Black Sand beaches, volcanic rock, mountains and the peaceful serenity are a few reasons to visit Hawaii, Big Island.

Big Island:
Big Island is a part of Americas 50th state and one of the Hawaiian Islands hidden wonderlands. Just 50 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Oahu, Big Island gives a new meaning to paradise with its tranquilly and closeness with the environment.
While Oahu broils in the baking heat and swarms of tourists, a quick flight over the Pacific Ocean will have you on the shores of Hawaii. Anna Skoghagen has recently gone to the Island during her spring break and said, “To properly discover the Island you should hire a hire a car.”
To begin your journey, take a drive along the Hawaii Belt Highway and allow yourself to get lost along the main road. Skoghagen reflected on her journey along the road, “... it circles the rainy east coast and its huge, intimidating cliff tops.”

Big lookout:
Be sure to continue to the most Northern point of the Island and you will come across the picturesque perch, Polulu Lookout. Skoghagen said, “the morning is the best time to visit. Polulu overlooks a stretch of sea cliffs and the rain tends to fog the view in the afternoon.” Pololu Valley is located at the end of Highway 270 in North Kohala.
HPU student Anna Skoghagen stopped on her way in the quaint town of Hawi. “It is such a beautiful town, with so much character. The locals are all so friendly and the home made fudge is a must.”
Skoghagen added “it is also important to visit the beautiful black sand beaches at the bottom of the Valley. It is a bit eerie because of the black rocks and sand but it is like no other beach. It is really spectacular.” Big Island is known for its colourful beaches, black, green and white sand beaches scatter the shore line.

Big coffee in the Kona District:
Continue down Highway 270 and enjoy a coffee in the famous region of Kona. “You can see the coffee farms along the highway,” said Skoghagen. The Kona district is generally more popular due to its consistent weather and means it can be significantly pricier. Another reason is “the spectacular sunsets. You can see them from the,” Skoghagen added “they are a truly spectacular sight.”

Big National Park:
For a bit of History local brothers Eric and Pete recommend going to Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park. This place of refuge is 180 acre compound that offers authentic look at Native Hawaii temple ruins, royal grounds, fish ponds, sacred burial spots and petroglyphs from before western contact.
“We come here all the time... often it is just you and the ocean.” Pete added, “A lot of people don’t take the time to walk up the paths so you don’t find tourist groups here.” Eric spoke of the cliffs in the place of refuge, “They are nice to go to and meditate” as he laughs at his brother, “But we like to come and jump off them.”

Big Statue:
In the same region is Honaunau bay, where Captain Cooks Monument still stands. German writer, Thomas Young has lived in the area for the last six years and said, “This bay is glorious, we see dolphins in here all the time and it’s a nice place to take out a kayak and go to a little bit of Britain’s land.”
In reference to the land that surrounds Captains Cooks monument is also a popular area for snorkelling as the main access is by Kayak or boat. Young said his reason for moving to the Big Island is its spiritual connection. “I needed a place that was peaceful and serene... I came here on a holiday and after swimming in the bay with the dolphins I felt a connection with the place. An incredible sense of freedom and then I couldn’t stop writing.”
Six years later Young is still here, still swimming with the dolphins in Honaunau Bay and recommends Coffee Prefecture for a delicious home cooked treat. “People come all the way from Hilo for one of the delicious pastries.”

Big History:
Hawaii’s Big Island has preserved its history and Hawaii culture, and this can be explored at its many national parks and museums. Take a minute to chat with the locals, with Big Island colourful history; many residents have a story to tell.
Local resident Uncle Frankie told the story of an ancient Hawaiian god Pele. “She is the volcano goddess that lives in Kilauea Volcano.”

Big Volcanoes:
Pele continues to display her power today, keeping Kilauea in a constant state of eruption since 1983. “You can fly over and see her in action,” Frankie adds, “in January you can see the red lava seeping into the ocean. That’s pretty amazing to see.”
All this information about active spots can be received at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tourist Information Centre.
With its myriad activities and attractions, Big Island has become a major lure for tourists to the Hawaiian Islands. With its peacefulness, beauty and isolation, it’s also become a getaway for spiritualists and hippies alike. Local boys Pete and Eric said, “Let’s hope Big Island’s stays this way... Then we can all enjoy it for longer.”

HPU Zora Vlckoea ranked No. 9 in the Nation

The young, petite Chec Republican sits in the corner of the university café with her backpack full of tennis rackets and books, and a huge smile plastered on her. This image could summaries Zora Vlckova who has been juggling her tennis career with schooling most of her life, “I started playing when I was 10 years old. My parents didn’t push me into tennis, I just started.” Now ranked nine in the Nation, Vlckeoa is starting the peak of her career, moving up three positions from last year.

“Now we are playing the most important matches of the season.” Next week the teams travel to Phoenix to play in the PacWest tournament, Vlckova said, “We have been working really hard so we should make it to the finals and then we’ll see.” A modest Vlckeoa added, “We won most of our matches. We lost only to the best team in the nation. We are doing really well.”

The tennis superstar has gone from strength to strength, “previously I played international tournaments and got great rankings.” Vlckova is in the middle of the most difficult part of the season, “… March we have a tough schedule. We play almost everyday.” Vlckeoa added, “I think we have done a great job and worked really hard. I hope we keep it up for the rest of the season.”

The humble player said that taking loses aren’t that difficult, “It makes me work harder and motivates me.” It may also be because Vlckova doesn’t loose very often. The most recent was to Sona Norakova in Las Vegas, “We’ve known each other all our lives. I’ve played her many times.”

Vlckova made a good decision taking up this competitive sport, holding a strong position as the Nations 9th singles position. “Tennis is getting very famous and competition is getting tougher and tougher.” Some of Vlckova’s success can be dedicated to her Coaches, “Coach Stefan and the assistant Coaches are great. They keep good attitude in the team.” Vlckova has learnt a lot since starting at HPU, “I chose to play tennis because it is an individual sport… Since playing at HPU I’ve learnt to play with a team and motivate people,” Vlckova said.

After moving to Hawaii two years ago, Vlckova received a tennis scholarship and began her degree in International Business and Finance. Her 21st birthday is on the horizon and a look into Vlckova’s future goals, “when I graduate in 2 years I’m not sure what I will do. I think I will always play tennis. It will always be apart of my life.”

Chief Kealoha: “you must do things that you think you cannot do”

Chief of Honolulu Police Department, Louis Kealoha, also known as ‘Louie’ says his new role is “challenging at times.” Kealoha jumped ranks from Captain to Honolulu Police Chief in November, “Coming from captain and being appointed Chief is literally night and day for what you have to learn. I literally jumped form the bottom to the top overnight.” This achievement was last done over 19 years ago.
Curtis Lom Police reporter for the Advertiser “The cops I’ve been speaking to seem to be happy with him and like the choice. The union supported him in the selection process.” Lom added, “he came in on a positive note, he didn’t have to prove himself. The union opposed the previous Chief and I don’t think he ever got over that.”
Chief Kealoha has a five-year plan to change the management and to lift morale in department. He plans to do this with an open door, and be friendly and approachable. “That is the direction that this administration wants to take. We want to strengthen the bonds between the people and the police,” said Kealoha. “I was appointed Chief and the next day the deputy chiefs announced their retirement.” Kealoha added, “one of the keys is to surround yourself with good people.”
Until now, Kealoha was Captain of the Juvenile Services Division. He's from Kalihi, and is a Damien Memorial School grad. He was not an exceptional student at Damien although he went on to earn a doctorate at USC. He said, “learning how to handle adversity is often more important than success itself.”
“I wasn’t a good student and I was looking for a new path to success, I tried sports and I wasn’t good at that.” He was on the Damien football team for two seasons although spent a lot of his time on the bench. Kealoha said the climb to the top was a difficult one, “Everybody wants to talk to me now. But no one wanted to talk to me when I was sitting on the bench at football.” Which could give insight into his new book, “Lessons from the bench.”
Kealoha places a lot of emphasis on further learning with an accomplished education he believes, “…[for the officers] to move ahead in the department and in their careers they will need higher education.” Although it wasn’t always smooth studying for Kealoha, “I was a horrible student. In high school I was at the bottom of my graduating class.”
When asked who supported him to get to where he is now, “I cannot tell you how blessed I am to have my wife Cathy.” Kealoha added, “Eleanor Roosevelt also inspired me to go back to school and do the doctoral and apply as Chief. She said ‘you must do the things that you think you cannot do.’”

Spit or Swallow?

Spitting is the act of forcibly ejecting saliva or other substances from the mouth. Let’s let this image linger for a minute...Spitting. It is a disgusting habit. It seems to be much more common in America than where I come from in Australia. If my friends, family or a bystander every saw me spit, I would be looked at as if I had just handed them tuberculosis. Because that is what spitting can do, it can rapidly spread disease and infections.

Spitting is seen in many parts of the world as a disrespectful action. It is considered taboo as it transmits disease and illness. Julian Neabauer is a Brazilian exchange student and has seen many people spitting on the streets of Honolulu. Neubauer said, “Spitting is poor behaviour and a poor way of treating the society. I think it is also shows yourself as a person that doesn’t have any manners,” the exchange student added, “It is uncivilised behaviour.”

Another international student Mimi Tian from Denmark believes, “it is literally dirty.” Social attitudes towards spitting has changed extraordinarily since the middle ages. It was once a part of everyday life and was seen as rude to swallow your saliva, although no longer societies believe this in our current day and age. The early 1700’s started the revolution; it was seen as something that need to be hidden, concealed and not for public display. American local, Rei Champion said “I think it is unnecessary and disrespectful.”

During the 1850’s it had developed into one of the most disrespectful actions, spitting on the floor or street had become a habit seen as vulgar. Australian student Ashleigh Hussein was threaten by teachers that she would receive severe consequences if caught spitting. As a child, Hussein’s schooling prohibited the act. “When I see someone spitting, I feel like making them like lick it up,” said Hussein.

Apart from the disrespect and cultural conflict views of the action, spitting is a fast way to spread infections. Through the spread of respiratory droplets people can rapidly transmit illness, such as tuberculosis, influenza and the common cold. Australian tourist Jason Rijnbeek was shocked to see the amount of people walking the streets and spitting, He thinks it is a disgusting habit. “Why not swallow,” said Rijnbeek.

Styling the Globe: Fashion from the fashion capitals

The web definition of ‘Style’ is ‘a way of expressing something that is characteristic of a particular person or group of people or period.’ So depending on where you are in the world, environments can influence what you wear and how much you wear. The latest surveys shows the economic climate has had a huge effect on New York fashion prowess being taken over by Milan as the worlds new fashion capital. Tightening America’s belts, and waists, meant the glitz and glamour of the fashion world was toned down, replacing Louis Roederer Champagne with Chandon. Fashion lovers understand that cheap and nasty is never the best. So move aside New York, Milan is first down the runway.

Currently Milans leading trends express all things tiny, from the models to the clothing. Models were seen wearing mini dresses, skirts, shorts, and getting most parts of the lower region out in the spotlight, daylight and limelight. New York is taking the more innocent approach with schoolgirl chic, showing all the skin with an air of innocence. Sporting these new looks might give you the chills, so keep room in your wardrobe for this season Paris must have... enormous coats! Paris, number one fashion capital in our hearts is third on our media list, although once again not letting us down with this year’s beautiful trend. Coats, coats and more coats. These bed-sized garments will allow layers upon layers to be hidden underneath. Accommodating plus sized and petites all rolled into one.

Next on our media ‘Fashion Capitals’ list is Rome. The Eternal City still reigns strong in the fashion world and what better city to champion ‘Vintage’ as their dominant fashion element. Elegance is present with a step back into the past. Finely detailed blouses and military style jackets all beautifully put together with perfect tailoring… all fashion roads lead to Rome.

Following Rome is London, home to the fashion elite, Kate Moss’ Top Shop infamously publicizing the fascinating and the glamorous. Followed closely with Los Angeles, Hong Kong and the remarkable rise to 8th place is Sao Paulo. The Brazilian beauty is now leading Latin America and taking over Argentina’s once dominant position in the Medias eyes.

Down Under, certainly isn’t hiding, solidly in the Top 10. Sydney has replacement Melbourne in the 'Fashion Capitals', pushing the Southern city even further down to number 25. Finally, due to its intense media spotlight, Las Vegas gets number Ten.

A little glimpse of the future shows sweatpants on every corner of the globe. This trend doesn’t give you the OK to bring out the matching Adidas lycra suit, but does give an approval for a more relaxed and casual style.

So what bought on this new trend? Was it Katie Holmes on her new movie set taking ‘boyfriends baggy jeans’ to the new level, or the obesity epidemic taking over and needing more flexibility in the waistband?

Either way, love it or hate it, you’ll be wearing it!

The Worlds First Cocaine Bar

Walking down the streets of La Paz, Bolivia the young tourists hunt like a pack of dogs to find the most thrilling travel experience. It was found, down the dark streets of La Paz, 15 or so early young hounds hunt for the mysterious Route 36, the world’s first Cocaine Bar.

In the Centre of La Paz, the respectful Bolivian Union monument is the landmark used as reference to find the bar. The first left after the roundabout, the pack head one block to where a man is standing in front of what seems like a garage door. He gives the group a once over and makes a phone call. Seconds later they are lead through the door and up a dimly lit hallway, to an opening of a modern day funky bar, surrounded by mirrors and seating that circles the dance floor.

The waitress strolls over to the travelers with a simple smile, the average drinks are ordered, a rum and coke, a couple of vodka sodas and a scotch and coke. The waitress waits, expecting the travelers to order there desert, the cocaine. She eyes the young travelers and realizes there inexperience of the local bar and continues to regurgitates the bars main menu, “Tonight we have two types of cocaine, normal for 100 Bolivianos a gram, and strong cocaine for 150 a gram."

The bar is becoming famous within young travelers, with some hostels having excursions taking you, tour guide and all. Route 36 in La Paz, Bolivia is a surreal experience, such a lawless place is similar to a dream, time stops so does your sense of reality.

The waitress walks to the table, drinks in hand, and offers the tourists bottled water. The waitress also lowers a black disc which has three small origami packets and a few scattered 6 inch straws. The tourists sit in awe, watching the woman who could be any average, middle age woman. The waitress delivers the cocaine like she was handing out candy to children, in a way she is, the kids’ eyes practically jumping out of their skin in anticipation to open the little packages.

The waiter seems like a woman that has seen a lot. She reflects on an experience, "we had some Australians; they stayed here for four days. They would take turns sleeping and the only time they left was to go to the ATM," says Cecilia, who is one of the more senior bartenders, working at the bar for over a year at forever changing locations. Cecilia, or Chechu as she likes to be called, says that the bar had to enforce a closing time as tourists would spend days not eating or drinking appropriately, simply consuming the white powder. Chechu seemed more shocked at the lack of stable diet than the amount of cocaine consumed in this time.

Chechu gracefully walked back to the bar where she divided bags of white powder into smaller amounts. The tourists are soaking in the music, the local Spanish chit chat and of course the cocaine. The night begins with segregated groups in their lounges, shoveling Charlie into divided lines, conversation begins and a few even dare to venture to the dance floor. Hours pass and the young hounds venture around the bar to other groups of people, finding similarities and a love for everyone.

La Paz, Bolivia, is situated on a hill. In fact, the rolling hills surround the city like a jail wall, one short walk has your heart racing. Route 36 adds to this adrenaline pumping experience, yoru heart racing from the first step in search of the world’s first cocaine bar.

Although this Bar has attracted tourism from all over the world and possibly made thousand of tourism jobs for Bolivianos, it is still supporting the coutries hardest battle, the fight against cocaine. The coca fields of Bolivia are the southernmost point in a struggle that stretches into Peru and Colombia and spills over into other surrounding countries.

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America, and, among Latin American countries, its poverty level is second only to that of Haiti. According to online research Questia, ranked third behind Colombia and Peru in cocaine production is Bolivia. According to a recent United Nations report, Bolivia has allocated 28,900 hectares of land to coca production. This report was released in 2007, a figure that is more than double than what Bolivian law allows.

The picturesque coutry side has many problems both evident with the homeless and beggers and hidden with President Eva Morales support of such large coca farms. The largest problem now is the Bolivians believe that this Coca production is now apart of their culture and economic survival.

Cheerleading Cost Cuts

As the economic climate is at a low people are struggling to maintain their jobs, business feel the pressure and Universities are drastically cutting back on programs. Many Hawaii Pacific University students are feeling the economic downturn and having difficulty maintaining their positions in athletic groups. HPU has felt the punch of the economic climate and have had to make decisions to cut funding in many of their athletic departments. One that was hit with the blow was the successful Spirit program. The programs allow hundreds of students to compete nationwide in Cheer, Dance and Spirit Club. Although as a result of the cutbacks will see many students’ scholarships decreased.

Cheer Coach Garrin Gosnell said that the Spirit Programs have felt previously had funding reduced and believes this will not affect performance or student enrolment figures in the future. “Cheer, Dance and Spirit Club are not immune to budget cut-backs,” Coach Gosnell added “The University has experienced the effects of the current economic climate and has made budgetary adjustments like most other businesses/organizations.”
Cheerleading flyer, Danielle Diprima said her reason for attending the HPU was the Cheerleading program. Although as a result of the current economic climate and HPU to cut costs in there Cheer program, Miss Diprima will be reconsidering her involvement like many other students. “Cheerleaders won't be able to afford to come to HPU and pay for the sport fees.” Diprima opposed the cut backs and said that the lack of funding will drastically affect her time at HPU, “we have to pay for our flight and competition fees and those are really expensive.”

Danielle Diprima resists the cut backs as she believes that the funding is one of the mains reasons to attract nationwide talent, “that is the main source in getting new students to HPU.” Diprima added that that too was her reason to attend HPU, “Of course the main reason I’m here is because my cheer scholarship if they didn't offer it I wouldn't be here.” The lack of funding would drastically affect the young athletes as it is not a cheap sport and Diprima informed that “we have many shows and perform a lot throughout the year” they all add up to an expensive exercise.

Gosnell oppose any ideas that the cheer program will be affected as a result of the funding. “In light of these changes, the integrity and strength of the teams remains the same. We still have the same goals, dedication, and work ethic and continue to represent HPU with the utmost sincerity and pride.”

Craigslist Scamming Students

Ashleigh Hussein recently arrived to Hawaii to commence her final year at UH. Waiting at the airport for her luggage to be received caused a cocktail of emotions, the nerves were firing at the thought of a new university, the excitement of meeting new friends, but more so, moving into her new two bedroom apartment she got for a steal of craigslist.
Ashleigh reflected on her journey down Ala Wai Avenue, “I knew I could feel at home here, the channel views and so close to the ocean, it would have been perfect.” The feeling was short lived when Hussein knocked on the door to her new apartment and found her two ‘bedroom apartment’ was actually an occupied studio apartment. The humiliation and confusion led her to phone the Australian Federal Police.
“I supplied all the relevant documentation, as well as receiving lease agreements, landlord passport and current residence details.” Hussein added “although I never met the landlord in person, which was my trustworthiness and naivety I guess.” It appeared that all the documentation and proceedings were in order, except the one fatal mistake of not meeting the person in reality. “The police said that there was very little you can do to detect it prior except knowing the person and meeting them.”
Angeles Sol Miranda, a student advisor at the Universidad De Buenos Aires, constantly cautions students who travel to overseas destinations and use the site in order to reserve accommodation. Overseas student’s search the from their home country and this is inherently unreliable as they have no way of knowing which real estates are legitimate and which are not. Miranda warns about online scams in particular as “you do not know who you are dealing with.” Miranda said that the most common scam are actually legitimate realtors trying to “... lease properties that are not legitimately for rent.”
The scammers use online classified Web sites such as craigslist.com, and they post false photographs and information. UH student, Hussein, tried to avoid the scam by confirming the building existed and there were vacant apartments, unfortunately not the apartment that Hussein was applying for.
Complicating this is the fact that it is also nearly impossible to track the money, as transfers are done through Western Union and other non traceable wire services. Unfortunately some banks trace money exchange although most internet transfers are too difficult to follow trade.
Popular online rental site craigslist.com ahs dealt with many users complaining of being involved in scams by people who claim to be overseas real estate agents. As a result the site provides warnings on every internet page on the site on ways to avoid fraudulent transactions. The No. 1 warning stressed throughout the site is “deal locally with folks you can meet in person.” Follow this one simple rule and you will avoid 99 percent of the scam attempts on craigslist.
Suzanne Smith of Suzanne Smith and Associates says that it is easy to get caught up in scams but it is just as easy to avoid them. “If you are using online services, then do not wire money to anybody.” said Smith. She follows her own advice; “I never lease an apartment to anybody unless I meet them face-to-face. It is that simple.”
Hussein who eventually found a place through a real estate agent after weeks of open house inspections has good advice to students who might be tempted to pout a deposit down on an apartment via online services, “If it is too good to be true, it is too good to be true.”

Act of War

Act of War rediscovers important historical events and brings attention to the culture that is slowly diminishing. The provocative documentary takes audience on a chronological journey through the events leading up, during and after the 1893 overthrow of constitutional sovereign of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Queen Lili'uokalani. The film delivers its powerful message through re-enactments, archival and film, historic quotes and traditional music audience are positioned to view the events through the eyes of the locals, the traditional Hawaiians.
The film develops a sense of nostalgia through the use of re-enactments. Audience witness various historic clips and photographs that are intimidating by portraying the events as something current. These clips and photographs position viewers to view the tragic events through the eyes of one of the locals. By drawing the audience into this perspective it develops an emotional relationship between audience and the Hawaiin culture.
Throughout the film, emotive techniques are used, the most effective is use of music. One of the overpowering, repetitive film techniques is the music. This is because through the different types of music used, the documentary can develop different types of effects. The main type of music used is traditional Hawaiian music as well as more modern as well as simple drums and instruments. Depending on what graphics are in unison, can provide dramatic emotive, traditional even symbolic moods.
The opening of the film is one of the most provocative scenes. The song ‘Blue Hawaii’ is known as a more upbeat, positive tune, the graphics that accompany this is something more confrontational. The music contradicts the images of fighting, police escorting locals and young children screaming “do you want us to be homeless.” The producer has instantly position viewers to question what they know of Hawaii and open minds to the hidden past that not every American understands of the US 50th state.
The symbolism of the traditional Hawaiian music is very raw. It shows that although this place has been lost to America they, the Hawaiians, will not lose their tradition.
Produced exactly 100 years after the overthrow, the film reiterates the message that the Hawaiians will continue their movement for sovereignty and independence. As a result of the strong, emotive film, Congress passed a joint resolution admitting the illegal taking of Hawai'i and formally apologizing to the Hawaiian people. President Clinton signed the resolution after viewing the film in 1993.

Phil Atoigue teaching Expression not Repression

Phil Atoigue in The Blessing Crew:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6ibfJLRBAQ

Phil Atoigue seems like an average student at HPU, dedicating four years to his passion of English and Writing. Although what Phil does in his spare time makes him a truly extraordinary person. Everyday Phil works as a life coach helping, approximately 150 disadvantaged youth from the ages of six to seventeen years old. Phil explained the position of a life coach, “First we tutor their school work, and we do bible study. We also teach them life lessons, morals, discipline, respect and love.”

The program is about dance and support, where adolescences can turn to creative expression and guidance. The program, run through ‘Word of Life Christian Centre’, helps young citiziens dealing with alcohol and drug addictions, and focuses their energy into more positive areas, such as dance. The program gives alternative, healthy options to dealing with problems; focusing on expression instead of repression.

Phil reflected on an emotional journey of a 9 year old boy that turned to the program in an attempt to help his young troubled life. “I met a nine year old boy who was drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana and smoking ice at such a young age. Since starting the program, four months ago, he has stopped all of those addictions.” The simple expression of dance allows kids to express themselves in unique ways instead of turning to substance abuse. Phil said the range of dance allows a variety of passions, “we do hip hop, cultural, sign language, as well as interpretative in a contemporary style.”

Phil has been a part of the ‘Blessing Crew’ dance group for three years and often travels to surrounding islands to perform at schools and special events. “We have also been to the mainland, Texas, California and Florida for performances.” Phil is one of thirty life coaches that have developed a dance group called ‘The Blessing Crew’ to promote the program. The program is called ‘Life 360’ and helps youth that are under privileged or with substance abuse and is held most nights at the “Word of Life Christian Centre’.

Phil spoke of the challenges that accompany dealing with troubled adolescents, “it is sometimes really challenging but it is always very rewarding.” The group gets support from the ‘Word of Life Christian Centre’, ‘Weed and Seed’ a part of the Honolulu Police Department and voluntary work. With homeless numbers increasing in the economic challenges, Life360 is constantly looking for help from dedicated volunteers.

Phil’s attachment to helping the children is truly uplifting, proudly showing homework of some of the young children and explaining the characteristics of the talented teenagers. Phil summarised his role in the program, “we teach them how to be constructive citizens, refocusing their life to more positive influences.”

The Blessing Crew performing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6owvZN7GjzI