Video Friday: "The Cove" Premiere with Paul Watson

It's Video Friday! And if you live in LA, then you're extra lucky.

Tonight is a special screening of the movie The Cove with Paul Watson at The Landmark Theatre at 7:30. Winner of the 2009 Audience Award at Sundance, along with many other awards, The Cove is a film about the secret world of dolphin hunting in Japan. New York Magazine called the film "passionate, exciting, and frightening," andThe Huffington Post called it "the year's most exciting film." Read today's New York Times review here.

Learn about The Cove here and be sure to check out the intense trailer below.(Note: It's a little cut off. But that's ok.)

EPA looks at effects of waste plants on minorities, poor - LA Times

"The Environmental Protection Agency is focusing on the effect of hazardous waste recycling plants on minorities and low-income communities.

The move hearkens back to a Clinton-era executive order that required federal agencies to consider the effect of their policies on disadvantaged communities. Although the Bush administration largely ignored the mandate, Obama-appointed EPA administrator Lisa P. Jackson has promised to analyze those effects.

Under the Bush administration, hazardous waste recycling plants had a free pass to process more than 1 million pounds of toxic material without federal oversight. In Los Angeles and other areas, such plants are disproportionately located in low-income communities and communities largely populated by non-whites, maps created by Earthjustice show.

Hundreds of hazardous waste recycling facilities in the United States, including 29 in California, have been classified as "damage cases" based on factors such as soil and water contamination that cause lasting health and environmental effects on the areas that surround them.

Earthjustice said the federal agency's decision to consider race and class in relation to hazardous waste plant locations marks a "sea change" for the EPA. But some environmental justice advocates point out that the inequality continues.

For example, coal ash from a spill in east Tennessee in December has been relocated to areas largely populated by African Americans in Alabama and Georgia, said Robert Bullard of the Environmental Justice Resource Center at Clark Atlanta University.

'Shipping toxic waste to communities of color is not green," Bullard said. "It's mean and it's unjust and some of us think it should be illegal.'"

Read the rest of this The LA Times piece here. Learn more about Environmental Activist Robert Bullard here.

Expenses to Budget for When Bringing in a Speaker

You’ve decided on a fabulous speaker for your upcoming event. The date is set. You’re getting excited . . . But there are still a few details to work out. Like the budget.

You’ve already factored in the speakers fee, sure. But besides that, what other expenses should your organization budget? Although not all of the following ideas will apply to you, it’s helpful to keep them in mind when planning.

Travel: Will the speaker be traveling via train, airplane, or car? (Please note: If the speaker is traveling via train or plane, will someone from your organization be picking up the speaker upon their arrival?)

Accomodations: Does the speaker live nearby? If not, will he/she be staying in a hotel?

Food: Although many of our speakers are superhuman, they typically need food to sustain themselves…Just like you and me! Will there be food available at the event or perhaps a dinner reception?

Promotional Material: You’ll certainly be promoting the program in the days and weeks leading up to the event. Have you budgeted for posters, newspaper ads, radio spots, etc? What about programs or fliers to hand out during the event?

Books: Are you bringing in an author? If so, you’ll probably want to have copies of his/her book on hand. (Please note: Consider asking the publisher for a bulk discount!)

Rentals: Are you using your own hall or auditorium? If so, great! If not, be sure to factor in the price of a hall rental. What about A/V equipment, or anything else that may not come standard in the hall?

Security & Maintenance: If you’re bringing in a high-profile speaker, then you might want to consider security. And don’t forget that even the most laid-back program will need clean-up before and after. You don’t want a messy auditorium!

In these times of financial uncertainty, Jodi Solomon Speakers is here to help! Learn more about our Speakers $5000 and Under.

"Shange's 'For Colored Girls' Has Staying Power" - CNN

Ntozake Shange was inspired by a rainbow to "unearth unspeakable secrets."

So she wrote the play "For Colored Girls who have Considered Suicide when the Rainbow is Enuf."

The play, which is a mainstay at theatre companies across the country (as well as a popular book for high school students), was a sensation upon its debut in 1975.

And it has staying power. "For Colored Girls" is headed to Broadway and is under contract for a film next season.

Ms. Shange says the voices in her play remain vivid, like the colors of the rainbow she saw so many years ago.

To read a CNN interview and watch a stunning slideshow about Ms. Shange, click here.

To learn more about Ms. Shange and her work (and to book her for your next event!), please visit our site.

Orca Eye-In-The-Sea Camera on Brink TONIGHT!

The CBS television news magazine Brink will air a segment on the ORCA Eye-In-The-Sea tonight (Monday, July 20) at 10:30pm EST on The Science Channel.

Tune in to hear ORCA's Dr. Edith Widder talk about the world's first deep sea webcam, fascinating animals that glow in the dark, the challenges of deep sea exploration and the importance of ocean conservation. Edith also gives a tour of the undersea robot Ventana (MBARI's Remote Operated Vehicle) which is used to deploy the cameria system to its 3000 ft. location in Monterey Canyon.

To learn more about Edith Widder and her innovative Eye-in-the-Sea camera, please visit JodiSolomonSpeakers/EdithWidder.

The Calculus of Friendship: Steve Strogatz and Alan Alda

Join renowned actor Alan Alda and author Steven Strogatz at the 92nd Street Y for a touching and humorous discussion about Strogatz's remarkable relationship with his calculus teacher. Chronicled in more than 30 years of letters between them, the pair take refuge from life's challenges in the haven of calculus and each other. Learn more here.

Video Friday (Again): "The Calculus of Friendship"

Sure, we've already posted a Friday video. But we couldn't resist sharing this great clip of Steven Strogatz discussing the calculus of friendship. Be sure to look for his new book, "The Calculus of Friendship," due out this fall.

Learn more about Steven Strogatz at JodiSolomonSpeakers/StevenStrogatz.

Video Friday: Interview with Jessica Valenti

* Favorite Quote: "Activism can really change your life for the better." - Jessica Valenti

To learn more about Jessica or "The Purity Myth," please visit JodiSolomonSpeakers.com/JessicaValenti or Feministing.com

(And be sure to tune in to CNN today around noon for an interview with the fabulous Ntozake Shange!)

Tipping Point in Tehran

Tipping Point in Tehran: A Gathering Opposition Faces a Weakened Regime

by Robin Wright

Washington Post

July 14, 2009

"How much has changed for Iran in one occasionally breathtaking month. The erratic uprising is becoming as important as the Islamic revoluti on 30 years ago -- and not only for Iran. Both redefined political action throughout the Middle East."

Read the entire article here.

And be sure to check out ALL of Robin Wright's article at her blog.

Manhattanhenge

Manhattanhenge is the biannual occurence when the sun aligns with the east-west streets of Manhattan's main street grid. The term was coined by Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Photo is the Wall Street Journal Photo of the Day.

We're Talking Stars, Immigration, and Current Events

Did you hear?

Our friend Neil deGrasse Tyson is now the host, alongside comedian Lynne Koplitz, of Star Talk Radio Show, the first and only popular commercial radio program devoted to all things space. You can hear the show on Sundays at noon on KTLK AM 1150 (Los Angeles) or Sundays at 2PM on Big Talker AM 1580 (Washington DC), or online anytime at www.startalkradio.net.

And while Tyson is chatting with guests like Stephen Colbert and Bill Nye, immigration activist Enrique Morones is working to re-open Friendship Park, located where Imperial Beach meets Tijuana. For years, people on both sides of the border have met along a chain-link fence and exchanged hugs, handshakes and even weekly communion services. Morones, with his group Border Angels, is hoping to restore access. Learn more here.

And just a few quick notes:

- Did you know . . . You can be labeled a “terrorist” for saving whales in Japan?

- Did you realize . . . The deregulation of hazardous wastes will increase health risks to vulnerable communities.

- A week from today . . . Edith Widder and her Eye-in-the-Sea camera will be featured on Brink, a show about interactive science on The Science Channel. Check it out here and be sure to tune in next Monday, July 20 at 10:30 PM.

Happy Monday.

In Memory of Samantha Fargo

Jodi Solomon Speakers Bureau would like to take a moment to remember Samantha Fargo, a fierce, bright and beautiful 12-year old who passed away on Wednesday. Her armor was continually tested fighting mitochondrial and asperger's disorder. We know her light will forever burn bright in her family's hearts.

And we would also like to thank Sandra Steingraber, Kathy Woods and Tim Riley for their support this morning.

Greening Your Campus

No single issue is as important to "Millennial" college students as the environment. It's the one issue that transcends political inclination, religious affiliation, race, and gender.

As a direct result, many universities are actively creating sustainability initiatives involving every campus constituency! Residence halls, physical plant staffs, food service management, faculty and staff all are seeking ways to 'walk softly upon the earth', and create a sustainable campus community.

Sandra Steingraber is a biologist and author of "Living Downstream." Called "The new Rachel Carson," she can help you create a sustainable college campus!

In a wide-ranging lecture, Dr. Steingraber explores the ways in which college campuses can serve as incubators for ideas that will move into the larger world. "This is a time-honored role for universities to play... universities have played key roles in many human rights struggles including abolitionism, suffrage, civil rights, and apartheid" says Steingraber. "Now universities must engage in the big human rights issue of our time: reforming our chemical policy and our systems of energy and transportation in ways that safeguard our planet's life support system."

- "Greening the curriculum" - Adding a 'green' focus to teaching. Every discipline can participate, from teaching eco-literature, environmental history, sustainable business practices, 'green' chemistry and engineering, etc.

- "Greening the physical plant of your college"-Includes establishing LEED certified buildings, 'farm-to-campus' programs for food services, organic landscaping, detoxifying the chemistry lab and art studios, and becoming a 'carbon neutral' campus.

- "Greening the alumni" - Working with your development program to have alumni help invest in campus wind power, using your alumni publications for public education opportunities, and endowing environmental studies chairs.

Dr. Steingraber's program is an excellent opportunity to begin (or advance) your sustainability program! Learn more atJodiSolomonSpeakers/SandraSteingraber.

To inquire about this program, please contact Jodi Solomon Speakers Bureau at 617.266.3450 orjodi@jodisolomon.biz.

*Additionally, a documentary about Dr. Steingraber is currently in the making. Check out the trailer here.

Primetime Speakers

Our speakers are hittin’ primetime!

On Monday, Neil deGrasse Tyson was a guest on The Colbert Report. Watch the clip here.

Then on Tuesday, Tyson kicked off the new season of NOVA Science NOW.

And although Time Warp won't be on tonight (Discovery is running a marathon of the show Pitch Men, in honor of host Billy Mays who sadly passed this week) , Jeff Lieberman can amaze and astound viewers on the Discovery Channel site for Time Warp.

Phew.

But what about our other speakers who aren't showering TV audiences with their presence? They're still busy!

Check out what Evergreen College Family Studies professor Stephanie Coontz told The Associated Press about Governor Mark Sanford and his "hike on the Appalachian Trail."

And, in a blog post on her site, author and environmental activist Stacy Malkan discusses estrogenic parabens and gender-bending pthalates in shampoos, lotion, baby wipes, etc. Curious? You should be! Check it out and then review her backup evident from Nicholas Kristof, the CBC, and numerous scientific studies.

And don't forget, all of these progressive newsmakers are available to visit your campus, non-profit, or business! For more information, be sure to visit www.jodisolomonspeakers.com.