Category: Culture

Jag Bains Makes History as First Sikh and Indian American ‘Big Brother’ Winner

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In a significant change for reality TV, Jag Bains has made history on the show Big Brother. Bains, who is 25 and owns a truck company in Omak, Washington, has become the first Sikh and Indian American to win the show in its 25 seasons. His win is not just about him winning; it shows how the show, which has had issues including different cultures, is changing.

Bains’ path to winning was full of surprises. He was up against strong competitors: Matt Klotz, a 27-year-old swimmer who has competed in the Deaflympics and is the first deaf person on the show, and Bowie Jane Ball, a 46-year-old DJ and lawyer from Australia. The three of them were all in the final episode on Thursday, fighting for the top prize. In the end, it came down to Bains and Klotz. Bains gave an excellent speech that convinced a group of seven former contestants to vote, and he won five votes to two.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Bains reflected on his unexpected victory. “I didn’t think I was going to make it this far in the game and that I was going to win,” he admitted. His win is a milestone, making him the first Sikh participant and the inaugural winner of Indian descent in the show’s history. This win means a lot to Bains personally. It connects to his own life story, as his parents came to the United States from Punjab, India. He said, “But what I will say is everything I do is for my family,” showing that he values what his parents have done for him.

Bains’ victory adds to a recent trend of groundbreaking wins on Big Brother. In 2021, Xavier Prather became the first Black champion, followed by Taylor Hale, the first Black woman winner in 2022. These victories, however, emerge against a backdrop of controversy that has long shadowed the show. Since its debut in 2000, Big Brother has been marred by allegations of racism, homophobia, and other forms of hostility among contestants.

There have been some upsetting events in past seasons. In season 21, Jack Matthews made hurtful comments about Black and Asian contestants, which made a lot of people angry. In 2013, Aaryn Gries made derogatory remarks about Black and Asian housemates, causing a lot of criticism. The show got into more trouble in 2016 when Andrew Tate was kicked off for posting racist and homophobic messages online. These incidents show that the show has struggled to be fair and respectful to everyone.

After the tragic event of George Floyd’s murder in 2020, there were many calls for more diversity in TV shows. CBS, the network that airs Big Brother, promised to make changes. George Cheeks, the head of CBS, said they would make sure that at least half of the people in their reality shows, like Big Brother, are Black, Indigenous, or people of color. This promise was an important step toward including more diverse people in TV shows.

Talking to Entertainment Weekly, Bains said he knew he was the first of his kind on the show and felt pressure to represent his community well. Because Big Brother is a game in which people often compete against each other, it was hard for Bains, who values loyalty and honesty, to play. He struggled at first, trying to be loyal to everyone. But then, after almost being sent home, he decided to be loyal to only one person: Matt Klotz. Their friendship became popular among fans.

Bains reflected on the initial challenges he faced. “I know I felt it at the beginning of the game—I sucked—I was loyal to a fault,” he admitted. This realization led to a strategic shift.

Bains’ win is important because it shows someone breaking new ground in the show. It also highlights the challenges of being true to yourself and your community in a competitive TV show. As “Big Brother” tries to deal with its issues, Bains’ story is integral to its history.

November 2, 2023
Musical Geniuses Behind ‘Dante’ Earn Grammy Nominations

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In a remarkable achievement for classical music, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, under the baton of celebrated conductor Gustavo Dudamel, has garnered significant attention in the 2024 Grammy Award nominations. Their masterful performance of “Adès: Dante” has put them in the spotlight, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication to the arts.

Gustavo Dudamel, a renowned figure in the world of classical music, has been nominated alongside the L.A. Philharmonic in the Orchestral Performance category for their rendition of “Adès: Dante.” This nomination comes during a pivotal moment in Dudamel’s career as he prepares to transition from the Los Angeles Philharmonic to the New York Philharmonic in 2026 after a remarkable 17-year tenure.

The competition in this category is formidable, with nominees including Karina Canellakis and the Netherlands Radio, Yannick Nézet-Séguin with the Philadelphia Orchestra, JoAnn Falletta leading the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and Esa-Pekka Salonen conducting the San Francisco Symphony. This diverse group of talented conductors and orchestras highlights the vibrant and dynamic nature of the contemporary classical music scene.

Dudamel, at 42, is no stranger to Grammy acclaim, already holding four Grammy Awards. Last year, he and the L.A. Phil were nominated for “Dvořák: Symphonies Nos. 7–9,” though they did not secure the win. This year, the possibility of Dudamel earning his fifth Grammy among six nominations adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming awards.

His previous Grammy victories include Best Choral Performance for “Mahler: Symphony No. 8” and “Symphony of a Thousand” at the 64th Grammy Awards, and Best Orchestral Performance for “Ives: Complete Symphonies” the preceding year. He also claimed the same category at the 62nd Grammy Awards for “Norman: Sustain” and his first Grammy win during the 54th Grammy Awards for “Brahms: Symphony No. 4.”

British composer Thomas Adès, the creative force behind “Adès: Dante,” has been nominated for Contemporary Classical Composition. Adès’ composition, which Times critic Mark Swed described as “wondrously anarchic and entertaining,” premiered in May 2022 at the L.A. Phil’s Gen X festival. Adès faces competition from Andy Akiho, William Brittelle, Missy Mazzoli, and Jessie Montgomery for this prestigious award, which honors contemporary compositions written within the last 25 years.

Additionally, “Adès: Dante” producer Dmitriy Lipay has been nominated for Producer of the Year, Classical. This nomination recognizes his work on several productions with the L.A. Phil, including “Fandango” and “Rachmaninoff: The Piano Concertos & Paganini Rhapsody.”

The album Fandango, featuring Dudamel, violist Anne Akiko Meyers, opera baritone Gustavo Castillo, and the L.A. Phil, has been recognized in the Engineered Album, Classical, category. Engineers Alexander Lipay and Dmitriy Lipay are in contention for this award, which honors technical excellence in recording. The album also received a nomination for Classical Compendium.

The 66th Grammy Awards, set to air live on CBS and Paramount+ on February 4th, promise to be a spectacular event celebrating the very best in music. The ceremony, taking place in the Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, will not only be a testament to the enduring legacy of classical music but also a platform to honor the modern-day maestros and their contributions to the rich tapestry of the musical arts.

November 1, 2023
Los Angeles Welcomes Premiere Chain Food Festival, Featuring Chili’s, Panda Express, and Pizza Hut

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For those whose palates crave the cuisine of popular chain restaurants, the groundbreaking ChainFEST delivers a unique Chain experience in Los Angeles. The vibrant and unconventional food festival steers away from the average food festival, spotlighting local gems or chef-driven establishments to offer a unique culinary experience. ChainFEST, the inaugural food festival created by Chain, is a dining concept born from the minds of The Office actor B.J. Novak, renowned Los Angeles chef Tim Hollingsworth, and their passionate collaborators.

The Chain has already made a name by paying homage to beloved chain restaurant dishes and serving creative spins on classic favorites. They are taking it further by hosting ChainFEST, a two-day extravaganza in Los Angeles celebrating the iconic flavors of chain dining.

The premier chain food festival will unfold in early December at the Nya Studios in Hollywood, California. It is a culinary journey inviting attendees to savor delectable bites from a roster of heavyweights in the chain restaurant business. Attendees can expect offerings from Chili’s Grill and Bar, Dunkin’, Jack in the Box, Panda Express, Pizza Hut, Red Robin, SONIC Drive-In, and more, with refreshing soft drinks from Pepsi and crafty cocktails by several massive alcohol brands, including Crown Royal and Captain Morgan. With many options, attendees can enjoy every mouthwatering morsel for a single-day ticket price of just $75.

While the menu items might sound familiar, ChainFEST brings a unique twist. Chef Tim Hollingsworth, who boasts an impressive culinary background, will reimagine the signature dishes from each participating restaurant, crafting unforgettable meals exclusive to this event. Novak, one of the minds behind Chain, emphasized the significance of honoring chain cuisine and expressed his love for chain food, deeming the popular mainstream food worthy of celebration and respect, just like any other cuisine.

Chef Hollingsworth shared his perspective on the event’s culinary philosophy, declaring Chain a reflection of his chef background and his duality of working in high-end Michelin restaurants worldwide while still cherishing the chain restaurants from his childhood. For Chef Hollingsworth, ChainFEST’s imagination of iconic, widely beloved, and easy-to-eat dishes reflects a pursuit of excellence.

ChainFEST gives Angelenos and more the unparalleled opportunity to indulge in their favorite food chain restaurants’ revamped and reimagined dishes while participating in fun games and activities designed for food enthusiasts. The one-of-a-kind festival will welcome guests at the venue Nya Studios on Friday, December 1, from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Saturday, December 2, with two sessions: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Quench your thirst at the festival with soft drinks from Pepsi and sip on Diageo alcohol brands featuring Guinness, Smirnoff, Crown Royal, and Captain Morgan. Additionally, Postmates will be on-site, ensuring those in the Postmates lounge get all the delectable delights served at the event.

ChainFEST invites all to relish their favorite foods and beverages from the world’s most renowned food chains. This December, culinary prowess and Chain food comfort merge for a delectable concoction.

October 24, 2023
Loss and Fear: LA’s Jewish Community Grapples with Conflict in Israel

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Upon leaving the theater with her daughter on a seemingly ordinary Saturday evening, Sharon Farber was met with an onslaught of frantic messages. The alerts were from her sister in Israel, detailing how their family had taken refuge in bomb shelters amidst a sudden attack.

The distance felt excruciating. Farber, a renowned film composer and the musical head of Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts felt trapped in an abyss of anxiety, constantly refreshing news feeds and calling loved ones.

Many shared her despair in Los Angeles, where the Jewish community stands as one of the most significant outside of Israel. The weekend, which should have been filled with joyous celebrations for the Simchat Torah holiday, became a sad reflection of the violence thousands of miles away.

By Sunday, reports highlighted the grave extent of the assault, with casualties exceeding 1,100 Israelis and Palestinians. The violence wasn’t just a number for Farber; among the deceased was the child of a dear friend. She lamented, “Such vast devastation in such a compact area means everyone knows someone affected.”

The anticipation of the holiday was disrupted. The usually vibrant streets of the Pico-Robertson area, typically closed for festive celebrations, took on a solemn atmosphere. Rebecca Wizman, a resident, expressed her grief, noting that what was supposed to be the year’s happiest day had been overshadowed by tragedy.

The absence of technology due to holiday observance intensified the angst. Many, including Wizman, awaited the sunset on Sunday with trepidation, dreading the updates they would find once they could access their devices.

Rabbi David Baron from the Beverly Hills Temple drew parallels between the unfolding events and the horrors of 9/11. Conversations with relatives and friends in Israel emphasized the unprecedented magnitude of the assault.

Yossie Ziff’s return to LA from Modi’in in Israel took a tragic turn as news of the attacks reached him. While the synagogue service was a testament to resilience and hope, the atmosphere was tinged with pain and sorrow. Ziff, amidst his tears, was determined to find joy in the holiday.

Yet, not all could find that strength. Nathan Pazooky, a young attendee, voiced the internal struggle many faced, torn between their duty to celebrate and the overwhelming heartache of the current events.

Beyond the Jewish community, the aftershocks of the conflict were palpable. In Anaheim’s Little Arabia, Aref Mohammad’s constant check-ins with his family in Gaza echoed the universal fear for loved ones. Nazeeh, a Palestinian diner, commented on the long-standing conflict, emphasizing the tragedy on both sides.

Reflecting outside the Chabad Persian Youth Center, Jay Israel captured the essence of the collective heartbreak. He grieved for the innocent lives lost, underscoring that in war, the civilians always bear the brunt of leadership decisions.

In times of crisis, communities globally, irrespective of distance, feel a profound sense of unity, empathy, and shared sorrow. The events in Israel were a stark reminder of the fragile nature of peace and the universal desire for harmony.

October 18, 2023
John Carpenter’s Suburban Chronicles

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In the heart of Los Angeles, behind a picturesque white picket fence, lies the sanctuary of the legendary John Carpenter. The iconic director is known for evoking terror from the most mundane settings. Imagine, for instance, a masked villain terrorizing a quiet suburb. At the age of 75, Carpenter’s mischievous wit remains sharp. Greeting visitors to his office is a life-size cardboard cut-out of Justin Bieber from his “Believe” era, strategically placed to spook an unsuspecting friend playfully.

Carpenter’s office is adorned with memorabilia from his classic films, Big Trouble in Little China to Vampires. However, his recent endeavors, graphic novels published through Storm King Comics, and his music albums dominate his workspace. As he gears up for New York Comic-Con, the air is thick with anticipation for his latest album, Anthology II (Movie Themes 1976–1988).

The journey Carpenter began with 1974’s Dark Star has earned him a seat in the pantheon of genre greats. Although he occasionally steps into the composer or executive producer role, as seen with the recent Halloween reboots, he seldom rewatches his movies. To him, they’re chapters closed. Yet, amidst the critical acclaim lurk shadows of commercial failures and career lows. Carpenter feels the weight of those setbacks deeply.

John Carpenter’s Current Interests

Music, video games, and women’s basketball now occupy his interests more than the retrospection of his film career. As he chats animatedly about the WNBA and its stars like A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, it’s evident that Carpenter’s passion extends beyond the cinematic world.

After 13 years since directing his last feature, The Ward, a new venture beckoned Carpenter. The advent of streaming saw him helm Peacock’s horror anthology, John Carpenter’s Suburban Screams. In this series, Carpenter digs into his horror roots to narrate a woman’s harrowing experience with a phone stalker.

Forty-five years after the release of Halloween, Carpenter remains grounded. While the world celebrates the film’s legacy, it’s simply work to him. But he acknowledges the fortune of having lived his childhood dream. He recalls the profound impact of his films on fans, noting the unusual devotion of some who even get Halloween tattoos. His journey had its low moments, too, like the initial failure of The Thing and missing out on directing Firestarter.

His recent involvement in scoring the Firestarter reboot and David Gordon Green’s Halloween series showcases Carpenter’s enduring touch. When asked about watching movies, Carpenter chuckles, admitting he prefers viewing them from the comfort of his home. His humorous take on Barbie, starring Margot Robbie, reveals his ability to find fun in unexpected places.

Carpenter’s Latest Project and Reflections

Suburban Screams, Carpenter’s latest series, is rooted in reality, with each episode exploring true horror stories. Creating tension and suspense around a woman’s account of being stalked was a challenge he relished. Carpenter’s method? Finding the perfect actress, Julie Stevens, to bring the harrowing tale to life.

Intriguing narratives fueled the transition from a decade-long hiatus to directing again. And while Carpenter remains open to running features, he believes music is the purest form of art. It transcends words and boundaries, connecting souls across time and space.

Reflecting on his career, Carpenter acknowledges the immense stress it brought. Chain-smoking and deteriorating health forced him to step back. As he ponders life’s ephemeral nature, he remains grateful for his journey.

In the end, for this master of horror, it’s the affirmation of life that remains the ultimate message of the genre.

October 17, 2023
Los Angeles Mayor Suggests Opening a New Indian Consulate in Letter to Indian Ambassador

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In a significant move aimed at fostering stronger bilateral ties, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has reached out to Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s Ambassador to the US. In her letter, she underlined the importance of Los Angeles as a potential site for a new Indian consulate, citing the city’s sizeable Indian-American community and the substantial number of Indian visitors each year.

“I ask that you consider the City of Los Angeles for a new Indian Consulate,” Mayor Bass wrote. “It would be my honor to work with you to open and provide continued support for this important platform for engagement and exchange.” The mayor’s letter is not just a solitary request. It comes against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s revelation in June about India’s plans to open two additional consulates in the US. While Seattle is confirmed as one of the locations, the other is still up for grabs.

“Considering our vibrant Indian-American community and a steady flow of Indian visitors, Los Angeles makes a compelling case,” wrote Mayor Bass. She further emphasized that the relationship between India and Los Angeles, especially in tourism, has always been fruitful. “Los Angeles has invested in India with a dedicated Tourism Office that opened in 2019 and remained open throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.”

As America’s second-largest city, Los Angeles isn’t just vying for the consulate based on its Indian-American populace. Mayor Bass’s letter highlighted the city’s strategic importance on national and global fronts. She stated, “Beyond our large Indian-American community, Los Angeles holds strategic significance. With the Western Hemisphere’s largest port complex, a bustling startup scene, and gearing up for grand events like the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the opportunities for deeper Indo-US collaboration here are immense.”

Driving the point home, Mayor Bass underscored the cosmopolitan nature of Los Angeles. In her letter, the mayor noted that LA’s success extends beyond the glamour of Hollywood and the entertainment industry. She highlighted the city’s impact on the biotech, aerospace, and green technology industries. This, she emphasized, makes the potential for collaboration with India boundless.

Bass’ letter also deftly pointed out that Los Angeles is no stranger to international diplomacy. “Twelve G20 countries have consulates in Los Angeles and San Francisco, and an additional five G20 countries have consulates solely in Los Angeles,” she elaborated in her letter.

As the letter rounds in diplomatic circles, it’s clear that Mayor Bass is not merely proposing a new consulate. She’s envisioning a bridge of enhanced engagement, cooperation, and mutual growth between two major democracies. With already established Indian consulates in cities like New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, and Atlanta, adding Los Angeles could be a strategic masterstroke in bolstering Indo-US relations.

Ambassador Sandhu, in concert with critical decision-makers in India, now holds the reins to this pivotal decision. Evaluating Mayor Bass’s articulate plea, they’ll weigh the tangible benefits against a broader strategic landscape. If they give the green light to a consulate in Los Angeles, it wouldn’t merely serve as a procedural hub. Instead, it would echo the ever-strengthening ties between Los Angeles and India, reflecting a dynamic and enduring partnership.

October 10, 2023