Abrams Village chanteuse awarded Prix Hommage
Guardian Staff
Acclaimed Acadian chanteuse Angele Arsenault was honoured Saturday night at the Éloizes Awards in Charlottetown with the Prix Hommage for a lifetime of achievement in the arts.
Angele Arsenault
The Abrams Village native, known affectionately in the Acadian community as the 'Star of the Island' because of her vast body of work, was one of more than a dozen artists, arts organizations and events honoured at a gala awards ceremony in Charlottetown.
More than 800 people attended the ceremony which saw artists honoured in six artistic disciplines: literature, visual arts, cinema-videos, dance, music and theatre.
Arsenault was the first Acadian woman to promote Acadie outside of the region.
Her recordings still enjoy immense popularity throughout the country.
She enjoyed her first taste of success on the national stage with the release of her Libre album in 1975. That record was certified triple platinum.
A prolific artist with more than 20 albums to her credit, Arsenault has the recipient of numerous awards.
Her career highlights include being inducted into the Order of Canada in 2003.
"Her fans admire her for her simplicity, dynamism and contagious joie de vivre," a statement from the organizers said.
"Through laughter and tears, Angèle Arsenault carries the torch . . . for hope . . . for all Acadie."
The Éloizes, which take their name from an Acadian word for lightning, are juried awards in which the recipients are chosen by a jury of their peers.
Following are the winners of Saturday night's other categories:
The night's only double award winner was Sofi Langis, named artist of the year in cinema-video-television and new artist of the year.
Manon Melanson was named artist of the year in dance.
The award for artist of the year in theatre was presented to Claire Normand.
Serge Patrice Thibodeau was named artist of the year in literature.
Joseph Edgar, lead singer of the group Zéro° Celsius, was named artist of the year in music.
The award for artist of the year in visual arts was presented to Raymonde Fortin.
Danny Boudreau was presented with an award for having the largest impact outside of Acadie.
The award for show of the year was presented to Carte blanche aux artistes d'Ode.
Le Courrier de la Nouvelle-Écosse received the award for best media coverage.
The award for event of the year was presented to the Frye Festival.
An award for support for the arts was presented to La Coopérative de Caraquet.
The award for support for artistic production went to the Association régionale de la communauté francophone de Saint-Jean.
The 2008 Éloizes Event was presented by the Association acadienne des artistes professionnel.le.s du Nouveau-Brunswick, in collaboration with the Fédération culturelle de l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard, the Carrefour de l'Isle-Saint-Jean and the City of Charlottetown.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Angele Arsenault saluted at Les Eloizes
Friday, May 2, 2008
UFile maybe for you but not for me
I've been preparing personal tax returns on a computer of some sort since 1981. During that time, the quality of the tax software has gone from marginal to excellent.
Up until this year I was using Quick Tax by Intuit. I also use their corporate T2 software. I like the company, the products and support. However, $39 for one return seems steep.
So I tried out UFile a $19 competitor. While UFile did my return this year, I'm not likely to use it again.
What did you use this year?
The software is clearly not was well written as Quick Tax. Moving through the screens it feels clumsy. Forget something? It will not allow you to move randomly throughout your return.
I missed the preview Quick Tax has on the left which shows how your taxes are going up or down which is good for tinkering or planning. The return calculation is done in batch mode, not real time which is a relic from the past.
The data entry screens gave me this vague feeling like "what is going on?" The medical receipts entry screen does not check for valid dates.
Support is non-existent. I was never able to connect with their site to register, update the software, or send them an email. Their servers were always busy or down. I don't know if the software is current or not. Since it wasn't current, I couldn't efile for the first time in years.
I have friends who swear by this software so it must have a market at the $20 price point. It makes me nervous.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
If Best Wishes Were Fishes
by Stephen Pate
If best wishes were fishes
Then who'd do the dishes
Or who'd be ambitious
To cook meals delicious
I'm somewhat suspicious
T'would not be propitious
Then let's dismissus
And live by our wishes
To savour frittatas, gnishes
And other succulent dishes
Copyright 2007
Friday, April 11, 2008
Never-before-seen photos show Elvis at NY's Madison Square Garden
Elvis Presley, Madison Square Gardens 1972, George Kalinsky
4/9/2008, 7:18 p.m. EDT
By COLLEEN LONG
The Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — Never-before-seen photos have surfaced of Elvis Presley rocking Madison Square Garden in all his jumpsuited glory.
The images were taken in 1972 by legendary photographer George Kalinsky, the official shooter of the famed arena, the singer's estate said Wednesday.
Kalinsky came across the photos while working on a campaign for a billboard company called "Great Moments in New York." One of the only photos he printed from the 1972 show is currently on display as part of the campaign on a three-story billboard atop the Virgin Megastore in Times Square. The iconic image shows The King glancing up, his outstretched arms holding the cape of his glittering jumpsuit.
Elvis Presley, George Kalinsky
Kalinsky needed to get permission from Elvis Presley Enterprises, the business arm of the performer's estate, to reproduce Presley's image for the campaign. The estate asked if he had any more photos, and he came back with about 40 unpublished images from Elvis' second night performance at the Garden in 1972, said Kevin Kern, spokesman for Elvis Presley Enterprises.
Kern said the estate has thousands of photos of Elvis and a team of archivists well acquainted with publicized images of Presley who could not find any duplicates of Kalinsky's photos.
"What came from their mouths was 'Wow!'" Kern said. "These are very crisp, clear, professional photos of Elvis. It's such a rare find."
The collection will be displayed at Graceland, Elvis' mansion in Memphis, Tenn., starting Memorial Day weekend as part of "Elvis Jumpsuits: All Access," a fashion exhibit that will also feature more than 50 of Elvis' famous stage wear jumpsuits.
Kalinsky said he didn't realize at the time that he had so many good shots.
"When I photographed the show, I thought I only had a few good ones," he said. "I just never really looked at the files until recently."
Elvis Presley, George Kalinsky
He said he remembers going backstage to meet Presley.
"He was electrifying in his white jumpsuit, with his cape on," Kalinsky said. "He was quite humble, but he had an aura. There are very few people who have triple-X charisma, and Elvis was one."
Kalinsky has been the official Garden photographer for more than 40 years. He's also the official photographer of Radio City Music Hall and a special photographer for the New York Mets.
Kalinsky has photographed scores of celebrities and famous athletes, including Muhammad Ali, Frank Sinatra, Luciano Pavarotti and Pope John Paul II, and his images have appeared in Life, Sports Illustrated, Esquire, Time and Newsweek. Kalinsky's images of Jimi Hendrix and Frank Sinatra are also part of the Times Square billboard campaign. 
Elvis Presley, George Kalinsky
He said he's also working with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on a photo exhibit.
Presley was born in Tupelo, Miss., on Jan. 8, 1935. He died at Graceland on Aug. 16, 1977. He is buried in a small garden beside the famous white-columned house.
© 2008 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Apple's Safari malware storm continues
Last week I wrote about Apple trying to install Safari, the internet browser, on my XP computer when it updated iTunes.
The malware attack from Apple continues this week with two attempts to install their software not accompanied by iTunes. I beginning to lose my trust for Apple.
I said no the first time and I mean no. What gives Apple the right to invade my computer like a Trojan or malware and attempt over and over to install something I don't want.
The problem is getting notice in MacNewsWorld Mozilla Chief: Safari Push Borders on Malware Tactics where "Mozilla CEO John Lilly has called out Apple for its practice of making the installation of Safari 3.1 an opt-out feature of its latest Software Update. Software Update is used by many iTunes users running PCs, not all of whom may want Safari installed. Was it a simple mistake, or is Apple trying to leverage its dominance in music to strengthen its other platforms?"
On CNET some users complain and some defend Apple Buzz Out Loud Lounge: What's the big deal about Safari push?
I think it is a shady, low practice. I can see once with an update to let you know its available. But to keep coming back is an invasion of my computer. Might take the polish off Apple.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Bob Dylan's a genius but that's not news
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan got a Pulitzer citation for
his profound impact on popular music and American culture, marked by lyrical compositions of extraordinary poetic power.
That's nice. The stories are pouring in from every newspaper and they are fun to read.
But I've known he was special since 1963 when I first heard him.
Bob Dylan is one of the most influential artists of the last century. He defined musical genres before anyone knew what they were. He moved us in new directions, created more than 800 songs that always intrigued and challenged us.
He is entertaining which is important since great art must have a great audience.
I am constantly reminded of his appeal when I meet young people, 17 to 30 year olds, who discovered Dylan and hold him dear.
Enjoy.
Bob Dylan wins rock's first Pulitzer
He's given a special citation, and composer David Lang's 'The Little Match Girl Passion' wins the music award. Two UCLA professors are among book winners.
"Theme Time Radio Hour With Your Host Bob Dylan," a two-disc set available as an import in the U.S., contains 50 of the most colorful records played on the show. (AP)
Tribune news services
April 8, 2008
How does it feel to share the limelight with rock legend Bob Dylan?
This year's Pulitzer Prizes in honored two musical innovators who tend to reject categorization: A special citation went to singer-songwriter Dylan, and the annual music award went to composer and Los Angeles native David Lang.
In an interview Monday, Lang enthusiastically mixed metaphors: "You know, I am not fit to touch the hem of his shoes. Bob Dylan is the only artist who's in heavy rotation in my household."
He added, "I told my children I won the Pulitzer, and they were like, 'OK, big deal.' But when I said, 'OK, they gave a special award to Bob Dylan, just like me,' they said, 'Oh, this is really something.' "
The 66-year-old Dylan, who said he was "in disbelief," was cited for "his profound impact on popular music and American culture, marked by lyrical compositions of extraordinary poetic power." His award marks the first Pulitzer given to a rock musician.
Lang, 51, co-founder and co-artistic director of the New York music collective Bang on a Can, won his prize for “The Little Match Girl Passion,” which premiered in October at Carnegie Hall in New York.
The piece, Lang said, was born of his personal struggle with the fact that much of classical music is rooted in Christian tradition. "It's a very strange thing for a Jewish composer like me to deal with. The Bach St. Matthew Passion is one of the greatest pieces of all time and one that is not particularly good for the Jews."
Lang said he decided to use the text from the crowd scenes in the Bach piece and, wherever there was a reference to the Crucifixion, substituted a reference to the death of the little match seller from the Hans Christian Andersen tale, who freezes to death on a city street on New Year's Eve.
Lang, who spent his L.A. youth selling records at Tower Records and Wherehouse Records, said he tries to avoid labeling his work, including with the wide-open category "new music."
"My whole life was about records," he said, "and when you go into the record store, you see the world divided -- here's rock 'n' roll, here's jazz, here's opera. I am someone who wakes up in the morning and goes out of his way to make sure that my work does not belong in one of those boxes."
This year's arts awards also included playwright Tracy Letts, a longtime member of Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company, for his critically hailed Broadway tragicomedy about a dysfunctional Oklahoma family, "August: Osage County." New York Times critic Charles Isherwood called it "probably the most exciting new American play Broadway has seen in years," adding: "Oh, forget probably. It is."
In literature, Junot Diaz won the prize for fiction for "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao." The novel, Diaz's first book since his hit short-story collection "Drown" in 1996, concerns the "ghetto nerd" of its title, an awkward teenager who aims to become "the Dominican Tolkien." Profane, street-smart, erudite and at times graphically violent, the novel juxtaposes a personal coming-of-age story in contemporary New Jersey with flashbacks to Dominican history.
Holocaust survivor and UCLA faculty member Saul Friedlander won the general nonfiction award for "The Years of Extermination: Nazi Germany and the Jews, 1939-1945." UCLA professor emeritus Daniel Walker Howe won for history for "What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848." John Matteson won for biography for "Eden's Outcasts: The Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Father."
For the first time in Pulitzer history, two prizes were awarded in poetry, to Robert Hass for "Time and Materials" and Philip Schultz for "Failure." Hass, an English professor at UC Berkeley, is noted for drawing on everyday imagery, often from the California countryside. Schultz, the author of five collections of poetry, including the National Book Award nominee "Like Wings," founded the Writers Studio in 1987.
diane.haithman@latimes.com
Times staff writer Scott Timberg contributed to this report
Monday, April 7, 2008
Nat Hentoff - music and social activism
Google sent me an article on the Terri Schiavo right-to-live case written by Nat Hentoff. I was stopped in my tracks. This was Nat Hentoff of Down Beat Magazine fame. Apparently Hentoff has two sides to his writing career: jazz music and civil rights.
When I was a young lad in the 1960's, Hentoff was an idol/model. He wrote jazz articles for Down Beat and Hi-Fi Stereo Review. Both contained record reviews and Hentoff was a prime contributor.
Hentoff was the writer on jazz. He wrote Bob Dylan's liner notes for Freewheelin Bob Dylan and interviewed Dylan several times. Hentoff was an icon.
I wrote "Steve's Record Review" for the Halifax Mail Star and learned a lot by reading Hentoff's articles. I covered rock, folk, jazz and pop. I actually wrote him a fan letter.
So here we are at the other end of life and I discover we are both social activists with a passion for music and music writing. Awesome.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Would Apple stop downloading Safari on my computer
Apple is trying to get a piece of the XP broswer market by forcing Safari down our throats.
Everytime iTunes or QuickTime are automatically updated they try to sneak Safari on your computer. Once it gets there is tries to make itself the default browser.
Say no once and it tries again and again.
Isn't that like a virus or a trojan horse?
Doesn't Apple have any manners?
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Bob Dylan Modern Times pre-sales start
By Stephen Pate
Tickets for the Bob Dylan Modern Times Tour at Moncton, Halifax and St. John's went on pre-sale today.
Reviews of his Southwest, Mexican and South American performances have been glowing.
This is Dylan's only Northeastern tour until mid-summer. After St. John's, Dylan heads to Europe.
St. John NB doesn't have pre-sales yet.
The open sale starts Saturday (check the venues for times)
Sales are brisk. I could only get mid-way along the lower bowl at supper time.
