Interview with Shakespeare onthe Sound Director Mary Robinson

Every year Shakepeare on the Sound brings the great plays of Shakepeare to Pinkney Park in Rowyaton CT.This high quality professional theatre offers fine culture and delight to Connecticut audiences while they picnic in the beautiful park on the sound. I talked with veteran director, Mary Robinson about this season's play " All's Well That Ends Well


Mary Robinson, Director, Shakespeare on the Sound

 'All's Well that Ends Well" is not one of Shakespeare's most perfomed plays and yet it
has wonderful challenges .  Mary enjoys the opportunity to direct the talented equity actors whose performances bring this classic treasure to life. While being true to the intergrity of the work, Mary delights in playing with the ending and what Shakespeare leaves a bit open to interpretation.



William Shakespeare

 The provocative challenge to the conventions of gender unfolds under the stars in the natural outdoor amphitheater of the park in Rowayton where a family-festive audience assembles on blankets and low-slung deck chairs with picnic baskets crammed with goodies

View of the Sound from Pinkney Park Rowayton, CT

All’s Well That Ends Well” was selected for the theater’s 20^th anniversary from Shakespeare’s inimitable 34-play palette that poetically synthesizes what it means to be human and crackles with wordplay and wit

Costume Sketch for All's Well That Ends Well



As opposed to the Elizabethan era, however, she is setting the play in an Edwardian time bend, the early 1900s. The above sketch is one of costumes.

ABOUT MARY ROBINSON

In a career spanning more than three decades, Mary B. Robinson has directed more than sixty theater productions in New York City and around the country and has taught directing at Manhattan Theatre Club. She was the first recipient of the Alan Schneider Award in 1987, a national award in honor of the late director, she was nominated for a Drama Desk Award in 1986 for her production of "Lemon Sky" and she won Philadelphia's Barrymore Award in 1995 for "Of Mice and Men." She is one of fifty directors profiled in the recent book "American Women Stage Directors of the Twentieth Century." For the past fifteen years, she has taught directing at New York University (where she heads the undergraduate directing program at Playwrights Horizons Theater School), and Brooklyn College's MFA Program. She has directed many student productions, including Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night," "Richard III," Troilus and Cressida" and "The Tempest," and Chekhov's "Three Sisters," "The Cherry Orchard," and "The Seagull," as well as Clifford Odets's "Golden Boy," Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" and Alice Childress's "Wedding Bank," at New York University's Graduate Acting Program, the Juilliard School, Rutgers University, Brooklyn College and Playwrights Horizons Theater School (NYU). For many years she was a board member of the labor union Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, playwright Erik Brogger, and their son, Chrtistopher.

 

She is also the author of "Directing Plays, Directing People, A Collaborative Art

ALL's WELL THAT ENDS WELL
PERFORMANCES
    .
The production runs from June 11th to June 28th on Tuesdays through Sundays—Mondays are dark as they say in the theater—with patrons permitted to stake out space on the grounds of Pinkney Park in Rowayton CT, with a blanket or deck chair starting at 4 p.m., 3 ½ hours before the curtain.. Most nights, one hour in advance, there is a special preview presentation for children. The main production starts at 7:30pm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
www.shakespeareonthesound.org

christina-haskin@hotmail.com


Interview with Leyla Dam, Ownder of Cafe Lorca Stamford CT

Leyla Dam, owner of CAFE LORCA, Stamford CT

Leyla Dam at Cafe Lorca Making Coffee
 

After many, sips of great coffee and bites of delicious food at Cafe Lorca, I invited owner Leyla Dam to Cablevision Studios to talk about how she built this cool Cafe and achieved her success as a small business. When her original career as an architect was derailed by a sudden unemployment, she took advantage of the opportunity  to re-imagine her future. Having grown up in Spain and loving coffee and cortados and churros  a new dream of owning a shop started to brew. She traveled to Sevilla to learn the art of making churros at a small local shop and  in 2011, she began working at an artisan coffee bar in Darien, Connecticut and gained experience in the business and art of making a Cafe work.   In the winter of 2012, Lorca opened to deliver both coffee and a unique experience in heart of Stamford, Connecticut. She named the shop after the famous Spanish poet, Garcia Lorca.

Poet, Garcia Lorca

The interview is broadcast on Tuesdays at 9pm and Thursday at 5:30pm from May 26
through June 4th at the above days and times.

Churros and dipping chocolate sauce

During our delightful conversation Leyla talked about the importance of the quality of coffee and the importance of the way you brew it. She buys ARABICA coffee brands from all over the world including exotic Ethiopia one of her favorites.  Leyla  performed a demonstration, on the secret to making a single cup of great coffee at home. More than a coffee house, Cafe Lorca provides a varied menu, with breakfast, pastries, creative sandwichs, soups and other savory dishes in a sophisticated ambiance that blends well with
the scrumptuous food and drink.

What increases the special vibe of this Cafe are the events and clubs that Leyla created.
Her clubs include a book club and knitting club and once a mouth she has a cupping event.

Monthly Coffee Cupping

Meets every first Monday 2-2:30pm. Free to attend and open to all.
People are welcome to come  taste the current offerings of single-origin coffees at Lorca. All levels of coffee enthusiast are encouraged to take part, learn more about coffee, or just to enjoy.

 

 

I have always been curious about the skill needed for Latte Art.I asked Leyla about how difficult was it to create the swirling designs instantaneously as the latte is poured into the cup. The heart, leaf and other delicate shapes appear out of nowhere when the steamed milk settles into the cup. Leyla explained that this art takes a bit of time to master.

I



 On The Menu

 

 Leyla, influenced by her Spanish roots serves churros, pastries that are freshly made with fried dough sprinkled with sugar served with a dippy sauce. A Lorca favorite.

Alfajores

Another favorite, introduced by Leyla's mom is the cookie Alfajores, butter cookies with dulce de lede, coconut and powdered sugar.

In addition to cookies and pastries,  the menu includes  various soups, quiches and sandwiches for breakfast lunch or anytime. Leyla's creativity keeps her changing the menu to keep things fresh while always serving the standard favorites that customers look for.

                           

Another element that contributes to the Cafe's cool vibe is Leyla's choice of staff. She hires

young and interesting Barrista's who work at the Cafe while pursing other career goals.

Leyla Dam and her Barista staff

Leyla Dam in her Cafe

Detail of the colorful mural wall that brings sunny sense of fun to the space

Cafe Lorca's architectural design adds to the attractiveness of the shop. A wonderful mural decorates a brick wall, created by her brother, while stylish stools and pastry case add to  the unique interior design. .  A charcoal colored wall is designated as the Art Wall that hangs local artists work and is curated by one of the baristas.

Local Art featured regularly on the Cafe's Art Wall

 

THE SHOP

 

 

     Cafe Lorca is located at 125 Bedford Street in Stamford, CT.

 

  
                                                 www.lorcastamford.com                                                                                         

 

 

Interview with Dr. Ming Wu, about QiGong

 

Dr Ming Wu

 

My guest Dr Ming Wu, a doctor of Chinese Medicine, a third generation Cinese Herbalist , Master QiGong and Tai Chi practitioner enlightened me about the philosophy of Chinese Medicine and the health benefits of practicing of Qi Gong. He demonstrated some of the beautiful movements of QiQong.  


Qigong is an ancient Chinese health care system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention. The word Qigong (Chi Kung) is made up of two Chinese words. Qi is pronounced chee and is usually translated to mean the life force or vital-energy that flows through all things in the universe.
The second word, Gong, pronounced gung, means accomplishment, or skill that is cultivated through steady practice. Together, Qigong (Chi Kung) means cultivating energy, it is a system practiced for health maintenance, healing and increasing vitality.
Qigong is an integration of physical postures, breathing techniques, and focused intentions.
Qigong practices can be classified as martial, medical, or spiritual. All styles have three things in common: they all involve a posture, (whether moving or stationary), breathing techniques, and mental focus. Some practices increase the Qi; others circulate it, use it to cleanse and heal the body, store it, or emit Qi to help heal others. Practices vary from the soft internal styles such as Tai Chi; to the external, vigorous styles such as Kung Fu. However, the slow gentle movements of most Qigong forms can be easily adapted, even for the physically challenged and can be practiced by all age groups.

 

 

 

 

ABOUT DR..MING WU

Dr. Ming Wu, Founder, AOBTA-CP. Ph.D. is a doctor of Chinese Medicine, a third generation Chinese Herbalist, Master Tai Chi and Qi Gong practitioner.
He has studied Tai Chi and Qi Gong in China and US for more then 40 years. He has studied Tong Ren Therapy with Master Tom Tam since 1994. He has received authentic Yang Style Tai Chi instruction from his Sifu Grandmaster, Gin Soon Chu, disciple of Yang Sau Chung. Dr. Ming Wu has been teaching Tai Chi and Qi Gong in the US for over 20 years. He has dedicated his life to healing and teaching others how to live healthy and healing lives.

Qi Gong is an integral element of Dr. Wu's healing practice and is supported by his years of research in energy, medicine, and meditation.
His practice is the in West Hartford.

WU HEALING CENTER
 45 South Main Street, Suite 100, West Hartford, CT
email wuhealing@yahoo.com




  

 

Interview with Nick Mancini Author and Organic Gardener

                                                      Nick Mancini Author, Organic Gardener

I have grown to appreciate and enjoy organic food and was delighted to talk with an expert
organic gardener and author Nick Mancini, whose mission it is to spread his expertise and knowledge with the public.
He is book"THE COMPLETE ORGANIC GARDEN" is an encyclopedia of information on organic gardening. Nick grew up in Italy and learned at a very young age the joy of natural food from your garden. He life is now dedicated to organic gardening and his purpose is to share his knowledge about the wonderful benefits of organic gardening and planting and preserving heirloom seeds, Nick frequently gives classes and talks in libraries on organic gardening.

I visited Nick's organic garden in Westport CT to film him at work in his garden.  I got to
sample some of his heirloom tomatoes and one can say there is nothing like them-
a real treat and no pesticides to worry about.  His natural methods to tame pests provide
an efficient and safe way to allow his produce to grow to full and delicious ripeness.
His is very careful to make sure seeds have not been cross contaminated by genetically
modified seeds.

                                                          Nick in his Westport garden

 

ABOUT NICK MANCINI


Nick is an author, teacher, lecturer, garden consultant and coach. A certified Master Gardener, he specializes in organic vegetables, fruits and brambles. He teaches organic gardening at Norwalk Community College and for Fairfield and Westport Continuing Education. He has lectured to the CT Northeast Organic Farmers Association, garden clubs, horticultural societies and libraries throughout Connecticut and the New York Metro area. Mancini is a member of the Connecticut Master Gardeners Association, CT NOFA, Connecticut Community Garden Association and the Westport Community Garden.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO:

WEBSITE
http://www.organicgardeningsimplified.com/2012/books.htm

BLOG
https://theorganicitalian.wordpress.com

Interview with Felicia Drury Kliment on the Subconcious and her new book

 

Felicia Drury Kliment

 

My guest, Felicia Drury Kliment, author, of The Subconscious Your Port in The Storm chatted with me about the mysteries of the subconcious and how the hidden mind can be a great help and protective guide in steering you through life's storms.

Felicia and I explored the depths of the subscious and it's effects on the lives of people.In our conversation the author gives examples of the impact the subscious has in changing the life stories of ordinary people. Ms. Kliment deferentiates the conscious mind and the subconcious, reveals how to gain deeper access to your subconcious mind and explains how to delve into it's power when a life choice requires an important decision that demands more than a rational assestment. She shares tips on how you can access your subconscious's inner knowledge to find answers to life's challenges and brings to light the power of one's own subconscious to be your best friend.
 

About her Book - The Subconscious Your Port in The Storm
 

 

"Life is a constant process of growth in which you evaluate what you've done, note your mistakes, make necessary adjustments, reevaluate and start all over again. Throughout this cycle, the "person" that can help you out the most is within you-your subconscious. In the Subconcious, author Felicia Drury Kliment brings to light the undiscovered aspects of the subconcious, considering why it's judgement is wiser thatn that of the conscious mind and under whatr circumstances the subconscious is likely to transmit its advice. Sharing enlightening stories of how people have found ways to use their subconscious, this study seeks to help you find your life's partner, select the career your're meant for, succeed in the workplace, let you know when your fears are groundless, improve your speaking and writing skills, and elilminate depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive discorders. Kliment shares the amazing power of the subconsciuos and shows how you can open up your mind to take in all the inklings of advice it sends you, grasp their menaing and then act upon them. " Kliment

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Felicia Drury Kliment was an adjunct professor at the City College of the City University of New York where she taught courses in the Psychology of the Special Needs Child. She based them on her teaching experience in public schools in Harlem, New York, and later wrote about them in magazines and academic journals. Her landmark paper on the subject, “Beyond Psychoanalysis,” was published in the distinguished journal, The Clearing House.
Kliment then took a detour and wrote two popular books for McGraw-Hill about nutrition and diet. The best-seller The Acid Alkaline Balance Diet was published in 2002; thanks to popular demand, a second edition was published in 2010. Eat Right for Your Metabolism, a book of recipes corresponding to the first book,was published in 2006.
Right after that, Kliment returned to her lifelong interest in the subconscious, leading to the publication of this book in 2014. It took her years to write because, unlike so many writers of nonfiction, she didn't put the book together out of second-hand material. The book originated from her life experiences and those of her family and friends, though she did read widely in search of literary, scientific, and biographical stories showing the subconscious at work. As a result, the book portrays the subconscious, not in stodgy academic terms, but through the lives of those who have benefited from it. It is truly a collaboration between Kliment’s conscious and subconscious minds.


For more information
http://www.subconsciousbook.com/blog.php

Christina Haskin youtube channel
Interview Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kEJUZvMwFo  Part One
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msFxY_MJNwM Part Two

Interview with Sathya Ramavataram, Author and Artist

Sathya Ramavataram Author, Artist
 
Current Program

Sathya,Ramavataram's Book " Mandalamanjari"

It was delightful to chat with Sathya, a talented artist who shared her deep understanding of the spiritual and  Indian vedic lore and for Westerners a view into the mystery and wonder of Indian thought and spirituality. Her book, a tribute to her guru Sadguru Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, contains her beautiful artwork called Mandalas that are accompanied by descriptions of the spiritual meanings created in the symbolic designs in her paintings. Sathya talks about the wisdom of the Vedic age old questions that mankind must ponder.


 "Who am I?", " Where did I come from?"," Where am I going?", and " How will I get there?"
The interview broadcast dates on Cablevision's Channel 88  CT. on Tuesdays September 9nd at 9pm and Thursday September 11th at 5:30pm. The program will repeat on those days and times until October 2nd. The interview can also be seen on the
Christina Haskin channel on youtube: Part One   http://youtu.be/F5tJwFF7pTI
Part Two    http://youtu.be/zRDNphamMn4

Sadguru Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

MADALA-The Evolution of the Many - Purusha and Prakrithi in Perfect Balance

                                
" The questions arise in the mind of an individual who has reached a high level of disillusionment with the external world. Each spiritual tradition offers its own guidelines on how to go about finding the answers to these questions; each one also recognizes the importance of providing a 'scheme of creation' that will be of some assistance to the individual when he or she embarks on this journey of self discovery" Sathya Ramavataram

                                     MANDALA The Omnipresence of the Divine

Sathya was inspired in this painting by the simple hibicus flower she viewed from her window. She writes:
" The flower was so beautiful I did not feel like throwing it away so I put it in a small vase and kept it at the altar, near Baba's picture in my room. As the day progressed. I kept an eye on this flower; little by little, it's petals started folding inwards. By the end of the day it had shrunk to the size of a bud. The flower was no more, but the joy that it evoked in the viewer's heart when it was" blooming" was it's
"purnata". it fulfillment."

ABOUT SATHYA RAMAVATARAM

Dr. Sathya Ramavataram, an ardent Sathya Sai Baba devotee is a nuclear physicist by profession who obtained her PhD at Manchester University and pursued research at various institutions in the US, UK and Canada. Upon retirement author and artist, Dr. Ramavataram , inspired by Sri Sathya Sai Baba, her guru, turned her scientific acumen towards the vast vedic literature. Her deep understanding of the spiritual texts such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita combined with her fine talents of drawing and painting enabled her to create designs that capture the essence of the scriptures she studies. These symbolic paintings are call Mandalas.  She has createdthe book, MANDALAMANJARI, as a tribute to her beloved teacher and guru in appreciation for all he had taught her on her spiritual journey.  The beautiful bouquet of Mandalas are accompanied by in depth explanations of how they were created and the spiritual meaning and wisdom behind each work of art.

 For.enquires about the book: contact mandalamanjari@gmail.com

Mandalamanjari: Sathya Ramavataram: 9788190622998 ...

www.amazon.com/...Sathya-Ramavataram/dp/8190622994

Amazon.com

ABOUT

Sri Sathya Sai Baba


The late Sathya Sai Baba was born in Puttaparthi, a small village in South India, on 23 November 1926. As a child, he demonstrated exemplary qualities of compassion, generosity, and wisdom, which clearly distinguished him from the other children of his village.

Sathya Sai Baba was a highly revered spiritual leader and world teacher, whose life and message are inspiring millions of people throughout the world to turn God-ward and to lead more purposeful and moral lives. His timeless and universal teachings, along with the manner in which he led his own life, have attracted seekers of Truth from all the religions of the world. Yet, he was not seeking to start a new religion. Nor did he wish to direct followers to any particular religion. Rather, he urged us to continue to follow the religion of our choice and/or upbringing.

Sathya Sai Baba publicly declared his mission in 1940, at the age of 14. Since then, he had daily exhibited in practical and concrete terms the highest ideals of truth, right conduct, peace, love, and nonviolence. He often stated, "My life is my message." Each day, hundreds of pilgrims make their way to the tiny hamlet in southern India where Sathya Sai Baba's ashram (spiritual headquarters) is located. They come not only from India but from virtually every country of the world.  The name of Sathya Sai Baba's ashram is Prasanthi Nilayam, which means "abode of the highest peace".

Sathya Sai Baba interacted with all people on a heart-to-heart basis. There were no intermediaries between himself and those who yearn for knowledge and experience of God. Every day for more than 50 years, Sathya Sai Baba had walked among and talked with the spiritual pilgrims who gather around him in increasing numbers. He offered solace and inspiration to all sincere seekers of truth.

Interview with Dr. Mark Schenker, Associate Dean of Yale College - A conversation on Jane Austen & Sense and Sensibility:

Dr. Mark Schenker. Assoc. Dean of Yale College

ABOUT Dr. Schenker

Dr. Schenker, who has been at Yale College since 1990, is currently an associate dean and dean of academic affairs. Born and raised in New York City, he received his PhD in English Literature from Columbia University and has taught at Columbia, New York University, and Trinity College (Hartford). He was the recipient of the 2001 Wilbur Cross Award for Outstanding Humanities Scholar, presented by the Connecticut Humanities Council.


 I was delighted with my conversation with  Dr. Mark Schenker, Assoc. Dean of Yale College about Jane Austen on the topic:  "Sense and Sensibility: How the 18th Century Meets the 19th in Jane Austen's Novels". Dr. Schenker's scholarly and brilliant analysis of Jane Austen's work and the influence of history on her novels is a real treat for anyone who loves fiction and history. Dr. Schenker often speaks at local public libraries on various literary topics, including his annual analysis of the Shakespeare play of the season produced by Shakespeare on the Sound in Rowayton.   

Jane Austen

Kate Winslet as Marianne in Sense and Sensibility

                                        

                                                        Emma Thompson as  Elinor in Sense and Sensibility

Our conversation about Jane Austen naturally found it's way into other Austen novels including Emma, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, and Persuasion. 

Dr. Schenker spoke about Dickens depiction of

the economic and historic influences of his time.

Mark commented on the enduring popularity of Jane Austen's work evidenced by the numerous films and series of her novels, her many fan clubs and her many ardent readers of today. Like Shakespeare, Austen's writing is still relevant and doesn't seem to be threatened with any hint of future obscurity.

 Elinor and Edward in Sense and Sensibility

                                 Sense and Sensibility

Hugh Grant as Edward Ferrars in Sense and Sensibility

Dr. Schenker's favorite Austen novel is Emma

Most of Austen's Novel's have been produced in Hollywood films and BBC television series 

Gwyneth Paltrow as Emma          

Emma dismayed at Mr. Knightly disapproval

Luxurious interior

  Emma on the BBC played by Romala Garai

Mr. Knightly BBC Production played bu J

                                                               PRIDE & PREJUDICE

 

Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice by the BBC

The Bennett Family

 

  Elizabeth Bennet  played by Jennifer Elhe and Mr. Darcy bu Colin Firth

                                                                                        

Lizzy in Pride and Predujice is not dismayed when she discovers the extent of Mr. Darcy's   considerable wealth when visiting his estate, Pemberly. Since women of that period

could not inherit family fortunes and could not have careers they were left to try

to marry well.  Lizzy was fortunate to truly fall for a man who had a lot to recommend him.

Opulence of  Pemberly in Pride and Prejudice

Opulent interior 

 

                                                              More modest  interior of Jane Austen's real home

                                                                                       Jane Austen's House


We discussed the  question about the authentic portraits of love that are central in Jane Austen's novels and whether her perceptions and understanding of true love came from experience or her imagination.

                                                                  Captain Frederick Wentworth,  Persuasion

                                              Grandeur in a street in Bath depicted in Austen's Persuasion

                                                             Captain Wentworth writing the  famous love letter to Anne Elliot


                                                                              "You pierce my soul. I am

 half agony, half hope.

I have loved none but you"

Jane Austen - Persuasion









Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliot
                                                                             

 Fanny and Edward  in the BBC Production of  Austen's Mansfield Park

played by Johnny Lee Miller and Frances O'Connor