For several years demographer Elliott Stonecipher has been asserting that Shreveport's population was shrinking. But with Starbucks coffee shops multiplying and the movie people bustling around, it has been easy for political leaders and the citizenry to stay in denial.
Last week editor Alan English and writer Joel Anderson put the death head back on the dinner plate with a story entitled "Shreveport struggles to keep pace with the rest of the South, Sun Belt."
Anderson wrote, "Shreveport is hovering just above the critical 200,000 population threshold. Falling below that pivotal mark could mean the loss of millions in federal dollars annually, city leaders and other officials say.
Worse, the reported steady population decline in Shreveport and — on a larger scale, Louisiana — could portend a place with an older, poorer, less-educated populace, even as other metropolitan areas in the South soak up much of the nation's youth and talent and brainpower."
What does the demographer see? "We do not have what attracts young people," Stonecipher said. "We all know that young people leave here because they can't get good jobs. And they take the birth rate with them."
Stonecipher believes, "Louisiana's struggles are a legacy of slavery, Jim Crow laws, a poor public education system and an onerous tax structure. That combination has created a state that is among the nation's worst at keeping and luring the highly coveted class of young professionals."
The article generated a flood of Comments at shreveporttimes.com.
The story also might have prompted Shreveport mayor Cedric Glover to move ahead with some very important political leadership.
Anderson: "With those concerns in mind, Mayor Cedric Glover said his administration is close to unveiling the "210 in 2010" campaign. The goal is to increase Shreveport's population to 210,000 by the 2010 Census, an admittedly lofty goal for a city that hasn't grown much — if at all — in the past few years."
There is no magic formula for reversing the slide. And Glover told the Times "This isn't something that exists in a vacuum in Shreveport. These are issues affecting Louisiana as a whole."
My thoughts on how to rebuild Shreveport focus on building tourism and involving the public in enhancing the work of Southern University and LSUS. More on those issues over the next couple of days.
What parts of the puzzle can you help solve?
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Shreveport gets to watch Roanoke in the struggle for downtown revitalization through art
In a number of ways Roanoke, Va, offers an index for looking at Shreveport. The city population of Roanoke is only 95,000, but it is surrounded by a county / metro area of 293,000. Shreveport has a city size of some 200,000. The Shreveport-Bossier metro figure is about 375, 000.
Roanoke is an old crossroads in a valley in Southwestern Virginia. It is a long way from Washington, DC. The median income is not quite that of Shreveport, says Wikipedia.com.
It has a sleepy downtown split by a serious batch of railroad tracks. Coal and trains are a big part of Roanoke's background.
It doesn't have facilities as beautiful as Artspace and SciPort, though it has the Art Museum of Western Virginia and the Science Museum of Western Virginia. They have excellent collections but are almost hidden in a downtown warehouse.
Today, Roanoke is poised to make an explosive statement about art. Under construction is an art center created by an architect, Randall Stout, who studied with Frank Gehry. Their new museum is going to look like a steel and glass bird of prey arrived from a distant galaxy.
Says Wikipedia, "The facility's design has sparked debate in the community between those who feel it will be a bold, refreshing addition to Roanoke and those who feel its unusual, irregular design featuring sharp angles contrasts too strongly with the existing buildings. Some are also concerned about the facility's cost at a time when many Roanoke area artistic organizations face financial challenges."
Sounds like something that could happen in Shreveport.
Construction is well underway. For an arts advocate, the sight is a tonic. For a conservative, the oddly angled steel girders are an affront.
Yet it says to all comers that Roanoke is not asleep. Not dead. And it wouldn't hurt Shreveport's thinking to watch them complete and pay the bills and launch this wild bird.
Roanoke is an old crossroads in a valley in Southwestern Virginia. It is a long way from Washington, DC. The median income is not quite that of Shreveport, says Wikipedia.com.
It has a sleepy downtown split by a serious batch of railroad tracks. Coal and trains are a big part of Roanoke's background.
It doesn't have facilities as beautiful as Artspace and SciPort, though it has the Art Museum of Western Virginia and the Science Museum of Western Virginia. They have excellent collections but are almost hidden in a downtown warehouse.
Today, Roanoke is poised to make an explosive statement about art. Under construction is an art center created by an architect, Randall Stout, who studied with Frank Gehry. Their new museum is going to look like a steel and glass bird of prey arrived from a distant galaxy.
Says Wikipedia, "The facility's design has sparked debate in the community between those who feel it will be a bold, refreshing addition to Roanoke and those who feel its unusual, irregular design featuring sharp angles contrasts too strongly with the existing buildings. Some are also concerned about the facility's cost at a time when many Roanoke area artistic organizations face financial challenges."
Sounds like something that could happen in Shreveport.
Construction is well underway. For an arts advocate, the sight is a tonic. For a conservative, the oddly angled steel girders are an affront.
Yet it says to all comers that Roanoke is not asleep. Not dead. And it wouldn't hurt Shreveport's thinking to watch them complete and pay the bills and launch this wild bird.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Juliana Hoffpauir and Reddy the Ridgeback create Shreveport dog blog; movement for dog park is rolling
A leash-free dog park for Shreveport? That's the quest for Juliana Hoffpauir and her ridgeback, Reddy. In her new blog, Shreveportdogblog.blogspot.com,
she says,
"How about Hamel Memorial DOG park?
Hamel Memorial Park is off Clyde Fant Parkway. On the Red River and river trail, the spot is ideal because it is a big open space, it is by the water, it already has infrastructure in place (entrance & parking), it is at the end of the recreational trail that can end up as the destination spot for dogs and their owners."
SPAR likes the idea. And there's a dog park petition to sign at the blog. Additionally, there's news of other cities' dog parks (Atlanta, Austin).
Hoffpauir even sees a well-run dog park as the sort of amenity that would help combat the loss of young professionals from the area, as discussed in the recent Times feature on local demographics.
Her blog is an example of the sort of activity that could, in my opinion, help Shreveport grow. It's not just about dogs. It's about alternative ways to build community. Her thoughts are about applying good ideas from her hometown of Austin to a city that needs healthy new movement.
Click here to see the dog park petition.
she says,
"How about Hamel Memorial DOG park?
Hamel Memorial Park is off Clyde Fant Parkway. On the Red River and river trail, the spot is ideal because it is a big open space, it is by the water, it already has infrastructure in place (entrance & parking), it is at the end of the recreational trail that can end up as the destination spot for dogs and their owners."
SPAR likes the idea. And there's a dog park petition to sign at the blog. Additionally, there's news of other cities' dog parks (Atlanta, Austin).
Hoffpauir even sees a well-run dog park as the sort of amenity that would help combat the loss of young professionals from the area, as discussed in the recent Times feature on local demographics.
Her blog is an example of the sort of activity that could, in my opinion, help Shreveport grow. It's not just about dogs. It's about alternative ways to build community. Her thoughts are about applying good ideas from her hometown of Austin to a city that needs healthy new movement.
Click here to see the dog park petition.
Shreveport's Louisiana Dance Theater will compete in Chicago with Carol Anglin choreography; benefit Tues, July 31, 6 pm, Dancenter
Louisiana Dance Theater is headed to Chicago for the Jazz Dance World Congress, says company director Carol Anglin. She says, "LDT will perform a new piece, El Encierro, in the Choreography Competitive Event Friday, August 3, at Harris Theatre for Music and Dance in Chicago's Millennium Park."
El Encierro, a dance created by Anglin, will be performed by Louisiana Dance Theatre soloists Shelby Bass and Ashley Murphy. Also performing: Bailey Anglin, Allison Hagan, Alexis Jackson, Madeline Marak, Kimi Rousseau, Allison Sauls, Liz Weiss, and Elizabeth West.
Anglin says to dance lovers, "Drop by Carol Anglin Dancenter @ Pierremont Mall tonight, July 31, from 6:00 – 7:00 pm for Louisiana Dance Foundation’s Windy City Benefit. It's a studio performance / wine & cheese reception honoring Louisiana Dance Theatre’s Chicago-bound dancers."
El Encierro, a dance created by Anglin, will be performed by Louisiana Dance Theatre soloists Shelby Bass and Ashley Murphy. Also performing: Bailey Anglin, Allison Hagan, Alexis Jackson, Madeline Marak, Kimi Rousseau, Allison Sauls, Liz Weiss, and Elizabeth West.
Anglin says to dance lovers, "Drop by Carol Anglin Dancenter @ Pierremont Mall tonight, July 31, from 6:00 – 7:00 pm for Louisiana Dance Foundation’s Windy City Benefit. It's a studio performance / wine & cheese reception honoring Louisiana Dance Theatre’s Chicago-bound dancers."
Monday, July 30, 2007
Pruitt Taylor Vince will anchor LSUS production of Burn This; auditions for additional characters Aug 2, 3 & 4 in Bronson Hall
The LSUS Department of Communications will present Lanford Wilson's "Burn This," says the director, Robert Alford. His production will offer an opportunity for local actors to play opposite a Hollywood veteran, Pruitt Taylor Vince.
Roles available:
Anna (mid 20s to mid 30s) a beautiful, strong, dancer turned choreographer. She keeps her emotions to herself, even more so since the death of Robby, her roommate and collaborator.
Larry (mid 20s to mid 30s) an acerbic, witty, bright advertising executive, Anna’s other roommate.
Burton (late 20s to late 30s) a wealthy, athletic, self-assured, sci-fi screenwriter, Anna’s boyfriend.
The role of Pale will be played by guest artist Pruitt Taylor Vince, says Alford.
Baton Rouge native Pruitt Taylor Vince's feature film credits include James Mangold's Heavy, in which he played a sweet, silent cook harboring a crush on waitress Liv Tyler and Identity, in which he played a schizophrenic serial killer, as well as Bertrand Tavernier’s In the Electric Mist, Robert Benton’s Nobody's Fool, Neil LaBute's Nurse Betty, Patty Jenkins’ Monster, Oliver Stone’s JFK & Natural Born Killers, Alan Parker's Angel Heart, Mississippi Burning & Come See the Paradise, Roland Joffé’s Captivity, David Lynch's Wild at Heart, Barbet Schroeder's Barfly, Adrian Lyne's Jacob's Ladder, Lawrence Kasdan’s Mumford, Giuseppe Tornatore’s The Legend of 1900 and Wim Wenders’ The End of Violence, in addition to Trapped, Constantine, Shy People, Beautiful Girls, Doctor Doolittle, The Cell, Red Heat, City Slickers: The Legend of Curly’s Gold and S1m0ne.
Vince received an Emmy Award for his recurring role in the second season of the TV series Murder One.
Set, Costume and Lighting Design by Mary Jarzabek
Technical Design and Production by Charles Montgomery
Auditions:
Thur, Aug 2 at 6:00 p.m.
Fri, Aug 3 at 6:00 p.m.
Sat, Aug 4 at Noon
LSUS Black Box Theatre
Bronson Hall, #109 ~ Liberal Arts Building, 1st Floor
Information and/or sides please call 797-5283
Roles available:
Anna (mid 20s to mid 30s) a beautiful, strong, dancer turned choreographer. She keeps her emotions to herself, even more so since the death of Robby, her roommate and collaborator.
Larry (mid 20s to mid 30s) an acerbic, witty, bright advertising executive, Anna’s other roommate.
Burton (late 20s to late 30s) a wealthy, athletic, self-assured, sci-fi screenwriter, Anna’s boyfriend.
The role of Pale will be played by guest artist Pruitt Taylor Vince, says Alford.
Baton Rouge native Pruitt Taylor Vince's feature film credits include James Mangold's Heavy, in which he played a sweet, silent cook harboring a crush on waitress Liv Tyler and Identity, in which he played a schizophrenic serial killer, as well as Bertrand Tavernier’s In the Electric Mist, Robert Benton’s Nobody's Fool, Neil LaBute's Nurse Betty, Patty Jenkins’ Monster, Oliver Stone’s JFK & Natural Born Killers, Alan Parker's Angel Heart, Mississippi Burning & Come See the Paradise, Roland Joffé’s Captivity, David Lynch's Wild at Heart, Barbet Schroeder's Barfly, Adrian Lyne's Jacob's Ladder, Lawrence Kasdan’s Mumford, Giuseppe Tornatore’s The Legend of 1900 and Wim Wenders’ The End of Violence, in addition to Trapped, Constantine, Shy People, Beautiful Girls, Doctor Doolittle, The Cell, Red Heat, City Slickers: The Legend of Curly’s Gold and S1m0ne.
Vince received an Emmy Award for his recurring role in the second season of the TV series Murder One.
Set, Costume and Lighting Design by Mary Jarzabek
Technical Design and Production by Charles Montgomery
Auditions:
Thur, Aug 2 at 6:00 p.m.
Fri, Aug 3 at 6:00 p.m.
Sat, Aug 4 at Noon
LSUS Black Box Theatre
Bronson Hall, #109 ~ Liberal Arts Building, 1st Floor
Information and/or sides please call 797-5283
Rest in peace, Ingmar Bergman: July 14, 1918 - July 30, 2007
The movies of Ingmar Bergman yanked many of us out of the dappled world of Hollywood into a world of movies that required thought and patience. The Swedish stage and film director is known as one of the key film auteurs of the 20th century. He died today at age 89, said the NYtimes.
Wikipedia says, "His films usually deal with existential questions of mortality, loneliness, and faith; they also tend to be direct and not overtly stylized. Persona, one of Bergman's most famous films, is unusual among Bergman's work in being both existentialist and avant-garde."
Bergman fathered 9 children and was married 5 times.
Pardon me while I nip over to youtube for a reminder of his style.
Wikipedia says, "His films usually deal with existential questions of mortality, loneliness, and faith; they also tend to be direct and not overtly stylized. Persona, one of Bergman's most famous films, is unusual among Bergman's work in being both existentialist and avant-garde."
Bergman fathered 9 children and was married 5 times.
Pardon me while I nip over to youtube for a reminder of his style.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Dennis O Bryant: restless artist explores paint, metal, film and meta-tagged digital materials
Savvy art types know that seeking a place in the digital realm can be a time-consuming, painful experience. Yet you cannot ignore this new property. Here are a bit of the adventures of Dennis O'Bryant, an artist who is widening his digital lawn:
"Thanks to all of you that have indulged my e-mail blast over the past year and going to my blog to see the art. Last weekend I took over the maintenance of my website, a domain I have owned since early 2001. Blogs are mainly online journals - but I had made it a site to see my work, since updates for the website were taking months. Lots of months to upload, and then they were never as I wanted them (editor: Sound familiar?). Now my blog will be mainly an art journal ~ art in process. And my website, maintained by me, will be for completed work.
In a postscript, O'Bryant marvels, "Even more evolution within evolution: yesterday I had a one hour telephone/on-line tutorial with Network Solutions, who is the domain host for http://denoart.com
and I learned much, not only about how people view a website but how search engines look at them. Key words, meta-tags
and ALT text are very important because the search engines do not recognize images, flash or video. It's all about the text.
Not too little, but not too much...there is a sweet spot of about 3-7% key words that they like to see.
So while it's about the images in front for people to see, it's about the text behind the scenes that the machines see.
All very interesting material to digest and I only thought I was re-doing a template full of pictures of my work."
Dennis
RT: May all the regional artists who believe in their work stride into the digital underbrush as has this intrepid former Shreveporter. See his site in the sptBlog links, please.
"Thanks to all of you that have indulged my e-mail blast over the past year and going to my blog to see the art. Last weekend I took over the maintenance of my website, a domain I have owned since early 2001. Blogs are mainly online journals - but I had made it a site to see my work, since updates for the website were taking months. Lots of months to upload, and then they were never as I wanted them (editor: Sound familiar?). Now my blog will be mainly an art journal ~ art in process. And my website, maintained by me, will be for completed work.
In a postscript, O'Bryant marvels, "Even more evolution within evolution: yesterday I had a one hour telephone/on-line tutorial with Network Solutions, who is the domain host for http://denoart.com
and I learned much, not only about how people view a website but how search engines look at them. Key words, meta-tags
and ALT text are very important because the search engines do not recognize images, flash or video. It's all about the text.
Not too little, but not too much...there is a sweet spot of about 3-7% key words that they like to see.
So while it's about the images in front for people to see, it's about the text behind the scenes that the machines see.
All very interesting material to digest and I only thought I was re-doing a template full of pictures of my work."
Dennis
RT: May all the regional artists who believe in their work stride into the digital underbrush as has this intrepid former Shreveporter. See his site in the sptBlog links, please.
The King's Highway corridor continues to develop its shop role: pr from the new Designer's Consortium
King's Highway holds fabulous potential to become a complete specialty shopper's alley for people nipping off I-49 for a peek at soulful Shreveport.
Of course, it's partway there. It begins with the deluxe landscaping used by Raisin Caine's store at King's Hwy. Even the shrubbery at the McDonald's seems laudable. The upgraded landscaping and signage at Byrd High School plays an important part. Columbia Cafe is certainly a significant node on the ride.
When you cross Creswell, you are soothed by the considerable efforts of Centenary College. And there, clustered around the super house center called Centenary Hardware, are the target boutiques. I'm not thinking of the antique shops, which are important mainstays, but Counter Culture and the clothes shop called Heart and Soul. Both seem to have done well and offer models for the future.
With that in mind, here's what seems to be a good idea:
Coming soon, says a press release that originated from janeryderdesigns.com: "The Designer's Consortium, a new way to shop. A new way to sell. Direct from the designer to you."
"We are now interviewing fashion, interior, jewelry and accessory designers and artists to sell their original designs in our new boutique
at 208 E. King's Highway in Shreveport, across from Counter Culture," says Ms Ryder.
Please call (318) 688-1299 or
(318) 218-6593
Being across from Counter Culture does not seem a bad idea at all. Bon chance to all.
Of course, it's partway there. It begins with the deluxe landscaping used by Raisin Caine's store at King's Hwy. Even the shrubbery at the McDonald's seems laudable. The upgraded landscaping and signage at Byrd High School plays an important part. Columbia Cafe is certainly a significant node on the ride.
When you cross Creswell, you are soothed by the considerable efforts of Centenary College. And there, clustered around the super house center called Centenary Hardware, are the target boutiques. I'm not thinking of the antique shops, which are important mainstays, but Counter Culture and the clothes shop called Heart and Soul. Both seem to have done well and offer models for the future.
With that in mind, here's what seems to be a good idea:
Coming soon, says a press release that originated from janeryderdesigns.com: "The Designer's Consortium, a new way to shop. A new way to sell. Direct from the designer to you."
"We are now interviewing fashion, interior, jewelry and accessory designers and artists to sell their original designs in our new boutique
at 208 E. King's Highway in Shreveport, across from Counter Culture," says Ms Ryder.
Please call (318) 688-1299 or
(318) 218-6593
Being across from Counter Culture does not seem a bad idea at all. Bon chance to all.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Filmmaker-singers in Louisiana Life with Bayou State documentary, Hello Louisiana
Hello Louisiana," a Bayou State documentary by Monty and Marsha Brown, is featured in the Summer edition of Louisiana Life, says Marsha Brown.
The Browns' latest travel video is on La Manche, better known as the English Channel. Already on the market are their Euro documentaries La Belle France and It's Great! Britain.
Their travel films are sold through adventurecinema.com. The Browns also show them to audiences while providing live narration.
Singing their own tunes (2 of their many compositions were used in the movie Steel Magnolias) as the duo La Cahoots, they have entertained everyone but the Queen, they wryly note.
More about the Browns at montyandmarsha.com as well as at adventurecinema.com.
The Browns' latest travel video is on La Manche, better known as the English Channel. Already on the market are their Euro documentaries La Belle France and It's Great! Britain.
Their travel films are sold through adventurecinema.com. The Browns also show them to audiences while providing live narration.
Singing their own tunes (2 of their many compositions were used in the movie Steel Magnolias) as the duo La Cahoots, they have entertained everyone but the Queen, they wryly note.
More about the Browns at montyandmarsha.com as well as at adventurecinema.com.
How to test water, dirt, the weather: SciPort's Globe Week, July 30 to Aug 4
At SciPort plans have been made for Globe Week, Mon, July 30, to Sat, Aug 4. The agenda?
Water Quality
Mon at 3 p.m.
What makes up our water? Take a sample of water from the Red River and test it for different substances and features including electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, pH, transparency,
and alkalinity.
Weather Works
Tues at 3 p.m.
Think you can be a weather person? Use a cool tool called a sling psychrometer to measure cloud type and cover, temperature, relative humidity, and daily rainfall.
Cloud Cover
Wed at 3 p.m.
Learn the ten basic cloud types and how you can spot them. Then, put your meteorology skills to the test to estimate cloud cover percentage.
Soil Searching
Thurs at 3 p.m.
Test the dirt and learn what minerals are found in soil.
Soil Crayons
Fri at 3 p.m.
Make crayons using a variety of colorful dirt.
Owl Pellet Dissection
Sat at 2 p.m.
See what an owl had for lunch!
Info at sciport.org
And, on Fri, July 27, says Jennifer Tuxen, celebrate “La Bella Luna” during the Full Moon Star Party.
Water Quality
Mon at 3 p.m.
What makes up our water? Take a sample of water from the Red River and test it for different substances and features including electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, pH, transparency,
and alkalinity.
Weather Works
Tues at 3 p.m.
Think you can be a weather person? Use a cool tool called a sling psychrometer to measure cloud type and cover, temperature, relative humidity, and daily rainfall.
Cloud Cover
Wed at 3 p.m.
Learn the ten basic cloud types and how you can spot them. Then, put your meteorology skills to the test to estimate cloud cover percentage.
Soil Searching
Thurs at 3 p.m.
Test the dirt and learn what minerals are found in soil.
Soil Crayons
Fri at 3 p.m.
Make crayons using a variety of colorful dirt.
Owl Pellet Dissection
Sat at 2 p.m.
See what an owl had for lunch!
Info at sciport.org
And, on Fri, July 27, says Jennifer Tuxen, celebrate “La Bella Luna” during the Full Moon Star Party.
Short films by students at Valencia, Lakeside, David Raines Community Centers at Riverview Auditorium Fri, July 27, 6 pm
Says Robinson Film Center mensch Chris Jay: "We’re hosting an impromptu premier of a 30-minute program of student films created during our 2007 Summer Filmmaking Camp, a partnership of the RFC and SPAR. The program consists of a handful of wildly creative short films created by students enrolled in Valencia Community Center (Stoner Hill), Lakeside Community Center (Allendale) and David Raines Community Center (West Shreveport). Made possible by a grant from the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, these camps have taken place over the past month. Instructors at the camps were Chris Lyon, Allison Bohl, and Sara Hebert, all of whom did outstanding jobs making the most of chaotic summer camp environments and helping the kids create some outlandish, wonderful short films."
SPAR and The Robinson Film Center present
2007 Summer Film Camp Premiere Screening
River View Auditorium (601 Clyde Fant Parkway)
Friday, July 27th, 6 pm – Free
424-9090
SPAR and The Robinson Film Center present
2007 Summer Film Camp Premiere Screening
River View Auditorium (601 Clyde Fant Parkway)
Friday, July 27th, 6 pm – Free
424-9090
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Darfur: building a consensus for action in a confused and complacent era
If you want to to discuss issues of the day with intelligent teens, assay the region of Darfur and the Western world's general avoidance of the genocidal tragedy.
Increasingly Americans of all ages will email their congressmen (see sptBlog links for their addresses) to ask for thought and action re the tragedy in Sudan.
The latest effort to galvanize the public is a movie called The Devil Came on Horseback.
The New York Times review of the movie is found in a Manohla Dargis article entitled "Showing the Unspeakable From Six Months Spent in Darfur."
Dargis writes, "Brutal, urgent, devastating — the documentary “The Devil Came on Horseback” demands to be seen as soon as possible and by as many viewers as possible. An up-close, acutely painful call to action, the movie pivots on a young American, a former Marine captain named Brian Steidle, who for six months beginning in the fall of 2004 worked for the African Union as an unarmed monitor in Darfur. What he saw in Darfur was unspeakable. And then he returned home, his arms, heart and head filled with the images of the dead."
Teens cannot appreciate the full aspects of policy and war, you might argue. They have not had enough seasoning to evaluate remarks such as this one from the Dargis article: "In late June, Representative Dennis J. Kucinich of Ohio put the issue in stark terms during a Democratic presidential debate: “Let’s face it, if Darfur had a large supply of oil, this administration would be occupying it right now.”
Nonetheless, teens sometimes are like artists. Their role may be to bring the concept of conscience to a higher place on the table.
Increasingly Americans of all ages will email their congressmen (see sptBlog links for their addresses) to ask for thought and action re the tragedy in Sudan.
The latest effort to galvanize the public is a movie called The Devil Came on Horseback.
The New York Times review of the movie is found in a Manohla Dargis article entitled "Showing the Unspeakable From Six Months Spent in Darfur."
Dargis writes, "Brutal, urgent, devastating — the documentary “The Devil Came on Horseback” demands to be seen as soon as possible and by as many viewers as possible. An up-close, acutely painful call to action, the movie pivots on a young American, a former Marine captain named Brian Steidle, who for six months beginning in the fall of 2004 worked for the African Union as an unarmed monitor in Darfur. What he saw in Darfur was unspeakable. And then he returned home, his arms, heart and head filled with the images of the dead."
Teens cannot appreciate the full aspects of policy and war, you might argue. They have not had enough seasoning to evaluate remarks such as this one from the Dargis article: "In late June, Representative Dennis J. Kucinich of Ohio put the issue in stark terms during a Democratic presidential debate: “Let’s face it, if Darfur had a large supply of oil, this administration would be occupying it right now.”
Nonetheless, teens sometimes are like artists. Their role may be to bring the concept of conscience to a higher place on the table.
Young Actors Workshop with Mary Thoma, fresh from Broadway Teaching Lab
Award-winning actress, director and Southfield School drama teacher Mary Thoma has just returned from New York, says Shaum Grimshaw of Bossier Arts Council. Thoma attended workshops presented by the Broadway Teaching Lab with instructors from Yale Drama School, Julliard, and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center.
Youths can learn new skills in improvisation, storytelling through movement, scene and monologue work in her Young Actor Workshops.
* Ages 7 to 17.
*All young actors are expected to have memorized a 1- 2-minute monologue (no longer monologues, please) taken from a play, movie or book. Suggestions will be made available upon email reservation, if needed.
* Limited to 16 participants.
* Saturday, August 4, 10 am to 4 pm.
* Bring a sack lunch and drink.
* East Bank Theatre/Bossier Arts Council 630 Barksdale Blvd.
Bossier City, LA 71111
* Fee: $80.00
* Registration: email mmatters3@bellsouth.net or phone (318)861-0538. Deadline Friday, Aug. 3.
Says Thoma: "I had a Marvelous experience in New York, training at the Broadway Teaching Lab and cant wait to share the fun and exercises! I was very affirmed in my teaching style and process."
Youths can learn new skills in improvisation, storytelling through movement, scene and monologue work in her Young Actor Workshops.
* Ages 7 to 17.
*All young actors are expected to have memorized a 1- 2-minute monologue (no longer monologues, please) taken from a play, movie or book. Suggestions will be made available upon email reservation, if needed.
* Limited to 16 participants.
* Saturday, August 4, 10 am to 4 pm.
* Bring a sack lunch and drink.
* East Bank Theatre/Bossier Arts Council 630 Barksdale Blvd.
Bossier City, LA 71111
* Fee: $80.00
* Registration: email mmatters3@bellsouth.net or phone (318)861-0538. Deadline Friday, Aug. 3.
Says Thoma: "I had a Marvelous experience in New York, training at the Broadway Teaching Lab and cant wait to share the fun and exercises! I was very affirmed in my teaching style and process."
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
The movie business: how Variety evaluates Shreveport and New Orleans
In a July 23 article entitled "Shreveport lures production / Katrina, tax incentives turn city into a production hub," writer Bashirah Muttalib sized up Shreveport and New Orleans.
Excerpts:
The Louisiana Wave Studio, which houses the tank, is the only feature film facility in the U.S. that can automatically generate a variety of waves up to nine feet and horizontal storm conditions. The 8,000 square-foot tank, 100 feet long, 80 feet wide and 8 feet deep, holds 750,000 gallons of water.
Part of Shreveport's film infrastructure now includes production studios, according to Acree, with plans for a subsidiary of Nu Image to build a $10 million facility expected to be completed year.
That studio will join:
StageWorks of Louisiana, offering clear span sound stage space totaling 52,000 square feet and 25,000 square feet of networked productions offices, including a wide range of amenities. The facility has hosted TV and film projects including, Kevin Costner's "Mr. Brooks," Warner Bros.' "The Year Without Santa," the Weinstein Company's "The Mist" and Nu Image's "Mad Money."
Mansfield Studios, with more than 75,000 square feet of office space and 120,000 square feet of converted stage space with 26-foot clear ceilings, full service production offices and vendor support services.
Stage West, in association with TurnKey/Louisiana, has more than 50,000 square feet in stage space, hosts Cinelease & Expendables Plus and Avid Meridian offline edit suites.
Mansfield Studios, in association with Louisiana Production Consultants, boasts 80,000 square feet of office space and 120,000 square feet of air-conditioned stage space and 26-foot clear ceilings.
While this bodes well for Shreveport, there is an offsetting balance to the city's lure.
" 'Major Movie Star' is the fifth Nu Image/Millennium Films' production we've done here. The city is tremendously accommodating with locations, permits, closing of roads and the people are great," producer Michael Flannigan said. "The drawback is that this is not Hollywood where there is an abundance of resources. You have to bring in a lot of people and equipment. In the long run, it eats into those tax incentives."
The Variety article also looks at New Orleans, where productions are beginning to return. One respondent says, "We wanted to show that ... New Orleans is not just a Third World country without running water."
Sadly, the image sticks. In effect the writer has implied that it's a Third World city that has managed to get running water.
The story makes it abundantly clear that Shreveport is Normalsville, with an Anywhere, USA, landscape.
Excerpts:
The Louisiana Wave Studio, which houses the tank, is the only feature film facility in the U.S. that can automatically generate a variety of waves up to nine feet and horizontal storm conditions. The 8,000 square-foot tank, 100 feet long, 80 feet wide and 8 feet deep, holds 750,000 gallons of water.
Part of Shreveport's film infrastructure now includes production studios, according to Acree, with plans for a subsidiary of Nu Image to build a $10 million facility expected to be completed year.
That studio will join:
StageWorks of Louisiana, offering clear span sound stage space totaling 52,000 square feet and 25,000 square feet of networked productions offices, including a wide range of amenities. The facility has hosted TV and film projects including, Kevin Costner's "Mr. Brooks," Warner Bros.' "The Year Without Santa," the Weinstein Company's "The Mist" and Nu Image's "Mad Money."
Mansfield Studios, with more than 75,000 square feet of office space and 120,000 square feet of converted stage space with 26-foot clear ceilings, full service production offices and vendor support services.
Stage West, in association with TurnKey/Louisiana, has more than 50,000 square feet in stage space, hosts Cinelease & Expendables Plus and Avid Meridian offline edit suites.
Mansfield Studios, in association with Louisiana Production Consultants, boasts 80,000 square feet of office space and 120,000 square feet of air-conditioned stage space and 26-foot clear ceilings.
While this bodes well for Shreveport, there is an offsetting balance to the city's lure.
" 'Major Movie Star' is the fifth Nu Image/Millennium Films' production we've done here. The city is tremendously accommodating with locations, permits, closing of roads and the people are great," producer Michael Flannigan said. "The drawback is that this is not Hollywood where there is an abundance of resources. You have to bring in a lot of people and equipment. In the long run, it eats into those tax incentives."
The Variety article also looks at New Orleans, where productions are beginning to return. One respondent says, "We wanted to show that ... New Orleans is not just a Third World country without running water."
Sadly, the image sticks. In effect the writer has implied that it's a Third World city that has managed to get running water.
The story makes it abundantly clear that Shreveport is Normalsville, with an Anywhere, USA, landscape.
Panderina Soumas, Pamela Hamilton, Sharon Penson, Shana Rogers in Daughters of the Mock, LSUS Theater, Aug 11
Tickets are now on sale for Shreveport Little Theatre's Summer Lagniappe drama, Daughters of the Mock, by Judi Ann Mason, directed by Vincent Williams. The play will be presented at 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 11, 2007 at the University Center Theatre at LSUS, says Robert Darrow.
This African American drama is set in south Louisiana where three generations of women share a horrible secret. The play is a mysteriously haunting tale about a grandmother's curse that protects her daughters. A Louisiana woman, her daughter, and now her granddaughters must carry on the curse to protect future hearts from the clutches of a man.
The cast features Panderina Soumas as Maumau, Pamela Hamilton as Oralia, Sharon Penson as Maneda, and Shana Rogers as Amanita. Along with director Vincent Williams, the production crew includes Carolyn Jones Haygood, costumes and makeup, and David White, lighting.
Box Office noon - 4 p.m., weekdays.
All tickets $10.
424-4439.
This African American drama is set in south Louisiana where three generations of women share a horrible secret. The play is a mysteriously haunting tale about a grandmother's curse that protects her daughters. A Louisiana woman, her daughter, and now her granddaughters must carry on the curse to protect future hearts from the clutches of a man.
The cast features Panderina Soumas as Maumau, Pamela Hamilton as Oralia, Sharon Penson as Maneda, and Shana Rogers as Amanita. Along with director Vincent Williams, the production crew includes Carolyn Jones Haygood, costumes and makeup, and David White, lighting.
Box Office noon - 4 p.m., weekdays.
All tickets $10.
424-4439.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Dia de Los Muertos coming to Artspace Sept 14; artist call for ofrendas from Pam Atchison
"We need about 10 additional artists to create ofrendas for the Dia de Los Muertos celebration being installed in Artspace in September," said Shreveport Regional Arts Council's Pam Atchison. The celebration of Mexican culture opens in Artspace, 710 Texas, on Sept 14. Expect a profusion of flowers and skulls and mariachi music.
An ofrendas is an offering, or tribute, to someone important to your life. Most ofrendas comprise a framed photo of the loved one surrounded by objects representative of their lives. The food, drink or material goods favored by the deceased are placed on a table, or altar. The display is surrounded by flowers, candles and other decorative touches.
"In SRAC's tribute to Mexican culture we are displaying ofrendas created by local artists in tribute to deceased artistic figures," said Atchison. "For instance, Tama Nathan's ofrendas is dedicated to Frida Kahlo. Talbot Hopkins' altar will celebrate Clyde Dixon Connell. Jane Heggen and Thelma Harrison will give tribute to Clementine Hunter."
Interested in building an artist's ofrendas? See the guidelines at Shrevearts.org or call Stacie Leng at 673-6500.
An ofrendas is an offering, or tribute, to someone important to your life. Most ofrendas comprise a framed photo of the loved one surrounded by objects representative of their lives. The food, drink or material goods favored by the deceased are placed on a table, or altar. The display is surrounded by flowers, candles and other decorative touches.
"In SRAC's tribute to Mexican culture we are displaying ofrendas created by local artists in tribute to deceased artistic figures," said Atchison. "For instance, Tama Nathan's ofrendas is dedicated to Frida Kahlo. Talbot Hopkins' altar will celebrate Clyde Dixon Connell. Jane Heggen and Thelma Harrison will give tribute to Clementine Hunter."
Interested in building an artist's ofrendas? See the guidelines at Shrevearts.org or call Stacie Leng at 673-6500.
The super libraries of the uber successful: the NY Times on books and business types
CNBC 's Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, Venture Capitalist Michael Moritz
Originally uploaded by andyplesser
In an article entitled "CEO Libraries reveal keys to success" there is considerable comfort for teachers and classicists. Rubin writes, "Serious leaders who are serious readers build personal libraries dedicated to how to think, not how to compete." She cites Steven B Jobs extreme interest in the books of William Blake and the attention paid by Michael R Milken to books about Galileo.
Rubin says that "Dee Hock, father of the credit card and founder of Visa," retired and built a magnificent library. "In his library, Mr. Hock found the book that contained the thoughts of all of them. Visitors can see opened on his library table for daily consulting, Omar Khayyam’s “Rubáiyát,” the Persian poem that warns of the dangers of greatness and the instability of fortune."
Shelly Lazarus, CEO of Ogilvy & Mather, tells Rubin, "“As head of a global company, everything attracts me as a reader, books about different cultures, countries, problems. I read for pleasure and to find other perspectives on how to think or solve a problem, like Jerome Groopman’s ‘How Doctors Think’; John Cornwall’s autobiography, ‘Seminary Boy’; ‘The Wife,’ a novel by Meg Wolitzer; and before that, ‘Team of Rivals.’"
"CEO Libraries" has been high on the NYT's Most Emailed list since its publication on July 21.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Movie review: Lyon and Lee's short film, Plummet, rich in cinematography, sound and editing
Some 250 people trekked to LSUS Theater last week to see the debut of the movie Plummet, a half-hour drama made by Chris Lyon and film partner Luke Lee. At age 20, these independent filmmakers have created a piece that compares well to film school graduate work.
The movie's strengths were in production values: big sound (especially in the underwater sequences), first-rate HD cinematography, and editing that was of a piece. They also scored in several additional ways.
Lorna Dopson, the female lead, played the sort of girl every movie needs. She portrayed an unpretentious, intelligent young woman who wasn't afraid to fall in love and make out madly.
Much of the time, male lead Derek Johnson seemed unaccountably laconic and depressed. The script failed to adequately explain his muddle. But the movie's slow opening was picked by the intervention of a friend; it was played with lead-role charisma by Ren Heeralal. And the role of the psycho was confidently portrayed by Ian Price.
Ron Fagan played the professor whose class on dying added philosophical stimulation to the story. Writers Lyon and Keith Shively added a deft touch by focusing on the physiological as well as emotional aspects of the intersection of life and non-life.
As the movie's male lead sinks into a swimming pool following a deadly attack, the filmmakers showed technical savvy and script-writing dexterity. For me the ending worked. Although its ambiguity may not suit all, the closing certainly offered a beginning for post-movie discussion.
In their premiere at LSUS Theater the movie's makers delivered a shimmering denouement. A curtain behind the projection screen rose and a 4-piece rock band, A New Pace, performed the last song in the soundtrack. The credits scrolled above a lovely performance by Josh Lyon, keyboard, and Colton Blount, vocal. They were backed by Chase Reneau and Kurt Wiley.
Having completed their movie, Lyon and Lee have begun an odyssey. They will finish production of the DVDs (and slight problems in the lip-synch will be corrected, Lyon said) and begin the tedious and costly applications to film festivals. They must build support for the movie with more showings. Their web sites on myspace and facebook must continue to vibrate.
Will they be able to sell the value of their project to more investors? Is there enough vibe in Plummet to build a wave of support?
Slip over to the blog at Perennialmedia.com to follow the lives of the two filmmakers. A successful debut? It’s one step. There are many ahead.
Producers of the Lyon and Lee movie were Bruce Hennigan of 613 Media and Lori Baynham of Baynham Advertising. Also contributing were designer Jeremy Johnson and photographer Hannah Parker.
The movie's strengths were in production values: big sound (especially in the underwater sequences), first-rate HD cinematography, and editing that was of a piece. They also scored in several additional ways.
Lorna Dopson, the female lead, played the sort of girl every movie needs. She portrayed an unpretentious, intelligent young woman who wasn't afraid to fall in love and make out madly.
Much of the time, male lead Derek Johnson seemed unaccountably laconic and depressed. The script failed to adequately explain his muddle. But the movie's slow opening was picked by the intervention of a friend; it was played with lead-role charisma by Ren Heeralal. And the role of the psycho was confidently portrayed by Ian Price.
Ron Fagan played the professor whose class on dying added philosophical stimulation to the story. Writers Lyon and Keith Shively added a deft touch by focusing on the physiological as well as emotional aspects of the intersection of life and non-life.
As the movie's male lead sinks into a swimming pool following a deadly attack, the filmmakers showed technical savvy and script-writing dexterity. For me the ending worked. Although its ambiguity may not suit all, the closing certainly offered a beginning for post-movie discussion.
In their premiere at LSUS Theater the movie's makers delivered a shimmering denouement. A curtain behind the projection screen rose and a 4-piece rock band, A New Pace, performed the last song in the soundtrack. The credits scrolled above a lovely performance by Josh Lyon, keyboard, and Colton Blount, vocal. They were backed by Chase Reneau and Kurt Wiley.
Having completed their movie, Lyon and Lee have begun an odyssey. They will finish production of the DVDs (and slight problems in the lip-synch will be corrected, Lyon said) and begin the tedious and costly applications to film festivals. They must build support for the movie with more showings. Their web sites on myspace and facebook must continue to vibrate.
Will they be able to sell the value of their project to more investors? Is there enough vibe in Plummet to build a wave of support?
Slip over to the blog at Perennialmedia.com to follow the lives of the two filmmakers. A successful debut? It’s one step. There are many ahead.
Producers of the Lyon and Lee movie were Bruce Hennigan of 613 Media and Lori Baynham of Baynham Advertising. Also contributing were designer Jeremy Johnson and photographer Hannah Parker.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Painter Jerry Wray to be named to CE Byrd HS Hall of Fame; announcement via Rick Rowe, KTBS, at 5:15 on Fri, July 20
"We're allowing Rick Rowe to make the announcement of the people being inducted into the CE Byrd Hall of Fame in 2007," said Byrd principal Jerry Badgley. "He'll tell the story on KTBS Friday at about 5:15."
Yet we know that one of the new Hall of Famers is a painter and sculptor. She is artist Jerry Wray.
Wray's art has been purchased by people in Europe, Asia and across the US. Her work is in 6 US museums. The Newcomb graduate has been a leader in arts education in Shreveport.
The vibrant painter, known for process art and for non-representational art as well as landscapes, raised 4 children while pursuing her career as a painter. She has been married to George Wray, Jr, for 60 years.
See her work and more at Jerrywray.com.
Yet we know that one of the new Hall of Famers is a painter and sculptor. She is artist Jerry Wray.
Wray's art has been purchased by people in Europe, Asia and across the US. Her work is in 6 US museums. The Newcomb graduate has been a leader in arts education in Shreveport.
The vibrant painter, known for process art and for non-representational art as well as landscapes, raised 4 children while pursuing her career as a painter. She has been married to George Wray, Jr, for 60 years.
See her work and more at Jerrywray.com.
SRAC's Bonne Summers has a hit: hundreds of people take Thursday Trolley Tours of Shreveport art centers
"We've had coverage by media teams from Natchitoches and Alexandria, not to mention Shreveport," said Bonne Summers, producer of TNT, the monthly Thursday Trolley Tours of Shreveport's arts district. "And we've had 200 to 300 people arrive at Artspace, 710 Texas, to enjoy the rides."
Stacie Leng, Shreveport Regional Arts Council, aka SRAC, says it's one of the best attended summer programs since Neon Saturday Nights.
Jeff Everson and Andrea Master, of the Young Professionals Initiative of the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, were in their element. "We're part of the Art Mob," said Everson. "We're here to enjoy the tour as well as listen to Buddy Flett and check out the new sculpture in Artspace."
Matt DeFord, artist and art teacher at Northwestern State, Natchitoches, explained his casting process to Julie and Mike Miller.
DeFord's sculpture exhibit has a series of heads cast in plastic and iron.
Photography by Ernie McDaniels, a show that debuted at Artspace last month, drew many onlookers. His black and white work was competent and coherent. In one photo a group of teens at a concert gyrated with salacious intent. A family at the beach offered viewers a retro moment; the scene looked like a 50's snap by Ed Friedlander. There were carefully composed nudes and an affecting, frame-filling portrait of an African American boy.
Stacie Leng, Shreveport Regional Arts Council, aka SRAC, says it's one of the best attended summer programs since Neon Saturday Nights.
Jeff Everson and Andrea Master, of the Young Professionals Initiative of the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, were in their element. "We're part of the Art Mob," said Everson. "We're here to enjoy the tour as well as listen to Buddy Flett and check out the new sculpture in Artspace."
Matt DeFord, artist and art teacher at Northwestern State, Natchitoches, explained his casting process to Julie and Mike Miller.
DeFord's sculpture exhibit has a series of heads cast in plastic and iron.
Photography by Ernie McDaniels, a show that debuted at Artspace last month, drew many onlookers. His black and white work was competent and coherent. In one photo a group of teens at a concert gyrated with salacious intent. A family at the beach offered viewers a retro moment; the scene looked like a 50's snap by Ed Friedlander. There were carefully composed nudes and an affecting, frame-filling portrait of an African American boy.
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