Author Archives: Praveena Persaud

Posts by Praveena Persaud

Comments by Praveena Persaud

"Oh, I was forced to hear his music in the background of my home atmosphere yesterday! My mom loves Kenny G! His music is indeed peaceful and calming, and you can listen to it without falling asleep. He is very talented with the saxophone, there is no doubt about that. I never heard of his Auld Lang Syne prior to this blog post, but like all of his other songs, it is simply gorgeous."
--( posted on Dec 6, 2010, commenting on the post Kenny G )
 
"Did you take that first picture? Because on Sunday when we went to see Iolanthe, I saw those group of guys in front of City Hall warming up. I didn't get to stay and watch them do an actual performance. I really liked the acrobatic skills of the guys in the first video. The guy at 1:15 was especially remarkable, he seemed to lack bones when keeping himself in that flat position. This reminds me of earlier on in the semester, a group of the older Macaulay boys would always break dance in the lounge, and they were quite talented as well. Maybe not as talented as the guys in that video, but they're on their way."
--( posted on Nov 29, 2010, commenting on the post The Hip-Hop of Your Body )
 
"I think that if Professor Smaldone gives us the okay, we can arrange a small outing to this art center. I was going to suggest seeing the String Quartet, because string quartets always sound so peaceful and well-composed without putting the listener to sleep, but apparently that is being held today, so it's too late to plan a trip to see that. Busk seems pretty interesting, but something about the description makes me think of our least favorite dance from Fall for Dance. As talented as I'm sure the performers are, I wouldn't be able to sit through it."
--( posted on Nov 29, 2010, commenting on the post Baryshnikov Arts Center )
 
"Ooh, I read about this while browsing the New York Times. I myself have always dreamed about just being able to blink and take a picture, but this is something else. I really wonder what it was that inspired him to start this up. While there may be many undiscovered or unspoken reasons behind the art, it will be interesting to see what's going behind one man's head at the rate of 1 pic/min."
--( posted on Nov 29, 2010, commenting on the post Eyes in the Back of His Head )
 
"Her success seems to send the message that music (or art in general) transcends the language barrier. She was able to start out in the city knowing no English, but eventually rose thanks to her talent. She was both beautiful and skilled when we saw her perform during the Year of China Concert. I wonder how well she sings? Nice catch, making a reference to someone we've seen before."
--( posted on Nov 29, 2010, commenting on the post Wu Man )
 
"I don't think it violates freedom of speech at all. In fact, it feels like the FDA is asserting this freedom by using these images. I read this post yesterday, but I made sure to scroll all the way down the page today to comment on this, because I myself am 100% against smoking and all the works. Those are some very powerful images, and it definitely gives a smoker something to think about when they're lighting up. The nicotine in a cigarette is physically addicting and therefore it's hard to quit, even if a person truly wants to (withdrawal symptoms are difficult to deal with). Perhaps for those who do want to quit, these images can help strengthen their will to do so. Anyone else who doesn't feel the need to quit shouldn't have any reason to be upset over this, seeing as it doesn't prevent them from buying their usual pack. But I think this is a positive force and will help motivate those who are trying to quit, and will also prevent those who are thinking about it to take up the habit. Yes, you may accuse me of being biased. >.<"
--( posted on Nov 20, 2010, commenting on the post Propaganda )
 
"The way you described this exhibit as a "letdown" actually reminds me of a few of the posts I've made about specific exhibitions in the city. You can truly admire and be awestruck at the steps taken to make a certain piece of art, and you certainly respect the artist(s) who spent so much time and research to make this happen, but in the end, even as you learn some really useful information, just standing and watching the stationary product can seem a little fruitless. For me though, just being able to tackle why an exhibition might seem like a letdown has made ma able to overcome that obstacle and make me want to go to an exhibition. I'm not a science freak at all, but this seems like something that would really give us a lot of working knowledge of the brain, which could never hurt anyone!"
--( posted on Nov 20, 2010, commenting on the post Glimpsing the Brain’s Powers (and Limits) )
 
"I love how he used the lines on his fingers to his advantage when doing the elephant. It gave it a naturally real look. Does he sketch this out on paper before he starts on his hand? Is that how he plans the perfect position for his fingers? I was just trying to assume the position of his fingers on the first one, and it seems like you need a really good artist's eye to know the position without applying the paint.. the position is very important, as he stated it gives it the "illusion," but the paint over that position still seals the deal. Nice catch!"
--( posted on Nov 20, 2010, commenting on the post Hand Art )
 
"November 5th through the 14th? That's a very short time span! Would this be something that we would be able to go to, or is it difficult to get into like the Hotel exhibit? The tickets are a bit expensive as well... but looking at the official site, it seems artsy and interesting, and I could definitely sit for 80 minutes with no intermission to watch this!"
--( posted on Nov 6, 2010, commenting on the post “Raoul” at BAM )
 
"That's really cool actually! I was about to label it as disgusting (which I also felt when reading someone else's article back in September about using chewed gum) but he uses a blowtorch according to what you said, so that works well. I find it wrong that he had to be arrested though. This is very creative and not meant to degrade the location in which it is placed. I feel graffiti can be degrading depending on the purpose a person has for putting it somewhere (we discussed this in English class, voiceless people in NYC trying to make themselves be heard by leaving their "mark" on the city property). But despite the argument on the worth of graffiti, this is very interesting and beautiful!"
--( posted on Nov 6, 2010, commenting on the post Chew, Spit, Paint )
 
"Wow, I never knew Alyssa was so cool! We should have her perform for us in class for us someday. Though I'm sure our presence is insignificant compared to the Queen of England. ;) Maybe then my life can be complete after listening to her talent."
--( posted on Nov 3, 2010, commenting on the post Alyssa Blumenthal )
 
"That was a great follow-up to your previous blog! (Which I did read last night, just didn't post a comment xD). Very creative doing a blog in sign language. The only part I would know how to do was spell "Broadway," because all I know is the alphabet in sign language. I did notice a slight struggle with the editing, but I can't speak, seeing as I haven't even tried editing yet! Great job Beth!"
--( posted on Nov 1, 2010, commenting on the post Sign Language and Theater Vlog )
 
"Oh, how I wished I could've seen this. My desire for seeing this performance went beyond the fact that it was a mandatory event for our class; I remember all the effort and time that went into putting on a theatrical performance, as I look back a year ago when I acted in the Laramie Project. The storyline for Brigadoon seemed so enthralling when we read it in class. Mixed in with the fact that the theater always interests me, I was all riled up to see this performance.. too bad I thought it was 8 pm on Sunday. :( Your description of the set and the orchestra makes me really regretful, as well as the singing from the balcony! It sounds like it was quite a show!"
--( posted on Nov 1, 2010, commenting on the post Brigadoon Review )
 
"I'm not any type of expert when it comes to music, but this particular piece had a very organic feel to it as I listened to it today at the concert. It had some spontaneous moments and sharp turning points (for lack of a better musical term). Interesting overall. I did enjoy this concert overall, and was sure to leave 20 dollar donation when I left."
--( posted on Nov 1, 2010, commenting on the post NY Classical Players. Oct. 31, 2010 LeFrak Hall )
 
"I don't watch many music videos, but I think for some, it's just artsy to have it NOT match directly with the song. I didn't like Miley Cyrus singing "Can't Be Tamed" (had she been a little older and not viewed by so many youngsters I'd be totally cool with it), but I did like the whole concept of her being a caged bird. It seemed to show that even if you try to capture some rare species and hold it in captivity, it won't let anyone get the best of it, and it held well with the song's idea of "can't be tamed." But I definitely have seen some music videos and wondered "What does this have to do with the song?!""
--( posted on Nov 1, 2010, commenting on the post Music Videos )
 
"Ooh, link please Sandra? "Like many girls her age are." Keyword is MANY, so thankfully, not ALL 18 year olds should be grouped together when discussing how we try to become adults. I've yet to go to a club. ;_; Le Poisson Rouge doesn't count! The question is how many and what kind of decisions should Miley be allowed to make as a girl who isn't even 18 yet (turns 18 next month)?"
--( posted on Oct 28, 2010, commenting on the post Miley Cyrus: Too much too fast? )
 
"I keep trying to leave a comment here, but it keeps saying my comments are spam. ;_; Maybe I'm just losing faith in humanity, but I always felt that nowadays you don't need any type of talent to become a celebrity. You just need the right people, the right amount of publicity, and a lot of hype. His move was definitely admirable, and his advice is short, to the point, and a little catchy, but I'm not sure if it should make him a celebrity. He deserves recognition for his brave act, but becoming an instant celebrity... probably not."
--( posted on Oct 27, 2010, commenting on the post Celebrity-Worthy? )
 
"Maybe I'm just losing faith in humanity, but I always felt that nowadays you don't need any type of talent to become a celebrity. You just need the right people, the right amount of publicity, and a lot of hype. His move was definitely admirable, and his advice is short, to the point, and a little catchy, but I'm not sure if it should make him a celebrity. He deserves recognition for his brave act, but becoming an instant celebrity... probably not."
--( posted on Oct 27, 2010, commenting on the post Celebrity-Worthy? )
 
"Aw Susan, you always manage to find the oddest works of art of them all. In response to Professor Smaldone, I've heard of a few types of art that are too extreme to even mention here; this particular concept actually doesn't seem to compare. This is one video that I won't watch though! As much as the idea is intriguing, I wouldn't see why he would do this to make art. The acids from your stomach can do some bad damage to your throat and enamel... I personally wouldn't risk that to make art. There is definitely a statement being made here, though I don't want to watch the video to try and figure it out. I'm touchy when it comes to vomiting, I might just vomit myself. I still like the fact that you brought this up though.. helps us stray away from the mundane, and view something shocking."
--( posted on Oct 15, 2010, commenting on the post Vomit Art )
 
"The picture itself makes me tempted to ask people to come along for a group trip. I'm actually glad there is no real information to this "performance" as you might call it, because it excites people's curiosity and makes them WANT to go discover what's so mysterious about it. For my Urban Studies class two summers ago, we went to a "tenement" where they did something like this. My group of 16 had to play one big family, and we were led into a tenement where one of the residents "spoke" to us, and told us about her life since she immigrated here. It was a believable act. You wouldn't even know that it was the twenty-first century once you were speaking with her in her crowded little room. So naturally, this type of idea appeals to me.. being one on one with these people is a little more intimidating, but I think we call can handle it! Let's start planning!"
--( posted on Oct 15, 2010, commenting on the post Hotel Art )
 
"I think this almost made me cry. When you were a kid, did you ever have this activity where you put colored sand in a bottle? It's more fun and creative than I'm making it sound, but the title reminded me of that, because we used to call it sand art. I actually read your post AFTER viewing the video, and I have to say that I had your same mindset while viewing this; I was wondering whether this video had been edited or not, because as humans, we make mistakes. How did this artist move her hands so fluidly, yet not make a single mistake? Could she have messed up at any point and then undo her errors (and edit the video so that we wouldn't know, like we learned in class today)? I'm not sure if you can correct errors in art such as this, but the precision is astounding. I found the art most emotional at 1:07, when a finger was pointing to the man under the rainy umbrella; accompanied with the music, it just gave me the feeling of one man's unfortunate life of melancholic mockery. The transformation was astounding. I can see why they call it sand animation. And I as well, expected to see Woody and Buzz made out of Sand in the end, with the song "You've got a friend in me" playing in the background. Great find!"
--( posted on Oct 15, 2010, commenting on the post Sand Art )
 
"The idea does seem really fascinating, though seven hours is a long time. It's bound to be conflicting, unless we don't have to encounter all seven hours? I personally loved reading the Great Gatsby, so this "dramatization" could really speak volumes to those who have also loved the story. It may even speak to those who read the book and didn't enjoy it. The seven hours is still an issue though. Thanks so much for looking into the ticket sales for students!"
--( posted on Oct 5, 2010, commenting on the post So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past. )
 
"In response to David's side note: I did spend a lot of time staring at that guy whenever he turned the page. I did ponder what a task it must have been for him to have to sit there and follow each note and know when to turn the page. What I loved most about the performance was how in sync each performer was with their instrument; the head, bobbing, the swaying, you could tell they were really into the music, and that overall they were passionate about what they did. I was sitting in a position where I didn't get to see the pianist (I think most of us couldn't see her very well) but for the quick seconds that I dd see her, she had a certain "umph!" to the way she played and interacted with the other two. The lighting added to the relaxed atmosphere. I enjoyed seeing the lighting change without being too ostentatious. It didn't distract from the music, but added to it. Le Poisson Rouge had a beautiful feel to the place. I loved the tipped fish tank with RED FISH inside of it. The red lights as you walked down was a great touch. They did a great job bringing some meaning to the club name. I wish they didn't brand our hands with "x's" though. I recommend the tater tots, they were excellent!"
--( posted on Sep 29, 2010, commenting on the post Le Poisson Rouge )
 
"Thanks so much Clarissa, you saved me the time of having to go look it up myself! Thankfully, I live right by the F train stop at Parsons, so this won't be as difficult a trip as I imagined. Thanks again!"
--( posted on Sep 26, 2010, commenting on the post Directions to/fro Le Poisson Rouge/Queens College )
 
"I think almost everything, if not everything can be considered art; the kitchen is no different. If I have time, I may go see this exhibition, it seems really interesting. The kitchen, as well as the other rooms that are included in a home, have definitely transformed since the 1900s, mainly in the department where technology is concerned. And like you pointed out, the kitchen is decorated not only with appliances, but with memories too. My younger sister and I have a fridge covered with art and pictures that we have spewed out throughout the years. Everyday life is beautiful and artistic, no matter where you are, I believe."
--( posted on Sep 20, 2010, commenting on the post The Kitchen as Art? )
 
"It seems everyone in Davison's class has some response to any blog dealing with graffiti. Kriegel's article was just that influencing, I suppose. I'll agree with Professor Smaldone. Conceptually, the idea is thought-provoking. I can understand a New Yorker's desire to leave an imprint of himself/herself behind, yet at the same time it seems like a desperate attempt to etch your immortality into the city in which you grew up. With so many people doing it these days, it almost feels meaningless. While this attempt goes above and beyond our normal expectations, the desire behind it seems no different than what Lara pointed out above."
--( posted on Sep 20, 2010, commenting on the post An 8 Mile Signature )
 
"My skin... it looks so YELLOW-ORANGE. Now that I think about it, I'm a little more glad that we all took our pictures next to our names in the classroom; it looks a lot better when you put them on display altogether here."
--( posted on Sep 20, 2010, commenting on the post Pictures! )
 
"What I found interesting was the earplugs they wore to keep in beat. In my high school drama class, we would often do an exercise where all the students would simultaneously do an action and a sound repeatedly for about a minute; everyone had their own individual beat, and we kept letting someone else's beat affect our own rhythm. When they explained the reason for the headphones, I immediately got the concept of it. I actually found myself trying to keep track of patterns during the performance. The performers would keep a certain beat, but then each performer would always take turns changing it up, and I was constantly following the sounds to see which performer had changed the way they were banging. All in all, it was an enthralling performance."
--( posted on Sep 20, 2010, commenting on the post Michael Gordon and Steve Reich – Post Comments HERE )
 
"Thanks for all the information and insight on the exhibit! I plan on going tomorrow, I hope I'll be able to have just as great of an experience! The pictures look astounding, and everything described just sounds so refreshing as a whole."
--( posted on Sep 16, 2010, commenting on the post Big Bambú: A Personal Experience )
 
"I was interested in reading the Times Article to learn more about the CUNY dispute, but it seems both links provided in the post send me to the museum page. That aside, I was interested in learning the meaning of "carnevale." Breaking down the word, I guess it made sense that it would deal with meat. New York City is definitely the city for this to happen, the population is just that diverse."
--( posted on Sep 16, 2010, commenting on the post Italian Americans! )
 
"I clicked on this because I do love to chew my nails. And I'll probably continue that 16 year-habit despite the video. :D But that was horribly frightening! I had actually just finished eating my breakfast, and I felt it coming back up. I closed the tab after the video was only halfway through. I think that while this is a very expressive piece of art, it's definitely not recommended for the squeamish."
--( posted on Sep 13, 2010, commenting on the post To All You Nail Biters. )