My Latest Film/ Education Project - Generation Change Screening at Rider University

Ciao Amici, as many of you know I heavily involved in the arts and especially media and film.   I've partnered with Seven13Films and Rider University to present a special screening of the documentary Generation Change.  Our event is coming up on April 19th at Rider University in Lawrenceville, N.J.  Learn more below: 

Seven13 Films and Rider University Present Youth Symposium with Trenton Mayoral Candidates Thursday, April 19, 6:30 p.m.  

Alicia Nieves of CBS 3’s Eyewitness News to Moderate Youth Symposium at Rider University After Special Screening of Documentary ‘Generation Change’

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ, – April 2, 2018 – Seven13 Films and Rider University will present a youth symposium with Trenton Mayoral candidates and moderated by Alicia Nieves of CBS 3’s Eyewitness News. Mayoral candidates in attendance will be Darren Green, Reed Gusciora, Annette Horton-Lartigue, Paul Perez and Walker Worthy Jr. The public event will take place on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at Rider University. Attendees must register in advance through Eventbrite.com.

The symposium will feature today’s youth, who will ask the panel of mayoral candidate’s question on how they would improve the social challenges of Trenton. The youths selected to ask the questions will be from local schools and youth organizations. Each candidate will have limited time to answer each question.

Prior to the youth symposium, seven13 Films will be screening an episode of their docuseries Generation Change and the Rider University students will be screening their featurette Generation Change: It Starts with Us.

“It is amazing to see the film we have created has brought together the world of politics and education all one in place. “says Lee Kolinsky, co-owner of seven13 Films. “With CBS-3 and Alicia Nieves participating in the event, it’s the right step for great things to come.”

Directed and produced by Joseph A. Halsey and written and produced by Kolinsky, the docuseries Generation Change was created with a mission to increase social awareness about issues affecting our local youth. The film features Good Morning America’s Adrienne Bankert and youths from the organization PEI Kids.

 “We created this episode of Generation Change to find out what Trenton youths would do in their community if they were mayor,” says Joseph A. Halsey, co-owner of seven13 Films. “Now, these kids will get a chance to ask the mayoral candidates what they would change if they were elected.” Halsey adds, “Our film was designed to inspire a conversation and promote positive change in the community.”

The event is being planned and produced by Rider University students in “COM341 Publicity Methods,” a course currently being taught by Adjunct Professor Kathy Magrino. Since January, Magrino’s class has been working closely with seven13 Films and media consultant Margaret Fontana of Margaret Fontana Media.

“Producing and promoting this event has provided a great ‘real-world’ learning experience for everyone involved,” Magrino says. “My students and I are very excited to be working with Joe and Margaret and the entire seven13 Films crew. We are so grateful to them for this opportunity and for all of their time and guidance!”

For more information about the event or to register to attend, go to the Eventbrite registration page online: http://bit.ly/RiderScreeningEvent. Or contact Kathy Magrino at kmagrino@rider.edu.

About Generation Change

Generation Change is a docuseries that interviews adjudicated and at-risk Trenton city youth focusing on how they would solve current problems in their community such as building positive relationships with law enforcement and local government. The film features Good Morning America’s Adrienne Bankert and the Official Anthem of Generation Change features singer/actor Badia Farha with recording artist Dominic Jones.  Generation Change anthem produced by Joseph A. Halsey and John Swanhart.

About seven13 Films

Seven13 films is dedicated to providing social messages that spark conversation through the art of filmmaking. With several years of experience in television and film, seven13 films offers comprehensive media strategies designed to drive education, awareness, community outreach and engagement on important public issues.

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Is The Media Playing A Major Role In The Collapse of A World Financial Crisis?

This is a debatable topic. I feel like my answer would be, yes. There is no denying the facts of the global financial crisis because the effects are being felt worldwide and especially here in the United States. I think it's one thing to be informed and watch the news networks, but is our constant need for information poisoning our economic choices? What's to say a stock holder sees a report on one of the money reporting networks and happens to see a forecast of negative news about their particular holdings. Whats to say this information is right? Or is it hear say just to create mild panic and catch your attention for a minute during sweeps? What does the investor do? They dump, sell ..whatever the term is...bottom line, if major investors pull out, they break down the stability of the stock system, which then breaks down the stability of the economy --when this happens in masses. (which it has) Kind of reminds me a little of the movie, "Wall Street." We all know its just not the stock market, but everything else in the economy being reported on, whose giving you the right information without panicked headlines and full of ratings BS? Remember television is a business too, they're just trying to survive. If you like panic stricken headlines then they will give you panic. So, is the media creating false panic and a negative economic ripple effect on a global scale?

By the way, all of this matters to me regardless of my age or background. In fact, this should matter to everyone of my age group and background. Its our future, not the corrupt jackasses selling Senate seats like tickets for a Yankee Stadium seat. Ugh. Tweet

Janet Napolitano, Homeland Security Secretary Sparking Popularity In Italy.

Not only is Janet Napolitano known here in the states as a hard line, no nonsense government official but in Italy she's also drawing curious attention and popularity due to her Italian heritage. Such an interesting concept to read about the perceptions of the Italian people on an Italian American whose family descends from Italy.

Read more about this here:

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2008/12/07/20081207napolitano-italy.html Tweet

The 45th Anniversary of The Assassination of JFK.

Today is the anniversary of the assassination of President Kennedy. Its a day to honor and remember a great President in history. Please see the links below on the anniversary and history behind President Kennedy.
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history.do

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/us_world/JFK-Assassination-Anniversary.html Tweet

Janet Napolitano- Will She Be The Next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security?

Looks like Janet Napolitano will be appointed the new Secretary of The Department of Homeland Security. Napolitano is the Governor of Arizona and attorney general. She's a great candidate for the position with her extensive experience and career. We should be proud, a politician of Italian descent in the new White House government. For more on this:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/19/janet-napolitano-homeland_n_145093.html Tweet

Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Craig In Rome Watching The Election.

Super Celebs, Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Craig were both in town for their movie premieres this week. Leo is promoting "Body of Lies" and Daniel is promoting his new James Bond flick, "Quantum of Solace." Both celebs were due to hit many red carpet events but expressed to both their PR people that they wanted to make sure to be able to watch the US elections instead of attending premiere events and parties. Wow, these celebs are really impressing me. Brains and beauty for these two is just too much for me to handle. Way to go guys!

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BREAKING NEWS...OBAMA WINS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

Senator Barack Obama has won the 2008 Presidential election. Yes, change has come..Congratulations, but I will say ..now let's get back to business and get America back on track. I look forward to the progress. Tweet

Who Did The Italian-American Vote For In The Presidential Election 2008?

Well, I just got back from voting and have to say it was a good experience. I didn't have to wait nor was there any drama in getting in and out of my voting location. As I stood there at the sign in table I was looking around to see the diverse group of people voting and wondering who they are voting for and what is behind their reasoning for voting for that person.

As Italian-Americans, and children of immigrants, first, second, third generations...this election signifies a time in America where change is needed and exercising your right to vote is going to change the outcome of life here in the United States.

I felt very proud going to vote today and my father was happy to know I went and voted too. A sense of overwhelming American pride came over me because I realized as I spoke to my father, who came to this country for this very right (to exercise a vote), that we are beyond lucky.

As I watch coverage on the media channels, I see a lot of talk about the immigrant vote and the overwhelming surge of Latino votes for Obama. It made me think, did many Ethnic-Americans feel a sense of connection with Obama because of his diverse ethnic background? Its an interesting notion. So, who did you vote for and why? Tomorrow morning, hopefully (if there is no drama) we will have our new President. I look forward to a greater tomorrow here in America. Tweet

Happy Election Eve, Let's Discuss How the Italians Are Gearing Up For the American Election.

Well, after writing and talking about the candidates, the election, the issues and the scandals..here we are on the eve of the 2008 Presidential election. I am truly anxious to see how this turns out, whether its a Democrat or Republican. With the intense economical and military situations occurring within the American government, this election has become and will be one of the most important elections of our time. Not only, are the issues great, but for the first time in history, whether it be Democratic or Republicans, there will either be an African-American President or a woman as the Vice-President. We should be proud that we are in this current moment of history.

In preparing for the elections here in the US, we've already seen high voter surge turnouts in early voting states. This is a clear indication that the American people are ready to make changes. Tomorrow, we will go to our designated voting locations and cast our votes. What will be, will be. I was really quite anxious to know the turnouts in the last two elections, but this time around I will be feverishly checking the statistics online and on CNN. I am truly excited for this final outcome.

In sharing our excitement are the Italians. The Italians know and understand that the outcome of the next elected President is also very relevant to their lives. With foreign policy, military issues, war and the current economic crisis, the outcome of the next elected President will definitely have a huge effect on the European markets and especially in Italy.

With so much excitement brewing here in the states with after parties scheduled for victory on both sides, the Italians have also begun to party plan for their candidate's victory party. For example, the Democrats Abroad have organized a very large result party in Rome. The Americans living abroad have taken a large role in organizing and involving others to participate in this year's election. In an overwhelming show of support, it seems many Italians and many other European citizens have decided that Senator Obama is their candidate of choice. I think its safe to say, whoever becomes President should receive and will receive the support of their fellow Americans. We must remember to keep the cause united and not divided by party. Happy Voting! Tweet

What is the Electoral College and Does My Vote Really Count?

With the past elections of Bush/Gore, and Bush/Kerry, many Americans were left thinking what the hell is an electoral college and why didn't my vote count? If the majority of my state voted Gore or Kerry then why did the Electoral College dictate the outcome of the past elections? When these two scenarios occurred years ago, we were left thinking what just happened, why is Florida a toss up and how did this guy get elected?

With the election looming on us this Tuesday, we are again faced with this realization of rules, votes and an electoral college. I'm no history professor or government guru but I can tell you to better understand the election process its best to do your homework. Getting into the voting booth is good but that's not enough, as Americans we need to know about the electoral college and its major role in this election.

It might not mean anything as far as you personally changing anything, but the bottom line is to vote--no matter what. The process and definitions are far to in depth for a non-expert like me to tell you, so I will suggest you get this site asap and start reading about the voting process and details. You may have been absent that day in school when electoral votes were discussed, then again..I think most of America was absent when this was discussed. Again, education is key. Take a look.

http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/faq.html Tweet

Maria Bartiromo- Italian American News Anchor Scoring Top Interviews on CNBC.

With the financial markets in such turmoil lately, we are getting to see more of our fellow Italian American financial market anchor on a daily basis. Just yesterday Maria had an exclusive interview with Senator John McCain and Sarah Palin. Her interview was directed with the economy as the number one topic for discussion. As the home stretch for the election is upon us, hard questions and much needed answers are sought, so who better to get the answers in an eloquent manner but Maria. She did a great job interviewing the duo, even though she may not have gotten straight answers.

Take a look at the clip:
http://www.cnbc.com/id/27418473 Tweet

One Week Left Till the Presidential Election Vote For 2008.

We have one week left till the election on November 4, 2008. A voter surge is expected in many states and has occurred even with absentee ballots and early voting. With America in the current situation that it stands in, we must contribute our vote in the hope that the outcome will help us. I understand many young voters are uninspired and just think their vote doesn't count or really have no clue about the candidates or what they stand for. I say, get educated, if you love the Internet, Google search the candidates, find out what they represent and what they hope to accomplish. Start here, start somewhere, being an absentee citizen who is uninspired just isn't going to fly.

Get out and vote -NOVEMBER 4, 2008.

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Who is "Joe the Plumber?" and Enough With Him Already!!!

OK, so here I am back to politics and my opinions. I just can't seem to get away from catching news clips of John McCain talking about "Joe the Plumber." I think its time we broadened the spectrum a bit and stopped with the generalizing. Yes, its true many Americans are small business owners but not everyone is, nor is everyone in the same comparable situation. Its really quite hard to tell if "Joe the Plumber" is really relevant to my life and millions of other Americans. I mean, come on ..last I checked yes, plumbers do work hard but it doesn't mean all plumbers are struggling business owners. Many plumbers are actually quite successful and maybe dare I say could be "doing OK."

Yes, I also understand McCain is trying to say, "Joe the Plumber" is middle America, struggling business owner, yada, yada..but really...this isn't helping me. I'm in my 30s, college degree, more or less corporate jobber, with no job security. Where's my shout out..."Margie the non-plumber." I think its time again for someone in the McCain camp to whisper in John's ear that he needs to stop talking about 'Joe the Plumber,' and start talking about the other billions of Americans who are suffering from a backed up sewer system of an economy. Maybe then we can call "Joe the Plumber." Till then. Tweet

The Final Debate.

Did you tune into your final debate coverage last night? I personally liked the set up of this final debate where the candidiates were sitting more comfortably and from a viewer stand point it made the debate more engaging. Instead of focusing on the awkward movements of the candidates freestyling around the room, the round table effect was definitely more interesting based on the actual conversation.

The debate for me was as always a bit redundant but with an added new topic from the moderator on abortion. This was really interesting to see how the candidates skated around this topic because its probably one of the most controversial stances for any candidate to tackle. I was pleased with Senator Obama's answer and felt Senator McCain was a little more generalizing. I think where the candidates differ is in their specifics and generalities.

For instance, Senator Obama gives specifics and Senator McCain is constantly repeating and generalizing. Look at this point, I think you can see where I am leaning but I will say, who ever does win this election I will support either one of these candidates just as long as the common interest is to better and improve our current state of chaos in the United States. I look forward to the tail of end of this election campaign and am eager to get in the voting booth this November. Tweet

Obama & McCain, Last Night's Debate.

Last night's debate was far more intense than the last debate..this I will say. It almost seemed like McCain was more determined than ever to make a point and was trying very hard. On the other hand, Obama seemed very cool and collected, responding at the right moments and keeping the focus straight on the economy.

These two men must be so tired of saying the same things over and over again..it was actually obvious with McCain, at one point said the same thing three times in one sentence. I almost get nervous and embarrassed for him, it was awkward. My critique of both candidates is that neither one of them offered better information from the last debate. I felt like it was a review from the last one. I realize its probably hard for them to say or promise anything in this stage but really these aren't normal times and require vital leadership.

By the way, I'm not sure if anyone else has thought about this issue, but whatever happened to "illegal immigration" as a large topic. Has anyone thought that maybe the loss of jobs to tons or I should millions of illegal immigrants has contributed to the economic landslide as well.

I mean really lets think about it, illegals make money, they don't pay taxes, and technically get good health care if they present themselves in a walk in clinic. I'm not against immigrants and wish all immigrants a chance to make a better life in America. But, here's the thing, my parents who are immigrants, had to do it the right way and the legal way. There is no reason why everyone is now exempt. This is where the government should have also taken responsibility and control when the influx started. Its now completely out of control.

In conclusion, I found the debate to be more interesting than the last, but we have a long way to go based on the current events. Election Day can't come soon enough. Tweet

Political Ads

Just for the record, the ads presented on this blog page do not represent my affiliation to anything. They're just ads, that appear with key words such as Palin, which is basically media over-saturation. Just saying. PS- Did you catch the SNL clip of Tina Fey as Sarah Palin? Really she's quite good, they could be related.

Go To:
youtube.com or hulu.com for the best of these parody clips. Tweet

Biden-Palin...Who Won This Debate?

Wow, what a debate last night. Not really, that was the lamest and most un-informative debate I have ever seen. Biden, who is experienced and knows about the issues was completely unchallenged and quite frankly, I felt like it was almost embarrassing for him to be put up against Sarah Palin, who really was well rehearsed on the issues she really knows nothing about.

I usually don't make my political standing a public knowledge factor but, I think what boiled down last night was the mere fact that Sarah Palin really looked like the actress playing a vice-presidential candidate. She's fitting a mold for the Republican party and its not quite apparent if she really gets it. It was all a little too scary for me. Tweet

"O Sole Mio," Takes on a Whole New Meaning: Italy is Expected To Take Solar Power to the Next Level.

In today's turbulent times of gaining access to renewable energy resources, Italy is expected to become the number location in the world to take on the task of becoming the next solar hot spot for solar energy. Undeniably, we are under the gun to find renewable resources and if Italy can be a major contributor to developing more solar energy, I say cut the red tape and lets get it rolling.

If you tuned into the Democratic and Republic conventions, talking about renewable energy resources was the number topic for both presidential and vice presidential candidates. If you think about it, we are committed to two wars based on natural resources, some might say its not about energy or oil but let's get real...and just call it what it is.

I'm not a scientist, nor do I claim to be one, but I would almost bet that in the United States we could pursue more avenues of using or developing renewable energy. I don't see a lot of incentive to use other available natural resources. We need to start educating the American population on renewable energy and resources. While we're at it, implement education on recycling. We've lost our Green education somewhere along the way and this is why Europe is moving full speed ahead on green technology.

I'm excited to see how the solar energy project in Italy develops in the next year. Let's stay posted on this topic because it really benefits everyone.

For more information on this topic, visit: http://www.enn.com/energy/article/38068

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Democrats or Republicans...Who is the Italian American going to vote for?

Ok, so first and foremost, I will start this blog by saying I am American first. I have to say I was literally exhausted watching the Democratic and Republican conventions last week and the week before. Without showing my party hat..I have to say both conventions were pretty interesting. Starting out with the DNC, it was an inspirational moment of the American people projecting a great America. So, many of my close friends or colleagues are obviously not so inspired by the Dems and felt that the DNC was a big rock concert with celebrities. Yes, I guess some of it was, but the truth is it was about getting real and making a clear plan for the middle class and those who don't have voices.

The Dems tried to convey the message about taking back the White House and making America great again. For me, the Dems are definitely on a good track, I grew up in a middle-class home, my father and mother immigrants. We are the "American Dream."

On the other hand, I can also see the Repubs point of view but its a harder one to swallow. Our fellow Italian-American Rudy Giuliani was out in full force for his speech on the night of the RNC. It was wild, he was wild. Make no mistake, I have great respect for RG, and loved when he was the Mayor of NYC. Remember, I worked in NYC for many years, so after 9/11, we all looked to RG for guidance and he delivered. But I think the great thing about being American is that we can agree to disagree and choose what we want. Much love to RG.

But getting back to it, I feel many born and bred Americans forget that so many people emmigrated to this great country for a better life. For the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. Being an American is an amazing thing, you have everything because opportunity allows you to have it. Its about working hard and living a good life.

My father sometimes gets discouraged when he sees how hard it is for myself and my siblings to make it in these times. Buying a house, (not so easy), getting a good paying job (not so easy), having good health care (not so easy), getting a college degree (not so easy.) He remembers a time in America when the idea was about growing a great government that could lead the American people into prosperous times.

He brags about the time when he arrived in the USA, and remembers how getting work was possible and how employers valued a person's skills and time. He was amazed at how great his new life as an American would be. Now, let's also remember this a guy who grew up in a Mussolini-Fascist world. So, if anyone knows the value of freedom, its my father. Who is by the way, also an American citizen since day one of stepping foot on this soil.

Today, we're faced with outsourcing, and where your college degree doesn't seem so special anymore and it doesnt guarantee you a great job. Well, now we are in a historic time of change. Pardon my French, but its time to 'shit or get off the pot.' We're down and out but I have faith in our government and the American way of life, where opportunity and prosperity are real things. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness don't just seem like words anymore..it will be what brings us to a better tomorrow here in America.

As Italian-Americans we have to remember how we all got here. They said lets go to America because we can have a better life, its a place where opportunity, freedom and prosperity are available to all, not just the rich. Its about the common man making a greater life for his family and the generations to come. Italian-Americans are a great backbone to this country. Make our voices count and get out and vote this year!!

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