New York Philharmonic’s trip to North Korea

by Jamie Rhein on

Perhaps you’ve seen a news clip or read an article about New York Philharmonic’s trip to Asia this month. The trip to North Korea, also to perform, was added as an overture to goodwill. Back in December, I wrote a post about the visit. Yesterday I came across a short CNN clip about the significance of this artistic endeavor. The logistics of getting the orchestra to North Korea partly involved talking the South Korean American orchestra members into going there.

Within the clip, there’s footage of the war between the two Koreas and an explanation about what made the orchestra members initially not too thrilled with the trip. They did decide to go after all. As explained, trips like this one are not only about music, they are about diplomacy. The arts (and I’d add sports) are ways for countries to cross the barriers between them. I would agree that having an renowned orchestra play is certainly more appealing than threatening a war.

According to the clip, the North Koreans met all the conditions the New York Philharmonic called for in order to agree to come. The conditions were nothing like one hears rock stars wanting, ie, blue M&Ms only, or some such thing. Conditions had to do with the size of the concert hall, being able to perform what they wanted, and the safety of the Korean American orchestra members. Here’s a link to the clip, plus another link to a news conference clip. As the conductor says, “Music has the power to unite people.” The concert in North Korea is on the 26th.

There are photo essays that chronicle the trip through Asia on the New York Philharmonic’s Web site. It makes me sad I didn’t practice the flute more.

Tonya Harding “whack around the world” opera showing in Portland

by Iva Skoch on

Tonya Harding, the Pacific Northwest’s ultimate bad girl, is back in the spotlight. It has been 14 years since the notorious figure skaters’ drama–the Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan leg-whacking episode— took place, but Tonya gets to relive it all over again on stage.

The story has been turned into a rock opera that you can catch in downtown Portland at the World Trade Center. “Tonya & Nancy: The Rock Opera” continues Thursdays through Sundays until March 8. Tickets for the “whack around the world” show are $20-$25 and are available online.

I am sure this concept could become a trend. I can see the “Britney Spears: The American Tragedy” opera coming out any day now.

Learn greetings in 12 languages– from a parrot

by Jamie Rhein on

Whenever I’ve learned to hello in a country’s language, I feel better. It’s not much, but it’s a start. Here’s a parrot who can help you master 12 ways to greet people around the globe. Bibi’s pronunciation is clear which makes learning from an African Grey parrot an easy method to follow. You’ll learn a few ways to talk African Grey Parrot as well. Now, all you have to do is find one of Bibi’s buddies to teach you good-bye and thank-you. AnimalSites has posted more of Bibi’s antics on YouTube.

Saudi Arabia arrests 57 men for flirting at mall

by Justin Glow on

Now that woman can finally drive and stay in hotels alone in Saudi Arabia, it seems the men who call the largest country in Arabia home think they too can loosen up a bit. They’re wrong.

The country’s “religious police” interrogated 57 men today for “for flirting with women in front of a shopping mall in the holy city of Mecca.” It’s reported that the men were also wearing inappropriate clothing (T-shirts with English writing) and dancing to pop music — both punishable offenses. AP reports,

“The newspaper report said the men who were arrested Thursday could be released if they could prove they did not flirt with any women. Otherwise, they will be transferred to court and stand trial …”

No word on what punishment the men face if convicted.

The U.S. Department of State has a currently-running travel warning which urges Americans who wish to travel to Saudi Arabia “to avoid staying in hotels or housing compounds that do not apply stringent security measures and are also advised to maintain good situational awareness when visiting commercial establishments frequented by Westerners.” And of course, no dancing.

Ode to world traveling: In Kentucky, it’s called traipsin’

by Jamie Rhein on

While I was growing up, my uncle Lige was traipsin the world. In one year, he traveled to five continents. In between his travels, he’d swing by our house for a quick visit bringing my brother and me coins, paper money and small souviners from the places he’d been. He grew up in a tiny town in southeastern Kentucky and traipsed out of the mountains right after high school.

Lige was the type who saw the entire world as home, although he kept his belongings in his apartment in Manhattan. The first time we visited him in Greenwich Village was my first experience seeing a place quite different from where I lived in neat boundaries USA. I loved it. Standing with him in the front car of a subway so I could watch the tracks as we sped underground, I got a taste for traipsin myself.

Three summers ago, my husband, kids and I went to hang out at the beach with my brother on Fire Island, an island near Manhattan, for a couple of days. He was renting a house part-time in The Pines, a place my uncle had loved. While we were there, I thought about my uncle’s influence. Without him, I might never have taken that first trip to Europe–or joined the Peace Corps. My kids might not be growing up to be the traipsin type themselves.

When I talked with my mother earlier today, she told me today was my uncle’s birthday (February 22–George Washington’s birthday). It seemed fitting to pay a tribute to the person who is most responsible for putting that first suitcase in my hand and for the fullness of my passport pages.

**Unfortunately, my uncle was killed several years ago, ironically, the day after Lincoln’s birthday, while he was traveling in Mexico. Uncle Lige would be pleased that I haven’t broken my stride. The book Welcome to Fire Island chronicles the development of gay culture in Cherry Grove and The Pines. My uncle is on the cover.