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The Fight to Keep Cursive Alive

In the award-winning children’s book Muggie Maggie, by beloved author Beverly Cleary, a young girl stews over the prospect of learning cursive. In a brave act of defiance, she doles out her refusal, orchestrating a petulant, if somewhat amusing rebellion against her teacher.

“At first, Maggie is just feeling stubborn when she declares she won’t learn cursive,” reads the book’s description. “What’s wrong with print, anyway? She can easily type on a computer, so why would she need to know how to read those squiggly lines?”

More than 25 years after the book’s 1990 release, it’s a question that has everybody from educators and hobbyists, to parents and grandparents asking. In Muggie Maggie, the Digital Age had just barely begun to get underway. Today, teens and young children are the proverbial shepherds of the technology epoch.

girl writes on blackboard in cursive

Cursive writing is at a crossroads. Once a harbinger of education, the beautifully elegant, loopy, swoopy script is at risk of being as indecipherable as Egyptian hieroglyphics. While many fear that cursive is fast becoming a lost art, a looming question remains:

Do we really have a need for cursive anymore?

The question whether to continue to teach cursive became all the more murky when in 2011, the U.S. Department of Education revised its Common Core State Standards for English, eliminating the requirement for schools to include cursive in school curriculum. Not surprisingly, the move unleashed a fierce debate among educators, and other pundits. Yet, despite the war that erupted between the cursive enthusiasts and those who considered the form to be obsolete, states ultimately left it up to the schools to decide. Many opted out.

In 2014, 45 states and the District of Columbia did not require cursive to be taught in schools. As time passed, many people began to worry about what was being lost by throwing penmanship away, and a new movement emerged: the fight to keep cursive alive.

Image via Pixabay under license CC0
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

In the years since the standards were revised, dozens of cursive and handwriting advocacy groups have set up shop. Some are homeschooling mothers; others are high-profile educators, writers, professional calligraphers and politicians.

This January, one of those politicians, Indiana Sen. Jean Lesling, spoke about her attempt to pass Senate Bill 73, a measure that would add cursive writing back into the Hoosier State’s curriculum. It’s the senator’s fourth attempt at reviving cursive in the state; all of her other attempts failed to see any ink.

“I still have a pad of yellow Sticky Notes, and if I write out something neatly in cursive, I expect an intern at the Senate to be able to read that,” she recently told the Indianapolis Star.

Lesling isn’t alone. Other states are reevaluating the Common Core’s standards. States like California, Idaho, Kansas, Massachusetts, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee have either reinstated cursive writing in school, or are weighing measures to do so.

Image via Pixabay under license CC0
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

The influx of tablets and other mobile devices has many people wondering if all handwriting — not just cursive — is on its way to becoming a thing of the past.

About a year and a half ago, pen maker BIC launched the “Fight for Your Write” campaign to help save handwriting from the nature of a growingly auto-correct culture. While, BIC’s voice in the matter could be said for obvious reasons, handwriting’s advantages have long been documented.

“The last few years, there’s a real spotlight on technology and on tablets and computers and I had a moment where I wondered if it was the end of handwriting,” says Pam Allyn, an author, founding director at LitWorld, BIC’s “Fight For Your Write” spokesperson. “This movement is really growing. We might be in the world of technology but people still want to communicate in this really beautiful way. It’s the farm-to-table [movement] of literacy.”

Allyn points to strong research, which continues to show that children who physically put pen to paper have improved cognitive development, self-confidence, spelling and grammar, creativity, imagination and critical thinking skills. There’s also a strong reading-writing connection.

Image via Pixabay under license CC0
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

The elimination of cursive programs is startling then, when one considers that 66 percent of all U.S. fourth graders scored “below proficient” in a national reading test. While it can’t be blamed entirely for the statistic, many educators argue that as many public and lower-income schools drop their cursive curriculum, students from other schools —many of them private — will almost certainly hold an advantage.

Yet, the advantages of handwriting go well beyond the cognitive or educational benefits, says Allyn. She compared cursive to ordering take out vs. meal preparation.

“You’re more conscious of where things come from,” she says. “When you’re making letters by hand, you’re thinking about what is going into this, and what you send out into the world. You tend to use the page more dynamically. Cursive lettering, putting thoughts down in that way, makes you more mindful.”

Image via Pixabay under license CC0
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Even in a world chock full of iPads and iPhones, Allyn says people still find satisfaction in choosing a favorite pen or notepad — and writing’s other nuances, such as perfecting one’s style or signature. Not to mention its historical significance.

“It’s part of our history as a people, as a country, as a citizenship,” says Allyn. “When you really stop and think, you really don’t want to lose that part of humanity. Let’s not lose it.”

In a twist of irony, even as the U.S. Department has removed the requirement for cursive curriculum, the White House continues to keep the tradition alive. The Administration employs four full-time calligraphers, including White House Chief Calligrapher Pat Blair, who works closely with the First Lady and the Social Office to create handwritten menus, invitations, place-cards and other documents.

Blair wholeheartedly believes handwriting should be supported in schools.

“Without a doubt, both handwriting and keyboarding should be learned,” she says. “Besides the benefit of brain development, what about being able to read original hand-written documents such as The Declaration of Independence or the Emancipation Proclamation? What kind of country will not teach students to read and appreciate this important part of history? There is still plenty of will to keep students and adults enjoying beautiful handwriting.”

“To me, anything created by hand is special — it is more personal, more unique, and most important, more beautiful,” she adds. “There is a life and personality that cannot be duplicated by a machine.”

To be fair, few people exude the beautiful penmanship showcased in historical documents, or even in the letters of our grandparents. Journalist Justin Pot wrote a controversial editorial about the debate last year. By the end of the 20th century, as the fountain pen was replaced by the ballpoint pen, and the pen was replaced by the keypad, Pot says cursive had already long lost its luster.

Image via Pixabay under license CC0
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

“The Palmer method is hideous when compared to other scripts, slower than typing and less practical than typing — that’s what I mean by anachronism,” Pot explains in a phone call. “I’m all for teaching calligraphy and scripts in art class, or to better yourself, but I just don’t think it should be taught as a practical thing — you just don’t use it in your day-to-day life.”

Pot openly balks the spate of post-apocalyptic responses he’s received since his editorial ran last year, something that exploded after The Atlantic cited him in a popular article. He says the idea that he’ll regret his stance on handwriting “the day computers stop working” is utterly ridiculous. In the tech age, he simply sees penmanship as a waste of time.

Image via Pixabay under license CC0
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

“All language drops off at some point,” Pot says. “People feel deeply about it, because it’s something very tactile, putting pen to paper. But it’s weird — I don’t think you need to teach the Palmer method for a half hour every day to read it.”

But if they can’t write cursive, how will they read it?

“I guess you have a point,” Pot says. “I’m willing to admit there are shades of nuance in this debate.”

There’s no denying the emotional bond that many people have toward cursive and handwriting. As a professional calligrapher, Debi Zeinert has made a career out of her passion, appearing in Martha Stewart Weddings and penning invites for NASCAR, among others.

“I was raised in Catholic school, learning the Palmer method from the nuns in school,” Zeinert reminisces. “I remember sitting in class, the alphabet above the top of the blackboard and being so excited to learn cursive. You learn it, and you learn how to add your own flourishes.”

Image via Pixabay under license CC0
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

The self-taught penman says she spent hours practicing her craft, tracing the beautiful letters written by her grandmother, and cutting letters out of magazines to hone her talent.

“The people I know that really do beautiful handwriting, you get a letter from them in the mail and you sit back and just go Ahh…,” Zeinert says. “[Children] need the discipline of handwriting. They need to slow down and think about what they are doing, instead of copying and pasting. It’s too cookie cutter, now.”

Image via Pixabay under license CC0
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Ironically, the rise of technology, and in particular, social media has only bolstered the calligraphy community, she says, though she is still concerned about the removal of cursive curriculum in the classroom. As a member of the International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting, the group strongly advocates for the cursive cause.

“They take music out, they take art out, all the things that make people the individuals and make them — it’s not even exposing them to it that is so sad,” says Zeinert. “It’s like shutting another door to the past. We’re fighting tooth and nail to keep cursive in schools and to keep cursive alive.”

6 Must-See Documentaries From 2015

From reality TV to personal essays and memoirs to documentary film, narrative nonfiction has gained much traction in recent years. A study by Patricia Aufderheide of American University even links it to a distrust in mainstream media — and it’s true that many documentaries claim to expose a version of the truth that has long been suppressed in one form or another. This is probably part of the reason that documentaries have traditionally been less accessible in the past. Produced by independent companies with small budgets, many great documentaries have simply not had the same distribution in the past as mainstream fiction films.

But as public interest grows, larger media conglomerates are picking up and distributing documentaries, making them more available to the inquisitive viewer online. Netflix is a key facilitator, along with HBO, Hulu, and other streaming services. We’re beginning to consume them more hungrily than ever before.

The following six films are a sampling of 2015’s most buzzed-about documentaries, a great place to start exploring the world of nonfiction.

Cowspiracy

As the name implies, Cowspiracy is an environmental exposé detailing the effects of agriculture on the planet and revealing the lack of action on the part of various large-scale environmental organizations. Directed by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn, the documentary follows a natural progression of discovery, beginning when Kip first learns of the problems with agriculture and developing as Andersen’s exploration continues.

Though the film was actually produced in 2014, Cowspiracy became available on Netflix in September of 2015, ending up on more TVs across the country as a result. Because of its hugely successful Indiegogo campaign, which raised more than twice its goal of $54,000, the film was able to be translated into various languages and reach a wide audience initially. But Leonardo DiCaprio’s involvement as executive producer for Netflix’s release of the film (a new cut which includes updated information) further increased publicity, and therefore, popularity.

The film is controversial in its critique of the agricultural industry and advocacy for a vegan diet. But its social impacts are still evolving: currently, with 28.7 thousand Twitter followers, the issues raised by the film continue to be heatedly discussed in the media.

Hot Girls Wanted

Another film available on Netflix — and another film with a celebrity endorsement, in this case from producer Rashida Jones — Hot Girls Wanted shows the back end of the amateur porn industry, which is nothing short of shocking. It highlights the story of a young woman who responds to an ad on Craigslist and moves to Florida, where she connects with an agent and lives in a house with several other aspiring young pornstars.

The film has received substantial criticism from the porn industry — criticism which is probably fairly valid. For example, Aurora Snow for The Daily Beast points out that while the film only portrays a narrow segment of the industry, it leads the viewer to believe that it speaks for more of the industry. I think Mike Hale puts it well in a review for the New York Times when he compares the film to reality TV, interesting in its portrayal of the reality of that situation, but perhaps not necessarily adequate as an exploration of the greater context of the industry.

Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief

Going Clear takes an extremely in-depth and rather painstaking look into the belief system and infrastructure surrounding scientology as a religion and organization. The narrative starts from the beginning, outlining the foundational beliefs of the Church of Scientology, then moving on to depicting the church’s growth over time, present-day manifestation, and documented abuses.

Indeed, these abuses prove to be jaw-dropping. Relying on a very impressive collection of media (which director Alex Gibney and his team collected from public records and archives) along with testimony from ex-members of the church, the doc explains how the Church was first created in the 1950s by L. Ron Hubbard, a sci-fi novelist, as a way to make tax-free income through a pseudoscience called Dianetics. It has since been run like a business, often harming the believers it claims to protect, and ultimately destroying relationships and families.

Going Clear was a hugely successful film, garnering three Emmy Award nominations, among others. And its success flies in the face of the Church of Scientology, which has fought the release of the film. Undoubtedly, it’s partly this clash that makes the film so interesting.

Amy

Aside from its use of beautiful home videos and photos from when the charismatic Amy Winehouse was young, this two-hour doc focusing on Amy’s life and rise to fame somehow manages to capture the complexities of mental illness, addiction, substance abuse, sudden fame, media, and essentially, the troubled psyche of an extremely talented artist.

Through beautifully-integrated images, unique home video footage, recorded phone calls, and interviews with those who knew Amy closely, it comes across so clearly that Amy was an enigma — a truly special, uniquely talented, and rather shy person who was simply very lost. After all the media fascination with her addiction and mental health problems during her lifetime, it’s great to see a rendering of Amy that finally does her justice, without glorifying her self-destruction. And through it all, her ineffable jazz vocals are a haunting and soulful soundtrack.

The film has been nominated for various awards, including the Best Documentary award at the 2016 Oscars.

The Jinx

I’m not sure how I feel about The Jinx, the year’s first popular true crime miniseries about the murders associated with Robert Durst, a New York real estate billionaire. On one hand, the series is fascinating in that it contains interviews from Durst himself, quite surprising considering that his lawyers recommend he not speak lest he jeopardize his own liberty. And these interviews are undoubtedly fascinating — he’s a guy with a strange personality, to say the least. And then there is also the riveting plot twist, which I won’t spoil for you here. The last several episodes are definitely the best.

But on the other hand, I’ll admit that I found myself thinking: Is this really worth six episodes? Is this really that earth-shattering? Again, I’m unsure about my own take on this, because I’m no expert — I even superficially enjoyed it — and the film did receive much acclaim. However, at times, it felt a little overly-sensationalized, and I’m not sure the dramatic re-enactments helped (although sometimes finding good visuals for films like these is admittedly challenging). I also wish the filmmakers had delved a little deeper into Durst’s characterization rather than on the facts of the crimes.

Making A Murderer

Making a Murderer — it’s all anyone wants to talk about these days. The series details the second murder case against Steven Avery, a Wisconsin man who was wrongly convicted of sexual assault and attempted murder in the 80s. After serving 18 years for a crime he did not commit, he was released, only to be tried several years later for another crime — this time, a murder.

Perhaps as a result of its strategic Netflix label, the documentary has been very well-received by the public, even spurring a petition for a presidential pardon for Avery (which unfortunately would not be enough to trump the state conviction), further displaying just how impactful media can be when it posits “the truth.”

In documentaries, all evidence, footage and interviews are drawn from real life. But these are only pieces that can easily be manipulated to misrepresent the truth. And that’s really the important thing to remember with documentary film; it’s a powerful weapon, and one that needs to be handled with careful ethics.

The Heidelberg Project: Detroit’s Comeback Kid

Nestled between forlorn, vacant apartment complexes and rundown playgrounds on the axis of Detroit’s east side are piles of charred, dirty stuffed animals, scrap metal and gutted technology spanning two blocks. At a distance, this might seem like another manifestation of urban blight the city is often chastised for; but this particular collection of trash is credited with drastically reducing criminal activity in the neighborhood.

Heidelberg Project 05

The Heidelberg Project was named after Heidelberg Street, which was the center of the Detroit race riots throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s. Tyree Guyton, a Detroit native, started the project with his grandfather in 1986 during a time when the community was overrun with crime and infrastructure was crumbling. The street became a mecca for drug dealers and prostitution rings, being so far removed from the rest of the city. In response, Guyton and his grandfather collected garbage lining the streets and pinned them to houses. They put doll heads on toy trucks, clocks in ovens and called it art. The result was bizarre and nihilistic, a perfect representation of the city of Detroit during this time.

Guyton’s work garnered immediate attention, some of which was negative. He has faced opposition from both the city and criminals. The project is a continuous target of arson with more than two dozen serious unsolved cases since 2013. His post-apocalyptic debris sculptures were recently bulldozed as fire hazards. Two years ago, more than six houses were destroyed by unknown circumstances, costing organizers more than $250,000 to ramp up security measures. Because much of the art centers on themes of ruin, acts of arson sometimes even complements the pieces. Despite this, the community continues to see these acts of destruction as an excuse to make new art, and increased media attention has garnered public support.

Heidelberg Project 01

“I’m going to kick their ass with love,” Guyton recently said about the arsonists. “I just want to send out love.”

The project attracts hundreds of volunteers, artists and local activists, and remains a symbol of the city’s strength and innovation.

Today, anyone is free to wander the ever-growing Heidelberg Project. The eerie, quiet timbre gives visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the city’s culture uninterrupted.

Heidelberg Project 04

The vintage red scare propaganda fixed on front lawns piques curiosity from even antique collectors. Guyton’s signature pastel polka-dots cover the street’s homes, although not all residents participate. Alma Brown has lived a block from Heidelberg Street for ten years and, although she appreciates the publicity that forced out organized crime, she doesn’t fancy herself an advocate.

“I’ve seen this project grow so much, but the problem with fame is it’s almost as bad as anonymity in this city,” she says. “I do know the project has reduced crime in the area, and I think using art as a means of cleaning up the city is an excellent solution.”

Heidelberg Project 03

The project’s volunteers see it as a lesson in certitude and grassroots activism.

“I look at it as a tide. It ebbs and flows,” Trey Leggs, a local artist and volunteer, says. “The gangs tear down, we rebuild. They’re almost doing us a favor because every time they burn down a house, we’re in the news, which keeps us relevant. We’re not your classic art gallery, we’re a collective with purpose.”

The Heidelberg Project is a free, self-guided outdoor exhibit suitable for art enthusiasts, visitors interested in the authentic Detroit experience and bored suburban Banksy fans.

David Bowie: A Starman On Film

This week, the world got a little greyer after hearing the news that a musical legend had passed away. David Bowie transcended genres and not only pushed boundaries, but gleefully leaped across them during his musical career that spanned the ’70s, ’80s, right up to this month when he released the album Black Star. However, Ziggy Stardust was not only a musical genius, but a talented actor who had a number of mainstream film roles.

Bowie’s acting career began with a number of parts, including a short film titled The Image in 1967, with a couple of bit parts and uncredited roles following.

Then, following his success with the Space Oddity album in 1978, he was cast as the lead in the apt film The Man Who Fell To Earth.

In this film, Bowie portrayed Thomas Jerome, a humanoid who travels (falls) to Earth to retrieve water to save his dying planet. Whilst on Earth, Jerome sets up his own company in order to gain the funds to return home. Along the way, he meets a girl and traverses the ruthlessness of the business world on his quest to return home. The film was released to some critical praise and earned David a Golden Scroll for his performance.

Roles followed in films such as Baal, a 1982 TV movie and 1983’s Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, where Bowie portrayed a British soldier that enters a Japanese prison camp. This film won a number of awards, though none for Bowie. In the same year, he starred in The Hunger alongside Catherine Denevue and Susan Sarandon, starring in a lead role as an unfortunate soul who has fallen out of favour with a vampire queen.

In 1985, Bowie was cast in Into The Night, starring Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Pfeiffer in a smaller supporting role; and then in 1986 came potentially his most well-loved and iconic film role.

A whole generation of people that grew up in the ’80s and the ’90s will have grown up with the fantasy film Labyrinth. Bowie plays the lead role of Jareth the Goblin King (also known as The Bulge, watch the film to understand). The film focuses on Sarah, a 16-year-old who is babysitting her little brother. As she reads him a story, she wishes the goblins from her favourite book would steal her crying baby brother. The door to the Goblin Kings world opens and he steals the child. In order to get her little brother back, Sarah must find her way through the Labyrinth to the Goblin King’s castle before he turns her brother into a goblin.

This role suited the Starman’s eccentric style. Although he received no awards, the film has been widely acclaimed by both fans and critics. Made by Jim Henson, the talent behind The Muppets, this fantasy played into Bowie’s creative persona perfectly and offered him an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities. The film also allowed him to flex his musical muscles. Jennifer Connelly, co-star in the film, spoke fondly with Entertainment Tonight about her experience filming with Bowie just a few months ago.

In the same year, he was cast in the musical Absolute Beginners, a film adaptation of the novel by Colin MacInnes about life in 1950s London. Roles followed in films such as The Last Temptation of Christ in 1988, The Linguini Incident in 1991 and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me in 1992. In 1996, Bowie took on the role of Andy Warhol in the film Basquiat, and 1998 brought with it a role in Il mio West. The following year, he could be seen in Everybody Loves Sunshine, and 2000 saw him take on the lead role as Mr Rice in Mr Rice’s Secret. The same year, Bowie took on the role of The Host alongside Terence Stamp in the horror anthology TV series The Hunger.

In 2001, the Ben Stiller comedy Zoolander hit cinema screens in a storm of laughter and ironic satire. Bowie performed a cameo that gained him a nomination for Best Cameo at the MTV Movie Awards. In 2006, Bowie took on the role of Nikola Teslar in the outstanding psychological drama The Prestige (he can be seen at 2:05 in the trailer below), which saw him star alongside Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman. Later in 2008, Bowie starred in the drama August, then a role as himself in the teen flick Bandslam in 2009.

It is easy to forget the extent of Bowie’s acting career, which is understandably overshadowed by his music. Whilst his talent most definitely lay in his music, there was some aptitude for acting, especially in roles where he could be creative and eccentric such as Labyrinth. Films such as The Prestige displayed his potential for more serious roles; but he shone in the fantasy style characters, which seemed to more closely suit his character.

Not only has the music industry lost one of its brightest shining stars, but every sector of the arts and entertainment industry now shines a little less brightly. There is a Starman waiting for us in the sky.

Must-Read Books from 2015

Every year, the stack of books sitting on your end table grows taller; and each year, your time becomes more and more precious. We can relate to that time-crunched feeling you get when the New Year is starting and you haven’t yet completed your New Year’s resolutions from the previous year. So, we’ve taken the time to cultivate a list of books you may have missed last year that we think you should make room for in 2016.

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

an ember in the ashes bookThis young adult (YA) fantasy novel was named as one of the best books of the year by Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Popsugar. Tahir weaves an epic story of survival, loyalty and love set in a terrifying ancient Rome-like world. The story unfolds in shifting points of view as Laia struggles to save her brother, and Elias fights for his freedom from the Empire.  An Ember in the Ashes is a satisfying mix of Hunger Games, Romeo and Juliet and Game of Thrones that reminds teen and adult readers alike to never give up hope.

The Bollywood Bride by Sonali Dev

bollywood bride bookThey say not to judge a book by its cover, but Bollywood Bride is just as captivating as the cover’s image. In typical Bollywood fashion, Dev’s novel is a story filled with emotion, family and glimpses of Indian culture. This witty romance tells the story of Ria Parker, a Bollywood star. Ria goes home for her cousin’s wedding when she is confronted with her childhood friend, Vikram, who thinks she’s sold her soul to become a celebrity.

 

Ashley Bell: A Novel by Dean Koontz

ashley bell bookDean Koontz’s newly released fantasy thriller is an unpredictable story featuring a wide array of characters, including a surfer girl, Nazi sympathizer and a Navy seal. Cancer patient Bibi Bell meets these characters and others in an effort to rescue Ashley, a teenager that supernatural messages are prompting her to save.

 

 

House of the Rising Sun by James Lee Burke

house of the rising sun bookHackberry Holland, the novel’s protagonist, is a character straight out of a western. He’s honorable and intelligent, yet troubled by the guilt he feels for his past. House of the Rising Sun follows the Texas ranger as he tries to reconnect with, and later rescue, his estranged son from the crosshairs of an arms dealer who believes the object Hackberry carries is the Holy Grail. Burke’s novel is a beautiful combination of landscapes from the withering Wild West and action packed scenes.

Boys in the Trees by Carly Simon

boys in the trees bookIn her #1 bestselling memoir, Carly Simon, singer of the 1972 #1 hit song You’re So Vain, tells the story of her difficult childhood, musical debut and marriage to James Taylor. The book includes tidbits about how songs came to be; but mostly it is a deeply personal account of her life experiences that showcase the vulnerable person hiding behind her sexy persona.

 

See Me by Nicholas Sparks

see me sparks bookThis is not just another romance. In See Me, Sparks blends his typical love story with a suspenseful thriller. Yes, the protagonists, Maria and Colin, meet by chance and fall in love; but they also face a terrifying series of events triggered by someone from Maria’s past. See Me is the perfect read for those who want a little romance combined with an Alex Cross style mystery.

 

5 Films to Inspire a Positive Year

New Year is a time when we all naturally make resolutions – a new year, a new beginning. Yet by the middle of January, inevitably, gyms go unvisited, diets go uncompleted and we revert to our usual ways. Here are some films that will help inspire you to keep those resolutions and make those changes.

Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)

bridget jones diaryDon’t want to “die alone, and half eaten by Alsatians”? Or turn into Glen Close in Fatal Attraction? Neither does Bridget.

Bridget Jones’s Diary is a strong contender for a New Year’s positivity film as it starts with that moment. That moment when you realize that you actually need to change something.

Bridget Jones is a 30-something singleton who lives alone and is unlucky in love. The film follows Bridget as she decides to take control of her life and start a diary. Through this, we learn of her trials and tribulations with family and relationships, with the unwavering support of her friends. Bridget forges her path through the let-downs and the obstacles placed in front of her to gain her own happy ending, via a fantastic comeuppance for a cheating boyfriend.

Bridget gives us all hope that we can get our happy ending, that a New Year and a new start may well bring with it the job, the partner and the outcome that we desire. Even if we do have to dress up as a sexy bunny rabbit and eat a turkey curry buffet.

What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993)

tina whats love got to do with itWhilst for most of us the desire to make changes comes from an unfulfilled career or an unhealthy lifestyle, there are others whose lives need changing for much more serious reasons. A dangerous domestic situation, for example. This brings us to the inspirational story of Tina Turner.

Tina Turner is woman enough to be an inspiration without a film. Heck, she was Aunty Entity in Beyond Thunderdome. But her story is one of pain, one of abuse and one of strength.

What’s Love Got to Do with It chronicles Tina’s rise to fame from a farm in Nutbush City to international stardom through her turbulent relationship with her husband Ike Turner, who propelled her to fame via his band the Kings of Rhythm. Through hideous mental and physical abuse, Tina (real name Anna May Bullock) found her inner strength and released herself of Ike’s oppressive hold.

If ever a film was made to inspire people to change their lives and believe in their ability to do so, this is it. Keep Rolling on the River.

Working Girl (1988)

working girlMany people will be making career-based New Year’s resolutions in 2016, to get out of that rut and push forward to achieve goals. If you need inspiration to attain and maintain those resolutions, 1988’s Working Girl has you covered.

Melanie Griffith stars as Tess McGill, a secretary in a stock market office who has big dreams, and a talent to match. Unfortunately, she is struggling to be seen in a male-dominated world saturated with respected degrees and impressive portfolios. But Tess isn’t just over looked by men; she is disrespected by the women that have made it in the business due to her lowly status. But McGill is strong. She fights back when people try to use or abuse her and fights for what she believes in, which is herself and her abilities.

Working Girl instills self-belief in its audience, regardless of background, gender or education. With a strong enough belief in yourself and some hard work, anyone can attain their dreams.

South Paw (2015)

southpawOne film of recent years that offers encouragement and inspiration for men looking to change their lives is 2015’s South Paw. Jake Gyllenhaal plays boxer Billy Hope. When Hope is at the peak of his career everything is taken away from him in a devastating twist. He hits rock bottom and turns to a boxing trainer to help him fight his way back up to where he wants to be. Inner strength and facing up to his own bad decisions and inner demons are the name of this game.

South Paw demonstrates that no matter how bad life may get, if you tap into your strength and recognize what it is you need to do, you can accomplish extraordinary things.

North Country (2005)

north countryDrive and ambition are two of the main components in most people’s resolutions, as are determination and strength. In North Country, Charlize Theron’s character Josey Aimes has these attributes in bucket loads and she uses them to achieve her goals.

In 1980’s America, female mine workers were rare, and those that did exist existed in a world of chauvinistic male mockery and abuse. Until Josey came along. Josey has been at the hands of an abusive man before, and she has stood up and walked away with her kids. She displays an immense amount of strength and independence. So when she sees how woman are treated in the mines, she decides to stand up and fight it, but it is lonely out on a limb on your own.

Through her grit and her will to get what is right, she keeps fighting. Her prolonged fight and determination to never give up is a story that inspires and influences those that watch it.

10 Songs to Inspire You to Love Yourself

It’s Monday and you’re feeling down on yourself. You’ve forgotten how much you’re worth and need a pick-me-up. One of my favorite tracks that makes me feel better about myself is P!nk’s “Perfect”. Yet, there is so much more to musical self-esteem boosters than pop ballads. There are empowering songs in other genres such as R&B, rock and funk. Give the feel-good vibes of this eclectic playlist a try to love yourself more.

  1. “Unpretty” by TLC
  1. “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera
  1. “Perfect” by P!nk
  1. “Special” by Janet Jackson
  1. “Q.U.E.E.N.” by Janelle Monae
  1. “Everybody Is A Star” by Sly and The Family Stone
  1. “The Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston
  1. “Insecure” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
  1. “The Whole World Is Watching” by Within Temptation
  1. “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi

Lipstick Traces

While girl groups such as the Spice Girls, Destiny’s Child and Wilson Phillips made their mark on ’90s pop with an intoxicating blend of melancholic melodies and heartbreaking harmonies, a new generation of young women has seized on the hidden strength of those classic maidens of melodrama and infused the tradition with a tough, punky edge. Here’s a set of girl group tunes from then and now for the tough- and tenderhearted alike.

 

 

  1. “Eternal Flame” by The Bangles
  2. “Our Lips Are Sealed” by The Go-Go’s
  3. “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child
  4. “No Scrubs” by  TLC
  5. “Hold On” by Wilson Phillips
  6. “What’s Up”  by 4 Non Blondes
  7. “My Boyfriend’s Back” by The Angels
  8. “Wannabe” by Spice Girls 
  9. “If I Could Change Your Mind” by HAIM
  10. “Worth It” by Fifth Harmony 

 

New Christmas Classics for the Holiday Season

Christmas music is as much a holiday tradition as the cookies, the tree, the presents and even the big guy himself, Santa Claus. And every year your local radio stations crank up the Johnny Mathis, Dean Martin and Brenda Lee, playing the same tunes, beloved though they may be, ad nauseam. While these songs are cherished for a reason, they need to make room for a new, swingin’ set of seasonal favorites. Look, you’ve done the jingle bell rock, you’ve seen mommy kissing Santa Claus and you’re well aware that “baby, it’s cold outside” (and, while we’re on the topic, you’re probably none too thrilled about the implication either). So with that in mind, here’s a Christmas playlist of shoulda-been, coulda-been and surely soon-to-be yuletide classics.

 

1. Coldest Night of the Year

by Vashti Bunyan

Well, it’s supposed to be cold in December, and even if it isn’t, this folk-pop number from British chanteus, Vashti Bunyan, is a lovely alternative to the many “please stay so we can make-out” standards of the season.

 

2. I Wish You a Merry Christmas

by Big Dee & Little Eva

No Christmas party is complete without this upbeat swinger from the lady who taught us all how to do the Locomotion. Pour some eggnog and cut a rug.

 

3. Presents for Christmas

by Solomon Burke

You can practically hear the wrapping paper being ripped to shreds as this classic from the 1968 Atlantic Records Soul Christmas LP plays. It’s guaranteed to make those socks you’re bound to get a little more interesting.

 

4. Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)

by The Ramones

Let’s not kid ourselves: the holidays are stressful. Sure, there’s good cheer, peace on Earth and all that, but disagreements are inevitable. Should you encounter an acrimonious moment or two this Christmas, worry not, as the boys from Queens have just the solution.

 

5. Merry Christmas Everybody

by Slade

A monster of a hit in England and an official “Christmas number one” on the British airwaves (a unique radio tradition in the UK), Slade’s holiday anthem has slowly, but steadily found its way to the States. And with good reason: it’s a warm, nostalgic and totally rockin’ ode to December 25.

 

6. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday

by Wizzard

A sentiment that in theory we can all probably get behind, “I Wish it Could Be Christmas Everyday,” evokes that joyous feeling you get when everything is in full swing, everyone is having a grand time and you really don’t want the season to end. Of course, a day later you might feel quite different. (Note: this song can be quite effective during the dog days of summer as well.)

 

7. Rock and Roll Santa

by The 5.6.7.8’s

Everyone’s favorite all-female Japanese retro-rockablly trio tackle this yuletide rave-up by first generation rockabilly singer, Little Joey Farber. It delivers an instant party.

 

8. Back Door Santa

by Clarence Carter

You can’t have the “nice” without the “naughty.” This fun, raunchy ode to Santa as a lovable cad also provides the sample for Run-DMC’s classic, “Christmas in Hollis.”

 

9. Jesus Christ

by Big Star

Christmas is, of course, a religious holiday whether we celebrate it with that in mind or not. Though not a religious man himself, Big Star frontman, Alex Chilton, knew what made a good tune. The jangling guitar pop of “Jesus Christ” has emerged as a holiday staple for a new generation of revelers.

 

10. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

by Aimee Mann

While Mann is better known for her melancholy numbers about life’s more tragic characters, her recent foray into Christmas has presented a new side to her artistry. Her rendition of this holiday standard evokes both the beauty and the subtle mournfulness of the season.

 

11. Silent Night

by The Temptations

Motown is perhaps the definitive American record label, once called “the Sound of Young America,” so it’s no surprise then that the label’s Christmas albums would be a source for new holiday standards. The Temptations take on perhaps the most solemn of Christmas carols, from their 1970 album The Temptations Christmas Card, is handled with a deep soulful warmth thanks in large part to the bass vocals of Melvin Franklin.

New Orleans State of Mind: Remembering Allen Toussaint

The recent passing of composer, producer, singer-songwriter and pianist, Allen Toussaint, is a reminder of the rich and stunning musical legacy of the Crescent City. Here’s a set of songs celebrating the life of a true New Orleans music legend and the city he called home.

  1. “Ooh Poo Pah Doo” by Jessie Hill
  2. “Cissy Strut” by The Meters
  3. “Sweet Touch of Love” by Allen Toussaint
  4. “12 Red Roses” by Betty Harris
  5. “A Certain Girl” by Ernie K-Doe
  6. “Fortune Teller” by Benny Spellman
  7. “It’s Raining” by  Irma Thomas
  8. “Over You” by Aaron Neville
  9. “Lady Marmalade” by Labelle
  10. “Working in a Coal Mine” by Lee Dorsey
  11. “Yes We Can” by Allen Toussaint