Don Cornelius, the creator of the first nationally-televised music/dance show to spotlight black performers died at age 75. Apparently, it was suicide. It was a sad ending to a life filled with valuable contributions. I do not think it is overstating it to say that Soul Train bridged a gap between the races. If you were a child of the 1970s or 1980s, you probably grew up watching various R&B artists croon their latest hits and shake their hips. It was a Saturday afternoon musical treat for everyone. Cornelius would intro and interview the stars in his signature silky smooth baritone. He personified cool. But one of my favorite parts of the show was the Soul Train dance line. The dancers had style and took their routines seriously as you can see in the videos:
If you would like to revisit more Soul Train moments, hear interviews about its creation from Cornelius and comments from various recording artists about its impact, check out the 3-DVD set released in 2010, The Best of Soul Train.
February 1, 2012
December 29, 2011
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
While this review promises to be brief, let me assure you the movie was not. It was nearly 3 hours and trust me it felt like it. In the interest of full disclosure, I should tell you that I thought the book was too long by about 200 pages, and although I finished the book, I did not think it was great. So why did I go to the movie, you might ask? I thought the movie would boil the book down into something palatable and time-appropriate for an audience of non-readers who would never waste hours of their lives reading the book. The story is about a journalist, Mikael Blomkvist , who is sued after writing an expose on a tycoon. The tycoon wins the lawsuit and it is a public embarrassment for Mikael. While he is deciding what to do with his life now that his reputation has been damaged, he is approached by Henrik Vanger, a wealthy industrialist. Vanger asks Mikael to help him solve a decades-old mystery in his family. Mikael agrees, but after working on the case for several days realizes he needs a research assistant. It is suggested that he contact Lisbeth Salander, the researcher who did the background check on Mikael for Vanger.
The audience already has met Lisbeth as her tale has been running concurrently with Mikael's during the film. Lisbeth is a tough, solitary soul who lives by her own rules until she encounters a predator. I thought the sexual violence would have to be tamed down a bit from the book for the film to qualify for that "R" rating, but alas no such luck. I found myself shielding my eyes from the disturbing images.
I believe Rooney Mara as Lisbeth and Daniel Craig do well in their respective roles. Mara goes above and beyond in a role that could either kill her burgeoning career or skyrocket it to the next level. But despite the acting prowess of Mara and Craig, two hours in, I really didn't care whether the Vanger mystery was solved or Blomqvist's reputation was restored. Of course, that might have been because, I knew the answers to both.
The audience already has met Lisbeth as her tale has been running concurrently with Mikael's during the film. Lisbeth is a tough, solitary soul who lives by her own rules until she encounters a predator. I thought the sexual violence would have to be tamed down a bit from the book for the film to qualify for that "R" rating, but alas no such luck. I found myself shielding my eyes from the disturbing images.
I believe Rooney Mara as Lisbeth and Daniel Craig do well in their respective roles. Mara goes above and beyond in a role that could either kill her burgeoning career or skyrocket it to the next level. But despite the acting prowess of Mara and Craig, two hours in, I really didn't care whether the Vanger mystery was solved or Blomqvist's reputation was restored. Of course, that might have been because, I knew the answers to both.
July 10, 2011
Sade Still Captivates Concertgoers
The music of Sade is smooth, alluring and enchanting just as the band's lead singer, Helen "Sade" Adu. I went to a Sade concert in the mid-90s and enjoyed it but this time in Indianapolis was better. If I had only one word to describe it, I'd pick mesmerizing. Sade is someone who doesn't have great range as a vocalist and yet she is able to convey emotion in her songs effortlessly. She also isn't known for her skills as a dancer and yet concertgoers appeared hypnotized by her every move.
Music has changed tremendously in their absence, but the London-based Sade has stayed true to their roots. They performed songs from the older albums as well as the most recent release of all new songs, Soldier of Love. The show also featured the use of video and special effects, some with just the lead singer and others with her bandmates. Regarding her wardrobe, it was right on target....she went from a menswear black and white look with stiletto ankle boots to a white flowing dress with a red and pink bra as an accent. At the start of the concert, her raven hair was pulled back in the tight ponytail for which she is known, then set free later in loose cascading curls. She spoke only to introduce songs, express gratitude to the audience and introduce her companions on stage with a tidbit about each one. She concluded the segment with "this is us".
As the end of the concert neared and I peered out the suite window at the almost-capacity crowd, it occurred to me that Sade knows their brand and their audience. My expectations were high, but Sade exceeded them.
Music has changed tremendously in their absence, but the London-based Sade has stayed true to their roots. They performed songs from the older albums as well as the most recent release of all new songs, Soldier of Love. The show also featured the use of video and special effects, some with just the lead singer and others with her bandmates. Regarding her wardrobe, it was right on target....she went from a menswear black and white look with stiletto ankle boots to a white flowing dress with a red and pink bra as an accent. At the start of the concert, her raven hair was pulled back in the tight ponytail for which she is known, then set free later in loose cascading curls. She spoke only to introduce songs, express gratitude to the audience and introduce her companions on stage with a tidbit about each one. She concluded the segment with "this is us".
As the end of the concert neared and I peered out the suite window at the almost-capacity crowd, it occurred to me that Sade knows their brand and their audience. My expectations were high, but Sade exceeded them.
June 28, 2011
Bibliophiles Who Adore Fashion Take Note
An Indiana-area fashionista has a style guide being released soon. That in itself is good news for those who think the Midwest is a fashion wasteland. Of course, we who live here know that isn't the case. What's even better though is that the author, Jessica Quirk, is giving away 10 copies. Visit her page for details on how to enter to win:
http://whatiwore.tumblr.com/post/6764542061/what-i-wore-book-giveaway.
http://whatiwore.tumblr.com/post/6764542061/what-i-wore-book-giveaway.
June 1, 2011
Bike The Drive, Chicago
Apparently, every year Lakeshore Drive is closed to traffic so double-digit thousand cyclists can ride on it. I decided 2011 was the year I'd be one of these cyclists. So I asked friend C.S. to join me and off to Chicago we went. I decided to rent a bicycle rather than bring mine, because it was easier. Shortly before renting, I found out that some Chicago bike shops rent to another yearly event held there and worldwide.
Who would want to ride naked? There are certain appendages that definitely are not meant for that. I cannot go into detail here about uncovered body parts, but there are websites that do:
http://www.worldnakedbikeride.org/ and http://chicagonakedride.org/. Trust me, you will not see anything appealing there. Basically finding this out meant I had to wipe the bike down with disinfectant before riding.
The ride itself was enjoyable despite the rainy, foggy and chilly weather. After 3.5 hours on my bike and having been awake since 5 a.m., I was tired. I went the wrong way on State Street and ended up biking in downtown Chicago traffic...that was crazy. Clearly, I am not a skilled enough cyclist for that.
At one point, I had to move to the sidewalk temporarily where I nearly ran down a pedestrian. I heard the words "Dad, watch out!" before coming to a stop inches away from him. I apologized profusely. Thankfully, the family did not curse me out. Then, to cap off my afternoon, I got drenched on the way back to returning the bike.
Would I do it again? Of course, and maybe next time the weather will be better.
Who would want to ride naked? There are certain appendages that definitely are not meant for that. I cannot go into detail here about uncovered body parts, but there are websites that do: http://www.worldnakedbikeride.org/ and http://chicagonakedride.org/. Trust me, you will not see anything appealing there. Basically finding this out meant I had to wipe the bike down with disinfectant before riding.
The ride itself was enjoyable despite the rainy, foggy and chilly weather. After 3.5 hours on my bike and having been awake since 5 a.m., I was tired. I went the wrong way on State Street and ended up biking in downtown Chicago traffic...that was crazy. Clearly, I am not a skilled enough cyclist for that.
At one point, I had to move to the sidewalk temporarily where I nearly ran down a pedestrian. I heard the words "Dad, watch out!" before coming to a stop inches away from him. I apologized profusely. Thankfully, the family did not curse me out. Then, to cap off my afternoon, I got drenched on the way back to returning the bike.
Would I do it again? Of course, and maybe next time the weather will be better.
March 8, 2011
Should I Remove This Facebook Friend?
I've been wondering about this question recently. I have guidelines about who I friend: I don't friend anyone I dislike or don't know. My philosophy is if I would not want to associate with you in the "real world" why the hell would I allow you the opportunity to read what goes on in my sometimes fabulous and sometimes mundane life. However, once I've added someone, I usually don't remove them.
That brings me to my current dilemma. There is someone I'd really like to remove. I do not believe this friend (a former teacher of mine and when I knew him, a personable guy) will be posting on his wall anymore. If he does it would qualify as a supernatural act or miracle depending on one's perspective. As you've probably figured out, this facebook friend is dead.
I asked a few folks at my workplace their opinions. Most said I should not remove him. One person stated quite convincingly that if I remove him, he might haunt me. I'm not saying I believe in ghosts, but when a potential haunting was mentioned, I thought why chance it? So what do you (the few readers of this blog) think I should do?
That brings me to my current dilemma. There is someone I'd really like to remove. I do not believe this friend (a former teacher of mine and when I knew him, a personable guy) will be posting on his wall anymore. If he does it would qualify as a supernatural act or miracle depending on one's perspective. As you've probably figured out, this facebook friend is dead.
I asked a few folks at my workplace their opinions. Most said I should not remove him. One person stated quite convincingly that if I remove him, he might haunt me. I'm not saying I believe in ghosts, but when a potential haunting was mentioned, I thought why chance it? So what do you (the few readers of this blog) think I should do?
January 31, 2011
Why Can't I Just Buy A Car Like Normal Folks?
That is the question that's been in my head for weeks. I peruse webpages filled with cars until my eyes start to blur, then I go roam the back parking lots of car dealerships in 20 degree weather (cause I want to see what they have in a tangible way without salesperson interaction). This always works, no one comes out to bother me.
I stand there shivering until I have all the info. I think I need and then I walk quickly back to my car, taking care to avoid the slick patches of ice. I wonder how I ever bought my current car, a 1999 compact Chevy coupe. And yes, I bought it new. It was the first car I'd ever purchased, but my circumstances were different. I recall having to rent a car for a weekend to be able to drive to various dealerships to look at cars. I did not feel as much pressure then because a)I had only two choices that I liked, could afford, and had low % financing and b)I already had donated my hand-me-down Chrysler LeBaron to a worthwhile organization and watched with sadness as they towed it away.
This time is different. I have my car and although it has issues (air conditioner failure and an intermittent electrical system glitch) it still runs. Therein lies my hesitancy. I guess a big part of me doesn't believe you should purchase a new expensive item if the old, at-one-time-expensive item is still working. I know that I am in the minority with this thinking. I believe that is primarily because many people use acquisitions like cars to define who they are or boost their self esteem.
My favorite car was a 1971 Cutlass Oldsmobile with a 350 Rocket engine and a sweet Alpine car audio system. It also had a heater that occasionally didn't work, an intermittent roof leak, and floorboards that had rusted to the point that it was possible at any moment I might have to power my car using the same method as Fred Flintstone. As much as I loved that car, I knew when it was time to retire it. I had two cars at that point, and trying to keep them both while living in a downtown apartment was no easy task. So when someone offered to buy the Olds, I jumped at the chance. It helped that the person I sold it to was a fan of classic cars. I knew it would have a good home.
So back to the present. I've looked at and test driven Nissans, Chevys, and one brand/car that I won't share (because I am all about the top secret). Who knows, if I fully commit to this process, I might end up with a car that I will love as much as the Olds.
I stand there shivering until I have all the info. I think I need and then I walk quickly back to my car, taking care to avoid the slick patches of ice. I wonder how I ever bought my current car, a 1999 compact Chevy coupe. And yes, I bought it new. It was the first car I'd ever purchased, but my circumstances were different. I recall having to rent a car for a weekend to be able to drive to various dealerships to look at cars. I did not feel as much pressure then because a)I had only two choices that I liked, could afford, and had low % financing and b)I already had donated my hand-me-down Chrysler LeBaron to a worthwhile organization and watched with sadness as they towed it away.
This time is different. I have my car and although it has issues (air conditioner failure and an intermittent electrical system glitch) it still runs. Therein lies my hesitancy. I guess a big part of me doesn't believe you should purchase a new expensive item if the old, at-one-time-expensive item is still working. I know that I am in the minority with this thinking. I believe that is primarily because many people use acquisitions like cars to define who they are or boost their self esteem.
My favorite car was a 1971 Cutlass Oldsmobile with a 350 Rocket engine and a sweet Alpine car audio system. It also had a heater that occasionally didn't work, an intermittent roof leak, and floorboards that had rusted to the point that it was possible at any moment I might have to power my car using the same method as Fred Flintstone. As much as I loved that car, I knew when it was time to retire it. I had two cars at that point, and trying to keep them both while living in a downtown apartment was no easy task. So when someone offered to buy the Olds, I jumped at the chance. It helped that the person I sold it to was a fan of classic cars. I knew it would have a good home.So back to the present. I've looked at and test driven Nissans, Chevys, and one brand/car that I won't share (because I am all about the top secret). Who knows, if I fully commit to this process, I might end up with a car that I will love as much as the Olds.
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