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Monday, February 18, 2008 Online Edition 7 |
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HTW Photo Contest: Honduras This Week
MOVIE REVIEW: Todd Ellertson
Back in 1999, when George Clooney chose to leave “ER,” when it was still a ratings, critical and Emmy Award powerhouse, many questioned his bold career choice. While “ER” is still on the air, in this, its 100th year on TV, its golden days are long gone, when Clooney, along with Julianna Margulies and Anthony Edwards graced its large ensemble cast. George thought he’d try his hand at the big screen and while it may be argued whether he is among the best of his peers, he has managed to nab several Oscar nominations and won one of the coveted gold statuettes a couple of years ago (for “Syriana”). And this year, he is nominated again for the title role in “Michael Clayton,” now playing at local theaters in Tegucigalpa. His risky career move paid off, big time. Clooney is a little less than his suave, Cary Grant-esque best in this film; he appears a little tired, a little puffy and a little haggard. It serves the role well as his character is a harried, just-this-side-of-mediocre attorney who stumbles into a scandal that, along with other personal complications, consumes his life. Clooney’s Michael Clayton does a slow burn as the plot unfolds and finds himself inextricably embroiled in a class-action lawsuit with monumental implications. The fact that he never registers true panic in situations where most would lose their minds is a testament to Clooney’s skill with the understatement. His performance should leave no doubt that he is now one of contemporary cinema’s better leading men. Tilda Swinton and Tom Wilkinson, both Brits, breathe such believability and life into their supporting roles (with flawless American accents, I might add), I actually forgot that I was watching actors acting. Wilkinson’s character, a powerful, go-to attorney working in Michael Clayton’s firm, though crippled by manic depression, has an epiphany during one of his manic phases. The realization is a major plot device and Wilkinson’s performance is riveting. Swinton is the polished, driven and ultimately corrupt corporate lawyer who, during the course of the movie, goes from confident and methodical to puzzled and mortified, never missing a beat. Her face is a blank canvas: a tick of an eye or a tightening of a lip conveys what 1,000 words can’t, similar to Helen Mirren’s performance in “The Queen” last year. Sydney Pollack, one of the executive producers of the film, appears as one of the senior partners of the law firm. Pollack, a very talented director in his own right (“Out of Africa”), gives a seemingly effortless performance. Does anyone remember him in “Tootsie,” as Dustin Hoffman’s agent? “Michael, I begged you to get therapy,” may go down as one of the movie’s best and funniest lines. He also played Will Truman’s father on “Will and Grace” a few years ago. As you may have guessed, I am a fan of both Pollack’s directing and acting. Swinton and Wilkinson, along with Clooney, are all Oscar-nominated for their efforts as is the film for best picture. The Academy seems to be almost smitten with Clooney – he appears able to do no wrong lately. And Swinton and Wilkinson seem to be nominated frequently, too. “Michael Clayton” is an impressive ensemble effort - their performances are deserve recognition. While I don’t happen to think the film is ‘big enough’ to merit a best picture nomination, it is no less compelling and well-done. Some have argued that is no more than a legal thriller retread. What’s wrong with that – as long as it’s done right? It’s along the lines of “Erin Brockovich” and “Absence of Malice;” a movie could do much worse than being compared to those two predecessors. While I’ll usually choose the big screen (and the popcorn, cold sodas, stadium seating, and refrigerator-like air-conditioning), regardless of the genre, you could wait until this comes to DVD. This is not an epic film with breathtaking cinematography, but see “Michael Clayton” anyway, it’s a well-crafted and superbly-acted update on the classic, legal thrillers that came before it. Yes, it’s a retread, but a crackling good retread at that.
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HEALTH Matters: Sports Physical Therapist Honduras This Week When we go and watch our children play soccer, basketball or volleyball, there usually aren’t any (sports) physical therapists or medical professionals on hand to help out if an injury occurs. So, when an injury does occur, there we are, feeling helpless as to how to apply proper first aid. Many people think they know first aid and offer a variety of suggestions, some good and some bad. One person advises to take the child to the emergency room, another says to apply heat, while yet another says to apply cold. It can get pretty confusing. Grown-ups playing recreational sports often don’t know what to do when they twist their ankle, stumble in to another athlete or make a wrong move with their knee or back. So, here is what you should do immediately following an injury: don’t hesitate and remember, first aid should be always consistent. Treating within the first 15 minutes after an injury is very important to prevent chronic injuries. Don’t wait until you’re home - you’ll make it worse and prolong the healing process. Immediately after the injury occurs, we recommend R I C E therapy: R: REST – don’t continue the exercise or activity and don’t stretch. I: ICE – Immediately apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes. Never put ice directly on the skin, however. Place the ice in a towel and apply the towel. Repeat this after two hours if swelling is still clearly visible. C: COMPRESSION – With an elastic wrap bandage, apply pressure, but not too tight. If toes, fingers, etc., tingle or become numb, the pressure is too tight. E: ELEVATION – Rest the leg on a chair or an arm on some cushions or in a sling until the swelling goes down. The injury should be above the level of the heart. Most minor joint and muscle injuries respond quickly to this treatment. If not, or for a severe injury, go to a medical professional. Most of the time, an orthopedic specialist is best for proper assessment. He or she will then, without a doubt, send you to a (sports) physical therapist to get the proper follow-up treatment, if there are no signs of a fracture. In the event of a fracture, you’ll need a cast to isolate and immobilize the fracture and subsequent physical therapy after the removal of the cast. But if there wasn’t any fracture and the medical professional wants to keep the injury immobilized, he should recommend a removable device so you can start some sort of physical therapy no later then the 2nd or 3rd day following the injury. The physical therapist should apply, if necessary, some of their customary equipment in the first 1 – 2 weeks to help reduce pain and swelling so an exercise program can be started to get back your mobility, muscle strength, muscle coordination and stability. The best, of course, would be to prevent the injury altogether. We all know that preventive medicine is cheaper than curative medicine, so educate yourself on what you can do to avoid injuries in the first place. And these rules don’t apply only to young and professional athletes; it applies to anyone who wants to participate in some kind of sport, no matter what level or age. Here are some guidelines: Any questions or recommendations, feel free to contact me: ivleest@yahoo.com
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ARTS WOMEN IN THE ARTS - Mujeres en las Artes. One of the strongest artistic movements in Tegucigalpa. Mujeres en la Artes Leticia de Oyuela constantly sponsors workshops, exhibitions, conferences, art shows and community events in the city. For the complete schedule, log on to www.muaartes.org.hn or contact Veronica Romero at 222 3015. ORIGINAL “HONDURAS VERDE” PAINTINGS. PAINTING WORKSHOP. For adults and children.Instructor: Mauricio Garay. Fridays from 3:00 p.m. thru 5:00 p.m. Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. thru 12. Tel. 235-4463 FRENCH ALLIANCE CINEMA CLUB. Contact www.afhonduras.com or phone: 239-6165 “WE WANT TO BE LISTENED”, A RADIO PROGRAM. EL PARNASO. Visit www.elparnasohn.triplod.com , you will find all kind of artistic expressions. “PROVOCATION”: AN ART EXPOSITION. Artists: Claudia Lardizábal and Cora Lardizábal de Bendeck will be exposing their art. National Gallery of Art in Tegucigalpa, since January 24th. Fulbright Association of Honduras, Pro Art and Culture Foundation and the National gallery of Art are inviting. TERCO CULTURAL PRODUCTIONS. Contact them; they always have info on cultural activities. E-mail: tercoproducciones@ gmail.com. Visit www.karlalara.com. PROYECTO GRITON ACTIVITIES. Visit www.proyectogriton.com and focus on KUPIAKUMI, you’ll find the daily logbook of the activities of this cultural group. CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AT CAFÉ PARADISO. Café Paradiso (downtown) is always performing cultural activities. Contact paradiso@cablecolor.hn EXPERIMENTAL THEATRE OF HONDURAS. Visit the website www.telah.org. They are presenting plays, essays about theatre culture. Tel: 220-0690, 238-3726 NATIONAL LIBRARY INSTALLATIONS FOR EVENTS- These installations are appropriate for book presentations, expositions, conferences and any other cultural events. SPANISH CULTURAL CENTER (CCT) ACTIVITIES. January 12, 19, 27, and all Saturdays of February: “Modern Dancing ” by Isadora Paz. From 8-10 a.m. For inscriptions: ccet@aecihonduras.hn from January 1-10th. CHIMICAMPAMENTO.
MUSIC & DANCE INFORMATION ABOUT PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA ACTIVITIES. Contact 235-4019 CLASSIC MUSIC WITH GREAT MASTERS AT PANAMERICAN RADIO: 95.9 FM. 7:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays. Beethoven, Mozart, Ravel, Tchaikovsky. VOICES AND SONGS OF HONDURAS. “National identity audio”. Saturdays, 9:00 a.m - 10:00 1.m. at H.R.N. (92.9 F.M.) GUILLERMO ANDERSON’S AGENDA. To know the famous Honduran singer's schedule, visit: www.guillermoanderson.com LAST PRODUCTION FROM KARLA LARA. “Donde Andar”, L. 250.00. Make your request: (504) 238-5797. LIVE MUSIC, 60/70’s- Restaurants Pa-pa Chacalín at Blvd. Morazán. For more information contact bigbbang_arte@yahoo.com. ENJOY AT HONDURAS MAYA HOTEL. Thursdays and Fridays enjoy the “Catrachas and Mexican” nights. On Saturdays and Sundays you can enjoy your beer around the pool. EXCELLENT LIVE MUSIC- Fridays and Saturdays at Restaurant El Corral, Col. Alameda. Meats are their specialty. EXCELLENT MUSIC FROM 60´S AND 70´S. At “Memories” in Plaza Millennium. From Wednesdays thru Saturdays from 7:00 p.m MARRIOTT HOTEL ACTIVITIES. Every Thursday you can enjoy live music with the artist Hector Casas, from 8:00 p.m. thru 11:00 p.m. Happy hour from 5:00 p.m. thru 8:00 p.m. 2X1 Miller bear, frozen
Margaritas and tequila Jimador. HONDURAN TALENT MISCELLANEOUS VIRTUAL GALLERY FOR FREE. An online tool for the exposition, promotion and marketing of art works. www.elmerchant.com. “LA JOYA” AND “TAMARA”, TWO VILLAGES WITH THEIR OWN “CULTURAL HOUSE”. Arte Acción informs that these “cultural houses” will be open to the public since November. This cultural association will provide workshops in painting, puppets, circus, theatre, stilts. These cultural houses can present expositions, video presentations and both of them have library room. For more information: Tel: 239-6356 or e-mail arteaccioncomunicacion@gmail-com DAY HIKES INTO THE PICO BONITO NATIONAL PARK AND THE LODGE AT PICO BONITO. Includes a guided hike on the Lodge´s natural trail into the Pico Bonito National Park with a stop at the Mermaid Falls swimming hole (Hike can be made at 8:00 am or 1:00 pm). Before or after your hike enjoy a delicious meal at the Lodge´s restaurant and explore the Butterfly Farm and Serpentarium also located on the Lodge´s property (before or after the hike). Price includes guide service, lunch, and park entrance fee paid to the Pico Bonito National Park Foundation (Drinks not included) Please call ahead to be sure we have guides available. E-mail: picobonito@caribe.hn, Tel. 504-440-0388/0389/0468 GUAYMURAS EDITORIAL AT SANTA MONICAL MALL. Near Col. Kennedy. This editorial has Honduran, Latin American and classical literature, and textbooks. Phone: 228-2192 GUAYMURAS: PUBLISHING AND SELLING HONDURAN BOOKS. “Naif in Honduras” by Leticia de Oyuela, this book reflects the Naif painting in Honduras. “Aventuras de la Rana Mariana y su amiga Capuchona” by Teresa G. de Coello, a treasure of infantile literature. Contact: libreguay@cablecolor.hn “COPAN, KINGDOM OF THE SUN”. This book written by the Honduran Archaeologist Ricardo Agurcia can be purchased by contacting: congreso_
copan@yahoo.com |
MUSEUMS & GARDENS TEGUCIGALPA
MUSEO DE HISTORIA REPUBLICANA COMAYAGUA, COMAYAGUA COMAYAGUA
MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY LA PAZ, LA PAZ LA
PAZ HOUSE OF CULTURE SAN PEDRO SULA, CORTES SPS
MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY AND HISTORY YUSCARAN, EL PARAISO YUSCARAN
HOUSE OF CULTURE OLANCHO PECH
CULTURAL CENTER COPAN COPAN
ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM TELA, ATLANTIDA LANCETILLA
BOTANICAL GARDENS LA CEIBA, ATLANTIDA TROPICAL
BUTTERFLY FARM TRUJILLO TRUJILLO
RUFINO GALAN MUSEUM ROATAN, THE BAY ISLANDS CARAMBOLA
BOTANICAL GARDENS BAY
ISLANDS MUSEUM |
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