Creative Thinkers International

Embracing the world with positive creativity.

Creative Thinkers International Gift Shop

Aberjhani Male
Savannah, United States

Aberjhani's Friends

All Around Happenings

Thumbs Down: No More Ebert/Roeper

For the two years since Roger Ebert was absent from his "At the Movies With Ebert & Roeper" show recovering from various health issues, guest critics filled his chair to bicker with Richard Roeper (most consistently Chicago Tribune critic Michael Phillips) and wished Ebert a speedy return. After a while, the hopeful wishes ceased, as it appeared Ebert would not return to the show that bore his name.

Ebert announced today that he was cutting ties with the show, which was "going in a new direction." This, following Roeper's announcement that he would also be leaving the show amid contract negotiations with Disney.

So with no Ebert and no Roeper, is that the end of movie critics on TV? Roeper has hinted he will be returning on a different show, but do you guys miss that good ol' "Thumbs Up/Down" (or my favorite, "TWO THUMBS WAY UP!") that's been missing from movie trade ads for the past year?

Wonder what Gene Siskel woulda thought of all this.-- Ellen

YA Wednesday: Twilight, Twilight, Twilight

In this issue of YA Wednesday, we jump on the Stephenie Meyer bandwagon.

It's been difficult to avoid reading about The Twilight Saga this week. What have people been calling it? Oh, yeah... "the Twilight juggernaut." Hmmm. Somebody has a pretty awesome publicity machine...

Fans have been following the Twilight series for years, but the EW cover story and the upcoming release of Breaking Dawn (the last Bella book) have launched Stephenie Meyer and her vampires into a pop culture frenzy.

Twilight, the movie based on book one of The Twilight Saga, opens Dec. 12, 2008. Breaking Dawn comes out August 2nd. Meyer is currently working on Midnight Sun, told from Edward's perspective.

Here's a timeline of the recent insanity...

Tuesday, July 7
The author herself asks fans to please, please, please not spoil Breaking Dawn for everybody else:

"I want to ask you guys for a favor. As we saw with Eclipse (not to mention that last Harry Potter book), there is always the potential for copies of the book to be leaked early. My publisher is doing everything they can to prevent this, but there is only so much that can be done. This is the favor: if someone, somewhere, somehow, gets a copy early, I'm asking you to please not post any spoilers on the internet. And if you see something, please don't spread it around."

She also lets people know that message boards on the fansites will be taken down soon, just in case anyone can't wait to discuss it. (She talks about this a little bit in her Amazon interview here.)

Thursday, July 10
The new EW shows up in my mailbox with its cover story about The Twilight Saga, including two features, "The Vampire Empire" (about Meyer and her books) and "Twilight Hits Hollywood" (about the Catherine Hardwicke film). EW.com includes the opening pages of Breaking Dawn and an interview with Meyer. A teaser in the magazine promises that EW.com will run "a super-exclusive spoiler about Bella's love life" on July 28.

An L.A. Times blog posts about Twilight fans who are displeased with the EW cover, based on comments from fansites. According to the post, complainers cite Rob Pattinson's open shirt (Edward, despite his extreme hunkiness, is quite virginal), among other too-sexy concerns, mostly related to the fact that the people on this cover look nothing like Bella and Edward, or the actors for that matter. (Have the people on EW covers ever not looked totally weird and unlike themselves?) This sparks comments from fans that they are *not* upset...


Friday, July 11
Summit Entertainment releases these two clips:


"Ballet scene"

And behind the scene footage and interviews

Saturday, July 12
The New York Times runs this opinion piece, with Gail Collins speculating that The Twilight Saga's appeal lies in the sexually innocent vampire boy, every girl's dream in a world where human boys choose porn over live girls:

Edward is a version of that legendary, seldom-seen male who won'€™t take advantage of his date even if she rips off her clothes and begs him to take her to bed. By the second novel, Bella was hounding him to turn her into a vampire so they could be together forever, but he was resisting on the grounds that it would be bad for her soul.

Collins underlines her points by reminding us that Meyer is Mormon, a fact that the media can't quite get enough of. I mean, do you know J.K. Rowling's religion? Do you care? Meyer does perpetuate her good girl image, especially in the EW interview, where she says that all the boys she knew growing up were good boys.

Tuesday, July 15
MTV.com runs an interview with Robert Pattinson as part of their regular "Twilight Tuesdays" feature on the MTV movie blog. The interviewer starts off with questions about how his role in Twilight compares with his role in the Harry Potter movies (he played Cedric Diggory). His answer? (I'm paraphrasing) Well, I'm the star in this one.

Wednesday, July 16
How long will the frenzy continue? It's hard to know."Twilight hits Hollywood" was usurped earlier today on EW.com's "Today's most popular" list by "Heidi Klum's 17 runway faves," which was then overthrown by "20 abrupt reality-TV farewells."--Heidi

 




 

 

George Carlin, 1937-2008

Stand-up comedian George Carlin died of heart failure on Sunday in Santa Monica, California. A Grammy winner and Emmy nominee, Carlin was best-known for edgy stand-up routines like "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television" and poking fun at the peculiarities of language.  He also wrote books, was the first host of Saturday Night Live, and aired many stand-up comedy specials on HBO. Read the New York Times obit or watch a clip below. --David

"Entertainment Weekly" Turns 1,000 Today

OK, so they've actually been around since 1990.  But 1,000 issues of any magazine is something to celebrate, and EW is doing it in style, with their trademark: lists, lists, and more lists. "The New Classics: The 1,000 Best Movies, TV Shows, Albums, Books & More of the Last 25 Years" is great fun, and ranks every form of media you can think of since 1983, with input from both editors and celebs. Where else could you find a magazine cover with Harry Potter, Maggie Simpson, Edward Scissorhands, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer?  And lists written by Jodie Foster, Neil Gaiman, and and Liz Phair? 

Here's a list from none other than Viggo Mortensen, who reveals his top 10 pieces of advice he's heard on movie sets.  There's something for everyone here, I think.  (True, I'm biased because I adore him. But I hope you enjoy it nonetheless.)

1. ''One job at a time, and each job a success.''
2. ''Whatever you are feeling at this moment can be useful, no matter how far removed or even distracting it may seem from the scene you are playing. That is as close to 'real' as you will ever get.''
3. ''There is no way in hell that's going to work. That is the worst idea I have heard today — perhaps ever. Are you trying to single-handedly ruin my movie?''
4. ''Try it — what's the harm? It's only film and time.''
5. ''No hay dolor.'' (''There is no pain.'')
6. ''All you really need to play the moment is air and water.''
7. ''When in doubt, admit it.''
8. ''Don't tell me; show me.''
9. ''Censors tend to do what only psychotics do: They confuse reality with illusion.''
10. ''I love you.''

Happy weekend, everyone!
-- Noelle W.

Entertainment Weekly's 100 New Movie Classics (75-51)

Continuing Entertainment Weekly's 100 films from the past 25 years that will stand with the all-time greats over time. Numbers 75-51 are below.

75. OUT OF AFRICA (1985)
74. DRUGSTORE COWBOY (1989)
73. OFFICE SPACE (1999)
72. THELMA & LOUISE (1991)
<------71. UNFORGIVEN (1992)
70. BROADCAST NEWS (1987)
69. ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER (1999)
68. WITNESS (1985)
67. DONNIE BRASCO (1997)
66. NATURAL BORN KILLERS (1994)
65. DIRTY DANCING (1987)
64. NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (2007)
63. BIG (1988)
62. SEX, LIES AND VIDEOTAPE (1989)----->
61. BEVERLY HILLS COP (1984)
60. SCREAM (1996)
59. L.A. CONFIDENTIAL (1997)
58. GHOSTBUSTERS (1984)
57. THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY (1998)
56. THE LIVES OF OTHERS (2007)
55. RISKY BUSINESS (1983)
54. FATAL ATTRACTION (1987)
53. THE TRUMAN SHOW (1998)
52. THE NAKED GUN (1988)
51. THERE WILL BE BLOOD (2007)




More to be revealed tomorrow... —Ellen

 

Profile

Hometown:
Planet Earth
About Me:
Art, Education, Film, Military, Politics, Music, Reading, Romance, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Travel, Wellness, Writing
More About Me and My World
CREATIVE THINKERS INTERNATIONAL was created to help inspire creative responses to the challenges and joys of 21st-century life through writing, art, music, social science, spirituality, and philosophy. Thanks to our members, we are moving in the right directions.

Our MEMBERSHIP GUIDELINES, as they presently stand, are as follows:

1. Membership at CTI is free and open to all those interested in either the production or appreciation of the creative arts, to include literature, visual art, dance, music, film, spiritual theory, the social sciences, philosophy, general humanities, scientific inquiry, education in general, and other disciplines intended to enhance the quality of life for all humanity.

2. Materials posted by Members of CTI are their sole responsibility and not that of CTI management or any other member of the CTI site.

3. While recognizing that the work of creative artists is often controversial by its very nature, CTI prohibits and discourages the posting of any overtly obscene and intentionally inflammatory material. These include overt pornography, racist diatribes, religious slander, and any postings promoting discrimination against or the oppression of other human beings.

4. In the interest of stimulating creative growth, we encourage dialogue and even debate. However, Members should avoid leaving intentionally offensive or antagonistic remarks on the pages of Fellow Members. We can disagree and still remain a harmonious community.

5. Explore, grow, share, and enjoy your creative success.

These guidelines are likely to evolve as the site itself continues to evolve and develop. We welcome and encourage your input. After all, yours are some of the best minds on the planet so we would be very foolish not to listen to what you have to say.
Website:
http://astore.amazon.com/creatithinkei-20
Favorite Music:
All music performed with love from the heart and soul.
Favorite TV Shows:
Reality of One's Existence.

Creative Thinkers International Gift Connections

Aberjhani's Blog

Open Letter to the CTI Community

Hello Treasured CTI Friends— Thank you everybody for the many suggestions––some posted, some via message––regarding our first CTI Anniversary Celebration. There’s not enough space to cover everything in this note so please look for others to follow. Some of the suggestions thus far include the publication of a CTI anthology, a friendly blog competition with a prize for the top blog of the week, songs of the day, podcasts, the creation of CTI radio station, a huge chat session, and more. We wil… Continue

Posted on July 16th, 2008 at 11:02am — 1 Comment (Add)

The New Poet's Picturebook

If you haven’t caught the rousing new issue of the POET’S PICTUREBOOK ezine, edited by CTI member Marne L. Kilates, you’re just in time to read it right here: http://marnezine2.blogspot.com/

Posted on May 23rd, 2008 at 4:18pm — No Comments (Add)

The Widget and the Candidates 2008

Continue

Posted on May 23rd, 2008 at 4:07pm — No Comments (Add)

The Wonderful Musical Weekly Widget May 15, 2008

Continue

Posted on May 15th, 2008 at 6:27pm — No Comments (Add)

Poets' Picturebook Marks Tenth Issue Milestone

Poets' Picturebook poster courtesy of Marne L. Kilates The Poets’ Picturebook ezine, edited by Creative Thinking International member Marne L. Kilates, hit a milestone this past week with the publication of its 10th Issue. In celebration of this fact, edit… Continue

Posted on March 4th, 2008 at 8:04pm — 2 Comments (Add)

Latest Activity

Aberjhani joined the group Fun Time at the Movies Jul 18
Aberjhani's profile changed Jul 18
Aberjhani added the blog post 'Open Letter to the CTI Community' Jul 16
Aberjhani left a comment for Georg Edvard Mateos Jul 16
Aberjhani started a discussion called CTI Spotlight Artist Georg Edvard Mateos, July 16-31, 2008 Jul 16
Aberjhani left a comment for marina Jul 1
Aberjhani started a discussion called CTI Spotlight Artist Marina, July 1-15, 2008 Jul 1
Passion of the Poets left a comment for Aberjhani Jun 18

Comment Wall (45 comments)

You need to be a member of Creative Thinkers International to add comments!

Join this network

At 5:25pm on June 18th, 2008, Passion of the Poets said…
You're right, there are a lot of changes going on here :-)
At 9:36am on June 6th, 2008, Afrika Midnight Asha Abney said…
Greetings,

Thanks for all that you do. It is a great honor to be here and be one of the featured members. I posted something about CTI at one of my sites, just to let you know.

Thanks again.

Peace
Afrika Midnight Asha Abney
At 9:30am on June 6th, 2008, Afrika Midnight Asha Abney said…
Greetings,

Thanks for all that you do. It is a great honor to be here and be one of the featured members. I posted something about CTI at one of my sites, just to let you know.

Thanks again.

Peace
Afrika Midnight Asha Abney
At 4:44pm on May 22nd, 2008, Calling All Angels said…
Thank you for the good advice and assistance. I'm working on it even now.

CA
At 4:20pm on May 22nd, 2008, Aberjhani said…
At 6:02pm on May 15th, 2008, Robert T.S. Mickles Sr. said…
At 4:20pm on May 12th, 2008, Aberjhani said…
At 2:08pm on May 8th, 2008, Creative Conversation Interviews said…
ok addies i think i'm getting the hang of this thing:

At 2:21am on May 8th, 2008, Author-Poet Aberjhani said…
At 7:11pm on May 1st, 2008, Romantic Poetess said…
Aberjani,
Thank You For This Honor
Am In Appreciation To being Apart f The CTI Community!
Embraced ~ Embrassé
Vickie

Aberjhani's Photos

Loading…

 
 

The Path of a Creative Thinker at CTI

CREATIVE THINKERS INTERNATIONAL MEMBERSHIP GUIDELINES




1. Membership at CTI is free and open to all those interested in either the production or appreciation of the creative arts, to include literature, visual art, dance, music, film, spiritual theory, the social sciences, philosophy, general humanities, scientific inquiry, education in general, and other disciplines intended to enhance the quality of life for all humanity.

2. Materials posted by Members of CTI are their sole responsibility and not that of CTI management or any other member of the CTI site.

3. While recognizing that the work of creative artists is often controversial by its very nature, CTI prohibits and discourages the posting of any overtly obscene and intentionally inflammatory material. These include overt pornography, racist diatribes, religious slander, and any postings promoting discrimination against or the oppression of other human beings.

4. In the interest of stimulating creative growth, we encourage dialogue and even debate. However, Members should avoid leaving intentionally offensive or antagonistic remarks on the pages of Fellow Members. We can disagree and still remain a harmonious community.

5. Explore, grow, share, and enjoy your creative success.

Please remember, these guidelines are likely to evolve as the site itself continues to evolve and develop. We welcome and encourage your input. After all, yours are some of the best minds on the planet so we would be very foolish not to listen to what you have to say.

The CTI Admin Team

CTI SPOTLIGHT ARTISTS

CTI Spotlight Artist Georg Edvard Mateos, July 16-31, 2008

The CTI Spotlight Artist for July 16-31, 2008, Georg Edvard Mateos, is the celebrated author of four books, including “The Man on the Grassy Knoll” Trilogy, and “Portrait of a Sad Man.” In addition, since December 2005, he has been among the most prolific and popular members writing on the AuthorsDen website with some 462 titles and 7,215 reviews. His pen is as skilled in classical modes of poetry as it is in modern expressions of prose. To learn more about his profoundly rich life and work, please visit Georg at: http://creativethinkersintl.ning.com/profile/GeorgEdvardMateos

CTI Spotlight Artist Marina, July 1-15, 2008

One of the traditions at CTI that has helped us form a meaningful and yet flexible sense of community is the Spotlight Artist. It is not a competition or popularity contest of any kind but simply a way of drawing greater attention to the creative offerings presented so generously by specific members. Marina, our CTI Spotlight Artist for July 1-15, 2008, hails from Germany and is both one of our most generous sharers, with more than 80 photos at CTI, and one of the first to join our growing community. We could tell you more about her art or her recent travels to Egypt but invite you to discover her world for yourself by clicking on her profile at http://creativethinkersintl.ning.com/profiles/profile/show?id=marina .

CTI Spotlight Artist BlackBirdHyperdrive, June 16-30, 2008

One thing that has not changed at Creative Thinkers International is the sheer abundance of creative individuals and types that populate the CTI community. One of those individuals is the poet known as BlackBirdHyperDrive, our CTI Spotlight Artist for June 16-30. A visit to BlackBirdHyperDrive’s profile and a perusal of his blogs reveals a creative thinker whose works often explore such powerful themes as the transformative power of shared spirituality, philosophical introspection, and romantic perspectives in the lives of individuals as well as the larger society. We invite you to learn more about his words and world by visiting his profile at http://creativethinkersintl.ning.com/profile/BlackBirdHyperDrive

CTI Spotlight Artist Marlive Harris, June 1-15, 2008

Our CTI Spotlight Artist for June 1-15, 2008, Marlive Harris, not only maintains a powerful literary presence on Creative Thinkers International but through her Grits.com site exercises such a presence all over the Internet. Among the many qualities that make Ms. Harris unique, valued, and welcome in various communities is her passion for promoting literary culture in general. She has accomplished this with written reviews, book trailers, podcasts, interviews, promotions, and other effective methods that blend a classical literary sensibility with innovative online technology. We are honored to present her as the new CTI Spotlight artist and invite you to learn more about her by visiting her profile at http://creativethinkersintl.ning.com/profile/MarliveHarris .

CTI Spotlight Artist Robert M, May 16-31, 2008

Versatility is a quality we have come to associate with many of our members and Robert M, our new CTI Spotlight Artist, is one of the most versatile among us. The fortunate visitor to Robert’s profile page gains entry into a world of eclectic musical compositions ranging from classical European melodies and Indian ragas to jazz, rock, and blues. Moreover, as various commentators have noted, enough of his precision-crafted poems adorn the site to fill two or three volumes. We could go on quite a bit about his tailored background images, video choices, and the fact that he has established several groups at CTI. But rather than doing that, we invite you to explore for yourself his created wonders at http://creativethinkersintl.ning.com/profile/RobertM

CTI Spotlight Artist Vickie L. McColley, May 1-15, 2008

Vickie L. McColley "The Romantic Poetess" As everybody knows, diversity is one of our primary strengths at CTI and the members of our community represent cultures from all over the world. They also represent individuals at different stages of their creative careers and development. One of those members is Victoria L. McColley, known to some as the Romantic Poetess, to others as Groovy Charmer, and to some simply as Vickie. It is our pleasure to present her at this time as the CTI Spotlight Artist for May 1-15, 2008. A long-time member at CTI, Ms. McColley has proven particularly adept at utilizing the site’s many features to enhance and present to the world her own unique vision of creative artistry. In addition to being a member of the CTI community, she also has more than 100 titles on AuthorsDen with more than 1,000 reviews of her writings there. The working title of her forthcoming first poetry collection is “Love Love Love: Poetry from the Heart, Soul & Voice of Love.” For more on the Vickie’s work and world, please visit her profile at http://creativethinkersintl.ning.com/profile/RomanticPoetessVickieMcColley

CTI Spotlight Artist Poetry Life & Times April 16-30, 2008

Our friends at Poetry Life and Times have featured a number of CTI’s members in their e-zine and, on top of that, have now been one of the great champions of modern poetry for some ten years. They actually have the archives to prove it! Their current issue not only honors one of poetry’s nobler traditions with its dedication to our very challenged "brothers and sisters in Tibet, Burma and Darfur,” but remains true to its mission by providing a platform for some of the most vibrant contemporary poetic voices on the planet. It is truly our honor at CTI to present Poetry Life and Times as our Spotlight Artist for April 16-30, 2008. The image of the monk featured as their main page profile image is borrowed from their current issue. To learn more about Poetry Life and Times and how you may submit your own work for publication consideration, please visit them at http://creativethinkersintl.ning.com/profile/PoetryLifeandTimes .

CTI Spotlight Artist Luther E. Vann April 1-15, 2008

(photo of Luther E. Vann by John Schmidt) Often described as a poet who utilizes visual art to write his poems, Luther E. Vann is an acclaimed artist who was fortunate enough to receive some of his first art instructions from recognized masters of the Harlem Renaissance. Like all artists of note, he shaped what he learned into a style of his own that fuses deeply spiritual imagery, metaphysical philosophy, and strong social realism. After a lifetime of dedication to his craft, his work will go on exhibit at the Telfair Museum in Savannah, Georgia, from April 16-August 17, 2008, and his first book, ELEMENTAL, The Power of Illuminated Love, is scheduled for publication in May. We’re honored for the opportunity to present Vann as the CTI Spotlight Artist for April 1-15 and invite you to visit his profile to learn more about him at http://creativethinkersintl.ning.com/profile/Weallare111 Your Friendly CTI Admin Support Team

CTI Spotlight on Daughters of Destiny March 16-31, 2008

Miriam K. Center, Founder of MKC Daughters of Destiny (photo by John Zeuli) As most of you know, March is Women’s History Month on our side of the world. Considering that women make up slightly more than half the planet’s population, it seemed appropriate to step outside the box of our normal way of thinking when it comes to the bi-weekly Spotlight Artist for March 16-31, 2008, and this time acknowledge the work of MKC Daughters of Destiny. While there are a number of Daughters of Destiny organizations around the globe, it just so happens that Miriam K. Center is one of our very own members whose creativity includes her leadership within the organization, her work as a poet, journalist, and author of a somewhat notorious novel. We are honored to invite you to learn more about Daughters of Destiny and Ms. Center at: http://creativethinkersintl.ning.com/profile/ADaughterofDestiny

CTI Spotlight Artist Cheryl Kaye Tardif March 1-15, 2008

Author Cheryl Kaye Tardif has won the attention and admiration of readers worldwide with her uniquely compelling suspense novels, including the celebrated “Whale Song,” “Divine Intervention,” and “The River.” Those who have noted her blogs at Creative Thinkers International and elsewhere know the author is not one to simply rest on her five-star literary laurels, but often shares quality communication with her readers and lends humanitarian support to the causes and issues that concern her. We are honored to present Ms. Tardif as the CTI Spotlight Artist for March 1-15, 2008, and invite you learn more about this gifted Canadian author at http://creativethinkersintl.ning.com/profile/CherylKayeTardif .

News from the United Nations

Sudan and UN sign four-year development assistance plan

The Sudanese Government today signed an agreement with United Nations agencies operating in the country on a four-year aid plan covering peacebuilding, governance and the rule of law, employment, education and health care as well as other services.

Haiti: UN mission welcomes graduation of hundreds of new prison guards

Human rights officers with the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Haiti have welcomed the graduation from training of more than 200 new prison guards to help improve conditions in the country’s overcrowded jail system.

Security Council extends mandate of UN mission in Nepal into early 2009

The United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) has been extended for another six months to allow the mission to complete its monitoring and management of the arms and personnel of the Nepal army and the former Maoist combatants from the civil war.

New individual ID cards fairer for refugees in Bangladesh - UN agency

New individual identification cards will improve conditions for 22,500 refugees in Bangladesh, the United Nations refugee agency said today.

UN-African Union mission chief meets with Sudanese President in Darfur

The head of the United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID) met today with President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan at the mission’s headquarters in El Fasher.

Somalia: UN envoy calls on Security Council to take ‘bold, decisive and fast action’

The United Nations envoy to Somalia told the Security Council today that there were limited choices for bringing peace to the violence-wracked Horn of Africa country, but that the time had come to make a final decision on the best possible option.

HIV/AIDS to be focus of Ban’s upcoming Mexico visit

The fight against AIDS will be one of the top priorities on the agenda of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon when he makes his first official visit to Mexico next month.

Rescuers’ efforts to notify next of kin made easier thanks to new UN code

Next-of-kin information for injured people will now be easier to find thanks to a new telephone code from the United Nations telecommunications agency.

Ban convenes ‘Group of Friends’ meeting on Myanmar

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today convened a meeting of the so-called "Group of Friends" established to review developments in Myanmar to discuss the upcoming visit to the country of his Special Adviser, Ibrahim Gambari.

Amid global food crisis, UN helps boost farm production in Swaziland

The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) is helping poor farmers to boost their agricultural production in Swaziland, one of many countries suffering as a result of the global food crisis.

About Creative Thinkers International

Aberjhani Aberjhani created this social network on Ning.

 

© 2008   Created by Aberjhani

Report an Issue  |  Feedback  |  Privacy  |  Terms of Service