Saturday, April 14, 2007
BRIGHT OCEANS by Magdalena Markiewicz
Rivers of silence and endless hopes,
Forests of shadows and sour tears,
The house of deep feelings or unexpected dreams.
Fathers of Earth are dying today,
Stars and the Sun are going to fail,
Mysterious faces beyond my sight
Still keep the truth
Still keep it inside.
Water won't see nor will it believe,
It'll always roar and show memories,
And the generous wind is going to dry
Her eyes full of tears - the remembrance of Light.
/2004/
Friday, April 13, 2007
" A Moveable Feast "
" A Moveable Feast" by Ernest Hemingway is one of my favorite stories. I travelled a lot between Europe and Japan, living in different cities every year. And I found it was interesting experience in my life.
I wrote an essay during I stayed in Paris, and when I came back to my hometown, my friend gave me this book, " A Moveable Feast ", because she said my essay reminded her his works. At first I confused this title, but I found a message from Hemingway inside the book which said,
" If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast" Ernest Hemingway to a friend, 1950
This book was based on Hemingway in Paris from 1921 to 1926 as a young American expatriate writer and it was his memoir describing city landscapes, cafes, society, people and life. It was published posthumously in 1964. ( He died in 1961)
His acquaintances in the story were Gertrude Stein, F. Scott Fitzgerald & Zelda, Ezra Pound, Ford Maddox Ford, James Joyce, Sylvia Beach, and other prominent writers, poets, and artists. His approach of writing was cubist prose, which means keeping clipped short sentences and free from adjective in writing. It was different from metric expression of verse. He was developing his fiction writing style during this early period. It was narrative, simple and short straightforward. He also read many of great Russian writers stories at this period, in special Turgenev, Tolstoy, and Dostoevsky. These authors books he borrowed from Sylvia's book store, "Shakespeare and Company" is located at 12 Rue de l'Odeon. This interest leaded him writing about the Wars. His first novel " The Sun Also Rises" was published in 1925.
In his memoir he observed their characters, conversations, attitudes, behaviours, tones, dresses, figures, appearances, and interactions with his acquaintances. At the time he was a young journalist who wanted to be a fiction writer to make a name for himself.
After Hemingway came back in America and resided in Key West and travelled different countries, such as Spain, Cuba, Italy, Africa and finally he settled in Ketchum, Idaho.
As you know he shot himself in 1961 suffering from bushfire accident(1954), life-long alcoholism, depression, ETC treatment, and memory loss. Some others believe it was caused by his hereditary disease called Hemochromatosis, because other members of his family, for example, his father, his siblings, and his grand-daughter were all committed suicide.
G3
04/11/07
Theater at Madison Square Garden
MSG witnessed on Wednesday night THE event of the year in the guitar world : a G3 show! You could bet that 80% of the audience, mostly male, were guitar players. The line up, that changes every year and that consists of putting together three of the best guitars players, was prestigious : Joe Satriani, (as usual), John Petrucci (from Dream Theater) and Paul Gilbert (ex Mr. Big). A recent poll of the Top 100 greates rock guitarists ranked Satriani #7, Petrucci #11 and Gilbert #14.
Continuing with the same successful formula as in years past, fans would be treated to individual sets by each with their own band, before joining Satriani on stage for an all-star jam session.
Gilbert opened first and played mostly material from his latest album "Get out of my yard" which is entirely instrumental, although he sings on his previous solos records. But of course, tonight was not about singing ! He popped out for a minute the famous electrical drill he used at the time of Mr. Big (copied that one on Eddie Van Halen), and was without a doubt the most technical dude on stage that night. Accompanied by his wife on keyboards and his usual musicians, he started the show on a very energetic note, almost ... poppy.
John Petrucci followed and played a little longer ; a new style, more atmospheric, less classical, great musicianship here, especially with fellow Mike Portnoy on drums, considered today as one of the best drummers in rock n' roll. Petrucci played songs from his solo album "Suspended Animation".
Then came the main man Satriani, the master of masters, the guy everybody was waiting to see, the guy who gave lessons to Metallica's guitarist (ok, that's what the legend says...)! In his usual black tshirt and black jeans with shades on, looking truely like an alien while playing, you get to wonder where does all these notes come from and how in the world can such a thing happen ? Keeping on pushing the envelop of modern rock guitar playing, from "Mystical Potatohead Groove Thing" to "Cool n*9", he played what all the audience had came to hear. And when they all came on stage together, to cover Hendrix's "Foxy Lady", "Purple Haze", and the Stones "Jumping Jack Flash", making the songs last ten minutes, you could bless your ears for having the privilege to hear those three masters together. 4 hours of amazing guitar playing, not for the average and uneducated ear...
Thursday, April 12, 2007
WUTHERING HEIGHTS
‘Wuthering heights’ is teeming with symbols, themes and motifs, nevertheless, the conflict between nature and culture is a leading subject. Bronte plays these two things against each other all the time. Nature is represented by Catherine and Heathcliff (the Earnshaw). The characters are full of passion and wildness just like Wuthering Heights. On the other hand, the Linton family and Trushcross Grange symbolize culture, sophistication, tradition and development. The destructiveness of love is a very important theme, too. Catherine and Heathcliff’s relationship is the source of the conflicts in the novel. Furthermore, their passion is stronger and more lasting than any other emotion because it is based on a conviction that they are similar. Their hearts and souls are made of the same materials.
‘Wuthering Heights’ is an intense story of love, hate, and passion. There is no real happy ending but the book does take along an interesting path that deals with race, class, and religious issues. Moreover, it can take into a world of the most eloquent emotions, and the deepest ties between the characters. The novel is compelling and displays the best and the worst of our own human nature. I think the ending is appropriate because the younger characters do not repeat the mistake of their elders. Surely, the book is a masterpiece with unforgettable characters despite the fact that I found it confusing at the beginning.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
The Cambell Apartment
The Campbell Apartment
ADDRESS: 15 Vanderbilt Avenue. New York, NY 10017
BUSINESS: Bar & Lounge
HOURS: MON-SAT 3 pm-1am SUN 3 pm-Midnight
CLIENTELE: @@@@
SERVICE: @@@
DRINK: @@@@
PRICE: $$$$
ATMOSPHERE: @@@
MUSIC: n/c
The Campbell Apartment is located in the Grand Central Terminal Building in Midtown.
It is a cocktail lounge bar. This is my second visit. The previous visit was a couple years ago for my ex-senior designer's retirement corporate party. We cerebrated his retirement at this lounge. But I didn't remember there so much because there were almost two hundred people at the party. I just remembered the pool we played while we were here with drinks. This time I have a chance to observe more. I think the Interior is definitely an old school Medieval style such as an English Tudor.
There are a big bar along with a side wall, a tinted antique glass window behind the bar, seating areas, a big screen wall, and a balcony area in the space. Inside is very dark like a medieval castle or a church. There are lot of business people having drinks and conversation one another. The circulation in the bar is very fast, because of the time around 6pm-7pm in a weekday. I barely have a seat at the bar, and order a glass of wine. It is good. I give the bartender a credit card for a tab and wait for my friend arrival. The waitress doesn't give me a lounge seat at fist because of the time frame and my friend hasn't arrived yet. The first comes the first serve at the lounge. I feel that busy New Yorkers come here for drinks during waiting for the train to rush to home. For business people they need this type of environment to refresh themselves after hectic days in the office. If someone likes an old style of bar, such as ex-Oak room in the Plaza or Harvard Club bar at 44th street, this lounge fits his/her taste. It has a similar atmosphere, dark, traditional, and something smoky. The price of drink is mid-average; It is not extremely high price.
I will come here at a different time next, on weekend or an early hour or a late hour at the bar. It might be a different situation.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Taqueria y Fonda
968 Amsterdam Ave. Between 107th & 108th
Tel. (212) 531 0383 – 531 0325
If you are looking for authentic Mexican flavors La Taqueria y Fonda is the right place. Very tiny, cheap, not trendy, clean and familiar, it is run by a very nice and friendly Mexican man, who gave importance to the quality of the food more than to the fashion of the place. And the result is great! When you seat you are served some tacos with spicy sauces and you can start ordering the drinks: they have amazing margaritas and Mexican beers. If you don’t want to drink alcohol I recommend their Orchata: it matches very well with the spicy plates. While you wait for the food you can put some music in their kind old fashion juke-box which plays only Mexican music…if you close your eyes the music and the smell will make you believe you are not in New York but in Mexico! The quesadillas are their best plate. The giant burrito is really big and very good. Two people can eat with only one of that! The plates with shrimps are also very good: don’t miss the “Camarones a la Diabla” if you like spicy food.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Cheap and trendy in NYC !!
"Oh myyyyy God! Emma you are just the most influent, talentive person
in the fashion world!! I need your advice. I am moving to NYC next month as
I've got a job in Vogue. Although I love clothes, I don't have the NYC look,
I live in a little town in Arkansas!! I think I need a makeover! Fashion
emergency Emma! I would like to buy new clothes to go to work to Vogue but
until I don't receive the first salary I am sort of bankrupt...Anyway, I've
saved a few bucks and I want to use them to go shopping. Is there any trendy
but cheap store I can go to? Which are the basic clothes a woman definitely
has to have in her closet? What is most appropriate to wear for work? I have
so many questions....so little answers...HELP, HELP, HELP!!"
Rose ( from a little town in Arkansas)
Hi Rose,
Don't panic !!! There are a lot of cheap stores in New York City, the problem is to know which ones and where they are !
Believe it or not, it happened to me too when I first arrived here, coming from a small town in the mountains, I thought I looked like a lumberjack !
So, scrap off the little money you have, and head straight to Conway. There are two stores in NYC. Lots of interesting things there. Do you dream every night of those leopard ballerinas you've seen everywhere since last year ? Well, you can find them here for less than $7 ( over $20 at Prada) ! And the leggings to go with it ? Here too, for less than $5 !! From jeans to blouses, tshirts to underwear (great choice of sexy undies for very little price, check out the sales department !!), you can dress like a real New Yorker ; a whole outfit for less than $30 (including shoes, though not a big selection, and lingerie). You can also find nice handbags. Men and children clothing as well.
Another really good and cheap store is Old Navy. They have three store in the city. A little more expansive than Conway but still very affordable ! Classy or cool, you can find the right clothes for the right thing !
Since you say you are going to work for Vogue, I guess you can find heaven in those stores to dress for work ! Jeans are the basics to have in your closet, because nowadays you can put them on with a nice pair of high heels to look fantastic. A cool tshirt or blouse, a nice jacket and there you go ! Choose clothes not too revealing and not too flashy, that could agress your co-workers' eyes ! Don't forget to accessorize, the secret is here ! You can find nice and cheap jewlery (don't get to attached to them, there are cheap in the real sense of the word !), belts and hats at Accessorize, there are a lot of them in NY.
So throw away your old cowgirl clothes and give you a makeover!You have no more excuses now !
CONWAY : 34th Street, between 8th Avenue and Broadway
1333 Broadway
OLD NAVY :34th Street, between 8th Avenue and Broadway
18th Street and 6th Avenue
Broadway, between Spring and Broome Street
Pilar's Advice Column
Hi, my name is Angely, 25 years old. I have a big formal party coming up, and I am becoming very nervous because I've never been to this "Black-tie" thing before. I managed to get a decent black cocktail dress, but my biggest worry is a make-up. I always have a very natural look, which means I don't wear a make-up. I really want to look sexy at a party, like Angelina Joile. My eyes, lips, face itself are not even close to hers, though. I am a brunet with brown eyes, and have a pale complexion. I feel very desperate. What is the beauty secret to look like a sexy
Dear Angely,
You are unique just like Angelina Jolie, so let’s try to find Angely’s look instead of Angelina’s one!
As many girls will be wearing a black dress like you at the party, you should make the difference with the make up. Let’s follow this steps:
1- Make sure your skin is clean and moisturized. The make-up will last longer if so.
2- Apply a FOUNDATION all over your face. It has to be the same tone as your skin (never darker or lighter). Note that you can apply the foundation with a foundation sponge , brush or just your fingers. The foundation will help you to give you a flawless look.
3- If you need to cover dark circles, spots or skin flaws, use a CONCEALER one tone lighter than the foundation.
4- The next step: EYE SHADOW. Add a touch of highlighting using a light satin eye shadow (try to avoid a white eye shadow, vanilla will be better) just under the browbone. Then, according to your brown eyes and your pale complexion, I will suggest to use another eye shadow, this time: dark brown, dark violet or dark green. Apply this new colour all over the eyelid, except where you’ve applied the first eye shadow (see the figure) As you are coping with dark colours, make sure you apply it very carefully and in few amounts (try to avoid spoiling dark eye shadow on the face, if it happens, then try to remove the stain with a dry cotton). Line the whole eye with black liner, try to avoid a thick line and apply it as closer as you can to the eyelashes. To top off, apply (as desired) black mascara on your top eyelashes.
5- LIPS: line your lips with a pencil. Make sure it’s the same colour as your lips. If your lips are thin and you want to make them look like Angelina’s, you can ONLY line them 1mm above its natural shape. Then fill in with a natural lipstick and if you still want to give your lips a sexiest look add a clear lip gloss on the center of your lower lip. As your eyes are the principals tonight, your cheeks and your lips should be accompanying them, that’s why we use natural colours for them. Otherwise you are going to look like a painting and that’s what we want to avoid. We want to give you a sexy and sophisticated look!
6- CHEEKS: apply on your cheek bones a natural powder one tone darker than your skin (brown tones). On the “apples” apply a shimmering powder blush (rose tones).
I will suggest to try many times before the party…. Practice make perfect!
You’ll rock!
Pilar
Saturday, April 7, 2007
STONE SOUR
04/06/07, Roseland Ballroom
239 west 52nd street
The Roseland was quite full Friday night to welcome the Jagermeister Tour. Most of the audience was there for Corey Taylor's new band, Stone Sour, which was headlining (Scott Ian from Anthrax was spotted in the VIP corner), with bands Til December, Lacuna Coil and Shadows Fall opening . It was Stone Sour's first gig in NYC since the release of their second album, "Come what (ever) may". And it looked like a Slipknot show (for those who don't know, Slipknot is that metal band with nine members that wear masks, and the frontman is no one else than... Corey), stage-diving, crowd-surfing and headbanging like mad (believe your humble journalist, who was in the pit all night long, hardly standing up on her own two feet), even though the sound of SS is much more mellow. The band opened with the two first tracks of their new cd, "30/30-150" and the song that gave its title to the album, getting the crowd going. The musicians played pretty sharply, with no pretention, standing a little bit in the background : no guitar heroes here, even though there was a lot of solos ! A pretty fit and newly bald Corey was controlling the stage, and had his fifteen minutes of fame when he picked up a guitar and played alone Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game", Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet home Alabama", "Bother" (from their first album, that got the crowd chant "Corey" for 2 good minutes), then launched the band into their hit "Through Glass". A hit that gave them a gold record this very same day , that he brought on stage. It was also their drummer's birthday, and the audience chanted some more, a "Happy birthday" version punctuated by fart noises by Corey. They alternated songs from their first album with some new songs for a little less than one hour and a half. Very good show, though a little short. But great energy, by both the audience and the band. If you didn't get a ticket, they promise they would come back !!
Friday, April 6, 2007
THE OFFICE
David Brent is the boss. He is the worst! He thinks he is the funniest guy in the world but his jokes are terribly bad! He thinks he is doing his job in the best way but he’s just hopeless and really self-conscious! The everyday interaction of the employers-actors in the office creates very realistically funny sketches like the fights for the stapler between Gareth and Tim or the uncomfortable meetings of the all staff meant to improve the company’s outcomes.
The Office is built in a very sophisticated way as sophisticated its character and the script are, you can watch the same episodes over and over again finding new nuances every time that make you laugh and reflect about life and the importance of escaping mediocrity as much as possible!
BE FORWARD!
Hi, my name is Nicole. I live in New York City taking a language course. It's been almost 6 months since I was here, and I am getting bored with the English course. So I am thinking about getting an internship in New York. It would help me improve English and meet more friends.
My first question is, is it possible for non-native speakers like me to be an intern? And how can I find opportunities? What would be the first step to take? I am so clueless. I feel very overwhelmed and intimidated even before I try. Please help me.
Dear Nicole,
First of all: stop feeling intimidated by the idea working as an intern in New York, it is not so hard to find opportunities but you need to be in a forward mood!
The first step to take is to decide in which field you would like to gain expertise: are you interested in an art administration internship? Would you like to do community and social work? Is your field of interest Human rights? Journalism?
It would be better if there is a relationship between your studies, your experience and the internship you apply for because you have more possibilities to be accepted. If you want to try something completely different you can of course but you will have less chance to be selected, especially if the internship is prestigious.
Once you decided the field you can start looking on the web: you can look directly at the organizations or institutions that work in that field and see if they offer internships. For example if you are interested in museum work you will find in the Moma website or in the Met website all the information you need to apply for an internship position. If the place you are interested in don’t offer these opportunities you can try to send an email attaching you CV and ask if they are interested in having an intern. Sometimes it is good to take a chance!!
I would also suggest you to look at two website where you can find ads for internship positions: http://www.craigslist.org/ and http://www.idealist.org/, where they have jobs and internships offers.
Don't worry about not being a native speaker...in many cases if you speak good English and some other languages it is considered as a plus!
Remember: being an intern means to work for no money or for very little, so you should figure out how to sustain yourself while you are doing this working experience. It is therefore important to choose something that you think will be useful for your future career goals, otherwise could be a waste of money and time!
Happy Birthday to My Puppy!
It’s my dog’s 2nd birthday in 2 weeks and I’d looooove to organize a little party for him and his puppies, just like for a baby or something. I have a couple of ideas, like the food we’d like to have (same for adults and little ones). Do you know how I can arrange something like this? Do I need to rent a venue? Can I do it in Central Park or do I need a special authorization? I need to hurry up. It’s coming up soon! Thank you in advance.
Paris H.
Dear Paris H,
It’s always happy to plan a party for your loved ones. Throwing a dog party is now a new trend and is becoming very popular here in New York. Let’s take a look at what you need to prepare in advance.
First, you need a place. Like you mentioned, Central Park would be a perfect venue especially for a dog party if the weather permits. No prior permission or reservation is required to use a spot throughout the whole park unless you want an indoor space. I would recommend a cozy area near any meadow or pond in the park, where you can have both nice green grass underneath and cool tree shades.
Secondly, you must prepare for treats (for both humans and doggies) including your dog’s birthday cake. You can always buy a good cake at any bakery you run into on the street corner in Manhattan, but why don’t you add a little more pleasure by ordering a custom-made birthday cake? A dog specialty bakery is a good place to get one. You can find it in the city or online. Then, you can set up a table with some simple finger food and drinks. For you and your friends, anything works. For doggies, there are plenty of biscuits and cookies that puppies will love, but make sure it contains dog-friendly ingredients.
Next, don’t forget the decoration. Sometimes good decoration is all it takes to make a party a success. Since the party will be held outdoors, it might be a little difficult for balloons or any wall-hanging decorations. Two things I would recommend are personalized doggie bowls and personalized doggie T-shirts. Buy some inexpensive plain bowls and T-shirts from any store. Then, using paint pens, glitter glues and felt fabrics, give the bowls and T-shirts fashionable new looks with the dogs’ names on them. These also can be good party favors for your guests to take home.
At last, what you must not forget is to have something that entertains everybody. Prepare toys and plenty of balls for dogs to play with. Any fun addition that you can think of will be fine. It’s you who know best what your dog loves. Now, it’s time to have fun. Make sure to bring your digital camera to capture the precious moments. The more pictures you take, better the memories you’ll have. Good luck with your lovely doggie’s birthday party.
Sincerely,
Sue
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Trapped and frustrated
Hi, I am an Au pair in New York City. It has been 2 months since I started, and I recently realized that I do not like children at all. I take care of two boys, 6 and 9 years old, They don’t have any problem. They are well behaved, very nice to me. Just whenever I see them, I feel trapped and frustrated. I don’t want to quit because I really love to live in the city, and I think being an Au Pair is the only way for me to legally stay here right now. What should I do?
Dear Au Pair,
When you work as a babysitter or an au pair, you must like children. Can you imagine a good driver who doesn’t like driving, or a good cook who doesn’t like cooking? Naturally, there are kids who can be very rude, moody and picky, and your job is not easy then, however if the boys you’re taking care of are nice, the problem really lays in you. I don’t know how old you are; perhaps you’re too young to take a part is such a program. Didn’t you like the children you had babysat in your own country before you came to the US? I know the life in New York City is pretty exciting for most of the au pairs, but you must be aware of the fact that you have to take your job seriously. If you really feel trapped and frustrated (as you said) when the kids are around you, you should quit. Contact your community counselor and tell this person about your problem. You can’t keep doing this only because you want to stay in NYC. Instead of being an au pair, you may try to change your visa to a student visa (F-1) and study at an American college. I think it would be the best solution to your problem. Start searching for a school in the area you would like to stay in, and choose the program you’re interested in. Maybe you’ll have the chance to start your studies immediately, if not, you’ll have to go back to your country and apply for a place at one of the American universities from there. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you. Good luck:)
Advice by Yoko
Q: I've been in the US for a few months and I'm thinking of applying for a student visa and continuing my studies at one of the American Universities to earn my Master's degree. As far as I know, studying in the US is very expensive that's why I would like to work as a teacher assistant. Such a position could not only cover my tuition, but also help me get some experience. I haven't chosen any university yet, however I would like to study somewhere close NYC. What should I do to start working as a teacher assistant? Also, do I still have a chance to get a scholarship despite the position?
A: I am a little surprised that you haven't decided the university you would like to go. I don't know your speciality or experience in your country.
To be admitting the master degrees
1) You have to submit application at least six month before the class starts. It is including your academic(GPA) & graduation records, and an essay. you are able to submit the application to several schools at the same time.
2) You should submit TOEFL, GRE, or GMAT scores to the university depend on its requirement.
3) Recommendation from your teachers, or employment. It is not required, but if you have It looks good.
I am not sure if you can find easily as an assistant job while you are an international student. But after you are admitted at the university, you are able to get F-1, or J-1 visa( both full-time student) These visa status allow you to work minimum hours on-campus employment, internships, or post-completion career option.
We may look at the NY Times Job Research Column, school Bulletins.
You can look at NYU and Teacher's College, Columbia university web sites as an example of the employment. please check the following web site.
http://www.tc.columbia.edu/international/
http://www.nyu.edu/oiss/
http://www.internationalstudent.com/immigration/
or ask career office personnel at your school and your professors. You may look at the NY Times Job Research Column, and public Library's posted column. Asap you find the appropriate job, send your resume attached with a good cover letter.
Scholarship, Grants, and other Financial Aids are not eligible to international students according to New York States and Federal. But some private institutes sometimes offer the special scholarship to the student who has higher standards.
You'll also check out if your home country, such as states, city, provides its official Scholarship and Fellowships.
In US it may be a little hard to find the job as an assistant to foreign students. But it always has an opportunity in this country. If you find the job and start working, but it is not enough money to cover your tuition and expenses to live( boards, clothings, transportation, and health insurance ). I am a little negative, but it is reality. So prepare the money before you get in, otherwise you will be broke or extremely exhausted to study.
Prepare your proficiency of communication skills and speciality. Good luck.
No Smoking Outdoors?
a. No way. America is a free country. No smoking even outdoors? That's too much!
b. I'm all for it. Cigarette smoke and smell on the street is bothering me.
"58 %"
That's the percentage of people that said outdoor smoking ban would be a little too much. There were only few people who think this ban would work even if they support it.
"Where do I smoke then? I can't even smoke in my apartment building right now. Comm'on, outdoor is outdoor."
- Lisa, New York City
Conducted by Yoko and Sue
Should we kick them out?
a) YES. People can't stay illegally in the US.
b) NO. We need immigrants!
91% NO
"Everybody deserves a chance!"