imagination Archives - Good News!

Thought for the Day…07/23/25

Austin Tang — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:29:52 +0000

Picture of the Year” … No filters? No smartphone? No luxury? No problem Just pure joy — five children, one slipper, and a moment of instinctive imagination. This little boy using his slipper as a phone to take a “selfie,” and the other kids posing like it’s the real deal. There’s laughter, togetherness, zero expecations and zero complaints. A powerful reminder: Happiness is not found in what we own, but in how we see the world and most importantly ourselves! In our constant chase for success, upgrades, and recognition, we often forget the simplicity of being content and happy. These kids — with nothing — reminded me of everything that really matters! Not every lesson comes from a boardroom, a billionare or a guru… Some just come barefoot, and smiling

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Art is Imagination

Austin Tang — Fri, 21 May 2021 18:13:07 +0000

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Thought For The Day…

admin — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 14:47:15 +0000

“I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death.” – Robert Fulghum

Cheryl Switzer Marc Huschke

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Hate is a Failure of Imagination

admin — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 18:00:17 +0000

In Remembrance of the Artists from Theresienstadt

who were murdered 70 Years ago in Auschwitz

Thursday, October 9at 7.30 pmCzech Consulate General / Bohemian National Hall321 East 73rd Street

New York, NY 10021

Free admission

However, reservations are required – To reserve tickets please send an e-mail to elysiumbtc@aol.com or call Elysium – between two continents at 212-744 4875

Paul Aron Sandfort (1930 – 2007), was deported to Theresienstadt as a child and played the trumpet in the ghetto orchestra. Years later he depicted his experiences there in several playsand novels. Until his death, Paul Aron Sandfort was an advisor and Honorary Artistic Director of Elysium – btc.

Viktor Ullmann, composer and music critic, was sent with one of the last transports in October 1944 from Theresienstadt to Auschwitz and murdered there immediately after his arrival.

The Viennese cabaret artist, Leo Strauss, who also was murdered in Auschwitz in 1944, tried to divert his fellow inmates from the sufferings of life in the camp with his tartly pointed cabaret programs. At least for the duration of those programs he wanted to cheer them up.

A Literary Collage featuring texts byAlice Herz-Sommer, Georg Kafka,Paul Aron Sandfort, Leo Strauss, Viktor Ullmann,and Ilse Weber

Concept & Introduction: Michael Lahr

Recitation: Gregorij H. von Leitis

The pianist Alice Herz-Sommer, born in Prague in 1903, survived the Holocaust. Until her death on February 23, 2014 she served as Honorary Artistic Director of Elysium. When confronted again with the atrocities of the Holocaust during the Eichmann trial in Jerusalem, Alice came to the conclusion: “One must not hate. Man must not be allowed to learn how to hate!”

In the infamous extermination machinery of the NS-Regime, Theresienstadt played a very special role. It was a propaganda instrument to distract the world from the Final Solution. For a certain period of time the inmates of Theresienstadt had the chance to be active artistically. They could organize readings, concerts, plays, even cabaret performances. But behind this cynical disguise, the systematic death machinery of the Holocaust continued to function without constraints.The Nazis relentlessly stoked hate against the Jews. They tried to dehumanize and degrade them.But the artists who were imprisoned in Theresienstadt, countered this hate – which Graham Greene so aptly described as a failure of imagination – with a powerful offensive of imagination.With their artistic fantasy, their creative power, their inventive energy they lifted up the spirit of their fellow inmates.

The literary collage “Hate is a Failure of Imagination” is a testament to the power of imagination and to the profound love and humanity of the artists who were imprisoned in the ghetto and concentration camp Theresienstadt.

“By no means did we sit weepingat the rivers of Babylon,and our cultural will was equal toour will to live.”

– Viktor Ullmann

Ilse Weber wrote more than 60 poems during her imprisonmentin Theresienstadt. In those poems she described in great detail daily life in the camp. Ilse Weber was killed in Auschwitz, but her poems were rescued.

The Lahr von Leitis Academy & Archive’s MissionArt and education without borders.Education and knowledge as efficient tools to fight against ignorance, discrimination and

hatred. Familiarizing the young generation with the treasures of exiled art to help them

create a meaningful future that incorporates the lessons learned from history.

The Lahr von Leitis Academy & Archive was founded in 1995 by Michael Lahr and Gregorij

H. von Leitis to foster the academic dialogue between the US and Europe by means of

lectures, seminars, workshops and master classes.

www.lahrvonleitisacademy.eu
Elysium’s Mission

Artistic dialogue, creative exchange and friendship between the United States of America

and Europe. Fighting against discrimination, racism and anti-Semitism by means of art.

Since its founding on October 11, 1983, Elysium has presented more than 400 programs

(theater and opera productions, concerts, readings, exhibitions, and lectures) in more than

80 cities worldwide. Over the years, Elysium has established itself as a vital force at the

intersection of American and European cultures.

www.elysiumbtc.org

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Human Nature, Australia’s leading pop vocal group, Celebrates Apollo’s 80th Birthday.

admin — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 20:07:42 +0000

As Martha and the Vandellas once put, “They’re dancing in the street in Chicago, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, PA, Baltimore and DC now…can’t forget the Motor City…Across the ocean blue, me and you.” The music of Motown traveled around the globe, landing on the other side of the world in Sydney, Australia, where four high school students—brothers Andrew and Mike Tierney, Phil Burton and Toby Allen—were more interested in soul, gospel and harmony groups than their country’s usual obsession with “guitars, grunt and good old rock and roll.” Forming a singing group that began as a tribute to their love of a cappella doo-wop, the foursome was directed to the music of the legendary label by a music teacher. That was 22 years ago. Today, Human Nature are Australia’s leading pop vocal group, having released nine albums (many containing their own, self-penned original material), five of which went to #1 in their native continent, selling millions of records world-wide and garnering 23 platinum awards, 70 Top 40 hits and five Top 10 hits. The group has opened for Celine Dion and Michael Jackson in Europe and Australia. Their chart-topping Motown tribute, Reach Out, went five-times-platinum, attracting the attention of famed songwriter Smokey Robinson, who recorded “Get Ready” with them and presented them in an exclusive booking at Las Vegas’ Imperial Palace, where they have played five and six nights a week to sold-out crowds for the past two and a half years. Having inked a comprehensive worldwide deal that includes merchandise, sponsorships and endorsements, ticket/music bundling, touring and corporate gigs with Universal Music Group’s Universal Music Enterprises (they remain with Sony in Australia), Human Nature are ready to tackle America, and carry the legacy of Motown music for a new generation. The first release under the new agreement will be The Motown Record, featuring 11 soul classics plus a bonus track, including “Get Ready,” the band’s collaboration with Smokey Robinson, distinctive doo-wop versions of “Ooh Baby Baby” and “Just My Imagination,” as well as the Four Tops’ “Reach Out I’ll Be There” and “Baby I Need Your Loving,” the Temptations’ “My Girl” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” Stevie Wonder’s “Uptight,” Martha and the Vandellas’ “Dancing in the Street” and the Supremes’ “Stop in the Name of Love.” The versions are faithful, yet updated and freshened, everything we’ve loved about them renewed and revitalized, performed and arranged by four guys who clearly love to sing and harmonize on these particular songs. “There is such beauty in the original material,” says Phil Burton. “We didn’t want to make a carbon copy of the songs, but we didn’t want to change them into something they weren’t, either.” “We put our stamp on these songs by the way we sing them,” explains Andrew Tierney, who is the one with the highest pitch, with brother Mike and Phil in the middle, and Toby on the bottom, trading leads according to whose voice best fits the track. “We wanted to keep the magic by maintaining the energy and fun. It was a learning experience to immerse ourselves into the arrangements, like taking a lesson from the masters.” Human Nature Sings Motown, a special telecast of the group’s Las Vegas state show filmed by longtime Grammy producer Ken Ehrlich, will be at the center of PBS’ fund-raising efforts in December, featuring an appearance by Smokey Robinson. Ehrlich enthused about working with the band: “When you hear their versions of the great Motown classics, you’re not only reminded of the greatness of the originals, but you hear nuances that bring those originals up to date without tarnishing them in the least.” A DVD version of the show includes 40 minutes of bonus content featuring the band discussing Motown’s enduring influence with the label’s legendary songwriters Lamont Dozier, Eddie and Brian Holland, all of whom have given their blessings to Human Nature, as well as more than 20 minutes of performances not shown in the original broadcast. Both CD and DVD are exclusive to PBS subscribers through December before being available at retailers in March 2012. Smokey Robinson, who has nurtured the band and is actively working with them to reinvigorate the Motown brand, says: “The members of Human Nature are extraordinary vocalists who truly now how to entertain and I knew that they would be hugely successful….” “He’s such a big supporter and it’s just fantastic to have him give his stamp of approval for our take on his music,” says Michael about the legendary performer/songwriter/ producer. Adds Andrew: “Every time we do something with Smokey, we’re constantly reminded of how lucky we are to have him as a good friend and mentor. It’s been a career-changer for us.” “I’m still pinching myself,” admits Toby. “Smokey has no need to get involved with something like this if he doesn’t want to. He obviously loves the music, and that’s the greatest satisfaction for us.” “We were always concerned with what guys like Smokey, Lamont Dozier and the Hollands were going to think, but we’re doing this out of a pure love for the music,” adds Phil. “We’re going back to our roots, the songs we’ve been performing since we first started.” And now it’s time for Human Nature to conquer America with its own music. “It was a huge gamble,” reveals Andrew about their decision to come over for a two-week stint at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, where they saw first-hand that their Motown show connected with stateside audiences. “Why should people listen to four white Australians sing these songs when they’re ubiquitous on radio and TV? It just shows that this music is written for everybody, and that it has reached to every corner of the globe, including Australia. And it’s still influencing people, just as it touched us.” Human Nature’s many accomplishments include performing the Australian national anthem at the Summer Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000, and performing on Oprah last summer, when the show was taped before thousands in Australia, but nothing beats making it in America, the home of not only Motown, but much of the music they are most passionate about. “Our roots lie in American soul,” proclaims Andrew. “It’s the ultimate market for what we love. It feels like our options are endless. I’m looking forward to continuing our career, making great music, and playing our original songs.” Get ready… because here comes Human Nature. – See more at: http://www.humannaturelive.com/bio/#sthash.71hY2jcz.dpuf

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Patricia Cori is the founder of the global non-profit, Save Earth’s Oceans, Inc.

admin — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 19:01:13 +0000

Good News Spring Equinox Earth Day Special. The Emissary: A Passionate And Powerful Cry For Change www.SaveEarthsOceans.org

Los Angeles, CA, March 5, 2014 – Good News Spring Equinox Earth Day Special North America has been pounded with extreme weather for more than a year, and it’s difficult to avoid the idea that human behavior plays a role. Bestselling author and environmentalist Patricia Cori is committed to raising the alarm through every venue possible. Her latest fast-paced book, The Emissary (North Atlantic Books), has already captured the attention of Hollywood and is in development to be a major motion picture by Global Universal Entertainment.

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/singing-the-oceans-alive?show_todos=true

Patricia Cori is the founder of the global non-profit, Save Earth’s Oceans, Inc., whose mission is dedicated to restoring the balance of the ocean’s ecosystems. Cori is an inspiring icon and model of the adventurous spirit and seeker within us all. She is also one of the most well-known and established authorities on the realms of the mystic, with views of the world and multidimensional reality that challenge the status quo.

In The Emissary, Cori creates a world on the brink of chaos, opening with a series of troubling natural events that are not what they seem. Readers soon learn that this is not a coincidence, but part of an evil plan to destroy all life on Earth. Enter, the emissary – a leading psychic, who understands and identifies secrets in the songs of the dying whales. She then uses what she learns in her dangerous and exciting journey to avert a global disaster.

“The Emissary gives readers the thrills and action-packed adventures that we all thrive upon,” says Patricia Cori. “But it also offers something more, awareness of our oceans and the changes that have come about, due to man’s interference in nature.” This book is the first in a series called The Hidden Trilogy.

Cori is a celebrated author of eleven bestselling books, published in 20 languages, and has been a major thought-powerhouse in alternative media. Please visit: www.theemissary.net for more information.

The Emissary

The Hidden Trilogy (Book 1)

by Patricia Cori

North Atlantic Books

ISBN # 978153394

Release date: March 4, 2014

Softcover Price: $17.95 US, $21.50 CAN

Ebook Price: $13.99

###

TIP SHEET:

Pen Densham, Oscar-nominated screenwriter, director, producer, author, artist: “I am a giant fan of creativity that takes us out of our daily thinking. Patricia Cori has penned just such a tale. A broad fantasy adventure that speaks to those who want to think differently and challenge the daily onslaught against nature and our own future.”

Captain Paul Watson, Founder, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society: “To risk all to save our oceans is a testament to passion, imagination and courage. Many truths are revealed by fiction and The Emissary does just that.”

Donald Newsom, President, BBS Radio Network, Inc: “Phenomenal! Her extraordinary vision and the way she communicates her truth to her readers will make Patricia Cori a staple in every library.”

Beau Bridges, Actor: “…A uniquely exciting adventure that captures the heart and soul of the reader,”

Elisabeth Rohm, Actor, author, activist, mother: “The whales and dolphins of this planet need our help – and Patricia Cori is their Emissary!”

Contents

1 Earth Under Siege . . . 1

2 Jamie Hastings . . . 13

3 USOIL . . . 21

4 Reeling in the Buddha Baby . . . 35

5 Oil and Water . . . 45

6 Political Maneuvers . . . 57

7 All Aboard . . . 71

8 The Deepwater . . . 81

9 The Ides of March . . . 115

10 The Whale Rebellion . . . 147

To Chicca, my beloved four-legged companion, who just crossed over the rainbow bridge, another bright star in the heavens

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