Mia Farrow's hunger strike

There is nothing in the world quite like the feeling of standing by your convictions. It is a reward upon itself. Even better is when those convictions insist upon or cause to happen the improvement in the lives of another person. That is something worthy of discussing.

Such is the case with Mia Farrow. While the actress may not be the biggest name ever, and she is still remembered by her connection to Woody Allen, there is a better reason to remember her name. She is a human being that puts her money where her mouth is. Or in this case refuses to put food to her mouth.

Mia Farrow is about to embark on a hunger strike starting Monday the 27th. She will eat no food, only taking in water. The purpose of the hunger strike is to draw attention to the cessation of aid to the people of Darfur in the Sudan. Like millions that are now in danger of losing their lives, Farrow will share some of that risk.

This is a serious matter for Farrow. She is 64 years old. She’s not an athlete, just an ordinary woman with the ability to make the public aware of an issue the media seems more than willing to ignore. Just like Congress has done for 4 years now. That means Republicans and Democrats alike.

I commend Mia Farrow for being true to her convictions, and taking a potentially dangerous task in hand. Few people, celebrities and entertainers or anyone else, are brave enough to make such an endeavor. And if she is successful, hundreds of thousands if not millions will benefit.

If only Congress, and/or President Obama, had the resolve – even half the resolve – of people like Don Cheadle, Cynthia Basinet, Mia Farrow and others then perhaps there would be no genocide in Darfur. If bills like HR 180 IH can pass Congress, then maybe we could see world leaders create change in the troubled regions of the world.

I hope that Farrow draws the fickle attention of the news media. I hope that average Americans are motivated by her selfless act, causing them to write to Congress or to President Obama and force them to act. Because more of the polispeak shuffle that has continued for years will result in only one thing, hundreds of thousands of more children, mothers and fathers will die.

And we can do something to stop it.

HR 180 IH may not be the best answer, and it is not the only answer, but it is an action. Only in action are there results. The time has long since come that America do more than turn a blind eye.

How was your Monday?

Well things have been busy here. Just got back from New York City, where I met Cynthia Basinet. You may recall that I interviewed her a little while back.

Cynthia Basinet is a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, who works on improving the lives of the people of the Sahara, women worldwide, was a model and is a singer of renown. I was very happy to have had the chance to meet her in person. She is even more interesting in person than in the interview.

Cynthia is currently working on several projects, which I can't reveal right now. I believe I can say that fans of her music, and acting, should have more to enjoy soon. And of course her humanitarian work is an on-going cause that will end one day because there will no longer be a need, I hope.

I can also mention that I expect to be at the Tribeca Film Festival and will likely be meeting a few of the directors of films presented there. This will be a first for me, so I'm very excited about this.

Plus, for those that follow my writing on the financial front, I spoke with a former colleague of mine while in NYC. I believe that in the next quarter or so there will be some huge news hitting the markets. This is not a stock related matter, and I really can't say any details yet. But if all goes as planned I will have a major story to present to my readers on the subject.

All in all this was a busy and positive weekend. Now I have to catch up with some work for clients, and the news since last week.

Where have I been?

I know some must be wondering why they have not heard anything from me in a couple of days. Sadly, I have not been on vacation.

I have been working on gaining interviews from directors that will have their film shown at the Tribeca Film Festival. I plan on meeting with Cynthia Basinet again to update what is going on with her.

I have decided to work on converting all my product found in the online store, into items available for direct sales. There are plans being made for several new calendars and photos shoots. I am reviewing several potential models for the shoots.

I am continuing to expand the company, and an interviewing a couple of potential new writers, to assist me in covering all the subjects and issues that matter most to you my readers. Plus I am working on several local projects.

All of this while I have picked up my own 9-ball team in the APA league I play in. My original team (we had to split the team) currently stands to win 1st place in 8-ball and 9-ball this season. In a month we go on to play for a chance at the nationals and a trip to Las Vegas.

And of course I am continuing to fix up and decorate my house.

All of this while having an increased work load with my clients, and trying to ensure both they and I are ok through this economic downturn.

It has been quite the month, and the last couple of days have been busy. But never fear. I am still on the job. More will come shortly.

Is your mom/sister/girlfriend/wife/daughter ok? Are you sure

Not long ago I interviewed Cynthia Basinet. In that interview the topic of humanitarian aide came up. In particular were comments about the needs of Africa. Shortly after that I posted about an event that was targeting aid to women around the world and in Africa that have been victims of violence and rape.

And few paid attention, sadly.

But just days ago Chris Brown was arrested in connection to charges about violence against Rihanna. And the internet is abuzz. And I have to wonder.

Is it only when a celebrity endures a hardship that we care as a nation. Are we so cold-hearted as to ignore the suffering of millions of women simply because we don’t know their name or country. Has the media so blinded the masses that unless something happens to someone famous we don’t think it happens at all?

I despise the thought of what Chris Brown has been accused of doing. There is no justification, and I believe punishment is in order if the facts are as have been blasted across the media. Yet there is a bigger issue.

The odds are that 1 in 3 women, across the globe, will be the victim of a rape or violence. That means out of you mother, wife/girlfriend, sister, daughter 1 will definitely be a victim and more than a chance of another as well. That’s not something that I would wish upon even my enemy.

This is not just an issue of what celebrities do. It’s not just something that happens in movies, or to “those people” whoever you wish to define it. It’s happening in every part of the globe, every day. And the chance of you knowing a woman that this has happened to is better than you remembering what will be on TV tonight.

We should never let this pass without thought. We should never allow this to be a secret. This needs to be addressed and confronted.

No man ever needs to place a hand against a woman. It’s just not needed. There is no justification unless you are in a pool of your own blood. It is the act of a coward and a small child to lash out in such a manner. It is the action of a weak and pitiful boy, never a man regardless of age.

I am glad that Cynthia Basinet brought up the issue of violence against women in Africa. I am happy to heard of women like Jessica Alba, Kerry Washington, Charlize Theron, Camryn Manheim, Anne Archer and Sherry Lansing among many others are making this a reality to the millions of Americans that have turned a blind eye and deaf ear.

I hope that before I die I never need to read about the atrocities that Dr. Denis Mukwege tries to heal each day. Because they don’t happen any more. I hope that before I die I never have to fear for my sisters, mother, and every woman I have ever known.

But that means that you have to act, and not forget this post or the articles in the news. Because tomorrow it could be a woman you love.

M V Consulting, Inc. presents an interview with Nobel Peace Prize nominee Cynthia Basinet

Recently I had the good fortune to come into contact with Cynthia Basinet. Some of my readers may be familiar with Ms. Basinet from her rendition of Santa Baby – a song by the late Eartha Kitt that has become a Christmas staple, Ms. Basinet’s version often mistakenly credited to Marilyn Monroe.



Others may be aware of the humanitarian work that Ms. Basinet has done for the Saharawi people and Africa. That work includes an appearance before the U.N. in 2008 and a nomination for the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize (she was 1 of the 1000 women nominated together that year).

I found Ms. Basinet to be an interesting, compelling, and intelligent woman. She has had a life of many achievements and challenges. She has made strides to improve the world, created a career in music, film, and modeling, and is a mother. In talking with Ms. Basinet I learned many things I would never have guessed about her. And that compelled me to ask her for an interview to share with you. She graciously agreed.

I hope that this interview will entertain you and spark a desire to know more. About Ms. Basinet, Africa and humanitarian aide, and the choices in life that you can make.

“There are no limits beyond those you set for yourself.”

I was told that long ago. I believe it. And Ms. Basinet is proof of it. And so I present my interview with Cynthia Basinet.

Michael Vass: For a bit of background for those not familiar with you, please share with us where you were born, what growing up was like, and your early influences.



Cynthia Basinet: One day, my son then much younger was looking at a photo album of my childhood… and asked if life was like the photos or was that just the film?

You know, life was like that. I was born in the Valley ( Los Angeles ) and raised in Silicon Valley (the Bay Area). My parents drove Peugeots, an orange Volvo and host of other car oddities. My father also rode a motorcycle and had a vintage, “retired” MG TD. He used to smoke a pipe or sneak a cigar outside. Talk to me about the White Owl girl but mostly, he listened to jazz. Every moment of my childhood was filled with music and art. Mom with her classical AM station in the kitchen and jazz on Dad’s. Later, he added country. Mom a BA in the Arts. My earliest influences were three things, all from posters in the house.

First, the serenity prayer. The second, a poster shot in Harlem with all these kids holding instruments. Third, the infamous Indian poster.

MV: You started your career as a model, working mostly in Paris and London . How did that happen?

C: Got on a plane and expatriated for various reasons nearly five years.

MV: Education is a theme I've always felt as being important in life. How has your education affected your life?

C: There are two kinds of education. One you give yourself and the other one [life] gives you. Two of the best things that ever happened to me were the education of music in public schools and private catholic high school. A school that within its walls thought was allowed and diversity respected. I truly thank my parents for both.

MV: Music is something that seems to have always been a part of your life. You are trained as a flautist and play the saxophone (I learned the Alto sax myself). How did you transition from modeling to music?

C: First, kudos on your sax education. Second, music never left me but it was in this safe little box deep inside, ‘till I could finally pursue it. Think a lot of moms can agree… following your dreams kinda comes after you drop the kids off at basketball practice.

MV: What drew you to Jazz?

C: Well, other than being raised on Jazz… and it racing like a language in my veins? Would say the second time around was love.

MV: What first brought the needs of the Saharawi people to your attention?

C: It’s no secret that my music career, like so many others, required self-determination. This concept intrigued me when applied to whole societies. That perhaps my experiences could help others on a larger scale.

MV: In 2001 you visited the Western Sahara and those living in refugee camps there. What compelled you to do this?



C: Wanted to give a voice to their society living under a peaceful resolution, that were also self-determined and under represented.

MV: You have been an outspoken advocate for the Saharawi people and Africa in general for almost a decade now. What drives you in these causes?

C: Believe Oprah said it best when she basically stated if you are a woman born in America, you are among the luckiest. That during my entire life… there was no struggle that didn’t lead me to realize others had it worse and they needed to be heard. They needed access.

MV: In 2005 you were recognized as 1 of 1000 women nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. How was that experience?

C: Being included with such amazing women that literally have done such "nobel" work; many times working in danger to achieve what is necessary for improvements in others lives, was incredible.

MV: What has that recognition allowed you to do?

C: The recognition allowed me to speak on behalf of the Saharwian people and other political activities.



MV: October 2008, you petitioned again to the UN to gain help against the difficulties to life in the Western Sahara including: Diabetes, Tuberculosis, Acute Malnutrition, Landmines, and many others. How was that experience?

C: It’s frustrating. They, the UN, are paid stewards of the Saharwian people amongst others and yet…

MV: You have used your jazz recordings to highlight your humanitarian efforts, especially your acclaimed rendition of the late Eartha Kitt's Santa Baby. Was this always your intention or did it grow out of your compassion?

C: Originally, had always entertained the idea to release a song that all could sing to at the Millennium (inspired by the Coke jingle, “If I Could Teach The World To Sing“). Then as it was “Santa Baby” that gave me the exposure, figured [I] should do something that she would have done. So when the invitation came to help raise awareness for the Saharwian people, did not skip a beat in accepting their plea.

MV: As a woman what challenges have you faced in your life?

C: It’s all in my mind. ;-) But will say, that being a mom, specially a single mom, is so isolating and requires endless pools of unconditional love and care… that that challenge alone needs us all working together. Like a village. That is what my time in France gave me.

MV: You have also had a career in movies; is that something you will pursue more in the future?

C: Sure be nice. ;-)

MV: One of the humanitarian efforts that I find important is the ongoing actions to end the genocide in Darfur. How do you feel about this tragedy?

C: Truly a tragedy. It is so difficult in these modern times where we can see the problem in real time, but we can’t seem to really stop it. I am truly horrified by the continued barbarity perpetuated on the already demeaned, demoralized and displaced citizens of Darfur. If this new century and millennium could be about one thing, it needs to be humanity. The right to live a humane life. And in peace.

MV: How about the Child Soldier Prevention Act?

C: I am so impressed this is one of your featured causes because these are the future fathers of Africa. No amount a pain and suffering inflicted in one area of the World, does not eventually affect us all. Whether it be the prevention of child soldiers in Africa, street children in Brazil or children sold into various forms of slavery [it] has no place. We are all too aware and affluent to do nothing. We can boycott, petition and finance so much change. We can stand as a shining example for other leading nations, like China to follow suit.

MV: In recent years women have taken important positions in business and politics. For my female readers what might you advise them about following their passions?

C: I know… what a trip the past few years have been. Interesting because it’s also a time when so much media and advertising attention is played to the distractions in women’s lives. Weight, beauty… and the unclearness of the opposite sex. Like SO much time is spent, derailed. No product or ideas produced. The key is to be of good mind and form and you can accomplish anything.

MV: What might you suggest for those looking for more information or ways to provide humanitarian aide?



C: Pick a cause or a country, look for non-profits that aid your cause or contact directly the embassy near you for your country of interest. So much can be found by research through the Internet.

MV: Among your many accomplishments you have found the time to have and raise a son. Is their any secret or technique you can pass on to mothers that wish to balance their career and family?

C: Every mom needs time for a good bath. Seriously, believe moms can ask for more help from their children, partners, etc.

MV: And finally what is the next project my readers can look forward to see and/or hear from you?

C: In the studio now… stay tuned. :)

I want to thank Ms. Basinet for taking the time to share her thoughts with me, and you my readers. I hope that this has helped spark an interest in education, humanitarian aide, self-improvement, and at the same time given you some entertainment.

If you would like to know more about Cynthia Basinet please click here.

Click here to learn more about Darfur, and the on-going genocide there.

And here for commentary on the Child Soldier Prevention Act.

You can read the full transcripts of Ms. Basinet speaking at the UN.

A Night to End Violence Against Women in Darfur

Recently I have been in contact with Cynthia Basinet, an accomplished woman of multiple talents. She might be best known to some for her 2005 cover of Eartha Kitt's Santa Baby (which was included in my tribute to Kitt after her death). But she is also a Nobel Peace Prize nominee and an advocate for women and Africa.

Cynthia Basinet sent me something that I am happy to pass on to you my readers. On February 11, 2009 there will be a nation-wide effort on behalf of the women in Darfur, as well as to end the over 5 year long suffering in that region of Africa. There has been an on-going genocide there, as acknowledged by Congress and the U.N., that too little is being done about. I have spoken about Darfur several times. And I look forward to the day I no long have a need to do so because it has ended.

But until that day I encourage all my readers to be involved, with donations and/or contacting your Congressional representatives to pass the laws we have sitting in Congress doing nothing. And part of that involvement can include A Night to End Violence Against Women in Darfur.

In communities across the nation there will be a viewing of Violence Against Women and the Darfur Genocide, a movie discussing the horrific violence that is happening right now. A terrible blight on humanity that the American news media seems to feel secure in ignoring. And afterwards there will be an online discussion with communities just like yours being involved.

You can make a difference in Darfur. You can help the hundreds of thousands that are suffering even as you read this now. I recommend that all my readers find out more about this event, learn about Darfur, and if you can host this event in your community. Because America is a great country, once we get our asses in motion. And the news media is sitting on its ass when it comes to Darfur.

But we don't need to wait for CNN, MSNBC, FOX, or any other news to have a slow day to cover this. We can act today, and on February 11th, and every other day we choose.

To find our more about how you can help the women, children, and families in Darfur on February 11th just click on this link.

We can make a difference here. And we should make a difference. I hope that you agree.

Remembering Eartha Kitt

There is no lack of people today discussing the death of Eartha Kitt. After 60 years of work in movies, television and as a singer she is remembered for so many things. She dared to question a President in the White House - and was exiled from the nation for a time. She grew up poor and unwanted yet became a star. And of course she was a Catwoman, in a time when few Blacks were ever seen in any roles in television (and with the best purr too).

But for a performer perhaps the best way to remember their passing is to take a look at how their work has endured over time. The greatest compliment has often been said to be imitation. For entertainers that can be most readily seen in covers of songs or re-enactments of their work. So in the spirit of the season, and to see the tribute of how enduring a performer she was, I present Eartha Kitt (and many others) singing Santa Baby which she first sang in 1953.



Kylie Minogue


Taylor Swift


Cynthia Basinet


Pussycat Dolls


Macy Gray


Laureta Meci


Everclear


Les Paul and Trio


And in a very odd take on the theme Willa Ford in a 'revisioning' of the song


and countless versions across the internet




Suffice to say Eartha Kitt inspired tens of thousands if not millions over the years. She was outspoken, trend setting, vibrant, unique, sexy, intelligent, and talented. And it is that combination of things that has endured for decades, just as her music has done.

Eartha Kitt, 81, was a class act. She will be missed.