Spooky Old Movies at BAM Part II

Ironically, teens dare themselves to see increasingly scary movies not only to show that they’re tough and growing up, but also in order to reinforce the feeling of being safe, experiencing the thrill of watching danger while in the comfort of the home/theater. They may not tell you, but they've already seen The Ring, if not also The Grudge, Final Destination, etc. And they're itching to see Saw. [Bleagh]

Horror films have evolved over the years, but not really for the better. Gone are the days of mystery and subtle, growing fear; nowadays it’s taunt, titillate and tantalize until the crazed loon attacks in creative ways for no darn reason at all. And we’re supposed to laugh while saying “Eew!” Thanks, Wes Craven and George A. Romero, for traumatizing my childhood — and all I ever saw were your coming attractions.

But there was another director at that time playing in the same gore genre who simultaneously incorporated some of the old–timey creepy and made it look beautiful.

Three movies by Dario Argento, the master of Italian macabre murder horror films, are coming to BAM September 4–6. Tired of the stupid, random sadism of Saw? Wanna show the oldest teens what frightened you when you were young, just from looking at the trailers? Take them to one of these three atmospheric R–rated pre–slasher works:

Four Flies on Grey Velvet (1971): A glam rock drummer accidentally kills his stalker and then is stalked by someone else: a person who sends him photographs of all his friends being killed — by the hands of the drummer himself! The great Ennio Morricone (The Good, the Bad and the Ugly) did the musical score. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4.

Suspiria (1977): the commercial scared the heck out of me, and still does, so I won’t be putting it on this site. Agreed that this is “one of the most beautiful horror films ever made”; Argento’s budget was spent on cinematography, with carefully planned camera angles and frames filled with unnaturally bright and primary colors. He cheated elsewhere (B actors, using his disembodied hands in close-ups). Plot: an American enrolls in the best ballet school in Europe, only to be thrown into the midst of murders and witchcraft. This is the one to see. [Shiver here] SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5.

Inferno (1980): in one of two semi–sequels to Suspiria, the residents of a New York apartment building are victims of gruesome murders. A music student tries to investigate the beheading of his sister. More witches!  SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6.

Argento once said, in so many words, that in casting actors it was better to have pretty murder victims. That aside, we could have a whole discussion over sexism and the arrested development of horror movie directors. It’s not to be condoned, it’s obvious and the damsel–in–distress film has been around for 100 years. We get it. We don’t like it. Let’s move on.

Enjoy the 70’s of–it–all: the cheese, the corn, the psychedelia. I actually prefer The Uninvited (1944) being shown at BAM on the 3^rd.

It’s interesting to watch the horror movie genre through the eyes of different countries: US, Britain, Italy and Japan, et.al. all have different styles. Discuss.

Here is a Four Flies trailer that was obviously edited to be suitable for general audiences:

I am NOT putting the trailer for Suspiria on this site; my watching it again only brought back a ton of bad memories — it seemed like yesterday instead of 1977! It just hit all my fright buttons in spite of its cheesiness, I guess. But here is a YouTube link for you to watch — if you’re allowed and have the strength for it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8zbV_fFkYs

Harbor High School Moving to an Island

In 2010, the Urban Assembly New York Harbor School is moving out of the Bushwick High School Campus into its own building on — guess what — Governors Island!

As you can tell by the name, this school focuses on maritime and environmental subjects. Field trips include the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and rides on the Clearwater sailing ship. Four sophomores and juniors from NYHS have won scholarships to the prestigious Island School in the Bahamas to spend a semester studying environmental sciences and marine biology. Ninety-percent of the graduates go on to college, some continuing with studies in marine science and technology.

The new location, which is only accessible by ferry, will have an oyster farm, scuba club, sailing and crew teams.

Because the Harbor School has been housed in Bushwick for the past six years, most attending were local children. How lucky they've been to be exposed to marine studies, in spite of being “landlocked”! But I predict within two years of being on the island, due to its central location and theme, the student population of the school will diversify even more and attract children from all the boroughs.

I hope the kids who live “inland” continue to attend. The word “inland” is in quotes because no one in New York City is far from water. New York's waterways should not be ignored.

A wonderful article of the establishment of the school is here. A Great Idea.

Sobering Titanic Exhibition

Clothing, utensils, furniture and other effects recovered from the Titanic can be viewed at “Titanic: the Artifact Exhibition” in Times Square.

This exhibit has a unique trick that immediately draws you in: each person is given “boarding card” upon entering. On that boarding pass is the name and background information of an actual person who was on the Titanic. As you walk through, seeing hair brushes, wallets, briefcases, sinks, china, rivets, huge ship’s whistles, the exhibit makes you feel as if you are on the journey yourself.

You learn of the coincidental circumstances of how some came to be on the ship: other ships cancelled due to a coal workers’ strike; illnesses caused people to postpone previous trips; many received monetary gifts in order to upgrade to the ship. You learn that the tickets ranged (in current US dollars) from $700 for Third Class to $90,000 for the best suite staterooms in First. You see recreations of the grand staircase only used by the First Class passengers, and the bunk rooms of Third (which were allegedly an improvement. On other ships, Third Class passengers didn’t even have areas where they could come up for fresh air). One can't help but be moved.

What about that “boarding pass” that you receive?

Well, in the last room, after going past and touching an actual iceberg, stepping onto a projection of a to–scale replica of a lifeboat, there is a wall where the names of the survivors and those who were lost are listed. If you are not touched when searching the list, then you were not paying attention.

Speaking of paying, with admission averaging $22, you should read every word posted, right down to the exit signs! But to put the price into perspective: you are paying for the ongoing salvage project. Retrieving, transporting, desalinating and preserving the artifacts is expensive. And don't forget the Times Square rent.

Some are offended that you can buy t-shirts and replica of the 1st Class china in the gift shop. I kind of disagree. Sometimes it’s nice to have a memory you can hold. Also, it helps offset the costs of the exhibit; “Bodies” down at the Seaport also has a controversial gift shop. But these places are not run as non–profits like our museums, looking for donations. When put in perspective, if to have the opportunity to learn and become personally involved in the experience of this tragedy, it’s worth selling Titanic keychains to break even.

They believe that there was only one man of African descent on the Titanic: Joseph Philippe Lemercier Laroche of Haiti, who was taking his French wife and their children back in order to avoid job discrimination. Their preferred ship did not allow children, so they were transferred to the Titanic, Second Class.

On view through October 2009.

“Titanic: the Artifact Exhibition”

Discovery Times Square Exposition

226 West 44 Street (bet 7th & 8th)

Tickets $17.50 children; $24.50 adults (use Google to find discount coupons)

866.987.9692

Spooky Old Movies at BAM Part I

The Uninvited is being screened at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Young folks have to this one! Shot in awesomely atmospheric black and white, this is a true ghost story, a real spooky movie without the demented half–dead monsters carrying chainsaws.

The premise: a music critic and his sister move into an abandoned house in England, not knowing it is haunted. The characters in the scene above were playing with something similar to a Ouija board.

This film offers one of the best B&W experiences on the big screen, even 65 years later!

The Uninvited (1944)

BAM Cinematek series featuring Ray Milland

Thursday, September 3

6:50 and 9:15pm

Adults: $12.00

PS: There is to be no talking during the movie at this theater; that’s why BAM is so cool.

Tickets on Sale for Avatar Movie — Already?!!

James Cameron’s long–awaited Avatar opens December 18.

But you can buy tickets online for the first midnight show at AMC Loews on West 34 Street on fandango.com right now! Four months in advance!

You can see a special 16–minute trailer by attending an IMAX film this summer.*

Avatar is about a paraplegic veteran who is assigned to an exotic moon called Pandora, where he'll be able to walk. Any more information would spoil the surprises.

(Obviously this is not based on the popular cartoon series)

* Harry Potter and the Half–Blood Prince is a good movie, but the 15 minutes of 3D at the beginning are not worth the extra price at an IMAX theater. Go IMAX only for the big screen.

School Supplies Gift for Needy Causes a Stir

Bound to receive praise and protests:

To fight poverty in New York, George Soros, chairman of the Open Society Institute, today announced a $35 million gift to support low-income families across the state purchasing supplies and clothing for the new school year. Back To School New York, a collaborative effort involving the State of New York and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will provide $200 per child to the families of the more than 850,000 children receiving public assistance or food stamps in New York State. Mr. Soros and Governor David Paterson announced the program in New York City.

This explains the line outside of the check-cashing place in my neighborhood, which was completely made of women and young children. This is great.

“Even in the toughest of economic times, starting the school year right is key to a child’s success” said Mr. Soros. “When I was a student after World War II, I had no money. I received financial help, and I remember how important that was to my education. Since then I have been very fortunate and am happy to have the opportunity today to help others. I hope these funds will relieve some of the financial burden on New York’s families,” added Mr. Soros, whose gift was made by the Open Society Institute’s sister organization, the Foundation to Promote Open Society, which he also chairs.

Yes, I understand the fear/pessimism of some who think the money will go to drugs or flatscreen tv’s, but those school supplies and uniforms have to be purchased regardless. And it would have been advertising to purchase $200 Staples gift cards to hand out. Cash was the only way it could be done until technology catches up to be able to track items purchased from any store.

George Soros’s donation of $35 million will go to the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, which oversees programs for low-income families. The State will receive an additional $140 million in funding through the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families emergency contingency fund.

This means his private donation is being matched by the US Economic Stimulus Plan. The State of New York would not have received any money from that Plan unless they were able to secure an additional donation from somewhere else.

Mr. Soros’ $35 million gift follows a $50 million pledge in May to help people in New York City living in poverty. These gifts, totalling $85 million, are among the largest ever made to satisfy basic necessities. In June, Mr. Soros gave $100 million to help communities in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, regions deeply affected by the global downturn. Over the past 25 years, his charitable foundations have given away some $7 billion to strengthen communities and justice around the world.

Crayons and color markers are no longer on my teens’ mandatory school shopping lists; actually, the list has shrunk. However, the textbooks get heavier.

UPDATE: Tiger Mountain Closed

UPDATE:  TIGER MOUNTAIN IS CLOSED at the Bronx Zoo for a few weeks due to weather damage cleanup.

It's not surprising, considering the crazy thunderstorms NYC has had over the summer!

Too bad; the tiger feedings are not to be missed. The demonstration makes humans feel really small.

Bronx Zoo: Please, Just Go!

I’m so glad I renewed our membership to the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Thank goodness, my teenagers are still fascinated by animals. We vow to find time, in spite of school and extra-curriculars, to go more often during the year.

We started the trip off right by, for the first time, actually going online and getting driving directions. Usually we just get in the car and head north, following any sign that says “Bronx”. We almost always end up in Orchard Beach, City Island and Yonkers, but with vocal, critical teenagers in the car (worse than impatient toddlers?), we had to set the tone right at the beginning.

In the Congo exhibit, there is a gorilla that purposefully regurgitates her food to get a rise out of the humans. How can you tell? She sits right next to the glass and watches for reactions from the crowd.

The Wild Dogs are both beautiful and scary as all get–out. Huge! Ditto the tigers, of course. The tiger feeding demonstrations are informative, but frightening when the big cat stands on his hind legs. I’m a practical Brooklynite; it’s like “fuggedaboutit” when I see something as powerful and potentially dangerous like that.

For PBS watchers, the Madagascar exhibit houses lemurs like the one in “Zoboomafoo”. They are fascinating.

Of course, my teens split along gender lines. Typical observations from the girl: “The baby sea lion is so cute”; the boy: “The polar bear’s paw is bigger than my face. Awesome.” 

Teens are actually at a better age to appreciate a zoo visit. They’ve taken science classes, taken care of their own pets, watched nature shows and developed a conscience regarding the environment. They can interpret animal emotions and behavior — or at least imagine so.

There is snarky debate about whether it’s cruel to house animals in zoos. Hopefully it’s not from people who own house cats, fish or gerbils. Either born into captivity or injured, these animals would not survive if released in the wild — if their natural environments still exist. Life in an artificial habitat is likely monotonous with occasional, unexpected jarring changes caused by zookeepers and nutty patrons; or, on the other hand, free medical care and grooming, regular high–quality meals and comfortable, nightly shelter could be seen as living high on the hog (no pun really intended).

Anyway, I’m not about to vaccinate and fly my family around the world to see these creatures in their natural habitat, risking our lives by encountering warring ethnic groups, drug dealers, bad roads, overworked airplane pilots, poisonous snakes and infected mosquitoes. It would total in the hundreds of thousands and there’d still be a chance that, after a gourmet meal under the stars at the campsite, one of us could be pulled out of our tents in the middle of the night and beaten/raped/robbed/devoured.

Not to mention the traveler’s diarrhea; I’d rather have the grilled chicken sandwich at the Dancing Crane.

Anyway, back to the Bronx Zoo’s situation. The WCS has received a cut in government funding, relying more on donations from people and foundations. I may remember incorrectly, but when the kids were young, Wednesdays were free admission; now it’s pay–as–you wish. The World of Darkness is closed!

Go to the zoos and aquariums with–or–without your kids. It’s interesting. It’s fun. It’s thought–provoking. Become a member, make a donation. Our donations not only fund the wildlife centers but also the conservation and research projects run by WCS employees all over the world — helping preserve the natural habitats to which the zoo-questioners want the zoo animals to return.

Don't dismiss the zoos in Queens and Prospect Park; the Queens Zoo can be especially soothing on a quiet day when the schools and camps aren't around. The wacky penguins in Central Park Zoo make that park great. We could sit in front of the walruses at the Aquarium all day. And has anyone been to the charming Staten Island Zoo, not under the WCS umbrella?

What do you like/hate about the zoos and aquariums?

Discounted Dance, Theatre and Museum Tickets for Teens through High 5

Here is a great resource to buy tickets to theatre performances and museum admission at a huge discount.

High 5 Tix to the Arts ( http://www.high5tix.org/flash.html ) is a non-profit organization that provides tickets to teens and their parents at $5 (FIVE DOLLARS) each!

In order to purchase tickets to performances, all you need is an interest in the arts, a school ID (ie MTA pass, report card) and $5. Each teen may buy one extra $5 ticket for an adult. Museum tickets are 2 for $5.

High 5 relies on donations of tickets from arts organizations and on contributions of funds from the public. A great idea.

HIGH 5 TICKETS TO THE ARTS

520 Eighth Avenue

Ste. 321

New York, NY 10018

HIGH 5 HOTLINE

212.750.0555 

Location Details for Michael Jackson's Party

The poster has been updated to give walking directions for the Spike Lee-hosted birthday party for Michael Jackson in Prospect Park, not that anyone would need it; just follow the crowd. Note to Park regulars — the directions are not from the Park Slope side of the Park:

"Q" to the Prospect Park station, exit at either Prospect Park or Lincoln Road and follow the signs.

I hope it doesn't rain and it will be great fun. Also, for those who are worrying about the cleanup, I think the Park and the City have smartened up and will never underestimate crowds again. See what happened on July 19. They need to hire interns to surf the 'Net for invitations to social events at our parks that may attract great interest — and they should not dismiss them or assume no one will come.

PS: MIH Ventures apologized for their lack of planning. But ask anyone who has held a children's birthday party in their home and they'll tell you things can get out of hand fast! Don't Moms make the best special event planners?  LOL

Michael Jackson Birthday Commemorations, Inside and Out

Michael Jackson would have been 51 years-old on August 29. Check out the events being held to salute his work:

Prospect Park Birthday Celebration hosted by Spike Lee

Saturday, 8/29/09, 12–5pm Nethermead area, center of Prospect Park

FREE

CANCELLED“Keep Moving: Michael Jackson’s Video Art”

Sunday, 8/30/09, 6pm at Walter Reade Theater in Lincoln Center NYC.

$7 members/ students/ child - $8 senior - $11 general public. Online service charge: $1.25 per ticket.

Paying tribute to the King of Pop is an individual thing, as reflected in the events happening this weekend.

Author/film critic Armond White is the host for the Lincoln Center tribute. “When Hollywood didn’t come calling, Jackson responded with a series of short musical films that displayed his affection for pop tradition,” says White. — NOW CANCELLED! FIND A FILM STUDENT FRIEND AND ANALYZE THEM YOURSELVES!

Spike Lee, like many people around the world, was profoundly touched by Jackson’s passing. In the early 70’s, I remember my friends and cousins picking out which Jackson they’d want to marry. Since most of them wanted Michael, I tried to be different. The others were soooo much “older”, by at least five years. I picked Marlon.

Michael Jackson filmed the “Bad” video, directed by Martin Scorsese, right in the unused area of the Hoyt–Schermerhorn subway station in Downtown Brooklyn! He also visited a star–struck Spike Lee when the latter lived across the street from Fort Greene Park (the original site for the 8/29/09 party before word got out and the whole world RSVP’d.)

Well, I was certainly sad to have the world lose a great musician and philanthropist. But how jarring it was to hear a little girl call him “Daddy”: just tore me up.

MTV begins another alleged season

MTV used to be the best thing since sliced bread. Since Brooklyn didn’t have cable for what seemed like decades, I would basically ignore my Manhattan/out–of–town friends and sit glued to their tv, catching up on the latest U2, Whitney or Janet Jackson video. Boy, was I rude. When Time Warner finally got around to acknowledging the existence of (or, more correctly, the money to earn from) the outer boroughs, my family jumped at the chance to subscribe to cable. 

(This video made a great impression on me, edited as if pulled from the middle of a full film with suggestion of a backstory and subsequent scenes. Ah, the potential.) 

I loved watching music videos of all genres (thanks to having no cable in Brooklyn in the 80’s, I missed witnessing Michael Jackson break the plastic ceiling and integrate the channel), from Guns–n–Roses to Salt–n–Pepa — I loved them all (still do, to the embarrassment of my kids). And when I wanted a slower pace, I’d turn to VH1.

And now?

“America’s Best Dance Crew” really is in line with the channel’s original spirit, as was “Wild ‘N Out”. “Run’s House” could be tedious, but tolerable. “Cribs” can still entertain, “My Super Sweet 16” is a hoot, as long as music stars make cameos at the parties; what other show makes you hate-on and feel superior to someone at the same time?

But the rest…

Basically unwatchable. Insulting, condescending, excessive, trashy. “The Real World” changed from an interesting social experiment of putting diverse young people together in a house in an interesting city to a voyeuristic exercise on gauging how many minutes of inane fabricated bickering among preternaturally-good looking mouth breathers there will be before they sleep together.

Another example: “Silent Library”. The premise is to do the most stupid, dangerous stunts possible without making noise in the back table of a library. Stunts include atomic wedgies, inhaling vacuum cleaner filth, brushing teeth with wasabi, licking a man’s jheri curled head. There was once a time when I did not cringe when I heard the words “based on the Japanese version”. But with five–too–many remakes of Japanese horror films and the ABC humiliation shows, I knew to be wary.

Why did the “Spring Break” and “Jackass” side win? Don’t the moronic kids in the reality shows know that they are making school and job interview videos? Less than one-percent of these pathetic creatures have moved on to hosting their own reality-based shows, so forget dreams of breaking into the real show business.

And let’s not even mention that stinking, steaming hot mess of shame and no self-respect: VH1’s “Flavor of Love” was just the tip of the iceberg of what used to be the more “mature” channel. Both channels are evidence of the degradation of America.

Music Television? What good are Video Music Awards if no one can see the videos?

Ratings? You don’t have to practice misogyny, racism and misanthropy in order to make money.

Nothing but peroxide abuse, peeking thongs and missing teeth. The only thing real is the India hair used in the chickie’s weaves.

A true channel geared towards the younger population has the moral responsibility to not dumb-down the future leaders of the country, if not the world. I’m not saying that these channels can’t put on banal, destructive programming; of course they can do it 24 hours a day. There’s a place for everything. I say as fellow citizens of the earth, the executives and producers of these channels should make more positive choices. Young people brought up with these role models will walk into a job interview wearing tight mini dresses and short-shorts, or muscle shirts and baggy jeans. The clothing and mentality that goes-with may be okay for prostitutes and janitors, but I wouldn’t want to see a doctor with that attitude (not that they could get into medical school if they idolize those types).

Wouldn’t complain if there were a balance of dignity and absurdity; it’s so hard not to be wary of the upcoming season.

Oh, and watch out, WB-channel; you’re trying to walk in a new pair of spike heels on a slippery slope.

Agree? Disagree?

Beware the Beach!

What with the recent drownings of after-hours swimmers due to riptides, it is time to educate everyone so as to avoid more tragedies.

1. The ocean is to be respected. It is an uncontrollable force of nature.
   
2. Riptides generally can not be seen from the shore and can be anywhere, even in calm–looking water.
   
3. Do not go in the water without lifeguards on duty.
   
4. Even if you're a strong swimmer, heed the warning signs and flags.
   
5. Always swim in front of the lifeguard stand.
   
6. Do not allow the water to go to the knees; it only takes knee-high water to knock you down and drag you out into dangerous waters.
   
7. If you do get caught in a riptide, do NOT try to swim straight-in back to shore. You will only be pushed further out.
   
8. Instead of attempting to swim across/over the riptide, swim along the length of the shore, parallel to the beach until you feel the riptide's end. Then you can start swimming in.

Now is not the time to try to be rebellious and cool. Ignoring the flags and signs is not an act of defying authority; the ocean is the ultimate authority… and executioner.

The ocean beaches in New York City are closed this weekend because of the tremendous wave activity due to approaching Hurricane Bill. Orchard Beach remains open. Be careful.

Bard High School Sign Ups Open

Just learned that you can sign up online for the Bard High School assessment tests and make reservations for the open houses. 

http://www.bard.edu/bhsec/admission/apply.shtml

Bard requires their applicants take their writing and math assessment test as part of the admissions process. The test is offered on Tuesdays in September, a Saturday or Sunday in the middle of October or a Tuesday in November.

Are you familiar with www.insideschools.org? Clara Hemphill, the author of the public school guides, is involved in this great website. It provides information on individual schools that the DOE website won’t have. Open house schedules for both the middle and high schools from all boroughs will be listed there.

If there’s an open house that you and your child really want to attend, don’t wait for it to be posted on insideschools; visit the school’s website or call them directly early and often. Open houses for the most popular schools fill up fast.

Since we’re on the subject, what do you think of Bard’s accelerated Early College program? Bard HS (on the Lower East Side) and Bard II (Long Island City) have rigorous curriculums; four years of high school courses are squeezed into two years, leaving the third and fourth years there for college–level study. One graduates with an Associate’s Degree, the credits of which are recognized at Bard College upstate and other schools.

What do you think? Are children being pushed too hard and too fast? Do you or do you know anyone who attends? 

And most important for cash–strapped families: what other colleges accept those credits?

Teens Embarrassed by Parents

Went to a block party in July. The band played a “jaunty tune” from the 70’s*, so a dad dragged his teen to the dance area and began to make a fool of himself. That’s okay, because everyone born before 1988 looked foolish, to that teen’s eyes. She stood like a statue, arms folded, in the middle of all the dancers.

Actually, I think she looked more foolish.

It would have been a sweet moment if she humored her dad by dancing with him. How many times will she get the chance in the future? One day she may wish she danced more with him!

Where was I at the party? Sitting down, under the intense, oppressive, threatening eyes of my son, who was already prepared to feel tremendous rolling waves of humiliation. I was not allowed to rise.

This kid stopped letting me chaperone his school trips back in sixth grade, even when the teachers were pleading for help. Middle school boys experience so much shame.

If these kids only knew… how insignificant an imprint their “embarrassments” have on other people’s memories. Most people can’t dance (and, of course, some can’t dance more than others).

My own parents couldn’t dance, but I thought it was great that when they went out there, they danced together. I felt whole and happy, never embarrassed.

I rarely danced in public back when I was a teen; as time goes by and I’ve grown older, however, I feel more of my own person and would be the first on the dance floor if it weren’t for abuse I’d receive from my offspring.

It’s all in their minds. That’s okay.

* The song was “Brick House” by the Commodores (featuring Nicole Richie's dad, Lionel). It had been so long since I heard it, so hard to resist. I attempted to dance on my butt in the chair, but my son held my shoulders down. What songs can’t you resist dancing to when they come on?

Love me some Commodores…

Two Boots a Fave for All

Darn it.

I was going to wax-on about how great that oldie–but–goodie  Two Boots is for teens on group dates, and then reminisce about how mine had been going since they were wee tykes and the daughter always wants calamari…

But SmartMom of the Brooklyn Paper and Only the Blog Knows Brooklyn beat me to it two years ago. Very similar experiences, except my husband did not propose at the East Side Two Boots (it happened at La Bouillabaise that used to be on Atlantic Avenue, may it rest-in-piece. I still think lovingly of its delicate oil and soft bread, the dressing and garlic over its crisp salad, and every dish that melted in the mouth like butter… no restaurant I've tried since has been as good…)

But I digress. We've actually done things that SmartMom doesn't mention: we've been to children's parties there (make your own pizza fun) and… drumroll… we've arrived at Two Boots late enough for the kids to see the bands (soul, funk, reggae, jazz, rock etc.) on Fridays and Saturdays after 10! Don't call Child Services, please! We never stuck around for a whole show, but I'm hopeful; perhaps when they've both graduated from college, the kids'll bring their parents to Two Boots for calamari and po' boys…

Two Boots calamari: number one hands-down!

Two Boots

514 Second Street bet 7th and 8th Aves (as if you didn't know)

(718) 499-3253

(No cover, no minimum for music)

Contest win free Concert Tickets

Moby, left; ?uestlove and Black Thought, right. ( from Going)

Check out the ticket giveaways on newyork.going.com for the September concerts by Moby at Music Hall of Williamsburg and Irving Plaza's Fillmore; and The Roots at the Highline Ballroom. A good chance for both generations to find out who these accomplished, groundbreaking musicians are!

Interesting notes: ?uestlove and Black Thought met in a performing arts high school in Philadelphia. Moby started taking classical guitar lessons at the age of nine. You all may riff off from there.

“Fame” is opening September 2009? No, it opened May 1980!

I already have a problem with the Baz Luhrmann-esque production values of the school play scene.

Kids are still asked today if they really dance and sing in the cafeteria; I wonder if they even understand the reference and why people constantly ask them. It would be nice if students of LaGuardia and Frank Sinatra HS have seen the 1980 film about four years in the life in a performing arts high school, because, surprisingly, the characters’ stories are still relevant: 

“Doris” – the sweet naïve mommy’s girl from the outer boroughs struggling to define herself;

“Ralph” – class clown from the Bronx still devastated by the untimely death of his favorite tv idol;

“Leroy” – pure raw talent, accepted to the school by chance and not prepared academically;

“Hilary” – no matter how hard she tries, the teachers say she is not good enough;

“Montgomery” – the neglected rich kid practically raising himself and struggling with being gay;

“Lisa” – so privileged, so beautiful, but she needs to prove that she can join a ballet company without having her stepmother send in a 

“Bruno” – talented songwriter who wants to do it all himself (okay, you can laugh at his “keyboard”);

”Coco” – has her professional career all planned: she sings, she dances, she knows how to play “the game” — or at least thinks she does…

I watched the original Fame recently, waiting for cringe–worthy moments. Other than Bruno’s “keyboard”, I was pleased that the clothes and hair were so nondescript. Teenagers of 2009 will have no distractions and will be able to focus, sympathize and dream about attending such a school.

The 1980 VERSION IS RATED “R”, HOWEVER. There is female matter–of–fact upper frontal nudity and bad language. So, if parents are not allowing their children to see breasts in film… it’s okay for females 13 years and older.

Oh, I kind of forgot: Leroy (Gene Anthony Ray) dances very, verrry seductively in his audition, but that is in one of the most delicious scenes in recent film history — because of the setup, the fantastic music and the reaction of the peripheral characters. It goes with his character. If we’ve all seen Michael Jackson do worse, then this will not corrupt our teens.

Tremendous props to the late Gene Anthony Ray, who just absolutely STEALS this movie and went on to star in the television series. He is an example of talent only taking one so–far before real life gets in the way.

See:

Anne Meara (Night at the Museum Ben Stiller’s mom) as the English teacher;

Debbie Allen (Cosby Phylicia Rashad’s sister), a fierce Broadway dancer/actress, almost steal the movie from Gene Anthony Ray. She also starred in the series and is in the 2009 movie;

Richard Belzer (Law and Order SVU) in his first occupation as standup comedian;

Isaac Mizrahi, the fashion mogul, in the audition scenes wearing the jester’s hat (he really attended the High School of the Performing Arts).

This film had a lot going for it: one of the best collections of movie songs, a talented cast, a compelling story and a great director. Director Alan Parker (Hellraiser, Midnight Express, Pink Floyd’s The Wall, The Commitments, Angel Heart, Mississippi Burning, Evita) treated the story about teenagers seriously. The kids were not portrayed as candy–coated teeny–bopper caricatures. Parker also incorporated musical numbers in a real life way — that’s an important feature to consider for those who claim to hate “old–fashioned musicals”.

Note that High School Musical would be considered old–fashioned. Admittedly the 1980 Fame has no one as cute as Corbin or Zac, but some of the girls are as good–looking as Vanessa Hudgens, albeit in a more real life way. Save the Last Dance, Take the Lead and the Step Up movies have been heavily influenced by Fame. No air–brushing.

What about the remake? Not sure if it’s a remake or an update riff. I will go see it. Check out the trailer for the 1980 version below.

See the first Fame. Comment on what you think.

The Time of Unopposed Control is Almost Over

The First Post: When my daughter reached that magical age of 13, I realized I had two teenagers, no children. What now? Will she turn into an arm-crossing, eyes-rolling, jaded monster? Should I cover her from head-to-toe and be mistaken for being a member of a very conservative Eastern or Western religion, all so that she does not suffer the leers and come-ons from older males? What about my son? Can he walk the streets of Brooklyn safely alone without being robbed of his cell phone or stopped by the police? Oh, goodness; what kind of girl(s) will he bring home — please, no drama queens! And both of them need to concentrate on getting through high school and college — yikes! College is just around the corner! Hide!

And we didn’t get to Sesame Place! I still want to go see it! Meet Oscar and Grover!

In way less than 10 years, they’ll be considered adults. I will not have to design and orchestrate every step of their lives then — where/when/whether/how they go, eat, sleep, wear clothes. I will not have a say, or even an input; if I’m lucky and they have time, they’ll allow me to offer an opinion.

Just a handful of years, so much to do. So much to learn. So much to debate. So much fun to have.

How lucky they’ve grown up in Brooklyn, New York, which, no matter how it changes or stays the same, is still the most beautiful, best city in the U.S.

So, I felt the need to write it out. Using Brooklyn as the backdrop/jumping–off point, this web log is about teenagers (11–22) and their parents and making the most out of those years.

Mylie or Rhianna… or Madonna or Whitney? Green Day or Black Eyed Peas… or Foreigner or Funkadelic? Prefer Corbin or Zac…or George or Denzel? Doesn’t matter; all are welcome to make comments. Let’s exchange ideas and have some fun.