Top 10's of 2010

Everyone everywhere seem to be making their Top 10 lists of pretty much everything good and bad, so I thought...well, why not? And decided to make my very own Top 10's of the year, which, as every other Top 10 around, is absolutely personal and subjective, as it is obviously, based in my personal opinion and taste. I didn't wanna bore you with too many lists, so I just made 3 of them, taking into account 3 things I consider to be important in life; also, January and early 2010, somehow, seem kinda blurry for me now, like it was way long ago, you know? There are some things that happened that I thought happened last year or before and stuff like that--weird, I know...must be the Alzheimer's making progress haha

Anyway, the Top 10's I decided to enlist are: Music, Movies + Moments/events that were/are important and worth mentioning and keeping in mind for a while regarding this year, which in general, was quite good to me, with tons of ups and downs but I think more ups than downs, to be honest, and well, I am incredibly thankful for the things and experiences I've had and I truly hope even better things come along this upcoming 2011, not only for myself but also for all you out there reading this...and well, for the ones not reading too, why not? lol

Ok, with no further due, here are my Top 10's of 2010:

MOVIES

1) Black Swan - By FAR, the BEST movie of the year!
2) Inception
3) The Runaways
4) Easy A
5) Toy Story 3
6) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I
7) Biutiful
8) Nowhere Boy
9) La Teta Asustada
10) The Ghost Writer

Black Swan

MUSIC

1) Moriarty
2) Fake Blood
3) Cocoon
4) Alicia Keys
5) Le Butcherettes
6) If The Kids
7) CocoRosie
8) Miike Snow
9) The Ting Tings
10) The XX

Le Butcherettes

PERSONAL MOMENTS/EVENTS/HIGHLIGHTS

1) Going back to Paris
2) Going to NYC for the first time
3) Quitting Ships
4) Giving it a second chance to London
5) Knowing when to give up
6) Coming back home (both times)
7) Seeing old friends back in Europe again after 3 years
8) Buying my Nikon D700
9) Going to the MOMA
10) My family holiday to Oaxaca during Summer

Paris

If you disagree with me, that's cool, you can always leave a comment and let me know YOUR own Top 10's. ;)

For a Quick Laugh

OMG, my sister showed me this website and when I started reading it I just kept on laughing and laughing due to the fact that it is one of those things you would say "it's funnt coz it's true" about, if you know what I mean. Nowadays, everyone texts, yes, it has become a very common thing to do, BUT, texting may not really be for everyone! You'll probably find some familiar cases in here...if you have parents who text, you wanna read this! And if you don't...well, check it out, you'll still get a good laugh out of it.

See what happens WHEN PARENTS TEXT!

Weekend Quotes

Before the weekend's gone, I thought I'd leave you a few quotes for you to laugh and warm up a bit as, perhaps, you need it, especially if you're in Europe, Asia, the US and somewhere cold. Cheers!


"Merci Diana!" - François Mafille in a very sarcastic tone when I ruined his wireless connection lol

"...quiero pedirles que me acompañen en una oración uno por la paz que estos ataques entre las CHINAS no empeoren nuestra situación" - Alicia Machado on the North Korea attacks to South Korea

"Lindsay Lohan es bien loca, no?" - Wyneth Paltrow Guest-starring on Glee

"Soñe que estaba en una gondola en el espacio y me levante de buenas." - María Daniela

"Life is unfair, kill yourself or get over it" - Black Box Recorder

"C - Sra. D
D - Srita., que aun no me caso
C- Pero ya diste tu flor" - Convo between me + Charly Mora

"Ay Loser, hay que hablarnos siempre!" - Ana Patrón after yet one more odd event happened to us, good odd though.

"I was at the park in the snow this morning when I saw a small girl fall out her sledge . I say small girl, by the time she reached to bottom of the hill she was fucking massive" - Jason Gravestock

"C.Ronaldo.."The God of football sent me to this planet to teach people how to play and showcase my talent". Messi, when asked for his thoughts on the statement, said "I don't remember sending anyone" - LMAO!

"que malo que aigan quitado el vuelo directo de tijuana culiacan" - A Random Ignorant

"todo depiende de lo que quieres hacer : bailar o drogarte." - Remi Belot on choosing between Cuba or Colombia



BTW, there are 860 published quotes so far...getting closer to the 1000th! To see the Complete Quote Collection, click here!

Bellas Artes vs. Palais Garnier

I've been meaning to write about this for a while but I needed to do something in order for it to be fair; assist to an Opera concert at Bellas Artes that is, and now that I have, I can go ahead and write this post with (if not plenty) enough knowledge.

By reading this post title you can make up that I will talk about El Palacio de Bellas Artes (aka The Palace of the Fine Arts) in Mexico City and Palais Garnier (aka L'Opera de Paris) in Paris, of course. Now, I truly love both buildings as they're both brilliant, architecturally speaking but I just can't help to compare them as they're both world famous Opera Houses and all that.

Palais Garnier

Palacio de Bellas Artes

So, I'll start with Bellas Artes; it is the most important Cultural Center in Mexico City as well as the rest of the country. They started building it in 1904, following orders of Mexico's President back then, Porfirio Díaz, and was finished in 1934. He wanted it to be opulent; one, because he wanted to show it off on time for the Centennial of Mexico's War of Independence in 1910 and, two, because he was a HUGE fan of Europe and Paris in particular; rumor has it, he even thought of himself as European--go figure! So he wanted Bellas Artes to be up to the level of the Opera de Paris. Now, it didn't take the actual 30 years to be built, I mean, it is an awesome building and Mexicans can be slow workers (to be honest!) but come on, the reason for that is that the initial design and construction was undertaken by Italian architect Adamo Boari, but complications arising from the soft subsoil and the political problem, both before and during the Mexican Revolution, made it difficult and then stopped construction completely by 1913. Construction began again in 1932 under Mexican architect Federico Mariscal; so it did take about 11 years total to be finished but I believe it was totally worth it, wasn't it?

Palacio de Bellas Artes at night

The exterior of the building is primarily Neoclassical and Art Nouveau and the interior is primarily Art Deco. The building is best known for its murals by Diego Rivera, Siqueiros and others, as well as the many exhibitions and theatrical performances its hosts, including the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico (de Amalia Hernández), which practically resides there (they have a LOT of shows throughout the year!). Since its initial construction, very little has been updated or modified. However, intensive renovation efforts were begun in 2009 for the 2010 celebrations of the Independence Bicentennial and Centennial of the Mexican Revolution. Much of the equipment and machinery is original from the early 20th century. Much of the technological equipment is being updated, especially in the theatre which needs computerized lights, sound systems and other improvements, in other words...Bellas Artes just went through a much needed and well deserved "pimping out" lol. Marble dust on the walls will improve the acoustics and upgrades to the theatre will allow for multimedia shows which were not available before. The main hall has had no renovation or upgrade work since it opened in 1934. The only setback of these renovations is that they reduced the number of people the hall can accommodate (about 300 seats!) but should make the area more comfortable. Last, but no least, I have to mention one of the most impacting aspects is the stage “curtain” which is a stained glass foldable panel created out of nearly a million pieces of iridescent pieces of colored glass by Tiffany’s in New York--fancy!!

Palacio de Bellas Artes' interior

Now, Palais Garnier; it is a 2,200-seat opera house -it holds more people than Bellas Artes- and it was the primary home of the Paris Opera from 1875 (when it was inaugurated) until 1989. It's a grand landmark designed by Charles Garnier in a Neo-Baroque style, and it is considered one of the architectural masterpieces of its time.

Palais Garnier everning shot

Palais Garnier was designed as part of the great Parisian reconstruction of the Second Empire initiated by Emperor Napopleon III , who chose the Baron Haussmann to supervise the reconstruction. In 1896, the falling of one of the counterweights for the grand chandelier (which weighs over six tons!) resulted in the death of one person. This incident, as well as the underground lake, cellars, along with the other elements of the Opera House even the building itself were the inspiration for the classic 1910 novel, The Phantom of the Opera.

Palais Garnier' interior

The Palais is opulently decorated with elaborate multicolored marble friezes, columns, and lavish statuary. The ceiling area, which surrounds the chandelier, was given a new painting in 1964 by Marc Chagall. This painting was very controversial as many people felt Chagall's work clashed with the style of the rest of the theater; feeling with which I agree. I mean, the whole style is very classic and Neo-Baroque and all that and then Chagall comes with all this touch of 'modernity', which I don't think goes very well with the rest of the building, but still, it's a good work so I guess people has had to get used to it.

Palais Garnier's ceiling and chandelier

So, all in all you can tell they're both great constructions and important landmarks to their respective countries and cultures and, even though going to the Opera de Paris was something I had been wanting to do for a long time and when I recently did it was an incredible experience I'd happily repeat everytime I go to Paris, I think I have to say I do prefer Bellas Artes. Although that may be due to sentimental issues only, not just because I am Mexican and I like what's in my country better (because that's clearly not the case) but because -I believe I failed to mention before- I got the opportunity to sing in Bellas Artes like 15 years ago when I was part of the School Choir and being on that stage was simply an amazing experience not everyone gets to have, so I guess I'm quite lucky to be able to say I have performed in such an important stage in Mexico.

Palacio de Bellas Artes' everning shot

Oh, and about the actual shows, there the story is different. At Palais Garnier I actually saw the Ballet de L'Opera presenting "Paquita Lacotte" and, at Bellas Artes I saw "Fidelio" and I do have to admit I liked the first one much, much better; I don't know if it has to do with the fact that I was in Paris having an awesome time and in "Fidelio" it was in German (boring!) and all the set and costumes were gray (boring!), or what but yeah, I liked "Paquita Lacotte" better. I just wished I had Opera Glasses to make the whole experience more...frenchie? fancy? realistic? fun? haha.

Paquita Lacotte

Opera Glasses

Rock Fest: Vive Latino 2011

Yesterday, I was at the Press Conference for the Vive Latino 2011 Festival, which is considered the most popular Rock Fest in Mexico and an important one in Latin America, although, personally, I think it has been getting worst by the year. I remember when I was younger, about 10 years ago or so, it used to be quite cool and they used to present the best bands around, from Mexico, Latin America and some foreign ones, such as Save Ferris back in 1998 (I think), which was particularly awesome as they're one of my fave bands ever!

Anyways, it's been quite a while since I haven't been to a Vive Latino concert, and not only because I wasn't in town, even if I would have, I don't think I'd buy tickets for it. And here's why: 80% of the bands playing the Festival don't even deserve to be there...or on any stage! Now, I am not saying we don't have good musicians in Mexico or Latin America, we do, they just don't get invited to the Vive Latino, for some odd reason. In my opinion, great musicians such as Ely Guerra, the IMS, Ximena Sariñana, Natalia Lafourcade, Los Dynamite, María Daniela y Su Sonido Lasser and many more were left out.

The Press Conference was kind of a disappointment as not only lame musicians (only one per band) were representing what's gonna be the Festival next year, but no real information was given. When someone asked good/interesting questions to Jorge Puig, General Director of the Festival, he answered very vaguely with something like "I'd rather for you to wait and see", or "I'd rather not to talk about that now"...hmmm, then I guess I was wrong because I thought Press Conferences were to clear everyone's doubts and answer questions and make things clear regarding whatever it is about!

Jorge Puig / Map of the Foro Sol

The Art for the Festival was in charge of Graphic Designer Alex Arizmendi who, turns out, if the brother of a friend of mine. He talked a bit about the art for this year and said it was about going back to the roots, the "Aztecs in particular" and their culture and heritage and stuff like that, which is what inspired him to create the logo and general art for the Festival this year.

To wrap up the conference, the Rebel Cats and Enjambre performed a song each. The Lineup for Vive Latino 2011, which will take place next April 8, 9 and 10, is as follows:

2 minutos
Adanowsky
Agrupación Cariño
Albert Pla
Alika & Nueva Alianza
Alonso Arreola
Alyosha Barreiro
Andrea Balency Trio
Anita Tijoux
Ansia Atto and The Majestics
Azul Violeta
Babasónicos
Bam-Bam
Banda de Turistas
Bengala
Bogo
Bomba Stereo
Caifanes
Carla Borghetti
Carla Morrison
Carlos Ann
Cero Absoluto
Charly García
Chikita Violenta
Disco Ruido
Djamra
Dorian
Dr Krápula
El Gincho
Electric Co
Eljuri
Elis Paprika
Enjambre
FamasLoop
Fidel Nadal
Finde
Fobia
Frontline
Guerrila Sonora
Gula
Hana
Hong Kong Blood Opera
Hummersqueal
Jarabe de Palo
Jessy Bulbo
Joe Volume
La Barranca
La Dosis
La Gusana Ciega
La hora de la hora
La Internacional Sonora Balkanera
La Pulquería
Las Pastillas del Abuelo
Letz Zep
Liber Terán
Liquits
Loquillo
Los Bunkers
Los Coronas
Los Daniels
Los de abajo
Los Dorados
Los Elásticos
Los Enanitos Verdes
Los Estrambóticos
Los licuadoras
Los Pericos
Macaco
Mala Rodríguez
Mara (Charly Montana)
Marlento
Nana Pancha
No te va a gustar
Payro
People's Project
Pito Perez
Proyecto Geko
Puerquerama
Radaid
Rana Santacruz
Raxas
Rebel Cats
Rey Pila
Robi Draco
Ruido Rosa
San Pascualito Rey
Sara Valenzuela
Sepultura
Seven Rays
She's a Tease
Sho trío
Sonidero Meztizo
Tanke
Telefunka
Telesis
The Chemical Brothers
The National
The Pinker Tones
The Plastics Revolution
Tokio Ska Paradise Orchestra
Torreblanca
Turbina
Velandía y la Tigra
Vicente Gayo
Yokozuna

Adanowsky Roko Pachucote Liber Terán

Charly Montana / Jessy Bulbo

The bands in bold are the ones I think are the only thing really worth going to this Festival--kind of sad, isn't it? Knowing we're like a zillion years away from making real Festivals such as Glastonbury, V Festival, T in the Park, Rock en Seine...to mention a couple. Maybe one day, when I grow up, I'll organize a cool one for Mexico and Latin America; in the meantime...I'd rather just go to individual concerts than going to VL2011, to be honest.

Rebel Cats


Rebel Cats


Enjambre

Still, if you'd like to go and/or find out more about it, go to: http://www.vivelatino.com.mx/

Mexican Cuisine: World Heritage

Today, I am writing this post feeling very proud for what I'm about to tell you; recently, Mexican Cuisine was considered World Heritage by UNESCO. to be more exact, it is now on the United Nations list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, alongside the art of eating in France--oh la la!

Mexican food is much more than typical dishes from our Country, it is the reflection of a culture based in different things such as religious rituals, art, instincts and other stuff. The corn is the ultimate representative item, it is more than seven thousand years old and, according to the Mayan Culture, it's a creation of the Gods and from which humanity was created. The origin and cultivation of this rich and nurturing element has been the base of nutrition of every culture in Mexico, for which it is a symbol of beliefs as well as cultural identity.

A lot of the main or most popular Mexican dishes are "corn based", such as the delicious Enchiladas, Chilaquiles and, of course, the ever-popular: Taco! If corn and chilies existed in countries outside Mexico, it'd be easier for them to mimic our food--and perhaps we wouldn't suffer as much when we go abroad hehe

Green Enchiladas--always better than the Red ones!

Chilaquiles--Yummers!

The UNESCO recognized everything from the growing of corn, beans and chilies to Mexican dishes prepared with grinding stones and mortars as an ancient process worth safeguarding in the face of encroaching global influences. Mole (love it!) and Chiles en Nogada (don't love them!) are two of the main dishes they took into consideration to include Mexican Food on the list.

Mole with Rice

Chiles en Nogada

The designation doesn’t come with any money or other type of protection--just bragging rights, especially considering that Mexican food was honored at the same time that France’s iconic, multi-course gastronomic meal was cited for “bringing people together for an occasion to enjoy the art of good eating and drinking”. At last, something to brag about (these days anyway)!!! lol

So, now I sort of hate myself coz I am practically drooling all over my keyboard just to think about all this delicious food and well, all these pictures are not helping much really...I think I'm cooking tomorrow!

Pozole

Sopa Azteca

December Quotes

Hey everyone! Just dropped by to leave you a few new Quotes for the month for a little entertainment and maybe insightful knowledge at times hehe. Will be back soon with some more! In the meantime, please enjoy December and this wonderful weather we have in Mexico City, as finally the sun has stepped back a bit to let the cold freeze us so we're able to use those fabulous winter outfits we all have in the closet and barely get the chance to wear.

"When I think of the ideal CS experience, I picture something that starts with a travel talk with a stranger, and ends up becoming a strong friendship." - A Random CS--I strongly agree with him

"Ve con tu manzanita…tu Mac te extraña" - Gichef when I used more my BB lol

"Paris a great city unless you are dead inside!!!!" - Jason Gravestock

"Mejor jóvenes empresarios que jóvenes sicarios" - Fidel Herrera

"La sencillez se lleva en el corazón, en la ropa son fachas" - Doña Luisa Freyre

"S- Hablas español?
A- Es lo único que hablo" - Ana Patrón + a Stranger on the street lol

"I'm going to have to start following my brain, my heart is clearly an idiot." - Pao Vigueras

"WOUUAAAAAAH !! la palabras le flatan para decirtelo : tu foto nos impresiona mucho." - Charline Picard

"Adenacin (sp?) is the one who lives by the border because they renounce to the comfort of family life in order to see enlightenment" - Eat, Pray, Love

"...I couldn't help but wonder, has the world gotten smaller or I just keep going through the same paths over and over again?..." - Me

"I'm happy u went and lived the dream, even if it was to realize that it's not what u want" - Victor Chao