun to hang out with, I can’t morph myself into two people (and I certainly can’t morph myself into being a dude). Naturally, my friends found another go-to couple for their game nights and such. Naturally. Yet, I find myself... jealous. Is that weird? My girlfriend and I have spoken about the breakup of my marriage often, but recently the discussion was less about my feelings regarding said breakup, or the transition to singlehood and more about what a bummer the breakup of the foursome has been. It’s really a big ol’ bummer. She concurred.
When I go on dates now, I find myself not only looking for someone that could possibly be a good fit for me, but I try to suss out whether they’d be a good fit for my friend’s husband. I want to ask... “so, um... Do you like strategy games? Are you up on technology? Could you say, have a well thought out conversation about a good graphic novel you’ve read recently? Do you even read graphic novels? And if no, would you be willing to have a go at reading one soon?”
And do I add these questions before or after the question about whether he’s okay with my dog sleeping in the bed (see previous entry if confused)?
Oy. I should just create a questionnaire. Or better yet, maybe I’ll just bring my friend’s husband and my dog on the date with me. Just get it all figured out right then and there.
Thoughts?
What You Can Do presents: Adopt A Dream
Action Link: ADOPT A DREAM HERE
Starring: Carolina Caro
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
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: Dream Foundation
www.dreamfoundation.org
Special Thanks:
Erinn Lynch and everyone at Dream Foundation
Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Thursday, May 27, 2010
What You Can Do presents: Help Fight Rare Diseases
Action link: www.rarediseases.org
Starring: Damion Fitz
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
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 : National Organization for Rare Disorders
www.rarediseases.org
Special Thanks:
Mary Dunkle and everyone at NORD
Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
What You Can Do presents: "Help Fight Multiple Sclerosis"
Action Link: acceleratedcure.org
Starring: Mary Micari
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
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 : Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis
acceleratedcure.org
Special Thanks:
Carolyn Cronin and everyone at the Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis
Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
What You Can Do presents: "Help Fight ALS"
Starring: Alicia Arinella
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
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: Project A.L.S.
projectals.org
Action Link: TAKE ACTION
Special Thanks: Jonathan Burkhart and everyone at Project A.L.S.
Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Monday, May 24, 2010
Help Fight Parkinson's Disease
Help Fight Parkinson's
Starring: Melissa Jernigan
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 from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
Statistical information provided by: The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
MichaelJFox.org
Action Links: TAKE ACTION
ACTION LINK 2
Special Thanks: Katrina Kahl, Sheila Kelly and everyone at the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Melissa Jernigan
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 from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
Statistical information provided by: The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
MichaelJFox.org
Action Links: TAKE ACTION
ACTION LINK 2
Special Thanks: Katrina Kahl, Sheila Kelly and everyone at the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Sunday, May 23, 2010
An Interview with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
When we began our research for Health Week we all knew that we wanted to devote a video to the fight against Parkinson’s Disease. We were fortunate enough to hook up with the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Below is my interview with Shelia Kelly- the Director of Special Events and Team Fox.
What is The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and why was it created?
The Michael J. Fox Foundation was founded in 2000 with a single goal: to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Since that time, MJFF has grown to be the largest private funder of Parkinson’s research in the world. To date we’ve invested nearly $179 million in PD research.
But we aren’t just passive funders. MJFF does whatever it takes to advance the most promising therapeutic leads toward pharmacy shelves. We proactively manage the largest PD portfolio in the world. We prioritize key studies, insist that researchers share results and tee up partnerships across sectors. Our focus is on patients’ needs, clinical studies and better treatments.
What do you feel are common misconceptions about Parkinson's disease?
Although the average age of onset of Parkinson’s disease is 60, some people are diagnosed with the disease before the age of 40. Many younger people are living with early-onset PD.
Another misconception centers on the symptoms of PD. Although Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder, there are also non-motor symptoms associated with the disease. These include depression, anxiety, constipation, sleep disturbances and decreased cognitive abilities.
How can the average person help you to find a cure for this disease?
Anyone can get involved in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. Team Fox is MJFF’s grassroots community of changemakers who are helping to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research. Team Fox members are running marathons, flipping pancakes, climbing mountains, hosting concerts, golfing for a cure and more. Visit www.teamfox.org to join the team.
People can also help by spreading the word about MJFF’s efforts to find a cure. Join our Facebook page or Twitter community, sign up for our email newsletter and visit MJFF’s Web site to stay updated on our work.
Have there been strides made to conquer this disease in recent years?
We are excited about many promising avenues of research, from genes associated with PD to trophic factors, proteins that promote the survival, growth and function of neurons in the brain.
And we’re gearing up to launch a groundbreaking study to identify biomarkers of PD. Biomarkers are biological processes, like blood pressure and cholesterol levels, that can be measured to identify people at risk for a disease. Biomarkers of PD would help doctors diagnose the disease and measure disease progression while also helping make clinical studies more efficient. Improving clinical studies is an important step in finding better treatments.
Anything else you would like to add?
We couldn’t do this work without our generous and dedicated supporters and we are deeply appreciative of all of their efforts. And we make sure that funds raised are spent efficiently and on the most promising research. We’re proud to say that 86 cents of every dollar spent goes to research program efforts. We deliberately hold no endowment or major reserves. Our goal is to find a cure and put ourselves out of business.
What is The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and why was it created?
The Michael J. Fox Foundation was founded in 2000 with a single goal: to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Since that time, MJFF has grown to be the largest private funder of Parkinson’s research in the world. To date we’ve invested nearly $179 million in PD research.
But we aren’t just passive funders. MJFF does whatever it takes to advance the most promising therapeutic leads toward pharmacy shelves. We proactively manage the largest PD portfolio in the world. We prioritize key studies, insist that researchers share results and tee up partnerships across sectors. Our focus is on patients’ needs, clinical studies and better treatments.
What do you feel are common misconceptions about Parkinson's disease?
Although the average age of onset of Parkinson’s disease is 60, some people are diagnosed with the disease before the age of 40. Many younger people are living with early-onset PD.
Another misconception centers on the symptoms of PD. Although Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder, there are also non-motor symptoms associated with the disease. These include depression, anxiety, constipation, sleep disturbances and decreased cognitive abilities.
How can the average person help you to find a cure for this disease?
Anyone can get involved in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. Team Fox is MJFF’s grassroots community of changemakers who are helping to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research. Team Fox members are running marathons, flipping pancakes, climbing mountains, hosting concerts, golfing for a cure and more. Visit www.teamfox.org to join the team.
People can also help by spreading the word about MJFF’s efforts to find a cure. Join our Facebook page or Twitter community, sign up for our email newsletter and visit MJFF’s Web site to stay updated on our work.
Have there been strides made to conquer this disease in recent years?
We are excited about many promising avenues of research, from genes associated with PD to trophic factors, proteins that promote the survival, growth and function of neurons in the brain.
And we’re gearing up to launch a groundbreaking study to identify biomarkers of PD. Biomarkers are biological processes, like blood pressure and cholesterol levels, that can be measured to identify people at risk for a disease. Biomarkers of PD would help doctors diagnose the disease and measure disease progression while also helping make clinical studies more efficient. Improving clinical studies is an important step in finding better treatments.
Anything else you would like to add?
We couldn’t do this work without our generous and dedicated supporters and we are deeply appreciative of all of their efforts. And we make sure that funds raised are spent efficiently and on the most promising research. We’re proud to say that 86 cents of every dollar spent goes to research program efforts. We deliberately hold no endowment or major reserves. Our goal is to find a cure and put ourselves out of business.
Finding the Rainforest
Here’s what I think of when I think about the rainforest. Rain. Plants. Wet plants. Trees. Wet trees. Monkey. Birds. Loads of bugs. Sometimes I think about snakes as well – but I try to avoid that at all costs. Here are the things I don’t think about: coffee, chocolate (something I try to think about as often as possible), rubber, my kitchen cabinets and my parent’s fern plant. And yet... They are all related. Nobody needed to convince me that the rainforests are important. The fact that scientist believe it likely that there are some, as yet, undiscovered species living there was more than enough of a reason for me to think that maybe we shouldn’t destroy it. However, I hadn’t before realized that even if you don’t LIVE in a rainforest, you are basically living OFF of the rainforest. Then I thought... Geez... I need to recycle more than I do.
And that is to say the very least.
Thanks for watching this week’s focus on deforestation.
And that is to say the very least.
Thanks for watching this week’s focus on deforestation.
Friday, May 21, 2010
What You Can Do presents: "Combat Deforestation Sustainably"
Action Link: Sustainable Harvest
Starring: Julie Tortorici
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
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 Sustainable Harvest International/Myriad Media
Statistical Information provided by: Sustainable Harvest International
Special Thanks:
Sarah Kennedy and everyone at Sustainable Harvest International
Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Thursday, May 20, 2010
What You Can Do presents: "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle"
“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”
Starring: Rosie Moss
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
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
Special Thanks:
Dennis Arinella
Starring: Rosie Moss
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
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
Special Thanks:
Dennis Arinella
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Fight Deforestation In One Minute!
Think there's nothing you can do about deforestation in one minute?
Starring: Fernando Alicea
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
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 : Native Forest/WildWest Institute, and NativeForest.org>
Special Thanks: Matthew Koehler and everyone at the WildWest Institute, Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring: Fernando Alicea
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
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 : Native Forest/WildWest Institute, and NativeForest.org>
Special Thanks: Matthew Koehler and everyone at the WildWest Institute, Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Support Sustainable Farming
Think there's nothing you can do to help promote Sustainable Farming 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 and Sustainable Harvest International/Myriad Media
Statistical Information provided by: Sustainable Harvest, www.sustainableharvest.org
Special Thanks: Sarah Kennedy and everyone at Sustainable Harvest International and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
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 and Sustainable Harvest International/Myriad Media
Statistical Information provided by: Sustainable Harvest, www.sustainableharvest.org
Special Thanks: Sarah Kennedy and everyone at Sustainable Harvest International and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Monday, May 17, 2010
Help Fight Deforestation
Think there's nothing you can do to help fight Deforestation 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
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: The Bergen County Utilities Authority, www.bcua.org
Special Thanks: Angela Bonanno-Lynch and everyone at the Bergen County Utilities Authority, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - What You Can Do .
Starring: Damion Fitz
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: The Bergen County Utilities Authority, www.bcua.org
Special Thanks: Angela Bonanno-Lynch and everyone at the Bergen County Utilities Authority, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - What You Can Do .
Two More Festivals for Milestone
OTL's short comedy, Milestone, is making its way to two festivals that have a strong connection with the filmmaker, Julie Tortorici.
First up is the New Jersey International Film Festival, which screens their movies at Julie's Alma Mater, Rutgers University. Then the film heads to Long Island, where she was born and raised, and will screen at the Long Island International Film Expo.
We're so excited to bring Milestone to both areas and hope you'll join us at the screening!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Paper Towels, an Update from Creator Jessica Arinella
So in my pursuit to conquer my paper towel demons I realize that the all or nothing mentality I have been using has failed me. Too many times I have grabbed a paper towel without thinking and guiltily watched my self imposed rations dwindle down. So I decided to get creative. No I did not decide to use Scout as a mop ( though the thought has occurred to me). I am just now simply using everything in halves. And with something like a paper towel it actually works. For most spills or mishaps one half of the paper towel will do the job just as well as the whole sheet. It has worked so well in fact that I have applied this rule to most of the things in my kitchen. Tin foil, saran wrap, sandwich bags - most of these products ( which I try to use sparingly) I can cut way down on or use again. My husband's grandmother was telling me that during the wars she has lived through something like tin foil becomes as precious as gold. And she would go to great lengths to preserve it and reuse it again and again. She would wash it out, flip it over, fold it down. And while we are so lucky to live here and not face these same issues, it does make me think about all of the things I take for granted and how much of something I really need. Easy as it is to just grab the whole paper towel sheet and run, I don't need all of it. Now this is not a hard and fast rule.One thing this solidly does not work for is napkins. If you are using a paper napkin you are going to have to go for it and use the whole napkin. And let's face it- napkins really cannot be used again under any circumstances. So in that case I try to buy napkins made from recycled paper, and to use as few as I can.
So that's my new idea- just use less. And so far it's working.
So that's my new idea- just use less. And so far it's working.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Palomine - Helping Kids in Need
Learn about Therapeutic Horsebackriding and it's benefits for kids with special needs through this interview at Pal-o-Mine Equestrian on Long Island.
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot by: Alicia Arinella
Directed and Edited by: Julie Tortorici
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Statistical Information provied by: Pal-o-mine Equestrian, www.pal-o-mine.org
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Christian and Jonathan Rakshys, Lisa Gatti, Caroline Thompson , Una Gallagher, Janet Schuster, Elizabeth A. Casey and everyone at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot by: Alicia Arinella
Directed and Edited by: Julie Tortorici
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group
Statistical Information provied by: Pal-o-mine Equestrian, www.pal-o-mine.org
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Christian and Jonathan Rakshys, Lisa Gatti, Caroline Thompson , Una Gallagher, Janet Schuster, Elizabeth A. Casey and everyone at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Friday, May 14, 2010
Therapeutic Horsebackriding
Think there's nothing you can do to help a a child with Special Needs 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: Pal-o-Mine Equestrian, www.pal-o-mine.org
Special Thanks: Christian and Jonathan Rakshys, Lisa Gatti, Caroline Thompson , Una Gallagher, Janet Schuster, Elizabeth A. Casey and everyone at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
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: Pal-o-Mine Equestrian, www.pal-o-mine.org
Special Thanks: Christian and Jonathan Rakshys, Lisa Gatti, Caroline Thompson , Una Gallagher, Janet Schuster, Elizabeth A. Casey and everyone at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Help a Hungry Child
Think there's nothing you can do to help a hungry child 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: Kids Against Hunger, www.kidsagainsthunger.org
Special Thanks - Kathy Stinchfield and everyone at Kids Against Hunger, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
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: Kids Against Hunger, www.kidsagainsthunger.org
Special Thanks - Kathy Stinchfield and everyone at Kids Against Hunger, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Children of Haiti
Think there's nothing you can do to help the children of Haiti in 1 Minute?
Starring - Alicia Arinella & Jack Halaby
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/haiti
Special Thanks - Sylvia Ross, Caitlin Carlson and everyone at Mercy Corps, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring - Alicia Arinella & Jack Halaby
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/haiti
Special Thanks - Sylvia Ross, Caitlin Carlson and everyone at Mercy Corps, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Click for Kids
Think there's nothing you can do to help children in 1 Minute?
Starring - Maria Christina 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: GreaterGood Network
Special Thanks - Rosemary Jones and everyone at the GreaterGood Network, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring - Maria Christina 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: GreaterGood Network
Special Thanks - Rosemary Jones and everyone at the GreaterGood Network, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Monday, May 10, 2010
Children Affected by HIV/AIDS
Think there's nothing you can do to help kids affected by HIV/AIDS in 1 Minute?
Starring - Nikaury Rodriguez
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: Angelwish, www,angelwish.org
Special Thanks - Shimmy Mehta and everyone at Angelwish, Maureen Halaby and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Starring - Nikaury Rodriguez
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: Angelwish, www,angelwish.org
Special Thanks - Shimmy Mehta and everyone at Angelwish, Maureen Halaby and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Sunday, May 9, 2010
An interview with Shimmy Mheta, CEO & Founder of Angelwish
Shimmy Mehta, CEO and Founder of Angelwish, was one of the first people to sign their organization up for What You Can Do, and we were very excited to have this amazing organization on board. Angelwish’s main focus is to grant wishes for children living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. See our interview with Shimmy below to find our more about this organization and where his inspiration for starting it came from.
1. Can you talk a little bit about why you started Angelwish?
I started Angelwish because of a somewhat selfish motive. I was looking for a simple, yet effective way for me to help the community.I traveled a great deal at the time and physically volunteering was not an option. I reached out to several HIV/AIDS organizations that treated children that I had helped when I was in college and asked how I could help this under-served population. Their response was that they didn't need a new x-ray machine or anything medical in nature. They really needed simple items such as holiday or birthday toys for the parents to give to the children. I quickly realized that these simple and inexpensive items could have such a huge impact - and I made that the cornerstone of what we do.
2. Where did your inspiration come from?
I'm a kid at heart - and enjoy helping others help those in need. Angelwish facilitates happiness multiple times over because not only does the donor benefit from giving, but their gift is given to a social worker who will give the gift to a parent who is sick and out of work to give to their child.
3. Can you talk a little bit about some of the emotional challenges that children living with HIV/AIDS face?
Children living with HIV/AIDS have a lot of obstacles to overcome emotionally. There is still a very large stigma attached to the disease, whether the child is infected or affected. While pediatric infection rates have diminished, the adult infection rate continues to rise. Many of these infections happen to people who already have children. Imagine losing a parent at age 5 or 8? The children that we work with have experienced tremendous loss and abandonment. They have lost much of their childhood and have had to grow up very quickly in order to take care of their parents or siblings.
4. Outside of great healthcare, what, in your experience, is the biggest need that children with or affected by HIV/AIDS have?
Children living with HIV/AIDS (infected or affected) need the stigma-less support and compassion of their communities. Years ago, it was assumed that children living with HIV/AIDS would not livebeyond the age of 12 or 13. Thanks to medication, long lives can be led. Children that we work with are being brought into more mainstream programs that will help them achieve their goals and we should encourage them to do so.
5. Where do you see Angelwish 5 years from now?
Angelwish has been evolving since we began this journey in 1999. I'd like to see Angelwish helping children all over the world that are in jeopardy of losing their childhood to chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, asthma or diabetes. We've all been children at one point or another...let's share a little bit of that with someone who hasn't had the pleasure yet.
For more information about Children living with HIV/AIDS or to find out ways you can help, please visit - Angelwish
1. Can you talk a little bit about why you started Angelwish?
I started Angelwish because of a somewhat selfish motive. I was looking for a simple, yet effective way for me to help the community.I traveled a great deal at the time and physically volunteering was not an option. I reached out to several HIV/AIDS organizations that treated children that I had helped when I was in college and asked how I could help this under-served population. Their response was that they didn't need a new x-ray machine or anything medical in nature. They really needed simple items such as holiday or birthday toys for the parents to give to the children. I quickly realized that these simple and inexpensive items could have such a huge impact - and I made that the cornerstone of what we do.
2. Where did your inspiration come from?
I'm a kid at heart - and enjoy helping others help those in need. Angelwish facilitates happiness multiple times over because not only does the donor benefit from giving, but their gift is given to a social worker who will give the gift to a parent who is sick and out of work to give to their child.
3. Can you talk a little bit about some of the emotional challenges that children living with HIV/AIDS face?
Children living with HIV/AIDS have a lot of obstacles to overcome emotionally. There is still a very large stigma attached to the disease, whether the child is infected or affected. While pediatric infection rates have diminished, the adult infection rate continues to rise. Many of these infections happen to people who already have children. Imagine losing a parent at age 5 or 8? The children that we work with have experienced tremendous loss and abandonment. They have lost much of their childhood and have had to grow up very quickly in order to take care of their parents or siblings.
4. Outside of great healthcare, what, in your experience, is the biggest need that children with or affected by HIV/AIDS have?
Children living with HIV/AIDS (infected or affected) need the stigma-less support and compassion of their communities. Years ago, it was assumed that children living with HIV/AIDS would not livebeyond the age of 12 or 13. Thanks to medication, long lives can be led. Children that we work with are being brought into more mainstream programs that will help them achieve their goals and we should encourage them to do so.
5. Where do you see Angelwish 5 years from now?
Angelwish has been evolving since we began this journey in 1999. I'd like to see Angelwish helping children all over the world that are in jeopardy of losing their childhood to chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, asthma or diabetes. We've all been children at one point or another...let's share a little bit of that with someone who hasn't had the pleasure yet.
For more information about Children living with HIV/AIDS or to find out ways you can help, please visit - Angelwish
Saturday, May 8, 2010
An interview with Muhammida El Muhajir, The Media Relations Coordinator at GEMS
Closing out our week on Human Trafficking, we thought it would be great to include an interview with the NY based organization, GEMS. As they state on their website, “they serve girls and young women who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking.” We were grateful to have this important organization on board this week and thought that they could answer some questions and expose some misconceptions about the trafficking and sexual exploitation of girls and women.
Muhammida El Muhajir, the Media Relations Coordinator at GEMS answers our questions below.
1. Can you give our readers a little bit of background on GEMS and why it was founded?
Girls Educational & Mentoring Services (GEMS) is the nation’s largest organization empowering girls and young women, ages 12-21, who have experienced sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking to exit the commercial sex industry and develop to their full potential.
GEMS founder/executive director, Rachel Lloyd came to the U.S in 1997, a survivor of commercial sexual exploitation as a teen and began missionary work with adult women exiting prostitution. While working with adult women in correctional facilities and on the streets, she observed the overwhelming need for services for young women at risk for sexual exploitation who were being ignored by traditional social service agencies. It became clear that specialized services were essential for this disenfranchised population.
2. Do you think that there is a misconception in the US that human trafficking is more of an international problem rather than a domestic one? If so, why?
Until very recent, domestic human trafficking had not received very much exposure in the media and was an issue that was ignored and pretended to not exist. It is for this reason that seemed to not exist here.
3. What, if any, are the stereotypes you’ve found that people have about women in the commercial sex industry?
We deal specifically with young people which is different from adult women in the commercial sex industry in the sense that most children did not choose to be in the industry but manipulated and forced. So that is definitely one misconception that the girls made a conscious choice when in fact it is an adult male that has lured, manipulated and utilize force and violence to keep the girls in the sex industry. Another misconception is that the girls are ‘loose’ or ‘fast’ or promiscuous. The reality is that most of the children in the sex trade have been sexually abused BEFORE ever entering the trade. They don’t love sex any more than the average girl but it becomes work, a job that must be done in order for them to have a place to eat, sleep and to avoid abuse from their traffickers.
Another common misconception is that the girls make a lot of money and that they are doing it for the money. The reality is that the girls rarely get to keep any of the profits of their labor, it all goes to the trafficker. Many girls tell stories of going for days without being able to eat because the trafficker refused to give them money even for food.
4. What can someone do who wants to get involved in stopping the trafficking of girls and women?
• Someone who wants to get involved should become very educated on the issue.
• They should research their local laws and find out how their state, city, community deals with child victims of sex trafficking, perpetrators and traffickers.
• They can advocate that changes be made to local laws with letter writing/email or telephone campaigns.
• They can also increase awareness for the issue by hosting a local screening of Very Young Girls and engaging in dialogue.
• They can also support GEMS (and other ant-trafficking organizations) with a monetary donation.
• Volunteer, donate items such as clothing, books, toiletries to local organizations.
• Hire a survivor in a job or position.
5. Have you found that the trafficking of girls and women has become more prevalent? If so, why do you think that is?
Trafficking of girls and women has always existed. It has become more prevalent because profits have grossly increased. It is an underworld market that doesn’t have the same risks as other illegal/illicit products (drugs, guns, etc.) Traffickers rarely got to prison!
There is also a large global population of vulnerable young women who are looking for better opportunities and believe the lies that traffickers tell (that they can make money, receive foreign visa, etc.)
There also seems to be a greater increase of men who desire sex with children with beliefs that having sex with a child will lessen the risks of certain STDs and/or AIDS.
6. Can you tell us a little something about the women you work with? What are their initial needs when coming out of such harrowing situations?
Many of the girls have experience the worst trauma and abuse and have been continuously re-victimized (by family first, then by traffickers, and often by the legal and governmental agencies)
Initially they need the basics food, clothing, shelter, medical attention, counseling. Then we move on to group therapy sessions where girls are allowed to talk about their experiences and begin to understand that it was not their fault and that they were a victim. This is a concept that is the first step towards recovery. An environment of unconditional love and non-judgment are also key to their transformation as well as education, job and leadership training.
7. Do you find that the victims of trafficking that get out, are able to remain out?
Many victims are able to stay out of the ‘life’ especially with continued love and support from friends, families, support workers and if they are provided the necessary tools for success.
To learn more about the issue of Human Trafficking, please visit - GEMS
Muhammida El Muhajir, the Media Relations Coordinator at GEMS answers our questions below.
1. Can you give our readers a little bit of background on GEMS and why it was founded?
Girls Educational & Mentoring Services (GEMS) is the nation’s largest organization empowering girls and young women, ages 12-21, who have experienced sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking to exit the commercial sex industry and develop to their full potential.
GEMS founder/executive director, Rachel Lloyd came to the U.S in 1997, a survivor of commercial sexual exploitation as a teen and began missionary work with adult women exiting prostitution. While working with adult women in correctional facilities and on the streets, she observed the overwhelming need for services for young women at risk for sexual exploitation who were being ignored by traditional social service agencies. It became clear that specialized services were essential for this disenfranchised population.
2. Do you think that there is a misconception in the US that human trafficking is more of an international problem rather than a domestic one? If so, why?
Until very recent, domestic human trafficking had not received very much exposure in the media and was an issue that was ignored and pretended to not exist. It is for this reason that seemed to not exist here.
3. What, if any, are the stereotypes you’ve found that people have about women in the commercial sex industry?
We deal specifically with young people which is different from adult women in the commercial sex industry in the sense that most children did not choose to be in the industry but manipulated and forced. So that is definitely one misconception that the girls made a conscious choice when in fact it is an adult male that has lured, manipulated and utilize force and violence to keep the girls in the sex industry. Another misconception is that the girls are ‘loose’ or ‘fast’ or promiscuous. The reality is that most of the children in the sex trade have been sexually abused BEFORE ever entering the trade. They don’t love sex any more than the average girl but it becomes work, a job that must be done in order for them to have a place to eat, sleep and to avoid abuse from their traffickers.
Another common misconception is that the girls make a lot of money and that they are doing it for the money. The reality is that the girls rarely get to keep any of the profits of their labor, it all goes to the trafficker. Many girls tell stories of going for days without being able to eat because the trafficker refused to give them money even for food.
4. What can someone do who wants to get involved in stopping the trafficking of girls and women?
• Someone who wants to get involved should become very educated on the issue.
• They should research their local laws and find out how their state, city, community deals with child victims of sex trafficking, perpetrators and traffickers.
• They can advocate that changes be made to local laws with letter writing/email or telephone campaigns.
• They can also increase awareness for the issue by hosting a local screening of Very Young Girls and engaging in dialogue.
• They can also support GEMS (and other ant-trafficking organizations) with a monetary donation.
• Volunteer, donate items such as clothing, books, toiletries to local organizations.
• Hire a survivor in a job or position.
5. Have you found that the trafficking of girls and women has become more prevalent? If so, why do you think that is?
Trafficking of girls and women has always existed. It has become more prevalent because profits have grossly increased. It is an underworld market that doesn’t have the same risks as other illegal/illicit products (drugs, guns, etc.) Traffickers rarely got to prison!
There is also a large global population of vulnerable young women who are looking for better opportunities and believe the lies that traffickers tell (that they can make money, receive foreign visa, etc.)
There also seems to be a greater increase of men who desire sex with children with beliefs that having sex with a child will lessen the risks of certain STDs and/or AIDS.
6. Can you tell us a little something about the women you work with? What are their initial needs when coming out of such harrowing situations?
Many of the girls have experience the worst trauma and abuse and have been continuously re-victimized (by family first, then by traffickers, and often by the legal and governmental agencies)
Initially they need the basics food, clothing, shelter, medical attention, counseling. Then we move on to group therapy sessions where girls are allowed to talk about their experiences and begin to understand that it was not their fault and that they were a victim. This is a concept that is the first step towards recovery. An environment of unconditional love and non-judgment are also key to their transformation as well as education, job and leadership training.
7. Do you find that the victims of trafficking that get out, are able to remain out?
Many victims are able to stay out of the ‘life’ especially with continued love and support from friends, families, support workers and if they are provided the necessary tools for success.
To learn more about the issue of Human Trafficking, please visit - GEMS
Friday, May 7, 2010
Fair Trade to Help Fight Human Trafficking
Think there's nothing you can do to fight Human Trafficking 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: UNODC website, www.UNGift.org
Special Thanks - Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
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: UNODC website, www.UNGift.org
Special Thanks - Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Domestic Human Trafficking
Think there's nothing you can do to fight Domestic Human Trafficking 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
Statistical Information provied by: GEMS, www.gems-girls.org
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Muhammida El Muhair, and everyone at GEMS and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
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
Statistical Information provied by: GEMS, www.gems-girls.org
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Muhammida El Muhair, and everyone at GEMS and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Help Fight Modern Day Slavery
Think there's nothing you can do to help fight Modern Day Slavery 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: Free the Slaves, www.freetheslaves.net
Special Thanks - Kumi Maemura and everyone at Free the Slaves, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - What You Can Do
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: Free the Slaves, www.freetheslaves.net
Special Thanks - Kumi Maemura and everyone at Free the Slaves, and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - What You Can Do
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Empower Victims of Human Trafficking
Think there's nothing you can do to Empower Victims of Human Trafficking in 1 Minute?
Starring - Maria Christina 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: GEMS, www.gems-girls.org
Special Thanks - Muhammida El Muhair and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - What You Can Do
Starring - Maria Christina 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: GEMS, www.gems-girls.org
Special Thanks - Muhammida El Muhair and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - What You Can Do
Empower Victims of Human Trafficking
Think there's nothing you can do to Empower Victims of Human Trafficking in 1 Minute?
Starring - Maria Christina 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: GEMS, www.gems-girls.org
Special Thanks - Muhammida El Muhair and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - What You Can Do
Starring - Maria Christina 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: GEMS, www.gems-girls.org
Special Thanks - Muhammida El Muhair and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - What You Can Do
Monday, May 3, 2010
Help Fight Human Trafficking
Think there's nothing you can do to fight Human Trafficking in 1 Minute?
Starring - Head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime - Antonio Maria Costa
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: UNODC, www.unodc.org
Special Thanks - Shervin Majlessi, Simone Monabesian, and everyone at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Rhitu Siddharth and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - What You Can Do
Starring - Head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime - Antonio Maria Costa
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: UNODC, www.unodc.org
Special Thanks - Shervin Majlessi, Simone Monabesian, and everyone at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Rhitu Siddharth and Dennis Arinella
For more information, please visit - What You Can Do
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Working with Antonio Maria Costa, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office of Drugs & Crime
Some of the most amazing moments of this project for me have been the ones that have come out of the blue. If I were pressed to pick one shining highlight of a day I would have to pick the day that we were able to work with the head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime: Antonio Maria Costa. Even as I type these words, there is a part of me that still cannot believe that he gave us the opportunity.
This story cannot be told without a huge and proper thank you to my friend Rhitu Siddarth. She has been a wonderful supporter of the project from the beginning, and when she heard that we wanted to dedicate an episode of What You Can Do to combating the devastating issue of human trafficking, she immediately put a plan into action that ended with the three of us, and a camera, at the United Nations with fifteen minutes to work with one of the most important and influential men working to combat this human crisis.
To say that we were nervous, would be like saying that the sun is hot. We were in our first few weeks of creating this project and all of a sudden we were presented with an opportunity that people spend years trying to gain. We didn’t know what to expect. So we tried to come prepared for everything. Would it be OK to ask him to host the episode? Would he be OK with the stopwatch?
As it turned out- all of our fears were for naught. Not only was he game, he was encouraging, supportive, amazing and very kind.
To put into words what working with Mr. Costa meant to me and to my faith in this idea that I had created is almost impossible. Whenever any one creates anything there is always that moment of- well I love this- but will anyone else love this? Does this idea have legs? Could this really work? And in the midst of all of this insecurity and doubt ,I was blessed to work with one of the world’s foremost experts who gave us -for lack of a more graceful phrase-his “Atta Boy”!
It is a very powerful experience for me to see Mr. Costa host a video in the same series of hosts who include students and firemen and artists and even puppets. It gives me the feeling that if you are a person who wants to help- you are, whether you realize it or not , connected to a large community of people from all different backgrounds and experiences who are with you .
And that in turn makes me feel that so much is possible. That there are answers and solutions and ways out of this mess we are in.
As we begin our week on Human Trafficking, I would again like to extend my thanks to Mr. Costa, Rhitu Siddharth, Shervin Maljessi and Simone Monabesian.
For more information about The United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime and their efforts to fight Human Trafficking, please visit - For more information, please visit - UN.Gift.
This story cannot be told without a huge and proper thank you to my friend Rhitu Siddarth. She has been a wonderful supporter of the project from the beginning, and when she heard that we wanted to dedicate an episode of What You Can Do to combating the devastating issue of human trafficking, she immediately put a plan into action that ended with the three of us, and a camera, at the United Nations with fifteen minutes to work with one of the most important and influential men working to combat this human crisis.
To say that we were nervous, would be like saying that the sun is hot. We were in our first few weeks of creating this project and all of a sudden we were presented with an opportunity that people spend years trying to gain. We didn’t know what to expect. So we tried to come prepared for everything. Would it be OK to ask him to host the episode? Would he be OK with the stopwatch?
As it turned out- all of our fears were for naught. Not only was he game, he was encouraging, supportive, amazing and very kind.
To put into words what working with Mr. Costa meant to me and to my faith in this idea that I had created is almost impossible. Whenever any one creates anything there is always that moment of- well I love this- but will anyone else love this? Does this idea have legs? Could this really work? And in the midst of all of this insecurity and doubt ,I was blessed to work with one of the world’s foremost experts who gave us -for lack of a more graceful phrase-his “Atta Boy”!
It is a very powerful experience for me to see Mr. Costa host a video in the same series of hosts who include students and firemen and artists and even puppets. It gives me the feeling that if you are a person who wants to help- you are, whether you realize it or not , connected to a large community of people from all different backgrounds and experiences who are with you .
And that in turn makes me feel that so much is possible. That there are answers and solutions and ways out of this mess we are in.
As we begin our week on Human Trafficking, I would again like to extend my thanks to Mr. Costa, Rhitu Siddharth, Shervin Maljessi and Simone Monabesian.
For more information about The United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime and their efforts to fight Human Trafficking, please visit - For more information, please visit - UN.Gift.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Go Green Home - a closing blog, by Staff Writer, Karen T. Hartline
As we close out Go Green Home week, here’s an idea from WYCD staff writer, Karen T. Hartline about a simple way you can conserve water during your bedtime routine. Read on and go green!
Frenemy
Last night, I was getting ready for bed and my husband walked in on me in the bathroom doing the most embarrassing thing ever! Drum roll please... I was spraying my face with the water from the spray bottle! Did you fall out of your chair in shock? Perhaps you fell out of your chair from shock at what a boring life I must lead. Hey! I'm sure someone more exciting is writing a blog out there! Who needs you! (No, no, come back! ) Anyway, when my husband passed the bathroom, he heard me laughing at myself. He opened the door and said, "Are you spraying your face to save water?" "Yes." Of course! Why do I do anything anymore?
I was thinking... I thought, you know, I really don't have to wet my face with water before I put my cleanser on. I could just give it a couple of sprays and I'm in business. I have two things to say. First, it worked. my face was wet enough to give it a good sudsy wash. Second, it was miserable! Please, someone tell me it's okay to use a whole pint of water to wash my face instead of a half a teaspoon from the spray bottle! Hello? Okay, fine! Perhaps I will actually get used to this. The navy shower has become second nature, why not this. But while everyone loves water: swimming in it, drinking it, gazing at it, bathing in it - no one, but no one likes it coming at them in little misty drips. No one! That's why umbrellas were invented!
When my husband walked in, I was actually laughing at myself for doing this miserable thing, cursing about this spray bottle while voluntarily misting my face. But the point is, I have discovered that the spray bottle can do a lot more than wet the toothbrush and save TONS of water. This morning I went to wet my hair the usual way - by turning on the sink. But then I remembered... Spray bottle!
You know what should be invented (not by me, by someone smart) is a warmer for the water in the spray bottle. Maybe it would be a little less, well, shocking if it were warm water hitting my face. The thing is, when the water sits in the spray bottle, it just gets to room temp, which is not hot enough for me! Oh spray bottle... my new frenemy. You could be just the thing to save the world... and irritate the hell out of me.
To read more entries from Karen T. Hartline's blog please visit - Every Last Drip
Frenemy
Last night, I was getting ready for bed and my husband walked in on me in the bathroom doing the most embarrassing thing ever! Drum roll please... I was spraying my face with the water from the spray bottle! Did you fall out of your chair in shock? Perhaps you fell out of your chair from shock at what a boring life I must lead. Hey! I'm sure someone more exciting is writing a blog out there! Who needs you! (No, no, come back! ) Anyway, when my husband passed the bathroom, he heard me laughing at myself. He opened the door and said, "Are you spraying your face to save water?" "Yes." Of course! Why do I do anything anymore?
I was thinking... I thought, you know, I really don't have to wet my face with water before I put my cleanser on. I could just give it a couple of sprays and I'm in business. I have two things to say. First, it worked. my face was wet enough to give it a good sudsy wash. Second, it was miserable! Please, someone tell me it's okay to use a whole pint of water to wash my face instead of a half a teaspoon from the spray bottle! Hello? Okay, fine! Perhaps I will actually get used to this. The navy shower has become second nature, why not this. But while everyone loves water: swimming in it, drinking it, gazing at it, bathing in it - no one, but no one likes it coming at them in little misty drips. No one! That's why umbrellas were invented!
When my husband walked in, I was actually laughing at myself for doing this miserable thing, cursing about this spray bottle while voluntarily misting my face. But the point is, I have discovered that the spray bottle can do a lot more than wet the toothbrush and save TONS of water. This morning I went to wet my hair the usual way - by turning on the sink. But then I remembered... Spray bottle!
You know what should be invented (not by me, by someone smart) is a warmer for the water in the spray bottle. Maybe it would be a little less, well, shocking if it were warm water hitting my face. The thing is, when the water sits in the spray bottle, it just gets to room temp, which is not hot enough for me! Oh spray bottle... my new frenemy. You could be just the thing to save the world... and irritate the hell out of me.
To read more entries from Karen T. Hartline's blog please visit - Every Last Drip
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)