Dancin' Machine

I've been known to break it down. From Ida Noyes to Myrtle Beach to Heartland to the Ministry of Sound to the Egyptian room, I've had my moments where I shook what my mama gave me. But as of this past Saturday, I have officially been schooled.

Two nights ago my friend SP and I attend the launch party of "30 Seconds to Dance" at my favorite place in Chicago - the Alliance Francaise. Co-commenced by a former Paris Opera dancer (now a principal at Joffrey), this amazing project features the ridiculously talented dancers of Chicago. All styles are showcased, and SP and I got to witness the mad skillz for ourselves as the launch featured live performances of some of the dancers seen in the videos.

The goal of this website is to promote both the art of dance and the dancers themselves. I think this is a great addition to the rich cultural sector of which Chicago can boast. I know I'll be checking in often to see what new clips are posted. I can always use some new moves...

Bunnnnieeeesss!!!!

Here. I totally want one.

Miss Pole Dance World 2009

I don't have any really strong feelings one way or another about strip clubs, pole dancing, etc. But, I did stumble across the routine of Miss Pole Dance World 2009, and what she does is ridiculous. If I tried to do the same thing, I'd probably need multiple realignments afterwards. Even if pole dancing isn't your cup of tea, this video is amazing. Make sure and watch what she does at the 2 minute mark.

Mon film favorite

Best. film. ever.

Seriously, if you haven't seen The Day of the Jackal, you haven't lived. This has been mon film favorite for years after being introduced to it by my Dad. With a great story line covering the attempted assassination of de Gaulle, an unlikely detective/hero, the French countryside, and a stone cold (Edward) Fox, this movie is nothing short of brilliant. And while I enjoy the Jason Bournes of the world, I relish this film for the sparse calculated violence, longer screenshots, and main characters that aren't all cookie-cutter good looking.

Why is this coming up now, you say? Well, because I just discovered that IMDB has posted the trailer for it! How cool is that? I love seeing these old trailers. I think you all should watch it here. Augh, they just don't make 'em like they use to.

Another reason to see the movie? Well, let's just say it involves a "cha" and a "cal."

Some Monday Night Cuteness

Done and Done

Play me a Melody

I'm am obsessed with a new singer that I just discovered on Friday. Roaming around Borders, I was looking for some good new music and saw a cd poster for a singer, Melody Gardot. I loved the cover art, and went to look up where to find the cd. Lo and behold, it was in the jazz section. This resulted in a momentary pause on my part. While I appreciate jazz, it is not usually my chosen genre of music. I'm more likely to be found in the hard/goth rock section...or classical...or international. Yet, I continued to be intrigued and bought the cd sight unheard.

And boy, I am thrilled that I did! While she's a little more Norah Jones than straight jazz, her vocals are gorgeous and the music behind her top rate. I always like to know about the musicians and googled her upon returning home, and I now appreciate her fabulous cd even more. And here's why.

Almost six years ago, at the age of 19, Melody was struck by a car while riding her bike and suffered a fractured pelvis, spine damage, and some trauma to her brain. Essentially a vegetable, physically unable but mentally sound, she began the long road to a partial recovery. She suffered from aphasia, an inability to form words, and until two years ago could only speak with difficulty - the barrier from brain to mouth had been broken. Her doctors recommended music therapy. She had played in piano bars before to help pay for college, and they believed it could help break down the barriers. The rest, as they say, is history.

However, even now she is still burdened with a misaligned pelvis, uses a cane to walk, and continues to suffer neuralgic pain. She also has a autonomic nervous system disfunction which makes her super sensitive to noise and sound and is also the reason for the dark glasses she is seen wearing in all of her pictures. Yet, she credits music for helping her to continue to deal with these difficulties.

Amazing story, right? Never should anyone doubt the power of music, and not just from an audience perpsective - a laissez-faire approach to music - but also as having an active role in the improvement in the quality of life. I think this story is a perfect example of that.

I bought her second album, My One and Only Thrill, and it's so good!! You can hear a song from this album here.