Dear Piers...

Dear Piers,

I remember on a brisk summer night in Brooklyn, New York I was walking home all by myself after work and a few drinks. Wasn’t drunk by any means, but certainly felt a buzz. As I was walking up Cornelia street back home, I noticed two black men were trailing me. I sped up faster and I noticed their pace quickening, too. So I sped up even more hastily, and they, of course, followed suit. At that point, I knew I was in trouble.

You see, even in the darkest of situations, your intuition still goes off and rings an alarm in your mind telling you to get the hell out of where you are as fast as you can. It’s the fight or flight response - and, before, they even said anything to me - I was fighting and most certainly flighting. Then my fears quickly became realized as I heard one of them say to me, “Give me your money, miss, or I’ll shoot.”

He had the indecency to threaten my life, yet the manners to refer to me as “miss” ..? That’s something I’ll never understand or forget. Anyways, he had a gun in his pocket and held it out for a few fleeting seconds, though he didn’t hold it directly at me, I saw it. It was probably the scariest situation I’ve ever been in. 

So I quickly responded, “I don’t have any money on me I have to go back to my apartment and I’ll get it, I promise.” Which was, of course, a lie. I didn’t have any money on me nor did I have any in the apartment as I was completely broke during my year and a half long stay in New York - irrelevant, but worthy of noting as it shows the bout of trauma I was already facing, on top of this one. That said - no, I didn’t have any money for the drinks I had, they were purchased for me and I was pretty hot in the local restaurant scene in Williamsburg so the bartenders always hooked me up.

I digress...

And then he said, “Just give me your cell phone.”

I obliged, gave it to him, and the two men walked away and let me be while I sprinted home. The memory is a little fuzzy, as I try to block it out, but it was about 2 in the morning when all of that happened. About a few hours later, around 5 AM, I get a knock on my door and it was the NYPD - who, by the way, are some of the most beautiful angels!! I could not have been more grateful to them. They were so kind, supportive, knowledgeable, and sweet. And, of course, they did not arrive empty handed and had my cell phone on them!! How they retrieved it, found my apartment, and caught the guys who stole it from me is something that still remains a mystery to me, but it just goes to show their investigative prowess.

They requested that I come back to the police department to file a report and identify the guy who committed the deed, and I was definitely willing to do whatever they asked as they were so sweet. So - I went. I was there for hours waiting in an interrogation room. No, I was not interrogated, they just had nowhere else to put me. After a couple hours, they brought me to the line-up. It was exactly like you see in the movies!! I looked at all of the guys standing in front of the board that measured their height as I was standing behind one of those window-mirrors. You know, the ones where you can see through to the other side but those standing on the other side merely see a dark mirror. Well, I identified the right guy who stole my cell phone and that was that. I was summoned to court, and it was my choice whether I should put the guy in jail or not - I chose not to as I really didn’t want the karma of putting someone in the big house - which, now, I slightly regret, but hey.

The scariest parts of this entire ordeal were in those seconds that I was threatened with a gun and the moments after the fact in which I realized that I could have been mercilessly beat up or, worse, shot dead and even raped. 

And so this brings me to why I’m writing to you today. Was it my fault that any of this happened?? Not at all. I refuse to take the blame for this and I will most certainly not apologize for walking home. I refuse to apologize for my right to believe that walking home from the subway to my apartment is supposed to be a safe journey and I most certainly will not apologize for thinking that Brooklyn is a place free of depraved hearts for the most part - plenty of people walk home at night without getting threatened with a gun.

Just as none of this is my fault, it is not Kim Kardashian’s fault that armed men robbed her at gun point, bound and gagged her, and locked her in her bathroom while they stole millions of dollars worth of goods. Though my trauma pales in comparison, it is still trauma and the victim is never at fault.

To insinuate that it is Kim Kardashian’s fault for the nightmarish incident is like saying that women who get raped were wrong for going out to that party, they were wrong for dancing with their friends so as to become a target for a predator, and that they were wrong for dressing up or looking attractive. Just because Kim Kardashian is such a public figure and has chosen to propel her own empowering image through social media, which has inspired many like myself to be a smart and savvy business woman who stands up to prejudice and for people in the world, it does not make her a willing target for a crime such as this. And, yes, by saying that she needs to tone down her own self-promotion because it makes her a target for a gross crime is EXACTLY like saying it is a victim’s fault for getting raped, attacked, or even killed. Yes, advice to stay safe is always welcome and common sense measures are always worth taking to prevent such atrocious invasions of personal dignity, but like, you said, “It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor, black or white, old or young” - they can happen to anyone. But what you’re saying to me, and to other women reading your views at least, in the rest of your open letter to Kim is that when a crime is committed against someone who is wealthy, beautiful, and has it all, it is still a crime, just less of one. You are saying that if it happens to someone who is less fortunate that it is a greater crime. You see, this is an argumentative fallacy as it falls under the realm of false equivalencies. But you’re right, it doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor, black or white, old or young, these things could happen to anyone - but it doesn’t make it less of a crime when it happens to certain demographics and not to others, and good fortune most certainly doesn’t make it any more of a victim’s fault than if it were to happen to someone living below the poverty line. And, yes, by telling Kim to tone down her public image is insinuating that this is her fault.

Just as you are requesting Kim Kardashian to reevaluate her priorities in life, I request that you reevaluate yours and especially the messages you are sending to young girls.

Sincerely,

And with all due respect,

Eloise Banting

The Lesser of Two Evils: Why Is This a Toxic Game to Play??

So we’re at a point in the presidential race in which claims that it is SO historical because it is one in which we must decide between the lesser of two evils are running rampant. We must decide who is the worthier candidate solely based on which one possesses a lesser degree of immorality, fraud, and overall malevolence. Well, I think this is a really toxic way of looking at things. It insinuates that both Trump and Clinton are evil, and we must choose the candidate that is less likely to drop bombs on Syria - but still likely to. The candidate who is less likely to impede on women’s rights - but still likely to. The candidate who is less likely to dismantle and overthrow systematic healthcare, but still likely to.

No, no, and no.

I refuse to promote the argument that both are evil and we must choose the lesser villain. Yes, I formerly viewed both candidates as largely wicked,  but my disdain for Trump, no pun intended, TRUMPS everything. I refuse to view Hillary as the more mediocre candidate when she is our only hope at beating this dictator, this master-mind of manipulation, gender degradation, and corrupt business. This grossly infected specimen of a human being that is more sensitive to the words in a 140-character tweet than to the lives of the college-students he cheated at Trump University. She is not the lesser of two evils, because, simply put: Trump is the greatest evil of all and Hillary is a saint in comparison.

So - it’s down to you, dear voter - are you gonna remain independent or a non-voter, simultaneously removing your voice from a political debate that needs it, or are you gonna step up to the plate and say what needs to be said: We CANNOT give this election to Trump. We CANNOT endorse the notion that Hillary is the lesser of two evils if we are to see Trump’s political demise. And we CANNOT give a racist, xenophobic imbecile anymore of a platform to display his theatre, antics, and misogyny than we already have.

I will give my voice to this election. I’m not going to give a CELEBRITY a role he does not deserve or one he is not capable of fulfilling. And I most certainly will not endorse the notion that Hillary is comparable to an exponentially greater evil. Because I’m with what is right and I’m with what makes America GREAT already. So I’M WITH HER and will forever be. #Hillary2016

Native Americans: Why Do They Have The Highest Suicide Rates?

A recent study released in April 2016 has found that suicide rates have reached their highest levels in the United States in nearly 30 years, with sharp increases in nearly every age group besides those over the age of 75. While the statistics are striking and often times disturbing, what resonates with me the most is that Native Americans had the steepest rise of all ethnicities in the US, with an 89% increase in women and a 38% increase in men. Further, the study indicates that without the appropriate intervention and treatment, these numbers will continue to rise at a rate that we have never seen before. So - I think - a key to preventing any further catastrophic levels of suicide in the Native American community is through awareness and through acknowledging the plight and world of the Native American. We must understand that many reservations are plagued with poverty, unemployment, domestic violence, sexual assault, alcoholism, and drug addiction. These circumstances are absolutely dire and without the necessary aid, they will only get worse, especially for children. About 25% of Native American children live in poverty, contrasting greatly with the 13% in the United States. Additionally, they are 17% less likely to graduate compared to the national average, and their risk for substance abuse is also much higher. They are also twice as likely to die before the age of 24 and have a 2.3% higher risk of exposure to trauma. So, clearly, Native American youth are the most vulnerable to suicide and in need of the most preventative aid. We must find ways to help and relieve the Native American community of this statistic because when any ethnicity thrives in the United States, we all thrive. Conversely, when one of us suffers, we all suffer. Let's educate ourselves and stay in touch with what our fellow Native American brothers and sisters are going through.

Twin Flames: Have You Found Yours Yet??

Twin Flames

Look, I get it. People are skeptical of the notion that soulmates exist. And I understand why. How are we supposed to believe that we were predestined to meet the other half of our soul after generations of reincarnation and millenniums of paying karmic debts? Though I definitely understand the skepticism, I really don’t think I belong in the category of non-believers and doubters of such a cosmic union. Yes, it is a bit silly to believe that God or the Universe or whatever transcendent, all-knowing figure you believe in decided since lifetimes before we were born that we were meant to be with a specific person. Yes, it is easy to say that it’s not real, and, yes, it is easy to perceive the idea of soulmates as something only a frivolous mind would ponder. But, through all the doubt and the nay-say, I still believe in it. I also believe in Twin Flames.

So, what exactly is a soulmate and a twin flame??

A soulmate and a twin flame are, in fact, very similar entities. One can have several soul mates, but only one twin flame. So let me elaborate...

A soulmate stems from your soul family. It stems from an energy that brings people into your life who are meant to be there to heal your karmic wounds and load off your karmic baggage. A soulmate is not necessarily a romantic partner, and you can have several soulmates at one time!! Think of them as kindred spirits -- a sister, brother, mother, or even best friend fall into the category of potential soulmates. The media has really given the idea of the soulmate a bad name, and it’s really time we change it. Though a soulmate connection can be romantic, it is not limited to this type of bond.

Okay, now for twin flames. Twin flames are what we know as the general idea of ‘soulmates.’ Since ancient Greece, Twin Flames were said to have been created from one soul that has been split in half upon creation. One half is masculine and the other half feminine, destined to me during a particular lifetime. Though one half may remain in an ulterior realm with God, the other half may be dwelling on Earth -- they aren’t necessarily in the same place at the same time!! Sometimes it takes lifetimes to meet your twin flame and that’s perfectly okay!! A twin flame represents one half of your own, unique soul!! A twin flame is the quintessential soulmate!! Though you may have several soulmates, you can only have one twin flame, and that is real, true love.

So, have you met your twin flame yet?? If so, I’d love to hear about your connection!! Also, tell me a little bit about your soulmates and how they lift you up to all that you can be!! Don’t be shy and I hope that this little blurb was helpful in clarifying the difference between a soulmate and a twin flame!! Thanks for reading Xxx

P.S. I personally think I know who my twin flame is, but that’s a secret I’m not sharing til we’re married.. Shh!! :-)

Day 1: Wanna Join Me On My Britney Journey??

Anyone who knows me knows that I love and adore the performing arts. It is such a great outlet to play someone or be a different character and really tell a story. I've been so busy with work that I haven't been able to focus on my acting career - which is fine as I really LOVE my job!! That said, I need to bring the auditions to me and since I've accrued somewhat of an underground following, I'm going to use this platform to showcase my talents. My latest endeavor? The character of Britney Spears. I really wanna write a script in the same vein of Steve Jobs with three sequences before a big show or moment in her life. This isn't an exposee and I refuse to portray Britney in a way that she would be unhappy with. So I'm really gonna do my research and figure out what makes her tick, the language she utilizes to communicate backstage, and what she does when there is an obstacle to a show or performance. Today marks Day 1 of my Britney journey for a period of 15 weeks. I really wanna get in shape like her and become the character of Britney Spears. So play along and enjoy the ride! Feedback is always welcome.

My Favorite Natalie Wood Performances: Which are Your Favorite??

"Splendour in the Grass" by William Wordsworth

Though Natalie Wood's legacy remains marred in mystery due to the tragic boating accident that took her life on November 28, 1981, her filmography and acting performances set a clear and picturesque view of who she was as a performer and actress. Few can set a bar so high and achieve every expectation cast before them. Even fewer can say that they've starred in a movie with the one and only James Dean, and approximately none other than Natalie can say that they've accomplished the latter while achieving 3 academy award nominations before the age of 25 - besides Jennifer Lawrence, who has only achieved 4 but, of course, never nabbed an impossible role with Jimmy.

Yes, Natalie's reputation is one to be reckoned with, and her iconic stature is only cemented by the true resonance of each and every one of her roles. Whether she's playing a star crossed lover in "West Side Story" or a marginally pseudo swinger in "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice", she nails each position with a sly wit and nuanced realism that only someone with her distinct experience could pull off.  She definitely had a smooth presence, an often bubbly presence, in her work, thus remaining an engaging figure on and off the screen.

Natalie Wood was born Natalia Zacharenko in San Francisco, California on July 20, 1938 to Russian immigrant parents, both of whom were adamant Russian Orthodox Christians. Despite their conservatism, Natalie's mother was very encouraging of her acting pursuits, and often frequented the movies with her daughter to familiarize Natalie with the craft. With no professional training, just experience going to the movies and watching on-screen stars, Natalie skyrocketed to success in her first major role in "Tomorrow is Forever"at the age of 7. The sky was the limit thereafter, repeatedly nabbing roles in family movies like "Miracle on 34th Street"and "The Star", in which she plays Bette Davis' daughter.

Natalie was once quoted as saying "Today's films are so technological that an actor becomes starved for roles that deal with human relationships." This type of cautionary, minuscule angst is probably why almost all, if not all, of Natalie's performances are so layered -- she didn't want to play one-dimensional figures and your hard pressed to find one in her filmography. So, after hours of study, I have finally compiled a list of her best performances. I didn't rank them, I merely placed them in the order of their respective movie's release date. So, here they are...

"Tomorrow is Forever" (1946)

Natalie's Role: Margaret Ludwig

This film saw Natalie's first credited role as Margaret Ludwig. She plays a young girl who is the adopted daughter of Erik (Orson Welles), formerly known as John in his life before World War I, in which he is enlisted for battle. He was believed dead by his wife Elizabeth (Claudette Cobert), but returns 20 years later under his ulterior identity. He then meets Elizabeth upon his return, discovering that he has a son. The film grapples with the mental toll over whether Erik should reveal his true identity, or keep his identity post-war a secret.

And back to Natalie.

Natalie was only 7 years old when she received the role as a war orphan, and, boy, did this require some range. About an hour into the film in a particularly haunting scene, she displays the psyche of a child who has suffered severe post traumatic stress after the murder of her parents by nazis. Additionally, she was able to flee Nazi-occupied Austria by pretending to be the daughter of John, or Erik as he is dubbed at this point and the latter half of the film. Anyway, in this specific scene, Elizabeth is reminded of the gun warfare in the Austrian home from which she was adopted after a toy snapper goes off. These types of scenes can be incredibly tricky, and, in the wrong hands, can come across as a little manipulative and phony. But, in this circumstance, Natalie pulls it off with an emotional knowledge not understood by most little girls. It is very striking to witness and, for me, is one of the most powerful beats of the film. Yes, there is screaming. Yes, there is crying. But Natalie's ability to smoothly access these feelings of intensity is incredible and a major feat for a young 7 year old girl. At one point Erik reminds her that she mustn't forget about her real father and what happened in Austria, to which she responds with a breath so nuanced and in tune with the gravity of the exchange declaring, "I never do forget."

Even more chilling are the moments at the end of the scene through an apology for her reactionary behavior to the snapper, coolly stating with a smile, 

"I'm very sorry I made a disturbance. I apologize"

"Miracle on 34th Street" (1947)

Natalie's Role: Susan Walker

Alright, so. Long story short this movie is about Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) who plays Santa Claus at the annual Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade after the original 'Santa' is deemed too intoxicated to work. Kringle's true identity is up for debate throughout the feature, and is discovered, in the end, that he actually-could-quite-possibly-be the real Santa. Natalie Wood plays a young second-grader, Susan. In this particular film, it is not necessarily the believability of her performance that strikes me, it is in her ability to make us believe. To believe in things real and not-so-real, really giving a new definition to reality and the notions of the plausibility of mythical-like entities.  So, is Santa real?? It's not even a question when it comes to Natalie's performance - one that makes us believe that all things are possible.

Watch how she makes us believe here:

"Rebel Without a Cause" (1955)

Natalie's Role: Judy

Alright anyone who's anyone has heard of or at least seen "Rebel Without a Cause". The film is about a young delinquent Jim Stark (James Dean) and his relationships with fellow troublemakers Plato (Sal Mineo) and Judy (Natalie Wood). Wood's portrayal of Judy is sassy, refined, and totally unique. In a weird way, we all, for a moment, want to be the object of Stark's affections and Natalie Wood gracefully gives us that opportunity. It is certainly one of her finer roles, and one that she was lucky enough to nab before the tragic death of Dean.

"Splendor in the Grass" (1961)

Natalie's Role: Wilma Dean "Deanie" Loomis

There are few cinematic moments that can top the "I'm not spoiled!" scene in "Splendor in the Grass". It is really some of Natalie's finest acting in which she plays Wilma Dean "Deanie" Loomis. I'd love to get into the nitty gritty details of the film, but that can be pretty boring. But, basically, it's about Deanie's relationship with Bud Stamper (Warren Beatty) and the dynamics between his willingness to have sex and her, well, defiance of it. Themes of sexual repression swallow the film whole, and it's like watching the most magnificent, beautiful trainwreck. 

Watch the "I'm not spoiled!" scene here: 

Abbas Kiarostami (1940 - 2016)

I don’t know how many of you are aware, but Japan is historically known for its incredible performing arts scene. From cinema to acting, Japan excels in the realm of the performing arts and its relative arenas. Its prevalent themes of inferiority v. superiority, man v. man, and man v. nature, for example, are incredibly fascinating to watch, especially on the big screen. What’s more fascinating is when a filmmaker from a completely different world attempts to grapple with these ideas and the tenants of Japanese cinema in his or her own work. Not only is this a challenge, it is an undertaking only a master would combat. That’s why when you get an Iranian filmmaker in the form of Abbas Kiarostami, who has performed the task of creating a work of Japanese cinema in Like Someone in Love, you know the news of his death is gonna hit the cinematic community hard.

Abbas Kiarostami was an Iranian filmmaker who was adamant in his refusal to leave Iran when many intellectuals were fleeing due to violence and war. His argument was that he needed to stay as an artistic voice that was hard to find in such stages of turmoil in his country. And, thank God he did, because we wouldn’t have such beautiful pieces of work from him. Additionally, that’s why his work Like Someone in Love remains so fascinating. It is an Iranian piece of work set in Japan, and spoken in Japanese, from, of course, an Iranian filmmaker. Not only did Kiarostami have the task of making this film in Japanese, he had the task of making this film in cinematic Japanese -- two very different things.

Let’s hope the world remembers Abbas Kiarostami for who he was, a genius with a talent so rare and effervescent, that he could transcend the barrier of language with his knowledge of the universal language of cinema. He was able to create a Japanese work as an Iranian - and that takes a deep understanding of what unites us all in cinema. A truly deep understanding.