I have finished watching the mini-series titled 'The Kennedys'. The eight-hour series was made by the History channel, but was broadcast on the REELZ channel.
Supposedly, the reason for the move was due to protests from Caroline Kennedy and Marie Shriver. If true, and after watching the series, I am dumbfounded as to what, specifically, they objected. Other reports say that the History Channel did not think it was up to their 'standards'. Yes, it is tough to compete with the quality of 'Swamp People'.
For me, it was a rehash of everything we already knew. Joe Sr. was not Mr. Nice Guy. Jack was a philandering husband, much like his father. There was a Marilyn Monroe segment and the mystery surrounding what was really going on. The mob ties. Bobby hated J. Edgar Hoover and Lyndon hated Bobby. So, tell us something we did not know.
The only thing I learned during the broadcast that I had never heard before was that the term used to address the Attorney General of the United Sates is 'General'. Or at least that is what Robert Kennedy insisted he be called.
We know a lot about public figures. I am guessing the producers and writers just wanted to make another movie about the family, or at least part of it. They seem to have lost a few children along the way. We only saw Joe Jr. Jack, Bobby, Rosemary, and a brief appearance by Patricia. No mention of anyone else.
Was it great TV? Well, no. Was it at least entertaining? I thought so. And the acting? When a performer so embodies a nasty character that you want to spit in their eye, I give them a thumbs up. That award should go to Tom Wilkinson as Joe, Sr. Nice job.
If you get a chance to watch it, you can make your own determination on its quality. I don't feel I wasted my time.
Showing posts with label entertainment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label entertainment. Show all posts
No Wonder
Last night I finished reading 'Bringing Adam Home'. It is the story of the twenty-seven year search for the killer of six-year old Adam Walsh. NO, that is not a misprint. 27 years. Twenty-five years after Ottis Toole first confessed to the Hollywood, Florida police that he did it.
The book was very difficult for me to read. Several times I had to close it up and move on to something else. Joyce Carol Oates put it best on the back cover when she referred to 'police incompetence'. Utterly unbelievable. I wanted to go to Florida and slap Detective Hoffman up side the head, if he is still around.
Les Standiford, the author, makes the point that the wrong detective was assigned and there was lack of supervision. Not an excuse. I kept wondering how this guy got to be a detective or even on the police force.
It is this kind of individual (Hoffman) that makes people think public servants are over-paid and lazy. And his successors on the case were not much better, nor the FBI agent involved, or a succession of Police Chiefs.
Not until Det. Sgt. Matthews was asked by John and Reve Walsh to personally go over all of the materials to see if he could put an end to the search was it finally concluded that Toole was the killer.
What angered me most about reading this was that Reve Walsh, Adam's mother, was given not one, but two, polygraphs. Ottis Toole? Not a single one!!! And the guy confessed on multiple occasions, but good old Det. Hoffman just didn't think he did it.
If you like non-fiction, I suggest you pick up the book and give it a read. And when you do, remember that not all public servants are like the detective assigned to the Adam Walsh case. The great majority are good and hard-working public servants. Unfortunately, it only takes one bad apple to spoil the bunch, or at least the public perception of the bunch. It's too bad.
The book was very difficult for me to read. Several times I had to close it up and move on to something else. Joyce Carol Oates put it best on the back cover when she referred to 'police incompetence'. Utterly unbelievable. I wanted to go to Florida and slap Detective Hoffman up side the head, if he is still around.
Les Standiford, the author, makes the point that the wrong detective was assigned and there was lack of supervision. Not an excuse. I kept wondering how this guy got to be a detective or even on the police force.
It is this kind of individual (Hoffman) that makes people think public servants are over-paid and lazy. And his successors on the case were not much better, nor the FBI agent involved, or a succession of Police Chiefs.
Not until Det. Sgt. Matthews was asked by John and Reve Walsh to personally go over all of the materials to see if he could put an end to the search was it finally concluded that Toole was the killer.
What angered me most about reading this was that Reve Walsh, Adam's mother, was given not one, but two, polygraphs. Ottis Toole? Not a single one!!! And the guy confessed on multiple occasions, but good old Det. Hoffman just didn't think he did it.
If you like non-fiction, I suggest you pick up the book and give it a read. And when you do, remember that not all public servants are like the detective assigned to the Adam Walsh case. The great majority are good and hard-working public servants. Unfortunately, it only takes one bad apple to spoil the bunch, or at least the public perception of the bunch. It's too bad.
Where is Sgt. Friday when You need Him?
Any of you remember 'Dragnet' and Jack Webb as Sgt. Friday? While he never actually said "Just the facts, ma'am", in those words, it became the catchphrase for the series. Well, why confuse anyone today with the facts.
Yesterday I spent a good deal of time on the telephone (my blog post was quite popular). One of the callers happened to mention The Colbert Report and suggested I watch last Monday's show. With Comcast 'On Demand', that is pretty easy to do. So, between phone calls, I did exactly that. There was a segment that has generated a gazillion 'tweets' all about non-factual statements. The impetus was the following:
On April 8, 2011, US Senator Jon Kyl spoke on the Senate floor and claimed that performing abortions is "well over 90 percent of what Planned Parenthood does." Planned Parenthood responded that 90 percent of its services are preventative, and only 3 percent are abortion-related.
A spokesperson for Kyl later claimed the Senator’s remark "was not intended to be a factual statement but rather to illustrate that Planned Parenthood, an organization that receives millions in taxpayer dollars, does subsidize abortions."
Hoo-boy! I am sure we all knew that a lot of trash talk comes out of the halls of government. Now we have not only have proof of it, but also a justification for it.
If you are interested in seeing some of Colbert's 'tweets', they are on his website. And if you get to view the show, it had me rolling in my chair. Alas, I could hardly roll on the floor with my bad back. I'd never get up again.
Yesterday I spent a good deal of time on the telephone (my blog post was quite popular). One of the callers happened to mention The Colbert Report and suggested I watch last Monday's show. With Comcast 'On Demand', that is pretty easy to do. So, between phone calls, I did exactly that. There was a segment that has generated a gazillion 'tweets' all about non-factual statements. The impetus was the following:
On April 8, 2011, US Senator Jon Kyl spoke on the Senate floor and claimed that performing abortions is "well over 90 percent of what Planned Parenthood does." Planned Parenthood responded that 90 percent of its services are preventative, and only 3 percent are abortion-related.
A spokesperson for Kyl later claimed the Senator’s remark "was not intended to be a factual statement but rather to illustrate that Planned Parenthood, an organization that receives millions in taxpayer dollars, does subsidize abortions."
Hoo-boy! I am sure we all knew that a lot of trash talk comes out of the halls of government. Now we have not only have proof of it, but also a justification for it.
If you are interested in seeing some of Colbert's 'tweets', they are on his website. And if you get to view the show, it had me rolling in my chair. Alas, I could hardly roll on the floor with my bad back. I'd never get up again.
TMI
I logged on to the internet his morning to get my email and before I got to my account I saw a headline about Katie Couric's colonoscopy. No, that is not a misprint.
I know from watching the Today show many years ago that Ms. Couric's husband died from colon cancer. He was young and with a family and that is very sad. I also remember Katie promoting early detection and if memory serves me correctly there was on on-air colonoscopy event.
For me, personally, this is 'too much information'. TMI. I'll settle for discussion of procedures and why it is important, but do I really need to know what they found in her colon? This is the headline:
So much for 'tell-ALL' books about actors and their families that used to mean the juicy scandals. Now it includes the real 'inside' story.
If memory serves me correctly, I am due for a colonoscopy this year. I promise to spare you any and all details. It's just TMI.
I know from watching the Today show many years ago that Ms. Couric's husband died from colon cancer. He was young and with a family and that is very sad. I also remember Katie promoting early detection and if memory serves me correctly there was on on-air colonoscopy event.
For me, personally, this is 'too much information'. TMI. I'll settle for discussion of procedures and why it is important, but do I really need to know what they found in her colon? This is the headline:
What We Found in Katie Couric. The results of her colonoscopy were ...wild.
It is accompanied by a picture of her in a hospital bed. I did not click on the video, so you are on your own if you are interested.So much for 'tell-ALL' books about actors and their families that used to mean the juicy scandals. Now it includes the real 'inside' story.
If memory serves me correctly, I am due for a colonoscopy this year. I promise to spare you any and all details. It's just TMI.
A Conspiracy Theory
Last fall I found a TV show that I really enjoyed watching. It got my brain going with all of its intrigues. It was smart, innovative, and original. Alas, it is no more.
The show was RUBICON on AMC. It was praised by many critics. It was an intelligent drama. Oops. There are two words to kill a program: 'intelligent drama'. Heaven forbid we cause anyone to have to think too hard.
Sometimes I think I must be the last person left on earth who can say she has never seen, 'Dancing with the Stars', 'American Idol', 'The Great Race', or 'Two and a Half Men'. This is what appeals to the average viewer. Mindless drivel, IMHO.
So, with the demise of RUBICON I have come up with my own conspiracy theory. My thinking is that there are forces in this country that did not like how intelligence gathering and its agency employees were portrayed. There were some not so nice folks in the series who would go to any lengths to protect their own interests. I'm probably wrong and it was just poor ratings that cancelled the show. But I like my theory better. I'd rather not think that Americans prefer drivel.
The show was RUBICON on AMC. It was praised by many critics. It was an intelligent drama. Oops. There are two words to kill a program: 'intelligent drama'. Heaven forbid we cause anyone to have to think too hard.
Sometimes I think I must be the last person left on earth who can say she has never seen, 'Dancing with the Stars', 'American Idol', 'The Great Race', or 'Two and a Half Men'. This is what appeals to the average viewer. Mindless drivel, IMHO.
So, with the demise of RUBICON I have come up with my own conspiracy theory. My thinking is that there are forces in this country that did not like how intelligence gathering and its agency employees were portrayed. There were some not so nice folks in the series who would go to any lengths to protect their own interests. I'm probably wrong and it was just poor ratings that cancelled the show. But I like my theory better. I'd rather not think that Americans prefer drivel.
The Worst Movie
If you ask me which is the worst movie I have ever seen, all the way through, I would tell you 'The English Patient'. I saw the entire movie because I went with someone who was actually enjoying it. Had I gone by myself I would have walked out.
The movie is 162 minutes long. That was at least 152 minutes longer than I wanted to sit there. I disliked it from the very beginning. I just wanted it to end. It was pure torture for me.
I know you may think this sounds cruel, but if you saw the movie and saw the Seinfeld episode about it, think of me as Elaine.
I mention this because it has taken me two days to watch the movie 'The Next Three Days'. A friend raved about it. She must have been on pain medication and really doped up. This one was only 126 minutes. They could have done it in a one-hour TV show. I have never ever used the fast forward button so much. And it still took me two days. I don't think I could watch more than 15 minutes at a time.
What I want to know is this: How did this movie get rated so highly? What did I miss?
The movie is 162 minutes long. That was at least 152 minutes longer than I wanted to sit there. I disliked it from the very beginning. I just wanted it to end. It was pure torture for me.
I know you may think this sounds cruel, but if you saw the movie and saw the Seinfeld episode about it, think of me as Elaine.
I mention this because it has taken me two days to watch the movie 'The Next Three Days'. A friend raved about it. She must have been on pain medication and really doped up. This one was only 126 minutes. They could have done it in a one-hour TV show. I have never ever used the fast forward button so much. And it still took me two days. I don't think I could watch more than 15 minutes at a time.
What I want to know is this: How did this movie get rated so highly? What did I miss?
France, the Middle East, Wisconsin - Coming soon to a town near you
Do you hear the people sing?
Singing the song of angry men?
It is the music of a people who will not be slaves again. ---- from Les Miserables
I've been sitting here since seven this evening watching a PBS presentation of a 25th anniversary production of 'Les Miserables'. It has been so enjoyable I decided to buy a ticket to the Fisher Theater production in a few weeks.
So, I'm listening to the lyrics. Not singing along as I am wont to do, but really listening. And I hear the above lyric and think, 'Oh my. Sounds like something they should sing in Wisconsin. Or maybe soon in Lansing.'
So, while I am online to find tickets I google 'Les Miz' and find that apparently the folks in Wisconsin have already decided that this is a good song for their cause. See for yourself. And notice the youthful faces. Reminds me of my youth and makes me want to make a picket sign.
Singing the song of angry men?
It is the music of a people who will not be slaves again. ---- from Les Miserables
I've been sitting here since seven this evening watching a PBS presentation of a 25th anniversary production of 'Les Miserables'. It has been so enjoyable I decided to buy a ticket to the Fisher Theater production in a few weeks.
So, I'm listening to the lyrics. Not singing along as I am wont to do, but really listening. And I hear the above lyric and think, 'Oh my. Sounds like something they should sing in Wisconsin. Or maybe soon in Lansing.'
So, while I am online to find tickets I google 'Les Miz' and find that apparently the folks in Wisconsin have already decided that this is a good song for their cause. See for yourself. And notice the youthful faces. Reminds me of my youth and makes me want to make a picket sign.
Maybe I am missing something?
I have been reading a biography of Gypsy Rose Lee by Karen Abbott. It came across my radar when I read a review which gave it high marks. (For another opinion, read this review of American Rose in the NY Times, which points out the book's flaws. I should have read it instead of the book.)
Growing up in the 50's I had heard about the stripper who never bared it all (not true if you read between the lines in the book). I had seen her on talk shows and remember her as being rather 'bawdy'.
I have never seen the movie 'Gypsy', primarily because I do not like Rosalind Russell. Reading the book I can certainly see how she was chosen to play the obnoxious stage mother. One comment in the book about her is that 'her river did not run to the sea'. She was a force to be reckoned with and not above doing anything immoral or illegal, or so it seems.
Interesting also that they cast petite Natalie Wood to play the 5' 9 1/5 " Gypsy, also. Makes me think Hollywood wanted to make like Gypsy was America's sweetheart of the Depression?
So, I am reading this story and thinking 'What a whack job'. Her and her whole family. I can find nothing redeeming here about anyone. Her own sister, actress June Havoc, told the author that 'Gypsy had no shame'.
I discovered online that CBS did a tribute to her for what would have been her 100th birthday. They interviewed her son, Erik Preminger. I cannot print the comment from his father, Otto, as this is a G-rated blog.
But the thing that stands out in my mind reading this is that stage mothers in the 1910s and 20s exploited their children much like stage mothers do today. The only difference being that now we can see all of this happening in real time, Twitter about it, post it on YouTube, whatever. It is truly sad, IMHO.
Growing up in the 50's I had heard about the stripper who never bared it all (not true if you read between the lines in the book). I had seen her on talk shows and remember her as being rather 'bawdy'.
I have never seen the movie 'Gypsy', primarily because I do not like Rosalind Russell. Reading the book I can certainly see how she was chosen to play the obnoxious stage mother. One comment in the book about her is that 'her river did not run to the sea'. She was a force to be reckoned with and not above doing anything immoral or illegal, or so it seems.
Interesting also that they cast petite Natalie Wood to play the 5' 9 1/5 " Gypsy, also. Makes me think Hollywood wanted to make like Gypsy was America's sweetheart of the Depression?
So, I am reading this story and thinking 'What a whack job'. Her and her whole family. I can find nothing redeeming here about anyone. Her own sister, actress June Havoc, told the author that 'Gypsy had no shame'.
I discovered online that CBS did a tribute to her for what would have been her 100th birthday. They interviewed her son, Erik Preminger. I cannot print the comment from his father, Otto, as this is a G-rated blog.
But the thing that stands out in my mind reading this is that stage mothers in the 1910s and 20s exploited their children much like stage mothers do today. The only difference being that now we can see all of this happening in real time, Twitter about it, post it on YouTube, whatever. It is truly sad, IMHO.
Top-selling Reads
I've talked about many of the books I have read and am reading on this blog. In a recent email from the West Bloomfield Library, there was a link to a site where I could find out the best sellers in my birth year. I wondered if I had actually read any of the books, so I gave it a try.
The number one best seller was by Daphne DuMaurier. While I have read many of her novels, 'The King's General', does not ring a bell. Then again, I read many of these when I was in high school and college, and cannot remember as well as I used to.
Speaking of ringing bells, number four is 'The Miracle of the Bells' by Russell Janney, a book I do remember. It made quite an impression on me when I read it in the early 60's. While trying to find a link for the book (could not), I discovered that a movie existed. How did I miss that?
OTOH, I never read 'The Snake Pit' by Mary Jane Ward, but I did see the movie.
And my affinity for old movies was proven by my never realizing that the movie 'The Egg and I' was actually based on a best selling non-fiction work by 1930's egg farmer Betty MacDonald.
I think I'll keep the list and see if any of these are available at the library. Many are out of print, of course.
If you are interested in seeing what the best sellers were when you were born, just click the link.
The number one best seller was by Daphne DuMaurier. While I have read many of her novels, 'The King's General', does not ring a bell. Then again, I read many of these when I was in high school and college, and cannot remember as well as I used to.
Speaking of ringing bells, number four is 'The Miracle of the Bells' by Russell Janney, a book I do remember. It made quite an impression on me when I read it in the early 60's. While trying to find a link for the book (could not), I discovered that a movie existed. How did I miss that?
OTOH, I never read 'The Snake Pit' by Mary Jane Ward, but I did see the movie.
And my affinity for old movies was proven by my never realizing that the movie 'The Egg and I' was actually based on a best selling non-fiction work by 1930's egg farmer Betty MacDonald.
I think I'll keep the list and see if any of these are available at the library. Many are out of print, of course.
If you are interested in seeing what the best sellers were when you were born, just click the link.
It's Over
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra Board has made it official. The 2011 season is over. I received two emails this morning announcing the decision and got out my remaining tickets for the year. I went online and filled out a form for each of my tickets.
When I was done, an old song popped into my head. It is an old Eydie Gorme rendition of the Irving Berlin song, 'How About Me'. It appears on an album from 1966. So long ago that my vinyl copy is in mono, not stereo. The first line of the song is 'It's over'. The last line is 'But how about me?'
And that is just what I was thinking.
Frankly, I have found I have not missed the symphony, as such. Especially not not the driving downtown. I've watched classical performances on TV, listened to my CDs and enjoyed Sirius XM classical in the car. But there is something exciting about being there in person. I have been fortunate to have seen many, many artists over the years. And I have missed that experience this year.
I hope that the musicians have made what they think is the best decision for them. But in this economic environment, I am not so sure. Maybe they should have spent less time thinking about 'how about me?' and thought more about the big picture. I hope that each of them fare well in this decision.
When I was done, an old song popped into my head. It is an old Eydie Gorme rendition of the Irving Berlin song, 'How About Me'. It appears on an album from 1966. So long ago that my vinyl copy is in mono, not stereo. The first line of the song is 'It's over'. The last line is 'But how about me?'
And that is just what I was thinking.
Frankly, I have found I have not missed the symphony, as such. Especially not not the driving downtown. I've watched classical performances on TV, listened to my CDs and enjoyed Sirius XM classical in the car. But there is something exciting about being there in person. I have been fortunate to have seen many, many artists over the years. And I have missed that experience this year.
I hope that the musicians have made what they think is the best decision for them. But in this economic environment, I am not so sure. Maybe they should have spent less time thinking about 'how about me?' and thought more about the big picture. I hope that each of them fare well in this decision.
The Ghost Breakers
No, that is not a typo. It is Ghost Breakers, not Ghostbusters. 'The Ghost Breakers' is a 1940 movie that stars Bob Hope and Paulette Goddard. I rented it after reading some of its one-liners in a book I was reading.
Anyway, Bob is on his way to a haunted castle in Cuba. He hears there is a zombie there and asks a Cuban what a zombie is. The reply is 'a zombie has no will of his own and you see them sometimes walking around blindly with dead eyes, following orders and not knowing what they do, not caring'. Hope replies, 'You mean like Democrats?'
OK. So not everyone in the movie audience probably thought it was funny. But unless the folks in Lansing do some serious discussing of these new tax proposals in the Governor's budget, the description might fit both parties.
Anyway, Bob is on his way to a haunted castle in Cuba. He hears there is a zombie there and asks a Cuban what a zombie is. The reply is 'a zombie has no will of his own and you see them sometimes walking around blindly with dead eyes, following orders and not knowing what they do, not caring'. Hope replies, 'You mean like Democrats?'
OK. So not everyone in the movie audience probably thought it was funny. But unless the folks in Lansing do some serious discussing of these new tax proposals in the Governor's budget, the description might fit both parties.
Remembering the Good Old Days in Song
I know there are lots of you out there who are my age. Many of you remember the songs you heard growing up and still listen to them on the radio. So, for those who would like an instant juke-box on their computer, here is a link to one.
Enjoy. http://carolynspreciousmemories.com/50s/sitemap.html
Enjoy. http://carolynspreciousmemories.com/50s/sitemap.html
The Day After - Super Sunday
I did not watch the Super Bowl yesterday. I have not watched it in many years. Boys gone, no more sports on TV.
I mean, why waste time watching on Sunday, when you can watch all the commercials, football-free, on Monday. As a matter of fact, this year I actually saw some before the game was even on.
So, while I have not seen all of them yet, I must give a nod to a few. First, the football fans. The NFL did a nice job with this one, although I am sure some young people will not know all the characters.
Then there is Eminem and Chrysler. Whoever came up with that ad deserves a bonus. Update: 2/8/11 I am told the ad cost $9 million, so forget the bonus. I'll just clap. And despite all the controversy it caused, I think it beats the talking babies and animal tricks. But then, I am not your average Joe watching TV.
And for those of us who are die-hard 'Star Wars' fans, a little chuckle with the VW ad.
Most times I tune out the ads on TV. Some are downright irritating, especially the insurance commercials of late (with the exception of that Australian lizard). Super Bowl ads are in a separate category. Nice job.
I mean, why waste time watching on Sunday, when you can watch all the commercials, football-free, on Monday. As a matter of fact, this year I actually saw some before the game was even on.
So, while I have not seen all of them yet, I must give a nod to a few. First, the football fans. The NFL did a nice job with this one, although I am sure some young people will not know all the characters.
Then there is Eminem and Chrysler. Whoever came up with that ad deserves a bonus. Update: 2/8/11 I am told the ad cost $9 million, so forget the bonus. I'll just clap. And despite all the controversy it caused, I think it beats the talking babies and animal tricks. But then, I am not your average Joe watching TV.
And for those of us who are die-hard 'Star Wars' fans, a little chuckle with the VW ad.
Most times I tune out the ads on TV. Some are downright irritating, especially the insurance commercials of late (with the exception of that Australian lizard). Super Bowl ads are in a separate category. Nice job.
You've Got to be Kidding Me
Readers of this blog will notice that I have a link to the FRAZZ comic. It is one of my favorites. I read it everyday along with Dilbert.
I own one of the Frazz comic books, specifically 'Live at Bryson Elementary'. Imagine my surprise when I was on Amazon.com today to find that the book is available for $607.00.
OK. It is being sold by a dealer other than Amazon. But $607.00? Well, folks, make me an offer. I might just be willing to give mine up. Or not. Maybe the price will go higher.
I own one of the Frazz comic books, specifically 'Live at Bryson Elementary'. Imagine my surprise when I was on Amazon.com today to find that the book is available for $607.00.
OK. It is being sold by a dealer other than Amazon. But $607.00? Well, folks, make me an offer. I might just be willing to give mine up. Or not. Maybe the price will go higher.
Music To Live By
There is an interesting article in this morning's paper about a study on music and its effect on the brain. They did a study? I could have told them some of the very stuff they discovered.
I have been known to 'shush' people in my car and even in my home if music is playing and a particular piece of music is approaching that I want to hear and not be distracted from. Rude? Well, yes, but for me, music is one of the most pleasurable aspects of my life.
Starting in elementary school, I used to walk to school early in the morning to have voice practice before classes started. I had choir until I reached high school when I decided that since I was not pursuing a music career, I needed to drop those electives and study stuff like chemistry and physics instead.
My interest in music tends toward the jazzy, smoky nightclub, top of the piano chanteuse style and classical. I've never had an interest in rock and roll or its successors in the 'pop' genre. I will admit to having been to two Barry Manilow concerts and once got dragged to a reunion of the band 'Traffic' (OMG, it was the worse event ever, and not just because I had no idea who they were.)
So, when I read the article I decided to grab a CD and play it to see how it affected the rest of the reading of the newspaper. I put on Gata Barbieri's 'Caliente'. The music was already going in my mind when the first note sounded. I think I know the CD by heart even though it has been more than a few years since I have played it.
During the first two numbers my butt was bouncing on the chair along with the requisite 'head bobbing'. I was trying to do the Sudoku puzzle and I swear it took me twice as long as usual. But then I knew that the third cut was getting ready and my brain turned to mush.
The song is 'Europa' by Carlos Santana. (OK, I saw him in concert at his 'Supernatural' tour, before the album became a 'must-have'. I had four fourth row seats I won in a drawing and had a difficult time finding anyone who wanted to go.) The guitar solos are replaced by Gato's saxophone and it is definitely a 'shush' song. I just wanted to close my eyes and float.
I could not imagine my life without music. Yet, I have attended music events where people talk all the way through them as though the performance is the background for their own little party. I've had to endure people snoring at the DSO. I am not sure which scenario is worse. Well, the guy sleeping can't hear my 'shush'.
There are wonderful quotes about music. One of my favorites is:
Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. - Victor Hugo
But you have to love the one from Oscar Levant (you must hear him play 'Rhapsody in Blue'), because I can definitely relate:
You can't possibly hear the last movement of Beethoven's Seventh and go slow. ~Oscar Levant, explaining his way out of a speeding ticket
If you wish to read more of these, click here: Quotes
I have been known to 'shush' people in my car and even in my home if music is playing and a particular piece of music is approaching that I want to hear and not be distracted from. Rude? Well, yes, but for me, music is one of the most pleasurable aspects of my life.
Starting in elementary school, I used to walk to school early in the morning to have voice practice before classes started. I had choir until I reached high school when I decided that since I was not pursuing a music career, I needed to drop those electives and study stuff like chemistry and physics instead.
My interest in music tends toward the jazzy, smoky nightclub, top of the piano chanteuse style and classical. I've never had an interest in rock and roll or its successors in the 'pop' genre. I will admit to having been to two Barry Manilow concerts and once got dragged to a reunion of the band 'Traffic' (OMG, it was the worse event ever, and not just because I had no idea who they were.)
So, when I read the article I decided to grab a CD and play it to see how it affected the rest of the reading of the newspaper. I put on Gata Barbieri's 'Caliente'. The music was already going in my mind when the first note sounded. I think I know the CD by heart even though it has been more than a few years since I have played it.
During the first two numbers my butt was bouncing on the chair along with the requisite 'head bobbing'. I was trying to do the Sudoku puzzle and I swear it took me twice as long as usual. But then I knew that the third cut was getting ready and my brain turned to mush.
The song is 'Europa' by Carlos Santana. (OK, I saw him in concert at his 'Supernatural' tour, before the album became a 'must-have'. I had four fourth row seats I won in a drawing and had a difficult time finding anyone who wanted to go.) The guitar solos are replaced by Gato's saxophone and it is definitely a 'shush' song. I just wanted to close my eyes and float.
I could not imagine my life without music. Yet, I have attended music events where people talk all the way through them as though the performance is the background for their own little party. I've had to endure people snoring at the DSO. I am not sure which scenario is worse. Well, the guy sleeping can't hear my 'shush'.
There are wonderful quotes about music. One of my favorites is:
Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. - Victor Hugo
But you have to love the one from Oscar Levant (you must hear him play 'Rhapsody in Blue'), because I can definitely relate:
You can't possibly hear the last movement of Beethoven's Seventh and go slow. ~Oscar Levant, explaining his way out of a speeding ticket
If you wish to read more of these, click here: Quotes
Extending the Rule
Anyone who has rad this blog from the beginning may remember me talking bout my '50 page rule'. That is the one where if I am not into a book by page 50, I stop reading it.
Well, I am returning my latest endeavor to the library. "Fall of Giants". Having made it to page 386 out of more than 1,000, I am done. Why so long? Well, it is not that it isn't interesting, it is just that it is not compelling enough to continue.
World War I has started. Finally. I already know how that turns out. As for the characters, I have only found one that catches my interest and she has little of a role in the story at this point.
If I wanted to know all about the political and war strategies, I would read a good non-fiction book on the subject. If I want to read about the Russians, I'll read Tolstoy.
The next book in the series is supposed to deal with World War II. With the same characters, I can probably pick it up and not miss a thing.
While the novel has received fairly good reviews, I will set it aside and move on. It's already way past my rule.
Well, I am returning my latest endeavor to the library. "Fall of Giants". Having made it to page 386 out of more than 1,000, I am done. Why so long? Well, it is not that it isn't interesting, it is just that it is not compelling enough to continue.
World War I has started. Finally. I already know how that turns out. As for the characters, I have only found one that catches my interest and she has little of a role in the story at this point.
If I wanted to know all about the political and war strategies, I would read a good non-fiction book on the subject. If I want to read about the Russians, I'll read Tolstoy.
The next book in the series is supposed to deal with World War II. With the same characters, I can probably pick it up and not miss a thing.
While the novel has received fairly good reviews, I will set it aside and move on. It's already way past my rule.
Talk about some heavy reading
When I use the term 'heavy reading', I usually am referring to non-fiction books about theories on some financial or economic matter. But in this instance I am talking about the latest book I am reading, 'Fall of Giants'. The book is over 1,000 pages and weighs over three pounds. It is the first book in the century trilogy by Ken Follett. Now, I certainly hope that it does not take the author another 20 years to finish this trilogy.
Mr. Follett, who is one of my favorite authors, wrote 'Pillars of the Earth' in 1989. The sequel, 'World Without End' was published in 2007. My friends and I were asking each other what we remembered. Heck, at our ages, it's remarkable that we even remembered the title.
So, I am a little over 10% of the way through this first book. Heaven help me if I drop it on my foot.
Mr. Follett, who is one of my favorite authors, wrote 'Pillars of the Earth' in 1989. The sequel, 'World Without End' was published in 2007. My friends and I were asking each other what we remembered. Heck, at our ages, it's remarkable that we even remembered the title.
So, I am a little over 10% of the way through this first book. Heaven help me if I drop it on my foot.
Live Long and Prosper
I am doing a NYT crossword yesterday and the first clue is 'Sci-fi role started in 1966'. Well, I hate TV and pop music trivia because I don't store much of that knowledge upstairs. But, the down clue for the first letter was year in which Michelangelo began work on 'David'. Aha. Must be 'MD something'. (MDI)
So. A character strating with 'M'. Wheels start spinning. I was in college in '66, so not watching much TV. But 'Mr. Spock' jumped into my head. I have seen all the 'Star Trek' movies and have seen enough of the series over the years to make an imprint in the old noggin.
And then I thought, WOW. Not only did Leonard Nimoy start playing Spock in 1966, he played Spock Prime in the latest movie in 2009. (In that same period of time, actually 1963-2008, we've had six different actors protray James Bond.)
Is there any other TV and movie role that has gone on for so long with the same actor? I couldn't think of any, but if you know of one, let me know.
So. A character strating with 'M'. Wheels start spinning. I was in college in '66, so not watching much TV. But 'Mr. Spock' jumped into my head. I have seen all the 'Star Trek' movies and have seen enough of the series over the years to make an imprint in the old noggin.
And then I thought, WOW. Not only did Leonard Nimoy start playing Spock in 1966, he played Spock Prime in the latest movie in 2009. (In that same period of time, actually 1963-2008, we've had six different actors protray James Bond.)
Is there any other TV and movie role that has gone on for so long with the same actor? I couldn't think of any, but if you know of one, let me know.
Do You XM?
I do not drive my car a lot. When I do, I usually listen to classical music on XM radio. But that will likely come to an end next winter when my paid subscription runs out. Dealing with XM has been a nightmare from day one.
The latest incident was with a bill I received yesterday. In September I renewed for five months and received a bill due on October 10. I paid the bill and the check was cashed on October 4. The bill I received yesterday showed a past due amount and another invoice fee of $2.00. What? I already paid.
I spent over 45 minutes on the phone with them this morning talking to three different people, one of whom only spoke Spanish. I obviously got transferred off to someone who would have no clue what I was talking about.
The explanation was this. Because they had to rebill me (for the payment I already made BEFORE the due date), the invoice fee was due. BUT, they would kindly 'waive' it this time.
So, let me get this straight. I paid the bill by the due date. The company cashed the check. They rebilled me before the original due date and, therefore, generated another fee. Hey, why not just send a bill every day?
The sad part is that the people you talk to have no clue what you are trying to explain to them. They also seem to have no superiors available to speak to. It is no wonder so many people I know just let the free subscription they get with their new cars expire, even when they enjoyed the music. It saves a lot of grief.
Well, next road trip I'll just pack the CDs.
Click here to read about others' experiences with XM
The latest incident was with a bill I received yesterday. In September I renewed for five months and received a bill due on October 10. I paid the bill and the check was cashed on October 4. The bill I received yesterday showed a past due amount and another invoice fee of $2.00. What? I already paid.
I spent over 45 minutes on the phone with them this morning talking to three different people, one of whom only spoke Spanish. I obviously got transferred off to someone who would have no clue what I was talking about.
The explanation was this. Because they had to rebill me (for the payment I already made BEFORE the due date), the invoice fee was due. BUT, they would kindly 'waive' it this time.
So, let me get this straight. I paid the bill by the due date. The company cashed the check. They rebilled me before the original due date and, therefore, generated another fee. Hey, why not just send a bill every day?
The sad part is that the people you talk to have no clue what you are trying to explain to them. They also seem to have no superiors available to speak to. It is no wonder so many people I know just let the free subscription they get with their new cars expire, even when they enjoyed the music. It saves a lot of grief.
Well, next road trip I'll just pack the CDs.
Click here to read about others' experiences with XM
Walking the Line
I have been 'on strike', officially, once in my life. Refusing to do cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. until my husband and kids helped out doesn't count as 'official'.
It was in late 1969 that the union I was represented by at the City of Detroit took a strike vote. Actually, it was a 'call in sick' vote, fitting for hospital workers. I do not even remember the reason we did it. I left the city for a year from 1968 to 1969 because they hadn't settled the union contract and I was offered more money at Hutzel hospital. I went back in July, 1969 when the contract had been settled. In the fall we spent one day on the picket line. Mayor Cavanaugh went into court and got an injunction. Facing daily fines for walking out, we all went back to work. And the hospital suffered no loss from us since we made sure the labs were minimally staffed.
The 1994-95 baseball strike left a bitter taste in my mouth. I used to go to a lot of baseball games. I enjoyed sitting there and watching the game, boring as some may think. Not I. Returning home from a trip to Baltimore in June, 1995, I decided to swing by old Tiger Stadium and see the Tigers play the Yankees. OMG. The stadium was practically empty. This was the Yankees. Where was everyone?
Like I did, many had not forgiven their teams from striking. And it forever affected my attendance at games.
Now I read that the musicians at the DSO are ready to walk out. And go where? Your salaries come from patrons like myself. I was ready to stop being a season subscriber but after talking to someone from the DSO earlier this year, I decided to continue. The strike may mean this is truly the last year for me.
I understand disagreements with management. I have been on both sides of the bargaining table. Sometimes disagreements go far beyond wages and benefits and get into more difficult things like working conditions. (We joked at the City that workers at the old Detroit Receiving/General received combat pay.)
But the long term unseen effects of strikes are not usually considered by workers. And that is that folks will take their money elsewhere during the void and may never bring it back.
It was in late 1969 that the union I was represented by at the City of Detroit took a strike vote. Actually, it was a 'call in sick' vote, fitting for hospital workers. I do not even remember the reason we did it. I left the city for a year from 1968 to 1969 because they hadn't settled the union contract and I was offered more money at Hutzel hospital. I went back in July, 1969 when the contract had been settled. In the fall we spent one day on the picket line. Mayor Cavanaugh went into court and got an injunction. Facing daily fines for walking out, we all went back to work. And the hospital suffered no loss from us since we made sure the labs were minimally staffed.
The 1994-95 baseball strike left a bitter taste in my mouth. I used to go to a lot of baseball games. I enjoyed sitting there and watching the game, boring as some may think. Not I. Returning home from a trip to Baltimore in June, 1995, I decided to swing by old Tiger Stadium and see the Tigers play the Yankees. OMG. The stadium was practically empty. This was the Yankees. Where was everyone?
Like I did, many had not forgiven their teams from striking. And it forever affected my attendance at games.
Now I read that the musicians at the DSO are ready to walk out. And go where? Your salaries come from patrons like myself. I was ready to stop being a season subscriber but after talking to someone from the DSO earlier this year, I decided to continue. The strike may mean this is truly the last year for me.
I understand disagreements with management. I have been on both sides of the bargaining table. Sometimes disagreements go far beyond wages and benefits and get into more difficult things like working conditions. (We joked at the City that workers at the old Detroit Receiving/General received combat pay.)
But the long term unseen effects of strikes are not usually considered by workers. And that is that folks will take their money elsewhere during the void and may never bring it back.
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