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by Mark Maxwell Abushady, NYC Film TALES OF EVERYDAY MAGIC Tales of Everyday Magic is a new series of four short films (hopefully more are on the way) with inspirational messages, launched by Hay House. Two episodes, “Painting the Future” and “The Magic Hand of Chance” were screened for this review. Both were moving, beautifully directed and edited offerings with impeccable acting and pacing. Each successfully draws the viewer in to the heart of the subject matter. In “Painting the Future,” that subject is the loss of loved ones and how we handle what would seem to be negative events in our lives. Ron Marasco and Tanya Romero are absolutely superb in their roles. I screened this episode twice and was brought to tears both times. “The Magic Hand of Chance,” filmed in a sort of child-like magical style, follows the adventures of a magician in a traveling Russian circus. The story illustrates how one’s shortcomings can become one’s greatest gift. Based upon these two episodes, Hay House and Michael Goorjian promise a series that will delight, inspire, console and uplift its audience. Highly recommended.
What do we lose when we lose the night? So asks Ian Cheney, exploring possible outcomes and answers in this thoughtful and balanced documentary. A short history of outdoor lighting is discussed, including a brief, fascinating look at the development of light bulbs, from a working, original Edison light bulb to a modern bulb capable of illuminating a huge area. As each bulb grew successively brighter, the nighttime skies above New York City and other urban areas faded. The film is divided into chapters. The first, “The City Bright,” includes a visit to an observatory on Staten Island struggling to see the stars against the growing light pollution problem. Attention is brought to the fact that many urban children have never seen the Milky Way. The second, “Islands of Dark,” acquaints the viewer with Sky Village, known as the darkest spot in the Western U.S. and visited by astrophotographers and others wishing to see the night sky. Some stunning shots by Ian Cheney and fellow astrophotographers Taylor Gentry and Bryan Cheney are shown and explained. A beautiful clip of the Milky Way – “It’s the edge of our galaxy” – rising “like storm clouds” reminds us of what we miss nightly. The mountaintop observatory in Mauna Kea, Hawaii, considered the best spot in the world for professional astrological observation, offers another ‘Island of Dark,’ and fosters the rather important work of identifying “killer asteroids.” “Nature and the Night” follows the hatching of sea turtles and their misdirected journey towards city lights that outshine the light which evolution has directed these creatures to follow – that of stars and moon on the water. Tens of thousands are lost to dehydration and predation. Growing numbers of bird injuries, declining populations of fireflies, and more are discussed. In “Night Shift,” the current 24/7 lifestyle is examined, and its effects on our hormones, specifically melatonin, and possible connection with rising cancer rates. “Why We Light” discusses the belief that lighting deters crime and how social interaction and a feeling of comfort is derived from light. Finally, possible solutions to the growing light pollution probproblem, including lights which are directed downward only, and light ordinances enacted by concerned cities are explored in “Astrophilia.” The film went the extra mile in taking on philosophical considerations . . . how, when your environment includes only what is lit at night, your world becomes that much bigger and more important. We forget the scale of our world when we can’t see the night sky. Conversely, a viewing of the night sky, as one interviewee puts it, “resets your ego.” Another states that the very definition of “coming of age” is realizing you’re not the center of the universe. The night sky does just that.
Music
SPIRIT COMES TO LIFE! Spirit Comes to Life! is a collection of three guided meditations centered around accessing spirit world beings and the higher self. The most striking element of this recording is Sharon’s exceptionally effective voice; truly one of the finest voices for guided meditation work. The background music is appropriately entrancing. The meditations are: “Spirit Comes to Life” – which fosters a reunion with a personal loved one in spirit; “Insight From the Archangels,” in which we are guided to a meeting with Archangels Gabriel and Raphael; and “The Power and Vision of the Soul,” which reacquaints us with our higher self. While many guided meditations can be general and vague, Sharon’s are specific, and struck me as refreshing, helpful and nurturing – especially for listeners who might be just starting out, or are trying to reestablish a connection with spirit.
Interesting. Different. Improvisational. Tight. Jazzy. Moody. Somewhere between atonal and melodic with occasional quartertone sensibilities. Sandor Szabo, the producer of this album, comments in the liner notes: “…it seems to me the soul of these two people are grown together… the two musicians play as one soul.” That’s quite a statement, but… listen to this album; it is a statement justified. “Dreaming As I Knew” invites an active listener to ponder its messages. Orchestration is 14-string Contraguitar, 12-sting Alto guitar, Classical guitar, Soprano saxophone, Tenor saxophone, Flute, and Bansuri flutes. A unique and fascinating recording.
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THE CITY DARK
DREAMING AS I KNEW