Arts

Third time charm for Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep solidifies her standing as one of the best actresses ever, and in the process helps redefine what movie goers want. She won her third Academy Award Sunday night to the shock (how!) of many. In the history of motion pictures there have been all types of stars. Some stars so beautiful that they stopped traffic. There are others who immersed themselves so deeply into their characters that it took years off their lives in the process. There have been some who could sing and others who...

Some Things to Ponder, part 1

The Information Age is here. There is little doubt about that. A major question remains: "How long will it continue and what are the costs?" Here is a look at the future of smart devices. Keep in mind that it is only one side-without any consideration of the raw materials needed, environmental/cultural impact, health issues, etc. Tim Cook, the new CEO of Apple Computers, recently said in an interview that in two years, Apple sold 55 million iPads. To put that into context it took Apple three...

Georgia O'Keeffe: An American Woman and Artist

As one flies over New York or Chicago they are often struck by the sheer size and height of the buildings that stretch towards the sky. They are multi-layered symbols of America which include wealth, power, innovation and architecture. Tourists crane their necks to get a better look, and in the process give themselves away. Visitors are left with a long-lasting impression, and often a second or third experience does little to temper their enthusiasm and awe. And yet, after all of this concrete...

Rodrigo y Gabriela

Rodrigo y Gabriela, Munich Backstage Werk, 25th November 2011.
Rodrigo Sanches y Gabriela Quintero arrived on stage right on time at Backstage Werk, to warm up the cold evening atmosphere on the 25th November. The German crowd responded enthusiasticly and so set the stage for the evening. The two fast fingered Mexicans, with a music style hard to describe or even put a label on, presented songs from their latest album '11:11', which they have been promoting during their tour, which has...

The Crookes : Interview

Sheffield band The Crookes hit Munich on Friday for the second time this year (they played to a sell-out crowd at the Atomic Cafe back in May). Noel Gallagher has praised their intelligent lyricism, Steve Lamacq helped catapult them to fame as one of their biggest fans and John McClure from Reverend and the Makers has referred to their songs as "musical genius". Rachel Preece caught up with the four-piece to reflect on a hugely successful 2011 as they look to a promising 2012.

How's the tour...

Preview - The Little Match Girl Ballet

Most would agree that the holidays are a joyous occasion, however for some it can be a time of isolation, deep sadness or tragedy.  Such was the 1845 Danish tale by Hans Christian Andersen about The Little Match Girl, now set to music and brought to life as classic ballet by choreographer Heinz Manniegel for the Private Ballet Academy, Benedict-Manniegel.

The little match girl begins her methodical steps to the music of Franz Shubert, alternated by soloists Viola Klostermann and Eriko Kogure,...

Christmas Carols, Polar Bears and Prostitutes

Recently I was having a walk with my family around Marienplatz, the main shopping area in Munich. Accompanied by three little girls (aged 1, 4 and 6), we couldn't possibly miss the annual Christmas window display at Galeria, Munich's premier department store. Every year the store's seasonal display features a different selection of cute animated puppets showing animals engaged in various activities and professions. As you can imagine, both children and adults alike love it and it is a pleasure...

New James Bond film - details announced today

The title of the 23rd James Bond movie is set to be released later today. Rumoured to be entitled Skyfall (Sony registered around a dozen URL domain names referring to Skyfall and James Bond last month), the latest installment will feature Daniel Craig for the third time. Spanish actor Javier Bardem has confirmed that he will play a villain in the new movie due to be released in autumn 2012.

The film will be directed by Sam Mendes of American Beauty fame, and it has been suggested that much of...

Lou Reed & Metallica album 'Lulu' worst album of all time?

Many of you will have seen the posters around Munich advertizing the new Lou Reed and Metallica album, Lulu. The bewilderment generated by the bizarre pairing seems to be commonplace. What happens when you cross metal legends with one of the best lyricists of our time? The result is, quite simply, horrific.

Based on the work of 20th-century German expressionist playwright Frank Wedekind and including some challenging lyrics from Lou Reed, the idea is esoteric, but without any sense of union....

James Bond 23 to be called Skyfall

Ralph Fiennes and Albert Finney are just two of the stars who will join Daniel Craig in the 23rd James Bond movie, Skyfall, it has been revealed.

French actress Berenice Marlohe will add glamour to the film, which will be distributed by Sony Pictures (following MGM's bankruptcy in November last year) and eagle-eyed fans were quick to point out that Sony registered several domains entitled Skyfall last month. Producer Michael Wilson said that the name for the movie was "the worst kept secret in...

Bavarians are happier than elsewhere in Germany

Southern Bavaria received third place Tuesday in the 'German happiness rating'. The least happy are the people in Thüringen.  Franconia which is in northern Bavaria made fourth place.

The research is based on a survey from the Institute of Demoskopie Allensbach. The researchers considered various factors such as income, job, family, health and culture into consideration.

Bavaria has the strongest economy, which evidently influences satisfaction in life. The gross income is around 61,000...

Golden Globe Awards

Science-fiction blockbuster "Avatar" took top honours at the 67th Golden Globes on Sunday, winning best picture and director to cement its status as an Oscars front-runner. Hollywood icon Meryl Streep scooped a record seventh Golden Globe win for her portrayal of television chef Julia Child in "Julie & Julia." The acting awards saw popular honors going to veterans Jeff Bridges and Sandra Bullock.  Bullock took best drama actress prize for her portrayal of an inspirational mentor in "The...