This week in NYTimes Arts, 11/7-11/9
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“Old South Meets New, in Living Color” is about William Eggleston: a renown photographer who brought colors into the mundane American photography. A picture with Coca-Cola sign on top of a yellow and orange rooftop sign shouting P E A C H E S ! grabbed my attention, but what interested me the most was the familiarity of this article. After few seconds, I realized that I already read this article, not verbatim of course, in Time Magazine issued on November 10, 2008. In excitement I brought my Time Magazine and juxtaposed with an article from NYT. I had two articles with same topic but written in a slightly different style to fit the nature of their journalism. Both of them highlighted the vibrant color expressions in Eggleston’s pictures that has influenced the American photography ever since thirty years ago. The differences between how both of the articles concluded also delighted me. Time Magazine finishes with quoting Eggleston’s point of view on religion; New York Times concluded by author’s remark on unpredictability of William Eggleston.
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is finally out in theaters today! I am looking forward to watching it on this coming Monday, and it sounds pretty promising in the article “Duck! The Penguins Are Flying the Plane” in the NYT Art Section today. I love how the reviewer, Manohla Dargis, describes each character with a sense of humor. I especially like how he describes the leader penguin, Skipper, as “supremely confident, quite possibly insane.” He also mentions the beautiful mix of the characters with the background setting, both very visually appealing to our eyes. Dargis also points out how this movie is enjoyable enough to make the negatives shy away. Of course, there are also criticisms, but mainly towards the voicing of the characters in the movie. Nevertheless, I believe the movie will come out to be as good as the first movie.
The last time I was at the 92nd street Y I was listening to a discussion about Dr. Atomic. I was physically there for quite some time, but mentally I was gone not too long after the first 5 minutes. However, on Wednesday, there was a discussion that seemed to have been a bit more interesting than the one about Dr. Atomic. Wednesday’s discussion, as discussed in Friday’s New York Times article, “Can We Laugh? Yes, We Can,” was about something that I’m sure we can all relate to: the results of the 2008 Presidential elections and how far comics are going to take them.
Swaying away from the conventional topics for discussion surrounding the Presidential election, the discussion at the 92nd street Y was about the jokes that are going to emerge with our new, black president. Comedy Central prides itself on taking full and complete advantage of the stupid things that presidents say and do, but the question arises whether this same thing is going to happen to President Obama. Comics are worried that they might not get any worthwhile material after the unrelenting scandals the last two Presidents of the United States have provided. The well-spoken president, who promises change in our government, may even aspire to change the comedy around government.
I read “Spare Times: For Children” thinking it was an article, but it turned out to be a listing and descriptions of performances that children would enjoy. Some of them sound really fun. The “Adventures of a Puppet Princess” sounds good because for some reason, I have always wanted to go to Bali. I imagine the traditional music and clothes to be similar to that of Hawaii. Also, I thought the whole show would be about puppets, but I was surprised to really that the humans work with puppets in the plot. I found it smart that the writer included the part about how women could not work certain jobs long ago. When historic events are included into children’s performances, I find it makes them smarter and more knowledgeable.
I was at the Museum of Natural History during the summer and saw “Lizards & Snakes: Alive!”. It is a small but great exhibit for kids. There are a lot of lizards and snakes to look at. Just being near them sent chills up my spine but it was fun.
The Broadway Babies in Concert is a really great idea. Kids can enjoy music that they like and enjoy the feeling of a concert. Many performances these days that are geared towards children are very cleverly done. Now children can enjoy a variety of different events.
As I was reading through the articles today, the articles mentioned how certain dances opened at City Center and how there was a talk about the elections at the 92nd street Y. It is cool how now I know many of the theaters that certain shows are playing at. It makes me feel a little bit more experienced in the world of art.
I also read the article “A Small Show Where Some Sleuthing Is in Order”. The gallery seems full of things to see but I do not like the idea of how the pieces are so close together that we might miss something and how some pieces are behind others. I like things clearly laid out so I get to see everything. I do not really like modern art but I do like to look at them because they are unusual and different. Concepts like “cubism” are interesting because the art pieces make you think but if I were to hang a painting in my room I would prefer paintings that use realism or impressionism.
I read the article “Military Muscle Retooled, Ready for Tourist Action” in the Friday edition of the Times. It talks about the U.S.S Intrepid, which is an aircraft carrier that was turned into a museum. It cost around $115 million and 2 years of work to change the once fighting vessel into an attraction. The writer, Edward Rothstein, says that the best place on the carrier, is not inside where you can see all the items in the museum, but instead it is outside on the ship’s 900 foot long deck once used to hold planes and helicopters. The Intrepid survived five kamikaze attacks and was opened in 1982 as a museum to the public. In 1985, it filed for bankruptcy but it seems to have survived that so far. The admission price before was $3, now it is $19.50. It is currently located at Pier 86 along the Hudson and it seems like an interesting place to visit.
Come on! How are you all able to write about all these other articles? When looking at the article titles, it’s so apparent that there is one that should be so much appealing to ANY audience than and other article. “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008).” If you have not watched the first one, then you do NOT deserve to read this article or even my review!
Anyways!!! This movie will be hilarious with a musical melody to each song played. Although I may have forgotten the names, The lion, giraffe, zebra, and hippo will be funny. This may seem like a movie for young children (which it probably is), but it will definitely be enjoyed by everyone. The first movie did not seem to disappoint me (although I watched it in the airplane on the way to Korea).
“There’s true playfulness here whenever this wacky animal pack takes over.” They are talking about the penguins. The penguins were ones to watch in the first movie. Although there were not the protagonists of the story, they were the most memorable. Paying careful attention to them would help you enjoy the movie more.
“Duck! The Penguins Are Flying the Plane”. If I am not mistaken, the penguins were very smart, and I think it would be very interesting to watch them fly the plane.
Everyone should watch this movie, and anyone who decides to post after me, should definitely post about this movie.
p.s. Don’t be afraid just cause two other people posted about this
I loveeeee your comment Joe! I totally agree with you on how the penguins are the ones to watch! They are the most hilarious characters in the movie! I couldn’t stop watching the trailer for Madagascar 2 because of how the penguins were so confident in trying to fly the plane. People should definitely watch the movie to relieve their stress and have a good laugh since I’m guessing everyone, like me, is stressful these days due to tons of midterms and papers.
Also, in response to Heajung’s comment on the exhibit “Lizards & Snakes: Alive!” in the Museum of Natural History, although these animals disgust me in real life, I am pretty sure it’ll be exhilarating to have a look at the exhibit. Actually, I was meaning to visit the Mythic Creatures exhibit in the museum, unfortunately, it only lasted until Jan 2008. Next time I’ll be sure to check out new exhibits as soon as possible!
I would HAVE to agree with Joe and Joyce on the comment about Madagascar. The first movie was awesome! It was funny and memorable–one of my favorite movies. The storyline was interesting, definitely a good film to watch with friends and family. Like many others, the penguins were some of the funniest and most lovable characters. I still remember the first time I saw them: one of the penguins said something along the lines of “this is a dreammmm” and like “just smile and wave, boys.” I think the second movie would definitely be a big hit. Coincidentally, I was just talking to my friend about Madagascar today. He told me that there were lots of subliminal messages in the movie. I should keep an eye out when I watch it. The NY Times article makes Escape 2 Africa seem like the penguins have a much bigger role, something I am glad to hear about. Other than the penguins, I still love Marty and Alex! I hope it is as good as I expect. I guess I’ll find out soon-probably Monday (:
I read “Before Obama, There Was Bill Cosby” on the NY Times on Friday. People were saying how the Bill Cosby show, from 1984 to 1992, influenced others to bring Obama to the presidency. The media has affected people in many ways and I would have to agree that the show may have had some impact on the voters. However, I would not place all the credits of Obama being president on the Bill Cosby Show. There are many other aspects that pull viewers away from prejudice and bias. Like Cosby says, “This isn’t something that happened just because of a TV show.” Along with the show, the article mentions Will Smith, Morgan Freeman, and Tiger Woods, and how they helped spread ideas of blacks rising to power. I think it’s a great idea to let these characters take these roles–it should be based on acting rather than racial issues. Even though media isn’t the only thing that influences our perspective and attitude, it certainly plays a big role.
The Cosby Show focuses on a mobile black family, different from the comedies that portray them stereotypically as dysfunctional and problematic. I’m not sure whether the goal was to change how people feel about having a black person as president, but according to Tim Arango, it was certainly successful in this aspect. Entertaining and influential, some people still watch the show today. Either way, I think it’s great that America has finally broken the racial barrier and allowed a black person to become the “most powerful” person in the world. This election brings hope and progress to this country.
As a child, my parents never allowed me to go anywhere near hip hop or rap. They, like many other parents, feared that it would implant negative ideas into my mind. My dad once said, ” I don’t want you running around the house saying, ‘Yo girl so ugly…etc. etc.'” You get the point. So while I was reading the article, “Child’s Garden of Hip-Hop (for Mom to Love, Too), I was surprised to learn that a new children’s book – “Hip-Hop Speaks to Children” is no. 3 on the New York Times children’s best seller list. The various poems, written by celebrities such as Queen Latifah and several less known authors, uses the vernacular of hip-hop to introduce children into the literary world. It proves that hip-hop doesn’t always have to be about drugs, sex and the thug life. Hopefully, parents won’t be so fearful of hip-hop, if books such as this help promote a positive image.
I also read “‘CSI’ Flexes Muscle.” I used to watch CSI three nights a week but had to cut back during the school year. Everyone always made fun of me, commenting that CSI was boring but guess what guys!? CSI had the largest television audience on Thursday night!! Grey’s Anatomy was second (my favorite show). I think I’m just trying to say that I have great taste! =D
Oh, and since every post after Joe’s has to mention Madagascar, I would like to say that…
I also LOVED Madagascar and can’t wait to see the second one!
All the world’s a stage.
“Donation Sends Shakespeare Plays Home to The Globe” was an eye-catching title, kudos to Dave Itzkoff. Apparently John Wolfson has pledged to donate works by Shakespeare and his contemporaries to The Globe Theater in London. We have all had to read Shakespeare at one point or another, so I’m sure this donation is important to your lives (not really). In my experience with Shakespeare, the enjoyment comes from deciphering each word attentively, and examining each sonnet meticulously, reading and rereading ; although that is not to say that I haven’t bad experiences with his works. I always felt that each syllable should be enunciated with the emotion of the character, and having listened to my classmates read aloud lethargically in class raped Shakespeare’s work. My classmates never really cared about performing, and my teachers didn’t hesitate to give their interpretations of the scenes before we really had the chance to analyze it, tainting our perceptions irreparably. However, reading Shakespeare’s words on my own has always been a treat. His ability to craft language that is laced with such emotion is more than just art, it is a timeless voice that echos the soul’s words. This donation will include Shakespeare’s first edition of his plays published in 1623, and I am certain that four hundred years that have passed will not have made a difference in its ability to challenge us and touch our emotions.
I still want to go see “Equus” when I get the chance. My friends have told me that it was good. But, I do not think it is an easy play to understand. Reading the reviews, there seem to be a lot of profound scenes that I would have to think about. I wonder how real it would seem because the humans are playing the horses. I am always at awe at how hard people work for the productions. In the article, it said that one of the people playing the horses had to see a physical therapist because he had to stand like a horse and this strained his legs. This reminds of what I think whenever I see ballerinas. Ballerinas’ dances are so beautiful yet they practice so much and they have to stand on their toes so much that their feet are usually full of scars.
Reading “Prolific Director, Off Off Off Off Broadway”, I was thinking “huh off off off off Broadway? Is this something I have not heard of?”. I thought it was a new kind of theater that has appeared because of the financial crisis. It turned out to be about a director from Chicago. His name is David Cromer. I kind of agree how he says there is too much competition in New York but in the country there is less competition, more places to work and less affected by the financial crisis in theater. But although there is more competition in New York there are more jobs for the greater number of people. Also there is more people to watch all the shows.
“Prolific Director, Off Off Off Off Broadway” really caught my eye in the Friday NYT. It’s about the director David Cromer from Chicago. He had directed two plays “Our Town” and “Come Back Little Sheba” which I actually am familiar with! In high school I had to act out “Our Town” and for once I was happy to know what play is being mentioned in the article. He said that in Our Town” they just made up tings as they went along. I remember that the play wasn’t very restricted in general because it was a rather simple but sad play about life. “Come Back Little Sheba” I saw in high school with my class, but it wasn’t the version Cromer directed. It was a really good play. Both of these play were not commercialized at all. They went into deep and serious issues about life, love, and family. The article said Cromer is very successful but he’s too lazy to come to New York which is a shame because he seems to be very talented in what he does.
I also wanted to comment on Diane’s post about the bad image that hip hip usually gets from people and parents. I think its great they are actually having a book made with various poems written by role models for little kids.
and the postings about Madagascar 2 I can’t wait! Everyone seems to be enthusiastic about it. We might as well make it a class trip haha.
Like Haejung, I read the article, “Finding New Ways to Make the Horses Dance.” The article is about a new play that had just came out called “Equus.” The play seems quite interesting and I would think about watching it. It is definitely a one-of-a-kind show.
The reviewer says that there are six people playing horses throughout the show, but the most unforgettable dance is at the end when the main character stabs several of the horses in the eyes, blinding them. The horses then spring out into a frantic dance. However, the reward of the dance doesn’t sound like it is worth the risk. I would have never really thought that dancing could be so dangerous ¬⎯ especially when you are impersonating a horse⎯ however the article says that the dancers face quite a few injuries. They have 6 pounds of metal hooves, each of which is 9 inches high that they dance with, and after all of these performances, there is at least one dancer mentioned who had to go to physical therapy in order to handle the strains that this dance has put on his body.
“Equus” looks like a very unique and interesting show, one that will entertain you in one way or another. Let’s just hope the dancers can survive their dance long enough to put on a couple more shows.
“My Music, MySpace, My Life” is an article that caught my eyesight in NYT. This is about a country singer Taylor Swift who, to my surprise, is only eighteen. She has been writing and singing songs ever since she was eleven. I was shocked by her determination at such a young age. When she was fourteen years old, she had writing sessions in which she prepared at least 5 solid ideas every time, because she did not want those people to think that they are “writing a song for a 14 year old today.” I also found out that she lives in hotels and tour buses due to her busy schedule. How awful and hard must it be! Singing her hearts out for her fans must be worth every second and minute that she spends traveling around the nation, but I still think that celebrity life can be too harsh for younger generations. I look forward to see her grow as an artist. I like her songs and her voice, despite the genre of her songs, so I am excited to see how much more impact she can make in the music industry.
I am a huge Taylor Swift fan so when I saw Miji’s post, I immediately searched the article and read it for myself. In today’s Daily News, there was also a little brochure about the life of Taylor and her “swift rise.” Most of today’s music contains negative influential messages but Taylor’s music is really clean and has this sweet and innocent feel, which is why I absolutely love her music. However, I’m pretty sure her music appeals more to girls than boys. She also uses the internet to her advantage by constantly updating her myspace page. In this age, this definitely gives her an advantage over older artists, especially since the internet has revolutionized the world and is the social medium for many youths, including myself. I agree with Miji’s feelings towards Taylor Swift. I also admire her determination to get her music out there and not be looked at as a “child.” The one thing that bothers me is that there will soon be Taylor Swift dolls. I’m wondering if she’ll turn into the next Hannah Montana. If she does, I just want to say that I loved her before anyone else!
I’d like to begin by disagreeing with Joe’s assertion in reference to Madagascar, that “The penguins were ones to watch in the first movie.” It is a basic, undeniable truth, that the writer’s intention was to glorify the roles of your aforementioned Lion and his emotional road to self-actualization. What the viewer is directed to take out of the film, the fact that there’s a “little lion in all of us,” is obscured by the bothersome penguins–they provide comic relief when NO comic relief is needed. They are a detriment to the plot, causing it to progress much slower than it otherwise would–the only benefit of these penguins is that they have essentially provided the basis for the film’s sequel, a cash cow that the film’s producer is sure to cash in on. Therefore, it is quite evident that your claim, the one of which I spoke earlier, is entirely false.
That being said, I’d like to comment on the New York Times article humorously entitled “Duck! The Penguins are Flying the Plane,” written by Manohla Dargis. Mr./Mrs. Dargis basically puts forth the claim that although the movie has its redeeming qualities, it fails to put forth a storyline that really has any depth.
What intrigued me most about the article was the author’s mention of the penguins. I, for one, feel that the penguins play an integral role in progressing the plot and that their absence would not only be a minor detriment to the film, but might cause it to fail completely. The penguins are the legs upon which this movie stands, sometimes quite wobbly but nevertheless assuredly.
The author’s description of the film’s plot takes up more than one half of the entire review, which is discouraging for me. Every essay I’ve written in my academic career was constructed with one caveat in mind–“NO PLOT SUMMARY.” Why does this warning seem to be abolished at the professional level? Should people making money to write not obey the fundamental rules of writing?
All things equal, I’m very much looking forward to seeing the new Madagascar film, as I’ve seen the first one with my sister and we both enjoyed it.
I’m really looking forward to seeing the penguins.
Yet again in the art section in the New York Times I see Taylor Swift in “My music, MySpace, My Life”. I’m guessing that she is becoming quite a big name now. During her free time she is either editing videos or updating her MySpace. I didn’t really think musicians actually used their MySpace. Her second album is being released this Tuesday. She has written all her songs. I never even seen her first album out. When she was 11, she started writing songs. Which is quite amazing. At 11, I remember I never liked writing anything. At 18 she has two albums, her music is played not only on country radio stations but also pop music radio stations. She is even compared to Carrie Underwood. Whose music is a cross between country and pop. People are skeptical when a country singer crosses over to pop. I’m not sure what to expect. She’s only 18, so I think that in the future, her music may start to lean towards pop a lot more.
A week ago when I was at Six Flags, I was on the line and on the T.V Taylor Swift was performing her song “Should Have Said No” and it was quite catchy. At the end of her performance, she was on her knees and “rain” was pouring down on stage. It was quite dramatic. She knows how to put on a show.
I have never seen “Madagascar”. I’ve always wanted to, but never had the opportunity or the desire to go out of my way to watch it. But I see the commercial all the time on TV. Is it worth watching? It looks very cute. The cast line up is filled with my favorite comedians. I would hate to watch it and be disappointed. So when I saw the title “Duck! The Penguins Are Flying the Plane” and I see the Madagascar poster, I was a bit confused. The article talked very briefly about the penguins. The article basically just told me the summary of the movie. Now am i excited? Yea, but I would rather be surprised. Maybe I shouldn’t have read this article. Has anyone seen the second movie yet? Does this article ruin it for me? I think I should watch the first before thinking about watching the second.
I used to watch “Married…With Children” when I was a young’n. It was a rather entertaining show, humorous for my young an immature mind. As I grew older, I continued to watch it, but more for a young Christina Applegate than for the aforementioned humor that had long fallen victim to changes in writers and a drawn out story line.
Another of the show’s more redeeming aspects was the casting of Katey Sagal as the mother. Her trademark bright red hair had been embedded in the heart of the show’s viewers since its inception. Not that trademark red hair is gone, as is Peggy Bundy’s charming demeanor.
“Out From Under All That Big Hair” is the aptly titled New York Times article that examines Ms. Sagal’s transition into sheer ruthlessness in the new FX drama “Sons of Anarchy.”
What was most intriguing about the article, in my opinion, was the inclusion of the fact that the show’s executive producer is Sagal’s husband. If I were the author of the article and I decided to include such a fact, my motive behind doing so would be to encourage my readers to be judgmental, to reach the inevitable conclusion that Hollywood is somehow corrupted. I do not, however, feel this was the author’s intention.
The article dealt a lot with Sagal’s personal life. I feel that this has become a recurring theme in all of the New York Times articles I’ve read recently–not enough substance, too much fluff (much like this comment.) The era of analytical review is long gone.
Last week was a historic moment in our nation’s history, with the election of our first African-American president. Despite this landmark win, president-elect Barack Obama still faces many challenges(such as racism) as the 44th president and first black man to fill the executive position. About two decades ago, NBC introduced the show about a middle class black family, the Huxtables, which most likely eased racial attitudes in the U.S. enough to make Obama’s candidacy possible. In “Before Obama, There Was Bill Cosby”, Tim Arango points out that Bill Crosby’s show may very well have been played a role in the country’s embrace of Obama and his family moving into the White House. I remember seeing “The Crosby Show” on Nick At Night when I was younger, flipping through the channels, looking for my favorite cartoons. The family became “America’s family” and not just another black family on primetime TV. Today, after 43 presidents, the US has finally seen a African American rise to the seat of presidency. Often in the movies, the president is depicted as a black man, by actors such as Morgan Freeman, however this portrayal has now become a reality.
Along with what Hea Jung and Walter said about “Equus,” “Finding New Ways to Make the Horses Dance ,” this play seems to be very interesting. Like Walter mentioned, the several “horses” are stabbed and blinded. The protagonist decides to blindfold all six horses. There is also a naked scene. With all these things being very interesting, there is something that caught my attention into possibly wanting to watch this. It is basically the concept. When one thinks about a person acting like a horse, you laugh and joke around. However, this play is something more. Something deeper than any playful animal acting. You are able to get the feel of how the “horses” think and act, especially when the boy has a monologue and speaks into the tape recorder.
Aside from that, it is very interesting towards the end of the article, where the author says, “In the beginning there was a bit of a nervousness about the horses, because they could either make or break the production.” She still decides to refer to these actors as “horses” and not people.
Very interesting, and one to watch out for.
The biggest tragedy of the Arts section is the lack of video game reviews, which are absolutely vital to our lives. Though said in jest, there is a shred of truth in saying that there is a vicarious pleasure found in indulging oneself to a piece of reading that might not necessarily be productive. In this week’s Times, there is a piece of Fallout 3, a post-apocalyptic game that starts from the birth of the character to survival as an adult fending off radioactive creatures. After further investigation, it became apparent that reading this was productive; I can’t think of a single scenario where this knowledge wouldn’t come in handy.
“Mad at Washington? What if It Were Gone?” explores the world of Fallout 3 after a nuclear holocaust. As a critic, Schiesel does a fine job picking out the weaknesses of the game, and its redeeming qualities. Weaknesses such as the fact that the game becomes too easy after a certain level of experience or that the storylines are too short. Strengths such as the interactive environment, and how much can be explored and discovered in this graphically ambitious and surreal game. As a storyteller and narrator, Schiesel should have used more imagery and description of the game to really convey how there are so many explorative opportunities in the game rather than focus on the gameplay and devote only a small paragraph briefly touching on the volume of the content.
As a reader, I would have found it much more entertaining if he examined the game his from perspective as a gamer. The shock moments, the challenges, etc. As a consumer, I think this review sat ambivalently, not causing me to rush out to buy the game nor avoiding it altogether.
Corey, as always, I disagree. It is true that the penguins DO bring comic relief, and I believe that comic relief is needed. Because this kind of movie attracts the younger group of children rather than the adults or young adults, there must be some form of humor. And the penguins are the ones to offer this.
Although I agree that the lion is the most important. This is only because he was MADE the protagonist of the plot. If he were not chosen, and if each animal were given the same amount of play time, then more attention would be on the penguins, and not the lion. Im pretty sure you would agree.
Corey, I would like to pose a question: Who were the ones that made sushi to prevent the ferocious meat loving lion from eating all the animals? Yes, you know the answer.
And also I would like to point out one thing. Corey, if I am not mistaken, your comment contradicts each other. This is a quote from your post, “I, for one, feel that the penguins play an integral role in progressing the plot and that their absence would not only be a minor detriment to the film, but might cause it to fail completely. The penguins are the legs upon which this movie stands, sometimes quite wobbly but nevertheless assuredly.”
Please explain why you think the penguins were not important, but yet you believe they ARE vital to the movie production.
p.s. I love you Corey
I am definitely someone who believes that the Earth is getting warmer, global warming or not. It’s just fact that the polar icecaps are melting. “Yesterday’s Pristine Vistas, Frozen in Time” is about a new exhibition that tries to capture this rapidly disappearing part of our world. “To the Ends of the Earth: Painting the Polar Landscape,” opened Saturday at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, and showcases 50 works by well- and lesser-known artists from countries like Britain and the U.S. Seeing these beautiful renditions of the polar landscape is both awe-inspiring and saddening. It’s discouraging to think that in the future, this rare vista is going to be gone, only to remain in paintings and photos like the ones shown at the exhibit. While there’s still time right now, in the future perhaps the only way to see what the polar scenery was like would be in a museum.
Like Miji and Diane, “My Music, MySpace, My Life” also caught my eye because although it primarily focuses on the life of country singer Taylor Swift, it also explores the issue of how to market to young people in a new, technological world. MySpace and other online social networks are becoming huge venues for relatively unknown artists, and those who want to expand their audience. People almost feel like they can communicate with their favorite artists on an almost interactive level, hearing their voices not as inhuman celebrities, but as people. The article basically talks about Swift’s rise to fame, but also talks about her more people-oriented approach to interacting with her fans – whether it be through MySpace, or by wearing bracelets on stage to throw to the audience. It is definitely an approach that appeals to youths, and it reminds me very much of the approach many young pop stars in Asia take to humanize themselves for a young audience, whether it be through blogs or everyday photos and videos of seemingly ordinary, honest things.
I also read “Techno-Alchemy at the Opera”, which made me really wish that we could have gone to see “Faust” at the Metropolitan Opera. The staging as depicted in the photographs looks beautiful. Like “Doctor Atomic”, “Faust” clearly makes use of a lot of 21st-century advancements and a new, modern mindset to remake an old art form. If I get the chance, I would really like to see it for myself in person – although perhaps maybe not 26 rows back.
I’ve never been a huge fan of Taylor Swift’s yet I still admire the story behind her fame. She basically started out with a small fan following through the popular social networking site, Myspace, and from there her success has now become something far more than she could’ve ever imagined. “My Music, MySpace, My Life” even tells us that much of Swift’s inspiration in songs come from her personal life, forming a semi-intimate effect between Taylor Swift’s audience and herself. As country music’s newest sensation, she has “aggressively used” social networking sites to connect with here fans in the same method that popstars and hip hop artists alike have been utilizing lately. This is quite a surprise since country stars don’t normally turn to this type of networking to get songs out. As a crossbreed between the pop and country genre yet people in the business know that while an indie rocker is trying to break into the pop genre, any country star attempting to pop can almost be shunned.Taylor is one of the music business’s rare treats, fresh, energetic and talented.
In the Sunday Times I read “Finding New Ways to Make the Horses Dance.” The stunning circle of horses, played by actors, plays at the end of “Equus.” The main character stabs the eyes of some of the horses. I agree with Walter of how this form of dancing is dangerous because some of the actors have to go to a physical therapist for injuries endured during this production. As if the dancing is not hard enough, I wonder how they have move with the metal hoofs and masks. The costume is almost so suffocating to the point where I begin to wonder if all this hard work is worth it.
I also read “Yesterday’s Pristine Vistas, Frozen in Time.” An exhibit called “To the Ends of the Earth: Painting the Polar Landscape” displays polar landscape paintings. It is really sad that glaciers existed at one point during the period of exploration and now many years later because of humans who do not care much about the environment, they are almost gone completely. Glaciers add to the art and beauty of the environment, one that people can stand and marvel at when they go on these daring expeditions. It seems like now there is no more real nature in this world because many tree forests are being demolished for urban developments and now the glaciers are turning to slush. It is a shame that along with the loss of these glaciers we also lose exotic forms of life as well, ones that are not common and are art in their own ways because they cannot be encountered on a daily basis. Like Allison said, it would be devastating to discover what polar scenery was like in a museum since it is the only place it would survive.
In the Friday Times I read “Techno-Alchemy at the Opera.” The grand opening of “Damnation de Faust” at the Metropolitan Opera brings a whole new technological perspective to the arena. The infrared lights, digital projectors, and cameras all would give the show a more modern feel since we are living in an age where new technology innovations occur often.
I also read “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa.” I never saw the first movie, but the descriptions of all the characters seem very appealing. It is like being a kid again and not having to be serious for once. I will definitely go and see this movie if I have the chance to.
From the Sunday NYT, I found “Between Hell and Heaven, a World of Morphing Imagery” it is a new opera that being performed at Metropolitan Opera and like Sophia I wished we could see this too because in the article they make everything sound magical with people and things transforming. Also the picture of the stage of a women’s face really caught my attention. I would have been delighted to see what special effects this opera was going to have.
Another interesting article was “Flagging ‘Heroes’ Attempts Self-Rescue”. Although I’ve only seen heroes about once or twice I know a lot of people love the show. I assumed it was doing well but it seems that the viewer ratings for have dropped 20 % for that show. However if any improvement does show its possible that “Heroes” will be gone by May. The trouble from Heroes are the “confusing plotlines, scattered characters, questionable leaps in logic” that the article states. Since the writers have failed to address these problems people are losing interest. Ironically only 8.3 million watch it when it actually shows, another 2 million record the episode which actually means it’s not as unpopular as it seems. Overall I hope the show goes well otherwise a lot of people will be getting fired.
An interesting article was the one entitled “My Music, MySpace, My Life “, about country singer Taylor Swift. Currently one of country’s most popular singers, she is changing the industry through the mediums she uses to connect with her fans. Unlike many popular stars, she doesn’t travel with an entourage, and often takes the time to actually talk to her fans. She also periodically updates her Myspace page. The newsworthy thing about Taylor Swift is that she is one of the few country singers, alongside the likes of Shania Twain and Lee Ann Womack, who is experiencing a degree of pop success. Plastic dolls have been made in her figure, and her songs top not only Billboard’s Top 100 list, but also Hot’s Top 100 list. Swift herself, however, plans to stick mostly with country music. I personally enjoy Swift’s music a lot, and I hope she is successful in becoming a long-lasting star.
A more recent article, “Advertise on NYTimes.com
Exploring Old Rome Without Air (or Time) Travel,” is about Google’s creation of a “digital elaboration of some 7,000 buildings recreating Rome circa A.D. 320, at the height of Constantine’s empire, when more than a million inhabitants lived within the city’s Aurelian walls”. Users of Google Earth can virtually explore the city on their computers. The project was originally meant to be shown as a video in theaters, but the project managers decided in 2007 to put it online so that it would be available to anyone. The 3D city will become available on Wednesday, and I will definitely be downloading Google Earth to check it out. Digital technology just gets more and more creative, and I always find it amazing to see how much we’ve already progressed in the past two decades.
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