February 4, 2012 by Jamarcus

Sights and Sounds: Ringling Brothers “Dragons” show. Bi Lo Center.

The new Ringling Brother’s “Dragons” show is now showing at the Bi Lo Center through Sunday Feb 5th. Here are some sights and sounds from the production.








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January 30, 2012 by Jamarcus

Tuesday on Scene on 7 at 7:30 CBS: A Local School of Rock!

As a child of the arts and a lover of music, I am a strong believer in not only the power of playing an instrument, but the ability of notes to transform lives. Tuesday night on Scene on 7 I am taking you on a visit to a local place where music knows no boundaries and no age— You have all probably seen the movie “School of Rock” with Jack Black—and the founder of this academy got the inspiration from that story. You guys wont believe how well spoken and thoughtful these young musicians are—-and wait until you hear how well they play!!! Here is a taste! See you Tuesday at 7:30 on CBS Channel 7.

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January 26, 2012 by Jamarcus

Coming up Friday at 7:30pm on Scene on 7: A Visit to the Center for Elephant Conservation


If you have ever been the the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus you have seen the biggest stars of the show, the Asian elephants. They are remarkable creatures and their involvement in the circus act has been met with plenty of criticism from animal activists, so when I was invited by Feld Entertainment and the Ringling Brothers Center for Elephant Conservation to come and learn more about where these animals come from I was thrilled.

Friday night on Scene on 7, you will see where some of these Asian elephants are born, cared for, trained, and retire. The Center for Elephant conservation is located in Central Florida in an undisclosed location–it is rare for cameras to be allowed on the compound.

You will also find out how the CEC is playing a role in saving the Asian elephants. I hope you will watch—-I also get up close and personal to some of my new friends. See you guys Friday night at 7:30 only on channel 7- Scene on 7

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January 19, 2012 by Jamarcus

What’s coming up on Scene on 7? Science meets Art!

I am working on a pretty cool story for Scene on 7 coming up in a couple of weeks–I know many of you have heard about the “Body Worlds” exhibit. The part art installation part science lesson has 14 actual human bodies, known as plastinates, which were donated to show the intricacies of the human form. They also serve as a lesson on what the good, bad, and ugly of what we put into our bodies. Here are some photos taken at the South Carolina State Museum to promote the upcoming story. Be sure to stay tuned to my facebook and twitter pages to get more information on when the story will air.



This is a visualization of a healthy body versus one with excess fat. Powerful image.

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January 15, 2012 by Jamarcus

Gaston on the Globes: Best Picture Nominations.

Here are the trailers and some commentary for the films nominated tonight for Best Picture-Drama. Feel free to comment and tell me which one you think should take home the globe.

Warhorse

The Help

Hugo

The Descendants

The Ides of March

Moneyball

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January 15, 2012 by Jamarcus

Gaston does the Globes! What will the stars grub on?

What’s for Dinner at the Golden Globes tonight? Via Huffington Post.

( Source: The Huffington Post)

Think of these dishes as the food that stars will almost choke on when they get an earful of Ricky Gervais’ edgy monologue during the Golden Globes.

Executive chef Suki Sugiura and pastry chef Thomas Henzi of the Beverly Hilton Hotel unveiled the 2012 Golden Globe Awards menu on Thursday to a kitchen packed with cameras and journalists. According to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the dishes took six months to conceptualize are centered on the theme of “Global Food Harmony” to reflect the “global nature” of the awards.

On the day of the event, it’ll take 40 chefs and 110 kitchen staffers to prepare dinner for 1,300 guests, according to BizBash. That’s a lot of blowtorches.

The 2012 Golden Globe Awards Menu

Appetizer: Pistachio crusted pistou ravioli with wild arugula served with smoked tomato, kabocha compote and burrata

Entree: Miso and sake lees marinated pacific sea bass with grilled king oyster mushroom and braised prime short rib of beef. To be served with porcini pine nut herb ragout in a light cream of sherry wine ginger tamari sauce and roasted fingerling potatoes, candy striped beets, baby bok choy and yellow baby carrots.

Dessert: A trio: chocolate delice almond crunch terrine and acacia honey, caramel and fresh berries, paired with a Moet & Changdon Grand Vintage 2002 magnum specially created for the event.

Consider the bar set for ambitious homecooks hosting an awards show viewing party. Here’s where to buy the edible gold flakes in Los Angeles.

 

For pictures of the dishes–visit:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/06/golden-globes-2012-menu-preview_n_1190812.html?ref=los-angeles

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January 14, 2012 by Jamarcus

The South Carolina International Auto Show.

If you are looking for something to do tomorrow, Sunday,  January 15th,  might I suggest the South Carolina International Auto Show at the TD Convention Center in Greenville.  The tickets are relatively inexpensive at on only $8– with discounts for kids and seniors. Sunday is actually “family day,” with kids getting in free. For more information on the show—- www.SouthCarolinaAutoShow.com

Here is a photo journal of some of my favorite cars at the show for those that aren’t able to make it to the TD Convention Center. Enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

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November 19, 2011 by Jamarcus

FALL’n for Fall.

 

There was a time in my life when I didn’t understand all of the fuss over foliage. Maybe its because when you are younger its harder to be appreciative for such things as the simplicity of color and God’s grace. Perhaps someone with a terminal degree in the field of ‘the way young people think’ would be more equipped to elaborate on such an issue. What I do know is that you cant step foot out of the door here in the Upstate of South Carolina/ Western North Carolina, during fall, and not experience the superb grace of a Divine palette. The brightness of each hue–resonating to the core of feeling. From the dullesst of dulls to the most stunning twinkles of happy–the foliage has a way of making you truly take in the moment and be grateful. Glad.  Glad that the world is amazing place and that even with its problems–there is beauty, its our charge to pay attention  to it. I hope you guys enjoy these shots I took  several weeks ago at Whitewater Falls and Table Rock.



 


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October 16, 2011 by Jamarcus

To Beentown and Beyond!!!


The last time I checked in I was all a java over the caffeinated highs of Seattle and Vancouver. I have since returned from the highs of that experience, but just as I got grounded—-the opportunity to go to Boston to visit a friend arose.  Beentown wasn’t the only destination actually; also included in the excursion was New Hampshire and Vermont. I hope you enjoy the highlights of this tremendous trip.


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September 17, 2011 by Jamarcus

Duck , Duck, Duck tour?

I am apparently the only person in the world who hasn’t been on a Duck Tour. Duck tours are where a bus takes you on a city tour then morphs into a boat and shows you the sights on the water. Our driver was full of energy, information, and jokes, which I really enjoyed. Driving through the city we saw many of the famous landmarks—along with stories from the lesser known spots. In the water we got to see the seaplanes landing and of course, the Sleepless in Seattle house, which our tour guide claims was originally purchased for 600k and sold for several million. It was neat to see the house from the Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks classic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Up next—It was time to get our underground on! Did you know that Seattle was burned down and rebuilt above the original city?  This tour was very interesting because they actually took us down under to see where those original businesses were—including the red light district. I even saw an original “crapper!” These photos give you an idea of the rich history here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Here is one of the “Crappers” 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You will see these on the streets of Seattle—-these were the skylights for the underground city!

 

As a musician I have known that Seattle is birthplace of “grunge” music-with connections to Hendrix, Nirvana, and many more. The Experience Music Project is an amazing place that displays everything from Jimi Hendrix’s flashy clothes, notebooks, and pictures—to Kurt Cobain’s potted meat collection. One of the first things that catches your eye is this huge art piece made of over 700- guitars. There was even a walk through gallery which showed the evolution of the guitar—very neat. There was a booth where you could record your “Nirvana story.”  Upstairs is the Sound Lab where you can make your own music—play the drums, record some vocals—all available for purchase of course. Also there is the Battle Star Galactica exhibit, containing pieces from that series. I would highly recommend visiting EMP if you visit Seattle, just be sure to allow time to truly experience it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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