The Extraordinary Voices of P.S.22

At a time when the entertainment business is overcome with glitz, and children are more drawn to the hype and glamour of performers rather than their virtuosity, it is refreshing indeed to come across the distinctive talent of the P.S. 22 choir.

Who are these kids? They are a group everyday 5th graders. They don't attend a performing arts specialty school for the talented. They are just students at one of New York City's many elementary schools. Their teacher is Gregg Breinberg. Under his guidance, each child draws on their own experiences and emotions. On one hand they are a chorus, a collective voice. When they perform however, each child's unique character stands out, as they render their own heart felt interpretation of the the music.

Breinberg has the artistic vision of matching the talents of these urban pre-teens with the music of artists such as Suzanne Vega, Bjork, Fleetwood Mac, The Cure, Bob Dylan, Coldplay, and Tori Amos to name a few. This sets these youths far apart from many of their peers who exist in a world bombarded by the likes Miley Cyrus and High School Musical.

The sincerity of their performances as well as the personal deliverance of a compelling repetoire, has earned this group of neighborhood kids a worldwide following. Their fans include numerous celebrities, they have been aired on CNN, the BBC, and their viral videos on youtube and their website have created a true buzz. Some of the artists they have covered, have sought them out to sing and record with them. They have performed at prestigious venues such at Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden.

Their music speaks for itself. Watching these cathartic performances can move one to tears.

THE CURE, "PICTURES OF YOU"


FLEETWOOD MAC, "LANDSLIDE"


TORI AMOS, "FLYING DUTCHMAN"

Bentos and Tiffins in Review

The Goodbyn



The Goodbyn is a great take on the Japanese bento box. Developed by the Seattle based company Byndoo, the Goodbyn eliminates the need for plastic baggies and juice boxes. Its simple design is made of two pieces that seal tightly together and keep liquid items separate without leaking. The Goodbyn is divided into six compartments of different sizes, which make it simple to add variety to a meal. Each container stores food separately, so you can pack dips, sauces, and yogurts without worrying that they will leak. There is an 8.5 ounce juice bottle that fits perfectly into the center compartment. Also included, are three sheets of waterproof stickers which include letters, and illustrations that will inspire your child to decorate his/her in a way that will reflect his/her personality. Best of all the Goodbyn is made of safe FDA-approved plastics that are BPA-free, lead-free and phthalate free, and it is also recyclable. It comes in a choice of blue, red, green or pink and is 13 x 8.5 x 3.2 inches. It is priced at $29.00



2-Tier Stainless Steel Tiffin



A tiffin is a traditional Indian food container that dates back a century and a half. Tiffins are similar to bento-boxes in that they store foods in separate interior compartments. What sets them apart is that they are round, usually made from steel, they are kept shut by tightly closing latches, and they often have a carry handle on the top. In most cases they come with two or three tiers, but many variations can be found.

This stainless steel tiffin is lightweight and closes easily. The tight closing seal makes it great for soups, salads, sauces, rice and pasta dishes. Being that it is made entirely of stainless steel, you can fill it with hot food directly from the stove and not have to worry about melting plastic or the hazard of BPA leeching into your food. The upper lid can also serve as a plate. So you will have less to carry on your next picnic. The size is 5.5" tall and 6.5" round and includes a small inner container that is good for sauces. It is priced at $23.00

Both the Goodbyn and this tiffin can be purchased at http://bgranola.com/. They carry a large selection of eco-chic products for children, parents, babies and the home. Their mission is to provide products that are safe, natural, healthy, and stylish for the family and that are also good for the planet.