tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91581532024-03-13T13:27:57.606-04:00Manufactured DramaMy thoughts on music, style, movies, tv, and life.
"Criticism," commentary, recommendations, and observations.
If it's excellent, meaningful, and possibly undiscovered or unappreciated, you'll read about it here. Because sharing is caring.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394143711545858098noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158153.post-56206121965627534022014-07-22T20:36:00.002-04:002014-07-24T19:32:23.896-04:00WDS: Where You Go to Find, Learn, Celebrate & Act - World Domination Summit 2014<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World Domination Summit 2014, Main Stage at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland OR, July 12th</td></tr>
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A few years ago, my close friend (and once my boss) Tim told me about <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Non-Conformity-Change-Perigee/dp/0399536108" target="_blank">The Art of Non-Conformity</a>, <b><a href="http://chrisguillebeau.com/" target="_blank">Chris Guillebeau</a></b>'s first book. And what a gift that telling me was. As I read this empathetic, active manual I learned about Chris, his process, projects and community. I knew that he was one of the people I refer to as an angel in people's clothing. <br />
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And he displays this perfectly just by being who he is at <b><a href="http://worlddominationsummit.com/" target="_blank">World Domination Summit</a></b>. <br />
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World Domination Summit (aka WDS) is, in brief, an experience rooted in <b>Community, Adventure and Service</b> (capitals intended) for those who already are living and wanting to live a remarkable life in a conventional world. As a sponsor-free, non-commercial event the only agenda is to create a miraculous series of talks, workshops, seminars, fitness activities, meetups, hangouts, and what I call <b>lightups</b>. (A lightup is a moment where something comes to life for you with clarity and truth. Maybe it's been frustrating you, perhaps you've been fogged up. A lightup, via people, music, some sort of sensory experience, literally lights you up and moves you to do what you desire.) Four days in Portland, Oregon is just the start. You get there. And once WDS starts you're <i>really</i> there. <br />
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I attended WDS in 2013 and had a great experience: met amazing people who are and will always be in my life, learned interesting and important things for business, was inspired by loads of folks, enjoyed a city I already loved. And before this year's Summit, I told <b><a href="http://hrostoski.com/" target="_blank">Mike Hrostoski</a></b> that I wanted to have a clearer, more present experience. He helped me to get to a place where my mind was open (as it had been last year) and my heart was open. An<b> open mind and open heart</b> allowed me to, in the words of <b><a href="http://www.reginabrett.com/" target="_blank">Regina Brett</a></b>, <b>get up, dress up, and show up</b>. By showing up completely and wholeheartedly I had one of the most miraculous experiences in my life. It was the ideal 40th birthday present to myself (and it wrapped the celebration I'd begun when I helped behind the scenes in late May at <b><a href="http://aj-leon.com/misfit-con-2014/" target="_blank">Misfit</a></b>).<br />
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I hope you'll take a minute and read about WDS and some highlights (according to me). The keynote speakers, meetup leaders and attendees I'm referring to and sharing here did something particularly great by letting the attendees know that <b>we are each capable of making miracles in our own ways and on our time. </b>And this is a link to the exceptional <b>Tyler Tervooren</b>'s <b><span style="color: #351c75;"><a href="http://riskology.co/worlds-longest-yoga-chain" target="_blank">article</a></span></b> about the <b>world record-setting yoga chain</b> we made on July 11th led by him and some other amazing people. <br />
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<b><a href="http://ajjacobs.com/" target="_blank">AJ Jacobs</a></b>, the really talented writer and Esquire editor, told us to, <b>"Be Bold. Be Experimental. Do it Strategically."</b> As someone who has researched, explored and lived the rules of the Bible, nutrition and exercise he is at the forefront of something that can have global impact. AJ's latest project is the <a href="http://globalfamilyreunion.com/" target="_blank">Global Family Reunion</a> which will occur on June 6th next year and benefits Alzheimers. This is something that, according to AJ, has scientific value, brings history alive, enhances <b>interconnectedness</b> and if all goes as he intends, makes <b>a kinder world</b>. It turns out that AJ is genealogically connected to George Bush, Pres. Abraham Lincoln, and hundreds more. And as cool as it is to be cousins with Daniel Radcliffe (which AJ is) it's really righteous to expand and extend our families, thus including people who share our dreams and will stand with us as we live remarkably.<br />
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<b>Jadah Sellner</b> is the co-founder of <a href="http://simplegreensmoothies.com/" target="_blank">Simple Green Smoothies</a>. Besides being someone who could write a book on how to market effectively via <a href="http://instagram.com/simplegreensmoothies/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> she is a truth teller and leader who said throughout her talk, <b>"I encounter every lesson in life on purpose."</b> You read it here: she is an icon in the making. Using your heart underscored everything she said and all that she does. <b>Failures are building blocks</b>, Jadah insisted. This was comforting and reassuring for me. Dream. Do. <b>"Say your dreams out loud."</b> And this is important because not only does it shift the energy, it makes us accountable to others. When Jadah said that one of the key steps in building your community with heart is to <b>"Choose love over metrics"</b> you could feel the room swell with feelings of, "That's what I needed to hear." Jadah was for sure part of our "soul tribe" this year at WDS. Hearing her share how "we all start at zero" I felt something start to percolate for me regarding writing, music, and business.<br />
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<b>Gavin Aung Than</b>, artist and founder of <a href="http://zenpencils.com/" target="_blank">Zen Pencils</a>, told the attendees how two of the questions he read in <u>The Art of Non-Conformity</u> prompted him to leave his corporate job and become an artist completely and truly. He brings inspirational quotes to even more life by combining them with his comics.<br />
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<b>Ryan Haack</b>, founder of <a href="http://www.livingonehanded.com/" target="_blank">Living One-Handed</a>, was born without a left hand. And he more than makes up for the missing limb with humor, help, and hope. And empathy. And inspiration.<br />
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<a href="http://shannongalpin.com/" target="_blank"><b>Shannon Galpin</b></a> told us how <b>the power of voice</b> was the foundation for her work in women's rights and gender violence. By "listening without judgment" she has helped to refine and redefine the culture of silence in which sexual violence exists. Whether it's civil rights, racism or another global problem, Shannon unlocked the door for people who'd yet to step into action when she said, <b>"I always wondered why somebody didn't do something about that, then I realized I am somebody."</b> Street art is one of Shannon's passions and it happens to be a catalyst and an ideal source for messaging. It "makes you think, breaks down classes, is political, and is a movement." While I'm not an introvert and I never shy away from speaking my mind here are a few topics where I'm quiet. Shannon reminded me that I shouldn't be when she announced, <b>"Don't let the voice get chased from your throat. Scream it. Even if you are the only one that will hear." </b>Thanks for that, Shannon.<br />
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There's a lot of talk about purpose in the entrepreneurial world. <b><a href="http://michaelhyatt.com/" target="_blank">Michael Hyatt</a></b> touched on this with clarity and direction when he talked about <b>The Designed Life</b> where we <b>Do What Matters</b>. What's rarely said and truly needed is what Michael directly told us to believe that <b>"Out of a rich personal life experience my business will flourish." </b> So often we put time and energy into the things that are - or seem! - urgent. Michael reminded everyone, <b>"Don't let the urgent take more priority than the important." </b>A Designed Life is one lived with intention, and, as a result, with joy and success.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.ziva.org/saki01.html" target="_blank">Saki Mafundikwa</a></b>, founder of <a href="http://www.ziva.org/about.html" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Institute of Vigital Arts</a>, told us that the Zimbabwean word "harare" in English is "the one that doesn't sleep." And that is Saki. He left Random House to open Zimbabwe's first design school. 18 students are accepted each year to learn about the experience that is multi-sensory design and imperative digital media skills . An award-winning filmmaker, Saki lives his truth as he created a school for <i>vigital</i> - not digital - arts. He knows that risks aren't necessarily roadblocks and empowered us by saying, <b>"Jump, and the net will appear." </b><br />
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I'm always inspired by people who take what life gave them, turn it inside out and upside down, and come out of it happier, healthier, and more successful. And <a href="http://padtinyhouses.com/" target="_blank"><b>Dee Williams</b></a> is my latest superhero. While a heart attack changes one's life, it made Dee more aware of, in my observation, her talents. By applying those to what was in her character - growing up on a farm, "living with [her] natural community" - she took her brand new life and <b>"the thing that happened is I had to get comfortable with me." </b>Dee tackled the construction of a new house for herself, all of 84 square feet, and "seeing humanity up against it" she started a business that teaches people how to build tiny homes. All of her <b>actions are underscored by hope, creation, humility, love</b>, and more. Being present and aware can help to do what Dee now does: <b>"The way I measure success is how I show up."</b><br />
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What several of the keynote speakers had in common is how they've been successful. By this I mean the shared approach to how they think about their businesses: <b>bringing that which is personal to the public. </b><br />
<b><a href="http://elisejoy.com/" target="_blank">Elise Blahn Cripe</a></b> makes stuff. Those are her words. She likes making stuff and she happens to be great at it. <b>"Just start." </b>This is the step that leads to all others. <b>"You just do." </b>When you like a lot of things it's just right to do a lot of things. When you <b>"believe it completely"</b> it's all possible.<br />
Known as the Planetwalker, <span style="color: #20124d;"><b><a href="http://planetwalk.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #351c75;">John Francis</span></a> </b><span style="color: black;">addressed the 1971 oil spill at the Golden Gate Bridge in a way personal to him</span>. He </span>walked across the country, a 30 year journey, and 17 of those years were walked in silence. His artwork and journaling changed while he maintained his vow of silence. John found ways to communicate with people silently. Because <b>"the environment is about people." </b>While he did this literally, John reminded us that this is also the case when we do things figuratively: <b>"You're going to make a difference just by taking a step."</b><br />
No one expected to receive anything from the keynote speakers and when <a href="http://johnjantsch.com/" target="_blank"><b>John Jantsch</b></a> gave attendees guitar picks printed with <b>"Make Good Choices"</b> he provided a reminder that what we do every day, be it a big deal or something that seems like nothing, that <b>"The power to change the world is through the choices we make daily."</b> While "all great businesses serve others," all of us can make significant differences by what we do - when it's good - every day.<br />
Author and speaker <b><a href="http://scottberkun.com/" target="_blank">Scott Berkun</a></b> reinforced that<b> "consumption does not lead to creation." </b>We can develop ideas through our <b>vulnerability and when we're uncomfortable.</b> When we feel those things, <b>our creativity is ignited</b>.<br />
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As I trekked from Portland to Costa Mesa, CA on July 14th, I began to process all of this. And starting today (July 22nd) I vow to sing more, become a WordPress master, publish my book chapters, and always work with heart. To be continued. Absolutely.<br />
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Thanks to WDS, everyone I talked with and learned from including <b><a href="http://thecatalystproject.net/" target="_blank">Jon Giganti</a></b>, <b><a href="http://inthemiddleseat.com/" target="_blank">Josh Barad</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.breakthroughcocktail.com/" target="_blank">Gary Ware</a></b>, and <b><a href="http://www.theconsciouslifeproject.com/" target="_blank">Tanuja Ramchal</a></b>. See you soon and without question at WDS '15.<br />
And everyone reading this, I hope to see <i>you</i> <b><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-domination-summit-2015-tickets-11972015621" target="_blank">next year in Portland</a></b> on July 9th.<br />
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394143711545858098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158153.post-65780791106795391442012-10-21T00:22:00.003-04:002012-10-21T18:38:12.514-04:00Follow Your Heart, Follow Your Head...That is Success<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnXA3o3QwXEel0MBqfgsIK9hpmqXDDFTmFLhMlI-_Ndqq9NHpwVOZmc6frFjWJClbjz3baNb0nPw6kXfVBv41VPQfSmD2P4BcVr_RWeJ6WlVHcNBbh6cQhyueK_7scTiY1Jlr/s1600/Concordian+Dawn+pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnXA3o3QwXEel0MBqfgsIK9hpmqXDDFTmFLhMlI-_Ndqq9NHpwVOZmc6frFjWJClbjz3baNb0nPw6kXfVBv41VPQfSmD2P4BcVr_RWeJ6WlVHcNBbh6cQhyueK_7scTiY1Jlr/s400/Concordian+Dawn+pic+2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Concordian Dawn - Christopher Preston Thompson, Brian Mummert, & Nicholas Tamagna<br />(photograph by Joshua South)</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I remember how I felt when I heard Johnny Hartman and John Coltrane's album for the first time. At a bar with friends, I had to sit back and let the tracks wash over me. I went to the jukebox and programmed it to play the entire album. Twice. To this day, that album is one of my favorites and my foundation of what I call experiential music.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recently spoke with <a href="http://christopherprestonthompson.com/" target="_blank"><b>Christopher Preston Thompson</b></a>, co-founder of Concordian Dawn, an ensemble of three musicians who present Medieval and early Renaissance music. These men perform acoustically and each is a singer and instrumentalist. Before you think that early music is not your cup of tea, in Christopher's words, this power trio is "a Medieval boy band." Take that, One Direction. Christopher describes the early music they sing as "raw, purely and innately human, nothing fabricated." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earlier this year, Christopher, a tenor and gothic harpist, joined <a href="http://nicholastamagna.com/" target="_blank"><b>Nicholas Tamagna</b></a> (countertenor and percussion) and Brian Mummert (baritone and portative organ) to establish <a href="http://concordiandawn.com/" target="_blank"><b>Concordian Dawn</b></a>. The trio's premiere concert was on October 5, 2012 at NYC's Church of the Transfiguration. It was called Here: Then and Now. And that captured perfectly why this is the time for Concordian Dawn. Christopher said, "We, as human beings, haven't changed [since the Medieval era]. Things around us - technology, the way we say things - are different but in large part we're singing about the same things as people did then."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The men believe "very simply that early music has a place in the contemporary scene." How can this be, I wondered, centuries later. The music is "Relevant. Philosophically, Socially, Spiritually, Tonally," Christopher shared. With passion in his voice he went on, "And there are similarities and differences between the music of then and now. We highlight those because the perspective is evocative for today's listener." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One way Nicholas, Christopher, and Brian evoke perspectives is through mixing Medieval and contemporary songs. While highlighting similarities and differences, mash-ups of Albertet de Sestaro, Gace Brulé and Alanis Morissette and Peire Vidal and Bjôrk bring to life intensity, joy, anger, hope, and so much more. Upcoming mash-ups include Lady Gaga and the Dixie Chicks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When an a cappella singer, I dabbled in Renaissance music and I never understood why the technique needed to be specific. Christopher explained, "Concordian Dawn applies historical performance practice and that opens up a whole new soundscape." Soundscape is ideas, culture, and music in a variety of combinations. The performance precision makes for truer messages.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I'm committed <a href="http://manufactureddrama.blogspot.com/2012/10/make-world-betterby-being-yourself.html" target="_blank"><b>to being yourself to make our world better</b></a>, I asked Christopher why Concordian Dawn is a trio and not a solo act. The group is "good friends and good colleagues who work well and sing well. And [they] trust each other." Add true musical talent to those and their connection and commitment are clear to the audience. Check out this terrific combination of classic and new. You can hear some of their work <a href="http://concordiandawn.com/" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like always, support up and coming musicians and artists. Today's talents can be tomorrow's spotlit Grammy winners with our encouragement and love.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394143711545858098noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158153.post-62164546178620861652012-10-07T08:34:00.002-04:002012-10-27T12:29:25.915-04:00Make the World Better...by Being Yourself<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rSm-9jIAu1TBzIB2HZWxyxm4sqQfaYCGS1qrgmDpkr8671ttlkrXwlqWWcr7tiMFzgCwti5qM1VvAe_WuYZ0v4WL81voqBM4EgmUUowfPv6RhfQ9UciJLaW_9R4t8QhwdLxs/s1600/2012-10-06+18.18.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rSm-9jIAu1TBzIB2HZWxyxm4sqQfaYCGS1qrgmDpkr8671ttlkrXwlqWWcr7tiMFzgCwti5qM1VvAe_WuYZ0v4WL81voqBM4EgmUUowfPv6RhfQ9UciJLaW_9R4t8QhwdLxs/s320/2012-10-06+18.18.05.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Modesto Flores Community Garden, NYC, 10/06/12</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(photograph by Kate Harvie) </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Top of the fourth quarter 2012. Lots of intense things going on around the globe. Some we can do things about and some we cannot. That's challenging for everyone be they problem solvers, solution providers, caring witnesses, those caught in the experience, and anyone observing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And to make your life - and the lives of those around you (which will have a ripple effect on communities, villages, and populations) - happier and more livable, apply what's below here. While I do not stand as an expert on anything related to this, I know what I know. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Being who you are with ease and honor is underscored by these four things:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1) Ask for what you need.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This includes everything from needing Lactaid for your coffee because you're lactose intolerant to asking people to call you when they get home because you care. Matters not why you need it. You need it. And you are better off by seeking this instead of suffering in silence. People are not psychic (at least none that I know) and they would rather do their part to get you healthy, happy, and true. Trust that. Believe it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2) For work, <u>do</u> what you want. Rather, <u>be</u> who you want.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Check this: you majored in something as an undergrad. You went to grad school for something else. You joined a family owned business. You worked in an industry for a decade. And you want nothing to do with any of those things. News: you will provide more, make a difference, contribute greater, stand as a stronger role model, and be happier when you have a job that you love. There is no absolutely no shame in this. Speaking as someone who has been on this path (and continues on it) the world needs you to be God honest about this. Costs very little and everyone (globally) benefits, especially you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3) Be inspired by those you admire. Without apology.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Each of us is encouraged, motivated, and brightened by different people. And that's how things should be. Just as the best burger you've ever eaten can be from a local dive (<a href="http://www.swensonsdriveins.com/" target="_blank"><b>Swenson's</b></a> in case you were wondering) and not from an establishment known for its decor and luxury pricing, we find our spark from anyone. And that's beautiful. It keeps our world interesting.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Personally, my light shines brighter thanks to <a href="http://www.smogranch.com/" target="_blank"><b>Daniel Milnor</b></a>, <a href="http://chrisguillebeau.com/" target="_blank"><b>Chris Guillebeau</b></a>, <a href="http://www.robinthicke.com/#!featured" target="_blank"><b>Robin Thicke</b></a>, <a href="http://andrewmbyrne.com/" target="_blank"><b>Andrew Byrne</b></a>, <a href="http://www.daniellelaporte.com/" target="_blank"><b>Danielle LaPorte</b></a>, <a href="http://www.unmarketing.com/" target="_blank"><b>Scott Stratten</b></a>, <a href="http://thedailylove.com/" target="_blank"><b>Mastin Kipp</b></a>, and <a href="http://iyanlavanzant.com/" target="_blank"><b>Iyanla Vanzant</b></a> to name a few.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I don't know where I would be without Mikala, Josh, Lisa, Hanif, Dave, Corinne, Laura, and more friends who'd lay on train tracks for me as I would for them. Whoever the people and wherever the places are for you, be glad to know them. Share the inspirations they provide you with others. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">4) Express love. Without holding back.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Beyond the people you love who love you, sharing your appreciation with those who make your life better is an everyday...hmm...not an everyday task and not an obligation. It's an everyday joyful responsibility. The person who makes an impeccable martini at your local bar. The person who holds the door for you. The person who let you know that you had spinach in your front teeth at the restaurant where you were on a date with someone so your big smiles looked like they were made with green Chiclets (ask me about this). </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Look someone in the eyes. Smile. Say "thank you," "you're awesome," "I love you," something clever and grateful and meaningful. Easy to do, costs nothing, everyone benefits. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On this and on these, please comment, share, and remind yourself every day and twice on Sunday that the world is ours to make great. And we can do that by being ourselves.</span></span></div>
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394143711545858098noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158153.post-28659342798957170912012-05-15T23:05:00.001-04:002012-10-21T15:50:51.948-04:00Get your read on, friends<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZO2pEdc3z9KDI628cZ-uVgA-P6DkIPxyZ0RSWyl367l4fz9Fq5pXteVCygrAKcIa1DF6QC23ZLBGZKlrH7s5gxMOvwtC1Il25E4kvg3cSxq3C9IiLlcyz24hdUz096IUCMVX/s1600/2012-04-18+14.58.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZO2pEdc3z9KDI628cZ-uVgA-P6DkIPxyZ0RSWyl367l4fz9Fq5pXteVCygrAKcIa1DF6QC23ZLBGZKlrH7s5gxMOvwtC1Il25E4kvg3cSxq3C9IiLlcyz24hdUz096IUCMVX/s400/2012-04-18+14.58.39.jpg" width="225" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Azalea Garden, Philadelphia, PA 4/18/12</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(photograph by Kate Harvie) </span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Change of seasons always brings an uptick to gym attendance, swimsuit shopping, and that hopeful wait for beach weather. Let's get that sunshine. Stat. Apparently New Yorkers have the lowest Vitamin D in the country due (according to reports) to lack of exposure to the out of doors. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While you're waiting for the transition from t-shirt to tankini and D'Angelo's long awaited album (wait, that's my virtuous patience at play) you need to read these books.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.daniellelaporte.com/the-fire-starter-sessions-danielle-laporte/" target="_blank"><b>The Fire Starter Sessions</b></a></i> by the incomparable <a href="http://daniellelaporte.com/" target="_blank"><b>Danielle LaPorte</b></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's no secret to anyone who knows me that Danielle is an icon as far as I'm concerned. I have guru/genius Tim Intagliata to thank for making me aware of Danielle several years ago. She does herself proud with her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fire-Starter-Sessions-Practical-Creating/dp/030795210X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324408746&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>book</b></a> of what once was a deeply meaningful workshop for business founders and business dreamers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If there is a book out there that teaches you, empowers you to shine your light on the world in the healthiest, truest, and best ways, <b><i>The Fire Starter Sessions</i></b> is it. Many thanks, Danielle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://100startup.com/" target="_blank"><b>The $100 Startup</b></a></i> by the iconic <a href="http://chrisguillebeau.com/" target="_blank"><b>Chris Guillebeau</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have been intellectually in love with Chris Guillebeau for years. Upon reading <i><a href="http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/" target="_blank"><b>The Art of Non-Conformity</b></a></i> I learned that there is a place for those of us who don't fit into categories and who cannot be labeled. The inspiration of his trips around the world and joined by his wisdom to others how to be travel hackers (which means traveling on tickets that are funded by frequent flyer miles) set him apart from people who call themselves business advisers and life coaches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And now he honors us - those in their nascent stages as business founders and those who have accomplished things - with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-100-Startup-Reinvent-Living/dp/0307951529/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332827512&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><i><b>The $100 Startup</b></i></a>. At the first book signing the week of publication (in NYC at <a href="http://www.housingworks.org/locations/detail/thrift-shops-soho" target="_blank"><b>Housing Works SoHo</b></a> on 5/8/12), Chris spoke about freedom and inspiration. And how we all have inherent skills to build something successful. Sign me up for that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Both of these book you can take intravenously. And I hope very much that you'll check them out. In the meanwhile, be kind to others and be kind to yourself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-100-Startup-Reinvent-Living/dp/0307951529/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332827512&sr=8-1" target="_blank"></a></span></div>
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394143711545858098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158153.post-47223264802623620472012-02-06T10:32:00.000-05:002012-10-21T00:52:03.537-04:00Inspiration Is Present...Always<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: purple; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBu-bc4UE-cSN-e9cJruNNjv6nsj12URDrbfJMj8i1CShm3pPog9yrzQ8GJHan56ZG0MYhu6SwE4ByITchDme8S4X-1-W7Nvv6SxJSz96z-IRaeovQY4rnC7sS_XKpIQQZjD9q/s1600/KEH_traveling_040607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBu-bc4UE-cSN-e9cJruNNjv6nsj12URDrbfJMj8i1CShm3pPog9yrzQ8GJHan56ZG0MYhu6SwE4ByITchDme8S4X-1-W7Nvv6SxJSz96z-IRaeovQY4rnC7sS_XKpIQQZjD9q/s320/KEH_traveling_040607.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Portland, OR 04/06/0<span style="font-size: xx-small;">7</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(pho<span style="font-size: xx-small;">tograph by Kate Harvie)</span> </span> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2012. Even the number looks good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People talk about their resolutions for the new year. And this year needs to be about revolutions. Your revolutions. Your business's revolutions. Your friends', colleagues', lovers', family's. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How on earth does one find the courage - and inspiration - to revolutionize life? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't speak for everyone and what follows here is my Q&D (quick and dirty) of who inspires me. While I'll describe each one briefly here, I hope that you will take the hyperlink path to each one's lustrous and luxurious combination of the heart and the head.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.daniellelaporte.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Danielle LaPorte</span></b></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Author of <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fire-Starter-Sessions-Practical-Creating/dp/030795210X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328539590&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The Fire Starter Sessions</a></b>, speaker of White Hot Truth (which should be trademarked) icon, no bs talking, motivator, truth teller in the most believable and trusting voice, straight up badass.</span></div>
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<a href="http://chrisguillebeau.com/about-the-project/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chris Guillebeau</span></b></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Author of <b><a href="http://chrisguillebeau.com/the-book/" target="_blank">The Art of Non-Conformity</a></b>, creator of Six Ways to Change the World, provider of some of the most generous and informative material for new businesses, expert on world domination (and that is not exaggerated). </span><br />
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<a href="http://josejamesmusic.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Jos</b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>é</b></span><b> James</b></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Singer, composer, lyricist, leader on stage like few performers today, absolutely eclectic and deeply talented, one of the best artists I have seen in the last five years, someone who has you hear and feel. Concert side note: happily, blessedly I will see him (and <b><a href="http://taylormcferrin.com/" target="_blank">Taylor McFerrin</a></b>) perform for the fourth and fifth times on <b><a href="http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=26765&schedule=list" target="_blank">02/10 and 02/11</a></b>. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.susansparks.com/home/" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Susan Sparks</b></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Author of <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Laugh-Your-Way-Grace-Reclaiming/dp/1594732809/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1273920227&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Laugh Your Way to Grace</a></b>, stand up comedienne who is laugh your ass off funny, preacher at <b><a href="http://www.mabcnyc.org/index.htm" target="_blank">Madison Avenue Baptist Church</a></b>, attorney, teacher of this truth: the armor we wear is a living, breathing force. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out each of these righteous and inspiring people. I'll be listing more remarkable folks throughout this year.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the words of a sign I saw on a wall in Tribeca during the summer of 2008, Today is the Day.</span></div>
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394143711545858098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158153.post-62150917677540237452011-10-01T04:04:00.001-04:002012-10-21T15:51:31.970-04:00Change of Season Means Amazing Music - Autumn '11 Greatness<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
We're officially in October and autumn is my favorite season. I mean, I love spring and the lush joy of spring doesn't last that long. Autumn, however, goes for weeks. From the crisp chill to the change of leaves to the apple picking to the ways the sunset looks different to the amazing concerts that happen once we're in a new school year.</div>
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And I saw two such spectacular shows within the last week and a half. If you aren't familiar with these artists, please become familiar.</div>
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Van Hunt. José James. Remember these names.</div>
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<b>Van Hunt</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlzqHftG0M7bVyb7duFjkokteHbro7iygOPdOAw6pRYj9I5EfjMYWuQ1c_v9GnO-tXhJmWL_1gix_7fGLs9YwkLMH7N4iYzY9Wq0ZEoHG3JS-DgqS-Sh22tRsTyp-GulWl35d/s1600/Van_Hunt_that_I_took_on_091911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlzqHftG0M7bVyb7duFjkokteHbro7iygOPdOAw6pRYj9I5EfjMYWuQ1c_v9GnO-tXhJmWL_1gix_7fGLs9YwkLMH7N4iYzY9Wq0ZEoHG3JS-DgqS-Sh22tRsTyp-GulWl35d/s400/Van_Hunt_that_I_took_on_091911.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Van Hunt, The Studio at Webster Hall, 09/19/11</b><br />
<b>(photograph by Kate Harvie) </b></td></tr>
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Growing up in Cleveland, there were two memorable things about Dayton, Ohio: horses were bred there and apparently Rob and Chad Lowe are natives. More important than both of these is that Van Hunt was born and raised in southern Ohio. </div>
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A master of R&B, soul, electronica, stagecraft, and lyricism, Van Hunt self promotes like no agent could. In his many albums (LPs and EPs from 2004, available on <b><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/van-hunt/id4247226">iTunes</a></b> and on <b><a href="http://www.vanhunt.com/news/#">his stellar website</a></b>), you accompany him gladly and intensely on a journey of passion, grit, joy, anger, realization, and truth. </div>
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And a talent like his must not go unrecognized.</div>
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The new album, <b><a href="http://www.vanhunt.com/">What Were You Hoping For?</a></b>, dropped on 09/27 and is him at his most complex and questioning. Tracks like "Eyes Like Pearls" and "A Time Machine Is My New Girlfriend" are sung and played in voices heavy and intense. Yet they are rooted in the emotional searches for things we can't provide ourselves. To paraphrase Mr. Hunt (and my favorite track on the album), "It's A Mysterious Hustle." And one we can manage for ourselves. </div>
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His tour continues today <b><a href="http://www.vanhunt.com/news/#">through 10/04 in Austin, Dallas, and Little Rock</a></b>. If you're in these cities, go to his show.</div>
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<b>José James</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuCiQ3y2qCiywEFSPZFHQm3XRggqCg2VMQO54-vFZ_DgpHGX-nzP6Dh0U98ONOuofE1KqbqItaMVU7ImvLK1RaTVLiB1gQ0KdsPRqTHtDEZMhAKziENKQ2ZCLCE8I10qFPEV6/s1600/Jose_James_from_his_website.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuCiQ3y2qCiywEFSPZFHQm3XRggqCg2VMQO54-vFZ_DgpHGX-nzP6Dh0U98ONOuofE1KqbqItaMVU7ImvLK1RaTVLiB1gQ0KdsPRqTHtDEZMhAKziENKQ2ZCLCE8I10qFPEV6/s400/Jose_James_from_his_website.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>José James, included here with permission from the artist from his <a href="http://josejamesmusic.com/">website</a></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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There is something remarkable about the mesh of jazz, soul, beatbox, and hip hop. <b><a href="http://josejamesmusic.com/">José James</a></b> blends all those in a series of songs that tell stories, prompt responses, and while he conjures memories of and respect for Johnny Hartman and John Coltrane, he is his own musician.</div>
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At his shows at <b><a href="http://www.ticketweb.com/snl/VenueListings.action?venueId=19760">Jazz Standard</a></b> (full disclosure: I attended on 09/29 and 09/30) which run through 10/02, Mr. James not only did us the honor of performing his first completely composed piece before it's released, <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/josejamesworldwide">"Trouble,"</a> </b>he introduced us to and celebrated his accompanying exceptional artists: Chris Smith (bass on 09/29), Ben Williams (bass on 09/30), Kris Bowers (piano and keyboard), Francisco Mela (drums), Takuya Kuroda (brass), and Taylor McFerrin (beatbox and vocals on 09/30). </div>
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This kind of partnership and leadership are rarely seen in vocalists. Mr. James managed the stage with panache and power, and you could hear every musician contributing yet not competing. When he performed "Equinox" which John Coltrane (who would have turned 85 on 09/23, of which Mr. James reminded us) there were tears streaming down my face both nights. This song was a new side of Trane and while honoring him, Mr. James brings it to life in a way that identifies José James as an artist who is redefining vocals and spoken word.</div>
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Like Mr. Hunt's, the albums released by Mr. James are a spectrum of so much. They're on <b><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/jose-james/id5117774">iTunes</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_nr_scat_5174_ln?rh=n%3A5174%2Ck%3Ajose+james&keywords=jose+james&ie=UTF8&qid=1317456138&scn=5174&h=57038c79206e719571b65976439e84cb79ac1a57">Amazon</a></b>. </div>
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Mr. James is appearing next in NYC at<b> <a href="https://secure.gigmaven.com/events/7083/orders/new">Le Poisson Rouge on 10/18</a></b> alongside Taylor McFerrin, and Robert Glasper Experiment. Join me there. I already have my ticket.</div>
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Welcome to October. Enjoy the shift to cooler temperatures and more rugged apparel. Discover artists and composers who remind you that well delivered reverb carries the music's messages.</div>
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394143711545858098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158153.post-82793264028813778302011-06-05T15:07:00.003-04:002011-06-10T14:07:09.389-04:00Search for - and Find - Musical Greatness with THESE 3 TenorsEveryone who knows me appreciates that live music is one of my favorite ways to spend time.<br />
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The Broadway and Off-Broadway stages were for some time the locations for the musical theatre wonk in me. And of late, other than "Memphis," these hallowed locations have not been providing what I seek.<br />
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What I seek is the tough to find trifecta of exceptional voices, cleverly written lyrics, interesting and beautiful notes.<br />
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Blissfully, this trifecta - enhanced by sock you in the gut humor - exists in <b><a href="http://www.donttellmamanyc.com/reservations.php">"3 TENORS...IN SEARCH OF ACT 2,"</a></b> with two upcoming performances on June 21 and 24 (details below this post) at Don't Tell Mama.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.donttellmamanyc.com/reservations.php">"3 TENORS...IN SEARCH OF ACT 2"</a></b> brings together joy, laughter, and superior musicianship. While the idea of three tenors began in the 90s and was some of opera's finest singing together, this show is for everyone, not just those who love Puccini, Verdi, and the like.<br />
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<a href="http://www.svhamstra.com/REVSUE/RevSue110328.shtml">Exceptionally</a> and <a href="http://www.cabaretscenes.org/cabaret_reviews/2011/mar11/brooks_clark_tharp_3-11.html">enthusiastically reviewed</a>, the show began in 2004 as a heretofore un-combined mingling of opera, pop, operetta, and musical theatre sung by three tenors with different styles and voices. Edd Clark and Paul Stephan wanted to gently and effectively spoof "The Three Tenors." The tenors and music director/arranger Paul wove humor, harmony, and intelligence into the show's premiere run. The show sold out several of its March performances earlier this year. This is my kind way of telling you to arrange your tickets now. [smile]<br />
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Seeking and combining the talent and experience of three tenors (Bill Brooks, Edd Clark, and Steven Tharp), with varying experience and expertise, the show launched successfully and later this month, the three tenors are returning to the stage. The merging of opera, Broadway, and cabaret come together in ways that are fun and truly experiential. The show's debut won a Bistro Award in 2005. For those of us unfamiliar with theatrical prizes other than the Tonys, the Bistro Awards recognize some of theatre's and music's signature talents, including this year's honorees Michael Feinstein, Dionne Warwick, and Carol Channing among others.<br />
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Sometimes hearing a song that is meaningful and messaged (this is a word that I will find a way into the English language) sparks feelings and emotion. The tenors' performance of <a href="http://youtu.be/01iNQhGAkKc">"Circle of Friends"</a> did that for me. Dare I say it will do the same for you. If you're feeling the need for humor, no one sings and plays <a href="http://youtu.be/fQt7321z7-w">"Just Couldn't Stand it No More"</a> like these gents and Paul.<br />
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Secure your tickets <i>now</i> for one or both of the only two performances this month.<br />
9:15pm on Tuesday, June 21 and Friday, June 24<br />
Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues<br />
$15 cover ($10 for MAC and members of Cabaret Hotline)<br />
Two drink minimum, cash only<br />
Make reservations on 212/757-0788 or <a href="http://www.donttellmamanyc.com/reservations.php">Don't Tell Mama's website</a>.<br />
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It's officially Spring (though it feels like Summer) and there's no better way to celebrate the much needed change of season than by supporting talent, hearing terrific music, and laughing until your belly hurts far from the mass market scene.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394143711545858098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158153.post-23288397257183652542011-05-26T15:07:00.003-04:002011-06-01T22:39:19.651-04:00Being Normal Matters Far Less Than Being Courageous<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFlfI2sdwwScTcNSHIc5Zez8fNYB559tJ4W1ouNW1b-udF_BCxQc_SiRtewp260irMqyne6I30basIej_vgAV1znDgJzGa9XxR4I-rVv0_Qdg9orKIbtRCSBrRdTOnjFdx7_2/s1600/TUFkickstarterfacebook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFlfI2sdwwScTcNSHIc5Zez8fNYB559tJ4W1ouNW1b-udF_BCxQc_SiRtewp260irMqyne6I30basIej_vgAV1znDgJzGa9XxR4I-rVv0_Qdg9orKIbtRCSBrRdTOnjFdx7_2/s320/TUFkickstarterfacebook.png" width="308" /></a></div><br />
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Those of us tapped by the entrepreneurial spirit have a series of challenges facing us. Not the least of these is how to finance the dream project, the company, the idea. <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/">Kickstarter</a> does everyone a service providing not only initial investment opportunities (thanks to the contributions of people around the world) as well as access to a series of entrepreneurs' creativity and invention.<br />
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Ben Bisbee is such an innovator.<br />
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His book, <u><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/880573723/the-underground-flower-a-childrens-story?ref=category">The Underground Flower</a></u>, is smartly written by Ben and beautifully illustrated by artist Carolyn Hayes. And while it appears to be a book for children, and is titled that way, this book is brought to life by the reader, regardless of age whether read aloud or visually.<br />
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<u>The Underground Flower</u> tells the story of a little girl who planted a flower that, let's just say, wouldn't win any horticultural prizes. It's shaped differently. Its roots grow above soil. And underground, a gopher, a worm, an ant, and a centipede behave as gossipy, nosy creatures. They attempt to justify the flower's existence and rationalize it. Because this is their domain.<br />
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In the grasses above, things are no better for this unique flower, as the colorful blooms are afraid and suspicious of and confused by it. The flower is not welcomed into either of these earthen communities.<br />
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Planted by a wise child (the flower's only friend and supporter), there is no love shown by this young gardener's mother. A protective parent, to be sure, the mother wants to weed the flower and clear space in the yard. The flower is different and looks nothing like the plants known to brighten a room and be worthy of bridal bouquets. The little girl knows that even though this flower looks different, it is worthy of her care and attention.<br />
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Ben's inspiration for this important story of community, acceptance, love, and the damage of exclusion stems from his own life. Growing up with the challenges of a young person, and those were bolstered by hyperactivity, poverty, and being gay, Ben never felt accepted or embraced by people surrounding him. We can all empathize with that.<br />
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The real challenge emerges when how we express ourselves - for whatever reason - doesn't communicate who we are and what we are. We are all flowers. Regardless of texture, leaf shape, color, scent and height, we may have different depictions. And we are flowers. Full stop.<br />
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No one wants to be average or labeled as anything other than who he/she is. "Normal" is nothing bad, to be sure. And the little girl who planted the underground flower showed courage, which is so much more important.<br />
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Should you believe in what Ben's book is providing - underscored by humor, quirk, and sweetness - contribute to his <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/880573723/the-underground-flower-a-childrens-story?ref=category"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>Kickstarter project</b></span></a>.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">With Memorial Day happening soon, this beautiful week is chance to be inspired by people who showed courage and people who are doing that today. </span></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394143711545858098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158153.post-65871330521724659072011-05-10T23:56:00.001-04:002012-02-06T19:09:35.962-05:00Selling my Soul Will be Exciting and Productive<div>
Thursday, May 12 will be a life-changing day for me.<br />
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I'm attending <a href="http://sellingyoursoul.com/">Selling Your Soul</a>, hosted and led by the incomparable Danielle LaPorte and Marie Forleo.</div>
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And these brilliant gals have posed the following questions. My answers are here. Make fun if you like. Just know that the answers are genuine.</div>
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1) <b>Say your "official" job title out loud. Three times. Deep Breath. How does it make you feel? </b></div>
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"Founder" is my ideal job title and it makes me feel accomplished and like my best self.</div>
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2) <b>How much money would you like to make, annually? </b></div>
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It matters not to me specifically and the lower six figures would enable me to do the things of which I dream.</div>
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3) <b>What's on your "stop-doing" list? </b></div>
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Sell products in which I don't believe.</div>
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4) <b>What do people thank you for, consistently?</b></div>
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Being supportive, describing them and what they do to others, writing things.</div>
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5) <b>So...for real, now. What would you like to do with your life and career? {Money is no object. Dream.}</b></div>
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Promote undiscovered talents, retailers, artists, and creators. </div>
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Be a backup singer. And write lyrics for a few songs.</div>
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Do voice over work.</div>
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Write something that will change other people's lives.</div>
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That's what's on my mind this week. I'm in Boston for a few days soon and I expect to find someone and something else that's manufacturing drama effectively and beautifully.</div>
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Make this week about discovering your dreams and taking a coupla steps to bring those to life.</div>
</div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394143711545858098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158153.post-70982601667191261842011-05-04T22:07:00.005-04:002012-02-06T19:08:26.102-05:00"MOCK Your World" Rocks the WorldFull disclosure: my brother and I grew up surrounded by music. Mahalia Jackson, Beethoven, Peter Paul & Mary, the Beatles, Aretha Franklin, Mozart, Gilbert & Sullivan, Crystal Gayle, Rogers & Hammerstein, Bob Dylan, Bach, and more.<br />
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While we eventually found our own favorite artists - The Game, Melody Gardot, Rusted Root, Teddy Pendergrass, Victor Wooten, Guns 'N' Roses, Robin Thicke, and so many more - there's something about musical theatre that always makes me feel rooted in history and sublimely entertained.<br />
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Andrew Byrne's "MOCK Your World" combines like no other stagecraft the magic of musical theatre, the passion for lyrics being as strong as belief in the notes being sung, and laugh your ass off humor. Each time I've seen "MOCK Your World" I wish that Comedy Central would create a spot for a show that I would produce entitled "TOYN" aka "The Ones You Need," starring a variety of people (the cast changes every quarter) including Rachel Maddow, Cory Booker, Louis C.K., Quincy Jones, and the only person who would appear in every episode is Andrew Byrne. This program would follow <a href="http://thedailyshow.com/" target="_blank">"The Daily Show"</a> and <a href="http://colbertnation.com/home" target="_blank">"The Colbert Report."</a><br />
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<a href="http://mockyourworld.com/Mock_Your_World/Welcome.html">MOCK Your World</a></div>
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Full disclosure, Part II: Andrew Byrne is my voice teacher and coach. And it takes a real talent to help me go from operatic singing to the soulful twang of R&B. Andrew's skills go well beyond the studio as he is an accomplished composer, a strong pianist, a truly skilled vocalist, and one of Backstage Magazine's Favorite Vocal Coaches in New York City. You can learn more about what he does and how he works at <a href="http://www.andrewmbyrne.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=26">his website</a>.</div>
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Now to "MOCK Your World," which is in production this spring beginning on 16 May through the 21st (full details are below this post). <a href="http://mockyourworld.com/Mock_Your_World/News_Events.html">"MOCK Your World" Spring 2011 Performances</a> Andrew has composed several songs and lyricized some classics - when you think of <u>The Pirates of Penzance</u>'s classic "I am the Very Model of a Modern Major General," you'll never hear it the same way (or with such a smile) once you've experienced one of the songs where Lisa Rothauser is the lead vocalist. </div>
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Among the other extremely talented actor-singers are Marya Grandy, Bart Shatto, and Robby Sharpe, and this trio brings to life the sometimes unpleasant experience on public transit (specifically the L train). Their timing, facial expressions, and gestures are evidence of people who know what they're doing and can do it in unexpected ways.</div>
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So many things are addressed - and satirized - onstage at "MOCK Your World:" comedy, politics, summer stock theatre, auditions, relationships, family. And Andrew and the crew bring to life key elements of movies such as "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Brokeback Mountain with joy, panache, and clever comedy that's just enough wink wink, nudge nudge.</div>
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Whatever you're looking forward to over the next couple of weeks, be sure to set aside time and get tickets for "MOCK Your World."</div>
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"MOCK Your World" - May 16 (7pm), May 19 (7pm), May 21 (6pm)</div>
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Rockwood Music Hall</div>
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196 Allen Street, between Houston and Stanton</div>
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Starring Andrew Byrne, Lisa Rothauser, Marya Grandy, Bart Shatto, and Robby Sharpe</div>
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Complimentary admission, two drink minimum</div>
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Doors open half hour before curtain</div>
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Make reservations via <a href="mailto:MOCKrsvp@gmail.com">MOCKrsvp@gmail.com</a></div>
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Discover theatre and music done brilliantly and unexpectedly. Recognize and support the great people appearing at venues other than the Broadway stages.</div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394143711545858098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158153.post-55415291987794194902011-04-22T23:27:00.007-04:002016-01-03T00:00:20.534-05:00Faith & FortuneUpdate, 1/2/16 - while Jason and Jim dissolved Faith & Fortune a few years ago, what they did is next level for fashion and retail. They stand with Blake Mycoskie (TOMS), Tom Hardy, Sarah Edwards, and Sally Edwards (BLAG) as founders with purpose and style who made impact.<br />
This just in: Faith & Fortune will be at the exceptional <a href="http://governorsballmusicfestival.com/">Governors Ball Music Festival</a> on June 18. Besides Girl Talk, Big Boi, Passion Pit, and a series of other artists, Jim and Jason (with the help of some other people, including me) will be there selling the t-shirts and game changing attire.<br />
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Last spring, on a beautiful weekend in May, I was in Boston and its surrounding areas, to attend my brother's graduation from Babson. His MBA and time with his wife and our families were the reasons to celebrate.<br />
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And Faith & Fortune is the other reason.<br />
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My friends and loved ones know that I love me some community markets, flea markets, and all undiscovered local businesses. <a href="http://www.sowaopenmarket.com/" target="_blank">SoWA</a> is a terrific combination of all those and on my search for (no surprise here) artisanal stationery, sandalwood incense, and wearable art, I encountered the founders of Faith & Fortune, Jim Grumbine and Jason Revilla. And I bought some tees. Again, no surprise. The tees and hoodies were and are a unique, beautiful, tactile combination of the ideas I live by and have tattooed on my left arm - pleasure and purpose.<br />
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Each quarter, F&F works with artists and philanthropies to bring to life on fabric the artist's work while benefiting a charity. Each quarter's collection is limited edition so when you see it, you buy it, and it captures a moment in time. It's a terrific and stylish way to wear the idea that when you get good, you can do good.<br />
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Every shirt and jacket I've purchased has become a favorite and this one I wore so much, I ordered another one. It's available for a little while longer so buy it while you're able. Men's Crest. Stunning. Speak well of Faith & Fortune (and me) when people compliment you on it. [smile]<br />
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What Jim and Jason have done here - and you should note that these gents are PR directors and personal trainers so they have a lot of skills to leverage - is make it possible for everyone to be part of a community while celebrating artists and supporting causes that need us.<br />
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Spring is here, finally, and F&F's latest collection is available now. I've already ordered a series of tees and a hoodie. And as a thank you for following this blog and reading what's written, when you order items from Faith & Fortune, you'll get 10% off when you enter "kate10" at checkout. Here's a taste of what's on offer this season, with a percentage of sales benefiting Rock for Justice. Go here for items for men and here for the gals.<br />
Artists should know that F&F recognizes a lot of talent by working with a series of creators. These include <a href="http://doastudio.com/" target="_blank">Deno Angelopolous</a>, <a href="http://ifistopforaminute.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Liz Dube</a>, <a href="http://granthanna.com/blog/" target="_blank">Grant Hanna</a>, and others. Who's to say that you won't be the next creative design provider whose work is brought to life?<br />
Have a beautiful week. Support undiscovered talent and causes by looking terrific.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394143711545858098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158153.post-90247488846172416092011-04-08T23:55:00.004-04:002012-02-06T19:05:54.090-05:00Where would I be without music?I started singing for real when I was eight. Someone has the digital evidence of my first lead performance where I must have forgotten that there was an audience as I constantly (there is no tactful or nice version of this) picked a wedgie. No idea if I sang well. My classmates Elizabeth Lacey and Cindy Langmack were off the chain that day.<br />
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Since then, I've sung a great deal and music is in every way part of my various celebrations and coping mechanism. And the last couple of years have connected me to a series of musicians who have become critical to my appreciation, admiration, and love of music.<br />
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To wit, and I encourage you to listen to and see these whenever possible, here are some bands and albums that you must experience:<br />
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<a href="http://benfolds.com/lonelyavenue" target="_blank"><b>Ben Folds / Nick Hornby - Lonely Avenue</b></a><br />
When excellent lyricists partner with stellar instrumentalists and vocalists, magic happens. From Fever Pitch through About A Boy, Nick Hornby has a way with the written word that is clever, arch, and emotional. Ben Folds is a composer and vocalist who is ideal to bring to life Hornby's reality, sadness, honesty, and hope. "A Working Day" is a song that I tap into any day when, as you'd expect, I work.<br />
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<a href="http://www.adele.tv/home/" target="_blank"><b>Adele - 21</b></a><br />
I pre-ordered "21," Adele's second amazing album, four months before it was released. Before I heard the entire album - which is genuine, moving, warm, sultry, and ass-kicking - I began working on "Rolling in the Deep" for my demo reel. I never thought I could empathize with what she sings and earlier this year, I had no story to be told and I finally saw someone crystal clear (lyrics altered from Adele Adkins's and Paul Epworth's original). I can no longer hear or sing the song without getting tears in my eyes. And the truth of this song keeps me focused on my belief that love is possible always, regardless of the challenges in life's journey.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thebloodsugars.com/#/about" target="_blank"><b>The Bloodsugars - I Can't Go On, I'll Go On</b></a><br />
The women responsible for one of the best stores in the five boroughs - <a href="http://www.tiburonbrooklyn.com/aboutus.html%20" target="_blank">Tiburon</a> in Red Hook and Greenpoint - are to be commended for introducing me to The Bloodsugars when I was in their store before an excellent cooking program with <a href="http://www.arazorashinyknife.com/" target="_blank">A Razor, A Shiny Knife</a> buying a present for my nephew. I asked them if they sold any CDs by local bands and Amy showed me this album. And the four guys who make up this exceptional band vocalize and play instruments. "Form/Function" and "Light At The End Of The Tunnel" could be theme songs for different times in my life and I must see this crew live.<br />
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<a href="http://www.overtherhine.com/cd21_commentary.php" target="_blank"><b>Over The Rhine - The Long Surrender</b></a><br />
I will always be grateful to Andy Kohler, guitarist and vocalist of <a href="http://voxvoronet.bandcamp.com/album/vox-voronet-sampler,%20http://www.myspace.com/voxvoronet" target="_blank">Vox Voronet</a>, for reminding me about Over The Rhine. While described as Alt-Country, Linford Detweiler, Karin Bergquist, and the exceptional musicians who join them onstage and in studio are so much more. They are truth and anger and love and observation and lust and fun and history. Having seen them in two cities and three different venues reinforces my notion that we can make anywhere our home so long as we create community and surround ourselves with great people. OTR does this consistently and Joe Henry's production of their latest album is evidence of his talent and strength.<br />
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My friends know how much I love going to shows and within the last year or so I've been blessed to see Jamie Lidell (twice), Mayer Hawthorne and the County (twice), Over the Rhine (three times and believe me, I considered writing "thrice"), The ones I'm looking forward to seeing this year (more to come, I'm sure) are Teddy Thompson, Martin Sexton, A Perfect Circle, and Bebel Gilberto. And if I can possibly find tickets to Adele and Bruno Mars/Janelle Monae, my cheeks will hurt because I'll be smiling so much.<br />
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Have a beautiful weekend. Support local and undiscovered musicians.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394143711545858098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158153.post-91038409805072310122011-04-06T11:10:00.051-04:002012-01-12T21:12:01.291-05:00It's Happening - beauty & art in clothing & jewelry<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">The entrepreneurial spirit is something to admire and support. When you witness it in others, it is an opportunity to learn and to retail therapize (not a word and if Webster's is any indication it will become one).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.theitaliancollection.com/Our-Signature-Look_ep_45-1.html" target="_blank">The Italian Collection</a> is indeed one of these. Myriam Altieri and Douglas Haslinger have put together a remarkable clothing and accessories collection. Speaking for and representing Italian artisans, TIC has the exclusive on some of the finest pieces I've ever seen. This is luxury and fashion, writ large.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Pieces are exquisitely designed, constructed by hand, and made of the finest possible materials. Investment gear, if you will, and the kind of dresses, hats, bags, and coats that will ensure someone's personal style while being timeless.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.theitaliancollection.com/Gold-Cuff-Bracelet-ST-15_p_92.html" target="_blank">Ornella gold cuff bracelet</a> is a wearable, classic piece that's completely on trend.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SeCECRR07IgF5BhqBpp5Z66ha1k3BNsKdqqZNOfWfH1FgK8PY8q2UZ0zA8LnO3MecNnTxTZ3nvW6npQ-k6Koxtpq4oCVqSoMgQ4UoH23b_tU8rvJnM4QCYfJGj_HwXeV56i6/s1600/ST15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SeCECRR07IgF5BhqBpp5Z66ha1k3BNsKdqqZNOfWfH1FgK8PY8q2UZ0zA8LnO3MecNnTxTZ3nvW6npQ-k6Koxtpq4oCVqSoMgQ4UoH23b_tU8rvJnM4QCYfJGj_HwXeV56i6/s320/ST15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Currently, Milan is where every single piece is created. And you don't need to watch "The Rachel Zoe Project" to know that Milan is the hub of fashion. Every piece is guaranteed (who made it, where it was made, what materials were used). </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Think of The Italian Collection as the slow food movement of fashion.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Everyone who knows me knows that I respond intensely to handmade jewelry. <a href="http://lihdesigns.net/" target="_blank">LIH Designs</a> is a favorite creator and provider of such pieces. Leslie Halloran finds beads from around the world, designs and construct necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that speak to geography, tradition, art, and unexpected beauty.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Necklaces are available in eight collections and the look and feel of each stone, bead, and gem will take you somewhere unexpected. We're talking about green garnets, lapis lazulis, vintage moonglow lucites, African vulcanites, and a range of other elements. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">This new necklace is in every way a new season with its colors, shape, and texture. These Bohemian wedding beads are molded glass. Made in the Czech Republic, these were constructed in the 1950s and are exported from Africa. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Leslie has included <a href="http://lihdesigns.net/materials.cfm" target="_blank">descriptions and explanations of some of the stones and gems</a> she uses. Terrific to know that there is so much more available than emeralds, rubies, and diamonds.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Keeping with my commitment today to small businesses providing the best in style, one of my favorite stores in the boroughs is <a href="http://life-curated.com/" target="_blank">Life:Curated</a>. Ryan, Sarah, and the team <a href="http://lifecurated.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> like no other retailers with personality, humor, and honesty<a href="http://lifecurated.wordpress.com/"></a>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Have a beautiful day. Support local and small businesses.</span></div>
</div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394143711545858098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158153.post-76127959774261739212011-04-03T19:17:00.019-04:002012-10-21T00:47:36.734-04:00Really Back to It<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanKaM09XroiQe60g4uc3vrAi2C08dx77hMCHZUlIb3twlMrmBXBj4SnnooehZpZVuO1UJ02vSLDG2v_5gGDePBtymC2dpL5-qzOfCE9wre4RMIaiOn0ZmWsVz0ZDlWL5yHb2R/s1600/LaPlaza_1_040211.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591564912668612466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanKaM09XroiQe60g4uc3vrAi2C08dx77hMCHZUlIb3twlMrmBXBj4SnnooehZpZVuO1UJ02vSLDG2v_5gGDePBtymC2dpL5-qzOfCE9wre4RMIaiOn0ZmWsVz0ZDlWL5yHb2R/s320/LaPlaza_1_040211.jpg" style="float: left; height: 180px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Plaza Cultural (photograph by Kate Harvie)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Plaza Cultural (photograph by Kate Harvie)</td></tr>
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So it's been some time since I wrote here and I'm celebrating today's completion of a journal (more than two years worth of musings), introduction by two friends of excellent things (details below here), and the commitment to my mantra, Pleasure and Purpose.<br />
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I can't and won't guarantee that I'll write every day and what I will write will be everything and anything meaningful, entertaining, and informative.</div>
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You can decide which is which to you and, as always, I encourage you to share any feedback here.</div>
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One of the amazing things about living in New York City is the undiscovered local gems that we encounter on our own and through the observation and great taste of others.</div>
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A friend did me a solid earlier today by introducing me to <a href="http://www.chinatownicecreamfactory.com/" target="_blank">The Chinatown Ice Cream Factory</a> with a line out the door and the purveyor of the most amazing ice cream I've tasted since gelato at some trattoria way back when. We ordered shakes and he had his favorite (Red Bean) and I got one that was peanut butter and sesame. Remarkable taste and texture, and sitting in the park while we sipped and talked helped to make today beautiful and fun. Thanks, JMM.</div>
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Ryan Martin is an exceptional writer and his <a href="http://thefivethingsilove.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> is an introduction to intimate and exceptional ways to look at life. Whatever frustrations I have, whatever disappointments (and we all have several of each from time to time), what Ryan's doing is so much more than promoting the notion that good things come to those who wait. He's making clear that while we're bringing our dreams to reality, there are many great things we can appreciate and adore. Have at it, Ryan. You're a badass.</div>
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Lastly, my two favorite parks on the seven mile island are Tudor City Park and La Plaza. I discovered La Plaza a few years ago and have had the blessing of being there when the sun is shining and at night. I was there yesterday and that's where I snapped these pictures. They speak for themselves and the corner of 9th Street and Avenue C must be experienced to be believed. A community garden, a place of peace, the location of (to my knowledge) the only willow trees in NYC, and a mellow and beautiful area. Get there. As we're in the dawn of spring, as the leaves return to the trees and beautiful flowers are planted, there is no better place to sit, to sip, and to watch.</div>
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Fashion is affected by celebrities, design muses, the economy, and a range of other things. <a href="http://fashables.com/" target="_blank">Fashables</a> is a web series that has smart, genuine people, who are healthy and not celebs or models, weighing in on and photographing themselves wearing the latest trends. Always with respect, passion, and honesty, Fashables is one to watch and read.</div>
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Have a beautiful day. Support local businesses.</div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394143711545858098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158153.post-29183710788407518442010-11-07T09:56:00.001-05:002012-10-21T00:47:45.984-04:00Seeing the US in a different wayI put some of my photography in a book. Take a peek.<br />
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The book is called You Never Know Where You'll Find What You Find.</div>
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Blurb is the word.</div>
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<a href="http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1703271/?utm_source=badge&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=280x160" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank"> <img alt="You Never Know Where You'll Find What You Find" src="http://www.blurb.com//images/uploads/catalog/49/1364149/1851547-e9a21ec025dfcabdb7e79e7822724f5f.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #a7a7a7; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 116px;" /> </a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1703271?utm_source=badge&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=280x160" style="color: #fd7820; font: bold 12px Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;">You Never Know...</a> </div>
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By Kate Harvie </div>
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<a force="true" href="http://www.blurb.com/books/1703271" only_path="false" style="color: #fd7820; text-decoration: none;" title="Book Preview">Book Preview</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.blurb.com/user/GlossGal?utm_source=badge&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=125x125_check" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></a></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394143711545858098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158153.post-76406943109711205582010-10-19T23:37:00.007-04:002012-10-21T00:48:05.522-04:00Back to itIn the list of who and what I admire, the people behind these are top of the list:<br />
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<a href="http://whitehottruth.com/">http://whitehottruth.com</a> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://un-marketing.com/blog/">http://www.un-marketing.com/blog/</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://unconventionalguides.com/">http://unconventionalguides.com</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://andrewmbyrne.com/">http://andrewmbyrne.com</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://faithfortune.com/">http://faithfortune.com</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://thefivethingsilove.blogspot.com/">http://thefivethingsilove.blogspot.com</a></div>
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And I know that there are more. Absent my usual over-caffeination, I will post more later this week.</div>
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Please feel free to weigh in and contribute examples of what and who inspire you. You know that I love your ideas and thoughts.</div>
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Having love in my life makes me all the more eager to share what rocks. And to hear about what rocks your world (apologies to late 80s/early 90s lyrics).</div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394143711545858098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158153.post-1103335169920834192004-12-17T20:51:00.001-05:002011-04-04T07:49:18.755-04:00CloserIs there a director alive today with a more eclectic oeuvre than Mike Nichols. Here's a partial list of the films he's made over the last 38 or so years (not in chronological order because my mind doesn't work that way and I can't be overly dependent on IMDB.com or I'll know that working retail has irreparably atrophied my brain):<br />Carnal Knowledge<br />Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?<br />Wolf<br />The Birdcage<br />Primary Colors<br />What Planet Are You From? (which is what they should have asked the studio exec who greenlit this one)<br />Working Girl<br />Heartburn<br />Postcards from the Edge<br /><br />And he's fared well with HBO over the last few years, making both "Wit" and "Angels in America" with (my beloved) Emma Thompson. (I just think she's terrific.)<br /><br />So now here is "Closer," which was originally a play in London by one Patrick Marber. I saw his play "Dealer's Choice" when I was living in London from 1994 to 1995. It was a great, laddish thing about gamblers: funny, raucous, bawdy, and very suspenseful. It was clever and unlike anything I'd seen in the theatre - a bunch of blokes sitting around a card table and dissecting life. It was not stilted and preachy, as single set plays often are (like David Hare's "Racing Demon" which I saw in the round at Lincoln Center in college - didactic and depressing).<br /><br />I was not familiar with "Closer," and I now know why: it's not my cup of tea. I think I get what it was trying to do but I don't like how it did it.<br /><br />The action takes place current day (or a few years ago) London: Jude Law's Daniel meets Natalie Portman's Alice on the street: they are gazing at each other as the approach from opposite directions, silently flirting. Then Alice is hit by a cab. Daniel takes her to the emergency room and is taken with this saucy, bohemian waif. They become lovers.<br /><br />Anna, played by Julia Roberts, and Larry, played by Clive Owen, also meet cute, though through misunderstanding and cybersex (I won't spoil one of the movie's few laughs by elaborating). After an awkward introduction at the aquarium, they become lovers.<br /><br />Truly, the plot is irrelevant here, and it's somewhat perfunctory, so I won't divulge much. More important is what this film says about relationships and the people who choose to partake of them. Basically, monogamy is a joke, a trick we play on ourselves and others, because we're masochistic and untrusting as humans. <br /><br />Basically, we have a Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice scenario that does not lead to enlightenment and a stronger valuing of one's primary partner. Mere adultery will not do and all manner of unhealthy fixations begin. This is a film about sex that shows no sex, which is compelling, but it also is about intimacy and it's been shot in such a sterile manner that it's impossible to do anything with these characters except observe them. I felt nothing for any of them, except admiration for their stamina in a two-plus hour series of dialogues. Rarely, if ever, are there more than two people in a scene. It's one-on-one all the time.<br /><br />A few observations about the cast: only Clive Owen, one of the great smolderers, seems to inhabit his role; you feel his anger and palpable sadness and desire for revenge. Jude Law has a grand time making a rare departure from his golden boy roles (only "Cold Mountain" before this has afforded him that challenge); his dirty, dishevled hair and dorky outfits do more than he does. Natalie Portman tries to play mature but seems to be fighting a constant urge to say, "like," "awesome," and "totally." And then there's Mrs. Moder (Julia Roberts). Julia Roberts won a well-deserved Academy Award for the lead role in "Erin Brockovitch" (more evidence of my theory that Steven Soderbergh is the only director capable of eliciting good performances from questionable actresses: Jennifer Lopez in "Out of Sight" Laura San Giacomo and Andie McDowell in "sex, lies, and videotape" Catherine Zeta-Jones in "Traffic.") but I don't think she's able to do much else other than the winning ingenue. Julia Roberts is what I like to call an institution actor: someone who stands for an archetype and doesn't give performances. My brother and I have generated a few of these: Tom Hanks is the charming everyman; Meg Ryan is the hapless career gal; Robin Williams is the winsome man-child; Michael Douglas is the not-quite-reformed roué. Julia Roberts may be one of our finest romantic comedy actresses. And she does not seem to be capable of stretching (perhaps Mr. Soderbergh will redeem himself with a good role for her after making her look like a chump in "Ocean's Twelve").<br /><br />Mike Nichols has coaxed from the script some ideas that are very relevant for people in new relationships as well as for those in long-term relationships. Without ever hinting at the concepts of right and wrong and guilt, he asks, is there nobility in telling one's partner the truth? Are we better off knowing even if we're miserable as a result? I mentioned masochism above and we do it to ourselves when we demand of our partner, "Do you fancy her/him?" "How is she/he different than me?" "Give me details." Once seeds of doubt our planted, they're impossible to dig up. But for all those observations/introspections, he's helmed a mean, nasty, mysoginistic film that felt more like Neil LaBute's "In The Company Of Men" than "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" to which many critics have compared this. It's fine to leave guilt out of it but he and his screenwriter(s) never reference responsibility. And that is where he loses me. Additionally, in this world, women are sex objects and emotionally objectified, they are not creatures to whom one would want to get closer, except in a physical sense. Tragically, Julia Roberts plays into that convention too well.<br /><br />I noticed that a couple in the theatre brought their children; it's hard to imagine which served as a stronger method of birth control: the presence of a crying baby or this movie. So I'll leave it for history and the moviegoing public to decide if we can derive much value from an intimate subject that is so sterilely filmed. At least it was better than "The Birdcage."Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394143711545858098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158153.post-1100699842759697072004-11-21T20:12:00.001-05:002011-06-01T22:40:05.965-04:00Sideways: further proof of the slow and steady decline of Alexander Payne<div><p>There are very few directors today who are interested in showing a true glimpse of life in the American midwest. People who live in the square states in the middle (and in the ones on either side of the middle) are generally depicted as rubes, rednecks, or wise sages cloaked in overalls and riding John Deere tractors. So Alexander Payne's films were a nice departure from Hollywood's usual take on non-urban Americana. In "Citizen Ruth," he skewered both sides of the abortion debate and gave Laura Dern, as Ruth, an opportunity to show that she can act at least as well as her parents (Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd). In that film, Payne examined the hypocrisy of both the anti-choice (called "BabySavers") and the pro-choice lobbies as both groups offer Ruth money to either terminate her pregnancy or carry the fetus to term. A wildly bold move for a fairly new director and one has to respect Payne for making the film.</p>
<p>He fared better, financially speaking, with "Election," an adaptation of a book by Tom Perrotta. Teaming with MTV Films in 1999, Payne created a sharp and funny exploration of ethics, morals, and schadenfreude. This time the film was set in Omaha, Nebraska (Payne's hometown) and features an unforgettable performance by Reese Witherspoon as high school overachiever Tracy Flick, desperately campaigning to be student body president. Payne also coaxed never before seen (and never seen again) performances from Matthew Broderick, as Tracey's conflicted teacher frustrated by her ascendency to the presidency, and Chris Klein (best known for "American Pie" and for dating Katie Holmes). This movie is well calibrated to make us laugh and to make us squirm because we all knew someone in high school who seemed to pull the wool over everyone's eyes while stepping on or over the same people. Payne allowed his actors to speak in the flattened speech patterns that are common in the middle west but prevented them from being caricatures.</p>
<p>And now we come to the bump in the road: the adaptation of Louis Begley's (full disclosure: my father worked in the same Manhattan law firm as M. Begley in the early 1970s, Debevoise and Plimpton) About Schmidt. The book is about a man facing the other side of midlife, a lawyer starting over, and finding love in the process. In the 2002 movie, Payne changed the lawyer to an insurance adjuster, which is apparently a very gloomy job, and he upped the ante on the book's satirical angle. He also moved the action from New York City to some non-descript part of the midwest, ostensibly so he could find new dimensions in the characters. He didn't. In fact, he made one of the most lugubrious and depressing movies I've seen in the last five years. Jack Nicholson is to be commended for playing someone other than himself, which is to say that he was not a naughty Id. The usually charming Hope Davis was relegated to playing a depressed, resentful daughter of a seemingly loveless marriage, resigned to marrying an inferior partner (played as a doofus with relish by Dermot Mulroney). Only Kathy Bates seemed to have any fun. But she had to get naked in the hot tub with Nicholson. Do not watch this film if you (1) have any issues with your parents or (2) are at all dissatisfied with the direction of your life.</p>
<p>I was so excited for "Sideways," Payne's newest film, mostly because it looked as though it was about food and wine and it stars the amazing Paul Giamatti, forever ingrained in audience's minds as Pig Vomit in Howard Stern's "Private Parts" and as Harvey Pekar in last year's "American Splendor" (set in Cleveland, thank you very much). The movie follows Miles (Giamatti) and his friend Jack (Thomas Haden Church, late of NBC's "Wings" and Fox's "Ned & Stacey") as they road trip to northern California wine country (the Santa Ynez Valley) the week before Jack gets married.</p>
<p>What could have been a gently humorous and poignantly honest road movie turns instead into a depressing and unfunny examination of what happens as people careen towards midlife (which the book and movie depict as moving "sideways") with their unmet goals and unrequited loves. The movie says, basically, no matter how talented you are or how smart you are, you're still a schlub - that's who Miles is. And, if you're a good-looking, dumb, has-been TV actor (Jack), if you can still make the ladies swoon, you never really have to grow up. Parts of this movie reminded me of the very dark and not a little disturbing "Very Bad Things," where a group of friends go to Vegas for a friend's bachelor weekend and end up killing prostitutes and each other, then they cover up the crimes and have to live with their misdeeds in the hell that is suburbia. At least in that movie you despised the characters. "Sideways," with its superior cast and allegedly superior director and source material, doesn't even make you care about the characters.</p>
<p>The women fare slightly better than the men. Payne's wife, the lovely Sandra Oh (best remembered from the abysmal HBO indulgence "Arli$$,") is Stephanie, one of the "pour girls" at a local vineyard. She's given little to do but be charming and eager to be charmed by Haden Church's Jack. I'm not giving anything away by revealing that Stephanie learns of Jack's upcoming nuptials (it's in the trailer) and that scene gives Ms. Oh a brief opportunity to show some emotion as she beats the crap out of Jack. I cheered the cinematic return of Virginia Madsen, whom I hadn't seen since "The Rainmaker" - she looks refreshed and clear-eyed and plays Maya, a grad student who works as a waitress at Miles's favorite restaurant. She is a burgeoning expert on Pinot Noir (Miles's favorite) and when Maya expounds upon the glories of wine and why she decided to get serious about it, Madsen really sells it without venturing into parody, which must have been difficult in a movie that seems to have promoted the easy laugh.</p>
<p>Payne is not really a visual director: his shots have a perfunctory efficiency about them. In the scene where Miles and Jack dine and drink with Maya and Stephanie, there are lots of soft focus images of food being served and wine being poured and people savoring their bites and sips. This departure from the gray and yellow tinged scenes before and after felt like something you see in hotels on the TV channel that advertises the dining room and all of the convention schedules. Bizarre.</p>
<p>If you must, it's a rental. For me, $12 I'll never see again. And I punished two friends in the process. Sorry 'bout that.</p>
</div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394143711545858098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158153.post-1100642292899468362004-11-16T20:05:00.001-05:002011-04-04T07:52:10.343-04:00BBC Rules, evidenced by The OfficeWhen I was living in St. Louis, I started seeing a lot of articles on "The Office," a pseudo-documentary program that ran for two seasons on the BBC. It goes without saying that I have maybe too much fondness for all things British. I bought the first season as a lark, thinking that it would be something akin to the very funny movie "Office Space:" "Somebody's got a case of the Mondays!"<br /><br />I write this today, the release date of "The Office Christmas Special," which ties up all loose ends for the characters at paper company Wernham Hogg in the town of Slough.<br /><br />So "The Office" is the epitome of what someone I know calls "igry," the uncomfortable feeling in the pit of one's stomach that is caused by watching others go through an awkward and embarrassing moment. (To give credit where credit's due, I think that we may have seen "igry" in Entertainment Weekly, but unlike "issues" and "drama," this word has not caught on so I'm going to give it to Richard for promulgating its use). Basically, igry is the flip side of schadenfreude. The characters in the program are perfect calibrated to be equally funny and poignant. Ricky Gervais is very much like one boss I had who shall remain nameless and the environment is so much like the AG Edwards branch where I toiled that it's uncanny: sad people who try to bolster themselves by being funny all the time, arrogance masking insecurity, all that was missing was the unrequited love between the sweet receptionist (who bore no resemblence to me except that she was a frustrated artist who took the reception job to pay the bills while she did her art and the reception job became her full time job while her art took a backseat) and the thoughtful account guy (we had no such person until charming Mike Landwehr started the week before I left).<br /><br />In the Christmas Special, former manager David Brent (made redundant in the second series) is a office cleaning supplies salesman. On the side, he makes "celebrity" appearances at corny nightclubs. He's also trying to find a woman and he has some very uncomfortable dates with women who responded to his online profile. He spent all of his severance pay to record and release a single that made it to #315 on the charts. Even though he's been banned from dropping in on his former officemates (because he's a distraction), he is invited to the holiday party. The most tender of the subplots, the burgeoning relationship between genial every guy Tim and receptionist Dawn, was never resolved fully in the second series. She left for Florida with her yob fiancé, Lee. All I'll say is, the relationship is addressed here. And Mackenzie Crook is terrific as snivelling Gareth, David Brent's replacement. They didn't give Gareth much to do this time around, but maybe that's because he was in "Pirates of the Caribbean."<br /><br />Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the creators and writers of the program, stopped production after two seasons, and the finale felt somewhat abrupt to me, but I think that's more because I've become used to the American network system of dragging out a sitcom's departure (Seinfeld, Frasier, Friends - is it a coincidence that these are all NBC shows and that NBC has announced plans to create an American version of "The Office?") long after the show's dramatic arc and comedic flair have lost their focus and their energy. The Christmas Special, in less than two hours, re-introduces all the characters, and some terrific new ones, and gently pokes fun at them and lets them find their way towards whatever their destiny is.<br /><br />Rent, buy, whatever. Watch.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394143711545858098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9158153.post-1100474251814094852004-11-14T18:02:00.001-05:002011-04-04T07:53:54.781-04:00AlfieSince I no longer have a movie review gig (thank you, West End Word), I figured why not review the movies I see anyway and I don't have to let anyone read them if I don't want to. So...<br /><br />"Alfie" remade, while not "Alfie" reborn, is worth a gander. It's safe to say that Jude Law is probably the only actor alive today who is so sexy while being such a dandy. He is imminently watchable in all things, the movie's success is dependent upon him. That being said, he's got a lot to do. The movie is something of a roller coaster and it's somewhat disingenuous: when we first meet Alfie, he's a pretender to a playboy's throne but he's happy and glib. Then out of nowhere, a health scare, and he's down and out. Then he's up again. And then self-awareness comes hurtling at him like the number 6 train as it's pulling into Union Square (I swear I think the cars are going to jump the tracks each and every time). One of the characters in the film is manic depressive and with the movie's frequent emotional fits and starts, one must wonder whether director Charles Shyer doesn't have a touch of the gloomies himself. I won't go into my eye rolling amusement at the billboard "signposts" that Shyer insisted on including.<br /><br />The women in the movie are as luscious as Law: Nia Long, woefully underused since "Love Jones," is the bodacious Lonette, who is so sexy dancing to the Isley Brothers and Teddy Pendergrass that I almost wished she and Alfie had gotten together; Susan Sarandon should be given an Oscar for depicting a 50-year-old woman as a babe; Jane Krakowski erases all memories of her role as the annoying Elaine on "Ally McBeal;" and newcomer Sienna Miller (the woman who Law allegedly canoodles with in real life) is gorgeous, energetic, and the comparisons to Bridgette Bardot are justified. Kudos to lighting designers, costumers, hairdressers, and makeup artists. Marisa Tomei is lovely but leaves little impression - I don't envy her. After winning the Oscar for "My Cousin Vinny," she's been stuck in sidekick and girl Friday roles. Someone needs to change agents, or go to Broadway.<br /><br />The music is refreshing and accompanies New York well: Mick Jagger and David Stewart (of the Eurythmics) composed several songs, one of which, "Old Habits Die Hard," I could not get out of my head. I also always enjoy seeing a movie that doesn't demonize or over-glamourize New York: this one shows it in equal parts gritty and squallid, shiny and dreamy. It's not a date movie but one you see by yourself, during the day, when you feel like escaping from your life but coming back to earth fairly quickly.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12394143711545858098noreply@blogger.com0