Never Forget

The day of the Holocaust remembrance was the 10th of April this year, I believe.  As the years spread us apart from those horrific days, it is sad to see some of our youth not giving a care whatsoever.  I guess it's because it happened so long ago for them, and being Christian, something such as the Holocaust could never happen to them.
Living in San Francisco is great because we are such a diverse city, but yet there is hatred amongst various ethnic groups.  From gang violence to hate crimes.  I see the kids I teach how "safe" they feel in the Bay Area, but what happens once they leave to other states or countries where diversity is not the norm?
Events such as Holocaust Remembrance Day must be "celebrated" in our schools and in our families.  Teachers educate and allow them to research and learn what happened in those days- not only to the Jews, but to those righteous enough to stand up to the Nazis; to the Jehovah's Witnesses, homosexuals, Catholic religious, etc.  The evil seeds Hitler planted sprout today as vicious weeds trying to destroy "the good in humanity."

Rwanda, the Sudan, the Killing Fields of Pol Pot...different times and people, but with the same goal- genocide; get rid of those who have "caused our problems."

Sometimes I wonder if extraterrestrials do exist and they are observers of what transpires on this blue planet.  Are they horrified?  Do they wonder why our species destroys its own kind?

Yet, no matter how ugly those times were, let us remember and celebrate Life...the survivors share their stories of heroism and courage; truly role models for our youth yearning to find out what is right.  Life is so precious that everyone deserves to experience it and not become a victim because of some idiot's ill conceived ideas about how our nations should exist.

Have you ever been picked on or bullied because of how you look or act?  If so, you've experienced the "Yellow Star."  God bless all victims, survivors and children!

In the beginning

Let's go back to the very beginning...a very good place to start.  During the Easter season, lots of Biblical films get airtime on TV.  Of course the popular ones are shown and the ones that are not a critical success are bound to be watched at home.  The Bible...in the beginning is one such film.  My mom and I saw this one back in 1967 at the old United Artist theatre on Market Street.  A two o'clock matinee; afterall this film was a roadshow engagement.  That theatre had a record-breaker with The Sound of Music playing for about two years.  Talks about movies with staying power!  As usual, I digress.
The Bible was directed by John Huston.  He was a director from, as the kids would say, the "old school."  Looking back, the film was very long, tedious and reverent.  Afterall, it was the story of our human beginning.  Visually, it is an incredible film with a cast of thousands and no CGI.  I emphasize this fact to my students as they refer to green screen and the like.  An ambitious film five years in the making.  Hmm...let's see why it's on my top 10 Biblical epics...
The cast included big names and new names...Adam and Eve were portrayed by Michael Parks and Ulla Bergryd (who?)  Michael Parks had moderate success on American TV and film; Ulla was a student from Sweden and caught the eye of director Huston.  Cain and Abel were portrayed by Richard Harris and Franco Nero.  Funny, in 1968 they would be cast in the film version of the musical Camelot- Harris as King Arthur and Nero as Lancelot.  Both these actors would find international film success.  John Huston not only directed the film BUT narrated and played Noah.  In fact, the Noah sequence was the comedic highlight of the film.
Stephen Boyd portrayed Nimrod, the builder of the Tower of Babel.  The last half of the film dealt with the saga of Abraham and Sarah, portrayed by George C. Scott and Ava Gardner.  His portrayal of the patriarch is the best, IMHO.  And Ava Gardner was a joy in the part of the wife who could not bear a child.  Speaking of which, Hagar the Egyptian was portrayed by Zoe Zaldis (again, who?) and was cast in the part of "Hagar" because she was having an affair with the director.  And, apparently Mr. Scott and Miss Gardner were the subject of gossip as well.  But this is not The Ten Commandments, so they're safe.  Peter O'Toole was cast as the "Three Angels of the Lord."
The Creation sequence was OK; I think it was more spectacular in One Million Years B.C.  But the creation of man from the dust of the ground was interesting to say the least.  The first murder is still as chilling to young audiences as to the ones in the 60s.  I've shown this part in my religious education classes and the kids get quiet or say "No!"  Cain strikes his brother with the jawbone of an ass.
The last half of Act I is the Noah sequence and it is spectacular, especially the building of the ark, the arrival of the animals and the great flood itself.  Mario Chiari was nominated for his scenic design of the film.
The Tower of Babel was a great sequence, though I really doubt it was a 50 story skyscraper.  But then again this sequence was used to show how languages evolved.  Lastly, the story with Abraham got tedious at times.  It gets its message across and the sacrifice of Isaac is moving, thanks to the fantastic score by Toshiro Mayuzumi.  It was this score that got me hooked to the genre of film music.  I still love the theme to this film and the music is really different from the traditional composings of Alfred Newmann, Max Steiner or Elmer Bernstein.  It is a movie score worth checking out.
Bueno, I think this entry is longer than the film!  It may not be your type of film, but definitely one to check out.  If you are not into the story, but a student of film, look for the technicals.  Try to enjoy, huh?

Another TV Icon...Gone

Popular televison luminary, John Forsythe, passed away at the age of 92.  He's best know for two roles he created- the voice of "Charley" on Charlie's Angels and as the patriarch on the popular drama Dynasty as "Blake Carrington."  He had a melifluous voice and was handsome.  As a child, I remember him on Bachelor Father.  Hopefully his legacy will live on as young people discover/re-discover his performances.  RIP, John Forsythe.

Superstar?

As I did with Halloween, I thought it would be fun to write about the various Biblical epics that I grew up with.  Some are amazing works of cinema, whilst others are somewhat snarky.  And I would like to write about Old Testament films, as well as the ones of New Testament interpretation.
Being that it is Good Friday, I'd like to start with MGM's King of Kings.  Produced by Samuel Bronston and directed by Nicholas Ray.  The stars were an eclectic and alternative mix of knowns and unknowns.  Jeffrey Hunter was cast as Jesus- blue eyes and a reddish mane.  His voice was powerful enough to convey the message of "peace, love and the brotherhood of man."  Siobahn McKenna, Mary the mother of Jesus, was a tad too mature for the role, yet her delivery was not too matronly.  Carmen Sevilla, an A-lister in her native Spain, is a gorgeous Magdalene.  But her voice is dubbed and I think it is noticeable.  Other of note- Hurd Hatfield as Pilate, Ron Randell as Lucius, Frank Thring as Herod and in her film debut, 16 year old Brigid Bazlen as Salome.  Seasoned veterans that I know, Robert Ryan and Harry Guardino, portrayed John the Baptist and Barabbas, respectively.
The film was shot in Spain because the countryside resembled with the production team imagined the middle east to look like two thousand years ago.  Some of the countryside is spectacular, especially for the Sermon on the Mount scene, with a literal cast of thousands.  This scene is considered a textbook example for difficult filming.  Jesus is walking through the crowd at difficult angles and inclines, so the poor camera people had to navigate and plan carefully.  Watch it for the technical aspect alone!  The costumes and hair styles,  especially for Herodias (Rita Gam) and Claudia (Vivieca Lindfors) are too contemporary, but nonetheless fun to look at.  The grand musical score is by Miklos Rosza.  It is one of my favorite scores.  You will note that the music runs through out the film.  I'd say 85% is underscoring.
The story, though, is a tad different in some ways.  The Gospel narrative is there; not much emphasis on the miracles.  It is more of a human story.  One of the sub-plots is Barabbas's fight to liberate Judea from the Roman.  In fact, during the Palm Sunday sequence, Barabbas leads a group of "patriots" on a raid of the fortress Antonia.  Obviously not in the Gospel, but it was the action scene needed to attract the segment of movie goers who found religious movies to be boring.
I was introduced to this film in 1967, when the local ABC affiliate, KGO channel 7, had movies before prime time.  It was shown on two days; part one ended with the beheading of John the Baptist.  The dialogue was made a bit contemporary as well. (Father, into your hands I commend my soul.)
It is a classic and if you are a fan of the genre, regardless of your faith, this is a film to check out.  And if you can, focus on the music!!

Baruch ata hashem

Today I was priveleged to share in a Seder meal with my dear friend Dan and his wonderful family.  In fact, it was an honor to sit next to the patriarch, his dad Jerome, and his older brother, Ben.  Truly a lovely family...his sister Rebecca, sister-in-law Nancy, niece and nephew,  and of course his remarkable mom, Jane.  Oh, how I miss family gatherings and especially meals.  Arrived late due to a prior committment (Masters in Ed class in San Ramon).

The repast was delish!  Matzoh ball soup in a mushrom broth, gefilte fish made with salmon- to die for!  A very, very spicy and hot horseradish.  A wonderfully wicked charoset, and a scrumptious salad and a dish that caused a great discussion- grain or grass.  Quinoa, I think.  Desserts were unleavened cookies and a dark chocolate cake that would rival any restaurant dessert!

The best part was sharing this meal with my friend and his family- hopefully one day to be known as friends as well.  Truth be known, since I got there late and couldn't sing "Dayenu" - I actually wanted to burst in song with "Yeverechacha."  Perhaps next year, huh?

Thank you Dan and family for making me feel very welcome!  God's blessings upon you and may She guide and protect you all in your travels, endeavours, and get-togethers.  L'chaim!

Summer Employment

Summer this year will be a tad busy.  I have committed myself to work at the Salesian Boys and Girls Summer Day Camp from mid-June to mid-August.  What area?  Music and drama.  More importantly, what ages?  Ready?  From three to nine...*sigh*....uh....huh?  It was a recommendation from a co-worker, who's been working there for a long time, that got me this summer gig.  The interview with the summer director was not as stressful as I thought it would be.  She made me feel relaxed and told me all the great things that this club does for the youth.  The best thing is working in a neighborhood that I take for granted, yet it is in my hometown- North Beach.  Walking down Columbus Avenue and Stockton Street was just exhilarating.  The smells, the sounds, the crowds, the ambiance- truly a part of San Francisco I only share with out of towners.  I guess, like anyone, we take neighborhoods in our hometowns for granted.  It will be great to explore this exciting neighborhood.
Now, what to do and teach?  Thank goodness for "Ein mopps komm in die kuche" and Xuxa's incredible version of "It's A Small World."  OK, that's all for today.

Rest In Peace Dear Heinz

It's funny how people come into our lives and  friendships develop.  Who would of told me back in 2006 that whilst in a chatroom on AOL I would meet and become a friend with this incredible gentleman?  Penpalships are not supposed to last long, but we wrote each other faithfully on a weekly basis.  Heinz Bunger, born after WWII in Germany; immigrated to the United States where he worked at the Copley Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts.
In his emails I learned how thirsted for knowledge of the WWII years, as growing up in Germany, children were discouraged to ask about those years.
While working in Boston, he would meet luminaries from the world of politics, sports and entertainment.
Upon retiring he moved to Florida.  As I said, we met in an AOL chatroom and became good friends.
He was thrilled to learn that in the summer of 2006 I was beginning to learn German, his native language.  He'd write to encourage and not give up.  Let me tall you- German is not an easy language.  But Heinz helped me with my attempting and mangling of his language.
He loved amusement parks; had season tickets to Busch Gardens in Florida and loved to ride the roller coasters.
Sadly, his life came to an end due to a heart attack.  He was taking care of a roommate who is dying- he's actually in hospice care and morphine.  The last email from him mentioned friends we meet and how we develop what becomes love...not the mushy, sexual, etc. type...but love between friends.  I got the feeling that he worried about living alone; he's at rest now.  Last year he had complications with the prostate.  I never met him physically nor even chatted on the phone- just chats online.  But he became a wonderful friend and I will miss his emails lots.  Oh, his favorite character was the Hallmark "Maxine."
Rest in peace, meine freund.

Big Surprise!

So Avatar did not win Best Picture.  A film I did not even know won.  And it won best director- the ex-wife of James Cameron, Katherine Bigelow.  First woman to win the Director Oscar!
My other predictions, 7 of them, were right on.  It was a good show and entertaining.  I miss the big production numbers, but the show is a three and one half hour affair.
I'd write more but I am tired.  My canine companion decided to bark at midnight for about 10 minutes...because the wind kept slamming the back yard door.  Children!  Sheesh!!  Until next time.

My Predictions: Oscars 2010

It has been an amazing year for film.  So amazing that it's back to 10 pictures being nominated, just like in the 1930s.  I'm going to give it my best and make predictions the day before the big event.  The event that my sports loving friends refer to as "Arthur's Super Bowl."

PICTURE:  I'd love to see District 9 get it but it will be Avatar.
ACTOR:  Jeff Bridges   Crazy Heart
SUPPORTING ACTOR:  Christopher Waltz   Inglorious Basterds
ACTRESS:  I'd love Gabourey Sidibie for Precious to win but it will be Sandra Bullock for The Blind Side
SUPPORTING ACTRESS:  Mo'Nique for Precious
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY:  Up
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY:  Precious
CINEMATOGRAPHY:  Avatar
DIRECTOR:  James Cameron for Avatar
VISUAL EFFECTS:  Avatar
MAKE-UP: Star Trek
FILM EDITING:  District 9
ORIGINAL SONG: "Take It All" from Nine
ORIGINAL SCORE:  Up
COSTUME DESIGN:  Nine
ANIMATED FEATURE:  Up
ART DIRECTION:  Avatar


Y bien...those are my predictions.  What are yours?

Back to School!

Short entry today.  I have not neglected the blog- I've been very busy adjusting to my new dog that I don't have time to get on the computer like I used to...which is a good thing.  Papi keeps me a lot more active physically with our three walks a day.  Granted, it is around the neighborhood, but we do walk.
In other news, I got my acceptance letter to Lesley University for the Masters in Technology in the Classroom program.  It will begin the last weekend of March and will go on for about 22 months; so in about two years I will have a Masters!  I am looking forward to this as I hope to learn a lot more than just power point presentations.  I am looking forward to making new friends and sharing ideas with them.  Lesley University is located in the Boston area, namely Cambridge.  It is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges; it's a legit institution!  Please keep me in your prayers for the next two years.  I will appreciate it very much.
Hopefully this weekend I can discuss the Oscars...sheesh...it's this weekend!!  Where does the time go?
Saludos a todos!!