Archive for the ‘Entertainment’ Category
Monday Music
March 8th, 2010
It was a pleasure to watch Celtic Thunder on our local PBS network this past weekend.
Not only were their voices magnificent but their performance was surprisingly diversified as exhibited in the videos below:
Lots of fun and highly recommended for viewing!
Posted in 
Enjoy!
October 23rd, 2009
Timeless entertainment.
James Cagney, Mickey Rooney, and Judy Garland perform Yankee Doodle Dandy.
Behind Prison Walls
June 8th, 2009
While a career in the arts can provides rewards which are unique, heartbreak is also in abundance.
Artist’s of all ages struggle to have their work publicly displayed. Small town theater used as a stepping stone to the big time offers false hope but for a few.
Those who focus on music and dance may find that the competition is fierce when auditioning for employment.
Given all of this, those with the capacity to entertain others through their work have a gift. They provide an escape from the normalcy of everyday life.
Art has the ability to touch peoples souls and bring great joy to those participating in its beauty.
The story and video below are a perfect example of what can be accomplished when, even those who never knew they had artistic ability, or envisioned themselves entertaining others, become involved in the arts:
Rehabilitation Through The Arts started in Sing Sing in 1996 to help fill the gap left by funding cuts in higher education in prisons. Today, RTA operates in 6 men’s and women’s prisons in New York State.
RTA offers workshops in theatre, dance, poetry, visual art, playwriting, improvisation, modern dance, scene study, Shakespeare study and vocal training.
RTAs creative arts program improves literacy, communication, presentation and problem solving skills; increases self-confidence and self-discipline, respect for self and others; improves relationships with peers, family and prison staff, understanding of group collaboration, team building, peer tolerance and non-violent conflict resolution.
Here’s a brief example of a practice session provided by RTA:
The overcrowding and budgetary concerns of many prisons throughout the country would no doubt dictate the implementation of such programs, but one would hope that in the future they would extend far beyond New York.
What A Delightful Way To Begin The Weekend
May 22nd, 2009
Boy, talk about a picture screaming to be shared with movie buffs everywhere.
Click here to read the terrific post at Big Hollywood from which I shamelessly lifted this gathering of stars. (Thanks to Dave Konig)
Britain’s Got Talent Does It Again
April 20th, 2009
Not being a fan of reality shows, I would have missed out on a couple of very enjoyable performances if it were not for the internet and YouTube.
First the Susan Boyle story (which The Anchoress has told with more zest than any other I have read), and now this young man goes out and rocks the stage:
(Note: Be certain to view Shaheen Jafargholi’s entire performance as what you see initially is not the whole story)
Well done, young man!
Who knows if the producers or the judges have any motives in mind when these contestants are presented, and frankly, it should not matter.
What matters is that their talent has been discovered and unleashed for all of us to enjoy.
HT:Hot Air
The Journey From YouTube To Carnegie Hall
April 20th, 2009
Music is the universal language of mankind. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
If proof were required that the above quote by Longfellow was true, than these musicians would be it.
Imagine recording a YouTube video showcasing your talent and the next thing you know you are performing at Carnegie Hall.
Several months ago, YouTube launched a creatively collaborative, music-making experiment and competition that called on the site’s users to upload videos of themselves performing a piece of music by renowned Chinese composer Tan Dun.
The resulting uploads were viewed and voted on by fans and YouTube assembled the 90 winners into the first-ever YouTube Symphony Orchestra.
The ‘world premiere’ of the meta-mashup YTSO performance is now viewable online, however, this user-generated orchestra’s real-life musicians will also have the unique opportunity to perform live at Carnegie Hall in New York City on April 15th.
[Snippets of the performance begin at 4 minute mark]
A Weekend Treat
April 18th, 2009
Kimsch has posted another Susan Boyle must see at Musing Minds.
Don’t miss this one!
Dreams Are Meant To Be Followed
April 13th, 2009
Check out the link in the paragraph below from this post at The Anchoress.
Meanwhile – I couldn’t embed this, but do yourself a favor and go watch Susan Boyle sing on Britain’s Got Talent. She’s um…eccentric and surprising. You’ll be glad you watched.
Not only is it “eccentric and surprising,” it is inspiring as well.
And We Live Where?
April 6th, 2009
Here’s a little something from the fair, balanced, unbiased media.
Caution:
You may find it a bit disturbing depending on your feelings toward America.
Video credit: Townhall
How sickening that an entertainer such as Mr. Matthews would assume that the citizens of this country should accept this insult.
Remember the American Flags with Barack Obama’s face plastered on them? In case you have forgotten, here’s a little reminder:
There was nary a word uttered by the incoming leader of the free world at the time about how our Stars and Stripes should not be desecrated in such a fashion.
Is it any surprise that there has be no denouncement from the administration of Matthews statement? Sadly, the answer is no. That would take humility, and an understanding of those who take offense at their nation being labeled as one of not a democracy, but of leader worship (dictatorship).
Think about it, “The United States of Obama,”..say it a few times and wonder out loud exactly what the implications are of a journalist using such words without correction.
Perhaps it’s just another of those little things those of us not caught up in the mania which currently exists just don’t understand. I for one know I never will.
67 And Still Going Strong
March 25th, 2009
Had a very busy day today but did not want to let it go by without acknowledging the birthday of the Queen of Soul.
Be it 1970 as in the video below, or today, Aretha Franklin has a voice which is recognized by just about everyone:
Let’s Go To The Movies
March 3rd, 2009
If you are a fan of the film industry and have watched many a good flick over the years, you might enjoy the videos below.
Memorable movie quotes compiled by the American Film Institute:
Bits Of This And That
February 7th, 2009
Free entertainment from Amazon. Kate has the details.
*New Website*. Check out the Conservative Underground.
The Word of the Week award goes to Jules Crittenden:
Bi-Schmartisanmanship
Just try and say that three times fast!
This is when Hollywood cared less for politics and more for country:
Thanks to John Nolte at Big Hollywood for locating and sharing this wonderful video.
Jennifer Rubin captures in the title of this post exactly how I believe many of us are feeling.
Have a terrific weekend all!
Sing It Ladies!
August 16th, 2008
Pearl Bailey and Dinah Shore team up for an (unusual) rendition of “Mack the Knife.”
(Two seconds or so of interference and then great quality)
What do Jimmy Dean, Elections And Western Movies Have In Common?
June 23rd, 2008
This parody of Jimmy Dean’s Big John was produced by the “Texans for John Cornyn”. touting the Senator’s campaign for re-election: HT:Hot Air
Rather enjoyable as campaign ads go I suppose, but even better is this video which is a tribute to a true “Big John.”
A Children’s Television Treasure
June 20th, 2008
There are many, many children who cut their teeth, so to speak, on Sesame Street.
Heck, there are lots of adults I have known over the years who have gotten one of the catchy tunes performed by those crazy Muppets stuck in their head for days on end. Those who know me well would say I have been guilty of attempting to sing a few of them myself.
Today when reading this article it took me aback though. Has it really been that long?
NEW YORK, June 20 (UPI) — The U.S. children’s TV program “Sesame Street” announced it will welcome its first Indian-American cast member when its 39th season begins this summer.[emphasis-mine]
The character Leela is described as someone who embraces her heritage and culture as she begins her new life in the neighborhood, working in the laundromat next to Hooper’s Store. The show said she enjoys singing, dancing and helping her friends on “Sesame Street.”
Thirty-nine years young..that is what this show has maintained throughout the years, and those of us who have had young children in our midst over those years or even for brief periods of these episodes will no doubt remember a few of the following clips:
Back to the adult world tomorrow but for now I’d like to pass along one of my favorite scenes from Sesame Street which was used many times over as a teaching tool for the alphabet.
Jim Henson would be proud that after all these years his creation is still going strong.
Have a great weekend all and hope this brings out a bit of the child in all of you or at the very least stirs up one or two fond memories.
A Terrific Show For Those Who Enjoy Movies
June 18th, 2008
Last evening CBS ran a special offered by the AFI which listed their selection of the top ten movies in ten categories.
As they covered “Courtroom Movies” I could think of many which might qualify, but this scene from the original version of Twelve Angry Men, one of the winners, stands out in my opinion as one of the best ever:
What powerful life lessons are portrayed by these fine actors.
There were many classic and more recent films honored on the program and by following the links available at CBS you are afforded all the choices of the American Film Institute.
All Bit Of Blues (Brothers That Is), A Lot of Soul
June 17th, 2008
Loved this movie and Aretha stole the show in this scene.
Just a little something to [hopefully] bring a smidgen of enjoyment to your day.
A Must See For Frank Sinatra Fans
June 6th, 2008
An official website dedicated to Frank and his music is now available here.
I had the pleasure of seeing Sinatra live just one time and there was not one moment of disappointment as his performance was tremendous.
Below is one of my personal favorites.
I hope you enjoy, “My Way.”
HT: Glenn Reynolds
The “Tonight Show” Hosts Two Very Special Guests
May 23rd, 2008
First Lady Laura Bush and her newlywed daughter Jenna Bush-Hager were guests on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Thursday night.
Music Loses A True Gentleman
May 8th, 2008
Growing up there was always a lot of country music and Sinatra in our house. Eddy Arnold was one of my folks favorite entertainers and through that “music education” he also became one of mine.
Mr. Arnold passed away today at the age of almost 90 but not before he brought much joy to those who for many years admired his music.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – entertainmentminute Eddy Arnold, whose mellow baritone on songs like “Make the World Go Away” made him one of the most successful country singers in history, died Thursday morning, days short of his 90th birthday.
Arnold died at a care facility near Nashville, said Don Cusic, a professor at Belmont University and author of the biography “Eddy Arnold: I’ll Hold You in My Heart.” His wife of 66 years, Sally, had died in March, and in the same month, Arnold fell outside his home, injuring his hip.Arnold’s vocals on songs like the 1965 “Make the World Go Away,” one of his many No. 1 country hits and a top 10 hit on the pop charts, made him one of the most successful country singers in history.
Folksy yet sophisticated, he became a pioneer of “The Nashville Sound,” also called “countrypolitan,” a mixture of country and pop styles. His crossover success paved the way for later singers such as Kenny Rogers.
‘ John Adams’…Absolutely Spectacular
March 17th, 2008
What a superb job HBO has done in both casting and producing “John Adams.”
Watching the first two episodes was akin to traveling back in time to join with those who forged the independence of this country.
Having visited Independence Hall and the surrounding historic area of Philadelphia many times, it was easy to imagine these gentlemen within those hallowed halls.
The breathtaking scenery and period costuming provided authenticity which I don’t believe I have ever witnessed in any of the historical documentaries I have viewed in the past. Wonderful..just wonderful.
The USPS has made available for viewing original letters written by both John and Abigail Adams. They lend such insight into the struggles both encountered in the face of freedom. (Scroll down to the bottom of the page for access.) I found them to be fascinating reading and another glimpse into the birth of a nation.
HBO deserves to be congratulated on this endeavor and the brilliant work of David McCullough and Tom Hanks are to be applauded.
I know where I will be on all Sunday evenings through the completion of this excellent programming. To all involved in this brilliant walk through history, I say, Bravo!
Enjoy
March 15th, 2008
The smooth country voice of George Jones and photography blended together to provide that escape we all need once in a while.
President Bush in Rare Form
March 11th, 2008
Give a listen to President Bush perform his own rendition of the “Green, Green, Grass of Home.”
I only wish we could see him clearly (more than that I would have loved to have been there.)
Sure to make you laugh (or at least smile) regardless of your political preference.
Enjoy!
HT: Macsmind where I first viewed a similiar video which prompted me to check if there was a longer version.
One of those “Oh boy, that was well done” moments
February 26th, 2008
It’s fun, entertaining and adds a bit of history all at once.
Check out, “We Didn’t’ Start The Fire.”
HT:Lucianne
Thursday Entertainment
January 24th, 2008
This weeks choice to showcase the arts is no other than Gene Kelly.
He had an effortless mastery of the art of dance which will be showcased for generations to come.
This weeks pick in honor of the Arts
January 17th, 2008
When you discover a form of art which has its own natural beauty, it has the ability to mesmerize and sometimes astound you.
Here is a bit of background on the China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe.
In the 15 days after Spring Festival, Tai Lihua, a dancer with the China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe, accepted interviews from 85 various media outlets. On her busiest day, Tai met with 15 media.
What brought the 29-year-old dancer so much media attention was her performance in “The Thousand-handed Goddess of Mercy,” a dance routine presented by 21 deaf and mute dancers during CCTV’s popular Spring Festival Gala Show on February 8. Tai was the lead dancer of the piece. Because of the nature of the dance, most of the time Tai’s face was the only one the audience could see.
As lead dancer and captain of the team, Tai has become a representative of the troupe and her fellow dancers.
“I hope people can still look at me with ordinary eyes,” Tai said. “I hope instead that more attention can be given to disabled people who need help.”
When Tai uses sign language to answer questions with an interpreter, she can also be heard murmuring common spoken language. And part of what she says can be understood.
The interpreter explained that ordinary people hear sounds at about 15 decibels, Tai can hear sounds at 95 decibels, classifying her as seriously hearing impaired.
“Apart from not being able to hear, my life is just like any other person’s,” Tai said. “What’s more, I can better concentrate when I do things. No matter how chaotic the outside world is, my world is as still as water.”
Here is their beautiful performance.
Two Hands, Many Beautiful Images
January 7th, 2008
Finding art in practically all forms interesting, I’ve now added this mans talents to my list.
I hope you enjoy Raymond Crowe in this exhibition of Hand Shadow Art.
Somewhere he is probably still singing
December 12th, 2007
In honor of what would have been his 92nd Birthday, I chose this Christmas piece by Frank Sinatra for your listening pleasure.
Smoke, Mirrors and Brass Tacks, Part II