#TirlokMalik

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#AndreasDeutschmann

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Jonathan Gross comes to New York and has an experience of a lifetime, he shares it, including performing in Times Square for the International Day of Peace…..

On September 20, I travelled to New York to sing a song I wrote when I was 14. To be in the neon world of Times Square, with its flickering lights, and to project a stone slab from Byzantium,  was, perhaps, too much even for my hubris.

So grateful was I (vanitatus vanitatum) that I repaid Paul Sladkus’ kindness by smashing up my Hertz-rent-a-car, leased only moments before.  I’m an excitable person and the opportunity to play in Times Square for “Pause the World for Peace” was apparently too much for me.  On 42^nd and 5^th I hit a truck, rear-ending the vehicle and potentially compromising the man’s neat aluminium ladder. (damages owed to Hertz?: $3000) I was jutting my elbow into Vince’s face to show him the New York Public library. “Look! Look!” I cried. “ Boom!!” Vince didn’t say a word, accustomed to my stupidities,  but the truck driver jumped out of his car, ready to assault me. I smiled and apologized and raised my shoulders like a chimpanzee. To my left, Iranian protesters were commemorating a holiday, on this U.N. day of peace, showing grisly pictures of people who had been tortured.  Near a newsstand a woman, with a preternatural smile, was selling beads on  the street. Did I want one? No. I did not. I had already paid 5.00$ for a similar version.   My drummer and I were headed to Elmont, New York, to visit my parents’ ancestors. This was at his insistence, I must stress, because I am a coward about graveyards.  To show him around the town, I pulled up to Saddle Rock elementary school and  almost got arrested on Rosh Hashanah for taking photographs. Three police cars detained us for an hour; they thought I had drugged Vince, he was so bored with the Rockford files meets Kojack routine they were running on us). It turns out there was a school shooting (averted) in Benjamin Cardozo, where my mother taught English for more than a decade. A 16 year old had a fully loaded glock in his locker and a facebook post that was not auspicious. We had just returned from the graves of my ancestors, shortly after  my Byzantine moment in Times Square (singing an ephemeral song in front of a decidedly non-ephemeral slab of stone).  Distracted, hungry, vaguely depressed, I wondered about the divine implications of my percussionist uttering a Buddhist prayer at my grandmother’s grave. In Great neck, later that day, I found  that McMansions sprouting like mushrooms had replaced the 1970s houses I remembered, shrunken prune-like counterparts to these swollen houses, obese with pride; a cantor greeted me at the door of my former residence, the only street, perhaps, in the United States that boasts three temples. In my house there are many mansions.

Our house was a colonial affair, decolonized through lack of resources: my parents both taught English. We were a family of  secular humanists (read “atheists and non-believers”), and would hide  on Yom Kippur when the Iranian Jews kicked out of Tehran in 1978 made their way to shul to pray. Our house was up for sale, the Cantor told me. His house, he might have said, the one the temple bought for him. He was moving to Strathmore, a more lucrative village just down the road.  My sister rued the K-Mart furniture and  exercise bike. The children were confined to bunk beds, while the parents ran the roost. A true Long Island story.

Shortly before, in Times Square, as part of the Pause for Peace program, we performed “Byzantine”.  Lofty as ever in our ruminations, we were struck by the lack of bathrooms in this most civilized of cities. It was a problem then (1977, when I grew up) and it’s a problem now (2025). Several performers discreetly made their way to the Disney store a few blocks away, exchanging masonic handshakes, wandering through the dresses devoted to Ariel on the second floor,  to find their bladders miraculously transformed with the help of modern plumbing. When my percussionist had first mentioned the lack of facilities, in a true Don Quixote gesture, I winced with righteous indignation at Sancho’s impudence. How dare you expect that there would be a place to go to the bathroom? In this, the most civilized city in the world. 42^nd street.  Surely they had more important things to do than provide blue plastic port a potties!! What kind of philistine would expect a bathroom in Times Square, the land of prostitution now transformed into Disneyland. We arrived ready to play for Paul: a gorilla was dancing to the left us, promoting another store closure no doubt. Japanese hip hop dancers gyrated to no audience in particular: well dressed and youthful, stars of their own show.

We were a long way from Yeats’ “Sailing to Byzantium”.   Or were we? Life passes by, like a Fellini film, and what remains? A stone from the Byzantium period, projected in pixels on a big white screen, while a 62 year old, middle aged man (that would be me) bleats out a song he wrote when he was 14. Luckily, it only had 3 chords. The poem, on which I based the song, is hard to understand. Is Yeats  talking about visiting Istanbul? Ravenna? Apparently, Yeats visited Ravenna in 1907 and was inspired by the mosaics, to write his poem twenty years later. He didn’t visit Ravenna again (not to mention Istanbul) because he was afraid the bad air would kill him.

I knew nothing about Byzantium when I wrote the song, staring at a pine tree, a pint-sized depressive.  I still don’t. AI tells us:

Byzantium is the original Greek colony  that was founded in the 7^th century. It later became the  capital of the Eastern Roman Empire founded by Constantine; After the Ottoman Empire conquered the city in 1453, it was eventually renamed Istanbul.  Ravenna was the Western Roman empire. Ravenna was the city Yeats visited in 1907 which inspired his poem.

I lived in NYC from 1985 to 1992; like most spoiled brats ( I. borrow the term from my mother), I did so on my parents’ largesse. When I would say something particularly stupid (e.g. I didn’t know there were two twin towers), my music partner would say: “How many years college?” Though I’ve taught in a college for 33 years, I remain as ignorant as the day I was born.  Though I could do a learned  sophistical dance in a college classroom, cobbling together the work of others, I ‘m not sure I can explain what Byzantium or Byzantine means, nor the meaning of Yeats’ poem (and my own song). I remain as ignorant of Yeats and my own song as I was the day I wrote it. Such is inspiration. “If the fool persists in his folly, he will become wise.” If that phrase has a good ring to it, that is because it is not mine but William Blake’s.

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Share Interview Please https://youtu.be/GvAqbbNPXAM?si=pWHOaXY3TF3M-rJb

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https://www.lmglobal.org/2025/05/19/unoc3-new-ways-to-how-effectively-scale-plastic-recycling-societal-change-for-the-collection-of-plastic-can-create-significant-impacts/

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#boatfestival #dragonboat

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EARTHDAY.ORG ANNOUNCES GRAMMY NOMINATED SINGER & ACTRESS ANTONIQUE SMITH AS OFFICIAL AMBASSADOR, EARTH DAY 2025

EARTHDAY.ORG (EDO), the global leader in Earth Day advocacy, observed by over one billion people worldwide every April 22, is thrilled to announce that critically acclaimed singer, actress, CEO, and co-founder of the non-profit climate organization Climate Revival, Antonique Smith, has been named official ambassador for Earth Action Day 2025.

“Every year, we look for new ways to activate and empower people to join the Earth Day movement,” says Kathleen Rogers, President of EARTHDAY.ORG. “This year, we’re excited to have Antonique Smith as official Earth Day Ambassador. Her passion and platform will inspire and motivate individuals to take action—no matter how big or small. Together, we will send a clear message to our elected leaders that we love Earth and will protect it.”

This year marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, and with climate change impacting us all, there’s no better time for collective action to protect our planet.
“Art is in the middle of the word earth, so it’s an honor to use my gifts to make this Earth Day meaningful,” said Antonique Smith. “I’ve dedicated my life to protecting God’s creation, so being named the 2025 Earth Day ambassador is a responsibility I take seriously. I believe in our ability to overcome any challenge. This Earth Day is crucial because our right to clean air, water, and life is at stake. I’m excited to unite the world around Earth Action Day and show that everyone can make a difference. The foundation of it all is love—if we set aside our differences and lean into love for each other and this planet, we can create the world we all hope for.””

Everyone can make a difference. Follow Antonique’s journey as Earth Day’s Ambassador on social media, using #EarthActionDay to showcase your actions for the planet. From signing petitions and letters to your elected leaders demanding they support renewable energy, to reducing your plastic use, registering to vote for climate-conscious officials, organizing an Earth Day rally, roundtable, teach-in or displaying the official Earth Day Poster at your town hall, school, or library, every single action counts. Details here: Earth Action Day.

“We are facing a global climate crisis, and we need an ambassador who represents those suffering from it,” said Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., Hip Hop Caucus President & CEO. “Antonique Smith is not only talented but has also personally experienced the climate crisis, such as with Superstorm Sandy. As a celebrity and CEO leading a climate organization, Antonique understands what’s at stake. Her love and action are what this moment needs, making her a phenomenal choice to raise awareness for Earth Day’s 55th anniversary.”

Antonique has been a passionate climate activist for over 11 years. In 2024, she co-founded Climate Revival, empowering communities of faith and people of color to fight for environmental justice through storytelling, music, and art.

On Thursday, March 6, she will speak on the unjust costs of climate change at the 10th Anniversary HBCU Climate Change Conference in New Orleans, performing “Love Song To The Earth” at 11:15 AM CST. Sunday, March 9, at 2 PM CST, she will be in Houston leading a Climate Revival concert then participating in the March for Future Generations on Monday, March 10, at 11:00 AM CST.

On April 19, she will join a massive beach cleanup in Santa Monica, in collaboration, with Heal the Bay, EARTHDAY.ORG partners. Volunteers will cleanup washed up trash and debris from the LA wildfires. The event begins at 10:00 AM. PST, with Antonique helping the cleanup effort and speaking at 2:00 PM.

Additionally, on Earth Day, April 22, Antonique will perform “Love Song to the Earth” live in Times Square, NYC, at 12:00 PM EST, in collaboration with EARTHDAY.ORG partners, OMMM and the Good News Planet.

“We are so excited to have Antonique Smith join, perform and enhance our concert and broadcast. Her belief in EARTHDAY.ORG tells us that she is the right talent to speak up for Mother Earth. ” Paul Sladkus, Founder of the Times Square Earth and Peace Day Concerts.

Antonique will be participating in events in-person and virtual globally, and starting March 22, 2025, Antonique will begin sharing messages on social media to engage with people worldwide who are taking action for Earth Action Day. From Pakistan to Peru, Armenia to America, Norway to Nicaragua, EARTHDAY.ORG wants to hear from you! Use #EarthActionDay to share how you’re making an impact.

“The point is that everyone can act this Earth Day and every day, to show that we truly care about our planet and want to protect it,” Tom Cosgrove, Chief Creative & Content Officer of EARTHDAY.ORG.

Whatever you do for EARTH ACTION DAY use our Social Media Kit to amplify, share and repost about your actions – let’s make some noise!

About EARTHDAY.ORG: Founded in 1970 by the organizers of the first Earth Day, EARTHDAY.ORG has grown into the world’s largest environmental movement, mobilizing over one billion people annually to protect the planet and its people. Our mission is to diversify, educate, and activate the environmental community globally. This year Earth Day marks its 55th anniversary and has designated this year’s Earth Day theme as Our Power, Our Planet. Learn more at EARTHDAY.ORG.

About: Antonique Smith is an acclaimed Grammy-nominated singer, actress, and activist, known for her roles as Faith Evans in Notorious and Mimi Marquez in Rent on Broadway. Recently, she released a reimagined version of Love Song to the Earth, reflecting her dedication to climate activism. Through her nonprofit, Climate Revival, she empowers communities of faith and people of color to tackle environmental issues using storytelling, music, and art.

Here are the interview questions for the for Good News Broadcast interview:

1. What is Earth Action Day, and how does it align with the mission of EarthDay.org?
2. This year’s theme is “OUR POWER, OUR PLANET.” What does this theme signify, and what inspired the decision behind it?
3. Can you highlight some of the most impactful Earth Day initiatives or events that are happening globally this year? What makes them stand out?
4. How can individuals get involved in Earth Day and contribute to the movement? Could you share some practical actions people can take to reduce their environmental footprint on a daily basis?
5. What role do you think renewable energy will play in our future? What are the most significant developments in this area that you foresee over the next 5 to 10 years?
6. How does EarthDay.org collaborate with businesses, governments, and communities to promote sustainability? What has been the response from these sectors in recent years?
7. Earth Day is often a time to reflect on the state of our planet. In your opinion, what are the most urgent environmental issues we need to address right now, and how can we work together to solve them?
8. How has EarthDay.org used storytelling to inspire action on environmental issues? Can you share any success stories from previous campaigns that have made a measurable impact?
9. Looking ahead to Earth Day 2025, what are your goals for the campaign? How can we create lasting, positive change in environmental practices globally by that time?
10. How does EarthDay.org use digital platforms and innovative media to engage and inspire a global audience in environmental action? What strategies have been most effective in reaching diverse communities?

As discussed, we’d also like to mention our campaigns, i.e. Quizzies, Tool Kits, Fact Sheets. We have so much we want to cover, so we thought this is a good way for us to organize our thoughts. Let me know if there is anything I can clarify. Looking forward to this conversation!

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Robert Forenza at the Toy Show, shares his Good News. What a great promotional item.

#forenza #good #hugg #hugg-a-planet #item #news #planet #promotional #robert #shares #show #toy #huggaplanet

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Listen to “Playa Betty Westside Comedy Club” on Spreaker.

Todd Cederholm shares the Good News at Playa Betty/Westside Comedy Club at 75th and Amsterdam, NY, NY.

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