Jake the Man

In my usual menagerie of Jake, Chris Evans, Ryan Gosling and Mr. Clooney - there is much to like about all of them. Each handsome, articulate and seemingly socially conscious. But of the bunch, it seems like Jake Gyllenhaal is likely the most human and similar to the rest of us. I guess this would translate as "normal."

Somehow, he survived the curse of childhood actor from his early days in City Slickers, Donnie Darko & Bubble Boy to emerge as well balanced and humble at the same time. He has loyal family ties, a dog and the dashing crooked grin. Since then he has grown up and grown into complex roles from the demented Louis Bloom of Nightcrawler to the psychotic Tommy Cahill in Brothers and action hero in the Prince of Persia. This year he even added musical theater and Broadway star to the litany of possibilities. But his turn in Brokeback Mountain carves the most memorable scar for many.

Listening to this recent interview on the Hollywood Masters  he talks about that pioneering portrayal. But even more so, on the smart and sensitive soul that is Jake Gyllenhaal. More to like about him - the kind of guy you'd want to take home to meet the family or spend a day at the zoo with.

Dance Like Your Life Depends On It

Although I am quite sure my days of dancing in the chorus are over, I am spiritually affected by the way dance steers the soul. There is something about both the music under it and the vocabulary of the body that will always remain transcendent for me. In much of what I see, I amazed that new generations of dancers & choreographers continue to find ways to reinvent our bodies and craft a language that is uniquely their own. Constantly. I see it every year in color guard, SYTYCD, our local companies..... 

Here are two clips that both passed my way and I felt they were worthy of a share although they come from opposite sides of the spectrum. The first is from I.aM.mE crew member and former So You Think You Can Dance contestant Phillip Chbeeb and Renee Kester. Apparently there is a whole live action element in New York on Fridays and Saturdays called "showtime" where they invade the subway system and create spontaneous works among crowded cars and poles. This lovely piece is to Elliot Moss' "Slip"and uses the concept of suspend and release that is both acrobatic as well as evoking. There in an instant and then gone, which is also so different from the usual mode of rehearse, produce and archive. Thankfully, with digital technology, there is the option to share at large.

Then, at the total opposite end of the spectrum is our American heritage of dance preserved in vaults of musical theater. All the greats are featured from Gene Kelly, to Fred Astaire to Eleanor Powell. These names are familiar to me, but likely slipping into the history books of forgotten legends with new generations? But in this genius collage, they are all painstakingly assembled by The British Film Institute to Mark Ronson's monster smash Uptown Funk. What amazes me is that these vintage clips from over a 100 years so seamlessly align in style. What a trip down a fabulous memory lane. Enjoy them both!

 

Macy's Step in Time

Just one short year ago was a lifetime dream realized as I marched with brothers in spirit, the Madison Scouts in the Thanksgiving Day Parade. 365 days later, visions of sugar plums and Santa sleighs still dance in my head along with sheets of chilly winter drizzle and throngs of fans along Columbus Circle.

But the parade has ALWAYS been a monumental part of my holiday tradition. I would bet that every year of my life was spent watching it in front of the television in pajamas with the morning paper in hand, and a cup of coffee as soon as I was able to drink it. With the invention of social media, I now run a regular commentary on the event as it happens; which for me is the next best thing to being there. I am sure I will return to those sidewalks of New York for another live viewing in my lifetime yet. But it is with joy and anticipation that I am now announcing the line-up and talent for this years Grand Event. The musicals The Wiz, Fiddler On the Roof, Something's Rotten, On Your Feet, The King and I and Finding Neverland. Stars Pat Benatar, Maria Carey, Andy Grammer, Shawn Mendes and Jennifer Nettles among others. The count down is on. Stay tuned to Facebook to watch it unfold LIVE.

Also a link to new balloons; Red Angry Bird, new Ronald McDonald, Ice Age & the Sinclair Dinosaur.

4 New Balloons 

Macy's Line-up

High Art

I have always been a fan of art, museums and historical culture. And especially the satire and parody where different worlds collide. For some reason these two photo blogs found there way to me at relatively the same time.

One is the comical world of Rowan Atkinson and his insufferable Mr. Bean. He should be annoying in that he has a single "bit" that has made his fame with his smug Cheshire grin. And yet I always find myself laughing at his childish antics. Here are a few shots of him photobombing classic works of art.

 

And for the second offering, the loft of Squarespace in NYC decided to have some artistic fun with spare time and a steady supply of office supplies. See what a creative minds can come up with.