Monday, April 21, 2008

The Dreamgirls movie My thoughts

I liked this movie a lot,but it was a little longer than I cared for.The plot was the ups and downs of a musical group in the 60's. There was some deceit, a pregnancy,and a lead singer left behind because she didn't have the right look. I think that a lot of what happened in the movie does happen in the music business. It is about the money most of the time.If the right sound and or image is not right the music will not sell. The one thing that I think was not realistic in the movie was the way it ended.There are no groups that I know of, that individuals would later see that someone has been treated unfair and join ranks with them again. The singing was good and the presentation was very good.The song that Effie was singing before she walked out "And I am Telling You I'm Not Going" was done with so much emotion .The critics said it went on to long because you could tell see was lip-syncing.I did not see that at all. I thought her part was well done. My favorite character in the film though was James ''Thunder''Early played by Eddie Murphy. He was such a success in his performing career,until people wanted something new and he was not willing to change his ways in order to please the audience or producers. In the end he lost his love and his life. I think this part was very real to life.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Lineman -Richard Bangle

A lineman life is a hell of alot,First he's cold and then he's hot.Next he's up,then he's down,Digs a hole deep and round.Sets the pole, hangs the guys, Never says quit, he always tries. Belt and hook both strapped on, grabs the handline, he's up and gone.Take up on the hoist, slack off on the guy, Sun so hot he like to die.This goes on, day after day, He sometimes thinks there's a better way.But he's a man true to his trade,The weak have quit, the strong have stayed. By mid afternoon, he's dirty and tired,The thought of a cold one is his greatest desire.Quitin time comes, it finally arrives, Just in time to spare our lives.Dirt scrubbed off, and a few cold Stein's, He's ready to build another mile of line.

This is a poem written by a man in my church.He wrote it many years ago. He was a Lineman in the Centerville area.Richard is now in his 70's. He has a lot of health problems, yet he does as much as he can for people and the church. He told me that he liked to write poems and maybe I would like to see them sometime. I told him that I would love too."He brought me a notebook with thousands of poems! Richard is no artist buy any means, he is not famous because of them, but he has a love for writing, and I did enjoy reading many of them. They were all about work, wars , life and loves. I am glad he shared them with me.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Why They Were Great, 1st draft paper 4

Why They Were Great
The sound and feel of Motown music is woven into the cultural fabric of American culture. Its unique sound and influence can be heard in the songs of artists like the Temptations, the Miracles, the Four Tops, and the Jackson Five. Under the leadership of its founder Berry Gordy, Motown flourished in the sixties and seventies as Hitsville turned out one chart topping record after another.
There was one group however, that seemed to transcend them all; the all girl trio known as the Supremes. With their dynamic lead singer Diana Ross, the Supremes became musical superstars. Their hits are among the greatest recordings in music history. From Stop in the Name of Love to Someday We’ll be Together the Supremes had what seemed like unstoppable success. Then in 1970 Diana Ross left the group to begin her own successful solo career.
The Supremes were so influential that they inspired a Tony winning play know as Dreamgirls. That same play was later turned into a highly successful Oscar winning movie. Dreamgirls is loosely based on the Supremes and life at Motown. In researching the "Dreamgirls" movie and comparing what happened in the group relationships of "the Supremes" a question arises; was the tension in the "Supremes'' group because of greed, fight for the lead part ,the fame, or was it the producers fault? The Dreamgirls movie plot was slightly different than what happened in the "Supremes'', but the group suffered with tensions for years. This paper will make some comparisons between the Supremes and the fictional Dreamgirls. However the main focus will be on what made them great.
Diana Ross was compared to Deena Jones played by Byonce Knowles in the movie. Florence Ballard was compared to Effie White played by Jennifer Hudson and Mary Wilson was compared to Lorrell Robinson played by Anika Noni Rose.
The part of Berry Gordy was compared to Curtis Taylor Jr. Played by Jamie Foxx. The movie has a romance that occurs between Deena and Curtis. However, there was no such real life entanglement between Berry Gordy and Diana Ross.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Movie paper topic- The workings within a musical group

I am researching the "Dreamgirls" movie and comparing what happened in the group relationships of "the Supremes". Was the tension in the "Supremes''group because of greed, fight for the lead part ,the fame, or was it the producers fault. The Dreamgirls movie plot was slightly different than what happened in the "Supremes'',but the group suffered with tensions for years.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Beverly Lewis Novels

Beverly Lewis , born in Amish country Pennsylvania,an accomplished pianist and award -winning author.I love reading her books as a chill- out read, when I have just a little time to myself. She writes about the Amish. I have read them all.I always wanted to know more about the Amish way of life.The places that I have been and seen the Amish I wanted to just go up to them and ask them questions. I didn't think that was appropriate. The Beverly Lewis books give you a good look at their community. It takes you to a simpler way of life, and gives you some sense of the struggles in a Amish community. I have learned of how they cook, sew, garden and socialize. I especially like the descriptions of the farm lands, gardens , and landscapes .The way they garden is all natuaral ,the same way I like to garden. Like putting roses and tomatos next to each other; they balence the soil out for each other.They also use animal furtilizer instead of a chemical one. I also bought the Amish cookbook that goes with the series .I have tried several of the recipies which are wonderful.The author does alot of research while writing her novels.They are very authentic. She was the daugther of the Plain family heritage which is part of her inspiration. If you like an easy read , her books are very interesting.

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Celebrities Life-style

After reading this article several celebrities came to mind.The first was the still very alive Brittany Spears who started out so grand,but has fallen considerably in the last few years.I'm am sure will will hear of her for some time in the future.The second that comes to mind is John Lennon who was killed when I was in college in the 80's. I love the Beatles; and I remember crying when I heard about it .He was a Free spirit if you will,but never forgotten.The last one that came to mind was Elvis Presley.I was 15 when I heard of his death.I didn't believe my younger brother when he told me. When I was 8 years old and still living with my parents in Atlanta, Elvis performed at the Omni. I remember the news saying the day after, that 400 bras with names and addresses in them were found in front of the stage.Funny the things you remember.

Kingwells 10 steps

After reading this article, three celebreties came to mind .The first is Brittany Spears who is not at the end of her life; yet seems to have done alot of living in a short time .I think we will be hearing about her for a long time to come.The second is Marilyn Monroe with her "out there"pressence. She will be seen far into the decades as an Icon of beauty, mistery and speculation. She can still be purchased on a poster right along side the latest celebs. The third that I thought of is Elvis Presley. I was 15 when I heard of his death. I didn't believe my younger brother when he told me. Once when I was 8 years old, still living in Atlanta, he had a concert at the Omni which is now torn down.After the concert I heard on the news that 400 bras with names and addresses were found in front of the stage.