Things that make me happy... Men Who Built America

Things that make me happy... Men Who Built America series on the History Channel

The History Channel has featured a amazing mini-series called Men Who Built America this fall.  The eight hour docudrama focuses on the lives of five legendary business giants. The series is broadcasted in four episodes and is available on demand currently.

But first... Test your knowledge of history with this quick trivia quiz at the link below.

http://www.history.com/shows/men-who-built-america/interactives/men-who-built-america-trivia-quiz

What is interesting about this documentary is how we delivers the history lessons using special effects, dramatizations, and interviews to tell the story of how America was built through the lives of key business leaders in American history.

So know you've taken the quiz...

The series starts at the end of the civil war in as the country starts to rebuild. The first titan of industry featured is Cornelius Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt became the most powerful man in the country as he built his railroad empire.  The next titan, John D. Rockefeller, takes over the top spot as founder of Standard Oil and creates a oil monopoly with the control of all refinement and distribution of oil in the US.  In the second part of the series Andrew Carnegie builds his steel empire and transform the skylines of America forever. In the third part the fourth legend of industry, J.P. Morgan, becomes the most powerful banker in the US, partners with Thomas Edison to electrify the world.  Lastly Henry Ford brings wheels to the masses as the industrializes the automotive industry. Other historical figures are featured in the series including Westinghouse and Tesla to name a few.

All in all and fan of business history will get a kick out of this documentary that was featured at the Toronto Film Festival this past September.

History Channel Trailer

Vanderbilt Clip

Henry Ford

Pros
1. The story is compelling and keeps your interest for all 8 hours... really!
2. Really cool special effects used. And the the director is very good.
3.  JP Morgan and Rockfeller are total gangsters... Great casting.

Cons
1. The business mogul interviews were not that insightful and kind of boring.
2. Its on the History Channel. Good luck finding it on your cable network.

S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... Capitol Steps Political Satire

Things that make me happy... Capitol Steps Political Satire Comedy

Its election season. No better time to get your laugh in. The Capital Steps is a political satire comedy troupe that is touring this year in a city near you. The show mocks our political parties and the colorful characters that make up our various branches of government.

Capitol Steps founded in 1981 is celebrating there 30 year of performances. They have produced 30 comedy album and have performed on radio and TV shows. 

1st Presidential Debate Redo...

Barack performs - Disney's Under the Sea

Perry and Bush skit

You can find out more about Capitol Steps at http://www.capsteps.com
Includes listing of their live tour dates and locations.

Pros
1. This is funny as hell. A must if you like political humor.
2. The sketches are set to music. They are quick and clever.
3. These performers are funny and can sing... This format works for them.

Cons
1. Not a big stage production. Don't expect special effects or lighting here.
2. A bit hard to find since they play in small venues with limited marketing. Listen to your local NPR station for a show near you.
3. This is not for the "Fox News" fans unless you have a politically neutral funny bone. Then you will enjoy anyways.


SF Guru

Things that make me happy... Esperanza Spaulding

Things that make me happy... Esperanza Spaulding

She composes, she plays, she sings, and she scats... my newest musical crush has to be Jazz performer Esperanza Spaulding.

Now I didn't grow up in any of Jazz's legendary periods like Big Band, Bebop, or Avant Garde, but I've been a fan of Jazz for the past 20 years (yes... I've got the achy bones to prove it.) But the good news is that Jazz has continued to evolve. Today its infused in the music of hip hop and soul artists like Q-tip, Outkast, Eryka Badu, and Jill Scott. But Spaulding is a new voice that updates the classic sounds of pure Jazz with a contemporary spin that is bring new fans to this American musical art form. Esperanza's music contains many influences. Most notably -- the music of Brazil, which is prominently featured  on her 2009 self titled album.

New Music Alert:: Radio Music Society
So much happening on this album... Its part Jazz, part Pop, all Esperanza!!
1. Radio Song - The theme song of the album. Fun beat and playful to sing along. "if like to.. Because you need toooo..."
2. Cinnamon Tree - Classic Jazz ballet... One of my favorites.
3. Crowned & Kissed - R&B infused Jazz. Tribute to those everyday "kings and queens"
4. Land Of the Free -
5. Black Gold - Great song... More classic R&B sounds
6. I Can't Help it - Back on the Jazz sound...
7. Hold On Me
8. Vague Suspicions
9. Endangered Species
10. Let Her
11. City of Roses
12. Smile Like That - More vocals on some great instrumentals

The 28 years old bassist got her first major award under her belt -- the 2011 Grammy for best new artist. A first for a jazz musician. But at the pace she's going. It won't be the last. And as Jazz finds a new generation of fans, Esperanza Spaulding will be leading the new Jazz revolution.

Black Gold...

At the White House... Overjoyed!!! She rocks this performance.

Crowned and Kissed Video

Little Fly Video

Pros
1. Great musical talent. Her fresh vocals aren't even her best talent.
2. Jazz music is still classy
3. R&B and Jazz fans will find a song to like

Cons
1. Its Jazz... not everyone's cup of tea
2. A few songs are inspiring. But no can get it right all the time.


SF. Guru