Music Break: Jazzanova

So sayeth Wikipedia:

Jazzanova is a German Berlin-based DJ/producer collective consisting of Alexander Barck, Claas Brieler, Jürgen von Knoblauch, Roskow Kretschmann, Stefan Leisering, and Axel Reinemer. Formed in 1995, the group is one of the foremost proponents of the nu-jazz, chillout and jazz house styles of music associated with record labels such as Compost Records and Sonar Kollektiv. They have also experimented with Latin jazz, which can be heard on the song "Tres Bien"...

Their latest release is the studio album Of All The Things, released on October 21st 2008.

Most of Jazzanova's tunes (like my personal favorite "Behold These Days") is relaxing and exemplifies the chillout genre. Yet the video below for "I Can See" is uplifting and a great song in anticipation of the springtime bloom.

Ingrate

I cannot believe that it has been nearly four months since I've written an entry here. In this span I've penned a few hundred entries here, yet I've kept this poor blog in terrible shape. I mean, I could dribble on and on and on about why I've abandoned my personal blog but in all honesty it's not worth it. I'm just not in the mood to recall all the personal struggles of the past few months. (This partially explains why I tend to postpone appointments to see my shrink).

So why am I posting today? You see, this morning I found the following video of a recent talk show appearance by Louis C.K. Superficially, his rant seems like an anti-technology speech. Beyond the surface, however, it examines how society takes certain things for granted. It's a sentiment I've known far too well lately and it's one that I must correct.

I cannot keep repeating the same mistakes. The sooner I correct them the better I, and my loved ones, will be.

Apertura

I’m now watching the repeat of this morning’s Opening Ceremonies from Beijing. I’ve yet to glimpse at how the cauldron was lit but I’m sure it was done beautifully if the artistry of the first part of the ceremony was indication.

So far the coverage on NBC is in the final third of the march of nations; I really wish Matt Lauer and Bob Costas would not be so chatty and let the images speak for themselves. (I felt this way especially when the Venezuelan delegation came out and all they could do was launch these smartass quips about Hugo Chavez. Trust me, I’m not a Chavista and I tend to disagree with his initiatives. But please give me a break with the whole “tee hee, he moved the clocks forward by thirty minutes” remarks).

Regarding the Olympics, I feel pretty neutral and blasé over the Games this year; part of it is due to the difficulty in watching the events live and part of it is due to the whole human rights controversy. The only sport I’m truly passionate about is the U.S. participation in soccer which explains why I woke up at 4:30 in the morning yesterday to watch the U.S.-Japan match. Otherwise I feel pretty “meh” about the whole affair.

This brings me to the inimitable wisdom of Eddie Izzard. “Stoned Olympics?” Yes please!

Ads, ads, ads: Negativity

Which one of these ads is worse, dear reader?

Obama on McCain:


McCain on Obama:

It's a tough call; they both stink.

The only enjoyable opera

If only all opera were this interesting then I would try to go to the Met more often:

Five Alive: “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” in Colombia

Video link.

Two weeks ago, the second episode of the current season of “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” visited Colombia. Naturally, the episode was a cannot-miss event at home and we huddled around the living room TV to watch the program. We all enjoyed it and were glad that he visited the country.

Admittedly, I should’ve written this up within 24 hours of the first airing of the program. Foolishly, I lost my notes and didn’t recover them until but a few minutes ago as I was organizing some papers in the pig pen that is my bedroom.

With twenty minutes to go before the next episode (Uruguay!) here’s a quick rundown of my impressions of No Reservations en mi madrepatria.

1. The only section that disturbed me was at the beginning when he discusses that Colombia was not the cesspool of violence that it once was and that sadly continues to stereotype the country. Nevertheless, in his info he oversimplifies the decrease in violence of the cartels yet includes the paramilitaries as among those who have been “pushed back.” Understandably the show is not a political forum and some notes have to be presented in simple terms. Yet the “peace process” which led to the dissolution of the country’s main paramilitary organization was flawed and there are some who have retaken to the armed struggle. (See: Aguilas Negras). Compared to the rest of the program this was a minor gripe, however.
2. With that said kudos to Bourdain and co. for heading off the beaten track and not focusing on the typical tourist traps. To see him wander the Cartagena market, travel to an impoverished island (Tierra Bomba) across from the affluent section of Cartagena, and visit the comunas in Medellin as a refreshing sight. Despite not trekking to Bogota or Cali, for instance, his enthusiasm to discover the distinct was rewarding.
3. I was shocked that Bourdain didn’t mention President Alvaro Uribe during the entire program. I was convinced before the program that he would hop on the Uribe bandwagon and throw him at least a crumb or two of named praise. Instead, the only politico he mentioned was Medellin mayor Sergio Fajardo who was key in the city’s “unbelievable transformation” during the post-Escobar period. While Uribe’s accolades are deserved (for the most part) it detracts from the efforts of deserving local leaders like Fajardo.
   
4. Good god the food was mouthwatering! Calentado, emapanadas, and chorizo were just a few of the divine dishes and tasty treats he encountered throughout the program. I couldn’t help but chuckle at his amazement over the massive portions given during each meal; a quality of Colombian cuisine that even caught me off guard during my first visit to Colombia as an adult in 2003.
   
5. Finally, it was touching to notice Bourdain’s amazement at Colombia at the end of the program. “I hope I’ve gained a reason for optimism” he said; a sentiment that is shared by those who wish to see everlasting peace and prosperity reach Colombia after what seems like eons of lost potential and bloodshed. “It’s the people that make the place,” he mentioned in closing, and it is those people who break stereotypes and strive daily for a better future.

Patriotism or poor taste in Peru?

Lady Godiva eat your heart out:

Leysi Suarez, a Peruvian showgirl and dancer for Alma Bella band made international headlines when a naked picture of her on top of the Peruvian flag was published on the cover of a magazine…

While she initially affirmed there was nothing wrong with what she had done and stated she would do it again saying she loved Peru and would show it with her "body and soul", she has changed her mind and retracted her statements.
After Peru's Minister of Defense, Antero Flores-Araoz assigned the case to a public prosecutor and announced that charges would be pressed against Leysi, the Peruvian dancer has stated she is truly sorry.

BBC News covered the scandal surrounding Suarez’ snapshots in this video including interviewing the magazine’s editor who defended his decision.

The more intriguing video is the following were Peruvians on the street are asked which is more “offensive” – Suarez or a pair of “corrupt” legislators. (My favorite reply is about 1:30 in where a gentleman explains that “the lady isn’t offensive but her intentions are”).

Perhaps in 2011 Peruvians can enjoy the best of both worlds if former soccer cheerleader and TV presenter Shirley Cherres becomes congresswoman!

My p.o.v. - it is more than obvious that Suarez sought (and found) her 15 minutes of fame via the controversial photoshoot. (The term "attention whore" comes to mind, with all due respect to Suarez).

At the same time, Peru's government needs to focus on the bigger issues that need to be tackled such as an angry opposition, neighbor pains, and plummeting presidential popularity. Minister Flores-Araoz should zip it and stick to doing his job competently.

Charlie Haden

The soothing styles of Charlie Haden and co. are perfect at a time like this as I wrap up my work, settle into the evening, and calm down before heading to bed:

That hits the spot. Like a glass of warm milk.

The mayor's wife

After yesterday's downer of a post I was desperately in need of a good, cheap laugh. Thankfully an old favorite- "Reno 911!"- came to the rescue:

And I'm proud to be an American (wierdo)

I figured I ought to take a head start in celebrating the Fourth of July:

Note the band's diversity. (Sorry, lame quip).

Manu is the man!

It's been a looooooooong time since I've written here. Why such a delay? The usual suspects are to blame (e.g. thesis, "work") though my health has been kind of iffy lately. Thankfully I've been working harder in order not to be swamped and playing catch-up. The toll is that blogging here and even there has taken less of a role. I had to readjust my priorities and in doing so blogging dropped down several rungs of the ladder.

So why am I blogging tonight even though I'm supposed to wake up in five hoursand I could really use the rest? Just to wish a very happy birthday to Manu Chao and because his music has helped pick me up when I need a quick boost late at night or in the pre-dawn hours. Just watch this and perhaps you'll see what I mean:

p.s. Apologies for the terribly corny post title!

Vids, vids, vids!: Interview with Thomas Lennon

"Reno 911!" is one of the most recurring topics on this sad, sad blog of mine (Exhibit A, B, C, D). Naturally I haven't missed an episode and I'm keen on the fifth season; for example, I absolutely love the faux-PSAs in Spanish. Admittedly, there are times that the plots and stories become a little predictable yet the way the cast handles the different siuations remains as quite a sight to behold.

With that said, I found the following video roughly two weeks ago. It's a neat interview with actor/writer/"cop"-in-short-shorts Thomas Lennon where he reveals a few interesting tidbits about the show and other projects past and future.

And yes, he looks tre bien in the Morrissey tee!

Airiel

My hand was still bothering me today which is why I’m going to link to a video tonight. I think I’ll try icing my hand up tomorrow morning before it gets puffier and more painful. The last thing I want to do is visit my doctor; I’m thankful that have good health insurance yet I really need to play catch-up after pretty much taking last week off.

Airiel is a Chicago-based shoegazer outfit that I adore listening to. (I’ve previously professed my love for shoegazer music here). The following video is of them singing “Thinktank” at a ’07 gig in Lima, Peru. The clip is pretty damned loud and there are annoying strobe lights but I could listen to that music all day.

Boo

I'm too sleepy to blog anything above 100 words tonight. Hence, I'll play it lazy and merely post the below video. It describes how I was feeling late last night. (Maybe I'll explain why tomorrow).

Bert and Ernie on Clinton and Obama

I don't like to cross-post with The Latin Americanist but I can't help myself on this occasion:

It’s silly.

It’s juvenile.

It has no direct relation to Latin American affairs.

Yet it’s funny:

For the record, I’m not gung-ho on any of the presidential candidates.

(Hat tip: Wonkette).

A New Era for the Disabled

Today an international treaty aimed at improving the lives of disabled people around the world went into effect. I will discuss this in further detail on Monday, but not without mentioning that I sincerely hope that the convention can help those achieve the equality that they so richly deserve. It may not have a huge impact for my generation though I have faith that it will for future generations to come.

(Video link):

New year, new video

For the past few days I've been trying to come up with a solid topic for the first post of this year. Should I focus on my thesis work? Maybe I ought to go on a diatribe over the problems with Access-A-Ride? Perhaps I could discuss the new season of Reno 911! What about how I've gained a few pounds instead of beng more weight-concious?

For today, however, I'm going to play it lazy and post a video. In honor of Groundhog Day, here's "One Meat Brawl":

One Meat Brawl
Uploaded by klangley

(Hat tip)

The genius of Oscar Niemeyer

I hate to post video clips two days in a row and I especially don't like to do memes. But I'm still feeling funky and ill (as in sick not cool). Hence, I'm going to play it easy for this post.

Earlier tonight as I was messing around on Wikipedia I found that famed Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer will celebrate his 100th birthday tomorrow. Since I just celebrated my 28th birthday yesterday it led me to think of what I've accomplished, my potential, and the hope that I won't be facing a mid-life crisis sometime in the next dozen years. (I'll probably get into more detail over those things tomorrow).

Anyway, below is a trailer of a 2007 documentary on Oscar Niemeyer which features his work, inspiration from his native Rio de Janeiro, and interviews with the likes of Chico Buarque. I wrote about it today on The Latin Americanist, but it's worth repeating here on my personal blog.

Genius may take on many forms; in the case of Oscar Niemeyer, it is evident in his sketches and the many buildings that carries his vision.

(Video link):

Woody and the bookstore

Ugh.

That's how I've felt today.

Bland. Sickly. Ennui.

And on my birthday, no less!

Ugh.

I've been trying to cheer up a bit by watching YouTube clips of some of my favorite films like The Party and Sleeper.

This scene from Bananas made me laugh the most, partly since a similar experience happened to me eons ago. Yet right now I'm not in the most energetic state to describe it. Thus, here it is courtesy of the inimitable Woody Allen:

The Fun Fair

I've been a little too irresponsible blogging here which is why I aim to do double posts this weekend. Hopefully my arms won't detach from their sockets by Sunday evening!

The following video is a small preview of one of the topics I'll write about over the weekend.