So I woke up at 8 a.m. with a very deep and rumbling mucousy cough. Seemed like bronchitis was the winner. But knowing that is was just because of the poisoned environment, I wasn't too concerned and went to work.
As the day progressed, it became obvious that the poisoning was strictly coincidental- I was actually quite ill all on my own. I was developing a tremendous headache, and was equally hot and shivering, and the muscles in my legs were aching. And I had the most excruciating pain in, of all places, the top of my femurs where they sit in the pelvis. This made standing, sitting, and laying down equally unpleasant. All of this was in addition to my award-winning barking cough.
I lasted until 3 p.m. - a feat of endurance, and drove home. That is about the time the sky-high fever kicked in. I would have gone directly to the hospital had my head not been hurting so bad that it was impossible to drive any longer. I stumbled back to my still fume-filled abode and feel into bed at 4 p.m.
About 10 p.m. I woke up to sip some water (all I could keep down - and knowing that I was already severely dehydrated) and managed to call work to tell them they wouldn't be seeing me tomorrow. I promptly fell back into a fever-induced coma...
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Friday, February 11, 2005
Premonition of A Day That Is Going To Suck
At 9 a.m. this morning I was awakened by my bed vibrating for no good reason. It seems that my downstairs neighbor has moved out, and they were refinishing the hardwood floors for the new tenant.
Since I did not have to be to work until 3 p.m. today, being awakened like this annoyed me pretty much. I had no choice but to get up and go to Starbuck's for some peace and quiet and non-vibrating seating.
By the time I returned home from work at 2 a.m. I had forgotten my early morning evacuation, and was completely overcome by the terrible fumes of polyurethane, floor stripper, and paint. It was a most noxious combination. I had no choice but to open all of my windows and fall into bed. I was sure I was going to have pneumonia or bronchitis when I woke up. Either way, it was going to suck.
Since I did not have to be to work until 3 p.m. today, being awakened like this annoyed me pretty much. I had no choice but to get up and go to Starbuck's for some peace and quiet and non-vibrating seating.
By the time I returned home from work at 2 a.m. I had forgotten my early morning evacuation, and was completely overcome by the terrible fumes of polyurethane, floor stripper, and paint. It was a most noxious combination. I had no choice but to open all of my windows and fall into bed. I was sure I was going to have pneumonia or bronchitis when I woke up. Either way, it was going to suck.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Atanarjuat : The Fast Runner
I watched the most amazing film today. It is an epic, to be sure, about three hours long. It is filmed in Igloolik, Canada completely in the Inuktitut language. The Fast Runner is an Inuit legend filled with intertwining Shakespearean themes of romantic rivalry, deceit, murder, infidelity and retribution -just like Titus Andronicus - but far less bloody and gruesome -except for the foot scene...
The Fast Runner is striking on every level. Visually, it is filmed in a way that is does not suggest film, video or tv...the camera work and lighting really envelope you and you feel as if you are witnessing the action. What what natural light they had to work with! The score is kept to a minimum, with most of the sound effects being the wind, or panting of the sled dogs, or the crunch of snow and ice underfoot. At many moments in this film, I was aware of my heart pounding quicker...there was a strange uneasiness and suspense generated in the film. And these people rarely, if ever, yell or scream. They take their punishment silently. The images of the naked race across the ice, and the physical toll it takes are indelible. As are the images of day to day life - the frozen meat being pounded against rocks with an antler tool - and the British have nothing on these folks when it comes to dental hygiene.
I think this review sums it up pretty well:
Desson Howe, Washington Post"The Fast Runner is the kind of primal storytelling that George Lucas can only dream of. This epic has been chipped from the frigid ice of ages past, ignited by the spirit of Joseph Campbell and fanned into a roaring fire by Inuit writer Paul Apak Angilirq. It’s an experience that will stay with you for a long time. Unadulterated, free-flowing magic. The performers, dressed in furs, skins and beads, their faces marked with beautiful tattoos, their souls spilling over with passion, are so authentic, so True North, you're reduced to wordless awe. The Fast Runner stirs the soul."
Immerse yourself in this film. You will not forget it.
p.s. One of my all-time favorite links comes from the film's promo website...it is a link to the weather in Igloolik...something which I compulsively check now....
The Fast Runner is striking on every level. Visually, it is filmed in a way that is does not suggest film, video or tv...the camera work and lighting really envelope you and you feel as if you are witnessing the action. What what natural light they had to work with! The score is kept to a minimum, with most of the sound effects being the wind, or panting of the sled dogs, or the crunch of snow and ice underfoot. At many moments in this film, I was aware of my heart pounding quicker...there was a strange uneasiness and suspense generated in the film. And these people rarely, if ever, yell or scream. They take their punishment silently. The images of the naked race across the ice, and the physical toll it takes are indelible. As are the images of day to day life - the frozen meat being pounded against rocks with an antler tool - and the British have nothing on these folks when it comes to dental hygiene.
I think this review sums it up pretty well:
Desson Howe, Washington Post"The Fast Runner is the kind of primal storytelling that George Lucas can only dream of. This epic has been chipped from the frigid ice of ages past, ignited by the spirit of Joseph Campbell and fanned into a roaring fire by Inuit writer Paul Apak Angilirq. It’s an experience that will stay with you for a long time. Unadulterated, free-flowing magic. The performers, dressed in furs, skins and beads, their faces marked with beautiful tattoos, their souls spilling over with passion, are so authentic, so True North, you're reduced to wordless awe. The Fast Runner stirs the soul."
Immerse yourself in this film. You will not forget it.
p.s. One of my all-time favorite links comes from the film's promo website...it is a link to the weather in Igloolik...something which I compulsively check now....
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
New Music Tuesday – A Jazz Melange
Family legend has it that by grandfather, a very talented piano player and bandleader in the day, hung around with many famous musicians including Erroll Garner and that Grandpa had "something" to do with the song "Misty". While I consider this legend highly improbable, the song has nonetheless been a favorite of mine since I can remember. So that is why I picked up No Cover No Minimum by fellow Pittsburgh native, Billy Eckstine, who has been one of my favorite males vocalists since I first heard the magnificent Basie/Eckstine Inc. LP. This CD is a live recording of a performance in Vegas in the 60's. I like the set, but "Misty", the final track, was worth the price of the disc.
I also picked up saxophone legend Gerry Mulligan's The Art of Gerry Mulligan: The Final Recordings, because Gerry played with the great Annie Ross {who I had the pleasure of seeing, hearing and meeting in Seattle in 1996} on many occasions. I am very pleased with this "sampler" CD...it features some great Brazilian tunes (vocals by Jane Duboc) and some nice jazz tunes. I am never really clear whether I like Gerry's tone...so that is a fun little game I play every time I listen to him...do I like how he blows or not? He certainly has something, but he is just not my favorite sax man.
Which brings us to today's final disc, A Gift of Love, by Tuck and Patti. I have been a fan of theirs since the beginning, having been turned on to them by my erudite DJ friend, Jennifer Stephens at WCPN. Their first work, Tears of Joy, remains one of my favorite discs of all time.
On this new CD, they work miracles. They take several tired old songs and change them into fresh groovy tunes. And they have invited some other musicians to join their guitar and vocal duo, which completes the sound of the disc very nicely.
The excellent Brazilian-flavored bossa nova arrangement of "Close To You" made me not long for Karen Carpenter. "Sukiyaki" actually has great lyrics, which I heard for the first time because all of the Japanese effects have been stripped away. And Patti averts the "for dogs only" notes on Minnie Riperton's challenging "Loving You".
You should listen to this CD just to re-hear these standards. It is pretty amazing.
I also picked up saxophone legend Gerry Mulligan's The Art of Gerry Mulligan: The Final Recordings, because Gerry played with the great Annie Ross {who I had the pleasure of seeing, hearing and meeting in Seattle in 1996} on many occasions. I am very pleased with this "sampler" CD...it features some great Brazilian tunes (vocals by Jane Duboc) and some nice jazz tunes. I am never really clear whether I like Gerry's tone...so that is a fun little game I play every time I listen to him...do I like how he blows or not? He certainly has something, but he is just not my favorite sax man.
Which brings us to today's final disc, A Gift of Love, by Tuck and Patti. I have been a fan of theirs since the beginning, having been turned on to them by my erudite DJ friend, Jennifer Stephens at WCPN. Their first work, Tears of Joy, remains one of my favorite discs of all time.
On this new CD, they work miracles. They take several tired old songs and change them into fresh groovy tunes. And they have invited some other musicians to join their guitar and vocal duo, which completes the sound of the disc very nicely.
The excellent Brazilian-flavored bossa nova arrangement of "Close To You" made me not long for Karen Carpenter. "Sukiyaki" actually has great lyrics, which I heard for the first time because all of the Japanese effects have been stripped away. And Patti averts the "for dogs only" notes on Minnie Riperton's challenging "Loving You".
You should listen to this CD just to re-hear these standards. It is pretty amazing.
Friday, February 04, 2005
Heather's Last Day
I went to work very early today, because it was Heather's last day to be working with us. One of the coolest perks of my job is that from time to time the managers take selected part-timers out to breakfast. Free food, a relaxing meal (this lasts for at least an hour) and getting to bond with your co-workers out of the office. I thought it would be very nice to arrange for Heather to be taken out this morning, and our store manager thought so too, and met us at the restaurant, even though it was his day off.
We had a very nice time, even though it was difficult for Heather, who was close to tears on several occasions as the reality of leaving us drew closer.
And I guess I must admit to kinda hating situations that you try very hard to be festive for when you are really sad for the passing of a wonderful little moment in time. Mornings will never be the same for me without Heather.
Good luck to you, my favorite misanthropic friend. I am very proud of you and very happy for you – and like I said, no matter how crappy your day may be, you will always have the knowledge that at 5 in the morning you were sound asleep and you were not lifting 12 forty pound boxes of bananas. That has to make anything your work day can throw at you more palatable.
We had a very nice time, even though it was difficult for Heather, who was close to tears on several occasions as the reality of leaving us drew closer.
And I guess I must admit to kinda hating situations that you try very hard to be festive for when you are really sad for the passing of a wonderful little moment in time. Mornings will never be the same for me without Heather.
Good luck to you, my favorite misanthropic friend. I am very proud of you and very happy for you – and like I said, no matter how crappy your day may be, you will always have the knowledge that at 5 in the morning you were sound asleep and you were not lifting 12 forty pound boxes of bananas. That has to make anything your work day can throw at you more palatable.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
The Movie No One Wanted To See
A long time ago I listened to the audio book of Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events : The Reptile Room, mainly because the bleak, black sense of humor of the book really appealed to me and primarily because Tim Curry read the book. Here is a little example of Snicket's writing style from his biography:
Lemony Snicket was born before you were, and is likely to die before you as well. His family has roots in a part of the country which is now underwater, and his childhood was spent in the relative splendor of the Snicket Villa which has since become a factory, a fortress and a pharmacy and is now, alas, someone else's villa.
It was outstanding. So I was filled with joy when I saw the preview for the Lemony Snicket movie. Jim Carrey looked wonderful as the evil Count Olaf. All of the scenes looked fantastic, and I was happy to see that the Reptile Room plot was going to be included in the film.
No one wanted to see this but me, it seems. Which is fine, because I usually go to the theatre by myself anyway, this being no exception. I thought the film was great fun, and the cameos (Meryl Streep, Dustin Hoffman, Jennifer Coolidge as well as the ubiquitous Jude Law as the voice of Lemony himself) were great as well. Carrey was inspired as Olaf. I suppose that if you have read the books, the movie is better. Whatever. I liked it.
However, the end credits had the most magnificent animation I have seen in some time. In fact, they were so good, it made me wish that the filmmakers had spent as much time, money and consideration on the whole film as they did on the credits. It would have been so cool if the whole film looked like the credits...So skip the film and just sneak in and catch the last five minutes as the credits roll...it is a marvelous short film.
Lemony Snicket was born before you were, and is likely to die before you as well. His family has roots in a part of the country which is now underwater, and his childhood was spent in the relative splendor of the Snicket Villa which has since become a factory, a fortress and a pharmacy and is now, alas, someone else's villa.
It was outstanding. So I was filled with joy when I saw the preview for the Lemony Snicket movie. Jim Carrey looked wonderful as the evil Count Olaf. All of the scenes looked fantastic, and I was happy to see that the Reptile Room plot was going to be included in the film.
No one wanted to see this but me, it seems. Which is fine, because I usually go to the theatre by myself anyway, this being no exception. I thought the film was great fun, and the cameos (Meryl Streep, Dustin Hoffman, Jennifer Coolidge as well as the ubiquitous Jude Law as the voice of Lemony himself) were great as well. Carrey was inspired as Olaf. I suppose that if you have read the books, the movie is better. Whatever. I liked it.
However, the end credits had the most magnificent animation I have seen in some time. In fact, they were so good, it made me wish that the filmmakers had spent as much time, money and consideration on the whole film as they did on the credits. It would have been so cool if the whole film looked like the credits...So skip the film and just sneak in and catch the last five minutes as the credits roll...it is a marvelous short film.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Bev Doolittle – The Limited-Engagement Installation
Today started with sitting at Starbuck's, enjoying my triple grande latte and finishing Jack Kerouac's On The Road. I have to admit to a great deal of embarrassment about never having read it until now, but at least I have rectified the situation. The book was very different from my pre-conceived ideas. It was imminently readable, and even though there is no “plot”, it is very compelling storytelling. It is also a great window into a way of life that is so foreign to me. Granted, the lingo became a bit tiresome, but certainly not to the extent that it was in the hateful Catcher In The Rye {God, I hated that book}.
After that, I went to the mall to spend my holiday gift certificate for Banana Republic. I have crafted a reputation for being able to stretch gift cards for the BR to absurd lengths. Today's prizes proved to be two sweaters, one lambswool and cashmere and the other silk and cashmere. The two sweaters at full price were a tad over $200, but after purchasing them, I still have money left on my $50 gift card. I love bargains like that!
It was now time for lunch, and since I was on a gift card roll, I remembered that my co-worker had given me one for the Winking Lizard, which just happened to be next to the mall. Serendipity! I had a great burger and fries and their specialty draft root beer. Refreshing and outstanding.
Driving home in the late afternoon, I cut through the Metropark by my house and was amazed to notice that the hillsides looked exactly like a Bev Doolittle painting. You know, the ones where if you squint the hillside is really pinto horses, or an eagle in flight, or Indians creeping up on you. I swear if you could have gotten some distance, the brown leaves and tree trunks and earth breaking through the snow would have revealed some hidden treasure. How cool to drive through a painting – talk about an installation – I think Bev Doolittle ought to get right on recreating one of her paintings in a forest somewhere...
After that, I went to the mall to spend my holiday gift certificate for Banana Republic. I have crafted a reputation for being able to stretch gift cards for the BR to absurd lengths. Today's prizes proved to be two sweaters, one lambswool and cashmere and the other silk and cashmere. The two sweaters at full price were a tad over $200, but after purchasing them, I still have money left on my $50 gift card. I love bargains like that!
It was now time for lunch, and since I was on a gift card roll, I remembered that my co-worker had given me one for the Winking Lizard, which just happened to be next to the mall. Serendipity! I had a great burger and fries and their specialty draft root beer. Refreshing and outstanding.
Driving home in the late afternoon, I cut through the Metropark by my house and was amazed to notice that the hillsides looked exactly like a Bev Doolittle painting. You know, the ones where if you squint the hillside is really pinto horses, or an eagle in flight, or Indians creeping up on you. I swear if you could have gotten some distance, the brown leaves and tree trunks and earth breaking through the snow would have revealed some hidden treasure. How cool to drive through a painting – talk about an installation – I think Bev Doolittle ought to get right on recreating one of her paintings in a forest somewhere...
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
New Music Tuesday – It's All About Ray Charles
I took a few days off from work for a mental health break, and began my mini-vacation with a Ray Charles immersion. I went to see the movie Ray, which had been re-released in the theatres.
The Phantom was a huge fan of Brother Ray, and we went to see him in Portland on June 5, 1999. It was quite a show. I am so very glad that I had the chance to hear him perform live, even if he was not at the peak of his talent in his last years...he still could give you shivers.
What Can I Say about the film? The music is just so great – and it is a joy to watch musicians at work, at least it is for me, so I was in heaven. And Jaimie Foxx is incredible. That being said, I didn't care for the film as a movie and I am not sure what exactly it is that I felt was lacking. Even though there were definite obstacles and struggles Ray went though, his life just wasn't good storytelling.
Great music. Great acting. Story needed some artistic license.
Following the film, I promptly went out and bought the soundtrack and the companion soundtrack.
I love them both, all of my fav tunes are represented, even the glorious Chris Thomas King tune with Ray on the piano. Get the CD's and skip the film.
Then, as it was my vacation, I took myself to dinner at Red Lobster, because I was craving fried shrimp. I had it all: cheese rolls, Caesar salad, baked potato, fried shrimp, wine, hot fudge brownie with vanilla ice cream and coffee. It was a ridiculous amount of food, but it was exactly what I wanted. I Hit The Road home, grooving with Ray, completely satisfied. And that is an excellent way to start a vacation.
The Phantom was a huge fan of Brother Ray, and we went to see him in Portland on June 5, 1999. It was quite a show. I am so very glad that I had the chance to hear him perform live, even if he was not at the peak of his talent in his last years...he still could give you shivers.
What Can I Say about the film? The music is just so great – and it is a joy to watch musicians at work, at least it is for me, so I was in heaven. And Jaimie Foxx is incredible. That being said, I didn't care for the film as a movie and I am not sure what exactly it is that I felt was lacking. Even though there were definite obstacles and struggles Ray went though, his life just wasn't good storytelling.
Great music. Great acting. Story needed some artistic license.
Following the film, I promptly went out and bought the soundtrack and the companion soundtrack.
I love them both, all of my fav tunes are represented, even the glorious Chris Thomas King tune with Ray on the piano. Get the CD's and skip the film.
Then, as it was my vacation, I took myself to dinner at Red Lobster, because I was craving fried shrimp. I had it all: cheese rolls, Caesar salad, baked potato, fried shrimp, wine, hot fudge brownie with vanilla ice cream and coffee. It was a ridiculous amount of food, but it was exactly what I wanted. I Hit The Road home, grooving with Ray, completely satisfied. And that is an excellent way to start a vacation.
Monday, January 31, 2005
A Treasure Found
I have been searching for a few CD's to replace old and cherished vinyl for some time, and today I can cross one off the list...
Long, long ago The Burly Bachelor loaned me two of his albums back when the term "New Age Music" was fresh as a daisy. Well, he actually loaned me several albums, the bulk of which were unlistenable, but two I really liked.
Today's find was Nightnoise, by Billy Oskay and Michael O'Domhnaill from 1984. (Windham Hill -1031). I never thought I would be able to listen to this music again...
Oskay plays violin, viola, piano and harmonium and O'Domhnaill plays guitars, whistles, piano and harmonium. It is a quiet, lovely album and I am so happy to have it.
Now, if anyone can scare up a copy (although to the best of my knowledge it was never released on CD) of Bill Quist's Piano Solos of Erik Satie (Windham Hill -1008), I will be in heaven.
Long, long ago The Burly Bachelor loaned me two of his albums back when the term "New Age Music" was fresh as a daisy. Well, he actually loaned me several albums, the bulk of which were unlistenable, but two I really liked.
Today's find was Nightnoise, by Billy Oskay and Michael O'Domhnaill from 1984. (Windham Hill -1031). I never thought I would be able to listen to this music again...
Oskay plays violin, viola, piano and harmonium and O'Domhnaill plays guitars, whistles, piano and harmonium. It is a quiet, lovely album and I am so happy to have it.
Now, if anyone can scare up a copy (although to the best of my knowledge it was never released on CD) of Bill Quist's Piano Solos of Erik Satie (Windham Hill -1008), I will be in heaven.
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Wandering Position
I have just recently encountered the amazing art work of Yukinori Yanagi.
In 1997 he made (performed might be a more accurate term) a work entitled Wandering Position, in which he crawled behind an ant, tracing its path with a red crayon, within the confines of a 5 x 9 foot prison cell in Alcatraz.
In exhibition, the floor drawing shows the typical floor area of a cell, and the three surrounding walls are the same surface area as the walls of the cell. Prisoners typically spent 16-23 hours a day in these cells.
Much like Jackson Pollock, these drawings, once you understand how they were created, can be seen as the passive recording of a dance. However, the ant is not dancing, it is trapped and wandering.
Yanagi says:
"We feel that the incarcerated lack liberty, and that all of their activity is controlled and watched and we assume that this is completely opposite to the way we live our daily life, but I ask myself...Is what I watch, what I watch by my will? Is the direction I am walking determined by me? Is what I am thinking really thought by me? What drives our journeys through life?
If the travels of the ant show us anything, it is that he wanders to resume the task he has been programmed to perform, not to acquire freedom. "
In 1997 he made (performed might be a more accurate term) a work entitled Wandering Position, in which he crawled behind an ant, tracing its path with a red crayon, within the confines of a 5 x 9 foot prison cell in Alcatraz.
In exhibition, the floor drawing shows the typical floor area of a cell, and the three surrounding walls are the same surface area as the walls of the cell. Prisoners typically spent 16-23 hours a day in these cells.
Much like Jackson Pollock, these drawings, once you understand how they were created, can be seen as the passive recording of a dance. However, the ant is not dancing, it is trapped and wandering.
Yanagi says:
"We feel that the incarcerated lack liberty, and that all of their activity is controlled and watched and we assume that this is completely opposite to the way we live our daily life, but I ask myself...Is what I watch, what I watch by my will? Is the direction I am walking determined by me? Is what I am thinking really thought by me? What drives our journeys through life?
If the travels of the ant show us anything, it is that he wanders to resume the task he has been programmed to perform, not to acquire freedom. "
Thursday, January 27, 2005
A Transcript of an Actual Conversation : A Play in One Scene
Granted I have rampant short-term memory loss, but to the best of my ability, this is exactly what happened tonight between myself {CstL} and MyFriendJason {MFJ} ...
MFJ: (singing along to the XM Radio) You light up my life...
CstL: That's lovely, Debby Boone. This song was the theme song to a movie of the same name starring...who?
MFJ: I have no idea.
CstL: Didi Conn! Best known as Frenchie from the movie Grease.
MFJ: What was Stockard Channing's character name in Grease?
CstL: Rizzo!
MJF: From Rizzo to the First Lady...
CstL: Do you know who played Rizzo in the recent Broadway revival of Grease?
MFJ: No.
CstL: Lucy Lawless, Xena Warrior Princess.
(enter Passing Co-Worker, crossing the length of the stage in front of both CstL and MFJ, in a deadpan aside to CstL)
PCW: You know the most amazing amount of useless crap...
There you have it, a one-liner biography.
MFJ: (singing along to the XM Radio) You light up my life...
CstL: That's lovely, Debby Boone. This song was the theme song to a movie of the same name starring...who?
MFJ: I have no idea.
CstL: Didi Conn! Best known as Frenchie from the movie Grease.
MFJ: What was Stockard Channing's character name in Grease?
CstL: Rizzo!
MJF: From Rizzo to the First Lady...
CstL: Do you know who played Rizzo in the recent Broadway revival of Grease?
MFJ: No.
CstL: Lucy Lawless, Xena Warrior Princess.
(enter Passing Co-Worker, crossing the length of the stage in front of both CstL and MFJ, in a deadpan aside to CstL)
PCW: You know the most amazing amount of useless crap...
There you have it, a one-liner biography.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
The Great Charles Busch
I FINALLY have gotten to see Die, Mommy, Die!
Happily, it lived up to my expectations. The film is a homage to the great "women's films" of the forties thru sixties (taking place in 1967 LA), and it conjures up all of your favorites scenes starring Bette Davis, Susan Hayward and the marvelous Joan Crawford.
Charles Busch (also the playwright and screenwriter and the man who brought you Lesbian Vampires of Sodom) is the fading chanteuse Angela Arden (a perfect star-making moniker) who has a few very bad skeletons sharing space with her rhinestoned couture in her closet, not to mention an arsenic-laced suppository in her dresser. There is intrigue, and suspense, and grand humor, and some maudlin, melodramatic acting, but never so much that the film becomes unenjoyable. The director, Mark Rucker, has kept the cast on a tight leash, and it pays off. I was especially surprised at Jason Priestley, who conjured up a great Peter Lawford-type gigolo character. Angela delivers the best line of the film to him, telling him that he has "slipped into my life as easily as vermouth into a glass of gin." Exquisite.
Rounding out an already excellent cast is Frances Conroy as Bootsie, the maid. Frances stars on Six Feet Under, (my second favorite TV show after Twin Peaks), and I adore her only slightly less than the actress who plays her sister on the show, Patricia Clarkson.
The film is shot in glorious technicolor, and features vintage projections of LA in 1967 behind a few of the driving scenes, which lends a wonderful sense of period to the film. The costumes are all gorgeous, and the initial reveal shot of Angela in the graveyard is perfection.
Happily, it lived up to my expectations. The film is a homage to the great "women's films" of the forties thru sixties (taking place in 1967 LA), and it conjures up all of your favorites scenes starring Bette Davis, Susan Hayward and the marvelous Joan Crawford.
Charles Busch (also the playwright and screenwriter and the man who brought you Lesbian Vampires of Sodom) is the fading chanteuse Angela Arden (a perfect star-making moniker) who has a few very bad skeletons sharing space with her rhinestoned couture in her closet, not to mention an arsenic-laced suppository in her dresser. There is intrigue, and suspense, and grand humor, and some maudlin, melodramatic acting, but never so much that the film becomes unenjoyable. The director, Mark Rucker, has kept the cast on a tight leash, and it pays off. I was especially surprised at Jason Priestley, who conjured up a great Peter Lawford-type gigolo character. Angela delivers the best line of the film to him, telling him that he has "slipped into my life as easily as vermouth into a glass of gin." Exquisite.
Rounding out an already excellent cast is Frances Conroy as Bootsie, the maid. Frances stars on Six Feet Under, (my second favorite TV show after Twin Peaks), and I adore her only slightly less than the actress who plays her sister on the show, Patricia Clarkson.
The film is shot in glorious technicolor, and features vintage projections of LA in 1967 behind a few of the driving scenes, which lends a wonderful sense of period to the film. The costumes are all gorgeous, and the initial reveal shot of Angela in the graveyard is perfection.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
New Music Tuesday – Sisters and Brothers
Awhile back I wrote about Maria Muldaur, and ended it by saying she would be the distaff representative when I was in the mood for Eric Bibb, etc.
Well, what should I find today but the CD, Sisters and Brothers, a marvelous CD by Eric Bibb, Maria Muldaur and Rory Block from our fine friends at Telarc.
As with most compliations, I enter in with hopes of finding a track or two to love. This disc had only three tracks I fast-forwarded through on the first listen...which is an outstanding average. Many of the songs just thrilled me...in no particular order, Block's great cover of Bill Wither's "Lean On Me", Maria's "Bessie's Advice", the female duet on"Travellin' Woman's Blues" and Bibb's cover of Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody", and the rousing gospel of "Don't Ever Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down ".
I am a sucker for unique productions, so I must point out that this CD was recorded in an antique timber-frame barn that was converted into a performing arts space in a Unity, Maine. Inside the barn is a sign that quotes the Old Testament Book of Psalms:
“Behold, how good and pleasant for brothers and sisters to dwell together in unity.”
Yes, backstory makes this CD even better.
What an excellent afternoon I had driving along with this CD playing. Outstanding.
Well, what should I find today but the CD, Sisters and Brothers, a marvelous CD by Eric Bibb, Maria Muldaur and Rory Block from our fine friends at Telarc.
As with most compliations, I enter in with hopes of finding a track or two to love. This disc had only three tracks I fast-forwarded through on the first listen...which is an outstanding average. Many of the songs just thrilled me...in no particular order, Block's great cover of Bill Wither's "Lean On Me", Maria's "Bessie's Advice", the female duet on"Travellin' Woman's Blues" and Bibb's cover of Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody", and the rousing gospel of "Don't Ever Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down ".
I am a sucker for unique productions, so I must point out that this CD was recorded in an antique timber-frame barn that was converted into a performing arts space in a Unity, Maine. Inside the barn is a sign that quotes the Old Testament Book of Psalms:
“Behold, how good and pleasant for brothers and sisters to dwell together in unity.”
Yes, backstory makes this CD even better.
What an excellent afternoon I had driving along with this CD playing. Outstanding.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
A Special Day
Huzzah! Today is Miss Brazil's Birthday!
I must point this out because Miss Brazil has to work on her birthday, which is completely unacceptable.
Therefore, a proper, though untimely, celebration will be forthcoming.
And just because it is fun to say, one more time: Huzzah!
I must point this out because Miss Brazil has to work on her birthday, which is completely unacceptable.
Therefore, a proper, though untimely, celebration will be forthcoming.
And just because it is fun to say, one more time: Huzzah!
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Weather Report - Part Four
Well, the snow keeps a'coming. It is very, very cold and yet the snow is quite light and fluffy - yet the roads are slick, slippery and generally terrible.
It sure is pretty though when you are safe and warm at home (or at your very gracious and generous co-workers home - even after you have imposed for two days in a row at this point, and he served you fine warm coffee cake and wonderful coffee this morning).
It sure is pretty though when you are safe and warm at home (or at your very gracious and generous co-workers home - even after you have imposed for two days in a row at this point, and he served you fine warm coffee cake and wonderful coffee this morning).
Friday, January 21, 2005
What The Day Will Bring, Part Two
When I arrived at work this afternoon, what should be waiting for me in the office but a package! Getting surprises at work always brightens one's day.
Back in the day when I was teaching at Kent State University, I had the honor of having a tremendous student in my second class - well, she was actually the first student I spoke to on my first day in my first class, until she realized that she was in my second class, and was therefore two hours early and excused herself. This, of course, made a lasting impression on me. Turns out she was a magnificent, engaged student of apparent brillance, schedule reading skills notwithstanding.
Following the class, we became great friends and have remained so for several years now. For my 40th birthday, she concocted a wonderful treasure chest of gifts: a book of portraits, a biography of Georgia O'Keeffe, a wonderful Japanese scroll, a few dragon totems (I was born in the year of the dragon) and most importantly, she, being a fine glass artist, made me a stained glass kaleidoscope, one of my most treasured possessions.
This package was equally amazing, wonderful and impressive. For starters, she and her fiancee (more on that later) traveled to my hallowed adopted hometown stomping grounds of Seattle and Portland, Oregon recently. We are secretly planning to all relocate there and start an elite intellectual and artisitic enclave. Anyway, she sent back the best souvenir of all: two boxes of Snoqualmie Falls Lodge Pancake Mix - the best in the world. And my love of the product has nothing to do with my love of Twin Peaks. Really.
Oh, but wait, it keeps getting better...
I am now the proud owner of an Oscar Wilde action figure! The manufacturers list his weapon of choice as: WIT. Take that, G.I. Joe.
And while I am not too sure if I want to witness all of Oscar's actions, the package comes with a wonderful quote,
"To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance."
and one of my all-time favorites, which really does sum up my view of things:
"The world is stage, but the play is badly cast."
If only it was a pull-string doll, and Oscar would spew out random nuggets and glorious insults...ah well.
{ P.S. - It seems Oscar is "not suitable for children under 36 months. No kidding.}
Next, I have a strange bag of pastel-colored (kaleidoscopic if you will) Japanese hard candy - no doubt because Ms. Sara is a rabid anime fan.
Finally, from the Corning Museum of Glass, a magnificent Latticino marble by Jody Fine, which will fit into the aforementioned kaleidoscope quite nicely. It says on the literature that Jody Fine is known as "Captain Marble," so Captain Saint Lucifer is even more impressed.
Treasures all. Absolutely wonderful. And I am grinning while I compose this and Oscar runs rampant on the desk...
However, I have been horribly remiss in not writing a congratulatory post for the upcoming nuptials of Ms. Sara and her Bradley. Not only am I very happy for the two of them, I foresee a trip to the hitherto unknown Buffalo, New York in my future. And then, the exodus to the Great Pacific Northwest will begin!
Back in the day when I was teaching at Kent State University, I had the honor of having a tremendous student in my second class - well, she was actually the first student I spoke to on my first day in my first class, until she realized that she was in my second class, and was therefore two hours early and excused herself. This, of course, made a lasting impression on me. Turns out she was a magnificent, engaged student of apparent brillance, schedule reading skills notwithstanding.
Following the class, we became great friends and have remained so for several years now. For my 40th birthday, she concocted a wonderful treasure chest of gifts: a book of portraits, a biography of Georgia O'Keeffe, a wonderful Japanese scroll, a few dragon totems (I was born in the year of the dragon) and most importantly, she, being a fine glass artist, made me a stained glass kaleidoscope, one of my most treasured possessions.
This package was equally amazing, wonderful and impressive. For starters, she and her fiancee (more on that later) traveled to my hallowed adopted hometown stomping grounds of Seattle and Portland, Oregon recently. We are secretly planning to all relocate there and start an elite intellectual and artisitic enclave. Anyway, she sent back the best souvenir of all: two boxes of Snoqualmie Falls Lodge Pancake Mix - the best in the world. And my love of the product has nothing to do with my love of Twin Peaks. Really.
Oh, but wait, it keeps getting better...
I am now the proud owner of an Oscar Wilde action figure! The manufacturers list his weapon of choice as: WIT. Take that, G.I. Joe.
And while I am not too sure if I want to witness all of Oscar's actions, the package comes with a wonderful quote,
"To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance."
and one of my all-time favorites, which really does sum up my view of things:
"The world is stage, but the play is badly cast."
If only it was a pull-string doll, and Oscar would spew out random nuggets and glorious insults...ah well.
{ P.S. - It seems Oscar is "not suitable for children under 36 months. No kidding.}
Next, I have a strange bag of pastel-colored (kaleidoscopic if you will) Japanese hard candy - no doubt because Ms. Sara is a rabid anime fan.
Finally, from the Corning Museum of Glass, a magnificent Latticino marble by Jody Fine, which will fit into the aforementioned kaleidoscope quite nicely. It says on the literature that Jody Fine is known as "Captain Marble," so Captain Saint Lucifer is even more impressed.
Treasures all. Absolutely wonderful. And I am grinning while I compose this and Oscar runs rampant on the desk...
However, I have been horribly remiss in not writing a congratulatory post for the upcoming nuptials of Ms. Sara and her Bradley. Not only am I very happy for the two of them, I foresee a trip to the hitherto unknown Buffalo, New York in my future. And then, the exodus to the Great Pacific Northwest will begin!
Thursday, January 20, 2005
What The Day Will Bring, Part One
Planets seem to be in favorable positions for the women in my world. My dear friend Heather announced today that she has gotten a paid internship in her field - go figure.
I am very happy for her as she will actually be putting to use all of the knowledge and skills she has acquired in graduate school. There's a concept for you. When you study 19th century theatre, focusing on 19th century magicians and the theatrical display of dinosaurs in early American museums as I did, you must be prepared to do it solely for your own edification, and to not plan to make money at it.
Heather would be an asset to any company, and I am sure this internship will parlay itself into great things as her vertical career path takes off.
Congratulations, my friend! 2005 is off to a fine start!
I am very happy for her as she will actually be putting to use all of the knowledge and skills she has acquired in graduate school. There's a concept for you. When you study 19th century theatre, focusing on 19th century magicians and the theatrical display of dinosaurs in early American museums as I did, you must be prepared to do it solely for your own edification, and to not plan to make money at it.
Heather would be an asset to any company, and I am sure this internship will parlay itself into great things as her vertical career path takes off.
Congratulations, my friend! 2005 is off to a fine start!
Only In Ohio {a.k.a The Kindness of Strangers}
I was carrying my laundry downstairs in my apartment building at the exact moment a uniformed gas or electric meter reader came to the front door of said building. The management has recently installed locks so no one can get in without a key, and we do not have an intercom system. This makes getting pizzas a tricky proposition at best. But all in the name of security...
Anyway, I let the uniformed guy in to read the meters, which I correctly assumed were in the laundry room. He went about his business, and I to mine. After starting the load to dry, I realized much to my chagrin that I had left my quarters for the wash load on my dresser upstairs.
And the man said, "How much do you need?"
I needed 75 cents. And he nonchalantly pulled a handful of change from his pocket and plucked out three quarters and put them in the machine, then continued reading the meters...
Anyway, I let the uniformed guy in to read the meters, which I correctly assumed were in the laundry room. He went about his business, and I to mine. After starting the load to dry, I realized much to my chagrin that I had left my quarters for the wash load on my dresser upstairs.
And the man said, "How much do you need?"
I needed 75 cents. And he nonchalantly pulled a handful of change from his pocket and plucked out three quarters and put them in the machine, then continued reading the meters...
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Movie Night!
Miss Brazil and I went out for a light dinner (soup and sourdough rolls) and took in a film tonight.
We went to see National Treasure. I am fairly sure that the filmmakers responsible for this did not intend it to be the best comedy of the year, but we were laughing quite loudly and frequently, much to the chagrin of the other patrons. (This is probably why I go to so many matinees - there is no one else to bother at those showings...)
The movie had a few obligatory and excellent explosions and a great chase scene (which we also found exceptionally comical)- everything you could want in an adventure film.
The plot pits two disparate groups against each other as they race to find a great hidden treasure (a treasure that puts the Ark of the Covenant to shame). The first group is comprised of bookish, well-dressed, attractive intellectuals with hearts of gold and a quick wit. They rely on their acquired innate knowledge as they track down the clues to the treasure. They are suave and very James Bond, but are very human each time they realize one of their proposed scientific devices actually works properly.
The second group is made of a bunch of body-building, Cro-Magnon thugs who use explosives and the internet to bully their way to the treasure with brute force and destruction.
And of course, the gold-hearted scholars and GOOD AMERICAN PATRIOTS win out in the end.
And now I have three new favorite catch-phrases from the film: SNORKEL, which can be used at any time - face it, it's a funny word in itself, "OCULAR DEVICES" a phrase that doesn't get enough usage (I am also sure that the filmmakers recycled Johnny Depp's "ocular device" from Sleepy Hollow when designing their acid-trip hologram making eyewear) and finally the ubiquitous "Another clue!". They all send me into gales of laughter.
It has been a great while since my heart was light and filled with laughter and joy. It was a most excellent evening due in no small part to the excellent company of Miss Brazil.
We went to see National Treasure. I am fairly sure that the filmmakers responsible for this did not intend it to be the best comedy of the year, but we were laughing quite loudly and frequently, much to the chagrin of the other patrons. (This is probably why I go to so many matinees - there is no one else to bother at those showings...)
The movie had a few obligatory and excellent explosions and a great chase scene (which we also found exceptionally comical)- everything you could want in an adventure film.
The plot pits two disparate groups against each other as they race to find a great hidden treasure (a treasure that puts the Ark of the Covenant to shame). The first group is comprised of bookish, well-dressed, attractive intellectuals with hearts of gold and a quick wit. They rely on their acquired innate knowledge as they track down the clues to the treasure. They are suave and very James Bond, but are very human each time they realize one of their proposed scientific devices actually works properly.
The second group is made of a bunch of body-building, Cro-Magnon thugs who use explosives and the internet to bully their way to the treasure with brute force and destruction.
And of course, the gold-hearted scholars and GOOD AMERICAN PATRIOTS win out in the end.
And now I have three new favorite catch-phrases from the film: SNORKEL, which can be used at any time - face it, it's a funny word in itself, "OCULAR DEVICES" a phrase that doesn't get enough usage (I am also sure that the filmmakers recycled Johnny Depp's "ocular device" from Sleepy Hollow when designing their acid-trip hologram making eyewear) and finally the ubiquitous "Another clue!". They all send me into gales of laughter.
It has been a great while since my heart was light and filled with laughter and joy. It was a most excellent evening due in no small part to the excellent company of Miss Brazil.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
New Music Tuesday - Julia Fordham: That's Live
You might think I have lost my mind, because back in August I reviewed the newly released CD, That's Life by Julia Fordham. But no, this is a newly released LIVE CD, and I have already beat the horse regarding my feelings for live CD's, so this was clearly a must-have.
Funny thing is though, while I was so excited to see many tracks from Porcelain (my favorite CD), I am so acclimated to the original versions that I am not so fond of her updated live versions. Go figure.
The other funny thing is that prior to its official release I read a review of this disc in our local entertainment rag that simply tore it to shreds. It was the most negative review I have ever read. The reviewer obviously knew nothing about Julia, and was obviously not the kind of person who would ever sit down and listen to one of her songs. It would be like me trying to write something incisive about Slipknot or Mushroomhead, two bands I am horrified to admit I am familiar with due to my association with our night crew...
I wish the review was on-line so you could read it...perhaps when I have the time I will illegally transcribe it and post it here...
Funny thing is though, while I was so excited to see many tracks from Porcelain (my favorite CD), I am so acclimated to the original versions that I am not so fond of her updated live versions. Go figure.
The other funny thing is that prior to its official release I read a review of this disc in our local entertainment rag that simply tore it to shreds. It was the most negative review I have ever read. The reviewer obviously knew nothing about Julia, and was obviously not the kind of person who would ever sit down and listen to one of her songs. It would be like me trying to write something incisive about Slipknot or Mushroomhead, two bands I am horrified to admit I am familiar with due to my association with our night crew...
I wish the review was on-line so you could read it...perhaps when I have the time I will illegally transcribe it and post it here...
Monday, January 17, 2005
What's With These Documentaries Anyway?
I had read many reviews which intrigued me to go out and get these two documentaries, The Russian Ark and Winged Migration.
The Russian Ark simply mystified me. It was frustrating and obtuse and much longer than its running time of 90 minutes would lead you to believe. It was shot in one continuous take, and was to encompass all of Russian History within the confines of the Hermitage. Sounds great...and perhaps I am just not familiar enough with Russian history to have "gotten" it. It seemed like one long in-joke that I was not hip to, and subsequently, very frustrating.
Winged Migration was lovely, but it was also quite a powerful sleep aid.
However, both of the DVD's include feature-length documentaries about the making of these films which were fascinating and much more watchable. I suppose the draw for both of these films for me was the process by which they were made, so I suppose it makes sense that a film about making the film was more informative and engrossing than the actual unwatchable film.
The Russian Ark simply mystified me. It was frustrating and obtuse and much longer than its running time of 90 minutes would lead you to believe. It was shot in one continuous take, and was to encompass all of Russian History within the confines of the Hermitage. Sounds great...and perhaps I am just not familiar enough with Russian history to have "gotten" it. It seemed like one long in-joke that I was not hip to, and subsequently, very frustrating.
Winged Migration was lovely, but it was also quite a powerful sleep aid.
However, both of the DVD's include feature-length documentaries about the making of these films which were fascinating and much more watchable. I suppose the draw for both of these films for me was the process by which they were made, so I suppose it makes sense that a film about making the film was more informative and engrossing than the actual unwatchable film.
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Summing Up: The Ten Best Films I Saw in 2004
Wrapping up the year in entertainment, I present the best films I saw this year:
1. Finding Neverland
2. Lost Horizon
3. Fahrenheit 9-11
4. Man of the Century
5. Nói Albinói
6. The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition
7. American Splendor
8. Super Size Me
9. The Cooler
10. Girl With A Pearl Earring
1. Finding Neverland
2. Lost Horizon
3. Fahrenheit 9-11
4. Man of the Century
5. Nói Albinói
6. The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition
7. American Splendor
8. Super Size Me
9. The Cooler
10. Girl With A Pearl Earring
Friday, January 14, 2005
Summing Up: The Ten Best Books I Read in 2004
I wanted to reflect on the ten best books I read this year, and I was disappointed in not having ten books that I could rave about. Then I realized that to have read ten GOOD books would mean that I read at least one book a month, and all but 2 were really good reads. Sadly, many of my reading choices this year were less than memorable, and it seems I can come up with eight good books, and two honorable mentions.
So herewith, I present the best books I read in 2004:
1. River of Shadows: Edweard Muybridge and the Technological Wild West by Rebecca Solnit. {see review September 26}
2. Shadow Divers: The True Adventures of Two Americans Who Risked Everything To Solve One of the Last Mysteries of WWII by Robert Kurson. This is superficially a book about deep sea diving and World War II submarines, two topics that hold little interest for me. However, my friend of good and discriminating taste, Jaimie, raved about this book, and told me that she was very angry that it ended, because she was enjoying reading it so much. I reluctantly took her copy home, and started reading. Before finishing the first paragraph, I was hooked. It is an absorbing, amazing tale that delights and informs and also is filled with suspense, danger and mystery. And I was very angry that the book ended. I am forever indebted to you, Jaimie.
3. Continental Drift by Russell Banks. A masterfully written novel.
4. Disarmed: The Story of the Venus de Milo by Gregory Curtis. This is another book that I initially thought would be a complete bore. Incredibly, the history of the Venus sculpture is quite rich and intriguing. A little book, but filled to the brim with interesting facts.
5. The Portrait of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. My Friend Jason and the aforementioned Jaimie and I formed a book group at work. It did not last long once we had all been promoted and had even less time to get together. This was my choice for the group to read, and it really is a magnificent book. If you could memorize one line from every page, you would indeed be the wittiest, most erudite person in the room. Oscar Wilde - what a genius. (I was so moved after reading this that I rented the movie version with Angela Lansbury. They really butcher the novel – don't bother, except to remark upon how sweet and beautiful the young Angela was.
6. Voyage of the Narwhal by Angela Barrett. Following my passion in reading tales of early exploration and discovery( last year I was all fixated on Captain Cook), I found this novel about an arctic expedition and was engrossed. If only it was true...
7. Flaubert's Parrot by Julian Barnes. I actually re-read this book this year, to see if it was really as good as I had remembered it to be. Happily, I enjoyed reading this just as much as I had many years ago.
8. The Feast of Love by Charles Baxter. This was a very good novel with a very good premise.
9. American Gods by Neil Gaiman. This novel had so much press, and many friends recommended it, so I gave it a try. It is in the vein of Stephen King's The Stand, which is one of my favorite epics, but it is odder and weirder (if you can imagine that). It was still pretty fun to read though.
10. Kings of Infinite Space by James Hynes. This book was so very weird. Not weird enough to make me annoyed but strange nonetheless. Many pages of good storytelling, character development and setting description and some sense of a developing plot would pass and then...all of a sudden some strange Rod Serling moment would happen. Disconcerting, odd, weird...yet strangely readable.
So herewith, I present the best books I read in 2004:
1. River of Shadows: Edweard Muybridge and the Technological Wild West by Rebecca Solnit. {see review September 26}
2. Shadow Divers: The True Adventures of Two Americans Who Risked Everything To Solve One of the Last Mysteries of WWII by Robert Kurson. This is superficially a book about deep sea diving and World War II submarines, two topics that hold little interest for me. However, my friend of good and discriminating taste, Jaimie, raved about this book, and told me that she was very angry that it ended, because she was enjoying reading it so much. I reluctantly took her copy home, and started reading. Before finishing the first paragraph, I was hooked. It is an absorbing, amazing tale that delights and informs and also is filled with suspense, danger and mystery. And I was very angry that the book ended. I am forever indebted to you, Jaimie.
3. Continental Drift by Russell Banks. A masterfully written novel.
4. Disarmed: The Story of the Venus de Milo by Gregory Curtis. This is another book that I initially thought would be a complete bore. Incredibly, the history of the Venus sculpture is quite rich and intriguing. A little book, but filled to the brim with interesting facts.
5. The Portrait of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. My Friend Jason and the aforementioned Jaimie and I formed a book group at work. It did not last long once we had all been promoted and had even less time to get together. This was my choice for the group to read, and it really is a magnificent book. If you could memorize one line from every page, you would indeed be the wittiest, most erudite person in the room. Oscar Wilde - what a genius. (I was so moved after reading this that I rented the movie version with Angela Lansbury. They really butcher the novel – don't bother, except to remark upon how sweet and beautiful the young Angela was.
6. Voyage of the Narwhal by Angela Barrett. Following my passion in reading tales of early exploration and discovery( last year I was all fixated on Captain Cook), I found this novel about an arctic expedition and was engrossed. If only it was true...
7. Flaubert's Parrot by Julian Barnes. I actually re-read this book this year, to see if it was really as good as I had remembered it to be. Happily, I enjoyed reading this just as much as I had many years ago.
8. The Feast of Love by Charles Baxter. This was a very good novel with a very good premise.
9. American Gods by Neil Gaiman. This novel had so much press, and many friends recommended it, so I gave it a try. It is in the vein of Stephen King's The Stand, which is one of my favorite epics, but it is odder and weirder (if you can imagine that). It was still pretty fun to read though.
10. Kings of Infinite Space by James Hynes. This book was so very weird. Not weird enough to make me annoyed but strange nonetheless. Many pages of good storytelling, character development and setting description and some sense of a developing plot would pass and then...all of a sudden some strange Rod Serling moment would happen. Disconcerting, odd, weird...yet strangely readable.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Sips and Serendipity
So there I was in Borders, picking up the latest issue of ArtForum magazine...I went to get a cup of coffee, and while I was waiting in line I noticed a woman looking around holding two CD's in her hand - two copies of Laura Nyro's Spread Your Wings and Fly: Live at the Fillmore East 1971! I smiled and leaned over and casually said "That's a great CD. "
And her whole face lit up.
She said "You know who Laura Nyro is? My brother and I adore her, and there are two previously unreleased songs on this disc!"
We gushed about Laura for a few moments, then shook hands and parted, both us wearing enormous smiles.
I wish I would have gotten her name.
And her whole face lit up.
She said "You know who Laura Nyro is? My brother and I adore her, and there are two previously unreleased songs on this disc!"
We gushed about Laura for a few moments, then shook hands and parted, both us wearing enormous smiles.
I wish I would have gotten her name.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
It's Party Time!
Today was supposed to be my Day Off, but I had to go in because the President, the current District Manager and the New District Manager of my store were coming to serve lunch to the staff in honor of our store being the "Best Store Of The Year."
We had to rent a truck to store the product from our backroom, so that it could be miraculously transformed into a party hall with long tables (tablecloths even!), chairs and balloon bouquets.
The big wigs did indeed serve us, but the food was from Fat Fish Blue, a downtown Cleveland restaurant. It was impressive and quite nice, and a great treat for everyone after such a hectic holiday season. The weather even co-operated, holding off on an impending snowstorm to give us a fairly warm and precipitation-free day.
Because of scheduling changes this week, it appears that I am to have a Sunday off!
This is a substantial treat, and I am looking forward to a slow morning of Starbucks and the New York Times...just like regular people.
We had to rent a truck to store the product from our backroom, so that it could be miraculously transformed into a party hall with long tables (tablecloths even!), chairs and balloon bouquets.
The big wigs did indeed serve us, but the food was from Fat Fish Blue, a downtown Cleveland restaurant. It was impressive and quite nice, and a great treat for everyone after such a hectic holiday season. The weather even co-operated, holding off on an impending snowstorm to give us a fairly warm and precipitation-free day.
Because of scheduling changes this week, it appears that I am to have a Sunday off!
This is a substantial treat, and I am looking forward to a slow morning of Starbucks and the New York Times...just like regular people.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
New Music Tuesday - Classic Soul
I picked up a soundtrack to a movie I have never seen, Dead Presidents. One of my co-workers was playing this the other night, and I was so impressed that I had to get my own copy.
As Faithful Readers will know, I am not a big fan of the pre-made compilation or mix CD as I egotistically think that I can mix them better. This soundtrack, however, is a great introduction to some of the best steamy soul music around. Isaac Hayes, Barry White, James Brown, The Spinners, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Al Green, The O'Jays, Aretha...
And yes, I will burn these tracks and rearrange them on MY CD, but it is still a marvelous CD, and quite sexy. Long live the 70's!
As Faithful Readers will know, I am not a big fan of the pre-made compilation or mix CD as I egotistically think that I can mix them better. This soundtrack, however, is a great introduction to some of the best steamy soul music around. Isaac Hayes, Barry White, James Brown, The Spinners, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Al Green, The O'Jays, Aretha...
And yes, I will burn these tracks and rearrange them on MY CD, but it is still a marvelous CD, and quite sexy. Long live the 70's!
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Communique
There was a letter in my email box the other day from a unknown address. It looked very suspicious and it is my personal policy to delete mail from unknown senders immediately and with prejudice.
Something made me not delete it and it sat for there for awhile.
Eventually I opened it, and found a letter from a stranger in Virginia that had been reading the blog.
This fellow is a poetic soul, and it was a lovely letter, tricked out with many turns of phrase borrowed from the great Laura Nyro's lyrics.
I read and re-read this letter many times, trying to grasp the intention behind it. Strange thing, this internet. Disconnected and connected.
I revel in the gifts the day can bring you - and while not all gifts are things you would have chosen for yourself, or are not the right size or color, it really is the thought that counts in the long run.
Something made me not delete it and it sat for there for awhile.
Eventually I opened it, and found a letter from a stranger in Virginia that had been reading the blog.
This fellow is a poetic soul, and it was a lovely letter, tricked out with many turns of phrase borrowed from the great Laura Nyro's lyrics.
I read and re-read this letter many times, trying to grasp the intention behind it. Strange thing, this internet. Disconnected and connected.
I revel in the gifts the day can bring you - and while not all gifts are things you would have chosen for yourself, or are not the right size or color, it really is the thought that counts in the long run.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Adventures in Auto Repair, Part II
Once Trish had moved to California, I realized that I had no one to keep a spare set of house and car keys. I have always given someone a set for two purposes: in case I lost them, and in case I died in my sleep then someone could come and find my decomposing body.
My general misanthropic tendencies lead me to not trust very many people, especially with the key to my house. So it was no small leap for me to ask someone to be my KeyKeeper, and it was quite comforting when they accepted the responsibility.
So I was having a conversation with the KeyKeeper, and casually mentioned that my sexy car seemed to have developed a serious problem - the gas tank was leaking causing me to have a fairly good headache by the time I would get to work.
Well, there are moments in your life when you know people aren't kidding around, when you know you better not even begin to argue with them, and the look in the KeyKeeper's eyes upon hearing this news meant that I was getting my car fixed the very next day.
Sadly, this as most automotive events do, did not fall on a financially feasible day. So the KeyKeeper made it all happen for me.
As did my friends at the local repair shop, who helped me out so economically with the Great Tail Light Episode. This repair was more substantial, and took a day and half. Not only did the folks give me a ride home, they picked me up in the morning and were finished well before I had to get on the road to go to work. They are great guys.
So now I have a fume-free ride to work and headaches now only occur AT work (that's a joke), and I am forever moved by the generosity and true friendship of my KeyKeeper. Thank you.
My general misanthropic tendencies lead me to not trust very many people, especially with the key to my house. So it was no small leap for me to ask someone to be my KeyKeeper, and it was quite comforting when they accepted the responsibility.
So I was having a conversation with the KeyKeeper, and casually mentioned that my sexy car seemed to have developed a serious problem - the gas tank was leaking causing me to have a fairly good headache by the time I would get to work.
Well, there are moments in your life when you know people aren't kidding around, when you know you better not even begin to argue with them, and the look in the KeyKeeper's eyes upon hearing this news meant that I was getting my car fixed the very next day.
Sadly, this as most automotive events do, did not fall on a financially feasible day. So the KeyKeeper made it all happen for me.
As did my friends at the local repair shop, who helped me out so economically with the Great Tail Light Episode. This repair was more substantial, and took a day and half. Not only did the folks give me a ride home, they picked me up in the morning and were finished well before I had to get on the road to go to work. They are great guys.
So now I have a fume-free ride to work and headaches now only occur AT work (that's a joke), and I am forever moved by the generosity and true friendship of my KeyKeeper. Thank you.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Second Promotion Celebration
I received my first promotion at my job on June 28. Six months to the day later, my manager informed me that I would be moving up the food chain again.
To celebrate this moment in my career, Heather and I spent a lovely afternoon together at the movies, then we were off to a great meal at the Inn at Turner's Mill, a place I had been longing to go to. The Inn was given the Award of Excellence from the Distinguished Restaurants of North America.
We arrived a bit early and were given our choice of the Fireside Room or the main Dining Room for our meal. My inclination would always be the Fireside Room, especially on this cold and wintery night, but after peeking inside, we saw that it was very full, and the main dining room was relatively vacant, so we chose the peace and privacy of the main room.
To start off our meal, we had an appetizer of pan-fried pumpkin and goat cheese ravioli topped with smoked mushroom bacon cream. It was outstandingly heavenly. Now that I have had the experience of eating there, I would have stuck with my first inclination, which was to have a meal of the mushroom barley soup, the ravioli and glass of wine and skip the entree.
But, I tried the chargrilled pork porterhouse with roasted apples, arugula and blue cheese with spiced apple jus. I just didn't do anything for me.
So now I know.
But the place is quite serene and lovely, as was my dining companion. It was a quiet and wonderful celebration to acknowledge that things might just be going right...
To celebrate this moment in my career, Heather and I spent a lovely afternoon together at the movies, then we were off to a great meal at the Inn at Turner's Mill, a place I had been longing to go to. The Inn was given the Award of Excellence from the Distinguished Restaurants of North America.
We arrived a bit early and were given our choice of the Fireside Room or the main Dining Room for our meal. My inclination would always be the Fireside Room, especially on this cold and wintery night, but after peeking inside, we saw that it was very full, and the main dining room was relatively vacant, so we chose the peace and privacy of the main room.
To start off our meal, we had an appetizer of pan-fried pumpkin and goat cheese ravioli topped with smoked mushroom bacon cream. It was outstandingly heavenly. Now that I have had the experience of eating there, I would have stuck with my first inclination, which was to have a meal of the mushroom barley soup, the ravioli and glass of wine and skip the entree.
But, I tried the chargrilled pork porterhouse with roasted apples, arugula and blue cheese with spiced apple jus. I just didn't do anything for me.
So now I know.
But the place is quite serene and lovely, as was my dining companion. It was a quiet and wonderful celebration to acknowledge that things might just be going right...
In Memory of My Mom
May 10, 1943 - January 4, 2002
Today marks the third anniversary of my mother's death. It seems like it has just been one year...how could three years have passed already?
Some things never change, and I still think of her fondly, as I did when she was here. Trish still kindly tells stories about her which reminds me that she remembers her, too.
I am still torn in the dichotomy of longing for things to be the way they should have been, and accepting things for what they were. And my mom, while not by any means perfect, was who she was - and that was quite a character. When I was young, my mom was really more of a pal, and at that time, I thought I had it made. I remember going on bike rides with her, I remember listening to her sing in her clear voice reminiscent of Karen Carpenter's, and more than anything, I remember laughing with her. She was a nut, and loved to make jokes and tease. I am sure that she was the life of any party she was at.
She was in very poor health for many years, with various problems. If the spirit survives, I am sure that she is grateful to leave behind her physical suffering.
I hope that she continues to bring joy to whomever she is with, wherever she is now, and that she is happy at last.
Today marks the third anniversary of my mother's death. It seems like it has just been one year...how could three years have passed already?
Some things never change, and I still think of her fondly, as I did when she was here. Trish still kindly tells stories about her which reminds me that she remembers her, too.
I am still torn in the dichotomy of longing for things to be the way they should have been, and accepting things for what they were. And my mom, while not by any means perfect, was who she was - and that was quite a character. When I was young, my mom was really more of a pal, and at that time, I thought I had it made. I remember going on bike rides with her, I remember listening to her sing in her clear voice reminiscent of Karen Carpenter's, and more than anything, I remember laughing with her. She was a nut, and loved to make jokes and tease. I am sure that she was the life of any party she was at.
She was in very poor health for many years, with various problems. If the spirit survives, I am sure that she is grateful to leave behind her physical suffering.
I hope that she continues to bring joy to whomever she is with, wherever she is now, and that she is happy at last.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
New Year's Day Christmas Party
Our store is closed three days of the year – Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. So the only way that everyone can get together and celebrate was to have our Christmas Party and Gift Exchange on New Year's Day at Buca di Beppo.
Just about everyone came to the party it seemed - the place was packed which limited the amount of visiting one was able to do. Many folks brought their Significant Others along and that was nice to see. Our store manager brought lots of bottles of wine from our store and that certainly helped get things off to a good start.
It is always fun to see the folks you spend 50+ hours a week with in a different setting, and wearing different clothes. We all cleaned up pretty well.
Just about everyone came to the party it seemed - the place was packed which limited the amount of visiting one was able to do. Many folks brought their Significant Others along and that was nice to see. Our store manager brought lots of bottles of wine from our store and that certainly helped get things off to a good start.
It is always fun to see the folks you spend 50+ hours a week with in a different setting, and wearing different clothes. We all cleaned up pretty well.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Met the Fockers
Ok...I had to go and see Meet the Fockers. To prepare, I borrowed the DVD of Meet the Parents from a co-worker, and it really wasn't that bad.
But Barbra was calling me. It has been a long, long time since I've seen her on screen (though The Phantom and I did see her live and in person at the Staples Center in LA for her farewell tour September 20, 2000- another tale).
I don't have much to say about the film - a lot of juvenile and graphic humor, but Streisand was wonderful - reminding us that she wasn't always an excruciating, perfectionist diva. She was kooky and charming and terrific.
And she still, to this day, has the smoothest, sexiest legs I've ever seen.
Meet the Fockers: C+ Barbra Streisand: A- Barbra's Legs: A+
But Barbra was calling me. It has been a long, long time since I've seen her on screen (though The Phantom and I did see her live and in person at the Staples Center in LA for her farewell tour September 20, 2000- another tale).
I don't have much to say about the film - a lot of juvenile and graphic humor, but Streisand was wonderful - reminding us that she wasn't always an excruciating, perfectionist diva. She was kooky and charming and terrific.
And she still, to this day, has the smoothest, sexiest legs I've ever seen.
Meet the Fockers: C+ Barbra Streisand: A- Barbra's Legs: A+
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Susan Sontag Dies at 71
I was saddened to see the news today that Susan Sontag had died. As she was referenced here, I thought I should mention her passing.
It is a melancholy thing to be made aware of someone or something just before they disappear - at least we have the books in this case to remember her contributions.
She wrote an excellent piece on the recent Iraq prison photos in the New York Times ("Regarding the Torture of Others" May 23, 2004). I wanted to link to it for you, but you have to be a member (it is free and takes less than a minute). I heartily recommend that you check it out.
It is a melancholy thing to be made aware of someone or something just before they disappear - at least we have the books in this case to remember her contributions.
She wrote an excellent piece on the recent Iraq prison photos in the New York Times ("Regarding the Torture of Others" May 23, 2004). I wanted to link to it for you, but you have to be a member (it is free and takes less than a minute). I heartily recommend that you check it out.
New Music Tuesday - La Semana
I feel very lucky to have been at one of Ottmar Liebert's very first concert dates (September 5, 1990), when he was the opening act for Basia (remember her?) at the Palace Theatre in Cleveland. I usually hate opening acts, but Ottmar took my breath away. He was absolutely incredible. And of course, he went on to great things.
He has just released La Semana, a wonderful acoustic CD. Great music. It has been quite awhile since Ottmar has released any new tunes - he has been remixing, reissuing and generally futzing for years with tracks from his acclaimed Nouveau Flamenco CD, which features his classic signature piece, Barcelona Nights. This CD is a welcome reminder of what a great musician he is.
He has just released La Semana, a wonderful acoustic CD. Great music. It has been quite awhile since Ottmar has released any new tunes - he has been remixing, reissuing and generally futzing for years with tracks from his acclaimed Nouveau Flamenco CD, which features his classic signature piece, Barcelona Nights. This CD is a welcome reminder of what a great musician he is.
Saturday, December 25, 2004
A Christmas Day Thought
All possessions not at the same time beautiful and useful are an affront to human dignity.
-- Ananda Coomaraswarmy 1877-1947
I wish that you all receive many gifts of beauty today.
-- Ananda Coomaraswarmy 1877-1947
I wish that you all receive many gifts of beauty today.
Friday, December 24, 2004
Extractions on Christmas Eve
Because of my schedule and time zones, it had been several weeks since I had spoken with The Traveler in Portland. We were text messaging and voice mailing to be sure, but we were never able to connect.
So it was a great pleasure to sit down for a few moments and visit with her. After taking up some time updating her about myself, I asked what she had been up to.
"Oh, I just got out of the hospital."
"Excuse me?" (Yes, this part, getting to the essential information, is like pulling teeth.)
"Oh, I had an ovary removed."
Pregnant, Pinter-esque pause from me...
"Did you think I wouldn't want to know about this?" I asked.
"It's no big deal. I'm fine. It's just like getting a tooth pulled."
Ok, Faithful Readers. I would like to take a poll of those that think that pulling a tooth and having an ovary removed are the same thing, because to me, they are completely different procedures. In fact, two different types of medical professionals perform them. This leads me to believe that they are perhaps different types of events.
What do you think?
So it was a great pleasure to sit down for a few moments and visit with her. After taking up some time updating her about myself, I asked what she had been up to.
"Oh, I just got out of the hospital."
"Excuse me?" (Yes, this part, getting to the essential information, is like pulling teeth.)
"Oh, I had an ovary removed."
Pregnant, Pinter-esque pause from me...
"Did you think I wouldn't want to know about this?" I asked.
"It's no big deal. I'm fine. It's just like getting a tooth pulled."
Ok, Faithful Readers. I would like to take a poll of those that think that pulling a tooth and having an ovary removed are the same thing, because to me, they are completely different procedures. In fact, two different types of medical professionals perform them. This leads me to believe that they are perhaps different types of events.
What do you think?
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Weather Report - Part 3
I had to be somewhere this morning at 9 am, which was not a problem. The skies were clear, the roads were dry.
When I left my appointment around 11 am, there was 4" of fluffy snow covering everything.
When I left my appointment around 11 am, there was 4" of fluffy snow covering everything.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
New Music Tuesday - Maria Muldaur
I am becoming dangerously close to completing one of my many tasks - this one being a CD of all of the songs I had purchased in my youth on 45's. This took some discipline, because there were a few songs that I did have on 45 (stolen from my Uncle Greg - the Turtles "Happy Together" in particular) that I did not purchase, and so I could not in good conscience include them. Then there were other songs that I liked so much I bought the album which was a grand expenditure for a child on a limited allowance. So album purchases had to be disqualified, too.
As I neared completion, I realized that I still did not have a copy of "Midnight At the Oasis" by Maria Muldaur. I set out determined to bring home this single song, and lo and behold, there was 30 Years of Maria Muldaur: I’m a Woman, and I was feeling flush I suppose, and spent the $18 bucks...
Well, let me tell you...I still dig "Midnight" for sure...but this gal is a great old-timey blues singer. She does all sorts of music...but "Midnight" is a complete aberration in her oeuvre. I am especially taken with "It Feels Like Rain."
I am very happy to have acquired this CD as it will fit in nicely as the distaff representative when I get in the mood to listen to nothing but Guy Davis, Eric Bibb, and Keb'Mo'. A great lazy, summer disc.
As I neared completion, I realized that I still did not have a copy of "Midnight At the Oasis" by Maria Muldaur. I set out determined to bring home this single song, and lo and behold, there was 30 Years of Maria Muldaur: I’m a Woman, and I was feeling flush I suppose, and spent the $18 bucks...
Well, let me tell you...I still dig "Midnight" for sure...but this gal is a great old-timey blues singer. She does all sorts of music...but "Midnight" is a complete aberration in her oeuvre. I am especially taken with "It Feels Like Rain."
I am very happy to have acquired this CD as it will fit in nicely as the distaff representative when I get in the mood to listen to nothing but Guy Davis, Eric Bibb, and Keb'Mo'. A great lazy, summer disc.
Weather Report - Part Two
It has been dreadfully cold and snowy lately...So today the weather went psycho and it was about 40 degrees, which is like, five times as warm as it has been, and it makes people want to prance around in t-shirts.I had the opportunity to be outside on several occasions during my work day, and I was reveling in this bizarre afternoon.The sky was bright, the sun was shining...holiday music was playing out in the parking lot from the many concealed audio speakers in our center, and there were little decorative drifts of clean, white snow artistically arranged amongst the gables and peaks of the roofs of the businesses.It was ridiculously picturesque.
Monday, December 20, 2004
What Some People Will Do To Be Mentioned On My Blog
My friend Jeff was annoyed with me because I never wrote anything about him. He deviously came up with a plan that would make it impossible for me NOT to write about him.
Jeff asked me if I would take photos at his upcoming wedding. Of course this was a very flattering offer, but it is also an overwhelmingly stressful thing to do - after all, I would be responsible for their memories of their day of bliss.
Well, Jeff upped the ante on all wedding photos. He and his bride were getting married outside. In Ohio. In December.
The Temperature was a balmy 10 degrees this afternoon. I won't bother to tell you what the wind chill was.
We gathered at the downtown gazebo and waited impatiently for the mayor to show up, and then everyone crowded into the rustic wooden gazebo for the brief ceremony ( literally four minutes) and then everyone ran to their running cars for warmth.
My shutter decided to be temperamental in the cold and I did not get a shot of the "You may kiss the bride" moment. Which is too bad because at that moment I realized that watching people kiss on TV is way different than watching someone doing it in front of you.
If that unphotographed moment has anything to say about their future, I think Donna and Jeff will have a long and happy life together.
Congratulations to you both! Now stop your whining.
Jeff asked me if I would take photos at his upcoming wedding. Of course this was a very flattering offer, but it is also an overwhelmingly stressful thing to do - after all, I would be responsible for their memories of their day of bliss.
Well, Jeff upped the ante on all wedding photos. He and his bride were getting married outside. In Ohio. In December.
The Temperature was a balmy 10 degrees this afternoon. I won't bother to tell you what the wind chill was.
We gathered at the downtown gazebo and waited impatiently for the mayor to show up, and then everyone crowded into the rustic wooden gazebo for the brief ceremony ( literally four minutes) and then everyone ran to their running cars for warmth.
My shutter decided to be temperamental in the cold and I did not get a shot of the "You may kiss the bride" moment. Which is too bad because at that moment I realized that watching people kiss on TV is way different than watching someone doing it in front of you.
If that unphotographed moment has anything to say about their future, I think Donna and Jeff will have a long and happy life together.
Congratulations to you both! Now stop your whining.
Sunday, December 19, 2004
Sleepover at MyFriendJason's
We had ourselves quite the snowstorm, closing in on 10 inches of the stuff, and a hearty windchill of about -10 degrees. With this in mind, I took MyFriendJason up on his offer to stay at his house rather than make the 1 hour drive to my house, as we both had to be back at work dark and early in the morning.
The best feature of staying at MyFriendJason's house, besides the obvious time-saving proximity, is that you get a glorious cup of steaming Mexican coffee and milk to wake you up until you can make your way to the Starbuck's.
The best feature of staying at MyFriendJason's house, besides the obvious time-saving proximity, is that you get a glorious cup of steaming Mexican coffee and milk to wake you up until you can make your way to the Starbuck's.
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Bridges
Many thanks to MyFriendJason who told me about this...
The world's tallest roadway bridge has opened in France. The Millau Bridge with its streamlined diagonal suspension cables rests on seven pillars -- the tallest measuring 340 meters, making it 16 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. It was designed by British architect Norman Foster. The photos I have found are simply breathtaking. It is brilliant - an organic fusion of Bauhaus and dance and engineering. While inarguably modern, it somehow magically fuses and enhances the landscape. Mr. Foster has obviously produced not only a gorgeous functional bridge and a landmark destination, he also has created a work of art.
Said Foster, "A work of man must fuse with nature. The pillars had to look almost organic, like they had grown from the earth.''
I am so happy to see such care taken to simultaneously solve a transportation problem and to provide the world with something unique and beautiful. It takes a considerable investment and belief in the necessity of aesthetics to pony up the funds for an undertaking of this size. To the French people, and Norman Foster, I applaud you for your contribution to the beauty of the world.
In contrast, check out Governor Schwarzenegger's plans for a drab concrete slab crossing the bay in San Francisco. Boring American quick solutions based solely on money are here blatantly exhibited. There is no concern for the soul of the people that will be living with this monstrosity. It is a the most expedient and cheapest solution. There is no longer any room for cultural art in America it seems.
The world's tallest roadway bridge has opened in France. The Millau Bridge with its streamlined diagonal suspension cables rests on seven pillars -- the tallest measuring 340 meters, making it 16 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. It was designed by British architect Norman Foster. The photos I have found are simply breathtaking. It is brilliant - an organic fusion of Bauhaus and dance and engineering. While inarguably modern, it somehow magically fuses and enhances the landscape. Mr. Foster has obviously produced not only a gorgeous functional bridge and a landmark destination, he also has created a work of art.
Said Foster, "A work of man must fuse with nature. The pillars had to look almost organic, like they had grown from the earth.''
I am so happy to see such care taken to simultaneously solve a transportation problem and to provide the world with something unique and beautiful. It takes a considerable investment and belief in the necessity of aesthetics to pony up the funds for an undertaking of this size. To the French people, and Norman Foster, I applaud you for your contribution to the beauty of the world.
In contrast, check out Governor Schwarzenegger's plans for a drab concrete slab crossing the bay in San Francisco. Boring American quick solutions based solely on money are here blatantly exhibited. There is no concern for the soul of the people that will be living with this monstrosity. It is a the most expedient and cheapest solution. There is no longer any room for cultural art in America it seems.
Friday, December 17, 2004
The Big Bang Theory
So you have this dense bit of matter that contains all of existence and suddenly it gets blown to bits, and the pieces fly off into the unknown, scattered and drifting ever further apart...
Then, very very slowly, some pieces drift make together and reform, forming a tiny nucleus made up of just the essential elements - no more dross.
That is the metaphor for my life.
And just recently, a few of my atoms have drifted back, while others continue to speed away, now light years gone.
As the core coalesces, I welcome back my long-lost friend, my dear Jennifer, who was returned to me via a tiny scrap of orange paper this afternoon.
What an odd universe, indeed.
Then, very very slowly, some pieces drift make together and reform, forming a tiny nucleus made up of just the essential elements - no more dross.
That is the metaphor for my life.
And just recently, a few of my atoms have drifted back, while others continue to speed away, now light years gone.
As the core coalesces, I welcome back my long-lost friend, my dear Jennifer, who was returned to me via a tiny scrap of orange paper this afternoon.
What an odd universe, indeed.
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
The 10 Essential Holiday CD's
After much consideration of my 200+ holiday CD collection, as a public service I present the ten CD's that are essential for the holidays:
1. Holly Cole: Santa Baby - Live in Toronto
Holly's Christmas concerts are a holiday tradition in Canada. I have been fortunate enough to attend two in Vancouver, BC. Nothing says Christmas like Holly in a beautiful gown, singing with her amazing trio and a full orchestra. This IS Christmas.
2. Dianne Reeves: Christmas Time Is Here
This is an immaculate CD. Dianne's voice is pure and beautiful. Her arrangements are fresh. She achieves the impossible; she does The Christmas Waltz without making you yearn for Karen Carpenter, and Christmas Time Is Here without conjuring the omnipresent ghost of Charlie Brown. And her Little Drummer Boy is the best I have ever heard. Finally, this is a jazz Christmas CD without a hint of strings - pared down perfect elegance.
3. Etta James: Twelve Songs of Christmas
Killer arrangements and good song choices make this a great upbeat party CD, even though Etta sounds like she was hitting the spiked eggnog a few too many times on some tracks - it all adds to the fun.
4. Charles Brown: Cool Christmas Blues
The man who wrote Please Come Home For Christmas and Merry Christmas, Baby certainly should know a thing or two about Christmas songs. A great CD from a master.
5. B.B. King: A Christmas Celebration of Hope
The funny thing about this CD is that B.B. almost duplicates the aforementioned Charles Brown CD. It is interesting to compare their interpretations. That being said, this is also a wonderful, happy holiday CD, and B.B.'s Auld Lang Syne is a classic.
6. The Holly Cole Trio: Christmas Blues
Really an EP, this acoustic trio is simply beautiful.
7. Los Straitjackets: Tis the Season For Los Straitjackets
Good time guitar instrumentals will keep your holiday hoppin'!
8. Jingle Bell Jam: Jazz Christmas Classics
You gotta be careful with those pre-made compilations. They are sure to disappoint. This one, however, is so well chosen that almost ever track is a must-have. Classics from being to end.
9. Vince Guaraldi: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Yes, we are all overrun with this, but it IS a classic album, with great songs and a great performance. Is it Vince's fault that his masterpiece has become ubiquitous? Clear your head and give it a listen on its own, without the animation.
10. Loreena McKennitt: To Drive the Cold Winter Away
After all of this jazz and blues, you'll need a little classic Celtic soother. No one does it better than Loreena.
1. Holly Cole: Santa Baby - Live in Toronto
Holly's Christmas concerts are a holiday tradition in Canada. I have been fortunate enough to attend two in Vancouver, BC. Nothing says Christmas like Holly in a beautiful gown, singing with her amazing trio and a full orchestra. This IS Christmas.
2. Dianne Reeves: Christmas Time Is Here
This is an immaculate CD. Dianne's voice is pure and beautiful. Her arrangements are fresh. She achieves the impossible; she does The Christmas Waltz without making you yearn for Karen Carpenter, and Christmas Time Is Here without conjuring the omnipresent ghost of Charlie Brown. And her Little Drummer Boy is the best I have ever heard. Finally, this is a jazz Christmas CD without a hint of strings - pared down perfect elegance.
3. Etta James: Twelve Songs of Christmas
Killer arrangements and good song choices make this a great upbeat party CD, even though Etta sounds like she was hitting the spiked eggnog a few too many times on some tracks - it all adds to the fun.
4. Charles Brown: Cool Christmas Blues
The man who wrote Please Come Home For Christmas and Merry Christmas, Baby certainly should know a thing or two about Christmas songs. A great CD from a master.
5. B.B. King: A Christmas Celebration of Hope
The funny thing about this CD is that B.B. almost duplicates the aforementioned Charles Brown CD. It is interesting to compare their interpretations. That being said, this is also a wonderful, happy holiday CD, and B.B.'s Auld Lang Syne is a classic.
6. The Holly Cole Trio: Christmas Blues
Really an EP, this acoustic trio is simply beautiful.
7. Los Straitjackets: Tis the Season For Los Straitjackets
Good time guitar instrumentals will keep your holiday hoppin'!
8. Jingle Bell Jam: Jazz Christmas Classics
You gotta be careful with those pre-made compilations. They are sure to disappoint. This one, however, is so well chosen that almost ever track is a must-have. Classics from being to end.
9. Vince Guaraldi: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Yes, we are all overrun with this, but it IS a classic album, with great songs and a great performance. Is it Vince's fault that his masterpiece has become ubiquitous? Clear your head and give it a listen on its own, without the animation.
10. Loreena McKennitt: To Drive the Cold Winter Away
After all of this jazz and blues, you'll need a little classic Celtic soother. No one does it better than Loreena.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
New Music Tuesday - Replacing Vinyl
I picked up two CD's today that I have been negligent in upgrading from vinyl. The first is A Classy Pair, an aptly titled effort from Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie. It is a wonderful CD, but the stand-out track is definitely Just A Sittin' and A Rockin'. I am so pleased to be able to listen to this song again! Basie has always exemplified swing for me; I think he had the greatest of the big bands for my money. And Ella is in great form throughout the disc; her scatting on Honeysuckle Rose is exemplary for any would-be vocalists.
The second treasure of the day is Getting Sentimental by the great saxophonist, Zoot Sims from 1975. The must-have track on this disc is Dream Dancing, a forgotten Cole Porter masterpiece. This was recorded live, and very simply in a house with a standard trio (piano, bass and drums). It is simple, elegant and romantic on the whole, but the inclusion of Fred and Caravan kind of shatter the mood; however, the other tracks yearn to be included on mix CD's.
The second treasure of the day is Getting Sentimental by the great saxophonist, Zoot Sims from 1975. The must-have track on this disc is Dream Dancing, a forgotten Cole Porter masterpiece. This was recorded live, and very simply in a house with a standard trio (piano, bass and drums). It is simple, elegant and romantic on the whole, but the inclusion of Fred and Caravan kind of shatter the mood; however, the other tracks yearn to be included on mix CD's.
Monday, December 13, 2004
Weather Report
While we had some snow on Thanksgiving, today was the first for-real get serious snowstorm of the year.
If memory serves me correctly, last year I had only one day that was troublesome in my commute to work, and that was in late February. This year is off to fast start - the severity of this storm easily beat the worst of last year.
To add to my enjoyment of the foul weather, I seem to have come down with my first illness of the year - a mysterious, lingering sore throat that is threatening to turn into strep, I fear.
Chills, fever, runny nose...
I love the winter so.
If memory serves me correctly, last year I had only one day that was troublesome in my commute to work, and that was in late February. This year is off to fast start - the severity of this storm easily beat the worst of last year.
To add to my enjoyment of the foul weather, I seem to have come down with my first illness of the year - a mysterious, lingering sore throat that is threatening to turn into strep, I fear.
Chills, fever, runny nose...
I love the winter so.
Sunday, December 12, 2004
Holiday Festivities Part Deux
Retail workers get very little joy from the holiday season. There is a lot of overtime, a lot of crowds and it is simply a hectic time of year. So this year I have tried to do a least a couple of things to make the season a bit more festive and less of a long marathon to be conquered.
To this end, Heather and I went out for a nice luncheon at Bravo Cucina Italiana, a Ohio-based chain Italian eatery.
I had the wood-fired chicken marsala and Tuscan mashed potatoes, which was acceptable. Bravo is certainly a lovely place for conversation and ambiance, but the food is not the big draw.
We also agreed at that any restaurant that feels it must emblaze the name of the joint boldly on the rim of the dinner plates lacks a wee bit of class.
To this end, Heather and I went out for a nice luncheon at Bravo Cucina Italiana, a Ohio-based chain Italian eatery.
I had the wood-fired chicken marsala and Tuscan mashed potatoes, which was acceptable. Bravo is certainly a lovely place for conversation and ambiance, but the food is not the big draw.
We also agreed at that any restaurant that feels it must emblaze the name of the joint boldly on the rim of the dinner plates lacks a wee bit of class.
Thursday, December 09, 2004
What Do You Want On Your Tombstone?
This is certainly in the running for mine - great words to remember... All Hail Camus!
By reason of their very duration, great misfortunes are monotonous.
-- Albert Camus 1913-1960
By reason of their very duration, great misfortunes are monotonous.
-- Albert Camus 1913-1960
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Holiday Festivities
My friend Patrick came to visit me this evening and brought with him a most welcome bottle Oban Single Malt Scotch, which is pleasant way to begin any celebration.
After dinner, I took him down the street to Stan Hywet to partake in their extravagant outdoor holiday light festival. The best part of the decor was at the end of the birch allee. When you get to the stone balcony overlooking the lagoons, there were four lighted fountains in the ponds, and huge lighted stars suspended high in the trees in the distance. It was very amazing.
Work continues on the restoration of the conservatory/greenhouse, and it looked particularly great at night.
Something got into us (perhaps the Oban) and we decided to take the interior house tour, which was led by an elderly man named Ted. The house is stunning, of course, and it did look lovely decked out for a 1917 Christmas. I really loved the men's lounge with the great billiard table, and the Plunge, the indoor pool.
Patrick felt that the Sieberling's had their priorities in the wrong place - he felt that rather than copying bits and pieces from estates throughout Europe and England, trying to build a 15th century house in the twentieth century, they should have put their money into creating something new and unique. I see his point, and I suppose that would be more to my personal taste. However, you cannot deny the beauty and grandeur of the hand carved paneling, the leaded glass windows and the painstaking level of detail that the designers and the Sieberling's went to to pull the house together.
After our walk in the brisk night, we went back to my house for espresso and Bailey's custard.
All in all, it was a great start to the holiday.
After dinner, I took him down the street to Stan Hywet to partake in their extravagant outdoor holiday light festival. The best part of the decor was at the end of the birch allee. When you get to the stone balcony overlooking the lagoons, there were four lighted fountains in the ponds, and huge lighted stars suspended high in the trees in the distance. It was very amazing.
Work continues on the restoration of the conservatory/greenhouse, and it looked particularly great at night.
Something got into us (perhaps the Oban) and we decided to take the interior house tour, which was led by an elderly man named Ted. The house is stunning, of course, and it did look lovely decked out for a 1917 Christmas. I really loved the men's lounge with the great billiard table, and the Plunge, the indoor pool.
Patrick felt that the Sieberling's had their priorities in the wrong place - he felt that rather than copying bits and pieces from estates throughout Europe and England, trying to build a 15th century house in the twentieth century, they should have put their money into creating something new and unique. I see his point, and I suppose that would be more to my personal taste. However, you cannot deny the beauty and grandeur of the hand carved paneling, the leaded glass windows and the painstaking level of detail that the designers and the Sieberling's went to to pull the house together.
After our walk in the brisk night, we went back to my house for espresso and Bailey's custard.
All in all, it was a great start to the holiday.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
New Music Tuesday - Christmas III
Last year I casually listened to a bit of Operatica's Christmas Classics Performed, and had every intention of purchasing it, yet somehow the ship sailed and I forgot about it. I picked it up today, and not that I was disappointed with it, but it certainly is stranger than I had remembered. But, then again, let's keep in mind my recent misguided thoughts about Remy Shand...
Operatica is a group that fuses electronica/dance beats with opera, usually with quite pleasing results. The holiday CD features the wonderful Maureen O'Flynn. As I was composing this post, doing some research on Ms. Flynn, this is the first Google hit I found:
Maureen O'Flynn begins 2002 with her debut at the San Diego Opera in the role of role of GILDA. As anyone will tell you who has seen her perform and heard her mellifluous, lyrical voice...
Can we please have a moratorium on San Diego references? This is getting out of control. Really.
Operatica is a group that fuses electronica/dance beats with opera, usually with quite pleasing results. The holiday CD features the wonderful Maureen O'Flynn. As I was composing this post, doing some research on Ms. Flynn, this is the first Google hit I found:
Maureen O'Flynn begins 2002 with her debut at the San Diego Opera in the role of role of GILDA. As anyone will tell you who has seen her perform and heard her mellifluous, lyrical voice...
Can we please have a moratorium on San Diego references? This is getting out of control. Really.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Meditations on Death
In honor of my friend, Eric Pollard, whose birthday is today, I dug out an old cassette tape he sent to me at college in 1982. The title of the tape was "Meditations on Death." He spends the 45 minutes of Side One acting out a conceit of Tim Curry as Frank N. Furter from The Rocky Horror Picture Show meeting God in Heaven. He, in a thinly veiled characterization, discusses the meaning of death and his views of the after-life. In this very strange context, he weaves many references to his then-recent involuntary deprogramming, and his general angst at being 18, being in high school and feeling very isolated and alienated.
Side Two is 45 minutes of him rambling from the rehearsal room at his high school, playing the piano intermittantly, and then reading a very long letter from our mutal friend, Alec, who was then a freshman at Yale. The letter captures all of our friend's misplaced arrogance, and innocence - and richocets from tales of decorating his "flat" (last time I checked Yale was not Oxford... I believe those are still apartments here on this side of the pond), with his "flat-mates" and his first encounters with pot. It ends with a pro and con discussion of the Montessori school system.
This cassette is a wonderful little time capsule of my friend Eric, who passed away on my birthday in 2002. It was bittersweet to be taken back in time, but wonderful to be reminded of what a character he was.
Side Two is 45 minutes of him rambling from the rehearsal room at his high school, playing the piano intermittantly, and then reading a very long letter from our mutal friend, Alec, who was then a freshman at Yale. The letter captures all of our friend's misplaced arrogance, and innocence - and richocets from tales of decorating his "flat" (last time I checked Yale was not Oxford... I believe those are still apartments here on this side of the pond), with his "flat-mates" and his first encounters with pot. It ends with a pro and con discussion of the Montessori school system.
This cassette is a wonderful little time capsule of my friend Eric, who passed away on my birthday in 2002. It was bittersweet to be taken back in time, but wonderful to be reminded of what a character he was.
New Music Tuesday – Christmas II
Los Straitjackets – Tis the Season for Los Straitjackets
I guess this goes to show you where my head is at this holiday season. I love this CD of all guitar-heavy instrumentals. This is a great CD, very fun and very happy – but what should you expect from a group that performs in wrestling masks? The only tracks that aren't instant classics on the very first listen are Christmas in Las Vegas and Christmas Weekend, as I had no memories conjured up it compare their version to. Marshmallow World and Here Come Santa Claus are particular favorites, but Feliz Navidad and Let It Snow are great, too.
A perfect antidote to sappy, overly orchestrated holiday swill. Rock on. Oh, and in keeping with November's unintentinal theme, they are from San Diego.
I guess this goes to show you where my head is at this holiday season. I love this CD of all guitar-heavy instrumentals. This is a great CD, very fun and very happy – but what should you expect from a group that performs in wrestling masks? The only tracks that aren't instant classics on the very first listen are Christmas in Las Vegas and Christmas Weekend, as I had no memories conjured up it compare their version to. Marshmallow World and Here Come Santa Claus are particular favorites, but Feliz Navidad and Let It Snow are great, too.
A perfect antidote to sappy, overly orchestrated holiday swill. Rock on. Oh, and in keeping with November's unintentinal theme, they are from San Diego.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Thanksgiving in Iceland
I awoke this Thanksgiving to a very well-behaved snowfall – the kind that outlines every branch and leaf, but stays off the roads. I promised myself that if it snowed I wouldn't leave the house today, except to go to Starbuck's in the morning for my required triple grande latte, but that is a necessity anyway. I drove down the hill past Stan Hywet, and I was entranced by the perfect pyramids of snow atop the fence posts. The drive to Starbuck's can take you through the park, over the meadow and through the river (as it crosses the road, it does not, like most rivers, go under the road) and it was very lovely and peaceful.
Since it snowed, my plan to spend the day at the movie theater was dashed, and so I settled in with some DVD's. Maybe because of the inclement weather I chose an Icelandic film to begin my day.
Nói Albinói, the debut film of writer/director Dagur Kári is a terrific film about growing up on a remote fjord in Iceland. (It was shot in the remote village of Bolungarvik on the West Fjord of Iceland, population 957.)
The very first scene of Nói’s Sisyphean labor was initially impressive, but even more so by the brilliant bookending echoed at the end of the film in a most unexpected way.
Kári uses a lot of blues and greens in the movie, conveying an overwhelming sense of depression and confinement, while at the same time reveling in the natural beauty of the location. The characters are well-developed, but certainly odd. The characters each seem to inhabit a singular location – that is, Nói's grandmother is never seen outside of the house, Iris (the gas station girl) is the only person Nói ( Tómas Lemarquis ) ever sees in the gas station. What would it be like to grow up in a place where you know everyone, where routine is so deeply embedded, and change and strangers are unknown? Nói attempts to bring change to his world, and is foiled at every turn – the most dramatic being the reception to his attempt at robbing the bank. The elders can't see Nói as a danger – he is just a strange boy they have known all of his life, and they do not fear him for a moment. His grand attempt at escape is a haunting image – a blur of color and motion and life that breaks the bleakness of the film momentarily.
I really liked immersing myself into this strange culture that Kári i has depicted. And the ending, well...you won't be prepared for it. I suppose I could relate to what I took to be the “message”, sometimes the worst thing possible can also reveal a new beginning. Once everything is lost you are finally liberated.The final shot is beautifully ambiguous, so you can decide the outcome for yourself.
Cool Obscure Facts:
Kari Lemarquis , who plays the French schoolteacher, is the father of Tomas Lemarquis , who plays Nói. Kari Lemarquis is a French schoolteacher in real life, and the director Dagur Kári was one of his students.
Since it snowed, my plan to spend the day at the movie theater was dashed, and so I settled in with some DVD's. Maybe because of the inclement weather I chose an Icelandic film to begin my day.
Nói Albinói, the debut film of writer/director Dagur Kári is a terrific film about growing up on a remote fjord in Iceland. (It was shot in the remote village of Bolungarvik on the West Fjord of Iceland, population 957.)
The very first scene of Nói’s Sisyphean labor was initially impressive, but even more so by the brilliant bookending echoed at the end of the film in a most unexpected way.
Kári uses a lot of blues and greens in the movie, conveying an overwhelming sense of depression and confinement, while at the same time reveling in the natural beauty of the location. The characters are well-developed, but certainly odd. The characters each seem to inhabit a singular location – that is, Nói's grandmother is never seen outside of the house, Iris (the gas station girl) is the only person Nói ( Tómas Lemarquis ) ever sees in the gas station. What would it be like to grow up in a place where you know everyone, where routine is so deeply embedded, and change and strangers are unknown? Nói attempts to bring change to his world, and is foiled at every turn – the most dramatic being the reception to his attempt at robbing the bank. The elders can't see Nói as a danger – he is just a strange boy they have known all of his life, and they do not fear him for a moment. His grand attempt at escape is a haunting image – a blur of color and motion and life that breaks the bleakness of the film momentarily.
I really liked immersing myself into this strange culture that Kári i has depicted. And the ending, well...you won't be prepared for it. I suppose I could relate to what I took to be the “message”, sometimes the worst thing possible can also reveal a new beginning. Once everything is lost you are finally liberated.The final shot is beautifully ambiguous, so you can decide the outcome for yourself.
Cool Obscure Facts:
Kari Lemarquis , who plays the French schoolteacher, is the father of Tomas Lemarquis , who plays Nói. Kari Lemarquis is a French schoolteacher in real life, and the director Dagur Kári was one of his students.
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Super Size Me
I finally got around to seeing Morgan Spurlock's great film, Super Size Me. This film, and Fahrenheit 9 11 should be required viewing for everyone. It is chilling to watch the demise of Morgan's health in 30 short days. As his mood changes, as his energy dissipates, his waist grows, his face fills out, and then he begins to flush and break out. It truly is incredible to watch him metamorphosize in a month. To regain his pre-film level of health took him over a year and a half. One month to destroy himself... almost two years to recover.
AND thirteen bags of garbage for one month of one person eating. That is a LOT of garbage - and there would be those that would make the connection that he probably would have been better off eating the paper wrappers than the food.
I got a good laugh from his "man on the street" interviews, where he asks people what a calorie is. When he finally gets to a scientist for the correct answer, it is as if the "Hallelujah Chorus" is playing. Very funny, yes, but also it verified my general elitist feeling about the stupidity of the masses.
And if you still aren't horrified by this point, the DVD features some deleted scenes, all of which are worth watching, but please check out "The Smoking Fry" in which Morgan places one of each item on the McDonald's menu in glass jars for 10 months, to recorded their disintegration. It is fuzzy and oozy and I am sure, stinky, as one would expect...but keep your eyes on the fries.....
AND thirteen bags of garbage for one month of one person eating. That is a LOT of garbage - and there would be those that would make the connection that he probably would have been better off eating the paper wrappers than the food.
I got a good laugh from his "man on the street" interviews, where he asks people what a calorie is. When he finally gets to a scientist for the correct answer, it is as if the "Hallelujah Chorus" is playing. Very funny, yes, but also it verified my general elitist feeling about the stupidity of the masses.
And if you still aren't horrified by this point, the DVD features some deleted scenes, all of which are worth watching, but please check out "The Smoking Fry" in which Morgan places one of each item on the McDonald's menu in glass jars for 10 months, to recorded their disintegration. It is fuzzy and oozy and I am sure, stinky, as one would expect...but keep your eyes on the fries.....
Monday, November 22, 2004
New Music Tuesday - Taking Chances
Last night I did something I rarely do - I took unsolicated advice from the clerk at the record store and bought a CD that I knew nothing about based solely on a stranger's recommendation.
The CD: The Magnificent Tree (2000) by Hooverphonic. Well, I love, love, love the loungey, yet string heavy track Mad About You. I dig the lead singer Geike Arnaert's voice. This CD is a bit similar to Zero 7 (one of my favorite new bands), but at least on this offering, they seem brighter and happier than the morose and somber (yet very talented) Zero 7 folk.
Check out this quote from a Magnificent Tree review:
"Classic embryonic vocalic beauty from Geike Arnaert still carries the translucence of the band's signature ethereality"
Hmm...will I ever write like that? Anyway, good tip and a good find. I hadn't known my collection was lacking in signature ethereality until now...
So then, I took a recommendation from my faux cousin Erik (same last name, no relation) and picked up The Way I Feel by Remy Shand. While I pride myself on being quite knowledgable about music, the circumstances regarding this CD are comical. Erik was playing this CD while we were working, and so I only heard vague snippets of the songs, and only glimpsed the cover. I assumed that Remy Shand was an African or possibly Indian woman and the CD struck me as being kind of an ethnic- world type thing. Well, I bought it, went home and listened to it:
It is a GREAT soul album, and Remy (who is a 23 year old Canadian man for God's sake and is the songwriter, singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer of the CD) sings a lot like Prince. In fact, it really feels like a retro-soulified Prince album. So, after my bout of foolishness, I really recommend this CD- which was the Juno winning Best R&B/Soul Recording Of The Year. Where have I been?
Allow me to quote a review regarding my favorite track: "the literate neo-classic soul vibe of The Mind’s Eye". Literate neo-classic soul vibe. Wow.
And thanks to Erik for hipping me up to this one.
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Opera and Diners
I spent the night at my friend Annie's house. There are few things to compare with the sensation of waking up to someone playing the piano and singing opera, very well and live, enhanced by the friendly morning glow of a crackling fire and a full coffee pot.
Annie's husband has been away for a long time, as he is performing in the Ring at the State Opera of South Australia. All of this talk about opera makes me just want to point out that:
No opera plot can be sensible, for in sensible situations, people do not sing.
W.H. Auden
Before heading off to work, we went to eat at the Park City Diner.
It is a very upscale diner, yet it still captures that lowdown diner feeling. I loved the mural on the wall of Ohio history, which we were seated across from. I had the full-on standard egg breakfast and ended with my own little miniature pumpkin pie. It was quite a feast, and while I don't think the food is exceptional by any means, it was a very pleasant and good experience. I would definitely go back.
8111 Rockside Road, Valley View 216-328-0575
Annie's husband has been away for a long time, as he is performing in the Ring at the State Opera of South Australia. All of this talk about opera makes me just want to point out that:
No opera plot can be sensible, for in sensible situations, people do not sing.
W.H. Auden
Before heading off to work, we went to eat at the Park City Diner.
It is a very upscale diner, yet it still captures that lowdown diner feeling. I loved the mural on the wall of Ohio history, which we were seated across from. I had the full-on standard egg breakfast and ended with my own little miniature pumpkin pie. It was quite a feast, and while I don't think the food is exceptional by any means, it was a very pleasant and good experience. I would definitely go back.
8111 Rockside Road, Valley View 216-328-0575
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Finding Neverland
Annie and I went to see Finding Neverland this morning, before work. First of all, a moment to review the theatre...
We went to the Valley View Theatre, which is enormous and wonderful AND...you can get real food there, and take it in with you. I know what you are thinking...but I had a cheeseburger and fries and a drink, and it was $6. Which is less than a small popcorn in most theatres. So, I was deliriously happy, well-fed and sitting in nice, high-backed stadium seats in a big theatre even before the film began.
There isn't much to say...Finding Neverland was such a wonderful film. All of it. The story, the acting, the costuming, the filming, the music. All exquisite. And it is no secret that I love Johnny Depp - he does not disappoint. I am not one to get all emotional, but I teared up at several points in the film...and the end, well...what can you say?
This is not to say it is a sad movie though...we left feeling elated...I had that great feeling you get when you've encountered some great work of art or music. And I was bitten by the urge to go get "Peter Pan" to read. Neverland is fantastic.
We went to the Valley View Theatre, which is enormous and wonderful AND...you can get real food there, and take it in with you. I know what you are thinking...but I had a cheeseburger and fries and a drink, and it was $6. Which is less than a small popcorn in most theatres. So, I was deliriously happy, well-fed and sitting in nice, high-backed stadium seats in a big theatre even before the film began.
There isn't much to say...Finding Neverland was such a wonderful film. All of it. The story, the acting, the costuming, the filming, the music. All exquisite. And it is no secret that I love Johnny Depp - he does not disappoint. I am not one to get all emotional, but I teared up at several points in the film...and the end, well...what can you say?
This is not to say it is a sad movie though...we left feeling elated...I had that great feeling you get when you've encountered some great work of art or music. And I was bitten by the urge to go get "Peter Pan" to read. Neverland is fantastic.
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Goodbye Lenin!
I watched Goodbye Lenin! today. It is a great film about one boys devotion to his mother. His mother was a fervent supporter of the Socialists, and falls into a coma in 1989. For the few months that she is in the coma, her world disappears...the wall falls and Coca-Cola comes to town. When she regains consciousness, the doctor warns the son that any shock might kill his mother, so he sets out to create a different world, the world as it was months ago.
Hilarity ensues as he tries to find old German pickles and other staples now that the grocery stores are overrun with the more desirable Western goods. He enlists a friend to create videotapes of news broadcasts to fool his mother into thinking life has continued on as normal.
And while this sort of storyline lends itself to comical situations, the filmmaker, Wolfgang Becker, has shown great restraint in portraying the reasoning behind all of these machinations.
The son does feel guilty as each small lie begets a larger lie, but his intentions were always good.
Very good film...I loaned this film to my assistant manager, and not only did he like it, he said his whole family enjoyed it, including his kids.
Hilarity ensues as he tries to find old German pickles and other staples now that the grocery stores are overrun with the more desirable Western goods. He enlists a friend to create videotapes of news broadcasts to fool his mother into thinking life has continued on as normal.
And while this sort of storyline lends itself to comical situations, the filmmaker, Wolfgang Becker, has shown great restraint in portraying the reasoning behind all of these machinations.
The son does feel guilty as each small lie begets a larger lie, but his intentions were always good.
Very good film...I loaned this film to my assistant manager, and not only did he like it, he said his whole family enjoyed it, including his kids.
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Pages
So there I was minding my own business, on my way to pick up what I was sure would be a dangerously romantic CD, having my daily triple grande latte and flipping through a magazine, when I see a name pop off of the masthead...someone very important to me, but someone I have not been in contact with at all for many months - yes, I am referring to my Phantom of San Diego.
What are the chances that a song that captures the nuances of a person (Dinner For One Please, James - see review), will conjure their name up in print the very same day?
Well, I'll tell you - very good indeed. Synchronicity is a strange thing. And while the universe is laughing at me, I just want to say that I did get the joke. Sometimes no matter how hard you try, there are some bonds that are inescapable for eternity.
And to the Phantom of San Diego - we shared a moment, and it was quite lovely, as it always was.
What are the chances that a song that captures the nuances of a person (Dinner For One Please, James - see review), will conjure their name up in print the very same day?
Well, I'll tell you - very good indeed. Synchronicity is a strange thing. And while the universe is laughing at me, I just want to say that I did get the joke. Sometimes no matter how hard you try, there are some bonds that are inescapable for eternity.
And to the Phantom of San Diego - we shared a moment, and it was quite lovely, as it always was.
New Music Tuesday - Branford Marsalis
I heard a track from Branford's new CD, Eternal, last night driving home from work, and set out bright and early this morning to fetch the disc. On the whole, Eternal is a very romantic and seductive offering. The reason I bought the CD was Dinner For One Please, James, a ridiculously gorgeous sax ballad enhanced by some great piano work. I like that tune enough to make the purchase of the CD worthwhile, but I also like the much more upbeat opener, The Ruby and the Pearl. Branford says of this CD, " All of the songs reflect the idea that there is beauty in sadness.." While I believe that is certainly true, I don't find the CD sad at all, it is more of a wistful feeling...
Saturday, November 13, 2004
How to Spend a Fall Day in Cleveland
I spent the night in Cleveland, and decided to take full advantage of my extended morning, before having to report to work.
I went to the Inn on Coventry, which prepares my favorite breakfast: two eggs, toast, hashbrowns, English muffin, OJ and coffee. Nothing fancy, mind you, and that is the point. They make it fast, good and cheap. It is the perfect breakfast. I used to go there so often that I wouldn't even have to order...I could just go and sit down and start reading and it would all show up before me like magic. That's the kind of service that gets great tips.
It was a glorious fall day, bright and sunny and still enough leaves left to be colorful. I went to the Cleveland Museum of Art and took in the exhibit: Dukes and Angels: Art from the Court of Burgundy 1364-1419. While this particular period is not a specialty of mine, it really was a fascinating exhibit. I spent a great deal of time enraptured by the many manuscripts. The detailing of the backgrounds in the illuminations were mind-boggling, and only serve to prove my point: Look what can be done when you don't have cable.
Following this, I wandered upstairs and caught the Needful Things: Recent Multiples exhibit, which is made up of very contemporary art that is not unique. I loved this exhibit so much...they had a paint-by-numbers set by Damien Hirst, one of my favorite eccentric artists, and well, really, each item in the exhibit was worth investigating. I liked the "cocaine" and "heroin" porcelain salt and pepper shakers. What was really exciting was the juxtaposition of this cutting edge art after being enveloped in the gilded pages and religious stone work of the 1400s earlier.
On the way out, they had some very exquisite and moving photographs by Luc Delahaye. His prints are enormous, 4 feet tall by 8 feet long. The most impressive, though they were all stunning, was his photo, Taliban. It is a masterpiece.
Finally, they had moved Spencer Tunick's photo taken at the Rock Hall to the New Acquisitions wall (it had previously been in the basement by the restrooms). It is a wonderful photo of 3000 naked folk laying together in the street. Check out his work, he is quite cool.
The Inn on Coventry 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd, Cleveland Heights 216-371-1811
I went to the Inn on Coventry, which prepares my favorite breakfast: two eggs, toast, hashbrowns, English muffin, OJ and coffee. Nothing fancy, mind you, and that is the point. They make it fast, good and cheap. It is the perfect breakfast. I used to go there so often that I wouldn't even have to order...I could just go and sit down and start reading and it would all show up before me like magic. That's the kind of service that gets great tips.
It was a glorious fall day, bright and sunny and still enough leaves left to be colorful. I went to the Cleveland Museum of Art and took in the exhibit: Dukes and Angels: Art from the Court of Burgundy 1364-1419. While this particular period is not a specialty of mine, it really was a fascinating exhibit. I spent a great deal of time enraptured by the many manuscripts. The detailing of the backgrounds in the illuminations were mind-boggling, and only serve to prove my point: Look what can be done when you don't have cable.
Following this, I wandered upstairs and caught the Needful Things: Recent Multiples exhibit, which is made up of very contemporary art that is not unique. I loved this exhibit so much...they had a paint-by-numbers set by Damien Hirst, one of my favorite eccentric artists, and well, really, each item in the exhibit was worth investigating. I liked the "cocaine" and "heroin" porcelain salt and pepper shakers. What was really exciting was the juxtaposition of this cutting edge art after being enveloped in the gilded pages and religious stone work of the 1400s earlier.
On the way out, they had some very exquisite and moving photographs by Luc Delahaye. His prints are enormous, 4 feet tall by 8 feet long. The most impressive, though they were all stunning, was his photo, Taliban. It is a masterpiece.
Finally, they had moved Spencer Tunick's photo taken at the Rock Hall to the New Acquisitions wall (it had previously been in the basement by the restrooms). It is a wonderful photo of 3000 naked folk laying together in the street. Check out his work, he is quite cool.
The Inn on Coventry 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd, Cleveland Heights 216-371-1811
Friday, November 12, 2004
Terry Gross
This has turned out to be one of the best weekends in recent memory.
It started by having the luxury to spend a long afternoon with my great friend, Heather. For whatever reason there may be, it is not often that you can spend a good deal of time with someone these days...and to not feel the pressure of time, but to just lie back and to talk with someone, was a glorious gift. And someone that makes you genuinely laugh is also a rare and wonderful treat.
At some point late in the day we roused ourselves from our stimulating conversation and decided to eat. Mark joined us for dinner at Cafe Tandoor, a very nice Indian restaurant. I am still in search of a worthy chicken vindaloo, and while this one was quite good, it was also quite different from my familiar Pacific Northwest vindaloos. So, in that arena, the search continues. However, let's take a moment and talk about the naan. My, oh my, but it was great...hot and fluffy and very tasty. So tasty that Heather and I had four servings. We were over-indulgent pigs. Really. But, again, great naan, people.
Then, Mark left us to our own devices, and we headed down to the Ohio Theatre at Playhouse Square to see NPR's Terry Gross. It was a great show. Terry spoke about the intricacies of interviewing, and how she came into journalism in the first place, and to radio in particular. Interwoven in her lecture were audio clips from some of her more infamous interviews, such as Bill O'Reilly and Gene Simmons. She used the audio to enhance her points, and they were also quite amusing. She was quite self-effacing, and although it was a short show, I felt that we got our money's worth.
It started by having the luxury to spend a long afternoon with my great friend, Heather. For whatever reason there may be, it is not often that you can spend a good deal of time with someone these days...and to not feel the pressure of time, but to just lie back and to talk with someone, was a glorious gift. And someone that makes you genuinely laugh is also a rare and wonderful treat.
At some point late in the day we roused ourselves from our stimulating conversation and decided to eat. Mark joined us for dinner at Cafe Tandoor, a very nice Indian restaurant. I am still in search of a worthy chicken vindaloo, and while this one was quite good, it was also quite different from my familiar Pacific Northwest vindaloos. So, in that arena, the search continues. However, let's take a moment and talk about the naan. My, oh my, but it was great...hot and fluffy and very tasty. So tasty that Heather and I had four servings. We were over-indulgent pigs. Really. But, again, great naan, people.
Then, Mark left us to our own devices, and we headed down to the Ohio Theatre at Playhouse Square to see NPR's Terry Gross. It was a great show. Terry spoke about the intricacies of interviewing, and how she came into journalism in the first place, and to radio in particular. Interwoven in her lecture were audio clips from some of her more infamous interviews, such as Bill O'Reilly and Gene Simmons. She used the audio to enhance her points, and they were also quite amusing. She was quite self-effacing, and although it was a short show, I felt that we got our money's worth.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
New Music Tuesday - Swing Out Sister
Swing Out Sister has released a new album entitled, Where Our Love Grows. The overwhelming response I have to this CD is this – place the CD in the player...then imagine you are running off of a diving board on the most perfect summer afternoon...the first bar of the first track comes on...and you feel like you have plunged into a very deep and cool pool...surrounded and immersed in this swell of orchestral summer. This CD conjures so many images – the best of Bacharach, 60's movies, Austin Powers, Dionne Warwick...it is lush and dense. My favorite track is the opener, Love Won't Let You Down, but I am also fond of the instrumental offering Certain Shades Of Limelight .
Corrinne Drewery's voice, like an old and dear friend, is welcoming and warm and flawless as it always has been. Sometimes I think she could sing the phone book and I would listen…
My recommendation – take the plunge.
(p.s. - might I add that on 1997's Shapes & Patterns they cover Ms. Nyro's Stoned Soul Picnic.)
Corrinne Drewery's voice, like an old and dear friend, is welcoming and warm and flawless as it always has been. Sometimes I think she could sing the phone book and I would listen…
My recommendation – take the plunge.
(p.s. - might I add that on 1997's Shapes & Patterns they cover Ms. Nyro's Stoned Soul Picnic.)
Saturday, November 06, 2004
Pumpkin Beer Tasting
I decided to have my own little beer tasting this fall. I chose five seasonal beers, and here are my conclusions:
Beer #1: Ichabod by The New Holland Brewing Company of Holland, Michigan. Ale made with pumpkin.They advertise this as “fall in a glass, with the essence of everything from Halloween to gingerbread to Thanksgiving and pumpkin pie”, and I really think that sums it up nicely. I think this would be an excellent beer to accompany any of those items, or just to spend a nice fall day with. It would compliment all autumn traditions. However, while it admirably captured the essence of the season, there was nary a hint of pumpkin in this beer.
Beer #2: Pumpkinhead Ale by The Shipyard of Portland, Maine. Malt beverage with pumpkin spice added.Immediately upon opening this beer, I was smelling pumpkin – the beer was definitely spiced up, but the taste sensation was definitely pumpkin, followed by a liquid pie aftertaste. As the goal of this tasting was to rate pumpkin beers, I have a strong feeling that Pumpkinhead will be hard to beat.
Beer #3: Pumpkin Ale from Buffalo Bill's Brewery of Portland, Oregon. (actually, the labeling is misleading - it is made in Hayward, California and licensed to the Portland Brewing Company - which makes me feel better about this particular review) An amber style ale, originally brewed by George Washington, brewed with fresh roasted pumpkins, malted barley. Cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg are added.
I was predisposed to root for the hometown favorite, but sadly, I felt that this beer was lacking in substance. It seemed thin, watery and albeit “spiced”, it captured none of the fall essence nor the pumpkin taste I am searching for. So very sad for the PDX offering (see above) I'm glad Washington got out of the brewing thing...not his strong suit in my opinion.
Beer #4: Pumpkin Lager Beer from Lakefront Brewery, Milwaukie, Wisconsin. Beer brewed with pumpkin and spices. My first impression of this one was that it was very peppery and certainly spicy, but again, the pumpkin essence was lacking. This beer was quite average, with nothing to really recommend it.
Beer #5: Pumpkin Ale from Sea Dog Brewing Company of Portland, Maine. Ale with pumpkin flavor added. Well, so they say, anyway. This was the oddest tasting of the beer selections, and, again, it felt quite thin and insubstantial. I was not impressed.
The clear winner for pumpkin flavored beer was PUMPKINHEAD ALE, but for an all-around taste of fall, ICHABOD is my choice.
Beer #1: Ichabod by The New Holland Brewing Company of Holland, Michigan. Ale made with pumpkin.They advertise this as “fall in a glass, with the essence of everything from Halloween to gingerbread to Thanksgiving and pumpkin pie”, and I really think that sums it up nicely. I think this would be an excellent beer to accompany any of those items, or just to spend a nice fall day with. It would compliment all autumn traditions. However, while it admirably captured the essence of the season, there was nary a hint of pumpkin in this beer.
Beer #2: Pumpkinhead Ale by The Shipyard of Portland, Maine. Malt beverage with pumpkin spice added.Immediately upon opening this beer, I was smelling pumpkin – the beer was definitely spiced up, but the taste sensation was definitely pumpkin, followed by a liquid pie aftertaste. As the goal of this tasting was to rate pumpkin beers, I have a strong feeling that Pumpkinhead will be hard to beat.
Beer #3: Pumpkin Ale from Buffalo Bill's Brewery of Portland, Oregon. (actually, the labeling is misleading - it is made in Hayward, California and licensed to the Portland Brewing Company - which makes me feel better about this particular review) An amber style ale, originally brewed by George Washington, brewed with fresh roasted pumpkins, malted barley. Cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg are added.
I was predisposed to root for the hometown favorite, but sadly, I felt that this beer was lacking in substance. It seemed thin, watery and albeit “spiced”, it captured none of the fall essence nor the pumpkin taste I am searching for. So very sad for the PDX offering (see above) I'm glad Washington got out of the brewing thing...not his strong suit in my opinion.
Beer #4: Pumpkin Lager Beer from Lakefront Brewery, Milwaukie, Wisconsin. Beer brewed with pumpkin and spices. My first impression of this one was that it was very peppery and certainly spicy, but again, the pumpkin essence was lacking. This beer was quite average, with nothing to really recommend it.
Beer #5: Pumpkin Ale from Sea Dog Brewing Company of Portland, Maine. Ale with pumpkin flavor added. Well, so they say, anyway. This was the oddest tasting of the beer selections, and, again, it felt quite thin and insubstantial. I was not impressed.
The clear winner for pumpkin flavored beer was PUMPKINHEAD ALE, but for an all-around taste of fall, ICHABOD is my choice.
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Four People In Search Of Connections
Sean and I have been discussing how isolated not having a family makes you feel. There is a tremendous difference between not wanting to ask a relation for assistance, and not having any relations at all. The drastic sense of aloneness is very hard to explain, as most people are connected to several people, whether they enjoy those connections or not. Sean wants to locate more connectionless people, and make a documentary, which I have temporarily titled, "No Safe Harbor."
My dear friend K8 in Seattle is also battling with a family question, as she undertakes a project to write a book about the consequences for her of having a daughter give up a child for adoption. She posits, and is correct, that there are no books written about the biological grandparents of adopted children. She feels the loss of her granddaughter as deeply, if not more, than her daughter, as her daughter at least had financial and other reasons for making the choice. K8 is struggling with what her role could be in her biological yet un-legal relationship with her granddaughter.
All of these thoughts gathered together for me when it was brought to my attention that my dearest friend of all learned some devastating news regarding her family. For 22 years, her family had symbolized for me that goodness and normalcy were actually possible in this world, as my own experience has been one of transience and temporality. For me, all connections as tenuous and fleeting. To be raised with your original mother and father, and to have four grandparents all of your life, to have that tight circle of connections...these were very foreign concepts to me. And in a day, her foundations were rocked, too, and she questioned the veracity of her life.
In a way, I guess I prefer my being raised by wolves...it prepares one cynically to expect ever constant change . But deep down inside, I know I long for an afternoon of shopping with my mom and grandma, and coming home and preparing a meal for everyone - aunts and uncles included.
Those were halcyon days, indeed.
My dear friend K8 in Seattle is also battling with a family question, as she undertakes a project to write a book about the consequences for her of having a daughter give up a child for adoption. She posits, and is correct, that there are no books written about the biological grandparents of adopted children. She feels the loss of her granddaughter as deeply, if not more, than her daughter, as her daughter at least had financial and other reasons for making the choice. K8 is struggling with what her role could be in her biological yet un-legal relationship with her granddaughter.
All of these thoughts gathered together for me when it was brought to my attention that my dearest friend of all learned some devastating news regarding her family. For 22 years, her family had symbolized for me that goodness and normalcy were actually possible in this world, as my own experience has been one of transience and temporality. For me, all connections as tenuous and fleeting. To be raised with your original mother and father, and to have four grandparents all of your life, to have that tight circle of connections...these were very foreign concepts to me. And in a day, her foundations were rocked, too, and she questioned the veracity of her life.
In a way, I guess I prefer my being raised by wolves...it prepares one cynically to expect ever constant change . But deep down inside, I know I long for an afternoon of shopping with my mom and grandma, and coming home and preparing a meal for everyone - aunts and uncles included.
Those were halcyon days, indeed.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
New Music Tuesday - Chris Isaak
Okay, I have to come clean. I have an illness - I have a huge collection of holiday music. One of my long-time passions was to make holiday mix tapes (which is now the mix CD) for my friends and acquaintances. To this end I have acquired over 200 holiday CD's. So today's new CD is one for the collection: Chris Isaak Christmas.
I've only listened to it twice, and although it has its moments, it is not the stellar find of the season that I was hoping for. I don't know what that will be, but you'll read it here first...
Anyway, I found Chris' voice to be a bit weak on this CD. I think that is my main problem with it.
So far the best track is an original (and that is amazing) Christmas on TV, on which Chris talks about being alone and watching old Christmas movies ...which made me remember one Christmas long ago spent with the love of my life, and watching "It's A Wonderful Life" together, wrapped up on the couch with a fire blazing. Moments like that can make you think that just maybe it IS a wonderful life.
And had I not gotten the Blind Boys of Alabama's Go Tell It On The Mountain last year, Chris' version of Last Day of Year , which the Boys give the definitive performance of, would be in the running for holiday track of 2004. As it is, he has to take a distant second to the Boys. Give them a listen, they are killer. And, by the way, The Blind Boys of Alabama won their third consecutive Grammy Award for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album with that release.
I've only listened to it twice, and although it has its moments, it is not the stellar find of the season that I was hoping for. I don't know what that will be, but you'll read it here first...
Anyway, I found Chris' voice to be a bit weak on this CD. I think that is my main problem with it.
So far the best track is an original (and that is amazing) Christmas on TV, on which Chris talks about being alone and watching old Christmas movies ...which made me remember one Christmas long ago spent with the love of my life, and watching "It's A Wonderful Life" together, wrapped up on the couch with a fire blazing. Moments like that can make you think that just maybe it IS a wonderful life.
And had I not gotten the Blind Boys of Alabama's Go Tell It On The Mountain last year, Chris' version of Last Day of Year , which the Boys give the definitive performance of, would be in the running for holiday track of 2004. As it is, he has to take a distant second to the Boys. Give them a listen, they are killer. And, by the way, The Blind Boys of Alabama won their third consecutive Grammy Award for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album with that release.
Monday, November 01, 2004
What Turns You On?
A strange thing happened. There I was, minding my own business, and a casual phrase rocked my world, and solved a mystery that my sainted therapist, Dianne, and myself could not solve for many years.
This is what happened...someone of my acquaintance, someone that I was not attracted to in the slightest manner, quite casually directed a comment to me. (I apologize for the intentional vagueness in this portion of the tale, Jaimie...regardless, the specifics of the comment are not the integral part of the story) Instantly, I felt like Nicholas Cage receiving the slap from Cher in Moonstruck – I was snapped out of a lingering haze that I had been living in. I was instantly present, and very, very drawn to the speaker, who had now become the most attractive thing on the planet.
How to explain this seismic shift in my own feelings? How to explain this comic turn of turn of events – from someone not being on your radar screen to becoming the most arousing being in the universe?
What is erotic? The acrobatic play of the imagination. The sea of memories in which we bathe. The way we caress and worship things with our eyes. Our willingness to be stirred by the sight of the voluptuous. What is erotic is our passion for the liveliness of life, and an appreciation for the unexpected.
After many hours of reflection, it occurred to me that what turns me on in reality is none of the things I intellectually believe turn me on. None of the qualities I believe spark attraction for me really measure up to this one stunningly simple and unignorable fact...what turns me on is the unprompted recognition of my inner being by someone else. The knowledge that someone else sees me as I see myself, is an attraction so powerful that it has kept me in fetters for five years, wrapped up with the most inappropriate of alliances, which seemed indissolvable with no real explanation. And now I have been casually handed the key to understanding it it and hopefully freeing the Phantom of San Diego.
It was a very powerful day.
This is what happened...someone of my acquaintance, someone that I was not attracted to in the slightest manner, quite casually directed a comment to me. (I apologize for the intentional vagueness in this portion of the tale, Jaimie...regardless, the specifics of the comment are not the integral part of the story) Instantly, I felt like Nicholas Cage receiving the slap from Cher in Moonstruck – I was snapped out of a lingering haze that I had been living in. I was instantly present, and very, very drawn to the speaker, who had now become the most attractive thing on the planet.
How to explain this seismic shift in my own feelings? How to explain this comic turn of turn of events – from someone not being on your radar screen to becoming the most arousing being in the universe?
What is erotic? The acrobatic play of the imagination. The sea of memories in which we bathe. The way we caress and worship things with our eyes. Our willingness to be stirred by the sight of the voluptuous. What is erotic is our passion for the liveliness of life, and an appreciation for the unexpected.
After many hours of reflection, it occurred to me that what turns me on in reality is none of the things I intellectually believe turn me on. None of the qualities I believe spark attraction for me really measure up to this one stunningly simple and unignorable fact...what turns me on is the unprompted recognition of my inner being by someone else. The knowledge that someone else sees me as I see myself, is an attraction so powerful that it has kept me in fetters for five years, wrapped up with the most inappropriate of alliances, which seemed indissolvable with no real explanation. And now I have been casually handed the key to understanding it it and hopefully freeing the Phantom of San Diego.
It was a very powerful day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
