tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80026139014036489402024-02-06T19:06:18.294-08:00Art TimesP. Bernabeuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505194787364010641noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002613901403648940.post-56678029210697734102013-02-28T15:45:00.001-08:002013-02-28T15:45:50.622-08:0085th Academy Awards Gala Show<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In
an evening full of glamour, glitz, young and not so young stars, the Dolby
Theater glowed with smiles and sequins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Through
the red carpet, marched a parade of haute-couture and ‘oscaresque’ gowns where
white and salmon-pink choices were the most acclaimed. Best Performance in
Supporting Role winning actress Anne Hathaway triumphed with a satin designed
by Prada, which inspired a Twitter account. Also dashing was Charlize Theron
dressed in an immaculate crisp Dior, and Naomi Watts looked like a metallic
mermaid on the carpet. With many people stepping on her beautiful cream Dior,
Jennifer Lawrence ended up doing so herself on her way to embrace her trophy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Although
he made Tommy Lee Jones s</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">mile, host Seth MacFarlane’s sexist and racist jokes
made the audience groan sometimes. William Shatner was right when he referred
to them as ‘tasteless’. One particular original song made more than one renowned
actress look to the ground; but truth be told: MacFarlene’s got a great voice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The
musical numbers were a great success. Jennifer Hudson shined with a light of
her own and the cast of <i>Les Misérables</i>
got a standing ovation. Among presentations, awards and all that jazz,
Catherine Zeta-Jones blew the audience away with a <i>Chicago</i> number showing that she still has what it takes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The
Academy honored 50 years of 007 movies with a tribute presented by a
sensational Halle Berry in Versace. “Bond music is a genre all its own,
guaranteed to make your heart beat faster and take your breath away,” she said
before Shyrley Bassey took the stage with Goldfinger. Adele performed Skyfall,
which would later win Best Original Song.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Other
surprises included Barbra Streisand’s first performance in 36 years at the
Academy Awards and the appearance of the First Lady Michelle Obama via
satellite to announce the Best Picture winner, <i>Argo</i>. This Oscar, along with Adapted Screenplay and Best Editing
made up for the omission in the directing category.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Daniel
Day-Lewis won Best Lead Actor for his incarnation of President Lincoln and Tarantino
got a well-deserved Original Script. But the revelation of the night was <i>Life of Pi</i>. The feature film won for
Original Score, Visual Effects, and Cinematography -in a rare tie with Skyfall-
and Ang Lee, awarded with the Directing Oscar concluded with a “Namaste” in
contrast to the roaring crowd.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
P. Bernabeuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505194787364010641noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002613901403648940.post-4003640819685943312013-02-27T06:41:00.001-08:002013-02-27T06:43:34.094-08:00Final Assignment: Frank Ocean<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">If there is one celebrity, artist, personality
or figure –pick whichever you prefer- who gets my attention far from the usual,
that is Frank Ocean. Ever since his first record was released, everyone noticed he
was different. Ocean’s music takes us into an Orange Nostaligia world. He dives
into his lyrics surrounded by midtempo innovative R&B. At the beginning, he
was associated to one of the anarchic group of rapers in LA, Odd Future. Would
he have been successful otherwise? Definitely: yes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">I want to know and present both
sides of the coin; analyze his impact both as a musician and a person in the
industry. Here we have this brave and inspiring man, the first in the hip hop
scene to publicly admit his love for a man. Someone who is not afraid. He is
determined and expects to be listened to. He has also been cited for possession
and driving under a suspended license and got into a fight with Chris Brown in a
parking lot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">Facing the improbability of getting
first hand material, I will go through every relevant interview from sources
like the Rolling Stones magazine, The New York Times and many others. Also his personal publications and Twitter account and the different analysis of his lyrics to get a deeper understanding
of his persona.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
P. Bernabeuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505194787364010641noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002613901403648940.post-61880325199048605482013-02-18T18:00:00.001-08:002013-02-18T18:00:18.495-08:00Pauline Kael<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">Described by Francis Davis as the “Queen
bee of American movie critics,” Pauline Kael sure had a unique voice and set
new standards for film critic. She wrote beyond mere technical aspects, and this
style of analysis broadened the spectrum and definition of what criticism was
and is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Being
a critic for <i>The New Yorker </i>magazine
for 23 years, she had followers –also fellow writers known as “Paulettes”- and
haters, but both would listen to what she had to say. “I love writing about
movies when I can discover something in them – when I can get something out of
them that I can share with people.” Sometimes those dissertations were not
shared by many. But she was not afraid to run contrary to the established
critical opinion. “If you write critically, you have to do something besides
get excited. You have to examine what’s in front of you,” she said. Pauline had
very clear ideas which she backed up with strong arguments, an extended
background on cinema and the gift of speech.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">She praised when it was necessary
and well deserved, and so she did with the pans. Pauline was different from
other critics in the sense that many have a monotonous voice; she was far from
that. Pauline never watched a movie twice, so when writing, she went with her
gut. Her approach to reviewing was “to write about the movies the way people
actually talked about them on leaving the theater.” That made her more
relatable and enjoyable. You feel her close when you read her and in <i>Afterglow</i> we get the image of a
down-to-Earth woman who loved writing and loved life. A woman who had a strong sense
of balance and criticism and knew how to share it with the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">Sometimes her topic choices were
controversial or she would write out of the expected line of an article. In her
review of <i>Funny Girl</i> she analyzes the
moral behind the plot, a discussion on whether talent is beauty. She wanted the
readers to expand their minds and reasoning, she wanted to make us think.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">“It’s difficult to be a critic of
mass culture,” she admitted. But she made it so gracefully and still firmly. It
is just so easy to get lost among so many people and opinions. But Pauline did
her own thing her own way and she will be remembered for that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/pImages/bn-review/2011/0916/PaulineKael_AF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/pImages/bn-review/2011/0916/PaulineKael_AF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
P. Bernabeuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505194787364010641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002613901403648940.post-79979479454691937972013-02-13T09:15:00.005-08:002013-02-13T09:20:23.492-08:00Not so Little Mike<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN-US">Disambiguation- this article talks about the DJ, producer, and promoter,
not the race horse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">Following his brother’s steps, Mike
Chapman started turning the tables at the age of 14. He had a musical
background being trained as a classical pianist – he quit at the age of 18-,
and his dad had a bluegrass band. His mom would drop him off at the +21 clubs
where he played for crowds 6 years older than him. Soon he was referred to by
the bartenders as ‘Little Mike’ and so has been ever since. He became a pivotal
backbone in Denver’s DJ scene for many years, both as DJ and producer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">When he moved to Europe, along with
Crazy-B, DJ Need, and DJ Pone, Little Mike originated <a href="http://www.birdynamnam.com/" target="_blank">Birdy Nam Nam</a>, a DJ crew
born in France. When I asked one of my French friends about them, she jumped of
her seat and said: “Oh, Birdy Nam Nam, I love them! Every youngster in France
does!” They became the 2002 DMC World Team Champions and Skrillex became a fan.
That was the start of the rise. They
started collaborating with him, creating master mixes like “Goin’ In”. Their
song “Trans Boulogne Express” was also featured in the feature film <i>Transporter 3</i>. Their projects for this
year include a track with both Skrillex and A$AP Rocky.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/sgU7XMUyAqY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><span lang="EN-US">But Little Mike is still hungry.
According to an article in <a href="http://www.vibe.com/article/bromance-vibe-present-time-check-mixtape-birdy-nam-nams-little-mike" target="_blank">Vibe Magazine</a>, in April we’ll be able to enjoy a self-produced
mixtape ‘Time To Check In’, a solo release on <a href="https://soundcloud.com/bromancerecords" target="_blank">Bromance Records</a>. This mixtape in
influenced by Southern U.S. rap and Mike’s European experiences. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
P. Bernabeuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505194787364010641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002613901403648940.post-26862032272284902922013-02-13T09:14:00.001-08:002013-02-13T09:14:07.731-08:00An evening with the Dudes<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">“There will be food, cozy
fireplaces, and plenty of good A Cappella music!” This is how the Kalamadudes,
one of the three A Cappella groups in Kalamazoo College, advertised their
performance for Friday night. The Hoben lounge was filled with an audience
ready to be entertained. The Kalamadudes are best known for the humor and
personality of their covers. There is not one single song where you cannot see
one of the members dancing or acting out the lyrics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">The opening song was “The Book of
Love” by Peter Gabriel. Although it was not outstanding, the audience reacted
really well. Elton John’s “Your Song”, which should have melted every girl’s
heart, felt a little plain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">However, there was a change in the
rhythm to cheer up the night; with more upbeat songs the Dudes came alive; they
had fun it and so did the audience. The great thing about this performance was
the relaxed and informal atmosphere. Even though the Dudes were all dressed up,
it felt like a gathering of friends. They love music and they share that love;
and we felt it. Between songs the members were talking and joking among
themselves and with the audience. Somehow it felt like a show that you put up
for your family on a Sunday evening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">The highlight of the performance was
a cover of “Yellow” by Coldplay. Never out of tune, had the perfect tone for
them added to their endless enthusiasm. Same thing happened with “Every Morning,”
full of good vibes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US">Along with hot cocoa, white
chocolate spoons, the fire crackling and the familiar voices an hour went by.
An oasis in the midst of midterm papers and classes; it was a nice way to start
the weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
P. Bernabeuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505194787364010641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002613901403648940.post-5057325529182549252013-02-06T09:04:00.002-08:002013-02-06T09:07:05.084-08:00Stop and hear the music<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white;">How many Street artists can we come across on a daily trip in D.C.’s metro?
The answer might be: ”too many to stop.” What if there was a real prodigy? One’s
got to get to work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-US">On January 12, 2007, Gene
Weingarten-columnist for The Washington Post- decided to do an experiment
described in the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html" target="_blank">article</a> as “a test
of whether, in an incongruous context, ordinary people would recognize genius.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white;">At L’Enfant Plaza station, rush
hour, a fiddler began to play standing against a wall; nothing too special
about him –besides his irrefutable technique. That man was <a href="http://www.joshuabell.com/" target="_blank">Joshua Bell</a>, who
made his Carnegie Hall debut at the age of 17 and is a Grammy Award-winning artist.
One would think that he will get noticed performing six of the most challenging
pieces ever written. Even more so if he was to play a 1713 handcrafted Stradivarius,
one of the finest violins of all times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white;">Seeking some expert opinion, Mr.
Weingarten asked Leonard Slatkin, music director of the National Symphony
Orchestra. He assured that a crowd will gather and that Bell would make an
estimate of $150.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white;">That never happened. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white;">In 45 minutes, only 7 people
stopped, and the musician that had played full house at the Boston Symphony Hall the night
before got $32 and change for the same performance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white;">So what
are our standards for truly good or “genius” art? Oh, it depends on so many
things from the staging to the looks of the artist down to one’s own mindset in
that moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 35.4pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="background-color: white;">We
should always be open to art in all of its forms; you never know what you could
encounter.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/hnOPu0_YWhw/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hnOPu0_YWhw&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hnOPu0_YWhw&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
P. Bernabeuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505194787364010641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002613901403648940.post-12575931742195049632013-01-28T03:14:00.002-08:002013-01-28T03:21:03.842-08:00The Queen of Consumerism<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> This is no fairytale but it has a Queen, and that is Jackie- 30
years junior, trophy wife of the businessman David Siegel. The objective of
this documentary film was to witness the construction process of the biggest
house in America- a 90,000 square feet palace modeled on the Las Vegas version
of the French chateau of Versailles. When the answer to “Why are you building
the greatest family house in America?” is “Because I can,” we get a hint of the
lifestyle that these characters are used to. But the storyline changes
completely with the fall of the market and the burst of the real estate bubble,
when the Siegel family loses some of their millionaire possessions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> This film has a different impact on the viewer. At first, one condemns
the characters to satire and then with the sudden change of events, we learn to
look at them from another point of view. Who would think they could relate to a
billionaire family? But they weren’t born wealthy, they have a rags-to-riches
stories on their backs, and they personify the modern American dream. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> The course of the film and incredible good timing manages to give a
twist to the story. In words of one of the eight Siegel kids: “There is nothing
normal about this life.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://onmilwaukee.com/images/articles/qu/queenofversailles/queenofversailles_fullsize_story1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://onmilwaukee.com/images/articles/qu/queenofversailles/queenofversailles_fullsize_story1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Despite the over-the-top expenses and an outstanding social agenda, the eccentric
taste and uniqueness of Jackie Siegel is somehow magnetic and the extravaganza
of it all entertains. We get many different characters, such as the
nannies/full time mothers or the personal driver. And one of the most
charismatics: the head of the family- CEO of Westgate Resorts- someone who “can’t
separate business from personal.” During a period of cutbacks, the Siegels
insist that everything changes, but you can’t get by without the support of friends
and family.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Though the film-maker has been accused of manipulation, we get a close
reality-show like contact with that life. It gets so intimate that we might me
oddly moved by the story. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> All in all, it is a contradiction of feelings that we encounter;
sympathy versus shadenfreude. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Lauren Greenfield was awarded the Sundance Film Festival Directing Award
in 2012 for her direction of this documentary. And it is well deserved. This
perspective of the economic crisis is narrated in a way never seen before.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
P. Bernabeuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505194787364010641noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002613901403648940.post-35788010236343660342013-01-23T06:30:00.000-08:002013-01-28T03:16:37.361-08:00Do not let this universe regret you<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lucky the day I came across these verses:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">leaving is not enough; you must </span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i>stay gone.</i> </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> The start of a whirlwind of words that got me tangled in her poems. Was it destiny, maybe fate? No.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was Facebook. That is how I found Marty McConnell. New York poet swinging between the fight for a cause and the cure of broken hearts. And it's not just me, someone else thought she was a keeper and published <em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #463c60; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; line-height: 21.046875px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">wine for a shotgun.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #463c60; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; line-height: 21.046875px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></em><span style="line-height: 21.046875px;"> You can find her on her <a href="http://martyoutloud.com/bio/" target="_blank">website</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/martyoutloud" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/marty%20mcconnell" target="_blank">tumblr</a>., in numerous poetry slam videos on YouTube...nothing's stopping you.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.046875px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 21.046875px;"> Get yourself some 21st century American poetry while I go get myself some coffee.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.046875px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Uno-noGe2l4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.046875px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #463c60; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; line-height: 21.046875px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></em></span>P. Bernabeuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505194787364010641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002613901403648940.post-50526049989295758832013-01-22T20:24:00.002-08:002013-01-28T03:16:54.102-08:00NYT Defense: “Tweaking Rap's Rules, but with Respect.”<br />
<div class="Default" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="Default__Char" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jon Caramanica is no stranger to the state of affairs in the rap world. As the music editor of <a href="http://www.vibe.com/music" target="_blank">Vibe magazine</a>, a bi-monthly publication dedicated to rap, hip-hop, and R&B, Mr Caramanica has witnessed the rise of many a young rapper.</span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="Default__Char" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="Default__Char" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;">In an <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/17/arts/music/tweaking-raps-rules-but-with-respect.html?_r=1&" target="_blank">article</a> published January 17<sup>th</sup>, 2013, in the New York Times arts and culture section, he turns his attention to Harlem based rapper Rakim Mayers, better known as A$AP Rocky.</span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="Default__Char" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="Default__Char" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The A$AP acronym Rocky adopted stands for; Always Strive and Prosper, Assassinating Snitches and Police, or Acronym Symbolizing any Purpose, depending on who you ask. The ambiguity surrounding his moniker is a reflection of his own pioneering style, from the thinly veiled double-entendres in “Cockiness” to the the Marty Mcfly references in “Back to the Future”.</span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="Default__Char" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="Default__Char" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;">A$AP prefers “how words sound rather than what they say”. Even so, he exhibits a mastery of language, exemplified in his latest album, “Long.Live.A$AP”. Being his first major label release, A$AP has made the leap from releasing obscure mix tapes online to becoming one of the most promising young rappers in the game.</span></div>
<div class="Default" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Arial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="Default__Char" style="font-family: Arial, Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Arial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="Default__Char" style="font-family: Arial, Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/28DsqvSBhrE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="Default" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Arial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="Default__Char" style="font-family: Arial, Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
P. Bernabeuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505194787364010641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002613901403648940.post-7780025669214502852013-01-22T20:18:00.003-08:002013-01-28T03:17:12.989-08:00Django, unchained and ready to rock [Edit]<br />
<span lang="EN-US"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> When we
talk about Quentin Tarantino, one cannot hold back certain expectations. And
what are those? –Blood, some action and incredibly witty dialogues. But also
something else, it’s that something about Tarantino movies that makes a
difference. Whether it’s the absurd situations, the wonderfully twisted
characters, or the unpredictable course of action, the result is always genius.
And Django’s full of that.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> It is technically
an American western film, but it goes so much further. It has the romance, the
comedy, the action and the history. As he did in his previous piece of work, <i>Inglorious Basterds</i>, Tarantino gathers
the facts and then presents his version of history. Many Westerns take place
during the slavery era but somehow, they get around it. Mr. Tarantino faced and
embraced that, creating a brave and sometimes harsh feature film.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Dr. King Schultz
(Christoph Waltz), a German dentist and bounty hunter frees a slave named Django
(Jamie Foxx), a black hero defying all the social conventions of the time, one
of a kind, whose aim is to find and free his wife Broomhilda (Kerry Washington).
But on their way stand the mighty and ruthless Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio)
and his double-faced old servant Stephen (Samuel L. Jackson).This luxury cast will
not disappoint. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> The
soundtrack is a gem. Not only the more southern tracks create the right
atmosphere to the scenes, but the surprising change of rhythm gave me
goosebumps more than once. The person who is able to balance spaghetti western
tracks along with the most up-to-date hip hop deserves at least, a standing
ovation- or why not, an Academy Award. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Tarantino
goes for western illustrations in real life. Magnificent scenery along with
situations and lines that will make you burst into laughter. Some may think
that the comedy aspect of some of the characters is disrespectful to the
history of slavery; I disagree. He is just adding a modern touch to a classic movie
genre. It is not a documentary and let’s not forget that the first aim of this
movie is to entertain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> There is an
integral consistency to the way each character behaves, a motive that leads
them; although the romantic guidance of events calls for a little too much
predictability. We know how detailed Mr. Tarantino is when personifying characters.
There is no pointlessness; nothing is up to fate or out of place.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/274/f/9/django_unchained_by_dresdenshadow-d5ghymr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/274/f/9/django_unchained_by_dresdenshadow-d5ghymr.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
P. Bernabeuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505194787364010641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002613901403648940.post-27666877975581965792013-01-14T00:21:00.000-08:002013-01-14T16:13:28.391-08:00Django, unchained and ready to rock<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I was
sitting there, trying to hold back my expectations; but how can you not have
them? It’s Quentin Tarantino we’re talking about. And what did I expect? –Blood,
some action and incredibly witty dialogues. But also something else, it’s that
something about Tarantino movies that makes a difference. And Django’s full of that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GoCnd-Q3P_ZdsuUnmQkH78IA3uZ07C_aAOub-sJ5rVgPTfNFckX3iIv9wpH2qa5Rhsx4O5zRcoSzdHsNcpVwTJAAZ3tT4YRh4tTg0zl1fHbyvWKccfPyg13y52YEB4fzfUGDrCs1guo/s1600/django-unchained-poster-mike-butkus-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GoCnd-Q3P_ZdsuUnmQkH78IA3uZ07C_aAOub-sJ5rVgPTfNFckX3iIv9wpH2qa5Rhsx4O5zRcoSzdHsNcpVwTJAAZ3tT4YRh4tTg0zl1fHbyvWKccfPyg13y52YEB4fzfUGDrCs1guo/s320/django-unchained-poster-mike-butkus-03.jpg" width="215" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Technically
an American western film, but it goes so much further. It has the romance, the
comedy, the action and the history. As he did in his previous piece of work, <i>Inglorious Bastards</i>, Tarantino gathers
the facts and then presents his version of History. Many Westerns take place
during the slavery era but somehow, they get around it. Mr. Tarantino faced and
embraced that, creating a brave- and sometimes harsh- feature film.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Texas, 1858-
Dr. King Schultz (Waltz), a German dentist and bounty hunter frees a slave
named Django (Foxx), a black hero whose aim is to find and free his wife
Broomhilda (Washington). But on their way stand the mighty and ruthless Calvin
Candie (DiCaprio) and his double-faced old servant Stephen (Jackson). Astonishing
performances by a luxury cast that will not disappoint. Wonderfully twisted characters;
Tarantino at its best.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Being a
declared melomaniac, I find the soundtrack to be a gem. Not only the more southern
tracks create the right atmosphere to the scenes, but the surprising change of rhythm
gave me goosebumps more than once. The one able to balance spaghetti western
tracks along with the most up-to-date hip hop deserves at least, a standing
ovation- or why not, an Academy Award. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Tarantino
goes for western illustrations in real life. Magnificent scenery along with
situations and lines that will make you burst into laughter. Is the comedy
aspect of some of the characters disrespectful to the history of slavery? That might
offend and inconvenience some people, but it is just adding a modern touch to a
classic genre. Let’s not forget that the first aim of this movie is to
entertain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">There is an
integral consistency to the way each character behaves, a motive that leads
them; although the romantic guidance of events calls for a little too much
predictability. We know how detailed Mr. Tarantino is when personifying characters.
There is no pointlessness; nothing is up to fate or out of place. And if you
don’t feel this way, I encourage you to watch it again.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSJlb3vRsdDTylIwQlw4xzwN9MBMgrxFJXWcPZKgHgIK3g1ngO2SyzzK_0KnpZc4MzD-kBKRQGejz9p1_WG6FejecBSkG_gTtzL99B7rwiYCQRkPtrqeFHor7f1-uW5HB50wsc0r8gQU/s1600/django_unchained-poster-picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSJlb3vRsdDTylIwQlw4xzwN9MBMgrxFJXWcPZKgHgIK3g1ngO2SyzzK_0KnpZc4MzD-kBKRQGejz9p1_WG6FejecBSkG_gTtzL99B7rwiYCQRkPtrqeFHor7f1-uW5HB50wsc0r8gQU/s320/django_unchained-poster-picture.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/CMoqA7RtNrM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
P. Bernabeuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505194787364010641noreply@blogger.com1