Things that make me happy... Oprah's Master Class

Things that make me happy... Oprah's Master Class

"Everyone has a story, and there is something to be learned from every experience" - Oprah Winfrey

Oprah's OWN is still working to establish itself as a new cable channel, but Oprah has a hit with the Master Class series.  The premise of this show is that everyone can be a teacher and she enlist celebrities to share their stories and what was learned from their experiences. In season one, she featured Jay-Z, Condeleezza Rice, Maya Angelo, just to name a few. The show returns in season two with another strong line up including  Jane Fonda, Ted Turner, Morgan Freeman, and Jon Bovi.  This first person account about their successes, and failures. is biography and interview at its highest level. Even America Ferrera in season one share golden nuggets of her own.

A new episode airs on Sunday nights at 10pm on OWN but past episode can be found online at the OWN website.

Pros
1. Great selection of guest "teacher" from film, politics, sports, and arts
2. The interviews are in first person... as if the person was just telling their story to class room.
3. Each guest opens up and is honest and forthright with their stories. You really get a sense of the the person. Goldie Hawn interview was surprising... you thought you knew this actress, but after the episode you realize how wise and ground breaking she really was.

Cons
1. Its on OWN so people can barely find the network much less the show which airs on Sunday night.
2. Some guest are not as famous, but all have great life lessons. You get something out of every episode even if you don't know the person.
3. Only about 8 episodes a season. And they don't run a lot of reruns so you may have to go online to see old episodes (Jay-Z, Condeleezza, Goldie, Oprah, and Sidney are much see)

http://www.oprah.com/own-master-class/master-class.html

SF. Guru

Things that make me happy... Whitney Houston - The Voice

Things that make me happy... Whitney Houston - The Voice

Saturday Feb 11 2012, 48 years old Whitney Houston,  passed away after making her mark as one of the greatest singers of any generation.  Words cannot begin to describe the mark she made on music. The number one hits. The mega concerts. The acting, singing, and now producing career. She has influenced many of the top artist alive today and will continue to influence many more through her music for years to come.

The best way to remember Whitney is through her music. Here are a few of top videos and some classic interviews.

The mega hit I will always love you.

My personal favorite with a sweet remix... Its not all right, but its okay

I wanna dance with somebody... Her big hair days...

My love is your love...

How will I know... A classic from 1985.

The Greatest Love of All

.... One of my favorites. Whitney and Stevie Wonder Interview on Arsenio Hall Show

The greatest singing of the National Athem ever...

Another early Interview. "I know God has blessed me with voice... I know he has blessed me with talent" -Whitney

Some funny Whitney Moments

Count on me (w. CeCe Winans)

SF. Guru

What was your favorite Whitney Houston song?

Things that make me happy this week... Movie: 50/50

Things that makes me happy this week... Movie: 50/50

I just went to see the latest Seth Rogen (Knocked up, Funny People, and Pineapple Express) and Joseph Gorden-Levitt movie 50/50 currently in theater. And so begins Oscar season for movies. This romantic dramedy (yes a bit romance, a bit comedy, and a bit drama) spectacularly pulls off the major feat of making a movie about cancer funny. Loosely based on a true story of movie screenwriter Will Reiser. Gorden-Levitt star quality is rising rapidly with a series of hits and critically acclaimed movies like 500 Days of Summer, and Inception. If you like 500 days, you'll like will probably 50/50. They both have similar styles and sensibilities.

What I liked best:
1. Music Soundtrack for movie. Not only does the movie feature great songs, they fit the scenes perfectly. I would grab that album for chill listening. Also check out 500 days of summer sound track. Another solid soundtrack.
2. Performances. The stars not only nail their roles, all are charming and extremely likable. Big ups to Anna Kendrick (Up in the air, Twilight series) for another strong performance.
3. This is a funny movie. There a good laughs in this movie. Not many movies do that well anymore especially when it comes to tough topic about cancer.
4. The length... The told a complete story in under 2 hours. A sign of good movie making in my book.

What didn't work for me:
1. Surprising Angelica Houston, as the mom, didn't stand out in this movie for me. Not sure why.
2. Headgear... Like sunglasses indoors. Not a good look.
3. Cancer really sucks. Especially when you've lost someone close. But the story is not about Cancer. Its about people and how they deal with adversity.

For anyone that had to deal with cancer personally or with a family or friend, this movie puts a realistic yet funny face on dealing with illness. And for those fortunate enough not to have that particular experience, there is a valuable lesson on life in this movie... and lots of unexpected things to make you stop and think... How I would I react to that... better yet, Am I strong enough to cope.

For a nice interview with writer and star check out NPR's Fresh Air

NPR 50/50 Interview w/ Will Reiser and Joseph Gorden-Levitt

Think this will get nominated for Oscar? What categories?

S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... HBO Documentary - The Latino List

Things that make me happy... HBO Documentary - The Latino List

I remember when I was growing up that Sept/Oct was Hispanic Heritage Month.  February (the shortest month - hmmm what's up with that) was Black history and always featured specials on TV about black heritage. March was Woman History and did the same with women history and issues. Likewise, the beginning of fall was time to learn and focus on Latino culture. Growing up in a vibrant Hispanic neighborhood might have peaked my interest in Latin culture and started my lifelong love of Latin inspired cultures. So with that in that in mind, I was so pleased to watch another installment of one of my favorite HBO documentary series... The Latino List. This documentary is the latest project of Timothy Greenfield-Sanders who gave us the Black List Vol 1-3 (if you haven't seen check it out netflix and youtube), and the tastefully produced Thinking XXX (a portrait of stars of adult films that was also featured on HBO). 

Like his previous works, Greenfield feature profiles of several prominent Latinos as they discuss various topics from a Latino perspective.  They explore everything from the meaning of being Latino in the 21st century to lessons learned growing up Latino in America.  The people come from different professions and backgrounds but all have insightful tidbits of wisdom on their lives as Latinos. 

What I like the most about this documentary it gives many a glimpse of the life's, struggles, and hopes of people.  We see the similarities that we all share and some subtle differences that make us interesting and better Americans.  There are teachers, writers, actors, politicians and yes... even an astronaut. But most of all this documentary is meant to inspire all of us, but especially young people to see people who look like them that have succeeded in some aspect of life.  Maybe the Latino List II may feature our first Latino president... its just a matter of time.

People featured:
Gloria Estefen
Emilio Estefen
America Ferrera
Sandra Cisneros
Jose Moreno Hernandez
Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch
John Leguizamo
Eva Longoria
Robert Menendez
Armando Christian Perez
Juan Antonio "Chi-Chi" Rodriquez
Anthony D. Romero
Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo
Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Julie Stav
Dr Marta Moreno Vega

If you like Latino List you should check out the exhibit at Brooklyn Museum of Art that features 25 large photographs of the accomplished Latino people featured in the film until December 11th 2011.  There is also an IPhone app that has stories of people on the street (in Spanish) speaking about people that inspire them.
Most impressive interviews
America Ferrera
Justice Sonia Sotomayor

S.F. Guru