old is cool

Today, on the 75th birthday of Dedé Santana, one of the most famous Brazilian humorist, I have some to say...

Firstly, nowadays, our television is really need of better people making us laugh. At least, Zorra Total is a crap, excepted for that it has introduced us some talents such as:

- Samantha Schmütz, playing Juninho Play and as a child at these days;
- Katiuscia Canoro, as the extravagant Lady Kate;
- Maria Clara Gueiros, with the caracther Laura, who presented the jargon "Vem cá, te conheço?";
- Fabiana karla, that used to play the role of “Gislaine”, a personal trainer that was always saying “Isso não te pertence mais”, and now is “Dr. Lorca” – who advice about what “Pode” and “Não Pode! (can/can't).

*By the way, recently, when two known journalists (Zeca Camargo and Renata Ceribelli) are working out intensively to make them slim on the air, it is in fashion those worries about health, physical exercises etc.

I would say that is necessary more intelligent humour programming, comparing with the 80’s. However, I’m in doubt if ‘Os Trapalhões’ was a nice TV program, or I was only a child - easy to be convinced by any silly joke…

I remember some chapters that I dislike because Renato Aragão’s character called Didi were always taking some advantage of his other friends, included Dedé. I confess that I used to enjoy in particular both Zacarias and Mussum.

Other excellent and memorable Tv program was TV Pirata. Albeit, it was not for children… as the quartet’s one. Nevertheless, TV Pirata has an incomparable black comedy. It was excellent being sarcastic… a watershed on our screens.

In fact, I reckon that this is the main current matter nowadays: quality of programming, the contend of jokes, the smartness of the script - more than the way the casting plays… In most cases while they are good professionals, the basis aren’t. So, doesn’t work!

Casseta crew have tried, for a long time, they were on the top, but couldn’t  keep their texts as sagacious as before… Nowadays, maybe the audience prefer another kind and format  similar to Pânico (which sucks, in my opinion), or CQC - ok, I like it very much, but is more journalistic than only comedy.

former youth

Secondly, our past young idols and beauty icons are now 70 (or almost there!). Believe! It’s true. Look that:

Abroad
- (Sir) Mick Jagger is 67. He was born on 26th July 1943;
- (Sir) Paul McCartney , that is 68, was born on 18th  June 1942
- Robert Redford, who is 74, was born on 18th  August 1936;
- Clint Eastwood is already 80. He was born on 31st  May 1930;
- Lou Reed is 69. His birthday just passed, on 2nd March (1942);
- Bob Dylan is almost 70. His birthday is on 24th May (1941);
- Roger Waters, that is 67, was born on 6th September 1942;
- Jimmy Page is 67. His birthday is on 9th January (1944).

And here, in Brazil
- Chico Buarque is 66.  He was born on 19th June 1944;
- Caetano Veloso , who is 68, was born on 7th August 1942;
- Roberto Carlos is 70. His birthday is on 19th  April (1941);
- Tarcísio Meira, who is 75, was born on 5th  October 1935;
- Arnaldo Baptista is 65. His birthday is on 6th July (1948);
- Erasmo Carlos is almost 70. He was born on 5th June (1941)
- Ronnie Von is 66. His birthday is on 17th July (1944)

Even Marcos Paulo and Carlos Alberto Ricelli (that my mother simply used to love!), who are "only" 60 and 64 respectively, nowadays, are already a third-aged leading men. As them, if Bob Marley would be alive, he would be 66; Jim Morrison, 67; Jimi Hendrix, 68; John Lennon, 70;  Elvis, 76;  and finally the oldest: Marlon Brando, 87.*

Thus, we can confirm that the old concepts about being the ancient has changed since who is grandfather-aged at the present time was someone avant-garde in the past, even revolutioners, in some cases. Teens and early adults of 60’s are almost 70 now. People has gotten old… by the way.

It’s interesting that those folks must be well-behaved when their grandsons appear… Different generations, another History! Finally, I believe that will be easier to respect the third-aged people more from now than it happens before, when there are no admiration.

*I only pointed men especially because women, when their ages are related, are complicated! (not old!)

don't letting bygones be bygones

Lastly, I’ve been wondering myself about the example that our parents gave us with their roles when they could change the world. Or rather: when they were young.

On the contrary of north americans, that were drugging themselves while had asked for peace and love, Brazilians were fighting and dying in reason of their ideals. Ok, I know that some of them went to Vietnam, but this is another History... other context.

In Brazil, for instance, people who are now more than 50, could had done something against the military dictatorship. This mournful period lasted 21 years. So, during the 60’s and 70’s, when they were young, it was the time to act. Think about that and answer me what did your parents do at those days?

However, I’m not proud about what mine did, unfortunately. I reckon I would have acted alternatively. Probably I would have integrated one of guerrilla warfare groups. I admit I would not sleep if I had done anything about that when it was possible.

SOS - brazilian public health system

It is a shame! In a rich country as ours and paying the taxes as population do, should be impossible being this chaos as have been seen nowadays in most part of public hospitals.

I enjoyed so much the news about it presented in Globo Repórter and, in Record, about seniors’ health. I recognize as positive (despite miserable its content) this kind of denunciation which results in government give some answers and do something… (even if) obligated by the public opinion.

As far as I'm  concerned, all politicians should be obligated to use only (and exclusively) the public services they offer for citizens, such as education, health, means of transportation etc. Thus, social conditions will be different, of course. If they (said they that) defend our rights, they must have the duty  of sponging on everything they (should) do in our name. 

Due to this injustice I don’t want to get old in Brazil. Unfortunately, I’m not proud about my roots regarding this kind of matter being so common… Help!

the real worth for each one

Mutual? - I used to say that the love and the others good feelings SHOULD be like that… After all, why not?

What kind of magic happens and makes us like somebody and not the person beside.  Further: Why not be interested by who likes us? - at least, it’ll be easier (for both). However, doesn’t works like that and, probably, we are going to fall in love for who doesn’t care about us…

Amsterdam (ALWAYS Amsterdam… after all, I love it!) - It was there where both friends David and Matt met Christina, a fake French prostitute. Where she could be there as a whore? Red Light District, of course. Unfortunately, I lost this part… I arrived late in theatre, owing to have been invited almost at time. I saw since the moment they already are at they room talking, smoking, knowing each other.

Inverno da Luz Vermelha, brought me this thought. With Marjorie Estiano, André Frateschi and Rafael Primot, this play presents a unfortunate love bizarre triangle. Despite of both actors being unknown (for me - I believe they are from São Paulo’s theatre), they are very good. Nevertheless, I’m not going to deny that I’ve preferred the ‘Matt’ one. She is also pretty well as this role, displaying a sculptural slim body while teasing with sensual acts.

Written by Adam Rapp, the production is easy-going due to attractive appeals such as the music and the sensuality (Marjorie sings and dance in a “private” pocket show for the guys - the masculine audience has got sweaty at this moment). Moreover, prostitution and AIDS - not only interesting (and also still existing), but popular issues gave more seriousness for the text.

Matt loves Ana (actually, this is her real name), Ana loves David, and this last simply doesn’t care. The importance of what occurred in the past for Matt is, in another tone, the same of Ana’s for his best friend. It is unexplainable the way we conduce our feelings - for one, everything; for the other, in the same time (even lived the same thing), means nothing.

Predicted (I’ve studied and written scripts, so… ), when she said she was HIV positive and the phone rung, it was not difficult to guess what would happen between Ana and David! Even though, the scene was heavy - an anal sex, never seen on TV,  with Marjorie (until now, a fragile actress, a quite paltry singer) as a protagonist.

I enjoyed it! Mainly as a consequence of abstracted loves (not reciprocal), the hybrid of intelligence and ingenuousness of Matt, his no prejudice too. Even Amsterdam being in a second plan, and the story have transferred to São Paulo’s reality - a stupid mean to became this plot closer of us. Not necessary, in my opinion.     

  

I give my regards about. It is until April, 11th Fridays and Saturdays (9 pm) and Sundays (6 pm) at Glaucio Gil Theatre - Cardeal Arco Verde, s/n - Copacabana. I don’t know prices…

respect is a good medicine for age!

(more about Amsterdam… I simply can’t avoid. It is stronger than me!)

I admit one thing that Brazil is better than Europe (at least in both countries I’ve been - Holland and France): third age people is more respect in our metro. Ok, here, many individuals simply don’t give in their place for olders to seat. However, there are laws about it - and also both special attending and places - which usually work. There, once, I offered my place for a lady and she was very surprise with my act, telling me that had never happened before [what????].  So, I was astonished because I thought that there these things happen through a different way.

Then, since I came back, I’ve wondering myself about the reasons which make them don’t give the attention necessary for this mature adults. Firstly, I believe that it is because they are a Old Continent - that means they population is constituted chiefly by old people. Thus, once they are majority, they don’t have priority. Finally, they (unfortunately) don’t  have this behaviour of offering they places to seniors.  I’m not sure, these are only speculations about it. Nevertheless, it isn’t a complete absurd according my good sense.

véinho

Não é a careca, os cabelos, a barba, ou os pelos do peito que começam a platinar... Um homem sabe que está ficando velho quando seus PENTELHOS passam a nascer brancos.

Sinal de "maturidade": grisalho TOTAL! 

sonho de menina

Esse ano a boneca mais famosa do mundo completou 50 anos. Barbie tem uma história longa, que ainda vai perdurar por muito tempo, de sucesso, luxo, evolução e críticas. A mais famosa delas, com certeza, faz jus às suas medidas que não condizem com o corpo de uma mulher de verdade.

Mas sua trajetória também teve muitos acertos, como a propagação de diferentes profissões daquelas pequenas entre as meninas numa época em que as mulheres eram apenas donas de casa . A boneca, que já foi professora, cantora, astronauta, veterinária, comissária de bordo e modelo, já foi vendida em mais de 140 países em mais de um bilhão de unidades.

Ela mudou muito nessas cinco décadas. Deixou de ser exclusivamente loira e passou a ter uma identificação com os esteriótipos de cada lugar. Hoje existem bonecas negras, ruivas, morenas, japonesas, com tatuagem, brincos, cabelos curtos, mechas, sardas etc. E ela não vem sozinha: tem namorado, irmãs, amigas, tem casa, carro, bicicleta, piscina, computador...

Barbie sempre esteve super na moda e em dia com a tecnologia, e ditou o comportamento durante esse tempo. No início, era um meio de mostrar como uma moça deveria se comportar, mas depois aderiu à contracultura, abrindo um mundo de possibilidades àquelas novas pequenas mulheres. E isso fez com que se tornasse o sonho de todas as meninas.

Quem foi criança nos anos 80, quando ela chegou aqui no Brasil, desbancando sua antecessora, a mais ‘rechonchuda’ Susi, sabe do que eu estou falando. Quem não gostaria de ter tido uma Barbie? Num passado próximo elas não eram tão acessíveis quanto hoje em função de estarem associadas primeiramente à alta-costura (e também porque naquela época não existia cartão de crédito, né?! – vamos combinar!).

Eu não posso reclamar, embora tenha demorado para ganhar a minha primeira, tive outras MUITAS depois, e as guardo até hoje. Não consegui me desfazer devido ao valor sentimental agregado. Por muitos anos elas foram a minha vida, onde eu exteriorizava todos os meus sonhos, minhas expectativas de vida. Faziam-me companhia em tardes solitárias em casa.

Minha grande parceria de brincadeiras foi a Fernanda, minha vizinha de porta. Montávamos verdadeiros condomínios, porque assim como eu, ela tinha várias bonecas estilosas, e como éramos criativas, conseguíamos badalar mais que a galera do desenho ‘A Turma da Pesada’. É verdade que muitas vezes quando acabávamos de montar tudo já estava na hora de ir para casa... mas valia a pena!

Bom, escrevi sobre isso porque fui escolher anteontem o que dar para a Nina, filha de um casal amigo, e não resisti: comprei uma. A mais baratinha, e de cabelos Chanel, porque sei que ela é nova demais ainda para brincar de Barbie, e provavelmente vai destruir seu cabelo, perder suas roupas, antes mesmo de a valorizar, criar histórias com ela. Não importa, quis lhe introduzir esse universo de encanto.

Como trouxe de Porto Alegre as minhas Barbies pro Rio, agora já tenho o que fazer com elas, com quem brincar! Interessante isso, podem surgir roteiros maravilhosos daí! O primeiro passo foi dado. E, na dúvida do que fazer com elas enquanto a Nina não cresce um pouquinho mais, de onde e como guardá-las, vou criar para elas nesse ano, próximo a minha janela, uma floresta naturista.

Vou unir o útil ao agradável, afinal, já estava querendo ter plantas aqui em casa (a Grazi vai me ajudar!). A idéia da comunidade alternativa é ótima, pois as bonecas estão todas peladas! – as roupas ainda tenho que recuperar na garagem da minha mãe... e isso é uma missão pra 2010 também. De tudo, adorei mesmo foi a idéia de brincar com a Nina!

*Ah, minha crítica à Mattel: por que nunca tiveram Barbies maduras? Não seria seu cinquentenário o momento apropriado para criar uma, ou um casal? Seriam os pais da Barbie, que bem poderiam ter o nome de seus criadores, Elliot e sua esposa, Ruth. Seria mais uma evolução super a ver com nossa época, em que as pessoas vivem mais e a 'melhor idade' já não são os 20 e poucos, ou os quarenta...

com o passar do tempo

Dedico este post àquelas ‘mocinhas’ que posaram como modelos (não há 30, 40 ou 50 anos, quando estavam no auge de sua juventude e tinham apenas duas décadas de vida, mas recentemente) em 2005 e 2007, mesmo tendo nascido por volta de 1940/50. São elas as Gurias do Calendário, pin ups de uma outra geração.

As descobri em entrevista no Jô, em outubro do ano retrasado. Achei fantástica a idéia de explorar e exibir a beleza da mulher mais madura, nua, em calendários, como era de praxe se mostrar corpos esculturais, curvas perfeitas e poses ousadas. Essas fotos serviam de inspiração para rapazes que, em função de um período de guerras, não podiam namorar pela distância de casa.

Márcia Papaleo é o nome da responsável por este projeto que, óbvio, num primeiro momento assustou a muitos. Após duas edições femininas, esse método de levantar a auto-estima de senhoras com seus mais de meio século vividos, foi eficaz e convenceu quem ainda poderia duvidar dele.

Gravei com esse grupo cheio de alegria, disposição e (por que não?) sensualidade em abril deste ano para o programa – a matéria foi ao ar já faz um tempinho no Sexy Hot. Quem quiser ver matéria que saiu no informativo deles de maio pode acessar o link lá embaixo, do lado esquerdo, em ‘thereabouts’.

Pude ver in loco a vivacidade de uma geração que idolatrou a beleza de Marylin Monroe, por exemplo. Ouvi diferentes depoimentos daquelas mulheres que muito retratam conceitos da época. São muitas experiências de vida que nos incentivam a seguir lindos até os 80, 90... até quando for! Dá alegria conhecer e estar com gente assim.

E este ano temos novidades. Mais uma vez ousando, Márcia irá publicar uma versão masculina do calendário em 2010. Serão doze fotos agora de rapagões mostrando todas as marcas vividas, tanta fome e sede de viver. Tenho certeza que os Guris do Calendário vão arrasar! Preparem-se. E vem aí uma matéria sobre eles - em breve, no Zona Quente.

Para finalizar, parabenizo a todos pela coragem de levar tal iniciativa adiante. Assim, esses 'jovens' nos fizeram ver de fato que só com o passar do tempo é que mostramos quem e como somos, realmente. Feliz Dia do Idoso para todos, merecidamente.

Mais infos do projeto em www.marciapapaleo.com.br.