Some of you may remember my previous article on Beyoncé's "Why Don't You Love Me?". Well, further discoveries have warranted a revisit to this mid-century wonderland.
Just to refresh your memory:
On another of my many YouTube train-of-thought binges, I stumbled onto footage from a 1950 Burlesque film called "Teaserama":
Now doesn't that seem oddly familiar? How about this?
Turns out Beyoncé was heavily inspired by Bettie Page and the Pin-up Girl in this video - not just in her dances but also in her clothes.
The maid costume may also have been partially inspired by this outfit:
It was exactly one year ago that work began on Buena Vista Street, the newest addition to Disney's Califonia Adventure. The plan is convert the nondescript Walt Disney Plaza into a recreation of Los Angeles when Disney himself arrived there in 1923. Here's a 3D rendering of what the finished themed entrance will look like:
This is the latest in a series of changes to the park; making up a $1.1 Billion renovation of the park, with minor changes to Golden Coast and Hollywood Pictures Backlot (now Hollywoodland), a total re-haul of Paradise Pier and Walt Disney Plaza (soon to be Buena Vista Street), and even an entirely new area for the theme park: Cars Land, based on Radiator Springs and the entire cast of Pixar's "Cars". These changes come just in time for the park's tenth anniversary and are set to be completed just after the celebrations in 2012.
Satellite image of the original entrance and the new entrance blueprint.
Disney California Adventure had been expected to be a huge success; Disney executives fully expected to have to turn away visitors but were sorely disappointed by attendance in the first months and years after the park's opening. This major renovation is a direct result of California Adventure's struggles to keep up with it's next-door neighbor, Disneyland.
An in-progress photo with the intact Golden Gate in the background.
Paradise Pier has already completed its transformation into an early 20th century boardwalk, as opposed to the disjointed, pier theme park it originally was. Complaints arose when the park opened that this section of the park, in particular, seemed cheap, cookie-cutter, and like something you could find in any other 'ordinary' theme park. Although many of the changes were cosmetic, the addition of two new rides (Toy Story Midway Madness and a dark ride based on The Little Mermaid) and the unprecedented "World of Color" hydrotechnic experience have ultimately made the renovation worthwhile so far.
Part of the World of Color show
The Buena Vista Street project is not quite as ambitious, without any planned rides save a vintage-style trolley that will take guests from the entrance directly to the foot of the Tower of Terror. Both the miniature Golden Gate Bridge and the California Zephyr train are being replaced with more in-theme decor. In what was once 'Sunshine Plaza' - the hub from which guests could enter all the different lands - a replica of the Carthay Circle Theatre (where Snow White premiered in 1937) is in the works. It looks like Oswald the Lucky Rabbit might even get a nod with his own gas station in the main square (Who's Oswald? Find out next Friday). The new art-deco entrance gates were completed this past July, and most of the renovations should be ready sometime this fall.
Artist's Rendering of the Central Plaza with the Carthay Circle Theatre
Cars Land will feature several new rides, including one based on Test Track in Epcot. Construction of this and the other lands can be seen on Google Maps.
Concept Rendering for Radiator Springs
Ultimately these changes should serve as a pick-me-up to the down-on-its-luck California Adventure. Seems like the 1.1 Billion are being put to good use - Disney is directly addressing many of the complaints made by guests: a lack of attractions, poor theme cohesion, and a general absence of the 'Disney touch'.
A maquette for the statue of Disney to be placed in Buena Vista Street
I have yet to visit either of the Anaheim parks, but these additions make the idea all the more tempting.
Today marks what would have been Freddie Mercury's sixty-fifth birthday had his life not been tragically cut short by AIDS twenty years ago. His was a stellar career spanning two decades (both with Queen and on his own) and about four octaves. His death in 1991 sparked huge surge in publicity for the disease - second only to the death of Rock Hudson, I would say - as well as a huge storm of controversy regarding his private life.
Mercury with partner Jim Hutton, who died last year.
The surviving members of Queen founded the Mercury Phoenix Trust [MPT], which has raised over 15 million dollars to in the fight against HIV/AIDS since its inception in 1992. Among many other fundraising projects, they organize "Freddie for a Day" [FFAD]. The project was born last year when Liz Swanton - London banker and web editor to MPT - decided to dress as Freddie Mercury for 24 hours and asked friends, family, and co-workers to sponsor her. Read her entire story here.
Liz Swanton, the original Freddie for a Day in 2010
Well, MPT thought it was a brilliant idea and decided to pick up the event and advertise it world-wide. The FFAD website has costumes, accessories, and other merchandise for sale - proceeds going to the MPT, of course. This first official FFAD also comes just in time for the production of the Freddie Mercury biopic, which will star Sacha Baron Cohen as Queen's lead singer.
In honor of Mercury's birthday, here are some of his songs:
I'm only sad that I learned about this too late to participate, and so instead I decided to advertise their cause and maybe get some of you readers to do it with me next year! Perhaps, instead, we can chip in by buying some of their fabulous merchandise here - like this delightful mug:
Dear Female Readers,
I require your assistance with a project for a school - I'll be designing a collection based in part on your answers to this 10-question survey I've developed. Please e-mail your answers to nostalgically_yours@hotmail.com Your help is greatly appreciated, and your privacy guaranteed. I'll post the project once it's finished, too!
For Demographics, please state your full date of birth:
1-What is your favorite outfit and why?
2-Which is your favorite clothing store and why?
3-If money weren’t an issue, where would you shop and why?
4-If money weren’t an issue, would you consider buying designer clothing? Why or why not?
5-Please arrange these in order from most to least important:
a) Comfort: How does it feel? Can you move comfortably?
b) Fit: Does the outfit flatter you?
c) Practicality: How often will I wear it? Can I use it for more than one kind of occasion?
d) Style: Do you like the looks of the garment in general?
e) Quality: What sort of fabric is it made from? Is the garment well-constructed? Will it last?
In the above list, is there something missing that you consider when you shop?
6-Aside from price, what is your biggest frustration when shopping?
7-What are some specific things you look for when shopping that aren’t available in the marketplace?
8-What celebrities (if any) or other people do you look up to in terms of personal style?
9-Which clothing brands or stores do you feel cater directly to you? Why?
10-Do you feel like you are well-represented in the Fashion Industry? Why or why not?
Thanks ever so,
This past year saw the (probably inevitable) demise of Borders. Don't this is some tirade about the slow rattling death of printed media, I just wanted to reaffirm my belief in actual books and, through this new segments, share with you some books I either own and adore or am looking forward to getting sometime soon (finances permitting). Why do I always feel the need to create titles that feature Annoying Alliteration? I just think it's fun, so deal.
I spotted this on Fashion School Daily, the daily blog for students and faculty in AAU Fashion Department. I must say I'm drooling at the possibilities...
"From the twilight of the Romanov dynasty through the les annees folles of Art Deco Paris to the jet-set seventies, Bals explores the nine most exceptional private costume parties of the twentieth century."
-from the Assouline website
Though this title wouldn't have been my first choice (that's 'balls' in French, not a typo), I definitely want this book. I absolutely covet large picture-reference books. They are my favorite source of inspiration. There's something about turning the pages and feeling the weight of the book in your lap that makes the pictures seem even more special - not to mention the fact that resolution is almost never a problem! Here's a sneak peek of what to expect inside:
"Since the guests were asked to arrive in gondolas rather than in motor launches, the scenes outside as well as inside the palace... gave the impression of a Canaletto come to life." -Cecil Beaton, describing the scene at Don Carlos de Beistegui's 1951 ball in Venice's Palazzo Labia.
Basically, it looks like it will be a huge drool-fest for anyone who loves historical costumes as much as I do and would be a brilliant addition to any real-life library. Normally I would put a link to this product on the Amazon website since I've decided to whore myself out to them just a little (thus my lack of a tirade on the death of Borders), but this is actually a product that Amazon doesn't carry! So, instead click here to visit the Assouline website and purchase this beautiful book.
When I first visited Haiti in May of last year I went with - among other things - the express purpose of coming back with a harrowing article for you all. Something about the cruelty of fate or the human condition. Like a CNN Special Report sans the Anderson Cooper. Yet, after an entire summer of contemplation and even a second visit, I still have very little I can say. My impressions and feelings are difficult to vocalize.
Above all, Haiti is a melting pot filled with bizarre juxtapositions, contradictions and non-sequitors. Take, for instance, the man in the "Harvard Law" t-shirt who sells bread on the corner, or the lonely Domino's Pizza sign standing in front of a vacant field. Take Port-au-Prince, with a Colonial Church looming eerily over a neighboring tent town; Take the Texaco gas station in a city seemingly paved with built-in potholes.
Haiti is a bizarre dreamland where nothing quite is as it seems. It's like wearing a shoe and being unsure if it's too big or too small, or hearing a chord with a stray sour note. I am more than anything just flat out not sure what to make of it.
I remember sitting by the pool at my mother's house in P-A-P this past weekend. I happened to be staring vacantly at the wall that divided our and our neighbor's yards, and I suddenly noticed that the bricks weren't overlapping. It struck me as odd because I didn't understand what reason the builders would have for doing that... I don't believe it's that much cheaper to build walls like that, though I guess it might be slightly easier... If this was the standard for other construction it's no small wonder that the country was so completely devastated by a large-scale earthquake. Thankfully, after the earthquake the Embassy took the time to inspect all of their still-standing structures to make sure they were up to American code
One of the more festive shops...
Having had both parents assigned to Haiti and having visited twice, I've heard a lot of the stories of what happened during and before the earthquake. One woman had just received a guest into her home and was giving her tour. As they stepped out into the garden, the earth shook and the house collapsed behind them. In a different part of town the Embassy had rented out a two-story apartment complex. At the time of the earthquake this complex was empty; all of its residents were on shuttles headed home from school and work. They arrived to find their homes pancaked into the street. In a condo neighborhood just recently completed before the earthquake, witnesses reported watching the peripheral security wall wobble as if made out of Jell-O.
The country was already in such difficulties that this wrench in the gears should have just completely destroyed the machine. Hell, here in the "civilized" world we start riot over sporting events. Yet these people don't turn over your car in the street.
One of the major problems during the earthquake relief effort was that the tent cities being built in and around Port-au-Prince were being populated by people who hadn't lost their homes in the disaster. They saw food and shelter being given out on a daily basis and decided to take advantage of the situation, cheating those who most needed the aide. I don't consider them to be bad people. It was simply a matter of desperation
"Jesus Christ is coming to take the chosen ones, 21 May 2011"
What truly left me in awe after my visit was the resignation of the Haitian people. I spoke to a middle-class Haitian who jokingly said they "only complain when things are good". Where they find the strength to wake up every morning and say, "I'm going to go out into the streets and walk until I sell all of these mangoes," is a complete mystery to me. Their faith is certainly strong. That's easy to see in the names they give their "buses", which they call "tap-taps" and are any variety of re-purposed auto, most commonly a pick-up truck with an added seating area. "Merci Man Man Marie" (Thank You Mother Mary), "Dieux Tout Capab" (All-Capable God), and "Romains 12 v12" (Romans 12:12). These names also find a place in the huge grass-roots lottery industry - another sign of their faith in Fortuna.
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
I think that quote really sums up the Haitian people right there. They are proud, faithful, and resigned to do their best in their circumstances, and their situation doesn't seem to be getting much better, even with a new President. Martelly has expressed his frustrations with the Haitian government, where funds to build housing for the poor are locked away, but he could immediately begin work on a summer home for himself if he so chose. Haiti is basically run by twelve wealthy families who control the government and all major industry in the country. It's a modern-day oligarchy with a Democratic mask - and what a mask! Members of the Haitian Congress receive a salary of $10,000 US per month, which you can imagine is an obscene amount of money to have in a country so poor.
What's even more bizarre is the series of contributions Haiti has made to History that few are even aware of. Infamous buccaneer Jean LaFitte was born in Port-au-Prince around 1782 - he would later be largely influential in helping us win the War of 1812 in the Battle of New Orleans. Haiti gave Simón Bolívar the military and financial assistance that may have made all the difference in his fight to liberate New Granada (which we know today as the countries of Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela). Throughout the 60s and 70s, Haitian doctors, professors, and other intellectuals who fled the tyrannical rule of François "Papa Doc" Duvalier contributed significantly to the development of former French colonies in Africa. So, what happened to Haiti?
The hole in the middle of the square was once a police booth, torn down because it was haunted.
Consider their Eastern neighbor, the Dominican Republic. Comparing Gross Domestic Product, The DR comes in at around $93 Billion, while Haiti trails behind at not quite $11 Billion. Haiti is nearly half the size of its neighbor but has a slightly higher population. On the Human Development Index (which measures relative living standards), the DR scores 0.663 (medium) and Haiti only 0.404 (low). I think ultimately the problems stemmed from squabbling factions and the country's inability to maintain the economic strength it had before its independence that was supported by the 90% slave population.
Of course, we could sit here and ponder and muse all day long over the reasons for Haiti's trouble and still the people of Haiti would be living in tents. The most we can do is support programs that help Haitians and others like them around the world. Ultimately, though, it's up to the Haitian people to take fate into their own hands, because no amount of international intervention can change the hearts of a people resigned.
There is a popular Haitian proverb that says "Dye mon, gen mon," behind every mountain is another mountain. It means that no matter how many obstacles we overcome, there will always be more to face in the future. Perhaps it's not about fighting the circumstances you're in, but about making the best of them, and perhaps, in that sense, the Haitian people have it all right?
I know I have been greatly remiss in posting over the summer months. I have some exciting stories to tell, though, and I plan to be back in business A.S.A.P.
