On the first day of Spring, a celebration of Holi (the Indian festival of colors) took place in New York City in Dag Hammarskjold Plaza. The event, held annually in New York City, is a chance for the Indian people to share their cultural traditions and customs. Holi traditionally takes place when the monsoons end, as a joyous celebration of a good harvest and the coming of light.

The New York celebration reflected many of the same customs that surround the occasion back in India. Most well known, of course, is the use of colored powders called Gulal, which are thrown, sprinkled, or smeared on people’s faces or clothing.

Applying the color is supposed to take all the sorrow away and make life more plentiful. Gulal is prepared in a rainbow of vibrant colors such as majenta, purple, blue, green, and yellow that make the whole occasion fun and joyous. The airborne colors spread positive energy into the atmosphere and everybody seems to love being covered in the vibrant hues.

In Dag Hamarskjold Plaza they also had a stage where various performances took place throughout the afternoon. The engaging host bridged the various acts with snippets of traditional folk songs, jokes, and other pleasantries. One of the things he asked the crowd to participate in was spontaneous laughter, which he said was an ancient health enhancing technique.

Later, a group of male and female Bhangra dancers came onto the stage wearing colorful headdresses and intricately embroidered fabrics. Bangra originated in Northern India where it was part of the harvest celebrations. This is why the dancers maintain very happy expressions on their faces while performing. Another group was composed of female dancers wearing earrings, bracelets and bells on their feet, with beautiful white flowers laced into their hair.

There was a lot of delicious Indian food being served, including sandwiches, vegetable samosas and tasty juices like mango, which is very popular in India. People were circulating around the plaza with trays of Indian sweets,which were offered freely as samples to the crowd. I happily tried a few of them, including a “Ledoo”, which is basically a brightly colored and sweetened rice ball.

The NYC celebration of Holi was a fun and lively way to sample some fascinating Indian culture right here in Manhattan. The music, the dancing, the joyous people, and the delicious food transported me to India for the afternoon.

Despite the cold, New York City has not had much snow lately. Last week there was a blizzard, and the rare opportunity to shoot a snow covered Central Park finally presented itself.

In the early morning after the blizzard, the snow was still perfectly pure. Central Park was not yet full of people, and the soft morning light made the whole scene mystical. It felt like entering some otherworldly realm. Everything from the trees to the bridges was covered in fresh white snow.

The Angel of the Waters, atop Bethesda Fountain, stood frozen in a blanket of heavenly white. Rows of Elm trees, whose snowy branches curve upward from either side, gave the impression of an outdoor cathedral.

For a brief moment in time before the crowds arrived to break the spell, Central Park became the enchanted landscape captured in this video. – Will Bradford

Berlin’s annual international film festival is wrapping up after more than a week of red carpet premieres. This dynamic city, with its avant garde music and art scene, is a magnet for celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp, who have made Berlin their home away from home. Many fashion designers, graphic artists, and musicians have also chosen Berlin as the place to showcase their work. This cross-pollination of creative types has made Berlin a truly international and cosmopolitan city. For travelers seeking a dose of history and culture, Berlin will deliver. The vibrant scene that’s been taking hold ever since the Wall came down is making Berlin one of the most talked about destinations in Europe.

The street life in Berlin is wonderfully teeming with creative energy. In every direction there are shops, cafes, restaurants and parks for relaxing. A walk or bike ride around town reveals the unique qualities of the various districts. Potsdamer Platz, a main square in Berlin, is where you can find futuristic architecture, a large shopping center and a spectacle of lights when night falls. Mitte is the hip and upscale fashion district where artists and writers converge. The neighborhoods of Kreuzberg and Neukölln, where immigrant populations first settle upon arrival, have a gritty appeal reminiscent of New York’s East Village before it became so gentrified.

Visitors can look forward to an incredibly dynamic nightlife in Berlin. Locals can be found enjoying all genres of music in various clubs playing anything from rock-n-roll to dance music. In fact, the club culture is so vast you can find a range of parties on any night of the week. Popular clubs such as Watergate, Tresor, Cookies and Berghain feature indie bands playing to a packed crowd every night.

Another thing delighting visitors to Berlin is the low cost of living compared to most European cities. It’s possible to eat delicious food and stay in comfortable accommodations for a modest price, but who knows how long this will last, so intrepid travelers are heading to Berlin before prices inevitably rise to the levels of cities like Paris or London.

Decades after the Berlin Wall fell and ended the separation of East and West, the city is still in a glorious state of transition. Economic development has resulted from artists and entrepreneurs breathing new life into the city. Thankfully, Berlin hasn’t yet suffered from the inflated rents and lack of excitement that excessive gentrification can bring. Instead, Berlin still feels like a work in progress, with lots of loose ends to keep things edgy. – Will Bradford

On December 4, the Helmsley building at 230 Park Avenue was lit for the first time with it’s new LED lighting scheme. The dramatic new lights on the building are able to produce millions of colors, giving the entire facade of the building a dramatic presence. The lights will follow special programming for holidays and events, and  the Helmsley Building, long known as the pearl of Park Avenue, is looking fresher than ever.

The trend of constructing boxy glass buildings is a bore, but there is one building going up in Manhattan whose design is made more interesting by the way the glass is faceted like a gem. It is appropriate, since the building will eventually be the home of various jewelry retailers in the heart of the Diamond District.

Designed by Skidmore Owings and Merrill, The International Gem Tower features angled glass panels that create a pattern of depth and reflection.

The new high rise will consolidate several jewelry businesses under one roof, and help revitalize the area with new jobs and commerce. Completion date is set for early 2013.

As the summer in northern countries draws to a close, there’s still plenty of time for jet-setters to get some great beach time…heading to the Mediterranean in September means the resort towns are still enjoying great weather, but the crowds of Europeans on summer holiday have headed back to their cities.

For sizzling summer fun, Mykonos is in a league of its own.

The sun splashed little Greek island attracts people from all over the world for it’s nightlife, beaches, cosmopolitan attitude, and stunning whitewashed villages. It first came on the radar of the jet set back in the 1960′s when Jackie Onassis frolicked here and the media took note of the unique ambience.

The intense and diverse nightlife of Mykonos has made it a mecca for young people desiring a sexy and uninhibited place to let loose. The beach bars and bustling clubs that stay open until dawn have become legendary. In fact, Cavo Paradiso, a club where the most famous DJs in the world come to spin, doesn’t get going until 4am. This makes sense in a place where most people are eating dinner between ten and midnight! The latest dance music sets the mood for an energizing and hypnotic party that never stops.

Part of the reason that Mykonos has developed this kind of party atmosphere is the layout of the town itself. Tiny interconnected streets create a maze of entertainment and dining options where no cars are needed…you just wander between bars, clubs, and restaurants all night without a care in the world.

All of this, in a tiny little village at the edge of the sea. In historical times the labyrinth of streets was created to confuse pirates; nowadays the twisting streets form one big playground for partying visitors. The buildings are all whitewashed with windows and doors trimmed in vivid colors. Bright blue is the traditional color the villagers used for this, but now you’ll see many other colors like lavender, crimson, lemon, or lime being used. The result is a place that looks good enough to eat, almost like a Candyland. Boutiques selling local art, designer clothes, and every kind of souvenir can be found along the charming little streets.

The perpetually clear sky and turquoise water make Mykonos a premier beach destination. Visitors have their choice of beaches, depending on whether they want a hardcore party scene or a more relaxing afternoon.

“Super Paradise” Beach fits the bill for wild hedonism; it’s a great choice for those wanting beach bars, thumping music, and lots of fun. If you’re looking for a more secluded beach, Ai Giannis is a great choice. If you’re willing to go even more off the beaten path, Fokos Beach lies in an isolated cove with one lone taverna next to the calm blue water. Expect only be a handful of people there…everyone is blissed out and relaxed on sunshine and good food! You’ll feel like you’re part of a very good secret.

Lots of visitors to Mykonos rent motorbikes and scooters to zoom around the island, but if you’d like to play it safe you can easily walk anywhere you need to go. A short bus ride will bring you to most of the beaches quickly. There’s also the option to go sightseeing on foot, taking photographs of things like the Mykonos windmills, or the famous pelican, “Petros”, who hangs out at the harbor.

If you’re interested in exploring a first rate archeological site, a boat will take you to the island of Delos, which is about 2 km west of Mykonos. The island was a major trade post in ancient times and one of the most sacred religious centers in ancient Greece, believed to be the birthplace of the sun god Apollo. There you can see the legendary Great Temple of Apollo, built in 476 BC, learn about battle between Zeus and Titan, and explore the huge archeological remains of the city.

When it comes to finding accommodation, Mykonos has plenty of choices, but you need to book well in advance if you’re planning on visiting in July or August.

There’s a range of everything from exotic private villas to simple but clean studio rooms. If you’re looking for a 5 star experience, you might visit The Belvedere Hotel, just a short walk from the center of town.

Go in the evening, after you return from the beach…there’s a multilevel pool area that overlooks the hillsides, village, and the sea. Sit back with a Bellini or chocolate martini, and you’re guaranteed to make some new friends while watching the dazzling Aegean sunset.

Back in January 2005, an initiative to create inexpensive laptops that would be used in third world countries was spearheaded by MIT professor, Nicholas Negroponte. He founded the organization called OLPC which is a collaboration between academia and the computer industry whose goal was to design a laptop that would be inexpensive, rugged, solar powered, and capable of connecting wirelessly to the Internet. They dubbed the revolutionary new laptop “XO” . The OLPC’s non-profit mission is to use the XO as a tool for altering lifestyles and ultimately transforming societies in developing countries.

OLPC is working with the government of Rwanda to implement a new program that could change the future of the country. President Kagame is committed to giving children a window on the world beyond Africa. He wants to ensure that all 2.3 million children in Rwanda’s primary schools have computer and Internet access. So far the government of Rwanda has bought 100,000 of the laptops for children between the ages of 9-12. The government is also investing in satellites and installing wireless hot spots to bring Internet access to school districts in the smaller towns and villages where there is no electrical grid.

It’s been a challenge for Rwanda to implement the OLPC program, since this country is still trying to recover from the genocide that occurred here in 1994. Some have argued that the money could be invested in bridges and roads, but President Kagame believes in the economic potential that will result from Rwanda’s embracing of this technology. The reaction of the children as they receive their laptop is wonderful to behold. They’re thrilled about the possibilities of being able to connect with each other or the Internet in one click, since most have never even touched a computer in their lifetime.

The XO laptop features over 30 applications meant to encourage hands-on learning, including educational games that promote peace, encourage respect for human rights, and teach about the importance of caring for their environment. The introduction of the XO’s have created a new excitement inside the classroom, where children are completely engaged in their studies and able to satisfy their curiosity about the world to a degree never possible before. The replacement of outdated textbooks with instant access to learning programs and the internet is nothing short of revolutionary for them.

On the weekends children are allowed to take the colorful, rugged laptops to their homes, where family members are eager to learn from them as well.  Students share computer time with siblings and parents, passing on skills and exploring a world of knowledge.

In this way, a new level of computer literacy is beginning to ripple through the villages. President Kagame and the people working on this program believe it can help to eradicate the paradigm of poverty and move Rwanda past genocide and toward the future into the 21st century. He aims to have 50,000 computer programmers within the next decade and envisions Rwanda to be a knowledge-based society that can one day compete with technology hubs such as Asia.- Will Bradford

The Shelborne Beach Resort’s club Shine will host some of the most sought after events this year. The beautiful beach resort will kickoff the conference with the annual Shelter NYC party, featuring internationally acclaimed DJ Timmy Regisford, on March 9th from 9-5am. On Thursday, popular DJ’s David Morales, Quentin Harris and Frankie Knuckles will play from 12pm-10:30pm in the pool area of The Shelborne. Body and Soul, another popular dance party held in New York City, will be having their first party at the Shelborne on Saturday March 12th, at 12PM with the talented Danny Krivit on the turntables.

Club Space, another top venue known for house and electronic music, will have DJ Victor Calderone playing on Saturday from 10pm – 2pm. Getting a WMC badge will allow free entrance to some events, while others will have a cover ranging from $10-20.

Aside from the fantastic music and dancing, I’m looking forward to enjoying some lovely weather and beautiful palm trees against an art deco backdrop. – Will Bradford

In an effort to put an abundance of land to productive use and start an urban agricultural movement, the DBCFSN has started an organic farm in Rouge Park, one of the largest parks in Detroit. According to the chairman of DBCFSN, Malik Yakini, the two acre D-Town farm has already cultivated 37 types of food including kale, onions, chives, squash, tomatoes, lettuce, watermelon, and peas. The organization hopes to empower Black people to grow their own healthy food and make fresh produce more accessible in Detroit. This is critical considering that most of the major supermarkets which carry fresh produce have moved to the suburbs, and city residents lack transportation to get there. If the trend is adopted, over the long term it could help reduce high rates of obesity, blood pressure and diabetes found in the African-American community. – Will Bradford

To learn more about this story, please visit Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman.

The 7 train is one of the most cosmopolitan trains in the country. The famous train line has been dubbed the ‘International Express’ because it has six miles of elevated tracks which pass through some of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Queens. I got a chance to interact with many kinds of people and explore several different neighborhoods such as Jackson Heights, Flushing and Long Island City. Afterwards, I felt like I had traveled around the world. The seven train is a must for tourists, students and anyone else looking to explore the melange of cultures located in the heart of New York City. – Will Bradford

The Metro Wayfarer Sunglasses, which are apart of a special collectors series from Ray Ban, are a fun item and something both tourists and locals can appreciate. The shades are currently being sold online and at various boutiques around the city. To find out more about this design and other unique prints by Ray Ban visit www.rayban.com – Will Bradford

A wall of faces engulf me as I enter the heart of istanbul’s Beyoglu area, whose street Istiklal Caddisi is the pedestrian artery of the city. Istanbul, a city known for its rich and layered history, has been designated the 2010 European Union Capital of Culture.

The crowded streets, the sweet aroma of hookah smoke wafting in the air, the crackle of backgammon dice hitting the board, little children with rusty scales telling your weight for a few coins, and  bright red trams filled with people leave a powerful first impression.

I’m staying at Entes Apart Hotel, conveniently located in the Beyoglu neighborhood and close to all of the activity. It turns out to be even better than I expect, with an intimate view of the street life below. After briefly settling in, I go  outside to continue exploring more of the main square. As a tourist, I quickly discover a range of music and trendy clothing shops, cafes, book stores, vendors selling exotic foods and sweets everywhere.

Just off the main strip are several smaller streets, cobble stoned and lined with tables and red patterned cushions helping to establish an eastern atmosphere. I notice cool mists of water keeping people cool in the midst of the hot summer day.

At night, the streets are packed with even more people and it feels like the entire city is outside. Along Istiklal Cadisi are a broad range of restaurants.

One of my favorite places to visit was French Street, lined with beautiful lampposts and colorful neon lights above the restaurants.

After exploring Taksim Square, I take the metro to the Sultanamhet neighborhood and toured some of main historical sites such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Tokapi Palace.

After my visit there is no question in my mind why Istanbul has been considered by many world travelers as one of the most inspiring cities in the world. – Will Bradford

Lanvin is one of the oldest couture houses in Paris and is firmly securing its place in the urban market with superior sneaker designs that have been worn by the likes of Pharrell Williams and Lenny Kravitz, to name a few.

For the fall 2012 season, the designers at Lanvin have recently unveiled a high-top sneaker. Made of high quality materials, the sneaker’s contrasting textures are extremely appealing, featuring an intricate mesh fabric combined with an exterior accented with leather. The sides have suede enclosed zippers to give easy access. The anthracite color combination is squarely on trend for the upcoming fall season.

The sneakers are available at ALOHA RAG. To find out more about the Lanvin brand visit www.lanvin.com

Restoration is almost complete on one of Istanbul’s most famous cultural attractions, the Hagia Sophia. It’s a world treasure, one of the oldest and biggest churches in Christendom. In fact, it was the largest enclosed space until Saint Peters in Rome was completed centuries later.

No longer a church or a mosque, Hagia Sophia is now a museum. The restoration work filled it with scaffolding for over 20 years. But now the scaffolding is finally being removed to reveal Hagia Sophia’s full glory.

Over 600 square meters of golden mosaics have been restored and look better than ever. For the first time in centuries, angels faces have been uncovered from the medallions that had been painted over them.

Whether you’re religious or not, entering Hagia Sophia is an awe inspiring experience.

There’s a men’s ring from Kinekt Design that’s both stylish and playful. It’s comprised of six micro cogs that spin.

Designed by Glen Liberman, this unique ring is sleek and industrial. The ring is comfortable, lightweight and made of stainless steel. It makes the perfect gift for the masculine man who still enjoys a little bit of bling.

To find out more about the gear ring and other products by the company, visit www.kinektdesign.com

It may come as a surprise to many people that Andy Warhol, widely recognized for his iconic portraits of Marilyn Monroe and Campbell’s soup paintings, also explored the medium of black and white film. Screen tests that he shot during the 1960′s can now be seen at an exhibit called “Andy Warhol: Motion Pictures” at the Modern Museum of Art (MoMA).

The most interesting part of the exhibit is the main room, which features twelve 7′ by 9′ moving portraits projected on silver screens. They fill the space with a presence larger than just the physical size of the projections. Going into the room feels like entering the coterie of Andy Warhol; these are moving portraits of the people in his circle. The images are playing in continuous loops, but at a speed slightly slower than the customary 24 frames per second. The result is a timeless depiction of nearly forgotten pop icons like Paul America, Baby Jane Holzer, and a restless Nico from Velvet Underground.

One of the most charismatic subjects is Donyale Luna, engaging the camera with her striking good looks and playful expressions. Born and raised in Detroit, she later became the first African-American model to grace the cover of Vogue and star in major motion pictures such as Fellini’s Satyricon.

Being in the presence of these larger than life subjects, who were once notable but no longer appear in the media, makes one curious about what became of them. After leaving the exhibit, I wanted to learn more about the clique of personalities that surrounded Warhol in his avant-garde world. The media may have forgotten them, but Andy Warhol has made them immortal through these ethereal projections that feel almost ghost like. The exhibit, at MoMA until March 21, is a fascinating reminder of Warhol’s artistic genius, so check it out. – Will Bradford

People shopping in SoHo for a unique gift might find themselves amazed by these umbrellas being sold on Broadway and Spring Street. If utilitarian objects could ever put a smile on peoples faces it would be these beautiful umbrellas.

These incredible umbrellas are designed by a personal friend of mine, Christopher Petsos, who has been a textile and product designer in New York City for over 15 years. Based on his photography and original illustrations, the images on the umbrellas include flowers, animals, insects and other wonders of the natural world. When some of the designs are held over your head it really feels like being sheltered under a giant flower. Not only are these colorful umbrellas wonderful to look at, but they’re well made with quality materials. Walk around with any one of these stylish umbrellas and prepare to receive a shower of compliments that will brighten any rainy day. – Will Bradford

To buy one of these umbrellas, visit www.umbrellaswithstyle.com or email me at info@umbrellaswithstyle.com for more information about placing an order.

In harsh economic times, giving back to the community is a growing trend among those you might least expect. Allan Guei is a young high school athlete from Compton who received a whopping $40,000 cash prize after winning a free-throw contest. Guei is also a talented academic achiever currently on track to attend Cal-State North Ridge on a full scholarship. In a surprising twist, Guei is donating the prize money to the runner-ups on his team, believing it’s the right thing to do since he has already been so fortunate. Guei believes that by donating the college scholarship money to his classmates it will enable them to also have the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams.

Allan Guei said in a statement to Rivals High, I’ve already been blessed so much and I know we’re living with a bad economy, so I know this money can really help my classmates, and added, it was the right decision.

Guei’s generous gesture has inspired the community and those behind the event, such as Court Crandall, who wanted to change negative perceptions of those who live in Compton by building community among the youth.

Crandall said in a recent statement to the L.A. Times, “My hope was that what started as a competition would become a collaboration with the kids supporting each other, they did, but in the end they did that to a much greater extent than I ever could have anticipated.”

Guei is not the only one giving back to the community; other young athletes are also using their good fortune to help their community. After raising $600,000 during a basketball tournament, athletes in Elmira, NY donated all of it to the Joseph Palmer fund, which helps cancer patients who live in the immediate area. These generous donations coming from student athletes are a welcome sign that the idea of giving back to the community is alive and well among our youth.

Bjarke Ingels, a Danish architect, is most notable for his work on the Danish Pavilion during the 2010 World Expo. His company, Bjarke Ingels Group aka B.I.G, was selected by the Durst Fetner Residential (DFR) real estate company to build a 600-unit apartment complex in Hell’s Kitchen. This is the first North American design for B.I.G and the hybrid nature of it serves the purpose of both form and function. The building will consist of large and spacious apartments with cubist-styled windows stacked diagonally on top of each other, to give residents expansive views of the Hudson River. Some units will have balconies cut out from the facade. Located within the heart of the structure will be a spacious Copenhagen-styled courtyard and community center filled with greenery planted by Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects. The effect will be to visually extend the Hudson River Park across the highway and up into the sky.

Bjarke Ingels recently said in a statement, New York is rapidly becoming an increasingly green and livable city. The transformation of the Hudson River waterfront and the Highline into green parks, the ongoing effort to plant a million trees, the pedestrianization of Broadway and the creation of more miles of bicycle lanes than the entire city of my native Copenhagen are all evidence of urban oases appearing all over the city. With West 57th we attempt to continue this transformation into the heart of the city fabric into the center of a city block.

Durst plans on including lots of large glassy retail along the base to give residents some more options for shopping and dining in the area, which is destined to become more populated as the neighborhood is developed beyond its traditionally industrial character.

The building must still get several certifications before it’s finally approved, including one from the local community board on February 9th. Hopefully when the structure is complete it will not only enhance the river front with it’s daring design, but also spur further courage on the part of developers when they think of their next residential high rise. There’s plenty of land on the West Side of Manhattan that will be developed over the next decade… it would be great to see more of this kind of architecture, and less of the boring boxes that fail to inspire anyone. – Will Bradford

Potiche is a french film about a married woman (Catherine Deneuve) who suddenly realizes she has unwittingly been slipped into the role of trophy wife good for little more than writing poetry and making sure her husband (Fabrice Luchini) remembers to take his vitamins. Her husband is the boss of an umbrella company that her father founded. In the wake of a labor dispute, the husband is forced to leave the country with his wife reluctantly accepting the responsibility of running the company while he’s gone. Unlike her authoritarian husband, her approach is more compassionate and she sees the workers as real human beings. She remembers how well they were treated by her father when he was alive and running the company. The film, set in the 1970′s, tackles issues of status such as bourgeois versus proletariat and husband versus wife. The events that unfold are inspirational and a joy to watch.

Olukai is an innovative footwear company selling uniquely crafted sandals for men and women. The first thing you’ll notice is their exquisite style, but their appeal goes beyond the aesthetic. The sandals are bio-mechanically constructed to fit the contours of the feet and provide a high level of comfort.

The company uses high quality materials such as water resistant leathers and rugged outer souls made from recycled rubber. A great deal of attention has been given to the design of the sandals, featuring hand stitched details inspired by Polynesian motifs. The designs manage to bridge the gap between sporty comfort and stylish elegance.

To find out more about these sandals and their other footwear collections, visit www.olukai.com

The Island of Rhodes, located in the southeastern Aegean Sea, is a beautiful and peaceful place to escape during the holidays. There is sunshine all year round, plenty of inexpensive places to eat and friendly people everywhere. I spent most of my time floating around the crystal blue waters with my inflatable raft and eating delicious food. One of my favorite beaches was in the city of Lindos, where there are picturesque views of the acropolis and white washed houses that are simply breathtaking. If you ever decide to visit the Mediterranean, Rhodes is definitely a place to sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful treasures the region has to offer. – Will Bradford

This new band from New York’s indie rock scene is combining avant-garde tendencies with mainstream appeal. The band’s new EP, GREEN-WOOD, is a fusion of classical and electronic sounds that are wonderfully refreshing. The song “Shock Value” is smooth, groovy and has already become a huge success online. The buzz around Little Grey Girlfriend has been growing… the band was recently mentioned in the New York Times after one of their songs, “Cells Planets” was licensed out to a popular musical quartet.

The lead singer for the band, Erika Lloyd, has a vocal range that’s truly astounding. Erika is also a gifted songwriter. As you listen to her lyrics and vocal styling it becomes clear that she has something unique to offer the music industry.

Little Grey Girlfriend is currently on a summer tour to promote their GREEN-WOOD EP and will have a CD release party at Arlene’s Grocery on Friday, July 23rd at 7:30pm. – Will Bradford

This week the World Expo is taking place in Shanghai, China. Its a razzle dazzle exposition of culture, technology, and commerce. With 70 million visitors, 50 organizations, and state leaders from around the world expected to attend, it will be the largest World Expo in history. China has spent $58 billion, more than twice as much than it did on the Olympic Games, in an effort to raise the global profile of the event and strengthen ties with other countries. Despite current economic woes, many countries have invested record amounts on creating a presence at the Expo, by constructing elaborate pavilions and presentations.

The most visually striking structure at the World Expo is probably the British pavilion, which has been dubbed the “Seed Cathedral”. It was designed by Thomas Heatherwick for a price tag of $42 million dollars, and is so innovative that it doesn’t resemble any building you have ever seen before. The structure is composed of 60,000 acrylic rods which protrude in all directions to form a shape reminiscent of a pincushion or hedgehog. The whole structure even rests on these rods, giving the impression that it’s floating above the surrounding plaza. The length of the rods makes them flexible so that they even sway in the wind. The rods have a different seed encased at each tip, representing the mission of Britain’s Millennium Seed bank, which aims to collect the seeds of all the world’s wild plant species. In addition to the seeds, both ends of each rod also contain an embedded LED, which enables the structure to display images across its entire facade. The tip of each rod seen from the inside of the structure can display images as well. This creates an interior theater that completely surrounds the visitor with visual presentations.

The overall theme of this World Expo is “Better City, Better Life“; in recent years, China has experienced strong economic growth and large numbers of migrants moving to cities like Shanghai at a rapid pace. Other cities around the world are also facing the challenges that come with such a large population shift to urban centers, and the Expo will highlight their efforts to reach sustainability for the 21st century. – Will Bradford

Despite current economic woes, Spain is fearlessly moving toward the future by investing $130 billion in high-speed trains. The Alta Velocidad Española or AVE –which means “bird” in Spanish has reduced travel times by nearly three-fold.

According to officials, Spain plans to have the high-speed train system networked throughout the entire country by 2020, rivaling high-speed train systems in China and France. Spain is hoping that its investment in high-speed trains over the next decade will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions over the long term, as the high-speed trains are implemented in more places.

With faster travel times, less security risks and equal, if not superior, service to that of air travel, the AVE has become a huge success in Spain. Many Spaniards now view it as a true alternative to flying, and are even willing to pay the same price as a plane ticket, thereby ensuring investors make good on their return. The AVE’s success has been benefiting cities such as Zaragoza, a connection stop between Madrid and Barcelona that has recently become a popular location among business travelers. As a result, new restaurants and high-tech hotel chains have opened which help stimulate the local economy.

This raises an interesting question. Why is America, the wealthiest country in the world, only willing to invest $8 billion on high-speed trains? This is the figure announced by President Obama, as if it’s an impressive number. It’s an amount that pales in comparison to Spain’s $130 billion dollar investment, in a country with an economy much smaller than the U.S. Even more disappointing in the new American plan is the fact that these trains are limited to Florida, California and Illinois and will not be nearly as fast as the high speed trains already operating in Europe. Exorbitant amounts of American taxpayer dollars are being put into questionable military operations instead of being used for domestic infrastructure, while Spain and other countries are moving into the 21st century with blinding speed. Americans should take note. – Will Bradford

As part of ongoing renovations at Lincoln Center, a new water fountain has been installed in the center of the main plaza. This is no ordinary water fountain. As it runs through its cycle, the water rises higher and higher, increasingly becoming more dramatic. It looks like a beautifully choreographed dance.

The water is illuminated with colors of blue, red and purple, and a marble seating area surrounds the fountain. On a hot day, it promises to be a great place to sit and get misted when the water splashes down.

This remarkable water fountain was designed by WET, the company getting worldwide attention for its technology that creates new effects with water. Best known for the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas, the company was recently hired to develop water features in the new City Center, designed by Frank Gehry. For this particular project, president and CEO of WET, Marc Fuller, wanted to stretch the limits of imagination and creativity even beyond previous projects.

One of the new water spectacles they created has been called, “The Kool-Aid Colored Fountain”, which uses special mirror effects to direct a variety of highly focused colors into the water. The effect is incredible because you can see the colored light even in the brilliant noonday sun of Las Vegas. Another WET installation in the City Center contains glacial ice sculptures which rise from metal rods located underneath a pool of water on the ground floor. Resembling giant popsicles, the ice sculptures are lit with various neon colors and gradually transform depending on the temperature inside the room.

WET is setting a new standard for the 21st century, using the latest technology to develop decorative water features that were never before possible… and putting smiles on the faces of fascinated onlookers.

The jet pack was invented by New Zealander Glenn Martin and unveiled last July.  The device is 5 feet in length by 5 1/2 feet in width and weighs about 250 pounds. One of the biggest concerns, of course, is safety. The Jetpack includes a ballistic parachute system in case of failure, and a roll cage to protect pilots from side impact. Although a pilot license is not required, users must first complete a training program in Christchurch, New Zealand at the company headquarters. Videos have recently surfaced in several places around the Internet showing users testing out the Jetpack.

Richard Lauder, CEO of the company, said that there will be 500 Jetpacks made available each year that will cost about $76,000. His company is now starting to take orders for this device. The Jetpack will probably be initially used for military purposes or as an alternative method for emergency response. For users that can afford the hefty price tag, this technological invention will prove to be a thrill, allowing them the ability travel in style and beat traffic jams instantly.

Even if there are some glitches to be worked out such as rules of navigation in the air to avoid crashing into airplanes or buildings, being able to levitate vertically is definitely a welcomed step towards the future. The idea of flying suits has been in our popular culture since the 1920′s, appearing in various science fiction novels, cartoons such as The Jetsons, and contemporary movies such as the Fifth Element. After all the decades spent predicting this development, one would think that we would all be wearing flying suits by now. It may have been a long time coming, but this is a development that could really revolutionize transportation in the 21st century. Are you ready to kiss the future?

Although the earthquake disaster of Haiti is no longer a top news story in the mainstream media, many musicians and actors continue to keep the issue alive. Singing sensation Ricky Martin has just produced a star-studded charity video featuring top celebrities including Ellen DeGeneres, Alicia Keys, Adam Lambert, Jimmy Fallon and Janet Jackson, among others. The PSA video is an appeal to viewers to continue raising funds for victims of the Haiti disaster. The video can now be viewed on the web at several sites including Habitat For Humanity.org and Youtube. A quote by Ricky Martin about the relief effort on the Habitat for Humanity website: “Because of each person’s donations of time, production resources, good will, positive energy and a lot of love, the Ricky Martin Foundation and Habitat for Humanity were able to create a united call-to-action to raise awareness and funds with three goals in mind: Rebuild hope. Rebuild homes. Rebuild Haiti. Now, we need your help.” To see how you can contribute to the Haiti relief please visit http://www.habitat.org/rmfhaiti

Times Square has been dubbed “the crossroads of the world” and popular folklore suggests that if you stand in Times Square long enough the whole world will pass you by. In recent years, the cultural hub and world icon had become so popular that the sidewalks were too crowded and there was an overall lack of space for pedestrians.

Taking a cue from many European cities, Traffic Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan plans to reclaim various areas of New York from cars for pedestrian use. The stretch of Broadway from 47th Street to 42nd Street has already been transformed into a car free plaza. Suddenly there’s more room to walk around and enjoy the scenery. People are taking photographs from new perspectives, interacting with other tourists, and enjoying the seating that Times Square had previously lacked.

In conjunction with pedestrianized Broadway, the adjacent Father Duffy Square has been expanded to create a huge space for people. The TKTS booth has also been replaced with something truly special. The new structure was behind schedule and took years to complete, but it certainly was worth the wait! The ticketing counter is contained in a molded, pod-like structure with a sloped roof. That roof is a stepped seating area made entirely of glass and illuminated from within. It has a futuristic look and feel which blends seamlessly with the flashy and bright surroundings.

The project’s goal was to create a space that would encourage people to congregate, similar to the way the Spanish Steps do in Rome. People are seeing the whole scene from a birds eye vantage point…a larger than life spectacle of people, lights, and architecture.

With car free streets full of chairs and tables, and an expanded Father Duffy Square, there is finally enough space to accommodate the huge crowds attracted by the excitement of Times Square. I’ve even noticed that local New Yorkers aren’t feeling so squeezed out by tourists anymore. They’re stopping and enjoying their Times Square in a more relaxed way. Instead of just rushing through as quickly as possible, you can see them stop to experience the joy of reclaiming the streets. 
- Will Bradford

The new Acropolis museum was completed in 2008 and it has been open to the public since June of 2009. Greece had been planning this opening since the Olympic games of 2004, but due to archeological discoveries on the site which required careful attention, the museum opening had been delayed. The museum was designed by Bernard Tschumi, an internationally acclaimed architect who resides in New York City.

It’s a vast improvement over the facility that was previously displaying some of the Acropolis artifacts. The old museum had 1, 450 square meters of exhibition space. In contrast, the new museum boasts 14, 000 square meters of space and contains over 4,000 artifacts. Now the Greeks can finally showcase a growing number of archaeological treasures found in recent years.

The exterior of the museum is very modern, featuring precise geometry and glass walls which allow sculptures to be viewed in the dazzling natural light. Another unique feature of the building are glass floors that allow visitors a view of the ground where artifacts were discovered during the process of construction. Layers of archaeological remains from the archaic and classical eras can be seen right in the spot they were uncovered.

Even more importantly, the museum includes a space on the top floor specifically designed to showcase the “Elgin marbles”, a series of exquisite sculptures that once decorated the frieze of the Parthenon. The sculptures show legendary battles and mythical scenes, and for many Greeks are a symbol of their culture and democracy. They were controversially hacked away from the Parthenon in 1811 by Lord Elgin, a British aristocrat, who brought them back to London. They have been on display in the British Museum, even though the Greeks have been requesting their return for decades. This is the source of much contention between the British and the Greeks, who want them exhibited next to the Acropolis where they originated, and in the company of the rest of the sculptures that compose the entire frieze.  The British have responded to these requests with excuses, citing the lack of proper exhibition space in Athens and the possibility of damage to the priceless artifacts.

That’s why this museum is so important to the Greeks… it was built with the purpose of finally providing an exceptional place to display the Elgin marbles should they be returned to Athens. In fact, the display of the marbles in the new Acropolis museum has been designed to give visitors a direct view of the Parthenon and reveal the marbles’ relationship to the ancient building.

The new museum now provides the perfect place for the sculptures, but Britain still refuses to give them back. The British Museum recently offered to loan the marbles back to Greece temporarily, but the Greeks turned down their offer, insisting that the marbles need to be returned permanently. I believe it’s only a matter of time before Britain will succumb to the international pressure to return the sculptures to Greece.

The exciting annual event Open House New York is taking place this weekend, October 10th and 11th.

Hundreds of notable buildings across the city open their doors, allowing people to enter places that are normally closed to the public. This is a chance to see such beautiful spaces as the lobby of the Chrysler building or the Grand Lodge of Masons on 23rd street, along with hundreds of other architectural masterpieces.

This event is modeled after similar events that take place in cities such as London and Toronto.

We have so many amazing buildings in New York that few of us are ever able to enter. The situation worsened after 9/11, when security conscious building owners and companies started to limit public access even more. Gorgeous lobbies and interior spaces are only open to the people who work in them, so the rest of us have to be satisfied with a quick look through glass doors or over the shoulder of a security guard. That’s why Open House New York is such a treat for a couple of days were able to enter these buildings and enjoy the incredible beauty that goes mostly unseen during the rest of the year.

The OHNY website has listings of all the sites that are available for entry, and if you have a particular building you’ve always been curious about, you can search for it to see if it’s part of the program.

If you’re going to be in the New York area this weekend , grab your camera and enjoy this special opportunity! – Will Bradford

This is the last weekend to experience the new island festival. It’s taking place on Governor’s Island, which is located smack in the middle of the New York harbor. The festival is part of the celebration called NY400, which commemorates the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage from Amsterdam to New York harbor.

Not long after Hudson’s historic voyage, in 1624, the first settlers from Holland landed right here, on what was then known as Noten Eylant, the “Island of Nuts” (it was officially renamed Governors Island in 1784).

Now, 400 years later, Dutch settlers have arrived once again…this time as a group of over 150 artists direct from Holland. They’ve temporarily settled here to create the New Island Festival, a multimedia extravaganza that includes visual arts, edgy theater productions, dance performances, DJ sets, and Dutch food and drink.

Some friends and I went Friday to check out the festivities. With the gorgeous weather New York has been enjoying in the last few days, it was the perfect opportunity to check out the island that has been virtually inaccessible to New Yorkers for more than two centuries. It was under the control of the military all that time, so few residents ever had the chance to visit its historic architecture, waterfront promenade, wide open lawns and tree lined streets.

Then, in January 2003, a deal was struck with the federal government returning the island to the city of New York for the unbeatable price of $1. It was a great deal for New Yorkers, who are just beginning to rediscover the island that was in their backyard all this time. The whole place is slated to become New York’s next “Central Park”…a park in the middle of the harbor with sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty and the towering skylines of lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Jersey City.

After the five minute ferry ride, we landed on Governors Island and immediately noticed a quiet change of pace from busy Manhattan that made the place seem like the island that time forgot.

So close to the bustling streets of the financial district, this peaceful place feels like a world away. It’s like being in an old fashioned New England town of quaint buildings and quiet streets lined with towering oaks and elms.

For the New Island Festival, the Dutch artists have transformed a town square into a European-style outdoor festival of tents, artist pavilions, and bars. There’s a picnic table the length of a football field where dutch servers walk along the middle dishing out hearty food. The scene is like a beer garden where performers, artists, and visitors mingle cheerfully.

In the center of the festival, there’s a round tent called the Silent Disco. The DJ is playing music but you can’t hear it unless you put on headphones!  The scene is funny to watch, as people are dancing their hearts out while you, the outside observer, hear no music at all.

One of our favorite experiences was visiting “The Dig”. It’s actually a faux archeological site, where you walk among the remains of a buried island settlement. A complete history has been created, with old photographs, descriptions of what the “archeologists” found, and a large field containing the tops of buildings poking out of the ground. The artists made it look like the remains of a real village whose last residents abandoned the place in the 1950s. There’s even an old gas station with a jukebox and yellowed photos on the walls.

The whole experience was surreal, because they even gave us hard hats and a construction vest to complete the simulation of visiting the site of a dig.

After an amazing day and evening on Governors Island, we boarded the ferry to return to Manhattan and “reality”. As we crossed the water, I couldn’t help but wonder what the future will hold for Governors Island…I just hope that whatever development takes place there will preserve the island’s feeling of tranquility and timelessness.

The Festival is open to the public on Thursdays from 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM and Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM. All events are in English, subtitled, or non-verbal. – Will Bradford

Unlike many of Ghery’s projects done in a deconstructivist style, this tower follows the stepped back form of traditional new york skyscrapers, but with a “twist”. A stainless steel facade is cloaked in curves that give the impression of walls rippling in the wind. The entire building will shimmer as it reflects light in different ways throughout the day. The curves make the effect even more dramatic.

People downtown are starting to notice this unique new structure now that it has grown past 50 floors and still continues to rise. It’s sure to become a New York landmark on the level of the Chrysler Building or the nearby Woolworth Building.

Gehry has already ignited the New York architectural scene with the recently finished IAC headquarters on the waterfront in Chelsea, which reminds me of the sails on a boat:

Background on Gehry

Frank Gehry is one of the leading architects our time, considered by many to be a creative visionary. Born in Canada, he comes from a Polish/Jewish background. After serving in the United States Army, Gehry moved to California where he studied architecture.

His projects look more like paintings and sculptures than buildings, which often results in them becoming tourist attractions. However, it was a long time before he received this type of recognition.

Not until his design for the Bilbao museum in Spain was completed did he really become a world famous architect on the level of Jean Nouvel and Norman Foster. Pictures of the Bilbao museum was splashed across the covers of magazines around the world; it was like something nobody had ever seen before…some people compared it to an alien that landed from outer space. The effect it had on Bilbao was nothing short of miraculous; the once sleepy industrial town in the north of Spain was catapulted onto the world stage and has become a world class tourist destination.

One thing is certain: his new metallic-covered tower in downtown Manhattan is already turning out to be a stunning beauty. Expect to see a wave of publicity when this dramatic tower is completed in 2010, because this is going to be something like New Yorkers have never seen before! – Will Bradford

Ivete Sangalo is one of the biggest stars in Brazil. She’s known for her powerful voice, charisma and exuberant live performances. Currently, she’s Brazil’s most popular female singer based on her CD and DVD sales: In 2004 Ivete recorded a live album with MTV which earned huge sales, the second best-selling album of 2004 in Brazil. The companion DVD, which featured live footage of her huge concert held at the Fonte Nova stadium, was certified Triple Diamond, selling over 600,000 copies, and is the best-selling musical DVD in Brazil of all time.

This brings me to the dancers she uses at her performances; they are simply amazing with their combination of various dance styles from Salsa to African. In fact the entire stage is busy with dancers, musicians, and Ivete herself, who moves around the stage with the energy of a dynamo.

It’s hard not to move your body to Ivete’s music, because it’s a hypnotic blend of so many musical traditions. You can recognize the influence of Africa, Jamaica, the Latin Carribean, and South America all blending to make a sound uniquely Brazilian.

One of her latest songs that I’m enjoying is called “Cadê Dalila?” with an obvious Middle Eastern influence layered into the rich music. It became a #1 single on Brazil’s Hot 100 chart and could be heard everywhere during Carnival 2009. -Will Bradford 

This is a side of France most Americans have never seen. It takes place in the classroom of a rough Paris High School, a world apart from the chic areas of central Paris where tourists spend most of their time.

In the class of dedicated teacher Mr. Marin, social tension between different cultures unfolds through quick dialogue. The students are from places such as China, Morocco, Mali and Tunisia. The teacher tries to break through their walls so he can teach them proper French, which will prepare them to become successful members of French society. He also has to teach them discipline and a sense of respect for authority.

One of the things that struck me about the French school system was the liberal relationship between teachers and students. The contrasts between the way things are handled in a Paris high school as opposed to an American one become apparent while watching “The Class”. As a guy who went through the Detroit school system, it was interesting for me to note the differences.

I like the cinema verite style here. Unlike Hollywood films, which usually provide a resolved ending, this film leaves one pondering the future of these teens and French society itself. – Will Bradford 

Traveling is always exciting, but especially in a place like New York City, where inspiration pours out of practically every corner. One of the destinations you must check out is Grand Central Terminal, through which thousands of people from all over the world pass each day. Built in the 1903, Grand Central Terminal has more international visitors than any other New York historical landmark.

Although I’m usually anxious to get home after a long days work, I recently decided to take a moment to capture some images of people traveling to their various destinations. I also wanted to photograph some of the old architectural treasures inside the building, such as the famous clock located in the main waiting room and an eerily beautiful crystal tree suspended from the ceiling of the food market.

However, my attention was stolen by the ceiling of the main reading room, where I noticed there were various constellations of the zodiac elaborately illustrated, including the winged steed Pegasus who is one of my favorite mythological creatures. I decided to research more about the history of Grand Central Terminal’s ceiling when I got home. Originally created in 1912 by Frenchman Paul Cézanne Helleu, the representation of astrological signs and symbols had been covered in soot and grime for many years. After the layers of accumulated grime were removed as part of a building wide restoration, the owners discovered the true beauty of the ceiling which had been hidden for so long. To everyone’s amazement, a brilliant turquoise color like the pristine Mediterranean Sea was revealed. Lights were installed at the positions of the stars to create a dream-like celestial appearance.

Can you believe that at one point the city planners actually contemplating tearing down this historical landmark? It would have been a disastrous repeat of one of the most terrible demolitions in New York history, the tearing down of the original Penn Station. Only through determined protests, led in part by Jackie Onassis, was such a crime prevented.

Today, visitors who are looking for a boost of inspiration while passing through Grand Central Terminal should take a moment to look up at the ceiling, and reflect on the many wonderful treasures New York City has to offer!

June 8th marked the official opening of the High Line and since then the park has had over 100,000 visitors. The High Line gives tourists a chance to explore the city without the intrusion of cars. The view is especially spectacular for photographers who have a passion for capturing new perspectives of New York City.

The elevated tracks were originally built in the 1930′s by the New York City Railroad company and were a part of the West Side Line. The railroad tracks eventually became a sore to look at when wild grass and trees took over after it was was abandoned in the 1980′s. The line gradually turned into an eerily beautiful place and was on the road to being completely torn down. Residents from the neighborhood eventually campaigned to have it turned into an elevated park with benches and chairs for visitors to relax on, newly planted trees and flowers, and places for people to eat and drink.

Here is a video that I spliced together using the software Final Cut Pro. The film examines the conspicuous consumption happening in New York City. To expose the disparity, I filmed New Yorkers and celebrities shopping and dining in wealthy parts of the city such as Madison, Fifth Avenue, and the Upper East Side.

This footage was then intertwined with scenes of those not able to consume at all and who appeared to be suffering the most such as the thousands of people who live on the streets everyday. I also added some dystopian sound effects which intensify the overall piece. Produced by Will Bradford. Special Thanks to Vinay Chowdhry and Christopher Petsos.

Does your avatar resemble your real life self? If not, how is it different? Yes it does. The only difference really is that my avatar is much shapelier.

Would you ever experiment further with strange skin colors or other apperances non-typical of celebrities in real life? Sure!

Do you have any friends and/or colleagues who have chosen to make their avatars different from their actual self? Yes I do.

There’s so much pressure for celebrities in real life to be thin/muscular. When you were deciding about making your avatar did you consider making your avatar extra thin/muscular? Of course!

Since celebrities in real life often have pressure to continually update their appearance, do you think that you will need to regularly update your avatar or would you rather have a signature look that remains the same? I have a signature look that I will have remain the same. It is as close to my personal appearance as I can get and do not want to change.

How about getting older? Do you think that you’ll want your avatar to age with you?Absolutely not! Why get old if I don’t have to.

Does your avatar try to fulfill the same standards of physical beauty that traditional Hollywood, or other venues, consider marketable and likely to facilitate fame? I do not think a SL celebrity’s avatar facilitates fame, at least as far as SL live music is concerned. Here, everyone can be gorgeous so that isn’t what attracts an SL audience. What makes a SL celebrity famous is their ability to entertain and that can come from personality and talent alone.

What kinds of ways do you try to get exposure and publicity in Second life? How is it different from real life? I answer questions from reporters if I am asked. I send out promo packages with pictures, website info, music information, etc. to those folks that stage me at their venues.

How has your career changed since having an avatar in Second Life? I went from being a part time paralegal outside of the home to being a full time musician and I do not work outside of the home anymore.

What do you think about the conventional means of attaining celebrity compared to that of SL? Do you feel conventional means of celebrity in the real world are limited? Yes I do believe that conventional means of attaining celebrity are limited in the real world. The real world only gets to see those celebrities that are backed with enough money to market them. In SL, celebrity status comes from the ability of the celebrity to entertain, not from how much money he/she has or what they look like or who is backing them.

Do you think virtual reality will enable people of more diverse backrounds to become celebrities to a greater extent than their opportunities in the real world? Absolutely ! I am a prime example of that. SL has given me the opportunity to showcase my talents where I would not have that opportunity in the real world due to economic constraints, age, etc. Also, SL provides a platform to collaborate on a global scale. For instance, my original songs are composed by me but the music played to back them is performed and recorded by people from other countries and other states in the US. So a piano player from Denmark gets exposure all around the world because of my singing and because of SL. Neither of us could dream of having these oportunities in the real world.

Well thats all the questions I had. Thank You for taking the time. If your at the virtual conference, I’ll see you there. will@virtual-muse.com

I love Uganda. It’s a beautiful country with fantastic natural scenery and some of the friendliest people on earth! Ugandans are intriguing people who are very dedicated to their country. Their ability to work together toward a common goal and move on from a history of military tyranny, tribal animosity and politicians gone mad on power is inspiring and admirable. Despite the horrors of the past, Ugandans have weathered the storm remarkably well. You will not meet a sullen, bitter or cowed people. Rather, they are smiling and friendly with openness absent in other places (although in the far north huge problems still exist because of the war-conflict.) Still, Uganda is a country with much promise.

Ugandans have a kind of hospitality that I felt when I visited southern cities in America – only even more so. Time seemed to be more in tune with nature in Uganda while I was there. Because of limited electricity and no Internet connection in the rural area of Nakasongola, work got done very slowly. It was hard to get used to the latrines, which were little more than a hole in the ground. There were also huge water shortages in the village. Sometimes the shops didn’t even have an adequate supply of bottled water, which was quite scary! In many rural areas like Nakasongola, people are living in impoverished communities and life’s basic needs like water, food, electricity, and access to hospitals are scarcely being met. At times I felt like I was in the desert.

The Save The Children offices, where I worked during my internship, are located in the Nakasongola district about two hours away from the capital of Kampala. Nakasongola is a lot hotter and drier than Kampala. I was there as an adult literacy intern for 3 months and worked in the monitoring and evaluation unit. My supervisors were two Ugandans who were born and raised in the Nakasongola district. They work from 7 am to almost 11pm at night and are very dedicated to making long lasting change within their communities. They were such a pleasure to work with and were so easy going. I also learned a little of the local language, Luganda, which was commonly spoken in the offices. In the morning I did administrative work and in the afternoons I usually went to the field. I helped the Adult Literacy team collect and analyze data for an in-house assessment of the overall program. The goal was to facilitate and sustain basic literacy skills for adults in these communities. I generally worked from 8 am to 7:30 pm. I liked the fact that even though I was an intern, I got to contribute to the group. My ideas were taken seriously and the staff appreciated the work I did. I interacted with quite a few people at the office, since the CHANCE (alternative school programs), Youth and Development, and Food Distribution offices were close by. The Save the Children compound is like a small university. People work, eat and live within it. The staff are full of bright ideas and have an unmatched zest for life. Topics at the dinner table included politics, sociology and the media. The conversations were always fun and exciting. My co-workers were inspiring and truly believed in the worthy cause of saving children. They were delightful and really took the time to try to get to know me. I’m a strong believer in Save the Children’s ability to improve the lives of people in need and I enjoyed my experience.

Check out New Video! – Uganda: A View from the Field 

Listen to the audio interview:

ismanhattanlosingitssoul.mp3

Terminal 5 heated up with two recent performances by Lady Gaga. The show called the ‘Fame Ball Tour’ was a spectacle that drove the audience wild. With colorful costumes, futuristic themes and sexy dance moves, all felt as if they had entered a glittering discotheque. Lady GaGa has called her show a traveling museum with references to pop culture, some of which featured the artistic essence of the late Andy Warhol. She surprised the audience when she premiered an unreleased song called Future Love with lyrics about far off galaxies, mechanical hearts and constellations.

Gaga totally gets it. Her electronic vibes speak to the social networking culture of today and takes her fans on a journey to the future.