Sunday, December 20, 2009

Underoos.

Who knew underwear could be so much fun?











I know this is fun, but shouldn't filming children in their underwear be illegal? I DON'T THINK SO!

I want some Underoos.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Ted Leo @ The Meat Locker!

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this may be the best nj show this year. It's 10 bucks. It's in a basement of a meat packaging plant and it's Montclair.

Don't be an asshole and miss this.






Get Your tickets Here


Read more NJ Underground

Friday, December 11, 2009

Brown Is The New Green- A film review

(My last response. I swear meng)

In the film Brown Is The New Green, a film about George Lopez and the rapidly growing Latino consumer market. Director, Jennifer Kobzik uncovers the struggle of George Lopez from poor boy to rich megastar while also observing the fastest growing minority in the United States. Although the film jumps from topic to topic, it conveys important subjects of race in America, a topic that is usually scene as taboo and unrequited.

George Lopez who is the most successful Latin American television actor in history is a celebrity who causes controversy not only because of his race but also because of his comedic material. Personally, I have never been humored by his work, for the sole reason of not being able to relate to his comedy. However, he does appeal to millions of Americans, a majority being Latinos who thoroughly enjoy his work as a comedian and an actor, for the sole reason of being able to understand his perspective. He’s had success as a comedian, writer, and an actor.

The documentary divulges information about Lopez’s early life, abandon by his parents and being raised in a non-traditional “Latino household”. Where traditionally and stereotypically, the father and mother are present throughout a child’s development. Critics of Lopez’s work attack him for using his unfortunate childhood as humor to entertain audiences, while painting pictures of non-positive Latino stereotypes. Lopez replies, “I’m just stating the facts”. He overcame hardships and turmoil to become one of Hollywood’s most respected and successful stars, an accomplishment that was even more difficult because he looked like a Latino.



The film also describes how the lack of a “real Latino” style and look is hidden in most media, including magazines, film, and television. Although Latin Americans do have access to television channels like Telemundo, most argue that these are not relatable. How could they be? Just because characters speak Spanish does not mean a Latin American can associate with what is being projected to them, a common misunderstanding to non-Latino’s, including myself. This argument is a major topic of the film, because it allows the audience to comprehend how Latino’s want to be incorporated into American society and not left out or used as a focus groups to sell products. Why should advertising agencies create Latino based ads when Latino’s are living in America? Do we have Italian, Irish, or Japanese commercials? Being Latino is an illegitimate term to begin, stemming from government documents homogenizing different groups of people into one. Because, the fact remains clear, most Latino’s do not call themselves Latino’s but Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, Columbian, Argentineans, etc.

Latino’s are one of the most profitable consumer markets in the country. They spend more than any other minority group, and it’s become apparent that corporations and advertising agencies are also making money, taking advantage of these statistics. Even in the last election, Latinos are increasingly becoming a highly influential group.

I would advise people who may not be humored by George Lopez to make it a point to watch this film. It is important to understand Latino culture, not only because 1 in 6 of Americans are Latino but also to better understand the culture and media’s neglect of a people who are as American as you and I.



Watch the trailer.

Friday, December 4, 2009

I Drink For A Reason excerpt

I started reading David Cross's book I Drink For A Reason, after I found it at an Urban Outfitters in Boston.

This is an excerpt from the book ( the audio book)



Part 1


Part 2



I highly suggest this book for anyone who enjoys essays on Jim Belushi, thoughts while pooing, and the inside conversations during marketing meetings at FOX network.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

The Demise of The Music Journalist.





I apologize for the ill formatting, but JUST LISTEN!



Follow Chris Weingarten @1000TimesYes on Twitter.

Monday, November 16, 2009

"Born Into Brothels" Review

I just wrote this as a response for a class called "Global Media, Local Cultures". I think it came out pretty well. If you've seen the movie, I'd love your thoughts. If you have yet to see it, please do.


Born into Brothels, a documentary film about a photography program for the children of Indian prostitutes was one of the most compelling and insightful documentaries I have ever seen. Set in the town of Sonagachi, just like Amsterdam’s red light district but more run-down and poverty stricken. Scenes of despair and empowerment are shot throughout. Although, the title suggests a more problematic situation, the documentary brings to life a community that usually has little to no awareness.

Director and photographer, Zana Briski who was originally stationed in India to photograph Prostitutes, quickly befriended their children from the numerous visits she had taken over the past five years while shooting. She began a program to give back to the community of children, who some, had never seen cameras before. The documentary highlights six of the students who were enrolled in the program. The students were given cameras to take photographs of the city, which would allow them to create their own artwork at no cost, an opportunity they would have never received without the program. The documentary gives the audience a look into each students work, showcasing different photographs while giving a biographical background of each student. Although all of the students are children of prostitutes, some are more fortunate than others. Some of the children are expected to “join the line” a term that expresses the disparaging fact of being forced into the life of a prostitute. However, some of the children are more likely (the males) to have an opportunity to go away to schools to continue their educations.

One of my favorite scenes in the film comes when the director who is also one of the main characters in the film, takes the students on a field trip to the beach. The beach town that is outside of the city, is a place where none of the students have ever visited. They are instantly overjoyed and ecstatic, snapping pictures of the landscapes and sceneries. This scene exemplifies the innocence of the children in a perfect manor, allowing the audience to become aware of the children who are subject to daily problematic situations that eventually lead to lives of unfortunate circumstances. The children swim in the ocean, run around on the beach and for once, are allowed to act like children. The group packs up and leaves once the sun retreats and fall asleep on the bus ride home to awake to the nighttime overcrowded city slums that they call their homes.



This film resonates not only with emotional compassion but on a social awareness level as well. Some critics may say that this film or this program does not benefit the community. In some ways it does not, It will not lift the community out of poverty or erase the confines of prostitution that have taken over the city. However, it has created opportunity that could not be found before this program was conceived, and I believe that is a enough for this film to be cited as a relevant and an important piece of filmmaking.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

THE Purchase Indy Mixtape! VOLUME 2

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People Say- Portugal. The Man
Party and Bullshit in the USA (Hathbanger Mash-Up Remix)-The Notorious B.I.G. vs. Miley Cyrus
For Things that Haven't Come Yet- Nana Grizol
College- Michael Ian Black
No Ceilings - Lil Wayne ft. Birdman
All The Kings Men- Wild Beasts
A Horse Called Golgotha - Baroness
America (Featuring Mos Def & Chali 2NA)- K'naan T
Maple Street- Bot Jizz *
Lights & Shapes (RAC Remix)- Moving Mountains *

*Purchase Bands.

ENJOY.

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