TedFind » Entertainment

Panic Bomber Lures Palm Beach

admin — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:35:31 +0000

It’s kind of like the happiest version ever of the old adage, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!” Richard Haig, a local musician who has his academic cred from the University of Miami, and his street cred from a long list of clubs in town, has hit the golden age he’d been looking for. It’s happened in a most usual way, perhaps, but in the music community, it’s unusual and rather delightful. While his success at playing live rock was moderate, the long nights and endless openings for big-name groups finally got to be too much. While other musicians were sneaking in through the back door by reaching popularity with techno and electronic music, his skills kept getting better.

After a certain point, he realized, those other people playing the electronic stuff, he could do that, too. He made the switch, which is a big turnaround in artistic direction, and started playing electronic music under the moniker Panic Bomber last year, and already he’s made it as the top pick for the Best New Electronic Artist for the Broward/Palm Beach New Times in 2009. This is a very good report card, overall, but he’s also been featured in France’s electronic music magazine “Trax,” and has won a number of other awards for the best album.

This is very good news for the local crowds, and for visitors in town staying at Palm Beach luxury hotels , who are looking to listen to the next big thing. It’s a wonderful thing to see people who are determined to make it get somewhere, and it’s also inspiring when destiny comes calling after a big change in direction. It’s not exactly a musical move that’s leaving the roots behind, either, because the music is capable of inspiring spontaneous acts of dancing, and the grooves move through visceral landscapes that end in a territory that is pure rock and roll.

Panic Bomber Lures Palm Beach is a post from: TedFind

Dr Pepper Museum in Waco

admin — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 17:55:51 +0000

Dallas is one of the country’s most interesting cities, and there are millions of visitors every year. Some come to see friends and family, because it is perhaps one of the friendliest and most amiable places on earth. Some come here to do business because of Dallas’ thriving industries, where the local charm is merged with a cosmopolitan disposition, making for a smart and lively place to conduct work. Some come as tourists, looking to discover what Dallas might have to offer. The results are always good, and there’s a lot to do here for visitors of any age.

Check out the link for lodgings and you’ll be on your way to learning about this interesting place. There are plenty of things for children here, and lots of nighttime fun for adults, and some places where everyone is welcome and entertained. One place for visitors of all ages is the Dr Pepper Museum in Waco. If you’re looking for a museum that’s truly unique, and if you like your nostalgia served up with a bit of self-conscious irony, then this is a place for you.

It’s enormously fascinating, but also quite amusing, too. The museum isn’t devoted to Dr Pepper on its own, but is about looking at the whole spectrum of soft drinks, and also to celebrate the free market system and teach the principles of this economic method to visitors. You’ll discover that this drink is actually older than the others, and also that there really is no period in the name. As for the origin of the name, there are many different stories and theories, but that information is lost to history. There are plenty of other facts to learn however, and lots of ephemera that will appeal to history buffs and the tragically hip alike, and so many others in between.

Dr Pepper Museum in Waco is a post from: TedFind

Corporeal London

admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:04:10 +0000

We came to London with the idea that we might see ghosts, but instead, we left completely enchanted. This had nothing to do with our own personal charms, but only due to the lovely ambiance at our hotel. London is a great place to be if you’re with the one you love. It’s also a great place for ghosts, however. A few years ago, I came here for a few weeks to work on a laboratory production of a collaborative piece. We were developing it around the theme of ghosts and memory. I remember it was a particularly gloomy winter here, and that made it seem even more perfect for the work we were doing.

It would be a year or so until I met my partner, so I was very much alone, and very deep into the idea of playing the part with as much truth as I could muster. I saw my character as dark, haunted, angry, and very isolated in a kind of self-imposed exile. I was really very difficult to be around, even more than now, but I really felt that it was for the good of the role I was playing. Of course, since this was company-created, I was solely responsible for the role I was creating, and it was all up to me, really. I still acted as though I were suffering for this, having to give up my usual good nature, which is a nature I have never been comfortable in. I completely forgot that we were also supposed to be working with ghosts, but no one approached me on this, since I was already deep in my artistic suffering.

We were basing some of the work in Corporeal Mime, and it was a great experience for me, because I could see my own obsessions and thoughts spelling themselves out in extraordinary dimensions. As the time progressed, I could also see my own boring preoccupations for what they were, and sometime before the opening, I panicked. I was having a very useful and overdue meltdown, and I thought I could not go on because I was not like the thing I was portraying. Of course, I was that, along with many other things besides, and that was the door that opened up to an interest in ghosts, and an ability to be enchanted.

Corporeal London is a post from: TedFind

The Thrilling, Chilling Side of Boston

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:05:20 +0000

For many people, a chill is a thrill. This is not a statement about the weather, but a statement regarding the fun that people find, when they find themselves frightened. Chilling tales are best heard when sitting around a campfire, on a cool autumn night. I discovered this during one trip I had taken to Boston. I was not around a campfire, however it was the season of autumn and I had left my Boston hotel room and went to a pub on the corner known for their clam chowder. As I was waiting for my soup to cool, and old man of about 80 sat down on the bar stool next to me and he began to talk. This was nothing new to me, from the bars on Coronado Island to the pubs of Soho in London, I talked to old people.

Over the years my friends have questioned this, as from the time I was old enough to get into bars, whom ever is the oldest person in the joint, was the one I ended up sharing stories with, and they for many years, had stories that were so much better than mine. I have just always been fascinated by the stories people tell, the stories of the life they have experienced, and Jasper–that night in Boston, had some very interesting and chilling stories. One was of the Boston Gallows. Jasper’s story began in the 1630’s, in what is now a public park of Beantown . Many people were hanged there, and he said that if I should take a walk through the part at midnight, they would tell me their tales. I was not about to do that, at all. For while this old man was telling tall tales, they were tales he believed, you could see it in his eyes.

I believed the tales too, that night. He then told me about a time he had visited with the Lady in Black, a woman known to haunt Georges Island in the middle of Boston Harbor. He said that over the years, the ghost of the woman had garnered a bad reputation, but the night he spoke with her, he just found her sad over the loss of her husband, a soldier of the Civil War. Ghosts, for Jasper, were not scary entities, they were and are, a glimpse into history, the history of his home town of Boston, and the histories of the human spirit. As I finished my bowl of soup, I considered all that he had told me, and while I would not be walking home through the Beantown Haunted Park that night, I knew that the next night, I would belly up to that bar, ordering another bowl of clam chowder, and looking for my old friend to return with more of his tall tales.

The Thrilling, Chilling Side of Boston is a post from: TedFind

A bit of Hawaii history

admin — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:08:43 +0000

Hawaii has only been part of the United States since 1959. The 50th state has deep roots running through it that happened long before it was named part of the Union. The history goes back nearly 1500 years, full of monarchies and coup d’état.

The first inhabitants of Hawaii were the Polynesians of the Marquesas Islands. They canoed over 2000 miles to migrate to the islands under only the starts and moon. They set foot on Hawaii’s big island.

It wasn’t until 500 years later when people from Tahiti brought their religious beliefs to the islands. This brought in a type of social hierarchy and strict land rules.

Captain James Cook landed on Kauai in 1778 and named them the Sandwich Islands, after the Earl of Sandwich. After that in the 1800s a King tried to unite the islands and put them under a royal rule. He succeeded only to have his son abolish the system that was put into place by the Tahitians.

After the previous religious system crumbled, the Protestants stepped in to fill their void when they arrived on the big island in 1820. Western disease was introduced into the native populations with devastating result for these people.

In 1898, Hawaii became a territory of the United States. This was after American colonists overthrew the Hawaiian Kingdom. The overthrow was considered peaceful, but the coup was very controversial.

Of course, Hawaii saw the devastation of the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, which prompted the United States to get involved in World War II.

Japan also signed its surrender aboard the USS Missouri in 1945. The ship still is in Pearl Harbor today.

So on your next Hawaii holiday, remember that it’s not all about the sun and the surf. Seek out a bit of Hawaii and American history and see what makes the place so incredibly unique.

A bit of Hawaii history is a post from: TedFind

Its Time for Hawaii

admin — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:16:40 +0000

If you’ve not yet taken a vacation to Hawaii, now is the time. With rates lowering and stresses rising, there is no time like now to shed your cares as you head out to an island paradise. Whether you have some time off from work or are planning a honeymoon, Hawaii calls to those of you who enjoy beautiful big nature, balmy breezes, crystal blue waters, and verdant mountains.

There are so many wonderful adventures to enjoy on the Hawaiian islands. Big Island has an active volcano to visit, Lanai has its lovely quiet beaches to explore, Kauai will thrill you with its beautiful back roads, and Oahu will beckon with its startling beaches. All the islands have so much to offer, with water and land activities galore. And each one has its own brand of nightlife where you can dine in excellent restaurants, enjoy a disco, have a late cocktail at a seaside bar, or simply walk on the sand under a rich blanket of stars.

You owe it to yourself to see Hawaii or take Hawaii cruises at least once in your life. Many people become so enthralled by the islands that they keep coming back for more. Try it once and see if you can stay away!

Its Time for Hawaii is a post from: TedFind

Thalang National Museum

admin — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 12:26:42 +0000

Nestled among some of the most distinguished cultural elements of Phuket is the renowned Thalang National Museum. Thalang was the original center of the providence of Phuket and is now a district in the North section. The museum houses many famous and sacred relics from Thai history. Among them is a large statue of the god Vishnu located in the main hall of the museum. This incredible statue was uncovered in the forest overgrowth in Phang Nga in the early 1900s. The piece is believed to date from the 9th century and it demonstrates the early Indian influence in Thai art.

One of the exhibits in the museum is dedicated to the Battle of Thalang. This infamous historic confrontation featured two heroines who defended Thailand from the invasion of the Burmese in the 18th century. These two women were Lady Chan, a recently widowed wife of the governor and her sister, Lady Muk. Together the two women rallied the towns- people to stand strong against the Burmese and were able to break the invaders’ aggressive hold. After the battle the women were recognized by the king who bestowed them with honors. The heroines are also honored in a monument on the main road.

Tourists who are too tired to travel far can experience plenty of aspects of Phuket history right outside their hotel room door. That is, if they happen to be staying in the Thavorn Hotel, recognized as one of the best 5 star hotels Phuket. The lobby of the hotel is also a museum and has an extensive collection of photographs detailing the chronology and lives of Thai royalty. The atmosphere of the Thavorn Hotel Lobby creates the sensation of stepping into another time. Its collection includes unique elements from daily life in a different era. Among them are toy trains, opium smoking beds and Chinese hats to name a few. There is also an extensive assortment of tin mining tools.

Thalang National Museum is a post from: TedFind

Country, Blue Grass and Blues

admin — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:26:03 +0000

The club on Bleeker street, known as CBGB’s was founded in 1973, by Hilly Kristal. The music intended to be featured was the namesake, that of country, blue grass, and blues. But in the way that things happen in Manhattan, for no explicable reason save for a sign of the times, this became a well-known venue for punk rock. The Dead Boys, The Ramones , Blondie, and Sick of It All are famous hard-core bands that played there over the years and ensured the reputation of the club. The club stood beside the well known record store and cafe of the same name for many years. In the 1980’s the record store closed its doors but the venue did re-open as a gallery and second performance space. This space, unlike the original, became a popular performance space for more acoustic rock. With experimental jazz and folk being hi-lighted.

Originally, the acronym OMFUG was part of the official title of the club. Standing for Other Music for Gormadizers. The word, ‘Gormandizer’ generally refers to one who ravenously eats food, but owner Kristal, determined it to stand for those who eat up music, and just can not get enough. And while the intention was for nights of poetry and folk/country music, this small bar became the birth-place of punk rock music in the United States. During the 1970’s there were not many clubs, New York hotel suites, or venues for unsigned bands to have a chance to perform. CBGB’s change all that nonsense. Although not labeled as punk rock yet, the bands that played during this decade set the tone for what was to become, and what was to become famous. Early, unknown at the time, the regular house band on Sunday nights was Television. Most insist that it was this group that brought punk rock to the city, however, Kristal’s son, a music fan and officiando claims that it happened prior, the moment that Tom Verlaine stepped on stage there for the first time. But no music historian can deny that Television started the wave of ’street music’, a term used to describe punk rock music at the time. Sadly, the club closed in 2006, with Patti Smith giving the final performance. A clothing store was put in place, but that closed as well, in 2008. A bit of history gone, but not forgotten. Many travel to the city to take photos of what is no longer there, either remembering past shows, or wishing they’d been lucky enough to see just one.

Country, Blue Grass and Blues is a post from: TedFind

A Year of Celebrations for Amsterdam and Manhattan

admin — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 07:06:24 +0000

The Hudson river in New York is named for Henry Hudson the man who discovered it. Not only did he discover the river he is responsible for creating the transportation system for the city, forever making history. Many things have changed since that time, but one thing remains the same and it is the relationship between Netherlands and the United States. The Quadricentennial celebration this year is in honor of both the landing of Henry Hudson 400 years ago in North American and the relation between the two countries, between the city of New York, once called New Amsterdam, and the city of Amsterdam. Throughout all of 2009, the two will exchange gifts, things such as artwork and tulips, festivals and conservation ideas, the main gift to the city of Manhattan being a pavilion. This will be designed by the architect Ben van Berkel of Amsterdam. This will be constructed on the site of Nieuw Amsterdam Plein, just aside Battery Park in Manhattan. It is meant to commemorate and honor the shared history of the cities in the past, and what promises to be a lasting relationship into the future.

The two cities are even exchange programs for job swaps, bringing Americans to Holland and vice-versa. The two governments will conduct seminars and conventions, bringing people together to discuss such topics as water management and health care. “Starry Night’ the Van Gogh painting permanently housed at the Metropolitan Museum in New York will be transported back to the Netherlands for the fist time, and will become the focus at the Van Gogh Museum in downtown Amsterdam. Many celebrations and parties will be held in the streets as well as in Amsterdam’s five star hotels, in honor of the painting and of the artist. And just last week, the Keukenhof Spring Garden opened. And as tribute, over 50,000 flower bulbs were planted in order to create the Statue of Liberty in a mosaic in the center of the park. And in New York, famous designers from Amsterdam have designed a path in the New York Botanical Garden, with the seasons in mind. The shapes and the colors of the park will change throughout the year as various flowers come into bloom. These celebrations of shared values and friendship with continue all year long.

A Year of Celebrations for Amsterdam and Manhattan is a post from: TedFind

Delhi Fashion Week Set to Begin Thursday

admin — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:13:37 +0000

With Delhi Fashion Week only hours away, designers and buyers are looking forward to a number of exciting event, in spite of the wanning global economy. DFW is scheduled for March 19 -23 at the Emporio Mall in New Delhi.

This year’s event seeks to encourage young and emerging designers. While the 37 designers scheduled to show their lines include Indian powerhouses like Mailini Ramani, Rohit Bal, and Tarun Tahiliani, younger artists will also be able to showcase their designs to buyers.

While the state of the world economy is expected to slow down the overall growth of the Indian design market, organizers are confident that the healthy local market combined with an increased number of West Asian buyers will make the event a success. DFW president, Sumeet Nair, stated that West Asian participation has grown “by up to 30 percent this year.”

With Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week running concurrently with DFW, expect to see the rich and fabulous filling up the five star hotels in New Delhi. They are also likely to turn up at area restaurants and night clubs during the six-day event.

One new feature for 2009 is the addition of “off-site” shows. These are designed to provide larger collections for buyers than can be displayed during runway shows.

Delhi Fashion Week Set to Begin Thursday is a post from: TedFind