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An employee died Wednesday at Tesla's factory hub in Fremont, California
A worker has reportedly died on the job at Tesla's California factory.
Local news station KTVU reported that a worker died at Tesla's factory in Fremont, California.
The identity of the employee has not yet been released.
The worker reportedly collapsed while on the factory's powertrain line.
A Tesla employee died on the job at the automaker's factory in Fremont, California early Wednesday morning.
Local news station KTVU broke the story of the fatality, which involved an employee on the factory's powertrain line. The worker has not yet been identified.
Tesla did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. KTVU reported that Cal-Occupational Safety and Health Administration is currently investigating the circumstances of the death.
"Yesterday Tesla, Inc. dba Tesla Motors, Inc. notified Cal/OSHA of a fatality January 19 in Fremont," a spokesperson for the administration said in an email to Insider. "A production associate collapsed while working on the power train line. Cal/OSHA is gathering more information to determine the work-relatedness of this event and whether to conduct an inspection."
Back in December, Tesla's Fremont hub was the site of a homicide. Two Tesla employees — 29-year-old Anthony Solima and 42-year-old Lee Brasier — quarreled on the job. Solima allegedly shot and killed Brasier later that day. He has been charged with murder.


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The Immortal Life of Your Microbiome
By Dr. Bill Rawls Posted 08-28-2020
In the past several years, focusing on the microbiome as a ticket to lasting wellness has certainly become popular. There's a lot of information out there, and some of it is good. But most of it is not entirely accurate, and following the wrong "facts" can have a significant impact on how you feel today and in the many years ahead.
Because of my personal experiences with restoring my own haywire microbiome to a healthy balance, and 15 years of following the science, I'm in a very different place with my understanding of these microscopic communities than are most physicians. And I'd like to share my knowledge in hopes that it helps you as much as it has me.
That knowledge has come a long way in the last 30 years ago, when I was in medical school. Back then, there was little and incomplete science about the microbiome, defined as the collection of microbes that inhabit the human body.
Microbes were believed to be isolated to the gut and the skin, and they were part of some basic tasks of the organs involved — consuming the leftover nutrients that the body didn't readily use, for instance — but that was it. The presence of any microbes in the blood or deeper tissues was an indication of infection. Case closed.
Now that our thinking on microbiomes has evolved, we know that these systems of bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi are more extensive in the human body than we could ever have imagined, and bacteria in particular are involved in an incredible amount of functions. I've also come to realize that the human microbiome plays a surprisingly important yet largely unrecognized role in how quickly and how well we age.
If you want to learn about just how pervasive and essential bacteria are in the function of human beings, we don't just need to go back a few decades…we need to go all the way back.
The Immortal Life of Bacteria
A thought exercise, even if it is a little grim: What happens to your body when you die? For starters, without the lungs taking in air and oxygenating the blood, and without the heart bringing oxygen-rich blood to the body, your cells die.
But within all of the tissue decomposing after death are live bacteria — and lots of it. Bacteria don't need oxygen to reproduce, like cells do. Instead, bacteria are hardwired to do one thing: Make more bacteria. So as long as there is an energy source (in this case, your deceased cells function as their fuel), the bacteria keep going. That's how a body decomposes.
Even when you're alive and healthy, you're carrying around with you a ton of bacteria — ok, maybe more like 0.2 kg. There's controversy within the scientific community around exactly how much bacteria the body contains. The common ratio that has been used is 10:1, meaning there are 10 times as much bacteria in a human than there are cells. But researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, and the University of Toronto in Canada revised that in 2016, estimating that there are an equal number of bacteria in the body as there are cells.
Whatever the total count is, just know that whatever you're doing — eating, sleeping, canoeing — a few trillion bacteria are along for the ride. And they reproduce on the regular: As soon as those two cells are mature, they must also divide in order to survive. Most bacteria divide every 2 to 12 hours. Some are especially fast movers: E. coli, for example, can divide every 20 minutes, which means after 7 hours, one bacterium can become 2.1 million, according to the Microbiology Society.
This pattern of unrestricted growth is true of any bacteria: As long as a food source and no other restrictions are present, they will continue to grow unimpeded. Because of their structural simplicity, microbes have incredibly low mutation rates, which means the new microbes they generate tend to be just as functional as the old ones. In this respect, bacterial cells don't "age" — it's akin to being immortal.
The tradeoff for that immortality is that bacteria have little capacity to evolve. Indeed, modern-day bacteria aren't much different than the primitive bacteria that first populated Earth 3.5 to 4 billion years ago. But since then, as life progressed on Earth, bacteria flourished too, and they took up residence in all of the plants, animals, mushrooms — and us. It's within that environment that modern humans emerged.
Microbes + Human Cells: Frenemies for Life
In stark contrast to bacteria's M.O., which is basically "every man for himself," human cells are team players. They work in close synchrony with their teammates for the good of all the other cells in the body.
There are about 200 different cell types, each with their own job. Muscle cells contract muscles. Brain cells transmit chemical and electrical signals. Thyroid cells secrete thyroid hormones. Cells in the digestive system make enzymes to digest food. You get the picture.
Based on its job description, a cell must work within the confines of an organ or tissue system, which can only accommodate a set number of cells — simply put, it's restricted by real estate. The cell can divide, but only to replace worn out or damaged cells. If the growth of cells becomes unrestricted (as is the case with bacteria), the tissue or organ would quickly be overrun and destroyed. Another word for it is cancer.
With each division, human cells progressively lose the capacity to regenerate. They're 10 to 100 times bigger than bacterial cells, and much more complex. And any damage to internal parts or glitches in genetic programming do carry over to the new human cells. In other words, unlike their microbial neighbors, human cells do age — sometimes faster than they should.
Despite their differences, our cells and the microbes we host have developed some ways to get along. Namely, in exchange for the nutrients and resources our cells provide, microbes give back in a few key ways.
For one, microbes help to digest food in the gastrointestinal tract, and in the process provide certain key vitamins such as B12 and K that our bodies can't synthesize on their own. Microbes are also in constant competition with each other over the same resources, and their nonstop rivalry helps prevent the overgrowth of more threatening microbes and dangerous infections.
But that's about as far as the friendship goes. Remember, after all, that microbes are opportunists. They're there for the free food and shelter. And unlike human cells, microbes aren't exactly bound by physical barriers like the walls of an organ or artery.
So, it stands to reason that microbes could travel just about anywhere in the body in their pursuit of the resources they desire, potentially wreaking havoc along the way. Turns out, the science is showing exactly that.
For instance, some microbes are able to live inside cells, remain dormant there for extended periods of time, and hitch a ride to other areas of the body to contribute to disease. Examples of these intracellular microbes — or as I call them, stealth microbes — include Borrelia burgdorferi (responsible for Lyme disease), Epstein-Barr virus (which can cause infectious mononucleosis), mycoplasma (which contributes to fibromyalgia), and chlamydia.
Two landmark studies, one from the U.K. and the other from Canada, showed that the brains of people who died with the degenerative diseases Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis unexpectedly had bacteria in their brains. These findings suggest that the blood-brain barrier that is supposed to keep the brain free of pathogens is more porous than previously thought.
A 2020 review of research in the journal Current Opinion in Rheumatology furthered the theory that there is a relationship between bacterial metabolites — basically how a microbe feeds itself — and joint degeneration, pointing to a link between an imbalance in the gut microbiome and osteoarthritis. While more research is needed, it's a pressing question because there's no cure for the disease and doctors can only treat symptoms, a temporary and unsatisfying solution at best.
Meanwhile, there's a race to determine whether and which gut microbiota impact depression, while other researchers are wondering whether certain flourishing oral bacteria can predict heart disease. Still others are looking into whether babies born via C-section are more likely to develop obesity and diabetes later in life because they weren't exposed to the mother's vaginal microbiome. And some 20% of cancers have been directly linked with microbes.
If microbes sharing space with our cells is starting to sound like a recipe for disease and accelerated aging, you're right on track. But that's not to say you can't grow older without aging-related symptoms and illness — you absolutely can. You just have to know what it takes to keep your microbiome on a tight leash. (Hint: It's definitely not antibiotics, or even popping regular rounds of probiotics.)
Your Immune System: The Ultimate Peacekeeper
Over the millennia, the human body has developed a few ways to control its population of bacteria and other microbes, lest they take over. For the gastrointestinal tract, you can probably guess one of the ways the body keeps microbial counts in check: A quarter of the content of stool is made up of solids (the rest is water), and between about 25% and 54% of those solids is comprised of microbes, writes Vincent Ho, M.D., a senior lecturer and clinical academic gastroenterologist at Western Sydney University in Australia.[v]
Other parts of the human body have ways to control the bacteria population, too. For instance, the mouth contains bacteria that, when swallowed, gets absorbed by the GI tract and then flushed away. And skin sloughs off naturally all day, plus it gets exfoliated off in the shower or while in bed, taking bacteria with it.
But ultimately, the real hero is your immune system: Without it, the microbes that inhabit your body would quite literally consume you from the inside out.
The human immune system is extraordinarily sophisticated. It evolved from repetitive exposure to many thousands of microbes over millions of years, with each encounter recorded in your genes for future reference. The better your immune system "knows" a microbe, the better able it is to keep the natural aggressiveness of the microbe tamped down.
Your immune system knows the microbes defined as your normal flora better than any others. These are the ones in your microbiome that don't cause disease, and your relationship with your normal flora is the most ancient thing about you. By containing their natural aggression and retaining a mutually beneficial relationship, your immune system can stay fighting strong should any real troublemakers come along.
Your job, then, if you want to stay healthy and resilient, is twofold: Take care of your immune system, and do everything else you can to keep your microbiome in balance. I learned how to do this the hard way — but I promise it doesn't have to be hard for you.
How My Microbiome Changed My Life — For Worse, Then for Better
My interest in bacteria and other microbes isn't primarily academic. I can credit the bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi with my focus. Learning about Borrelia was a long and painful firsthand process.
Several years ago, I was living a very different — and admittedly more conventional — life. I was in my 30s, a doctor of obstetrics and gynecology, which I loved. But my life was totally imbalanced. Let's just say I didn't practice what I preached. I was under tremendous stress and suffered from sleep deprivation, though for a while I was young enough that I could muscle through it all.
By my mid-40s, that started falling apart. I was energy deprived, achy, suffered from indigestion, and couldn't focus. By age 47, I was truly sick. I woke up each morning with body aches, brain fog, and intestinal dysfunction. My knees and hips hurt so badly that I wasn't able to walk around — assuming I had the energy to do so, which I did not. All of this forced me to leave my medical practice.
You'd think that doctors are able to access the best care in the world. And for the most part, that's true. However, a battery of exams and tests couldn't pinpoint what was wrong with me.
In order to ameliorate some of my symptoms, I began taking more and more prescriptions. Whether they were working was anyone's guess. I was still feeling awful, but I reasoned that what was going on inside me was perhaps so devastating that all these pills were keeping the worst of it at bay. And that even if I still felt poorly, if I stopped taking the prescriptions, my health would implode entirely.
Understandably, I wasn't satisfied with living like that, so I delved into the research, and eventually landed on the aforementioned bacterium Borrelia, which scientists have concluded causes Lyme disease. This microbe has been identified in ticks trapped in amber for the last 15 to 20 million years, but it may be older than that. Blacklegged ticks remain the carriers today, and can infect mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles.
Not everyone who's bitten by a tick that carries Borrelia becomes sick. But my predilection toward running on empty had depleted my immune system. I was a sitting duck, and if it wasn't Borrelia that took me down, it would've been some other microbe.
Once I realized how much I was contributing to my own illness, healing came much easier. I started by pinpointing everything I was doing to wear down my immune defenses, and was able to identify five key factors — which I've come to call my Essential Elements of Wellness — that needed immediate attention:
Poor diet: Did I mention that all my long hours of delivering babies had me living out of the hospital vending machine and constantly eating processed and fast foods on the run? All of those refined carbohydrates were like Thanksgiving dinner for my microbes, plus they disrupt hormone levels and suppress immune system functions.
Chronic stress: I know I'm not alone here when I say that constant low-grade tension and stress had become the norm. Unfortunately, when the body exists in a constant state of alert, all of its systems, and especially immune function, become overly taxed.
Sedentary lifestyle: I truly love to exercise, but most days I felt too crappy to move much at all, so regular activity was put on hiatus. Prolonged inactivity is stressful to the body: It's associated with decreased blood flow, retention of toxins, immune dysfunction, decreased endorphins, and low energy.
Toxic environment: The modern world is saturated with hidden toxins — plastics, pesticides, food additives, etc. — that act like free radicals and cause systemic inflammation, further compromising immune function. Without actively trying to avoid them, I was undoubtedly surrounded by them.
Microbes: Borrelia might have been at the top of my hit list, but by now I knew it wasn't just one microbe I had to worry about. With my immune system down, the floodgates were open, and that strong prevalence of normal flora I needed to support my immune defenses was getting overrun by potential pathogens.
I started changing my lifestyle, bit by bit, as much as my energy levels would allow. I switched to a mostly plant-based diet, began practicing qigong to get moving and dial down my stress levels, and systematically weeded toxins out of my life. And I started to feel better — much better. But I wasn't 100% there, and I knew I needed something more to tip my microbiome fully back into a place of balance.
Antibiotics were out — I'd already been there, done that, and not only did they not work (antibiotics can't reach Borrelia when they're hiding out inside cells), but they also wrecked my gut microbiome and caused endless GI issues. That's when I discovered herbal therapy.
As a physician, studying herbs and other natural remedies were simply not part of my medical school curriculum. So, to be honest, I didn't put much faith in them at first. But I'd exhausted all of the conventional medical options, and my extensive research was revealing that herbs are loaded with phytochemicals (natural plant chemicals) that have innate antimicrobial abilities. Which makes sense, considering plants have their own microbiome, and they have to fend off problematic microbes, too.
What's more, phytochemicals in herbs help regulate and bolster the immune system in a number of ways, including by increasing production of cytokines (key immune system proteins), stimulating NK (natural killer) cells and other key white blood cells of the immune system, and reducing damaging inflammation. Plus, herbs are safe — their potential for toxicity is extremely low — and I felt it would be safe to take them long term.
So, that's what I did. Finally, after nearly a decade of struggling, I saw significant change within a few months, and in the following years, I got my health back completely. I still consistently take my herbs, and I've noticed that other symptoms I had just chalked up to getting older — achy joints, low energy, mood changes, lack of mental clarity — have also retreated.
Do I credit the herbs entirely with how I feel today? Of course not. I saw firsthand how all the hard work I put into changing my diet and lifestyle made a tangible difference. But I also experienced how the herbs helped restore my immune system's ability to manage my microbes and push me to the next level of wellness, and I've come to deeply appreciate their natural defenses.
My Natural Solutions for Microbiome Balance + Immune Health
1. Take Daily Herbs with Immune-Bolstering Powers.
All herbs carry some antimicrobial, though some are admittedly stronger than others. Unless you're actively dealing with a health crisis, you don't need those on a daily basis. (If you are, I'd point you toward berberine, Japanese knotweed, and garlic.)
Instead, for everyday maintenance of the immune system so it can do its job of managing your microbes, I like adaptogens, which are best known for their restorative and normalizing properties, and for improving resilience to everyday stress. Definitions vary slightly, but I believe adaptogens share these three characteristics:
All adaptogens help modulate and/or enhance the immune system.
All adaptogens have antistress qualities that help provide stabilizing effects on the neuroendocrine system, especially the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis (HPA axis) and Sympathoadrenal System (SAS), which plays a crucial role in our response to external stimuli.
All adaptogens inhibit dysfunction in mitochondria (the power plants of cells) induced by the stress hormone cortisol.
My favorite adaptogens and adaptogenic companions — which have some, but not all of the same characteristics, plus they complement and enhance adaptogen's powers — for ongoing, daily use include:
Rhodiola: One of the first herbs defined as an adaptogen and studied by modern scientists, rhodiola calms overactive portions of the immune system associated with destructive inflammation. Plus, it boosts depressed portions of the immune system to increase efficiency in managing the body's microbes.
Reishi mushrooms: This mushroom's main claim to fame is its ability to help regulate the immune system, improving how it works. Reishi essentially directs the immune system to reduce harmful inflammation while increasing action against threatening microbes and cells. The mushroom's power is probably due in part to its beta-glucan, a polysaccharide found in fungi cell walls that's well known for its immune-enhancing ability.
Shilajit: This isn't technically an herb, but more like primordial ooze — a byproduct of plant materials that have been compressed into the earth in the Himalayas and seeps out of the rocks. Shilajit is rich in fulvic acid, which research suggests helps modulate the immune system, has antioxidant properties, and may improve gastrointestinal function.
Turmeric: This adaptogen companion has potent anti-inflammatory powers. The compounds in turmeric also act as antioxidants, and it has microbiome-balancing potential.
Gotu Kola: A calming, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant adaptogen companion that's part of the parsley family, gotu kola has traditionally been used in India in ayurvedic medicine as a general tonic for increasing longevity. It's an immune modulator, helping the immune system manage stress.
2. Eat a Mostly Plant-Based, Whole-Foods Diet.
When I talk to patients about caring for their microbiome, one of the first questions they ask is whether they should take a probiotic supplement. For the most part, no. Unless a person has gone through an illness that required them to take antibiotics or caused acute diarrhea, there's limited evidence that probiotics are particularly helpful.
What is absolutely helpful and crucial to microbiome health is eating a good diet. In my expert opinion, that means a diet that is at least 50% vegetables. Always choose fresh foods over processed ones. And only eat the number of calories that you need to maintain yourself.
And anything you can do to increase the diversity of fresh foods that you eat will help, too. Because when you eat fresh produce, you get a fair number of microbes.
Along with that, stay away from toxins in food as much as you can. That can mean not charring your food on the grill, and eating organic produce if they show up on the Environmental Working Group's "Dirty Dozen" list which identifies the fruits and vegetables most subjected to pesticides—including strawberries, spinach, kale, nectarines, and apples.
3. Minimize Your Exposure to Environmental Toxins.
Because of our dependence on petroleum and petroleum-based products (i.e. plastics) and coal, we are constantly battling a barrage of toxins that are poisonous to our immune systems. When we breathe in toxic air from a car's exhaust pipe, a cigarette, or cooking over an open flame (which is the norm in much of the world), it puts a strain on the lungs to turn over cells, swapping out the damaged and ineffective ones for fresh cells.
It puts a huge strain on the immune system, too. If a body's resources are being spent on fixing something, it creates a situation where other little problems that crop up can become big problems.
On average, people spend around half their days at home, so invest in a home air cleaner that will help remove toxins, and replace or upgrade filters in your heating and air conditioning systems to ensure they're not pumping in dirty air. For those whose occupation exposes them to airborne toxins, such working at construction sites, wear an N-95 mask whenever possible.
4. Stress Less and Sleep More.
You can eat organic kale til the proverbial cows come home, but if you're subjecting yourself to that toxic mix of chronic stress and regular sleep deprivation that so many of us are, expect your body's systems to go out of whack. Here's why.
When we're stressed, we send signals to our body that disrupt cellular communications, and if your cells aren't communicating, they can't do their job properly. That means that not all of the cells in the body are working at full capacity.
Helper cells, for instance, whose job it is to clean up "garbage" in the body so that it gets excreted through urine, fall down on the job. As a result, cellular debris gets backed up, which can overwhelm your immune system, allow microbes to flourish, and here we go again.
The fix is straightforward, but not simple. Prioritize sleep, meaning getting at least 7 or 8 hours of quality shuteye. And adopt stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, or whatever it is that works for you to turn down the heat on your slow boil.
5. Make Time for Regular Movement.
When we exercise, our blood really gets pumping, bringing oxygen to cells and carrying off carbon dioxide in a process that is called the gas exchange. That helps a person feel more energized and allows all of the systems in the body — immune, gastrointestinal, cardiac, pulmonary, neurological — to work at a higher capacity.
There are other ways physical activity boosts immunity, too. It triggers the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines from muscles and helps modulate metabolic signals related to immune function. Exercise helps flush toxins, viruses, and other garbage from the body. Plus, preliminary research has linked cardiovascular fitness with better diversity and balance in the gut microbiome.
If you were to come to my house and open my medicine cabinet today, it would look vastly different than it did when I was in my late-40s. All of the orange bottles of prescription pills have been replaced by herbal supplements and tinctures. My refrigerator looks vastly different, too. It's loaded with vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats. That makes up the majority of my diet.
Even with all of these changes, I know I may still harbor the Borrelia microbe — but I don't worry about it. I have plenty of energy throughout the day. My brain is fog-free. My joints don't hurt, and I can do whatever I want to do both physically and mentally.
Best of all, my body is no longer at war with the microbes it contains. They're supposed to be there, after all. I've just brokered a peace treaty with my microbiome by developing a natural protocol that keeps us all in a state of healthy balance, and that allows my cells to continue to be the team players that will help me live a longer, healthier life. I hope you'll feel inspired to do the same.
Amazing Microbe Facts
» Bacteria are Earth's earliest life forms. Fossil evidence suggests bacteria have been around for about 3.5 to 4 billion years.
» Most bacteria divide every 2 to 12 hours. E. coli can divide every 20 minutes, which means after 7 hours, one bacterium can become 2.1 million.
» Bacterial cells are 10 to 100 times smaller than human cells.
» Microbes help us digest food, and in the process provide certain key vitamins such as B12 and K that our bodies can't synthesize on their own.
» Between 25% and 54% of the solids in human stool are microbes.
» You would have to magnify the period at the end of this sentence to 1,000 times its actual size in order to make visible a nearby Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium (which causes hospital-acquired pneumonia).
» Mitochondria, the "powerplants" of your cells, are the descendants of bacteria that were engulfed by larger microorganisms billions of years ago.
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1. Ron Sender, et al. "Revised Estimates for the Number of Human and Bacteria Cells in the Body." PLoS Biology. 2016 Aug; 14(8): e1002533. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002533
2. Lacey J. Favazzo, et al. "The gut microbiome-joint connection: implications in osteoarthritis." Current Opinion in Rheumatology. 2020 Jan; 32(1): 92–101. doi: 10.1097/BOR.0000000000000681
3. "C-Section Birth Associated With Adulthood Obesity, Diabetes." American Journal of Managed Care.
4. "5 Things To Know About Probiotics." National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
5. S. Steve Zhou, et al. "Assessment of a respiratory face mask for capturing air pollutants and pathogens including human influenza and rhinoviruses." Journal of Thoracic Disease. 2018 Mar; 10(3): 2059–2069. doi: 10.21037/jtd.2018.03.103
6. Stephen J. Carter, et al. "Gut microbiota diversity is associated with cardiorespiratory fitness in post‐primary treatment breast cancer survivors." Experimental Physiology. 14 February 2019. https://doi.org/10.1113/EP087404
7. Vedham V, Verma M, Mahabir S. Early-life exposures to infectious agents and later cancer development. Cancer Med. 2015;4(12):1908-1922. doi: 10.1002/cam4.538
8. "What You Need to Know About Infectious Disease." National Academies Press.
Unlocking Healthy Aging: The Lessons That Chronic Lyme Taught Me At 62 years old, I'm finding it difficult to judge how old I feel. Instead of collecting symptoms over time like most people do, I've spent the past decade shedding… How to Boost Your Cellular Health and Immunity: The 11 Best Herbs + Foods If there's anything we've learned from recent news, it's that there are a lot of hidden health threats waiting in the wings to rear their ugly heads. While it's impossible… The Case of the Missing Phytochemicals and How to Get Them Back Pretend you eat a perfect diet every single day. I say "pretend" because I don't think it's truly possible for anyone to eat perfectly all the time, but for argument's…
Dr. Rawls' groundbreaking approach to wellness comes from decades of practicing medicine, extensive research in alternative therapies, and firsthand experience helping thousands find their path to wellness. Dr. Rawls is a best-selling author, Medical Director and Co-Founder of Vital Plan, a holistic health company and Certified B Corporation.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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1 Monza's Kerbs Lowered for Drivers' Safety 2 Vettel Plays Crossword, Puzzle During Italian GP Practice 3 Hamilton Dominates Practice 1 at Monza
1951 Kaiser Henry J "Pain in the Gass" Nostalgia Gasser Is Pure Eye Candy
Sutil Tops Second Practice at Monza
Home > News > Auto Motorsport
Published: 11 Sep 2009, 14:07 UTC • By:
Ovidiu Panzariu
Force India might not miss Giancarlo Fisichella too much, as their car seems to have finally got up to speed in the Formula One Championship. After a decent 3rd place during practice one of the Friday action at Monza, Vijay Mallya's leading driver Adrian Sutil topped the time-scoring sheets during the afternoon session.
With the majority of drivers sticking to hard tires for the second practice session, the German driver went on to finish the afternoon with the best time of 1:23.924. The Force India driver sat in the garage for the first part of the session due to an engine change with his VJM02, but soon rejoined the track with a few outstanding lap times.
While constantly improving his lap times, Sutil eventually clinched the top spot when finally switching to soft tires in the last 15 minutes of the session. He then overtook compatriot and BMW driver Nick Heidfeld on top of the standings and had to face a late surge from the Renault drivers in the final few minutes of the session.
And that brings us to the second surprise of the day, which came from Renault's Romain Grosjean. Racing on a KERS-powered R29, the Frenchman managed to finish P2 ahead of teammate and 2-time world champion Fernando Alonso, only 0.134 seconds separating the two in the classification. Grosjean even led the practice session briefly in the final few minutes, before Sutil further improved his time and retook first place.
McLaren went on to take 4th place overall through Heikki Kovalainen, while the Top 10 was completed by Robert Kubica, Timo Glock, Nick Heidfeld, Kimi Raikkonen, Kazuki Nakajima and Sebastien Buemi.
The Red Bull and the Brawn drivers all ended the P2 outside the overall Top 14. Here are the complete results:
1. Adrian Sutil (Force India-Mercedes) 1:23.924
2. Romain Grosjean (Renault) 1:24.163
3. Fernando Alonso (Renault) 1:24.297
4. Heikki Kovalainen (McLaren-Mercedes) 1:24.482
5. Robert Kubica (BMW-Sauber) 1:24.622
6. Timo Glock (Toyota) 1:24.634
7. Nick Heidfeld (BMW-Sauber) 1:24.693
8. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) 1:24.796
9. Kazuki Nakajima (Williams-Toyota) 1:24.799
10. Sebastien Buemi (Toro Rosso-Ferrari) 1:24.884
11. Lewis Hamilton (McLaren-Mercedes) 1:24.902
12. Vitantonio Liuzzi (Force India-Mercedes) 1:24.921
13. Jarno Trulli (Toyota) 1:24.967
14. Mark Webber (Red Bull-Renault) 1:24.979
15. Jaime Alguersuari (Toro Rosso-Ferrari) 1:25.003
16. Rubens Barrichello (Brawn-Mercedes) 1:25.140
17. Nico Rosberg (Williams-Toyota) 1:25.215
18. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull-Renault) 1:25.386
19. Jenson Button (Brawn-Mercedes) 1:25.424
20. Giancarlo Fisichella (Ferrari) 1:25.543
Adrian Sutil Force India Fernando Alonso Romain Grosjean Monza Practice Session
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"Power to the People": 50 Years of Bridging Research with Community
A research, policy, and community conference
As the UCLA Asian American Studies Center celebrates its 50th anniversary, the Center, along with the Asian American Studies Department and the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (A3PCON), presents "Power to the People": 50 Years of Bridging Research with Community Conference on Friday, November 1st and Saturday, November 2nd.
Join us as we bring together diverse and intergenerational communities to appreciate the legacies, genealogies, and futures of Asian American studies and communities. With community engagement at the heart of the field, we strive to strengthen the connection between the university and community-based organizations: that faculty will engage in dialogue with community organizers about future research needs, and that students will be inspired to fulfill community research needs.
Come explore current issues in relation to Asian American and Pacific Islanders and discover how to connect research with community, as well as how to find ways to engage with community, service, and activist organizations.
This event is free and open to the public; however, registration is required. Recordings of the plenaries will be made available after the event.
PLENARY AND
WORKSHOP DETAILS
FEATURED PARTICIPANTS
Join us in celebrating 50 years of Asian American Studies at UCLA!
This year, the Asian American Studies Center (AASC) and the Asian American Studies Department (AASD) at UCLA celebrate 50 years of Asian American Studies and Ethnic Studies at UCLA. This milestone is not only a moment to reflect on past accomplishments but also an opportunity to look toward what has yet to be envisioned and realized. To commemorate our anniversary, we are excited to host "Power to the People": 50 Years of Bridging Research with Community on Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2, 2019.
This conference, co-organized with the Asian Pacific Planning and Policy Council (AP3CON), will bring together diverse and intergenerational communities to appreciate the legacies, genealogies, and futures of Asian American Studies. With community engagement at the heart of the field, we strive to strengthen the connection between the university, community-based organizations and public decision-makers. Conference panels are designed to encourage dialogue about future research needs and possibilities for collaboration.
On Friday, November 1, we will host a pre-conference evening with Jeff Chang (We Gon' Be Alright author and Vice President of Narrative, Arts, and Culture at Race Forward) and Tanzila "Taz" Ahmed (Campaign Strategist at 18 Million Rising and 2019 UCLA Activist-in-Residence) for a special event, "The In Betweens: Asian Americans and Solidarity In The Era of Resegregation" at the Tateuchi Democracy Forum at the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo. Segments of Chang's "We Gon' Be Alright" digital series will be punctuated by conversation between Chang and Ahmed.
On Saturday, November 2, we will gather at UCLA's Luskin School of Public Affairs for plenaries and workshops on key issues that have defined and redefined Asian American Studies and communities. Sessions include:
Elevating Voices & Building Solidarities
Alternative Imaginaries/Futures
APIs and the Green New Deal Movement
APIs and Mental Health: Why Don't We Ask For Help?
Caring Across Generations
Education Equity and the University
Evolution of Asian American LGBTQ+ Community-Based Research: Exploring Capacity-Building and Collaboration
Housing and Homelessnes in the AAPI Community
Human Trafficking: It's Not About the Wall and Never Has Been
Migration, Resettlement, and Deportation
Navigating Gentrification through the Intersection of Communities, Governance, and Research
This conference is sponsored by:
This conference is organized by the UCLA Asian American Studies Center, UCLA Asian American Studies Department, and the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council. It is co-sponsored by the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, Institute of American Cultures, Division of Social Sciences, and the UCLA Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Venue sponsorship for "The In-Betweens" is provided by the Japanese American National Museum.


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Category Archives: Best Feature- Independent Spirit Award Winners
2018 Movie reviews, Best Feature- Independent Spirit Award Winners, Drama Films, Independent Drama Films, Independent Films, Romantic Drama Films
If Beale Street Could Talk-2018
Director-Barry Jenkins
Starring-Kiki Layne, Stephan James
2018 proved to be a year where film makers of color prided themselves in telling stories of diversity, inclusion, social injustice, and the never-ending challenges of minorities. One of the best films of the year is If Beale Street Could Talk (2018), a lovely piece of storytelling by director Barry Jenkins. His other major work, Moonlight (2016) is a similarly poignant and melancholy experience. The film is based on a novel by James Baldwin.
The title is explained in the first dialogue of the film. Beale Street exists in New Orleans, but thousands of streets exist in other cities and is a metaphor for discrimination and unnecessary struggles that black folks continue to endure. Right away the audience knows that an important story is to be told. The wonderful part of If Beale Street Could Talk are all of the combined elements that lead to brilliance.
Tish Rivers (Kiki Layne) and Fonny Hunt (Stephan James) have known each other since childhood. Growing up in a Harlem neighborhood their families are interconnected and community centered. Events begin in 1973 as Tish realizes she is pregnant. Ordinarily a happy occasion, the situation contains a major challenge because Fonny is imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. A woman has accused him of rape and a corrupt policeman has positively identified Fonny as the rapist despite this being a logistical impossibility. Tish is determined to prove his innocence before the baby arrives with the assistance of her family.
The story in non-linear as Jenkins begins the film in present day with Tish breaking the news of her pregnancy to him then notifying her family. As the film progresses more of the Fonny and Tish love story is explored. The couple fall in love, have romantic dinners, and nervously make love for the first time. In this way the film becomes a tender story of young love. The social injustice and family drama situations are carefully mixed in amid the central romance.
The film impresses with warm touches and ingenious cinematography and musical score. These left me resounding with pleasure at the intricate and intimate details. The frequent use of jazz music over dinner or as the Rivers family sips celebratory wine adds sophistication to many scenes. The texture of the film is muted and warm giving it a subdued look that is genuine and true to the quiet and timeless nature of the production.
The plume of cigarette smoke can be seen in nearly every scene as most of the character's smokes. Since the time-period is the 1970's the authenticity is there, and a glamorous image is portrayed. The smoking enhances the sophistication of the character's and adds to the tremendous cinematography.
Several scenes of simple dialogue crackle with authenticity and passion. In one of the best scenes Fonny's friend Daniel, a recent parolee, stays for dinner and the friends share a conversation over beer and cigarettes. The lengthy scene is poignant and tremendous with meaning. Daniel recounts his experience in prison and how black men are victims of the whims of white men and the terror involved in that. The scene is powerful in its thoughtfulness and a foreshadowing of Fonny's impending trauma.
The supporting characters are stellar and add to the bravura acting troupe. Regina King as Sharon Rivers gives a rave performance when she bravely travels to Puerto Rico and confronts Fonny's accuser in hopes of getting her to modify her story. The scene is laden with emotion and honest dialogue. The other notable actors are Colman Domingo and Teyonah Parris as Tish's father and sister, respectively. Both do wonders with fleshing out the Rivers family as strong and kind people.
Jenkins is careful to add white characters who are benevolent to offset the other dastardly white characters. Examples are the kindly old woman who comes to the rescue of Fonny and Tish and berates the cop. The Jewish landlord who agrees to rent a flat to the pair is portrayed as decent and helpful, and finally the young lawyer who takes Fonny's case is earnest and understanding.
If Beale Street Could Talk (2018) continues talented director Barry Jenkins plunge into the depths of being one of the modern greats. With a beautifully visual and narrative film he creates an experience sure to win more and more fans. The ending is moving yet unsatisfying as so many more miles are to go in the race for prison justice. Adapting an important story of race and repression based on skin color is a powerful and detailed affair. I cannot wait to see what Jenkins comes up with next.
2018 Movie reviewsBest Feature-Independent Spirit Award WinnersDrama filmsIndependent Drama filmsIndependent filmsRomantic drama films
2006 Movie reviews, Best Feature- Independent Spirit Award Winners, Comedy Films, Independent Comedy Films, Independent Films
Little Miss Sunshine-2006
Director-Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris
Starring-Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell
A film that became a sleeper hit at the time of release in 2006 and went on the achieve recognition with year end award honors galore, Little Miss Sunshine holds up quite well after over ten years since its debut. Combining family humor with heart, audiences will fall in love with the antics of the dysfunctional Hoover family, warts and all, as they strive to persevere endless obstacles to enable precocious, seven year old daughter, Olive, a chance at competing in a beauty pageant hundreds of miles away. The film is a comedic treat with charm and contains uproarious fun.
Directors (and husband and wife team) Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris start right to work kicking off the humor in style as the one hour and forty one minute film introduces depressed Uncle Frank (Steve Carell) to the rest of the Hoovers as he comes to live with the family after a failed suicide attempt. Frank, who is gay and has recently been dumped, is Sheryl Hoover's (Toni Collette) brother, and has a dry sense of humor. He fits in well with the other peculiar members of the clan- Dad Richard (Greg Kinnear), a struggling motivational speaker, Grandpa Edwin, a vulgar, irritable man, brother Dwayne, angry and refusing to speak, and finally, pudgy faced, Olive.
The brightest spots in Little Miss Sunshine are the exceptional writing and the nuanced, non one-dimensional characters. Each character is both good yet troubled in their own way and the overall message of the film is an important one. The plot of the film encompasses a beauty queen pageant and the lifestyle this involves- the hypocrisy and plastic nature is a main theme. When the family stops at a roadside cafe for breakfast, Olive hungrily orders ice-cream and is shamed by a member of the family- she must watch her figure, she is told. Other members instead encourage Olive to be herself. In this way, Little Miss Sunshine poses an interesting dissection of the pressures very young people face to be perfect, especially in the beauty pageant business, and the message society sends. Shocking is a scene where many of the contestants, all under the age of ten, appear in sexy, glamorous makeup, and bikinis.
Little Miss Sunshine is a very funny film and this undoubtedly is due to the chemistry that exists among the cast of talented actors. Quite the ensemble, all five of the principle characters has an interesting relationship with each other. Too many film comedies suffer immensely from forced jokes or typical "set-up" style humor, plot devices created to elicit a response from the audience- to which I call "dumbing down". Little Miss Sunshine, however, feels authentic and fresh- a situation becomes funny because there is an honest reaction by the characters. The film is a slice of life experience of an average blue-collar family.
A standout scene to mention is the hysterical one in which the Hoovers are pulled over by a highway police officer. To say nothing of the fact that the Hoovers are "escorting" a corpse to their destination, along with pornographic magazines, their classic, beat-up, yellow Volkswagen bus barely runs and contains a malfunctioning horn that beeps at inopportune times. This hilarious scenes works on all levels as the comic timing is palpable and leads to a laugh out loud response.
Furthermore, the climactic "beauty pageant" scene is fraught with physical humor. Olive, clearly the oddball in a group of hypersexualized, young starlets, takes inspiration from her grandfather to simply "be herself". She does so in a hilarious version of "Super Freak" that is clearly R-rated, both shocking the audience and celebrated by others- specifically her entire family. Olive successfully proves that she can be herself and happily do so.
How wonderful and refreshing to find a comedy with honest, ample humor and real integrity that is able to shine many years after its first release and retain the richness and zest that originally captured legions of viewers. As proven over time with many independent films, wonderful writing and directors sharing a vision, go a long way in achieving a quality piece of film making.
2006 Movie reviewsBest Feature-Independent Spirit Award WinnersComedy filmsIndependent Comedy filmsIndependent films
2017 Movie reviews, Best Feature- Independent Spirit Award Winners, Horror Films
Get Out-2017
March 28, 2017 scottmet99	Leave a comment
Director-Jordan Peele
Starring-Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams
Reviewed March 28, 2017
Get Out, a modern day horror film, is a unique film, mixing classic horror elements (especially great camera angles to elicit jumps) with bits of slapstick humor, not done very often in horror. In the case of Get Out, all of these tidbits come together in a marvelous experience, and the subject matter is rather risqué (see below), a plus for me as I like films that push the envelope a bit.
Certainly, as with most horror films, liberties must be taken in the way of plot points and continuity issues, but this film is an impressive work. Kudos, given the film is director Jordan Peele's directorial film debut.
Chris Washington is a young photographer, handsome, educated, and enjoying life. He is black, and his girlfriend, Rose, is a pretty white girl from an affluent upbringing- it is implied that they are opposites on the social scale. One weekend, they traverse out of the city (presumably New York City) to visit Rose's parents in the country. Her parents, Dean and Missy, own a sprawling estate with acres of land. Nervous to meet Rose's parents and make a good first impression, Chris notices that Dean and Missy's servants are all black and act in quite a peculiar fashion. Soon, it is revealed that Chris's mother died when he was a little boy and when Chris is hypnotized by Missy, things begin to go from strange to downright scary.
I adore how the film immediately feels ominous- there is simply something not "right" with the situation-even before Chris and Rose arrive at her parent's estate, something seems off. They hit and kill a deer with their car, the policeman who aids them seems racist, and despite Rose seeming fresh-faced, she also seems not to be trusted. There are so many ominous warnings not to approach her parents house, that when they finally do arrive the audience is compelled to nervously watch for more, perhaps while biting fingernails.
Jordan Peele's decision to have everything cheery and bright during most of the film only makes the audience wonder what secrets are lurking about in the grand estate- the setting where most of the action takes place. When the pair finally arrive at her parent's house everything is out of whack. The film undoubtedly borrows from The Stepford Wives in the pleasant, almost robotic cheerfulness of some of the characters.
The big reveal and the rather objectification of all of the black characters- specifically black males- can certainly be cause for debate. The racial motives of the characters are also only skimmed over and never discussed or rationalized in detail. The physical strength and resilience of the black male is mentioned a few times and Rose's parents being a psychologist and a neurosurgeon are major points in the story, but the intentions are somewhat wishy- washy and hardly plausible.
In a wise move, Peele mixes a hilarious scene amid the doom and gloom. Clearly the comic relief of the film, Rod, Chris's best friend and proud TSA agent, calls the police and describes in detail his fears of a sex slave operation, which results in the police having a good guffaw- at Rod's expense. Rod serving as an instrumental part of the film's conclusion is a fantastic decision- mixing dark humor with more grotesque horror moments. This succeeds in setting Get Out well above the traditional genre.
The acting by all parties is believable and deserving of acclaim, but newcomer (to me) Daniel Kaluuya carries the film very well, even offering more than one heartfelt dramatic scene, mostly when remembering his mother. Allison Williams (a dead ringer for a young Jennifer Connelly) is also a marvel, especially as the character changes direction mid-stream and essentially becomes a different character.
Fantastic is the throwback elements of The Stepford Wives, complete with a similar setting. The film does not reveal whether "in the country" is Connecticut or upstate New York-Stepford Wives was Connecticut.
Get Out is a fresh, novel approach to the standard elements of horror, mixing comedy and aspects of race into a story brimming with suspense, good frights, and especially, interesting camera angles. This film, a great success at the box office, does not seem like the sequel type, but if so, I am intrigued by what more can be done with it.
2017 Movie reviewsBest Feature-Independent Spirit Award WinnersHorror films
1992 Movie reviews, Best Feature- Independent Spirit Award Winners, Comedy Films, Dark Comedy Films, Drama Films, Independent Drama Films, Independent Films, Robert Altman Films, Satirical Films
The Player-1992
January 11, 2017 scottmet99	Leave a comment
Director-Robert Altman
Starring-Tim Robbins, Peter Gallagher
The Player ranks up there with other Robert Altman classics such as Gosford Park, Network, and Short Cuts. The film is an excellent piece of Hollywood satire and centers around a jaded movie executive, played by Tim Robbins, who does an incredible job with his role.
Robbins plays Griffin Mill, a man with no scruples. Feeling usurped by a younger executive, played by Peter Gallagher, as well as receiving death threats, he goes on the hunt for the person he feels responsible, which leads to murder.
The audience is unsure whether to love or hate Mill, thanks to Robbins performance. He is snarky, but also vulnerable and a tad sympathetic.
The film contains a slew of real Hollywood celebrities (Cher, Malcolm McDowell, Bruce Willis) playing themselves and is largely improvised (as many of Altman's films are). Whoopi Goldberg and Lyle Lovett star as odd police detectives.
The plot is nothing that hasn't been done before, but it's the realness and the direction that make this movie a must see, especially for Robert Altman fans. A hidden gem.
1992 Movie reviewsBest Feature-Independent Spirit Award WinnersComedy filmsDark Comedy filmsDrama filmsIndependent Drama filmsRobert Altman filmsSatirical films
1990 Movie reviews, Best Feature- Independent Spirit Award Winners, Crime Drama Films, Drama Films, Film noir, Mob Films
The Grifters-1990
Director-Stephen Frears
Starring-John Cusack, Anjelica Huston, Annette Bening
The Grifters is a film that has witty writing and has an overall appeal to it- the film is very unique and quirky and is in the style of a charismatic film noir from one of the golden ages of film, the 1930's and the 1940's. Additionally, the film has a very sharp, clean look to it.
The performances, especially Anjelica Houston, are excellent. In fact, all three principles, (John Cusack and Annette Bening) give fantastic performances and furthermore, feed off each other so well that the chemistry works quite well.
Cusack plays a small time crook named Roy Dillon, inept in ways, and estranged from his mother (Huston). When she returns to town, she along with his girlfriend (Bening), all attempt to con and outmaneuver each other for their own personal gain. The film is set in sunny Los Angeles.
As compelling as the film sounds on paper, I did not find myself completely captured by it. It took me awhile to get into the film and by the time I finally did, it had ended. Overall, well made, and respectable, and I can see how some people would love it, but for me there remained something missing.
1990 Movie reviewsBest Feature-Independent Spirit Award WinnersCrime Drama filmsDrama filmsFilm NoirMob films
2009 Movie reviews, Best Feature- Independent Spirit Award Winners, Drama Films, Independent Drama Films, Independent Films
Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire-2009
Director-Lee Daniels
Starring-Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'nique
Precious is an amazing film and certainly one of the best to come out of the year 2009. Due to the hype, I had high expectations entering the theater and I was not disappointed. The film is an in your face slug-fest with some of the most raw acting performed in recent years.
The marvelous aspect is that the film takes the viewer into a world that is probably not one's own experience and makes them empathize with the characters. The film is very disturbing at times, raw, gritty, and violent, but also has some light, humorous moments and an oh so important film to see. There is a heartwarming charm that offsets the violence perfectly.
The story itself, and the direction are basic, but the wonderful acting is what sets this film on a high pedestal. Gabourey Sidibe, a relative unknown and novice actress, gives an astounding turn as an unloved, overweight, pregnant teen mom. She is abused by both of her parents in separate ways and seems to have a life of pain ahead of her.
Paula Patton, who has been in several fluff films, shines as a teacher who takes a shine to Precious. Mariah Carey is simply unrecognizable as a plain looking social worker, who is also a sympathetic character. However, actress and comedienne, Mo'nique plays an unfeeling, brutal, violent mother to the hilt and holds nothing back. Her Best Supporting Actress Oscar win was deserving.
Everyone should see this fantastic slice of life film.
2009 Movie reviewsBest Feature-Independent Spirit Award WinnersDrama filmsIndependent Drama filmsIndependent films
2016 Movie reviews, Best Feature- Independent Spirit Award Winners, Best Picture Oscar Winners, Drama Films, Favorite Film of the Year, Independent Drama Films, Independent Films, LGBT Drama Films, LGBT Films
Moonlight-2016
November 6, 2016 scottmet99	Leave a comment
Starring-Trevante Rhodes, Andre Holland
Reviewed November 6, 2016
Moonlight is a wonderful film, rich with character and grit, that tells the story of one man's life- from childhood, to teenage years, to adulthood, sharing the bonds he forms, and the demons he wrestles. The acting all around is fantastic and the story poignant and truthful. The film is not preachy, but rather tells a story and leaves the audience to sit and observe- quietly formulating their own opinions. Moonlight is a mixture of beauty and heartbreak and is told very well.
The film is divided into three chapters- in chronological order of the central characters life. Chiron is a shy, docile, young boy of six or seven living in a drug-filled world of Miami, Florida in the 1980's. He is bullied for being "different" though he knows not why he is shunned. Chiron is introverted and distrusting. A kind hearted drug dealer named Juan (Mahersala Ali), takes a shine to Chiron, whose own mother becomes more and more absent and emotionally abusive to her son. Naomie Harris plays Paula, mother to Chiron and herself a drug addict. Juan and his girlfriend Theresa (Janelle Monae) become surrogate parents to Chiron and share their home with him as needed.
Chapter two focuses on Chiron as a teenager- still bullied and coming to terms with his sexuality and feelings of insecurity. By this time his mother has spiraled out of control and his life is a sad one. He is filled with emotions such as rage, despair, and confusion. He has an experience with his best friend Kevin that changes the direction of his life. Kevin is his saving grace and a decent person amidst his troubled life.
In chapter three, we are re-introduced to Chiron as an adult- having completely reinvented himself and become a changed man, but is he changed for better or for worse? People from his past resurface at this time and Chiron must face various demons and emotions, and come to terms with himself and others surrounding him. Will his story have a sad or a happy ending is the question we are left wondering.
The aspect that left me impressed the most is the storytelling and the ground that is broken with this film. From an LGBT perspective, by this time (2016), we have experienced numerous offerings on the subject, but the fact that Moonlight is not only a character study, but a love story between two black men has not been done to this degree yet in cinema, or arguably at all, especially in mainstream fare. Happily Moonlight is receiving critical praise. The fact that Chiron lives in a macho, male driven society, makes his self acceptance all the more challenging for him.
The direction in Moonlight is impressive and director Barry Jenkins deserves much praise. Quiete scenes of Chiron as a boy asking Juan and Theresa why the bullies call him a certain name are heartbreaking. Another scene, muted and in slow motion, reveal an abusive Paula calling Chiron a degrading name leaving him confused and hurt. Otherwise, tender scenes between Chiron and Kevin are sweet and passionate and told on such a humanistic level.
Moonlight delves into such territory as loneliness and self identity and is an interesting film to view for anyone who has struggled with these issues or anyone who is empathetic to those who have. Moonlight breaks stereotypes and molds a film that is subtle and low-key, but speaks volumes.
2016 Movie reviewsBest Feature-Independent Spirit Award WinnersBest Picture Oscar WinnersDrama filmsfavorite Film of the YearIndependent Drama filmsIndependent filmsLGBT Drama filmsLGBT films
1996 Movie reviews, Best Feature- Independent Spirit Award Winners, Comedy Films, Dark Comedy Films, Drama Films, Favorite Film of the Year, Independent Drama Films, Independent Films, Top 100 Films
Fargo-1996
Director-Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
Starring-Frances McDormand, William H. Macy
Fargo, the film, is a treasure as far as I am concerned and the role that deservedly propelled Frances McDormand to the forefront of film audience's minds- not to mention a gold statue for Best Actress. The film epitomizes dark humor, zany freshness, during a time in film when originality was emerging, and independent films were growing in popularity. Fargo led the pack.
The film suffers from some derision by locals in and around the upper mid-west for its depiction of accents- perhaps overdone, but hysterical all the same. Mixed with the snowy and icy locales, the film perfectly presents a harsh and small-town feeling. The introduction of a crime- initially done in an innocent manner, escalates out of control. Fargo is part caper, part thriller, and part adventure and is a layered, cool film. The fact that the time period is 1987 is great. The cars, the Oldsmobile dealership, all work in a fantastic way.
McDormand plays a local Police Chief- Marge Gunderson, very pregnant, who stumbles upon the crime and slowly unravels the mystery. All the while, the character keeps her cool, cracks jokes, and emits witty one-liner after another, presenting a slightly dim-witted image, but really brilliantly deducing the aspects of the crime.
William H. Macy, in 1996 largely unknown, is perfectly cast as car salesman, Jerry Lundegaard. Nervous, shaky, yet with a down home respectability, he hatches a plot to have his wife kidnapped, the ransom to be paid by her wealthy father, enabling Jerry to pay off an enormous embezzling debt, and splitting the money with the kidnappers. Predictably, things go awry and spiral out of control.
I love how this film crosses genres and is tough to label- is it a crime drama, a thriller, a comedy? A bit of each which is the brilliance of it. Fargo is an odd, little piece of art, and remembered as one of the best films of the 1990's, making a star out of Frances McDormand.
1996 Movie reviewsBest Feature-Independent Spirit Award WinnersComedy filmsDark Comedy filmsDrama filmsfavorite Film of the YearIndependent Drama filmsIndependent filmsTop 100 films
2005 Movie reviews, Best Feature- Independent Spirit Award Winners, Drama Films, Favorite Film of the Year, Independent Drama Films, Independent Films, LGBT Drama Films, LGBT Films, Top 100 Films
Brokeback Mountain-2005
Director-Ang Lee
Starring-Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal
Brokeback Mountain is a revolutionary film and certainly one of the most important films to be released during the 2000's. Never before had a LGBT film been given as much exposure and widespread viewership as this film did. Certainly robbed of the 2005 Best Picture Academy Award (the great, but not as great, Crash won), Brokeback Mountain received other tremendous accolades and word of mouth buzz that helped it achieve great success. A treasure that must always be remembered and appreciated.
Perfectly cast, Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal play two cowboys who fall madly in love with each other. The time period of the film runs from 1963 until the early 1980's. Through the years we see their unbreakable bond tested by outside factors- namely being gay is certainly forbidden at this time and location- Wyoming and Texas.
Jack Swift (Gyllenhaal) and Ennis Del Mar (Ledger) meet one summer in 1963 when they are both hired by grizzled Joe Aguirre (Randy Quaid) to herd sheep one summer on Brokeback Mountain in remote Wyoming. They immediately form a friendship which turns physical one drunken night. From this point the men are inseparable and share a passion insurmountable. Due to the times there is no possible way they can openly share a life together, so they arrange for periodic "fishing trips", away from their wives and children so that they can spend time together in secret.
The chemistry is evident between Ledger and Gyllenhaal, which is extremely important to the success of the film. The audience needs to truly buy their bond and director Ang Lee is successful at eliciting wonderful performances from each actor. This is especially crucial during the first forty-five minutes of the film as all the scenes are only the two actors together. The famous "tent" scene, in which Jack's and Ennis's passion first erupts is perfectly choreographed- it is as much animalistic as it is passionate and this sets the tone for the rest of the film.
Eventually, other characters are introduced and Ennis and Jack live lives largely separate from each other. Michelle Williams plays Alma, a kind-hearted country girl, married to Ennis. She accidentally stumbles on to Jack and Ennis's secret and keeps this hidden throughout the years. Williams is fantastic in the role- sweet, yet saddled with the pain of knowing her husband is in love with another man causes her to mistrust and eventually destroys their marriage.
Jack forges a life in Texas and marries well-to-do Lureen (Anne Hathaway), but the marriage is a sham, Lureen's father hates Jack, and Jack cannot forget Ennis. Jack is the aggressor, the one more confident with his sexuality, and one would surmise, would be the one more likely to be "out" if circumstances were different. He looks for other men, even going to Mexico to find some companionship.
The ending of the film is tragic and heartbreaking and we witness Ennis being a good father to his now grown-up kids. A wonderful scene is written between Ledger and Kate Mara, who plays his daughter. She asks the lonely Ennis to attend her wedding and the scene is sweet and tender. Another scene involving Ennis meeting Jack's parents is monumental- as important as what is said in this wonderful scene is what is left unsaid.
Brokeback Mountain is an honest, graceful, and brave film, that thanks to the talents and direction of Ang Lee, was actually able to be made. The exceptional cast-led by Ledger and Gyllenhaal is dynamic and enables the film to come together as one masterpiece, that will surely never be forgotten.
2005 Movie reviewsBest Feature-Independent Spirit Award WinnersDrama filmsfavorite Film of the YearIndependent Drama filmsIndependent filmsLGBT Drama filmsLGBT filmsTop 100 films
Far From Heaven-2002
Director-Todd Haynes
Starring-Julianne Moore, Dennis Haysbert
Far From Heaven is a gorgeous film, set in 1950's upper class and sophisticated Connecticut, that tackles not one, but two, separate social issues, in wonderful story-telling fashion. An interracial couples fraught with discrimination, and a homosexual husband hiding his secret lifestyle encompass this amazing film by acclaimed director Todd Haynes. In years to follow, Haynes would also direct such masterpieces as the similar in time period (and story) Carol.
For starters, the cinematography and art direction are simply breathtaking- the beautiful and colorful small town in Connecticut, on the surface, prim and proper, is oozing with secrets and scandal just waiting to bubble to the surface. An aerial view of the town allows the viewer to see this perfectly carved town in sweeping motion. Far From Heaven contains many similarities to All That Heaven Allows, made in 1955, and also focusing on great scandal in a small, seemingly idyllic New England town.
Cathy Whitaker (Julianne Moore) seems to have everything-a perfectly styled and kept home in affluent Connecticut, a successful husband named Frank (Dennis Quaid), who is an advertising executive, beauty, and a neighborhood filled with friends. One night when Frank is working late, Cathy surprises him with dinner at the office, only to be surprised herself by catching Frank passionately kissing another man. In a terribly awkward scene, Frank admits to Cathy that he needs conversion therapy, but instead turns to alcohol and continues to secretly see men. Devastated, Cathy befriends her gardener, Raymond Deagan, a handsome black man, and slowly begins a relationship with him. Needless to say, this causes gossip and scandal amongst the townspeople.
Far From Heaven is fantastic story-telling, weaving, in essence, two main social stories together. Frank questions his sexuality, afraid to admit he is gay and risking his reputation and career. Undoubtedly, he is a tormented individual and we see him slowly come to terms with his sexuality. Haynes, fantastic at crafting worthy story, carves a similar tale in 2015's Carol, only she is a woman confident about her sexuality, but nonetheless hiding it from society. Since the time period in both films is the 1950's, the sexual revolution had not occurred, let alone anything gay related.
The center story though belongs to Cathy and Julianne Moore portrays her to perfection. I would argue that Cathy is Moore's best role- along with Amber Waves from Boogie Nights. Hurt and betrayed by her husband, she suddenly is filled with new and dangerous emotions- falling in love with a black man in a not very open minded time. Moore and Haysbert have fantastic chemistry from their very first scene together.
I love how Haynes showcases the perfection of the town- the lawns are perfectly mowed, the flower beds flawless, and everyone appears cheerful and colorful. But when something in their little town becomes amiss (in this case Cathy going against the grain) the fangs come out and the animals bear their teeth. A wonderful scene showcases Cathy and Raymond slow dancing in a solely black bar. They sway as one and Cathy is accepted by the black patrons. Raymond (and his daughter) are not treated the same way among the white folks of the town once they catch wind of the shenanigans going on between the interracial couple.
Far From Heaven is a beautiful film- from the way it looks and is shot, to the powerful acting performances all around. Moore may be the star and the central character of the film, but Quaid and Haysbert certainly deserve their due. They each give layered performances as wounded and tortured men- and the conclusion of the film- perceived as open ended- is also not a happily ever after climax.
2015 Movie reviews, Best Feature- Independent Spirit Award Winners, Best Picture Oscar Winners, Drama Films, Independent Drama Films, Independent Films
Spotlight-2015
December 9, 2015 scottmet99	Leave a comment
Director-Thomas McCarthy
Starring-Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo
Reviewed December 9, 2015
Spotlight is a film with an important story to tell. A telling of true events that occurred within the Catholic Archdiocese for ages, Spotlight's focus is specifically on the Boston scandals, as a team of reporters working for the Boston Globe uncover and expose a multitude of child molestation cases committed by priests, subsequently covered up, and leaving victims paid off to keep quiet. The number of proven cases in Boston alone is staggering.
Starring are a plethora of talents including Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, and Rachel McAdams, who lead the pack. They make up the "Spotlight" team at the newspaper, an investigative unit who work on special stories as they arise. As their new boss, Marty Baron (ironically a Jewish man), played compellingly by Liev Schrieber, takes over as head of the department, he quizzically asks why the story is not already a priority. Suddenly it is a hot-burner issue and the film delves into an investigation to uncover the facts.
Spotlight is a minimalist film done very well. There is nothing cinematically unique or razzle dazzle about it, but somehow that is okay. In some aspects the film reminds me of the 1975 thriller All The Presidents Men, starring Dustin Hoffman. For instance the bleak, bare news rooms-sterile in their look, are similar- cubicle after cubicle, harsh lighting and generic conference rooms. Clearly this is the filmmakers intent. Also, the fast, energetic pacing, successfully emitting the tight deadlines newspaper folks are faced with, transfers perfectly on film.
The sexual abuse scandal is a cold, harsh reality and the film introduces several victims, who, now as adults, are forever scarred. Some attend support groups, some take drugs, one is sadly not "all there". Another, now a gay man, was singled out by a priest during a vulnerable period in the, then young boy's, life. It is a heartbreaking reality that many victims in the film are based on real cases.
Let's focus on Schrieber's character for a minute. He gives such an understated yet compelling performance that my fear is it will wind up being an overlooked one. He calmly, yet passionately initiates the case. It is not a showy performance, in fact rather subdued, but a compelling one if enough attention is paid to it. He is a standout.
Unfortunately, the film does not delve much into the defense (if any) of the Catholic church. Did they do anything but deny the allegations? Why were the victims paid off? Not much is noted from the church's point of view. In real life the Catholic church did, in fact, hide the abuse that transpired- for decades in fact.
A slight negative is that the film does not delve into the characters personal lives very much. Michael Keaton's character, Robby Robinson, is arguably the lead character, spearheading the case, though very little is known about him. Is he married? happily? Yes, he is a workaholic, but what else? Ruffalo's Michael Rezendes is separated from his wife, but little is known as to the reasons. Finally, McAdam's Sacha is probably the most fleshed out- she is happily married and close with her religious grandmother, who is effected by the scandal. But we do not know her in depth either. I found myself wanting to know more about these people.
All in all, Spotlight is a very good film that is deserving of the recognition it is receiving. Intense, gritty and filled with honesty, it is a story that needed to be told and has been told well.
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Pulp Fiction-1994
May 12, 2015 scottmet99	Leave a comment
Director-Quentin Tarantino
Starring-John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman
Pulp Fiction is one of the most influential films of the 1990's and single-handedly kicked the film industry in the ass. It led an entire generation of filmmakers, who were starved and determined to make more creative work after the largely dull decade of the 1980's. The success of the film, both creatively and critically, helped ensure that edgier and more meaningful artistic expression would continue to occur. The leader of the charge, of course, was director Quentin Tarantino. With Pulp Fiction, a black comedy crime film, Tarantino mixes violence, witty dialogue, and a 1970's cartoonish feel to achieve a filmmaking masterpiece.
The plot is non-linear and the story contains three main focuses that intersect- a new style of filmmaking that has become commonplace in commonplace in modern cinema, but at the time was a novel adventure. Set in Los Angeles, Samuel Jackson and John Travolta portray hit men named Jules and Vincent, who work for a powerful gangster, Marsellus Wallace, played by Ving Rhames. We get to know them as they interrogate four college aged youths who double-crossed Marsellus, all the while discussing fast-food hamburgers and adventures in Europe. On another front, Butch (Bruce Willis) is hired by Marsellus to lose a fight to another boxer. Later, Marcellus instructs Vincent to take his wife Mia (Uma Thurmon), a former unsuccessful television actress, out for dinner and a night on the town. Finally, we meet Pumpkin and Honey Bunny (Tim Roth and Amanda Plumber), two small town robbers plotting a heist at a local diner. As the film develops these plots relate to each other in unique ways.
The film is quite stylistic, resembling a 1970's film production in the way it looks, and use of 1970's style sets- the diner in particular looks very of that time, and an automobile where a death occurs, is a 1970's Chevy Nova. The film, however, is set in present times.
The dialogue throughout Pulp Fiction is immensely impressive to me. Long dialogues occur between characters, usually sitting over a meal, discuss the meaning of life, religion, fast-food burgers, and other wonderfully real conversations. I love the many food references- from Butch's girlfriend salivating over an impending meal of blueberry pancakes to the French version of the Big Mac being discussed, to the price of a shake, these make the conversations between the characters rich and unique and oh so creative.
My favorite sequence is the one between Vincent and Mia, mostly taking place at a trendy 1950's themed diner named Jack Rabbit Slim's, where the staff dresses up in costume impersonating their favorite stars of the day, such as Marilyn Monroe. After winning a dance contest (and a possible homage to Saturday Night Fever) the two go back to Mia's place where she accidentally overdoses on heroin thought to be cocaine. The song "Girl, You'll be a Woman Soon" by Neil Diamond, is both integral and haunting to the scene.
An intense and shocking scene of male gay rape is extremely violent and the hillbillies involved could be straight out of Deliverance from 1972 despite being in Los Angeles. This scene is disturbing yet mesmerizing at the same time, and might I say even comedic in a dark way?
Pulp Fiction is not a mainstream affair and certainly has its share of detractors and plain old non-fans, but for filmgoers seeking a fun, entertaining, cleverly delicious work of art, influential to Hollywood and Independent filmmakers alike, Pulp Fiction is a film to watch over and over again and admire its style and creativity.
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Birdman-2014
Director-Alejandro G. Inarritu
Starring-Michael Keaton, Edward Norton
Birdman is a very unique art film, which happily, has garnered major exposure and publicity, because a movie like this runs the risk of receiving praise and notice only from the art house crowd itself. The film's star-Michael Keaton, portrays Riggan Thomson, a former action hero superstar from the 1990's, who was made famous for the "Birdman" character he created. Having made sequels to the film, his career has since dried up and he hopes to establish credibility and prove himself a real actor by writing, directing, and starring in his own play.
The film is set in and around the Broadway theater in New York City. As opening night approaches, he struggles to pull everything together and emit a successful production while faced with an injured terrible actor, a difficult actor, his own insecurities, and a miserable theatre critic destined to ruin his big chance. To make matters worse, his daughter Sam, played by Emma Stone is a recovering drug addict who hangs around the theatre distracting actors with her charm and good looks. Naomi Watts and Edward Norton play Leslie and Mike, other cast members in the production. Watts is sympathetic as the emotional actress with the heart of gold who finally has her dream of performing on Broadway realized. Norton, outstanding as Mike, is blunt yet socially awkward and can only perform truthfully on the stage. Keaton is simply a marvel as he plays a dark and vulnerable man hating and wishing to shed his ridiculous movie persona of yesteryear and secretly cringes when recognized by fans. He communicates with a voice inside his head, the voice he used when he played "Birdman" years earlier.
The uniqueness of the film is the use of what seems like one long take as the action rarely stops and seems to be ongoing. In my opinion, the film belongs to Keaton- he wonderfully relays vulnerability, pain, and fear within with an outward persona of bravery and masculinity. Throughout the film I wondered, is Riggan suicidal? What is real and what is imagined? Are certain scenes foreshadowing for later events? The film has much depth. One marvels at how art imitates life- Is Keaton really portraying himself? Keep in mind that Keaton was the original Batman in the successful superhero franchise beginning in 1989 and his career tanked shortly thereafter. Birdman is a comeback film for him and he is devastatingly good. Norton's character Mike impressed me- blunt and honest he is also flawed and scared and in some ways addicted to the stage. Stone has one particularly brilliant scene as she lambasts her father and with regret later on, tells him that the world has moved on without him and that he is irrelevant just like everyone else- it is a powerful scene. In another, Riggan is locked outside of the theater during the performance, clad only in his underwear- how on earth will he return to the stage and complete the show? The quick slights at current Hollywood superstars playing superheroes, specifically Robert Downey Jr. are deliciously naughty.
A dark comedy for sure, it is impossible to predict what will come next and the film is very New York theater style. Keaton's run in with a theater critic in a cocktail bar is the best scene in the film as the critic's vicious critique of "You're a celebrity, not an actor" resonates both pain and tremendous anger for Riggan. Riggan is a sensitive, struggling man and Keaton so wonderfully shows his vulnerability in every scene. Bravo!
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12 Years a Slave-2013
Director-Steve McQueen
Starring-Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender
At the time of 12 Years a Slave's release, a ton of buzz began circulating. Was it that good? Considered the front runner to win the Best Picture statue, it did indeed win the top honors. The film is not an easy watch- it is brutal and heart-wrenching at times. I will spare the details, but the most intense scene involves a whip. There are scenes of torture, degradation, and cruelty against the slaves by the slave owners. While tough to watch, I applaud the film for not glossing over the atrocities of slavery. Some have criticized the film for being a retread of similar films, but I disagree. It is worlds more intense than watered down versions. However the film is not a downer. Yes, a class of people are beaten down and victimized, but they also rise above and never give up hope. The fact that it's a true story and a book was written on the subject by the real Solomon Northup makes it all the more powerful.
The performances are clearly outstanding (Ejiofor, Fassbender, Paulson, and Nyong'o). The look of the film and cinematography are sharp and I loved the distinctiveness of the north and south scenes. The setting is stifling hot and dreary. There are at least 2 scenes where the camera pans on a shot and holds it for seemingly and eternity until an action occurs, which made the scenes effective. While difficult to watch, this film should be viewed by everyone to see how far we have come, but not forget how far we still need to go to eliminate discrimination and victimization.


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Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center
cmich.edu > Enrollment & Student Services > Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center > About > Volunteer Center History
Volunteer Center History
The CMU Volunteer Center first began in 1992, after Dr. Mary Ellen Brandell and Dr. Bruce Roscoe wrote a grant to secure funding for a Volunteer Center on campus. The Volunteer Center was originally a satellite office of the United Way of Isabella County Volunteer Center, with an office located in a small space off of the Student Organization Center and staffed by a student coordinator and two college work study students. Volunteer activities consisted primarily of small special events, including blood drives, holiday assistance, and a spring service event called "Be My Neighbor Day." Two years later, the Volunteer Center grew to include the Alternative Breaks program. In 1994, the first CMU Alternative Spring Break went to volunteer with the Red Bird Community Program in Beverly, Kentucky to work with the issue of rural poverty.
In 1998, the first CMU Volunteer Center Coordinator, Shawna Ross, was hired. She worked to recognize the Volunteer Center on campus and expand potential services to students and community partners. The Volunteer Center was soon granted a Graduate Assistant to help with programming, including the federally-funded America Reads literacy tutoring program. In 2000, CMU moved to institutionalize the Volunteer Center and the Coordinator position on a full-time basis while maintaining the partnership with Isabella County United Way. A decision was also made to seek regional partnerships with United Ways or Volunteer Centers located in Clare, Ionia, Bay City, Midland, Saginaw, and Detroit.
By 2002, the Volunteer Center had a website and a new volunteer database called Volunteer CENTRAL, which contained vast amounts of volunteer opportunities that students could sign up for online. Programming also continued to expand with the Alternative Breaks program; the program grew to include year-round programming with the addition of Winter Break, Summer Break and more weekends. The Safer Sex Patrol (prevention of STI educational program) and the David Garcia Project (disabilities awareness education) were also added to regular programming. In 2004, the Volunteer Center successfully wrote a grant to obtain our first Michigan Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTA, whose purpose was to work full-time with mentoring programs such as America Reads, and the newly formed Lunch Buddies and Adopt-A-Grandparent.
The Volunteer Center now houses a searchable online database of volunteer opportunities for CMU students called OrgSync which coordinates civic engagement efforts across campus, and helps administer the Volunteer Center's many programs. Additionally, the Volunteer Center provides service and advocacy events throughout the academic year, including: Issue Day, MLK Day of Service, Valentines for Veterans, Be My Neighbor Day, and various other events. Furthermore, the CMU Volunteer Center Alumni Affinity group was created by a core group of alums who continue to be involved in a multitude of ways with the Volunteer Center and community partners.
The Volunteer Center has been recognized by the President's Higher Education Service Honor Roll every year since its inception in 2006, including special recognition for assisting in Hurricane Katrina Compassion efforts.
If you are interested in obtaining more information about the Volunteer Center or would like to have a Volunteer Center spokesperson visit your organization through our Speaker's Bureau, please stop by our office, email us at volunteer.center@cmich.edu, or call 989-774-7685.
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Exotic species seized at Chennai airport; customs, police commence probe
Chennai Customs had booked a passenger arriving from Bangkok on Tuesday after exotic species like iguana and marmoset monkeys were seized.
After the seizure of exotic species from Chennai international airport over the past two days, the customs and Tamil Nadu police have commenced a probe into the smuggling.
Chennai Customs had booked a passenger arriving from Bangkok on Tuesday after exotic species like iguana and marmoset monkeys were seized. Also, an abandoned bag found at a corner of the airport on Monday had pythons inside it but the customs could not trace the person who had brought it to the country.
A senior officer of the Tamil Nadu police told IANS that there has been an increase in smuggling of exotic species to India and from the country to outside. He said that the state police have commenced a probe into the background of people who are importing these exotic species as well as those who are taking some indigenous species outside of the country.
The customs have also commenced a probe into the smuggling of exotic animals into the country and the background of smugglers are being probed. Sources in the customs told IANS that the person who had brought indigenous species was charged under Wildlife Protection Act. The Customs intelligence wing will interrogate the person and collect details on the individuals who were buying the exotic species that are brought to the country.
It may be noted that Alexandria parakeets were also sold in grey markets and smuggled out of the country. A group of tribal people who are engaged in collecting the parakeets brings them to Chennai and are sold at more than Rs 6,000 a pair. These parakeets fetch four to five times more money in the international market and a large number are being smuggled out of the country.
Sujith Ramasubramanian, an animal welfare activist and biologist while speaking to IANS said: "There has to be stringent laws and police should take stern action against those who smuggle exotic species into and out of the country. This will come down only after the law enforcers take proper action."


Last season Boise State lost their final two home games of the season to New Mexico and Air Force.
This year's group of seniors have those two losses on their mind and they are not wanting to drop the ball when they face UNLV.
The Broncos are favored against the Runnin' Rebels this Friday, as the Las Vegas Insiders have them as a 21½ point favorite.
Each the last 14 Boise State senior classes have won at least 40 games during their careers and the 2016 class will need to win just two more to make it 15-straight senior classes so protecting the blue is a must.
"Anytime we are home we want to win record speaks for it and it's just the mentality. This game with it being senior night we want to win the game and we are going to do everything we can to make that happen," said, Senior Linebacker Ben Weaver.


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Antalya Region
Turunc
Icmeler
Tour from Marmaris To Ephesus
Marmaris Excursions
Adult:€26
Child (7-12):€13
Child (0-6):€0
Free date change
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Sun, Thu
Hotel Transfer
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Turunc Excursions
By this impressive Tour from Marmaris to Ephesus, we would like to give you the opportunity of setting out on a journey to the dusty pages of history.
Highlights of this excursion hide
1 What is included?
2 What is not included?
3 What to bring with you?
4 You May Also Like
5 The Historical Background of Ephesus
6 The Importance of Ephesus for Christianity
7 During Marmaris Ephesus Tour
Discovering Ephesus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, means that you will learn tons of new, fascinating and interesting facts from the history and become wiser not only about Turkey but also the ancient world.
Hotel Transfer (From/to Icmeler, Armutalan, Siteler, Marmaris City Center)
Bus with Full A/C
Guiding Service (EN)
Breakfast and Lunch (Open Buffet)
Personal Spendings
What to bring with you?
Tour From Marmaris to Pamukkale
Tour 2 Days Ephesus & Pamukkale
Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon
The Historical Background of Ephesus
We can hear you questioning what makes Ephesus so special, like the only game in town?
Here is your answer: Ephesus diverges from the other antique cities and becomes unique of its kind because of the strict protection in force.
Building is not allowed within the borders of the antique city.
Firstly, it is believed that the city was built by Kroisos-the Lydian King and dedicated to Artemis- the Priapus goddess.
Also, it is said that it took almost 120 years to build this massive city and it became the capital of the Hellenistic Period and one of the most important centers of the said period because of its closeness to the harbors and crucial location.
The Importance of Ephesus for Christianity
Apart from its historical importance, Ephesus also has special meaning for Christianity.
According to the claims, the Holy Bible was written by St. John and mother Mary closed her eyes to the world in this antique city.
Despite hosting 1,5 million people approx. every year from different countries all around the world, that is the reason why a great majority of these guests consist of Christian people.
During Marmaris Ephesus Tour
First of all, we will start our Marmaris Ephesus Tour and take you to the west part of Aegean area where the region of Selcuk is located. Besides being a lovely and small place itself, our purpose is to find Ephesus that is located in the heart of Selcuk.
Then, take a stroll through the cobbled streets of marble, mosaics and frescoes which still adorn the walls of the ancient houses.
Temple of Hadrian, baths and a brothel are among the perfectly preserved city attractions.
You will be fascinated when you witness the existence of the numerous small details hidden in every single corner and want to know what their underlying story is.
Do not miss:
• The famous Celsius Library, the most impressive building in Ephesus,
• Theater, which housed about 25,000 residents for gladiatorial contests and theatrical performances that has a spectacular view over the main street, lined with marble fountains, temples and baths,
• The Temple of Hadrian,
• House of Love,
• Agora and more…
Just contact us and let us play a part of this precious experience of yours.
Reviews About Tour from Marmaris To Ephesus
5.00 based on 5 reviews
Thank you for organizing such an exciting trip! Next time we will also purchase excursions here, it is clear that professionals are working.
It's such a nice idea to connect Marmaris and Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage. I've always wanted to visit there but getting to there on your own is quite expensive (renting car etc.). This tour is very cheap comparing to others and it was satisfoctory. Thanks for our amazing guide by the way, he was awesome! Ephesus is a magnificent place
nilay
We're glad that you enjoyed our tour! Thanks for the comment! 🙂
The trip, which took us one day, and will be an unforgettable one for a lifetime. Be sure to visit Ephesus, because it really is not in vain under the auspices of UNESCO. Thank you for your impressions.
Hi there… I loved this tour, it worths the money you pay, time on the roads and tiredness after the walking!! It was a delightful day, i learned many things at once thanks to our perfect guide. Thanks for everything.
The first time we bought a tour not from a guide, but on the site, thanks, we were satisfied, very well organized. In the morning, the bus picked us up almost without delay, left on time. On the way, we stopped at several more hotels to pick up other tourists. An hour later we had breakfast in a big city called Mugla, if I'm not mistaken, it's like a mini capital of the region. At around eleven in the morning we were in place. Ephesus is amazing, a perfectly preserved ancient city, practically the cradle of civilization. Be sure to visit there. After the tour in English, we had lunch and went to the house of St. Mary, which is located nearby. After that, in the evening, we returned to Marmaris. Thank you for organizing this trip to Excursion Market. We will recommend your services to friends.
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