Bridges and Lebowski in NYC

It is a major week for Jeff Bridges fans and Jeff Lebowski fans alike. The former just released his self-titled debut album. The latter is a fictional character of course, brought to life in the Coen Brothers’ film “The Big Lebowski” which is celebrating its 10^th anniversary with a Blu-ray DVD release.

Lebowski Fest, which originated in Kentucky, is also taking place in NYC this week where fans come dressed as their favorite characters,  or, the characters they most aptly resemble. There was no shortage of Walters, Dudes, Maudes and Jesuses at Chelsea Piers last night where the first night of Lebowski Fest kicked off with a bowling party. Go to the Lebowski Fest website to find out when the fest is happening in your town.

Walking into a bowling alley filled with multiple versions of the film’s characters probably elicits the same brain activity that is found in a child entering the Harry Potter exhibit. It’s magical. In a more fortunate magic place, a White Russian wouldn’t cost $9 but, still, with unlimited bowling, a costume contest and trivia at a reasonable price, I was able to abide and purchase a few.

Unlike most places in NYC, the LF crowd isn’t clicquish. Arriving late with only one other friend in tow, I had to find a lane so I could roll. I ended up with the cable repair man and a couple of other guys. The crowd was diverse despite their likemindedness and from all parts of the US (Iowa, California, Oregon to name a few). The real Liam was there too.

Tonight marks night two of Lebowski Fest and it is going to be as epic as the film has become. Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore and John Turturro will participate in a Q&A before the screening of the film. This reunion is an historic one, man.

And, let’s not forget about Jeff Bridges’ album featuring original songs and covers. The stand out for this listener is “Maybe I Missed the Point” written by John Goodwin. Rosanne Cash and Ryan Bingham appear on the album. Bingham, you might remember, wrote (with T-Bone Burnett) and performed “The Weary Kind”, Crazy Heart’s burdensome theme. Burnett produced this effort and out of 4-stars, I give it a solid 3 as a critic but 4 as a fan of an artist of whom I could not be a greater admirer. “Falling Short”, written by Bridges is another track to pay attention to, especially since he penned it himself.

This is a great week to be in NYC, to be a fan of Bridges and Lebowski, man.

The Help

If I recommend "The Help", I have to recommend both the film and the book (by Kathryn Stockett). I think the film is more entertaining if the book is read first if only for the experience of knowing ahead of time about the "terrible-awful" housekeeper Minny (Octavia Spencer) committed. When I first read the book, I thought about how that particular scene would be executed in a film and  it was done even better than I imagined.
I'm not saying with the scene entails because I do not want to spoil a delicious (maybe that is a poor word choice?) scene for any one who has not read the book. Anyone who has will know exactly what I mean.
The book and film look at the stories of black domestic workers in Jackson, Mississippi before the Civil Rights Movement disallowed segregation. Jim Crow, "separate but equal" ideas and prejudiced behavior were rampant. Skeeter (Emma Stone), a recent college graduate returns home to Jackson to find that the woman who raised her (not her mother but her black nanny) was no longer working for the family, the friends she grew up with have gotten married and essentially become their own mothers and that she has aspirations for greatness. She is too humble to be searching for fame but she wants to be a writer in New York City. In a rejection letter from Harper Row, she ignores the part that says she does not have the job and instead embraces the part that says she has potential and needs experience. She looks for the experience at the local newspaper where she begins writing the housekeeping advice column. On the encouragement of the editor at Harper Row, Skeeter decides to write about Jackson from the perspective of the nannies and what they think and feel in raising white children. What comes, through struggle, are striking stories that though fiction somehow ring remarkably true.
The Help is unique in talking about the South and America during what is still a very difficult and disconcerting period of our history, from the perspective of the people who were marginalized. Granted, many African-Americans have been critical of this story because ultimately there was still a white character at the center of it but I think they are missing the point. The result is one of the only black-centric films of the year and a story that brings new faces to a new generation. I wish The Help was part of the curriculum when I was in school and I wish that for more than one reason.
Skeeter no doubt got her persistence from Constantine, her nanny, who truly gave her value when her mother only and it seems unknowingly worked to strip that value away. In fact, this is the second theme in the book, after the obvious one regarding race.
Abeline (Viola Davis), the first nanny to speak to Skeeter and the narrator of the film, provides what to me are the most important words of dialogue in the film or the book, when she speaks to Mae Mobley the chubby little girl she takes care of as her mother touches her maybe once a day and it otherwise too busy to be bothered.
Every day, Abey tells little Mae Mobley, "You is kind. You is smart. You is important." She instills value in the girl. This is value beyond the way she looks. This is the same thing Constantine did for Skeeter. The most poignant and tear-engaging parts of the film were those where a young girl was given self-worth. They are those moments where some people in the audience may be realizing their own self-worth.
I think this story, if allowed, can change people. It can change people's relationships with children, change the way children are raised and change again the way people see color. For me, this story was ultimately about valuing each other as human beings and moving past the visible surface. It is still hard to believe there was a time when the color of one's skin was more important than the content of their character. It is hard to believe even now but only a two weeks ago a racial comment was made by a Congressman against our President.
The Help is a work of fiction, yes. The Help is also thought provoking, tear-jerking and beautifully cast.
Viola Davis stops the air in the room at times. She is perfect. Remember her brief but impacting role in Doubt? Be thankful that she is on the screen so much more of the time in The Help. The entire cast deserves mention and all I can do it implore you to see it. Oh, and when you do, don't skimp on the tissues!

Bob Dylan Is 70

Dylan Portrait in Apartment

An unexpected highlight of my recent trip to London occurred when I noticed a sign outside an art gallery in Bath. Bob Dylan's art was in that gallery and being from the United States where Mr. Dylan does not show or sell his art, I had never seen one of his works in person.
Even now, I wonder if I should have just broken the bank and purchased a picture that was there on that wall but I did not and given my current status of employ that was the best decision. I did however stand before the wall that displayed his work and stare. I was awestuck. I was choked up and welled up. And, I knew that for a moment I was very lucky. How did I happen by this place? I got lost looking for a Jane Austen store and to get lost in such a small city, one must either be filled with the wanderlust that only being in a fantastic location with a camera to the eye most of the time or from being a bit capricious in navigating the town via road sign rather than map. I assure any reader that either may have been true that day. Regardless, I felt incredibly lucky because there were so many circumstances that led to me arriving there at that specific time.
The person at the gallery (owner) and I spoke about Dylan for nearly 20 minutes and it was one of the liveliest conversations I had on the trip. 
As mentioned, I did not buy a Dylan work that day. I did however buy his entire collection! I bought a book. Though it weighs less pounds than it cost, it could not travel in my luggage as it pushed me past the 23kg limit but I was happy to carry it with me from Bath to New York. I can look at these drawings and paintings any time now. Though a trip to London should have satisfied me, and a magnet or shot glass is the typical souvenir from a trip abroad, my bookshelf now holds evidence of a wonderful holiday and my Dylan collection as robust in sight as it is in sound. One day, maybe a Dylan will hang on my wall (not just a portrait of the man himself). To see some, go to the website.

Today is Bob Dylan's 70th birthday. He will be celebrating with concerts later this week in NYC, one of which I will attend. His recent album, Together Through Life, is one of the best I purchased in 2009 and one song, "Feel a Change Comin' On" has been vital to me. It is right now. Having released his first album in 1962, it would seem reasonable that Dylan would have stopped producing relevant, influential music and lyrics long ago but he has not. I want to hear what is next and to continue to discover so much I have not already heard.

This is a simple post to thank Bob Dylan on his 70th birthday, for his art, his music and his words. And, maybe one of a few more about my trip to London.

Bath, for those interested is a fantastic and easy day trip to make out of London and I highly recommend touring the Roman Baths. If you do, take the time to go on the free guided tour that is conducted hourly near the main bath. And, stop by Castle Gallery too. It will be worth the time.

SNL - A Satisfying 3-Way

Saturday Night Live has not always been hilarious. Sometimes, it hasn't even been funny. But, there are some hosts that a viewer knows will guarantee at least one or two fantastic sketches (Baldwin and Martin come to mind) and at least one or two cast members that will do say something that will garner shameful reenactments later (Wiig as Gilly or the Target Lady; Rudolph as Donatella). So, we keep watching.

This week, was one for the books. When I think back to the last time I laughed for an entire episode, I only need to go back a day and it has been a while. Highlights this season are actually many more than in the past few; Tina Fey, Elton John and now Justin Timberlake. I was thinking back on when I first saw Justin and quite a few things have changed; I did not find the scrawny boy with tightly curled bleached hair anything more than cute for a little boy, I did not imagine that he could act, and I only laughed because let's face it, some N'Sync lyrics were kind of lame. Over time though, N'Sync got more popular and even I bought every CD, Justin Timberlake became a viable and unembarrasing solo-artist and go-to collaborator, and Justin Timberlake the actor emerged.

That brings me to this week's season finale of SNL. Justin was the host, Gaga was the musical guest and Andy Samburg was due for one last SNL Digital Short. Amongst the highlights of this week was the video for "3-Way The Golden Rule" which you can see by clicking the link. The trio was magic and let's not forget Susan Sarandon and Patricia Clarkson both playing Mom. Sure, it isn't "D!@# in a Box" and it is not "Mother Lover" (which also wasn't ---Box) but it was great fun and for this viewer launched Summer.

In general though, last night's episode made me excited about next season. SNL felt like it was back and also like there could be some good repeatable skits that come out of the writers again. "Beerville" was well done and I could not help but see the clear stab at the Tea Party. If the use of "tea bag" over and over again was not a veiled stab at them, it is now. It was fantastic. And, of course there was the Herb Welch skit where Bill Hader's reporter character is ridiculously and uncomfortably hilarious. Who will Kristin Wiig become next year? Will Seth Meyer's "What!?!" kill again? What the hell is Andy Samburg going to sing about next and oooh-oooh-weee what's up with that? We'll see.

SNL is alive and well and last night was worth writing about. It made me laugh when I needed to laugh and (admittedly I DVR'd it) I did not have to use the FF button on my controller except during the real ads. Well done.

On a side note, Lady Gaga's new album drops this week and I don't know about everyone else but I pretty much dig "On the Edge of Glory. Buy it now.

Adele at the Beacon Theatre

Adele only surprised some people when her new album went to number one and probably when it made them cry at even the 8th listen in a row. She did not surprise me. I will never forget the first time I saw the video for Chasing Pavements and how I had to hear more and had to have her first album. I remember vividly the joy of seeing her a couple of years ago at the Hollywood Bowl. And now, I am overjoyed that I had the opportunity to see her again, this time in NYC at the Beacon Theatre.

Adele is a powerhouse. Even when she says her voice is hoarse, she takes it to church and takes the entire audience with her. Boyfriends - this is one concert that you won't regret having to take your girlfriend to even with Adele's sardonic references to her song-inspiring ex and the fact that your girlfriend will be a boy-hater for the next 4 minutes and 36 seconds, you will still be happy that you are there to hear it.

I recommend this even to a friend or anyone I don't know that can appreciate such a talent. I might take a moment to review her album shortly as I adore it but also have feelings about each song. If you haven't listened to 21 yet, I recommend you buy it and do so as soon as you can!

Worthwhile Video: #tigerbloodintern Application

Check out my friend and colleague's video application for Charlie Sheen's Tigerblood Internship. Like it if you like it. :)

Alert! Rare Birds - Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers in NYC!

I first took notice of North Carolina's Steep Canyon Rangers last year when they   toured with Steve Martin in support of the famed actor/author/comedian's Grammy Award winning album The Crow. Now, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers are back on the road, introducing audiences to the album they collaborated on, Rare Bird Alert. Recorded last fall, the result is an exciting album that respects traditional bluegrass, features original songs penned by Martin and beautiful harmonization by the Rangers. During last night's show at the Highline Ballroom in NYC, the audience got a live preview of some of the new tracks as well as songs from "The Crow" and from the Rangers' catalogue.

The members of the Steep Canyon Rangers and Steve Martin are all experts at their instruments. One, Nicky Sanders, was a classically trained violinist before he played the fiddle. These influences can be heard when the fiddler riffs during fan favorite and one of the most impressive-sounding numbers "Orange Blossom Special". The show closed with this song which features the fiddle and was written in 1939.

Moving forward in time to the present-day, songs from "Rare Bird Alert", including the title track also generated much applause and were listened to with great enthusiasm. "Go Away, Stop, Turn Around, Come Back" is much more pleasant than the feeling such a love affair garners and the harmonizing of Woody Platt (guitar) and Mike Guggino (mandolin) makes the remembrance of such a lover sweeter.

It serves to note that the Rangers are rounded out by Graham Sharp on the banjo and Charles Humphries III whose unrelenting bass keeps everyone honest and on time. Sharp is the second banjo on this stage because Martin is also playing the instrument and this provides both the opportunity for a richer sound with 2 banjo parts but also a few jokes at Sharp's expense.

Martin doles out the humor throughout the set, finding occasion to make each Ranger a fall guy. Guggino plays the straight man very well with deadpan responses to Martin's jests and Platt just rolls with it. Though Martin's comic timing is the most developed and he is clearly the leader when it comes to banter between songs, when the music starts, it is a collaborative effort and at that point, they are all equals.

The Rare Bird Alert Tour should not be missed. Fans of Bluegrass will appreciate and revel in the homage played to the traditional music and enjoy the classic songs as well and the new works from the album. Fans of Steve Martin will appreciate the humor and no doubt walk away with newfound rhythms in their heads and a hankering to hear the banjo or the fiddle one more time. For them, the suggestion would be to stop at the merch table on the way out.

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers will be at Joe's Pub on the Lower East Side on Wednesday and Thursday nights (March 15 and 16th) and the Music Hall in Williamsburg on Saturday night (March 19). They are also appearing on the Late Show with David Letterman on Wednesday, The View on Thursday and on The Colbert Report on Monday, March 21). Catch them early and catch them often.

Rare Bird Alert was released today and is available at iTunes, Amazon, and in stores. Besides the incredible addition of the Steep Canyon Rangers and therefore more tracks with vocals, Martin welcomes on this album guests Paul McCartney and the Dixie Chicks.

I'm calling a "rare bird alert" right now and advise that anyone who can make it to see these guys when they come to your town.

Follow them on Twitter: @steepcanyon and @SteveMartinToGo
Follow me: @rabiahc and @piratepods

You Have Grit

This was started Christmas Week and I didn't finish until now. I think it is still worthwhile coming up on the OSCARS!

It has been a week since I started my tour of the 2010 holiday cinema but I cannot get over "True Grit" and "The King's Speech" nor can I forget that "Little Fockers" was actually awful and "Tron: Legacy" was a lot of fun. Oh, and when I reminisce about "Black Swan" I close my eyes forgetting that my memory is clearer that way and then open them to escape the girl that haunts me!

The holiday 2010 season has been a great one and disappointing one in film and if you want my two cents, read on! In order of what I saw, not necessarily in order of what I loved, here are a few reviews that might save you $10 or spend your monthly allowance.

Black Swan has been on the moviegoers map for a while and it might just be the vehicle that carries Natalie Portman to the Oscars' stage this year. Portman was stripped physically and emotionally in this role that unlike any she has played. From the technical abilities she displayed in dancing ballet to the vulnerability of someone who wants more than anything to play the lead role to the psychotic visions she shares with the audience, Portman was convincing and frightening. It is a dark film and not one for the weak of heart but a worthwhile look behind the scenes of the aesthetically beautiful ballet. Mila Kunis also deserves mention as the fellow dancer to brings out the most disturbing thoughts from Portman. Barbara Hershey was the perfect stage mother/former dancer and Vincent Cassel was fantastic as well as the artistic director of the ballet. Wynona Ryder's turn as the former star of the ballet was impacting for the amount of screen time. For those familiar with Darren Aronofsky's previous films, this one lives up to the delightful feeling of discomfort and repulsion that you have experienced before.

The King's Speech is my pick for everything this year and though when I started this entry there were not yet Oscar nominees, the truth is out there now so it should be mentioned. Colin Firth, the lovely and talented actor who in recent years has moved on from pop cinema into roles that have finally been written to his justice, must be crowned "Best Actor". His portrayal of Bertie (later King George VI), a royal with a stammer that prevented him from even flawlessly telling a bedtime story to his daughters (one of which is now the Queen of England) was both heart-breaking and awe-inspiring. As someone who did not know the story of this period of history in the royal family, the film was also a fantastic history lesson as well as a great family drama. Helena Bonham Carter rounded out the love story between Bertie and the now Queen Mother, Elizabeth, a strong and determined wife and partner for the King. Lionel Logue, the Australian speech therapist who gives Bertie the dose of tough love, true friendship and unorthodox treatment that he needs is played by the remarkable Geoffrey Rush who is ever a privilege to watch on screen. Guy Pearce a strong and worthy antagonist to Bertie as Prince/King Edward VIII.

Little Fockers embarrassed me. I was embarrassed seeing a movie that on the whole exhausted the humor of erectile dysfunction. I was embarrassed as I sat next to my parents, to see DeNiro as Jack Burnes asking Greg Focker to help him after he took the perverbial "blue pill" and suffered a 6-hour side effect. And, I was lastly embarrassed that the film was even made. My opinion: skip it. There are better films (The Hangover, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Wedding Crashers) with crass, college humor and better story lines. If you miss Jack Byrnes watch "Meet the Parents". If you love the Fockers, watch "Meet the Fockers". I'm all for fun at the movies and love Robert DeNiro (one of the greatest American actors ever) in a comic role as much as a dramatic role but it just did not make me happy. Consider also "Everybody's Fine" on of my DeNiro favorites as of late.

True Grit is a remake of the 1969 John Wayne film of the same name. It is a very, very good remake and having seen both, I can say that both are worth watching. I think the greatest joy in the 2010 version is the introduction of a the young and ridiculously talented Hailee Steinfeld who plays the role of Mattie Ross. There is little time that Steinfeld is not on screen and she delivers the Coen Brothers' dialogue flawlessly. The dialogue is unique and has a fantastic cadence that is echoed by all of the actors in the film. I am reminded of David Mamet who is a master at creating a rhythm in the way he writes the script. It is truly wonderful. Mattie Ross seeks the hired help of a U.S. Marshal to locate and capture her father's murderer, Tom Cheney, and hires one "with grit". Rooster Cogburn, played by Jeff Bridges does indeed have grit. Bridges transformed into a curmudgeonly, crusty old marshall who ultimately wants to protect Matt Damon was surprising as Texas Ranger LaBoeuf the cocky but eventually redeemed bounty hunter who was commissioned by another to find and kill the same Cheney.  The tense trio set off on an adventure to catch the killer and it is a fun ride to be on.

Tron: Legacy

That's a wrap of of the films I saw almost two months ago, finally. It's about time!

Laura Linney and my 2nd Day in 2011

Laura Linney is one of the best American actresses possibly ever. Is that taking it too far? I do not think so after seeing her in films, on television ("The Big C") and now on Broadway.

I have been a fan for along time though I cannot say exactly when I knew who she was. In the play, "Time Stands Still", Linney takes displays, passion and a caustic sense of humor and timing for a ride as a photographer who is fresh off an assignment at a war zone where she was almost fatally injured. She is in a long-term relationship with a writer who was also covering the fighting and has a close mentor in a photo editor that brings along with him his mid-life crises/baby mama when they meet again once she is back home.

There is great tension between the characters with loose alliances forming and breaking apart at various stages and a clear struggle between happiness and "life" taking place throughout the play.

The performances of the other actors are excellent with Christina Ricci being the other standout. Her optimistically ignorant character brings the youth and normalcy that the other characters do not share. She is somewhat a member of the audience, wondering why the others do not want to be happy and asking point-blank, "how can I make a difference?" She lets the audience off the hook. They don't have to ask after they are accused of just standing by and watching things happen.

it is a difficult play to digest because as funny as some lines are, the irony is that the audience is really laughing at itself and upon reflection, some others than myself may have realized this by now.

But, it is a play that is highly recommended before the run is over. Linney must return to the set of "The Big C" and that will be the end. If you have not subscribed to Showtime, grab the DVD and if you are in NYC this month, go check out the play.

Linney and the rest of the cast are lovely enough to sign autographs and pose for pictures after the show which is a bonus if you want to shake hands with brilliance (ok, maybe now I'm a bit over-excited).

1/2/11 - 2nd play of the year - it is a good year so far.

New Year (Day) - 1/1/11

"The time is now." That statement can apply to many different situations, plans of action, thoughts and decisions. Right at this moment, it applies to my decision to stop everything and write this first blog entry of 2011. This is the first entry in a while and there is much to say, if it is assumed that anything I have to write is worth saying or reading. It may not be but I would implore you to read on anyway.

The plan is to write daily. Or, almost daily. I might even write more than once a day. What about? Oh, it could be anything. I love film and music as you might know and now that I'm living in NYC, I will be seeing my share of plays and musicals as well.

I live in NYC. That is the most unexpected occurrence of the most recent two months. As a kid, I would watch Letterman and Regis and Kathie Lee and long to be in the city. Now, I work for Bloom Avenue, a start-up and have relocated here. I did not dream that at the end of last year I would be in a new job and a new city (on the East Coast) but I am here and I am happy. This unexpected and almost spontaneous change in the holding pattern I was in has given me new life and I need to say again, I am happy.

Having just read Delivering Happiness by Zappos founder Tony Hsieh, I have a different perspective on happiness than I used to and also have a different perspective on customer service. This is so important and I have already reached back to some of the ideas in the past few days. I am grateful for Tony's book and also for the conversation I was allowed to eavesdrop on that let me find it. I am also grateful that I can feel happiness in such an uncharacteristically uninhibited way that I was able to read about it without rolling my eyes. I can also pass happiness along and fully intend to do so.

I cannot say that life is perfect. I miss my family and don't have much going on socially but I can see past these things and have plenty to do and a mind and heart that are more open to new and unplanned events than they have ever been before. I have met some cool people already; sharing a bottle of wine with a couple on their first date just because we all seemed to enjoy conversing and chatting with a total stranger over coffee because I was able to say hello. These are not unusual events where I am concerned but have been rare of late, until very recently when the weight of dismay with everything was lifted.

Let's talk Broadway. The blizzard of December 2010 caused me to miss a play I REALLY wanted to see but I am making up for it and catching it tomorrow, 1/2/2011. Today, I caught the matinee of Steven Sondheim's "A Little Night Music". I skipped this one last time I was in NYC and would have missed it altogether had it not been for a chance encounter with John Lithgow on the Subway. He recommended it. And, I am delighted that he did! I was scared to say anything when I recognized him but we ended up having a conversation that was lovely and I ended up seeing a great musical today.

Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch are closing out the show in just seven days so I was lucky to get the tip to see it when I did. Stritch is a legend and the performance was as described...legendary. Her lines were delivered flawlessly and it was a guaranteed laugh whenever she brought her wisdom and "advice" to the stage.

Peters is an actress that I do not think I've truly appreciated until now. That can be the case when one has only seen selected performances and then encounters an actress in a starring role on Broadway. I think I can only really name one Peters role which was in "The Jerk". I laugh to myself now thinking of that film but also know that there is much more to the actress than a film that was made over 25 years ago.
"Send in the Clowns" made me cry. Literally, I did not expect to cry at all, and I felt tears. There was a vulnerability and truth to her character that came out just then. An earlier speech by Henrik, the son of Peters' former lover referred to the "truth" as something all of the characters lacked. It was at this moment in the play that one truth was exposed.

It is the first day of 2011 and I have accomplished more than I did on most days in 2010 or even 2009.

Please visit often and I will too. Happy New Year. Smile about something today. It is not too late.