I’ve always been mystified by tattoos. The permanence, the colors, the designs, the needles, and especially the back-stories have captured my attention for years. It’s the willingness of people to make a permanent impact on their own bodies for such amazing and powerful causes that really moves me. It’s a process that has changed my views on beauty, expression, self-discovery and healing. Tattoos, although often considered taboo, have the potential to bring peace and happiness in ways no other act can. To me, that’s pretty cool.

Now on the opposite side of the spectrum, I’ve had friends who have gone out and inked themselves up simply to celebrate being young and rebellious. Forgive me if I offend, but so many of my friends tattooed themselves (last names on backs for the guys and random stars on feet for girls) that I almost lost it. Is there a point to randomly branding yourself with a collection of meaningless stars or your own name? Regardless of personal preference and what is considered “cool,” I want to highlight some truly amazing works of art I’ve come across recently.

For starters, I met a mom the other day who tattooed a tree on her back. It was her 50th birthday gift to herself representing 20 years of sobriety and growth. The woman had fought through alcoholism, a nasty divorce and raised three boys on her own. She said the tree was a constant reminder of her ability to keep growing. Poetic right?

Another girl uses her body as a sort of list of her accomplishments. Each time she overcomes a struggle or achieves an important goal, she gets a tattoo. Some of her tattoos represent participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure walk, graduating college and starting her own business. Now this process of achieving and inking isn’t exactly my style, but for her, it’s a perfect fit.

Finally I’ve met several girls in my time who get tattoos for more therapeutic reasons. The list could go on and on for those who have remembered deceased loved ones with tattoos and I’ll admit it’s something I’ve even considered myself. My friend Sara whose mother died from cancer (similar to mine) has the most beautiful tattoo of purple angel wings on her right thigh. When I asked her about them, she looked at me with a cheesy smile and said, “Purple was her favorite color, and now she’s always at my side.”

Whatever the reason people choose to get tattoos (as long as there is a reason), I think the potential exists for them to be an incredibly healing and nurturing experience. The absolute permanent marking of a symbol or message onto a person’s body can only mean that the choice to do so is an incredible story. Maybe the next time you encounter someone with some interesting tattoos, ask the obvious question. Why? The answers could really leave quite an impression.

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One basket at a time, Rwandan women are weaving their brutalized country back together. As citizens of one of the most devastated countries in the world, these women refuse to let the anger and bitterness from their land’s history affect its future. Rather, through self-sufficiency, hope and basket-weaving, they are leading their nation’s rebirth.

Between April and July of 1994, a swift and incomprehensible genocide swept through Rwanda over the course of 100 days. An estimated 800,000 Tutsi Rwandans and sympathizers were systematically slaughtered by their Hutu neighbors and militia with support from government and political leaders. While men were massacred, women and children were raped and mutilated. The terror left a population of only 30 % men and nearly 70 % women.

Coping with one of the gravest human atrocities in modern history is a considerable feat for any nation, let alone one with as tumultuous a past as Rwanda. But the country’s recovery has been remarkable and is now viewed as a model for other developing countries. In fact, a CNN foreign affairs analyst has even dubbed Rwanda as Africa’s “biggest success story.” And the country can thank its women for its present stability, economic growth, and rising education levels.

“I [saw] an opportunity to empower the women of Rwanda,” said Willa Shalit, reflecting on a 2003 trip where she first discovered the Rwandan women’s unique talent. By partnering with Macy’s and Gahaya Links, Shalit’s company Fairwinds Trading markets exquisitely handwoven baskets to American consumers for the Rwanda Path to Peace project. Proceeds are given to the artisan women who then invest their new-found income in their families.

“What I earn helps me take myself out of poverty,” attests weaver Justine in an interview with CBS. “Today I can buy a dress, I can feed my children.”

Moreover, these baskets benefit the nation as a whole as the project’s impact extends beyond individual family units. Through income made by weavers, entire villages can afford clean water and mosquito netting to combat deadly diseases. HIV-positive weavers can also better meet their medical needs with more access to healthcare and medication.

But the greatest impact is perhaps the least tangible. Another weaver, Dorcille Uwimana, reflects on the influence she and her fellow weavers have had on their homeland. “We have taught the country to move beyond hatred. We realized we cannot always be angry at each other. We have to weave. We have to make our lives better.”

For a country that has been torn asunder by inhumane man-on-man violence, reconciliation has been accomplished through women. And it is women who are the breadwinners, the catalysts, and the leaders.

The Rwandan widow-weavers prove what has been an increasing realization – that channeling aid to women and girls is the best way to combat global poverty and extremism. As New York Times reporters Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn write, “women and girls aren’t the problem; they’re the solution.”

Baskets are available for purchase from Macys.com.

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This past week I had the chance to speak with Anjelica and Ariel of the budding nonprofit, One is Greater Than None. These two girls, along with six others, started a organization at age 14 to raise money to save trafficked children in Ghana, Africa. After discovering it would require approximately $4,300 to save just one child, the enterprising young ladies decided to craft bracelets attached to cards that would educate people about the troubles in the African nation. There also were T-shirts, emblazoned with their logo, “1>0,” complete with the tag line “Be Part of the Equation.” Since their humble beginnings in 2007, the girls have raised over $100,000 and helped 48 children.

The girls, now 16, are moving on to help people in rural parts of the U.S. with Remote Area Medical (RAM), an organization supplying free medical care to rural areas. The mission is to motivate people by showing that even the smallest amount can help change the world.

Before seeing the Oprah episode “The Boy Oprah Couldn’t Forget,” what made you girls want to start a charity?

Ariel: Well, we all come from fairly comfortable backgrounds and families that involved us in charitable things since we were young.

Anjelica: We wanted to do something fun with our friends.

Who are some of the people the One is Greater Than None girls look up to?

Ariel: Oprah! Ah, Pam Cope who started Touch a Life. She helps orphanages around the world. She’s like a saint ― honestly the most amazing person! Eric Peasah from the International Organization for Migration. Oh, and Taylor Swift!

Anjelica: Yes!

Unison: TAYLOR SWIFT!

Ariel: We are in love with Taylor Swift! She knows who she is and she’s just a great role model.

Anjelica: We blast her music in the car when we’re all headed somewhere together and sing along!

 

 

The simplicity of this organization and the amount of impact it has is inspiring. Is there a lot of planning? What is a typical week for the girls like?

Ariel: Every Sunday there’s a meeting with all eight girls and sometimes the moms. Everyone is in charge of a certain something. We get help from parents on things we can’t do because of our age.

Anjelica: We usually do one charity a week. It’s great having eight girls because two girls can go here and two girls go there.

So much has happened with One is Greater Than None in the last two years. Are you overwhelmed with the amount people have given?

Ariel: I’m in shock that this is even happening, that we’ve been able to do so much in such a short time. People give so much!

How do you balance school, running a life-saving nonprofit and a personal life?

Ariel: Time management! It’s sort of like: Alright, Sundays ― make 20 bracelets; Saturday ― do all my homework in the morning then go hang out with friends.

Anjelica: I’ve learned how to manage time from being in the charity.

Ariel: Yeah, there’s not as much room for procrastination.

You ladies have accomplished so much at such a young age. In the midst of everything do you feel put together?

Ariel: I’m confident but am still learning who I am. As far as school and social life, I’m still learning how to feel put together.

Anjelica: This charity has helped shape who I am today. I’m a more mature person, more put together than if I hadn’t done this.

Your mission statement says that “any contribution, no matter how small, has value.” How can people be part of the equation daily, weekly, monthly or yearly?

Ariel: As far as helping the charity, you can donate, buy jewelry and spread the word. Organize something at school for us. We LOVE speaking at middle schools and high schools because students are so impacted by our message! For the world, any random acts of kindness. Just try to make the world a better place. There are so many different ways to help and get involved.

Anjelica: Definitely volunteer your time.

To donate to One is Greater Than None, purchase jewelry or clothing please visit Oneisgreaterthannonoe.org.

And remember, “Any contribution, no matter how small, has value.”

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As a number of governments, including Britain and France, have approached passing censorship laws on advertisements, a number of critical discussions have come to light in the courtroom. Some parliamentarians have speculated that censorship is this or that while others fully support the policies. The biggest arguments have been over the literal versus the emotional. The debate between advertising as a business expense and advertising as art is a huge battle being played on the ethical playground.

In the wake of the current technological revolution, advertisers have been caught in a creative vice. Though the use of traditional media like television, radio and print play a vital part in any advertising campaign, marketers are finding target markets harder to reach. Glitz and glam no longer catch the attention of specific demographics as most are over media-saturated. In efforts to wade through the online noise and social media clamor, advertisers have taken to guerilla tactics in order to captivate their audience. Innovative collaborations include:

• Numerous bikes spray-painted neon orange were left all over New York City to promote DKNY.com. The bikes were located in front of coffee shops and chained to street poles at major intersections with the Web site painted on the side.

• Piles of mock gold bullions complete with the phrase “If you have me, I was stolen” were planted throughout the streets of London promoting artist Paul Insect’s latest exhibit.

• Aqua Teen Hunger Force created Lite-Brite type advertisements all over Boston to promote the Adult Swim Network show. The ads caused several large traffic shutdowns when they were mistaken for bomb threats.

Although it is exciting to see artistic creativity displayed through marketing there can be a serious danger in associating advertising with art.

With certain marketing tactics advertising can take a manipulative turn for the worst as marketers work to draw an audience to have an emotional connection with the product, idea or person. This was wildly popular throughout the mid-90s thanks to brands like Saturn and Coca-Cola and has now become standard practice in promotional planning. Advertisers have consistently found that if an audience has an emotional connection with a product, a loyal customer can be forged. Ethical lines begin to blur as speculation asks if this particular advertising strategy has an association with brainwashing.

The important thing to keep in mind is that although advertising is vital to advance in business and commerce, a solid system of checks and balances should be formed. Advertising needs a clean frame to work inside of and until a better solution is created the censorship debate will rage on.

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Remember when you were in school and there was a prescribed reading list to delve into over the summer? Back then, you might have viewed that list as a chore (homework for the entire summer), but now that you’re a bit older and wiser, you realize diving into a great story can enhance your vacation. Here are just a few literary adventures to embark on this season:

Pack in Your Beach Bag
Commencement
J. Courtney Sullivan

Whether you’ve just graduated or those fond college memories are a bit further in the distance, Sullivan’s debut novel will have you reconnecting with former classmates. The story follows four young women who meet their first year at Smith College as they undergo the ups and inevitable downs of academia as well as its real-world aftermath. Far from standard chick lit, this book has a serious side thanks to compelling, educated leading ladies who still have a lot to learn.

In-Flight Reading
Requiem for a Paper Bag: Celebrities and Civilians Tell Stories of the Best Lost, Tossed, and Found Items from Around the World
Davy Rothbart

This treasure trove may inspire you to sift through finds at the local thrift store once you reach your destination. The publisher of the magazine Found, which prints notes and letters people find on the street, delivers this anthology of musicians, writers, entertainers and artists as they detail unique items they’ve come across. The compilation is a bit of a scavenger hunt but there are several hidden gems from the likes of Chuck D, Andy Samberg and Sarah Vowell.

Experience the Book before Seeing the Movie
My Sister’s Keeper
Jodi Picoult

Sure it’s up on the big screen with stars like Cameron Diaz, Jason Patric and Abigail Breslin, but this moral odyssey is worth contemplating in print. Thirteen-year-old Anna Fitzgerald was born with a unique birthright — she was designed by her parents to save her sister Kate who has been battling leukemia since she was two. In an effort to have a say in her destiny, Anna seeks to be medically emancipated from her parents. It might get a bit overly melodramatic, but the tale of a family simultaneously torn apart and brought together by a devastating illness is worth the read. You can always see it in the theater or rent it later.

Just for Kicks
What Would Keith Richards Do?: Daily Affirmations from a Rock and Roll Survivor
Jessica Pallington West

Have you ever found yourself in a tricky situation and wondered what would the legendary Keith Richards do? Probably not, but it’s still entertaining to take in the Rolling Stones guitarist’s musings enclosed in the pages of this affirmative guide. We can only hope someone comes out with a What Would Joan Jett Do? counterpart in the near future.

photo by margo conner

abigail breslin, books, camerson diaz, davy rothbart, j. courtney sullivan, jason patric, jessica pallington west, joan jett, jodi picoult, keith richards, list, reading, rolling stones, summer Hide

Steven Soderbergh’s new work The Girlfriend Experience chronicles the life of Chelsea, a high-end Manhattan escort who offers not just sex but companionship. Although the film has received mixed reviews, much attention has been aimed at its 21-year-old star, adult film actress Sasha Grey.

While a porn star crossing over is hardly breaking news, Grey’s attitude toward her transition is. She rolls her eyes when interviewers ask whether she’s going mainstream, clarifying that this role is simply another avenue for her creative will. She isn’t leaving the XXX world for Hollywood’s spotlight; rather, her box-office debut is just another step in pushing open female sexuality.

Since the age of 18, Grey has made a name for herself as the pornography’s go-to gal for extreme, hardcore scenes. She revels in the dirtiest of the dirty and claims to have entered the adult industry to revolutionize it. In a 2006 interview with Los Angeles Magazine, Grey simply declares, “It’s porn. Make it ridiculous, make it disgusting, make it loud and filthy – that’s what I want to do on film. That’s why I’m in the business.”

As shocking as that statement is, it’s this self-awareness that makes Grey’s foray into what many consider to be abhorrent so perplexing. The question that we ask Grey’s Girlfriend character – whether a woman in such an exploitative business can really have control over her life – is the same that we ask Grey herself. And because of her age and chosen profession, recent media coverage has bypassed the film and instead has asked young Grey, “How could you?”

While I aim to avoid this moralistic clucking, I wonder how much control Grey truly has in an industry that promotes such degradation of women. Though I praised Kelli McCarty’s self-assurance in my article discussing her crossover into porn, Grey is different because of her intention. Whereas McCarty appears to be guided by her simple enjoyment of sex (of which there’s nothing wrong), Grey’s pornographic motives are political and maybe even philosophical.

“It all goes back to existentialism,” she tells TheDailyBeast.com. “It’s about taking control of your own life, and your own past – not letting anybody do that for you.” And according to an interview with Adbusters.org, that control is over female sexuality.

She tells writer Doug Haddow that it’s “bizarre” when “the word vagina is a disgusting, vile word.” She explains that actual pornography is “pure junk for the mind” and that “more than half of the news we see on television today is pornographic because it’s not real news.” Lamenting the lack of real sexual dialogue in America, Grey genuinely believes that her explicit filmography promotes a positive understanding of sexual health.

Grey’s cause is an important one, and our society sorely lacks the discussion that will disentangle female sexuality from paternalistic chains and sickening exploitation. However, Grey’s choice of medium simply undercuts her message. Her foray into pornography’s underbelly may be a sincere exploration of the edges of human sexuality, but her vision isn’t transmitted when she offends more than she educates. Grey’s message is too imperative to get lost in XXX muck. Though she may venture into the dark all she wants for her own career, she needs to bring her voice into the light for real change to happen.

doug haddow, female sexuality, hollywood, kelli mccarty, pornography, sasha grey, sexuality, steven soderbergh, xxx Hide

Instead of spending time indoors this summer, make the most of the weather by creating an outdoor oasis. Designing your own personal paradise doesn’t cost much, but does require some imagination.

An apartment with a small balcony or patio is easy to plan. If you have a larger yard, you’ll need to find a spot which offers something appealing — like a large tree that provides natural seclusion.

Cover the Basics. A rug will do wonders for an outdoor space — just make sure to place it over a hard service. Something about a rug on the ground makes an outdoor getaway so much more inviting. Don’t spend too much on this item (the weather will eventually get to it), and if you live in a cold climate, remember to store it during the winter and rainy months.

Sitting Pretty. Finding the right furniture depends on how you want to allocate your outdoor space. For a small patio, settle on two café chairs and a petite table. For a large yard, set up some sort of dining area as well as a place to sit down and relax with a drink after work.

Shop thrift stores and Craigslist for outdoor dining furniture. Mix and match chairs and use outdoor spray paints to cover any flaws in the furniture. Ikea also offers inexpensive outdoor furniture. If you decide to make your own, remember to use outdoor fabric for the cushions.

Privacy Factor. Large planted trees and potted plants are the best way to create a private place. Small fruit trees are great, and available at Home Depot or any nursery. Cactus and succulents are very popular right now and require very little maintenance.

Define your space with walls made of potted plants (five or six identical large plots arranged in a row on one side of the patio or designated area). These plants help separate your oasis from other parts of the yard. An herb garden also could be great in these pots, and you can add them to summer recipes.

Hanging plants above eye level (but not so high that you see the bottom of the pots) is a great way to add privacy. Mini petunias are ideal plants for these hanging baskets because they can take a mixture of sun and shade. Up for more of a challenge? Invest your green in plain terra cotta flower pots and paint them with acrylic paint. Buy a bunch of random vintage planters and pots from thrift stores for a more creative space.

Up the Wall. Don’t forget vertical spaces. Vines and even potted plants can make an outdoor wall come alive. Hang an uneven number of white glazed wall planters on your outdoor wall. Then plant with the hanging flowers of your choice.

Finishing Touches. This is where the real creativity kicks in. You can add small water fountains, candles and outdoor pillows to complete your space. Then invite friends over for a summer soiree to enjoy your new retreat.

photo by caroline remabulous

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Twenty-five-year-old Amber Tarcha has become accustomed to explaining her unconventional living room decorations to her guests. But she says the two poles she uses for dancing have given her an incredible amount of confidence, and are well worth the explanations.

“There are always a few comments from people coming into my house for the first time, but it’s not a big deal,” Tarcha said. “It’s almost like we [woman] are a threat if we harness sexuality and athleticism together. That’s something men don’t have, and I think people have a hard time accepting that in their minds.”

Tarcha started teaching pole dancing from her Texas home in December 2008, after installing two poles in her living room. The native Texan describes her pole dancing classes as “elegant, graceful and sensual.” And her students agree, saying they gained a whole new perspective after taking Tarcha’s classes.

“There’s nothing like that [pole dancing]. It’s awesome. You go in there and you’re kind of fumbling around,” said Lorie Young, who was Tarcha’s student. “I was really surprised how quickly I picked it up.”
“I like to think after pole dancing you leave wanting to strut down the street, smile and wink at people because you feel so energized and confident … Something very powerful, and sometimes emotional, comes out when you can express yourself through … dance.”

Poles come in many different forms. There are spinning, stationary, stainless steel, chrome and titanium gold poles, to name a few. Regardless of the plethora of poles to choose from, there are mainly two types of pole dancing, said Tarcha.

Artistic pole, or Chinese pole dancing, differs from exotic dancing, said Tarcha. She likes to incorporate ballet, tango and other dance moves into her pole dancing routine and classes. Tarcha compares her routines more toward acrobatic and Chinese pole dancing. She is also a cloth performer with the Blue Lapis Light Company, which performs site-specific aerial work.

“The challenge I face is that there are a lot of other women who do pole dancing and choose to use it more sexually.” Tarcha continued, “I love that pole dancing is very empowering and brings out the sensuality of women.” Early this year Tarcha attended the Pole Competition in New York. She applied as a contestant, but was denied.

Just telling people she “pole dances” often elicits a certain image and puts her into a “sexually charged” category, said Tarcha. But she and her students said women should be free to embrace their sexuality however they deem appropriate—even if it involves a pole.

“For now it’s such a limited perspective of what pole dancing is. I learned how difficult of a sport it is. To do the positions Amber [Tarcha] does is really, really difficult.” Young added, “It’s really heightened my respect for anyone doing pole dancing.”

More challenging than breaking the stigma of pole dancing is Tarcha’s search for a dance studio large enough to hold the increasing amount of women interesting in pole dancing. The 25-year-old is writing a business plan and seeking to open her own dance studio.

“I would love to ultimately share and serve others in experiencing body awareness, empowerment … that pole dancing and the aerial arts has provided me,” Tarcha said.

“I also want to be an example and leader in having pole and aerial dancing taken more seriously as a professional sport and continue to expose it to others.”

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As an interior designer (and daughter of a notable antiques/collectible dealer), I’ve spent many hours combing stores for hidden treasures — some more valuable than others. One of the least expensive and most creative ways to furnish your home is shopping at your local thrift store.

Sometimes my friends have a hard time using other people’s second hand goods, and there are certain items to avoid — like mattresses and bedding. I know some people steer clear of upholstered furniture, but most designers can look past the ugly, stained pink damask upholstery and see a beautiful, newly-upholstered antique chair.

Here’s a short guide to successful household hunting at thrift stores:

Art appreciation. There’s so much good art to be found at thrift stores. My mom once found a really famous piece of art that sold for thousands at an auction. I’ve found extremely valuable art as well. (My most recent score was an Ansel Adams photo.) I also have random works of art from unknown artists hanging on my wall. If you like it and it’s a good deal, buy it.

Novel discovery. Many valuable first edition books can be unearthed at thrift stores. A lot of used book stores and libraries donate to these stores and you can use the antique and tattered editions for decorating purposes. Look for books according to their cover.

Mismatched set. Stores like Anthropologie find amazing vintage products at thrift stores and then copy them with new materials. I prefer the original. I love old decanter sets and antique plates. Since many of the plate sets are missing a piece, you can mix and match pieces from different collections to create your own set. Just make sure you check the bottom of the piece (reproductions are getting really good, so watch out for labels reading “Pottery Barn”).

A good case. Thrift stores have tons of cool vintage and antique bookcases. Just make sure to bring someone with an SUV or truck along with you to the store. (Some thrift stores deliver, but charge an extra fee.) Occasionally you’ll come across a beautiful buffet or side table that can be used as-is, but other pieces require minimal restoration. My favorite find — a pink, vintage metal locker for a remarkable $5. Similar lockers on eBay sell for hundreds of dollars.

Upholster. It is highly unlikely you will find a piece of furniture that doesn’t need to be re-upholstered. Remember to include the cost of fabric and re-upholstering the piece when deciding on whether or not it’s worth buying. Re-upholstering a chair can cost anywhere from $150 to $300, while a sofa may run anywhere from $250 to $800. Some designers buy a sofa for $150, re-upholster it for about $500 (including fabric) and turn it around and sell it for close to $3,000.

Thrift store shopping does require some creativity, but doesn’t demand an expensive budget.

photo by stephen jones

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A blank piece of paper stays clean and untouched while I stare at the endless amounts of uninspiring new music releases. I try hard to find something that I somewhat enjoy but I just can’t seem to put my name behind it or recommend it. Where do you turn when you need to write an article featuring the latest music? How do you soothe the monthly urge to find new artists? Somebody or something, please save me from this musical turmoil!

I paced around my office for a bit, wracking my brain whilst jumping up and down, when all of a sudden, my jumping caused my mouse to move and woke my computer. Like a heaven sent, my Internet browser appeared and revealed my answer. Pandora Radio. (Insert an angel choir here.)

As if an immaculate stream of light beamed me towards my computer, I submitted and willingly took a seat at my desk. My stations were all there, ready to provide me with old and new artists.

Can I just say that Pandora is awesome!? It literally allows me to make my own personal radio station. It’s like my TiVo for music. Love it!

I scrolled down my usual radio stations and decided if I need new music I should create a new station. And the new station that was born was, and still is, amazing. Most of the bands I found are not new, but sometimes the right ones need to be revisited and given a second time to shine.

These artists not only emulate my current mood of excitingly happy summer music with a twist of stank but they are also compositionally brilliant. Enough of my chitchat. Let’s get our love child talk on.

Jens Lekman - If Morrisey and Sufjan Stevens had a child who was inspired by children’s books.

The Sounds – If the Ting Tings and the 4 Non Blondes had a baby out of wedlock.

Stars - The Sundays and Death Cab for Cutie had a summer romance.

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