“Music is created by artist as a means of expression. What is being expressed and how this ‘what’ is expressed varies from artist to artist, much like the timbre of a singer’s voice or the way in which a guitar player bends his notes. In the case of the artists in Alma Desnuda, their ‘what’ is to, “promote kindness and embrace the fullness of the human spirit. With funky grooves, earthy percussion, and vocal harmonies, its fresh blend of rock appeals to most any audience bringing forth smiles and dancing. Four talented and tightly-bonded musicians strive to connect with their listeners to expand the reaches of their own songwriting while inspiring everyone they encounter to radiate positive energy. Their individual and combined works in spiritual exploration, natural healing, world travel, and volunteerism contribute to a sound that extends well beyond the music itself. And their showmanship leaves no crowd untouched.”

Quote courtesy of almadesnudalive.tumblr.com.

Follow Alma Desnuda at www.4NakedSouls.com or on Twitter at @AlmaDesnuda.

Architectural Landmark

When the St. James was built on the site of one of the 19th Century’s most elegant hotels, it stood in the heart of New York’s wealthiest neighborhood just across from Delmonico’s.

The area around the St. James, now called NoMad, has been experiencing a huge surge in popularity and the St. James is once again surrounded by the some of the finest hotels, residences, restaurants in the city.

The St. James was designed by renowned architect Bruce Price, who designed many of the Canadian Pacific Railway‘s Château-type stations and hotels, including the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City. The St. James is a striking combination of stone, brick, terra cotta, iron and copper in the Beaux Arts style with extensive detailing inside and out. One of its original treasures — a lobby mural painted by the famous French decorating firm of Arthur Brounet is maintained in its original glory, one of the few remaining of the dozens of originals that adorned Manhattan theatres, hotels and residences.

The St. James was extensively restored and technologically upgraded by Kew Management in the 1980s and 90s and was highly celebrated on its 100th birthday in 1996.

(Excerpt Taken from: http://www.kewmanagement.com/properties/the-st-james/)

ThinkARETE launched the Beta Season Offering for its “Fundamentals for Optimal Living” Coaching Program.  We were able to engage 10 aspiring young adults to take the first step in offering the first of our F.O.C.U.S. (Focused Opportunities Cause Unlimited Success) Programs.  We have high hopes that we will be able to empower these high potential individuals to realize higher levels of Happiness and Achievement while living an Optimal Life.

Please join us in rooting our first batch of clients onward towards success in this endeavor!

Born, like many great ideas, out of humble beginnings, Kaba Modern has grown and evolved from a local southern California college dance ‘team’ into the internationally known and respected professional dance company it is today. Much of this can be attributed to hard work, sacrifice and the foundation of values introduced by founder Arnel Calvario, along with the countless individuals that have guided the group through its 18 year existence. And there have been many. And they keep coming. That is why Kaba Modern is mentioned here as a collective and not the individuals that comprise it. Being a part of it cultivated a love and passion, not only for dance, but for the idea of family, the idea that each member placing their own, unique ‘soul in the hole’ could somehow create a greater collective. Create awe-inspiring, eclectic and organic pieces of art and expression that, while often imitated, could never be duplicated.

Follow Kaba Modern at www.KabaModern.com or on Twitter at @KabaModern.

“The most articulated value in Greek culture is Areté. Translated as “virtue,” the word actually means something closer to “being the best you can be,” or “reaching your highest human potential.”

It is our belief that through promoting the virtue of Areté, we can encourage individuals to follow our new tagline of “Be Your Greatest Self”.

As an entity formerly known as “Do What You Love”, we have accomplished the following:

- Holding an event to celebrate the mantra of “Do What You Love”
- Raising $1500 for a scholarship fund for Amari Lee.
- Initiating a movement to promote the the mantra “Do What You Love” through social media and internet media.

We hope to bring you more forward thinking programs under the new name of ThinkARETE.

So with this sentiment, we introduce to the world… ThinkARETE.