OK, here's my deal.......

[hwmnbn]

My favorite teenage girl political activist has a chance to meet Arianna Huffington. All she has to do is win the Huffington Post "Contagious Festival" contest.

Currently she is in 14th place, but climbing. Even if only 1/2 of 1 percent of DUers click on this link below, she would have a good shot at realizing her dream. (She's young, her dreams will grow as she gets older!)

http://ptc.cf.huffingtonpost.com/

There is the link. Send this girl from Alabama to Los Angeles to hobnob with the likes of John Cusack, Nora Ephron, and Arianna Huffington.

While you're there, although not required, you might even watch one of her creations. She is really a smart young lady with a beautiful outlook on politics and life.

No, I'm not related to her, but I'm always impressed with her work. BTW, please keep this kicked so I won't have to self-kick. That is sooooo uncool when someone does that!! :rofl:

[helderheid]

1. I'm guilty of self kicks. Here's a post you can simply respond to! :)

[hwmnbn]

41. Ok, I've just self-kicked.....

I trust this will stay our little secret? Maybe we can start a new DU self-help group: SKA

self-kickers anonymous. Just a thought. :toast:

[helderheid]

42. Love it! Can we play ska music at the meetings?

:toast:

[hwmnbn]

44. you mean like this?......

http://www.shoutcast.com/sbin/shoutcast-playlist.pls?rn=9870&file=filename.pls

[helderheid]

45. that works... mellooooowww.... :)

[hwmnbn]

48. I posted this musical link as a joke......

but the music she makin me hoppy mon! :smoke:

[babylonsister]

2. Does clicking on the link mean I voted for her?

I'm happy to do it but am confused.

[helderheid]

4. I think so but not sure either. did you check this out?

http://ptc.cf.huffingtonpost.com/animations/someones.html

I'm wiping tears.

[hwmnbn]

7. Yes, you can ONLY get to the animations.....

for this contest thru that first page. That is the one that counts as a vote.

Again thanks for clicking, I owe you one, too. :toast:

ps: She has a ton of earlier animations at her site. She has gotten better since I've been visiting there. She has real promise as a filmaker or creative visual artist. She knows how to capture emotion. I think you'll agree with me on that

[helderheid]

56. you owe me one? COOL! Go here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x296549

[hwmnbn]

5. Yes it does.....

She needs unique visitors to that specific page. You can only really vote for her once, even if you watch all four of her animations.

Thanks for taking the time to do that. I will click on whatever you want. I owe you one. :toast:

[Vincardog]

3. Don't be uncool

[JuniperLea]

6. Watch the vids!

OMIGOD! Gripping... I'm crying here! Music choices are great, visuals are stunning and painful and need to be seen. I especially enjoyed hearing The Cranberries' "Zombie" during the first clip. That song could, and should, be an anthem for peace.

Watch! Pass them on... I don't know this girl either, but she has a gift.

Ok, back to watch the last one... tissue in hand... Dear Lord help us.

[hwmnbn]

30. Whoa, I almost passed over your comments!......

They are beautiful and you've captured what my feelings were when I first saw some of her work.

I agree there is a small nugget of genius in there somewhere and it needs to be developed. She maintains the website, and administers the site's forum. Her older brother helped with the graphics. That is one talented family.

I don't know where all this will lead, but is has affected you and touched something deep inside. That is the gift we're talking about here. And it's in the early stages of development.

[JuniperLea]

8. K & R!!!

Great stuff... I sent the link to friends and family.

[spuddonna]

9. This is one of the most moving and heartbreaking sites I've ever seen...

I can't believe it - this young lady is only 15 yrs old...

I'm trying to stop crying... Kicked and Recommended!

[hwmnbn]

13. Thanks for being the #5 rec......

I used to feel awkward about touting her talent. Everyone here has a busy life and most times, a website is just another website. Her enthusiasm, commitment, and talent won me over.

Having read Ava's articles and participated on her forum has made me less shy about complimenting her. She deserves recognition, and as you know, those teen years sometimes can be "challenging."

I figured all she needs is a little encouragement, especially when she's doing something so positive.

You'll agree her animations/music can really grab you.

Again thanks for clicking. :toast:

[understandinglife]

10. K&R!!

Peace.

[hwmnbn]

15. Thanks, understandinglife.........

that means a lot coming from you. :toast:

[understandinglife]

68. I hope she wins!! She's remarkable. Thank you.

Peace.

[Triana]

11. The animations are great!!!

Hope she gets her trip! Hope she's president one day.

[hwmnbn]

19. She did mention she wanted to get into politics.....

I don't see why not. Like I said before, her dreams will get bigger as she grows older. It's up to us to encourage the younger ones now. That's the least we can do.

[carolinalady]

12. that was cute-she is pretty good-tell Arianna to introduce her

to Michael Moore.

[hwmnbn]

23. Maybe before it's all over,......

Michael will be asking Arianna to introduce HIM to HER. LOL

Thanks for clicking on my link, I owe you one. :toast:

[carolinalady]

31. Make sure you let us know if she won!

[hwmnbn]

36. Oh you can depend on it, carolinalady......

If I have to PM each and everyone of y'all. :toast:

[JuniperLea]

66. Yes, please do.

I'd hate to miss it.

[madmom]

14. great stuff, I showed my daughter she's passing it forward also.

[hwmnbn]

21. You'd like Ava's mom too........

She's been very supportive of her daughter. She homeschooled her. They are quite a pair.

Her mom joined DU a little while ago and maybe she'll join in this thread.

[Straight Shooter]

16. Oh. my. god.

Absolutely stunning. The repetition of the word "someone's" followed by the relationship, and then to turn it around on bush is brilliant. Impressive choice of music, too.

Definitely nominated! The young woman is an artistic genius.

[hwmnbn]

20. When this thread dies down, I'll send her......

the link. She'll get a kick out of all these comments.

To tell you the truth, I'm getting a nice glow about them too. Thanks. :toast:

[Straight Shooter]

22. I just watched Bravery and 2,000

I am sitting here, absolutely stunned. I've seen hundreds of animations on the War on Iraq, and none have affected me as profoundly as this young woman's animations. Bravery goes right to the heart of the matter. "And I see no bravery in your eyes ..."

Please give her this for me: :patriot:

[hwmnbn]

24. She will get this thread delivered.....

I'm sure she'll get a boost from the kind comments.

[samhsarah]

17. Amazing. KICK!!!

She deserves to win. K&R

[hwmnbn]

26. Hey, one hour ago, she was no. 14.....

She is now No. 5.

All she needs is a little exposure and who know who, will see what, and make things happen for her.

I think it's only a matter of time before her talent gets noticed. Thanks for clicking and commenting. :toast:

[samhsarah]

38. No problem.

Thanks for directing me to her great work!:toast:

[GreenPoet64]

18. Excellent ! n/t

[hwmnbn]

27. Thanks for clicking....

and commenting GreenPoet64. Every click counts, and you helped.

It's poetic that a small gesture might positively affect someone you've never known before. Well, I think it's poetic. :toast:

[electropop]

25. Whooh. My heart is racing and my blood is boiling.

She is an incredible artistic talent.

[hwmnbn]

34. Wow, thanks for posting those comments, electropop......

When I feel that way I double the dose of my blood pressure medicine.

Just kidding, I know what you mean. Thanks for clicking :toast:

[electropop]

35. Sure, and thanks for "clinking"

the mugs. Perhaps a beer is a good idea for a moment like this...

I'll tell you one thing, I shouldn't have looked at her photos. Brilliant, pretty, and way too young. She's destined for fame.

[Maestro]

28. Done -nt

[hwmnbn]

32. muchas gracias, maestro......

eres muy amable. :toast:

[Maestro]

37. No hay problema.

Fue un placer. :)

[MelissaB]

29. Hey, she's from Alabama, and I think

she needs a liberal teacher to escort her. I'm volunteering.

:kick:

[hwmnbn]

33. Hey, hey!!. wait a second!!.....

You just want to meet John Cusack too! :rofl:

Not that there's anything wrong with that, but you might have to check with her mom.




BTW.... Did I hear Arianna is "available?" hmmmmm. O8)

[hwmnbn]

39. Ok, I'm only going to be uncool....

this one time.......

Don't make me do it again! :evilgrin:

[faithnotgreed]

40. i havent gone to the link yet - though i definitely will -

but i wanted to thank you for doing this

[hwmnbn]

47. It's really my pleasure....

When young folks "get it" about our politics and country, they'll do the right thing.

I figure this girl can reach more of them than I can. I have shoes older than her! LOL

[faithnotgreed]

51. ha - great response and im right there with you on all points

except maybe the shoes part
im in my 30s and even though im a pack rat i dont think i can claim to have teenage years-old shoes

youre right - we have to lift one another up
and when someone "gets it" then its pretty exciting

heres to her meeting arianna
wish we could sponsor her but in the meantime hope she keeps rising in the contest ranks

[il_lilac]

43. wow

Had my 15 year old nephew (who thinks he wants to join the military) watching over my shoulder. Thanks!

[hwmnbn]

52. Oh il_lilac, don't know what to tell you......

I know you'll make sure his eyes are wide open about that decision. There are organizations everywhere that can assist you. I'm a member of VFP (Veterans for Peace) and many members are willing to communicate with folks like you.

http://www.veteransforpeace.org/

There's probably a chapter near you with a contact number. Good luck to you and your nephew. I'm sure you'll both do the right thing. :hug:

[il_lilac]

73. thanks for the link

and the :hug: I have at least two years to work on him! (and i'm tough)

[LincolnMcGrath]

46. Does every click help her?

Or every unique click?

That was powerful amazing stuff!

[hwmnbn]

50. Nope, every unique IP address.....

You can only vote once for her from any computer. If it were any other way, I'd click from now till March 1.

This is the fair way. I would let her creativity speak for itself. If you liked it you'll tell people about it or send them the link. That's the thinking at huffpo.

http://ptc.cf.huffingtonpost.com/


Regardless, she will get a kick out of the beautiful comments here, yours included. And who knows what will come of it. Whether she wins or not, her work is being seen and thus far, appreciated. :toast:

[EvolveOrConvolve]

49. K&R - I'm speechless

[hwmnbn]

53. Thanks for clicking........

She started at #14 this evening and now she is almost up to #3.

It's a month-long contest and to my way of thinking, the judges will look at more than just the ultimate winner. I think anywhere in the top ten will get a look-see from them.

Regardless, judging by the comments here, she already has made an impact.

[The Whiskey Priest]

54. Man, I will keep that kicked until this damn war is over

that is some powerful shit.

[hwmnbn]

57. Thanks for clicking, The Whiskey Priest.............

and I love your way with words! :toast:

[in_cog_ni_to]

55. done! That was so sad.

:cry:

[hwmnbn]

60. Those animations do elicit strong responses.......

tears or anger or both. I appreciate you and everyone else clicking on the link. I'm going to turn off the Ska music, log out, shut down my computer, and crash!!!

Good night. :boring:

[FreedomAngel82]

58. I love her animations

I haven't been by her message board in a while. I'll have to stop by.

[hwmnbn]

61. You're not ......

Little Pinky 82 are you?

Just a hunch, but whatever, thanks for clicking on the link. She's up to #3. That's due to the coolness of DUers like you. :toast:

[Lorien]

59. Kick n/t

[deadparrot]

62. Done.

Glad to do it. :)

[hwmnbn]

63. Thanks, deadparrot.....

She's two clicks away from #2.....

BUT I GOTTA GET TO SLEEP!!!

This time for sure, I'm outta here.....

[The Whiskey Priest]

64. kick

good stuff

[JNelson6563]

65. Clicked link, glad I did!

Bravo! :applause:

[hwmnbn]

67. Way to go DUers......

Ava's entry into the contest has gone from 14th to 2nd place (with a bullet). She's only 112 clicks behind. I have to assume those of you who were kind enough to click on the link are responsible for the meteoric rise.

The contest is month-long so you won't be getting bugged about it anymore.......

until the very end of the month. In which case I reserve the right to bug you again.

I really appreciate all your support and I'm sure Ava and her family do too.

:yourock: You guys rock!! :yourock:

[Eurobabe]

69. Very moving...

awesome job whoever this mystery gal is!

[hwmnbn]

71. Her name is Ava Lowery.....

a student from Alabama. I'm thinking you'll be hearing much more from her.

Thanks for clicking on the link. She has dropped a few spots, but it's a month-long marathon, and she has a good start.

[Jokinomx]

70. She up to third.... with 487 unigue hits....

Keep up the great work... :-)

:toast:

[hwmnbn]

72. Thanks Jokinomx.......

This thread is about to expire but I'll be sure to send her a link with everyone's comments. She's up to 576 unique hits. The power of the internet is obvious. The current leader came from nowhere and now has 1,974 hits. :wtf:

[Ava]

74. thanks to everyone

:hi: I just signed up here a few moments ago.
I wanted to thank everyone for their kind comments and for the hits.;)

[opiate69]

75. No, Ava.. thank YOU

Your work is truly inspired! good luck in the contest!

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

76. I hope I'm not too late for my vote to count.

Very moving. I just watched 'someone's child'.

I have no doubt the young woman has a great future.