NOTE TO MYSELF: SMALL ACTS CAN LEAVE BIG IMPRESSIONS
As a youngster, Christmas was somewhat of a demoralizing time of the year. Since our family was of the Jewish faith, we celebrated the holiday of Chanukah, which didn't seem to me to be half as exciting as the furor that went along with trimming a tree.
On occasion Chanukah fell during the same period as Christmas and somehow I couldn't work up as much enthusiasm for lighting a candle even if it was colored, as my friends seemed to experience placing ornaments on the branches of their trees.
It was difficult for me to accept that a tree even a miniature one was out of the question, in spite of reminders that people of the Jewish faith don’t celebrate Christmas. Even the protestations that we could call it a Chanukah bush, it was obvious that there was no way a fir tree would be part of our celebrations.
Traditionally at Chanukah, children receive gifts of gelt or money and light small colored candles in a hanukiah (candelabra) one per night for the eight days of the holiday. While this was nice, in my mind it didn't measure up to all the excitement related to the "other" holiday.
At Hebrew school we always celebrated the various holidays, big and small and Chanukah was a particular favorite especially since our class, being the eldest students, entertained the residents of a senior’s home. Each year the teacher would select eight students to sing and perform to play the role of Chanukah candles with fierce competition for the part of the shamash or lead candle.
Not being blessed with a good singing voice and barely able to carry a tune, I knew that my chances were slim at best to play any candle, never mind the lead candle. My biggest rival was Zelig, who had the voice and promise of a future opera singer. Not only did he have the best singing voice, he was also the top student scholastically. He was also the teacher's pet. Whenever games were played for prizes during the holidays, Zelig won everything, which didn't exactly ingratiate him with the other students. Actually, we were all jealous and would have liked nothing better than for his voice to change in the middle of a concert.
Class auditions for candle parts were held a few weeks before the onset of the holiday and at best, the most I could hope for was a minor part and even then, only if the rest of the students had an off day or laryngitis. Each student auditioned for the teacher and as expected, Zelig got the lead role, which irritated me no end.
My resentment was eased somewhat by being assigned the role of a minor candle, probably out of pity more than anything else. Those students not chosen became part of the chorus singing "tra-la-las" at the appropriate time.
Excitement was at a fever pitch when we arrived at the seniors' home, ready to perform for a live audience who were, for the most part, in wheelchairs. They were brought into the auditorium where we were lined up on stage, anxious to perform.
Glancing around the room, many of the seniors appeared half asleep.
"You will be entertained today!" their nurses might have insisted as they wheeled them into the room before our arrival.
The first students opened the concert and sang well and those who followed performed admirably. Finally, it was my turn. My voice didn't fail me and I felt very proud of my accomplishment.
When Zelig opened his mouth it was like a chorus of angels had entered the room. His voice was strong and melodic and suddenly the seniors perked up, smiles on their faces in obvious appreciation of what they heard. When the last notes of his solo faded away, they all clapped appreciatively.
The musical recital was over and we performed a variety of Israeli dances, moving off the stage to mingle among our audience. Although Israeli dancing was a passion, I was consumed with the memory of the applause and accolades bestowed upon Zelig.
After our presentation and some refreshments, an elderly woman in a wheel chair came over to talk to me. She smiled, her trembling hand gently covering mine.
"Thank you," she uttered weakly and breathlessly. "You were all wonderful. How special you are to visit us!"
There was the sudden realization that it wasn't important who the lead candle was or who had the best voice. It was significant to our audience that we had taken the time to come at all.
It wasn't long after our successful performance that Zelig's voice finally broke and he never knew whether he would sing soprano or alto. Tough luck for him. My voice on the other hand, never changed and could always be depended on to sing off-key.
Showing posts with label entertainment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label entertainment. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thursday, May 14, 2009
"Slumdog Milliionaire" young star now homeless - makes you wonder
NOTE TO SELF: PASS ON RENTING "SLUM DOG MILLIONAIRE"
Let's say... you're a film company who travels to Mumbai, India, to shoot a film focusing upon and that takes place in the Mumbai slums.
Let's say... you come accross some children living in the slums that would be perfect for your film and a decision is made to use them. The word "use" being the key word here.
The film becomes a huge success beyond everyone's wildest dreams and is nominated for an Academy Award. As a perk and perhaps even a promotional gimmick, the child actors are brought to the awards show all dressed up as movie stars usually are. Once the hoopla is over the young actors are returned home and back to their former lives of subsisting from day-to-day, living in shacks. One day a celebrity and now a homeless person.
Young 10-year old "Slumdog Millionaire" star, Azharuddin Ismail, was asleep when awakened and told to leave his family's home as part of a demolition of dozens of Mumbai shanties. It was among 30 shacks razed by city workers. As if that wasn't bad enough and according to Azhar, he was hit by a police officer. For their part authorities are saying that his family will be given a new home elsewhere.
Although the film earned US $326 million in box office receipts, the lives of the Mumbai "actors" haven't benefited from their appearing in the film.
"Slumdog" filmmakers set up a trust, called Jai Ho, after the hit song from the film, to ensure the children get proper homes, a good education and a nest egg when they finish high school. They also donated $747,500 to a charity to help slum kids in Mumbai.
Given this recent setback, it would seem that Azhar needs some of that charity money right away to get a roof over his family's head. Thing is - will he get it.
Let's say... you're a film company who travels to Mumbai, India, to shoot a film focusing upon and that takes place in the Mumbai slums.
Let's say... you come accross some children living in the slums that would be perfect for your film and a decision is made to use them. The word "use" being the key word here.
The film becomes a huge success beyond everyone's wildest dreams and is nominated for an Academy Award. As a perk and perhaps even a promotional gimmick, the child actors are brought to the awards show all dressed up as movie stars usually are. Once the hoopla is over the young actors are returned home and back to their former lives of subsisting from day-to-day, living in shacks. One day a celebrity and now a homeless person.
Young 10-year old "Slumdog Millionaire" star, Azharuddin Ismail, was asleep when awakened and told to leave his family's home as part of a demolition of dozens of Mumbai shanties. It was among 30 shacks razed by city workers. As if that wasn't bad enough and according to Azhar, he was hit by a police officer. For their part authorities are saying that his family will be given a new home elsewhere.
Although the film earned US $326 million in box office receipts, the lives of the Mumbai "actors" haven't benefited from their appearing in the film.
"Slumdog" filmmakers set up a trust, called Jai Ho, after the hit song from the film, to ensure the children get proper homes, a good education and a nest egg when they finish high school. They also donated $747,500 to a charity to help slum kids in Mumbai.
Given this recent setback, it would seem that Azhar needs some of that charity money right away to get a roof over his family's head. Thing is - will he get it.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Fox News should be ashamed!
NOTE TO SELF: AVOID FOX NEWS DUE TO GROSS INSENSITIVITY
Sometimes the ignorance of some news media makes me gasp in "what-were-they-thinking" mode. In this particular case, it's Fox News that has gone out on a limb to show its dumbness for lack of a better word in their assessment of the Canadian presence in Afghanistan.
Last week once again when Canadians were mourning the loss of four more soldiers, Fox News and more specifically, one Greg Gutfeld (who is this guy anyway and when did he seep out of the wood work?) who hosts some type of TV talk show, decided that it would be oh-so-much-fun to make fun of the Canadian military.
The five-minute segment, which aired recently on Fox News late-night program "Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld" and later posted on YouTube.com, features American panelists suggesting Canadian soldiers need time off for "manicures and pedicures."
The item aired after Gen. Andrew Leslie, the Canadian Forces Chief of Land Staff, told a Senate committee the military would need a one-year break from operations after the mission in Afghanistan winds down in 2011.
"The Canadian military wants to take a breather to do some yoga, paint landscapes, run on the beach in gorgeous white capri pants," Gutfeld said with a sneer. Another panelist Doug Benson said he was unaware Canadian troops were on the ground in Afghanistan.
"I didn't even know they were in the war. I thought that's where you go if you don't want to fight - you go chill in Canada," he said.
As a Canadian I'm disgusted with what they probably pass off as satire but in effect, is gross stupidity and far from amusing. There is a fine line between satire and insult and in this case, it has been crossed and then some. I do not, nor would I now for sure, subscribe to Fox News.
The show should be re-named, "Red Face with Shame."
Shame on Fox News! Canadians are NOT at all amused!
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2009/03/22/8847666-sun.html
Online www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcJn5XlbSFk
Sometimes the ignorance of some news media makes me gasp in "what-were-they-thinking" mode. In this particular case, it's Fox News that has gone out on a limb to show its dumbness for lack of a better word in their assessment of the Canadian presence in Afghanistan.
Last week once again when Canadians were mourning the loss of four more soldiers, Fox News and more specifically, one Greg Gutfeld (who is this guy anyway and when did he seep out of the wood work?) who hosts some type of TV talk show, decided that it would be oh-so-much-fun to make fun of the Canadian military.
The five-minute segment, which aired recently on Fox News late-night program "Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld" and later posted on YouTube.com, features American panelists suggesting Canadian soldiers need time off for "manicures and pedicures."
The item aired after Gen. Andrew Leslie, the Canadian Forces Chief of Land Staff, told a Senate committee the military would need a one-year break from operations after the mission in Afghanistan winds down in 2011.
"The Canadian military wants to take a breather to do some yoga, paint landscapes, run on the beach in gorgeous white capri pants," Gutfeld said with a sneer. Another panelist Doug Benson said he was unaware Canadian troops were on the ground in Afghanistan.
"I didn't even know they were in the war. I thought that's where you go if you don't want to fight - you go chill in Canada," he said.
As a Canadian I'm disgusted with what they probably pass off as satire but in effect, is gross stupidity and far from amusing. There is a fine line between satire and insult and in this case, it has been crossed and then some. I do not, nor would I now for sure, subscribe to Fox News.
The show should be re-named, "Red Face with Shame."
Shame on Fox News! Canadians are NOT at all amused!
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2009/03/22/8847666-sun.html
Online www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcJn5XlbSFk
Sunday, December 14, 2008
A Shining Light
NOTE TO SELF: CHANUKAH CONCERT TAUGHT ME THAT ALL CANDLES CAN CAST A GLOW
BY ELEANOR TYLBOR
As a youngster, Christmas was somewhat of a demoralizing time of the year. Since our family was of the Jewish faith, we celebrated the holiday of Chanukah, which didn't seem to me to be half as exciting as the furor that went along with trimming a tree.
On occasion Chanukah fell during the same period as Christmas and somehow I couldn't work up as much enthusiasm for lighting a candle even if it was colored, as my friends seemed to experience placing ornaments on the branches of their trees.
Even though my parents explained time and time again that Jewish people don't celebrate Christmas, which meant that a tree even a miniature one was out of the question, it was difficult for me to accept. In spite of protestations that we could call it a Chanukah bush, it was obvious that there was no way a fir tree would be part of our celebrations.
Traditionally at Chanukah, children receive gifts of gelt or money and light small colored candles in a menorah (candelabra), one per night for the eight days of the holiday. While that was nice, in my mind it didn't measure up to all the excitement connected to the "other" holiday.
At Hebrew school we always celebrated the various holidays, big and small, and Chanukah was a particular favorite especially since our class, being the eldest students, entertained the residents of a seniors home. Each year the teacher would select eight students to sing and perform as Chanukah candles and competition was fierce for the part of lead candle.
Since I wasn't blessed with a good singing voice – I could barely carry a tune – I knew that my chances were slim at best to play any candle, never mind the lead candle. My biggest rival was Zelig, who had the voice and promise of a future opera singer. Not only did he have the best singing voice, he was also the top student scholastically. Plus he was also the teacher's pet. Whenever games were played for prizes during the holidays, Zelig won everything, which didn't exactly ingratiate him with the other students. Actually, we were all jealous and would have liked nothing better than for his voice to change in the middle of a concert.
Class auditions for candle parts were held a few weeks before the onset of the holiday and the best I could hope for was a minor part and even then, only if the rest of the students had an off day or laryngitis. Each student auditioned for the teacher and as expected, Zelig got the lead role, which irritated me no end.
My resentment was eased somewhat by being assigned the role of a minor candle, probably out of pity more than anything else. Those students not chosen became part of the chorus singing "tra-la-las" at the appropriate time.
Excitement was at a fever pitch when we arrived at the seniors' home, ready to perform for a live audience who were, for the most part, in wheelchairs. They were brought into the auditorium where we were lined up on stage, anxious to perform.
Glancing around the room, many of the seniors appeared half asleep.
"You will be entertained today!" their nurses might have insisted as they wheeled them into the room.
The first students opened the concert and sang well and those who followed performed admirably. Finally, it was my turn. My voice didn't fail me and I felt very proud of my accomplishment.
Zelig opened his mouth and it was like a chorus of angels had entered the room. His voice was strong and melodic and suddenly the seniors perked up, smiles on their faces in obvious appreciation of what they heard. When the last notes of his solo faded away, they all clapped appreciatively.
The musical recital was over and we performed a variety of Israeli dances, moving off the stage to mingle among our audience. Although Israeli dancing was a passion, I was consumed with the memory of the applause and accolades bestowed upon Zelig.
After our presentation and some refreshments, an elderly woman wheeled over to talk to me. She smiled, her trembling hand gently covering mine.
"Thank you," she uttered weakly and breathlessly. "You were all wonderful. How special you are to visit us!"
There was the sudden realization that it wasn't important who the lead candle was or who had the best voice. It was significant to our audience that we had taken the time to come at all.
It wasn't long after our successful performance that Zelig's voice finally broke and he never knew whether he would sing soprano or alto. Tough luck for him. My voice on the other hand, never changed and could always be depended on to sing off-key.
http://holidays.net/chanukah/
For some good Chanukah recipes and recipes for all year round, surf on down here:
http://www.gourmania.com/recipesmlym/mlnym_nofrylatkes.htm
BY ELEANOR TYLBOR
As a youngster, Christmas was somewhat of a demoralizing time of the year. Since our family was of the Jewish faith, we celebrated the holiday of Chanukah, which didn't seem to me to be half as exciting as the furor that went along with trimming a tree.
On occasion Chanukah fell during the same period as Christmas and somehow I couldn't work up as much enthusiasm for lighting a candle even if it was colored, as my friends seemed to experience placing ornaments on the branches of their trees.
Even though my parents explained time and time again that Jewish people don't celebrate Christmas, which meant that a tree even a miniature one was out of the question, it was difficult for me to accept. In spite of protestations that we could call it a Chanukah bush, it was obvious that there was no way a fir tree would be part of our celebrations.
Traditionally at Chanukah, children receive gifts of gelt or money and light small colored candles in a menorah (candelabra), one per night for the eight days of the holiday. While that was nice, in my mind it didn't measure up to all the excitement connected to the "other" holiday.
At Hebrew school we always celebrated the various holidays, big and small, and Chanukah was a particular favorite especially since our class, being the eldest students, entertained the residents of a seniors home. Each year the teacher would select eight students to sing and perform as Chanukah candles and competition was fierce for the part of lead candle.
Since I wasn't blessed with a good singing voice – I could barely carry a tune – I knew that my chances were slim at best to play any candle, never mind the lead candle. My biggest rival was Zelig, who had the voice and promise of a future opera singer. Not only did he have the best singing voice, he was also the top student scholastically. Plus he was also the teacher's pet. Whenever games were played for prizes during the holidays, Zelig won everything, which didn't exactly ingratiate him with the other students. Actually, we were all jealous and would have liked nothing better than for his voice to change in the middle of a concert.
Class auditions for candle parts were held a few weeks before the onset of the holiday and the best I could hope for was a minor part and even then, only if the rest of the students had an off day or laryngitis. Each student auditioned for the teacher and as expected, Zelig got the lead role, which irritated me no end.
My resentment was eased somewhat by being assigned the role of a minor candle, probably out of pity more than anything else. Those students not chosen became part of the chorus singing "tra-la-las" at the appropriate time.
Excitement was at a fever pitch when we arrived at the seniors' home, ready to perform for a live audience who were, for the most part, in wheelchairs. They were brought into the auditorium where we were lined up on stage, anxious to perform.
Glancing around the room, many of the seniors appeared half asleep.
"You will be entertained today!" their nurses might have insisted as they wheeled them into the room.
The first students opened the concert and sang well and those who followed performed admirably. Finally, it was my turn. My voice didn't fail me and I felt very proud of my accomplishment.
Zelig opened his mouth and it was like a chorus of angels had entered the room. His voice was strong and melodic and suddenly the seniors perked up, smiles on their faces in obvious appreciation of what they heard. When the last notes of his solo faded away, they all clapped appreciatively.
The musical recital was over and we performed a variety of Israeli dances, moving off the stage to mingle among our audience. Although Israeli dancing was a passion, I was consumed with the memory of the applause and accolades bestowed upon Zelig.
After our presentation and some refreshments, an elderly woman wheeled over to talk to me. She smiled, her trembling hand gently covering mine.
"Thank you," she uttered weakly and breathlessly. "You were all wonderful. How special you are to visit us!"
There was the sudden realization that it wasn't important who the lead candle was or who had the best voice. It was significant to our audience that we had taken the time to come at all.
It wasn't long after our successful performance that Zelig's voice finally broke and he never knew whether he would sing soprano or alto. Tough luck for him. My voice on the other hand, never changed and could always be depended on to sing off-key.
http://holidays.net/chanukah/
For some good Chanukah recipes and recipes for all year round, surf on down here:
http://www.gourmania.com/recipesmlym/mlnym_nofrylatkes.htm
Monday, August 6, 2007
TOILET SEATS TAKE A REAR VIEW
NOTE TO SELF: GOING IN STYLE?
The first thing that hits your field of vision when surfing on to the Toto/Washlet site, http://www.cleanishappy.com/, is the row of bare buttocks with smileys drawn accross, which slowly evolves into the happy faces of three males and females. A mouse click on the first female on the left informs surfers - and toilet seat aficionados - all about a special washlet. Not just any washlet mind you but one that is neither a bidet or a fancy toilet and in the words of the manufacturer: "a pretty remarkable toilet seat."
Oh? This bares further investigation.
According to Ms Washlet 101, who relates all the information, the device is easily installed, on any toilet and uses pure clean water that uses and a "bunch of nifty technology."
Again, oh? One ponders the usage and definition of 'nifty technology.' Perhaps - just perhaps - it doubles as an entertainment centre or something similar. Then again, 'nifty technology' could also be extended to frying an egg or even a mobile device. Nifty is a tricky word!
Is there no end to this modern marvel of technology?
Go figure that all of this is offered in what - your humble toilet seat! And most of us assume a toilet seat was strictly the means to an end.
http://www.cleanishappy.com/
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
The first thing that hits your field of vision when surfing on to the Toto/Washlet site, http://www.cleanishappy.com/, is the row of bare buttocks with smileys drawn accross, which slowly evolves into the happy faces of three males and females. A mouse click on the first female on the left informs surfers - and toilet seat aficionados - all about a special washlet. Not just any washlet mind you but one that is neither a bidet or a fancy toilet and in the words of the manufacturer: "a pretty remarkable toilet seat."
Oh? This bares further investigation.
According to Ms Washlet 101, who relates all the information, the device is easily installed, on any toilet and uses pure clean water that uses and a "bunch of nifty technology."
Again, oh? One ponders the usage and definition of 'nifty technology.' Perhaps - just perhaps - it doubles as an entertainment centre or something similar. Then again, 'nifty technology' could also be extended to frying an egg or even a mobile device. Nifty is a tricky word!
Our host, Ms Washlet 101 goes on to relate that the way it works is simplicity personified. First-time users sit down and do what they came to do (quaint but succinct) and reach for the remote.
Oh? A remote?
Next the user selects the area to be washed presumably after the person does what they came to do, and with the push of the button, the washlet does the rest. A small wand located below the seat extends, and a gentle stream of warm water cleans you.
Oh happy days!
Nothing touches the user but water and the wand cleans itself automatically.Is there no end to this modern marvel of technology?
Go figure that all of this is offered in what - your humble toilet seat! And most of us assume a toilet seat was strictly the means to an end.
http://www.cleanishappy.com/
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
MERRIAM-WEBSTER GETS WORDY
NOTE TO SELF: Pick up some agnolotti for supper
Perhaps you or someone you know participated in speed dating recently followed by a date where microgreens were eaten. If Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary is any indication, words like agnolotti (meaning: "pasta in the form of semicircular cases containing a filling (as of meat, cheese, or vegetables") or speed dating ("an event at which each participant converses individually with all the prospective partners for a few minutes in order to select those with whom dates are desired") will become part of our everyday vocabulary.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary updates its Collegiate dictionary every year with "new words, senses and variants." The word "ginormous" (meaning: extremely large, humungous) was one of 100 neolisms or the use of new words or senses of existing words added. Here are twenty out of the list of the 100 mentioned on their site:
1. agnolotti
2. Bollywood
3. chaebol
4. crunk
5. DVR
6. flex-cuff
7. ginormous
8. gray literature
9. hardscape
10. IED
11. microgreen
12. nocebo
13. perfect storm
14. RPG
15. smackdown
16. snowboardcross
17. speed dating
18. sudoku
19. telenovela
20. viewshed
Without going to their site, http://www.merriam-webster.com/info/newwords07.htm how many do you know without having to check on the meaning? A better challenge is how many can you use in one sentence?
Meanwhile, I'm feeling very crunk-ish due to all the microgreens I ate.
Perhaps you or someone you know participated in speed dating recently followed by a date where microgreens were eaten. If Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary is any indication, words like agnolotti (meaning: "pasta in the form of semicircular cases containing a filling (as of meat, cheese, or vegetables") or speed dating ("an event at which each participant converses individually with all the prospective partners for a few minutes in order to select those with whom dates are desired") will become part of our everyday vocabulary.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary updates its Collegiate dictionary every year with "new words, senses and variants." The word "ginormous" (meaning: extremely large, humungous) was one of 100 neolisms or the use of new words or senses of existing words added. Here are twenty out of the list of the 100 mentioned on their site:
1. agnolotti
2. Bollywood
3. chaebol
4. crunk
5. DVR
6. flex-cuff
7. ginormous
8. gray literature
9. hardscape
10. IED
11. microgreen
12. nocebo
13. perfect storm
14. RPG
15. smackdown
16. snowboardcross
17. speed dating
18. sudoku
19. telenovela
20. viewshed
Without going to their site, http://www.merriam-webster.com/info/newwords07.htm how many do you know without having to check on the meaning? A better challenge is how many can you use in one sentence?
Meanwhile, I'm feeling very crunk-ish due to all the microgreens I ate.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
HILLARY CHOOSES CELINE FOR HER CAMPAIGN
NOTE TO MYSELF: HILLARY CLINTON HAS GOOD TASTE IN SINGERS
By now most Americans must have heard the news that presidential candidate/hopeful, Hillary Clinton, has selected Celine Dion's song, "You and I" as the official anthem for her 2008 campaign.
Recently, Clinton went to directly to the people asking them to help her in selecting a campaign song and when it was all over and the votes were counted, more than 225,000 people offered their opinion regarding the song to use.
Actually and as a Canadian Quebecer, it comes as quite a surprise - a pleasant one at that - given the plethora of talented U.S. songs and songwriters available at home that she chose a song by a Canadian singer. Other suggested songs were Shania Twain's (another Canuck btw), "Rock This Country" and U'2's, "Beautiful Day" but in the end it was Celine that won everyone over. Not surprising - we Canadians have always recognized her talent.
Be that as it may - we here in Kweebek are thrilled with the decision, Hilary! One thing for sure - you have good taste in songs and singers!
Here are some of the lyrics:
"High above the mountains
Far across the sea
I can hear your voice
Callin' out to me
Brighter than the sun
And darker than the night
I can see your love
Shinin' like a light
And on and on this earth spins like a carousel
If I could travel across the world
The secrets I would tell
You and I were meant to fly
Higher than the clouds
We'll sail across the sky
So come with me
And you will feel
That we're soaring
That we're floating up so high
'Cause you and I were meant to fly."
Indeed.
http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah5789.shtml
http://www.etonline.com/music/news/48655/
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/blog/view/?id=6495
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
By now most Americans must have heard the news that presidential candidate/hopeful, Hillary Clinton, has selected Celine Dion's song, "You and I" as the official anthem for her 2008 campaign.
Recently, Clinton went to directly to the people asking them to help her in selecting a campaign song and when it was all over and the votes were counted, more than 225,000 people offered their opinion regarding the song to use.
Actually and as a Canadian Quebecer, it comes as quite a surprise - a pleasant one at that - given the plethora of talented U.S. songs and songwriters available at home that she chose a song by a Canadian singer. Other suggested songs were Shania Twain's (another Canuck btw), "Rock This Country" and U'2's, "Beautiful Day" but in the end it was Celine that won everyone over. Not surprising - we Canadians have always recognized her talent.
Be that as it may - we here in Kweebek are thrilled with the decision, Hilary! One thing for sure - you have good taste in songs and singers!
Here are some of the lyrics:
"High above the mountains
Far across the sea
I can hear your voice
Callin' out to me
Brighter than the sun
And darker than the night
I can see your love
Shinin' like a light
And on and on this earth spins like a carousel
If I could travel across the world
The secrets I would tell
You and I were meant to fly
Higher than the clouds
We'll sail across the sky
So come with me
And you will feel
That we're soaring
That we're floating up so high
'Cause you and I were meant to fly."
Indeed.
http://www.accesshollywood.com/news/ah5789.shtml
http://www.etonline.com/music/news/48655/
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/blog/view/?id=6495
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
"WILD PARROTS OF TELEGRAPH HILL": HIGHLY RECOMMENDED DOC. FILM
NOTE TO SELF: very rewarding film worthy of a high recommendation and more
Last night I watched a very moving and beautiful documentary film, "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill." Shown on a PBS station it was part of the Independent Lens series and featured an hour-and-a-half that passed by like a flash, focusing on a very special man, Mark Bittner and his relationship with the group of wild parrots that make their home in the San Francisco area.
A former musician Bittner arrived in the city a while back to further his musical career but instead ended up sharing his life - and love - with a flock of birds that live there. Like the people who have to survive the urban jungle, the green parrots must fend off predators like hawks and cats who enjoy them as a snack or main course.
For photograph buffs - this is a feast for the eyes in addition to the soul with images of green parrots being themselves. Just didn't want it to be over...
Don't know if it will be repeated but if you see it on your PBS schedule, make a point of watching it. It's that good.
Click here for more information about the film: http://www.wildparrotsfilm.com/
Other interesting sites worthy of a look:
http://www.the-oasis.org/residents/cherryheads.php
http://www.mickaboo.com/
Last night I watched a very moving and beautiful documentary film, "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill." Shown on a PBS station it was part of the Independent Lens series and featured an hour-and-a-half that passed by like a flash, focusing on a very special man, Mark Bittner and his relationship with the group of wild parrots that make their home in the San Francisco area.
A former musician Bittner arrived in the city a while back to further his musical career but instead ended up sharing his life - and love - with a flock of birds that live there. Like the people who have to survive the urban jungle, the green parrots must fend off predators like hawks and cats who enjoy them as a snack or main course.
For photograph buffs - this is a feast for the eyes in addition to the soul with images of green parrots being themselves. Just didn't want it to be over...
Don't know if it will be repeated but if you see it on your PBS schedule, make a point of watching it. It's that good.
Click here for more information about the film: http://www.wildparrotsfilm.com/
Other interesting sites worthy of a look:
http://www.the-oasis.org/residents/cherryheads.php
http://www.mickaboo.com/
Friday, May 4, 2007
CALLING WHOOPIE! "THE VIEW" NEEDS YOU!
NOTE TO SELF: Send note to ABC to hire Whoopie
After the surprise announcement of Rosie's leaving "The View", the question now is who will replace her. Has to be somebody who is opinionated with a mind of her own, witty, is relaxed in front of a camera but most of all, is a talented and entertaining performer.
Enter Whoopie Goldberg, my choice.
Given the above-mentioned criteria in my opinion, she is a perfect fit like the proverbial well-worn glove.
Her recent guest appearance on the show showcased her ability to communicate her views on a variety of subjects and her standup comedienne ability as is the case with Rosie, makes her as mentioned the perfect fit. She is sassy, impertinent, funny and very talented.
Some Whoopie quotes:
"I am where I am because I believe in all possibilities."
"Normal is nothing more than a cycle on a wash machine."
"I don't have pet peeves, I have whole kennels of irritation”
"We're here for a reason. I believe a bit of the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark.”
"And I don't believe that I have to stay on one side of the fence or the other. I don't believe that there is any good career move or bad career move. I believe there are only the things that make me happy. "
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
After the surprise announcement of Rosie's leaving "The View", the question now is who will replace her. Has to be somebody who is opinionated with a mind of her own, witty, is relaxed in front of a camera but most of all, is a talented and entertaining performer.
Enter Whoopie Goldberg, my choice.
Given the above-mentioned criteria in my opinion, she is a perfect fit like the proverbial well-worn glove.
Her recent guest appearance on the show showcased her ability to communicate her views on a variety of subjects and her standup comedienne ability as is the case with Rosie, makes her as mentioned the perfect fit. She is sassy, impertinent, funny and very talented.
Some Whoopie quotes:
"I am where I am because I believe in all possibilities."
"Normal is nothing more than a cycle on a wash machine."
"I don't have pet peeves, I have whole kennels of irritation”
"We're here for a reason. I believe a bit of the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark.”
"And I don't believe that I have to stay on one side of the fence or the other. I don't believe that there is any good career move or bad career move. I believe there are only the things that make me happy. "
Writers & Friends
www.jrslater.com/forum
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