Are You A Digital Native?
Everyone knows that if you can’t fix your computer, ask a twelve year old. These kids who were born and raised on YouTube and instant messaging are pushing aside the baby boomer grasp on the media. It hit me whack upside the head the night I showed up at the New People Cinema for the closing night of the Asian American Film Festival in San Francisco. Lia Yoo, a fifteen year old from Ohio, was introduced as the youngest film executive producer. They found her on the creative arts fundraising site Kickstarter. Lia gave a stirring introduction, explaining her commitment to diversity as president of her high school gay/straight alliance. The lights went down and before me began a carefully choreographed collection of videos, live performance, singing, karaoke, lights on, audience participation, lights off, random outbursts and short attention span comedic interludes. These people were flaunting every audio/visual convention. I really wanted to be annoyed but I was rapidly converted by the stunning production values, brilliant camera work, innovative editing, and Grammy worthy singing. The dominant cultural paradigm has officially shifted.
Transmedia from Transylvania?
The producers called the production “transmedia”, “interactive cinema”, and a blatant quest for musical world domination. Those Rocky Horror midnight costumed audience participation film nights are so last week. Prison Dancer flouts the linear narrative conventions without sacrificing entertainment value or plot.
How Did This Transmedia Thing Start?
If you are twenty you probably already know that there’s a great series on YouTube called Prison Dancer. The creators were inspired by those inmates of Cebu, Philippines who performed Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” in a viral YouTube video back in the day. The characters in this nouveau Prison Dancer have a touch of Glee, but instead of the band Journey, the running homage is to the famous Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, aka Pak Yow. (You’ll be humming his name for days). The Prison Dancer cast consists of several top Filipino-Canadian stars of Broadway, stage, and all sized screens.
L – O – L – A … Lola:
Throughout the tightly choreographed 70 minutes we get to know Lola, the unlikely leader of the pack, a loud and proud queen who keeps everyone in line by giving dancing lessons to fellow inmates. The most non-macho comedy interaction with a punching bag award goes to Jeigh Madjus, Mr Jailhouse Rock in a parallel and very gay universe. Caught up in the excitement I shyly lifted my iPhone to snap a discreet pic of the concert/film/happpening. Looking around, half the audience was tweeting or had their smartphones in the air making real time docs. Times have changed.
Prison Dancer Everywhere, Anytime:
You can view the Prison Dancer interactive musical web series on YouTube 24/7. The talented crew goes full circle in July 2012 at the New York Musical Theatre Festival with an off Broadway musical production of performative cinema. Tablets are phones, phones are tablets, get used to it.
Dancing with the Stars fans in Jacksonville will be in a frenzy – dusting off their dancing shoes and kicking up their heels when the smok’n hot dance spectacle – Burn The Floor. Ballroom. Reinvented. – visits the River City this month.
The internationally acclaimed hit show is aptly described as “strictly ballroom with an attitude”.
Entertainment Weekly says the show is - Downright sexy! A polished production, with classy costumes and stunning vocals.”
Under the artistic guidance of former World Champion Latin and Ballroom dancer, Jason Gilkison (who is also well known for his choreography and judging on “So You Think You Can Dance”), the show is electric. Each performance shines.
The sensational talents of this global group of 22 award-winning dancers are simply amazing! Stars in their own right – with over 100+ championship titles held collectively, these dancers are poised to set the stage on fire with classic dance favorites like the Viennese Waltz and high octane numbers like the Jive.
Whatever your footwork fancy… a Sultry Samba, a Tantalizing Tango or the Passionate Paso Doble, Burn The Floor will deliver!
A Special Pre-Show Treat: It is Twinkle-Toes time with the local Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Dance Instructors will take you for a spin around the lobby. Don’t be late…the lesson starts at 6:30 p.m. prior to the performance.
Search no more! Skip the boxed soap gift sets and edible floral arrangements this Mother’s Day. Give mom the gift that says and DOES so much more.
Honor and thank her for her many sacrifices by celebrating and elevating her special beauty with the help of science.
NuFACE®, a sleek futuristic-looking device the size of a television remote, has rocked the beauty world as an anti-aging secret weapon. Proclaimed as the “pilates or personal trainer for the face”, this hand-held magic wand is revolutionizing in-home and over-the-counter skin care solutions. Using technology to turn back the clock by diminishing fine lines and plumping the skin, NuFACE promises to deliver noticeable and dramatic results in less than 60 days.
Passionate users claim it is a Botox contender and a replacement for more costly invasive plastic surgery procedures, laser treatments and topical creams.
A safe and sensory patented micro-current system is key to NuFACE’s effectiveness and continued success. Skin appears tighter and toned with a regime of application. Add in the unit’s affordable price point ($250-$325) compared with the known alternatives, the positive clinical research and the solid customer testimonials, and NuFACE comes out a winner on every level.
For over ten years, the Carol Cole Company has been leading the way in results-driven skin care. The NuFACE device was created to aid in facial rejuvenation. Each year, Carol and her team of aesthetic experts, scientists and tech designers work to improve and enhance the NuFACE experience. Today, consumers have a choice of colors and models to meet their lifestyle and budget.
The NuFACE Classic comes in a variety of diva color favorites including bright pink and teal.
The NEW Trinity Model is totally tricked out with a cool ergonomic design, a rechargeable cradle charger, interchangeable heads for multiple therapies, push button controls, audible treatment indicators and a 20 minute auto shut-off.
I was skeptical after reading mixed reviews. But decided to give NuFACE a try. I previewed the online tutorial and was careful to apply the gel primer to treatment area before using. And, I made sure my skin was clean and free of any makeup or moisturizers. The total process took under 15 minutes; it was easy and painless. I glided the probes as instructed in defined repetitive upward movements (holding 5-10 seconds) on specific problem areas of the face – the forehead, brow, jowls and cheek. After only one week of daily use, I noticed a difference. I looked rested and refreshed. Even friends commented on the positive change in my appearance. Results are said to last up to 72 hours or even longer with consistent usage. A routine treatment schedule consisting of a minimum of five days a week for for first 90 days is highly recommended followed by maintenance treatments two or three times each week thereafter. Insider Tip: Natural Aloe Vera is a a cost-effective substitute for the gel primer.
The final verdict is not yet out for me… it is still too early to see truly significant results. But given the response from friends and the reflection in the mirror lately… my transformation is looking very very promising.
I am excited to erase a few years…as I am certain most women would be.
If you are not quite ready for the investment, opt for a treatment at a local spa or aethestician office. The NuFACE website can direct you to a list of professionals in your area.
Happy Mother’s Day!
To shop and learn more, visit the NuFACE online at www.mynuface.com
If internationally known art community San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is on your vacation bucket list and you love hitting the hotspots when traveling, lock in a stay at Hotel Matilda. A dreamy destination matched with a lifetime come true goal of local entrepreneur: Harold Stream (aka Spook).
A red eye flight from SFO and a two hour shuttle drive from the nearest airport (LEON) delivers us at dawn, bleary-eyed, at the well worth the journey sleek revealing entryway of Hotel Matilda – a sophisticated and polished gem nestled in the cradle of cobbled colonial streets.
Checking in at the front desk is a breeze, the staff is graceful, thoughtful, prepared. It’s the electronic evolving kaleidoscopic (echoing traditional Mexican tiles by Nacho Rodriguez Bach) suspended behind the staff that questions the steadiness of our feet. This is the first indication of what artful promise lies ahead. On our right is an exquisitely designed library and gallery of Latin art, books and collectibles – to be enjoyed after we freshen up.
On to our abode. We breeze past a monumentous bust by Javier Marín, a celebrated Mexican sculptor from Uruapan, Michoacan. My friend and I exchange glances. Hint number two. This is gonna be special. We stroll on past a misty sculptural waterfall feeding into an infinity – the pools surface is at our eye (popping) level. This is the pulsing heart of the property.
Our guest room is sparkling clean, artfully decorated with original photography by Eduardo Dayan, and the floor to ceiling patio windows look out upon the rolling hilltops of San Miguel de Allende.
First things first, a visit to Spa Matilda – the only spa in all of Mexico to make the Conde Nast 2011 HOT LIST. And sexy and sultry it is. The waiting room has the typical tea and cookies selections but what is not so typical is the original museum quality art, the lavish interior touches, a simmering fireplace and a cultivated art library. Allow yourselves plenty time to linger here before and after scheduled appointments.
The Hammam experience. Step into a steam so dense you cannot decipher your surroundings. The heat and fragrance will take your breath away – breathe in, breathe out. Sidestep your way to the plush towel draped divan and absorb the heat and moisture for a few minutes. Arranged in front of the divan is a bench table with a small pot of freshly custom blended ginger, sage and lavender. Scrub yourself from head to toe and then lie down to completely relax and absorb the salt, the fragrance and feel your cares melt away. Thirty minutes of complete surrender. If the heat gets to be too much plunge your fingers into the ice bucket for the cold wash cloth. Eventually the steam subsides and you will discover you are ensconced in a large white marble room with alcoves and artisan touches. The soft plush divan and the rainwater rinse take this steam room experience to another physical level.
Each signature massage treatment begins with hovering lavender oil infused cupped palms suspended over your eyes and mouth until your breathing slows. A satin eye pillow stuffed with sage, lavender, rosemary and clover drapes across your brow and allows you to truly release. Gently wrapped in the softest sheets and blankets, your shoulders and feet supported with absorbent cushy rolls, soft music in the background, aromatherapy infused, you are ready. Inhale and let go as much as you can while you are firmly and carefully worked from head to toe.
Hate to miss a minute of a clear blue sky? Opt for Spa En Vivo – just minutes from the Hotel – for an outdoor massage or dip into thermal springs.
The spa shop is very tempting, carrying Natura Bisse and Primavera® products, all used in treatments and a few more select stylish items. Notice the lavender – grown all round the property – an essential element in every service at the Spa.
Around the corner is a new fitness facility with cardio and strength-training equipment furnished in the Fall 2011 and literally just above is the stunning infinity pool presented center stage in the heart of the hotel. (Locals and long term vacationers have full access to the gym and pool for $150 U.S a month)
We head back to the room to dress for the day. It is late October and the city is humming with preparations for Dia de Los Muertos.
The central plaza is decorated with fluttering colored flags and surrounded by an assortment of colorful alters to the dead. The cathedral soars above us ripping the blue sky. It is warm and small children are shouting and darting in every direction.
After a stirring and thought provoking two hour walking tour of the town with Patronato Pro Ninos(highly recommended) we were inspired to watch the film Frida (2002) again, with a fresh awareness of the historical events that took place here and throughout Mexico.
Choosing to pass on the outdoor screening of an ancient horror flick we scrambled to catch up with a smartly uniformed singing and marching troupe headed seemingly towards the parque beyond our hotel. Much to our delight the troupe was destined for Hotel Matilda! What a unique musical experience for the guests! And an insight into the support of the arts of this community and of hotel management.
As the music died down we queried the front desk for the film Frida. To our complete delight and their surprise they had the DVD in stock and proceeded to set up the player in our room. Truly custom service. After learning so much during the morning tour we wanted to continue the experience of reliving history. Watching Frida and the art and politics of the day was perfecto.
We slept soundly, blissfully. Breakfast was fresh fruit and eggs, all beautifully presented. Off we went to explore the the arts in town. On our evening return we met for drinks and appetizers in the Bar Matilda with the hotel representative for insights on the property.
Clearly the arts are the passion of this property. It houses an eclectic collection of works, including several pieces commissioned specifically for Hotel Matilda by popular and rising stars of the Mexican art world.
Underscoring Hotel Matilda’s commitment to the arts is that it is named for the subject of a famous painting in the hotel’s collection. In the 1940s, internationally acclaimed Mexican artist Diego Rivera painted a larger-than-life portrait of Matilda Stream, the mother of Hotel Matilda owner/developer Harold Stream. Rivera was unhappy with his first effort, believing it represented what others wanted her to be rather than what he saw in her, so he painted a new portrait his way. In “The Archer,” Matilda stands straight and strong, clutching a bow and arrow, and embodies – in Rivera’s artistic vision the inner Matilda – the goddess of the hunt, Diana. As a tribute to artistic vision, a reproduction (the original remains in the Stream family private collection) hangs in the hotel.
Much like an art gallery experience ones physical passage throughout the property is supported masterfully. Thoughtfully designed sliding doors are a signature nuance. From the superb street entrance to the lobby and dining sliding doors, right on thru to the suites solid bathroom door that upon closure reveals a full length mirror. Windows frame beauty in every direction. Our bathroom window reveals a deep blue wall absorbing the natural light of the day, providing a fresh sense of calm with each entry.
There are 32 rooms and suites in five categories: Deluxe Rooms, Grand Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites, Luxury Suites and Owner’s Suites. All accommodations are luxuriously appointed with artistic touches, from fine 400-thread count linens and Mexican calcuta marble floors to art works by acclaimed Mexico City photographer Eduardo Zaylan. Most feature a balcony or terrace, while many boast panoramic views.
Travelers seeking old world charm have a plethora of options but for those who seek a state of the art experience – a vibrant home away from home pulsing with a Latin beat – this is your dream come true.
More deets:
Wifi: Wireless internet at no charge is available in all common areas. Every room and suite has an internet connection.
Canine Club Pet Program: Pets up to 20 pounds welcome with special beds, treats, toys, daily walks and more.
Mexican Materials & Décor: Most of the materials and components of the construction and décor are Mexican, from marble from Hidalgo and Puebla states and quarried rock from the state of Queretaro to upholstery and furniture hand-crafted by Mexican artisans.
Green Profile: Photo-voltaic panels producing up to 30% of the electricity needs; solar panels heating water for guest rooms, the pool, and other uses; a lighting system that automatically dims and shuts off lights to reduce energy use; composting of organic waste and recycling of glass, plastic, paper and other inorganic waste; and sustainable bath amenities presented in large 32 oz. pump bottles that are refilled rather than small individual throwaway bottles (very nice touch).
Hotel Matilda
Aldama 53
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
37700 Mexico
KEEN lovers – I just got a tickle out of my mom’s hot buy for her new Mary Janes! Spotted in Sundance Catalog, she shopped around and found free shipping + 25% off and is stoked! Her words!
I just scored these Bronze Luna FitFlops – I cannot live without this brand! Seems those in Europe get the freshest releases and at $70 =- $130 a pop – I shop around too. Euro sizes can be tricky!
What sandals or shoes do you have your eye on for Spring?
If you don’t already know this about me, I just looooove to travel. As I type this post, I’m looking out from the 33rd floor at the Wynn Hotel onto the Strip in Las Vegas. Here for a few nights of fun, and I’m a happy girl!
Not all bad from the 33rd floor!
While I was madly packing last night…wondering what shoes? what tops? jacket? The one thing that was pretty darn easy to pack was my jewelry. Now I know that I have already talked to you about how to get your jewelry from point A to point B in a previous post, I haven’t yet talked about what to bring!
Of course, the destination and duration of your trip will help determine this, but for the “general” 3-6 day trip, I do have a standard “bring” list that’s pretty much guaranteed to take me anywhere from casual sightseeing to a fancier dinner out.
So here’s my jewelry packing list:
1. Watch (not too dressy, and not the one you wear at the gym)
2. Hoop earrings in your chosen metal, be it silver, gold, etc.
3. A pair of fancy earrings–chandeliers, diamond hoops, that sort of thing (And trust me, they don’t need to be expensive–my current faces are a pair from Stella & Dot that I think cost about $45!)
4. Some sort of studs, be it diamond, cz or metal that work back with your necklaces
5. An everyday ring or set of daily stacking rings
6. A statement cocktail ring to glam it up!
7. A daily necklace
8. A statement necklace for jazzing up everything from jeans to a cocktail dress
9. Since I’m a bracelet girl, a set of 3-5 mix and match bracelets and bangles
As we were in the security line at SFO this morning, Jeff asked, “Are you really going to wear all that through the line? Don’t you have to take it all off?” (I was wearing a watch, 5 bracelets, 3 stacking rings, my statement necklace and hoops) Well yes, I did have to take off some of it, but thanks to my friend Jen, I learned that I can leave on all “real” jewelry since that doesn’t set off the alarm, so I only had to take off half of it. Nice tip, Jen!
Remember, all the jewelry that you’re NOT wearing needs to be properly packed and in your purse — not your checked luggage, not your carry-on, and not in your significant other’s backpack. It’s valuable and it’s your responsibility!
Hope these tips help you enjoy your next holiday even more! Cheers!
Fashion bad-boy, Jean Paul Gaultier’s provocative multi-media exhibition, “From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk” will be on show in San Francisco March 24 – August 19 and any fashionista within a plane ride away should buy a ticket now.
" Cone bra" prototype worn by "Nana".
I was fortunate enough to have been invited to the press opening, where Gaultier regaled us with stories about his childhood (his teddy bear, Nana, was his original fit-model for his “cone bra”, later worn by Madonna on her 1990 “Blond Ambition” tour) how this show came to be, his love of San Francisco, where he gets his design ideas (after opening a can of cat food one day, he was inspired to create a line of tin can jewelry) to his thoughts on beauty.
“There is not only one type of beauty. As a child,” Gaultier explains, “my attention was always drawn to men and women who didn’t look like everyone else.”He went on to say that he was more interested in character, personality, and a sense of uniqueness, perhaps because as a child he was rejected for being different.
The dynamic, multi-media exhibit on (complete with animated mannequins who playfully speak, sing and even wink at you) includes 140 haute couture and prêt-à-porter designs created between the mid-1970s and 2010, along with numerous sketches, archival documents, fashion photographs, and video clips that spotlight Gaultier’s collaborations with filmmakers, choreographers, and musicians.
Gaultier called this model (not classically handsome) his muse.
Talking mannequin
de Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr
San Francisco, CA
Mar 24 – Aug 19
Tuesdays–Sundays
415.750.3600
Tickets can be purchased on the de Young’s website: www.deyoungmuseum.org.
There is a $10 surcharge for this exhibit.
There’s a fresh website that’s launched this past week that has the chance to revolutionize the way we are inspired to travel. You’ve probably heard that alot though, with new sites popping up every day. I know I have become wary when I venture away from my TripAdvisor, twitter, or Tumblr, but Everplaces is more than worth a look.
Everplaces is being called the “Pinterest for location,” meaning that similar to the fabulous Pinterest, you can create a personal collection (here’s mine so far) of the amazing places you’ve come across in your travels or the ones you want to try in the future.
You can add new places as well as explore what other users have dubbed as Everplace-worthy.
And of course, there is an easy-to-use iPhone app (Android is soon to come) that makes it easy for on-the-go.
The world is full of too many amazing places, and Everplace is the latest place to find and share them.
The Opus Hotel in downtown Vancouver has personality in spades—from the hot pink lounge décor in the lobby to all the male staff wearing shoes by local designer John Fluevog to the ultra hip (and wonderful) Cento Notti restaurant.
But the recently renovated rooms literally have personalities. There are five fictional characters in total, and all the rooms are designed around them. There’s Billy, the rock star from England, Susan, a fashion executive from Toronto, Mike, a doctor from New York City, Pierre, a food critic from Paris, and Dede, an actress from Los Angeles. The colors and décor are part of the profiles, but the most creative and interactive elements are the Ipads in each room. These have music, apps, and concierge suggestions created for each Opus archetype. Guests can even take these out on the town with them, whether skiing on Grouse Mountain (just a 30 minute ride from Opus), or hitting the new restaurants in Yaletown like Chinois, a recently opened upscale Chinese restaurant.
The room pictured above is for “Dede” a film actress from Los Angeles. Her Ipad concierge suggests glamorous spots to eat, shi-shi spas, and hot spots for shopping.
For more ideas on where to stay in Vancouver – click here
There are few spots left! in the The Heart of Memoir Writing Workshop
May 27 – June 2, 2012
Held in the Abruzzo Region of Italy, in the medieval hilltop burgh of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a UNESCO World Heritage site, awarded for Conservation of Cultural Landscapes.
Experience travel in the grand tradition of times past when great American writers sought inspiration in unspoiled European cities and villages.
Allow yourself time and seclusion to create literature from your life experience as you craft creative nonfiction essays— memoir, food and travel writing.
Travel
Learn the art of composing the experience of a place, of finding and revealing the heart of an unfamiliar locale, of clarifying a critical essence that can be known only through watchful observation and reflection. Carefully note architectural detail, patterns in old stone steps, symbolism on church walls, vistas of green and gold. Weave such imagery with historical research to add texture to travel essays.
Food
Research the Italian food typical of Abruzzo, perhaps to find the connection between the foods served in Santo Stefano and local farming traditions. Uncover ancient practices that shape a dish and understand the love implicit in each “Mangia, Mangia.” Focus on one ingredient and trace its path from farm to table or write about the leisure of the evening meal and its relationship to the meandering style of Italian conversation.
Accommodations
Enjoy six nights in a private room in Sextantio Albergo Diffuso, Santo Stefano’s award-winning hotel offering
Comfortable rooms of medieval simplicity, their restoration guided by a deep-felt appreciation for local history
Historically preserved architecture
Blankets made from the wool of local sheep, hand-woven linens
Warmth from wood burning fireplaces, heated floors and Philippe Starck bathrooms
