The Cats of Mirikitani.....a documentary

This past weekend I watched a documentary (I love the mfa) called "The Cats of Mirikitani". It is the story of a woman befriends a homeless guy Jimmy Mirikitani in 2000. He is 80 and offers to give her a drawing of a cat and in return he just asks for a photograph. He is a "grand master" and loves art. He is NOT a commerical artist. They become friendly as she always comes by to his "home" outside of a small Market near Washington Square in NYC. (The kindly owner is Korean and allows him to sleep there). This film documents their friendship and after 2001 in NYC, the filmmaker takes Jimmy in as the ashes and streets are not safe for anyone to sleep outdoors.

Through time and they year they live together, she learns much about him. His feelings about the WWII, being interned at Lake Tule for 3.5 years and how he got to be homeless. I appreciated the path of how the filmmaker works hard to get Jimmy established and works with social agencies, the government to help him out.

This won the Tribeca Film Festival Audience award and I can understand why. It was moving and simple. But very powerful in Jimmy's own words and his thoughts.

The Cats of Mirikitani by Linda Hattendorf (2006, 76 min.). “Make art, not war” is Jimmy Mirikitani's motto. This eighty-five-year-old Japanese American artist was born in Sacramento and raised in Hiroshima, but by 2001, lives on the streets of New York with the twin towers of the World Trade Center anchoring the horizon behind him. What begins as a simple vérité portrait of one homeless man becomes a rare document of daily life in New York in the months leading up to September 11. This is the story of losing “home” on many levels. “A profoundly gripping film, with a cumulative impact that may well wipe you out” (New York Magazine). Director and star present on August 23, 2007 (www.mfa.org)

http://www.thecatsofmirikitani.com/

Hotel Babylon--BBC America

So I started watching two weeks ago, Hotel Babylon, the BBC America import that also brought "Coupling" "Hex" and "Footballers Wives" (much tastier than "Desperate Housewives").

http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/hotelbabylon/

Starts out with Charlie (played by Max Beesely)) who wants the Manager position but he has to impress his boss Rebecca first. An old flame from another hotel Anna vies for it. In the end, he gets the position and Anna takes over his old position. Along with other colleagues Tony (Head Concierge) and other colleagues such as the sexy Head of Housekeeping Jackie, Charlie has a great life. But his past threatens to disrupt his new find life as he is starting this new one.

I have only watched three episodes and I am hooked. Even my sister likes it and is getting bored with American TV programming. I watch more Asian TV and she watches more Anime and stuff on YOUTUBE.

One episode had a young trophy wife who could pass for a "lady of the night" is insulted. A wealthy Russian's daughter wants a fake marriage to have her freedom and stay in London to a rock band staying at the hotel who defies the typical stereotypes of wild and randy parties.

Every character has their secrets and struggles but that is what makes for good TV. Rebecca's marriage is on the rocks and she lives at the hotel. Jackie and Charlie are indulging in mutual fling.

Definitely fun fun fun!

Busy Day #2 ATLANTA (Martin Luther King) #1

Martin Luther King Jr Historic - www.nps.gov450 Auburn Ave Ne, Atlanta - (404) 331-5190

Martin Luther King Center - www.thekingcenter.org449 Auburn Ave Ne, Atlanta - (404) 526-8900

The Martin Luther King Center

Established in 1968 by Coretta Scott King, The King Center is the official, living memorial dedicated to the advancement of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., leader of America’s greatest nonviolent movement for justice, equality and peace. (www.thekingcenter.org)

After going to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Center, I took the bus back into town. I was sitting with one of the people who worked at the Carter Center who saved me a trip (in and out) by telling me to walk 3 /4 blocks.

Since this was during a HUMID and very hot Heat wave (temps topping off at 102F), to say it was hot is an understatement! (I usually do not mind walking, I actually welcome it! But under these circumstances it was not ideal.)

I found what I was looking for and was told it is not one complex but a series of buildings needing a person to go in and out. Thankfully I asked the very kind security guard what to do at the King Center. He recommended that I go to the Visitor Center next (after seeing Dr. King's and his wive's burial site) to get on the wait list for the Historic Birthhome tour. Currently only allow 15 people per 30 minute tour in advance and then check around the exhibits.

So I looked around the few rooms there, saw Dr. King's grammy and his outfit used for travel (he traveled light), family photos, and one room was dedicated to Mahatma Ghandhi. Then after signing up at 12pm (told I had to come by 1pm to get my tickets for the tour). I walked around the exhibits. It was very moving with video footages of his speeches, funeral, etc along with his funeral wagon (on display for first time in 35 years) and other photos. I noticed one person crying hearing Dr. King's " I Have a Dream" speech. It was very moving and emotional. Do not miss the 25 minute video/film that gives some insights and commentary.

Learning about the Children's role in the Civil Rights Movement was touching and hearing and reading stories of the survivors and participants moved me. I believe history should never be forgotten and I felt I got alot out of it. I made sure to see the Ghandhi statue and the Civil Rights Walk of Fame.

When it was time, I went to the historic #6 Firehouse, around the corner from Dr. King's birth home. Dr. King's sister is still alive and she graciously allows visitors into the home. I loved how the park ranger was able to give some stories on Dr. King. He was a bright child and had a amazing memory and capacity for learning. But as any kid, he caused mischief and disliked playing piano. He was highly favored by his maternal grandmother and had a brother and sister. His parents were esteemed people in the African American Community in Atlanta.

One highlight after going to the Baptist Church, one of the rangers is an actual ranger. I caught him midstory talking to some kids. He shared that only 5 pastors preached there and that MLK is NOT the most famous pastor to put it on the map. He is living history and participated in the marches with MLK, remembers him attending church listening to MLK Sr. He remembers many white Americans dying to help the cause for equality amongst people helping register blacks vote. He recalls a pretty brown haired girl who drove to volunteer to have her head shot. Or a livelyyoung man who was killed for doing the same thing (this pastor had worked along side him all day registering voters.). It was a scary time and people were harmed and killed. All for the right to be treated equal.

A must visit in my book if you have the time. The MARTA gets you there but it is a bit of a walk, you can take the #100 bus and #3 ($1.75 one way) or get the new BREEZE card (www.itsmarta.com) . It makes traveling around Atlanta a snap.

Hotlanta trip #1-High Art Museum...

Last week, I went to "Hotlanta" to attend a convention. I had decided to fly in one night earlier to avoid any bad delays that I had previously experienced before the convention I attended in Sacramento. (A nightmare!).

With the WSJ writing tons of articles on how the delays and weather this particular summer have been horrid, I did not want to risk being late or missing a convention. (Seriously, someone who was flying from NYC missed the entire Sacramento Convention for missing his flight on THURS and next one was SUNDAY!)

I barely slept the night before and I unwisely slept and ignored my alarm clock. I went to bed around 2:30am and was very tired. I woke up at 6:30am! (My flight was boarding 7:15am and leaving Boston at 7:45am) To take public transport I need at least an hour (two train connections to end with a bus to take me to the terminal). In my rush to leave, I left my blazer and cell phone! I rushed to Coolidge Corner (10 minutes walk away) and grabbed a cab at 6:40am. I got to the airport at 7am (thank goodness I had the foresight to print my boarding pass the night before at work!) and $34 bucks lighter. (One way on the "T" costs $2 or with a Charlie Card only $1.75!). This is the first time I had to take a cab to the airport (in the past it was always to get home!).

I made it in time and Terminal B for American was not that busy (thank goodness!). There was someone looking over me at least! My commuter plane was on time and I got on and headed to La Guardia (less than than an hour flight). I managed to take a cat nap.

Once out of La Guardia my connection was tight. To my chagrin, I had to go through SECURITY again in order to get to my GATE! Luckily I made my flight but this was ridiculous! Who makes people recheck through security after trying to make a connection? Does not make sense!

Again, I napped and then before arriving I read some magazines and my Atlanta research. I realized my best bet for transportation was getting the MARTA Breeze card -one week $13 (they do not tell you the $5 fee for the card is extra). This system only just started so alot of growing pains. By now I am famished with NADA in my stomach since waking up at 6:30am and I land into Atlanta it is 12:30pm.

I go straight to information and meet a kind lady who is patient and explains the many ways to get to my lodging for the night. Also my sister warned me that Atlanta was going through a heat wave about 100+ F everyday with high humidy (bad air conditions too!). I take the train to North Avenue stop and stupidly think four blocks walking is not bad. I should have taken the bus and avoided being a bit lost. Luckily the place is across the street from Mary Macs Tea Room.

The front desk of the hostel is closed so I head out and put my luggage back behind the front desk. My zipper is busted so I am not too thrilled. I am very hot and hungry. Luckily my pal NE told me to be in AC. I head to the HIGH ART MUSEUM (www.high.org) which is only one Marta Stop away. This time I take the Bus back to the station. The Museum is adjacent to the station (what good fortune!).

I get there and notice signs for Louvre in Atlanta (2006-2009). I go and say I am affiliated with the MFA in Boston. They give reciprocal admission for the general collection but the special exhibit I get the discounted fee of $10. I then head straight to the High Cafe (it is now closing in around 2pm). I grab a chicken wrap, chocolate torte and potato chips. I have my lunch in record time. (When you are this hungry, everything tastes marvelous---but it was good!)

Ready to tackle the museum I am told a good plan of attack to see everything by the security guard. I go through the former main portion of the High and go up to the top then connect to the other building via the bridge. Then work my down til I am done with building two.

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(source: www.high.org of following information)

FINAL WEEKS: Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer's Life, 1990 – 2005
Through September 9, 2007Second Level, Wieland Pavilion

FINAL WEEKS: Cecilia Beaux, American Figure Painter
Through September 9, 2007Second Level, Wieland Pavilion

FINAL WEEKS: Louvre Atlanta: Kings as Collectors
Through September 2, 2007Anne Cox Chambers Wing
The French royal collections are the heart of the Louvre's present day holdings. This central exhibition of the first year features more than 30 works assembled during the reigns of Kings Louis XIV and Louis XVI, including a very special masterpieces from the Louvre’s collection—and Nicolas Poussin’s Et in Arcadia Ego.

FINAL WEEKS: Louvre Atlanta: Decorative Arts of the Kings
Through September 2, 2007Anne Cox Chambers Wing
Featuring decorative arts commissioned for the courts of Kings Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI, this exhibition shows the dexterity and excellence of French artisans in the royal factories and includes fine examples of furniture, tapestry, ceramics and silver.

On November 12, 2005, a new High for Atlanta opened to the public. Designed by Renzo Piano, our 177,000-square-foot expansion is the centerpiece of an overall upgrade to the Woodruff Arts Center campus. Three new buildings for the High provide new exhibition space as well as enhanced education and programming facilities that more than double the size of the Museum’s landmark building designed by Richard Meier. The expansion transforms the High into a lively, year-round destination for the arts

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After three hours in the museum, I saw everything I wanted to see. I was content. But I had a problem, I was supposed to meet up with a friend whom I had met in NYC back in June. Due to not having my cell phone, it was problematic. I saw alot of pay phones (more than Boston) but I did not have his number. I needed to get to a computer (where I had my address book stored). To my luck, I found out that outside the High Museum (again someone was taking care of me!) was a local branch of the library. Only could access internet without a library card for 15 minutes at a time and they only had one computer. I eventually got on and emailed NE. We arranged to meet at the Marta station by 5:30pm.

Before meeting up I took some last pics of the High Art Museum and other exterior shots. I did enjoy the audio guide that was included in the fee. I always feel that you get more information and history by having an audio guide. The great Annie Leibovitz pics were great. She is the pop culture photographer! Her images are famous!

We head to get NE's car and then drive to Buford Highway (the bastion of good Asian food) and area you need REAL car to get access to it! Chosun OK here I come!

Atlanta Day#2 --Jimmy Carter Presidential Center

I woke up pretty early on Thursday (day 2) in HOTLANTA! I dropped off my stuff at my lodgings during the convention and then grabbed some breakfast to go to Five Points to grab the #16 bus to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Center.

The actual bus ride was only 15-20 minutes and they conveniently drop you off and pick you up right by the Jimmy Carter Presidential Center too. I found it very usual. I made right before they were opening the doors at 9am (needed to make an early start as I wanted to go to MLK Historic District, buy a new suitcase and get ready for a meeting at 5pm back in Downtown Atlanta).

The musuem has a short film that runs very half hour (roughly 25 minutes) and the first showtime was 9:30am. I got to read the wall of US Presidents in the 20th century. Then you got to a main area and walk around looking at photos, mementos, artificats etc. I did not know that Jimmy Carter went to the Naval Academy. Plus there were more other tidbits discovered while walking around. The tense situation when he had Begin and Sadat back at Camp David using his people skills to have peace in the Middle East.

There is a replica of his Oval Office in the White House, a table setting of what an event held at the White House would be like and many photos abounded in the exhibit. I liked the exhibit at the end showing what Jimmy Carter has done after his Presidency with all his health and humanitarian work, it is no wonder he was nominated and won a Nobel Peace Prize, another famouse Atlanta native who won was Martin Luther King, Jr (MLK).

I liked the fact I was there on a Thursday morning and there were no big crowds and I finished everything within 2 hours.

Future Sex/Love Tour at Garden-JT in concert!

Currently ListeningFutureSex/LoveSoundsBy Justin Timberlake
JT Concert at the Garden

public link:http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=11513&l=4adc0&id=575810425

I caught JT this time for his current 2007 tour (his first time was back in February) last Friday night 8/10/2007. . I was surrounded by tons of screaming fans but it was a fun concert. I made in time for the start of his concert, I am not a big "Good Charlotte" fan.

He performed his hits and Timbaland came in for a song or two. Timbaland did a bunch of songs in the middle of the concert.

It is fun to catch concerts and this year I only have one. Last year was Pet Shop Boys and Madonna and two years ago was U2.

I always love the energy and vibe. The enthusiasm of the fans was great. JT was really appreciative of his fans and he got roars and screams of approval.

A fun time!

North End Saint Party ----Boston 8.4.07

I got a last minute invite to go to a Saint celebration in the North End (something that occurs for many Saturdays) on Hanover Street (the Boston North End-Little Italy Main drag). Went to a friend of a friend party right above the Stage where Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam did their gig--Head To Toe and All Cried Out are two hits they sang. I got to meet some cool people, the host is from Hawaii and a very cool. An active person in the community, avid foodie and loves his cats Egg Roll, Won Ton who were cute and shy. The food, conversation and company were great. I ended up closing the party at 2am and tried some good shots of liquor, roquefort cheese and other wines.
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Saint Agrippina di Mineo
Saint Agrippina Di Mineo was a beautiful blond princess who was unmercifully tortured to death by the Emperor Valerian in 256 AD. After her death, her body was taken from Rome to Mineo, Sicily, by three holy women; Bassa, Paula and Agatonica. The Greeks also honor her and claim to have relics of her. Sant' Agrippina is the patron saint of thunderstorms, leprosy and evil spirits. Her Feast day is celebrated on the first weekend in August. Each year since
1914 this group of devoted people come together to renew their faith in her in Boston's North End, as was the custom in the land of origin, Mineo, Sicily. Each year everyone is invited to witness the respect and honor that is bestowed on this young, beautiful martyred saint..The story of the journey of the martyred body of St. Agrippina from Rome to Mineo, Sicily is full of the miraculous.

The fragrance that accompanied the body of St. Agrippina wherever it went, the veneration of the sailors and the farmers, the miraculous light weight of the reliquary so that the three young girls could carry it, the quickness of the voyage from Rome to Sicily, the miraculous cloud that covered the girls and transported them and the relics at certain times of danger in the journey, the angels that protected them from harm, the devils that were defeated and swept out at the sight of the sacred relics, and the miracle of Teogonia - these are all signs that it was the will of God that Agrippina should be the Saint of this blessed city of Mineo. As the sacred tradition affirms, the relics of St. Agrippina arrived in Mineo on Wednesday, May 17, in 261.

Day trip to Ipswich and Gloucester

Lately, my pal MPK loves to go on day trips. So this past Sunday (8/5) we drove up to Ipswich and Newburyport. It took about an hour and we were on route 1A and decided to see the Heard and Whipple Houses. But they were not open yet but at 1pm til 4pm on Sunday. We were there by noon, so we drove a bit up north to the Clam Box.

After a satisfying meal at Clam Box, we got back down to the Heard and Whipple homes. There is a great deal to go to the Castle House, Whipple and Heard Homes for $10 but since the Castle House was closed we paid $7 for the Heard and Whipple (on their own it cost $7 to enter EACH place!). First you had to take the Whipple House tour first which is Manor style Medieval house with no nails utilized. The guide lives there and was very enthusiastic and very cool.All the Manor Homes in England were using wood from the Colonies. Lace was a big deal industry for fashion conscious women and a big money maker. I liked hearing the stories of even rich residents only had two outfits and took baths once a month.Plus undergarments were not used at that time. Found out from the other people that parlor is from "parlez" from French to speak. It was the social room where the men would talk about issues. Women were about four feet tall and cooked in the fire places using two types of fires and with a chimney. They cooked barefoot so that way their feet would sense the heat and fires so they would not burn themselves. In addition their outfits were fire hazards with apron, petticoats and big skirt. The floors used to be strewn with grass and herbs (for deordorizing, health properties) and easily clean the floors (a quick sweep would do).

After having an hour and half tour (our guide Judy was fun) also mentioned a little about the little herb garden. Then we had to go over to the Heard home because we were only left with 50 minutes for that home. Our tour guide Bob was cool. The Heard house was built Federalist style (prevalent) within the new American government. They made their money from the China trade (lots of merchandise) made by the Chinese specially tailored for the Western markets. I did agree with one other visitor's comment, these items are nice, but a traditional Chinese home would not have them. Augustine Heard I never married and there was a portrait of his Chinese mistress. Her name is a mystery, she did have bound feet (so she came from a aristrocratic background) while versed in the culture and knowledgeable in English she helped him alot. Unfortunately due to the prejudice of the times, they could never marry. One room has a local artist Dow's art (the most of his artwork in one room can only be found here at the Heard home). Dow loved to use Gaugin like colors and did have strong Impressionist leanings and did teach at Pratt as a instructor. There is some local art gallery presentation in the other room beside the Dow room. Going up the stairs, you see a beautifully wood carved mirror with tales of the Three Kingodms. It was fabulous and beautiful! One room was filled with toys from that period and cool reproduction of the Heard residence on Park Street #3. The dollhouse was amazing with the cool stairs and doors and knickknacks were wonderful!

Now we only had less than two hours to have around the area before I had to get back into town. We drove past the Clambox en route to Newburyport (still long lines) and rightfully so.
There was a festival in the Downtown area. We just meandered around checking out the cute brick buildings (a rich seatown) and we got some ice cream. I could not help but get the Mississippi Mud (coffee, oreo and almonds) along with Maple Walnut ice cream. Then we looked around the cute shops which were nice. Then we walked around the water and I took some pics of the sculptures around the Visitor Center for Newburyport.

The weather was great and not too humid or hot (the past days prior was humid and in the 1990's). Thanks MPK for another great day trip!

Day trip to Ipswich and Newburyport one fine August Sunday

Lately, my pal MPK loves to go on day trips. So this past Sunday (8/5) we drove up to Ipswich and Newburyport. It took about an hour and we were on route 1A and decided to see the Heard and Whipple Houses. But they were not open yet but at 1pm til 4pm on Sunday. We were there by noon, so we drove a bit up north to the Clam Box.

After a satisfying meal at Clam Box, we got back down to the Heard and Whipple homes. There is a great deal to go to the Castle House, Whipple and Heard Homes for $10 but since the Castle House was closed we paid $7 for the Heard and Whipple (on their own it cost $7 to enter EACH place!). First you had to take the Whipple House tour first which is Manor style Medieval house with no nails utilized. The guide lives there and was very enthusiastic and very cool.All the Manor Homes in England were using wood from the Colonies. Lace was a big deal industry for fashion conscious women and a big money maker. I liked hearing the stories of even rich residents only had two outfits and took baths once a month.Plus undergarments were not used at that time. Found out from the other people that parlor is from "parlez" from French to speak. It was the social room where the men would talk about issues. Women were about four feet tall and cooked in the fire places using two types of fires and with a chimney. They cooked barefoot so that way their feet would sense the heat and fires so they would not burn themselves. In addition their outfits were fire hazards with apron, petticoats and big skirt. The floors used to be strewn with grass and herbs (for deordorizing, health properties) and easily clean the floors (a quick sweep would do).

After having an hour and half tour (our guide Judy was fun) also mentioned a little about the little herb garden. Then we had to go over to the Heard home because we were only left with 50 minutes for that home. Our tour guide Bob was cool. The Heard house was built Federalist style (prevalent) within the new American government. They made their money from the China trade (lots of merchandise) made by the Chinese specially tailored for the Western markets. I did agree with one other visitor's comment, these items are nice, but a traditional Chinese home would not have them. Augustine Heard I never married and there was a portrait of his Chinese mistress. Her name is a mystery, she did have bound feet (so she came from a aristrocratic background) while versed in the culture and knowledgeable in English she helped him alot. Unfortunately due to the prejudice of the times, they could never marry. One room has a local artist Dow's art (the most of his artwork in one room can only be found here at the Heard home). Dow loved to use Gaugin like colors and did have strong Impressionist leanings and did teach at Pratt as a instructor. There is some local art gallery presentation in the other room beside the Dow room. Going up the stairs, you see a beautifully wood carved mirror with tales of the Three Kingodms. It was fabulous and beautiful! One room was filled with toys from that period and cool reproduction of the Heard residence on Park Street #3. The dollhouse was amazing with the cool stairs and doors and knickknacks were wonderful!

Now we only had less than two hours to have around the area before I had to get back into town. We drove past the Clambox en route to Newburyport (still long lines) and rightfully so.
There was a festival in the Downtown area. We just meandered around checking out the cute brick buildings (a rich seatown) and we got some ice cream. I could not help but get the Mississippi Mud (coffee, oreo and almonds) along with Maple Walnut ice cream. Then we looked around the cute shops which were nice. Then we walked around the water and I took some pics of the sculptures around the Visitor Center for Newburyport.

The weather was great and not too humid or hot (the past days prior was humid and in the 1990's). Thanks MPK for another great day trip!

Restuarant week in Boston-Two weeks of fun and heaven!

I always look forward to Restaurant week in Boston and this summer is no exception. I have already earmarked the places I want to hit and eat at this year!

Since the first time I heard of it in NYC thanks to my friend CBS (Susie) having a delectable lunch at NOBU in NYC, life has changed forever for me. Once back in Boston, I wanted to have Restaurant week here and a few years later it finally came over. Just last year there is WINTER restaurant week. Now we have not one but TWO weeks of Summer Restaurant week (Aug 5-10 and Aug 12-17) .

This year I for the summer session I am heading to Avila, 209, Excelsior (repeat), Butcher Shop, Sibling Rivalry and Om. If you want to read about (still uploading) check out : foodaficionado.blogspot.com