Time Magazine Remembers 9/11

Ten years after 9/11, I’m still at a loss for words for how to describe the events of that horrible day, when horror and heroism collided on the streets of New York.  The shocking images of perhaps America’s darkest, most unfathomable hour continues to reverberate.

But as the 10th anniversary of 9/11 passes, I find myself drawn more to stories of survival than images of destruction.

If you feel the same then don’t miss Time Magazine’s special report, “Beyond 9/11: Portraits of Resilience”, a graceful, masterful collection of testimonies and tributes that say everything you need to know about character and fortitude.

Bravo, Time.

PSST! Digital Stories... Pass it on!

 It’s hard to believe that there are those among us who, 121 days out, are talking about the holidays—then again, my local Target is schlepping seasonal décor while it's still 100 degrees outside, so what do I know? So for all you early birds, a gift:

Let me introduce you to the digital narrative—a personal documentary featuring anecdotes and photos that, woven together, serve as a sort of timeline of one’s life. Consider it the next evolution of “slides,” only those you actually want to see.

Intrigued? Then check out Reel Tributes, a DC-based company that produces “Documentaries of a Lifetime” for everyday folks with the assistance of legit filmmakers, an oral historian and a genealogy expert who are far more skilled at digital storytelling than your iPhone.  Their aesthetically slick tribute films reveal compelling backstories, unearth little known stories and reveal commemorative insight about someone you suspected may have been on the lam, but could never confirm. (I’m pinching myself too.)

Or, you could make it a real production out of things and try your own hand at filmmaking. On the West Coast, the Center for Digital Storytelling, a Berkeley non-profit, holds workshops for those who want to manage their own digital story project or wider community initiative.  Here, experienced facilitators offer creative direction and technical assistance to novice digital filmmakers.

Learn more about how the art of personal history here: http://www.reeltributes.com/view/.

A New Chapter for West Side Story!

Head’s up, collectors: The 50th Anniversary Edition of West Side Story on Blu-ray drops November 15. The score! The dancing! The costumes! It's Jets and Sharks, people, and this musical lover can’t wait.

No matter what team you’re on (Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em), no one can argue that West Side Story is quintessential in its importance to popular history and—no offense to The Sound of Music—the gold standard of all movie musicals, netting 10 Oscars, including one for Best Picture in 1962 that forever cemented its standing as iconic Americana. This version promises to bring pop culturists and film lovers to their feet with plenty of tech upgrades (think 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio—whatever that means—and hours of restoration), a tribute CD, 10 collectible postcards, and a hardcover tome. All together these James Bond bells and whistles make this four-discer must-have merch.

Even better, Blu-ray will breathe new life to West Side Story’s award-winning score (a stunner from Leonard Bernstein) and performances (a scorcher by Rita Moreno)—not like it needed it, but still.

Check out the original West Side Story theatrical trailer! 

The Whole Tory: Designer Gives “Thanks to the Memories”

 I just finished reading the September issue of O Magazine and must trumpet its brief Q&A with designer Tory Burch.

The stylemaker offers an intriguing list of “bests,” but it is her response to “Best Gift to Myself”—an ongoing letter to her children that she has been writing since their birth—that struck me as an especially good example of personal history. Burch’s lengthy dispatch to her twin boys already has filled the pages of two journals with keepsake recollections and memories. I can think of no more literal interpretation of “the gift that keeps on giving” than honoring and passing down one's history to those who means the most.

Read O’s entire Q&A with Tory Burch and let me know what family heirloom best reflects your history.

Spielberg’s “WAR HORSE” Gallops Into Theatres

After seeing the new trailer for Steven Spielberg’s WWI opus “War Horse,” I honestly cannot understand the ongoing beef that so many “film enthusiasts” seem to have with the master lensman. Certainly it’s not for a lack of chops—the man can make a movie. So what if his films make millions, appeal to the masses, and win Oscars—get over it, hipsters.

The latest in Spielberg’s oeuvre, “War Horse” is based on a young adult novel that tells the story of Joey, a horse sold to the army for duty on the Western Front. There he witnesses the horrors of trench warfare, brings comfort to the men who fight it, and longs to be reunited with a farmer’s son, the crestfallen Albert. I love that “War Horse” tackles familiar historical territory from the POV of a homesick colt while recognizing the role that horses played in brutal battles for centuries.

With chest-tightening military sequences and an alienated young boy at its center, “War Horse” has the makings of Spielberg gold—namely, Hollywood’s most coveted gilded statue.

Check out the War Horse trailer – complete with another three-hanky score from John Williams.

Go Postal! Decorating With Vintage Postcards

I love the stories that old postcards tell. Recently I came across a stash of these inspiring cast-offs wasting away in a dusty shoebox (pity, I know). If, like me, you are always on the hunt for cost-effective alternatives to high-priced design for your digs, incorporate this recycled craft into your décor. It’s a quick, thrifty fix and a great way to merge the past with the present. Just make sure there is one overriding theme to eliminate visual chaos (I’m partial to retro travel messengers).

Here, ways to adorn with old postcards on the cheap from some of my go-to resources.

1. Invest in low-cost wall art—HomeLife.com shows you how.

2. No headboard? No problem—source chicer slumber from the creative folks at Sunset Magazine.

3. Make a lovely tabletop collage with DIY tips from Dispatch from L.A.

4. Office lacking panache? Hang a postcard holder. I love this one from Apartment Therapy.

Afghanistan Rebuilds; Restoration Works International Recruits

Casualties of global conflicts are myriad. Those in Afghanistan have and continue to be well reported. There is a really interesting story on NPR’s Morning Edition about the restoration of two massive 6th century Buddha statues in the Bamiyan Valley of central Afghanistan destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. According to NPR’s report, these monuments were erected centuries before Islam came to the region. Listen to the NPR story here.

To learn more about historical and cultural restoration, or to get involved, check out Restoration Works International. Formerly known as the Cultural Restoration Tourism Project, this good will, good works organization recruits volunteers to help restore civic structures in communities through the world while providing them with a unique, cross-cultural immersion experience that has economic and social benefit to the region. Take a peek at the org’s work in the Nepali village of Chhairo and join an upcoming project. Fall trips are filling up!