One Entry 3 Blogs/Photos from my phone

 Originally this was going to be an entry and I must have had some computer problems so the pictures never got posted. I am using them now just to add some visuals.

Random shots while out and about.

One entry three blogs

It has been a while and I keep trying to do better, but one blog takes more of the focus than the others. There's not a lot happening in my life other than work and watching films, movies and some old television. 

I am trying to figure out my finances because I need to get some much needed repairs done that I have put off far too long. With all of the heat, it seems, I can't be sure, but since I don't keep the central air on the fridge may have been working over time. This is what I heard, but I am not sure. The fridge of course has been here since I purchased the place and who knows how long before that? So it's been 15 years since I have been here and it'll be 17 years in a few weeks that I have been in Texas. I may have mentioned this many years ago. This was never my plan, but it just goes to show you there are things working along side of us that guide us where we are supposed to be even when we don't know it. It's when we try to go against those things that we get into trouble. That's my belief anyway.

So last week I stocked up on groceries because I didn't know how high the prices would be and now that may have been a waste of money as the freezer hasn't been freezing and that means its all going to go bad. I am going to check out Lowes, but I still have to wait to have it delivered when I will be home. So I am at least looking at another week. I don't want to take off from work just to spend the day waiting around. I will eat as much as I can this weekend and then I will go to can stuff if I think certain items have gone bad. If I weren't so afraid to be around people I would cook what I have and invite them over to eat it. At the same token if something has already gone bad, I don't want to be the cause of someone getting sick. 

This is what I get for putting things off. Now there are things that must be done and they are all happening at once.

I am going to start reading Film studies for Dummies as I am trying to see if I can create something. I also need to research film editing programs for my phone. The phone has some very cool features, but if I can't do voice over and editing on the phone with background music then its not going to be very entertaining. When I watch videos on youtube I don't like them to be longer that 12 or 15 mintues tops. Unless the person is very interesting I might tolerate it a little longer, but for the most part they are all amateurs that happen to find a following of people who like them because they come across as the average person and people want someone they can relate too. After all, that is why I subscribe to a few channels because of that. Most of the time I will skip to what I need to see and move on. That's the beauty of the Internet, you don't have to be bored if you don't want to be.

I have watched many movies this week along with episodes of Dallas and The Leftovers. Dallas is a series from the 70's and The Leftover is something from 2014. When I picked up the DVD I saw Christopher Eccelston on the back cover and I hadn't seen him in a lot of stuff, but when I saw his face I figured I would give it a look see. It has religious over tones and Eccelston plays a minister. The first time I ever saw him was  when Dr Who returned after many years, he was the first doctor. I had no idea he would only do one season. It took me a while too get used to the next doctor, but I managed and I was hooked as long as PBS was running it.

 Justin Theroux is the star of the series The Leftovers as the lead cop in the small town as the residents try to wrap their heads around the people that have gone missing. It's interesting, but it is rather slow in getting me to really care for any of the characters. They all have their issues, but they are over the top. Those that have disappeared are being celebrated as heroes when their pasts was very questionable and it doesn't set right with some of the community members.

There are many films and movies as I've mentioned including Triple 9 and The Take. Triple 9 has an all star cast including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Casey Affleck, Clifton Collins, Jr, Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Michael Kenneth Williams, Gal Gadot, but the surprise performance comes from Woody Harrelson and Kate Winslet, they are really really good. Kate's role was very different from those she has played in the past.

Here are some other films and movies I've watched. I apologize in advance if I have mentioned some of them before. I have like Crispin Glover ever since I saw The Rivers Edge and then I have seen most of what he has done. I've never read any of his books, but I was interested in trying to see if his publishing company would publish some of mine. Crispin stars in Drop Dead Sexy along side Jason Lee. Crispin always seems to play those unusual characters.

Independence Day Resurrgence was okay, it was good to see some of the original faces pop up, Vivica A. Fox, Jeff Goldblum, Judd Hirsh and Pill Pullman to name a few.

TAG was a fun movie based on an article about friends who continued to play the game of tag throughout their adult life.

Life Like was interesting about a woman who is trying to embrace the future of technology as she tries to adjust to having a life like male robot doing the work around the house among other things.

The Purge: Anarchy. I am not sure how many Purge movies there are, but I have now become obsessed with seeing them. I just pick them up as I see them when I go to the library. They don't really have to be watched in any particular order after you see the original first. Anarchy touches on Donald Talbot being president as the Government has declared The Purge a holiday to get rid of certain people.

The Escape Artist stars David Tennant who was the next Dr Who that I saw and he just grew on me. In this series he plays a Barrister that is very good at what he does. It's interesting with some good moments.

The Take, forget about Idris Elba playing James Bond. Turn The Take into a franchise. The character is much more of a badass than Bond anyway. He plays a CIA agent that plays by his own rules in Paris. Richard Madden costars who is also very good.

Unchartered was quite the suprise. Ever since I saw Tom Holland in Impossible I knew he would be a start, but I wasn't anticipating him becoming Spiderman, but he has the knack for comedic timing. Unchartered in a non stop action packed film with a great cast that includes Mark Whalberg, Tati Gabriel and Sophie Ali and Antonio Banderas. If you like any of the stars mentioned you are definitely going to enjoy this one. If you love action and adventure this has that and so much more.

Wolf was a bit of a disturbing movie starring George MacKay as a young man who believes he is a wolf. His family sends him to a facility that tries to break him of his habits. It makes a statement of how society always needs to put people into a box that they feel comfortable with. Paddy Considine plays the Zoo keeper as the facility is called.

Boot Camp was something I watched on Prime starring Mila Kunis, Regine Nehy and Gregory Edward Smith. In this gritty drama based on a true story during a time when parents were sending their wayward teens to tough love camps to put them on the right track. The kids are brought to an island and in a cult like fashion taught to get rid of their old ways and conform to what the leader feels is the appropriate behavior. It's quite good.

Time to work on some art and to watch more films and movies.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back again to see where the journey leads. 

www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

www.artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

www.filmlover4pg@blogspot.com

Virtual Holidays

 

We are all having to make adjustments, but virtual holidays? I know for some it will be difficult. I haven't seen my family in over 7 years so I'm sure I'll get through this. I have only seen one friend since the pandemic and I'm not really comfortable with having people at the house and being around people for longer than an hour does concern me.

Life in general is a risk, but never could we have thought that being around people we like would be a matter of life or death. There are many families that wouldn't be able to do a virtual holiday as they may not have the internet. The best one can do is talk on the phone or face time if you have a smart phone. There is also something called Duo which I have not used.

I was thinking of inviting a cousin over for dinner this year, but I don't know how that will work out. The dining table is large enough that we can social distance while we eat. We would have to wear masks on the drive to my home.

Halloween will be the first test of a virtual holiday as if people didn't already try this for the 4th of July or Labor day. Of course now we are in a dire situation that we must get this virus under control again. You would think with all the technology something like this wouldn't have happened. With so much information roaming the social media sites and the internet did someone over look a person talking about a virus? People are so quite to share crap and when something is important no one does anything.

(Do nothing, Say nothing)

The housewives of something and keeping up with other people are more important things. I get that you don't want to wear a mask, because it irritates you or you can't breathe or you don't look good, but it could save your life or the people around you. I don't spend a lot of time online. I watch the local news, world news and sometimes I catch the BBC World news on PBS. Although I don't have cable I do get other stations that I use as an escape when I don't feel like watching a movie in my collection. Watching the same stories of idiotic people who don't believe in anything is just frustrating. I get it. If you don't know anyone who is going through something you just don't believe what you are seeing is real. It's the world we have created. So much of reality shows are based upon drama created by alcohol that people think everything they see on TV is not real. Until it happens in their home or family they just turn the other cheek.

We can blame the beginning of the virus on the Government, but now we have to switch the blame because most of us know what is going on. We know people who have come down with the virus. This is not a joke. CoVid 19 is real. Reality television has made a lot of people oblivious to what is happening in the world. After all, we have a reality star running the country.

We also have the internet that spits out conspiracy theories via tweets, posts and memes. It's all so confusing for some people to figure out what is real and what is fake.

Earlier in the week I saw a documentary called Driving While Black. I didn't know that was the title until later. It was on PBS and what caught my eye as I was channel surfing was that it was talking about New Orleans. It was talking about the interstate and what it did for black people in the ways of travel. It had good results and bad results. On the good side it made it easier for people of color to travel without having to go down those back roads and deal with racists. On the bad side it displaced more people of color than whites in the city. I was too young to really know what was going on. I didn't know if people didn't get the proper value of their property. I remember when I-610 was built my aunt was affected by it. She didn't have to get out of her house, but it was modified from a double to a single, but it was really a cool house when they finished. It was always fun to be their with my cousins. So much changes when people don't use their voice.

Today I begin 60 2 60, in sixty days I will be turning 60 years old. I can't believe it. I want to workout more and get my body in better shape, but as we age it's easier to write about than to do. Now that I've over come the back issue, I don't want to injure it again. I know which exercises work best for me, but if I don't get up early I don't always follow through with exercise. That will have to change. I will have to give myself more than enough time to exercise and to run errands since I like to get out of the house early.

This morning I allowed myself to leave the house after 11 A.M. I just needed to get out and feel the sun on my skin. It was getting hot already which is another good reason to get out of the house early.

Thanks for stopping by; Keep an open mind. Do return to see where the journey leads.

(Next up: More on Virtual Holidays and inside my bubble)

www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

www.artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

www.filmlover4pg@blogspot.com

www.psychedmaster.org

Images taken with my phone

Just thought I would share some images. I've not been able to get my pictures into a program to mark them so I am reluctant to post them. Well that didn't work. Sorry.

Million Dollar Quartet

Currently at ZACH in the Topfer Theatre on the Karen Kurkendall stage is The Million Dollar Quartet. The play is directed by Dave Steakley, ZACH's Artistic Director. Music direction is by Allen Robertson. The assistant director is Thomas Debello. Scenic designer is Adam Koch, Associate designer is Steven Royal. Costume designer is Jeffery Meek, Hair and Make up is Serret Jensen. Lights designer Matthew Webb, Sound designer Craig Brock, Properties designers Steve Baglio and Courtney Strong, Stage manager Cate Tucker and Assistant stage manager Megan Smith and LTO production manager Dawn Drake.

It's a full team effort to pull off such a great production of this magnitude.

Million Dollar Quartet takes place on one cold December night in 1956 at Sun Records recording studio. Before the production I wasn't really familiar with Carl Perkins. Of course, I was familiar with his songs just not knowing he had written them.

(Corbin Mayer)

 The reason was that other artists recorded his songs such as Elvis doing Blue Suede Shoes. Times were different back then. Billy Cohen plays Carl Perkins.

(Billy Cohen)

 Johnny Cash is played by Corbin Mayer, Cole plays Elvis Presley, and Gavin Rohrer plays Jerry Lee Lewis who in my opinion steals the show.

(Gavin Rohrer)

 Jeff Jeffers plays Sam Phillips, the owner of Sun Records and the man that brings the singers together. Thee are people who just have an eye and ear for talent and that was Sam Phillips.

(Cole)

Emily Farr plays Dyanne, Adam Egizi plays Carl's brother Jay and Zachary Yanez plays Fluke. Adam does things with the bass that are extraordinary. Talk about making love to an instrument.

(Zachary Yanez)

(Jeff Jeffers)

(Adam Egizi)

(Emily Farr)

The images were all taken during dress rehearsal.

www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com
www.ArtbyDlonzo.blogspot.com
http://psychedmaster.org

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind. Do return to see where the journey leads.

Sunday at Umlauf with Ian

(The greatest form of flattery)

I first met Ian in a production of Mary Poppins at ZACH Theatre. I thought he had great facial features and then I saw him dance. I had taken a few pictures and I thought it would be interesting to photograph a dancer at various locations around Austin. I'm always thinking art and fashion when I decide to create art.

(Incredible height, the grace of a dancer)

(Inspiration from the sculpture)

There are many people I want to photograph, but the timing isn't always right. Sometimes I'm available and they aren't and vice versa. It has taken, months or years before I was able to photograph someone, but it was definitely worth the wait. I do my best to get to know the people I'm interested in photographing. I know what works as far as attire and I have an idea of how to set up the perfect shot.

(Ian in Mary Poppins, this is where we first met)

Ian told me when he would be available and we went from there. There was only one draw back, he was about to have shoulder surgery and I didn't want him to injure himself for the sake of my art.
I was quite impressed with what we had to work with. The first location was going to be The Hope Gallery, also known as Grafitti Park, but there were too many people. In the past when I was going to use tthis loccation I went right after church and there were a lot of people.

(The artist gets in on the act, using a secondary camera and a timer.)

My second location was at ZACH to photograph Ian against the blue wall and the glass along the ramp. I usually insert myself into some of the images using two cameras and a timer. They images looked good, but I wouldn't know for sure until I would look at them on the computer.
As most people know, I am not one for photoshopping images. I like capturing what my eye sees and if it doesn't come out right I work on it. I  like using natural light and making my subject as comfortable as possible. That's what makes the photographs beautiful works of art.

(When dealing with models you have to remind them to bring certain things. Ian was prepared with props, shoes and clothing choices. Doesn't get an easier than that.)

My next location was the Umlauf sculpture garden. This was going to be my first time going there as was Ian's. I really didn't know what the place would look like and I really had nothing in mind other than to have Ian strike dance poses among the sculptures.

(After looking at this image, it made me think of the film Footloose and the hat stays on)

I mentioned to Ian how I felt dancers, athletes and construction workers make for the best models. They don't really need much guidance and are used to flexing their muscles. I prefer using people who have never modeled before because the shots or so much more organic and I make it a point to do most of the work when I get a great pose.

Everything at Umlauf was impromptu. As I saw a sculpture or location I'd give Ian a few minutes to get set up and then I would start shooting. Sometimes as he was in a stretching pose or a little warm up before a leap or an extension. Striking the same pose as a sculpture...

I really enjoyed this photo shoot. Once he heals perhaps I'll have the opportunity to photograph him and his wife who is also a dancer.

www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com
www.ArtbyDlonzo.blogspot.com
http://psychedmaster.org

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind. Do return to see where the journey leads.

Images from Red Hot & Soul 2016 New York, New York

The event Co-Chairs were Bobbi Topfer, Will Coombes, Eric Copper, Richard Hartgrove, Gary Cooper, Dan Jackson, Jeremy Guiberteau, David Kurio, Lance Avery Morgan, Rob Giardinelli, Armando Zambrano and Bryan Gardner.

The images I am presenting here are to tell the story from start to finish. (Note: I am an artist that happens to take pictures) I believe in capturing an event in a way that those who were there can remember it and those who couldn't make it can see what it was like. Red Hot and Soul is the event of the year outside of the performances that ZACH puts on. It's purpose is to raise funds for the education programs. It also gives guests a chance to see what performances will be taking place for the remainder of the season and the new season. 

Everything at ZACH is done by a team of talented individuals.(Kendra Dobson, House manager leads Volunteers to their posts for Red, Hot & Soul.)

(Kyle Sigrest Patron Services Manager, chats with Volunteers before guests arrive.)

(Executive Coordinator, Renelle Bedell at the registration table. A perfect profile).

( Dan Jackson and Jeremy Guiberteau two of the co-chairs of Red Hot & Soul)

(One of the Volunteers in red.)

(Zach staff converse with guests around some of the items up for auction.)

(Nathan, one of the Zach bartenders)

(Rachel Applegate, Chief Marketing and Community Engagement Officer, with Chad Dike Associate Director of Education.)

( Staff and Volunteers gather under the tent to great guests and give them their packets, which included seating numbers and auction numbers)

(Volunteers wait for guests to arrive)

(Charlie Fraser, Chief Development Officer and Cathleen Berdan, Special events coordinator checking things out before the event begins.)

(An overview of the tent and runway into the Topfer)

(Dee Clayes, one of the box office associates looking very fashionable.)

(Volunteers and Box Office staff under the tent where Guests make their first stop to sign in.)

(Beth Warren and other volunteers waiting patiently.)

(An artist drops off a painting for the auction)

(The Big Apple takes the mic. This is me just being creative.)

(Jennifer Young Mahlstead, Pre-Professional Manager walking the runway.)

(Cathleen Berdan, Brittney Woolley, Charlie Fraiser, Liana Putrino and Kimberly Sidey strike a pose.)

(Individual Giving Coordinator, Brittney Woolley walks the runway making final preparations.)

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back again to see more images from the event.

Preview: Red Hot & Soul (2016) New York, New York

(It begins when you walk up. You have to be in Awe and wonder what else will peek your interest. A great event has many jaw dropping moments.)

(The registration area for the patrons to get their information to place their bids for the many items available for the auction. The Red Hot & Soul event is ZACH's biggest fund raising event.)

(An event is like a performance and it takes a lot to get it (The lobby in ZACH's Topfer theatre.)

together. Outside before you walk inside it all begins. Red Hot & Soul 2016 was a tribute to New York, New York.)


I know I've been mentioning images from Red Hot & Soul were coming, but it takes time to go through all of the images.

(Another shot of the lobby)

(Costumer designers do a run through with the performers to make sure  the costumes allow the performer to move properly.)

 Then I have to copy the images so that I have images without tagging on them.

(Stage manager Cate Tucker over sees the rehearsal)

(Images of New York come to life with Shemiah as Lady Liberty.)

(Chanel Haynes-Schwartz rehearses in the lobby as costumer supervisor Christine Montgomery looks on)

(Jesse Douglas makes sure things go according to plan during rehearsal)

Next, I have to write about the event so that it makes those that weren't at the event feel as if they could be there and imagine what they missed. For those that were there they get to relive it. I'll be without access to my laptop for a few weeks so I just wanted to get some images out there.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back.

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