Culture Tag

Finally, a film that captures the very heart of America -- hope, courage, and the belief that anyone, regardless of background or circumstance, can achieve the American Dream. Comeback, a powerful mini series by Opportunity Lives, explores the lives of a handful of individuals who overcame adversity to live a life they never dreamed possible. The teaser for the first episode is being released tomorrow and the full series will be available for viewing on Opportunity Lives' website March 17. Helping individuals better themselves, operating out of love and compassion, and instilling in them a sense of self worth is how we begin to repair America's cultural wounds; it's how communities who've struggled with poverty and violence climb out of a seemingly endless destructive cycle. While Comeback is not a political film, it's vital watching for anyone involved in politics, grassroots work, or interested in making a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need. John Hart, Editor-in-Chief of Opportunity Lives had this to say about Comeback:

Opportunity Lives is proud to release the trailer for an extraordinary new seven-part miniseries called “Comeback” that tells inspiring stories of real-life Americans overcoming adversity in our nation’s cities and communities. The complete series will be available on March 17. At OL, we’re focused on solutions and “what works.” That’s what Comeback is about. The film, which is a feature-length documentary from start to finish, highlights what’s working in some of our nation’s most troubled communities. What works is people caring for people one-on-one and walking with them through their journey of redemption and restoration. Over the course of the next few days we’ll be introducing you to some of those people. You’ll meet men like Greg Bradford who overcame addiction with the help of his friend and mentor Paul Grodell (both featured in the above poster). You’ll meet more people like Greg and Paul as we release trailers for each episode until the full series is available on March 17.

America has lost one of its most iconic actors. Leonard Nimoy is dead at age 83.

Leonard Nimoy, best known for playing the role of Spock in the "Star Trek" movies and television series has died at age 83, his rep confirmed to FOX411. Nimoy was taken to the hospital earlier this week and treated for lung disease. His son told the Associated Press he died in Los Angeles. The actor wrote on Twitter last month that he suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, despite quitting smoking 30 years ago. On Sunday, he tweeted: "A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. "

It's not everyday llamas make national news. And it's not everyday I have an opportunity to write a headline with about a llama. According to Fox News:

Two escaped llamas sparked a high-speed chase in Sun City, Ariz., this afternoon. Police and residents alike swarmed the black and white llamas in an attempt to capture the two outlaws, who ran through the streets from their attempted captors. The llama drama came to an end after the partners-in-crime were lassoed and caught.

BROWN PEOPLE, Hispanic Politics and the Disunited State of Amigos by Javier Manjarres is an entertaining and eye-opening look at America's Hispanic community, and the author's personal experiences as a citizen activist and conservative pundit. This spirited book is essential reading for those who want an enhanced understanding of the complexities of this expanding group of voters. Manjarres, the son of Colombian immigrants, is the Managing Editor of The Shark Tank, which offers "biting commentary on anyone and anything that comprises Florida Politics." He was voted 2011 CPAC Blogger of the Year and was acknowledged by FreedomWorks for his efforts during the 2010 election cycle. He was credited as being the "tip of the spear" of Senator Marco Rubio's campaign for U.S. Senate in 2010, and helped lead Rubio to victory over sitting Governor Charlie Crist. Here is a recent appearance by Manjarres on Newsmax TV in which he discusses the evolving relationship with Cuba:

This story hits a little too close to home. Yesterday, Republican state Rep. David Moore introduced House Bill 365 in the House Judiciary Committee. The bill would redefine "provocative clothing" in such a way that the wearing of yoga pants in public would be outlawed. According to the Billings Gazette:

A Montana legislative panel has moved to kill a bill that would tighten the state's indecent exposure law and consequently ban some provocative clothing. Members of the House Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to table House Bill 365 Wednesday. Republican Rep. David Moore introduced it on Tuesday. The proposal would have expanded the definition of indecent exposure to include garments that give the appearance of a person's buttocks, genitals, pelvis or female nipple. Moore said the bill could outlaw some provocative clothing, and later said he thinks yoga pants should be illegal in public.

Every once in a while, fortune favors those who work hard enough to earn it. This is one of those times. Last week, the Detroit Free Press ran a story about a man named James Robertson. For the past ten years, 56 year-old James has dealt with a 21 mile commute back and forth between Detroit, Michigan and a factory in Rochester Hills. 21 miles doesn't seem like such a big deal---unless, of course, you don't have a car or available public transportation. When James' car died a decade ago, he kept going to work; only now, he had to walk. James' situation began to catch the attention of the community after the Free Press went to print; since then, his story has taken on a life of its own. A complete stranger started a GoFundMe account with the intent of raising a couple thousand dollars towards a "beater" car to help lessen James' burden. As of about 6 am on February 8, this is the balance of that account:

The race relations debate in America has become a caricature of its former self. What was once a serious conversation about ending discrimination and hatred has become a three ring circus of hand-wringing and recriminations over whose office, TV show, or university has the largest representation of minority members. It's not a question of sharing cultural elements, or learning a new language; all that really matters to the race relations brigade these days comes down to hard numbers---how many of you are there?---and regular reminders about the dangers of "cultural appropriation," making it nearly impossible for America to enjoy its status as a world class melting pot. This is why I fully endorse any and all attempts to lampoon the Very Important Concerns© of those who make it their mission in life to question my commitment to love and equality. In his latest edition of "Pedestrian Questions," comedian Jimmy Kimmel did just that---and managed to make his own point about race relations in America (even if it happened by accident.)

If you were hoping to dust the snow off the lawn chair to start working on your tan, you're going to have to wait a few weeks, at least according to Punxsutawney Phil. Phil the groundhog saw his shadow today, so six more weeks of winter it is. Punxsutawney Phil is no stranger to controversy though. According to the Washington Post:

Last year, Phil also saw his shadow — the final nail in the coffin for what was one of the most brutally long winters in the U.S. The unrelenting winter dragged on through March in many places in 2014. Around D.C., many locations accumulated more than 30 inches of snow last winter, and Phil chalked another one up in the “verified” column.