Christmas in Mexico

Azbuddy has been off the blog for long enough for people to inquire if we are well. Yes we are but a trip to Mexico and busy for Christmas has kept us off the net. Today we share some photos of festive decorations in Puerto Vallarta.

The Metropolitan Opera-Live in HD-Rodelinda

Az Buddy is new to the opera but is definitely hooked. Thanks to the Met's live HD seen in local
theaters around the country.

Today it was Rodelinda by Handel. Well known for his "Messiah" Handel also composed 40 some operas. With the rebirth of interest in Baroque music we are going see more of this style of music.

Milan, 18th Century, Bertarido(Andreas Scholl) has been deposed as King, leaving the

Queen Rodelinda (Renee Flemming) and their young son Flavio behind. The story is one of love versus quest for power. OR will love conquer all?

Within the first few measures one recognizes the rhythm and musicality of Handel. Baroque music's use of the counter tenor has never been so beautiful as with the voices of Andreas Scholl and Lestyn Davies (as Unolfo). Also terrific were the performances of Stephanie Blyth as Eduige and Joseph Kaiser as Grimoaldo who have to decide are they more in love with each other or the desire for the throne.

Use of mostly strings and harpsichord are also typical of the Baroque style. The production, set design and use of non singing actors gave this video production a feeling of film. Probably due to very talented camera direction, avoiding that dreaded close-close up so common in many of today's films.

I encourage everyone to look for these Met Operas in

their local movie theaters.

Bringing Opera to the people.

Funniest photo EVER

My sister took this photo in the Antarctic. Love the peguins!

Today I am going to see "Happy Feet Two".

Who Shot Rock and Roll?

Tucson Museum of Art has a great exhibit called "Who Shot Rock and Roll". This is an exhibit originating in Brooklyn of predominately black and white photographs of rock and roll musicians from about 1955 with the Everly Brothers and Elvis until the present with Eminem

and Justin Timberlake. I was at first impressed and in turn surprised by who was left out = Prince, Stevie Nicks, The Grateful Dead until it struck me that: This exhibit is about the Photographers and their art and not the musicians.

Through January 15, 2012 Don't miss it! Stop in at the Cafe for a great lunch afterwards.

Photos from google images.

Intergenerational Activities

Casa Community center in Green Valley, Arizona prides itself in offering quality programs for children and seniors. Ninos de Valle is a certified day care for preschool children. All day programs provide schedules activities that include a meal and snacks.

The Adult Day Care provides socialization, activities and food for seniors in need of care so that their loved ones can get respite from the 24 hour care needed for these people.

Kids and seniors get together on a regular basis.

Today they made Turkey cookies together.

Successful Festival for Olli

We just completed an eight week series of feature films about

undocumented immigrants. Since we live in Arizona we are familiar with the plight of Mexicans therefore these films featured immigrants from other countries.

Crossing Over was a an excellent movie to finish on.

It portrays 5 intersecting stories of immigrants from

Iran, Bangladesh, Korea, Australia and Africa residing in

Los Angeles.

Harrison Ford is an INS officer and ties the various

stories together.

Class participants listed the following commonalities seen in all eight of the complications these people face.

desperation

victims of exploitation, rape, murder

separation of families

imprisonment without charges

poverty

homelessness

death

The above is only a small example of the plight

of these human beings.

Review of "The Women on the 6th Floor'

Les Femmes du 6e etage is a French Comedy set in 1961 in Paris. Escaping Franco's austere measures, Spanish women come to Paris to work as maids for well-to-do French bourgeois couples. Maria ends up working for Jean-Louis Joubert and his starchy sophisticated wife and their two arrogant teenage sons. What results is a LOL situation as Jean-Louis finds out that he is more comfortable in the company of these women than he is with his conservative upper class.

This is Upstairs Downstairs turned up side down with the servants on the 6th floor above those that they serve. A comedic example of class differentiation in French society in the early 60's. Could be considered a French version of The Help.

Seen yesterday at the Loft film festival but I feel confident it will get a wider distribution soon.

5***** a must see.