“fuego en la sangre”: a telenovela: my review

On Friday, February 20, 2009, another Mexican telenovela, or, soap opera, broadcast on Spanish language network Univision had its “gran final” or its “grand final’.It’s called “Fuego en la sangre”. The show began running on Univision in April 2008. It’s the story of three brother, Juan, Oscar, and Franco Reyes (played by Eduardo Yanez, Jorge Salinas, and Pablo Montero, respectively)who seek vengeance after their sister Libia is killed. They make plans to go to the house of the older man that Libia loved, Bernardo Elizando, to confront him because they believe Bernardo, who had promised to marry the girl, who was carrying his child, abandoned her and let her be killed. Bernardo had also not told Libia he was married to Gabriela Acevedo (played by Diana Bracho). They also plan to use Bernardo’s three daughters, Sofia(played by Adela Noriega) , Ximena (Elizabeth Alvarez), and Sarita (played by Nora Salinas) to get revenge: their intention is to seduce the Elizando daughters and then abandon them. But when they arrive at the Elizando hacienda, not only do they not find Bernardo or his wife there but then they meet Sofia, Ximena, and Sarita and fall in love with them and so their quest for vengeance changes. They still determine to find the killer of their sister but will no longer mistreat the Elizando women. The brothers face many complications in looking for the killer and in getting together with these women that they love. Their biggest complications come from Bernardo’s widow Gabriela and Gabriela’s former son-in-law Fernando who she seduce and makes her lover (Fernando would later betray Gabriela and lead to her downfall). These two do the impossible to thwart them. The Reyes eventually find the killer who evades their attempts to nab him by commiting suicide. And they do “get the girls”. Juan marries Sofia, Oscar marries Ximena, and Franco marries Sarita.
I give this telenovela a “B”. The story is charming, but it has been done before (I have heard of a Columbian telenovela called “Pasion de Gavilanes” which is said to be a lot like “Fuego en la Sangre”). The acting by Eduardo Yanez , Adela Noriega, and Diana Bracho was pretty good. But I would have liked to have seen Adela and the other actresses who played her sisters do a little more work in the novela; would have liked to have seen them do maybe a little more than scream and cry, which is most of what they did. I would have liked to have seen the writers give a different ending to the characters of Fernando and Gabriela. I don’t think they really paid for their crimes, which were numerous. This is why I give the show a “B”.

A request that Jason Wade of Lifehouse perform “Star Spangled Banner” at NBA Finals 2009: A petition

I hope my fellow Lifehouse fans and fans of the National Anthem join me in reading and signing the new petition that I have created so that singer Jason Wade of the band Lifehouse will perform “The Star Spangled Banner” at the 2009 NBA Finals in June. The petition is at http://www.PetitionOnline.com/jwna2K9/petition.html

first time at nba (preseason) game: cavs vs. 76ers 10/18/08

On Saturday, October 18, 2008, I attended my very first NBA (pre-season)game. It was the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. the Philadelphia 76ers at the “Q” Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. I am a Clevelander and have actually been watching the Cavaliers on tv since I was a kid; the days of Mark Price, Brad Daugherty, Larry Nance, Craig Ehlo. But in recent years, with the arrival of Lebron James and Directtv at my house, I have been watching more Cavs basketball and have really become a fan of the team. And I finally got to my first Cavaliers’ basketball game on 10/18/08. I had a good time, although it was a preseason game. The sparse crowd was pumped and the guys (The Cavs) played great–especially at the end–and rallied to win 100-97. Best of all was seeing them win. I was extremely happy about that Lebron James did not play in the fourth quarter but did get off some nice shots when he was in that got the crowd going. Based on what I saw in Saturday night’s game, I think there is reason for the Cavs’ fans to be optimistic this season. I hope so. Cleveland sports fans need something to get excited about. All in all, I enjoyed my first time at an NBA basketball game;a Cavaliers game. I give it a B+. There were a few things I could have done without at the game. During the timeouts, there were these games that people from the crowd played, like spinning themselves dizzy on baseball bats. I thought it was silly and unnecessary. Why do they have to have these childish contests, which are clearly marketing ploys, during the ball game? Call me a purist, but I am there to see a basketball game; that is what matters. I attended some Indians games and they did not have such nonsense during timeouts. Another thing I could have done without are the dancers (the girls and the hip-hop dance team that I think is dubbed “scream team”). They were nothing spectacular and nothing to do with basketball. They, I think, are also just there to market to those in attendance who may not be basketball fans. I think the experience of attending an NBA game should be all about the fans; true fans; people who really appreciate and come to see to the game of basketball.
It was still a fun evening; it was nice to get out of the house and it was awesome to see a Cavs’ win. I think I’ll do it again. I hope I will; especially when the Cavaliers take on teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, LA Lakers. I am looking forward to the regular season! GO CAVS!

My thoughts on the Lifehouse “broken” video

I caught some of my favorite band Lifehouse’s “Broken” video today on tv. It was good to see Jason, Bryce, and Rick on tv again. As for the new video, well, I have to say it is not my favorite. I saw enough of it to tell that it has a rather serious, sad tone; containing some sort of somber procession. Like I said before, I am not into the weepy ballads. I am also not a fan of videos that are rather depressing. I have met the guys and they are affable and funny. I think that should be reflected more in their videos. I think I’d like to see their playful sides come out more. I think I enjoyed the more upbeat videos like “Hanging by a moment”, “Spin”, “First Time”. I know sometimes artists want to send a message with their music but in the case of the song and video “Broken” by Lifehouse, I think they “protest too much”. I do love Lifehouse but think they need to perhaps “lighten up” as they know how. I do hope they do so on their next single, album, and video.

“Al diablo con los guapos”: a telenovela: my review

Another telenovela (soap opera) had its “gran final” (grand final) on the Spanish language channel Univision on Friday 9/19/08. This show had the somewhat droll title “Al diablo con los guapos” which means “to hell with all the handsome ones!” or “damn the handsome ones!”. This is a phrase uttered by the telenovela’s main character, a young woman named Milagros (meaning “miracles”; played by Allisson Lozz). This is the story of a poor orphaned girl named Milagros, who is also known as Mili or Miligol, because she loves soccer and is good at the game (soccer is the most popular sport in Mexico, which is were the novela takes place). Mili grows up in a convent but at 18 must leave and go to work. She happens upon a young man named Alejandro Belmonte (Eugenio Siller)whose father is a business tycoon named Constancio Belmonte (Cesar Evora), an extremely proud ambitious man whose career goes before his family. At first when Alejandro expresses his interest in Mili, she refuses him. But soon his persistance pays off as Mili ends up going to work for the elder Belmonte and for his wife; Alejandro’s mother Luciana (Laura Flores). Mili falls in love with Alejandro as he does with her, but there are numerous obstacles: Alejandro’s girlfriend Andrea (Tania Vezquez), a very ambitious, ruthless woman whose only interest is money so she pursues Alejandro and Constancio; Alejandro’s mother also does not want them together and collaborates with Andrea to seperate them, Alejandro’s cousin Hugo Arango (Andres Zuno)who also falls in love with Mili and tries to win her–somettimes going to extremes. Alejandro’s sister Valeria (Altair Jarabo) also does not approve of Alejandro loving “una sirvienta” ( ” a servent” or “maid”). Constancio also does not want them together.
The biggest obstacle to Alejandro and Mili being together, however, is that they could be brother and sister! Mili soon learns that that is not true, although she discovers her actual relationship to Alejandro’s father. But alas Alejandro has married Florencia, whose father is also an important business man and he leaves the country with her. So Mili decides to give a chance to Hugo. She does not see Alejandro again for three years and even then does not tell him the truth right away as she discovers Florencia is pregnant. By the time the truth comes out that Mili and Alejandro are not brother and sister, Mili is married to Hugo and Hugo is reluctant to let her go and Mili does not want to hurt Hugo. But the love of Mili and her “guapito” as she calls Alejandro is too intense so finally Hugo and Florencia have to give them up. They do get together after their divorces as everybody realizes that they cannot fight the love of Mili and Alejandro. Luciana, Constancio, Valeria come to accept their relationship. Valeria herself falls for her chauffeur Rocky or “Morgan”(Ricardo Margaleff) as she calls him. She marries him and Mili and Alejandro get married. And the novela ends showing the happy couples together as many years pass and finally Mili and Alejandro are in their 90s and still together in love!
This is a likable, charming soap opera, though I believe this sort of “Cinderella” story has been done before. Like all telenovelas, it has its serious moments, such as dealing with Luciana’s alcoholism, but, as is evident by its title, it has some humorous parts, too. The actors playing Mili and Alejandro show potential in their telenovela debuts on this show, except I thought at times that they could tone down their screaming and crying. Also I think the singing done by Allisson and Eugenio was rather unneccessary. I thought it took too much time from the story. Plus, I think their acting was better than their singing. Allisson sang ok. She did the show’s theme song with a group K-Paz but the song did not measure up to the theme song of the telenovela “Pasion” and of course she is no Sarah Brightman. Some of the other cast members sang too and I think that was overdone. Veteran telenovela actors Cesar Evora and Laura Flores were excellent in their roles (Cesar Evora is one of the few who does not sing on this show), as was another veteran actress (Alicia Rodriguez) who appeared early in the novela as Constancio’s mother Regina Belmonte. Overall, I give this novela a “B”. Like I said, it had charm but not a lot of originality. And too much singing and slowing down of the plot. And I didn’t see as many handsome men as in “Pasion” although I found the actor who played Hugo rather attractive:)

What’s up, CBS? CBS disses Lifehouse

I have a little “bone” to pick with CBS for their NFL coverage on 9/14/08–specifically during the 4:15 pm Pats-Jets game. Now, I couldn’t be home that Sunday afternoon so I set up my VCR for not only the game but also because my favorite band Lifehouse was slated to perform during halftime of that game and frontman Jason Wade was to sing the national anthem. Much to my chagrin, when I got home later and watched the tape, there was no Lifehouse performance to be found! I’m like “What the hell?” I read that Lifehouse was to appear at halftime and Jason was to sing the anthem more than once. Where were these performances? Why did CBS cut them? It is just not right, it is not fair. Lifehouse is a tremendously talented band that deserves more credit then they are getting and they deserve more air time. And Jason is a great singer–one of the best in the world. His rendition of our national anthem deserves to be heard. Why did CBS not show it? What did CBS do what they did? They “fumbled” on this one! Just last year, I think, they showed singer Josh Groban perform “The Star Spangled Banner” before an NFL game. He did an excellent job but Jason can also sing and he deserves to be heard! So does his band Lifehouse. Lifehouse deserves R-E-S-P-E-C-T. CBS made a “bad call” on 9/14/08. I hope in the future the network and NBC and ABC and FOX, too, will use better judgement and not just show a so-called “popular” or “glamour” act.
I also think that the National Anthem performance before all sport events should be shown on tv.

Olympics

The games of the XXIX Summer Olympics have come and gone. I watched them on TV as I have always done. I’ve always enjoyed them–always enjoyed the ceremonies and all the nations coming together and I enjoy the competition. I am a big sports fan. I watched these Olympics on NBC (who I think have televised them since 2000, if I’m not mistaken). I give their coverage of this year’s Games a B, or, if a medal was to be awarded to the network, I think they would get the bronze medal. I enjoyed the coverage of the swimming, diving, gymnastics. I thought Michael Phelps was just awesome–winning gold in all eight of his events in less than a week! He is truly a great champion and seems a nice, down-to-earth, humble young man, too (kind of cute also ). Glad I got to see LeBron James of the Cavaliers and team USA get basketball gold and the Argentine men take soccer gold (broadcast on Telemundo). But I think NBC put too much emphasis on volleyball (both the beach and indoor kind). I think they should have put more emphasis on soccer and basketball. I do not think that volleyball is more internationally popular than soccer and basketball. Basketball is obviously growing and gaining fans globally. This could be seen in the Opening Ceremony of these 2008 Olympics–where 5 of the flagbearers in the Parade of Nations were NBA players. I think I may have liked to have seen more of the equestrian events, too. I also did not like how at times, NBC would start covering an event then they would cut away to another then back again. I think they should start and finish an event; showing it in its entireity before going to another. And show more of the medal ceremonies after the events. So NBC’s Olympic coverage of these Olympic Games for me earns a bronze medal. I do think they need to step up and show more of basketball and soccer. ABC is not afraid to show soccer. I think NBC overdid the volleyball coverage.
I am glad however that these were a fairly peaceful Olympics; that the athletes are returning home safe and sound. In a year and half; in 18 months (2010), it all happens again, with the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. I look forward to watching again.

Josh Groban new live cd/dvd “Awake live”: my review

Just recently received and took a look (and listen) at the new live album “Awake live” by Josh Groban. This is very much a live version of his cd “Awake” and it is one of his concerts that was taped lasted year during his “Awake” tour in Salt Lake City. It is pretty much like the concert I saw here in Cleveland in February of 2007 (except that here in Cleveland he did not perform “Canto alla vita”; which is one of my favorites). I genuinely enjoyed that show last year and I liked watching this “Awake live” dvd. It brought back great memories of that night at the “Q” arena as I watched and listened to Josh perform my favorite songs on this live album, songs like “Mai”, “Alla luce del sole”, and “Machine”. Josh has such a magnificent baritone voice and he seems to genuinely enjoy performing for his fans. He really seems to put his heart and soul into every show. And he is so damn hot, too:)
But as I said about his “Awake” cd, I found most of the songs on “Awake live” rather sad. I prefer the more upbeat songs on his albums “Closer” and “Live at the Greek”. And I am not a big fan of duets. I think Josh does an incredible job singing on his own and needs no help to do that.
So my grades on “Awake live” are: A+ for Josh’s performance, voice, presence, etc:)
B+ for the songs.
It is good solid live album and has me looking forward to Josh going back on tour here in the USA and returning to Cleveland:)I hope it is soon:)

“Pasion” a telenovela: my review

The telanovela (or “soap opera”) “Pasion” had its “gran final” (grand final)on Friday, April 25, 2008 on Spanish-speaking network Univision. The show was excellent;had something for everyone: adventure, mystery, intrigue, romance, sex. It also had very good actors, especially those who played the title roles of Camila (Susana Gonzalez) and Ricardo (Fernando Colunga).
The story of “Pasion” takes place in the 18th century. A young woman named Camila Darien is engaged to a young man Santiago (Sebastian Rulli) from her small town of San Fernando (in Mexico; before Mexico declared its independence from Spain). But events the night before her wedding change the course of her life. A short time later, she meets a pirate called Ricardo de Salamanca when she is captured by his group. At first she does not know his name and she despises him. She is sold as a slave and purchased by Ricardo’s cruel uncle Timiteo de Salamanca who persuades Camila to marry him to gain her freedom. She ultimately does get her freedom and the old man’s money, too. Camila returns to her hometown where she finds her fiance married to her sister. She is devastated by this but Ricardo then comes to her village. She and Ricardo fall in love and Ricardo wants to quit being a pirate but he and Camila face many obstacles, including Santiago who continues to be in love with Camila and Ricardo’s blind cousin Lizabeta (Daniela Castro) who is obssessed with Ricardo.
I give this telenovela an “A+” not only for the brilliant acting, but for the costumes, and the storyline, and the theme song “Pasion” performed by singers Sarah Brightman and Fernando Lima.
I do recommend this show highly. I would watch it again. I hope it will be repeated or be on dvd in the near future.
Besides everything else I mentioned, the novela has some very handsome men (and they can act): Fernando Colunga, Sebastian Rulli (whom I already have mentioned and Sebastian bears a resemblance to the lead singer of my favorite band), William Levy (he played Camila’s brother Vasco Darien and he was excellent). I hope to see these guys in novelas again soon.:)

More Josh, Lifehouse, and Christmas

I watched Josh Groban on “Larry King Live” last Friday December 14(and the rerun on 12/15) as he sang “The Christmas Song”. I liked this performance better than “Regis and Kelly” because it was more “stripped down”: Josh sang by himself without a choir in the background. It was a bit more simple and that is the kind of Josh performance I like.  I just read that he has the best selling album of 2007 with “Noel” so I want to congratulate him.  Although it was not my favorite Josh cd (my favorite cd by him would be “Closer”), it was pretty good.  No one released a better cd this year (except for Lifehouse) and I’d sooner have a Christmas cd from Josh than from anyone else (except for Lifehouse, again).  Josh has really helped me get through the holiday season with his music , particularly this year. Josh just has a truly amazing voice; one of the best singers in the world. He is truly gifted. Congratulations, Josh and best of luck to you and I look forward to your return to my city very soon

Recently heard Lifehouse’s version of the Christmas classic “Silent night” on my Yahoo! radio stations.  It is quite good. Lifehouse did a nice job on it.  But I’d have preferred for them to do a Christmas song like ” O Holy night” where  frontman Jason Wade could really use his voice. He has an awesome voice, too, and could have pulled off that song. He is also one of the best singers in the world and very gifted and talented.  I congratulate him and his bandmates, Rick and Bryce, also on an incredible album with “Who we are” and wish them the best of luck . I look forward to hearing more from them and to them coming back to my town very soon, too.