True Gothic Superheroes

 

I am not sure why this feature held my interest and became worthy of a posting. Maybe it was the pure creative genius of transplanting two different worlds. One, the graphic novels of both Superheroes and Fairy Tales. Secondly, Flemish Period Artwork. The masterful mash-up was the creation of French photog Sacha Goldberger.


He started with heroes and villains as well as other iconic figures. Then drew upon the aid of over 100 colleagues of costumers, actors and even a casting director to take portraits that merged the two worlds. Amazing detail in fabrics, lighting and mood. I am disappointed that I can share only a handful of them here, because they are all magnifcent. Please check out his web link as the shots go on and on. Can we say Christmas Coffee Table book gift for next year? 

Sacha Goldberger
 

Being True To Yourself

One of the big buzzwords in Youth Non-Profit or Advocacy in the last decade has been Authenticity. Every group and cause needs not only a mission statement, but an agenda that remains at its core, personal. While the essence of this is a given, articulating it and living it are more complex than meets the eye, ear or soul. It lands somewhere in the realm between pure instinct and conscious choice.

For me, I like to believe that my life journey has all been steps toward this and I am hopefully in constant reflection so that I remain true to myself in spite of the obstacles or poor choices that befall me. Continuing in the spirit of resolution for 2015, here is a check list that speaks to Habits of Highly Authentic People. There are 40 of them so it is a handful to process. And God knows, no one would be capable of honoring them all on a regular basis. But I was happy to note that in spite of many flaws and self judgement, I certainly follow this pathway.
40 Authentic Habits

Some of the items like "reading the fine print, then taking advantage of loop holes," "consider themselves out of the ordinary and feel no shame for that," or "they are curious as to why things happen" jump out as character traits. "They know their answers before the questions are posed" allude to some of my arrogant sides. Then there are the shortcomings like "understanding that perfection does not exist" or "worrying is a waste of time" that I can use improvement on. But I do strive to be authentic and that is the important step in the quest.

Big City Minneapolis

I try not to toot the Twin Cities horn too often. I think highly of it, but realize it is not the right fit for everyone as they have found out by living here. I also hate the types that become

pompous braggers and can rattle off every Best of List that comes down the pipeline.

But I did think this feature in Confluence had some merit and interesting views. Confluence is a media blog by our peers in Denver CO on all things metropolitan. The title of the article is What Smart Cities Can Learn From Minneapolis. And instead of touting stats about theater, lakes or sports teams - it talks in concepts and ideas about infrastructure. At times wordy and a bit literate for me. But it is empowering to quantify so many political and neighborhood initiatives that are apparently keeping us fresh and vibrant as a city. Especially considering that we are the hub of the North and not some glamorous Sunbelt city. And yet somehow we continue to grow or push the envelope. Give it a read.

Confluence article

Live in Living Color

As you know, I am always intrigued by technology. This also applies to photography in the day of digital. It used to be that studios and dark rooms had to make changes to our images. But now with every app on the Market; possibilities are endless. My tablet allows me to put Mickey Mouse ears on a friend, turn someone into an animated Zombie, add texture, tint and borders to any picture or play with Photo Booth layouts. And this is all without any sort of skills.

So I found this feed fascinating that looked into vintage and iconic photos from the past and added color to them. Just like the world of Oz when Dorothy enters Munchkinland or Ted Turner has done with countless film classics. It elevates them as pieces of art and somehow makes them even more human if that is possible. What do you think?

Colorized Photos







 

YouTube Year in Rewind

I try to stay pretty up on my Techno Trends and Pop Culture. Especially with my work in teens. Twitter has been good to me this year in terms of a mouthpiece to fire off quick quips or political bites. I am dutiful on my Facebook #tbt and even jumped on the Bitstrips Boat for the short time that sailed (I still find it pretty comical and it is as close as I will ever come to being a comic strip hero)

Occasionally I stumble into the void of YouTube... When searching for some rare television special or old music video that might be floating around in cyberspace. I know we have a YouTube channel for TCCAN that gets no usage or postings. But I was slightly unaware that it is a mecca all of its own with a plethora of small screen celebrities waiting for the viral blitz that will take them mainstream. Much in the way that we used to think of television as a precursor to the Silver Screen. There are tons of personalities forging a following of their own here on YouTube with little expectation of bigger things to come.

Thus I bring you the YouTube Rewind 2014 video which is a time capsule of all things video in the year. I have to honestly admit I knew the pop music cuts in the mix, but had to wait for the credits rolling at the end to figure out who the footage was of. None of them are the artists in the recording, but are memes and icons who have found their niche in the cloud. There are notable names like Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, Conan O'Brien and even Big Bird who I certainly know. Even a few wild cards like Trans-Phenom Conchita Wurst and singer Sam Tsui. But there are many rags to rag-tag stories like Tyler Oakley, Jenna Marbles, DanIsNotOnFire and MN's own Connor Franta who make daily posts that chronicle the daily adventures of their lives. Also international hitters like Hikakin, Cyprien, Sami Sliman & Andy Raconte - from corners of the globe where I have no idea what they are saying. I found great little musical parody acts like the Gregory Brothers who I will now track down. How about Epic Rap Battles where they pen weekly hip-hop rants that pair up the musings of Oprah vs. Ellen? Or Rhett & Link who call themselves Intertainers with hijinks similar to the Jackass reject storyboards. There is much to be seen, heard and learned. It takes work to stay on the cutting edge. Hopefully I am still hanging on the ledge.

Resolved

After a few days deliberation; here is the new list to hold accountable for the next year. A few are carry-overs from the previous year since they were either a good fit or can continue to use some improvement.

Baking or Cooking - once a week. In spite of my ridiculously small kitchen, there are few things I enjoy more than firing up the oven, warming up the crock pot or making a creme brulee. I have plenty of gadgets and fine cookbooks. So I just need to continue to make it a practice.

Stamped Mail - I still get a pleasure out of writing personal letters to my grandmother or other distant friends. It takes so little time, just the thought to put the words down on paper. I can do better.

Personal Time - I have given myself glimpses of this but also need to make it part of my rituals to replenish. Sometimes it need be only 5 minutes at work to watch traffic go by and clear my mind. Or a Saturday morning in a yoga class to clear the cobwebs that build so quickly in my OCD brain.

Cabaret Sets - I have made good strides at moving my shows from concept into actual performable evenings. This is the year to make it all happen. Find the venue, put the date on the calendar and deliver. Hear me Sing!

*Simple Thought - not so much a resolution but a gentle reminder. "Enjoy the nice days when they happen." Minnesota can be a brutal place to raise our spirits with unforgiving frigid days or dark grey stretches. So, it is important to really appreciate the days when it is all perfect; sun on my face and a cardinal chirping from the top of a tree.

** Simplify - another new concept is to not add more to the list, but to strip away things that are road blocks or get in the way. Sort of like an "unfriend on Facebook." For me 2015 is the year I so no thank you to summer marching band parades. There was a time I enjoyed them, but no longer. I need to enjoy every free day of the summer with dogs, gardens and friends. Take back the weekends!

Gratitude List

I thought that before I draft up the New Years list for tomorrow (and it is already in ink), that I should take a few short seconds to reflect back on this year. We are always in such a hurry to move forward, that I am learning it is helpful to stay in the same spot for a short while and take a look around. I would say this has been a good habit for me to grasp the past year. Here are some milestones; some huge and others just a wee stirring.

Macy's Parade with the Madison Scouts - obviously a HUGE highlight and bucket list item in so many ways. I always regretted that I had to leave before my age-out year. I have stayed close to members and the activity, but it was a personal gift to re-enter the ranks and recreate the magic in such a huge way. The bonding, the work ethic and the adrenaline rush of icy cold New York with Balloons and Santa. I have seen many parades in my life, but this was tops.

New York with Jeff - we have had small getaways to Duluth or Des Moines. But in all our time we have never had the adventure of a real whirlwind vacation. This was great life lessons, sightseeing and company.

Waylon - all dogs are great companions. But this one is truly the best I have ever the pleasure of sharing in my life. What a playmate and sweet soul and I never tire of the morning ritual of wet kisses to wake me up.

My Summer Garden - each year there are the inevitable sad losses that a Minnesota winter can bring. This year it was my two gorgeous trees that I had planted in my 1st years here. But the seasons also bring the colors of old friends back and the addition of new ones. I can never spend too much time in the warm sun watching the flowers change from day to day.

the Firepit and Sunsets at Lake Calhoun - There is something about dusk, the bright colors of the sun on the horizon and water. I spend many a night just sitting on the grass taking it in. Or starting an evening fire and toasting up a marshmallow with a glass of red wine. Definitely a summer boy.

Harvest trip to Erie with Class reunion - I think I love getting home to see family most of all in the late Fall. The trees ablaze, the smell of grapes being harvested and apples all around. There is never enough time. But I was very fortunate to reconnect with old friends and spend quality time with family across many miles.

Summer Drum Corps and Winter Guard - I can't believe that 40 years later, I am still involved in this crazy activity that few really understand yet it gives me such joy. The sound of a wall of brass on a field or the soaring of a beautiful flag to the right piece of music. And that I get to judge this is amazing; that I am often the best seat in the house. I truly love the great things that continue to happen and emerge.


my Cabaret work - this had been a vow of mine a few years back. I don't know that I have retired from stage work, but have certainly been on hiatus. But the cabaret work I do with TCCAN has given me the home I have been seeking and the opportunity to become the artist I always wanted to be. I can spend hours digging up a lost piece of music, working on an arrangement or listening to obtuse recordings hoping to find a gem. And then I get to sing and share it with others. Look for much more to come on this front in 2015.