Pure, Unadulterated Joy

Undercover Investigation - Minneapolis Riot Was Preplanned - #YUNGO #Racism #Riots #Fatherless #SunriseMovement #BLM

 

 

I was wrong and here's some wisdom from @rickwarren & @actorinspirit #actorinspiration #racialhealing #faith #peace

"This past week has brought me to my knees so many times.

 

In light of the current events around racism and social injustice, I want to lovingly remind you that everything I create (whether it’s a program or a post) will always come from a space that stands for love, inclusion, diversity, unity, peace, compassion and acceptance.

 

And yet, I too, have so much more to learn on the topic of racism."

 

I wish I had written that, but I didn't. It's from an actress/acting coach, Wendy Braun, who sent me this via her Actor Inspiration newsletter today and it just spoke to me.

 

The first week everything happened with George Floyd and I heard the young man sing his heart, I just wanna live, I too was on my knees, heartbroken. 

 

However, as time went on, I became angry and defensive because I was scared and wondering how much more mayhem and madness would take place before people were killed.

 

My anger and fear Pastor Rick Warren addresses in his message entitled, A Faith That Plants Seeds of Peace, which you can watch here. I admit, I've not been sowing seeds of peace with my last blog and it was wrong.

 

I was wrong.

 

Listen and see if you might feel a little remorse yourself.

This is why I listen. I am convicted every time I hear his words of wisdom taken from the Bible. I confess hearing African American's pain was so uncomfortable, so overwhelming, so gut-wrenching, I had a rebuttal of facts, logic, and reasons why we shouldn't feel it as a society and I didn't have love.

 

And that is where I need to grow and change. And I am deeply sorry to those who read my words and were hurt.

 

It wasn't kind. It wasn't loving. It wasn't wise.

 

And I sincerely apologize. 

 

I think that's why Rick Warren's message was one I ran from yesterday. I wasn't ready to have my heart affected, or my opinions reconsidered, or to have my motives and heart be seen through the eyes of Jesus and His word. 

 

I wanted to pretend my self-righteous anger against the looters was just that, righteous. It still makes me mad, but I also want to be someone who hears the pain and understands rather than someone who lectures and "Karen's" a group of people who are hurting and acting out. 

 

Doesn't make looting right. Doesn't make the multiple murders of innocent people right. Doesn't make the loss of police through the senseless violence of the mobs right. It doesn't ease the pain of business owners who may have lost everything. 

 

But maybe, just maybe, listening creates a bridge, where once there was a valley of misunderstanding, racism, and more healing down the road which leads to reconciliation, forgiveness and peace. I hope you take the time to listen to Pastor Rick too and thank you for reading what I'm sharing. 

 

Maybe, those who are in the wrong, will come to know the God of forgiveness, of love, of peace and of justice because one person's loving actions made a difference and show a different way of living.

 

I want to continue sharing how Wendy is listening and sharing from her heart as an excerpt that especially spoke to me because I felt heard and understood.

 

I hope you do too.

 

"Change is upon us, and we are all feeling it.

Change is also messy, emotional, uncertain, painful + requires deep discomfort to really grow, learn and evolve.

So many feelings are coming up.  We are seeing this on a global level and we are feeling it on an individual level.

As artists, I know we are feeling it, because that’s what we do. We feel. We empathize.  We emote.  We seek to understand the human condition.

But I also want to also remind you, that although we live in the digital age, you are not required to process your emotions in public.

Of course, I do hope you are taking time to process your emotions, release them in a way that is healthy and then do what feels best for you.

We all process things differently and we are all called to different actions that will drive us to different lanes.

Your lane might be writing.

 

Your lane might be donating.

 

Your lane might be protesting.

 

Your lane might be organizing.

 

Your lane might be volunteering.

 

Your lane might be painting a mural.

 

Your lane might be a dance or a song.

 

Your lane might be forwarding petitions.

 

Your lane might be talking to your children.

 

Your lane might be making a compelling video.

 

Your lane might be educating yourself in a new way.

 

Your lane might be tending to your own mental health.

 

Your lane might be doing what you can to stay sober today.

Some things to keep in mind:

 

1) Everyone’s lane is different.

 

2) Your lane might change from day to day.

 

3) Don’t feel guilty that you "should be" in all of the other lanes.  It’s impossible.

 

4) Don’t worry about directing the traffic in the other lanes.

If we want to bring compassion, acceptance + love into the world, we must begin with ourselves.  

So don’t judge yourself for whatever lane you are riding in on any given day.

As you soften your own self-judgment, and then let go of judging others for what they are doing or not doing, you are actually helping create the change that we are all seeking.

Be a beacon of love + light in whatever lane is calling you right now, and know that it does have a ripple effect."

You can read her entire blog here which is entitled Being A Beacon Of Light + Love ❤️ I hope you do take the time to read her entire blog because it's really beautiful and expresses how she reflects love in the world. I think it will bless you too. 

 

You never know who will be your teacher or lead you on a different path. I'm glad I have  Christian Pastors like Rick Warren at Saddleback Church, Pastor Miles McPherson at The Rock in San Deigo, Pastor Andy Stanley at Northpoint in Atlanta, and so many others I learn from when I take the time to listen.

 

I'm also glad I met Actress/Coach Wendy Braun. Recognize her from Atypical? 

The funny thing is I looked up her credits after taking her workshop and she had been in a short film by Director Jason Reitman called In God We Trust which I screened at my film festival in the 90's.

 

Funny how you run across people in Hollywood years later and realize you had a connection from years ago. Kudos to her. 

 

I've run across a lot of filmmakers, actors, directors and others who were part of my Short Pictures International Film Festival (SPIFF) from that time and they've gone on to do big things, like feature films you'd recognize. Maybe one day I'll do a Where Are They Now blog, but for now, want to close by saying, this isn't an easy time in America right now.

 

We're all going to experience different emotions, different reactions and "different lanes." I think it's how we drive forward that will determine whether our world remains a train wreck mired in racism, hurt and pain, or will we choose to make conscious decisions to change the direction of our metaphorical car, turn around and drive towards goodness, hope, love and peace with God guiding our way?

 

The choice is up to you. Jesus take the wheel is all I gotta say... 

I'm letting go, give me one more chance, save me from this road I'm on....

 

 

 

 

Changing society starts at home and here's some ways we can all help. #father #goals #dreams #hope

By Joy A. Kennelly

I don't know if other writers experience this, but I frame what I'm going to say in my head before I put it down on paper. And this morning, I woke up three times with things I wanted to write which made me realize I need to get it out. So hello again. 

I heard a black author say that looters were stealing because their income disparity was so bad they knew they would never achieve the ability to own a Louis Vuitton purse or any luxury item they stole like art from a gallery on Melrose.

I call bulls$%@. So would Harriet Tubman.

You know what I think is the root of this issue of rampant lawlessness? Other than the desire to take advantage of white guilt and continue the negative narrative that has plagued the African American community for decades? Fatherlessness which creates all these other issues. Check out this infographic created by the organization behind www.Fathers.com and the blurb from their website which I've excerpted here: 

Download FatherlessInfographic

The Consequences of Fatherlessness

Some fathering advocates would say that almost every social ill faced by America’s children is related to fatherlessness. Six are noted here. (Also see related fatherlessness epidemic infographic)

As supported by the data below, children from fatherless homes are more likely to be poor, become involved in drug and alcohol abuse, drop out of school, and suffer from health and emotional problems. Boys are more likely to become involved in crime, and girls are more likely to become pregnant as teens."

@thefathereffect  movie is now streaming for FREE until #FathersDay on YouTube & The Father Effect Facebook page. Check it out and share with family & friends! 

 

I have a friend who was working on a documentary about fatherhood back in 2010 and was really surprised at how much the lack of a father affects children and the impact it has on society as a result. Do you really think young black men, as young as 12 years old and black girls as young as 7, would be involved in protests, looting and rioting, if their fathers had been present in their lives and cared to protect them? I highly doubt it. It's why I cling to my heavenly Father when my earthly Father abandons me emotionally.

But don't take my word for it, take experts because if you do even a simple search of fatherhood all kinds of articles come up indicating how much the lack of a father affects boys and girls in the African American community. And society in general.

I observed it firsthand while living with a Latina single mom and her bi-racial, African American/Latina daughter. The mother worked a low paying day job all day and often worked late into the night/early morning doing Uber to cover her bills, while her daughter was left home alone, smoking pot with her friends, watching adult themed shows that were violent, sexual, and totally beyond anything children should be watching thanks to Netflix. The birthfather never paid child support, but would occasionally take the daughter to stay at the celebrities home he was security for to enjoy a weekend while the celebrity was away. Needless to say, there was a lot of rage in the mom and a lot of jealousy in the daughter who thought doing hair was her way out of poverty.

Due to lack of supervision and a desire to feel loved, this 16 year old got pregnant. But not after first attempting suicide twice, and that was all within the 7 months I lived there. It was my firsthand introduction to what it's like to live in an environment of little income, little hope, and total lack of supervision. The mother tried to compensate by buying the daughter expensive gifts she could barely afford, but the daughter was so spoiled she rarely appreciated the sacrifices her mother made for her. Rather, this selfish girl sadly thought her deadbeat Dad was her hero despite his total lack of financial support due to having so many other baby mamas he should have been supporting.

Where does the cycle of poverty end? Living there it sometimes felt like the chicken and the egg. What do you deal with first? The lack of child support? The abuse? The lack of supervision? I don't know.

I do know that's why I placed my son in an open adoption knowing myself and my family as I do. I love them all, but they haven't always been the most supportive or encouraging of me which helped make the decision easier. They also haven't been the most open-minded to my dating black men in the past which is another reason. Ironically, no desire now which my little Mom wasn't alive to see me change my mind.

I remember one relative who wouldn't let me bring my black friend to Thanksgiving despite his being very well-educated, kind, and funny from a quality family. And that was years ago. I skipped quite a few Thanksgivings after that, but came to accept that was her experience growing up and I won't change it. It's why she's never met my bi-racial son and probably never will, although she was there during my pre-adoption baby shower and has supported me when other family members haven't.

We have a loving, kind relationship and I value her in my life. We just view race very differently. Perhaps we're a little closer now though.

I also remember being told by a friend who spoke to my middle sister about my pregnancy that she told my friend I wouldn't be a good mother which hurt deeply. My sister also said something racially motivated which I have since forgotten, but it also tempered my willingness to bring my child into my immediate family. 

My youngest sister was always supportive and even came to the hospital when my son was born. I stayed with her and her girls after having my appendix removed while five months pregnant which was a very dangerous operation to have for my unborn son. I remember telling my Mom in the hospital, I know I'm placing him in adoption, but I don't want him to die. She was there every step of the way and would even go to visit the adoptive family with me because she was Grandma in body, heart and mind to my son. I only wish she had been alive to meet him when I brought him out to visit a few years after her death. She always kept in touch with the adoptive family and cared about everything I would share about him.

That meant a lot. I don't have a lot of people in my life who understand or know that period in my life because my closest guy friend died of cancer a few years back and others have moved on, like some friendships do. Looking at me, you wouldn't guess I have a son and I rarely put it out there, but I feel like it today because it helps explain my decision to those who have questions. I have an open adoption which is explained here: 

I'll never forget my niece laying her little head on my chest to comfort me when I was crying after a particularly rough conversation with an adoption attorney telling me I would never find the family I was looking for and just to accept anyone. She wasn't very old, but she was intuitive and caring. Something I needed then.

And now. 

Because as I write and think about everything going on in the world today, it just breaks my heart that we're still experiencing the same racial tension and violence we experienced back when Rodney King was beaten during the LA Riots. Another Hispanic friend, who has relatives in the police, said what didn't come out during the arrest back then was that he was so high on something and resisting arrest very aggressively which is why it got so crazy. Nothing could bring him down and they had to use force to stop him.

The LA Riots back then were a scar upon Los Angeles, as these are too. And the Mayor and Governor and people responsible for the districts that have been torn up really did nothing to stop it this time.

I saw a video circulating on Instagram that the Santa Monica police knew TWO days ahead of time what was going to happen. Which businesses would be hit, where and when. It was sent to them and they did nothing to warn anyone. If I could share from Instagram I would, but since I can't, follow these accounts if you want to see what's really happening in our city because the local news only whitewashes everything. 

Corruptifornia aggregates all kinds of great content to show what's really going on from a perspective you won't see elsewhere. I also like seeing what this one called LA Street People puts out too. And LA Hood Life, which documents the homelessness, riots and current news. These are citizen journalists doing what our local news oftentimes refuses to do.

REPORT THE REALITY OF WHAT WE ARE LIVING IN NOW!

So getting back to my first point, to the black author who says blacks are entitled to looting, ruining small businesses and wrecking cities because you feel you will never achieve racial parity, you are so right. You, and those who do this, never will.

And you deserve the rap sheets, the bias, the negative stereotypes because you're perpetuating this. What about taking responsibility for once in your culture and acknowledge blacks kill more blacks than police officers do. How about stopping aborting black babies? Because you're doing a great job of wiping out your race all by yourself. Don't believe me?

Read this excerpt from https://www.grrtl.org/genocide/ 

"Abortion is the number one killer of black lives in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, abortion kills more black people than HIV, homicide, diabetes, accident, cancer, and heart disease … combined.

In 2014, African-American women comprised 13.3% of the U.S. population, but black women had 36% of all abortions."

So excuse me if I don't buy the I'm an innocent black person who has done nothing to deserve this BS by that black author. I don't have the income to buy luxury things, but NEVER in a million years would I join looters to "get mine." That's where the fallacy that it's okay to rob, steal and destroy other's businesses because you "deserve" this is wrong and detrimental to even your own black business owners. I have seen so many black officers, black business owners, and black people in general hurt and damaged by their own people in this awful time I refuse to accept the current narrative that all white people are bad and we owe you anything.

Dear Black People, get it together. Call out the looters and those destroying your communities, your hope, your babies. STOP BLAMING WHITE PEOPLE FOR THE ISSUES YOU OFTEN BRING ON YOURSELF! TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR LIVES AND BEGIN TO MAKE CHANGES.

Yes, police brutality is wrong. Yes, George Floyd shouldn't have been killed. Yes, this happens way too often. Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes. But I refuse to buy into the narrative that blacks are innocent when I see actions like this during the last weekend here: Rioting in Trenton, NJ  and here: Violent attack in Riverside

I know others feel this way too. I also support peaceful protests, but their voice gets overshadowed by the violence, loss of businesses, loss of life, loss of sense of safety and other issues now facing our society. However, the dialog needs to continue. Let's just hope it brings resolution that is balanced and honest on both sides because compromise, maturity, responsibility means looking at ourselves and our community to determine how we move forward differently.

And with this I close.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank God for Black Preachers and other thoughts this 9th day of the riots, protests and looting. #BLM #LOVECONQUERSALL #Justice #peace

By Joy A. Kennelly

Have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised to see the peace marches happening in Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach yesterday. But while it's easy to march, it will be interesting to see if the white people marching decide to hire black people for more than delivering their groceries, their take-out orders, or retail jobs. I hate to say it, but talk is cheap and action means more when taken in a new positive direction. 

So, all you investors and celebrities living in the South Bay in your mansions, will you hire minorities on  your sets? Fund their startups? Rebuild their businesses? Fund their dreams? Or merely march once, figure you've done your civic duty and go back to your normal lives feeling better about yourselves? Will you donate to help change inner city kids lives? Will you recognize the constant threat of violence so many children grow up under with no hope for a way out of the vicious cycle because their parents aren't able to get out of years of systematic poverty? 

And yes, minorities do hold some of the responsibility for their situations, just like I do mine. I'm just saying, let's take the high road and create a bridge to another life rather than wave at them from the other side and wish them well. 

And that's all I'll say on that for now. 

I listened to a black preacher my friend Maria and my little Mom used to love named Creflo Dollar who really spoke to me this morning. I want to share the scripture he shared and how he shared it because maybe you need a little encouragement today too. I always love black preachers because they've been through some things and they get how much we need God in times like these. Sometimes I think white preachers are so far removed from the trenches minorities live with on a daily basis they just can't give the comfort necessary to those of us living with the nightmare on a daily basis.

Last night I had numerous thugs walking around near my place setting off fireworks - not just fireworks, cherry bombs that sounded like bombs. Firecrackers that sounded like gunshots. Finally I had enough and yelled at them to cut it out. Then I saw more going off and I called the police. The idiot dispatcher was like where is it? I gave them a general vicinity and because she still refused to understand I told her I'd go do her job for her and raced over to the street the largest display was coming from only to find a group of young kids. 

Interestingly though, earlier, down the street I heard what sounded like a domestic violence disturbance from the messed up house down the street and kept waiting for someone to yell for help. It eventually subsided so I didn't report it. However, when I raced out of my house to track down the explosions I saw a black guy wearing a hoodie scurrying away and two cars ran the stop sign to get away too.

This is my life right now. And what minorities live with on a regular basis in these low income neighborhoods.

I was so mad I called Maxine Waters and demanded she do something to make it stop. I also tweeted at her, and all the black bishops leading these congregations in the hood, and all the black politicians doing nothing to quell the unrest. Whether or not it does any good will have to be seen. But I felt better. LOL

Sometimes you just need to yell and scream which is why I understand why people are "peacefully" protesting. However, allowing Antifa to run wild and not report it as news is where the media is failing society. They're so intent on libeling our President they refuse to report anything else than that which is a total disservice to the black officer who lost his life due to looters, the black businesses that have been devastated, the black homeless living in DTLA and under the bridge near Otis, or anywhere you drive in California lately.

WE HAVE TO DO BETTER! WE HAVE TO REPORT WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON AND STOP BLAMING TRUMP FOR EVERYTHING. WE HAVE TO REALIZE GAVIN NEWSOM HAS DIVERTED FUNDS CONSTANTLY FROM THE STATE BUDGET DESIGNED TO TAKE CARE OF OUR VETERANS, OUR HOMELESS, OUR UNEMPLOYMENT, OUR SENIORS AND USED IT FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT CITIZENS.

At a certain point we either defend our state and our rights as citizens to live in a city that is devoid of corruption, or accept the results of it. Gavin Newsom acts like Robin Hood, only the poor people he thinks he's saving aren't who most normal people want him to save. We want him to save our Veterans, our Homeless, our Seniors and when he spends $150 million to save illegals I have a problem with that. BIG PROBLEM.

Who is going to bail out the businesses that were just ransacked, looted and damaged? Why are celebrities saying defund the police when they have expensive security protecting them? When will they be as defenseless as the rest of us to hear how insane what they're saying is, or who they're funding is? I just can't understand the depths of ignorance and self-righteous posturing I see. But then again, you may consider what I'm doing the same. LOL And therein lies the conundrum. 

I know I said I wasn't going to say anything else, but this really, really, really bugs me. And 140 characters in a tweet aren't enough to express my sheer frustration and anger at the lack of protection, leadership, and sanctity of human life I see in all areas of California administration. 

I'm glad Jamie Foxx, Stephen Jackson and others are in Minneapolis calling for justice. I stand with them. There needs to be change and justice, but you have to also realize this isn't a one-sided conversation. Watch this:

I was happy to hear Andrew Cuomo back off his statement criticizing the NYPD after what they're having to face with organized rioting. If you don't believe me, then believe this soviet since so many of you love Russia.:)

Or how about Investigative journalist.Winner of Alfred I duPont–Columbia Uni Silver Baton, multiple Emmys, Edward R. Murrow Awards etc Lara Logan Has No Agenda on Fox Nation Just read her twitter feed because it's all there: https://twitter.com/laralogan?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Saw this just now and feel it fits my thoughts today. 

And with that, I will close out this missive with the words of the Pastor I promised to share earlier, but then got fired up sharing something else.:)

Psalm 91: 1 - 16

 I DECLARE Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.^[a]

I DECLARE I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”

I DECLARE Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.

I DECLARE He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

I DECLARE You will not fear the terror of night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
    nor the plague that destroys at midday.

I DECLARE A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.

I DECLARE You will only observe with your eyes
    and see the punishment of the wicked.

^{I DECLARE} If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
    and you make the Most High your dwelling,
    no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.

 

I DECLARE For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;

 

I DECLARE they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

 

I DECLARE You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
    you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

 

I DECLARE “Because he^[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

 

^{I DECLARE} He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”

Amen and Amen. May God bless the reading of His word and God bless you. 

What I saw in Santa Monica and Venice yesterday after the looting. Recommendations based on people I believe in and support. #silentmajority #blackouttuesday #tech #entertainment #America

By Joy A. Kennelly

I want to start off by saying these are my thoughts and if you're reading, then you must find them of interest. Just know, I'm not perfect. I don't have all the answers. I'm sharing from my heart and my worldview which may differ from yours. In fact, in all likelihood I know it does because I haven't heard this expressed in a public forum which is why I feel compelled to do so.

That's why I write.

To express a worldview I don't always read or hear when I look out into the world. May add value, may not. But these are my thoughts. It may also reflect certain parts of me that need maturing so give me grace as I will try to give you some too. And as I get these thoughts out of my brain on to "paper" so to speak, then I can look at them objectively and realize there are still areas of growth I need. (So I want to clarify that not all black men cheat, only the ones I happen to have "dated.")

I also look and see how far I've come from where I was. And perhaps, how much I still have to go. Journaling has a way of doing that which is why I love it so much.

Yesterday I drove down to Santa Monica after hearing the press conference put on by their city officials out of a desire to help with the clean up from the looters taking advantage of the peaceful protests. I woke up late, which is typical during this lockdown experience lately despite hours of sleep, and by the time I arrived, the majority of the graffiti, debris, etc was taken care of by Public Works and an army of concerned citizens. 

I drove around the entire city looking for an area I could help and to be honest, many people were doing the same by foot because it was really cleaned up. The business area curfew of 1:00pm had put a sense of urgency around the boarding up of the windows and street clean-up which I also feel was part of it. I posted a bunch of pictures and videos on my insta account here: www.instagram.com/joyakennelly

I was shocked and saddened at the same time. But also encouraged and the one thought that kept repeating in my mind was Look for the helpers as Mr. Rogers always used to say. And there were so many. It really warmed my heart and helped me to understand we are good people. We want to be kind. We want to hear. We want to be part of the change that is so necessary right now.

Look at Jimmy Fallon. What a lot of guts to be that vulnerable last night with his apology and guest choices.

I was further encouraged waiting in line at the grocery store to see a white couple invite a young black man to step in front of them to buy his small purchase when their cart was full. It's small gestures that show people they're seen. They're heard. They're part of us.

I listened to the heart of Miles McPherson, the pastor The Rock San Diego, and was sad to hear what he's experienced in his life as a black man, but also encouraged by what he had to say. I'm showing it here in full because you might have missed it and it's so powerful. He's a former NFL player, had a cocaine addiction, became a Christian, got his theology degree and now leads a 18,000 person church throughout San Diego.

And if you really want to do a deep dive, read his book, The Third Option: Hope for a Racially Divided Nation, which you can find on Amazon, his church bookstore, and Barnes & Noble.

"Pastor Miles McPherson’s new book, The Third Option: Hope for a Racially Divided Nation, offers guidance on this issue, by identifying the cultural influences that shape our attitudes on race, and explaining why we must honor the priceless value of God’s image in all people." 

I was also really encouraged by the images I saw from the Palos Verdes peaceful protest which you can view on my friend's instagram account too: https://www.instagram.com/p/CA8GEjFFGa6gAFWAEE-pMU7ZmxM7emaLZ2P8js0/ and here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CA8GvRLFDfhrckh7N_CmHH-zaily-_apteJp9A0/

If I had my phone with me when I went to the beach the other day I would have taken a picture of the lone female activist standing outside the Manhattan Beach library holding a sign that said, Black Lives DO Matter, Check your privilege. I asked her first if she was from there and she said yes. Then I asked if there was a lot of resistance, knowing the people who live there like I do having grown up with many of them and worked around them too. And again, she said yes.

I sometimes think people just don't want to examine themselves because if they did, then they'd have to change.

I see this in the tech industry which prefers to fund young, white males and excludes minorities (women, blacks, Hispanics.) When I left in 2014 only 4% of female founders were receiving funding. Last year I attended an investment seminar put on by a friend of mine to see if anything had changed. When I asked the most vocal female panelist what the stats were now, she said the marker hadn't changed one iota. It's the main reason I left.

I loved being around smart people who are so innovative, but also being around such a myopic viewpoint that only white men can produce anything of value was too oppressive and small-minded for me to continue to support or participate.

I find it ironic that one of the lead investors is saying he wants to review his view of minorities in light of all the riots and I had to comment, then consider funding minorities because I'm sure if he began reviewing his investments he would have to agree, it's woefully few and far between. Even his conference is probably all white. Not sure, but how many black tech companies have you heard about in this realm lately? Because you know only CEO's generally get a platform at such conferences and if they're not getting funded, then they're not having a platform either. 

Don't believe me? Then read this Crunchbase article:

Untapped Opportunity: Minority Founders Still Being Overlooked 

However, it's not all bad news. Check out this February 2020 article too:

25 Black Entrepreneurs Making Waves

Maybe if more investors see this article they will realize they're missing an entire investment category that has high returns. Perhaps hiring more minorities who are capable of analyzing the ROI potential from a real perspective might help. I say the same for hiring more female investors on their team too. The irony of leaving an industry is that it's like a guy you ignore, when you don't need or want them any more, all of a sudden you're that much more desirable.

Ironic, isn't it? Not to say anything will happen about the conversation I will have next week, but to even have it again after years of radio silence is interesting to say the least.

The entertainment industry is also very myopic, but I think having the changes that have happened recently in the Academy have begun to make a difference. Plus, the fact the film, Black Panther was so successful probably didn't hurt. "'Storylines with a strong black character or identity are crossing cultural boundaries to grab diverse audiences and start conversations. That insight is important for culture and content creators, as well as manufacturers and retailers looking to create engaging, high-impact advertising campaigns,'” said Andrew McCaskill, senior vice president, Communications and Multicultural Marketing, at Nielsen." excerpt from a 2 year old Forbes article which can read if you click the link.

However, it's still an issue which is why I admire Tyler Perry so much. And The Rock. And Kevin Hart. They didn't let race limit their lives and have accomplished so much and overcome so much. Doesn't mean I agree with everything they promote or stand for, or share, but the majority of it I do so...

The image that keeps coming to mind after reviewing everything happening recently is our country is like a child that is deeply hurting and throwing a tantrum where they're kicking and screaming and crying on the ground until they can't cry any more and lay there breathing heavily until they are quiet. I feel like we're still in the raising hell stage and it may take awhile before it ends because the pain, the loss, the heartache, the deaths, the injustice and the economic struggle has been so long, so deep, so below the surface of most white's perception it is taking something this drastic, (whether the protests are invaded by Antifa as I believe, or not), to create radical change. 

I was duly impressed by this one woman's interpretation as expressed in her book and which you can read an article on if you click the following link: Why I’m no longer talking to white people about race

by Reni Eddo-Lodge

 

For years, racism has been defined by the violence of far-right extremists, but a more insidious kind of prejudice can be found where many least expect it – at the heart of respectable society Listen to the audio version of this long read

I have lots of black friends, have dated numerous black men, have a mixed race son, and yet, even so, I still learn something about the black experience. I think as a country we need to continue to be open, to hear, to care and to share, but I also feel there needs to be radical changes to how dirty cops continue to escape justice, how tech investment is parsed out, and how entertainment is presented.

We need to change the messages, the system, the money structure to allow there to be true common ground. We can't speak it. We have to live it by our actions. When I ran my short film festival I always tried to represent diverse voices. I'll never forget a black filmmaker friend of mine saying how surprised he was to be the only black guy at the Kodak reception for filmmakers. I told him it was because his film wasn't the traditional black film and it was something white judges felt comfortable recognizing. I think it's changed since the 90's, but I've never forgotten his surprise. 

My son shared a petition he is sharing and I'm not sure how it will evoke change, or if it's feasible, but I offer it here simply because I support my son and his opinion. I'm in disagreement where he calls for the legalization of cannabis, because seeing how it's affected Denver, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, I don't believe it's part of this solution. I think it's a distraction. And I've told him so. But I will let you make up your own mind once you read it. I also am not saying that I believe all cops are bad. I'm just presenting this as part of the dialog needed and because my mixed race son is expressing his viewpoint.

Prevent police brutality with tangible solutions

And now, if you'll excuse me I need to get back to my life again. Been listening to a few webinars at the same time and now need to implement what I've been learning. 

 

 

 

 

My heartfelt reaction to the riots and mass destruction happening around the country.

By Joy A. Kennelly

It feels great to be blogging again. I stopped because these blogs take hours to write and format which I normally don't have time to do. I also told myself I didn't want to write if I wasn't getting paid, but I find blogging is my therapy and as a result, I kinda need to right now. It's the only way I can make sense of what's going on and get out of swirling around in my brain on things I have no control over. You feel me?

Case in point, all the rioting going on. If you seriously believe this is the result of one black man's death and isn't orchestrated by evil forces wanting to take America down, then you haven't heard how prepared the rioters were in Dallas and how the people running it were directing people to pallets of bricks and brought pallets of water. Who has that kind of money and time to orchestrate a full on attack? And why would black people destroy their own neighborhoods, stores, small businesses?

It just doesn't make sense. 

But nothing makes sense right now. The senseless death of George Floyd has been denounced by numerous good cops, but you won't hear that on the news because it doesn't fit the narrative. Did you hear that George worked at a nightclub with the cop who killed him? What does that say about pre-meditated murder? What does it say about why this cop should have been stopped by the others who stood around and watched?

It's why I like TikTok so much. You hear from people in uniform, whether it be a nurse, a doctor or a cop exactly how they're feeling, what is going on in their cities, their hospitals and wherever they are. And it helps put things into perspective because it's not biased, no agenda, just people sharing.

I used to only see dancing kids and that was soothing to me because they're so innocent and remind me of my youth, but now, I like hearing from adults around the country because the news doesn't accurately reflect the reality most people are facing. It's a sad truth when you can't trust your media to be objective, but this is where we are now. 80% of the media is liberal and as a result, you will really only hear that perspective despite the fact it is hurting people.

People are dying. People are losing their businesses. People are being flamed into fury and doing things they might never do normally.

And all for what?

A political agenda that will create more chaos, more poverty, more destruction? You look at any Democrat run state and they are in shambles. California - highest homelessness in the nation; New York - highest deaths in their retirement communities because Andrew Cuomo put 6,000 infected people into them knowing it would cause death for seniors. Why? Detroit - highest death rate of black on black murders even with gun control. 

It's not guns people, we have a heart and mind issue in our country and that's why I pray and call upon God to save us because the government isn't the answer. I don't care who is in office. We have seen trouble building and now it's escalated into full out war and it's devastating. 

Is this really who we want to be as a country? A nation? A society? A people? I know I sure don't want to have this be our normal existence. This isn't the America I grew up with or want to die experiencing. 

It's why the scriptures I memorized as a child keep coming back to me now because they're the only way I find comfort and solace when everything is imploding around me.

And I mean everything.

I was going to list it all, but that was too overwhelming. Sometimes it feels like Biblical times and we're going through the ten plagues only ten times worse. I've never in my entire lifetime seen such chaos and such complete and utter failure of control and decency. It's like what else is coming? What else will it take before people realize they need God? We can't keep doing this without a moral compass people. We can't expect to resolve heart issues without first looking at ourselves and asking what about me? Where is my part in all this? What have I done, or not done to resolve this heart ache? 

Because if you're really honest with yourself, you will see the heartache of every black person, every small business owner, every neighbor and every child who is crying out for help and what have you done to resolve it? Have you spoken up about injustice? Have you stood up against evil in our society to prevent it from getting stronger? Have you stopped racist remarks when you hear them among your friends? Have you ever considered why poor people are poor and bothered to help them? 

Sometimes I feel like God has put me in the neighborhood and the situations I've been living in to humble my heart, to show me what it's really like to not have enough food, not enough gas, not enough...because I came from a white middle class privileged life and didn't understand it on a heart level. I went to church, I prayed, I cared, but I didn't really get it. I was mad when homeless people dug through my trash waking me up. I was closed off to those begging on the side of the freeway.

I just didn't want to get it.

However, when you live through what I've lived through all of a sudden you really begin to understand what breaks God's heart and look at people as people rather than statistics, or people to avoid. Fortunately, having lived in Africa as a child, I am more aware of what black people experience too.

I experienced reverse racism or what it feels like to be a minority as one of the few white people traveling through Burkina Faso after college. When you're the minority and nobody speaks  your language and you have to rely on the kindness of strangers when your supposed friend turns on you and begins to treat you with anger and take out on you all the hurt and pain she experienced living in America, then you begin to realize the simmering rage that lies just below the surface and the pain that our collective racism causes black people. 

Attending a black church for a few years, I began to understand the fear and underlying worry that black people experience every time they leave their home when every choir practice included a prayer for safety. I have been part of other white choirs and never once did we pray for safety. It wasn't even on the radar. 

I've dated numerous black men and even have a son from one. We talked about politics, life and I know I brought one into circles he wouldn't normally enter without me. But I also know I will never date another black guy again. The last guy was just too abusive, too addicted, too mean and self-centered to ever make me look at a black guy with the same innocent eyes of someone who hasn't experienced abuse - sexual, mental and financial at the hands of someone you think you love.

Not to say white guys aren't capable of such things too, but it's just a personal choice not to be involved with anyone black again. I've had nothing but heartache from all the black guys I've dated and now I'm ready to meet a nice white guy. I want some semblance of a normal romantic life that isn't marred by what they experienced growing up and take out on me if that makes sense. I have enough baggage of my own to deal with than to take on someone else's too. I'm working on healing the wounds of my past and growing and changing. I need someone on the same path.

Well, that was sure personal, but since I am on the topic felt like clarifying. I actually don't feel like dating anyone of any other culture, any other race to be honest. I just want a guy who lives in the same environment as I do, experiences life like I do and enjoys the same things that I do. Is that too much to ask? Someone who has a faith in God and has the same moral compass. Someone who believes in the power of prayer and applies the Bible to living a better life built on faith, honesty, and love.

I know I'm not perfect. Never said I was.

In fact, lately under quarantine I've even begun to question why I keep doing certain things and why I constantly feel like I have to defend myself because it's exhausting to tell the truth. I also hate when I hurt people and don't mean to. It sometimes feels like I'm the feral cat in a corner lashing out even when people are trying to help. And I wonder what will tame this part of me. It's why I've begun joining a Bible Study to learn new ways of coping, communicating and loving. It's why I listen to so many sermons when I'm feeling especially hurt. It's why I pray that God will reveal in me what needs to be changed and help me to change.

It's not a fast process. It's not an easy process. But being aware of the issue, wanting to change and working towards it is the first step. 

It's what I hope happens with each of you reading this, and our society too. We can't keep pointing fingers at everyone saying You have to change. You're the problem. It's all your fault. Because there are three fingers pointing back at you like the child's adage says.

What are YOU doing that needs correction? What are YOU saying that needs to stop? What are YOU doing in relationships with men, women, minorities, or others who aren't you that needs to change? What are YOU doing to make that change? 

I really liked this guy's perspective which is why I'm going to share it here now because I don't think anything we humans do are capable of making the heart changes that only God can do. We just aren't wise enough, strong enough, or determined enough to change without relying on a higher power. It's why AA and all the other 12 step programs lead us to God. We have to first admit we're powerless over whatever is holding us back - sex addiction, porn, racism, greed, hate, alcohol, drugs, whatever wound we're covering up through whatever addiction we have. We have to admit we're powerless over it.

Watch this short video to hear the promise God makes if we do.

Just had a wonderful call with a former roommate who is black and we love each other dearly. I can be honest with her and she with me on topics normally not discussed with other friends. We cried, we laughed, we commiserated, and we prayed because that's what helps us get through our pain, our situations and our lives.

I hope you have someone you can be this honest with and share your life with. It makes all the difference in the world. I think I've blogged enough. I feel better and my tears are under control again. My heart breaks for those who have experienced the destruction of their businesses, their homes and their lives. But I can't keep crying or grieving. I have to live my life and pull it together for me. When I do, then I can help others more.

Right now? Just trying to survive.

And with that, I bid you adieu. God bless. Remember God loves you and so do I. Turn to Jesus because He's your help in time of need and is waiting on you...

Let's talk beauty. Can we do that as professional women and be taken seriously?:) #Beauty #Hairproducts #SwimSpray #Travel

By Joy A. Kennelly

Talking about beauty can go in so many directions. If you're a feminist, you're supposed to hate the superficiality of it all and look like Betty Friedan or Gloria Steinem. Heavy sigh.

If you're a model, or an actress, that's all you're supposed to think about because that's how you make a living.

But if you're an ordinary woman, living a normal life, often times it's a way of expressing your femininity and simply enjoying the simple pleasures of being a woman.

In other cases, it's a matter of establishing a new path in life that signifies the end of something that hurt you, like ending a marriage in divorce and then cutting off all your hair to be or feel like someone new.

Or in my case, ending a 16 year relationship/friendship and adding extensions, like I did this summer.

I like entering contests because I read somewhere that not enough people do and as a result, you often have a better chance of winning that you think you do. That's how I won an iPad, tickets to the Hollywood Bowl and this summer, my long hair extensions from the Hair Dreams Makeover contest.

Now you have to understand, I'm not a long hair girl. Ever since I was a child with hair down to my elbows and got a snarl the size of a baseball near my ear, my Mom cut off my hair and from then on my hair has always been shoulder length or shorter. 

Thinking back, I wonder how my Mom let my hair get that tangled without knowing it and making it stop sooner, but that's neither here nor there. I also will always wonder why she liked cutting all our hair really short like boys leading an African we were traveling near to think I was a boy while living and traveling in Africa. Thanks Mom. LOL I also had another African offer to buy me in marriage months later so there you have it.:)

Now I've known Danny and Aubrey of Studio DNA since the day Yelp launched in Santa Monica near their former salon and had my hair done there during Yelp's block party open house of all the businesses along the block; which was a whole lot of fun by the way. Yelp was clever at building community then and they're clever now.

   

Same with Danny and Aubrey - brilliant business men and lovely friends I adore. Visit their salon! http://studiodnasalon.com/

But I digress.

In any case, I had an absolute blast having my hair professionally extended by the wonderful David Matthew Reid over at the Santa Monica Dove Salon, their sister salon location.

 

Before, immediately after (felt like an Atlanta Housewife in that one!) and then after we styled it more.

You can see all the pix and story here: HairDreams Hair Makeover Contest Winner Event  and here: Hair Dreams Makeover Part II Very fun experience and really lifted my spirits which I totally needed at that time.

My hair extensions became like a new pet I needed to take care of which took my mind off a lot of difficult things I was dealing with. I learned you're not supposed to wash it every day (like I was used to, having fine hair), and had to learn how to take care of coarse hair which felt sometimes like an alien object attached to my head.

I was given this wonderful Swim Spray by a publicist which helped make sure the chlorine didn't turn my hair green or make my skin smell which I'm sure avid swimmers will enjoy. It also helped my skin not be itchy. No wonder it won a Bronze award from the National Parenting Publications Association (NAPPA) 

Here's the official pitch: "Invented by a swimmer, SwimSpray is a 100% natural Vitamin C-based technology which solves the problems chlorine leaves behind – strong chlorine odor; dry, itchy, and irritated skin; bleached, straw-like hair; etc.  It was developed by a swimmer for swimmers." Read the inventor's story next. 

 

"'I was ready to give up swimming because of the post-workout chlorine smell I always had,'" says Andrew Chadeayne, PhD and inventor of SwimSpray.  After trying three or four other products in the market, Dr. Chadeayne, who holds a PhD in Chemistry from Cornell University, was determined to solve his problem.  After months of research, he developed the all-natural formula used in SwimSpray to neutralize the chlorine hair and skin.  

Dr. Chadeayne, a former Princeton University swimmer, was able to regain his collegiate form and become the 2011 U.S. Masters Swimming National Champion in the 200 Backstroke.  "'SwimSpray allowed me to swim as much as I wanted with none of the usual chlorine-related side effects.  I invented the product because, like many swimmers, I was tired of smelling like chlorine all the time.'"  

To be honest, with the summer being hot into September, so was I and was very happy with this product. You can buy it yourself here: www.swimspray.com and at select swim shop partners.

Now the next thing I had to deal with with my new extensions was my hair not feeling clean when I didn't have the 30 minutes or more it would take to dry it afterward and had to leave the house hoping it wasn't too noticeable. 

This too was solved by a fun publicist who sent me this pitch initially.

"Showering is so last year! Who needs water and all that hassle, when you can just as easily spritz on some dry shampoo and be on your way. Save water for the fishes."

She nailed it so well I immediately asked her to send me samples and soon was experimenting with dry shampoos from RUSK, Marc Anthony True Professional and Macadamia Professional. Now indulge me as I share the specs because a friend asked me and I didn't know, but since I know women care about this, here's the official information:

Deepshine® Color Care Invisible Dry Shampoo instantly cleanses and revives hair between shampoos by absorbing excess oil and odor, leaving a fresh, clean scent.

HOW IT WORKS: Deepshine® Color Care Invisible Dry Shampoo is formulated with ChromAveil™, a patented UV protection technology that helps preserve chemically-colored and natural hair color to extend the time between coloring sessions.

INGREDIENTS AND FUNCTIONS:

• ChromAveil™ features a patented blend of ingredients known to protect chemically-colored hair and natural hair color from the damaging effects caused by exposure to sunlight.
• Marine Nutrient Complex helps replenish hair’s natural balance using a unique combination of marine extracts, proteins and trace minerals.
• Tapioca Starch absorbs oil and cleanses hair to deliver a velvety soft texture.
• Prevents hair color from fading and extends time between coloring
• Invisible application
• Alcohol-free
• Talc-free

The RUSK Deepshine® Color Care Invisible Dry Shampoo is available at ULTA, Cosmoprof, or select salons. See RUSK1.com for details.

 RUSK Deepshine® Color Care Invisible Dry Shampoo 8oz …..………...SRP: $19.00

 RUSK Deepshine® Color Care Invisible Dry Shampoo 2oz…..………...SRP: $7.00

Travel size too people! 

Now the next one, these are in no particular order by the way, is the 2ND DAY formula by Marc Anthony, developed with Nanotechnology and Zeolite to absorb oil without leaving a build-up or gritty texture. The highly porous nature of Zeolite acts as a filter, trapping excess oil on a molecular level so that your hair is clean and residue-free. (Don't you love the official pr language? So official!:)

A blend of Chamomile Extract, Stinging Nettle Extract and Pro Vitamin B5 offers added cleansing, conditioning and shine benefits so that your hair not only looks clean – it looks healthy. Plus, fewer washes equal richer color and less heavy oil equal extra volume. 

Availability: $7.99 at Rite-Aid and Drugstore.com

And finally, my favorite out of all three, MACADAMIA PROFESSIONAL STYLE EXTEND DRY SHAMPOO, which of course is the most expensive, but when you see the ingredients you'll understand why.

  KEY BENEFITS

• Absorbs excess oil, product build-up and odor
• Instantly refreshes hair, leaving it looking and feeling clean and fresh
• Blends with all hair colors, leaving no powdery residue
• Finish – Natural

 KEY INGREDIENTS

• Macadamia Oil – Omega 7, 5 and 3 fatty acids provide weightless moisture
• Argan Oil – Omega 9 fatty acid repairs and strengthens
• Rice & Potato Starches – absorbs excess oils & purifies hair
• Volcanic Ash – absorbs and traps oils, debris and odors
• Passion Flower Extract – provides antioxidant protection, and protects moisture balance
• Aloe Vera Leaf Extract – hydrates, smoothes and nourishes hair

DIRECTIONS

• Ideal for extending the life of your hair color or blow out and use instead of shampoo for the first few days. Shake can well. Spray 8-10 inches from hair, targeting the scalp. Wait a minute, then brush or work lightly into hair. Style as desired.

ALWAYS

• Color safe, cruelty-free and free of sulfates, gluten and parabens

FRAGRANCE:  Toasted Coconut Cream - really a big selling point!

TEXTURE:  All Textures

I actually used each product and discovered that on different days different ones worked better, but have to admit, the scent of toasted coconut cream won me over and the ingredients of the Rusk one both left my hair feeling the best and garnered the most compliments. The other one I could tell my hair wasn't clean almost immediately which was very unpleasant when you leave the house early morning and then don't return home till late evening.

I would recommend the Macadamia Professional Style and the Rusk Dry Shampoo if you're really busy and don't want to have to worry about your hair once you leave the house. I also like the fact all three are available in travel sizes. I believe they fit within the airline parameters too so pop one in and go!

 So thus ends our first soiree into my beauty firsts this summer.

Up next, Beauty and the Breast, otherwise known as my first visit to a plastic surgeon's office learning about breast surgery, vagina "enhancements" and my first spray tan. Oh, and my original breast cancer awareness effort with a photographer who shoots nude models and my inclusion in the Santa Ana Art Museum's breast cancer awareness exhibit featuring "Breast in a Bow."

Stay tuned. You won't want to miss this one.:)

(Author's Note: It has been pointed out that my reference to never being Jewish as referring to the feminists at the opening of my beauty article could be taken as anti-semitism, but that is wrong. It's simply stating that as a woman with Irish/German/Finnish genealogy who is a practicing Christian, I am not of Jewish lineage. This was meant simply as a joke. Nothing more, nothing less people.:)

 

White Light, White Nights by Walk with Sally huge success! Guest blogged @SouthBayFoodies

By Joy A. Kennelly

Since many South Bay folks have been looking forward to my write-up on the recent White Light, White Nights cancer fundraiser review, just wanted to point you in the right direction since I am expanding my readership and guest blogged for my buddy, Micheal's site, South Bay Foodies.

Here's the intro to entice you over there.:)

Basking in the Glow of White Light White Night 2015

By Joy Kennelly on August 31st, 2015

On Saturday, August 22^nd, Walk With Sally hosted its 9th Annual White Light White Night in El Segundo, CA. Although the food and drinks are always delicious, it’s the heart of this event that brings people back year after year to experience one of the most highly anticipated parties of the South Bay summer season.

Nick Arquette started this charity in honor of his mother who passed away due to cancer and it has become a beacon of hope in the South Bay for those who have lost someone to cancer.

Fox Sports host, Jessica Rosales welcomed special guests as the evening began on the red carpet. Local notables included Supervisor for the 4th District of LA County candidate, Steve Napolitano and restaurateur Michael Zislis; Chef Deven Alexander, Cookbook author and Host of Healthy Decadence on Fit TV; and Walk With Sally Mentor, Amy Dorr.  Celebrities like James Anderson (NFL player for the Dallas Cowboys) and Carissa Rosario, International Maxim Model, were also in attendance.

To continue reading, please go here: http://www.southbayfoodies.com/2015/08/31/basking-in-the-glow-of-white-light-white-night-2015/

And for a complete photo essay review, please refer to my Facebook Fan page here: Walk With Sally Photo Album. 

Thanks for stopping by! More to come! Wait till you see Le Diner en Blanc pictures!:)

 

 

Shaking off last week and ready to blast off this week

Sometimes you just have to muscle through a horrendous week to get to a better one and see the sunshine of the new week.

Lately I've realized I write when I feel I have to convey something and I don't want to keep doing that.

I want to write because I want to.

It's my passion.

It's how I express myself.

It's fun.

It's a way to communicate.

It's artistic and creative.

And it's part of who I am.

So, as long as I can, I plan to write more freely because I need to get back my joie de vivre.

Shaking off last week ala Taylor Swift.

 

Have a great week everybody! I plan to!

Follow up to thoughts on #startups lead by women in #tech via @Newsweek #SiliconValley article cc: #WhiteHouse

Very interesting to read this article in Newsweek this morning entitled, 'What #SiliconValley Thinks of Women.' Here's some of the shocking highlights I learned in case you don't have time to read the entire article, but I hope you do. It's time this misogynist crap changes because it is the 21st century after all, right?

"It’s (Silicon Valley) the sort of place where one of the valley’s 'most-eligible bachelors,' (in what twisted reality?) Gurbaksh Chahal—an entrepreneur with companies valued at hundreds of millions of dollars—is shown on a home security video beating his girlfriend for half an hour. (He received no jail time, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and received 25 hours of community service and three years’ probation.)

It’s a community in which the porn-inspired, “drading” college tweets of Evan Spiegel, the CEO of Snapchat, go public; where a CEO’s history of domestic violence has no repercussions but female executives get fired for tweeting about sexist jokes they overhear. It’s a place where companies routinely staff conference booths with scantily clad “code-babes” and where women are so routinely sexually harassed at conferences that codes of conduct have become de rigueur—and the subject of endless misogynistic jokes on Twitter.

It is still the kind of place where investors can tweak women who ask them for financing with barbs like 'I don’t like the way women think. They haven’t mastered linear thinking.' This was how one investor turned down Kathryn Tucker’s pitch for RedRover, an app that helps parents find kid-friendly things to do, which has since launched in New York, San Francisco and Atlanta."

"At Tinder, a male co-founder (and ex-boyfriend) sent abusive texts and yanked co-founder Whitney Wolfe’s title because, she alleged, he told her having a woman on a board 'makes the company seem like a joke.'" (Really? Really? Tell that to Padramsee Warrior Chief Technology & Strategy Officer, Cisco; Jessica Livingstone, CoFounder/Partner, YCombinator; Gywnne Shotwell, President & COO, SpaceX and on and on and on.)

"A recent report on women entrepreneurs by the Kauffman Foundation identified the chief challenges to female entrepreneurship. Researchers interviewed 350 female entrepreneurs, and most cited “lack of available advisers” at the top of their list. Female professional attrition is only one reason for the scarcity of mentors for younger women.

Another is that women who stay in the game beyond their late 30s may be less subject to sexual harassment than their younger counterparts, but they are sidelined by virulent ageism in the industry that especially—but not solely—afflicts women." (EXACTLY!)

In an interview with MIT Technology Review in December, she (Shanley Kane) said venture capitalists talk about the need to get 10-year-old girls into science in order to bring up the numbers of women they will fund, but don’t fund the ones already in the industry. 'We are not getting hired, and we are not getting promoted, and we are being systematically driven out of the industry,' she said." (What role models do you young girls have? Only vapid bloggers or fashion CEO's who perpetuate the myth that women's only contribution to society is how they look, not how they think and contribute in other ways.)

..."the valley’s big venture capitalists are almost entirely male. The top five don’t have any female senior partners, and VC partners are 96 percent male." At least Silicon Beach HAS female investors and Girls Raising which is encouraging to acknowledge. Maybe I shouldn't be so hard on the men who produce the LA-based tech conferences because at least they're trying to reach our gender. Way to go guys.:)

"VCs are not funding women. According to a study by Babson College, only 2.7 percent of the 6,517 companies that received venture funding from 2011 to 2013 had women CEOs. Meanwhile, the Kauffman report found that female-run startups produce a 31 percent higher return on investment than startups run by men. (Even Chris Sacca has seen great results funding women.)

(And this may be the most telling of all which a lot of my young tech girlfriends don't seem to comprehend just yet): "Vivek Wadhwa, a (male!) Silicon Valley investor, diversity coach and author of Innovating Women says women must approach male VCs with caution and awareness: “'Women don’t get it. The young women don’t seem to understand the reason why they get their calls returned so easily and get small amounts of funding is they are dealing with hungry men. These are disgusting perverts. Some of them used to be my friends—sexist jerks. And I know how they speak behind the scenes.'"

There's so much more in this excellent Newsweek article which I hope you will take the time to read and then share with others who might benefit from the enlightment. This attitude and shutting out of women must change. It just must.

And not in the We must, we must increase our bust mantra-style.:) But seriously, get a clue dudes. This isn't the age of Mad Men and you need to give us credit where credit is due.

That's all. This has been a PSA against misogyny because there aren't any made right now and this topic is just as valid as domestic violence because this is an assault against our economic society. 

Heavy sigh, I feel better.:)

 

#Introspection on my #startup life as I prepare for an intense #goal session tomorrow.

There are days I really hate my former employer, JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa, and these days are becoming more and more frequent as I struggle with finding out what's wrong with my hands, waiting on the judge to determine if/when they will take responsibility for the pain and suffering I experienced working for them and now live with on a daily basis, and my inability to do my normal work as a result of these injuries which is causing me emotional, physical, and financial stress on a daily basis.

I often wonder if the main Marriott company knew how their franchisee was handling injured employees what they would say about it and if they would step in.

If it was my brand, I would.

I know I post a lot of fun activities I'm involved in, I tweet silly stuff, and I rarely talk about this issue, but after being rejected by the one female founder conference I really wanted to attend when I attend so many male-dominated tech conferences down here, I'm extremely disappointed and feel like opening up because  it's real, the Las Vegas Marriott needs to be outed and I'm tired of the BS.

I needed to hear other female founders speak to gain strength from their experiences and now I won't. Listening to a live stream just isn't the same. It just isn't.

I know I'm on the computer a lot, but I also take long spells where I'm off to allow the pain to subside and to allow myself a mental break from pain. Do you know how debilitating it is to have constant pain? Do you know how terrifying it is to think you may not have use of your hands for the rest of your life when typing, communicating, writing, social media and emailing is how you've made you're living for the past ten years? Or to constantly be put off by doctors because they can't figure out what's causing the pain through normal testing?

Do you know how slow working with pain makes your progress when you're having to work around a disability? Or how difficult it is to find work that won't tax your hands further? Nearly impossible. And being told by someone to just get a job, damage my hands more and don't worry about the future,  you need to make a living.

Give me a break. I'm nothing without my hands.

Have you ever experienced not making enough money to get ahead enough to save money for a deposit on a place and discovering ID theft is screwing up your credit and you're turned down by every place you apply to for two months solid because you operate on a cash basis, there's no credit history and your good credit has been ruined by a thief?

And you're having to pick up the pieces and fight to get things straightened out again? All while being unable to work in your normal field because your last employer illegally fired you while you were injured and around the same time you discovered a lump in your breast?

That's been my life for the past eleven months. (And no, no cancer thank you Lord.)

I have been mulling over and over in my mind how I address the fact there are so few female role-models in the Santa Monica tech scene that are seasoned professionals, not newbies like so many panels I see boast. I've been trying to think of a polite way to discuss it, address it, and whatever which is why I still owe an article on the great interview I held with a female who accomplished amazing career achievements in the music industry and now car industry months ago.

I just can't find a polite way to say what I'm about to say. I've really thought about it, but it is what it is. Here's my thoughts - take 'em or leave 'em.

I don't want to hear from some 20 something who easily received funding because the investor probably either wants to sleep with her, or did, and now she only has to worry about looking cute to make sure her investor is happy with her and she'll continue to be able to grow her company not worrying about paying rent, buying food and everything else everyone else worries about on a regular basis while also trying to build a company when they're not receiving funding. 

And then, the one time there is an amazing panel of female entreprenuers where we can actually gain wisdom, the female moderator decides to ask them "How do you juggle motherhood with running a business?" Totally ignoring the fact the majority of the female founders in the audience are single, no interest in kids, or don't have children and she's merely asking out of selfish reasons with complete disregard for the audience and their interests. 

Hello....

WHO CARES? I don't. Many others didn't either.

If I want to hear how a woman juggles motherhood and her career I would go to a Mommy Blogger conference, but that type question doesn't belong in the Santa Monica tech scene. Neither does asking, "How do we get more females interested in STEM?" You want to know how? You introduce them to role-models they can aspire to become like, not ask questions that no one in the audience cares about.

If I cared about that issue I would attend a PTA meeting for heaven's sake. I DO NOT HAVE CHILDREN I'M RAISING. I DO NOT LIE IN BED WORRYING ABOUT YOUNG GIRLS GETTING INTO TECH. You want to know what keeps me up at night? Wondering how I can work, build my business, and take care of my hands as best I can. I also worry about being a good role-model and mentor for the young women I meet who are interested in tech through the tech group I run.

That's how I give back and that's what motivates me when I'm having struggles. 

I also wonder where all the amazing tech women I read about in ELLE Magazine's Women in Tech Awards or hear are being honored by Women 2.0 (all up in Silicon Valley.) Where are the female leaders here in Silicon Beach? Why aren't they included in the primarily male-dominated Silicon Beach tech conference scene? I don't want to hear from peers, or those with less experience, I want to hear from women I can aspire to become.

You choose any woman on either of those lists (ELLE & Women 2.0) and you will blow any 20 something founder male or female speaker out of the water. Bring them down or invite them to come at least...

I don't want to see a token female moderator out of the hundred tech speakers (all male.) I want to see women discussing how they run their businesses, what makes them uniquely qualified to do what they do, how did they handle lack of funding or respect for their accomplishments, how do they deal with sexism, ageism, racism, where do they pursue training or networking or whatever to find their success, what books do they read, what drives them to stay in a male-dominated industry, where do they find support, who mentors them? (excuse the grammar - not in the mood to be correct right now.)

All those questions and more interest me. You put those kinds of women in front of young girls and I bet then you will see STEM grow for young girls, but not by asking questions. And not by always bringing out the female investors because the financial industry is only one aspect of the tech scene. There are so many qualified female engineers, CEO's, trainers, etc. we could be hearing from. Don't be lazy men. Dig beyond your comfort zone when planning a conference or a panel and seek out women who intimidate you, who might be more skilled than you, or who will speak their mind.

Show young women and girls, don't tell.

Give women and girls someone to aspire to become. Let them see the future of their lives through the current lives of women they see on panels speaking. Let them hear their voices and their struggles reflected back to them. Let them understand they are not alone. They will find mentors. They will find investors willing to bet on them. They will find success in an industry dominated by men.

As I write this, I write for myself as much as I do for the young women who may read this. Life isn't easy. But it just doesn't have to be this difficult does it? I am still disappointed I won't hear the female founders speak, but maybe it's for the best. Maybe I'm not supposed to be in tech any more. Maybe it's time to think of a new dream/goal. It's been two years. I've given it a great shot. I've worked hard. I've done my research. I've paid my dues. I've built many aspects of this business slowly, but surely.

But maybe it's not enough. Maybe there's something else for me to do. 

I just don't know what. 

That's all. I'll probably regret typing so much in the morning, but writing is how I process things and especially when I'm deeply disappointed. Crying only relieves certain amounts of pain. 

Sometimes you need to share it and by sharing it, feel free of it. I hope this is true. I also hope by attending the goal seminar tomorrow I walk out with either a refreshed vision for my business, or a completely new vision/goal. Because I'm tired. I'm tired of fighting to survive. 

I give up. I'm waving the white flag....

Not my will, but thine be done God. 

Amen and Good Night.

 

 

 

 

MAGIC awaits - Can't believe I'm back in Vegas so soon!:)

By Joy A. Kennelly

I still have to write about my experience participating with the Global Innovation Fellows where I was able to visit and hear speakers from Junior Achievement, CAA, IdeaLab, Kiva, Facebook, Google, Fashion District and much more.

However, now about to jump into the MAGIC show which will be all-consuming too. Blogging will have to wait!:)

TTFN!

Joy's Travel Adventures: @threesquareLV @Zappos @DowntownProjLV @GirlsInTechLV @TheMobMuseum @Barrett_Jackson & more! #VegasTech #VegasFun

By Joy A. Kennelly

Long time no chat, howzit going out there?:) Since arriving in Vegas it's been a whirlwind of activity and writing opportunities that always preclude my writing here. 

Now that I've had bronchitis for almost two weeks and feel like I'm finally coming back from the dead, I feel inspired to share all the fun things that have been happening just in case you're curious.:)

I dove head first into getting involved with the tech scene and enjoyed many Downtown Podcasts with my Girls in Tech friends until I started having other events and illness affect my ability to participate. The Downtown Podcast is a fun gathering of tech entreprenuers who live in Vegas and is produced by the founders of Ticketcake.com.

Here's a pic and a link to more if you're curious: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152297110938849.1073741830.348417258848&type=1

Girls in Tech is a "global non-profit organization which aims to support the collaboration, promotion, growth and success of women in the local technology sector.

It does this by offering educational workshops and lectures, panel discussions, networking functions, social engagements, and recruitment events."

I was fortunate to arrive just in time to participate in GIT's Computer Education classes for the Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada and really enjoyed helping young girls develop a passion for technology.

Plus, made some new fun girlfriends in the process! You can see Christina Aldan sharing our events during a recent Downtown Podcast. She runs Lucky Girl Designs and is a great person. Connect with her on Linkedin here! http://www.linkedin.com/pub/christina-aldan/8/2/b13

Here's a pic from that experience with a link to more too: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152297068708849.1073741828.348417258848&type=1

There's a really supportive community for female entreprenuers out here in Vegas and I was able to participate in a recent Women of Influence seminar featuring: Jean Birch, Owner/CEO Birch Company and Former CEO of IHOP Restaurants and Romano's Macaroni Grill; Rose McKinney-James, Managing Principal of Energy Works LLC; Fafie Moore, Owner of Realty Executives of Nevada; Renee West, President/COO Luxor and Excalibur and Dr. Kate Zhong, Senior Director of Clinical Research and Development at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.

Impressive, eh? Tell me about it! Here's a pic from the event with a link to more if you're curious too: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152297131378849.1073741831.348417258848&type=1

I crashed Zappos Headquarter move to Downtown Vegas which was really cool too! 

Tony Hseih cutting the Zappos celebratory cake

Also, the Downtown Project tour given by the Pixie of Positivity, HeidyNoelle Stamper, (isn't she great!:) which gives you the overview of the vision for Downtown was interesting too.

I especially enjoyed the last speaker I heard during the Downtown Speaker series too. You can view those pictorial essays here: https://www.facebook.com/JoyKennelly?ref=hl - just scroll down a bit.

I also loved participating in the DISH Las Vegas Three Square Food Bank Charity Fundraiser held at the "Palms Casino Resort (at The Palms Pool & Bungalows) with tastes from Las Vegas’ most acclaimed restaurants, including: N9NE Steakhouse, NOVE Italiano, TAO Asian Bistro, LAVO Italian Restaurant & Nightclub, rm Seafood, Border Grill and Bar+Bistro @ The Arts Factory." (As written in their press announcement.)

Talk about a feast! It was really fun and for a great cause too. Here's a little facts on Three Square Food Bank and how they help the community. They are partnered with over 650 community program partners including non-profit and faith-based organizations, schools and feeding sites; serve over 100,000 people monthly; and have provided the equivalent of roughly 18 million meals in 2011 alone!

 

What a wonderful event and charity! Click here for more pix: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.444327465687980.1073741830.412260405561353&type=1&l=59d3b5e860

In addition, I've enjoyed the Cowboy BBQ,
hosted by my former employer, O Entertainment, who recently relocated here to Vegas as well!

And for a change of pace, crashed The Las Vegas Biker Fest with another new Vegas BFF, Jamie, with very fun results. We never know what will happen when we hang out which always makes it fun.

Just another Adventure!:) See what I mean?:)

Earlie that day we visited The Mob Museum in Downtown Vegas which is really interesting, but very graphic too. Here's me with the cut-out of the former Mayor of Vegas, Oscar Goodman, recognize him?:) 

His memoir was very good too by the way, although I think he kinda white-washed the criminals he represented in my humble opinion. No offense mobsters who might be reading this, but when you kill and rob people, you're not a family man, no matter how many times you say it out loud or want to believe it.

I worked the amazing Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction which I have always wanted to attend ever since an attorney I was working for years ago helped Micheal Jackson sell his Maybach there. 

Here's a teaser... It was so cool to see Siegfried and Roy on the final day make an appearance. I remember that fateful day 10 years ago when the tiger attacked Roy and was thrilled to see Vegas royalty live at the auction fully recovered and supporting the community.

View more pictures from all my adventures here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/joystraveladventures/

And for my latest tech adventures with the Vegas Tech scene, check out my Social Media Strategist Facebook fan page here: https://www.facebook.com/JoyKennelly?ref=hl

I still have to share about other adventures including the cool luxury travel show, Rock of Ages, crashing a local Harley Davidson BBQ, exploring the Strip, and much, much more...

I will as soon as I catch up on everything else I need to do! Oh, and if you want to read my latest travel article on traveling to and through Big Sur for C-Suite Magazine, you can do so here: http://pages.cdn.pagesuite.com/4/6/46c0e80c-2401-4055-b495-bb4d11633343/page.pdf

I also wrote an article on social media for a classy, cultured magazine out here in Vegas called BLVDS Las Vegas which I will be able to share soon. I was pleased to include my friend, Social Media Guru, Peter Shankman, and his esteemed colleague, Dr. Jennifer Hartstein, of Hartstein Psychological Services in New York City whom you may recognize as a contributing psychologist for CBS’ The Early Show.

So, needless to say, I've been berry, berry busy.:) Oh, and in addition to all of this, have managed to create my budget and work on more details for Joy's Travel Adventures, despite being too sick to participate in a cool pitching event in front of a bunch of potential investors. Sad face, but there will be other opportunities.

I'm continuing to plan my next travel video now that I'm here in Vegas and reaching out to all the cool casinos for freelance and permanent work because you always create stronger relationships when you work with people.

Funding may take awhile and I'm hustling!

Wish me luck!:)

I'm also still trying to coordinate activities both here and in Los Angeles for my StartupMind group I run with my friend, KP http://www.meetup.com/StartupMind/members/3248131/.

Become a member to stay in touch with what's happening in Silicon Beach, Silicon Valley and Vegas Tech scenes here: http://www.meetup.com/StartupMind/

Now that I'm feeling better I plan to update it more frequently, along with all my other event organizers too.

Okay, I think that's all for now.

Thanks for reading and staying in touch. Love to hear your thoughts.

Thoughts on #Entrepreneurship, Actress @SuveriaMota, @OKMagazine's "So Sexy" party, & Notes of a Freshman @Enplug doc

By Joy A. Kennelly

Every so often, there comes a point in my journey where I realize I can't do it all by myself no matter how hard I try. I need help. As an entreprenuer it's easy to get so focused on what you're working on that you forget there are people in your life who are struggling too and we're not alone in this.

We're all in this together. We all want each other to succeed. 

Sometimes it doesn't feel like that. Sometimes it doesn't look like that. But when you peel away the facade, hear someone's story and realize they're struggling to make it just like you it's really encouraging. I'm not alone. I can relate to someone else. They get me too. 

It was another reason I returned to LA after living in GA. I missed the entreprenuerial spirit, the "we're going to make something big happen," and the excitement of seeing people find success when they worked hard enough and long enough towards a goal. The skies the limit out here. You never know when you'll meet the next Bill Gates, Ralph Lauren, Van Gogh, or Jennifer Lawrence and that's exciting.

I also love the international aspect of CA. My new client is from the Domican Republic, I have a Russian friend I'll be telling you about in a little bit, and LA is such a melting pot you're always meeting new cultures, new personalities and new people. Love it!

Being an entreprenuer is something I've been all my life. I don't really know how else to be. When I was very young I picked flowers from our yard and sold them to our neighbors. When I was in high school my sisters and I sold the most candy bars in the entire school to earn a TV because we didn't have one growing up and really wanted it. We went door-to-door, sold them outside grocery stores and just made it happen.

My Dad wanted us to read and not be influenced by TV, but gave in when we won one of our own. What could he say? He's very entreprenuerial too and despite having stability with his teaching career, always invested wisely in real estate and taught us the value of a dollar and working hard to achieve it.

I've tried corporate life and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Each time has been a learning experience, a growing experience, and a chance to see how other people run their companies - what works, what doesn't. What systems are in place, what roles people play, how people accept certain things, or not. Also, a chance to make friends, many I've kept in touch with long after.

I've been working at Shopzilla, a shopping portal, off and on for a few years now and it's one of my favorite companies I have ever worked for. They're chill, low-key, low stress, no drama, and everyone genuinely likes each other and working there. At least that's what I've observed. 

I always feel welcome when I pop in for my gigs and like I have value. It may be a minor role I play, but I feel accepted, supported and like I have friends who care. When I'm not there I don't think about them or hang out, but keep up on Facebook and when I'm back, it's like no time has passed at all.

All that to say, it's what I realize is missing in my life more and more. Working on my new web series/travel show and corresponding online social community for women has been a lonely, isolated experience. I don't have an office I go to, I don't have co-workers to bounce ideas off of, and I am not actively encouraging or supporting anyone else in their endeavors until recently.

That's why I was so happy to work with an actress to help her launch her career now that she has a starring role in a big TV movie airing on GMC this spring called "What Would You Do for Love." She's beautiful, talented, grounded, humble and smart. Everything you could ever ask for of someone you represent.

Her name is Suveria Mota and mark my words, you will remember her name because this is just the start of something big for her. She's too talented, too beautiful, and too motivated not to succeed. Plus, she has the support of her family which makes all the difference in the world. 

Actress Suveria Mota - Pretty in Pink

Sultry Actress Suveria Mota

 

See what I mean? Beautiful inside and out.

And we're just getting started working together! It was so fun to have her join me at the OK! Magazine's "So Sexy" party at the Mondronian Sky Bar recently because it was a great party filled with lots of beautiful people. Recognize anyone?:)

It feels good to sow into her life and help her achieve her goals because I love helping women move forward in their lives.

It's why I started my Goal Gals group and it's why I'm starting my travel adventure website/show for women too.

I want to show women they can have fun traveling, escape the worries of their life and come back with a renewed, refreshed outlook and perspective to attack life more joyfully, with an open-heart and feeling fulfilled. Travel does that as a by-product of new experiences and new people.

It's life-changing.

I may not have a lot of physical possessions, but the memories I've developed over the years from traveling is priceless. I'm not materialistic, never have been.

I like nice things, but don't need them to feel I have value as a human being. I learned that volunteering with Hungarian orphan children right after college and through my spiritual studies. The orphans gave freely of the little they had and were the happiest children I have ever met. It's why I ran a toy drive to give them toys for four years after meeting them until a Hungarian woman took over the toy drive for me.

That's why I wanted to share another friend's story with you too. You have probably seen Victoria Kashtan at various Silicon Beach events shooting pictures, smiling, always gracious, always kind, but her humble demeanor hides her brilliance which I really feel needs to shine and why I felt compelled to share her doc with you today. 

Plus, her doc, Notes of a Freshman, includes another tech startup company I respect and support, Enplug. Win, win.:)

Here's the story line: "They are both Freshman – they’re both dreamers. An amateur Russian filmmaker struggling for her life in America meets a Chinese entrepreneur – David – building a new media Empire in Hollywood.

Inspired by David’s personality and deeply believing in his ideas, she rises to the challenge of making a movie about him and his company. Treating his character as a future celebrity in the beginning of his way she stakes her career on creating the story of the American Dream in the twenty-first century."

Watch and see...

 Isn't she talented? And so interesting too. I find her Russian background very unique and also, Enplug's story too. If you care to contribute, or get involved, click here for info: http://www.victoriakashtan.com/#!notes-of-a-freshman/c23eb

So, all this to say, even though our LA Tech and Entertainment scene can be disjointed. Even though it sometimes feels like you're not really supported, you are. We're not alone. We are in this together. We really do want each other to succeed. I know I need to immerse myself even more by moving closer and getting involved even more.

Find an accelerator to be around more like minds. Find funding to move my project along faster. Find business people I can learn and grow from even more. Find more cool events to take my client to and introduce her to the right people.

I need the support and encouragement of friends who get me and what I'm doing too. I also need some distance between me and my family to be able to focus on what I need to accomplish for my client and myself more fully. 

Even though I have no idea what the future holds, I'm excited for it. I know if I work hard enough I will find success for Suveria and myself. And hopefully other women who need a positive role-model to see they can make it too against incredible odds.

I gain encouragement from the youthful optimism of the young female entreprenuers I meet at various tech events who haven't faced road blocks yet, or experienced aging parents yet and all the dynamics that brings.

Here's something Victoria has on her website which encapsulates this feeling:

“Very quickly I realized that if you really want to become Someone in America you have to create something unique and be persistent in promoting yourself. Even if you can only show your naked ass in the window you have to show it every day at the same time so finally you’ll start to get paid for it”

– Vica for Notes Of A Freshman​

I need to be reminded by younger entreprenuers that it is possible. Life can be good. And everything's going to be ok. Sometimes I just wish I had someone strong to lean against to gain strength from, but since I don't have a guy in my life right now I gain encouragement from my friends and my church. And God. 

"For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:13

^{9 "}And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.¹⁰ Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12: 9,10

And I'll leave you with this because it's one of my favorite songs to listen to and sing along with. Gives me such hope and encouragement too. Christina Perri's A Thousand Years

 

Have a great day. I plan to!:)

Quick update on Onyx & Breezy Foundation review

In light of what happened in Boston and the fact one of my previous posts on Tailored Republic hadn't received much time to breathe, I decided to postpone posting my coverage of the wonderful fundraiser I attended. Plus, it always takes a little bit to get all my pictures ready for publication.

However, never fear, I haven't forgotten and do plan to post it before the end of the week.

Thank you for your patience. I hope you're enjoying some of my previous blogs while you wait.

Here's my #ACMs Winners and Fashion Mavens coverage: @mirandalambert, @kramergirl, @taylorswift13, @thompsonsquare and @jeweljk

By Joy A. Kennelly

If you're like me, then you love country music and enjoyed last night's ACM's very much. I was surprised not to see the Zac Brown Band mentioned, but maybe I just missed something. In any case, I thought Luke and Blake did a great job hosting.

I was shocked to see Luke Bryan win (although no doubt he deserved it and I really like him!) But I think at one point Blake was holding him up to prevent him from passing out from shock himself! Did you notice that too?:)

What I like about the ACM's and country scene in general is, from the outside at least, it looks like they are all really supportive of each other and want everyone to do well. I was moved right along with Miranda Lambert when she shared how she cried all night after the thrill of singing with her musical idols, Faith Hill, Reba and Shania Twain. I would have to! Here's her acceptance speech again in case you missed it:

 

Notice Blake having to catch his breath a little after too? That's why I love him. He just wears his emotions on his sleeve. Miranda surprised me by being so emotional and to see her melt like that was very touching. That's why I like her too. Tough on the outside, softy on the inside.

Here's some pix from her appearance last night:

Singer Miranda Lambert is stunning in Ocnarf Sairutsa and ELAHN Jewels at the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 7th, 2013 in Las Vegas, NV. Miranda wore Ocnarf Sairutsa's Alas Ring in Sterling Silver, Black Rhodium, and Diamond. She also wore the Square Diamond Floral Ring by ELAHN Jewels while performing on stage with the Pistol Annies and Blake Shelton. 

(Here is Miranda with Blake and Luke Bryan's wife, Caroline Boyer. You know why I like country music so much too from a fashion standpoint? Real women with real curves. Never see that in rock-n-roll, although I do consider Miranda a little bit of a rocker hence her taste in this jewelry which is rock inspired...:)

 

  Ocnarf Sairutsa is the Los Angeles based line found in 2011 by Priscilla Franco-Asturias and Andrea Franco -Asturias. Each piece is hand-made with natural elements and offers a unique vintage rock edge.

Ocnarf Sairutsa has already attracted the attention of celebrities such as Katy Perry, Halle Berry, and Anne Hathaway and is available for purchase at www.ocnarfsairutsa.com

    

ELAHN Jewelry is the collaborative line by Leora Talmor and her mother Elahn. The line  has a modern edge while adding Gothic, Victorian, and ancient eastern elements and making the pieces timeless and classic.

 

The collection includes a mixture of rustic mined and sliced diamonds combined with classically cut diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, rutilated quartz, and moonstones set in antiqued silver and gold. ELAHN Jewelry is available for purchase at www.elahnjewels.com.

Arent' they just the cutest couple? I want one just like him.:)

   

Here's a close-up of the jewelry and more details in case you want to give someone a nice gift, or buy one for yourself:

Ocnarf Sairutsa Alas Ring in Sterling Silver, Black Rhodium, and 1.17 CT Diamonds. $1,700.00

 

 
ELAHN Jewels Square Diamond Floral Ring in 18K Gold, Rutilated Quartz and Diamonds. Price Upon Request.

Now it's not always about borrowed jewels...

Here's an up-and-coming performer, Jana Kramer, who was nominated for New Female Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year. She performed her single "Whiskey" and showed off her engagement ring from fellow New Artist of the Year nominee, Brantley Gilbert. Someone's happy and excited!:)

 

Now if you're a fan of Taylor Swift you'll know she was just listed in InStyle as one of the best dressed for wearing another gold dress too.

Both ladies wowed photographers on the red carpet with similar gold gowns and up-do’s.
 
Jana was looking golden in head-to-toe Badgley Mischka with Norman Silverman earrings while Taylor sparkled in a Dolce & Gabbana dress, Jimmy Choo shoes, Norman Silverman earrings, and a Le Vian ring.

 

Didn't you just love Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban performing Tim's new song, Highway Don't Care? I do. I can totally relate because driving is my way of dealing with stress that is too big to handle in person sometimes.

 

Driving is also where I feel safe crying, singing and talking to God to get it all out. Doesn't happen very often just to clarify, but do love ridding myself of all those toxins!:) Love this song!

 

Plus, it reminds me of driving to a casino in the desert to hear Keith Urban perform years ago and meeting him backstage at a fan meet and greet with a friend who was in love with him. Yes, I am that good of a friend. LOL

 

Gold wasn't the only popular color of the night. Check out Shawna Thompson with her husband, Miami of Thompson Square fame backstage after winning Duo of the Year. Another happy couple!

Don't you love her earrings? Here's the details per the publicist... Singer Shawna Thompson is stunning in ELAHN Jewels at the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 7th, 2013 in Las Vegas, NV. Shawna wore the Full Finger Victorian Ring in Black Diamonds and the Double Emerald and Diamond Earrings from ELAHN Jewels to the awards.

ELAHN Jewels Double Emerald and Diamond Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold, Emerald and Diamonds. Price Upon Request.

Now if you're also like me and couldn't remember their music, here's a little music video to remind you:

 

As soon as I heard this song, I knew their music. Didn't you?:)

 

And to close, here is Jewel who gave me chills listening to her perform Only Kindness Matters.  So, that's my ACM coverage. Hope you enjoyed it. Pretty soon I will be shooting my own video of these kinds of events and can't wait! More to be revealed down the road...:)

 

Have a great day!

 

 

What Makes Me Happy and What Drives Me Crazy - if you're pitching or asking me for something.:)

By Joy A. Kennelly

Recently, I stumbled across Casey Fahey's article "10 Things To Do To Get Me Involved In Your 'Ask.'" and it got me to thinking. What would I recommend publicists, friends and colleagues do differently to receive my help if I was writing an article on this same topic. 

Here's what I came up with because this happens over and over again. I'm probably not going to be as gracious as Mr. Fahey, but it's kinda been building and it's time to set the record straight once and for all. 

1. When I am donating my time, talent and expertise to help you further your goals because you've asked my help spreading the word about your product, company, or topic and/or you've asked my advice on how to do something you know I know how to do (i.e. Social Media, PR, Writing), the most basic of requests I have is to simply receive a Thank You when I do. 

You'd be amazed at how many people take without being grateful or express the common courtesy my mother raised me with, to always thank those who help or offer something.

Makes me wonder where manners have gone in today's society, or how they were raised. It also makes me not want to help any further or be associated with someone so gauche because they will probably do the same thing with anyone I refer them to and I don't want that affiliation.

2. If I donate my time to include you in my blog or promote you in some manner, please don't come back with a lot of criticism or requests to change. I'm usually extremely busy and blogging often takes a good 5-7 hours to do what I do for people and clients. It's why I don't blog as often as I used to. I also don't always have time to keep finessing something you didn't like because your ego is wrapped up in the picture or mention.

It makes me want to never help you again even though I may normally really respect and appreciate what you're doing. Also, makes me question the integrity of what you're doing because you're so concerned with something so minor when in the grander scheme of things, any publicity at all is normally a good thing. 

Let it go. Move on. You're not that important!:)

What people also never seem to recognize is the SEO value of my blog showcasing whatever topic I cover making it appear in the top 10 searches of Google is worth thousands of dollars of advertising costs you just didn't have to pay because I included you.

Again, be grateful!

I have yet to ever hear from a professional publicist complaining of what I've written about their client when I've shared the final blog result with them. It's people who aren't in my field who think nothing of it when in reality, they would never think to ask a professional journalist to change a quote, exchange a picture or change a reference.

I am a professional. Please respect this. When I think you're right, I have the time, or it doesn't matter to me, I will do it, but if not? Deal with it.

Be grateful. Be humble. Be appreciative. 

That's all I ask.

3. When a "friend" constantly asks for PR advice because they want to do what I've taken years to train for, learn experientially and build simply because they think it's easy, that makes me question the "friendship." This is especially galling when they again, don't say thank you, or take the time to review something I've written that promotes their efforts because they're "too busy."

Why bother? I don't have time and will realize this isn't a "friendship" at all, but merely a user taking advantage of my good will and willingness to help. My good graces towards that person ends then and there.

4. If I ask you to use a specific email address or phone number, please do that. I have six email accounts that serve different purposes and one that I'm closing down and rarely check. If you consistently choose to email me at that dead account, or call me on a number that I no longer have access to even though I've repeatedly asked you to update your records for 4 months, then I realize you are a person who doesn't listen, doesn't know how to follow simple directions, and isn't worth bothering with because you either aren't very smart or don't care. 

Why should I? I simply don't have the time to keep correcting stupidity. And that is stupidity. Sorry to be blunt, but I calls them as I sees them. Get it together people.

5. For the record, if you're using one social media platform and connecting it to Facebook, understand that hashtags work in one realm, but not in every platform. Instagram is hashtag heaven. Facebook is not. If you want to share a picture on Instagram - hashtag away. But don't do that on Facebook.

There is different protocol per each social media platform and if you aren't aware of that, ask, or read Hubspot. They have really great free articles on all the important social media platforms and they're easy to read too.  

6. Lastly, because this is a biggie. Please, please, please don't send me email after email after email. I recently had this experience on a film site I'm part of and after six non-stop emails, had to approach the webmaster to request them add a filter process to make that person stop.

Even after I asked the person to stop emailing me and told him I would get to it when I had time, he still continued to send me emails. I decided right then and there I wouldn't support his project because he again, had no manners, didn't understand basic email protocol, and wasn't respecting my time or request. 

I don't do business with people I don't respect, or who don't respect me. It's just as common as that. If I ask you not to do something, please don't. That's all.

Or as this cartoon so humorously explains:

I can't shrink the cartoon to fit this window unfortunately. The last pane says, "Binge Communicating Must Stop." EXACTLY!:)

I will say, to end on a positive note, this is what makes me continue to do business, promote or help people:

1. I LOVE hearing when someone really likes what I've done for them. It makes my whole day. Literally. I put my heart, my soul and my mind into writing and to be recognized and appreciated is what really makes me happy. I'm not motivated by money, but gratitude.:)

2. I also LOVE it when someone likes what I do so much they tweet it out, share it on Facebook, or even in a Linkedin group because not only is that helping them, it's helping me. It's a total win win.

3. I LOVE receiving texts or calls from people just checking in without asking for anything because then when they do ask, I know it's sincere and coming from a place of friendship, not just using me. It's also nice to have people acknowledge me when good things happen because that means they're watching and care. Then, when that person asks for a favor, I'm so happy to help. 

When the only time I hear from someone is when they want something...

So, I hope you understand me a little better now. And even if you don't, that's ok. I feel better after sharing.:)

Joy Kennelly's life story as a #travel adventurer as told in her own words.:)

Joy Kennelly’s excitement about travel was cultivated by her adventure loving parents from a young age. When she was five, her parents packed her and her two younger sisters, Grace and Glori, into a converted Pepsi Cola truck/motor home and hit the road for a sabbatical year driving through Mexico and Central America to Panama. Leaving the motor home behind in Panama, they then traveled by plane, boat, train and bus all throughout South America.

In the 7^th grade, her father took the family once again on another sabbatical and moved them all to Kenya, Africa where her parents taught at a missionary boarding school called Rift Valley Academy for a year while Joy and her sisters attended there.

The year-round school (three months on, one month off) offered the opportunity to explore East Africa more fully and during the breaks, as a family they explored Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Victoria Falls, visiting wild animal parks, missionaries working in villages, and many other unique locations, often traveling with the African locals on their transportation and staying in local African guest houses.

On the family’s return to the United States, they landed in Europe and visited England and Ireland before returning to CA to drive cross-country in a station wagon from New York. During summer vacations, Joy and her family also toured throughout Eastern Canada and several cities in the U. S.

Prior to moving to Seattle, WA for college, Joy worked for both Alaska and Delta Airlines and enjoyed the Virgin Islands, Jamaica, and more of the United States and Europe on her own. After college, she volunteered with Hungarian orphan children for a month before backpacking in Europe alone for an additional two months with just a travel guide and a few friends to visit along the way.

A year later, she was invited to fly to West Africa to write a script with an African college friend and used her insurance settlement from a car accident to fly with her to Burkina Faso. One of the few Americans to travel there, Joy immersed herself in the culture, met with the FESPACO film organizers and sang in public.

As a travel writer who has experienced 27 countries and most of the United States both on her own and with her family, Joy has written publicity materials, tour guides, blogs, scripts and website copy. Her articles have been published in the Pulitzer-prize winning newspaper, Coastal Traveler, and in Healthcare Traveler magazine; while her publicity materials about ten of the top museums and most of the major attractions in Los Angeles have been used by the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau as promotional materials for media outlets and photographers world-wide.

She has also blogged in her page one Google blog: Pure, Unadulterated Joy, about her experiences in four-star hotels such as the former Scottsdale Mondrian, the Hotel De Anza in San Jose, CA and the Joule in Dallas, TX while attending and speaking at conferences. She has covered her former client, Chef David Linville's involvement in Food & Wine festivals nation-wide as he presented at the Grand Food & Wine Affair, the 38th Annual Scottsdale Culinary Festival and Los Angeles Magazine's Food Event. Her blog coverage on Big Sur and Hearst Castle also appeared to inspire a TV travel episode.

As an airline industry professional, she wrote the script and appeared in a "Beating the High Cost of Travel" infomercial featuring Travel Expert, Tom Parsons, and Radio Personality, Casey Kasem, as her first job in entertainment. Her interesting experiences abroad earned her the “Spirit of Adventure” honor from the Youth Hostels of America Organization. 

Join us for the launch of our New Media Mixer, Saturday, 2/23 from 3:30pm - 5:00pm #tech

By Joy A. Kennelly

Happy to be able to finally announce the date and time of our first ever New Media Mixer for anyone who blogs, creates web series, tweets, likes and more. Here's all the details. Hope you'll consider joining us!

NEW MEDIA MIXER

Saturday, February 23, 2013
3:30pm - 5:00pm

​We met  bloggers, web series producers/directors, and more at the New Media Expo. Join us as we share what we learned and hear Readz Publishing as they showcase their new tablet conversion.

This is a FREE event! Please RSVP to attend here: http://ticketcake.com/node/4412

Coffee Connection
3838 Centinela
West LA, CA 90066
Tel: 310 714-2077

Not only will all of us LA-based tech fanatics be there (Melany Berger, myself and Sarah Frischknecht as pictured above left to right), but you will also have the opportunity to connect with our OC Social Media/techie friends as well.

Recognize these folks?

Chris Fleury  and Carol Hink  

and from LA, Jesse Bouman   and Ariel Barco  And Jon O'Brien of New Antics from the Demo Video Lab has just confirmed too bringing up our video guests and expanding our new media horizons.:)

Readz Publishing has a cool tablet conversion they will be showcasing as well.  All are welcome. Please don't forget to RSVP! http://ticketcake.com/node/4412

 

New Media Expo was extremely informative. #VegasTech is inspiring! Ebook coming soon! #nmx

By Joy A. Kennelly

I am an info addict and love to learn. As a result, traveling to Vegas to attend the New Media Expo and listen to multiple lectures on blogging, marketing, expanding readership, improving my writing and videos, and more, was perfect.

I'm in the process of sorting, compiling and writing about my experiences to share some of the knowledge I gained over the past three days, but if you're interested in the full conference coverage, I encourage you to consider ordering the complete audio and visual offerings when they become available on the official website: http://nmxlive.com/2013-lv/

Also really enjoyed learning more about the startup scene in Vegas and was very impressed. If you're not following my fan page, please consider doing so as I will be uploading pix from my Vegas experiences there first. 

You can "like" me here: www.facebook.com/socialmediastrategistjoykennelly

Please be patient. It was a lot to take in and I have a lot to share which takes time to prepare. Plus, editing pix takes a bit too, but I'm hurrying!:)

Silicon Beach Fest wrap-up, Marki Costello host workshop review, and New Media Expo #Tech #Hollywood #Vegas

By Joy A. Kennelly

I've been writing this wrap-up in my head for weeks and finally have time to put my thoughts down "on paper" so to speak. I had conflicted thoughts after attending the free Marki Costello hosting workshop introduction and needed time to process how to present it.

Plus, had to wait on some pix and other stuff; then the holidays came and have to admit, got distracted with all my fun events.:) 

My goal in attending the New Media Expo in Vegas next week is to learn how to create a more regular blogging schedule, develop more quality content for you, my faithful readers, and monetize the hell out of this thing. Also, meet some new collaborators, see friends I only know virtually and learn and network.

I've been blogging for seven years and it's time. Just heard one fashion blogger receives $50,000 from brands sponsoring her blogs and that's my goal!

Isn't it for everyone who blogs?:)

What I love about the tech community in Los Angeles is the openness to new ideas, new people, new concepts and new opportunities. What I found fascinating was to juxtapose the two events, Marki's hosting class vs. Silicon Beach Fest since I attended both the same day.

I was torn because I missed all the morning meetings I really wanted to hear, but I had signed up for Marki's class awhile ago and was very curious what she is like in person having interviewed her for my blog awhile back. 

Marki is just as blunt in person as she is over the phone or on TV. When she saw me and another older person in the audience she pointedly asked if either of us were guests, or there for the seminar. The guy left, but I stayed and made a point of introducing myself as her recent interviewer because I knew she felt I didn't belong. LOL

Guess hosting is a super young person's game since she controls the funnel according to her. What cracks me up is she says she's a walking conflict of interest proudly as if that's a good thing! LOL She says only people who take her class will ever become hosts because there's very few talent managers who focus on hosting which she does and E! requires all their hosts go through her class.

What I found very interesting, because I had no idea this was true even in this realm, is the fact even in hosting, your brand is key. What I really liked hearing is how Marki helps her clients shape and develop their concept, provides a safe environment for people to practice and refine their skills, shoots a demo reel you can use to find representation or shop yourself around, and introduces you to key people.

I think she's worked really hard to get to where she is today and respect her for that. However, the conflict of interest really bothers me. In no other industry is this accepted as the norm. Why Hollywood? But I don't really care in the long run because I don't intend to be a host for any entertainment channel, but if they come to me, I won't turn it down. LOL

What was fascinating to me after leaving her workshop, where the funnel for talent is so narrow and difficult almost impossible, to then enter the Silicon Beach Fest where the skies the limit, anyone with a good idea or skills can find success if they work hard, and everyone is so supportive and accepting of everyone regardless of what they look like or what age they are, was the huge contrast in approach.

Completely different vibe to be honest. It wasn't, You can't do this without me and must pay me hundreds of dollars before I help you because I control your destiny like I felt at Marki's workshop.

It was, Here let me help you. I've found success, here's how I did it, and I can help you find it too.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE!

The irony of the entire experience was to hear Marki say all the networks constantly want her to find new talent from the web where people are just out doing their own thing. So, be encouraged host wannabe. You can make it in Hollywood too. Just think outside the box, do your own thing, believe in yourself, and pursue your dreams.

You never know what might happen!:) Disruption in the entertainment industry is happening and the old guard is just trying to protect what they feel they control, but it can't last forever.

Change is inevitable. It just is. Either go with it, or die. Simple as that.

Here's some pix highlighting Silicon Beach Fest, but first, a word from our sponsors...:)

 

 

 

 

 

What is fun about being back in Los Angeles is I often run into people I know and this event was no exception. Everyone in tech knows our fearless leader, Kevin Winston of Digital LA, because he wears a red shirt wherever he goes. He has created an incredible tech community and constantly holds amazing seminars, parties, and events like this one.  

 But if you're in tech here in Los Angeles, you already know this.:) My new friend, Espree, pictured with Kevin held an excellent seminar on finding a developer which included a friend, John Shiple, who I had no idea was so accomplished until this seminar! 

We had met years ago at a friend's BBQ and enjoyed karaoke most of the night never once talking business. LOL You can check out his website here:  www.FreelanceCTO.com

 
 Bumped into other new friends, recognize these guys?:) The entire event was held at the amazing iola in Hollywood and it was fun to finally see what this co-work venue is like after hearing about it during Social Media Week. The seminars were held throughout the first floor and upper spaces too.

 Here's some more pix to give you the vibe.   

   

    There were a lot of new businesses hosting parties, lots of great seminars, sponsors set up with tables, meetings with friends I've met at other tech events, and it was fun to bounce between seminars listening to what everyone had to say.

It truly lived up to the claim, "LA's first startup - entertainment community fest, with more than 2,500 attendees attending panels, workshops, demo days, pitch fests, hackathon, beach sports and more."    
Here's some of the fun people I met. The guy on the left and the girl on the right have a very cool company which showcased attendee's Twitter feed throughout the night. She also runs a very cool music newsletter/website called Fusicology. Click the name to learn more because it's been around forever and has the best collection of news, events, fun festivals and more. She's hilarious!

Everyone was a ton of fun. Such a difference than the life and death feel to Marki's seminar. Sad, but true.

Speaking of Hollywood, remember this show? That was what was on Sunset Boulevard as I ran between sessions. Even played tourist for a quick minute.:)    

Back to tech.

Now do you see why Forbes Magazine wrote up Silicon Beach Fest in an article entitled, 6 Reasons Los Angeles is now booming with Startups? There's so much support, camaraderie, innovation, talent and funding it's crazy!

 

And catch this aticle too in case you don't believe me or Forbes: "The Startup Genome Ranks The World’s Top Startup Ecosystems: Silicon Valley, Tel Aviv & L.A. Lead The Way tcrn.ch/10kSHCc "  

After a full day of sessions, we were all invited to visit some tech companies and I chose to check out Deviant Art because I love art. Isn't this a great entryway? Check out the owner and his dog too. Here's some highlights from the presentation and office visit. 

              
 Wouldn't you like to work here? I would! Scott Perry of Sperry Media is holding the cute swag Deviant Art gave away. If you don't know him, here's something I lifted from an article about him by celebrityaccess.com: "As president of Sperry Media, Scott Perry works with nearly every single label to create online marketing campaigns for across a network of 40 key indie store web sites nationwide and handles the street marketing efforts for lifestyle and entertainment companies at over 400 record and lifestyle stores." I had wanted to hear his session specifically because it really interested me, but arrived too late. Darn it!:)

I won the door raffle at Deviant Art and am still trying to decide what piece of art I would like to own. I want it to be special because it will reflect this very cool time attending Silicon Beach Fest. I was hoping to have something to share with you by now, but with 23 million artists they offer on this site, it's rather difficult to choose just one. Now I understand why people hire art agents or whatever they're called. 

I'm now looking forward to attending New Media Expo next week. Here's a blurb describing it I stole from Digital LA who probably stole it from the website: "New Media Expo presented by BlogWorld is Jan 6-8, 2013 in Las Vegas. This is the world's largest conference & tradeshow for Web TV & Video creators, plus Bloggers, Podcasters and Social Media innovators!

Enjoy 3 value-packed days of sessions, networking and cutting-edge knowledge from over 170 speakers that will bring your online content quality, marketing, audience and monetization to a whole new level."  

 

I've gone one time before and couldn't attend last year because I was living in Atlanta. Really looking forward to attending and will share more later. Thanks for reading! 

 

My wrap-up of Christmas in California - in the South Bay, Santa Monica, Malibu, and more!

By Joy A. Kennelly

Hard to believe Christmas is over and we're heading straight to New Years Eve so quickly, isn't it? Have you been making New Years resolutions? I have decided to call mine intentions and am excited to see them come true in 2013.

Since not everyone is privy to my Facebook photo album, I thought it would be fun to share highlights of all the Christmas events (which I refuse to call holiday when they include a Christmas tree and it's obvious that's what they are meant to be:) I enjoyed in Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, North Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and elsewhere around Los Angeles.

Just in case you are thinking of getting out of town next year and want to see what CA has to offer during Christmas, read on. And even if you live here and are unaware there were so many free festivities you're missing out on, read on!

So without further ado and in no particular order...

Azusa Pacific University Choir & Orchestra Christmas Concert

My holiday season started off just before Thanksgiving with an amazing concert by the very talented Azusa Pacific University Orchestra and Choir with over 100 members. I helped my Dad and his South Bay Christian Businessmen's Connection group of 4 men and their wives pull off an event for almost 200 guests which was quite a feat.

Here's some APU pictorial highlights courtesy Paul Bostrom:

My little Mom, me and her good friend Francine who was a POW as a child in the Philippines. What an amazing life she's lived. Who knew there were Americans interned by the Japanese? I didn't! She and I handled the crazy registration table together. Don't ask.:)
  APU performed many holiday favorites, and also many I'd never heard before which kept it entertaining, especially when they came out into the crowd to perform and welcome us. I was very impressed and wished more of my friends had attended to see such a quality performance.
 
Next year another group (other than CBMC) will be producing the dinner, so keep your ears open to attend because the APU choir and orchestra are extremely talented.

They perform all over Los Angeles and are planning to head to the deep South in the Spring for a big tour. 

On a side note, if you care to join the CBMC breakfast meeting, you're welcome to as long as you're a man.:) They meet every Wednesday morning at 7:30am at the local Marie Callendar's located at 21211 Hawthorne Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90503 phone (310) 540-9696. Just in case you're interested in becoming more principled in your business endeavors.

Redondo Beach Hollywood Riviera Christmas Stroll

This is a fun event because numerous streets are closed down and it becomes a huge street party in the middle of Redondo Beach. I always enjoy visiting stores I normally wouldn't go into to see what they're offering and everyone goes all out decorating. The whole South Bay comes out and it's a very warm, fun celebratory event complete with a horse drawn wagon ride, singing carolers, and this year, even a "ballerina man" as one child called a performer.

Here's some pictorial highlights:

Hermosa Beach Christmas Events

This one kinda bugged me because even though they were lighting a "Christmas" tree, they were so intent on being PC, they called it a holiday tree. People, c'mon. Get over yourselves. LOL

This was definitely smaller than past years as far as gatherings go, but it was still a lot of fun complete with Hawaiian hula dancers, Santa arriving on a fire truck, and the actual tree lighting ceremony. It followed the Christmas Village shopping experience which was held earlier in the month. I enjoyed seeing people I had worked with politically, but also was happy I was no longer involved in city politics.

Here's highlights of both events combined:

Santa pix courtesy Ara Gougher

The Grove Christmas Concert Celebration

This event happened in early November to allow it to be televised later on and featured the tree lighting, Mario Lopez hosting, Colbie Caillet, Scotty McCreary, Phillip Phillips, Michael Bolton, others I forget and my favorite, The Backstreet Boys (we all screamed out inner teen-ager hearts out!:) After standing for five hours we became friends with the people standing around us too.

The evening ended with a spectacular fireworks display. Needless to say, the Grove was packed!

Journey of Faith's 1,000 Points of Light at the South Bay Galleria, El Segundo Plaza's Christmas jam, Moto Art's Christmas Party and King's Harbor celebrations

Journey of Faith hosted a 1,000 Points of Light Christmas sing-along in the South Bay Galleria with hundreds of people and the acoustics were amazing. El Segundo Plaza also enjoyed music on a much smaller scale with a children's band performing at their gathering who were very talented.

And my talented DJ friend of Focus Entertainment included me in a cool Moto Art Christmas event too. Kings Harbor Church hosted numerous special Christmas events which were also fun to attend. My publicist friend, Lana Leazer, included me in her South Bay Magazine event which was very fun.

Best photo booth ever!:)

Santa Monica Christmas Stroll

Despite the rain, the city came out in full support of this very popular annual Christmas event complete with a tree lighting, Jingle Bell Rockers, store parties, carolers and more.

 

You may recognize Janet Gervers of the Abbott Kinney First Friday's blog and she covered the Venice "sign" lighting which included Robert Downey Jr as host and Councilman Bill Rosendahl presiding.

I was a little tired after attending so many events and skipped it, but you can see her pix here: http://www.abbotkinney1stfridays.com/2012/12/december-events-this-week-in-venice.html

Last, but not least, Manhattan Beach and North Manhattan Beach

If you think it's silly there are two Manhattan Beach events, don't worry, some of the locals do too. However, it's needed because otherwise they're so spread out, it's difficult to walk around in one night. These events are always very upscale, classy, community-oriented and fun.

Besides, who doesn't love fireworks?

My favorite Christmas site to see though, was late last night driving home from Santa Barbara in Malibu.

A life-size creche kitty corner to a gigantic menorah. Malibu gets it.

Happy New Year and thanks for joining me on my Christmas adventures! Gotta run!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thoughts on the CT Massacre, @QTarantino_news & DJango, @FamilyGuyonFOX, Grand Theft Auto III and the growing #violence in society. Be the change!

By Joy A. Kennelly

Sometimes I feel like a modern day philosopher because I feel things so deeply in my spirit I am compelled to share a side of an issue that isn't normally covered in the media or discussed in normal life until a tragedy occurs like the massacre at the school in CT.

I always wonder if I'm the only one to feel this way, but also don't care because there comes a point when I can't do anything else, but share.

It affects me that deeply.

And when I do, then I find many others do feel the same way as I do. They were just waiting for someone else to speak out first.

Even though I am not raising my son and technically am not a mother in the tradional sense of the word, only a "birth mother" as those of us in the adoption world are called who have placed our children with other parents to raise, I still feel deeply about protecting children from ills in society.

I only wish more people in power did too.

Pornography, alcoholism, drug abuse, the way women are portrayed in the media have all been topics I've covered here in my blog in the past and now, with the horrific shooting in CT, I feel compelled to address the growing glorification of violence in society, especially as Quentin Tarantino prepares to launch his latest killing spree film, Django, wherein Jamie Foxx, whom I normally love and will watch in anything he does, went on SNL to brag about killing white people. 

Yes, maybe Jamie was trying to be satirical, but at a certain point, that commentary ceases to be funny. It crossed a line.

He needs to apologize and SNL too. 

And now, even more so when innocent children are gunned down so horrifically after what happened in CT.

When will this glorification and mockery of the sanctity of life end in Hollywood? Why is there such a disconnect on cause and effect?

I posted a bunch of articles, books, and images yesterday on Facebook to process what has happened which helped me and many others. After sleeping on it, I feel a broader audience needs to hear this too which is why I'm sharing it here.

I know many people in Hollywood and in politics are going to be clamoring for more gun control now as they always do after something like this happens, but I hope you will read what else could be causing our society to implode upon itself with an open mind because many, many, many researchers concur that violence in TV, Film and video games is causing people to become more violent.

Aw, it's just a movie. A video game. A TV show. A music lyric.

How can Family Guy, American Family, Django, Inglorious Bastards, Grand Theft Auto III, or Postal 2 or any number of violent media or even violent music videos have this much affect on society you ask?

Thanks for asking. Well, let me tell you.

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, "While the causes of youth violence are multifactorial and include such variables as poverty, family psychopathology, child abuse, exposure to domestic and community violence, substance abuse and other psychiatric disorders, the research literature is quite compelling that children's exposure to media violence plays an important role in the etiology of violent behavior."

You can read more in this quick 1 pager overview: The Impact of Media Violence on Children and Adolescents: Opportunities for Clinical Interventions

And who can forget this tragedy and what the killer had to say: "(CNN) -- Norway's alleged mass killer testified on Thursday that he played video games as a way to train for a shooting spree that killed 77 people last summer. In particular, Anders Behring Breivik said at his trial that he played "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" as a means of shooting practice, according to CNN's report."

 

Read more here: Norway mass-shooting trial reopens debate on violent video games

If you're interested in more information on the cause and effect of violence in the media, review Myths and Facts About Youth and Violent Media for an intensive, comprehensive review of this issue. 

Not to harp on my sister's friend, Quientin, but did you read the review of the premiere of Django in the New York Times? It's especially chilling in light of what just happened: 

"Ms. Thurman, of course, has done numerous movies for Mr. Tarantino including 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Kill Bill.' She can’t give an exact tally of how many people she’s killed on-screen for him. 'At least 88,' she said.

Nearly everyone in the house professed to love his latest offering. 'It was three hours of Tarantino perfection,' Cameron Diaz said, though she admitted to having some trouble watching some of the bloodier scenes. 

'It was awesome' Patti Smith said. 'The guy kills 100 people and doesn’t even get wounded. I want to go see it again at midnight with a theater packed full of crazy kids screaming.'

Read more here: This Tarantino Premiere Killed

Notice how Patti Smith said "crazy kids?" Who do you think is being influenced by this film?

Yes, kids.

And this is why I feel it needs to stop. Hollywood has to stop glorifying murdering people. Did you ever stop to think about how Quentin Tarantino learned to make films? By watching videos non-stop in his video selling job in Manhattan Beach.

See the correlation? Or is it too obtuse for you?

I have nothing against the guy. I admire what he's accomplished and how he directs. However, I wonder if any Hollywood filmmaker who is making bucco bucks off this violent trend is even considering donating money to support the victims they help cause indirectly. I wonder how many even have a conscience when they see this happening more and more in our society? Are they that blinded to their influence? 

And even the Oscars will be glorifying the Family Guy creator who is one of the worst racist, offensive offenders on TV. WHEN WILL THIS STOP? CHOOSE SOMEONE ELSE TO "ENTERTAIN" OUR CULTURE DURING THE OSCARS.

I am tired of the glorification of violence in society. I'm tired of the killing of innocent adults and children in real life.

I'm tired...

Aren't you?

If so, please consider reading this book, Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill : A Call to Action Against TV, Movie and Video Game Violence which looks at the role the entertainment industry plays in socializing/training children for violent behavior.

Author, Lt. Col Dave Grossman is an expert in the field of "killology" and in his first book, On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society also looked at the techniques the military uses to train soldiers to kill which offers compelling evidence THAT THE MEDIA EMPLOYS THE SAME TECHNIQUES, RESULTING IN DE-SENSITIZED KIDS.

This isn't just about males though, it's affecting girls too which is why I was happy to share what my friend, Doreen Hanna is doing with her Becoming a Modern Day Princess program to mentor young women into living lives of value, purpose and strength. 

We either address the core issues affecting our society and look at what we're doing to perpetrate this violence upon our innocent generation, or accept the consequences. We can't have it both ways. Guns, in and of themselves, aren't the issue.

It's evil people and their drugged out state too.

So, are we going to allow our American culture to become what it is over in Israel? Will we soon see teachers carrying guns to the classroom to protect themselves like this?

 

I hope not. This tragedy in CT didn't have to happen. My heart and prayers go out to the victims and their families.

 

It breaks my heart.

 

I cried yesterday over the loss of innocent lives which didn't have to happen. We don't live in a war torn country, yet it's beginning to feel like it.

 

But then I remember people like Mr. Rogers and his wise sayings:

You can become one of the helpers too. 

"Sympathy cards and/or letters of support and solidarity can be sent directly to the school:

Sandy Hook Elementary School
12 Dickenson Drive
Sandy Hook, CT 06482"

I'm sure they would appreciate this.

But also, seriously consider what impact the media is having on your child, on your view of violence and what is within your power to change how our society looks at this issue. 

Will you Hollywood professionals continue to create films, TV and video games that glorify violence?

Will you pharmaceutical drug companies, continue to push drugs on society that influence this behavior?

Will you gun sellers, continue to sell guns without considering the consequences?

Where does it end?  When everyone is murdered and we live in a lawless society?

I find it ironic that the more we remove the good news of Christmas and Jesus coming to save us from our sins, the more we see this violence become prevalent.

There is a cause and effect from removing moral values from our society.

You can't have it both ways.

You either see sin and evil and do something about it, or you allow it to take over. I prefer to see evil and attempt to stop it. 

But that's just me. Or is it? Will you join me?

I was happy to see someone in Hollywood saw the need to make a change and switched out Family Guy episodes in light of what has happened: 

Fox Nixes Sunday's Original Episodes of 'Family Guy' and 'American Dad' 

So, in closing, wanted to share this beautiful image someone posted to encourage those who have lost loved ones yesterday or any time. 

And as President Obama shared so thoughtfully with this verse yesterday, Psalm 147:3, He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.

And here's another verse I love:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

God bless you. Think on these things. Will you do something to make a difference?

If so, I hope you do. 

We are one nation, one community, one legacy.

Let's leave a loving one for our world and children.

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” 
― Mother Teresa

 

Character lessons by @Twitter, @Uber, @Instagram, @kickstarter Investor Chris @sacca at #PandoMonthly last night

By Joy A. Kennelly

Last night I was invited to hear Twitter, Uber, Instagram and Kickstarter Investor, Chris Sacca, speak at Pando Monthly by a female entrepreneur I respect and admire online and as a result, really not knowing what to expect, plunked down my $20 for a chance to experience this "fireside chat."

I had no expectations because I don't read Pando Daily and was just introduced to it with little time to research or read before arriving at Zephr's door filled with curiousity and hope. However, my friend has started numerous businesses and is very connected which made me trust her judgment.

I will admit, after hearing all the companies Chris has invested in, which if you're not familiar, are super hot right now in the tech world and elsewhere, coupled with the fact he appeared to be huge fan of Obama via reading his Twitter feed, I kinda expected him to be arrogant, full of himself and annoying, but was pleasantly surprised the opposite was true.

He was thoughtful, humble, generous, revealing, honest, kind, and inspiring.

(Too bad the moderator didn't take a page from his book, but that's another story. We're chalking it up to the fact she's pregnant and probably doesn't realize how bitchy she comes across. Sorry lady, but someone from our gender needs to speak truth. And I'm not just saying this because you said, no questions from the seated audience after I stated mine.:)

Anyway, I was so inspired after hearing him speak for three hours, I felt compelled to share my experience with you. Although, I will admit, I slept on it because some guy called me a poser the other day (to which I responded he was a dick and an ass - good Christian that I am.:) and wondered what people would say when they heard I was privileged to hear one of the richest, smartest, coolest investors in the tech world (in my humble opinion.:)

But after sleeping on it and waking up at 4am buzzing still, I don't care. Think of me what you will because to be honest, I don't write for your opinion. I write for mine. If you're a writer, you know there are times you are compelled to share your thoughts in writing to process it yourself and this is one of those times.

Back to my story.

When I arrived, I was super early and would have been super lost except for overhearing another guy asking directions too. Jackie was very cool and helpful which I generally find among tech heads. No pretension, just mass knowledge just like my programmer friend Paras.

(Speaking of cool, if you're looking for an interesting, smart company to support, buy from, or invest in, check out Jackie's here: http://thejunglestand.com/JungleStand/)

We traisped through Zephr's offices, which are very hip and sound like an incubator for digital-focused filmmakers, and out into the alley to arrive at their large warehouse space where we were promptly shushed out into the street by the zealous organizer because we were so early.

Hey, what can I say? I was excited!:)

I left briefly and when I returned the alley was filled with eager programmers, startups, entreprenuers and the friend who had originally invited me, Espree. Know her? Cool girl and reminds me a lot of one of my young GA room-mates who works in tech with Oracle whom I admire too.

In any case, pretty soon the doors opened and we all streamed inside to enjoy pizza and beer (and in my case, Coke) before the interview began.  Jackie had been kind and saved me a seat, but Espree suggested we move to the front and pretty soon, her young skateboard friend, Dante, herself, her other lawyer friend, Damion, and myself were staring at the stage face on for the next three hours. 

Talk about butt ache!:) But soooo worth it! Chris is amazing! (This is prior to launch during set-up.) 

Now if you don't know Chris Sacca's story, read it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Sacca or here: http://www.apbspeakers.com/speaker/chris-sacca Or just ask around, like I did of Jackie who gave me the Cliff Notes before the evening started. Or Google Chris Sacca. He's all over...

Seek and ye shall find.

But if you can, watch the Pando Monthly video if they share it. Not sure how that works yet, but assume they'll be doing something with the footage and/or interview. Kudos to Sarah Lacy for landing Chris because this is one of the few interviews he has given since moving down to LA part-time. (Yes, he's here! Sound the trumpets! Los Angeles is totally becoming the tech hotbed and I just love it!)

The reason I suggest watching vs. reading is because you will see the essence of who this guy really is without someone else's filter, including mine. He is nothing like I expected and totally someone I feel I could be friends with, he is that down-to-earth, funny, and real.

I also admired his integrity. He may not always have had it growing up a young, brash, arrogant investor when he day traded his student loan money in college, but losing 12 million and ending up 4 million in debt like he did has a way of humbling you. 

What I really liked hearing him say when this happened, was, he "declared I wouldn't declare bankruptcy." And took the next five years working hard to repay all the debt he owed. That impressed me immensely. He said when he paid it all off, "you have no idea how good zero feels."

He shared how he accidentally overpaid his student loans and they sent him a check for, I believe it was, $38, and to this day he says it's pinned on his fridge because he likes seeing they owe him money. lol

I thought it fascinating because Financial Guru, Dave Ramsey, always talks about how the rich don't carry debt and they live debt free. Hearing Chris say it too was only confirmation of what I'd learned in Dave's class. Makes me glad it's one of my top goals to which I'm very close except for my student loan ironically enough.

I also liked how Chris refuted the moderator when she accused him of using Goldman Sachs, to which he replied, "No money from Goldman Sachs - you should fact check."

He shared how he started day trading and when it's going great, it's easy to think it's because you're a genius, and when things go bad it's because you're unlucky, but now he's learned it's actually the opposite. When it's going right, that's when you're lucky and when it's going wrong, you're f-ed.

He shared how easy it was to fall into that trap when all his ski buddies were telling him how wonderful he was because they had been able to buy boats and homes investing through him back then, but he realized it's important to have people in your life who will call you on your BS like his wife does now.

For me, it's my parents. lol 

Moving right along.

He shared how he hustled to make money any way he could and was one of the first lawyers on Elance doing odd jobs, even once doing a VO for a famous black athlete in a low, modulated voice similar to that guy's style which cracked me up because Chris is about as white as they come.

He also wrote contracts for porn companies and said he's the only guy to make money in the business without removing his clothes. Chris is just clever with words - a writer's dream which is why I took so many notes cuz I knew I'd want to write about him once he started speaking.

The moderator, Sarah Lacy, whom I admire for her moderating skills in asking great questions and her deep knowledge, asked him some hard hitting questions which seemed to stop the flow every so often because it seemed antagonistic rather than forward moving. Overall though, great job at moderating on one level.

That said, I'm sure her style is what tech readers love, but meeting her for the first time and hearing it in person for the first time, I was a little put off because I really felt they had a great repoire and he was opening up and sharing stories he admitted at the end he will probably regret the next day, and hearing someone ask him what he thought about negative reviews about himself is enough to make anyone shut up and mistrust the agenda of someone you're speaking to.

I loved hearing Chris reveal how hard his life had been before he made it. If you've been an entreprenuer for any length of time, like I have, you know it's not easy and it was great to hear I wasn't alone in this. Chris really had compassion on those who are struggling in this economy although he doesn't seem to compute that Obama played a part in this and appears to blindly support him, although it was encouraging to hear he invested in Uber which is run by a Libertarian and often has passionate political discussions with him.

My kinda guy.:) Not the Libertarian per se, just anyone who is willing to passionately talk politics and have intelligent discussions not filled with name calling. My style.

Chris even admitted Silicon Valley is a bunch of group thinkers politically and although that was disappointing to hear, at least now I know. Sarah did ask him if he was as disappointed in Obama as many are at the end of the interview and I appreciated her doing that, to which he spewed the party line which I hope young people will research before blindly accepting it because someone they admire said it.

But what do you expect from someone who raised 100 million for Obama and has taken meetings with the President? Maybe I might even think differently about Obama if I had been invited to give my feedback on females in the workplace and in small business at the White House too.

I did, after all, attend the man's inauguration. What?! You didn't know?:) Yes, it's true. I attended Obama's inauguration at the special invite of Rep. Jane Harmon to whom I am very grateful. I consider it one of the highlights of my life to be part of history, especially as one of the lone conservatives in the audience.

Trust me. I was a novelty! lol But enough politics. I have to leave shortly and want to get this out.

Compassion.

I think that's where we left off. When asked about why he kept on going despite incredible odds against him when he first started out, he said "I didn't have a choice." It was in his dna. He said, stories of bouncing back aren't just about titans of business. People fought in wars, have lost their homes and jobs and come back, you just don't hear about them. I admire him for not being prideful about his personal comeback too.

Chris has tremendous empathy for the struggles we all face which endeared me to him because he gets it. Those who have money handed to them and have never faced failure or loss don't understand the depths of despair and self-reflection you go through when all you have is you and God (in my case) and you have to pull yourself back up from rock bottom.

Chris does. That's why my friend and I were so inspired by him. He was empathetic, compassionate, honest and very transparent on how hard it was and how he relates to those who are going through it now. He even acknowledged he knows how much $20 can be for someone when they're bootstrapping because he encountered that when he was flat broke trying to network and he used to sneak in through the kitchen to attend events because he spoke Spanish.:)

When I was younger I read a book of 100 biographies of world famous people and the running theme throughout all was those at the top gave back, they were humble and they treated all people with respect. The most successful companies, churches, institutions, and organizations are also run by these kinds of people I have observed over the years.

Now for those of you who have a company which is doing well and you're starting to receive bids because people want to buy it, here's some advice Chris gave which you might want to listen to:

"If someone offers you money for your company, walk away and think about what really matters. Money - how much do you want? Do you want to continue working in the company and if so, how does that look? Where do you want your company to be based? Who do you want your boss to be? Ask yourself all kinds of questions to allow yourself to really think about what's important to you."

Chris said, armed with that self-awareness, then go back and negotiate on your terms. He said there's no better negotiator than an engineer because they have no filter. They just tell it like it is. I agree, having grown up around so many. That's why we get along - we're both blunt.:)

What I hope every young investor will heed is this next bit of advice too. "Good investors are in the service business." Chris says he gets involved in companies to help and as long as he's helping he sticks around. He probably got more involved with Twitter than they liked at first, but when he was dragged into investing the initial $25,000 he invested, he didn't have that money to lose and wanted them to succeed which is why he was so hands on.

Now, not as much, but he continues to buy Twitter stock because he feels it's the next Google. Interesting, eh? I love smart people.:)

He also said, along those lines, a VC's role is to "empower the entrepreneur" not to be the star and take credit for stuff. It's like when a publicist jumps into every promo shot with their client on the red carpet - I hate that because it's not about the publicist, it should be about the client, just like it's not about the VC either.

Are you listening to us? STOP WITH THE SELF ADULATION.

What I also enjoyed learning is how Chris thinks about Twitter. He says the real value is in the community, the users, and it's created a venue where people communicate. So sparse and simple, it's all about what's not there vs. what it's like on Facebook. Or as Eric Schmidt, whom he quoted regarding Twitter, says, "It's the poor man's email."

Chris, having worked for years at Google, also said, "Twitter is an art problem. Google fails at social because they don't get art." Isn't that interesting? That's why even though Blogger is among the top something of websites, Google has never put money or energy into it. They don't care. They're more about the science than the look.

The part of the evening that really quieted the room, which by the way, was standing room only in a space designed to fit about 500 maybe, correct me if I'm wrong, was when Chris shared how much more people matter than money and holding grudges. You could have heard a pin drop then and also when he said he went from 12 million profit to 4 million in debt over night. 

It's life lessons like these that make powerful people resonate with their audiences. He shared how someone in Silicon Valley had once betrayed his confidence and he held a grudge for years after, even ignoring his emails when that guy wrote to tell him he was going to bike ride cross country like Chris had done in 2009, in essence, "joining his tribe" as Chris so eloquently stated. 

Then recently he learned this same guy was in an accident while riding and did a face plant at 27 mph and is now in a coma. It's made him ask, how meaningful can it be? He may still hold grudges, but it's so shallow. He passionately said, "People matter more than an investment in a company that isn't even around any more."

It was so deep there for a moment, even Chris said, can we get back to talking about the fun stuff. I think it was important for him to share this though because I know so many people who hold grudges, myself included, and I find once I let it go, I'm so much freer. It's just not worth it people. Friendships should always matter more than money.

Or politics for that matter. Get over it. That's me, not Chris saying that part.:)

Some other great words of wisdom Chris shared is don't let you inbox dictate your day. Be on the offense and look at your To Do list before your email. Make what you feel is important, your priority, not what others think is important via their email.

So true.

He also shared how he invites people over to his home for the weekend to get to know them better on a whole other level  since he moved to Truckee and counts many of those people as his closest friends. He moved because he was running out of excuses on why he couldn't go to coffee with people. LOL

He told us he was inviting so many programmers over at one time, it got to be too much and took the money he would have spent on an office and bought the house next door to host them now, calling it Camp LowerCase (lowercase?:) which I thought was brilliant. 

Chris loves helping people and said, he wants to be obsolete by Series B. He's not on any boards, he just helps them get things going and likes to fund opportunistically, under the radar. Now he's focusing on the intersection between tech and media. 

My alarm is set to go off now telling me it's time to wake up which ends conveniently at the same time I have wrapped up my blog. I hope some of my blog helps you with your startup, your life, and your goals because after hearing Chris, and everything he's accomplished, I believe anything is possible with hard work, dedication, drive, ambition, and focus.

Have a great day! I leave you with this fun shot of the door prize he gave to the person who came the farthest...

 

Oh, this just in, here's the full video:  

 

Kingdom Come screening and Silicon Beach Tech Crawl

I've just uploaded some pix of the recent Kingdom Come documentary screening held at Harmony Gold and experiences at the recent Silicon Beach Tech Crawl on my Facebook Fan Page here: www.facebook.com/socialmediastrategistjoykennelly

Will probably write a real blog review of Kingdom Come when I have time. My photographer friend, Clinton H. Wallace, gave me some great shots from the red carpet and event which I want to share.

In the meantime, follow me on my fan page (www.facebook.com/socialmediastrategistjoykennelly) as I plan to upload more pix and information in the upcoming days you might enjoy as well.

Update on International Stylist, @NicoleJanowicz, and Introducing @SPKofBeautyTV with @HollyFulger

By Joy A. Kennelly

Recently received an article my recent client, International Stylist, Nicole Janowicz, had contributed to months ago when we were still working together. Thought you might enjoy reading it, expecially if you're planning for your own wedding.

CTW has licensing agreements with 1,000 additional newspapers and online journals and you may have read this story on one of those sites as well. 

I was very happy to help Nicole create her online presence on all the popular social media platforms (Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, etc); write all her marketing copy including press releases, email pitches (ad agencies, talent agencies, brands, schools and universities, media, celebrities and musicians), newsletters, and coverage in my blog; successfully pitch her to numerous fashion & wedding blogs as a contributing writer which resulted in her own Huffington Post blog, in addition to, national and international blog coverage; and speaking opportunities at FIDM San Diego and elsewhere.

All of our efforts ultimately helped find Nicole an agent at The Rex Agency before our contract ended. Very proud of this work and happy for her because this is what she needed to take her career to the next level.

Now she's busy with music styling for the Backstreet Boys and others, although she will do wedding styling on request. 

Here's a few examples of where she was featured in the article entitled, "If you’d like your silhouette to be a bit more streamlined, it helps to employ a few tricks. Here’s your guide to the best bridal shapewear to help you hide what lies beneath"

Nicole became engaged while writing wedding tips for her Huffington Post blog and all the other wedding blogs too, which I thought was sweet. I have another friend who was working for The Wedding Knott who became engaged soon after working there too.

Guess there's something to preparing for a wedding that just tips guys off you're ready? Or is it guys realize, they snooze, they lose?:)

Have to admit, laughed out loud when I saw these cards on Pinterest because they're the opposite side of the spectrum.

Currently working with the new web series, Speaking of Beauty with Holly Fulger, which will launch at the end of the month.

Actress, Writer, and Beauty Spokesperson, Holly Fulger (ELLEN, thirtysomething, ANYTHING BUT LOVE) is on a personal mission with her new web series, SPEAKING OF BEAUTY WITH HOLLY FULGER, to open a dialog among women to address their concerns and insecurities of aging, and ultimately, help women discover their inner-beauty, enhance their self-image, and feel more beautiful at every age.

“We don’t talk enough about beauty and the issues it brings up, to one another. I believe that is beginning to change” says Holly. “The older I become, the more I see that physical beauty is lovely to look at, but ultimately meaningless. Beauty is a reflection of who we are. It is, quite simply, our soul reflected outwardly.”

As she interviews some of her favorite role models and “everyday heroes” of all races, ages and backgrounds, each woman discusses their personal vision of beauty, the negative effects of media's "ideal woman", and how these perceptions influence their lives and their power as women. Holly takes a profound look at both the positive and negative aspects of being a woman and presents a platform for resolving the paradox of being "beautiful" and the power of being yourself.

L to R Interviewee, Laurel Steves; Producer, Melinda  Augustina; Creator/Host, Holly Fulger

Very excited about this very important conversation and to be working with such a great team of professionals. Holly is very inspirational and this is a topic that is long overdue.

I love this description of beauty by Audrey Hepburn which I will leave you with now.

Stay tuned! More to come soon, I promise! Click the link following to "Like" Speaking of Beauty with Holly Fulger on Facebook too! 

My thoughts on friendship and other thoughts on life in Georgia this holiday week.

By Joy A. Kennelly

I don't know if other writers do this, but I compose what I want to write in my head before committing to print. I organize my thoughts, explore the topic mentally as I walk or drive to figure out what it is I'm trying to express. Then, I sit down and write it all out.

If I don't blog, then it bothers me until I do express the thought. Sometimes it takes awhile to pull together the over-riding theme, but then once I do, I just add to it piece-by-piece until it's a coherent whole.

One time I was so caught up in my mental transcribing I drove right past my exit on the freeway. Maybe I'm the only one, but to me, figuring things out in my head is the first step to actually writing.

Thus, when I woke up this morning and my mind was filled with thoughts of friendship and what it means to me, I knew I had to write it down to make my mind stop whirling endlessly on this topic.

I've been taking care of a good friend ever since her surgery on Monday and as a result, we've been through things together on a more intimate level than spending time at fun events that don't require much thought or care, just companionship.

It's at times like these it's easy to feel helpless, out-of-control and beyond the inner strength normally drawn upon to keep it together. Completely natural. I have experienced times like that too and am always grateful I have quality friends I can count on who have my back when I need it most.

Fortunately, we managed to pull it all together and got home eventually to rest, but even then, trying to figure out five different prescriptions prescribed to counter-act the allergic reaction when you're stressed out, exhausted, emotionally and physically drained with no help from your physician is exasperating beyond belief.

I am a very strong person having lived through so much in my life, but even I began to falter due to lack of sleep and the effort of being strong for someone else who needed me. I had to call my mom for advice because I was so sleep-deprived and didn't think I could manage to do what was right for my friend and stay.

I needed my mom's objective, caring insights to make the right decision as only a mom can do.

Fortunately, having been through numerous surgeries herself, she assured me I needed to stay there and be there for my friend even if I felt I didn't have anything to offer, because my friend still needed me.

I'm glad I did. We both were able to finally rest and now she's on the road to fully recover finally.

As a single person without many commitments or responsibilities beyond myself, it's easy to become selfish and self-centered like I see so many other singles become unknowingly. I never want to be like that and with my parent's training and example of selfless giving, have tried to live a life of service even though I'm the first to admit, I haven't always succeeded.

That's why I knew, in that moment of time, my mom was right. I needed to be there for my friend even if it meant foregoing time with social friends, skipping the fireworks, BBQ's, and other festivities surrounding the 4th of July because being there for my friend in her time of need meant more than any holiday fun.

Holidays come and go, but true friends are rare and special. Hang on to them tight and cultivate them lovingly because as a single person, friends are your family and life support. It's better to be "inter" dependent than independent I'm learning. It's ok to admit you need help and can't do everything on your own. Just be careful who you share this part of your life with however.

What I found interesting reaching out to friends I've met here for support during this experience is the kind of response I received. One girl, whom I have considered a friend in the past, but more and more see as simply a user, when asked for a ride to participate in an event she invited me to yesterday, totally blew me off as she usually does.

It used to hurt, but now that I see her for who she really is, it doesn't. I realize this is a fair-weather friend who will always be there if I offer her something for free, invite her to join me for a free dinner I've won, or invite her to a cool special event I've been invited to attend, but isn't willing to give in return unless it suits her, which unfortunately, it rarely does.

As a result, I've stopped doing anything with her for the most part, even skipped her birthday party because I don't need this "Southern" friendship any more. I feel sorry for her actually because a life of selfishness will ultimately catch up. Once her children are grown and out of the house she'll be left with nothing but herself to deal with. 

It's so easy to avoid introspection when you're constantly filling every free moment with activities and church, but the rubber hits the road when all you have is yourself and God. Since losing my car in a terrifying accident which left me unharmed, but killed my car, I've had plenty of time alone to think and grow in who I am as a woman and as a friend.

When friends you think are friends turn on you when you're helpless due to an injury and lack of transportation in a city like Atlanta, it really makes you pull back and consider who you allow into your life more carefully. I never had this issue in CA, but here in the South it's much more common to feel guarded because of the false veneer of politeness that veils every interaction and friendship.

People are much more passive aggressive and dishonest about how they feel about you because it's how this culture has been cultivated and taught to behave. Never reveal your true feelings, never act like anything is wrong, and remember, life is always wonderful.

It's lovely, isn't it? 

Well, sometimes it's not. Sometimes life is hard, difficult, stressful, frustrating and real. And it's in those hard times when you really see who is real and who is not. Who is a real friend, and who is not. And it's in hard times when you realize what is important in life and what is not. 

It's not attending events, being seen, taking pictures doing charity when you're not living it, or simply having fun with someone, it's sharing your life on a deeper, more meaningful way that makes all the difference in the world.

It's being there for someone when your whole being wants to be somewhere else, and then once you make that decision to stay, realizing you're so much happier and content being right where you are because it's right.

That selfish friend aside, when I reached out to other friends here for help and support, they responded kindly and were available if needed which was comforting. God has been throughout this entire recovery experience and we know it beyond a shadow of a doubt.

I was pleasantly surprised my friend felt good enough to go see fireworks after her new pain meds kicked in and we drove close by to a park celebration which was perfect. We ended up parking in someone's drive, watching the fireworks from a distance, and what was cool, became a gathering point for other people to stand and watch with us.

One couple had the most amazing white lab named Winston who was so mellow despite everything going on around him, it calmed my friend as she was able to love on him and ignore her situation for a little while. Then a family joined us who had run the Peachtree race in the morning and just wanted to chat. Another woman who had been tearing up the street after her dog got away, joined us later after capturing her to spend time with us too.

We all enjoyed sharing the moment knowing this is what you do on holidays. The most amazing thing too, was learning two of the women were nurses. My friend was able to ask questions about her condition which eased her mind and helped her know what else to do to aid in her recovery.

That was the God shot we both needed.

It was great and why I love the 4th so much. Sharing time with people you'll probably never see again, but because of your bond as an American, this holiday is special regardless and we're in it together.

For one day a year, politics, religion, and race don't matter. We are unified as a country to celebrate the uniqueness and independence we all cherish as one America.

I love that.

I'm coming up on my one year anniversary of living in Atlanta, GA and feel I've grown through this new life experience in many ways. I don't have a false perception about the reality of my life out here, nor expect anything from anyone any more, but am always happy when I'm surprised by grace.

I also own the fact I made this life choice and it's up to me to make the best of it. Friends have always told me you need to give a new place a year to feel comfortable and know how you really feel.

I'm still sorting my feelings out, but know this year has been special and something I will always remember. If I leave, I will carry friendships with me I will cherish forever.

It's not the place, the life experiences, the car you drive, or the place you live, but the relationships in your life which make a place a home, a life worthwhile and a quality memory.

That's all. Just felt like sharing.

Hope you're enjoying your week too. God bless. 

Life in #Atlanta and @RealMenCook fundraiser featuring @Baisdenlive, @RepJohnLewis and many more #AfricanAmerican #Charity

By Joy A. Kennelly

Always tell when I'm happy because I feel like blogging. Now that I've wrapped up work for my International Celebrity Stylist client, it's nice to have a little free time before the next opportunity. Couple things bubbling which are promising.

I've also moved to a much nicer neighborhood in a beautifully furnished house with a very sweet, respectful room-mate who's hardly ever home which makes life great too.:) 

Even my daisy plant is happier and keeps blooming as if it too agrees.

Now that I'm ITP (Inside the Perimeter) vs. (OTP) Outside the Perimeter which in LA is like living in the South Bay vs. Hollywood, I'm much happier too because it's so much faster and easier to get to events and places I want, or need, to go. 

Traffic in Atlanta is sometimes worse than LA and every little bit of time you can shave off really helps. It's the difference between going out and staying in sometimes.

Just off the phone with a friend who was debating on whether to join me at an event launching Aeromexico's flights between Atlanta and Mexico City tonight. When he heard it might be Downtown he wasn't interested claiming too much traffic, but then as soon as he heard it was closer after all, said he'd consider it.

See what I mean? LOL

REAL MEN COOK ATLANTA

Recently I was invited to participate in the Real Men Cook Atlanta event honoring Fathers on Father's Day at the Georgia World Congress Center which was a real treat. What a fantastic complex near Phipps Arena. I liked the walkability between the different venues and as I left, enjoyed seeing an Atlanta Hawk mascot posing with fans outside.

Radio Host Michael Baisden (pictured left) came and shared how much fathers mean to children which I felt was especially poignant when so many children nowadays are growing up fatherless. Here he is talking about it with the press at his book signing after.

Atlanta treasure,  Congressman John Lewis (pictured below) has been serving as Honorary Chair and cook for many years which I thought was really amazing and wonderful given his government responsibilities.  No wonder he's so beloved!:)

A fantastic drum line lead us into the hall boistorously and loudly which was a lot of fun. Such precision and control! 

Sweet father's serving delicious soul food to all of us were part of this wonderful fundraiser as pictured here. 

I'm hoping to receive better shots from the organizers, but couldn't wait to share because it really was special. We don't have events like this in Los Angeles that I recall which is one of the reasons I was curious to attend and learn what it was all about. 

Plus, I'm a sucker for real soul food cooking.:) 

Here's the official Real Men Cook description to give you the depth and breadth of what they're doing for men around fatherhood here in Atlanta, and across the nation:

The Crusade
Real Men Charities, Inc. presents Real Men Cook events as a national crusade to positively change the way the world views men in relationship to their families and the community.

The crusade includes events, which take place all on the same day, Father’s Day; in Atlanta, Chicago, Benton Harbor (MI), Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Miami, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, DC.

The Crusaders
Volunteer cooks are the most valued crusaders in this movement to change the world. Local managers, nonprofit partners and radio partners are also essential to Real Men Charities, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Reality

Can an Event Change the World? Day by day, year by year, first by claiming Father’s Day in major cities and with national media attention, myths are destroyed, hope is restored, perspectives repositioned, appreciation is expressed, examples are magnified, young men strive to be real men and mature men stand up to be counted; families, no matter the configuration, begin to celebrate themselves and those who try to make a difference. 

Women love it. 

No Child is Left Behind
No child need feel empty on Father’s Day. Families attend the event and women are the number one purchasers of event tickets. Entire families celebrate beyond the biological father, and grandfathers, brothers, coaches and teachers. Reflection is placed on real men past or present. Children are celebrated, activities are planned for them and during the campaign, they benefit by the positive images, messages and role models, who happen to be every day men making a difference.

So, there you have it. How I spent Father's Day and other tidbits.

Hope you enjoyed the read! 

My thoughts on Miss Advised, Ryan Murphy's The New Normal and online dating in general.

By Joy A. Kennelly

What's always interesting to me is how people find my blog and what post they save in order to find me again. Some reviewed posts appear to be from 2007 and some more recent, but they normally reflect the way I was feeling and thinking at a certain stage in my life.

I've been told I'm much friendlier, sweeter and happier in person fyi.:)

That's why I had to laugh out loud stumbling across Miss Advised on Bravo when the Dating Columnist said her whole life has been on display in writing since she was in high school and there's times she wishes she could just push a big DELETE button and wipe everything off the internet.

I so relate.

Especially now that I'm on a few online dating sites and feel like men pre-judge me, or feel they know me by virtue of my blog because there's been so many hits on certain posts lately, when I as a woman, am constantly changing and always evoloving in how I think and feel about whatever.

Yes, there are a few non-negotiables, but why someone would feel they know who I really am when they've never even met me? Cracks me up. Either they're shy and afraid to meet real Joy, or just feel I'm too this, or too that way about me based on a blog post or picture.

Heaven help me if I ever write a book! LOL

It's flattering to hear men say they think I'm beautiful, hot, or whatever, but I'm so not high maintenance and would rather someone see my heart too. Guess I need to start volunteering again more.:)

I've written about my son I placed in adoption, but on singles sites I state I have no children. There's no button to say I have a son I placed in an adoption years ago, he lives with his adoptive parents and we rarely communicate because it makes the adoptive mom uncomfortable, and I'm really ok with everything.

This lack of communication may change when he grows older, but for now, he has his life, I have mine. We love each other, but it's more like he's a friend's child because I'm not raising him and really don't know what's going on in his life. Not that I don't want to, but I respect the adoptive family and when they allow him to reach out I am always happy to hear from him.

An adoption is not the first thing you want to talk about with someone you don't know or have never met. Just another weird thing I deal with as a birthmother who blogs about her life. More and more I feel the need to write my memoir about that life experience though because of recent adoption comments on Good Morning America or Good Day - I always get those two confused. The one with Matt Lauer and Donny Deustch on a panel.

Then, seeing another new TV show coming out by Ryan Murphy, The New Normal, which appears to make a mockery of adoption, or make light of such a deep issue that affects so many people, it's annoying. Just like his adoption subplot on Glee was too. It's obviously just an agenda on his part, not a real caring about the actual issue itself or how the way he handles it will affect adopted children. 

On a lighter note.:)

Watching the sex expert dating girl, Emily, on Miss Advised, I had to laugh because I have a friend who wrote a sex book and she said it did change the way men related to her. She didn't really care though because she's a very open person with her sexuality and is who she is. 

I think after watching this one episode of Miss Advised, I'm done. Too pathetic! LOL Where's Castle when you need him?

Night. Just felt like sharing. 

#Style by @NicoleJanowicz, #Fashion Flash with @Jaime_King @DitaVonTeese, #Foodie Fun with @AdrianGrenier

By Joy A. Kennelly

Int'l Stylist, Nicole Janowicz Update

Been busy behind the scenes and finally able to take a break to blog. 

I love working with Int'l Celebrity/Wedding Stylist, Nicole Janowicz, and am learning sometimes things I would normally be shouting about on the rooftops need to be kept under wraps a lot longer than anticipated.:)

I can tell you this though. Nicole has re-connected with Director Dago Gonzalez of Veneno Inc. whom she worked with on Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony: World Tour Video Elements, Slash, and dancers for Paulina Rubio: Nada Puede Cambiarme,  and the Spice Girls: World Tour Video Elements. 

See, it's not all Backstreet Boys and weddings all the time with her! She does other entertaining projects too!:) She is currently styling for two major World Tours with Dago and having a ball.

It's always fun when you work with people you like and who respect your work. Rare in this town, but when you find it it's a treasure which may explain why Woody Allen, Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorcese and so many others keep their same teams film after film.

Remember my blog post on teams with Entourage Actor Adrian Grenier? Here's the link in case you missed it the first go round: Importance of building a team: Why Adrian Grenier, Willow Smith and Gary Oldman are successful.

In any case, back to Nicole. So, if you don't hear anything from me about her, just know great things are perculating behind-the-scenes as we work diligently together.

Her latest Huffington Post article entitled: How To Create A Consistent Style From Wedding Ceremony To Reception is live too.

Here's a brief intro to pique your interest by Nicole Janowicz: "On April 1st, I made an appearance at the "Unveiled Bridal Style Revealed" event in Beverly Hills, Calif., held at the exquisite Beverly Canon Gardens. "Unveiled" is an outdoor bridal event that brings together the best event professionals, resources, and designs for couples to enjoy as they plan for their big day.

I am not married nor am I engaged. Thus, I can only imagine what it must feel like for newly betrothed couples when the engagement haze wears off, and the reality of creating a wedding becomes, well... real. Venues, food, guests, invitations... the details and decisions are seemingly endless. Bridal events, like "Unveiled," are an invaluable resource for couples. They are like the Barneys New York women's shoe department of weddings: the best the industry has to offer, in one place, and with smiling, friendly people waiting to chat and help!

My team and I were on-site to talk with brides about all things wedding fashion and style including: upcoming trends, choosing your wedding gown, choosing bridesmaids dresses to compliment every personality and figure, how to style your groom and groomsmen, and much more.

One bride in particular asked my advice on how to wear different ceremony and reception dresses, while maintaining a consistent style. My conversation with said bride inspired this article because I know she is not the only woman grappling how to wear two different dresses, while maintaining one overall look.

So, let's talk it out..." Click here to continue reading: http://huff.to/ItgDYY

I can also tell you she's been invited to speak before the Wedding Industry Professional Association sometime next month. Still nailing down the particulars, but it will be great. The organzier is very good at what she does and we're excited to participate. (I know, I said "we," but I get excited with my clients, what can I say?:)

Other things are bubbling and will be announced in due time. SO! That's the latest with Nicole.

FASHION FLASH

Since you've been patient, I thought I would share some fashion highlights I've been receiving from other publicists because now that summer is upon us it's fun to see what all the stars are wearing and doing.

I was pleasantly surprised to receive this highlight of Actress Jaime King wearing ban.do since Nicole has styled her in the past for LADirect Magazine (purchased years back by another publication.)

Isn't this a cute headband and look? Jaime looks like such a Southern belle I love it.

Jaime King wore ban.do on a recent episode of Hart of Dixie! The model turned actress sparkled in a glam crystal headband ($225); www.shopbando.com. 

 

 

 

My friends and I love Austin and really beautiful jewelry there. Have you heard of another Jamie named Jamie Pope? Well, Jamie decided to design her own jewelry line when she couldn't find what she liked and tcreated the Liz James collection.

Have to say, fashionista's everywhere are happy she's designing if this picture is any indication:

If a trip to Austin isn't in your plans any time soon, shop her designs online here: www.lizjames.com.

Now, since it's getting sunnier and sunnier, here's some fun shades called Lumete which means a precious object used for protection and luck, and lumen, meaning light.

One of our favorite strip tease artists, Dita Von Teese, (I know the PC term is Burlesque, but let's call a spade a spade people.:), loves 'em. If you can believe it, I actually saw her perform at a private birthday for an 80 plus year old mom of a very wealthy son's party up in Rolling Hills Estates years back.

Dita is good at what she does! The men in the crowd were cheering and all the rest of us were just amazed the mom had agreed to this performance.:)

Doesn't Dita look glamourous and mysterious in her "summer sunnies" as the publicist calls  'em? Love this look!

 Check them out online too here: http://lumete.com/catalog/category/view/s/collection/id/3/

FOODIE FUN

Oh, and I also received the news two cool people I've written about in the past, Entourage Actor, Adrian Grenier, and Stonyfield Farm chairman Gary Hirshberg were at the recent opening of a new natural and organic restaurant at Chelsea Piers last night, Chelsea’s Table, which Gary also founded.

Aren't they cute?:) Hey Adrian, Nicole would love to work with you if you're not already with a stylist!:)

Photo credit: Brian Ach /AP Images for Chelsea's Table

Chelsea’s Table features natural, organic and local ingredients in a fast-casual atmosphere proving that “healthy fast food” is not an oxymoron. (Just like Stonyfield Farm's organic yogurt I had the fun time promoting last year. You can view all the fun pix from the Family Love Fest here in my blog: http://bit.ly/ihsNZk just keep clicking.:)

Gary and Adrian formed their friendship two years back when Adrian launched his eco-media platform SHFT (http://www.shft.com) which supports environmentally conscious and sustainable living. 

You can view more info about Chelsea’s Table here: http://prn.to/I1knTg.

Okay, that's all for now. I'm hungry and dinner's calling. Hope you enjoyed the read!

Gifts I enjoyed this season: Environ Skincare products, Sees Candy, and other goodies

By Joy A. Kennelly

You may, or may not be aware of this book entitled The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Author, Gary Chapman, but I recently read it and it made all the sense in the world to me after taking his 5 Love Languages test.

I learned my top love language is receiving gifts. Now lest you think I'm materialistic, here's the description of this love language and I quote:

"Receiving Gifts

Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures."

My second highest love language is Quality Time:

"Quality Time

In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, 'I love you,' like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful."

This explained everything to me about some personal dynamics currently going on with people who shall remain nameless to protect the clueless. I know one reads my blog so perhaps this will be shared with the less informed. One can hope, eh?

Moving right along...

So, when I was invited to spend "quality time" with a renowned Plastic Surgeon and a pioneer in plastic surgery and skincare named Dr. Des Fernandez who was visiting Atlanta, GA from South Africa, I gladly agreed.

It was an invitation to learn more about Environ, "his breakthrough anti-aging skincare collection which is available in the Atlanta area as well as nationwide in spas and medical centers" 
at one of the hottest new organic restaurants in town, Miller Union.   


Photo credits for first images by David Naugle. The following are mine.:) 

How could I refuse? 

Despite torrential rain, I arrived at Miller Union on time and enjoyed meeting Dr. Des and his skincare colleagues which included the owner's of the distribution company, his sales rep and publicist. Here's a few of his team below. He is the tall gentleman on the far left and his delightful team is next to him. What was special for me was Dr. Des took the time to review a small skin cancer lesion I've had on my shoulder for a little bit now and was able to alieve my concerns about it's growth. What I wasn't aware of, but happy to learn, Environ skincare products contain Vitamin A and he said in his practice when people started applying it to issues like mine it healed them. 

He said this happened so frequently it took him awhile to realize he wasn't doing as many surgeries as before, but mainly check-ups due to the success of patient's using his products which I found fascinating. I'm willing to try anything to avoid having my shoulder incapicated for a month and have been using Environ products ever since receiving them. I will have a doctor check it of course, but in the meantime, I'm excited to experience positive results.

From the official press release, "Dr. Fernandes’ concern for skin cancer in the early 1980s was the reason why he started the research that eventually led to the conception of the Environ Original range of skin care products. He knew from his medical experience and from statistics, that skin cancer was on the increase. 

In 1991, a vitamin A retinoid reaction, experienced by a consumer, led to the development of two milder creams, and the step-up system of gradually increased doses of active ingredients was born. The step-up system of increasing strengths provide a range of light, non-greasy moisturizers containing vitamin A and a sophisticated free-radical scavenging system of powerful antioxidants to assist in normalizing and protecting skin from the ever-increasing incidence of sun damage."

Since I grew up in CA where you're constantly in the sun (unlike Atlanta which seems to be constantly raining lately! LOL) and can suffer skin cancer so much more frequently, I was especially interested in learning more about Environ. Dr. Des showed so many wonderful before and after images during his skincare presentation over lunch I believe his miracles!:) 

Here's a link to results you can view for yourself: http://environ.co.za/results

He had the funniest tools he uses (one is called Cosmetic Body Roll-CIT ) which almost looks like a torture device to help all the nutrients of his skincare products fully penetrate. It does prick the skin, but people swear by it. Here's a closer look:

You can't really see it in this pic, but there are numerous tiny needles all over the barrel. Now imagine rolling these type tools over your body and face. Here's the official description: "It was a world first and helps to increase the effectiveness of skin care products. The instrument is made up of a convenient handle, smooth-action roller heads and durable stainless steel micro needles."

The bigger version will help you get rid of cellulite and the smaller ones help your face wrinkles. I'm sure there's a nicer way to say this, but I'm not doing it very well...:) Now I'm not one who is a slave to products and if you know me personally you'll know I'm telling you the truth, but I will say, I'm applying this product regularly and will keep you posted on how my skin improves.

I was very impressed with the entire team of experts and they have continued to make sure I'm doing ok with everything which is also impressive. No wonder celebrities, athletes and more swear by Dr. Des Fernandez's products! I think I'll soon be joining them.:)

From the official press release: "Over the years Environ has received numerous accolades for the achievements of the Company itself, showing that it is conscious of maintaining the highest standards in every aspect. Environ is one of the few Companies in the world where research and development, manufacture, distribution and marketing are all done in house."  

Now skincare isn't the only gift I"ve received which has definitely made going to the Post Office more fun lately. Ironically enough, I received an email from a PR firm in Santa Monica I had actually interviewed with years back asking if I would like to write a story about  . Now since this is my Dad's absolute favorite candy and it holds a special place in my heart having grown up eating it in CA, I said sure!

Because we all know, life is like a box of chocolates right?:)  Doesn't this look wonderful? Here's another good present for the chocolate lover in your life.... 
It's called the Winter Wonderland Box and is filled with such chocolates  as Scotchmallows, Butterscotch Squares, Milk Chocolate Foil Balls and Molasses Chips.  (Can you believe the price too? $6.80 for 4.8 oz) I hope there's some left because I'm sure you can order some deliciousness online to be delivered wherever here: http://www.sees.com/

I'm so bummed I was sick because I missed visiting their recent Atlanta pop-up stores in Town Center and Cobb and Mall of Georgia. Did you know..."Since 1921, See's Candies has been one of America's favorite candy makers. A tradition in the West, See's has consistently maintained its old-fashioned virtues of quality, caring and friendly service. With every delicious piece of See's candy, customers are assured of 'Quality Without Compromise®.'"

I know they're one of my favorites! I received a box from the family I visited over Christmas too. Needless to say, I've been nurturing my chocoholic this season. Wouldn't it be cool if there was such a thing as a chocolate diet? I do feel happier after having a piece I must say. Ok, truth be told, it's more than one piece a day, but who's counting?:)

And for those of you not into chocolate, how about a toffee?   "Toffee-ettes  Are a bite-sized version of See’s famous Victoria Toffee, ideal to enjoy anywhere. Everyone loves this rich, crunchy butter toffee and California-grown almonds, covered in creamy milk chocolate then rolled in toasted almonds." (I think it's the almonds that make this a little more pricey maybe? $17.70 for 1 lb.)

Here's how fanatical my Dad is about his Sees. Whenever anyone gives him a box as a present he will offer us all one piece and then he hides it in his room where he will nurse a box for weeks! LOL If you dared ask him for a piece later, he would never give one and despite numerous efforts to find his hiding place (because yes, he did hide it to prevent us eating it), we never did.

I personally always enjoyed popping into the Sees store back home because they always give you another piece to taste in addition to whatever you buy. Now? I'll just have to rely on the kindness of strangers I guess.:) Needless to say, the folks who gave me Environ and Sees to try spoke my love language and I'm very happy now.

Happy New Year everyone! Eat more chocolate!:) But take care of your skin too, ok? 

My Daddy Warned Me It Would Be Like This In The South, or Father Knows Best...

By Joy A. Kennelly

I have been apondering this for awhile now (like that apondering? They don't really speak like this back here, but I think it's funny.)

In any case, remember how excited and happy I was about the fact men actually ask you out back here in Georgia, unlike California? Well, it's become a little more tempered the longer I live here. I got off a few of the online dating sites I was on because one of my first dates with a guy who had wanted to meet me even before I moved out here was a complete bust.

He rarely looked me in the eyes, preferring my chest instead, and was mad I hadn't read his entire four page (I exagerrate, but it was super long) profile before meeting him to avoid having to actually communicate. Yes, it's true. Computer head guys are clueless about communication and this only proves my point. Perhaps not all, but a lot I have met are very clueless.

This guy not only wanted me to read his entire profile, but memorize his likes and dislikes, his interests, etc. He had claimed to enjoy outdoor activities, but in person said due to the oppressive heat he was more of a home body and by the way, the reason I'm texting during our time together is because I have two twin 17 year old daughters. Don't remember reading that in all the other minutia of his life. Would have liked to know that fact ahead of time...

I mentioned how my Dad had warned me that men who say they are Christians out here live a more culturally Christian life than ones back in CA. My Dad said, at least in CA if a man goes to church it's because he has a real conviction and relationship with God, whereas many men out here in the South go to church because everyone else is going.

This guy acted all upset over my saying that which should have been a precursor of what was to come. We said good night and of course, he said he would call. Since he was EXTREMELY boring and arrogant, I didn't care and let it go. 

Being new to cyber dating, I thought I would be polite and tell him via an email I wasn't interested, but enjoyed meeting him and wished him well. He responded very nastily and it spiraled downward from there as he proceeded to text me incessantly calling me all sorts of names (even the "C" word) which I've never been called in my life and all this, while he claimed to attend Andy Stanley's Buckhead Church weekly.

That was a little jarring and I did report him, but of course, Plenty of Fish did nothing. I went off it for awhile, but when I went back on a little later, he was still there, ready to attack the next woman and I got off it completely.

Good thing too, because one of my good guy friends warned me he had heard many married men used Plenty of Fish to have affairs. This seems to be a common theme with singles dating sites out here which is rather shocking to be honest, although I don't doubt it goes on in Los Angeles, but it's so blatant here!

I joined OK Cupid thinking maybe their claim to have more intellectual men would mean a higher quality of guy, but again, you get what you pay for and since this site is free too... The other thing I find odd and a little creepy about this particular site is there are really personally invasive questions asked and then your answers are posted for the world to see.

It's obviously a more liberal leaning site and some of the questions like my stance on homosexuality, politics, and other personal topics not normally discussed in a first date situation, are asked in a variety of ways over and over again. 

Having worked in technology and marketing for as long as I have I wrote the owners to ask why they were pursuing this line of questioning because it seemed like one big intensive focus group for a political end. Never heard back. Didn't hear back either when I asked them why they also allowed married men to seek affairs on a singles dating site.

Apparently, some men hold no honor for their marriages back here despite it being the Bible Belt and all. I was approached by a very handsome, intellectual guy I would have easily dated, but once I realized he was married, asked him why he was on there to which he replied he was just interested in talking. 

Yeah right dude. I wrote him back and said he needed to spend more time talking to his wife and stop trying to have an emotional affair with women on this site. Use Facebook if you want to just "talk", but going on a singles dating site to talk? Liar.

Another guy posted he was married which I wrote him and said Congratulations for finding someone on here to which he replied, Oh, I'm married and my wife has a boyfriend so I'm on here to find someone too.

I was floored and asked him why he allowed his wife to disrespect him like that and what about the damage he was planning to cause anyone who would be stupid to get involved with him? He thought it was ok since he was being upfront about his intentions. Selfish jerk.

I wrote the owners to complain about this and tell them how disgusted I was that this type of action was allowed. Needless to say, got off that site too. When I told my friends on Facebook one of my girlfriends called it "Stupid Cupid" which I agree with. 

Seriously! I know I come from CA and it's very liberal there, but I don't ever remember married men actively and openly seeking affairs or it being so prevalent, or blatant back home. Maybe because Angelenos put off getting married for so long there aren't that many married men to begin with and when they actually marry, they are ready and willing to make the life commitment and honor their vows.

I haven't figured it out yet, but I do know I have met more divorced single parents of very young children here in the South which breaks my heart because it's only fracturing our society more. It makes me wonder what people are being taught about marriage in the South that they don't consider their vows a sacred commitment they made before God and family and friends. Why aren't they seeking pre-marital counseling before? Or marriage counseling during? Why are they rushing into marriages and out of them just as quickly?

I don't get it. However, I've never married so I wouldn't understand I'm sure. I did read a very good couple of articles on marriage and divorce from Second Ponce De Leon Church lately though which you can also read here: http://www.spdl.org/marriagehelp.php

I especially liked the description of a healthy relationship which you can read here courtesy of Associate Pastor Charles Qualls, an author and conference leader in marriage enrichment. He actively works with a variety of pre-marital, married, and divorced relationships. You can reach Pastor Charles by e-mailingcqualls (at) spdl (dot) org: 

"Hallmarks of a Healthy Relationship   Well, no doubt you want to hear some good news.  You’re clear of the scary stuff listed above?  Well, look for these among some factors that might indicate a healthy place for YOU to be YOU:  Does your partner help you feel free to be you?  Does your relationship empower you rather than hold you back?  Do you and your partner communicate regularly, deeply and constructively?   Does your relationship leave you both room to express your talents and personal callings in life?  As challenges arrive, do you feel safe in expressing them toyour partner?  Can you ask your partner for help?  Do you and your partner have healthy, balanced relationalexpectations that you have negotiated and shared?  Does your partner, by being who they are, challenge you in some way to be a better person?"

Pretty good questions, eh? Makes you think. In fact all his articles are really thought-provoking and I hope you take the time to click the link above to read too! Pastor Andy Stanley has a great series on Love, Sex and Dating which you can see here too: 

http://www.northpoint.org/messages/the-new-rules-for-love-sex-and-dating

I really am questioning morality a lot living back here to be honest. I thought moving from a state where 18% of the population are Christians to a state where 38% are Christians it would be safer and more honorable.

At least in CA I knew most people are heathens and not living according to God's standards, only their own, and I was prepared and had my guard up all the time. I never expected anyone to have faith in God and was rarely disappointed. When I met someone who was honorable, it was a pleasant surprise. I have so many good Christian male friends from growing up in the church I kinda thought that's what guys would be like in general on either coast.

However, living out here, I find I am constantly shocked at the immorality all around me. It's like there's this veneer of false Christianity you must constantly pierce through to get to the real person and what they really think about God and their faith.

Just the other day I was informed that our Fusion Singles Groups I have been so happy about participating in are often places where men go simply to seek women they can sleep with (and do!) One guy told my girlfriend he knows someone who will take a girl out, sleep with her Saturday night and then take her to church in the morning as if that's the way he's going to witness to her and bring her to a relationship with God.

I get sick to my stomach just writing this. This isn't what God had in mind for singles, or Christians at all! I have to wonder if the mega church Andy Stanley has created is so intent on not offending anyone and reaching the lost there is now a whole generation of new believers who have never moved to the next level of their faith because they're not challenged to do so.

However, I also remember he created this series on The New Rules of Love, Sex and Dating which gives me hope: http://www.northpoint.org/messages/the-new-rules-for-love-sex-and-dating Plus, it's up to the individual to make the right decisions, a pastor can't control behavior, only guide it.

Yes, it's wonderful if you realize you're a sinner and you need God to save you. Yes, it's great that you're going to church and learning how to become a better person, but if that's all you're doing, then that's not enough.

The Bible is supposed to be our guide, our standard by which we live our life, our inspiration. We are called to live differently and to love one another as Christ loved the church. Not use each other and do exactly what the world is doing in the singles/married scene. There are black and white consequences to how we live our lives as believers.

No wonder people don't want to become Christinas. They see the hypocrisy of the people they know and ask themselves why do I need that? However, I always encourage people to read the Bible and hear what God/Jesus has to say about life and love because He is the author and perfector of our faith.

Humans are always going to be human and fail. It's just what we do. But we can encourage and hold each other to a higher standard and point out things that are wrong in an effort to shed light on something people are trying to ignore.

I must go, but this has been on my heart for a very long time. I have met some really great guys out here too, don't get me wrong, but this immorality all around me with people who are married, or claiming to be Christian, weighs heavy and I felt like it needed to be discussed.

Love to hear your thoughts too.

 

@theellenshow Can't wait to see Angie Johnson 9/13 @Derekjhair - Hope @MBFashionweek was a blast! #sneakpreview #adele #fashion

By Joy A. Kennelly

Been busy the past few days. Enjoyed checking out Dragon Con (totally not my scene, but fun to observe nonetheless. Amazing costumes which I'll post another time.); Betsey Johnson's fashion show was young, flirty and fun, especially since I was sitting next to the fabulous Derek J, Owner of The J Spot Salon, and Real Housewives of Atlanta fame (I don't know what it is about celebrities. They find me, or I find them without either of us trying. Never fails.:)

Then poked my head into the amazing "A Night to Remember" Fashion Show SCAD Fundraiser honoring Bethann Hardison, one of the first African American models from the 70's who is still going strong, and featuring the handsome Tyson Beckford too. (Make sure to click the link for all the scoop.:)

I loved how the entire show of 20 plus models walking were African American except for one white model and the DJ was playing great 70's music like Barry White, Teddy Pendergrass and more great old school R & B. Visually stunning.

 

Click here for more photos and celebrity sightings of which there were many: http://freddyo.com/tyson-beckford-comes-to-atlanta-for-a-night-to-remember/celebrity-events/ 

And finally, what I started out to write...

Thank you Ellen for honoring our military like you plan to do on September 13 and showcase U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Angie Johnson and Sidewinder. Here's the sneak peek as promised...

 

 

Atlanta vs. California Part II and Fashion's Night Out Atlanta coming soon... @FNOnyc can't wait!

By Joy A. Kennelly

ATLANTA VS. CALIFORNIA again

Last night was fun spending time with LA friends who have moved here before us and were celebrating a milestone birthday. It's nice to affirm we've all made the right decision and to hear stories of how dead it is back home in LA for others in the entertainment industry.

I don't know when those who still live there and want to work in film and TV will realize this fact, but Atlanta is slowly, but surely, becoming the new Hollywood what with 12 films in production this September alone and 23 TV productions considering bringing business to Atlanta too now. 

Ever since other Southern states have ended their tax incentives (dumb move which they will realize after it's too late), all the work is shifting here and those of us established, or becoming established, will stand to benefit the most once everything truly ramps up.

It's been interesting to hear the perspective of locals who feel like outsiders are coming in to take advantage of them by virtue of the fact this is a work-to-hire state and there is no union involved. I disagree and said so, but unless you've lived outside your comfort zone to experience something new it's hard for people to understand all movement can be forward movement if you go with the flow.

That's what I'm learning to do out here. Things move a little slower, people speak slower, there's a genuine interest in holding real conversations; there truly is something to Southern hospitality which I've experienced everywhere I go; men are Southern gentlemen who open doors, hug hello and good-bye, and stand aside to let us ladies enter elevators; and lights take forever to turn green.

My only pet peeve out here are the lights and traffic at rush hour which I thought for sure I'd left behind once and for all. I may have to call John Lewis and ask him to look into this issue.:) I met him during Jane Harmon's pre-Inaugural breakfast gathering and look forward to connecting with him again down the road. Also, want to meet the rest of our state representatives because it's nice to know you're in a state where real issues matter and business is supported.

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT ATLANTA

I love the fact there is a dynamic fashion scene too. Just researched all of Atlanta's Fashion's Night Out events and love the fact there are going to be some red carpet events and other high-end fashion shows I will hopefully be sharing with you soon. 

I was beginning to think my days of attending red carpet, fashion, and celebrity filled events had drawn to a close now that I've moved here, but am pleasantly relieved to see that is not the case. It just takes a little bit to tap into, but it's definitely here and probably even more high-end than Los Angeles simply by virtue of the fact it's East Coast and closer to NY.

Here's a link to my previous fashion coverage of all the LA Fashion Weeks I've attended over the years in case you're curious what the LA fashion scene is like: http://www.fashionindustrynetwork.com/profiles/blogs/my-la-fashion-week-coverage-on and for video coverage check out my last Actress client, Yari DeLeon attending Sue Wong's private garden collection this past March: 

 

Can't wait to see and participate in Atlanta's fashion scene! 

Welcome to Atlanta! My experiences with @samsung #Summer Splash, #Alon Bakery Market, @Comcastcares, @comcastbill @ATTCustomerCare #OC BBQ Bonanza @louiegiglio @Christomlin @passioncity and more...

By Joy A. Kennelly

Well, well, well. This blog post has been a long time coming now hasn't it? Upon arriving in Atlanta I had nothing but internet and phone troubles and am on my 3rd phone now, a Samsung Galaxy, and still experiencing battery failures, GPS screw-ups, and other hassles, but hey, whatever! (Samsung if you're reading this, hit me up. I hate this fast battery drain and need help!:)

Otherwise, life is grand out here in Hotlanta! I love the Southern hospitality and the weather is growing on me.

I do mean, HOT, HOT, HOT!:) It took me almost a week to acclimate and realize the more time I spent in air conditioning, the less time I will spend passing out or dripping wet.:) Temperatures haven't varied much from the 90's except for the occasional rain storm when the weather drops to around 80, but the balmy nights more than make up for the scorching days.

To break the heat, my friend and I decided to hit Sandy Spring's Summer Splash and inner tube down the Chattahoochee River with the rest of Georgia. I believe I heard rumor about 4000 people went? It's the 4th Annual Summer Splash and was so relaxing and fun.

Click here to see the photo album our local Sandy Springs Patch created: http://sandysprings.patch.com/articles/summer-splash-photo-gallery?upload_started=1312733492#photo-7202964

It was so much fun going down the sporadic rapids and just lazily floating down a river with the most beautiful scenery we have seen in a long time. Nice people along the way too. I would have taken pix, but didn't bring my phone because I was worried about tipping over and losing it.

I caught this one at the end though. Isn't this scenery just gorgeous? LOVE IT! I've added more of my pix to the official Patch site which you can click on above to view.Despite numerous promises by Comcast and AT & T to have switched our service by August 8, we are still without wireless in the house which has required me to camp out at various cafes around town until August 18.

We dislike both companies' customer service and service overall because they keep changing everything constantly and require my roomie Brenda to sit for hours on the phone while they do who knows what behind the scenes to make the switch, but when you live surrounded by trees you're somewhat limited on your choices.

Comcast Bill and ATT Customer Care help us out here! We can't deal with the incompentence of your companies much longer... Seriously!:)

That said, it's been fun to sit in various cafes and observe how people dress, speak, chat and interact while I'm working. My favorite cafes to date are Alon Bakery Market (seen below, but for the full impact, click the link!:) and Caribou Coffee, which is comfy cozy, and there's always Starbucks too.

Weird there is no Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf out here, but lots of interesting cafes still left to explore. Isn't Alon adorable? Reminds of a much bigger Joan's on Third back home.

I have been busy promoting our upcoming OC BBQ Bonanza at the Fountain Valley Sports Complex taking place August 18 - 21 across the internet and inviting foodie bloggers and media to attend our private press event on August 18, 2011 in addition to looking for work and exploring Atlanta. 

Click the link here: http://www.ocbbqbonanza.com/ for more information. We're offering special discounts to military, children and everyone else too. Plus, there's an amazing VIP Rib Village open to the public where you can buy all the ribs, drinks, and sides you want to enjoy in an exclusive area during the festival.

More details here: http://www.ocbbqbonanza.com/rib-village.php

If you fit the media/blogger catetory and are interested in covering this as press, please send an email to: vipribvillage (at) gmail (dot) com with a link to your site, your media outlet, what you cover and we'll send you information if you qualify. 

Other than that, real quick, I am thoroughly enjoying being out here. I was getting so bored in CA having grown up there. Now? Everything is new and fun to explore with my two CA girlfriends, Brenda and Anne, who moved out before me. We call ourselves the CA2GA girls (get it?:) and plot all kinds of fun adventures together.

Here's a pic from our recent excursion to the High Museum of Art which I particularly love because it's like art is imitating life, or is it the other way around? You tell me...:)We're still getting asked why we moved out here, but rather than go into everything here in this particular blog, I'm going to write one specifically addressing it later. For now, just know the men are friendlier and nicer; Atlanta is extremely sophisticated and cosmopolitan contrary to the myopic belief in LA; there's plenty of opportunity to create a new life and find work; I've found a wonderful writing group: http://www.meetup.com/roswell-alpharetta-writersgroup/  lead by a real dynamo with amazing writers and a publishing company attached; the art scene is eclectic and varied; the food is some of the best in the nation; the music scene beats LA hands down; too many quaint towns and homes to see; lots and lots of gorgeous nature; more faith-oriented people than CA by a long shot (19% vs. 38%); there's always something going on and it's the positive change I was needing.

So much happier!:) And with that, I'm off!

Tonight is Passion City Church with Louie Giglio and Chris Tomlin and I need a little nappie poo today after my busy week last week.:) Enjoy this song by Chris!

 

"Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now." words to live by...

By Joy A. Kennelly

What I always find interesting is watching group think in action; whether it be in school, work, TV, film, or on any of the social media platforms I regularly frequent. Makes me wonder where critical thinking has gone in our society when basic truths that are easily proven accurate are disregarded because no one wants to rock the boat, research their beliefs, or go against the common opinion.

Even when it's wrong.

Now I understand where Bob Lefsetz is coming from when he challenges musicians to create a revolution. I find that young people today that I have met seem shocked when anyone stands up against the status quo, or speaks out against group think.

I'm finding it more and more on Facebook, Yelp, and now even Posterous which is nothing more than censorship in its worst form. Where's public discourse?  Where's the opportunity to explore opinions other's might hold to see how well your own hold up against scrutiny or discussion? Where's the freedom and competition to do business when only certain businesses are allowed?

Isn't this what America is built upon? Isn't this what our original founders came to America to enjoy? Freedom of speech, opportunity and religion? I find it disturbing when only one side is allowed to be represented and will always speak out.

I find when I do, sometimes I help change people's opinions, sometimes I help others to be bolder, and sometimes I help others to understand the other side a little better. 

Then other times, I see close-minded, small-minded and insecure people who can do nothing more than attack me and others on the internet, before running away to hide from a response for fear of someone actually challenging them or causing them to actually think. 

It's rather humorous actually which is why I don't mind because their cowardice and pettiness reflects more on them than it ever will me. What you see is what you get and that's why I continue to have liberal friends as well as conservative ones. They know I'm fair and they can trust me to always speak the truth. Even when they may not agree with me.

There's a mutual respect.

If we continue to be a PC society and only allow one side to have a voice, then pretty soon we won't be America. I encourage all start-ups, social media sites, newspapers, media in general, and others who hold sway over the general public's information business offerings, politics and education to consider the fact we are a stronger, better educated, more accepting and better prepared country as a whole when there is balance in information and opportunity.

Accept the fact you may not always agree with someone else. That's life. Get on with it. Value diversity of opinion and thought because often those in society who challenge status quo create greater opportunities than those who don't. 

There are other ways of doing things than your own if you open your mind and your heart to it. We are all unique and special. Allow your uniqueness to shine through and stop allowing yourself to be cowed into submission by group think and doing something just because everyone else is doing it. 

Just because everyone else is doing it doesn't make it right. Only safe.

Live dangerously. Speak out against injustice. Live with the consequences of your decisions. Accept responsiblity. Stop blaming others for your lack of success.

Create your own. 

You will find those who agree with you and support your decisions. And generally they are the leaders who have withstood criticism, blame, personal attacks, and everything else those who live in fear and group think will throw at you to keep you down.

But when you get past the personal disappointment of experiencing those cowards for who they really are, then you begin to live a life that is on a different level with more evolved, more intelligent, more courageous, more satisfied people who are on the same level and path as you.

Or, as Henry David Thoreau so eloquently stated it, "Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to their graves with their song still in them." 

Don't be one of those men (or women.) Live your life. Be fully human and alive. Be fair and respectful. Make tough decisions and stick to them. Those who disagree now will always come around later. I've seen it happen time and again.

Time heals all wounds and wounds all heels.:)

And lastly, be bold. 

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”

I read that quote years ago and love it to this day. It's been true in my life and so many others. I'm not sure who wrote it, but it's brilliant which is why I'm sharing it here today.

That's all. Now enjoy your day. That's an order.:)

 

@MIHollywood @JinglePunks @RocketHub #Social Media Panel blogs & April 21 @Facebook Panel Speakers & Tickets

By Joy A. Kennelly

Normally when I attend conferences I take dictation and microblog what the speakers are saying while they are speaking. I couldn't do that while moderating which is why I'm very happy to share the Musicians Institute's comprehensive blog coverage of all the speakers on April 7th's social media panel which addressed viral marketing with videos, live concerts utilizing StageIt, YouTube, Facebook, personal vs. professional publicity and so much more.

Click the picture below to be stunned and amazed at the wisdom coming from these mere mortals with extreme talent, creativity and intelligence:

And for those who didn't get to click the pic above,  you can click here: http://blog.mi.edu/post/Social-Media-Seminar-Series.aspx

Jingle Punks has another fun blog post and Facebook Fan Page highlighting our event as well which you can review here:

And for those who again, didn't understand to click the pic, click here: http://www.jinglepunks.com/blog/2011/04/15/photo-recap-musicians-institute/

They included more of the funny pictures taken that night which you can like here: http://www.facebook.com/jinglepunks

I'm in the camp of Jingle Punks where you can combine fun in business and life. Those who think those two can't work together, guess you haven't read Richard Branson's bio. You know, the Virgin Atlantic CEO, right?

Read his thoughts on life: http://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/ 

Maybe it will change your mind.:)

And RocketHub has posted their blog coverage of our panel together too which is a nice quick overview of the most salient points which you can read by clicking the RocketHub logo or title below:

Musicians Institute Hosts The State of The New Music Industry Discussion

APRIL 21 FACEBOOK SEMINAR

7:30pm - 9:00pm Musicians Institute 

This week's panel on Thursday, April 21, which I'm moderating again, covers everything you ever wanted to learn about Facebook. Speakers on this week's Facebook Marketing panel include: 

Brad Bogus, Member of SXSW showcased band “Audio Runner” & Social Media Architect for “Speak Social”

Joseph Yi, Social Media & Marketing Solutions Manager – GAGA Sports & Entertainment/VPMarketing – RewardMe 

Hunter Scott, Co-Founder/President of La Famos PR & Branding firm and a Musicians Institute Music Business Teacher 

Britton Sparkman, co-founder and lead guitar player for Red Circle Underground are speaking at this week's Facebook marketing panel

You can buy tickets for the April 21 panel, or any of the ensuing panels below:

Online Ticketing for The Joy Writer & Musicians Institute Present Social Media Seminar Series 2011 powered by Eventbrite

Come early to enjoy Chef Jack Harding's simply great gourmet food at his Clean Street Food Truck 5:30pm - 7:30pm across from the Concert Hall.  

@TheJoyWriter & @MIHollywood #Social #Media Seminar Series New Panelists Announced March 29, 2011

 

 The Joy Writer and the Musicians Institute are pleased to announce more panelists are confirmed to speak at the Social Media Seminar Series 2011. The five-part instructional seminar series is designed to teach the how-to’s of social media and online marketing. 

 Each hour and a half program, moderated by Social Media Expert, Joy Kennelly, will focus on the basics of the social networking tools currently available and feature panels with high-profile entertainment industry executives and technology experts discussing how to utilize current social media platforms, upgrade social media skills and how to brand and market your company, your label or yourself online. 

The seminars will be held Thursday’s April 7 and 21, May 5 and 19, and June 2, 2011, from 7:30 to 9pm in the Concert Hall of the Musicians Institute located at 6752 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, California 90028. 

Buy tickets here: http://socialmediaseminarseries.eventbrite.com

Social Media Seminar Topics & Speakers

>     April 21     How to Utilize Facebook and the differences between Personal Pages, Groups, and Fan Pages, as well as Privacy & Protocol issues. Attendees will learn how to best utilize the largest social media platform in the world while incorporating other social networking sites into it to maximize their exposure.

SXSW performer, Audio Runner Band Member & Social Media Architect with Speak Social, Brad Bogus
 Follow @audiorunner   http://audio-runner.com/

Social Media & Marketing Solutions Manager – GAGA Sports & Entertainment / VP Marketing – RewardMe, Joseph Yi specializes in brand management and digital strategies 
   Follow @joseph_yi    http://josephayi.com

Hunter Scott, Co-Founder/President of La Famos PR & Branding firm and a Musicians Institute Music Business Teacher, is profiled alongside such luminaries as NARAS Grammy President, Neil Portnow and Gene Simmons (KIIS) in Dan Kimpel's book, It All Begins with the Music: Developing Artists and Careers for the New Music Business. 
Follow @LaFamos http://lafamos.com

>     May 5        Twitter and Twitter Time Management Tools including TweetDeck, Hootsuite and others. Panelists will analyze who to follow, how to develop an audience, what to tweet, and why Twitter is important for artists, companies and self promotion.

COO/Executive Producer/Host, TechZulu.com, Amanda Coolong, is recognized nationally as an online media company covering technology brands and the personalities behind them. 
   Follow @acoolong   http://techzulu.com   

President/CEO, DashGo, Inc., Benjamin Patterson, a leading digital distribution and marketing firm. Clients include Weezer, Delicious Vinyl, Coconut Records, Time Records, Rock Mafia and Next New Networks among others.
      Follow @dashgo  http://dashgo.com

>     May 19      Blogging with Bloggers and others as they discuss the various platforms available (Wordpress, Typepad, Tumblr, Posterous), styles, audience building and blog marketing tips.

 Blogger, Author, Advertising Copywriter and Brand Consultant, Black Conseco's clients include Ford Focus and the Rock + Roll Hall of Fame, Absolut, RedBull, Mercedes Benz and more. 
Follow @blackcanseco  http://hustleknockin.com

Founder/Online Programming Producer, Special Purpose Media, Josh Brooks, is a former talent manager and digital executive; co-founded Fanscape.com, and specializes in Mobile Strategy/Mobile Development
               Follow @JoshBrooks  

Billy Johnson Jr., Journalist & Author has covered hip-hop, R&B and pop music for such influential publications as Vibe, Entertainment Weekly, The Hollywood Reporter and more. His Yahoo Music Hip Hop Media Training Blog averages 4 million hits per month. 
Follow @y_billyjohnson http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/hiphopmediatraining/

>      June 2      Geo-Location Marketing and how to establish, engage and utilize FourSquare, Whrrl, with a wrap-up of all other popular social networking sites available in marketing & promoting artists, events and venues.

Managing Partner of TAG Strategic, Ted Cohen is a former Senior VP of Digital Development and Distribution for EMI Music, and popular speaker on all things music and tech.
Follow @spinaltap  http://tagstrategic.com

 Co-Founder/CEO Rock Prodigy, Former Marketing Director, Guitar Center, Harold Lee, recently received an Appy Award for Education, was named “What’s Hot” by Apple, and broke into the Top 10 Free Music IPad apps in eighth week of operation (June 2)

               Follow @RockProdigyLive  http://rockprodigy.com

 More to be announced… 

For more details or to buy tickets, http://socialmediaseminarseries.eventbrite.com

About Joy Kennelly of The Joy Writer

Award-winning Social Media Strategist/Personal Publicist, Joy Kennelly’s social media marketing expertise includes a page one Google blog, working with Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Hootsuite and over 100 regional online marketing sites to enhance search engine optimization (SEO), increase attendance at events, and develop business on behalf of clients in entertainment, travel, technology, fashion, and politics.

Joy’s clients have included Actress Yari De Leon (“The Lincoln Lawyer”), VOX DJs, the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau, Chef David Linville, the Shore Restaurant & Lounge, Filmmaker and Grammy Award winning Musician, Damien Earl Matthias, Actor Domiziano Arcangeli, the Original Long Beach Lobster Festival, Fine Artist Gali Rotstein, the American Institute of Architects, and more. She has presented classes and seminars on social media at Musicians Institute, American Cinematheque, and at conferences throughout the United States.

About Musicians Institute

Since 1977, Musicians Institute has been a world leader in contemporary music education, providing cutting-edge resources in its state of the art facilities located right in the heart of Hollywood, the capital of the world music industry. Its dynamic curriculum is current, comprehensive and compatible with the needs of students who not only desire to study music, but also build a career in the music industry with the knowledge they learn on-campus. Over 6,000 students and alumni have passed through the school.

The mission of the Artist and Career Services Department (ACS) is to keep students informed of the many professional opportunities available in the music industry, help prepare them to take advantage of these opportunities, and make the transition from student to working professional as smooth as possible.  ACS assists in obtaining internships and professional placement for both students and graduates. Among other benefits, the office maintains a list of recording and rehearsal facilities, local clubs, management and promotional agencies, major and independent labels, and other establishments and services that are important to music professionals.

Buy tickets here: http://socialmediaseminarseries.eventbrite.com

#Social Media Optimization Summits, #Social Media Week, #Start-up Mixer, & #Musicians Institute - Part III Final Wrap-up

By Joy A. Kennelly

Now that my life is settling down a bit, I finally have the time to write about my recent experiences at the Social Media Optimization Summits in Dallas, TX, the recent seminars I attended during Social Media Week here in Los Angeles, the Start-up mixer at Wokcano in Santa Monica I enjoyed, and teaching Social Media and Fan Management at the Musicians Institute.

What some people don't realize, but I'll keep reminding them until they understand this fact, is believe it or not, there are women interested and involved in technology contrary to the young Meetup leader who thought women in the audience at a recent tech event meant we were there solely to look for a husband. lol

Can you believe it? He was a little drunk so I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt for speaking without thinking. Kinda like Jerry Brown allowing his associate to call Meg Whitman a "whore" and then his not apologizing for them during the Gubernatorial debate last night.

 

DUMB and Sexist! I'm really tempted to call Jerry's number and bawl him out since NOW continues to support him. Why? I don't know. Blind adherence to their "religion" I suppose.

But I digress...

Now to give you a little of my tech history. I've been around this industry since the 90's when the dot com craze first hit and produced a very successful online film festival called Media & Entertainment Festival (affectionately nicknamed ME Fest) for Penton Media back in the day.

I have friends who have produced, marketed, and sponsored tech events which I always attend and also keep up-to-date on information by reading and attending conferences. In fact, heading to Las Vegas tomorrow to hit blogWorld too.

I've been incorporating digital marketing into my PR & Marketing strategy for clients for over ten years. I also used to attend all the tech events VIC (Venice Interactive Community) threw and still fondly remember the HUGE party held at the Skirball Center just before the tech crash.

Anyone else remember?:)

If my recent positive experience at Wokcano for the Start-up meeting is any indication of the growth of tech again, I'm sure LA is primed to explode. I enjoyed hearing Investor Mark Suster of GRP Partners sound a rallying cry to tech heads in Los Angeles to stand their ground and refuse to leave for SFO & Seattle to help build up our LA Infrastructure for bigger long-term growth.

I micro-blogged during his talk (editing out his profanity) and you can review that here:

#Mark Suster of GRP Partners speaking @Wokcano

The common thread out of the talks I attended during the Dallas conference seemed to be:

1. Listen to your audience to hear what they're saying about you and your brand

2.Create a strategy based on that research

3. Then contribute.

Here's some highlights of the people I heard once my talk was over.

Jodi Gersh spoke on the Power of Place and analyzed a variety of geo-location tools out there. Her favorite is GoWalla, whereas Jason Falls enjoys Whrrl.

I'm giving Whrrl a whirl although GoWalla is intriguing because of the passport aspect since I love to travel and it would be fun to have a place to showcase my trips while I'm out and about.

I liked having the Geo-Location overview from a marketing person's perspective because then the following week during Social Media Week in Los Angeles, I was able to hear some of the CEO's of even newer geo-location services share their presentations on what made their geo-location service better than the others.

If you click here, and here, it will lead you to my micro-blog coverage of that series on Geo-Location Marketing which was sponsored by Moment Feed. Great evening.

Completely different perspectives and different ways of presenting information, but that's what makes Social Media so interesting. It's constantly evolving due to the creativity and technology utilized by people all over the world.

It's not just about Foursquare people!:) Even though there are now 3 million users using it, this entire type of marketing really isn't mainstream just yet which is limiting it's reach and visibility.

Jodi mentioned even more options too: Foodspotting, footfeed, tri-out, aroundme, tonight.im, m.check.in and to be honest, I haven't had the time to check them out. If you do, let me know what you think.

I ducked in and out of a few Social Media Optimization Summits seminars to make sure I heard as much as possible and if my notes are scarce, that's why.

I popped into Jun Loayza's "How to Implement Ambassador "Experience" Campaigns who stuck with corporate examples for his talk. I never gathered whether or not he was behind the strategies presented, or merely sharing other's successes as examples.

Here's one of his case studies for review. Click the highlighted name to learn more about the actual social media activities for this successful Ford Fiesta launch:

FORD FIESTA MOVEMENT

11 mil social network impressions

2.5 mil shares

11k videos 15k tweets 13k photos

38% gen y

What I enjoyed about his presentation was the direct ROI examples. People still have trouble understanding the value of social media vs. traditional public relations thinking they're separate and don't support each other, but I have never found that to be the case.

Traditional media relations is currently fueled by social media believe it or not. Sometimes the first place journalists learn about what's hot is on social networks. They also regularly read blogs, and constantly comb the internet looking for stories of interest.

I remind people of this all the time, because I have numerous journalists, civic leaders, celebrities, publicists, and others who pop in to read my blog due to my coverage of such a wide variety of topics. I never want to be focused on only one subject because I have a wide interest in all kinds of things and consider my blog more of a magazine style format, than an analysis of just one topic.

Again, I digress.

Back to examples of Ambassador campaigns that worked courtesy of Jun Loayza:

1.      Sharpie Squad - http://blog.sharpie.com/2009/05/meet-the-sharpie-squad/

2.      Red Bull University - http://www.redbullu.com/

3.      The Dew Crew - http://www.carsoncritique.com/college-career/my-job-as-a-mountain-dew-brand-rep-part1/

4.      Charmin – Enjoy the Go http://www.charmin.com/en_US/enjoy-the-go/index.php

As always, Fashion is on the cutting edge of social media and Jun shared how his company had helped create the LG campaign using popular fashion bloggers to spread the news. (Where was my invite? LOL)

Apparently, Jun's company, www.postrank.com, (according to him,) is recommended over Technorati  to find bloggers (which I find hard to believe knowing the CEO of Technorati and learning in another seminar Technorati is considered the 4th largest social network, but hey, Jun may be right among a certain tech demographic...)

His bottom line was determine what you want to accomplish, find the influencers who will help you achieve your goals, and then implement the strategy to achieve your goals. I asked what a band could do to and was given some good ideas which I'll be able to share with my students.

I attended the luncheon where I heard a few speakers including Shashi Bellamkonda from Network Solutions who discussed optional trends in New Media.

He basically gave a bunch of links and a quick highlight of each. You can find it on the company site here somewhere (I don't have time to research it for you.:): http://blog.networksolutions.com/

The speaker I most enjoyed hearing present was Erica Campbell, Senior Manager of New Media Marketing for Rent - Video & Photo Sharing for Optimum Growth & Brand Exposure which you can review here:

Video & Photo Sharing for Optimum Growth & Brand Exposure

View more presentations from Erica Campbell. Be warned, there are 175 slides and trust me, she had to talk REALLY, REALLY fast to go through all of them in the three hours allotted for her chat.

That said, it was great and even though this was applied to the apartment rental industry, the principles apply across the board to any industry and her presentation is excellent.

And I'll close with this speaker since you're probably tired of reading so much data all at once, right?:) Now you know what I feel like after attending all these conferences and seminars! lol

Strategic Planning by Jenn Kane Co.

KD Paine Measurement Checklist:

1.      What are your objectives?

2.      What audiences are you targeting?

3.      How would you prioritize these audiences?

a.      Media, influencers, bloggers, competitors, etc.

b.      Prioritize how you’ll reach them.

4.      What are your Key Performance Indicators?

a.      If this is really working, then>>>>

5.      What is the right measurement tool?

a.      Where will you know you’ve achieved this?

                                          i.     Socialmention.com – free! Use with Kids

                                         ii.     Peoplebrowsr

                                        iii.     Alterian

                                        iv.     Raidan6

                                         v.     Klout

                                        vi.     PR Newswire

                                      vii.     Jive

                                     viii.     www.search.twitter.com

Setting Benchmarks

               To define “Return,” ask:

a.      What are we measuring, and why?

b.      What does success look like?

c.      How will we know when we get there?

d.      Are there incremental milestones worth noting?

There's more, but you should hire Kane Consulting since that's all I have time to cover at the moment. Sorry. :) I enjoyed her talk because I've utilitized a lot of her suggestions as a leader of goal setting groups over the years.

I really enjoyed my experience in Dallas, TX because I was able to hear from a wide variety of speakers from all over the country and everyone was very interesting. Kudos to Tami for putting on a great conference which is sure to only grow as word gets out.

Now here's a great video of the Social Media Week seminar I attended at the House of Blues
entitled: "THE NEXT STAGE OF ENGAGE: BRINGING ONLINE MUSIC COMMUNITIES TO LIFE" with some great panelists.

I learned a lot and had other information confirmed to share with my students.

I'm teaching Social Media & Fan Management in the Musicians Institute's Music Business Program and am delighted to be working with such ambitious entrepreneurial students.

My kind of people!

Okay, that's all for now. Gotta run. I have a store launch to attend with my friend. Let me know what you think of what I've written!

My news, #Shopzilla, #The Joule, and touring Dallas, TX - Part II

By Joy A. Kennelly

Quick Update

It's been a crazy few weeks. Had to find and buy a car, find and move into a new place, and started teaching Social Media & Fan Management at the Musicians Institute.

Whew! All good though. Very happy with all the positive changes in my life. Now I'm prepping to attend BlogWorld if all goes well.

Social Media Optimization Summits continued

Finally have a moment to write more about my experience in Dallas and Los Angeles surrounding Social Media conferences I spoke during and attended. Here's a link back to Part 1 in case you've forgotten what I wrote before: http://bit.ly/aGqhaT

I spoke during Family Pro's Social Media Optimization Summits   and taught: Beyond Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn: Introducing, Combining, and Leveraging New Opportunities to Boost Your Brand.

I'm currently working on another  fun foodie/holiday festival launch for John Forrester & Associates utilizing these tools and tactics and if all goes well, you should be seeing O Entertainment's Annual Long Beach Oktoberfest in the top ten searches of Google soon.  

Wait! It's already there.:) Well, what do you know....Trust me, this strategy works. It's extremely time consuming, but definitely worth it.

Shopzilla Plug

Oh, before I get too much into everything, here's a fun video of the tech company I worked for during the summer called Shopzilla. Know it?

Cool group of people and brilliant tech business. Here's the employees and management as you've probably never seen them before. lol I enjoyed seeing all the people/friends I made goofing around in this.

Everyone really is that fun to be around too. My former boss, Robin, is the rocker chick and my buddy, Britton, is rocking out with her around 1 minute in. He's part of the talented band Red Circle Underground so this "acting" came naturally.:)

Here's just one of the fun monthly company-wide activities I worked on while I was there. All the children of employees in the company were given art supplies to create Shopzilla posters. Other times I worked on a huge Mexican Fiesta, a Carnival complete with a live camel and a beach party.

I love tech companies.:) Always have, always will.

Here's a few examples of the kid's design creativity of Shopzilla's logo, and what they received as a gift for participating.

Adorable, eh? I wish I could have stayed on, but they needed someone with Human Resources experience which I don't have, nor ever want to learn. LOL

Great company though... One I admire and wish well!
 

The Joule in Dallas, TX

I had the privilege of staying at The Joule, in the heart of Downtown Dallas, as their guest during the Social Media Optimization Summits which was absolutely delightful.  I highly recommend this hip, boutique hotel as a central location for anyone doing business in Dallas, looking for an excellent restaurant to entertain guests, host an event poolside or inside privately, or attend a hip nightclub to dance and socialize.

Here's a quick peek into why I enjoyed my stay so much:

My beautifully appointed room.

The Joule's beautiful poule high up in the city offers great views. A very popular happy hour venue too.

These two professional pictures were provided by The Joule. The others are mine. Please don't use without permission.

 

Meeting rooms.

Wine shop on-site in the entryway to the delicious Charlie Palmer restuarant. Click their name to see some of the cuisine, learn about the chef and the venue.

  My dessert was delicious and just the right size.




 

Here's some professional shots of the Joule Penthouse & PM Nightlife Lounge. For more information and to review even more images, please click on the links. 

They're both so opulent and you'll love what you see! I was very impressed with my experience there and give it a 4.5 star rating.:)

My Quick Dallas Tour

Every time I travel to a conference or Food & Wine Festival, I like to take in some of the local sites to gain a better idea of what the city is about above and beyond the event I'm attending. This trip was no  different. Every moment I had free, I walked, rode the metro, or explored because I love traveling and having new experiences.

Similar to LA's Downtown, Dallas streets were rather empty of people walking around, but I never felt unsafe. I only wish I had more time since there's a few museums and art galleries I would have liked to see.

But that's for another trip. Enjoy my visual essay. I will write up the Social Media Optimization Summits Conference next because I took notes and want to share now that I finally have the time.

Thanks for reviewing!

 

Bye Dallas. I may be back!:)

Momentum - We're not done yet! And other musings on singlehood.

By Joy A. Kennelly

I used to write long written blog posts on a daily basis a few years back, but switched to more photo stories because if I'm covering an event, an issue, or something I want to discuss sometimes writing a good blog can take anywhere from two hours up to 5 hours depending on what I'm writing about.

Lately my hands have been hurting since I'm on the computer so much job hunting and working on various projects I haven't been as motivated to write either. That said, today just felt like sharing since once September hits I have a bunch of things I've been working on all summer that I will finally be able to announce.

I also have a few new projects in the works with really amazing people which I'm very excited about. Can't say anything just yet, but will share as soon as everything is finalized. Just know it's all good.:)

I can announce I'm excited about the new singles group, Momentum, that Journey of Faith is launching this October because it's something I've been asking every church I've ever attended to create for me and my single friends since 2006!

Here's a blog post I wrote about being single in the church back then highlighting an expert's opinion on the subject too: http://thejoywriter.typepad.com/pure_unadulterated_joy/2006/12/being_single_in.html

I'll never forget attending one church and asking the pastor to start a singles ministry only to hear him say, "No, cause everyone ends up getting married." Like that's a bad thing?!

Needless to say, when his daughter was wanting to get married, guess which church started a singles group for her age group?

Yep, that one.

And the bigger burn was that only a few months later she ended up getting married. Oh, the ironies of it all. Needless to say, I left soon after.

What's great about Momentum is there are so many amazing people interested in participating. Many are very accomplished in their careers and the people I've met are very dynamic. It's so nice to finally have friends to sit with at church I can't begin to tell you the difference it's made.

I'm confident that He who has begun a good work in all of us will see it through to completion once this group officially launches October 3, 2010. We'll be having tables set up for people to sign up between services at Journey of Faith and we're already starting to meet socially unofficially which has been fun.

If you're looking for a change of pace than the bar and volleyball scene in the South Bay, then consider joining us some Sunday at 11am. A couple of us are sitting in the middle towards the back if you care to join us. All are welcome and we're all new which makes it easier to break into the group too.

This Sunday you're also welcome to join another new Christian Singles group all day at Dockweiler Beach. Bring food, drinks, guitars, and fun stuff to share with everyone. Just look for the yellow kite or call Shawn Michaels 310 488-6784 when you've arrived.

I'm coming later for the beach bonfire after the Journey Tribute band at Polliwog Park.

Happy Labor Day weekend!

Food, Fashion and Wine Festival Featuring The Dinner of Champions Comes to Raleigh Studios in Manhattan Beach Saturday, August 21 6pm - 10pm Benefits Dig4Kids

By Joy A. Kennelly

Looking forward to attending the Food, Fashion & Wine Festival honoring sports legends, Linda Hanley, Chris Marlowe & Steve Obradovich this Saturday, August 21, from 6pm - 10pm at Raleigh Studios in Manhattan Beach.   I'm especially happy to attend because this event also benefits Olympic Gold Medalist Eric Fonoimoana's Dig 4 Kids Education Foundation. Watch the video below to learn more about this awesome volleyball charity!

This is exactly why I admire some of our local professional volleyball athletes so much. Some are such amazing role models to the community and a real blessing to children who need them now more than ever.

If you join us you will also enjoy a live art show by Andy Brown. South Bay restaurants are serving food and wine will be served by One Hope, Rosenthal and Thomas Halby.

I love a good food & wine festival with art, especially when it benefits a charity. I've never seen the NY Backlot of Raliegh Studios either which is where it will be held.  How fun!

The other fun aspect this ambitious fund-raiser event has included is a fashion show (another favorite event of mine) hosted by the current MISS CALIFORNIA USA® Nicole Johnson and AVP announcer, Chris "Geeter" McGee.

If Geeter is the same guy who was emceeing the recent Six Man Magnum game, I'm sure it's going to be a very funny evening.

Also, the models are MISS CALIFORNIA USA® contestants and professional volleyball athletes which means lots of eye candy for all the guys who attend because they're wearing swim suits and casual wear from Body Glove, Sledge, Jayime Jean, O'Neill, Lost Bird and stylish shoes by Michael Antonio.

Just think, it's a worthy cause too which means you can write off your schmoozing and ogling!:)

But on a more serious note, here's the official statement from Dig4Kids Founder and Olympic Gold Medalist, Eric Fonoimoana, himself from the press release:

"I grew up in Manhattan Beach and as a kid, I loved watching the legends of beach volleyball compete. The Manhattan Beach Open Dinner of Champions was established to remember those who have won the Manhattan Beach Open and thank them for being a role model and ambassador of our sport."

Don't miss your chance to mix and mingle with legends of the Manhattan Beach Open and all the special guests in attendance. It's not too late to buy a ticket.

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased by clicking this or going to www.digforkids.org or at the door.

For more information, please visit www.civiccouch.com or email: Brad@civiccouch.com. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Can't wait to have extra time to write! Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday! Happy Thanksgiving! I'm grateful for my friends and family and YOU!

God bless.

Check out my The Joy Writer PR blog for the latest

Too busy to write here and don't always feel like spilling my guts lol. SO, check out my other blog for the latest and greatest: www.thejoywriter.typepad.com/thejoywriterpr

There's some good Hollywood stuff there, I promise. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some important Facebooking, I mean working to do. LOL

What a day, what a day, what a day...

By Joy A. Kennelly

Today was a very productive day. My shoulder and arm still hurts, but it's manageable and not preventing me from wrapping up another client's work. I need the space to work on my others and look for work so...

Anyway, today's first meeting of our TLC Empowerment Group went really well. We had a small, but motivated group of people participating. Sherry had some great hand-outs and we all set our three month goals. Now to work on them!

We're going to allow others to still join us next time we meet (not next Wednesday, but the Wednesday after), but after that we're a closed session. Space is limited to three more, but if others want to join we'll consider starting an evening event to accommodate those people too.

Call 310 798-5400 and ask for Mindy or Annabell ok? They're the Pharmacists hosting us at TLC located at 845 PCH, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 on alternate Wednesdays from 12- 1:30pm. For those of us wanting to lose weight we had our weight and body fat measured. OY!!!!!

Now to see TAIslim in action I guess. Oh, that's another thing I'm ending now. I will no longer be representing the products although I still believe in them, just have decided it's time to move on. Out with the old, in with the new.

Got a lot of work done today for Financial Expert, Steve Bloch of MHB Financial Group, which is always a good feeling of accomplishment. We shall see what transpires now.

I haven't written about Hermosa Beach in a long time, but feel the need to share because if I don't, I'm sure you'd never even know this was happening unless you took the time to watch the city council meeting from last week.

Apparently, there are measures in front of the City Council to allow drinking on the beach during the upcoming summer concert series. For some reason they don't seem to realize that this isn't a wise decision in light of the ever increasing homeless problem (due in part I believe to the TWO glowing five page articles the local paper, The Easy Reader, decided to write about how wonderful it is here to be homeless - hello? Yes, you read it right. Don't get me started....!)

Also, all the other issues this will bring to our community when we just finished cleaning up Pier Plaza. Why move the same set of problems over to the sand? Where's the rationale for increased police and trash collection that will be necessary?

I've tried discussing this rationally with some who believe there's nothing wrong with it, but I give up. I guess the old adage nothing comes between a man and his drink is true. Okay, that's not really an old adage, but it should be don't you think?

There really is no arguing with someone who likes to drink because they have a disease and it's not something they can control. Kind of like me and eating chocolate. Wish more would see the value in Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon, but that's none of my business.

Okay, that's all, just felt like sharing because I feel like whatever is decided at the next City Council meeting will directly affect our community for years to come (and in my opinion, not for the better.) I'm entitled to my opinion and you're entitled to yours right? Gotta love America.

Oh, and speaking of which, since when did America become a Muslim nation as Obama claimed today? Give me a fricking break. Okay, I really need to stop. Starbucks is closing and so am I. lol Too much coffee right?

Have a good night everyone.

I've had a change of heart about Obama - shocked, eh?

By Joy A. Kennelly

Nothing like a life-threatening accident (ok, it wasn't that bad, but when it was happening sure felt like I was going to die from the pain), to make you stop and smell the roses, or in my case, stop and watch more TV News shows to gain perspective on the Cheney vs. Obama debate.

After listening to the Leherer Hour (sorry, I know that's not correct, but it hurts too much to sit here very long so Google it yourself - lol), I can see that Obama isn't all wrong, nor is Cheney all right. I apologize to those who were offended by my disrespectful words and retract them publicly here.

Otherwise, not much new to report. Laying on ice packs all day still hasn't diminished the extreme pain I'm feeling between my shoulders - like someone took a log and smashed me one. Isn't there a saying that God tries to get your attention with little things and then hits you over the head with a log, or words to that effect. lol

My attention has been gotten. HA! My mother promises me I don't look like a monster, but I've never had a black eye before and the swelling on the left side of my face really isn't attractive. Needless to say, I'm hiding out this weekend rather than going to a very cool music event at The Bachelor house this weekend I was invited to which I'm extremely bummed about.

However, the drive to Malibu would have killed. I'll just have to enjoy the pix along with everyone else once they're posted. I'm also not going to be registering voters on Sunday which is kind of a relief to be honest. ha ha

My friend Shana teased me saying that now I don't have to be upset at all the drunken activities that are sure to happen this weekend too. She is one of my best friends and totally opposite of me which is why we get along so well. Iron sharpens iron as they say.

So...a retired Cougar can change her spots (or in my case, freckles) and decide that maybe it's ok to let good 'ole Obama give it a whirl and see what he accomplishes with this new tactic against whatever his new nickname is for them!:)

Oh, and once I'm feeling better remind me to share my community service with you. I've really been enjoying it because I'm meeting the most interesting people with the most interesting backgrounds and I would never in a million years ever have crossed paths with some otherwise.:) I love the diversity!

Must go. Hurts to sit too long no matter how much I want to share everything. Thanks for popping by. Please be safe out there! Remember to wear a helmet and don't drink and drive please!

Note to readers - thanks and other stuff

By Joy A. Kennelly

I'm always learning from those who search for subjects and stumble on my blog, those who deliberately search for me, and those who have other blogs.

I also really appreciate the Typepad staff because they helped me re-align my subscribers with Feedburner and now I have 21 readers subscribed! Wow! The pressure is on. I've already lost 10 from my original count of 31, but I don't mind. I know as soon as I start blogging about politics they'll come running. LOL

That Pelosi woman... But I digress.

Turns out quite a few people who read this blog are affluent, like my political,travel and fashion writing the most, are evenly balanced between men and women ages 39-45 and read this blog most often from home. Interesting, eh? At least it was to me.

Don't worry, it doesn't tell me who you are although if you'd like to let me know, I'd love to hear!:)

Sorry haven't been able to write too much lately. Whenever I have a lot of professional writing to do I'm spent and it's hard to be creative here too. I have more to write today which means you might not hear any new news for a bit.

However, that said, if you want to keep up with my professional work - then go to: www.thejoywriter.typepad.com/thejoywriterpr/ and realize I don't always include everything I'm working on there either because oftentimes I forget that others might find it of interest.

I'm also waiting on approval for some projects and can't announce anything until it's a done deal, or unless the client wants it known. Just know, it's all good.

Have a great Wednesday!

See? I knew no one would care...:)

Those who care about my Oscar experience have contacted me and those who don't, well they just haven't!:) I think it's funny.

In any case, have a good one. Not writing about tonight's two events either. Or the movie I watched last night, or the good book I read last week.

Just not doing it!

New policy for this blog

I've decided that unless I'm getting paid to cover an event, story, or otherwise interesting topic, I will be limiting my comments on this blog. As a result, if you want my personal experience working for the Academy during the Oscars, let me know how much you pay per word and I'll be happy to write something for your readers.:)

That's all for now. No more free writing.

Oscars

By Joy A. Kennelly

Words can not begin to describe my experience working the Oscars. As a result, I won't even try. If you want to know, please call or email me.:)