I BREAK THE NEWS | News, Creativity, Life and Travel

As we get news updates - only from reliable sources and for a limited amount of time each day - about the rising covid-19 cases around the world, New York has been hit harder than any other US state. I have just watched the press conference during which Governor Andrew Cuomo shared updates on the situation and it is very serious. Besides other items, NYC is short on personal protective equipment for the bravest people in all of this: The doctors, nurses and hospital staff. This article is really about the city but to understand why I am especially moved by these latest developments, I have to share parts of my personal story with you.

I have a strong connection to NYC because I was living there for 5 years during my younger years. 🙂 For me, living in NYC was like an awakening. Coming from a small town in Saxony-Anhalt, with high unemployment and a future that was looking like the opposite of bright, I was used to hearing 'No' for a seemingly endless period of time. 'No' to my applications, 'no you are too young and you have no work experience'. A doctor even wanted to give my pills for depression - when all I wanted was a future. I had been told about all the things I CAN'T DO on a daily basis. Then I finally got an internship opportunity in Berlin, I was there for 6 months before that company location closed down.

So I decided to move to NYC, with approximately 700 Euros in savings. I was young and clueless but this was a good starting point because I was ready, willing and able. I arrived, got through the initial culture shock and experienced something new, because for the first time in my life - I heard people say YES to me! 😃 I was looking for creative opportunities and people were like: 'So you want to do that? Ok, let's go. Let's give it a try.' And I was like: THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! During this time I was also pursuing my music career. NYC had many great places where you could just sing for the people.💖

It was not easy and this city kicked my butt more than once. Quite frequently actually. I learned that there are countless professional opportunities if you have the ambition but to find a good personal connection with someone, was rare. Everybody had a goal in mind and there was rarely time for sentimental talks.. So for all your romantic ideas, you can scrap that. Unless you find another immigrant who is up for it - NYC is for business. You see and experience amazing things but have mostly no one to share it with. Competitiveness is high but there is also an undeniable, underlying team spirit.

Now NYC needs our help! As Governor Cuomo said, 'NYC people are tough - and you have to be tough to get by here but NYC people are also very loving.' And by that I am sure he meant that everyone knows it is challenging, navigating life in a busy and huge city like this - but we are in this together. And I somehow, still feel like a New Yorker until this day!🗽😊 So I thought about what I could do from where I currently am.. and now I am going to send an Amazon package with protective gear straight to where it is needed the most. Think of it as online shopping but for someone else, for the greater good and a higher cause!

There are brave doctors, nurses and hospital staff treating people on the front lines of this dangerous virus around the world. They show up every day for work, to help solve this massive problem. Since there have been more than 40.000 cases in NY state of which about 15% need hospital care and they might soon run out of personal protective equipment. Here is something we can do: Ordering #PPE (like masks & face shields) online (on amazon potentially) - and send the package directly to a hospital in the current center of the crisis. Here are some NYC/US hospital addresses to choose from: https://findthemasks.com/#sites

I used to live in Queens.. and this is exactly where I will send this package to: Internal Medicine Services, PLLC, 30-11 21st St #5D, Queens, NY 11102. Am I going to save the world by doing this? Probably not. But at least I am doing something. If we all contribute a little bit, it will pile up to a lot and the brave hospital staff has 1 thing less to worry about. If you are in another country and want to help there, with just a few clicks you can place an online order of medical equipment like protective masks and send it to a hospital near you / of your choice.

And finally,
I don't know when or if I will be back but I need to say this: NYC 🗽 - for all you have done for me when nothing else was possible - I love you and I always will! ❤️

Hey everyone, we hope you are all doing well. Yes, this is a News Blog but we are going to have a different approach on commenting on what is going on in the world right now, than 90% of all other news outlets. First of all we want to say that the 'news coverage' of covid-19 in our opinion is irresponsible and vile. If it is the TV, radio or online content, on pretty much every website - there seems to be no escape. Turn it off.. take a break.

If you are a person with a tendency to anxiety or stress, some news channels obviously want to take you out before this virus could even potentially ever get to you. I'm not sure if there is something else going on that we are all supposed to be distracted from but this 'news coverage' (aka panic mode starter) does not help anyone. It does not inform or advise you in a calm and helpful manner.

We take the situation serious as well and will take precautions during this time but we will not stress you out. What we will do, is: Avoid crowds, have some basic food items for the next few weeks for less trips to the supermarket but mainly spend time at home until things calm down again. With this article we want to give you some helpful suggestions on how to spend your time during this isolation period. Somehow, we will all get through this together.

You can read books to learn about a certain subject or listen to an audiobook. There are several full length audiobooks available on youtube. Not everybody knows that. 🙂You are welcome! If you should have an online business, now is a good time to work on that because it is a productive thing to do. Video games are another option, believe it or not but you can learn strategic thinking from that. Spend time with your pets! 🐶 They need you. They love you.

You can write some notes or goals in your journal or start writing a book if this is what you always wanted to do. Every person has a different (life) story. Every one knows something the next person does not know. Maybe your story will encourage or inspire somebody. You can also call your family or a friend you have not spoken to in a while to show some interest in how they are doing. Netflix is a good idea too.. you can never get too much 'Stranger Things' Season 1. Be well and take a break from all the madness out there.

'This exhibition will present the kimono as a dynamic and constantly evolving icon of fashion, revealing the sartorial, aesthetic and social significance of the garment from the 1660s to the present day, both in Japan and the rest of the world.'

Outer-kimono for a woman (uchikake) High-ranking courtesans were called oiran. They were major celebrities, known for their culture, wit and artistic ability as much as for their sexual skills. Enough said.

Welcome back to your favorite Blog my dear readers! The V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum) was kind enough to invite us to an interesting press preview once again. This time, for Kimono - Kyoto to Catwalk. Before I get into my own observations, here is a part of the press release: ' On 29 February, the V&A opens Europe’s first major exhibition on kimono. The ultimate symbol of Japan, the kimono is often perceived as traditional, timeless and unchanging. Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk counters this conception, presenting the garment as a dynamic and constantly evolving icon of fashion.

Stunning 17th-century Japanese garments, international haute couture and costumes from Star Wars come together in a major V&A exhibition on kimono fashion

Highlights of the exhibition include a dress designed for Björk by Alexander McQueen and worn on the album cover Homogenic and original Star Wars costumes modelled on kimono by John Mollo and Trisha Biggar. Designs by Yves Saint Laurent, Rei Kawakubo and John Galliano reveal the kimono’s role as a constant source of inspiration for fashion designers. Paintings, prints, film, dress accessories and other objects feature throughout the exhibition, providing additional context to the fascinating story of the style, appeal and influence of the kimono.'

Kimono ensemble for Madonna by Jean Paul Gaultier. Madonna wore this scarlet ensemble for her music video 'Nothing Really Matters'.

Björk is known for her experimental music and avant-garde style. For the cover of her 1997 album Homogenic she collaborated with Alexander McQueen.

Most creative Editor of IBreakTheNews.com reporting live from the V&A in London surrounded by Kimonos - learning about the Japanese tradition & culture.

Kimono for a young woman fabric (furisode)

'By the mid-19th century, sleeves for young women had lengthened, Waist sashes (obi) had also widened considerably.'

Here is some Star Wars (bathrobe - I mean - kimono for guys) hotness!

'Costume for Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope by John Mullo (1931 - 2017) The Star Wars character Obi-Wan Kenobi was equal parts Buddhist monk & noble samurai. Conceptually and visually, kimono were the ideal solution and an essential component in the creation of the alternative universe.'

In the past I have been to the V&A for exhibitions several times, so it is nice to keep this tradition going. I really like museums in general. I could spend hours in there, learning about historic events, amazing paintings and world renowned art. To get the most information out of any museum's visit, it is best to have a tour guide or an audio guide at least. When using an audio guide I prefer the English one over the German. I also sometimes think in English.. Just in case you always wanted to know. 🙂

Most puffy Kimono. They really are pieces of art. If you think about all the time that goes into creating such an outfit.

'Please Let Others Sit Comfortably'

by Yokoyama Yumiko (b. 1984) and Kadowaki Takahiro (b.1969)

The exhibition Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk has been curated for the V&A by Anna Jackson and Josephine Rout and runs from 29 February – 21 June 2020. Tickets are £16.

Hello everybody! Welcome back to your favourite Blog. It is Valentine's Day once again and our mission today is to remind you, however the situation might be: You are lovable! 💖 There is something about you that only you have. There is no one else in the world exactly like you. And if you are still feeling down, I'd hate to bring the sperm story.. but I have to. When you were made, 5 million other sperms competed with you in a race. And you won! This is why you are here today! I mean what are the chances?! There is a reason for that. Definitely! Oh and congratulations for being the chosen one. 😊

If you are part of a couple, I don't think you necessarily have to do something super special just because it is Valentine's Day. You could show that you care with little signs at any other time or on any other day too for that matter, not just because some shopping centre poster is telling you to buy something for your partner RIGHT NOW. On the other hand, I have never heard anybody complain about a loving gesture like flowers or maybe ice cream you can pick up on the way home. It is really not that difficult. Watching a movie together and stuff like that..

If you currently don't have a partner you are probably something I like to call: Single By Choice. Being Single By Choice, means that you are carefully screening candidates but you are not in a rush, to get into something with just anybody, just to also have somebody. You do not define yourself over a partner. You are very precise in what you want and it is important for you to make sure, a connection has potential and is enriching your life. Nobody is looking for a partner to make life harder.. Having this person in your life makes it much better and more fun. So until Amor strikes you with a baseball bat, you are Single By Choice.

I also want to touch on the topic of authenticity. It is important to be yourself around a potential partner (even if it is difficult because he is so intelligent and so cute and you are nervous about what he might think about you) and to also stay true to yourself when it comes to ideas you have and things you want to say. If we do not show up as the person we truly are, how could anybody warm up to us, find a connection or even fall in love? As technology is destroying human interaction, we must come back to the basics. You can't make out with your phone after all. I mean you can try. But hugging, kissing and cuddling with somebody you really, really like is muuuuch better! Happy Valentine's Day y'all!! 😘

Before the year is over we once again bring you some of the best music you ever heard! :D This time, the best love song of 2019 - in our humble opinion. So how in the world have I discovered this song? I was sitting at a Starbucks in London by myself during another busy and otherwise hectic day, just having a drink, thinking about life. I was all in thought when I heard the chorus and was like WHAT IS THIS?!? 😱 Also WHO IS THIS?!? So I asked the Barista to let me know, since Shazam is long gone from my phone as well. First attempt: 'I don't know it is someones personal playlist..'. So I searched Google up and down for this song based on parts of the lyrics.. No result.

Weeks later, I was already wondering if I will ever be able to find out - what if this was really just the playlist on someones phone - it happened again. Same place, around the same time. So I ran to the counter and bothered another Barista and this one went to the back and returned with a name: Boy In Space - 7 Up!!! This Barista is a hero to me. I owe you my gratitude. So now, I am able to share this emotional, real and super moving song with you.Written and performed by: Robin Lundbäck aka Boy in Space from Alingsås, Sweden. So much good music from Sweden always..

Here are some infos about Robin, taken from his bio:'I’m a Boy In Space. I’m scared of spiders. I have trust issues. I have a pug named Nala. I don't understand people that don't like chocolate ice cream. Sometimes I wish I could be normal. Most of the time I’m grateful that I’m not. My brain feels like a rollercoaster ride that never ends. My best songs I always write under one hour. Although my songs can be sad, I’m actually a pretty happy guy (most of the time). I wish I had a spaceship so I could fly to the moon and write a song looking down on Earth. My biggest dream is to create music that I love and share it with people I know will love it too.'

According to this talented singer and songwriter, '7 Up' is a song about love and how it is 'not easy'. Since the year is coming to an end we tend to analyse everything. I recently saw an interesting video about relationships. Often times when a relationship ends we feel like we have failed. And after that you just have enough of it. But there is another approach to that. What if we must get through some relationships as a learning and growing experience so we can figure out exactly what we want and never want again? As a natural progression. Logically thinking, you can never start at the top. You live, you give it a try, you learn. People develop. Sometimes into completely different directions. And you have only failed if you never try again. DAMN I'M A POET!

So what I am trying to say is this, if I still have some positive energy left after a year like this, so should you.. Forgive people. If you hold on to anger it will only be a burden to you. Sometimes they did not know better or had their own problems. This is exactly why it had to end. You had different future goals. Some people have no idea at all. Wish them well and be on your way. Next year I will most likely branch out into consulting because I want to help people. If I can. So I wish you a 🎆 Happy New Year 🎆. We are all in this together. And here is a quote by me, cause this is my Blog: Respect the past and know that you can create your own future. 😘

Hey there my dear readers! Thank you for coming back to my Blog. You are amaaazing and always welcome here! So I've quit updating my instagram at the end of 2018 and what can I say, much less brain fog. Much less distraction. I've also deleted the app because my phone is full to the top, so my Blog is really the only source of updates you can get about this creative world traveler, Editor-in-Chief, Singer/Songwriter. 💁‍♀️

There are 2 new things I am doing but I have been told by an expert, to focus on one thing at a time to not be all over the place. So I want to give these projects and my schedule some structure to organize my time. :) If you are wondering what I have been up to lately, I have recently started a new job in London and now I am about to fly to Germany for the holidays. I even got a window seat without any additional charges! Danke.

11 and me! :)

There are a lot of things going on, some good, some not so good. Isn't it like this for everybody? Still, I have a goal in mind so I am pursuing that. Ever since I have made the decision to leave Germany more than 10 years ago, I knew what I was going for and I am still working on that now. Since I have already invested so much time, I might as well continue working towards it. It might be challenging - trust me it is - but at least I get the opportunity to try.

Also, I want to sprinkle in some last minute gift ideas. They are not ground-breaking but they are simple and effective. Send somebody flowers via an online flower delivery service (many of them still active during the holidays) or buy someone a GOOD perfume. A perfume can lift the mood and can create great memories. Years later when you encounter this perfume it will remind you of a certain time in your life.

Unfortunately you can't send me flowers because you don't know my address.. even though I would love it if you did! :D However, I might bring a gift for my sister but the only gift my parents get - is me! I hope that is fine. My dog Scotty and my guinea pig Rudi are both spoiled so there is nothing I could get for them they don't already have. Thank you for checking my Blog this year and I wish you a great holiday season with your family and friends. Frohe Weihnachten!🎄🎁✨