I need a Garmin now. I tested the device during a lock down and at the gym. Today, after spending Christmas in South Germany, I am on lean workout program to drop 4 kilos for an end goal of 79 kilos.
Too bad Santa did not leave this tech wearable under the tree after feasting for me after feasting for ten days. The need to burn some calories is real.
I will keep you updated on my progress.
A seemingly straightforward two-hour documentary of Pope Francis, Francesco otherwise manages to compel. Directed by Evgeny Afineevsky, the film is noteworthy for mostly competent direction and production values.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1936. He is the first Pope to be born outside Europe since Gregory III (731–741). As the new Pope he took the name of Francis. His untimely succession to Pope Benedict XVI was the result of the former’s ill health. Francis was also following a conservative Pope with outspoken and often controversial values.
Francesco follows Fernando Meirelles’s dramatization The Two Popes (2019). Jonathan Pryce played Pope Francis, and Anthony Hopkins was Pope Benedict XVI. The Two Popes imagined a bromance of sorts between the outgoing conservative and incoming liberal. There was also Wim Wenders’ documentary Pope Francis: A Man of His Word (2018). This film lauded Francis’ concerns with issues such as the climate crisis, refugees and inequality. Likewise, Francesco shows he is an outspoken critic of unbridled capitalism and free market economics, consumerism, and over development. Since 2018, he has also been an opponent of populism. At the same time, he has welcomed tolerance for the LGBT community in the Church.
On the global stage, Pope Francis has helped to restore full diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba. He also supported the cause of refugees during the European and Central American migrant crises. Furthermore, he has tackled child abuse, particularly a case in Santiago, Chile. Juan Carlos Cruz wrote to the Pope detailing his abuse from Father Fernando Karadima. After initially dismissing this claim, Francis eventually defrocked Karadima and apologized to Cruz.
Francesco also remains respectably (or, perhaps, forcibly) distanced. At times it raises the question of how much the director had direct access to his subject. For example, included is some footage of Francis talking to someone off-camera. There are also excessive drone shots, and Francis only seemingly gives interviews to friends and colleagues.
On the whole, Francesco is a worthwhile and at times enigmatic portrait of Pope Francis. Despite occasional editing flaws and questionable one-sidedness, it opens a window on the head of the Catholic Church.
By Steve Yates
Before Tacky Podcast talks about 2021 the Year in Fashion. The views on styles and trends combined with a different approach to life made for a fun discussion.
Click Below to get the lowdown.
Matrix 4 just got released. The reviews for the laest installment have been mixed, however the film’s star Keanu Reeves continues to be on an uninterrupted streak. How has Mr. Reeves stayed on top for over three decades? Check out the discussion the Chat Cinema Podcast.
Black and Paper wishes you and all your loved ones a Merry Christmas for 2021.
The episode of Chat Cinema talks to Bay Area filmmaker Erica Eng about her new short film AMERICANIZED.
Americanized was screened at the Bentonville Film Festival.
Running time: 17 minutes.
The usual KaDeWe Christmas visit happened recently. Was this visit the same as previous years? NO. Covid pass to enter, fewer buyers and a feeling of melancholy for the what has passed. But it is nice to visit Berlin’s famed store.
2021 closes out to a new year.
If Aliens landed, then asked to wear Gucci, I would not be surprised.
The fashion world has dealt with the surreal look of the the New Normal.
Stay tuned for our year end podcast in review.
The Jabra Elite Earplugs, I got a pair in the mail from the public relations agency. I already use the brand’s Evolve 2 on hear device.
My recommendation: Get a pair. The bluetooth earbuds are a solid superior piece of music gear with voice prompts and noise cancellation features. For daily use at the gym for my 90 minute routine, there have never been problems with the fitting during workouts. Tap features make for easy use and connectivity with with my music playlist.
Thankfully the Elites are waterproof. One dropped from my back on the side walk in front of my flat. It rained the same night. I went looking the next day, found it, placed the bud in the recharger case, worked as if nothing happened.
After using a cheaper brands headphone, The Elite 75 pro has a superior sound quality. I have used the microphone because normally, I do not take so many calls on my smartphone.
Battery life is good, I normally recharge the two after days usage.
I happened to go over my Twitter account last night, suddenly, to my shock, on the Louis Vuitton account there was an announcement of Virgil Abloh‘s passing. My first thought was Covid. After reading the announcement Virgil lost his battle to cancer at age 41.
As the first African American head of a major fashion label, Virgil inspired me and no doubt countless others. He shattered a glass ceiling. Founding the fashion label Off-White in 2012, the Rockford Illinois born designer made a name for himself by establishing a must have streetwear brand worn by celebrities such as Kayne West and Jay Z. In 2018, being appointed the head of Louis Vuitton menswear placed Abloh at the pinnacle of the fashion world.
Thank you for opening doors Mr Abloh.