Future Farmers Bid Their Livestock Farewell at County Fair Animal Auction

This city slicker was gobsmacked by the prowess the Future Farmers (FFA) and 4-H students demonstrated bringing their animals to the local county auctioning block.  The animals, not to be confused with pets, mind you, include lambs, goats, hogs, steer, rabbits and chickens.  These savvy, sophisticated young people will gladly clarify the difference between a calf and a steer, a kid and a goat, a lamb and a sheep, and a pig and a hog.  To simplify for unknowing urbanites, livestock less than a year a year and 120 pounds are referred to by their "puppy" names.  Egads! You mean these youngsters raise their livestock to put on the auction block knowing these animals will be going to the chopping block?  Oh grow up!  Of course they do.  Ten year old Elizabeth with blue eyes, freckles and pigtails proudly told me how she cared for Biscuit, her 149 lb. 8 month old sheep.  "I feed him twice a day, walk him around twice, clean his stall and practice standing him everyday."  Standing is the term for presenting the animals for the judges and bidders similar to dogs at Kennel shows.  "What if you have to go away?" I asked.  "Then I'm responsible for getting someone to care for him."  Elizabeth went on to say she sheared him with an electric clippers.  Elizabeth and older sis McKenzie had gone with their mom to the breeder and purchased their lambs at 3 months.  They lambs weighed about 40 lbs each.  Today, at 8 months, Biscuit weighed in at 149 lbs.  "Excuse me, I have to get ready I'll be going into the ring next," Elizabeth told me.   And then I went there, "Will you miss Biscuit?"  Putting her arms around Biscuit and nuzzling his neck she said, "Yes."  She did tell me what they paid for the lamb, what it cost her to feed him and what she hoped Biscuit would fetch.   Biscuit sold for $28/lb, a hefty $8/lb more than she wanted and had calculated for a $1,500 profit.  You do the math.  Elizabeth certainly did earning a nice income and my admiration.  Elizabeth is also a competitive cheerleader and has a Labradoodle, named Chip.  Most of the FFA and 4-H students were in high school.  Senior Madeleine auctioned off her goat and a steer.  She'll be heading off to Stanford this fall.  Golly ghee, this New York City girl was in awe of how worldly and mature these young people were.  Whatever my expectations, I wasn't expecting to have so much fun and perhaps, some envy.   Shucks, this gal was taken down off her high horse.   

Film AFTER YANG-Pinocchio Tale

What does it mean to be human.  What's so great about being human?  The visually stunning film, AFTER YANG ponders these theoretical questions.  Yang (a marvelous Justin Min) plays big brother to Mika.  Mika (Malea Tjandrawid in a star making performance) is the precocious and adoring little sister. Yang and Mika, both of Asian ethnicity, are in the family of a bi-racial couple.  Set in a utopian looking, not too distant future, Yang is an android, a.k.a., technosapien. He was purchased by her parents to help care for their real, adopted daughter.  The couple convince each other Yang was bought to teach Chinese and Asian culture to Mika.  Mika rightly asks, "What does it mean to be Asian?"  Yang is a steadfast friend and mentor to Mika.  During a lesson in grafting tree limbs  Mika points out fake limbs attached to trees by tape.  The overriding lesson Yang brings to the family is there is no substitute for being present in your child's life and in one's own.  The tangents on wake up and smell the roses trope stems from the genesis of the movie's heart.  This theme echoes and reverberates throughout in poetic and astute imagery.  Director Kogonda and cinematographer Benjamin Loeb have collaborated to create a stellar work of art. The film's dreamlike quality transends threads of recognition into our consciousness.  Memories makes us who we are.  Our memories spring from sensations and emotions.  Are humans capable of never telling lies?  Did Pinocchio want to be a real boy?  It was tears that transformed Pinocchio into a real boy?  Mika asks her father watching a documentary, "Are those tears of boredom?"  For the vast audience, the turgid pace and pretentiousness will put them to sleep, perchance to dream.  For a watered down audience, this is a movie to revel.

Fast Paced SLOW HORSES is a Spy Thriller that Thrills

The spy thriller series SLOW HORSES based on the Mark Herron novel is brilliantly cast and totally captivating. The British series stars the irrepressible Gary Oldman as a slovenly M15 agent Jack Lamb and Kristin Scott Thomas as Diane Taverner, the unflappable Deputy Gen. Director of M15.  Lamb in charge of "Slough House" dubbed for being M15's purgatory punishment for agents who've messed up.  Lamb is a lush who relishes assigning tedious tasks to his misfit cast who possess skills that belie their banishment to Slough House.  Meanwhile, there's murderous subterfuge amidst a major fiasco brewing under Taverner's watch at M15.  Could the measly, motley staff subjected to Lamb's abuse assemble into an ace team of espionage agents and bring down the duplicitous M15 Goliath?  One doesn't have to be a sleuth to deduce the outcomes but you should come along for the roller coaster ride of sinister intrigue.  Thomas is in top form as the icy Director who keeps everything running at race horse pace.  Goldman playing the washed up detective who still has game will win you over.  The supporting ensemble cast include Jack Lowden, the latest casualty sentenced to Slough House along with Saskia Reeves as Lamb's perpetually abased assistant Catherine Standish are sensational. The rest of cast is uncommonly good whether playing deranged assassins or innocent pawns.  The late night London hours lend a glossy look to this slick production. The indubitable game of chess in SLOW HORSES is checkmate.   

The Pottery Throw Down is a Reality Show to Get Down With

Tired of reality shows that melt your brain cells?  Even if you're not, "The Pottery Throw Down" is a hot contestant show that breaks the inane mold.  Watch, learn and enjoy.  There is much to praise including an exciting elimination competition.  We observe the burgeoning camaraderie formed out of a compelling contest of skill.  The show is hosted by expert potters Keith Jones and Kate Malone.  They act as judges for a group ten amateur potters that gets whittled down to a final four.  Keith and Kate are not your belligerent judges taking sadistic pleasure in finding faults.  On the contrary, they're discerning and encouraging.  Both judges take pride in the contestants' efforts and achievements.  Keith is known to cry when he finds something especially well done which feels genuine and well deserved.  The motley mix of contestants and judges share a passion for potting.  This is what melds everyone from divergent backgrounds together.  The challenges are demanding and intriguing.  Contestants must draw on their technical skills, problem solving and artistic creativity.  I was blown away following the process and seeing their final creations.  This show is produced by the same people who bring us the "Great British Bakeoff."  "The Pottery Throw Down" lets you have your cake and eat it too!

Alvin Ailey Dance Theater Perform's Aszure Barton's "BUSK" at LA's Dance Center

BUSK is not a new work by Canadian choreographer, Aszure Barton.  First performed in 2011, it's reflective of Barton's dark comedy milieu utilizing dance as its art form.  Her body of work continues to dazzle for its pro creativity and originality is anything but mundane.  Busk means a street performer who entertains in public for donations.  One does not consider a mendicant with a sign besieging hard cash as  amusing.  In fact, many of us (myself included) will do our utmost to turn away or feign nonchalance for the homeless.  Barton who has choreographed for the Canadian Nat'l Ballet, ABT, Nederlander Dance Theater and individual artists such as Mikhail Baryshnikov and Misty Copeland has been bestowed many awards in the arts including Canada's Arts and Letters, is anything but subtle.  BUSK taunts you to look away from the androgynous dancers sheathed in what appears to be Grim Reaper's hooded capes.  The smoky, dark setting with sport lighting morphs the dancers' faces to appear macabre and nightmarish.  The dancers move frenetically while coming together in groups with rippling waves.  The music is ironically and idealistically operetic enhancing a beseeching quality.  The Alvin Ailey Dance Theater is comprised of the most elite and versatile dancers in the world.  Thankfully, there are solos in which the dancers shed their body covering robes and the graceful athleticism of the dancers can be admired.  Having seen BUSK several times prior, I'm still very engaged by the combative relationship between the dancers and the audience.  Barton's brilliant piece "Busk" is provocative.  The audience is not afforded the luxury of turning away.  

Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra Perform their Newest CD Taking Jazz into a New Technological Trajectory

Maria Schneider and her Jazz Orchestra have garnered 7 Grammy Awards amongst a host of musical awards and accolades.  Schneider (b. MN 1960) is a composer, arranger, conductor and pianist.  Before forming her own jazz orchestra, Schneider composed for David Bowie and Sting.  She's won Grammys for  best classical jazz and instrumental compositions.  The Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra has been honored for their big band recordings including the music of  Duke Ellington.  Concerts are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get.  With classical symphonies, the programs are arailable beforehand.  With jazz orchestras, other than being apprised of a guest artist, the programming is surprising.  Last night at the Green Music Center at Santa Rosa Rosa College, Maria Schneider and her Jazz Orchestra performed a compilation of her most recent compositions being released on CD (and on sale at the "ark" pavilion). It was a derivation from her previous recordings of classical jazz into a genesis of a unique jazz genre.  Schneider's delight in performing live after the long lockdown was infectious and her demeanor effusive.  The first number was played without intro or acknowledgement afterwards.  It was an abrasive atonal sound relying heavily on winds.  The brass section consisted of 12 horns; trumpets, trombones and saxophones.  There was also a guitarist, pianist, bassist, drummer and an accordion instrumentalist.  None of the later were featured soloists.  Schneider enthusiastically prepared us for what was to come after the first dissonant composition.  She informed the audience we were going to hear from their new, double CD comprised of dichotomous pieces.  First, they would play pieces triggered by the intrusive and pervasive technological gadgets impinging on society.  The answering piece would offer a counter balance with serene, minimalistic music.  "Don't Be Evil" was unrelenting on the drums and piano while the brass instruments squawked with atonal and piercing clarity.  Its "counter" composition " was inspired by the beauty of the North Kyoto landscape.  This piece was quieter, calmer and held harmonic melodies.  So the evening went as Schneider brought us along for an intro into her most recent, creative explorations.  The music felt groundbreaking for me with complex and intentionally clashing combinations.  "Sputnik" was on the program from the "harder" to listen to tracks.  "Sputnik" earned Schneider a Grammy for instrumental composition (2020).  I was excited to experience Schneider's creative genius live as she broadened her repertoire and techniques.  Usually, artists carry audiences along culling from their tried and true.  Schneider didn't shy away from describing her new works "harder" listening. This was true.  It's also true the evening was one for the record books.

Oscar Nominated Short Live Films from US, UK, Switzerland, Poland and Denmark

The five, live Oscar Nominated Short Films are all serious subject matters.  The US' submission concerns mass incarceration, lack of human interaction and oppressive limitations.  "Please Hold" utilized a sense of wry wit and humorous frustration embedding the film's political message without droning on about it.  The picture was a pastiche of the technological intrusiveness of "Her" with a sinister messaging.  From the 5 films, "Please Hold"'s social commentary was delivered with originality and credibility.  "The Long Good Bye" from the UK was horrific in its gruesome depiction of persecution and executions of an Indian family living in England.  The killings were carried out by police in the light of day, with an onlooking neighborhood.  None of the neighbors intervened.   Who would blame them?  The inference was clear the police killings and abductions were sanctioned.  The award winning British actor/rapper. Riz Ahmed, stars in this film.  His rapping delivered posthumously is potent but preachy.  Poland's short film "The Dress" gets my Oscar vote.  This poignant picture is of a lonely women, Julia.  Julia works arduously as a hotel housekeeper.  She's a hard drinking, chain smoker with a penchant for the slot machines.  Julia is aware of the stares and hostile remarks she receives for her short stature.  Julia has the genetic-mutation known as dwarfism.  The beautifully shot film in an icy blue color palette with dark shadows enhance Julia's feeling of ostracism.  Her longtime co-worker is her one confidant.  Julia shares her deep melancholy and longing "to be a real woman" with her friend from work.  This short film delivers a huge emotional swing that punches hard in the gut as she is brutally, sexually abused.  Still, it's the quiet longing we sense in the last scene which lingers longer.  "The Dress" should win, but what will probably win is Switzerland's submittal, "Take and Run".  "Take and Run" deals with the serious plight of women forced into marriages without recourse.  The sect appears to be a small tight-knot order in Mongolia. The film broaches the limited running time of less than 40 minutes to qualify.  "Take and Run" will probably take home the gold but the impact of "The Dress" remains.  

St. Peter's Set's One for the Record Books being the 1st 15th Seed in the Sweet 16

March Madness makes the gloomy month shine.  The amazing college basketball games sets heads spinning.  It brings Cinderella stories to melt the coldest of hearts. This year's charming Cinderella team has gone where no other college team has gone before.  St. Peter's (Newark, NJ) is the first 15th seeded team in the NCAA tournament into the sweet 16.  Under the cool tutelage of head coach Shaheen Holloway, this small Jesuit University, undergraduate population of just over 2,100, performed at the highest level in the NCAA.  The St. Peter's Peacocks beat the Purdue Boilermakers to move to the elite eight.  This is great for the University, New Jersey and anyone who enjoys the fun and exuberance of seeing student's hard work, sportsmanship and skill reap earned rewards.  The whole team epitomizes teamwork and confidence without cockiness and finesse under stress.   The entire team and its head coach  deserve accolades.  I want noted coach Holloway is only in his 4th year at St. Peters.  In his 2nd year he was named the Rock of the year of the MAAC.  Special shout out to 6'8" freshman, Clarence Rupert and 6'2" junior Doug Edert.  Amongst a glowing team of tenacious players these two young men showed us all the right stuff.  Edert is benefitting from the new rules allowing college players to profit from licensing their image.  I endorse this course of rightful licensing.  I'm concerned though of the slippery slope this may portend in the end with college athletes and universities.  Nonetheless,  I'm not going to rain on this parade.  Games with the elite 8 begin play on Sunday.  Am I rooting for St. Peter's?  Unless you're from NC or an alum thereof, who isn't?  Meantime, tune in tomorrow to the tournament.  Next year I'm putting all the names from the brackets in a hat, pulling them out and betting accordingly.  I gotta do better than this year cause my betting can't get worse.

Roosevelt House Presents Journalist Anna-Catherine Brigida "Reporting between Borders" - Illegal and Immoral Immigrating of Minors

Monday evening, free-lance journalist Anna-Catherine Brigida, spoke regarding her reporting of migrants from Honduras to the US/Mexico border.  Sissel McCarthy, Dir. of Journalism for Hunter College moderated.  This seems to be a very prescient topic as 3 million Ukrainians are displaced from their war torn homes and fleeing to neighboring countries seeking safety.  The contrast between Ukrainian refugees fleeing their homes and families is crucial.  Migrants fleeing Honduras are seeking financial opportunities for themselves and their families.  Brigida has covered the migrant trails from Honduras into the US since 2015. The comparison between S. American migrants seeking refuge in the US and the millions of Ukrainians is the former is for financial security and the later is a necessity for survival.  Brigida reports have appeared in TIME, The WASHINGTON POST and Al Jazeera on the Honduras refugees.  Her stories depict dire situations of poverty and a quest for better financial opportunities.  Her reporting touched upon growing number of minors traveling unaccompanied.  This is where my focus shifted from the harrowing travails of migrants to the abhorrent encouragement families offer their teens for attempting  to venture on their own.  An article appeared in the BBC of March 2021, interviewing Marco Antulio, father to Anderson (age 16 at the time) who abetted his son to attempt what I view as an illegal and crossing.  Antulio stated "{I} understand that some might consider it irresponsible to let a minor travel alone but people {do} not know the pressures they were under to survive."  Anderson planned to return in five or six years, having sent money for the family to build a decent home.  Antulio went on to say, "as a father you have to look at which is the most viable option so they have a better life.  So they don't live the same as us."  More than 95,000 unaccompanied minors entered the US from S. America in 2021.  This is an egregious and perilous journey that must be stopped.  Financial support from the US should be sent to S. American countries rather than the exorbitant financial burdens placed on our federal government.  These children are often exploited, cannot easily gain employment and the vicious and oftentimes fatal consequences of permitting illegal minors from entering must not be tolerated.  A clear message signifying  unaccompanied minors will be deported should be instigated to stop these horrendous migrations.  This was not the direction of Brigida's journalist talk.  However, it's my strong assertions resources must be directed to help war refugees from Ukraine and the US must stop acting an open border, open bank for impoverished countries.   

TURNING RED Pixar's Newest Release is Really for Kids but Not Silly

Did I like Disney Pixar's newest full-length animated film "Turning Red?" Nope, but that's okay.  Usually, Pixar picks flicks that are universal.  I thought this charming coming of age film a pastiche of themes geared for pre-teens and their parents.  I applaud the likable 13 year old heroine, Meiline Lee (voiced by Rosalie Chang) and her girl squad of unflagging friendships.  I commend the conversation starter of menses for adolescents.  (But, menstral pads?  Really?  Are tampons somehow too much of a ceiling breaker?). Meiline's mother (voiced by Sandra Oh) is a tiger mom which can be construed as derogatory stereootyping of Asian parents. But, before we go woke, wake-up to the unflattering depiction of Asian women as designer, status aspiring consumers.  These constructive critiques aside, there is much for Pixar to take pride in this made for viewing by pre-adolescents in the presence of their parents.  The exuberance of youth and the importance of friendships over family is rightly placed front and center.  So too is the infatuation with popular bands and the first stirrings of attractions outside the bounds of friendship.  However, the movie can't take credit for being original in coping with one's strong emotions.  Disney did it with aplomb in "Inside Out".  Appropriating one's own material is not inappropriate but it's redux not new.  Neither are themes of bullying, popularity and peer pressures new memes.  Still, these potent and universal concerns are handled with intelligence and sensitivity.  The generation divides between youngster's and their parents, and their parents' parents, handled the inherent frustrations and capitulations with humor.  Much credit has to be given to the voice overs done by Chang and Oh alongside Pixar's expert animation.  I didn't care for the picture's cotton candy kaleidoscope color palette.  This was a nod to  a young demographic who still care for Care Bears and unicorns.  The choreography throughout deserves a shout out for its artistry and whimsy.  Even though I was not a big fan of the film "Turning Red" I urge parents of pre-teens to screen this one together for bonding time and for broaching conversations.