Gish Picks: Week of April 28, 2010

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WHAT'S NEW THIS WEEK?

My mind is on the TAKS tests because my kids are pulling out those number two pencils for them this week. I don't like the TAKS testing process -- in particular, the work that leads up to it. I know testing is an important benchmark, but c'mon, let the kids study, then relax and "know what they know"! Let's get back to learning about culture, art, and the world!

There's a movie playing only today and tomorrow at the Angelika Film Center, "The Cartel", that explores the educational system "like we've never seen it before" -- teachers punished for speaking out, principals fired for trying to do the right thing, union leaders defending the indefensible -- and much more. As they say in the film's publicity: "Behind every dropout factory, we discover, lurks a powerful, entrenched, and self-serving cartel. "The Cartel" draws an unequivocal bottom line: if we care about our children's futures, we must insist upon far-reaching and immediate reform. And we must do it now."

I won't endorse the film since I haven't seen it, but I do encourage you to check it out. It will certainly open your eyes!

AHOY, THE STRIKING VIKING STORY PIRATES ARE BACK!

The Striking Viking Story Pirates are sailing into town again, thanks to the clever folks at the Aurora Picture Show. They’ll be at the Talento Bilingüe de Houston this Saturday, May 1 at 4pm. My son Matthew had a workshop with them – where he learned the importance of words and stories – and bringing them to life with the help of his imagination! The Story Pirates start from the premise that every kid has a story to tell -- whether it's a world of flying cats or a rock opera about fuzzy aliens. They collect words and ideas from children across the country and bring their stories to life on stage and on film – in fact, the inspiration for every Story Pirates song, sketch or movie is an original story penned by a kid. Saturday they will present videos of kids’ stories that they have produced and will create new live stories on screen by calling upon audience members to help develop the characters, locations and storylines. On Sunday, May 2, from 1-2pm, the Striking Viking Story Pirates will present a special workshop at the Aurora video library (at 1524 Sul Ross) for 12 children ages 8-12 years old that will combine creative writing with chroma key technology to insert each child right into their own story, immediately bringing it to life. Snacks provided and no parents allowed.

The screening at TBH is $7/non-Aurora members, $4/kids under 12, free/Aurora members. The Sunday workshop is $20/child with a maximum of 12 children; advance registration is required.

SOME MOVIES YOU’LL WANT TO SEE.

There are special movies in town right now that I wanted to let you know about. Unfortunately, one of them I had wanted to recommend, “The Secret of Kells,” has left the Angelika Film Center already – but if it comes out on video, check it out. It’s a great animated tale about the making of the Book of Kells.

“What’s on Your Plate?” will be screened at the Houston Arboretum at 8pm tomorrow night (Thursday, April 29, doors open at 7pm). This documentary is part of the Whole Foods “Let’s Retake Our Plates” film series that focuses on food choices and communities. “What’s on Your Plate?” follows two 11 year-olds on a mission to discover where their meals come from. Wait until you see where that leads them! I also recommend “Oceans” playing at theatres around town. It’s being released by Disneynature (their second release since “Earth” was screened on television last year). “Oceans” is a new French-American documentary film by Jacques Perrin that explores Earth's five oceans. And I recommend “Hubble 3-D,” an IMAX® film on view at the Houston Museum of Natural Science that offers spectacular (and I mean capital letters SPECTACULAR!) views of stars being created and dying off and the center of our cosmos. I’ve never seen anything like it – we were transported to the deepest outer space to see sights never before experienced by humans. By the way, the Hubble Space Telescope just celebrated its 20th anniversary.

A CIVIC-MINDED GROUP OF MUSICIANS.

Take your kids to a free concert this Sunday, May 2 at 2:30pm. The Houston Civic Symphony is presenting Wagner's "Prelude to Die Meistersinger" and Mahler's "Symphony no. 1 in D Titan". This group of dedicated musicians who are accountants, IT professionals, doctors, lawyers, real estate professionals, school teachers, and more, make up the Houston Civic Symphony. HCV is in its 43rd season and is Houston’s finest and oldest community orchestra, comprised of non-professional community members coming together to make the music they love.

Most of their concerts are free, including this one. It takes place at HBU's Morris Cultural Arts Center, located just off the Southwest Freeway at Fondren.

THIS WEEK'S ATTRACTION...THE 1940 AIR TERMINAL MUSEUM. For more attractions, go to www.gishcreative.com/attractions.htm.

The 1940 Air Terminal Museum is housed in Houston's original art-deco air terminal at William P. Hobby Airport. The Museum showcases the rich heritage of civil aviation, including the airlines, general aviation and business aviation and exhibits include Houston's fascinating aviation history. We went to the Museum and enjoyed a front row vantage point to Hobby Airport's diverse airport operations. Between airline traffic, business aviation and frequent fixed wing and rotary wing general aviation traffic, the Museum has an air show every day. The Museum has been open in the 1940 Air Terminal's north wing since January 2004 and is completing expansion into the newly restored ticket lobby and south wing which will include historic aircraft exhibits in the newly restored 1928 Carter Field Airmail Hangar. The museum is restored and operated by the Houston Aeronautical Heritage Society.

The Museum is open 10am-5pm Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1-5pm on Sundays. Admission is $5/adults, $2/children and free for members of the United States military, law enforcement, firefighters, and their families.

HAM HISTORIC ROAD RALLY.

Houston Arts and Media is joining the City of Houston in celebrating May as Historic Preservation Month by hosting their annual world class “Houston History Road Rally” this Sunday, May 2, starting at 1:30pm (you can register at 1pm) at SPJST Hall, 1435 Beall Street. Form a team and join the fun for a great cause -- historic preservation in Houston – or stop by for the post-Rally party at 3:30pm at SPJST. The HAM History Road Rally will have teams driving all around the inner loop, competing to solve the most puzzles, taking pictures of historic Houston sites, and returning to the SPJST Hall for free food and fun! Teams consist of up to 5 people per vehicle and are strongly encouraged to register early online.

The cost is $35/HAM non-members team ($40 on Rally Day) and $25/HAM members team ($30 on Rally Day).

YOGA FOR KIDS.

If your kids need a way to calm down and find their center, try yoga! There are a few places I found that offer kid, family, or mommy and me yoga. Read on for peace!

The Yoga Institute is offering “Mommy and Toddlers” and “Mommy and 3-5 Year Olds” classes starting May 3. Kids will play, sing, and dance their way through yoga with story, games, and songs. For a complete schedule, contact Cynthia at 832.429.6423 or yoga@kadenastrategies.com.

Ma Nithya Daivi is teaching kid yoga all over town! Check her busy schedule and join her peaceful revolution.

The Motherhood Center offers baby and kid yoga at various times throughout the week. Check their schedule for details.

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Sarah Gish Gish Creative 1940-A Fountainview, PMB 116 Houston, Texas 77057 phone/fax: 713.532.1173 email: sarah@gishcreative.com web: www.gishcreative.com and: www.thesummerbook.com and: www.saveourlandmarks.org © 2010 Sarah Gish Designed by West of the World