Invisible Children + Apolis

Last Thursday night, I had the privilege of attending an Invisible Children event hosted by Apolis in the Arts District of Downtown LA.  They showed the film Kony 2012, which went viral last month and has had millions of views and has stirred up some criticism as well.  I had seen the film before and found it moving, but what made it more real and personal was they had an escaped LRA survivor, Gabriel, who was there to tell his story.  He was a few days away from turning 20 and this was his first time in America (He said he loved it so far and especially loved eating Cheeseburgers).  Hearing his story and then talking to him after, was an incredible and touching experience.  It was just another reminder of how blessed I am and that I should not take it for granted.  

These bags were made by women who had been raped or forced into prostitution
by the LRA.  Each bag has the woman's name who made it and her thumb print.

Everyone sat to watch the Kony 2012 video.

After the video, Gabriel shared his experience.

If you still have not seen the video (I don't know if that's even possible), then click here.  Also, sign the pledge if you are moved to help bring justice to Joseph Kony.

Marc Koska at Apolis

On Monday night, I attended an event at the Apolis Common Gallery featuring a photo exhibit, talk, and Q&A with Marc Koska, the inventor of the K1 Auto-Disable syringe.  Apolis hosted the talk while Handsome Coffee Roasters and The Pie Hole provided the espresso drinks the delicious dessert (respectively)!  There was a good turnout of about 40 people who were interested in learning more about Marc, what inspired him, how his invention works and why we should care.  The reuse of syringes is a huge problem and is the main contributor to the spread of HIV, Hepatitis and other blood born diseases, particularly in third world countries where there are fewer resources and little education.  To watch his Ted talk and find out more about his invention, click here.  He also started Safepoint Trust, a charity which aims at spreading awareness of this issue and how it can be resolved-click on the link to find out more.

Handsome + Apolis

For all of you Angelenos, particularly if you live downtown:
A few weeks ago I did a post on Handsome Coffee Roasters (seen here) and a post on shopping locally featuring Apolis (seen here).  Well, the two have merged while Handsome goes through its final stages of construction.  Stop into Apolis this week for some Christmas shopping and the best cappuccino in town!

Delicious!

Common table-ecourages community

Handsome Coffee Roasters

There is a new coffee shop in LA and now one of my favorite stops on weekday mornings.  Handsome Coffee is opening later this month in the Arts District in Downtown LA.  While it is not officially open yet, they brew espresso drinks     M-F 7:30-12 as a preview of what is to come.  You enter through the back way in the alley and they have an old car bench seat (couch) and other fun decor.  Their barista Jesse pulled me a shot of their espresso blend (which is not at all bitter), made me a great cappuccino, and the best macchiato I have had.  Handsome was founded last year by World Barista Champion Michael Phillips, Tyler Wells and Chris Owens--all of whom left Intelligentsia to pursue their own ideal of roasting and brewing.  Stop in, say hello and enjoy a great coffee experience.