Author Archives: Ana Pines
Into the Beautiful North at Central Works
Central Works’ closes its 2016 season with new play, “Into the Beautiful North”, written by nationally known playwright Karen Zacarías and based on the novel by Pulitzer Prize finalist Luis Alberto Urrea. The script is inspired by the classic Hollywood western “The Magnificent Seven,” which was adapted from Kurosawa’s, “The Seven Samurai.” With the multitude of theatre choices in the Bay Area it’s hard to find one that illustrates the life of Latinos. This one fills that void, at least for a short term.
Canyon dig it! – Los Penasquitos Canyon Reserve
It might not be Yosemite, but Los Penasquitos Canyon Reserve in San Diego has plenty of beautiful trails to explore. One of the best ways to see this 4,000 acre suburban wilderness is on a moderate 7-mile (round-trip) mountain bike ride.
The Art of the Brick
If you’ve ever played with Legos you’ll remember the feeling of accomplishment when your imagination came to life in your hands. In time, you outgrew the brightly colored block toys unless you’re like Nathan Sawaya. After years of creating with Legos as a hobby, he quit his corporate lawyer job to become a full-time Lego artist. This fascination of creating with Legos on a bigger scale has made him renowned around the world. At his current traveling show, The Art of the Brick, you can get up close with his work.
American Tumbleweeds – Book Review
American Tumbleweeds by Marta Elva tells the story of the Ramirez family who reside in El Paso, Texas during the 1960’s. They often split time between Texas and their patria Juarez, Mexico. The story revolves around the coming of age of Inez, the border town, and how adult decisions affect children. That’s the simplified way to describe the book, as it’s hard to encapsulate all the intricacies that are involved in growing up bi-cultural and in Inez’s case, empathetic.
Chihuly Garden and Glass – Seattle, Washington
Visiting Seattle, Washington on limited time? You can easily visit two locations in one day in addition to the infamous Space Needle. One of those is the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition that opened in 2012. For frequent travelers the sculptures will immediately look familiar as Dale Chihuly’s artwork is dispersed throughout the world in small to large venues. This exhibit is exclusively dedicated to his work.
Disney’s Queen of Katwe Receives Standing Ovation
The stars of the movie came out for the 2016 Toronto Film Festival at Roy Thompson Hall. The cast, filmmakers and real life stars received a standing ovation from the audience. The film, starring David Oyelowo, Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga, is directed by Mira Nair and opens in U.S. theaters in limited release on September 23, expanding wide September 30, 2016.
Queen of Katwe – Get Free Tickets!
Queen of Katwe is the true story of 10-year-old Phiona Mutesi (Nalwanga) who became a Chess Champion exposing her to a world outside the poor town of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda. Her mother, Harriet (Lupita Nyong’o), vigorously makes ends meet selling vegetables in the market.
Brooklyn Loves Michael Jackson
Saturday marks the 6th Annual “Brooklyn Loves Michael Jackson” block party thrown in honor of his birthday by Spike Lee. This year will be hosted by Lee & Sway with music played by DJSPINNA. The location for the event is the same street that Lee’s, “Do the Right Thing” was filmed on in 1998.
The Legacy of Rosie the Riveter
Over 2,100 participants gathered at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond on the 13th of August, to break the Guinness World record for most ‘Rosie the Riveters’ in one place. Women, men and children participated in the event to honor the trailblazers who stepped up to the call of duty during WWII. Original Rosie’s were in attendance including Agnes Moore, Kay Morrison, Marian Wynn, Primetta Giacopini, and Priscilla Elder. Moore, 96, worked in the Richmond Shipyards as a welder for 4 years.