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Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Avatar - beautiful animation, but is it just another story about a white man saving the natives?

SPOILER ALERT -- dont read this if you plan to see the film - or dont care if some of the plot is given away...

Avatar was exquisitely crafted in every technical aspect.. and very creative in it's analogy of nature based spirituality on an alien planet... but i started to cringe when i realized the story line was quickly adding up to just another "white man saves the day" film... in my humble opinion, this is yet another retelling of the false fable of Pocohantas from the perspective of the oppressor.. the science fiction enthusiast in me would love to just enjoy this movie for the amazing merits it does have - the inspiring artistry, the technical brilliance, the creative depiction of natural splendor on another planet, the beautiful, realistic characterization of computer animations, plus, the best part : seeing the belligerent, greedy, destructive humans, get stomped and sent home in the end.. I also enjoyed all the subtle references to our own disgraceful present day wars in Iraq and Afghanistan including the satirical and intentionally subversive Bush-isms spoken by the earth army general like "make no mistake" , fight terror with terror, "shock and awe" and "lets roll" sprinkled throughout the dialogue of the film... I liked all of these aspects of the film.. not to mention that its just breathtakingly beautiful....
But.... i honestly cant fight off the feeling that its just another Dances with Wolves, "white man goes native" film - the white guy becomes "one of them" - supposedly shedding his outside oppressor role.. becomes accepted.. an insider.. but retains his sense of privilage by becoming their leader, marrying the king's daughter, showing the native men up at their own game, etc etc- and that is dangerous because it will be so appealing to children that we're just passing on that same old value to them. What am i talking about? What is all this "Lib'ral PC rubbish" i'm spewing? I think this blogger said it best-- but i warn you, this is a total spoiler review : When Will White People Stop Making Movies Like "Avatar"?

Dont get me wrong, I really enjoyed the film.. I would like to see it in 3-D, as I only saw the 2-D.. I just wish it hadnt been so close to all the other films and fables that twist the story of horrific genocide of native people, and simultaneous destruction of their environment and attempted erasure of culture into a fairy tale that makes the white man look like the hero. (That's so 1-D)

Monday, December 21, 2009

Jingle Bell -punjabi tadka - by Underdog Animation for Nick INDIA



this rocks.. all the way

If Music Could Talk - Dec 20, 2009

PODCAST LINK

Hijab Style - Jakarta Fashion Week 09 (November)


(designer: Ida Royani)


(designer: Dian Pelangi)

found this cool blog, Hijab Style, looking for music by classic Indonesian pop singer Ida Rojani -- she could be the same person who's designing some of these fabulous styles from this past year's Jakarta Fashion Week... but it's spelled Ida Royani there (see bottom of page)

here's more of her designs

Another noteworthy designer of this show was Dian Pelangi - read about her here..
here's an interesting interview with the young fashion design prodigy herself

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Bollywood Night - Dec 19th!!!

Start the holiday season off right!!

Bollywood Night!!

Monday, December 14, 2009

If Music Could Talk - Dec 13, 2009

PODCAST LINK

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

new Sade song!! Soldier of Love - album out Feb 8, 2010


(looks like Sony is trying to keep this off of Youtube so we'll see how long it lasts.. the first version was nixed already... if this vid goes out, click below to watch it from her site)



info here

Monday, December 07, 2009

If Music Could Talk - Dec 6, 2009

PODCAST from Sunday December 6 .. "Singapore garage rock & psych pop, Funky Soul, new Indian dance tracks, and a holiday song or two"

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Art Karma - This THURSDAY at Plant Zero!!!

Im participating in this benefit event...



from the ART 180 website :

"Art Karma 2009 has Arrived! Art Karma, our annual fundraiser and "good karma" party, takes place December 3 from 7-10 p.m. at Plant Zero. This year we’ll be featuring an extensive silent auction with artwork created or produced in Virginia, as well as services, gift certificates and talent offered by local folks — everything from theatre tickets to fly-casting lessons. Plus exotic food from local restaurants and global music by WRIR 97.3 DJ’s [Charles Williams aka DJ Greybeard, and Me, DJ Carlito!] , creative things to see and do, and a cash bar featuring Virginia wines, Richbrau beer, and Karmatinis made with Cirrus Vodka.

While the karma theme suggests exotic lands, this event champions homegrown talent and community generosity. Proceeds from the event will be used to fund ART 180’s after-school programs in creative expression for young people in challenging circumstances.

weekly rant article here

Admission is $25 at the door, or $40/couple. Children free. "

get tickets

Deepika Padukone's dimples


i honestly felt they deserved at least one dedicated blog post... i will try to control myself in the future.. sorry, i just watched Love Aaj Kal

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