I love New York, right down to my bones. However, housing prices are out of control. It is time to completely disrupt real estate here to spur creativity, innovation, and a rebirth of art and culture. New York is losing its edge because the people with edge can’t afford sky-high rents and the ridiculous hurdles to getting an apartment. That’s why my latest projects, still in the very preliminary stages, are two tiny drops in what I hope will be a sea change for this city that I love so much. They’re ideas to encourage and support the boldest, most creative people in their pursuits to do well and do good right here in the Big Apple by making housing much more affordable and easier to attain. More details soon…
“Are you willing to give up your dog?” This is just one of the hideous comments a real estate broker recently asked me during my search for a new apartment. That’s all the motivation I needed to take action. New York City real estate market, your days as an inhumane, cold-hearted beast are numbered so enjoy them while they last. I’m changing you, like it or not, and New Yorkers are going to be so much better off for it. I’m on a mission, and you really don’t want to mess with me when I’m on a mission. You may get me down but you are never going to count me out. You may be tough, but I am tougher.
Don’t pine for the past. Instead, use the past only as a marker. It takes a lot of strength, courage, and grace to come from where you’ve been to where you are now. That’s something to celebrate!
Whenever I feel down on my luck, I always try to do something nice for someone else because it lifts me up to know that I’ve helped someone in a way that they couldn’t help themselves. You get what you give.
If you don’t think you can, then you won’t. It’s that simple. A belief in your own abilities to do something extraordinary is what makes all the difference.
I’ve been thinking a lot about how to financially turn more of my attention toward my own professional projects. There are a lot of options available to business owners today to finance their work – debt, investment, crowdfunding, grants, partnerships, sponsorships. The list is endless. For the next 3 months, I’ve got a full work plate. After that, I want to take some time and figure out how to refocus on this very long list of ideas that may deserve their shot at a life off the page. I’m already excited about taking that journey.
The world is buzzing about Dave’s stunning announcement that he will retire from his three decade run as the host of the Late Show some time in 2015. I love, admire, and respect Dave. He’s been a role model for me with his creative courage and generosity. Here are the top 10 reasons I’m sad to see him go:
10. How else am I going to learn about wild, wacky, and wonderful animals without Jack Hanna’s on-going invitation to the show?
9. No one else could get people like Lady Gaga and Bill Murraytogether in such an authentic, joyful way while giving guests the show of a lifetime.
8. Dave’s mom. Her humor showed us that apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
7. Paul Shaffer and his band members are free to be their eccentric, talented, hilarious selves.
6. No one else stands up for and supports people just getting started in entertainment the way that Dave does.
5. He is never afraid to publicly take on critics with strength, humor, and candor. His capacity to bury the hatchet with people who have hurt him is admirable.
4. Dave sets the example that we can find what we love and find a way to do it in a way that inspires others.
3. Watching Dave try to use Twitter is endearing and adorable. It also makes us laugh at our addiction and reverence of 140-character bits.
2. Regis Philbinwill now be running loose on the streets of New York with no one to publicly keep track of him.
1. Though Dave is a mammoth star, he never, ever forgot his humble roots and he has always been determined to lift others as he rises.
Bon voyage, Dave. I’m glad to have a full year to say goodbye properly and pay tribute to your incredible achievements. I can’t wait to see what you do next.
We found our leading man for my play, Sing After Storms. I was originally thinking of him for a completely different role and then he walked into the room and knocked it out of the park to play Jack. His instincts, movements, and timing were brilliant. Just goes to show that while it’s good to have a plan, we need to be open to wonderful surprises and possibilities.
Lady Gaga was one of the headliners at SXSW this year and her message was clear: don’t sell out; sell in. To your art, to making something you’re proud of, to creating the life you want. Dedicate and commit yourself to that. Go all out and all in. It’s the only way to really know what you’re capable of doing.
Christa Avampato 