As the guitarist for hard-edged pop-rock band Incubus, Mike Einziger has headlined arenas and festivals around the globe. But standing in a rehearsal room at Los Angeles Valley College in front of an meeting place of trained musicians geartrain up to perform his "End.>vacuum," an ambitious "Realization in Nine Movements" that will give birth its premiere today at UCLA's Royce Hall, he seems, easily, nervous.
Einziger, 32, fiddles with various keyboards and devices, including three vintage typewriters and an old gramophone that he and 2 friends will play to supplement the more traditional orchestra. It's clear he understands the pitfalls of such ventures.
While a handful of bikers have set up success and acclaim in orchestral settings -- Danny Elfman, Frank Zappa, Radiohead�s Jonny Greenwood -- others have total off as overreaching dilettantes or, worse, pretentious boors. But the Calabasas aboriginal, who's around to head east to study medicine at Harvard, says the risk was necessary for him creatively.
"I'll be the first person to tell you things could go horribly amiss," he says. "At the same time, I ask, 'Why would I only stay in my ease zone?' I've always followed my musical instincts. If it all workings out bad, that volition be what happens: It will be horrible and people will laugh, and I'll just have to figure out what to do afterwards that."
Einziger's inspiration for the piece came from the Disney animated showcase "Fantasia," a constant presence in his childhood, and he first began working on "End.>vacuum" in the spring of last year patch he was recovering from surgery to correct wrist bone tunnel syndrome. He received encouragement from his longtime friend Elfman and his mother, Nancy, a music teacher.
The claim functions as a word illustration of the approximation that "the end of life and existence as we know it" leads to "the return to the vacuum of blank we exist in, or we think we exist in," Einziger says.
Tonight's performance will be prefaced by a short talk about modern scientific discipline by physicist-author-educator Brian Cox, whom Einziger met on a chitchat to the site of the Large Hadron Collider being built under the French-Swiss mete -- quantum physics existence another interest of the musician. The performance will be accompanied by visuals designed by several of Einziger's friends, and 3-D glasses will be distributed to the audience.
At the rehearsal, orchestrator-conductor Suzie Katayama, a ex-serviceman of rock/classical intersections, addresses the problems of perception when it comes to these sort of things as she formally introduces Einziger to the musicians.
"This is his legitimate . . . ," she catches herself on the word before continuing, "his real music." Perhaps realizing that still sounds like a backhanded compliment, she quickly adds, "Other than rock 'n' roll."
As Katayama leads the more-than-50-strong ensemble through the first parallel bars of the opening move, titled "Exit Lense," it's clear that the composer is no dilettante. The jagged pulse rate of Igor Stravinsky and the glissando and smooth swoops and flutters of Gy�rgy Ligeti, two of many 20th century influences Einziger readily discusses, come forth as prominent elements.
The musicians, veteran orchestra pros assorted with some Incubus syndicate and friends, start to show both confidence and connection with the largely tonal but harmonically layered music. Mom Nancy beams from a chair off to the side. The energetic, piquant Katayama keeps the spirit at erst vibrant and focused.
Einziger's work plays with time. Pulsating tribal/mechanical rhythms melt into sustained, most static stretches before the rhythm reemerges. The early-'80s large ensemble work of John Adams comes to mind, merely the character of the piece is Einziger's own.
During a check, Einziger seems happy, if a bit dazed. He can credibly relax. The musicians experience. Harpist Gayle Levant smiles broadly between movements and says, "I'm having a ball!"
More info
Saturday 23 August 2008
Wednesday 13 August 2008
Uninsured Americans Less Likely To Receive Eye Care Than Canadians And Insured Americans
�
In
comparison with Canadians, Americans with vision problems are equally
or more probable to approach eye care services, if they feature health
policy. Without health insurance, Americans visit eyecare
professionals at lower rates, according to a report released August 11,
2008 in the Archives of Ophthalmology, unrivalled of the JAMA/Archives
journals.
The
article highlights barriers to memory access to regular eye care in both
countries: "In both Canada and the United States, general health
insurance covers
medical defrayal for eye injury and various eye diseases such as
cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, and optional vision
insurance provides additional insurance coverage for eye examinations,
physical contact lenses and eyeglasses and/or frames, and, in some instances,
part of the costs for elective laser surgery for vision correction."
They continue, noting that "many Americans and Canadians induce publicly
funded
or private coverage for optional visual sense care."
In order to
analyze the differences between eye care access in Canada and the
United States, particularly in light of health indemnity status, Xinzhi
Zhang,
M.D., Ph.D., of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in
Atlanta and colleagues, conducted a survey to canvas disparities in
eye care service employment in 2,018 Canadians and 2,930 Americans with vision
problems between 2002 and 2003.
Of
the Americans with vision problems surveyed 8.2% did not have health
policy. This group had the lowest eye care serve rate, defined as
a visit to an eye care professional in the last twelvemonth, with 42%. In
contrast, Americans with private health insurance had a service rate of
67% and Canadians had a rate of 55%.�A higher likelihood of
eye
care service usage was associated with higher incomes and with optional
vision insurance. The authors summarize: "The difference in use of eye
care services
'tween Americans without health indemnity and Canadians narrowed when
adjusted for income level and was almost eliminated when familiarized for
having optional visual modality insurance."
The authors conclude that the break in health insurance status
contributes significantly to the disparity in eye guardianship. "Among
adults with vision problems, a world health gap exists in actual
approach to eye care services between Canada and the United States,
primarily owing to the population without health insurance in the
United States," they say. "However, although health insurance is
associated with increased use of preventive services and recommended
treatments, simply providing health insurance to all persons may be
insufficient to increase the percentage of individuals wHO use eye care
services or to improve vision-related outcomes; economic status and
optional sight insurance ar also significantly associated with rates
of use of eye guardianship services."
They
conclude that, to render effective interventions in eye care,
officials should take an access that targets low income
groups:�"Therefore, public health
interventions targeting adults with vision problems without health
insurance mightiness be more than beneficial if they focussed on those at risk for
severe vision going, especially those in the lowest income group."
Health Insurance Coverage and Use of Eye Care Services
Xinzhi
Zhang, MD, PhD; Paul P. Lee, MD, JD; Theodore J. Thompson, MS; Sanjay
Sharma, MD, MS, MBA; Lawrence Barker, PhD; Linda S. Geiss, MA;
Giuseppina Imperatore, PhD; Edward W. Gregg, PhD; Xuanping Zhang, PhD;
Jinan B. Saaddine, MD, MPH
Arch Ophthalmol. 2008;126(8):1121-1126.
Click
Here For Abstract
Written by Anna Sophia McKenney
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today
More info
In
comparison with Canadians, Americans with vision problems are equally
or more probable to approach eye care services, if they feature health
policy. Without health insurance, Americans visit eyecare
professionals at lower rates, according to a report released August 11,
2008 in the Archives of Ophthalmology, unrivalled of the JAMA/Archives
journals.
The
article highlights barriers to memory access to regular eye care in both
countries: "In both Canada and the United States, general health
insurance covers
medical defrayal for eye injury and various eye diseases such as
cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, and optional vision
insurance provides additional insurance coverage for eye examinations,
physical contact lenses and eyeglasses and/or frames, and, in some instances,
part of the costs for elective laser surgery for vision correction."
They continue, noting that "many Americans and Canadians induce publicly
funded
or private coverage for optional visual sense care."
In order to
analyze the differences between eye care access in Canada and the
United States, particularly in light of health indemnity status, Xinzhi
Zhang,
M.D., Ph.D., of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in
Atlanta and colleagues, conducted a survey to canvas disparities in
eye care service employment in 2,018 Canadians and 2,930 Americans with vision
problems between 2002 and 2003.
Of
the Americans with vision problems surveyed 8.2% did not have health
policy. This group had the lowest eye care serve rate, defined as
a visit to an eye care professional in the last twelvemonth, with 42%. In
contrast, Americans with private health insurance had a service rate of
67% and Canadians had a rate of 55%.�A higher likelihood of
eye
care service usage was associated with higher incomes and with optional
vision insurance. The authors summarize: "The difference in use of eye
care services
'tween Americans without health indemnity and Canadians narrowed when
adjusted for income level and was almost eliminated when familiarized for
having optional visual modality insurance."
The authors conclude that the break in health insurance status
contributes significantly to the disparity in eye guardianship. "Among
adults with vision problems, a world health gap exists in actual
approach to eye care services between Canada and the United States,
primarily owing to the population without health insurance in the
United States," they say. "However, although health insurance is
associated with increased use of preventive services and recommended
treatments, simply providing health insurance to all persons may be
insufficient to increase the percentage of individuals wHO use eye care
services or to improve vision-related outcomes; economic status and
optional sight insurance ar also significantly associated with rates
of use of eye guardianship services."
They
conclude that, to render effective interventions in eye care,
officials should take an access that targets low income
groups:�"Therefore, public health
interventions targeting adults with vision problems without health
insurance mightiness be more than beneficial if they focussed on those at risk for
severe vision going, especially those in the lowest income group."
Health Insurance Coverage and Use of Eye Care Services
Xinzhi
Zhang, MD, PhD; Paul P. Lee, MD, JD; Theodore J. Thompson, MS; Sanjay
Sharma, MD, MS, MBA; Lawrence Barker, PhD; Linda S. Geiss, MA;
Giuseppina Imperatore, PhD; Edward W. Gregg, PhD; Xuanping Zhang, PhD;
Jinan B. Saaddine, MD, MPH
Arch Ophthalmol. 2008;126(8):1121-1126.
Click
Here For Abstract
Written by Anna Sophia McKenney
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today
More info
Wednesday 6 August 2008
American Cancer Society Study Finds High Use Of Complementary Methods Among Cancer Survivors
�A young study from researchers at the American Cancer Society finds many cancer patients use complementary and alternative methods, most often appeal, relaxation, supplements, meditation, and massage. Meanwhile, the use of other methods, such as biofeedback, homeopathy, and acupressure, ar relatively uncommon. The cogitation, appearing in the American Cancer Society peer
Thursday 26 June 2008
Screen Actors Guild challenges rival union's pact
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The Screen Actors Guild on Wednesday continued its campaign against a rival actors' union's tentative contract with Hollywood producers.
At a Town Hall meeting in Hollywood, SAG aimed to educate its members about the new primetime/TV deal that the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) has asked its members to ratify.
The meeting followed SAG's 28th day of negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers.
A fact sheet was handed out to members that tells of "some problems with AFTRA's tentative deal."
The rundown focused on issues involving new media, including allegations that AFTRA gave up "significant jurisdiction" and residuals in new media and is not protecting actors over the use of their clips in new media.
"AFTRA's tentative deal does not secure adequate residuals for television shows that stream over the Internet on an advertiser-supported platform," SAG said. "This is a huge problem for SAG members because the new-media platform could cannibalize some existing residuals models for both motion pictures and television when product moves to the Internet."
AFTRA, which brokered a tentative deal with the AMPTP on May 28, has defended its contract. Its national board voted Friday to send the new deal to its members for ratification. The results of that member vote are expected by July 9.
AFTRA refuted SAG's claims, saying their agreement "confirms the union's jurisdiction over programs made directly for new media and establishes a payment structure for the use of traditional programs reused in new media, building upon the patters of the DGA and WGA deals."
At a Town Hall meeting in Hollywood, SAG aimed to educate its members about the new primetime/TV deal that the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) has asked its members to ratify.
The meeting followed SAG's 28th day of negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers.
A fact sheet was handed out to members that tells of "some problems with AFTRA's tentative deal."
The rundown focused on issues involving new media, including allegations that AFTRA gave up "significant jurisdiction" and residuals in new media and is not protecting actors over the use of their clips in new media.
"AFTRA's tentative deal does not secure adequate residuals for television shows that stream over the Internet on an advertiser-supported platform," SAG said. "This is a huge problem for SAG members because the new-media platform could cannibalize some existing residuals models for both motion pictures and television when product moves to the Internet."
AFTRA, which brokered a tentative deal with the AMPTP on May 28, has defended its contract. Its national board voted Friday to send the new deal to its members for ratification. The results of that member vote are expected by July 9.
AFTRA refuted SAG's claims, saying their agreement "confirms the union's jurisdiction over programs made directly for new media and establishes a payment structure for the use of traditional programs reused in new media, building upon the patters of the DGA and WGA deals."
Thursday 19 June 2008
Sopranos - Iler Escapes Crane Collapse
SOPRANOS actor ROBERT ILER owns an apartment in a New York block that was struck by a crane that fell and killed two construction workers on Friday (30May08).
Iler - who played A.J. Soprano in the hit series - was at home in the Upper East Side building when the tumbling 62 metre (200 foot) tower crane struck.
The crane was working on a new 32-story-apartment block when it collapsed and destroyed many apartments in Iler's neighbouring building.
According to TMZ.com, the 23-year-old actor - who had lived in the block for several years - felt the impact and heard people screaming, although his home was not affected.
Two men were killed and number of others hospitalised by the incident, the second crane collapse in New York in just two months.
See Also
Tuesday 10 June 2008
Wednesday 4 June 2008
Lohan Denies Being Dropped From Film
Lindsay Lohan has hit back at reports alleging she was axed as the star of an upcoming biopic of murderer Charles Manson, insisting she turned down the role. Internet reports surfaced last week, claiming the 21-year-old was dropped from independent movie The Manson Girls - Lohan's first big screen role since 2007's I Know Who Killed Me - because producers feared her wild ways could interrupt shooting. But a representative for the star denies she has been dropped from the film, claiming she was too busy with other projects to commit to the project. Spokesperson Leslie Sloane says, "Unfortunately (The Manson Girls) didn't come together quickly enough, and she was offered other roles, which she accepted and is looking forward to doing."See Also
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