JORGE LUIS VARONA: When Hyperrealism Commits

By Jorge Luis Varona & Isa Traverso - Burger
Images courtesy of: Jorge Luis Varona

Cuban born Jorge Luis Varona left his home island at the age of five.
Although he enjoyed doodling, he didn’t want to take art classes,
“because I didn’t want someone to tell me how to do it” -even at the
urge of his parents. Feeling puny about his role in the world he went
for a Business Major in Miami Dade Community College and received
an AA. After that, not able to alienate the inspiration pouring out of
his mind, he enrolled in UM where he transferred from ‘architecture’
to ‘fine arts’. It is at this age of 22 that Jorge Varona finally began to
focus on his calling.


Besides obtaining an M.F.A from Colorado State University, he has
earned, twice, the Oscar B. Cintas Fellowship, -allowing him to be
exhibited in galleries all over the USA with other renowned Latin masters
such as Frida Kahlo, Fernando Botero, Wilfredo Lam, Amelia Pelaez, Tomas Sanchez and Miguel Padura.
His detailed-oriented works, which can take from one to six months
to complete, identify him as a realist; or how the audience’s acceptance
has categorized him: New American Realist. What his art
expresses is the perfect picture. He draws-as well as paint- with
such an impeccable detail, that you don’t know if what lies before
you is a painting or a photo, but it’s certainly a work of art. His
nudes are subtle and tasteful, -his portraits angelic.


Recently he has been centering the attention of his art on his Cuban American heritage: cafetera cubana, guayabera, machete,
juxtaposing it with something American, like apple pie. The aroma
of the coffee in the house, family and friends sharing the experience
of “un cafecito” all bring fond memories. Whether it is classical
or modern, his pieces tell a story, they take you to a moment
you might have lived, or might want to. He remembers nostalgically
and transmits this feeling to us, while it gets harder and harder
to believe the talent he creates. His images also include a leather
bomber jacket, “anones” that may identify his warrior side.
In Varona’s own words, “My work celebrates my heritage. I want to
take these objects that have been a part of me and elevate them to
something more than a mere object. In my work you will also find
hidden objects, they are almost a language of my own. These hidden
images might be a skull, the island of Cuba, and others. They
invite you to look at my work and revisit it to find more. The scale
of the paintings range from 12x18 in. to 3x5 ft.”
According to Carol Damian, art critic, Varona’s work has received a wide acceptance
within the category of New American Realism. “It is especially unusual today to see
the work of an artist who displays a mastery of the oldest and most traditional form
of artistry. The viewer is at once seduced and mesmerized by the accuracy of their
representation.” Armando Alvarez Bravo, art critic, states, “Varona is a Cuban artist
with a clean execution that introduces in his pieces a narrative that is eminently
figurative.”


Jorge is also a dedicated family man; his wife Iliana is a ballerina turned schoolteacher;
his son Jorge, an aspiring bass guitarist; and Carolina, his angel-like daughter
is a special needs child.

Russian Language

BY ISA TRAVERSO-BURGER

This issue of World 101 is dedicated to the Russian language, one of great political importance in the 20th century. Its history is di- vided into four periods: Kievan period and feudal breakup, Muscovite period (15th-17th centuries), Empire (18th-19th centuries) and Soviet period and be- yond (20th century).
Russian is spoken in: Russia, former Soviet Republics, former War- saw Pact-member states, Israel, Mongolia, and Svalbard. It belongs to the family of Indo-European languages. Total speakers: About 145 million
Writing system: Cyrillic alphabet Official language of: Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Unit- ed Nations, Crimea, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Transnistria, Gagauz- ia and some regions of Ukraine.
Here are some popular Russian proverbs and their meanings:
/v trid’ev’atom tsartsv’e/ “in the three-ninth kingdom”, it’s a typical beginning of a fairy tale and is used ironically to describe a place far away.
/ni k s’elu, ni k gorodu/ “neither for a village nor for a city”, meaning of no use or relevance.
/delat’ iz mukhi slona/ “to make an elephant from a fly”, meaning something impossible to achieve.
/kogda rak (na gore) svistnet/ “when the crayfish will whistle (on the mountain top)”, meaning never.

•Thank you very much
Spaseebo balshoye•

•Don’t mention it
Ne-za-chto•

•Do you speak Russian?
Vy gavareeteh pa ru-sky?•

•Do you speak English?
Vy gavareeteh pa anglisky?•

•I don’t speak English
Ya ne gavareeu na angliyskom•

•I don’t speak Russian
Ya ne gavareeu na ruskom•

•My Russian is bad
Ya ploha gavaru pa Ruski•

•I do not understand
Ya ne paneemau•

•Could you speak slowly?
Gavareeteh medlenie•

Russians in History:

• Peter the Great: Ruled Russia from 1682 until his death. He transformed Muscovite Russia into a major European power. • Alexander Suvorov: Last Generalissimo (not counting Stalin). He never lost a battle; he was famed for his manual The Science of Victory.
• Alexander Pushkin: Romantic author considered the greatest Russian poet and the founder of modern Russian literature. • Ivan Pavlov: Won Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1904 for research pertaining to the digestive system. Pavlov was known for first describing the phenomenon known as classical conditioning.
• Yuri Gagarin: was a Soviet astronaut who in 1961 became the first human in space and the first human to orbit the Earth. • Vladimir Lenin (born Ulyanov): Communist revolutionary, the leader of the Bolshevik party, initiator of Leninism -an adaptation of Marxism to “the age of imperialism.
• Mikhail Gorbachev: Leader of the Soviet Union from 1985 until 1991. He helped to end the Cold War and dissolve the Soviet Union. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990.

Trés Anime and Ziko-Deli

BIG 80’S, GRAPHiC DESIGN AND EXPLOITING YOUR MUSE

BY SHANKAR
ILLUSTRATIONS BY:MARIA SARMIENTO

Back in the 80’s where girls dressed like boys with loose clothes, oversized blazers, short haircuts while the boys liked the eye paint, glossy lipstick and girlish dances, bands like Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, The Cure, INXS and every trans-hair-feminine music group was the ultimate success...
....Back when there was a whole audience for two boys named “Cory” and the coolest thing was to go to the movies to watch the “Brat Pack” wearing a jean jacket, comes the birth of the action figure and the way people see a whole new generation of conceptual characters that detonated one of the first stages in graphic design history.
This 80’s fever blew up basically when a movie director created plastic versions of his sci-fi movie characters, this was called the Star Wars fever, a never-before seen marketing extravaganza that sort of ended 25 years later....This is where the figurines and other interesting adult-toys and articles (not the ones Alberto would talk about in his S.E.X section) became a fundamental part of our childhood and culture evolving in some other ways; later, they divorced in physical and conceptual ways from their ‘ideal parents’ or roll models -Barbie and Ken- starting a new generation of human thoughts.



Can you imagine our generation growing up without figurines? These guys have been more transcendental than we think...
Anyway, several years later, this graphic movement started to flourish when a guy called Bill Gates was forced to re -invest some money in a company that Forrest Gump called ‘some fruit company’ (Apple) in order to avoid a monopoly trial about him controlling the computer world (like he doesn’t, right?).
Once Apple was revived in the early 90’s after being overwhelmed by one of their own creators, the whole graphic design industry became one of the most effective and fast-growing movements in the whole human communication history.... all this thanks to Congress!



These days with the marvelous Macintosh computers being more efficient in every bi-monthly expensive release, graphic arts and proposals have been evolving and becoming accessible to most people, even the non-technological ones.
Today we have different, almost infinite, design and production styles; the graphic design world has amazing dreams and proposals that have become real works of art and creativity, just like our favorite pet: Kuma Distrikt (no offense Ansel and Jelly).
For some people, these figurines are only toys, for some of us they are real forms of modern art. I’m pretty sure of one thing, every time I take a look at some of Maria Sarmiento’s designs they make me feel like the way I felt back then, when some of our most important activities had to do with doing homework and eating our vegetables. I feel that but with the intensity that comes with adulthood.
Although the graphic designer, industrial designer and architect have a very tough place in the communications industry by having to combine an artistic inspiration with a client’s taste, all of them manage to do a bit of everything by becoming inspired, developing the digital file, doing the changes or adjustments and, the most painful one after some long weeks or months, getting paid!
Have you tried to fabricate any art in your office or home lately? Have you tried it even if you think there’s not a single hair of art-talent in your body?
Well, we suggest trying this out! Even if you’re an accountant and have paper clips all over your desk or you’re sitting in this wonderful plane via Mexico or in your home office...go for it an do it only for your own pleasure, once you’re pleased, you can share it with other people.
Look all around for the first thing that catches your eyesight, grab it and like Don Armando Manzanero said in our 3rd issue’s INNERVIEW: Do something pretty with it!
Don’t be afraid of re-shaping it or giving this object a different view, a different life or function, you can re paint it, re use it, give him other object friends that want to share the same space with him, etc. Do something unique with it and feel free to do it! If this object was not yours and you accomplished something that pleases you, ask the person who owns it to donate it for the sake of art.... trust me, great art creations came from moments like this.
I think that ‘creativity’ is another muscle in our body and like the rest of unused muscles, they loose strength and ability, so use yours every day....
One last tip, if you’re a guy, don’t just use this growing creativity to have day sex with every girl that goes by and if you’re a girl don’t just use this creativity to feedback conclusive ideas. This wonderful energy and ability inside every human being is meant to make pretty things and make all of us understand each other in two universal languages: Love and Art.

NOISE POLLUTION AND MANTRAS

BY ISA TRAVERSO-BURGER

I don’t know about you but I have an issue with unwanted noise: Harley’s, boom cars, drag racing, lawn mowers at 8:00 AM on a Saturday and anything that disturbs my rest or ears. Did you know that there is in fact something called noise pollution and a Federal Noise Control Act? Keep reading, this is not boring at all.

The word ‘noise’ comes from the Latin word nausea so you can imagine what being exposed to sources such as: factories, amplified ‘bad’ music, loud air conditioners and construction work can cause in humans and animals. Yes, I said animals! High noise levels can impede natural cycles such as feeding, breeding and migration. One of the famous cases of injury caused by noise pollution was the death of whales due to the sound of military SONAR. In people, well The Census Bureau reported that one of the major reasons for people moving from their neighborhoods is Noise!

Setting aside the earsplitting topic we move onto the real thing, music for your ears. You will feel a lot better after learning about the power of mantras. You might think it’s not your territory, oh but it is! A literal translation of the word mantra is: instrument of thought. As Descartes indicated, if you think, you exist so mantras could easily be a method for your life.

Mantras originated in India and are typically in Sanskrit language; they are either a syllable or poem used as a spiritual tool because this word or vibration allows you concentration and awareness. OM is the popular one, but the quantity of mantras is something cosmic, just like the feeling when you spend time practicing one of them. It is an acquired taste and the good thing is you can do it in the privacy of your own home or in a group. Repeat the word OM focusing on extending the M part as much as possible; do you feel the vibration within you? You’re getting there!

Besides being a great aid in meditation, some mantras are said to have the intention of being integrated in religious ceremonies to bring wealth, avoid danger, and even eliminate enemies. One of the most relevant and powerful aspects of mantras is their purpose, -to deliver the mind from illusion and material inclinations. Next time noisy invaders try to take over your sanity and ears, don’t get annoyed, try ‘chanting’ instead, which is the process of repeating a mantra.

In my opinion, Sai Baba’s chants are really beautiful, but you are free to choose your own, even make your own hymn. And, if you know someone who pollutes the environment with noise, convince them to stop doing it and make this world a cleaner place, where music and chants are heard instead of manufacturing and construction machinery. Check online for more about noise pollution and how YOU can do something to protest. In the meantime, hum your favorite syllable and turn it into a steady routine.

INFECTED MUSHROOM / Electro-classic and surreal

BY ALFONSO CORONA AND ISA TRAVERSO-BURGER
Their lyrics don’t paint them as a cheesy pair of Djs: “I wish to give, to take, to make, to check, I wanna see it happen. I want to see, to be, the one that plays the game without no fears and regrets...” In fact, they are rich in experience and poetics, which is not awfully usual in this genre of music. This Israeli duo formed by Erez Aizen and Amit Duvdevani (Duvdev) has been in the electronica scene since the late 90’s. In 2004, Infected Mushroom left their base camp in Haifa, Israel to settle in the Mecca of entertainment, Los Angeles. But, it doesn’t matter where they put down roots, their home is the world because they have toured non-stop since 1999. Their new album, Vicious Delicious promises to be consistent with the sonic evolution characteristic of these two music producers, pianists, creators of psytrance in their previous albums: The Gathering, BP Empire, Converting Vegetarians and IM the Supervisor. Infected Mushroom is one of the top International melodic trance producers in the world, and it all began with a rave party during their trash metal years and a stay in Goa, India. During the Ultra Festival in Miami, they met with Distrikt and proved to be talented guys with a dream that is still coming true each day.



How long have you been in L.A?
One year and a half. Before that we were at home in Haifa, Israel.

How is the creative process to create your tracks?
Most of the times with a beat, something basic, then we add melody, maybe piano because we both play it and then we build on that. I can’t really explain it; something happens when we are making music.

When did you become involved with electronic music?
Well, we both play classical piano since we were about 5. But then, it became boring and when I was a kid 13, 14 years old, in 1993 I heard electronic music for the first time. I liked it, I don’t know why, maybe because also my friends liked it and we connected that way. I made music before, but cheesy rock music and stuff like that. I tried making electronic stuff and Infected Mushroom was born.

Why Infected Mushroom?
When we started there was a band called Infected -when I was 16. We never thought or had idea that we would be able to travel the world making music, you hope, but it’s another thing when it becomes reality. So we split, went to the army, to England, you know, growing up. The band, Infected, parted ways and when we became serious with the music business we called ourselves Infected Mushroom.

How do you visualize music?
I see people dance.

What’s your favorite part of the musicmaking process?
I like writing the melody, to think about new melodies. To invent a sound is almost impossible, you are sure somebody made it before and that’s a challenge I really like.



When you see people dancing, do you see colors, smells or textures?
I like complex stuff, I don’t like simple music, I don’t see colors or anything like that, sorry.

Where do see yourself in 10 years?
Doing music with hopefully less shows, it’s too much right now. I think we will continue to do what we do but would like to also produce for other people. Right now we are very happy performing everywhere because you never know how long it will last.

How do you see electronic music now?
The way we see it is that audience who like the scene has grown from 1,000 who went to a show, to 30,000 going to party, it’s a commotion in a good way and I hope it continues to grow.

What music do you listen to?
Challenging music you probably haven’t heard of like Violet Vision. I like break beat bands that are complex, radio, Dream Theater and even Christina Aguilera. I listen to a lot of productions because of the sound I’m looking for.

I don’t mind it but we write something different, not commercial. I appreciate commercial stuff but we do what we believe in, what works for us, and we like to keep it that way.

If your music had a taste what would it be?
Steak (laughs).

What are you doing tomorrow?
Flying to L.A to see the wife and girlfriend of each of us, then we leave for Turkey and England and you have to check the website for the places because I can’t remember, we are touring non-stop.

What do you think is the main difference between electronic music and the rest?
We are not simply kick n’ bass music; we try to change every minute to a more complex and more musical style. Hopefully this will move people, it’s uplifting stuff that we build not to make it standard.

What’s you favorite instrument for making music?
These days, a new synthesizer that is very interesting. It’s a new way of making sounds that people never heard before.

JEROME ‘BIGFOOT’ BRAILEY THE FUNK LEGEND BEFORE YOUR EYES

BY ALFONSO CORONA AND ISA TRAVERSO-BURGER
He has seven gold and platinum records. He has worked with a myriad roster of talents includ- ing Herbie Hancock, Buddy Miles, Buckethead, Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, Pharaoh Sanders, James Blood Ulmer and Bill Laswell. In 1975 he joined George Clinton’s P-Funk, which includes the bands Parliament and Funkadelic as well as other fascinating projects, until 1979 when he formed his own band, Mutiny. Now, a proud member of the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame since 1997, Mr. Bigfoot keeps the drums thump- ing but also wears the hat of Producer. His secret for his youth-look was not revealed during our interview but we think it has to do with his low consumption of alcohol or his unbelievable gift as a drummer. However he keeps it real, we just want to say, “thanks for the funk Mr. Brailey”. Read what he wants to ask everyone to do, you might agree.
Where are you from?
Richmond, Virginia. I’ve been in Miami for a month.
Anything feels uncomfortable?
Oh no, I feel great.
If you were hungry what would you eat?
Maybe waffles; I like Belgian Waffles, with turkey bacon, strawberries, OJ.
What would you like to be doing 10 years form now? Living in St. John; I’d like to just be there and come back on and off to do production work.
What was the first life changing anecdote that you recall? I was in high-school in Richmond and this group came to town, they were going to play in a club; so my friend and I, we went to the club and told the guy at the front door that we were the baddest cats in town and that we played with the band; I had my drum sticks, and he let us in. We jammed with the band and next thing you know we were in New York, doing a record. I was 17. That’s what got us started. This was around 68, 69.



It was pretty exciting. At 4 or 5 in the morning in New York, everything was alive; everything after midnight was closed in Virginia. Then, I was a kid living in Chicago, I can’t tell you the feeling when you’re young and you hear your stuff in the radio.
What were you doing a day like today when you were 12?
School, playing. We had our own clubhouse, probably playing baseball, or fishing, or at the junior high school marching band. At 15 I got my first kit, I played everything before I got my real kit. When I was 13, the Beatles came over, and JFK was assassinated. That’s when I knew I wanted to be in a band -when I saw the Beatles.
What amuses you the most?
When a group of guys gets together and crack up laughing. This guy Mario Medias, he is so funny; he worked for Bob Marley, The Stones, Emerson Lake and Palmer. We sit and talk, and everything we talk about he has a comical story, he is the funniest guy I’ve met in a long time. We call him The Big M.
What is the least amusing thing you have to do everyday?
Wait. (Laughs) wait for something. I don’t like waiting. They tease me every time, they say Miami is laid back, and I have to always wait.
What do you love?
My daughters, I have two. My grandson. My family; I’m tight with family.



What do you hate?
Cloudy days. I try not to hate a lot of things. Politics I don’t like.
What would you do if you were not a drummer?
Probably a comedian. In school everybody told me I had something funny to say. I was into fashion designing too.
If you could mix 3 people to make an ideal human being, who would you choose? Definitely, Harpo Marx, he seldom spoke but there was some- thing angelic about him; someone great like John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King a mix of both. And, one of my fa- vorite musicians, Stevie Wonder.
What was your most important professional moment?
The Hall of Fame was important. Also, seeing my grandson in Virginia when my daughter surprised me for my birthday; she called and told me she was at the mall and couldn’t talk, she was actually on the plane. Then, my wife at the time told me to go out to help her get the groceries out of the car and there she was, my daughter and grandson.
Do you fly or walk?
In between. You have to fly to dream and then walk to achieve it. That’s what keeps me going. It keeps me young too.
Alone or accompanied?
I’m a loner.
Complete the following words: Life is: being healthy with sound mind, body and spirit. Life is peace. Power is: being able to do what you want to do. Art: Miles Davis. Money: is Power. Sex: Females. Your body: A secret. Your Life: Crazy.
What tip would you give others who want to make it in the music business? Be focused, give 100%, and stay with it. Hang in there. I never did anything else.
Would you like to play drums the rest of your life? Out of everything I do: production, writing, tools, drums... yes, I know I can.
What are you the best at?
Drumming.



If you saw God what would you say to him? Thank you for blessing me with talent and keeping me healthy.
What is the secret for looking so young?
I don’t drink; rum and coke sometimes but not often. In the house I move around. I can’t sit for long. I started music at a young age, which is what keeps you in another frame of mind.
Music recommendations from a super funky guy: Led Zeppelin, Parliament, Funkadelic, anything by Miles Davis and Public Enemy.
If there was a perfect stereotype for you, what would you be?
Cool Guy.
If you could ask all the people in the world to do one thing at the same time, what would it be? Impeach Bush (laughter)...
From your perspective, how is the influence of funk in today’s music?
The whole hip-hop thing came from what we were doing. It opened a genera- tion. It started catching on. They all have Parliament, Funkadelic records. The whole music scene has a legacy thanks to us, P-Funk generation, Sly, James Brown, etc. The funk we did came from the vibe, from different cities.
How is this movement going to evolve in future generations, meaning the funky groove? I just know that hip hop will be around for a while, with more jazzy tracks probably. I don’t know if there is anything new to do, it all comes back in a cir- cle, people recycle tracks with a new twist. I can’t think of anything new. Most sounds will come back again.
What do you listen to now?
Kanye West, Wyclef, Led Zeppelin, some Ethiopian singers, Chris Isaacs, all kinds of stuff, I like to stay open.
Describe the funk:
Funk is about the feeling of who’s playing. Doing funk is really simple. It’s about the thrill of the time. Funk is from within. Like I said, it’s about what you feel. I’ve done shows with Parliament where I was so funky I could feel it inside my bones and that’s when the audience can feel it too.

PAUL VAN DYK

BY ALFONSO CORONA AND ISA TRAVERSO-BURGER

He began his journey in the field of music making in 1989. Surely you’ve heard his compositions and not necessarily in a Miami nightclub, -perhaps in a com- mercial, or a film soundtrack; that’s if you are over 45, all those below are familiar with Paul Van Dyk. This East Germany native who grew up in a communist country is now considered one of the best International DJs and producer. In 1997, his CD Seven Ways bares him the distinction of being the pioneer of the Trance genre, which begins in the British scene and didn’t easily welcome foreigners at the time; it be- came album of the year!



Van Dyk proved himself then, and now too, by supporting great causes, being blessed with great ener- gy and creating some of the most fascinating music in the electronica era.
Artists like Inspiral Carpets, Sven Väth, Curve and New Order are some of the protagonists of his fa- mous remix tracks. Between visits to cities like Lon- don, Tel Aviv, Mexico, New York and Singapore, this Berlin based performer stopped in Miami for the Ultra Festival at Bayfront Park and this is what he shared with Distrikt before earning 4 awards at the IDMA: Best Producer, Best Global DJ, Best CD Mix Com- pilation for Politics of Dancing 2 and Best HI NRG / Euro Track for The Other Side.



Explain what you do with music.
I write my own songs, I engineer and produce my own music and I’m also a DJ in live performances. Electronic music has always been about break- ing boundaries on creativity and tech- nology. I moved on from playing vinyl records; now I have 2 computers with me, with DJ software called Serato scratch and Ableton, so I can interface them and do the craziest things putting the right element with the right tracks together.




You’re doing this almost all the time.
It’s very alive what I do. Every time is different.
Do you play live instruments?
When I was a kid I learned how to play a little guitar. Since I grew up in East- ern Germany I learned all these Eastern folk songs. I’m not good at it, piano and keyboards a little.
How do you visualize a creative idea?
Everything I see is an inspiration; some- thing simple and beautiful like a sunset, an instrumental track, or the poverty in India become a pitch. What I want to do is bring it across. People always ask me, “how do you do all these sounds?” I just do it and it comes out that way. Not much thinking involved because I don’t think I have to do this or that.
How do you see music inside your brain?
I see something. I see a picture, a romantic dinner for example, or what a moment felt like and then try to recreate it.
If your music had a taste how would it taste like?
(Thinking) Probably sweet and sour. (Laughing). It has elements that are rough, dry, banging techno elements and atmospheric deep musical moments.
What is your biggest personal and professional achievement?
My marriage! The biggest on the professional side is being able to live out of what I do. I can live from it. It’s great.
Why do you think electronic music, specifically your music, has such a connection with people? I think it’s the general character of electronica. I don’t need to mention that there is crap music and there is quality music. When I talk about electronica, I focus on substance -what is real, what has roots, not cheesy pop music with danceable elements. I’m talking about the real thing. I am writing a song about the other side, dying, and death. The outline catches something in order to impact every person and everyone needs to fill the package with his or her own ideas and feelings because you fill it with your own. It’s passion.
What kind of music do you listen to?
Everything. I listen to all types of music. Right now my favorite is Placebo.
If you had to take only one CD to the moon which one would you take? (After given it a long thought) Probably...David Bowie. (Laughs).
How do you see your music growing in the next five years? I don’t think about it. I go inside a studio and do what I feel. There are so many things we do... (stops to acknowledge a bark) Sorry I’m a dog lover, if I hear barking I have to look. I have two Beagles in Berlin: Stanley and Audrey. But back to the question, in the next five years I would like to travel a little less. What I do now is I have an online radio, a music station called vonyc; it is a great thing downloading talented electronic music legally. There is really no other way for people, most music is coming out in vinyl, we changed it; radio 24 hours non-stop, no reruns, if you like something you click and it’s a legal download, you get to support your favorite artist, for $1.29.
Is ‘illegal downloading’ coming to an end, and does it really damage? There will always be criminals. You can only make it as safe as possible. Talk to your audience and make them understand that they kill their own music even while they don’t have money to buy keyboards, or to live decently, if they become something else, their music dies. We developed a watermark from one of the leading technologies in the world, so when one of our files shows up in the Internet we can track it down. I don’t like to do it, but it’s a way to scare off music predators. I totally believe in my soul that digital is the way to distrib- ute music. I see iTunes coming to an end because I have an iPod and bought the music I wanted to hear again; but for new music I go to specialized shops that we have in the electronic and hip-hop world, it may take 10 years to fully develop, but it can happen.

GOT THE BLUES FOR BLOGS

BY ISA TRAVERSO-BURGER
Ever wonder what a blog is? After reading this, you’ll be a pro! Best of all, you’ll understand clearly because I’m only using nontech words; at least I’ll try. The original word, coined by Jorn Barger in 1997, is ‘weblog’; then, about two years later, Peter Merholz shortened it to ‘blog’ by jokingly posting on his web, ‘we blog’. Now, ‘blog’ serves as a noun and a verb.
Blogs are similar to diaries or journals, only that you can choose the whole world to view it, make it private for friends only, post anything you want because you are the creator, editor, promoter of your own little world in the internet planet. If you have a desire to say something and don’t care who listens, then you wouldn’t mind writing it to have someone in South Africa read it, right? In a blog, you can do that and much more.



Most places I visit are related to green stuff but the variety is immense, surely there’s a blog out there for your unique perception or taste, and if not, make it happen! Food, politics, local news, pregnancy, religion, art, music, travel, you name it, it’s there; in the web, awaiting comments, inviting any kind of feedback.
The 90’s, era of BBS (bulletin board system) is gone. If writing is not your forte, and video or audio, or photography is, then move straight ahead to the more evolved part of the communications world: photoblogs, vlogs, linklogs and podcasts.
To start your own blog all you need is a host (the kind online), or a blog software (even free) like Blogger, LiveJournal, Flickr, or Blogdrive. The procedure is not that hard; you only need a bit of patience, a theme (unless you want to write about your life), and an accessible made-up name, i.e. isaburger.blogdrive.com.
The importance of blogs is gigantic! Did you know Doctors Without Borders com- municated via SMS text messaging from Sri Lanka and India during the Tsunami in 2004? Most news sources are now avid in the blog empire, for example The BBC and The Guardian in the UK. The system is used to spread culture, enhance com- munication, and even for marketing and PR.
In many cases, people who care about a great cause also use the blogging method to create awareness or teach lessons or create a community of individuals who believe in the power of change. So is the case of zaadz.com.
There is also a corny -but huge- place called MySpace, which is used as a self promotional tool or a semiporn dating site. Then, there’s youtube.com, which is a public site mainly for video seekers and uploaders, --a great place to find specific videos from anywhere in the world.
Now that you’re ready to begin your own blog, -or help someone start theirs, here’s a few terms to allure you into doing the research for more modern-tech words.



Plog
Political blog
Podcasting
Posting audio and video material and its RSS ( Really Simple Syndication) feed.
Milblog
Written by members or veterans of any branch of service Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines.
Blooger
A user that has adolescent tendencies and lacks good manners.
Boreblogging
Personal stuff that is barely interesting -even to the writer, but still is fun because of the way it’s written.
www.distriktmag.com is always following the latest interesting trends in technology, we welcome you to blog with us; you write, we all read and that’s how ideas emerge. Log on to our website often and say what you feel !
Thanks for reading and see you online !

EUROPEAN ART IN MIAMI

BY ISA TRAVERSO-BURGER
Images courtesy of: European ART GALLERY


Hans Klemm has worked with brands such as Rodier, Balen- ciaga, Descamps, Vuitton and Kenzo among other renowned names. That was during his 25 years living in France; after discovering a passion for fashion, interior design, art and architecture, he decided to open a different type of ‘art gallery’ here in Miami. Driven by the art business plus the harmony and warmth of our beloved city, he founded a “light meets color” themed place known as European Art Gallery. Here, in this singular location, he represents very few but very talented artists.
To enhance his precious space he utilized the concept of blending painting, sculptures, handcrafted light fixtures, outdoor furniture and the objects from well known German light designer, Manuel Wassmer. Besides Wassmer, Ruth Azcona Lizarraga and Elmar Hund complete the roster of power behind the gallery.




Elmar Hund is a German artist born in Oberkirch. After exhibiting in Germany, Hungary, Austria and other European places, he arrives to Miami to show evidence of his incredible procedure when it comes to art. He even uses wood from the German forests to structure his frames, which he does by himself, refusing to use industrial production! Every one of his paintings is unique, alternating between oil and acrylic colors on canvas, integrating 24 Karat gold leaves, using three dimensional surfaces to create a subtle optical outcome, and employing earth pig- ments, heat, aluminum powder, cotton, and a lot of layers and production time. Hund’s creativity is a perfect reflection of his romantic and complex mentality, boosting the dynamism of his artwork, his spontaneity and his remarkable perception of the world.



Manuel Wassmer is a popular interior light designer. He has a thing for ambiance, lighting and shadows. At 18 he designed his first series of lightings and ever since, he has created a reputation for himself after numerous exhibitions, TV shows and light parades that depict his own style; at the same time, through his art, he expresses moods, emotions and functional beauty. Wassmer has shifted his imaginative design from private properties, to hairstylist studios, to a 130,000 sq. ft. business center in Cologne, Germany. He is identified by his unique approach to design and lighting. Customers can choose from a collection or have objects custom made to their desire. Every object is handcrafted so that every stone (marble or granite for example) has its own manifestation. Wassmer is also passionate about light shows having his first break at the age of 20 in the town of Baden Baden in the Black Forest area. After that, he successfully illuminated events at Linx, Bühl, Kehl/Strasbourg and other German cities. If there’s something he’s an expert at, is setting the right mood.




Ruth Azcona Lizarraga is a Spanish artist who illustrates a feminine kindliness in her paintings. Barcelona, Cuenca and Pamplona have all been witnesses of her exhibitions; and her current displays at the Eu- ropean Art Gallery establish Azcona in her first US experience. At first she was attracted to colors, then she began digging deeper, finding the unexposed to be even more interesting, attacking her curiosity, making her explore the shapes and patterns of the interiors. “She makes the invisible visible to the human eye and is able to expose even the deepest mysteries of a flower”. Azcona reveals the most amazing details, painting with a dry technique, experimenting with wet colors and transparencies as well. The nature of her work reveals so much detail that it takes her an average of three weeks to complete a magnificent piece of art.



At European Art Gallery we find classy and comfy outdoor furniture, the kind you would see in a trendy and fashionable hotel; extraordinary tables and objects created with quality detailing plus unmistakable light- ing; and paintings and sculptures that will draw attention to any special space because of the feelings they convey just by watching them be what they are: art at another level.

PORN AGAIN

By ALBERTO FERRERAS
Photos by Alfonso Corona

When I’m bored at a party, I pick a stranger in the crowd, I approach him/her with a broad smile, and extending my hand I say:
“You look terribly familiar. Have you ever done porn?”
You should try this line. It’s fun, and it’s a hell of an icebreaker.
Pornography –however- is nothing to laugh about.
Some report that it’s a 10 billion dollar a year industry – but I suspect that it’s way more than that. Many were surprised recently when a particularly conservative cable company decided to show uncensored hardcore porn on demand. Charging $10 a pop –so to speak- they knew that it might be questionable from a moral point of view, but not from a business point of view, and morality is something that most people keep out of business nowadays.
But let’s stop talking about money and let’s talk about the fun side of porn: the making of.
Recently, I had dinner with three porn legends: Vanessa Del Rio, Candida Royalle and Veronica Vera. Vanessa –now in her fifties manages her own adult website and is the motif of an upcoming volume by Taschen. Candida is an accomplished film director, and designs her own line of sex toys; meanwhile Ms. Vera educates cross-dressers in her “Finishing School for Boys who want to be Girls.”
These three ladies should have a monument –not just because their figures are certainly statuesque - but also because they have the balls and the bravery that you only find in history books. That night, sitting at a booth and drinking dirty martinis, I dropped the question that
was on everybody’s minds.



“Whatever happened to good old porn?”
“It’s over,” said Vanessa. “People just do it for money.
Back then we were rebellious. We were making a social statement.”
She’s right. They defied society’s rules and accepted a stigma that younger generations cannot even imagine.
When I saw Paris Hilton’s popularity skyrocketing after her adult-film debut, I knew that the world had irreversibly changed.



In these days everybody is a porn star -or everybody wants to be one- and no one has to suffer the shame that tormented Linda Lovelace until her final days. Now –in one hand- you have porn moguls like Jenna Jameson or Rocco Siffreddi, who have the mainstream appeal of any American idol contestant. In the other hand you have any Joe Blow -or Jane Blow- posting homemade kink on the web. Now all you need to be a porn star is a digital camera and an e-mail account.
I personally think that porn is no big deal. As a matter of fact porno movies and action films are
pretty much the same. The plots are always irrelevant, and the lame dialogue is just an excuse to separate scenes of people getting blown –or blown up. The appeal of both genres is watching people doing things that you wouldn’t want to do. It’s exciting to watch Bruce Willis fall off the roof of a skyscraper, but you wouldn’t try that unless you’re hopelessly insane. The same thing happens with porn: every time I try to mimic an adult movie stunt I end up on the chiropractor
table.
“Porn sex” is hard on your back, bad for your knees and burns your eyes.
So it doesn’t matter if you enjoy watching people falling off high risers -or sitting on them: at the end of the day someone –with the proper training- did it, so you don’t have to. The ancient
Greeks called it a “catharsis”: it’s allowing your feelings to surface by identifying with the protagonists of the show.



The interesting thing is that in porn, we’re attracted to opposites: women like gay porn, men like lesbian porn, gays like straight porn, and lesbians… okay, I’m not sure what lesbians like, but the point is that we look for people doing things that we can’t do or we don’t dare doing because we are afraid of it’s moral consequences. Sex –most people think- is dirty and we rather see someone else doing it rather than putting ourselves in that position –which is often not the “missionary” one.
I believe that if sex was such a despicable activity God would have chosen another way for the human race to reproduce. And if God only wanted us to have sex for reproduction, he/she wouldn’t have made it pleasurable. Sex is –and should be seen- as something completely natural,
like walking or breathing. Porn should be boring. Watching videos of people having sex
should be like watching videos of people eating, or filing their taxes. But then, why do we get
turned on by the Playboy Channel and not by the Food Network?
The answer is easy: porn is hot because it’s dirty. And porn is dirty because people of conservative morals have told us so. Could they be the same people who make millions of dollars
selling it on “pay per view”?

Other Decodable Celluloid Recipes for Money

By Shankar
Images Courtesy of: Buenavista Home Entertainment

Just like in gourmet life and The Food Network, all of us in Distrikt seem to be
excited about an idea as wacky as: recipes in film. Is it too crazy to believe there
is a formula for success in Hollywood? Read and find out.
I took the opportunity of borrowing one of Shankar’s spaces in our magazine to share some ideas with you. These can make all of us rich, and this includes yourself...
yes you, our blissful reader. Let me explain how this can be possible.
Throughout past decades, Hollywood has been in desperate need of maintaining their overexposed, super-ultra-high lifestyle. They use us -the mortal ones- to keep their Rolls Royce shiny and their parties lusty; and they do this by feeding the world audience with recipes that we might like to consume.
It is not strange to us that certain subjects or tendencies in movies are fashionable
at certain times or decades.
In the 60’s all of the greatest musicals - including movies like “The Sound of Music”- lasted more than two years playing in some cinemas of Mexico City. Can you imagine having to watch ‘The Rock’ for two years in a row? Even watching great films for two years straight is absurd.
In the 70’s there was lots of sex and less musicals, along with the first movies about really mean African American guys. Not to mention that there was some rude violence in gangster movies too. All of this ended with the second coming of the new Sci-Fi and George Lucas’s Star Wars. It was all about stereotyping.



The 80’s were filled with war, martial arts and general violence movies, these led to an -almost repugnantdecadence; unexpectedly, the most powerful of these movies rules the most important State in the business of the 7th art, the one and only Governator.
The 90’s... The films during this era can be resumed to: Magnolia, American History X, Good Will Hunting, Fight Club, American Beauty, Braveheart, Gladiator, Silence of the Lambs and the soul-filling Shawshank Redemption. In other words, mind games, perversion in history, humbleness and guilt trips.



Then comes Y2K, the perfect excuse for continuing to sell us their formulas, like letting us know how many courses our meal will have and in how much time we should expect it. They do this to keep the ‘real fans’ hungry for new films just after they’ve had dessert and are ready to go.
This is the case of movies such as: the Star Wars Trilogy, Lord of the Rings, X-Men, Matrix (one of the first ones by the way) and the hero of all parents, the savior of all the kids because it makes them read again...yes, you guessed right, Mr. Potter!



If you can analyze this environment where we live in and figure out what will people like – or consume- years from now, you just might become rich. It happens the same with fashion as it comes back from the dead when you least expect it. Imagine, you can make lots of money offering a decent script, just like this nice waitress did a couple of years ago with the Potter kid.
This decade is halfway through, so you still have a chance to propose something outstanding to the world of Hollywood. Think about it! If you come up with a HIT, instead of forgetting my suggestion, I urge you to share, by buying ad space in our magazine, inviting us to lunch in your new tropical garden or by taking the Distrikt team to the premiere of your successful screening.

ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL: MiAMi’s Own MEGA Music FESTIVAL

When that many people, with that much great music join forces for an unbe- lievable musical afternoon, believe me, it results in a complete sensorial experience worth identifying.
With bands like The Killers, Hot Hot Heat, Infected Mushroom, The Prodigy... Do I need to say more? Next to world renowned DJ’s like Paul Van Dyk and Okenfold, this is another must-go event in our beloved city.
Next year, right during Winter Music Conference, indulge yourself by taking a Saturday off from your regular afternoons to ‘live’ this event. Make sure to be there before sunset to get pleasure from the whole trip. You won’t be able to stop dancing!
We want to share with you some additional images from THE KILLERS, and HOT HOT HEAT who gave their best to this city’s great audience; these two are part of our favorite bands of the moment. Enjoy them!

Flavorful MOODS Anyone?

By Vanessa de la Rue

It’s undeniable that food consumption causes extreme pleasure; it produces a gratifying feeling of relaxation not to mention the fulfillment of the basic necessity for survival. It is said that some flavors or tastes may affect our mood and temper. For example, chocolate is supposed to correct deficien- cies of some neurotransmitters like serotonin. But, studies show that other issues, besides chocolate and other foods, intervene in the mood swings we experience.
I believe it’s a reality that many people relate certain attitudes and emotions with the cravings for something they feel like hav- ing. It’s also true that we all prefer certain tastes depending on our state of mind and vibe during that exact moment. That is why some days you may despise a plate that you commonly eat. The sudden feeling is, most likely, because your temper is going through a phase.
An example of this theory arises when we think of chocolate, ice cream, coffee or cake; the texture, taste and smell of these items play an important role in our brain since from the moment we think of them, we begin to enjoy the expectation while our bodies (psychologically or not) react to the stimulus.
Many studies analyze how our preferences for different flavors change, depending on our mood. Because of this, when we feel down or negative we tend to go for junk food as a masochist. On the other hand, when we feel positive and are upbeat, our first option is to go for something healthy, as to protect and take care of our bodies. Another great example is that anxious peo- ple, when at their nervous peak, are inclined to go for greater quantities of food while others, can do exactly the opposite and not eat at all.



Marie Wright, a creative flavorist we spoke to says, “the power of taste is unbelievable... I think that flavor affects many aspects of mood. Flavor is a total mélange of emotions. Musk notes in brown sugar flavors are so very evocative to me. Citrus fla- vors are kind of refreshing and happy. My experience of flavor is that when you eat something evocative it tends to remind a person of an event or a place. That’s why I think that flavor is a stronger tool for the emotions than scent... Bad smells? Plenty of them! But once incorporated into a flavor, can taste absolutely delicious. Many of the components of coffee, meat and fish can smell disgusting. The ripe note of strawberry is pretty revolting, but in the correct quantity it makes the flavor taste wonderful.”
I think it’s amazing that we can satisfy basic necessities with so much richness in variety and quality. I propose that you try and see if all this is true, by tasting different flavors and paying atten- tion to your mood and emotions, as subtle as these may be.
So, go ahead and let me know what you find out. I say farewell to you, hoping you can enjoy your favorite aromas and feelings, all at the same time.

ECHO

Sometimes you hear or read stuff that gets to you; that makes you smile, or cry, or wonder, or think. We believe these quotes may cause some kind of effect on you too.
Enjoy our Echo section! The word is always mightier than the sword. Thanks to sources such as: AP, Newsweek, CNN, MSNBC, Reuters, New York Times, IMDB, BBC, NPR and foreign press.

1. “It was a script issue. We didn’t have a place to really use talent like theirs, two big stars like that.”
Jerry weintraub, producer of the oceans Eleven franchise, on why Julia Roberts and Catherine zeta- Jones will not be back for the third movie.

2. “I am accused of having said that the [Chinese] Communists used to eat children... but read The Black Book of Communism and you will discover that in the China of Mao, they did not eat children, but had them boiled to fertilize the fields.”
Italian prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi

3. “In fact, they were asking for the phones to be put into the coffins with them in case they woke up... We came across one guy who asked to be buried with his mobile phone and his Black- berry, and also with his laptop.”
Martin Raymond, director of international trend-spot- ting think-tank -The future laboratory-, on the cases that originated in Cape Town where people believe in witchcraft and feared they would be buried while under a spell.

4. “Whatever they put there they’ll just keep on going over, around or under it...finding a better life for your family is a powerful incentive.”
hugo uriel, an illegal immigrant from Mexico after being caught in the united States and sent back to Mexico, on the no-nonsense policing of the US / Mexico border.

5. “It is the first time I have been offended this way in public to be compared to the biggest perpetrator of genocide the world has known.”
venezuelan president hugo Chavez, when a journalist from the BBC asked about his behavior match- ing the “you’re with us or against us” attitude of his enemy george w. Bush.

6. “Channel 10 offers its solidarity and support to the families involved in this unexpected tragedy that came, in fact, while they were trying to help others.”
Mrs. graciela Baccino, a spokeswoman from the channel after a runaway train killed seven people and injured eleven more in the town of young, uruguay. The victims were part of a reality show where communities raise money to help.

7. “I spoke to the Colombians. It’s fine. I get passionate sometimes. I said Colombia because it was the first country to come to mind. (The drug problem) has as much to do with what’s going on in this country. If there wasn’t a demand, there wouldn’t be a supply.”
Bruce willis, apologizing to Colombia after blaming the nation for America’s drug problems.

ANTHONY BOURDAIN: The Gourmet Daredevil

By Alfonso Corona and Isa Traverso-Burger

Chefs are known for their extravagant or blunt behaviors and
Mr. Bourdain is no exception. He is a character who seems
to have jumped out of one of his thriller novels –yes he’s a
fiction writer too.



Opinionated and humorous, Bourdain is
the Executive Chef at Brasserie Les Halles in New York, and
best-selling author of Kitchen Confidential. He has many
stories to tell and recipes to divulge, which is why he is so
popular nowadays after a successful Food Network series
called ‘A Cook’s Tour’. The Travel Channel is presenting his
latest venture, a show titled, “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations”.
This typical New Yorker says what he feels, knows where he’s been and where he comes from. More importantly he can cook like a whiz kid.



Where were you born?
New York City

What and where did you study?
I studied Liberal Arts, just like everybody else, and I wasted
the entire experience; it was in Vassar College, where
90% were women. I was 17, confused and distracted. My
life didn’t begin until I became a dishwasher. I fell in love
with the restaurant business and its lifestyle. It’s like joining
the mafia, once you’re in you’re never out. I wanted to
get good at what I was doing so I studied at the Culinary
Institute of America (CIA). I f*cked up in college spectacularly.
I was self-destructive and a total mess, but here I
was a good student. I had an advantage, there were not
many students with restaurant experience, and for me it
was easy and fun.

How was the CIA experience?
I always knew I had a future in the business, if you can
handle the pressure and the insanity, you can always find a
structure. It takes discipline, as well as an extended family
of equally dysfunctional people. It’s like mafia, --anywhere
in the world you go, there are people that can relate and
understand you.

What made you inclined towards the art of cooking?
I love the life I have, who else would let me behave like I
do? When I started there were no celebrity chefs. The rock
and roll lifestyle was a powerful motivation, --drugs, girls
and power. To be surrounded by people who shared that
world felt very elite. Now it’s another reality, but at the beginning
it was that lifestyle that grabbed my mind.

How do you best describe what you do?
I have the best job in the world; I get to travel all around it, eating and meeting
people. This business is about meeting people and I love it, it’s the perfect job
for me; I’m a lonely person in my personal life.

How’s your life?
My life is great, I have always done what I want and usually get away with it.
My life is a complete-freedom stage and I like it that way.

Can you eat everything?
Literally everything, except...monkey brain. I once had the chance of eating it
and my wife told me that if I did, she would divorce me (because of the harm
done to the little animal). Once I ate seal with an Eskimo tribe, as you know,
these people really need to eat seals as part of their DNA heritage; we sneaked
into an igloo and had one of the most intense dinners of my life.

Tell us about the strange ones.
One of the strangest things I have eaten was a live, still pounding cobra snake
whose heart was washed down with its own blood and vile; I also ate a soft
boiled duck embryo and roasted sheep testicles still hanging in their place.

What’s your biggest accomplishment in the food business?
Well, food is necessary in life, every one has to eat, so food generates control,
this is one of the main reasons in human or animal conflicts in history. Food is
the most important thing in life so somehow I’ve accomplished certain
success in this area.

Are you reading a book?
Not right now, but I’m preparing an investigation regarding
real low-key Caribbean and Latin American restaurants in
Miami.

Is there any plate that you can’t prepare?
Some of Bulli’s restaurant in Barcelona, Chef Ferran Adrià
did amazing things putting up a chemistry lab using flavored
mousses that are simply the best in the world. This is the
most impressive food on earth.

Which is your best food dish?
Beluga Caviar with blinis, fresh buckwheat, scallop and white
truffle risotto and lobster bisque.

Who do you LOVE to cook for?
Martin Scorsese, he’s a very special person.

What do you feel like eating now?
Mexican food. I love Mexico and their food; it’s a great place
where people are awesome.

What would you like to do ten years from now?
Exactly the same thing I’m doing now, hanging out with my
friends, eating, cooking, etc. Among Chefs there’s a sub-culture
you know? Everywhere I go, I have Chef friends, I go see
them, they invite me to eat, drink and talk, so imagine, I get to
eat and drink with the best cooks in the world in the best restaurants
of the world; believe me, these are great reunions,
all of them full of awesome food and lots of wine.



Complete the following words:
-Love is: I don’t know
-Life is: A trip
-Money is: Everything and nothing
-Food is: everything