Loralia LLC Global Ventures

Celebrate the Spirit of Christmas

2011-12-28T09:10:00.004-05:00

'Tis the time to celebrate the spirit of Christmas no matter what race, creed or religion you adhere to. It's a time of giving and receiving gifts and sharing memorable moments with acquaintances, colleagues, pals, friends and family.

Remember to have compassion for those who cross your path because you may not be aware of their woes or worries. Remember to forgive those who are so self-absorbed in their own personal dramas that they forget to ask how you are feeling. 'Tis the nature of some people but as this is the holiday season, let's celebrate the goodness that can emanate from human nature.

Now, let light and love and joy enter your life.

Namaste!

Observations of China

2010-10-26T11:53:00.016-04:00

On my recent trip to China what impressed me most was its modernization and consumerism that has been in development since the past 15 years. Its growth has been phenomenal and recognized by the media, business and world political leaders. Even more interesting is China’s ruling Communist Party development plan for the economy (2011-2015) that will address strategies on how to decrease the inequalities between the rich and poor and coastal and inland areas because the leaders are aware of social unrest if these disparities are not addressed, and also political reform may be on their agenda to focus on democracy and freedom. The Communist Party wants to deal with any instability issues as it would undermine their remarkable economic growth. China doesn’t want to follow the example of the former Soviet Union that disintegrated the former Soviet Union into Russia and many smaller states. It is my belief that the leaders of China want to keep their country intact by pragmatic leadership and steady economic development.

Granted, I climbed the Great Wall, visited the historic sites and contemporary art districts in both Beijing and Shanghai, and even received VIP treatment at the Shanghai World Expo 2010 thanks to a friend of mine who is a dignitary that allowed us to see the China Pavilion without a five hour queue which was very impressive but in the end what made my journey memorable were the people I traveled with, the people I met and the stories that I heard about China past, present and future.

For further information about the World Expo, visit: http://en.expo2010.cn

Khajuraho, Ancient City of Erotic Temples

2010-08-17T16:41:00.005-04:00

Varanasi may be the present City of Shiva (Shivpuri), but Khajuraho was also once known as Shivpuri, the city that celebrated the marriage of Shiva, goddess of creative and destructive energy, to Parvati as depicted by intricately carved erotic temples now dedicated as a World Heritage site. India is an ancient civilization resplendent with many myths and the birthplace of many religions that have been transported across the world. It’s a fascinating country filled with unending stories.

In Khajuraho, these temples were discovered in a dense jungle by a British engineer in 1819 and upon excavation and research; it was revealed that the creators of these remarkable temples were the legacy of the Chandella dynasty of Rajput origin during the 10th and 11th centuries.

Although the temples are renowned for the eroticism of its sculptures, there are many other sculptural scenes depicting Buddhism, Jainism, sun worship and animistic cults. In fact, the best time to visit these temples is at sunrise and sunset which magnifies a soft, reddish hue of light bathe the sculpted figures and friezes. It’s recommended to take some time and look carefully at the carvings of the marriage processions, domestic scenes of the deities, along with musicians and dancers celebrating life.

According to Hindu legend, in order to reach the celestial realm or nirvana, or the highest spiritual experience, it is done through utilizing all the senses during lovemaking physically, mentally and spiritually. At these temples, one witnesses Kama, the pursuit of pleasure, by the union of the divine Shiva and Parvati illustrating the importance of the creation of life. The pursuit of pleasure to seek deliverance was considered a legitimate aim then and now.

Perhaps the overarching message of this visit is quite simple: Make love not war!

Varanasi, India

2010-06-01T13:58:00.009-04:00

From the Buddha trail to Varanasi, the holiest city in India for the Hindus; a trip not for the faint of heart to say the least. I was extremely fortunate to have a Brahman priest as my government approved local guide who also happens to be the spiritual guru for Goldie Hawn, Heidi Klum and Seal. Dr. Shailesh Tripathi introduced me to Varanasi not as a city of beauty but to feel it with all five senses. With an open-mind, I explored this ancient living city as old as Babylon.

In Varanasi, life flows around the Ganga (Ganges) River physically and spiritually. The Hindus try to make a pilgrimage to this river at least once in their lifetime to purify their spirits either by bathing in the waters or sprinkling a few droplets of water on the head while chanting a prayer. The Brahman priest did this for me while a boatman rowed an old, wooden boat down the river. According to this ritual, the waters clear the karma of the past and present so one is prepared for death and rebirth into a better life. Although I'm not a Hindu, Indians are open-minded and say it can apply to anyone of any faith and even those who are agnostic. Hopefully, from now on my life will be better and I'm most grateful to have participated in this ancient practice of the Hindu religion.

As mentioned earlier, this city is primarily for Hindu pilgrims. I would suggest sticking to boat rides at sunrise and sunset to experience the Brahman priests, gurus, yogis welcoming the day with music and prayer beneath the high walls of the maharajas' old, riverside palaces, and also the notice the numerous ghats where the the faithful Hindus bathe and pray (see photo). And, every evening at sunset, watch the beautiful, Hindu ceremony Ganga Arati dedicated to the river and performed by priests with music, incense, chanting and fire.

Despite the magic and mystery behind these Hindu rituals, as a Westerner and a non-Hindu pilgrim, I would avoid walking through the narrow alleys in the heart of the city directly behind the ghats that are marked by smelly, cow dung everywhere as the cow is considered holy. If you do decide to venture dwon these filthy streets off the beaten path, then watch your step! Again, this is not an easy city to visit and I would recommend visiting the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) first, but once you feel or think you're ready for your own spiritual pilgrimage, then Varanasi may become one of the most memorable places you've ever visited during your worldwide travels.

Sarnath, India

2010-04-22T10:59:00.003-04:00

This is Part 1 of a three series blog about my recent trip to India that commences in Sarnath about 6 miles north of central Varanasi. After leaving Varanasi known as the holiest city for Hindus which I'll recount in another story, my spiritual journey led me to Sarnath. Sarnath is where the Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to his disciples and King Ashoka 300 B.C. built a Dhammekha Stupa in Deer Park honoring this sermon.

As fate would have it, here I am standing with Burmese monks in front of the stupa (please see photo below) that will make my Burmese friends in New York happy, one who also became a lay monk but leads a civilian life with his lovely family.

While Varanasi jolted my six senses and turned my world upside down in a good way, Sarnath calmed my spirit like a cool, ocean breeze kissing my face despite my being in the middle of a dry, dusty desert like atmosphere; even though Deer Park is spotted with trees and preserved like a World Heritage site.

My take away from Buddhism is about walking the middle path, acting with loving kindness and enacting tolerance. In short, let's be respectful of religious diversity as all faiths lead to the same destination.

Medley Song

2010-03-20T13:29:00.003-04:00

A tale of two cities: New York and Paris are my favorite cities in the world from the point of view of culture, cuisine, art, architecture + design and the sheer sensation of fun of discovering each city by foot. Dickens, Charles Dickens wrote about London and Paris, although he did visit America. Dickens is an author I emulate and perhaps I was his muse in Paris, if you believe in reincarnation.

Speaking about reincarnation, Michael Feinstein is a firm believer. He states his belief in front of Broadway audiences from all over the world in his performance with Dame Edna in All About Me. It’s a charming musical and an ode to Ira Gershwin and the great American songbook. In the end, the story is really about us which brings me to the theme of love.

Love is the oldest love story in the world and what better love story is there than Romeo & Juliette written by Shakespeare. Recently, I saw a musical adaptation of this famous love story at Le Palais des Congres in Paris by Gerard Presgurvic. It was powerful and energetic with exquisite vocals accompanied by modern dance and ballet. It’s the best version I’ve yet to see and highly recommend it.

Back in New York, I saw the classic fairytale of Sleeping Beauty performed by the American Ballet at The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. We all dream of finding our Prince. In fairytales, it’s happily ever after. In Shakespeare’s reality, it’s true love found that ends tragically but ultimately unites families or rivals; therefore, bittersweet. Hopefully, for most of us, we fall in the middle. We fall-in-love with our dream partner but realize we have to work at the relationship with excellent communication skills and continue to grow in loving ways and fun along the way, too.

Love is beautiful but life can be like a comedy. Once again, I saw a vaudeville performance at Maxim’s in Paris. The famed restaurant now houses a tiny theatre. Lots of laughs with Parisian humor about love triangles, family members, neighbors and lots of misunderstandings. Return to New York, I watch a comedic opera La Fille du Regiment, a story about star-crossed lovers but actually turned out on a good note with magnificent singing, operatic voices and performances. Both were love stories with comic twists. It’s good to be reminded to see the lighter side of life.

For one whole week, I decided to not take life so seriously, and it was a glorious high. Since then, I’ve crashed landed but shall try to live my life in balance between the highs and lows and between New York and Paris, my beloved cities.

Happy Spring!

Season's Greetings in New York

2009-12-21T13:20:00.008-05:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

'Tis the season of giving, being with loved ones and family and also, enjoying all of the activities that New York City has to offer which is too numerable to mention here. But I will name a few of my favorite things, such as, the Christmas lighting at Rockefeller Center that starts the festivities. Then, off we go to see George Balanchine's The Nutcracker performed by the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center. Another fun event for children is to watch the Big Apple Circus and Bello is Back! The kids really love Grandma the Clown. I guess we all love our grandmothers. They have a special place in our hearts.

A way to usher in the Winter Solstice is to listen to Paul Winter's ensemble at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and celebrate the return of the sun after the longest night of the year which is tonight. Musical magic inspires all who come from all over the world to see this magnificent performance and worth the trek through the foot high snow. Yes, this year we New Yorkers will have a White Christmas roasting chestnuts over the fire listening to Nat King Cole's beautiful voice in the background.

This is just a slice of festive life around the holidays that I wanted to share with you. I wish all of you a New Year filled with joy, love, laughter, fun, adventure and prosperity!

Ana Tzarev Gallery

2009-09-26T14:37:00.043-04:00

ANA TZAREV May Afternoon at St. Mark’s (Venice), 1996 oil on linen

Listening to Juilliard musicians in this gallery transported me to the many places depicted in the paintings by Ana Tzarev in her exhibition entitled “Places to Remember.” This artist has a unique way of capturing light using vibrant colors to convey her impressions of some of the magnificent cultural centers in Europe. The pianist and cellist played Schumann’s Fantasy Pieces Op.73 as my eyes wandered from painting to painting and as I reminisced about my own experiences: praying in Nôtre Dame in Paris, docking in the harbor of Ville Franche on board a friend's huge yacht, dressing up for a masquerade ball during the Venice Carnival, meandering up and down the Venetian canals with my lover on a gondola with the oarsman singing Volare where Music and Love prevailed.

Onwards to a tribute to Tchaikovsky, None but the Lonely Heart (for Clarinet and Piano) but there were no lonely hearts this evening, only hearts filled with enchantment and beauty. The Russian music brought me to Tzarev’s midnight views of St. Petersburg’s Church of The Savior on the Blood and The Night of St. Basil’s in Moscow. Golden angels danced in royal blue skies overlooking the frozen ground frosted with snow. The climate cold but the hearts of people warm.

A change in pace. The pianist and violinist play Schumann’s Sonata in A minor. My mind gazed at palm trees lining the port in Monte Carlo. Scintillating stars bounced off the gentle, rippling waves making their way to the shore and then, rolling back out to sea. The sea of life is like the circle of life. Beginnings, middles and ends filled with joy, wonder and adventure at least in this fantasy land. I think I’ll stay and dream a little bit longer before returning to the realities of human existence. Fly, fly, fly away to dream land.

Ana Tzarev is one of my favorite galleries in New York City. For more information about upcoming events, please visit this Web site: http://www.anatzarev.com/ and enjoy their program of activities.

2009 Southampton Screenwriting Conference

2009-08-06T16:40:00.006-04:00

Just came back from the 2009 Southampton Screenwriters Conference at Stony Brook Southampton. The setting was idyllic near the ocean and conducive for creative writing. The playwriting conference was going on at the same time so we were able to meet playwrights, actors and directors and learned how the playwrights were thrilled to watch their scenes acted out on stage by professional actors.

This conference focused on workshops and lectures that related to the structure and format of screenplays and how to create emotional depth of our characters through dialogue and actions. In essence, writing for emotional impact. Emotion is what is universal and how people are moved by stories.

In a small class of six screenwriters, I participated in Christina Lazaridi’s workshop on “Understanding Film Structure.” Christina is a screenwriter, Academy Award nominee and teaches at Columbia University’s Graduate Film division. See below Will Chandler’s blog on her class. She taught us with professionalism and gave us constructive criticism on all of our screenplays and ideas. As for myself, instead of focusing on an adaptation of my novel Laughter in the Canyon that I’ve entitled “Revolutionary Spirits,” I decided to present a new idea, i.e., a docu-musical comedy loosely based on the history of The Pen and Brush, an organization dedicated to women in the performing, literary and visual arts since the late 19th century where I’m a governing board member. Needless to say, it’ll be an interesting challenge. In addition, I enjoyed the story lines of my colleagues and hope that all of our scripts will one day be on the big screen.

If you would like further in depth information about the conference, please refer to Screenwriter Will Chandler and AMPAS Nicholl Fellow who also posted some great notes on Peter Hedge’s Q&A over at the ScriptMag blog. Also, look at Merrel Davis’s blog about the conference who wrote from another perspective highlighting different activities that were just as exciting.

Overall, it was an enriching and fun experience where I met many nice people.

Valerie Capers at The Pen and Brush

2009-06-30T14:59:00.007-04:00

On June 28th, in celebration of Black Music month, The Pen and Brush bestowed Dr. Valerie Capers with a Life Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding career as a composer, pianist and educator. Before the official ceremony, there was a live jazz performance given by Dr. Valerie Capers playing the piano, along with her ensemble featuring John Robinson on bass and Rudy Lawless on drums.

Friends of the trio, The Pen and Brush and jazz enthusiasts moved their bodies in rhythm to the beats and sounds and applauded with enthusiasm at the end of each song. The ensemble was a joy to listen to and it was suggested that The Pen and Brush host more “Jazz on Sundays.” For more information about The Pen and Brush, please visit: http://www.penandbrush.org/

After the performance, Dr. Capers was given her award by Rashidah Ismaili, a Pen and Brush board member. Dr. Capers graciously accepted this honor and happily chatted with her fans afterwards.

A brief history of Dr. Capers follows:

Dr. Valerie Capers was born in the Bronx and received her early schooling at the New York Institute for the Education of the Blind. She went on to obtain both her bachelor's and master's degrees from The Juilliard School of Music. She served on the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music, and from 1987 to 1995 was chair of the Department of Music and Art at Bronx Community College of the City University of New York (CUNY), where she is now professor emeritus.

Dr. Capers has been awarded many honorary doctorates from various prestigious universities and colleges for her impressive work as an innovative educator. She has also received many awards and commissions, including the National Endowment for the Arts, a special-projects grant to present a jazz series at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, Meet the Composer, the CUNY Research Foundation, the Smithsonian and The Fund for Artists of Arts International.

Throughout her performing career, she has appeared on numerous radio and television shows and has also performed with a roster of renowned artists, such as, Dizzy Gillespie, Wynton Marsalis, Ray Brown, Mongo Santamaria, Tito Puente, Slide Hampton, Max Roach, James Moody and Paquito D'Rivera.

With her ensemble, she played at concert halls and jazz festivals around the world: International Grande Parade du Jazz Festival in Nice, France; the Martin Luther King Festival in Ottawa, Ontario; the North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague; the Monterey Jazz Festival; the Salzburg Global Seminar, Salzburg, Austria; the World-Wide Plaza Summer Festival New York City; and, the opening concert for the Women in Jazz Festival for Jazz at Lincoln Center at Dizzy's Coca-Cola Club in New York City. The extent of her musical performances has been enjoyed by many people around the world.

As a composer, three of Dr. Capers' most noted compositions are Sing About Love, the critically acclaimed Christmas cantata produced by George Wein at Carnegie Hall; Sojourner, an operatorio based on the life of Sojourner Truth, performed and staged by the Opera Ebony Company of New York; and Song of the Seasons, a song cycle for voice, piano and cello (which has been recorded several times) was both commissioned by the Smithsonian Institute and premiered in Washington, D.C., at the invitation of the Smithsonian, and recently performed at Weill Recital Hall in New York City.

Dr. Capers was the first recipient of Essence magazine's "Women of Essence Award for Music," where she was in the elite company of fellow honorees Oprah Winfrey and Marla Gibbs.

For those of you who love her music, she has recorded five albums: Portrait of Soul (Atlantic, 1966), Affirmation (KMA Arts, 1982), Come On Home (Columbia/Sony, 1995), Wagner Takes the 'A' Train (Elysium, 1999), Limited Edition (VALCAP Records, 2001, and is currently in production for a new CD to be released in 2009.

If you ever get a chance to see Valerie Caper and her ensemble perform, I’d highly recommend it; especially, if you love jazz.

Katya Grineva at Carnegie Hall

2009-06-15T11:52:00.004-04:00

On June 12, 2009, Katya Grineva, Moscow-born pianist, graced the stage at Carnegie Hall for the 11th year and played a selection of romantic, solo piano pieces in honor of Adi Da Samraj who was a renowned writer, artist and spiritual teacher.

Her diversified program of music focused on some of her favorite romantic composers, including Chopin, Liszt and Schumann as well as Satie’s First Gymnopedie, Debussy’s Clair de Lune and Ravel’s Bolero. Her mastery of the piano and the subtlety and beauty of tone truly transported the audience to a state of bliss. The New York Times described her as “liquid…dreamlike.” One could feel that her music came from deep within her heart inspired by love. It was a magical evening with three encores and Katya was showered with bouquets of red roses at the end of her performance.

Not only does Katya play at concert halls and for presidents and dignitaries, but also for the impoverished and children around the world. She’s dedicated especially to exposing children to the beauty and benefits of classical music. As a result, there were many children of all ages at this concert and from looking at their facial expressions; they seemed to be enraptured by her music. It was delightful to see so many children present.

In summary of her achievements, Katya, a Steinway Artist, has been a soloist with the Acadiana Symphony, the ARS Nova Musicians Chamber Orchestra, the Manhattan Virtuosi Orchestra, the European Philharmonic Orchestra in France, the Guayaquil Symphonic Orchestra in Ecuador, and as a guest artist at Avery Fisher Hall. Her recitals have also captivated audiences at the Laurier Society in Paris and at the Salle Gaveau, one of Paris’s most prestigious concert halls. In addition to sharing her musical gift worldwide, she has been honored with many awards for her philanthropic efforts, most recently, with the Gusi Peace Prize awarded by Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the President of the Philippines.

For further information about Katya Grineva, please visit her Web site: http://www.katyagrineva.com

Just Laugh! the movie

2009-05-18T14:03:00.008-04:00

"Just Laugh," a documentary produced by Laugh Loud Productions (http://www.justlaugh.org/) is about the healing concept of laughter. The medical community claims laughter is the best medicine and we should laugh at least 15 minutes a day which is equivalent to 15 or 20 minutes of exercise. Which would you rather do? Laugh or exercise? Both are healthy recommendations.

My friend, Reverend T. Kenjitsu Nakagaki, or Reverend TK, as he is affectionately called at The New York Buddhist Church was interviewed in the movie concerning the Buddhist notion of laughter. His message was to smile at others with your lips as well as smile with your eyes as a means of giving with no expectation of getting anything in return. Smiles and laughter are gifts to be given.

After the film during the Q&A, a lady from the audience asked about the laughing buddha. Reverend TK answered that the laughing buddha is of Chinese origin. It means don't take life too seriously and have the ability to laugh at yourself. Personally, I have two laughing buddhas at home. Guess it's time to remember not to take life so seriously during these difficult economic times and just laugh!

Live. Love. Laugh.

Laura Thompson