by Alan Greenspan
A fascinating look at all things Greenspan. I have read his previous bios, but this is his work including his economic theories, and his history of how his perceptions came to be. A little complicated in terms of economic trends (for my easily financially perplexed mode of thought) but a good read overall.
forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit - (Perhaps some day it will bring pleasure to remember even these things) -Vergil, Aeneid 1.203
Monday, October 08, 2007
Peony in Love
by Lisa See
Good summary of Chinese culture, and a nice way of keeping tack of the rituals f the dead. This is a work of fiction, but heavily based on Chinese cultural tradition. I have have read many books re: Chinese culture, and I found this easier to follow, as a story with plot. Good read!
Good summary of Chinese culture, and a nice way of keeping tack of the rituals f the dead. This is a work of fiction, but heavily based on Chinese cultural tradition. I have have read many books re: Chinese culture, and I found this easier to follow, as a story with plot. Good read!
Saturday, September 29, 2007
The Myth of You and Me
by Leah Stewart
Ever since a cataclysmic falling out with her best friend, Sonia, after college, Cameron's closest companion has been Oliver, the 92-year-old historian she lives with and cares for in Oxford, Miss. Oliver's death leaves Cameron alone and adrift, until she discovers that he has given her one last task: she must track down her estranged best friend (whose letter announcing her engagement Cameron had so recently ignored) and deliver a mysterious present to her. Cameron's journey leads her back to the people, places and memories of their shared past, when they called themselves "Cameronia" and swore to be friends forever. It was a relationship more powerful than romantic love—yet romantic love (or sex, anyway) could still wreck it. Stewart lures the reader forward with two unanswered questions: What was the disaster that ended their friendship, and what will be revealed when Cameron and Sonia are together again and Oliver's package is finally opened? The book is heartfelt and its characters believable jigsaw puzzles of insecurities, talents and secrets, and if Cameron's carefully guarded anger makes her occasionally disagreeable, readers will nevertheless welcome her happy ending. (review from Amazon)
Not bad, kinda slow. I felt like i never really cared for the fates of the characters. Too much leaping from past to present - when done well, it is a great plot enhancer, but here it left me confused. This novel is highly recommended by major sites, give it a try yourself?
Ever since a cataclysmic falling out with her best friend, Sonia, after college, Cameron's closest companion has been Oliver, the 92-year-old historian she lives with and cares for in Oxford, Miss. Oliver's death leaves Cameron alone and adrift, until she discovers that he has given her one last task: she must track down her estranged best friend (whose letter announcing her engagement Cameron had so recently ignored) and deliver a mysterious present to her. Cameron's journey leads her back to the people, places and memories of their shared past, when they called themselves "Cameronia" and swore to be friends forever. It was a relationship more powerful than romantic love—yet romantic love (or sex, anyway) could still wreck it. Stewart lures the reader forward with two unanswered questions: What was the disaster that ended their friendship, and what will be revealed when Cameron and Sonia are together again and Oliver's package is finally opened? The book is heartfelt and its characters believable jigsaw puzzles of insecurities, talents and secrets, and if Cameron's carefully guarded anger makes her occasionally disagreeable, readers will nevertheless welcome her happy ending. (review from Amazon)
Not bad, kinda slow. I felt like i never really cared for the fates of the characters. Too much leaping from past to present - when done well, it is a great plot enhancer, but here it left me confused. This novel is highly recommended by major sites, give it a try yourself?
The Last Chinese Chef
by Nicole Mones
Great also. Good look at a culture through its food, which is a perspective I always enjoy. A nice plot of remembrance, new found love, and twists to keep it interesting. Also, great historical snippets of former chefs, written in their old style but fascinating to read. Food carries with it the stamp of the culture for sure.
Great also. Good look at a culture through its food, which is a perspective I always enjoy. A nice plot of remembrance, new found love, and twists to keep it interesting. Also, great historical snippets of former chefs, written in their old style but fascinating to read. Food carries with it the stamp of the culture for sure.
A Thousand Splendid Suns
by Khaled Hosseini
A great book. Disturbing, the abuse these women endured. Also hard for me to read of a mother who would control her child with so much guilt and fear. A necessary glimpse into the hard life of Afghanistan. It is rather long, but I read it in a few days, iwas eager to learn the fate of the characters. I have not read the kite runner, but plan to soon.
A great book. Disturbing, the abuse these women endured. Also hard for me to read of a mother who would control her child with so much guilt and fear. A necessary glimpse into the hard life of Afghanistan. It is rather long, but I read it in a few days, iwas eager to learn the fate of the characters. I have not read the kite runner, but plan to soon.
Stuff
School starting has been very busy. All the kiddos finally have instruments uin hand, and most have begun, or at least I know who they are and they will start next week. They look like a great bunch, and I am excited about this year. I have lots of beginning flutes, and I need to focus on my flute skills this year again. I'm amazed at how many different things I do as a music teacher. Every moment it seems i am picking up a new instrument. It all can be tiring, but also very fun!
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Newburyport Screening Room
My first time to this theater, I loved it! Reminded me of the NoHo theater of college days. Isn't life a little brighter when you have a good local art house theater nearby? With school starting, I have little time to watch my usual DVDs, but getting out once a week seems doable, and a nice retreat. They change films weekly, and have a whole month's posted for future planning. Check them out!
http://www.newburyportmovies.com/
http://www.newburyportmovies.com/
My Best Friend
My Best Friend
"My Best Friend" is Leconte's spriest, least frustrating movie in years. He casts Daniel Auteuil as Francois, an antiques dealer who learns at one of those alluring Parisian dinner parties that the people at the table don't consider him a friend -- a colleague perhaps, an acquaintance sure, even an occasional lover, but certainly not a friend. We're told Francois is self-centered and treats people as things, and because it appears to be an occupational trait, we believe it.
Francois, on the other hand, is appalled. He turns petulant and defensive; he does too have a best friend, he insists. When his dinner mates want to know who, and why they've never met him before, he has no response. So his business partner, Catherine (Julie Gayet), gives him 10 days to produce the friend or she'll help herself to the ancient Greek vase he just bought for a quarter of a million dollars. (from Boston Globe)
And so the hillarity begins... actually, this was very cute. A cab driver appears, and teaches Francois to be a friend. In French, with easily readable subtitles. Playing at the Screening Room. Good flick!
"My Best Friend" is Leconte's spriest, least frustrating movie in years. He casts Daniel Auteuil as Francois, an antiques dealer who learns at one of those alluring Parisian dinner parties that the people at the table don't consider him a friend -- a colleague perhaps, an acquaintance sure, even an occasional lover, but certainly not a friend. We're told Francois is self-centered and treats people as things, and because it appears to be an occupational trait, we believe it.
Francois, on the other hand, is appalled. He turns petulant and defensive; he does too have a best friend, he insists. When his dinner mates want to know who, and why they've never met him before, he has no response. So his business partner, Catherine (Julie Gayet), gives him 10 days to produce the friend or she'll help herself to the ancient Greek vase he just bought for a quarter of a million dollars. (from Boston Globe)
And so the hillarity begins... actually, this was very cute. A cab driver appears, and teaches Francois to be a friend. In French, with easily readable subtitles. Playing at the Screening Room. Good flick!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Without a Map
Without a map : a memoir / Meredith Hall.
by Hall, Meredith
Disturbing. A young woman is "perfect", until she becomes pregnant, and is kicked out of her house, her community, her safe existence. Repeating patterns of abuse, searching, longing, all you would expect. Well written and captivating, and takes place in Hampton NH, just north of here.
by Hall, Meredith
Disturbing. A young woman is "perfect", until she becomes pregnant, and is kicked out of her house, her community, her safe existence. Repeating patterns of abuse, searching, longing, all you would expect. Well written and captivating, and takes place in Hampton NH, just north of here.
Her Mother's Daughter
Her mother's daughter : a memoir of the mother I never knew and of my daughter, Courtney Love.
by Carroll, Linda.
Riveting look at a life messed up, and hopefully saved. A little of Courtney Love's early life too, but mostly about Linda, and her struggles with insufficient parents, and trying to be sufficient herself. I fine it hard to read of abusive parents, now that i am a parent myself. I may lay off the bios of those abused children for awhile. But a good read.
by Carroll, Linda.
Riveting look at a life messed up, and hopefully saved. A little of Courtney Love's early life too, but mostly about Linda, and her struggles with insufficient parents, and trying to be sufficient herself. I fine it hard to read of abusive parents, now that i am a parent myself. I may lay off the bios of those abused children for awhile. But a good read.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Triangle
Triangle - Katherine Webber
A "historical fiction" account of the past history of the last survior of the Triangle Shirtwaist Co. fire. Upsetting imagery of the poor girls jumping to their deaths, but a great plot with hidden twists. Told through the eyes of a grandaughter of the fire survivor, with a few musical images thrown in too. Good read.
A "historical fiction" account of the past history of the last survior of the Triangle Shirtwaist Co. fire. Upsetting imagery of the poor girls jumping to their deaths, but a great plot with hidden twists. Told through the eyes of a grandaughter of the fire survivor, with a few musical images thrown in too. Good read.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Dogtown - Gloucester, ma
Dogtown
In the early 1700's, a small community of farmers set up homes in the middle of Cape Ann. They learned, however, that the land was full of granite rock and not a place to farm. They began to move on to more likely areas. Fishermen moved into these homes and then they, too, moved to settlements closer to the sea. A few people lingered on, however, many of them women. They obtained dogs to protect them. Thus, the name "Dogtown". Dogtown has now gone back to nature. Beach roses, blueberries, holly, bayberry and many other types of plants and trees have taken over. Still to be found, however, are cellar holes along the paths. Much of Dogtown was donated to the City of Gloucester by Roger Babson. Mr. Babson was a local philanthropist, having achieved a large fortune on Wall Street. In Dogtown there are many boulders, on which he had stonecutters inscribe such words as "Courage" and "Industry". Many people use Dogtown for walks, blueberrying, biking and cross country skiing. It is easy to get lost so please do not go into this area without a map. They can be obtained from local visitor centers. Dogtown is located off of Cherry Street.
Have not visited yet, but this is on my list. Babson carved dozens of these sayings into boulders which are still scattered all over. Freaky.
In the early 1700's, a small community of farmers set up homes in the middle of Cape Ann. They learned, however, that the land was full of granite rock and not a place to farm. They began to move on to more likely areas. Fishermen moved into these homes and then they, too, moved to settlements closer to the sea. A few people lingered on, however, many of them women. They obtained dogs to protect them. Thus, the name "Dogtown". Dogtown has now gone back to nature. Beach roses, blueberries, holly, bayberry and many other types of plants and trees have taken over. Still to be found, however, are cellar holes along the paths. Much of Dogtown was donated to the City of Gloucester by Roger Babson. Mr. Babson was a local philanthropist, having achieved a large fortune on Wall Street. In Dogtown there are many boulders, on which he had stonecutters inscribe such words as "Courage" and "Industry". Many people use Dogtown for walks, blueberrying, biking and cross country skiing. It is easy to get lost so please do not go into this area without a map. They can be obtained from local visitor centers. Dogtown is located off of Cherry Street.
Have not visited yet, but this is on my list. Babson carved dozens of these sayings into boulders which are still scattered all over. Freaky.
ZOO!
The Stone Zoo - Stoneham, MA
We used the library pass for this. A small zoo, kinda tired and faded, but we petted a sheep and some goats, and saw some rockin' reindeer. I would imagine zoos are very hard to keep up, and I wonder if it is worth it - the animals looked okay, but kinda sad in the smaller cages. I enjoyed the domestic animals most - we are going to find more local "petting farms" next, I think!
We used the library pass for this. A small zoo, kinda tired and faded, but we petted a sheep and some goats, and saw some rockin' reindeer. I would imagine zoos are very hard to keep up, and I wonder if it is worth it - the animals looked okay, but kinda sad in the smaller cages. I enjoyed the domestic animals most - we are going to find more local "petting farms" next, I think!
Plenty
Plenty : one man, one woman, and a raucous year of eating locally / Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon.
by Smith, Alisa
GREAT READ. This made me think about local produce - more expensive? Worth it for the environment? What does it mean to be "local"? Smith and her husband vow to follow the "Hundred mile diet" - eating only things produced within 100 miles of them, for a year. Surprisingly difficult. Even in our stores, in season, we do not purchase "local" produce. Lots to think about. We are off the local farmer's markets this weekend. Viva la vegetables!
by Smith, Alisa
GREAT READ. This made me think about local produce - more expensive? Worth it for the environment? What does it mean to be "local"? Smith and her husband vow to follow the "Hundred mile diet" - eating only things produced within 100 miles of them, for a year. Surprisingly difficult. Even in our stores, in season, we do not purchase "local" produce. Lots to think about. We are off the local farmer's markets this weekend. Viva la vegetables!
Ex Libris:Confessions of a Common Reader
Ex Libris:Confessions of a Common Reader - Anne Fadiman
If you like reading, you will laugh at this book. Fadiman's tales of her family's word competitions, how one treats a book, when one is really" married (the combining of libraries). All good, entertaining essays, and easy "read".
If you like reading, you will laugh at this book. Fadiman's tales of her family's word competitions, how one treats a book, when one is really" married (the combining of libraries). All good, entertaining essays, and easy "read".
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Uncommon Arrangements: Seven Portraits
Uncommon Arrangements: Seven Portraits of Married Life in London Literary Circles 1910-1939 - Katie Roiphe
What is it that makes intimate portraits of failed relationships so fascinating? Katie Roiphe doesn't romanticize or make excuses for her complex subjects and their entanglements but treats them with wit, warmth, and respect. Despite a few historical inaccuracies and questionable assumptions, critics considered Roiphe's perceptive exploration of unconventional marriages in the early 20th century a success. It can be difficult to empathize with the selfish and arrogant people who populate this book, but these revealing accounts are nevertheless captivating, the narrative intelligent and absorbing. Roiphe has done her research and produced an elegant, provocative, and entertaining description of an era and some of its more eccentric denizens.
Great read. nice chapter on Vanessa Bell - I am inspired to read more about the Bloomsbury circle of friends.
What is it that makes intimate portraits of failed relationships so fascinating? Katie Roiphe doesn't romanticize or make excuses for her complex subjects and their entanglements but treats them with wit, warmth, and respect. Despite a few historical inaccuracies and questionable assumptions, critics considered Roiphe's perceptive exploration of unconventional marriages in the early 20th century a success. It can be difficult to empathize with the selfish and arrogant people who populate this book, but these revealing accounts are nevertheless captivating, the narrative intelligent and absorbing. Roiphe has done her research and produced an elegant, provocative, and entertaining description of an era and some of its more eccentric denizens.
Great read. nice chapter on Vanessa Bell - I am inspired to read more about the Bloomsbury circle of friends.
Living Artfully
Living Artfully (DVD) - Sandra Magsamen
UGH. this is the woman whose claim to fame is a series of little plaques with quotes that you see everywhere. And they are cute. but i think if this is living artfully than i am already doing it. lots of sage advice on enriching your life through thinking about what you do. which i do. maybe good for some, but for me this was to slow and not helpful. i guess i hoped for more specific "arty" tips - but it was not that kind of DVD.
UGH. this is the woman whose claim to fame is a series of little plaques with quotes that you see everywhere. And they are cute. but i think if this is living artfully than i am already doing it. lots of sage advice on enriching your life through thinking about what you do. which i do. maybe good for some, but for me this was to slow and not helpful. i guess i hoped for more specific "arty" tips - but it was not that kind of DVD.
A League of Ordinary Gentlemen
A League of Ordinary Gentlemen (DVD)
A tale of the PBA tour. Good for bowlers and non bowlers alike. My husband most appreciated the old footage of the ABC coverage of major tournaments. Well filmed.
A tale of the PBA tour. Good for bowlers and non bowlers alike. My husband most appreciated the old footage of the ABC coverage of major tournaments. Well filmed.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Leap!
Leap!: What Will We Do with the Rest of Our Lives? - Sara Davidson
Thirty years ago, Sara Davidson wrote the phenomenal bestseller Loose Change, the definitive book about the boomer generation’s coming-of-age. Now this witty social observer has again turned her discerning eye to her contemporaries, with Leap!, a no-holds-barred, illuminating, and hopeful look at the choices and challenges we face and the roads open to us.
For many years Davidson earned a living as a successful journalist and screenwriter, but in her fifties she saw her life come apart: She could no longer find work, she endured a break-up with her partner, and her children left for college. For the first time ever, she had nothing to do. She felt adrift, but she found that she was not alone. In Leap!, Davidson sets out on a passionate quest to learn how to do the coming years well.
Davidson interviews people from across the country and from all walks of life, including such icons as Carly Simon, Tom Hayden, Tracy Kidder, Jane Fonda, Ram Dass, and Iman, as well as teachers, writers, psychologists, businesspeople, and spiritual leaders. The candid portraits are both inspiring and cautionary.
True to character, boomers will approach these years differently from previous generations, and there will be no single path. Some will feel free for the first time to take risks; others will embark upon a spiritual search; some will want to give back, to make the world a better place; others will want to play or make creativity a priority. But they will not fade quietly into the sunset. With Leap!, Sara Davidson holds up a mirror for readers, allowing them to see not only themselves and those around them but their potential future. With Davidson as a guide, the possibilities are boundless. (from amazon)
I really liked this book, despite my being younger than the subjects interviewed, because it is always interesting to me to see how others channel their creative processes in the face of adversity. In this case, age was the factor, but illness or divorce or trauma happen to all of us at some time. I was most inspired by the stories of those who chose to reinvent themselves, chose to look at things in a new way, and enriched their lives for the better.
Thirty years ago, Sara Davidson wrote the phenomenal bestseller Loose Change, the definitive book about the boomer generation’s coming-of-age. Now this witty social observer has again turned her discerning eye to her contemporaries, with Leap!, a no-holds-barred, illuminating, and hopeful look at the choices and challenges we face and the roads open to us.
For many years Davidson earned a living as a successful journalist and screenwriter, but in her fifties she saw her life come apart: She could no longer find work, she endured a break-up with her partner, and her children left for college. For the first time ever, she had nothing to do. She felt adrift, but she found that she was not alone. In Leap!, Davidson sets out on a passionate quest to learn how to do the coming years well.
Davidson interviews people from across the country and from all walks of life, including such icons as Carly Simon, Tom Hayden, Tracy Kidder, Jane Fonda, Ram Dass, and Iman, as well as teachers, writers, psychologists, businesspeople, and spiritual leaders. The candid portraits are both inspiring and cautionary.
True to character, boomers will approach these years differently from previous generations, and there will be no single path. Some will feel free for the first time to take risks; others will embark upon a spiritual search; some will want to give back, to make the world a better place; others will want to play or make creativity a priority. But they will not fade quietly into the sunset. With Leap!, Sara Davidson holds up a mirror for readers, allowing them to see not only themselves and those around them but their potential future. With Davidson as a guide, the possibilities are boundless. (from amazon)
I really liked this book, despite my being younger than the subjects interviewed, because it is always interesting to me to see how others channel their creative processes in the face of adversity. In this case, age was the factor, but illness or divorce or trauma happen to all of us at some time. I was most inspired by the stories of those who chose to reinvent themselves, chose to look at things in a new way, and enriched their lives for the better.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Life's a Beach
Life's a Beach - Claire Cook
Fun read. cute, not too overwheleming, read it in an afternoon. Cook is from Scituate, so i felt ashamed not to have read her already... i have reserved the rest of her books.
Fun read. cute, not too overwheleming, read it in an afternoon. Cook is from Scituate, so i felt ashamed not to have read her already... i have reserved the rest of her books.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
To read
American Band: Music, Dreams, and Coming of Age in the Heartland
by Kristen LaineSomething for all those band geeks out there, this is the story of a year in the life of a high school band in the Midwest.
Grub: A Novel by Elise Blackwell
by Kristen LaineSomething for all those band geeks out there, this is the story of a year in the life of a high school band in the Midwest.
Grub: A Novel by Elise Blackwell
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Harry Potter
Awesome. well, kinda long in the middle - but a satisfying ending. i am going to reread them all this year. i felt the pressure to finish it before i read an account of the ending, or others "beat" me to it!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Bukowski - Born Into This
Bukowski - Born Into This (DVD)
This documentary looks at the life of poet and author Charles Bukowski (1920-1994), whose bibliography includes "Notes of a Dirty Old Man", "Love is a Dog from Hell", as well as the screenplay for Barfly. Bukowski earned a cult following attracted to his graphic and brutal stories of a life (often his own) lived amidst alcoholism, poverty and violence.
Great film about an author i have not experienced much of. His poetry can be raw and shocking, but his words paint a vivd picture. i'm planning on reading more of his works soon.
This documentary looks at the life of poet and author Charles Bukowski (1920-1994), whose bibliography includes "Notes of a Dirty Old Man", "Love is a Dog from Hell", as well as the screenplay for Barfly. Bukowski earned a cult following attracted to his graphic and brutal stories of a life (often his own) lived amidst alcoholism, poverty and violence.
Great film about an author i have not experienced much of. His poetry can be raw and shocking, but his words paint a vivd picture. i'm planning on reading more of his works soon.
Who the #$&% Is Jackson Pollock?
Who the #$&% Is Jackson Pollock? (DVD)
When Teri Horton, a 73-year-old former long-haul truck driver with an eighth grade education bought a painting in a thrift shop for five dollars, she didn't know that it would pit her against the most powerful people in the art community and perhaps forever change the way art is authenticated around the world. Who The #$&% Is Jackson Pollock? is a rollicking adventure that documents a 15-year war with the art world's inner circle, lifts the veil on how art is bought and sold in America and introduces audiences to the funny, profane and utterly unforgettable Teri Horton.
A must see from the wacky world of the "what is art?" genre.I learned much about the art world from this film.
When Teri Horton, a 73-year-old former long-haul truck driver with an eighth grade education bought a painting in a thrift shop for five dollars, she didn't know that it would pit her against the most powerful people in the art community and perhaps forever change the way art is authenticated around the world. Who The #$&% Is Jackson Pollock? is a rollicking adventure that documents a 15-year war with the art world's inner circle, lifts the veil on how art is bought and sold in America and introduces audiences to the funny, profane and utterly unforgettable Teri Horton.
A must see from the wacky world of the "what is art?" genre.I learned much about the art world from this film.
My Latest Grievance
My Latest Grievance - Lipman
Frederica Hatch—the articulate, curious, and naïve narrator of Lipman's eighth novel—proves the perfect vehicle for this satiric yet compassionate family portrait. It's 1976, and psych professors David and Aviva Hatch are honest with their daughter to the point of anatomically correcting Frederica's Barbie dolls. In all their years as a dorm family at a small women's college outside Boston, though, no one mentioned Laura Lee French, David's first wife (and distant cousin). Frederica, now 15 and ready for rebellion, delights in Laura's arrival on campus as a new dorm mother; David and Aviva look on nervously as the two become fast friends. In contrast with Frederica's right-thinking, '60s radical parents, Laura Lee becomes the delicious embodiment of all the moral and psychological complexities of a flawed world beyond campus. Meanwhile, campus itself looks very little like an ivory tower as major scandal brews amid petty gossip.
Great read, very smart and funny and entertaining. I seem to like fiction in an academic setting, especially if it is written like this!
Frederica Hatch—the articulate, curious, and naïve narrator of Lipman's eighth novel—proves the perfect vehicle for this satiric yet compassionate family portrait. It's 1976, and psych professors David and Aviva Hatch are honest with their daughter to the point of anatomically correcting Frederica's Barbie dolls. In all their years as a dorm family at a small women's college outside Boston, though, no one mentioned Laura Lee French, David's first wife (and distant cousin). Frederica, now 15 and ready for rebellion, delights in Laura's arrival on campus as a new dorm mother; David and Aviva look on nervously as the two become fast friends. In contrast with Frederica's right-thinking, '60s radical parents, Laura Lee becomes the delicious embodiment of all the moral and psychological complexities of a flawed world beyond campus. Meanwhile, campus itself looks very little like an ivory tower as major scandal brews amid petty gossip.
Great read, very smart and funny and entertaining. I seem to like fiction in an academic setting, especially if it is written like this!
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Art film not to see?
In the realms of the unreal : the mystery of Henry Darger (DVD) too weird. and i love weird. Reminded me of the style of The Devil and Daniel Johnston. See that one instead. Too hard to follow for me, I am going to try to watch it again.
Art films to see.
My architect : a son's journey / (DVD) the story of Nataniel Kahn's search for the history of his absent father. A great picture of an artist devoted to changing architecture. Presented well and not overly dramatic.
Sketches of Frank Gehry / (DVD)
Terrific as well. Gehry changed the way many people look at architecture. He would crumple a bit of paper, and say "make the building look like THAT". A good staff of like-minded fellows helps, of course. Loved the shots of his house as well, it's good to see where an artist lives, esp. if it reflects their art.
Chihuly short cuts / (DVD)
Also great. CHiluly changed glass as Gehry changed architecture. A great look at a man refusing to settle within a difficult medium. Also a good look at his teams of assistants - group effort makes art!
Robert Rauschenberg : man at work /(DVD) are you detecting a theme here? innovation, newness, not conforming to the structure of what is known as "art". The day to day struggles, the differences of opinions, and a fascinating look at mixed media, and creativity.
Who gets to call it art? : the legend of Henry Geldzahler, 1935-1994 / (DVD) last one. the man who "made" the art. i loved the portraits of henry, done by all the famous artists throughout the film. How art is promoted - an art to itself. A good ending to a fine series of "art films" this week.
See all of the above. they will inspire you, not with specifics of medium or craft, but as a picture of those who dare to be different, not in a commercial way, but in a way that they NEED to create. I love tales of creative people. we all should live this path!
Sketches of Frank Gehry / (DVD)
Terrific as well. Gehry changed the way many people look at architecture. He would crumple a bit of paper, and say "make the building look like THAT". A good staff of like-minded fellows helps, of course. Loved the shots of his house as well, it's good to see where an artist lives, esp. if it reflects their art.
Chihuly short cuts / (DVD)
Also great. CHiluly changed glass as Gehry changed architecture. A great look at a man refusing to settle within a difficult medium. Also a good look at his teams of assistants - group effort makes art!
Robert Rauschenberg : man at work /(DVD) are you detecting a theme here? innovation, newness, not conforming to the structure of what is known as "art". The day to day struggles, the differences of opinions, and a fascinating look at mixed media, and creativity.
Who gets to call it art? : the legend of Henry Geldzahler, 1935-1994 / (DVD) last one. the man who "made" the art. i loved the portraits of henry, done by all the famous artists throughout the film. How art is promoted - an art to itself. A good ending to a fine series of "art films" this week.
See all of the above. they will inspire you, not with specifics of medium or craft, but as a picture of those who dare to be different, not in a commercial way, but in a way that they NEED to create. I love tales of creative people. we all should live this path!
Sicko
Sicko (in theaters)
Mixed review from me. Typical Michael Moore. Our health care system is indeed a mess, and everyone should be aware of it, by watching this movie or otherwise. He made some very good points, but I didn't appreciate the over editorializing. Perhaps this is what the general public needs to understand? I would rather just see the facts and make my own conclusion.
My own conclusion is indeed frightening. And in a n age where we are all living longer, and having to care for our elders already, this does not bode well for the future.
Other note: Moore makes a big deal about an "anti moore" blogger having to shut down his website in order to pay for his wife's health care. Moore, in the spirit of free speech, sent this man an "anonymous" check to cover the health care, so the "i hate moore" blog could continue. We saw a picture of the check. With the man and his wife's name. Moore said he sent it. ANONYMOUS???? except for all the people who will see this film. I would have applauded the effort, if i had not technically known about it.... and now it's one more dig from Moore, very public, on camera, see how i am mocked.... upsetting. always in the last five minutes. the stinger always irritates me.
even more than the 9/11 workers to cuba health care mess. and shouting across the water from a boat does NOT constitute actually asking for help. when their presence seemed to finally be noticed, they took off. perhaps if they had been apprehended, they would have gotten care!
probably not. my comments are on the audacity of the film, not the message. we all need to look at this as one of the most important issues of our future, and that of our children's.
Mixed review from me. Typical Michael Moore. Our health care system is indeed a mess, and everyone should be aware of it, by watching this movie or otherwise. He made some very good points, but I didn't appreciate the over editorializing. Perhaps this is what the general public needs to understand? I would rather just see the facts and make my own conclusion.
My own conclusion is indeed frightening. And in a n age where we are all living longer, and having to care for our elders already, this does not bode well for the future.
Other note: Moore makes a big deal about an "anti moore" blogger having to shut down his website in order to pay for his wife's health care. Moore, in the spirit of free speech, sent this man an "anonymous" check to cover the health care, so the "i hate moore" blog could continue. We saw a picture of the check. With the man and his wife's name. Moore said he sent it. ANONYMOUS???? except for all the people who will see this film. I would have applauded the effort, if i had not technically known about it.... and now it's one more dig from Moore, very public, on camera, see how i am mocked.... upsetting. always in the last five minutes. the stinger always irritates me.
even more than the 9/11 workers to cuba health care mess. and shouting across the water from a boat does NOT constitute actually asking for help. when their presence seemed to finally be noticed, they took off. perhaps if they had been apprehended, they would have gotten care!
probably not. my comments are on the audacity of the film, not the message. we all need to look at this as one of the most important issues of our future, and that of our children's.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
foolsgold
In this personal, inspiring guide to a creative life, Wooldridge shares her own journey of the heart—from loss and grief to a return to wholeness and joy. Offering poetry exercises, journal writing, and other practices to encourage creative play—including foraging and assembling collages with found objects—Foolsgold: Making Something from Nothing and Freeing Your Creative Process will motivate you to reevaluate what’s most important in your world. Through intimate stories about transforming what life brings your way, the book will help open your heart to more creativity—DELIGHT AND VITALITY—whether it’s through photography, dance, gardening, cooking, songwriting, or poetry. Foolsgold includes dozens of suggestions to help you free the artist within by cultivating a creative lifestyle that will not only expand and inspire you but may also ground and heal you.
GREAT BOOK! good quotes, inspiring but not preachy - this was suggested on a craft blog i often read, and i spent a few early mornings in solitude this weekend reading it. helped me to reconnect to an often overlooked creative process.
GREAT BOOK! good quotes, inspiring but not preachy - this was suggested on a craft blog i often read, and i spent a few early mornings in solitude this weekend reading it. helped me to reconnect to an often overlooked creative process.
Shopaholic and Baby
Shopaholic and Baby
Kinsella's follow-up to Shopaholic & Sister(2004) finds the irrepressible Becky expecting her first child with her dashing husband, Luke. Naturally, there's shopping to be done: Becky is determined that her child will be as stylish as a baby can be. That includes having the best obstetrician, so when Becky learns about Venetia Carter, who caters to models and movie stars, she's determined to get herself into Venetia's practice. She succeeds, only to discover to her dismay that the stunning Venetia dated Luke in college and may still be carrying a torch for him. Becky will go to any length to keep her husband, whether it be intercepting text messages from Venetia in Latin or hiring a private detective to trail Luke and learn whether or not he has actually been unfaithful to her, rendering marriage over before it has really begun. Through it all, Becky never loses her spark, making this fifth entry in the Shopaholic series every bit as delightful and hilarious as its predecessors.
silly silly read. took me about an hour. every few months, i need to read the hottest, silliest book i can find to delve into mainstream culture. done now. time to go back to my art documentaries for the rest of the week. but a fun, silly book!
Kinsella's follow-up to Shopaholic & Sister(2004) finds the irrepressible Becky expecting her first child with her dashing husband, Luke. Naturally, there's shopping to be done: Becky is determined that her child will be as stylish as a baby can be. That includes having the best obstetrician, so when Becky learns about Venetia Carter, who caters to models and movie stars, she's determined to get herself into Venetia's practice. She succeeds, only to discover to her dismay that the stunning Venetia dated Luke in college and may still be carrying a torch for him. Becky will go to any length to keep her husband, whether it be intercepting text messages from Venetia in Latin or hiring a private detective to trail Luke and learn whether or not he has actually been unfaithful to her, rendering marriage over before it has really begun. Through it all, Becky never loses her spark, making this fifth entry in the Shopaholic series every bit as delightful and hilarious as its predecessors.
silly silly read. took me about an hour. every few months, i need to read the hottest, silliest book i can find to delve into mainstream culture. done now. time to go back to my art documentaries for the rest of the week. but a fun, silly book!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Flower Confidential
Flower Confidential: The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful in the Business of Flowers - Amy Stewart
Stewart's investigations take her from an eccentric lily breeder to an Australian business with the alchemical mission of creating a blue rose. She visits a romantically anachronistic violet grower, the largest remaining California grower of cut flowers and a Dutch breeder employing high-tech methods to develop flowers in equatorial countries where wages are low. Stewart follows a rose from the remote Ecuadoran greenhouse where it's grown to the American retailer where it's finally sold, and visits a huge, stock –exchange–like Dutch flower auction. These present-day adventures are interspersed with fascinating histories of the various aspects of flower culture, propagation and commerce. Stewart's floral romanticism—she admits early on that she's "always had a generalized, smutty sort of lust for flowers"—survives the potentially disillusioning revelations of the flower biz, though her passion only falters a few times, as when she witnesses roses being dipped in fungicide in preparation for export. By the end, this book is as lush as the flowers it describes.
A fascinating at look at something i knew nothing about. i've never been a huge flower fan, and it was good to learn about it as a business. a lot of technical pollination information, but still a good well moving read.
Stewart's investigations take her from an eccentric lily breeder to an Australian business with the alchemical mission of creating a blue rose. She visits a romantically anachronistic violet grower, the largest remaining California grower of cut flowers and a Dutch breeder employing high-tech methods to develop flowers in equatorial countries where wages are low. Stewart follows a rose from the remote Ecuadoran greenhouse where it's grown to the American retailer where it's finally sold, and visits a huge, stock –exchange–like Dutch flower auction. These present-day adventures are interspersed with fascinating histories of the various aspects of flower culture, propagation and commerce. Stewart's floral romanticism—she admits early on that she's "always had a generalized, smutty sort of lust for flowers"—survives the potentially disillusioning revelations of the flower biz, though her passion only falters a few times, as when she witnesses roses being dipped in fungicide in preparation for export. By the end, this book is as lush as the flowers it describes.
A fascinating at look at something i knew nothing about. i've never been a huge flower fan, and it was good to learn about it as a business. a lot of technical pollination information, but still a good well moving read.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Wall (DVD)
Wall : a cinematic meditation on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict /
by Bitton, Simone.
The hypnotic documentary Wall--subtitled "a cinematic meditation on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict"--immerses viewers in the rhythms of life around the wall being built by the Israeli government to section off the Palestinian regions of Israel. Much of the movie is simply long pans of the wall itself, which is made of concrete barriers in some places (where the government feels there is a higher risk of gunfire) and a fence topped with razor wire in others, while the filmmakers hold off-screen conversations with children, Israelis, and the Palestinians who have been hired to build the wall. Periodically the movie returns to a brusk interview with the Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, who defends the wall and shrugs off concerns about the damage the wall--which may end up being over 500 kilometers long--is doing to the natural environment as well as the political one. "This fence blocks the artery that feeds the Israeli heart," says one dismayed Israeli in an eloquent interview. But documentarian Simone Bitton refrains from metaphor; the considerable impact of Wall arises from her simple and matter-of-fact approach, ranging from scenes of teenage soldiers refusing entry to a woman hanging her clothes with the fence in the background. --Bret Fetzer
Great film. very slow moving at times, but that is the point. the wall is huge, and you get the sense from the long views of it. Not very preachy, just interviews with "regular people" and their opinions.
by Bitton, Simone.
The hypnotic documentary Wall--subtitled "a cinematic meditation on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict"--immerses viewers in the rhythms of life around the wall being built by the Israeli government to section off the Palestinian regions of Israel. Much of the movie is simply long pans of the wall itself, which is made of concrete barriers in some places (where the government feels there is a higher risk of gunfire) and a fence topped with razor wire in others, while the filmmakers hold off-screen conversations with children, Israelis, and the Palestinians who have been hired to build the wall. Periodically the movie returns to a brusk interview with the Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, who defends the wall and shrugs off concerns about the damage the wall--which may end up being over 500 kilometers long--is doing to the natural environment as well as the political one. "This fence blocks the artery that feeds the Israeli heart," says one dismayed Israeli in an eloquent interview. But documentarian Simone Bitton refrains from metaphor; the considerable impact of Wall arises from her simple and matter-of-fact approach, ranging from scenes of teenage soldiers refusing entry to a woman hanging her clothes with the fence in the background. --Bret Fetzer
Great film. very slow moving at times, but that is the point. the wall is huge, and you get the sense from the long views of it. Not very preachy, just interviews with "regular people" and their opinions.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Reel Paradise (dvd)
http://reelparadise.com/main.html
Reel Paradise (dvd) is great! John Peirson takes his wife and kids to Fiji, and spends a year showing free movies at the 180 meridian, and old theater. Reminded me a little of the Scituate Playhouse! A neat glimpse of contrasting cultures. John doesn't try to convert anyone to anything - it's just his story. It's also interesting to see Fiji through the eyes of the kids, not just the more "enlightened" adults. Same teenage issues everywhere - breaking curfew and all that!
Reel Paradise (dvd) is great! John Peirson takes his wife and kids to Fiji, and spends a year showing free movies at the 180 meridian, and old theater. Reminded me a little of the Scituate Playhouse! A neat glimpse of contrasting cultures. John doesn't try to convert anyone to anything - it's just his story. It's also interesting to see Fiji through the eyes of the kids, not just the more "enlightened" adults. Same teenage issues everywhere - breaking curfew and all that!
Double lives
Double lives : crafting your life of work and passion for untold success /
by Heenan, David A.
Interesting read. about the lives of those who do many things, and craft the life they want. kinda "self-helpy" - but interesting from the perspective of the history of those written about. contains a list of things to do: 20 keys to leading a double life. i like the list better than sifting through the whole book, but some stories were interesting. i like the "double life" concept myself - i seem to do many tings, and it makes me happier.
by Heenan, David A.
Interesting read. about the lives of those who do many things, and craft the life they want. kinda "self-helpy" - but interesting from the perspective of the history of those written about. contains a list of things to do: 20 keys to leading a double life. i like the list better than sifting through the whole book, but some stories were interesting. i like the "double life" concept myself - i seem to do many tings, and it makes me happier.
Kitchen Confidential
Kitchen Confidential - Anthony Bourdain. An older book, but not without relevance. He keeps popping up in my viewing, so i decided to actually read the book. A terrific read, hilarious look at breaking into the gourmet restaurant biz, and the development of a true restauranter. I liked it as much as Bruford's Heat.
Another plug while on the subject for Food and Wine magazine. Again, I picked up a copy in regards to a top chef mention. A great magazine. good recipies, great reviews. a little more accesable for me than cook's illustrated (to which David subscribes and reads avidly).
Another plug while on the subject for Food and Wine magazine. Again, I picked up a copy in regards to a top chef mention. A great magazine. good recipies, great reviews. a little more accesable for me than cook's illustrated (to which David subscribes and reads avidly).
Golf
Tales From Q School (Feinstein) Makes me glad I don't play golf at this level (or any level, except "mini", of course!). Q school used to have a classroom component, but now the grueling entry to the PGA tour is a test where you had better hope your game is "on" for that day. The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat. A well researched read, as usual for Feinstein. I skimmed much of the tour details, the emotion is what I was after. Good read for the gold season - will give you a new appreciation for the sport and those who are not on the "money list".
Friday, June 22, 2007
ROCK SCHOOL!
If you don't believe there's educational value in Zappa and Zeppelin, Rock School (DVD) will set you right. Some parents may be horrified by Paul Green, a one-time aspiring rock star and founder of the Rock School in Philadelphia (and later, in cities all over the U.S.), where kids from eight to 18 learn such valuable skills as thrashing guitar, pounding drums, and how to perform like a "Golden God" á la Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant. Green embraces old school rock (no hip-hop or Britney wanna-bes here, thank you), and while some may take issue with his belligerent, berating and foul-mouthed treatment of his young students (some musically gifted, others definitely not), it's obvious that Green is on to something, giving aspiring rockers an outlet for educational enthusiasm they might not muster for traditional classroom subjects. Using a digital video camera to gain intimate access to Green and the future rockers of America, filmmaker Don Argott has crafted a funny, alarming, and altogether fascinating documentary that has a lot to say about our national obsession with fame, the curious benefits of Green's peculiar style of teaching, and the undeniable value of encouraging young people to embrace their dreams. For those about to rock…we salute you! (from amazon.com)
This was hilarious. A must see if you teach music. Especially the part where the guitar teacher keeps asking a kid to play a riff, then sing it, then at least clap it.... and the kid gets it wrong over and over and says "can we just play it now?" The performance at "Zappanalia" is truly amazing. The good, the bad, the loud, the messy.
This was hilarious. A must see if you teach music. Especially the part where the guitar teacher keeps asking a kid to play a riff, then sing it, then at least clap it.... and the kid gets it wrong over and over and says "can we just play it now?" The performance at "Zappanalia" is truly amazing. The good, the bad, the loud, the messy.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Gay Republicans?
Gay Republicans (DVD)
I watched while fighting a bad cold, and on cold medicine, and it still kept me watching. Kinda slow moving, but very interesting. I had heard of the "log cabin republicans" but knew little about them. They were all for George W. until he went too far with efforts to institutionalize a ban a gay marriage. How could they possibly reconcile that within their group? Some tried, but the group officially voted not to support Bush. A few stragglers hung on, saying "it's just not time for gay marriage to be accepted." One particularly curious fellow, who at some point fully intends to marry his partner, when he is "allowed" by law - when the time is "right?"
This issue makes me crazy. We are at WAR. let's focus on fixing something important - not spend our time trying to legalize OBVIOUS discrimination. oh, and while we're at it, criticize the few strong relationships left int his country in a time of skyrocketing divorce rates and marital strife. ugh.
good flick though - yes, it was biased towards one side, but it had little more than straight narration, and the players told their own stories. i like to try to form my own opinion, rather than be "guided" to it by a michael moore-type film.
I watched while fighting a bad cold, and on cold medicine, and it still kept me watching. Kinda slow moving, but very interesting. I had heard of the "log cabin republicans" but knew little about them. They were all for George W. until he went too far with efforts to institutionalize a ban a gay marriage. How could they possibly reconcile that within their group? Some tried, but the group officially voted not to support Bush. A few stragglers hung on, saying "it's just not time for gay marriage to be accepted." One particularly curious fellow, who at some point fully intends to marry his partner, when he is "allowed" by law - when the time is "right?"
This issue makes me crazy. We are at WAR. let's focus on fixing something important - not spend our time trying to legalize OBVIOUS discrimination. oh, and while we're at it, criticize the few strong relationships left int his country in a time of skyrocketing divorce rates and marital strife. ugh.
good flick though - yes, it was biased towards one side, but it had little more than straight narration, and the players told their own stories. i like to try to form my own opinion, rather than be "guided" to it by a michael moore-type film.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
In The Shadow of The Stars
In The Shadow of The Stars (DVD)
okay, a very good one! a look (from around 1989) at the choristers of the san francisco opera company. many want to be the soloists themselves. quirky, odd performers with lots of tales of background encounters. opera is a tough life, i imagine. makes for good viewing, though!
okay, a very good one! a look (from around 1989) at the choristers of the san francisco opera company. many want to be the soloists themselves. quirky, odd performers with lots of tales of background encounters. opera is a tough life, i imagine. makes for good viewing, though!
Summer Vacation!
Is there anything sweeter than the last day of school? I had such a nice last day with the kiddos yesterday. we performed, and it was a reflective day for me. although i always wish we could have done "more", i was able to reflect on their accomplishments of the year. they sounded great, and they love music. the rest will come. i am already excited about next year - but looking forward to a fun summer at the playground!
Sweet and Low
Sweet and Low by Richard Cohen bills itself as "the unauthorized true story of one Brooklyn family." And what a family. Cohen, the disinherited grandson of the artificial sweetener Sweet 'n' Low's inventor, combines two parts Horatio Alger-memoir, one part cultural commentary and three parts personal criticism into a fascinating snapshot of American life, immigrant experience and a broad sermon on the perils of fortune. Cohen's maternal grandfather, Ben Eisenstadt, a mid-grade inventor and Brooklyn restaurateur concocts the idea of selling sugar in individual packets--a revolutionary concept in the age of crusty, unsanitary sugar dispensers. His idea stolen by the big sugar companies, Cohen squeaks out a post-war living selling his packets in their shadow until he and his son, Marvin, invent the formula for the saccharine sweetener and catch the first big wave of the American diet craze. Those little pink packets create a vast fortune soon tarnished by interfamily squabbles, Mafia influence, FDA edicts and, mostly, the baser aspects of human nature--greed, jealousy and pride. Cohen, a writer for Rolling Stone and The New Yorker, among other publications, weaves a compelling and often biting narrative about his mother's family. Using those pink packets as metaphor, he paints a dystopic portrait of the American Dream, that, in his family's case, was as devoid of nourishment as any artificial sweetener.
I had to just quote from Amazon - this book was great. a little confusing, a long list of characters, but the story was engaging. And "sweet and low" is from a song, but also from Tennyson - who knew?
I had to just quote from Amazon - this book was great. a little confusing, a long list of characters, but the story was engaging. And "sweet and low" is from a song, but also from Tennyson - who knew?
Guest House
Guest House
This being human is a guest house
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,meet them at the door laughing,and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Rumi
This being human is a guest house
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,meet them at the door laughing,and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Rumi
Instead of Making Art
Instead of Making Art
"Most of us spend many hours each week watching celebrated athletes playing in enormous stadiums. Instead of making music, we listen to platinum records cut by millionaire musicians. Instead of making art, we go to admire paintings that brought in the highest bids at the latest auction. We do not run risks acting on our beliefs, but occupy hours each day watching actors who pretend to have adventures, engaged in mock-meaningful action.
This vicarious participation is able to mask, at least temporarily, the underlying emptiness of wasted time. But it is a very pale substitute for attention invested in real challenges. The flow experience that results from the use of skills leads to growth; passive entertainment leads nowhere. Collectively we are wasting each year the equivalent of millions of years of human consciousness. The energy that could be used to focus on complex goals, to provide enjoyable growth, is squandered on patterns of stimulation that only mimic reality."
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
"Most of us spend many hours each week watching celebrated athletes playing in enormous stadiums. Instead of making music, we listen to platinum records cut by millionaire musicians. Instead of making art, we go to admire paintings that brought in the highest bids at the latest auction. We do not run risks acting on our beliefs, but occupy hours each day watching actors who pretend to have adventures, engaged in mock-meaningful action.
This vicarious participation is able to mask, at least temporarily, the underlying emptiness of wasted time. But it is a very pale substitute for attention invested in real challenges. The flow experience that results from the use of skills leads to growth; passive entertainment leads nowhere. Collectively we are wasting each year the equivalent of millions of years of human consciousness. The energy that could be used to focus on complex goals, to provide enjoyable growth, is squandered on patterns of stimulation that only mimic reality."
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
The Secret of Lost Things
The Secret of Lost Things - Sheridan Hay
Loved it. An Australian "orphan" whose recently lost her mom comes to New York to find fortune? Well, perhaps just survive. Few characters outside her place of employment - a bookstore that sadly do not seem to exist anymore. Still struggling to find fiction I like, but the descriptions of the bookstore alone (the major plot setting) were terrific. A clever twist at the end - an expected ending, but I was fooled a little. Good read!
Loved it. An Australian "orphan" whose recently lost her mom comes to New York to find fortune? Well, perhaps just survive. Few characters outside her place of employment - a bookstore that sadly do not seem to exist anymore. Still struggling to find fiction I like, but the descriptions of the bookstore alone (the major plot setting) were terrific. A clever twist at the end - an expected ending, but I was fooled a little. Good read!
My Country
My Country, My Country (DVD)
Laura Poitras, Amercian, followed around an Iraqi doctor, 6 months before, and leading up to, the 2005 elections in Baghdad. A glimpse of his daily life, and the struggles there. It seemed surprisingly not "political" to me - as all documentaries i like best seem to be. Lots of people just trying to survive. They even seemed to not dislike Americans - but wanted us to get our act together, and really help rebuild. hopelessness has set in.
And then I watched more rhetoric at the Republican debate. I feel like my hands are tied in my information of the war. I plan on watching more of these as we get closer to voting - is there really a solution? I am probably for a quick withdrawal, and yet these people will suffer more, at our hands. Do we have an obligation to "get it right" - now that we have gotten it so wrong?
Laura Poitras, Amercian, followed around an Iraqi doctor, 6 months before, and leading up to, the 2005 elections in Baghdad. A glimpse of his daily life, and the struggles there. It seemed surprisingly not "political" to me - as all documentaries i like best seem to be. Lots of people just trying to survive. They even seemed to not dislike Americans - but wanted us to get our act together, and really help rebuild. hopelessness has set in.
And then I watched more rhetoric at the Republican debate. I feel like my hands are tied in my information of the war. I plan on watching more of these as we get closer to voting - is there really a solution? I am probably for a quick withdrawal, and yet these people will suffer more, at our hands. Do we have an obligation to "get it right" - now that we have gotten it so wrong?
Monday, May 21, 2007
faith
Grace (eventually) Thoughts on faith by Anne Lamott. a great read by a great writer. i had previously read her "how to" writing books, but here is where she demonstrates her own "how tos". a thoughtful woman of great expereince. i am also reading her operating instructions now, about her son sam and his first year of life. entertaining, and brings back memories!
among the missing
where have i been? concert concert concerts! a great choral season came to a close sat eve/sun afternoon with the newburyport choral society's performance of handel's coronation anthes and the vaughan williiams dona nobis pacem. moving performances, and a great musical experience for yours truly. i am so glad i am singing! can't wait for fall, although i am already looking forward to a nice summer off.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
stuff!
Okay, so I just finished Augusten Burrough's Sellevision. The first non autobiographical book i have read by him. very funny. a little slow in places, and i kept looking for more hidden plot twists. but a good read if only for the product descriptions, sold on the shop at home channel where most of the protagonists work (or get fired from!).
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
ping pong
Mongolian Ping Pong (DVD) - loved it! subtitled, in tibetan? kids in rural mongolia find a ping pong ball, don't know what it is, find out it is the national ball of china, think it is THE national ball of china, and strive to return it to beijing. kinda slow moving, but i loved the blank expressions on the kids faces when they just had NO idea what they were looking at.
tomorrow, runway season 2 marathon - i have them on dvd, isn't it funny i like to watch them on tv still? season 3 is rumored to be released in june, and season 4 starts in august! yay!
tomorrow, runway season 2 marathon - i have them on dvd, isn't it funny i like to watch them on tv still? season 3 is rumored to be released in june, and season 4 starts in august! yay!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Babies!
Waiting for Daisy - Peggy Orenstein
Reminded me how lucky to we were to conceive a child, no hassles. I have mixed feelings on the advent of technology. It seems like the process of conceiving a child can become an all-encompassing battle of hope and failure, with no guaranteed good outcomes. I can't imagine life without Maille, but I am not sure putting a strain on my relationship with her father would have been the way to start off all those stressful sleepless nights either! A good read, but it made me apprehensive. I guess it is good to stretch and sympathize!
Reminded me how lucky to we were to conceive a child, no hassles. I have mixed feelings on the advent of technology. It seems like the process of conceiving a child can become an all-encompassing battle of hope and failure, with no guaranteed good outcomes. I can't imagine life without Maille, but I am not sure putting a strain on my relationship with her father would have been the way to start off all those stressful sleepless nights either! A good read, but it made me apprehensive. I guess it is good to stretch and sympathize!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
The Double Bind
The Double Bind - chris bohjalian
GREAT book! twists and turns - a clever link to the great gatsby as well. i never saw the end coming - but that is all i will share so as not to ruin it.
Baby love - rebecca walker. the struggles to conceive, and come to terms with having a child. motherhood does indeed change you. interesting to see it in print, another's thoughts, yet so close at times to my own.
i got messud's first novel today, i guess i am back into a "fiction" mode, and it is good! =)
GREAT book! twists and turns - a clever link to the great gatsby as well. i never saw the end coming - but that is all i will share so as not to ruin it.
Baby love - rebecca walker. the struggles to conceive, and come to terms with having a child. motherhood does indeed change you. interesting to see it in print, another's thoughts, yet so close at times to my own.
i got messud's first novel today, i guess i am back into a "fiction" mode, and it is good! =)
Saturday, April 21, 2007
HEAVEN'S GATE
Heaven's Gate - (DVD) Errol Morris. quirky, odd. not as great as i expected - a little slow at the start. but a good look at the quirky world of a mighty particular pet cemetery.
The Emperor's Children
The Emperor's Children by claire messud. great book. couldn't put it down. i wanted to know more about the characters, who slowly emerge as connected, ties strong between them, until they suffer their surprising fates. i loved messud's character development - i like to read "good fiction about people" but am often bored with a modern work. messud is reading at the newburyport literary festival next week, and i will try to see her. i also just ordered her other novels from the library - she is a local, and lives in somerville.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Dickens World!
Proof that you can make a theme park out of anything....
Dickens World is a brand new, innovative and exciting indoor visitor complex themed around the life, books and times of one of Britain’s best loved authors, Charles Dickens. It will take visitors on a fascinating journey through Dickens’ lifetime as they step back into Dickensian England and are immersed in the urban streets, sounds and smells of the 19th century.
With a host of captivating attractions, Dickens World features one of Europe’s largest dark boat rides, the Haunted house of Ebenezer Scrooge, a state-of-the art animatronic show, Victorian School Room, 4D high definition show and Fagin’s Den. Offering a unique showcase for one of the world’s best loved storytellers, Dickens World will truly offer visitors the ‘day out of a lifetime’.
Dickens World is based on a credible and factual account of Charles Dickens works and the world in which he lived. Working with The Dickens Fellowship great attention has been paid to the authenticity of the time, characters and story lines. It offers a new and entertaining way to enjoy Dickens and his characters as well as gaining an understanding of the times and conditions people experienced living in England in the early 19th century.
Dickens World is a brand new, innovative and exciting indoor visitor complex themed around the life, books and times of one of Britain’s best loved authors, Charles Dickens. It will take visitors on a fascinating journey through Dickens’ lifetime as they step back into Dickensian England and are immersed in the urban streets, sounds and smells of the 19th century.
With a host of captivating attractions, Dickens World features one of Europe’s largest dark boat rides, the Haunted house of Ebenezer Scrooge, a state-of-the art animatronic show, Victorian School Room, 4D high definition show and Fagin’s Den. Offering a unique showcase for one of the world’s best loved storytellers, Dickens World will truly offer visitors the ‘day out of a lifetime’.
Dickens World is based on a credible and factual account of Charles Dickens works and the world in which he lived. Working with The Dickens Fellowship great attention has been paid to the authenticity of the time, characters and story lines. It offers a new and entertaining way to enjoy Dickens and his characters as well as gaining an understanding of the times and conditions people experienced living in England in the early 19th century.
Monday, April 16, 2007
You Don't Love Me Yet
You Don't Love Me Yet - Jonathan Lethem
I really liked this book, and i have no idea why. of course, i loved The Fortress of Solitude, so i was eager to read this. i like lethem's characters, i want to know more about them, and the plot seems to be interspersed with mere descriptions of them. the plot, however, despite a quirky twist or two, was not that engaging to me. but i still like the overall read, and was interested to keep reading to see how it turned out. i plan on reading his other works soon.
I really liked this book, and i have no idea why. of course, i loved The Fortress of Solitude, so i was eager to read this. i like lethem's characters, i want to know more about them, and the plot seems to be interspersed with mere descriptions of them. the plot, however, despite a quirky twist or two, was not that engaging to me. but i still like the overall read, and was interested to keep reading to see how it turned out. i plan on reading his other works soon.
fashion!
The Devil Wears Prada had a few cute moments. once again, proof of my lack of enjoyment of the mainstream movies.... Tim Gunn recommended this, so it went on my list. small town girl makes it big, loses her values, can she gain them again and save her soul????? fairly predictable. nice role of stanley tucci, and nice and true fashion bits.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
First Amendment
The First Amendment Project (Sundance) this was a great film. the first part is a recap of the o'reilly franken issues from a few years back. reilly should have just kept quiet - i don't think al franken is that great a writer, or even that funny for long periods of time, but everyone bought his book after o'reilly sued. not a day goes by when fox news isn't mentioned in some negative light in many things i read and see. yes, i guess proof that my preferred media outlets are biased too? perhaps. but a good "fair and balanced" look at the debate, i thought!
also a debate on the poetry of former nj poet lauriate baracka, and his long poem re:9/11. i think he was just doing what artists do, stirring controversy and discussion, and we all need that. however, NOT if you are don imus? i've been thinking a lot about how we view speech in terms of that recent scandal. speech may not be regulated, but i do not think it is ever just plain "free".
also a debate on the poetry of former nj poet lauriate baracka, and his long poem re:9/11. i think he was just doing what artists do, stirring controversy and discussion, and we all need that. however, NOT if you are don imus? i've been thinking a lot about how we view speech in terms of that recent scandal. speech may not be regulated, but i do not think it is ever just plain "free".
Sunday, April 08, 2007
wordplay
wordplay (DVD) i loved this film. it reminded me of those about scrabble, and other games - this one's about crossword fanatics, and the creation/challenge of the pinnacle of games - the new york times sunday crossword. bill clinton, jon stewart, the indigo girls, ken burns - all crossword fanatics. also footage of the yearly crossword competition held in stamford ct. - an interesting look at the top contenders and how (why?) they are there. a must see for those intrigued by wordy academic pursuits!
DVD's Galore!!!!!
a HUGE pile of DVD's from the library.... good thing i can watch them while playing with maille during the day! i have a huge list on order, but rarely do they all come in at once.
Many by Werner Herzog (see Grizzly Man)
the one i watched today: Where the green ants dream. wacky. about an oil company infringing on aboriginal territory in australia. i loved one of the aboriginies, he had this funny look about him, was very quiet, just kept blinking in comment to the antics of the crazy white men. good commentary on who "owns" the land - those who lay claim to it, or those who have always protected it and preserved it for others and their future generations? i kept thinking of global warming issues, not that they were adressd here, but certainly preservation of the land, and understanding of the land played a huge role in this film.
Many by Werner Herzog (see Grizzly Man)
the one i watched today: Where the green ants dream. wacky. about an oil company infringing on aboriginal territory in australia. i loved one of the aboriginies, he had this funny look about him, was very quiet, just kept blinking in comment to the antics of the crazy white men. good commentary on who "owns" the land - those who lay claim to it, or those who have always protected it and preserved it for others and their future generations? i kept thinking of global warming issues, not that they were adressd here, but certainly preservation of the land, and understanding of the land played a huge role in this film.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
within the cubicle
(it took me five tries just to SPELL cubicle)
Then we Came to the End
Ferris, Joshua
about an office and its life. a bunch of zany ad execs, and how their daily lives are slowly affected by a series of layoffs, and impending unemployment doom. an accurate portrayal of company life? perhaps. and why i never want to work in a cubicle. my job has its drawbacks - but there are three things i am glad for:
1. no name tag
2. no weekends
3. no cubicle
i never got the overall feeling that i particularly liked this book, but i read it in one day. i guess it moved along then. a good read if you like humor and current fictional characters.
Then we Came to the End
Ferris, Joshua
about an office and its life. a bunch of zany ad execs, and how their daily lives are slowly affected by a series of layoffs, and impending unemployment doom. an accurate portrayal of company life? perhaps. and why i never want to work in a cubicle. my job has its drawbacks - but there are three things i am glad for:
1. no name tag
2. no weekends
3. no cubicle
i never got the overall feeling that i particularly liked this book, but i read it in one day. i guess it moved along then. a good read if you like humor and current fictional characters.
Lists!
I came to this blog wanting to keep track of my reading/viewing habits, and i wanted to make mention of the greatest books of late 2006 that i have read. i may have time to review them here!
fiction:
brookland
terrorist
absurdistan
black swan green
special topics in calamity physics
water for elephants
nonfiction:
consider the lobster
eat, pray, love
the greatest story ever sold
heat
mayflower
the omnivore's dilemma
state of denial
the united states of arugula
i seem to gravitate to the nonfiction side of the aisle. i currently have a rather large stack of fiction on my nightstand. with fiction, if i dislike a book, i just put it down. if i dislike a nonfiction work, i am more likely to keep reading, if only to keep learning about the topic until i finish the book, and then banish it back to the library!
fiction:
brookland
terrorist
absurdistan
black swan green
special topics in calamity physics
water for elephants
nonfiction:
consider the lobster
eat, pray, love
the greatest story ever sold
heat
mayflower
the omnivore's dilemma
state of denial
the united states of arugula
i seem to gravitate to the nonfiction side of the aisle. i currently have a rather large stack of fiction on my nightstand. with fiction, if i dislike a book, i just put it down. if i dislike a nonfiction work, i am more likely to keep reading, if only to keep learning about the topic until i finish the book, and then banish it back to the library!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
chess
The Kings of New York: A Year Among the Geeks, Oddballs, and Genuises Who Make Up America's Top High School Chess Team -weinreb
I have never been a huge chess fan - the game appeals to me in concept, but i never seem to have anyone to play with, and it seems to take a lot of practice to enjoy. despite my lack of knowledge of the game, i was looking forward to this book, i always like a good read about the proverbial group of misfit kids who become famous and worthy of adoration from the masses through hard work and talent and perhaps even a dedicated teacher. this wasn't really much of that. a good summary of a particular new york school chess team, a few summaries of the players, but no real detail, and i didn't feel like we were following the life of any particular player. a good basic overview of the circuit, but i was not driven to finish it, and to see how any one kid would fare in competition.
I have never been a huge chess fan - the game appeals to me in concept, but i never seem to have anyone to play with, and it seems to take a lot of practice to enjoy. despite my lack of knowledge of the game, i was looking forward to this book, i always like a good read about the proverbial group of misfit kids who become famous and worthy of adoration from the masses through hard work and talent and perhaps even a dedicated teacher. this wasn't really much of that. a good summary of a particular new york school chess team, a few summaries of the players, but no real detail, and i didn't feel like we were following the life of any particular player. a good basic overview of the circuit, but i was not driven to finish it, and to see how any one kid would fare in competition.
chess
The Kings of New York: A Year Among the Geeks, Oddballs, and Genuises Who Make Up America's Top High School Chess Team -weinreb
I have never been a huge chess fan - the game appeals to me in concept, but i never seem to have anyone to play with, and it seems to take a lot of practice to enjoy. despite my lack of knowledge of the game, i was looking forward to this book, i always like a good read about the proverbial group of misfit kids who become famous and worthy of adoration from the masses through hard work and talent and perhaps even a dedicated teacher. this wasn't really much of that. a good summary of a particular new york school chess team, a few summaries of the players, but no real detail, and i didn't feel like we were following the life of any particular player. a good basic overview of the circuit, but i was not driven to finish it, and to see how any one kid would fare in competition.
I have never been a huge chess fan - the game appeals to me in concept, but i never seem to have anyone to play with, and it seems to take a lot of practice to enjoy. despite my lack of knowledge of the game, i was looking forward to this book, i always like a good read about the proverbial group of misfit kids who become famous and worthy of adoration from the masses through hard work and talent and perhaps even a dedicated teacher. this wasn't really much of that. a good summary of a particular new york school chess team, a few summaries of the players, but no real detail, and i didn't feel like we were following the life of any particular player. a good basic overview of the circuit, but i was not driven to finish it, and to see how any one kid would fare in competition.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
reading for foodies
Two for the road: our love affair with american food -Jane and Michael Stern
very entertaining. these two have been travelling on the road, writing food reviews for years, and this is a snapshot of their exploits. visits to outstanding hole-in-the-wall eateries, great unique places that represent america at its diverse finest. makes me hungry just to read this(esp for a trip to the clam box!). also a nice tale of how they do their jobs, how they manage to eat 12 meals a day, etc. i have always loved mom and pop food joints. nice to read from two who love them as well!
also good:
roadfood
eat your way across the u.s.a
very entertaining. these two have been travelling on the road, writing food reviews for years, and this is a snapshot of their exploits. visits to outstanding hole-in-the-wall eateries, great unique places that represent america at its diverse finest. makes me hungry just to read this(esp for a trip to the clam box!). also a nice tale of how they do their jobs, how they manage to eat 12 meals a day, etc. i have always loved mom and pop food joints. nice to read from two who love them as well!
also good:
roadfood
eat your way across the u.s.a
DVDs to rent/see
just a personal list, to help me remember. I have been reading about documentaries lately, and want to look these up when i have a chance!
confessions of a superhero
loose change
maxed out
jonestown - (april 9 pbs)
confessions of a superhero
loose change
maxed out
jonestown - (april 9 pbs)
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Happy Birthday to me
that's all. happy overall. a typically quiet day with the kiddo an an army of plastic dinosaurs. i know some people tend to use this day as a marking of time, a reevaluation of sorts - but i tend to do that in september (my job i guess). but the inventory is good, i have good family and friends, and have managed to enjoy a nice balance between being home and away.
i hope only for cake! =)
i hope only for cake! =)
The Devil and Daniel Johnston
"I had lost my mind. I lost my head for a while was off my rocker outta line, outta wack. See I had this tiny crack in my head That slowly split open and my brain snoozed out, Lyin' on the sidewalk and I didn't even know it. I had lost my mind." --I Had Lost My Mind by Daniel Johnston
Daniel Johnston - songwriter, artist, a man fighting demons. another plot of the "troubled artist" type. a great film - left me wondering how many truly "great" people never achieve their potential because of one thing or another. also a pretty accurate picture (i think) of mental illness - one minute he's fine, then something is always lurking and sabotaging. this film reminded me of crumb a bit.
http://hihowareyou.com/ is his website. thanks to the Internet, maybe we will all know of him after all!
Daniel Johnston - songwriter, artist, a man fighting demons. another plot of the "troubled artist" type. a great film - left me wondering how many truly "great" people never achieve their potential because of one thing or another. also a pretty accurate picture (i think) of mental illness - one minute he's fine, then something is always lurking and sabotaging. this film reminded me of crumb a bit.
http://hihowareyou.com/ is his website. thanks to the Internet, maybe we will all know of him after all!
Monday, March 26, 2007
Grey Gardens
Okay, this was just odd. I still wonder why i liked it so much. so does david. Here's the plot:
The Maysles brothers pay visits to Edith Bouvier Beale, nearing 80, and her daughter Edie. Reclusive, the pair live with cats and raccoons in Grey Gardens, a crumbling mansion in East Hampton. Edith is dry and quick-witted - a singer, married but later separated, a member of high society. Edie is voluble, dresses - as she puts it - for combat in tight ensembles that include scarves wrapped around her head. There are hints that Edie came home 24 years before to be cared for rather than to care for her mother. The women address the camera, talking over each other, moving from the present to events years before. They're odd, with flinty affection for each other.
apparently this has become a cult favorite. there is even a sequel, also a criterion collection release, that is culled from additional footage used to make the original. i'm of course going to do a bit of research about all this. a good film, especially to watch while you are cleaning the house. a little easier not to get TOO involved - i started wondering if my interest meant i was a little mad as well.....
The Maysles brothers pay visits to Edith Bouvier Beale, nearing 80, and her daughter Edie. Reclusive, the pair live with cats and raccoons in Grey Gardens, a crumbling mansion in East Hampton. Edith is dry and quick-witted - a singer, married but later separated, a member of high society. Edie is voluble, dresses - as she puts it - for combat in tight ensembles that include scarves wrapped around her head. There are hints that Edie came home 24 years before to be cared for rather than to care for her mother. The women address the camera, talking over each other, moving from the present to events years before. They're odd, with flinty affection for each other.
apparently this has become a cult favorite. there is even a sequel, also a criterion collection release, that is culled from additional footage used to make the original. i'm of course going to do a bit of research about all this. a good film, especially to watch while you are cleaning the house. a little easier not to get TOO involved - i started wondering if my interest meant i was a little mad as well.....
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Grizzly Man
Dvd - Grizzly Man - the story of timothy treadwell, who lived in alaska with bears. a nutty story, he at times seems insane, at some times passionate about wildlife conservation. he returned each summer, to track and live with the bears who he considered his friends. tragically, he and his girlfriend aime were eaten by a bear in 2003. not attacked, eaten. apparently the end was filmed, no video, just sound. treadwell documented via camera all of his adventures, spreading the word of bear safety and preservation to adults and children in his off-seasons. this paints a complicated picture - not just of the bears, but more likely of a man searching for himself, and his role and place in our world. he seemed to belong in nature rather than in man's world, even in the end. a good film, although the coroner's descriptions were upsetting (the image of the pilot coming to pick them up, finding a bear munching on a rib cage was a little over the top i think).
Saturday, March 17, 2007
keeping mum
keeping mum (dvd) - rowan atkinson, maggie smith, patrick swayze. how could this ever be bad? a rollicking british film, a comedy of errors and mixed up identities, with atkinson's dry humor a pleasure to watch. atkinson is a vicar of little wallop (so english!) with a wife of straying eye, her eager american golf instructor (patrick swayze in a fine role), a promiscuous daughter, and a housekeeper who arrives just in the nick of time to save them all, although she has a few surprising secrets to share. really fun!
What is the what?
what is the what: the autobiography of valentino achak deng : a novel
this is called a novel since it is david egger's creative retelling of valentino's tale, yet it makes the story no less poignant, relevant, or deserving to be read. valentino is one of the "lost boys" of sudan, an ever growing group of refugees that walk to ethiopia in search of freedom from a country filled with strife and civil unrest. this is a sad, clear picture of just a few of the african problems that exist. we often hear now of the tragedies of darfur - sudan is yet another country to be added to the list. sobering reading, but recommended for a greater awareness of our world's difficulties.
this is called a novel since it is david egger's creative retelling of valentino's tale, yet it makes the story no less poignant, relevant, or deserving to be read. valentino is one of the "lost boys" of sudan, an ever growing group of refugees that walk to ethiopia in search of freedom from a country filled with strife and civil unrest. this is a sad, clear picture of just a few of the african problems that exist. we often hear now of the tragedies of darfur - sudan is yet another country to be added to the list. sobering reading, but recommended for a greater awareness of our world's difficulties.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
ROCK!
okay, this is a must-see...... Metal: A Headbanger's Journey. this was great. an anthropologist, who began as an angst ridden heavy-metal teen, travels around the world studying what makes heavy metal fans so dedicated and NUTS. loved it. lots of wacky commentary by dee snyder and alice cooper et al. and a nice summary of Norwegian satanic bands, which are truly scary. i would show this to all high school students if it weren't for the f..k and s..t words liberally spread around.
oh my goodness..... is Duke seriously only up by 4 points?????? gotta check out the game before bed!
oh my goodness..... is Duke seriously only up by 4 points?????? gotta check out the game before bed!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
parrots.
The wild parrots of telegraph hill certainly lived up to its hype. well, i like documentaries, remember - for some it might have moved a little slowly. but what a quirky film about a man who loves birds. or more importantly, a man who slows down, takes each day and just enjoys what he loves. which i must add, means he is kinda homeless, but i guess that all works out with his good "bird karma" in the end. a nice glimpse into how obsessions are sometimes not so "crazy" after all. he cared for the birds like we all would for our good friends. if only we humans treated each other so well! good film!
Obama!
the audacity of hope. hmm. i had previously read obama's dreams of my fathers, so i was eager to read this. it was just okay. well, obama seems to recognize all the "big government" problems, and how we need to fix them. well, WHY we need to fix them - not HOW. that was what i left with. he seems like an articulate, thoughtful man with a rare ability to see many perspectives. i think that this was what the book was supposed to cover. as for solutions? perhaps we need to all come up with them together, which is what he was saying. a good perspective, i am trying to read all the candidate's books this year. i guess that means slogging through hillary's bio. ugh. read here to see if i do!
More films
The library has been very efficient this week, but it will be a nice day so i will most likely head outside before anymore viewing. yesterday i watched The Beauty academy of kabul. about a bunch of American women who head to Kabul to start a beauty school. these afghan women had been through so much, and were thrilled at the opportunity to help themselves and their families financially. still mired in a truly patriarchal society, they did have to ask permission for everything of their husbands, and still complete all the household chores after their studies or "day job". made me glad to live here, despite the problems i see. An inspirational film - a tough subject, but introduced with humor too.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Why We Fight
"It is nowhere written that the American empire goes on forever."
This reminded me of the series of frontline shows on the Iraqi war. Why We Fight was very good, infuriating, and perhaps well-timed on "scooter libby day". It refers often to the "military industrial complex" first mentioned by Eisenhower, and shows how our economy is fueled by our need to produce the elements of war. I left convinved that war was inevitable, and necessary based not for "truth or freeedom" or all they say, but for supporting our economy. Again showing how we are all connected in this world, and things are never simple or black and white.
This reminded me of the series of frontline shows on the Iraqi war. Why We Fight was very good, infuriating, and perhaps well-timed on "scooter libby day". It refers often to the "military industrial complex" first mentioned by Eisenhower, and shows how our economy is fueled by our need to produce the elements of war. I left convinved that war was inevitable, and necessary based not for "truth or freeedom" or all they say, but for supporting our economy. Again showing how we are all connected in this world, and things are never simple or black and white.
Monday, March 05, 2007
ART?
Who gets to call it art? (DVD)- the story of henry geldzahler, curator at the met. and alos the story of "new" art - wharhol, johns, stella, etc. nice film, kinda amusing. i find artists talking about their work especially entertaining. i admire the creative process, and love to hear how it varies from person to person, bu i also enjoy all the wacky art vingettes. lots of them in this.
The Glass Castle - jeanette walls. horribly tragic, the story of her poor, neglected childhood and how she strove to make living with two irresponsible parents in abject poverty with sisters and a brother "normal". i almost didn't finish it. i quess she is okay now, living as a writer married in NYC. this is currently on a lot of best seller lists. i wonder why so many are drawn to this book. do many share similar memories? does reading it make you feel better that your life is "better"? i am glad she seems okay now.
last week's trip to the library produced 12 DVD's. i request a whole list, and then usually a few come in each week. this pile seems to be a bit holocaust-documentary heavy. i will probably not make it through even one, but they were highly recommended, so i figured i will try.
The Glass Castle - jeanette walls. horribly tragic, the story of her poor, neglected childhood and how she strove to make living with two irresponsible parents in abject poverty with sisters and a brother "normal". i almost didn't finish it. i quess she is okay now, living as a writer married in NYC. this is currently on a lot of best seller lists. i wonder why so many are drawn to this book. do many share similar memories? does reading it make you feel better that your life is "better"? i am glad she seems okay now.
last week's trip to the library produced 12 DVD's. i request a whole list, and then usually a few come in each week. this pile seems to be a bit holocaust-documentary heavy. i will probably not make it through even one, but they were highly recommended, so i figured i will try.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Other good Dvd's
Since I am using this blog to keep track of my viewing/reading, I thought I'd throw in last week's DVD's.
The World According to Sesame Street. we watch a lot of sesame street here. i didn't realize how international it was! i like the fact the show adapts so much to each country. and good coverage of the cotroversy surrounding the african version, with an HIV positive muppet. i remember when that made headlines as not "necessary" - but in africa, that is seen by thousands of children orphaned by AIDS. it speaks to their reality, and i applaud their efforts.
paper clips. what a great film. i just bought this one, so can share it with friends. proves that history can come alive with the right teacher, and how important it is for us to look at the past and remember always.
went to the MFA yesterday, saw the Paris fashion 2006 show. excellent! and how interesting that i felt like i knew somuch about fashion, thanks to project runway! i looked at all the beautiful clothes (art?) with a somewhat trained eye.
in other news, tim gunn bobblehead came in. he's sitting in the bedroom, watching over our fashion choices. (??) yay!
The World According to Sesame Street. we watch a lot of sesame street here. i didn't realize how international it was! i like the fact the show adapts so much to each country. and good coverage of the cotroversy surrounding the african version, with an HIV positive muppet. i remember when that made headlines as not "necessary" - but in africa, that is seen by thousands of children orphaned by AIDS. it speaks to their reality, and i applaud their efforts.
paper clips. what a great film. i just bought this one, so can share it with friends. proves that history can come alive with the right teacher, and how important it is for us to look at the past and remember always.
went to the MFA yesterday, saw the Paris fashion 2006 show. excellent! and how interesting that i felt like i knew somuch about fashion, thanks to project runway! i looked at all the beautiful clothes (art?) with a somewhat trained eye.
in other news, tim gunn bobblehead came in. he's sitting in the bedroom, watching over our fashion choices. (??) yay!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
I'm back! (Again)
About time, I guess. I read so many blogs, and yet i never seem to write my own. I am trying to keep better track of all the books i read and films i see. this will help me log them.
Books of the week:
To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee. had NEVER read it. no kidding. great book. should have read it sooner. I guess i can see why it is often banned, because of the language issues (i kept imagining trying to teach it) but i think all modern day kids can get past those issues pretty easily.
Flesh and Bone - Jefferson Bass
Kinda a quick thriller read. A "CSI" kinda quality to it, also a bit like the show "bones". Didn't figure out the killer till close to the end, and i read it in a day, which makes for an entertaining read for me. I find lately i put books down sooner if i don't like them. apparenlty this is a second novel, i have ordered the first.
Film of the week:
Jesus camp. oh boy. lots of ten year olds, chanting and laying on of hands, all at summer camp (isn't this what we all did? no?) i tried to be neutral - i think often evangelicals are unfairly criticized, but htis scared me. especially hos they kept saying they were not political - the blessing of the carboard cutout of george w. led me to another conclusion! also a highly amusing commentary by ted haggard. especially in light of his recent gay (wait - i think he's not gay again?) excursions.... i highly reccomend this slice of american life. we should all be aware of what goes on out there!
Books of the week:
To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee. had NEVER read it. no kidding. great book. should have read it sooner. I guess i can see why it is often banned, because of the language issues (i kept imagining trying to teach it) but i think all modern day kids can get past those issues pretty easily.
Flesh and Bone - Jefferson Bass
Kinda a quick thriller read. A "CSI" kinda quality to it, also a bit like the show "bones". Didn't figure out the killer till close to the end, and i read it in a day, which makes for an entertaining read for me. I find lately i put books down sooner if i don't like them. apparenlty this is a second novel, i have ordered the first.
Film of the week:
Jesus camp. oh boy. lots of ten year olds, chanting and laying on of hands, all at summer camp (isn't this what we all did? no?) i tried to be neutral - i think often evangelicals are unfairly criticized, but htis scared me. especially hos they kept saying they were not political - the blessing of the carboard cutout of george w. led me to another conclusion! also a highly amusing commentary by ted haggard. especially in light of his recent gay (wait - i think he's not gay again?) excursions.... i highly reccomend this slice of american life. we should all be aware of what goes on out there!