Dark Skies Sci-Fi With Wrong Advertisement

Posted on by taniacreations

Dark Skies is this old TV series from 1996/97. It was one of the best Sci-Fi creations I’ve seen. I’m not sure how I would see it today with all the advances in technology especially in special effects but in the nineties it was great. They would use original shootings of the time the story is set (the 60’s) and mix with their own imagination; the plot was amazing and the actors were great.
It was re-writing story as if Earth was being invaded by aliens at that time. So they would twist real life happenings as if the aliens were responsible for them. It puts a lot of real life stories into a new perspective like the assassination of J.F. Kennedy, one of the biggest Beatles concert, the Great Northeast Blackout…
The soundtrack was so good that DVD releases are an issue: prohibitive music licensing costs.
I have no idea how it was released in the world but it must have been similar to what I have seen in Brazil. I only had access to it because I had cable. It was transmitted by a specific international channel and they made a mess of it. First because the channel is always a mess, they do not play the series in order, announce things wrong, it is totally crazy; but also because the advertisement made sure the series was a failure.

dark skies

Let me explain: the ads would show all the gruesome parts of the series, disgusting aliens, people being taken by parasites, split heads, screams and all that is not nice to see. But that was just a little part of the show and not at all what it was about. So what actually happened was that the brainy watchers that would like the series for its plot, for the beautiful soundtrack and scenes mixing the old and the new in an exquisite way wouldn’t even watch the series because they didn’t like the gruesome commercials that gave the impression of something styled like Friday 13th movies.
On the other hand people that liked the gruesome styles would only watch one episode to get to the conclusion they didn’t get what it was about and that there were no fun parts to it.
Nothing can convince me that if they had used adequate advertisement, just transmitting what the series really was, they would never have had only one season. I will see if they have released the DVDs, Wikipedia says that not yet. I wish I could see it again and that someone wrote the end of the story.
I just found out there is a book based on the series, I wonder if it writes an end to it… I hate to love a story with no end to it.

(Orble Votes: 39)

Life at the Starlight Cinema & Brazilian Festa

Posted on by taniacreations
 My friend is one of the organisers of something that I think is a great idea: a Brazilian Festa at Starlight Cinema. I wrote the media release for her and just thought people should know about this event… as a Brazilian myself I think it’s a great opportunity for people to try our flavours, our food, dance, drinks and cinema, a full cultural pack…
A Celebration of Brazil in Sydney this February
This summer Starlight Cinema is teaming with “The Three of Us”, three dynamic Brazilian event producers, to bring Brazil and all aspects of its culture – film, music, dance, food and cocktails – to the fabulous North Sydney Oval on Sunday 22 February.
Starlight Cinema is a great entertainment concept which is perfect to extend into a cultural festival. Outdoor movies are magical when crowds gather together to enjoy a great community event. The Starlight Cinema crowd has grown bigger every year. Now in its sixth year, it has a very loyal following of patrons from all over Sydney.
People young and old are drawn to the idea of spending a great evening outdoors, catching up with new and old friends, watching the sun set and Starlight Cinema’s giant inflatable screen coming alive with a movie at dusk.

On Sunday 22 February North Sydney Oval will open its gates early, at 3pm so that Australians and Brazilians alike can enjoy a party, a Festa!
Flavia Fontes, the event’s director said ‘I love living in Australia, particularly Sydney. Its vibe and energy remind me of Brazil and I want Brazilians and non-Brazilians to get a taste of the synergy of our two cultures’.
‘We are thrilled to make the Brazilian Festa part of the Starlight Cinema season. We regularly incorporate performance, especially music, into our season. With so many Brazilians living north and south of the harbour, North Sydney is the perfect location for this festa and film’, said Starlight Cinema producer, Jill Keyte.
From 3pm, festa goers will be able to try delicious Brazilian food, listen to the world famous bossa nova and samba music live, try the unique Caipirinha cocktail. For those who have never had Brazilian food, the tasty Feijoada, pastel, coxinha, churros, churrasco and Guarana will have their mouths watering with the smell whilst cooking. For native Brazilians it will be the perfect opportunity to connect with their home country.
The film “Os Desafinados” (Out of Tune) will start at sundown. It’s a new movie, currently screening in Brazil. It reflects the smart, artistic, funny spirit of Brazil. Its story is about the Bossa Nova and Cinema Novo (New Cinema) during three decades of the country’s political changes.

For active, fun-loving people, there will be workshops of Capoeira, Caipirinha, Samba & Brazilian dancing. An experience of rhythm and movement that always brings smiles and happiness to those who try it. The support of the Consulate-General of Brazil and the Brazilian Community Council of Australia is assisting to bring this creative initiative to Sydney’s north shore. Tickets are now on sale at http://www.starlightcinema.com.au, $20 adults; $18 concession; $12 children and $50 families.

Summary of the Brazilian Festa:
Party with us and enjoy the Carnivale atmosphere of Brazil!
Music: Get into the chill out style of Bossa Nova and Samba live.
Food: Try popular foods Feijoada, Pastel e Coxinha, Churros, Churrasco and Popcorn & Guarana.
Caipirinha Bar: Enjoy Brazil’s favourite cocktail and learn how to make it.
Workshops: The masters will teach you how to do the Capoeira, Samba and other Brazilian
dances.
Programme:
Gate opens – 3.00pm
Capoeira & Dance Workshops – 4.00pm
Brazilian Latin Groove live – 6.30pm
Film at Sundown – Os Desafinados – 8.00pm
Tickets:
Adults – $20; Concession (Student, Seniors & Pensioners) – $18; Child (3 to 14 years) – $12;
Family (2 adults & 2 children) – $50
Os Desafinados (Out of Tune)
Os Desafinados is one of the most popular films currently showing in Brazil. The film chronicles the energetic days of the sixties when Brazil was revealing its new face of modernity to the world. Remembering the first years of Bossa Nova and Cinema Novo, Os Desafinados, is a love story among friends through three decades of Brazil’s political changes. The music and images are enchanting.
Proudly sponsored by: Hungerford Hill; LAN Airlines; Bluetongue Beer
Supported by: Consulate General of Brazil; Radar Magazine; BraCCA; Sagatiba

(Orble Votes: 59)

My Cake Decorating Phase

Posted on by taniacreations

I decided to share about my cake decorating phase. It all started with two highly skilled migrants trying to get a permanent visa in Australia, the skills I already had got me 5 points below the necessary; so in a series of twists of fate I ended up doing a Pastry course and working for a good while in the area in order to get a permanent visa. Yes, got it about a year and a half ago. It was one of the greatest victories of my life.

Foto 022

Soon after I finished I went into using what I learnt in something I quite enjoyed doing: Cake Decoration. I would spend days doing the marzipan figures and creating themes, browsing the internet for pictures of the animals or figures I wanted to create… I’m proud to say I got a few nice creations.

October 2006 004  aliensthumb

I loved my ET field with all these three eyed figures and my Brazilian Jungle Cake.
It was a lot of fun. A few of my friend’s kids got cakes as birthday gifts, I wish the phase had lasted long enough to do at least one for each child but it didn’t. Its one of these artistic things that come and go and you cannot do it for obligation; it has to be for fun.

November2006 012  pastry 2

At the moment my energy is all outdoors: dancing, clubbing, travelling, etc.
Indoors: writing.
If you want to see more of what I have created check my website:
http://taniatelli.tripod.com

(Orble Votes: 100)

Highlights of the Brazilian Festa

Posted on by taniacreations

LDA Samba Girls Show at Moonlight Cinema Brazilian Festa

These are some pictures I took from the Brazilian Festa at Starlight Cinema this Sunday 22nd Feb 09.
I had a great time, it was all very organised and the day was perfect. The food was Oh! So! Good! The activities were fun and helped me to get rid of some of the calories so I could squeeze just one more “churros” in me.
The “feijoada” I took home as I couldn’t make space for it and it is a safe food to take away.

Digital StillCamera
Capoeira Workshop at Brazilian Festa
 Samba Workshop
Samba Workshop by Marcia Pinheiro from Latin Dance Australia

There was this girl I know from the dancing scene that must be harbouring a major hangover up to today… she tried the “Caipirinha” in a go, looked at her friend and said: “Oh, they do have a bit of a pang don’t they?” Well “Cachaça”, the liquor with which this drink is made, has a 38% mark. Uuuuuhhhh! Not happy with that, I saw her drinking at least another four during the day… She kept saying: “they taste so good!” A lot of people learned how to do the “Caipirinha’s” themselves at the Sagatiba’s workshops, lime, sugar, “cachaça”, shake and fun! Isn’t that cool?

Caipirinha Workshop
Capirinha Workshop at Sagatiba’s Booth

The boys from Capoeira Brasil are all happy because they are the first Capoeira International College. That means students can now get student visas and do Capoeira courses. We were not happy that they had this t-shirts on, though. Usually they perform shirtless as the traditional schools do. I think they wanted to promote their new college status; I was talking to some girls and we decided next time we will offer to do some body paint for them if they really need to show the website… Naughty girls!

Digital StillCamera
Frescobol Players resting at Brazilian Festa

“Frescobol” is a kind of tennis Brazilians like to play on the beach and barbecues. There were free lending of raquets and balls for the people to play. Everyone had a lot of fun on this beautiful sunny afternoon.

Digital StillCamera
Live Band playing Brazilian Music

The movie was awesome, a piece of home really. Such a good example of our culture, the way we talk, the music, the loves, the lives. Excellent actors too.

Young Girl Dancing

This young lady is a natural born dancer!

(Orble Votes: 50)

Funny Bits: Do not obstruct the poo

Posted on by taniacreations

I found this sign near my sister’s old place. I probably walked past it a hundred times before I noticed it. Then, one day, out of the blue, I read it: “please do not obstruct the poo.” What intrigues me the most is how did they do it? I keep trying to find out what was written before… which letters were changed, would it make any sense if it was: do not obstruct the pooling? Naaaah.
I had to stop walking, laugh for a few minutes, shake my head, find my camera inside my bag, take a picture, then I managed to go on my way, suddenly bursting out laughing, in the middle of the street, with people looking at me now and then… I didn’t obstruct the poo but I may have ended up obstructing the traffic while laughing during a street crossing!

(Orble Votes: 57)

Brazilian Carnaval in Sydney

Posted on by taniacreations

The Carnaval in Brazil is an event that marks the year. Actually it’s like the world only starts spinning in Brazil after the Carnaval. Seriously, the sales pick up, business in all companies really start only then, school terms, uni classes. It’s all and about after the Carnaval. The country stops for it. No-one can pass it unaffected.
The normal life gets out of the window. If it’s a quiet town it gets deserted because everyone is out. If it’s a busy town it gets crowded with people queuing for fresh bread in the morning and dancing life away the rest of the time. All beaches are packed. Whoever is working works double. All the rest is partying.
It’s all about joy, jumping, dancing, kissing, making out, dressing up, and undressing up. There are a lot of types of Carnaval from each region of my Big Brazil.
I am a co-author in an article at Radar Magazine that explains about it.
Some awesome parties will be happening in Sydney you shouldn’t miss. It’s fun for everyone. No-one in the world should spend their lives without experiencing Carnaval and this is something it’s impossible to explain properly, only being there, sweating the sweat, seeing the bodies, feeling the vibe, adding to the energy, moving your bum and letting yourself go, you will really understand it and the, you will want it every year.
You don’t have to know how to dance just how to jump, scream, party and if you are a good kisser… good for you, you may get lucky.

Amy & Kylie
It’s all about having a great time. Wear something comfortable, sensible shoes and a lot of anti-perspirant please. Choosing Brazilian shirts is a good idea and wearing yellow and green is always a success. Above all: don’t be shy and be prepared for a crowd!
Check “One Night In Brazil” website: http://www.onenightinbrazil.com.au
Or Latin Dance Australia: http://www.latindance.com.au

See you there!

(Orble Votes: 38)

Like in a Romantic Comedy – My Laundry Story

Posted on by taniacreations

I had a lot of laundry to do. I got home with the firm intention of doing it all, I planned the loads, the timing, separated the clothes and put the first batch to wash.
I have a shared laundry with all the others apartments of the first floor in the same level.
So when I went back to my flat I even put a timer to remind me to move the wash to the drying lines. It was almost ten pm when it was done and the thing rang. I was already in my night dress and very sleepy, it was a black sexy thing, decent but not much and it was a hot night, I really, really, really didn’t feel like getting change just to go to the laundry. So I sneaked out of the apartment thinking “I hope there’s no-one in the corridor to see me in my night dress”.
I opened the door, looked both ways and as I didn’t see anyone and the lift didn’t make any movement’s noises so I thought myself safe. Of course, I wouldn’t be writing this is it all went without incident. As soon as my door closed behind me I heard another door being opened and saw a guy coming out of it.
As I was sneaking out he didn’t see me until it was too late, he was also out of his door when he realised that there was someone out there. When I looked at his face I realised that I was fine with my night dress… if I didn’t want to be seen with it, I am sure he didn’t want me to see him even more.
You know how girls do these cream masks on their faces? Well, that was what the guy had on his face. It was a young mate, probably on his twenty’s and he sure looked funny with all that cream on his face! We both stopped there for a moment while we realised we were being seen when we didn’t want but I got confident his position was seriously worse than mine.
I struggled a lot not to laugh out loud and I may have managed just to show a little bit of a smile. To our shagrin the adventure wasn’t finished at that exact time an old lady comes out of the lift and looks at us, like a bit funny and asks:
– Is this the first floor?
I think she felt like she was in another dimension or just possibly in the wrong place because she looked a bit startled when she saw us… can’t see why 🙂
I just answered her:
– I know it looks like something else but yep, this is the first floor.
As she went to her friend’s house I did the monumental effort to speak normally to the paste-faced guy about the laundry and went back home to spend the next thirty minutes laughing out loud to myself!

(Orble Votes: 65)

Thinking Like a Writer

Posted on by taniacreations

One day a friend said:
– You talk like you are writing.
I remember the day: we were in a dance congress in Brisbane a beautiful sunny day straight after a shower with the wind blowing the leaves of the trees and an atmosphere so magic it made me describe it to my two companions. That’s when one of them said I talk like I write.
That made me see my life in a different way. I realised that I see life through a writer’s eyes. That all my perceptions are made in descriptive terms. That my experiences are not totally put into perspective until I have told them to myself adding adjectives, weight, smell and flowers as if I was writing it all.
Yes, my friend is right, I do talk in a different ways and I use words that are not common in both my languages. The words come from things that I have read and those are much deeper in my mind than any other experiences I had.
I can only learn a new word if I see it written.
That is why this blog has so much to do with me: written life… that’s my soul, that’s who I am. A life in writing…

(Orble Votes: 84))

The Problems of Valentine’s Day

Posted on by taniacreations

Ok, Valentines Day is supposed to be fun for everyone, it’s mostly fine for two groups of people: singles and people with assumed relationships. I just realised there are a lot of options in between.

I’ve been talking to my friends and it is so funny how the day is posing a problem for quite a few of them…
The married ones with kids are complaining about baby-sitters as all of them seem to be going out with their girl or boyfriends. Some of the married ones with no kids just wish they could stay at home doing nothing but the restaurant was booked three months ago… The single friends have a few other problems:
One of them has a few girls under his belt, more than one relationship at the moment and choosing which one to see on Saturday is a problem as it may loose him the other ones…
– So don’t go out with any of them – I told him.
– But then I will see all these people kissing and making out and wish I was too.
– You can get someone on the night.
– Yeah, but it is not guaranteed, with five girls already on my list I should be able to choose one.
– You are not going to die without kissing one night!
– I know, but that is what weekends are for: kissing, making out, going home for some luuuuuv… you know. All would be fine if it wasn’t valentine!
– So go out with one of them!
– The others will know I was not with them and get upset, they will know I was with another girl. Even if I go out by myself I’m screwed because none of them will believe I was alone.
– Oh go to hell you’ve made it all too complicated! And I ended the conversation. I hate problems with no solution.
Another friend said she is seeing this guy, quite a more than just casual, but a bit less than a boyfriend, so now she said she wanted to see him this weekend and cannot because of the implications, if she goes out with him on Saturday something will have to be said about it, the day itself, even the weekend, is a statement. She would have to say either: it doesn’t mean anything or it means something…
– What if he asks you to be his girlfriend? I shot at her.
– Then I would probably say ok, but it’s so good now without us saying anything! Valentines would just rush things up with no need.
– So he probably won’t say anything…
– And I will be disappointed…
– But you just said!!!?
– I know! That is exactly my point! I hate Valentines Day!!!
The third conversation of the week made me think I was loosing my mind:
– So let me get this straight: you don’t want romance, you think valentines is just a convention to sell stuff, you hate red roses, you don’t want to date anyone, but you think it would be “Oh! So! Good!” to get some flowers or a box of chocolate???
– Yes… it could be from a secret admirer!
I think on Valentine’s Day there are subliminal messages going around the media to addle minds, especially women’s. Even me! For goodness’ sake, I saw some flowers this morning and sighted! I see the same flowers every morning! Ridiculous!!!

(Orble Votes: 52)

Uplifting 2008

Posted on by taniacreations

I saw The Writer’s challenge at the Writer’s Forum a bit late to be part of the contest but it inspired me to write something, because 2008 was the year of the years for me. And 2009 will be the best ever and then 2010 will be amazing, and 2011 will be the greatest, and so on.
2008 was the year I found out how powerful I am, that I can turn anything I want into reality especially when I think: I want to be happy. Then I discovered that I was! Happy! Really deep-inside happy.
This was the year I found out that Garfield was wrong: Monday is great. That no matter what, it doesn’t mater to me which day of the week it is… it’s all good.
Also that the world is beautiful, that there is enough for everyone, that there is love and hope. I found ways to help others I had no idea existed.
2008 was my discovery of being positive and believing in life. It was the year I witnessed incredible miracles: money rain, airplanes that didn’t take off, cancelled ball games, thoughts becoming coins, love in abundance, writing, wishes coming true and so many others.
2008 was the year I discovered myself and that everyone, anyone, anywhere has a chance of happiness…

Love to all writers, power to all dreamers.

(Orble Votes: 56)