I first saw a Cirque du Soleil performance while aboard an airplane watching the in-flight television free channel available. I was enthralled by the talent of the performers and made it a point that the next time I visited Las Vegas, I would see a live Cirque du Soleil show. And I did!
My first Cirque du Soleil show that I saw two years ago was Zumanity, a provocative cabaret-style production that left me in awe for more. Then last year, I saw KA, an unprecedented, gravity-defying production that takes adventure to an all new level. Again, I’m in awe yearning for more!
So this year, this coming weekend, in fact, when I’m in Las Vegas for BlogWorld, I have tickets to see LOVE, the musical legacy of The Beatles. I am so excited, as from the reviews of my friends, this one is better than the previous ones I’ve seen!
Now I just saw there is a new Cirque du Soleil show entitled Banana Shpeel, a joyful rendez-vous with beauty and power of the human body that is a roller-coaster mix of styles that blends comedy with tap, hip hop, eccentric dance and slapstick, all linked by a hilarious narrative that ignites a succession of wacky adventures.
Right now they are currently only touring in Chicago and New York City, which are also cities I frequent, so maybe I’ll get a chance to see the Banana Man, Emmett and Shmelky live in person. Learn more about the Cirque du Soleil Banana Shpeel show here!
Billy Collins is the biggest celebrity today in the world of poetry. He commands huge speaking fees, and entertains his audience with funny and sarcastic poems that keep them applauding and wanting more. But what does he wear? And does this make him a “real poet” in the eyes of his listeners? That brings me to the next question…. Is there traditional garb for poets?
My impression – whether born out of the Beat poets of the 1950’s or just my imagination – is that sunglasses are the highest focused accessory. Poetry = esoteric symbolism. Sunglasses = hidden mystery. Get it? Poets are the eyes of the world, sunglasses play up the eyes. Such a strong statement is even starker when juxtaposed against a background of wrinkled shirts and faded blue jeans, so typical of today’s poet’s wardrobe. Are poets so driven by their eyes that a steam iron doesn’t suit their vocabulary, or their clothes closet?
But the 1950’s were a long time ago. Are today’s poets still living in the past? Is it time to upgrade, refresh a wardrobe? Or, would you not recognize a modern bard when you see one? Should we even be making a fuss about their time-honored “look” instead of gulping down their words in sheer ecstacy? Besides, how many poets are there anyway? I was surprised to learn that in June 2009 over 11 million people Googled “poems.” I have the feeling that many of those 11 million are poets themselves. And I’d really like to know what they are wearing.
I saw an early photo of Billy Collins online where his tieless, open-collared shirt and crumply-looking sports jacket spoke volumes about leisure. Another more recent snapshot captures him in a blue shirt with rolled-up sleeves, and blue jeans. He’s still in leisure mode. Is he the universal poet with the typical non-sparkly wardrobe?
I recently found two fashion websites that I want to pass on to you. Both are competitors for the Nuffnang awards for best blogs. Both show awesome clothes for what I envision as the garb of the “new poet.” http://ohsofickle.com.sg sells their designs, and http://monoxious.com has some great pics of Phi’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection in white, black and khaki, as well as some graffiti designs.
If you could design a new look for poets, what would you suggest? Over-the-knee boots, lots of red, nose rings?
Poet’s Tongue is the brainchild of poet Alice Shapiro who offers a Poetry Karaoke™ program for beginners. If you want to take creative entertainment to the next level, visit http://aliceshapiro.com/poets-tongue
Okay, I’m getting addicted to the Red Chair Confessions Video Blog! It’s a weekly video cast that’s been keeping me in suspense as to what the gal in the video’s true confession is! The minute and a half long videos suggest (to me anyway) that her secret is something “dirty”. Something tells me that in the end, it’s going to be something funny, like having a shoe addiction!
In the first video entitled “Forgive Me Father”, the gal confesses to a priest in church in a confessional booth. The second video entitled “Therapeutic?” (as seen above) she confesses to a therapist that she’s had a relapse. The third video entitled “Mamma’s Little Secret” was just released today where she tapes a self-confession video in her closet.
I’m presuming several more episodes will debut as the introduction on the site show various people that would be confidants, such as a Friends, Bartender, Shrink, Personal Assistant, Taxi Driver, Physic Hotline, Mom, Hairdresser, etc. I think another good confidant would be a pet, like a dog. Even though I hate dogs, I think it would be a good angle on the show.
You can watch all previous and upcoming new episodes on RedChairConfessions.com. What do YOU think she is confessing??
Billy Collins is the biggest celebrity today in the world of poetry. He commands huge speaking fees, and entertains his audience with funny and sarcastic poems that keep them applauding and wanting more. But what does he wear? And does this make him a “real poet” in the eyes of his listeners? That brings me to the next question…. Is there traditional garb for poets?
