Reliving The Past

Well it's strange that I am reliving the past. I have been looking at clips from youtube.com. I have been looking at clips from Mister Roger's Neighborhood, Reading Rainbow and Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego and also Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. It's great that I am watching clips from Mister Roger's Neighborhood and Reading Rainbow. I have also been listening to songs from John Lennon and more of The Beatles. It is all worth it.

by Justin Stenzler

Cultural Revival

One of the brightest jewels in New York City's cultural crown, the Metropolitan Museum of Art holds one of the greatest collections of precious items in the world, spanning thousands of years and encompassing a wide variety of cultures. It may be among the biggest tourist attractions in New York, but is just as enchanting to local citizens.

Although many museums contain rotating exhibitions, it is not as common for areas of the permanent collection to be dramatically changed without significant reason (or proper funding). The Met, however, is in the process of revamping one of the most beautiful curatorial departments in its collection. One November 1st, the gallery of Islamic art (at the moment displaying a rather small number of artifacts) is to be moved to a much larger exhibition room and organized along various cultural and geographic patterns. It is sure to be a glorious event, and I will be there on opening day to see it all!

Anyone interested in the developing Islamic gallery should view the MMA website at: http://www.metmuseum.org/works_of_art/islamic_art

Ancient Romance, Modern Marvel

*Spoiler Alert*

Although it enjoyed a fairly brief stint on Broadway (under 2000 performances), Aida left a permanent mark after I saw it for my 16th birthday. Adapted from the classic 19th century opera by Giuseppe Verdi, legendary musicians Elton John and Tim Rice crafted not only a brilliant score, but also stayed rather faithful to the original Verdi storyline.

The story centers around 3 main characters: Amneris, daughter of the Pharaoh of Egypt and narrator of the tale; Radames, leader of the Egyptian army and Amneris' betrothed; and the titular character Aida, daughter of the King of Nubia (Egypt's enemy) captured by Radames in battle.

As the story progresses, Aida and Radames fall in love, and, one by one, as the supporting characters discover their romance, it threatens to rip the court apart.

The idea of a love triangle and the star-crossed lovers may seem cliche, but the characters display real feelings and many-layered personalities that give the story a whole new meaning. That, combined with breathtaking music and song produce a spectacle to rival any other production in the history of Broadway.

Sources: The Broadway Musical Home- Aida & Wikipedia