A: Is for the attack of the "Care Bears"

Were you ever this cool at twelve? On Fri, Sept 28th – 8:00PM Care Bears on Fire
CD RELEASE PARTY “I Stole Your Animal” will be held at Southpaw 125 5th Ave in Brooklyn, NY. These pre-tweens from Brooklyn write punk tunes about creepy dudes on MySpace with a gleeful sneer that's more convincing than most people twice their age. Scarey to believe but the members of Care Bears on Fire aren't even old enough to get a learner's permit, but inside each of them beats the heart of a punk rocker. According to New York Magazine “...They rock with impressive skill." Sophie, Izzy and Lucio met in kindergarten where they mostly ignored each other. Then in the beginning of 4th grade the three of them and a friend of theirs began playing music together after school in Lucio's basement. Usually like 75% of practice was stealing and hiding each other's shoes, eating sugar and complaining about school. Then in 5th grade after a freak accident caused by a green gummie bear melting onto a live wire of a Fender amp--they were visited by the specter of a giant care bear who spoke in a voice like Thurston Moore and told them to go forth and rock as Care Bears On Fire! They still practice in Lucio's basement but only during the week so the neighbors aren't freaked out by the AWESOME NOISE! Now only about 50% of practice time is spent throwing stuff and eating sugar. These little kids are great. Log onto myspace.com/carebearsonfire to hear them. Talent isn't an age it's a force and that is a F.A.C.T.

F: Is for finally back and fraud

Well as of this morning we are back, thanks to Tom and all his hard work. Our address has changed to www.xplorefacts.blogspot.com because blogger will not except our server where our domain name lives. Please read down because I did write even though we could not be found and they're were some terrific finds. If you'll notice on last Thursday's column I thought we were back, but alas no. Tom's roof fell in and while he was waiting for the contractors, viola he found a way. Look shortly though for a formulated website. I have to think of how I want it to look and then look for exciting sponsors, great give aways and who knows where my brain will go.

Since I have decided I am happier writing and I really now like TV and Film as long as I don't have to watch myself, I decided to sell off my play collection which is intense. I went to craigslist since I have always had the best of luck with them and placed an add. Simple enough, right? Wrong! The person who answered me was a scam artist. At first I didn't catch on as I wanted the plays to go to an artist or a lover of literature. Then he used two e-mails, wanted me to ship them and play the shipper which he would reimburse me and he would pay me in a cashiers check. Warning bells went off as last year I did a student film for "The University of Berkley" so I thought. I'm from California and sang with San Francisco's Opera company and did shows at ACT not a problem. It took three months to get my check. Finally it arrived and I made sure it was good then deposited it in my bank. What ensued next was a nightmare. I am on a first named bases with an FBI agent since the check was counterfeit. My bank life went through hell and back and I have still yet to have recovered. Now I am fighting back. Mark Hill/Copper Wood you been outed. Reported to three agencies. What gives you the right to mess with a persons head, their life and their soul. I'm mad as hell and I'm not taking it any more. Got that!

By the way if you think this has gotten me down it hasn't. Life is a series of trials and tribulations. We go through things to move forward in our journey. Normally I have to learn lesson more than most but I'm begining to think it's so I'll speak out for those who can't. Mark or whoever you are, not cool! Speaking out and righting a wrong, way cool and that is a F.A.C.T.

S: Is for social injustice of Americans

During Fashion Week I was at an event that had information for a "Keep a chld alive". This organization is the response to the AIDS pandemic ravaging Africa. With 25 million already dead, the disease continues, wiping out whole societies, threatening economic infrastructure and creating tragic devastation in the family structure. 15.2 million children worldwide have lost one or both parents to AIDS.

Now don't get me wrong this organization does wonderful things for children with AIDS in Africa but it will not help children in America. I know because I asked. Most organizations in this country that help children will help any child except it's own. Think I'm lying or misinformed? Ask them yourself. The reasoning is because of the legalities involved. We will pay for a child from another country to fly over here. Get onto welfare. Get the best doctors, yet the child that lives down the street, nope. Tough out of luck. Celebrities lend their names and fame for others. Why not closer to home? AIDS is an epidemic and lives everywhere. Here it is only thought of as a crime for being gay. In America over 11,000 people under 25 were diagnosed with AIDS. Here we quarantine them to houses where they died. Think I'm over dramatizing? Do the research.

Do not think I am heartless. Africa's numbers are greater than ours. When you see films such as "The Constant Gardner" the ethics of "WHO" become disturbing. I think health care should be for all those who need it. I just find it disheartening to live in country where others receive better treatment than it's citizens. Where do we go for help? It's hard to find a F.A.C.T. for that.

T: Is for a blogger missing and theatre a coming

So if you read me you know since last Friday this blog went a-missing. It took a week to figure out where it went. It turns out where we have our domain name register and blogger were at odds and it was godaddy where in lied the problem. All in all it has been a good lesson for us because this was always meant to be a test run for it's own site. Now it will happen sooner rather than later. Look for updates on the progress and developments that will soon to ensue.
I have been writing so please read the columns F.A.C.T. to see what new and exiting fashions have been strutting their forms down runways. Some new as well as previous discovered designers graced those columns. This is a wonderful DiNeila bracelet and earrings. Cassie from New York Couture brought out the childlike joy of fashion week and a 24 year old was a stand out.

I have been filming a lot and now I will be reading the stage directions for a new theatre production. Theatrelab Productions is run by my landlord and friend Caroline Thomas and embraces all cultures through her writing and company. Check out www.totaltheatrelab.com to read more. I helped redesign this site. I include the flyer so if you want to check out this fledgling company you can.

T: is for troubles that make you move forward and for theatre that lends the world a compassionate voice and that is a F.A.C.T.

C: Is for Cinema

Gathering in the middle of Fashion week supporters of the Accompanied Literary Society attended the New York premiere of "In the Valley of Elah". Starring were Tommy Lee Jones, Susan Sarandon and Charlize Theron and written directed by Paul Haggis, the man responsible for the Best Film of 2004, Crash. Loosely based on the article “Death and Dishonor,” by Mark Boal, first published in Playboy in May 2004, it recounts the tale of a father’s search for answers to shed light on the murder of his son, just returned from service in Iraq. Though the subject matter is intense, it is a must see. This could be another Academy Award nomination for Paul Haggis. Following the screening, attendees decamped to Jour et Nuit, where a silent and live auctions were held for the benefit of a new cultural center in downtown Manhattan. Among the items on a stay at Casa Genotta, onetime home of Eugene O’Neill on Sea Island, Georgia, and dinner with a Victoria’s Secret model (plus two of her equally bubbly friends). But what took everyone by surprise and tickled at its charming, necessary yet never talked about: a small black envelope labeled, "diNeial Brazil’s The morning after Kit, … walk of pride”. This package was a fabulous thong designed by new Brazilian-Italian designer Neila G. Rudden who also donated a stunning diamond pendant for the charity’s silent auction. “The package really lightened up everyone who had just attended this intense movie”.

This writer wrote about diNeial's fashions last month and ended up in the style section looking at DiNeila's amazing jewelry with Lee Martins and that is a F.A.C.T.

A: Is for the art of clothing and New York Couture

I met Cassie last year when she posted an add looking for someone to write her press release. Since then I have come to admire and relish her shows. They are fresh, inspirational, cutting edge, irreverent and tons of fun. She makes downtown clothing that is whimsical and allows the kid inside to experiment and remember that even though young is sexy, it is also playful. She threw her soiree this year at Element @ 225 E. Houston Street. This club was perfect for her fashion and her following. Cassie definitely has a loyal fan base and this showing was for them. She is an eclectic 24 year old who believes that clothes can transform a person. New York Couture is a way to express yourself and Cassie has no prejudices. A lot of her models are drag queens who look amazing in the highest of shoes that most women would be cringing at. Her gift bags were a delight filled with goodies from: Makeup Forever - Bust Magazine - Peta2- Venus Magazine - Shiny Mama Cosmetics-Izzy Drinks -Chocolove - Splash Cool- The Fashion Journal - We Love Colors tights and BlueQ. I mention the bag because the tights that were so amazing in the show were the "We Love Colors tights". These tights are splashy, and an asset and must have for every wardrobe this winter. Cassie has been having a ball creating one-of-a-kind dresses for the punk/glam set. With a mix of out-there embellishments in lace, tie-dye, and devil-may-care vintage restorations, this collection is fearless. She has not left her devotees bored. Instead she has wow'd them with fantasy and childhood memories.Inspired by Marjan Pejoski (he made Bjork’s swan dress), John Galliano, Vivienne Westwood, but it is Patricia Field who is her mentor. Spreading by word-of-mouth, her collection grew to the point that it is now sold in over 20 stores in the United States, Canada, and Japan. With all the seriousness of fashion week. the biggest disappointment this season was the lack of color in both fashions and the faces that wore them. Always a blast, and a clever refreshing look at street style and punk fashion, Cassie says "let's go out and party".

I add Cassie to the art section for this "Under the Sea" creation. Sometimes fashion is art, just ask Cassie and that is a F.A.C.T.

F: Is for Fashion International style.

Last week was the world wind of fashions springing forth in multitude. Though some of the top designers were wonderful the best shows are the lesser known. Let's start with the top designers. I can start off by saying the spring collection was torn between wanting to look like sunflowers or the bees pollinating them. Yes black and that sickening shade of yellow were paired in everything. They also say when the length of skirts goes down so does the economy so get ready for a fall in the stock market because not only have hems gone lower but the clothes themselves were down right depressing. Enter The Li Cari label. At 19 Jazmin Whitley is the youngest designer to strut her designers at fashion week. With her fresh and edgy style inspired by classic beauty combined with modern wearable comfort, Ms. Whitley brings a meticulous quality to her garments. They are beautifully cut and fit each body like they were made for them. Its no wonder that Li Cari is attracting hip clients like Mariel Hemingway, Blu Cantrell, Michelle Stafford (The Young and the Restless), Sara Carter, Erica Rose (Bachelor), Jo De La Rosa, Victoria Justice (Zoey 101), Aimee Teegarden (Friday Night Lights), singer Monet Monico and Alex M (Laguna Beach) to name a few, Jazmin Whitley has also dressed many other celebrities for red carpet events. There were at least five outfits I would of bought on the spot.

Sometimes we buy fashion because we like what the designer stands for. It's an investment in personalities as well as the design. World-renowned Turkish fashion designer Rabia Yalcin traditional background and the sensual garments she creates are a mosaic of textiles builds an extraordinary bridge between East and West. Influenced by her native country’s history, Ms. Yalcin's collections are rooted in the opulence of the Ottoman rule, a time in which dress makers dedicated great time and care in creating lavish wardrobes. Her clothes and handmade accessories showcase intricate embroidery and detail, inspired by this rich history, and are interwoven with modern fabric. “Fashion should not confine women, but rather nurture their individuality and enhance their unique beauty and spirit. What’s most important to me is that the soul of my customer is reflected in the piece I design.” Rabi is still a women of her cultural background and religious beliefs. Though her clothes are sexual she herself does not show her even her hair. Though I do love this dress I must admit the rest was a little over the top for me. I love simplicity. I would however buy a piece of hers because her message is something I stand for and that is a F.A.C.T.