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Everything Dana...

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Neither of these videos is from the performance I witnessed.

…And All that Jazz (Part 1)

February 19, 2014

 

I was excited to be back at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) on Saturday February 15th. For those of you that don’t know, I love music especially jazz! It’s the soundtrack to my dreams and fantasies; it speaks to my heart. This was my second concert in the Jazz Series. I had great seats (front row of the balcony). From this vantage point I can see everything; not only the performance but also the woman in the audience telling the man in front of her to put his phone away. Yes, one day I would like to sit a little closer so that the performers’ faces aren’t a blur but for right now I am happy just to be able to attend.

 

The first group (Gregory Porter’s quintet) started off on a high note, with a song highlighting the saxophone called “Painted on Canvas.” The sound of the sax went straight to my heart, and then the singer began. What came out…oh my…was slow and sweet. Gregory Porter has such a clear, strong voice. Smooth as ice and as warm as hot chocolate. My surroundings instantly faded, and it was just me and him. The next song, “On My Way to Harlem”, displayed the attributes of all of the instruments equally; although, the bass in particular called out to me. There is nothing like hearing the bass come through like a heartbeat. Strong, unobstructed, and methodical. Many times the bass goes unnoticed by listeners. Its ability to incorporate itself into the melody makes it hard for some to hear.

 

The third song, No Love Dying, gave the drums the opportunity to shine. Porter had the audience singing along, and even they sounded good! Porter also sang the title song of his 2012 album “Be Good” and “Hey Laura.” The quintet consists of Gregory Porter (vocals), Chip Crawford (piano & music director), Yosuke Satoh (alto saxophone), Aaron James (bass), and Emanuel Harrold (drums). Gregory Porter is one of the best singers and Yosuke Satoh one of the best saxophonist I’ve ever heard; I recommend seeing this group whenever they are in a city near you.

 

After intermission, the lights dimmed…there was a hush through the audience and the second act, the headliners appeared. The Spring Quartet consists of Jack DeJohnette (drums), Joe Lovano (saxophone), Esperanza Spalding (bass & vocals), and Leo Genovese (piano). Spellbound the audience watched as they began to play. The music surrounded us, transporting us to another reality, where anything seemed possible.

 

The group performed songs by each artist and even though I had not before heard any of their music it sounded familiar. Esperanza who has been met with a lot of criticism since she won a Grammy in 2011 (you know how haters can be) held her own in a group of men twice her age, and did not disappoint. She is exotic and enchanting, while her music is mystical and mysterious. She uses her voice as another instrument, not singing words but notes. The most amazing part of the show was the number of instruments the Quartet used. Jack played the drums and the melodica. Joe played the saxophone, clarinet, flute, and what looked to be a trumpet from where I was sitting. Esperanza played the bass and the saxophone. Leo played three types of pianos and a wood instrument that looked like it could have been a clarinet or an oboe.

 

Overall, it was a great concert. Jazz is pure art, uncensored with no boundaries; no rules limiting it. It inspires me and makes my heart long for things I don’t have; makes me dream of what could be. I get lost in the music and for that moment time stands still and I just feel. I hope all of you take the time to visit CSO and experience the magic that takes place there.

 

Sincerely,

Dana

The set for the Spring Quartet.

A melodica.

The Shedd in My Backyard

February 19, 2014

 

Today I visited the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL. I hadn’t been there since I was a kid so I was very excited, especially for the Jellies exhibition. As anyone who has visited this place before knows, tickets are not cheap. As a group of three adults, two of us decided to get a joint membership, which allows us access to the general exhibits, the Jellies, and the Aquatic Show for a year. Additionally, we get discounts on all other exhibits and the 4D show. It happens that we were just meant to be at the Shedd today because as part of a promotion for the month of February we received a discount on the 3rd person’s general admission ticket and an extra ticket to see the Aquatic Show. So for everyone who is in Chicago during this February, this is the time to visit the Shedd. I also recommend that people purchase a membership if they are going to see exhibits and/or shows that are not part of the general admission because it will be around the same amount and the membership cost is tax deductible (can you say score?).

 

Over the past couple years I’ve visited all of the main museums in Chicago.

  • The Art Institute of Chicago (my personal favorite)

  • The Field Museum (very little has changed, time machine to 20+ years ago)

  • The Museum of Science & Industry (best in summer when you can see the eco-friendly house, which happens to have been closed every time I go)

  • The Museum of Contemporary Art

  • The Smart Museum of Art

  • The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago

  • Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House

  • The Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows

  • Adler Planetarium

  • The Shedd Aquarium

 

The Shedd is the best place for kids of all ages and one of the most interesting places in general. There were not only fish (including a saw fish) but cute little monkeys, birds, penguins, jelly fish, whales, dolphins, sharks, sea otters, sea lions, turtles, tortoises, frogs, snakes (including an anaconda!). I saw a crab the size of my upper body squish his own eye! There was so much to see and they even let you touch certain fish!

 

The Aquatic Show was amazing and worth the money! We got to see dolphins and Beluga whales do tricks, saw a video about the new sea otter pup rescued from California, and saw a sea lion up close and personal. The best seats are in the middle to the right of the wall if you are facing the pool. If you want to see the sea lion up close sit in the front row because they bring him out on the walkway (he is not in the water). Afterwards you have the opportunity to have a Q&A with a trainer. One of the people with me asked a question and discovered that the dolphins and Beluga whales hear through their head (Literally, they have no ears the sound either enters two small openings in their heads that leads to their internal ears or penetrates their lower jaw bone and is transmitted to their inner ears!).

 

The Jellies exhibit was smaller than expected but still awesome. Although there were no “regular” size jelly fish, they had multiple varieties of jelly fish and they were all beautiful. This is definitely a place that everyone needs to visit. Splurge and get more than the general admissions it’s worth it (as I said before, a membership is best because it’s tax deductible). I can’t wait to go back!

 

Sincerely,

Dana

Saw Fish

Sex and the Single Vampire

February 17, 2014

 

 

 

This is the second book in the Dark Ones series. I found it quite boring and slow at first. It did pick up two-thirds of the way through though, so if you start it stick with it. You’ll probably have to skim until it becomes interesting (that’s what I did). The main problem for me was that I wasn’t interested in the storyline or the main female character (Allegra aka Allie). The story wasn’t exciting or alluring, and neither was she. Christian the love interest and main males character was fine; I kind of wish the book was more from his point of view. I think the story would have been more interesting. Christian is from the first book in the series (A Girl’s Guide to Vampires) and even though this book was about him finding his Beloved we really don’t learn anything new about him, which is disappointing. This book was a miss for me but I’m still continuing with the series because I’m pretty much stuck on Katie MacAlister right now. For some reason I keep wanting to give her another chance, so I do.

 

 

Sincerely,

Dana

I Have Found My Soulmate in Burberry

February 17, 2014

 

What can I say about the 2014 Burberry A/W Women’s Fashion Show? It blew my mind, was awesome, filled me with indescribable emotion, made my day, made my year, made me wish I had a job so I could go shopping right this moment even though it is snowing and cold in Chicago (and quickly turning into a blizzard as I type this, yet I would put on my fur coat and boots and skip to Burberry in a heartbeat)…I could go on for days. The show was downright dreamy. It began with a lighter color pallet than usual (sand, beige, dusty rose, lilac, palatinate blue, and green)…and floral prints. Then the color pallet darkened to a rich chocolate brown, navy, and burgundy. There were splashes of yellow throughout. They call the main color inspirations cameo pink, bright olive, and elderberry…we won’t argue over semantics (aka the names of colors).

 

There were hip-high splits, belted coats (of course), hand painted drawings on everything, and scarves galore. The see-through lace trend continued but was lessened. As usual the live music was awesome and makes the Burberry show stand out from the crowd. The consistency of having a Paloma song is smart, if it ain’t broken don’t fix it. She did a fabulous job and had our hearts in our throats with her gut wrenching Only Love Can Hurt Like This. Burberry says their inspiration was the British Bloomsbury set of artists and writers at Charleston, including Vanessa Bell and Virginia Woolf. That could explain the air of dreaminess and fantasy that the collection had…or it could be due to the constant zooming in on Bradley Cooper’s face throughout the show (I can’t say for sure, probably both). Ultimately, the star of this show were the prints; they were heavenly. I’ve also been waiting for my dream purse to arrive, this could be the collection that provides it (waiting with bated breath to see the bags that come out of this inspiration). Can’t wait to see more.

 

See the show at http://us.burberry.com/shows-events/womenswear-aw14/#/the-look/39512841

 

 

Sincerely,

Dana

The weather I will happily go out in to shop Burberry's new line. I could shop online but that is not the point!

About Last Night―Movie Review

February 13, 2014

 

I’m going to preface by saying I am a HUGE Kevin Hart fan. The man is hilarious, so I can’t help but love him! I know when I watch him I am guaranteed to smile and laugh the entire time, which is something to look forward to for sure. Therefore, it’s been my mission the past few months to see all of his movies at the theater to show my support. (Don’t ask how upset I was to hear this week while in line for a screening of About Last Night that he was in Chicago last week for the premiere…how did I not know? Why didn’t I get an email? A pigeon messanger? A smoke signal? Something? Anyways, I will get over it and be better informed next time.)

 

I’m currently in the process of seeing Ride Along and I saw Grudge Match on Christmas (I know technically he was not the star of that movie but I only went to see it because he was in it). Grudge Match was good by the way. The boxer card never gets old for Sylvester Stallone, but Kevin made the movie for me. As I said, I’m a sucker for a laugh. I don’t just laugh at anything or anyone. Many people think they are funny but are not. They think I should just laugh for the hell of it but I refuse to laugh when something is not funny to me. So back to my point…About Last Night was legitimately funny and entertaining! If you are trying to decide which of the many movies to see this Valentine’s Day Weekend, see this one.

 

Regina Hall is the perfect counterpart for Kevin Hart. By now, we all know how Kevin is (plain ol’ crazy). Regina went there with him, held her own, and might have even taken it to the next level from what I could tell of the last scene in the movie (they were two looney tunes feeding off each other’s craziness). Michael Ealy and Joy Bryant’s characters were typical romance characters, nothing interesting there except for the fact that they are both nice to look at (which if I have to look at someone I do prefer for them to be good looking). For those who are interested, you will get a glimpse of Joy Bryant topless (profile view…in all her naked glory). Truthfully, Regina and Kevin’s characters made this movie special and different from every other romance comedy. There were also cameos by Paula Patton (wearing way too much make up) and Selita Ebanks (who managed not to get fake pregnant by Kevin #RealHusbandsofHollywood).

 

I consider this movie to be a crossover movie (meaning its aim is to be mainstream, crossing racial lines and appealing to multiple races). This is not just another “black” movie. Yes, the main characters are black but 98% of the other people in the movie are not. Bernie (Kevin Hart) and Danny’s (Michael Ealy) friends are all white. It was obvious to me that the creators of the movie took efforts to show integration. There were blacks and whites mingling, enjoying the holidays together, hitting on each other at the bar, etc. If you don’t know exactly what I’m referring to, take into consideration another Kevin Hart, Miachael Ealy, and Regina Hall movie, Think Like a Man, that movie had majority black actors and one token white guy. All of the movies that Kevin Hart is known for have been predominantly black casts (Think Like a Man, Soul Plane, 35 & Ticking, Death at a Funeral). I feel that Kevin is currently at a transition point in his career. He is branching out and trying to appeal to a broader audience (mainstreaming). When I looked around on Tuesday, when I saw About Last Night, everyone I saw was black. Next year, when I look around the theater at a Kevin Hart movie I expect to see a more diverse crowd. Another person who I know is going through this same transition is Robin Thicke. When he came out with Blurred Lines he said that before that point his main audience had been black women. Once he came out with a song that had more of a pop feel his audience increased and diversified. I’m all for people doing well in life, so good for them!

 

Just for entertainment purposes, here are some of the random thoughts that floated through my head during the movie:

  • Do people really get sprung after a one night stand? (That’s what happened to Danny & Debbie.)

  • Who skips work for sex? Is it really that serious? o_0

  • What man doesn’t go down? (Joan made a big deal about Danny willingly doing it with Debbie.)

  • There’s such a thing as a “fuck buddy dance?” Where do people learn these things?

  • Why did it take so long for Joan to bring up Bernie getting tested? By the time she brought it up…it was kind of too late…they had been doing it for months! People need to have at least one date before sex so that they can share test results before sex!!! Doing it after sex is too late…you’re already contaminated! (Ew)

  • The tub in Danny’s apartment is amazing! (I think it’s Kohler…man do they know how to make a bathroom sexy!)

  • The characters in this film obviously don’t love food like I love it. They were knocking it on the floor, throwing it out the window, and rarely eating it. That is just unacceptable behavior! But maybe nobody could cook in this movie and that’s why they never wanted to eat.

  • Kevin Hart = Channing Tatum (What? That man is too crazy lmao!)

  • Did you see the faces on those white folks, while Bernie and Joan were fighting at Thanksgiving? (They don’t know that’s typical behavior. Someone is always showing their behind on the holidays smh.)

  • Advice to men: No matter how drunk your ex is DO NOT bring her back to your house when you are in a relationship with another woman.

  • Clucking & fucking (with a chicken head on…too kinky for me)!

  • Best Relationship advice learned from About Last Night: Create a customized relationship for you and your significant other. You don’t have to get it right. You don’t have to be conventional. Just be honest and always communicate.

    • Leave the passive aggressive shit at the door.

 

I hope you enjoy About Last Night as much as I did.

 

 

Sincerely,

Dana

Winter’s Tale―Movie Review

February 13, 2014

 

On Monday I had the privilege of attending a screening of Winter’s Tale starring Colin Farrell and Russell Crowe (thanks to http://www.gofobo.com/).  I must admit this movie was better than I expected!  It is based off of Mark Helprin’s book and is a story of miracles and love that spans over 100 years, from 1895 to 2014.  What made this movie unexpectedly good is that it was not just another love story or action film; this movie was a story about a man that lived 119 years.  Peter Lake (Colin Farrell) experienced not only an epic, life changing love with Beverly Penn but also a legendary, life long battle with a literal demon (Russell Crowe) from the bowels of Hell.  There was never a dull moment in this movie.  Peter Lake had to deal with his adoptive father being a demon and out for his blood, his soul mate dying of consumption (also known as Tuberculosis), a magical horse that is really a guardian angel/dog of the east, memory loss, and saving a little girl dying from cancer…all in 129 minutes our time, 119 years his time!

 

The acting was superb and there were surprise appearances (I consider them a surprise because they were not shown in the trailer) by Will Smith, William Hunt, Jennifer Connelly, and Norm Lewis (who we know and love as Senator Edison Davis from Scandal).  Lastly, the soundtrack is awesome!  It evoked much needed emotion, since the storyline wasn’t heart wrenching (the movie is not a tear jerker but it is still good).  Oh, and I hated the ending.  It was silly to me.  I rather spend all of my days with the love of my life, my soul mate, then become a star (but that’s just me).

 

Random comments I have regarding the movie:

  • The best movies are made from books…think about it…James Bond, the Bourne series, A Walk to Remember, The Notebook, all superhero movies (Batman, Superman, Spiderman, X-Men, etc.).

  • Man, Russell Crowe is in good shape!  And, oooo weee did they dress him nice in this movie!

  • I think the fact that Pearly (Russell Crowe) was calling Lucifer “Loo” for short is not only humorous but cute!  Hey Loo, how’s it going?  Loo, is it ok if I take Friday off?

  • “Don’t leave me” are the 3 most important words a man can say to a woman.  To me even more important than “I love you” because liars will say “I love you” without hesitation but they will never even think of admitting needing someone.  Only sincere people can and will admit that.

  • The one and only sex scene did not make sense!  Beverly can’t get hot or she’ll die, so she sleeps outside where it’s cold because it’s winter time.  As we all know men don’t operate their best in super cold situations, yet and still somehow Peter managed to rise to the occasion.  How did she remain cold enough when she was underneath him?  Why were they smiling so much when what they were doing looked so whack (he was barely moving!)?  Now I’m not asking for them to be more graphic because that is just TMI but if they are going to show us something it should make sense!

  • I hated Will Smith’s earrings.  The hoops were way too big and gaudy!  Also, how come he never changed clothes?  100 years had passed by and here he is still wearing the same shirt, pants, and jacket.  -_-

  • Why did a seasoned actor, like Will Smith, have a hard time convincing me that he was angry?  Was his character supposed to be faking anger and that’s why he decided to fake act?

  • Why does Collin Farrell speak with a non-American, non-New Yorker accent when he’s playing a New Yorker?  Peter Lake was raised in America not Ireland (the devil is in the details people)!

  • Why does Peter Lake never get cold?  He doesn’t have a fever, so shouldn’t he show some signs of cold?

  • How is a plaque sharp enough to stab someone in the neck, possibly through clothing?

 

Overall, Winter’s Tale is a good movie and you won’t feel like you wasted your money or time if you go see it for Valentine’s Day!

 

 

Sincerely,

Dana

Wine Chronicles: The Beginning

February 12, 2014

 

Over the past few years I’ve developed an intricate relationship with wine.  Before a couple of weeks ago I just drank wine, mostly red occasionally Champagne, and thought nothing of it because it was just another alcoholic beverage.  At the beginning of the year though, my mom and I got tired of drinking bad tasting wines.  We wanted to elevate to the next level, to a level where we could enjoy and savor the flavor of wine jot just its effects.  We watched the documentary Somm (on Netflix) and began researching wines.  This past weekend we went to multiple Binny’s and began our wine adventure.  The first wine we tried was a 2009 Naoussa Boutari.  This is a dry red wine from Greece made from the Xinomavro grape.  It is bottled by J. Boutari & Son Wineries S.A. in Naoussa, Imathia, Greece.  J. Boutari & Son was declared Winery of the Year in 2012 by Wine & Spirits Magazine.  They’ve won this distinction sixteen times and a plethora of other awards over the years.

 

The book I’m reading on wine, Wine by Hugh Johnson, claims that a consumer can tell the quality of the wine by the amount of information given on the bottle.  The best wines not only tell what country the wine is made in but the name of the winery, and some even go as far as to list the name of the person who made it.  According to the Boutari website (http://www.boutari.gr/en/wines/labels/123boutari_20120522123.wines.php), the Boutari Naoussa was the first Greek bottled red wine, and according to the Michelin website (http://travel.michelin.com/web/destination/Greece/news-The_fine_red_wines_of_Naoussa) the Boutari Winery continues to be one of the most reputable merchants in Naoussa.

 

As a newly donned wine enthusiast, I now swirl my wines, analyze its legs, identify the smells it exudes, and record the flavors.  Wine, like Dr. Pepper (the pop famously known for having 23 flavors), is known to have layered flavors.  Since I am not trained, I cannot yet distinguish all of the flavors, but in the 2009 Naoussa Boutari I smelled apricot, orange, and caramel.  The wine description says it has a hint of orange peel, date, green fig, dried raspberry, and medium grained tannins.  The caramel I smelled could be accurate or it could be the date and/or fig.  The taste of this wine is very sharp if it is not allowed to breath.  As the wine aerates the flavor really mellows out.  I would recommend using a decanter with this wine and letting it breath for an hour.

 

 

Sincerely,

Dana

A Window into My Soul

February 12, 2014

 

I love books.  I love everything about them.  The story, the way the paper looks and feels, the picture and colors on the cover, the feel of the weight of the book in my hand.  I love how books have the ability to transport me into another world, no matter how similar or different it is to my own reality.  Books have made me a dreamer, have caused me to want more out of life than just the mundane norm.  As my first official blog, in general and on books specifically, I’ve decided to let everyone get to know me better through my favorite books.  As a book lover it is hard for me to choose just one book in each genre, but I must admit that some books just mean more to me than others.  They’ve stuck with me over the years (one in particular almost over two decades); they’ve become embedded in my heart; have changed my life in some inexplicable way.  So here is a list of my all-time favorites in each story genre.

 

Favorite Books

  1. Autobiography: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

  2. Business: Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr. Spencer Johnson

  3. Children's (K-3rd grade): Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

  4. Children's (4th-8th grade): A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

  5. Classic: Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift

  6. Humor: The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

  7. Mystery: The Orient Express by Agatha Christie

  8. Poetry: The Dream Keeper and Other Poems by Langston Hughes

  9. Romance: The Dark Hunter Series by Sherrilyn Kenyon

  10. Self-Help: The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason

  11. Short Stories: The Early and Late Simple Stories by Langston Hughes

 

To see my reviews on some of these books, and more, add me as a friend on Goodreads.

https://www.goodreads.com/

 

 

Sincerely,

Dana

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