1) Et Expecto: We are waiting for a snow storm... or not. All the forecasts yesterday were warning of mounds of snow and maybe ice. It was headed our way, giving Colorado and Kansas a decidedly Arctic look. I did little yesterday, nothing more than I had to, I just knew that if the snow hit I'd be shoveling, de-icing, and hearing the Palace denizens bitch. Barb and I were resigned to miss the Symphony concert on Saturday if the weather turned nasty. I went to bed early too... getting all prepared.
Woke up at 5AM.. trudged to the window, expecting to see the world covered in white. It just looked wet. Bed beckoned and I returned. Now awake, full of coffee and functioning a bit, I see that perhaps the worst of the storm is heading south of us. We may get 1-2 in of it, but not the 8-12 they were taking about. Since it is supposed to be in 40s tomorrow, it won't last long. I am over snow.
2)In terra: The garden will appreciate the lack of heavy snow and bitter cold. Several people have early plants going (onions, cauliflower, beets, etc) and most have staked out their claim. I'll post a new picture soon, it looks more like a garden now.
3)Requiescat in pace: Delores "Dee" Christiansen of Elmhurst,IL. died Thursday due to complications from Alzheimer's at 81. She was the mother-in-law of my faithful friend and reader David.
4) For some reason I am in a Latin mood this AM. Thus: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
...et mea culpa. Amor, Agnus Dei
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
New Titles for HM, The Queen
The Citizens of Caddo Parish, LA, home to Shreveport and other fine and progressive municipalities has asked HM, the Queen to accept the honor of the title:
DUCHESS OF CADDO PARISH
Further, Millie, Goddess of Washington DC and her staff have bestowed the title of
LADY REGENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
HM has gratefully accepted these honors and has now advised the Palace and all subjects that she is to be henceforth Styled and Titled:
Her Majesty Puggles Duchess Windsor, Queen of Pugs, Supreme Ruler of Alaska, Princess Royal of Baltimore Place, Lady Regent of The District of Columbia, Grand Duchess of Missouri, Grand Duchess of Kansas City and St Louis, Duchess of Illinois, Duchess of Clinton, Duchess of Caddo Parish, Baroness Pugtona, Royal Order of the Greenie and Treat, Grand Order of the Scrunchie, Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Kibble, Patroness of the Royal Pugharmonic Orchestra
...and thus entitled to all the status and privileges therein.
DUCHESS OF CADDO PARISH
Further, Millie, Goddess of Washington DC and her staff have bestowed the title of
LADY REGENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
HM has gratefully accepted these honors and has now advised the Palace and all subjects that she is to be henceforth Styled and Titled:
Her Majesty Puggles Duchess Windsor, Queen of Pugs, Supreme Ruler of Alaska, Princess Royal of Baltimore Place, Lady Regent of The District of Columbia, Grand Duchess of Missouri, Grand Duchess of Kansas City and St Louis, Duchess of Illinois, Duchess of Clinton, Duchess of Caddo Parish, Baroness Pugtona, Royal Order of the Greenie and Treat, Grand Order of the Scrunchie, Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Kibble, Patroness of the Royal Pugharmonic Orchestra
...and thus entitled to all the status and privileges therein.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
HM, A Candid Picture
A spur of the moment picture of Her Majesty Puggles Duchess Windsor, Queen of Pugs, Lady Regent of The District of Columbia, Princess Royal of Baltimore Place, Grand Duchess of Missouri, Grand Duchess of Kansas City and St Louis, Duchess of Illinois, Duchess of Clinton, Baroness Pugtona, Royal Order of the Greenie and Treat, Grand Order of the Scrunchie, Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Kibble, Patroness of the Royal Pugharmonic Orchestra.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Jesus Had a Dick
"For God so loved the world that God gave God's only Child, so that everyone who believes in the Child may not perish, but have eternal life."
Yes, that is the well known John 3:16 line, one we see at every sporting event and heard every year if one is a church goer. And yes, that ponderously sanitized, gender neutral version is how it was read yesterday AM in my UCC church.
The Child in question is Jesus Christ. Or so I always thought. Jesus, as described in the Bible and throughout history has been described as a "he", "him", "son"... etc. I don't think Jesus had a gender identity issue, and if he did that is no big deal, who am I to question? Besides that, a Bible passage (Luke 2;21) indicates that Jesus, as were all good Jewish boys in the day, was circumcised. But damn it, those terms and rituals imply something: Jesus had a dick. Whether he used it or not... that is immaterial.
As an aside, I have no trouble with a gender neutral God. God, in whatever shape that concept holds for you, usually transcends human concepts. As Kurt Vonnegut's character Kilgore Trout uttered, God could be an intelligent gas from Pluto as far as he knew.
Yes, I know it is quite correct to say that Jesus was a child. But it seems the "only Child of God" was a male child with a penis, two testicles, maybe hair on his chest, a distinct lack of breasts and likely sang baritone in his choir.
The idea that Jesus as a male can not be a savior or relevance to women is just plain sexist garbage wrapped in PC feminism. Even the dour old John Calvin dispenses with this issue with a curt, "Why, even children know that women are included under the term 'men'!"
Many others have ranted about this, much more eloquently and solidly theological than I... so I will let me little rant rest. In my own mind and voice, Jesus was a guy. He had a dick. Get over it.
Yes, that is the well known John 3:16 line, one we see at every sporting event and heard every year if one is a church goer. And yes, that ponderously sanitized, gender neutral version is how it was read yesterday AM in my UCC church.
The Child in question is Jesus Christ. Or so I always thought. Jesus, as described in the Bible and throughout history has been described as a "he", "him", "son"... etc. I don't think Jesus had a gender identity issue, and if he did that is no big deal, who am I to question? Besides that, a Bible passage (Luke 2;21) indicates that Jesus, as were all good Jewish boys in the day, was circumcised. But damn it, those terms and rituals imply something: Jesus had a dick. Whether he used it or not... that is immaterial.
As an aside, I have no trouble with a gender neutral God. God, in whatever shape that concept holds for you, usually transcends human concepts. As Kurt Vonnegut's character Kilgore Trout uttered, God could be an intelligent gas from Pluto as far as he knew.
Yes, I know it is quite correct to say that Jesus was a child. But it seems the "only Child of God" was a male child with a penis, two testicles, maybe hair on his chest, a distinct lack of breasts and likely sang baritone in his choir.
The idea that Jesus as a male can not be a savior or relevance to women is just plain sexist garbage wrapped in PC feminism. Even the dour old John Calvin dispenses with this issue with a curt, "Why, even children know that women are included under the term 'men'!"
Many others have ranted about this, much more eloquently and solidly theological than I... so I will let me little rant rest. In my own mind and voice, Jesus was a guy. He had a dick. Get over it.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Marvin Parker Memorial Garden I
It is officially spring now. Sometime yesterday AM, March 20th, the sun started to slide northward of the equator, thus we have rid ourselves of winter, sending it down to our friends in the Antipodes. Signs of spring (remember those silly exercises in grade school?? "Class... bring in or describe a sign of spring tomorrow.") are everywhere. One sure sign that we are climbing out of the depths is the activity around the community garden.
The garden now has a name, "The Marvin Parker Memorial Community Garden", named after a victim of the Kansas City Police department's policy of shoot first and ask questions later. Here is a link to a KC blog with some background on the incident: Marvin Parker. Marvin lived just down the street from the garden. His family has a garden plot next to mine.
This year we are organized. Last weekend we tilled, mulched, got the rain barrels arranged and started a mulch/compost pile.
The garden is organized into 15 individual plots surrounded by community plots for tomatoes, corn, okra, herbs, beans and squash.
I opted for a plot (just my luck plot # 13 which I have quickly renumbered 12 A) and have decided to be the Lord of Onions; 160 of the damn things have been planted: red, yellow and shallots. Later when it is warmer, I am setting out bell peppers. I might do some other things too, maybe a Roma tomato if no one else does. If all goes well, onion soup, onion rings, onion everything will be on the menu.
Stay tuned to watch the progress of the garden over the season. And start a fund to buy me lots of breath mints.
The garden now has a name, "The Marvin Parker Memorial Community Garden", named after a victim of the Kansas City Police department's policy of shoot first and ask questions later. Here is a link to a KC blog with some background on the incident: Marvin Parker. Marvin lived just down the street from the garden. His family has a garden plot next to mine.
This year we are organized. Last weekend we tilled, mulched, got the rain barrels arranged and started a mulch/compost pile.
The garden is organized into 15 individual plots surrounded by community plots for tomatoes, corn, okra, herbs, beans and squash.
I opted for a plot (just my luck plot # 13 which I have quickly renumbered 12 A) and have decided to be the Lord of Onions; 160 of the damn things have been planted: red, yellow and shallots. Later when it is warmer, I am setting out bell peppers. I might do some other things too, maybe a Roma tomato if no one else does. If all goes well, onion soup, onion rings, onion everything will be on the menu.
Stay tuned to watch the progress of the garden over the season. And start a fund to buy me lots of breath mints.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
St Pat's Day
March 17th here in KC, MO. That means St Patrick's Day, celebrated here with as much fervor and frivolity as Mardi Gras in New Orleans. This year, the dodos in charge decided the parade would relocate to South Broadway... which for me means 3 blocks away. The parade starts at 11 and lasts 2-3 hours. Then there is an all day and night party in Westport, about 6 blocks from here. At 6:30 AM I could see and hear 3 news helicopters circling above broadcasting the preparations to their audiences. Roads will be blocked shortly. The crowds will start coming in, maybe already are; they are likely to set a record for attendance as the weather will be upper 70s and crystal clear skies.
Our local grocery store had signs posted all week: "we'll be open...but good luck getting here". We have been told anything west of us will be blocked, or heavily controlled all day. Traffic will be a nightmare, police are setting traps to catch drunks, probably on Main to the east of us, further entrapping us in our little enclave. The church next door chained and padlocked its parking lot...the minister is working from home today. I watched the trash collector scratch his head as to how he was going to get to their dumpster, absentmindely left behind the chained entrance.
I ain't moving. I have food products, plenty of coffee and everything I need right here. I'll be happy watching the nonsense, dressed in my customary orange.
Our local grocery store had signs posted all week: "we'll be open...but good luck getting here". We have been told anything west of us will be blocked, or heavily controlled all day. Traffic will be a nightmare, police are setting traps to catch drunks, probably on Main to the east of us, further entrapping us in our little enclave. The church next door chained and padlocked its parking lot...the minister is working from home today. I watched the trash collector scratch his head as to how he was going to get to their dumpster, absentmindely left behind the chained entrance.
I ain't moving. I have food products, plenty of coffee and everything I need right here. I'll be happy watching the nonsense, dressed in my customary orange.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Lost At Sea
Two Irishmen, Patrick & Michael, were adrift in a lifeboat following adramatic escape from a burning freighter. While rummaging through the boat's provisions,Patrick stumbled across an old lamp. Secretly hoping that a genie would appear, he rubbed the lamp vigorously. To the amazement of Patrick, a genie came forth.
This particular genie, however, stated that he could only deliver one wish,not the standard three. Without giving much thought to the matter,Patrick blurted out:
"Make the entire ocean into Guinness Beer!"
The genie clapped his hands with a deafening crash, and immediately the entire sea turned into the finest brew ever sampled by mortals. Simultaneously, the genie vanished.
Only the gentle lapping of Guinness on the hull
broke the stillness as the two men considered their circumstances. Michael looked disgustedly at Patrick whose wish had been granted.
After a long, tension-filled moment, he spoke:
"Nice going Patrick!
Now we're going to have to pee in the boat!
This particular genie, however, stated that he could only deliver one wish,not the standard three. Without giving much thought to the matter,Patrick blurted out:
"Make the entire ocean into Guinness Beer!"
The genie clapped his hands with a deafening crash, and immediately the entire sea turned into the finest brew ever sampled by mortals. Simultaneously, the genie vanished.
Only the gentle lapping of Guinness on the hull
broke the stillness as the two men considered their circumstances. Michael looked disgustedly at Patrick whose wish had been granted.
After a long, tension-filled moment, he spoke:
"Nice going Patrick!
Now we're going to have to pee in the boat!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
The Fall
In case you have not figured out, this is a series of Irish jokes for St Patrick's Day. Of Irish decent myself (mother's family were named Cloney) I have license to do so:
Murphy was staggering home with a pint of booze
in his back pocket when he slipped and fell heavily.
Struggling to his feet, he felt something wet running down his leg.
"Please Lord," he implored,
"let it be blood!!"
Murphy was staggering home with a pint of booze
in his back pocket when he slipped and fell heavily.
Struggling to his feet, he felt something wet running down his leg.
"Please Lord," he implored,
"let it be blood!!"
Friday, March 13, 2009
Water to Wine
An Irish priest is driving down to New York
and gets stopped for speeding. The state trooper smells alcohol on the priest's breath and then sees an empty wine bottle on the floor of the car.
He says, "Father, have you been drinking?"
"Just water," says the priest.
The trooper says, "Then why do I smell wine?"
The priest looks at the bottle and says,
"Good Lord! He's done it again!"
and gets stopped for speeding. The state trooper smells alcohol on the priest's breath and then sees an empty wine bottle on the floor of the car.
He says, "Father, have you been drinking?"
"Just water," says the priest.
The trooper says, "Then why do I smell wine?"
The priest looks at the bottle and says,
"Good Lord! He's done it again!"
Thursday, March 12, 2009
That's The Way it Was
March 6, 1981. That is when TV news died. What is on now is drivel, entertainment and macabre comedy; full of sound bites, inane arguing, and outright manipulation of facts.
You see, on March 6, 1981, 28 years ago, Walter Cronkite said his final “and that’s the way it is”.
You see, on March 6, 1981, 28 years ago, Walter Cronkite said his final “and that’s the way it is”.
There are a few TV (and print) journalists who can still report the complex issues of today’s events, giving time for arguments from all sides. These professional journalists strive to provide insightful, honest and unbiased facts and let us, the viewer, decide the merits of the case. Unfortunately, they are as scarce as hen’s teeth and are being replaced by a new breed of news/entertainment hack.
If you are argumentative, extreme and divisive, you are half way there to landing a slot on the prime news channels. An AM radio hour is yours for the asking. You don’t see both sides, the other side is the enemy, you want them to fail. Thoughtful discourse is boring, name calling, marginalizing and sensationalism make you a ratings star. Hypocritically you bask in their gaffes and downplay, ignore or even deny the gaffes of your chosen leader. Finding common ground??? Challenging conventional wisdom?? Not done. Screaming sound bites, harping, hypocrisy… that is what counts. We are separated into warring camps. We listen only to our own propaganda...and condemn the other camp to hell.
This rant got started because my neighbor is losing his hearing and thus has turned the volume of his damn FUX News crap up so I can hear it in the hall way of the Palace. Good grief…yap, rant, whine, scream, all day. Their biased, or even deliberately misleading and provocative opinions are raised solely to increase ratings, not give us the facts.
Along with the strident pissing and moaning, the screen is filled with these annoying runners, or whatever you call them, inundating the viewer with more information than he/she can ever process.
It makes me crazy.
I think to be fully informed in this age, one needs to get news from a variety of sources, for example the local paper on line or better a print copy, Google, 365gay.com, BBC, St Louis Post Dispatch or maybe even other bloggers. Too many people have become lazy, letting Hannity, Limbaugh, or Obermann form their opinions for them. Politicians used to fear the media because it kept them honest. Now they fear them because they could weaken their poll numbers in their base constituency.
Sadly in this time of unparalleled media access, we do not have a Walter Cronkite to turn to. We have to sort through this myriad of often untrustworthy sources to get at what is really going on, instead of through one trustworthy, concise and blessedly unbiased journalist.
I guess that is the way it was.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Welsh Rarebit
My faithful reader, Callalilly, commented that she lives vicariously through my description of the food I prepare and recipes I post. Should I describe the Asparagus with Crab Hollandaise I made for Mardi Gras, or the Shrimp Creole? How about one of the most misunderstood dishes around... Welsh Rarebit.
Some think it is a rabbit dish and that the word rarebit is an old English or Welsh word for rabbit. And it may be; the Betty Crocker Cookbook claims that Welsh peasants were not allowed to eat any rabbits caught on the nobleman's estate, so they used melted cheese as a substitute. There are many theories about the origins of the name. At any rate, we are most familiar with it from the frozen food section, courtesy of Stoffer's. But have you ever had it?
It is easy to make, and quite fun. Great with a steak, or roast beef... whatever.
So, have some for fun. The otherwise obnoxious Elton Brown on Food Network has a good recipe:
Welsh Rarebit
So, hwylfawr! And of course Cymru am byth!
Some think it is a rabbit dish and that the word rarebit is an old English or Welsh word for rabbit. And it may be; the Betty Crocker Cookbook claims that Welsh peasants were not allowed to eat any rabbits caught on the nobleman's estate, so they used melted cheese as a substitute. There are many theories about the origins of the name. At any rate, we are most familiar with it from the frozen food section, courtesy of Stoffer's. But have you ever had it?
It is easy to make, and quite fun. Great with a steak, or roast beef... whatever.
So, have some for fun. The otherwise obnoxious Elton Brown on Food Network has a good recipe:
Welsh Rarebit
So, hwylfawr! And of course Cymru am byth!
Saturday, March 07, 2009
777 Down...
223 to go. Then I will hit 1,000 posts in Puggingham Palace. I think then the Palace will shut its doors.
I enjoy blogging, as a long time journal keeper, it is in my blood to set my ramblings, comments, reviews and what-not down on paper, or on screen. But a public journal, like this one, is different than just jotting down what you did during the day or memorializing catty comments about friends and not so friends. First of all, I rarely do anything interesting; if I do you hear about it here. The rare juicy bits of my life are just not for public consumption. If that would be the case, there would be maybe 4-5 entries a year, and that is if I am lucky. I would have more readers if I spiced up the blog with juicy tales, pictures of naked people doing all sorts of imaginable or unimaginable things, but that is not the motive of the Palace. And a public forum means I have to keep some comments and thoughts to myself or I would alienate everyone and attract the attention of too many lawyers.
12,000 some visitors have come to the Palace, according to the site meter. The real number is shrouded in mystery as some can access through RSS feeds and not be detected, and some of those were me before I realized I could block my computer from being registered as a visit. Many are return visits from my small cadre of regulars, David, the NIU gang, Callalilly (who I guess is still around), Zaine and mystery persons from Ohio and KC. I know when I review a KC Symphony performance, several people check in to read my review...including our esteemed Maestro. I think most people stumble in here, although I do find it amazing that some of my posts rocket right to the top of the list when you search Google and other search engines.
Life after the Palace?? I may go to recording daily events in a non public record again, I may just keep it open to review shows and performances, I may just relieve myself of one more responsibility. But you few, you happy few, (apologies to Shakespeare) who read me can rest assured at my current rate, 17.5 posts a month, the Palace will be up and going for a while.
I enjoy blogging, as a long time journal keeper, it is in my blood to set my ramblings, comments, reviews and what-not down on paper, or on screen. But a public journal, like this one, is different than just jotting down what you did during the day or memorializing catty comments about friends and not so friends. First of all, I rarely do anything interesting; if I do you hear about it here. The rare juicy bits of my life are just not for public consumption. If that would be the case, there would be maybe 4-5 entries a year, and that is if I am lucky. I would have more readers if I spiced up the blog with juicy tales, pictures of naked people doing all sorts of imaginable or unimaginable things, but that is not the motive of the Palace. And a public forum means I have to keep some comments and thoughts to myself or I would alienate everyone and attract the attention of too many lawyers.
12,000 some visitors have come to the Palace, according to the site meter. The real number is shrouded in mystery as some can access through RSS feeds and not be detected, and some of those were me before I realized I could block my computer from being registered as a visit. Many are return visits from my small cadre of regulars, David, the NIU gang, Callalilly (who I guess is still around), Zaine and mystery persons from Ohio and KC. I know when I review a KC Symphony performance, several people check in to read my review...including our esteemed Maestro. I think most people stumble in here, although I do find it amazing that some of my posts rocket right to the top of the list when you search Google and other search engines.
Life after the Palace?? I may go to recording daily events in a non public record again, I may just keep it open to review shows and performances, I may just relieve myself of one more responsibility. But you few, you happy few, (apologies to Shakespeare) who read me can rest assured at my current rate, 17.5 posts a month, the Palace will be up and going for a while.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Republican Hypocricy.... it Goes On
The Party of NO! People with full benefits deny it to children without.
How do these idiots sleep at night?
How do these idiots sleep at night?
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Hindenburg v. Limbaugh
Time to renew an old joke, since the old joke is still around...
Q: what is the difference between the Hindenburg and Rush Limbaugh?
A: one was a big, flaming Nazi bag of gas.... the other was a passenger Zeppelin that crashed in 1937.
Q: what is the difference between the Hindenburg and Rush Limbaugh?
A: one was a big, flaming Nazi bag of gas.... the other was a passenger Zeppelin that crashed in 1937.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Kansas City Symphony: Alison Balsom and Richard Strauss
Before I get accused of just being a local booster, full of misguided but well intentioned rah rah, read what a couple of other people said about the weekend's Kansas City Symphony concerts. The program featured trumpet solo Alison Balsom performing the Haydn and Tomasi Trumpet Concerti, the "Manfred Overture" by Schumann and Richard Strauss' paean to himself, "Ein Heldenleben", all led my Music Director Michael Stern.
"Just got back from the symphony concert. Absolutely transcendent - and I don't say (or type) that easily. I tried to imagine past KC orchestras playing that work, and my mind had to travel all the way back to 1979 or 1980. It's been a long time coming, but I think the symphony is back at last." ~ Paul, The Musical Mailman
"....the orchestra soared in a fiery and gripping performance of Richard Strauss' tone poem "Ein Heldenleben" ("A Hero's Life.") Stern displayed an ability to lend clarity and shape to a work that can be sprawling in the hands of other conductors." ~ KC Star Critic Timothy McDonald.
So indeed the concert was quite good, and further indicative of the growth of the orchestra. Almost amazingly, the brass were sharp, focused, powerful without being over bearing, and free of missed notes and weak intonation. The winds were their usual fine selves and the strings sounded larger than their numbers would lead you to believe. Representatives from several orchestra's volunteer organizations were in attendance on Saturday including Boston, Montreal, and Chicago. I hope they return home singing the praises of our local band.
Really the only near miss of the evening was the Schumann Manfred Overture, which sounded tentative and unfocused. Surely not a bad performance, but in comparison with the rest of the program, a weak sister.
Alison Balsom looks to be a college sorority sister, petite and complete with long blond hair. But Miss Balsom, who won 'Young British Classical Performer' at the 2006 Classical BRIT Awards, and was also awarded the 'Classic FM Listeners' Choice Award' at the Classic FM/Grammophone awards, is an accomplished, mature trumpeter and consummate musician. Her tone was bright, clear and ringing, only a couple tiny audible slips in the stratosphere indicated she was really only human. From the Parisian jazz tinged Tomasi, to the more traditional fanfares of the Haydn, Balsom demonstrated her command of the instrument. Her slow movements, especially the sweet almost bluesy Nocturne of the Tomasi, were silken, almost violin like in tone; the brilliant cadenzas a fine example of solid musicianship, combining awesome technique with musical warmth and feeling. Her encore, the wonderful "Libertango" by Astor Piazzolla (what did artists do for encores before discovering Piazzolla?), was superb and brassy.. as it should be.
"Ein Heldenleben", dismissed by some as shameless self-promotion since Strauss depicted himself (and liberally quoted his more famous-to-date works) as the hero and his wife as his faithful companion, is truly one of his most interesting tone poems, and certainly less embarrassing than "Symphonia Domestica". Realistically it is more proper to think that Strauss' self-portrayal was more tongue-in-cheek and amusing parody than pretentious self promotion. As I alluded to in the beginning paragraphs, this was a superb performance. More than once I had to stop and remember I was on home turf, listening to the Kansas City Symhony, not the Chicago or Berlin Philharmonic. The brass were 99% spot on (name a live performance 100% perfect in the brass), the extensive solos from Concertmistress Kanako Ito totally world class and the whole performance brisk but not rushed or frenetic. The opening concert of Music Director Michael Stern's era with the orchestra began with a fine "Don Juan", a couple years later an equally fine "Don Quixote" with Yo Yo Ma, and now an excellent "Heldenleben", this series really does show, as Paul indicated, how far our hometown orchestra has traveled in a few short years.
"Just got back from the symphony concert. Absolutely transcendent - and I don't say (or type) that easily. I tried to imagine past KC orchestras playing that work, and my mind had to travel all the way back to 1979 or 1980. It's been a long time coming, but I think the symphony is back at last." ~ Paul, The Musical Mailman
"....the orchestra soared in a fiery and gripping performance of Richard Strauss' tone poem "Ein Heldenleben" ("A Hero's Life.") Stern displayed an ability to lend clarity and shape to a work that can be sprawling in the hands of other conductors." ~ KC Star Critic Timothy McDonald.
So indeed the concert was quite good, and further indicative of the growth of the orchestra. Almost amazingly, the brass were sharp, focused, powerful without being over bearing, and free of missed notes and weak intonation. The winds were their usual fine selves and the strings sounded larger than their numbers would lead you to believe. Representatives from several orchestra's volunteer organizations were in attendance on Saturday including Boston, Montreal, and Chicago. I hope they return home singing the praises of our local band.
Really the only near miss of the evening was the Schumann Manfred Overture, which sounded tentative and unfocused. Surely not a bad performance, but in comparison with the rest of the program, a weak sister.
Alison Balsom looks to be a college sorority sister, petite and complete with long blond hair. But Miss Balsom, who won 'Young British Classical Performer' at the 2006 Classical BRIT Awards, and was also awarded the 'Classic FM Listeners' Choice Award' at the Classic FM/Grammophone awards, is an accomplished, mature trumpeter and consummate musician. Her tone was bright, clear and ringing, only a couple tiny audible slips in the stratosphere indicated she was really only human. From the Parisian jazz tinged Tomasi, to the more traditional fanfares of the Haydn, Balsom demonstrated her command of the instrument. Her slow movements, especially the sweet almost bluesy Nocturne of the Tomasi, were silken, almost violin like in tone; the brilliant cadenzas a fine example of solid musicianship, combining awesome technique with musical warmth and feeling. Her encore, the wonderful "Libertango" by Astor Piazzolla (what did artists do for encores before discovering Piazzolla?), was superb and brassy.. as it should be.
"Ein Heldenleben", dismissed by some as shameless self-promotion since Strauss depicted himself (and liberally quoted his more famous-to-date works) as the hero and his wife as his faithful companion, is truly one of his most interesting tone poems, and certainly less embarrassing than "Symphonia Domestica". Realistically it is more proper to think that Strauss' self-portrayal was more tongue-in-cheek and amusing parody than pretentious self promotion. As I alluded to in the beginning paragraphs, this was a superb performance. More than once I had to stop and remember I was on home turf, listening to the Kansas City Symhony, not the Chicago or Berlin Philharmonic. The brass were 99% spot on (name a live performance 100% perfect in the brass), the extensive solos from Concertmistress Kanako Ito totally world class and the whole performance brisk but not rushed or frenetic. The opening concert of Music Director Michael Stern's era with the orchestra began with a fine "Don Juan", a couple years later an equally fine "Don Quixote" with Yo Yo Ma, and now an excellent "Heldenleben", this series really does show, as Paul indicated, how far our hometown orchestra has traveled in a few short years.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Mardi Gras Pics
There was a Mardi Gras Party at the Palace on Tuesday. 12 of us enjoyed shrimp creole over ice, asparagus with crab hollandaise, spring mix greens with palm, artichokes and home made French dressing, mini sweet red peppers stuffed with bleu cheese and of course a king cake.
Les bon temps roulés!
Scott:
Will:
Dan and Will:
DC:
Les bon temps roulés!
Scott:
Will:
Dan and Will:
DC:
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Coupl'a Things XIV
1) To Attorney General Eric Holder, who is whining about Americans being "cowards" in discussing race. What a self serving little rant. Race has been talked to death, frankly, few societies have ever had has frank and open discussions. Why not move on to more pressing justice issues? Gay and Lesbian rights, the overwhelming use of the death penalty, more people incarcerated than in all of the countries of the European Union, treatment of the mentally ill as criminals, reasonable sex offender laws, reintegration of inmates, prosecutorial misconduct and the over all feeling among many that the justice system takes care of its own and functions to make government money and to advance lawyers' and politicians' careers?
These have to be addressed and are not talked about at all.
2) Speaking of money makers, KC has installed its first red light cameras. I now avoid 39th and SW Trafficway like the plague. Police are thrilled, more donut time.
3) RIP, Wendy Richard, better known as Miss Brahms from the long running British comedy show Are You Being Served?. Richard was 65 and died after a year long cancer battle. She was a fixture of British TV, also starring in the long running "East Enders" show. She was most known across the pond for her role as the cheeky Miss Brahms, the Junior clerk in the ladies department at Grace Brothers on AYBS.
These have to be addressed and are not talked about at all.
2) Speaking of money makers, KC has installed its first red light cameras. I now avoid 39th and SW Trafficway like the plague. Police are thrilled, more donut time.
3) RIP, Wendy Richard, better known as Miss Brahms from the long running British comedy show Are You Being Served?. Richard was 65 and died after a year long cancer battle. She was a fixture of British TV, also starring in the long running "East Enders" show. She was most known across the pond for her role as the cheeky Miss Brahms, the Junior clerk in the ladies department at Grace Brothers on AYBS.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Chamber Music As It Was Meant To Be
"Chamber Music", traditionally, is music written for a small group of instrumentalists played in a small chamber or room in a palace or grand home. The audience was usually the members of the Royal Court and perhaps was part of a dinner party, entertainment for visiting guests, or simply the evening's amusement.
Since most grand palaces and royal courts have gone the way of the dodo bird, we now hear chamber music in large concert halls, maybe not the same ones as would accommodate the local symphony, but certainly larger than any royal chamber. Thus it was a real treat to actually hear chamber music in an elegant home, surrounded by fine antiques, sipping champagne from a gilded Murano Medici flute and enjoying a fine dinner of lobster newburg.
My illustrious neighbor and 3 others hosted a wonderful soiree for invited guests and patrons of the local "Friends of Chamber Music" concert series. The evening's entertainment included a short concert by the Jupiter String Quartet.
The Jupiter Quartet (all the info you need is at their excellent site) is an enthusiastic and charming group, with glowing reviews and a growing discography. As the time frame was short, we got only single movements from their major works, The Mendelssohn Quartet op 13 and Beethoven Quartet Op 59/2. The evening ended with a bravura performance of Astor Piazzolla's Four, For Tango.
Up close, you can see and feel the tension needed to keep the ensemble together. You can hear the bows interact with the strings, the creaking, the flexing. The sound is intimate, the inner voices alive. The performances were excellent, brisk in tempo but not overwhelmingly. The glorious adagio of the Beethoven was simply breathtaking in its breadth and communicative power.
Made me want to hear the whole concert...which I will shortly....
Since most grand palaces and royal courts have gone the way of the dodo bird, we now hear chamber music in large concert halls, maybe not the same ones as would accommodate the local symphony, but certainly larger than any royal chamber. Thus it was a real treat to actually hear chamber music in an elegant home, surrounded by fine antiques, sipping champagne from a gilded Murano Medici flute and enjoying a fine dinner of lobster newburg.
My illustrious neighbor and 3 others hosted a wonderful soiree for invited guests and patrons of the local "Friends of Chamber Music" concert series. The evening's entertainment included a short concert by the Jupiter String Quartet.
The Jupiter Quartet (all the info you need is at their excellent site) is an enthusiastic and charming group, with glowing reviews and a growing discography. As the time frame was short, we got only single movements from their major works, The Mendelssohn Quartet op 13 and Beethoven Quartet Op 59/2. The evening ended with a bravura performance of Astor Piazzolla's Four, For Tango.
Up close, you can see and feel the tension needed to keep the ensemble together. You can hear the bows interact with the strings, the creaking, the flexing. The sound is intimate, the inner voices alive. The performances were excellent, brisk in tempo but not overwhelmingly. The glorious adagio of the Beethoven was simply breathtaking in its breadth and communicative power.
Made me want to hear the whole concert...which I will shortly....
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Arse! The Joy of Left Hand Love
Ok...the real words are below.
Blessèd city, heavenly Salem,
Vision dear of peace and love,
Who of living stones are builded
Art the joy of Heav'n above,
And, with angel cohorts circled,
As a bride to earth dost move.
From celestial realms descending,
Bridal glory round her shed,
To his presence, decked with jewels,
By her Lord shall she be led;
All her streets, and all her bulwarks,
Of pure gold are fashionèd."
Monday, February 16, 2009
Kansas City Symphony: Curiosities from Beethoven and Mendelssohn
As bright and eager undergrads in an upper level English Literature class, we strove constantly to impress our learned professor with our knowledge. Thus some of the more serious students dove into the world of literature and dug up obscure works by their favorite authors. One student had managed to track down and read a copy of a long forgotten work by his favorite author, barely concealing his glee at finding the treasure. But, upon finishing it, he dolefully reported to the class that the work (time has diminished my memory of all the details) was nothing like the masterpieces of his idol and was actually quite boring and not worth the trouble he took to find it.
"Ah, yes, Mr. Jones,", our white haired, elegant professor replied, "but the effort was not totally in vain. You have satisfied your curiosity and you have discovered that some works are buried in obscurity for damn good reasons."
Thus one can be forgiven thinking Mendelssohn wrote only 3 full orchestral symphonies, numbers 3 (Scottish), 4 (Italian) and 5 (Reformation). One never hears numbers 1 and 2, both being buried at least partially in obscurity. After hearing #2 the "Lobgesang" performed by the Kansas City Symphony and Chorus this weekend, I recalled the above quoted words of my long forgotten professor, as the experience was much the same for me. Nicholas Mc Gegan was guest conductor, Dominique LaBelle, Mary Wilson and Tom Cooley were vocal soloists.
Written for an auspicious occasion, the 600th anniversary of Gutenberg's invention of movable type, the sprawling work takes its texts from Luther's Old Testament translations, combining them with typical mid 1800's grand and solemn chorales and hymns. Sung in an English translation, the words were easier to follow but highlighted some of the lame and flowery texts. The chorus sang with fervor and good diction, the soloists top notch, the orchestra keeping everything in balance and Mc Gegan kept the work moving. A good performance, I am sure, but as with the novel my old classmate found, my curiosity has been satisfied and I can see why this work is not at the top of the list of Mendelssohn's oeuvre.
The first half was great fun, but a bit disappointing in its incompleteness. But of course a full performance of Beethoven's early version of his opera "Fidelio", still titled "Leonore" would have been an evening in itself. Thus, the chorus, soloists and orchestra gave us some juicy tidbits to amuse: The Leonore Overture # 1, Duet: "Um in der Ehe froh zu leben" the chorus "O welche Lust" and the Recitative and Duet "Ich kann mich noch nicht fassen". Well sung, well played, these tantalizing excerpts show "Leonore" is, unlike "Lobgesang", more than a curiosity.
"Ah, yes, Mr. Jones,", our white haired, elegant professor replied, "but the effort was not totally in vain. You have satisfied your curiosity and you have discovered that some works are buried in obscurity for damn good reasons."
Thus one can be forgiven thinking Mendelssohn wrote only 3 full orchestral symphonies, numbers 3 (Scottish), 4 (Italian) and 5 (Reformation). One never hears numbers 1 and 2, both being buried at least partially in obscurity. After hearing #2 the "Lobgesang" performed by the Kansas City Symphony and Chorus this weekend, I recalled the above quoted words of my long forgotten professor, as the experience was much the same for me. Nicholas Mc Gegan was guest conductor, Dominique LaBelle, Mary Wilson and Tom Cooley were vocal soloists.
Written for an auspicious occasion, the 600th anniversary of Gutenberg's invention of movable type, the sprawling work takes its texts from Luther's Old Testament translations, combining them with typical mid 1800's grand and solemn chorales and hymns. Sung in an English translation, the words were easier to follow but highlighted some of the lame and flowery texts. The chorus sang with fervor and good diction, the soloists top notch, the orchestra keeping everything in balance and Mc Gegan kept the work moving. A good performance, I am sure, but as with the novel my old classmate found, my curiosity has been satisfied and I can see why this work is not at the top of the list of Mendelssohn's oeuvre.
The first half was great fun, but a bit disappointing in its incompleteness. But of course a full performance of Beethoven's early version of his opera "Fidelio", still titled "Leonore" would have been an evening in itself. Thus, the chorus, soloists and orchestra gave us some juicy tidbits to amuse: The Leonore Overture # 1, Duet: "Um in der Ehe froh zu leben" the chorus "O welche Lust" and the Recitative and Duet "Ich kann mich noch nicht fassen". Well sung, well played, these tantalizing excerpts show "Leonore" is, unlike "Lobgesang", more than a curiosity.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Simone Dinnerstein, Piano Recital
Simone Dinnerstein burst on the piano recital world with a much discussed and hyped recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations. A second recording featured many of the works heard in her Friends Of Chamber Music recital last night at the Folly Theatre. Continuing her concentration on Bach, she performed the French Suite # 5, a new (2001) work by Philip Lasser "12 Variations on a Chorale by J.S. Bach 'Nimm von uns, Herr, du treuer Gott'" plus 4 Schubert Impromptus (op 90)to begin the evening. The concert concluded with Beethoven's valedictory sonata # 32, op. 111.
The 4 Schubert Impromptus were arguably the most successful performances of the evening. On a grand scale, making the title "impromptu" almost laughable, these masterpieces benefited from Dinnerstein's formidable technique. She was able to convey the power and almost symphonic heft of these works. Her fluid tempi and free rubato worked well in these pinnacles of Romantic piano music.
Yet the same fluidity and romantic bent worked less well in the Bach. Although I prefer Bach on the piano, she disregarded the elegant, almost scientific elements in the Bach for a more Mendelssohnian sound. However using a piano does not mean it has to sound like Chopin or even Beethoven. The overall performance was a bit on the slow side,the brisk dance movements could not make up for the overall static slow movements.
The Lasser piece, although from 2001 could best be described as Bach meets Rachmaninoff via NPR's "Hearts of Space" space/new age music program. Interesting, but not truly memorable.
The evening's closer Beethoven's incredible Sonata #32, op 111 is of course his last, looking away from Haydn and on towards Chopin, Schubert and beyond. Dinnerstein dug in to the dissonance and power of the opening Maestoso. The long, sublime Arietta, a set of variations, held together nicely. Dinnerstein really relished the famous "boogie woogie variation" frankly making it a bit too jarring and jazzy, but most assuredly pointing out that Beethoven was taking piano music into a new world. Dinnerstein's flowing, well judged tempi and the aforementioned fluidity highlighted the contrasts between the two movements and brought the sonata and concert to a satisfying close.
Dinnerstein barely moves while at the piano, her hands staying somewhat close to the keyboard. A very quiet, almost aloof artist (at least in this performance) she is in stark contrast and somewhat refreshing in this age of histrionic piano playing.
Seeming to hang her career on Bach, Dinnerstein is much more effective and exciting in the early romantic works. I would love to hear more Schubert from her... and less of the overly romantic Bach.
The 4 Schubert Impromptus were arguably the most successful performances of the evening. On a grand scale, making the title "impromptu" almost laughable, these masterpieces benefited from Dinnerstein's formidable technique. She was able to convey the power and almost symphonic heft of these works. Her fluid tempi and free rubato worked well in these pinnacles of Romantic piano music.
Yet the same fluidity and romantic bent worked less well in the Bach. Although I prefer Bach on the piano, she disregarded the elegant, almost scientific elements in the Bach for a more Mendelssohnian sound. However using a piano does not mean it has to sound like Chopin or even Beethoven. The overall performance was a bit on the slow side,the brisk dance movements could not make up for the overall static slow movements.
The Lasser piece, although from 2001 could best be described as Bach meets Rachmaninoff via NPR's "Hearts of Space" space/new age music program. Interesting, but not truly memorable.
The evening's closer Beethoven's incredible Sonata #32, op 111 is of course his last, looking away from Haydn and on towards Chopin, Schubert and beyond. Dinnerstein dug in to the dissonance and power of the opening Maestoso. The long, sublime Arietta, a set of variations, held together nicely. Dinnerstein really relished the famous "boogie woogie variation" frankly making it a bit too jarring and jazzy, but most assuredly pointing out that Beethoven was taking piano music into a new world. Dinnerstein's flowing, well judged tempi and the aforementioned fluidity highlighted the contrasts between the two movements and brought the sonata and concert to a satisfying close.
Dinnerstein barely moves while at the piano, her hands staying somewhat close to the keyboard. A very quiet, almost aloof artist (at least in this performance) she is in stark contrast and somewhat refreshing in this age of histrionic piano playing.
Seeming to hang her career on Bach, Dinnerstein is much more effective and exciting in the early romantic works. I would love to hear more Schubert from her... and less of the overly romantic Bach.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Coupl'a Things XIIa
1) So much for Bipartisanship in the new administration. Republos are just as nasty, regressive and fond of gridlock as always. They created the mess we are in, starting with Reagan and provide the same old tax cuts for the rich so it will trickle to the masses. Luckily, the Obama administration has enough votes to push it through.
2) Keep my dear friend Greg in thoughts and prayers. He had to have emergency surgery yesterday for ruptured diverticulitis. Nasty, painful... has a colostomy for at least 3 months. Yuk. Nothing goes well for him, healthwise. He has had 3 operations in 3 years, I have never had a one. Been in the hospital at least that many times... I was last in when I was 6 or 7. When hospitals had wood floors and nurses with caps.
3) Broccoli and Stilton Cheese soup. YUM! Who said English and cuisine were mutually exclusive concepts. Here is an easy recipe from Cook UK. Stilton (an English bleu) is frightfully expensive, but has an unique flavor. You can substitute a good bleu.
2) Keep my dear friend Greg in thoughts and prayers. He had to have emergency surgery yesterday for ruptured diverticulitis. Nasty, painful... has a colostomy for at least 3 months. Yuk. Nothing goes well for him, healthwise. He has had 3 operations in 3 years, I have never had a one. Been in the hospital at least that many times... I was last in when I was 6 or 7. When hospitals had wood floors and nurses with caps.
3) Broccoli and Stilton Cheese soup. YUM! Who said English and cuisine were mutually exclusive concepts. Here is an easy recipe from Cook UK. Stilton (an English bleu) is frightfully expensive, but has an unique flavor. You can substitute a good bleu.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
RIP Blossom Dearie
Blossom Dearie, a classically trained pianist who transformed herself into a jazz singer possessing one of the most unique voices in all of music died Saturday in New York City. She was 82.
Born April 29, 1926 and given the most appropriate name of Marguerite Blossom Dearie. She later dropped her first name and used the middle and last as her stage name. Dearie's voice was tiny, almost child like. Sweet. Light, babyish to a point. Think of all the bad imitations of Marilyn Monroe. But while lacking in power, she had impeccable diction, rhythm, timing and a quick humming bird vibrato.
Starting a long solo career in Paris, Blossom went on to appear regularly in cabarets in London and New York. She created her own record label in the mid 70's (when as a teen I discovered her unique talents) and wrote several original songs with lyrics by Johnny Mercer.
Her last recording was a single released in 2003 titled "It's All Right to be Afraid," dedicated to victims and survivors of September 11. Her last live appearance was in 2006 at a cabaret in Manhattan where she lived.
Her recordings are cult classics.
Here is a clip:
Here's to you, hip little cabaret doll! How do you say Auf Wiedersehn?
Born April 29, 1926 and given the most appropriate name of Marguerite Blossom Dearie. She later dropped her first name and used the middle and last as her stage name. Dearie's voice was tiny, almost child like. Sweet. Light, babyish to a point. Think of all the bad imitations of Marilyn Monroe. But while lacking in power, she had impeccable diction, rhythm, timing and a quick humming bird vibrato.
Starting a long solo career in Paris, Blossom went on to appear regularly in cabarets in London and New York. She created her own record label in the mid 70's (when as a teen I discovered her unique talents) and wrote several original songs with lyrics by Johnny Mercer.
Her last recording was a single released in 2003 titled "It's All Right to be Afraid," dedicated to victims and survivors of September 11. Her last live appearance was in 2006 at a cabaret in Manhattan where she lived.
Her recordings are cult classics.
Here is a clip:
Here's to you, hip little cabaret doll! How do you say Auf Wiedersehn?
Monday, February 09, 2009
Name Game
1.YOUR REAL NAME
Donald Clark
2.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME:(father and mother's middle names)
Earl Jane
3.NASCAR NAME:(first name of your mother's dad, father's dad)
Paul Emory
4.STAR WARS NAME:(the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name)
Cla Do
5.DETECTIVE NAME:(favorite color, favorite animal)
Blue Dog
6.SOAP OPERA NAME:(middle name, town where you were born)
Edward Decatur
7.SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd fav color, fav drink, add "THE" to the beginning)
The Red Scotch
8.FLY NAME:(first 2 letters of 1st name, last 2 letters of your last name)
Docl (this makes no sense)
9.ROCK STAR NAME:(current pets name, current street name)
Puggles Baltimore
10. PORN NAME: (1st pet, name of your elementary school)
Mr K Oak Grove (Doesn't THAT sound hot!?!)
11.YOUR GANGSTA NAME:(first 3 letters of real name plus izzle)
Donizzle
12.YOUR IRAQI.. NAME:(2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, first two letters of your middle name, last two letters of your first name then last three letters of your last name)
Oaedldark
13.YOUR GOTH NAME:(black, and the name of one of your pets)
Black Puggles
14. STRIPPER NAME: (name of your fav perfume, fav candy)
Channel M&M
Donald Clark
2.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME:(father and mother's middle names)
Earl Jane
3.NASCAR NAME:(first name of your mother's dad, father's dad)
Paul Emory
4.STAR WARS NAME:(the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name)
Cla Do
5.DETECTIVE NAME:(favorite color, favorite animal)
Blue Dog
6.SOAP OPERA NAME:(middle name, town where you were born)
Edward Decatur
7.SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd fav color, fav drink, add "THE" to the beginning)
The Red Scotch
8.FLY NAME:(first 2 letters of 1st name, last 2 letters of your last name)
Docl (this makes no sense)
9.ROCK STAR NAME:(current pets name, current street name)
Puggles Baltimore
10. PORN NAME: (1st pet, name of your elementary school)
Mr K Oak Grove (Doesn't THAT sound hot!?!)
11.YOUR GANGSTA NAME:(first 3 letters of real name plus izzle)
Donizzle
12.YOUR IRAQI.. NAME:(2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, first two letters of your middle name, last two letters of your first name then last three letters of your last name)
Oaedldark
13.YOUR GOTH NAME:(black, and the name of one of your pets)
Black Puggles
14. STRIPPER NAME: (name of your fav perfume, fav candy)
Channel M&M
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Cantelli on Film
I found this rare clip of the late Guido Cantelli in action. Cantelli, an Italian conductor, was Toscanini's protege and would have been a major figure in the world of opera had he not tragically died in an airplane crash outside Paris in 1956. He was 36
Cantelli still evokes strong emotions when discussed. As with Toscanini, Cantelli was demanding perfectionist, hard on both himself and his orchestras. Some loved him, some chafed over his demands for long rehearsals and full attention to the smallest detail. Today, some of his performances seem a bit mechanical while others surge with power. His Beethoven 5th of 2/56 has never been bettered. His Tchaikovsky 5th with the La Scala orchestra is fast, but so rich and powerful. He was a strong advocate of Bartok and Hindemith, when both men's music was new and not often heard.
This clip of Rossini's "Semiramide" overture is with the Philharmonia Orchestra of London, probably January 27th, 1952. Cantelli shows he was a passionate conductor, hardly a machine. His stick technique would be a bit hard to follow, but since the orchestra was drilled to perfection, he felt he merely had to direct the mood and passion, not beat time. Even though it was just a "curtain raiser", one can tell he lavished as much attention on this work as he would have say Brahms'1st Symphony or the Bartok Concerto for Orchestra.
Cantelli is a passion of mine, I have all his recordings, probably one of the most complete collections in the country. Strangely, after collecting Cantelli recordings and memorabilia for 30 years, this is the first time I have ever seen a film of him conducting.
Cantelli still evokes strong emotions when discussed. As with Toscanini, Cantelli was demanding perfectionist, hard on both himself and his orchestras. Some loved him, some chafed over his demands for long rehearsals and full attention to the smallest detail. Today, some of his performances seem a bit mechanical while others surge with power. His Beethoven 5th of 2/56 has never been bettered. His Tchaikovsky 5th with the La Scala orchestra is fast, but so rich and powerful. He was a strong advocate of Bartok and Hindemith, when both men's music was new and not often heard.
This clip of Rossini's "Semiramide" overture is with the Philharmonia Orchestra of London, probably January 27th, 1952. Cantelli shows he was a passionate conductor, hardly a machine. His stick technique would be a bit hard to follow, but since the orchestra was drilled to perfection, he felt he merely had to direct the mood and passion, not beat time. Even though it was just a "curtain raiser", one can tell he lavished as much attention on this work as he would have say Brahms'1st Symphony or the Bartok Concerto for Orchestra.
Cantelli is a passion of mine, I have all his recordings, probably one of the most complete collections in the country. Strangely, after collecting Cantelli recordings and memorabilia for 30 years, this is the first time I have ever seen a film of him conducting.
Friday, February 06, 2009
High School Bass
The old proverb goes: "Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish, you feed him for a lifetime."
So why not teach it in school and have it as a competitive extracurricular activity? Some here in MO are proposing just that, High School Bass Fishing Tournaments. Bass fishing is insanely popular in some areas (just for the record, I have not the patience for a fish to come and try to eat my worm.. bores me to death.. I'll do my fishing at the supermarket) and big time and big money bass tournaments are popular all over. So if HS basketball can turn out the next LeBron James, then why not the next Bass champion.
Frankly, I am all for schools keeping kids occupied, if it is fishing instead of running amok, all the better.
It certainly would not be something I would watch. Imagine a bunch of anglers, cheerleaders waving pom poms: "Rah Rah Wee! Go Missouree!! Rah Rah Rass! Catch that Bass!!!" Of course I would be rooting for the Bass.
When contacted, the Bass population in Missouri was strongly not in agreement.
So why not teach it in school and have it as a competitive extracurricular activity? Some here in MO are proposing just that, High School Bass Fishing Tournaments. Bass fishing is insanely popular in some areas (just for the record, I have not the patience for a fish to come and try to eat my worm.. bores me to death.. I'll do my fishing at the supermarket) and big time and big money bass tournaments are popular all over. So if HS basketball can turn out the next LeBron James, then why not the next Bass champion.
Frankly, I am all for schools keeping kids occupied, if it is fishing instead of running amok, all the better.
It certainly would not be something I would watch. Imagine a bunch of anglers, cheerleaders waving pom poms: "Rah Rah Wee! Go Missouree!! Rah Rah Rass! Catch that Bass!!!" Of course I would be rooting for the Bass.
When contacted, the Bass population in Missouri was strongly not in agreement.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Jack Benny Clowns with Heifetz
Rare recording of Jascha Heifetz and Jack Benny recorded in 1940's
Imagine, humor with some wit and intelligence.
Imagine, humor with some wit and intelligence.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Top Ten Characteristics of a Gay Boy's Super Bowl Party
Have you ever been curious about what a gay men's Super Bowl Party is like? Trust me, they are nothing like ones that straight men would have.
1) If there is a piano around and someone can play it, then there are sure to be a group of singers, most alumni from the local Gay Men's Chorus, singing show tunes. "Evita", "Phantom" and "Les Miz" being prominently featured.
2) The silent moments will be for the divas singing before the kick off.
3) 30% of those attending will not know who is playing. 80% will not care.
4) There will be a betting pool, but few understand the rules.
5) There will be more vodka served than beer. Someone will be drinking white wine.
6) Alternative entertainment will be provided in the form of a supply of Bette Davis movies. "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane" being most popular.
7) The biggest cheer of the evening will be saved for when Bette proclaims "You are Blanche, you ARE in that wheelchair." It will be replayed for those who missed it.
8) No one burps, farts or acts like a heathen...if they do, they excuse themselves. They will be talked about and likely not invited for next year's party.
9) Most guests will leave when the piano player calls it quits, even though the game is still on.
10) The end of the game goes un-noticed. 65% of those attending do not know or care who won.
OK, a few more:
11) The biggest discussion will not be who was the best player, but rather which was the biggest bitch, Joan or Bette.
12) Anyone yelling at the TV will be silenced, especially during the show stopping performance of "Don't Cry for me Argentina".
13) When a player is announced as a "tight end", everyone will snicker at the innuendo then check him out and nod in agreement.
14) Many of the guests will play fantasy football. 88% of their football fantasies involve their teams never leaving the locker room.
15) The food will be catered, served buffet style on glass plates and with real utensils. None will have football logos on them.
1) If there is a piano around and someone can play it, then there are sure to be a group of singers, most alumni from the local Gay Men's Chorus, singing show tunes. "Evita", "Phantom" and "Les Miz" being prominently featured.
2) The silent moments will be for the divas singing before the kick off.
3) 30% of those attending will not know who is playing. 80% will not care.
4) There will be a betting pool, but few understand the rules.
5) There will be more vodka served than beer. Someone will be drinking white wine.
6) Alternative entertainment will be provided in the form of a supply of Bette Davis movies. "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane" being most popular.
7) The biggest cheer of the evening will be saved for when Bette proclaims "You are Blanche, you ARE in that wheelchair." It will be replayed for those who missed it.
8) No one burps, farts or acts like a heathen...if they do, they excuse themselves. They will be talked about and likely not invited for next year's party.
9) Most guests will leave when the piano player calls it quits, even though the game is still on.
10) The end of the game goes un-noticed. 65% of those attending do not know or care who won.
OK, a few more:
11) The biggest discussion will not be who was the best player, but rather which was the biggest bitch, Joan or Bette.
12) Anyone yelling at the TV will be silenced, especially during the show stopping performance of "Don't Cry for me Argentina".
13) When a player is announced as a "tight end", everyone will snicker at the innuendo then check him out and nod in agreement.
14) Many of the guests will play fantasy football. 88% of their football fantasies involve their teams never leaving the locker room.
15) The food will be catered, served buffet style on glass plates and with real utensils. None will have football logos on them.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Dad at the Mall
A funny for the day:
I took my 92 year old father to the mall a couple of days ago to do some clothes shopping. As is typical of most 92 year olds, he tired soon so we went to the food court to rest and grab a bite to eat.
A teenage young man took a table next to us and began to eat his lunch. Dad stared at him intently, attracted by the kid's mane of spiked hair gaily colored in orange, blue, green and red.
Soon the teen noticed him looking. Every time the kid would look up, dad would be looking at him, brows knotted. When the teen had enough, he looked straight at Dad and said sarcastically, "What is the matter old man, never did anything wild in your life?"
I quickly swallowed my drink so as not to spit it across the room as I knew Dad would have a snappy comeback.
Without batting an eye he said: "got roaring drunk and had sex with a parrot one time. I was wondering if you were my kid."
I took my 92 year old father to the mall a couple of days ago to do some clothes shopping. As is typical of most 92 year olds, he tired soon so we went to the food court to rest and grab a bite to eat.
A teenage young man took a table next to us and began to eat his lunch. Dad stared at him intently, attracted by the kid's mane of spiked hair gaily colored in orange, blue, green and red.
Soon the teen noticed him looking. Every time the kid would look up, dad would be looking at him, brows knotted. When the teen had enough, he looked straight at Dad and said sarcastically, "What is the matter old man, never did anything wild in your life?"
I quickly swallowed my drink so as not to spit it across the room as I knew Dad would have a snappy comeback.
Without batting an eye he said: "got roaring drunk and had sex with a parrot one time. I was wondering if you were my kid."
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Coupl'a Things XII
1) My daughter Maria turned 21 on Sunday. I guess now that all my offspring are adults, I am officially old. I talked to her on Saturday, called her at Midnight on her phone from Waldo Bar and Grill and sang Happy Birthday to her along with Barb and Jeff. She was hacked that her 21st was on a Sunday as the bars were closed in Fayette and also in Columbia on Sunday. Thus she had only 1 1/2 hrs to drink legally on her birthday. If I know her, she put the time to good use.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARIA... always a Princess to me.
2) Thankfully a big winter storm has passed us by, giving the south and east a real taste of winter. We had flurries all day, and it is cold as can be, but no ice and only a skiff of snow. I can deal with that.
3) Whoever invented the margarita should get a Nobel Peace Prize.
4) Facebook is wonderful. I have not had so much fun since I got hooked on the old AOL chat rooms :) I have connected with current and new friends and, so wonderfully, connected with a fellow with whom I was an inseparable friend all so long ago.
5) More margarita = more peace... have one more, in the name of world peace of course.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARIA... always a Princess to me.
2) Thankfully a big winter storm has passed us by, giving the south and east a real taste of winter. We had flurries all day, and it is cold as can be, but no ice and only a skiff of snow. I can deal with that.
3) Whoever invented the margarita should get a Nobel Peace Prize.
4) Facebook is wonderful. I have not had so much fun since I got hooked on the old AOL chat rooms :) I have connected with current and new friends and, so wonderfully, connected with a fellow with whom I was an inseparable friend all so long ago.
5) More margarita = more peace... have one more, in the name of world peace of course.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Kansas City Symphony: Nielsen, Mendelssohn and Mahler
Audiences love Mahler, but twasn't always so. In the 1950's and early '60's many prominent musicians dismissed his music as "toilet paper". As it grudgingly gained acceptance in the '60s, only orchestras with a "Mahler tradition" (Vienna, Amsterdam, Chicago, New York) were deemed proficient to play the Symphonies. Mahler out of Dallas, Los Angeles or Moscow? Always 2nd or 3rd rate.
But now it is almost mandatory that every orchestra in the land do a Symphony or two each season and the audiences flock to it. Thus, we have a stunning Mahler 1st from the Kansas City Symphony, Michael Stern conducting, played to a packed house this weekend. Nielsen's "Helios" Overture began the program with the Mendelssohn 2nd Piano Concerto, Kuok-Wai Lio, a Curtis Institute student, as solo. Kuok-Wai Lio appears as part of an ongoing program to bring Curtis' finest to Kansas City for performances.
Nielsen is not among those composers whose music I admire and listen to frequently. Lord knows I have tried, but the big works, the Symphonies and the Concerti just do not do it for me. Strange, as I have strong admiration for many of the Danish composers who followed this father of modern Danish music such as Holmboe, Nørgård, Bentzon and Langgaard. But the atmospheric, beautifully scored "Helios Overture" from 1903 (around the time of the 2nd Symphony) is one of my favorites. This wonderful, well paced performance featured some detailed and polished horn work, deft wind work and a finely controlled central fugato that slowly dissolved into the same nocturnal dark of the beginning. I am sure many who were not familiar with this wonderful 12 minute tone poem found it quite revelatory.
The lesser known of the two Mendelssohn piano concerti (I am making an assumption here, the 1st I have heard many times and seems to be recorded more frequently; this is the first time for the 2nd for me) received a polished, elegant and fleet performance. The deeply moving central adagio flowed with passion and yet with the classical restraint endemic in Mendelssohn's music. The fiery finale, reminiscent of those of the Violin Concerto and the "Italian" Symphony, demonstrated Kuok-Wai Lio's considerable talent.
The Mahler 1st was more than excellent, showing how far the Symphony has come in the last few years. The leisurely atmospheric and chattering opening of the first movement was well done with spot on intonation from the exposed strings, offstage trumpets and murmuring, skittering wind solos. Stern's pace and attention to detail of this section reminded me (positively) of the classic Bernstein/Concertgebouw recording, one of the best in my opinion. The transition into the"Wayfarer" main theme just flowed nicely, not jarring nor taking off like a rocket like in some performances, but like my dear old 88 Lincoln does, accelerates with grace, subtle power and momentum. Throughout this movement, Stern paid close attention to detail but never micromanaged the huge score, bringing out special moments but not lingering so long as to break the spell. The closing pages of the movement were well turned as well, not rushed and frantic but exuberant and full of life.
Mahler had originally titled the 2nd movement "In Full Sail" and thus successful performances bring out the sense of being carried along in strong, full wind, smoothly (mostly) gliding over the open sea. Stern's Scherzo was fluid, graceful and affirming.
The 3rd movement, a strange funeral march based on "Frère Jacques" got off to a fine start with a suitably droll solo from Principal Bass Jeffrey Kail. The "Jewish music, klezmer band influenced interlude was nicely integrated but still detached in mood and tempo from the rest of the movement. Not always an easy task to accomplish.
The finale is marked Stürmisch bewegt-Energisch (Stormily agitated, energetic) and indeed it was storming and energetic. Marred only by some poor intonation in the brass and one trumpet figure that came close to falling completely apart, the movement progressed to a grand and brassy conclusion, the trumpets redeeming themselves with their grand fanfares over the pounding timpani figures in the final pages.
I now look forward to a Mahler 4th next season and somewhat to a performance of the Adagio of the 10th, sadly not a complete performance.
But now it is almost mandatory that every orchestra in the land do a Symphony or two each season and the audiences flock to it. Thus, we have a stunning Mahler 1st from the Kansas City Symphony, Michael Stern conducting, played to a packed house this weekend. Nielsen's "Helios" Overture began the program with the Mendelssohn 2nd Piano Concerto, Kuok-Wai Lio, a Curtis Institute student, as solo. Kuok-Wai Lio appears as part of an ongoing program to bring Curtis' finest to Kansas City for performances.
Nielsen is not among those composers whose music I admire and listen to frequently. Lord knows I have tried, but the big works, the Symphonies and the Concerti just do not do it for me. Strange, as I have strong admiration for many of the Danish composers who followed this father of modern Danish music such as Holmboe, Nørgård, Bentzon and Langgaard. But the atmospheric, beautifully scored "Helios Overture" from 1903 (around the time of the 2nd Symphony) is one of my favorites. This wonderful, well paced performance featured some detailed and polished horn work, deft wind work and a finely controlled central fugato that slowly dissolved into the same nocturnal dark of the beginning. I am sure many who were not familiar with this wonderful 12 minute tone poem found it quite revelatory.
The lesser known of the two Mendelssohn piano concerti (I am making an assumption here, the 1st I have heard many times and seems to be recorded more frequently; this is the first time for the 2nd for me) received a polished, elegant and fleet performance. The deeply moving central adagio flowed with passion and yet with the classical restraint endemic in Mendelssohn's music. The fiery finale, reminiscent of those of the Violin Concerto and the "Italian" Symphony, demonstrated Kuok-Wai Lio's considerable talent.
The Mahler 1st was more than excellent, showing how far the Symphony has come in the last few years. The leisurely atmospheric and chattering opening of the first movement was well done with spot on intonation from the exposed strings, offstage trumpets and murmuring, skittering wind solos. Stern's pace and attention to detail of this section reminded me (positively) of the classic Bernstein/Concertgebouw recording, one of the best in my opinion. The transition into the"Wayfarer" main theme just flowed nicely, not jarring nor taking off like a rocket like in some performances, but like my dear old 88 Lincoln does, accelerates with grace, subtle power and momentum. Throughout this movement, Stern paid close attention to detail but never micromanaged the huge score, bringing out special moments but not lingering so long as to break the spell. The closing pages of the movement were well turned as well, not rushed and frantic but exuberant and full of life.
Mahler had originally titled the 2nd movement "In Full Sail" and thus successful performances bring out the sense of being carried along in strong, full wind, smoothly (mostly) gliding over the open sea. Stern's Scherzo was fluid, graceful and affirming.
The 3rd movement, a strange funeral march based on "Frère Jacques" got off to a fine start with a suitably droll solo from Principal Bass Jeffrey Kail. The "Jewish music, klezmer band influenced interlude was nicely integrated but still detached in mood and tempo from the rest of the movement. Not always an easy task to accomplish.
The finale is marked Stürmisch bewegt-Energisch (Stormily agitated, energetic) and indeed it was storming and energetic. Marred only by some poor intonation in the brass and one trumpet figure that came close to falling completely apart, the movement progressed to a grand and brassy conclusion, the trumpets redeeming themselves with their grand fanfares over the pounding timpani figures in the final pages.
I now look forward to a Mahler 4th next season and somewhat to a performance of the Adagio of the 10th, sadly not a complete performance.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Music to Ones Ears
It was the day after the inauguration of President Obama, January 2009. An old man approached the White House Gate from across Pennsylvania Avenue where he'd been sitting on a park bench. He spoke to the Marine guard at the gate and said, "I'd like to go in and meet with President Bush, please." The Marine politely but sternly said "Sir, Mr. Bush no longer is president and does not reside here." The old man said "OK, thank you" and walked away.
The next morning, the old man sat on the same bench and then got up and approached the gate where the same Marine was standing guard. "I'd like to go in and meet with President Bush, please", said the old man. The Marine told him, "as I told you yesterday, sir, Mr. Bush is no longer president and does not live in the White House any more." "OK, thank you" said the man as he walked away.
On that Friday, the old man once again approached the same Marine: "I'd like to go in and meet with President Bush, please." The Marine was exasperated. "Sir, as I have told you twice before, Mr. Bush is no longer president and no longer lives in the White House. Do you understand that??"
"Oh I understand you completely", said the old man, "I just love hearing you say it."
The next morning, the old man sat on the same bench and then got up and approached the gate where the same Marine was standing guard. "I'd like to go in and meet with President Bush, please", said the old man. The Marine told him, "as I told you yesterday, sir, Mr. Bush is no longer president and does not live in the White House any more." "OK, thank you" said the man as he walked away.
On that Friday, the old man once again approached the same Marine: "I'd like to go in and meet with President Bush, please." The Marine was exasperated. "Sir, as I have told you twice before, Mr. Bush is no longer president and no longer lives in the White House. Do you understand that??"
"Oh I understand you completely", said the old man, "I just love hearing you say it."
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Hometown Diva: Joyce Di Donato "Furore!"
Our home town diva, Prairie Village, KS native Joyce Di Donato, returned to KC for a sold out recital on Wednesday. She was nothing less than magnificent in the recital "Furore", a program (and a Virgin Classics CD) of Handel arias and mad scenes. Accompanying her was the superb French Chamber Orchestra Les Talens Lyrique, Christophe Rousset conductor.
Di Donato virtually ruled the evening. Of course a home town audience with many "I knew her when" stories bandied about would greet her enthusiastically even if she read the proverbial grocery list. But in this case, the Handel selections were done with grace, excitement, elegance and sheer vocal perfection. "Where should I fly", an incredible mad aria from "Hercules", demonstrated her intensity and ability to communicate with her audience. She literally sounded and looked mad, both she and the audience stunned and breathless at the conclusion. Every aria, from "Ariodante", "Hercules", "Teseo", "Serse" and "Imeneo", was a marvel of vocal color and technique. Clear as bell trills, thrilling runs, leaps and sometimes almost breathless tempi, all tossed off with ease.
Les Talens Lyrique also offered some wonderful orchestral excerpts to lend a bit of contrast to the program. Historically accurate, but never dry and pedantic, true grand music making in the baroque style.
Di Donato's gown was a masterpiece as well. Michelle Obama needs to talk to her designer.
New Yorkers: The same program is at Carnegie Hall on Friday.
Di Donato virtually ruled the evening. Of course a home town audience with many "I knew her when" stories bandied about would greet her enthusiastically even if she read the proverbial grocery list. But in this case, the Handel selections were done with grace, excitement, elegance and sheer vocal perfection. "Where should I fly", an incredible mad aria from "Hercules", demonstrated her intensity and ability to communicate with her audience. She literally sounded and looked mad, both she and the audience stunned and breathless at the conclusion. Every aria, from "Ariodante", "Hercules", "Teseo", "Serse" and "Imeneo", was a marvel of vocal color and technique. Clear as bell trills, thrilling runs, leaps and sometimes almost breathless tempi, all tossed off with ease.
Les Talens Lyrique also offered some wonderful orchestral excerpts to lend a bit of contrast to the program. Historically accurate, but never dry and pedantic, true grand music making in the baroque style.
Di Donato's gown was a masterpiece as well. Michelle Obama needs to talk to her designer.
New Yorkers: The same program is at Carnegie Hall on Friday.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A New Era
I, along with a huge percentage of the world (a friend in Australia has asked a friend in the US to phone her to wake her at 4AM in Sydney "for the big moment") await the presidency of Barack Obama. After 8 years of the illegal, divisive, war mongering Bush regime, change is refreshing. I took down the "Days Until Bush Leaves the White House" counter I had on the blog. It had stopped. Millions are descending on Washington. People are taking the day off. TVs and radios will be on all over the world. Me? I am heading to St Louis, I'll probably miss part of it.
Conservatives are, of course, deep in mourning but also gleefully waiting to pounce on every mis-step of the Obama administration. They are amazed at "Obamamainia", can't grasp that Bush and his minions have been so destructive that we have great expectations on this new President.
Way too high probably. I am not a convert to St Obama. He will screw up. He will slide into the status quo. He will have to compromise. Iraq will not go away tomorrow. Bush's depression will not lift in a week. They say in today's paper that Kansas City could lose 20,000 jobs this year. One city alone. Some are in better shape, others much worse. If 20,000 jobs is an average, middle of the road.... I shudder to think. Sorry to say, Obama-maniaians, he has no magic wand.
I have hopes that he will be good. I have hope that instead of fear and bullying we see an administration that consults, leads with consensus and focuses on real issues, not my bedroom.
We'll see.. the ride is just beginning.
Conservatives are, of course, deep in mourning but also gleefully waiting to pounce on every mis-step of the Obama administration. They are amazed at "Obamamainia", can't grasp that Bush and his minions have been so destructive that we have great expectations on this new President.
Way too high probably. I am not a convert to St Obama. He will screw up. He will slide into the status quo. He will have to compromise. Iraq will not go away tomorrow. Bush's depression will not lift in a week. They say in today's paper that Kansas City could lose 20,000 jobs this year. One city alone. Some are in better shape, others much worse. If 20,000 jobs is an average, middle of the road.... I shudder to think. Sorry to say, Obama-maniaians, he has no magic wand.
I have hopes that he will be good. I have hope that instead of fear and bullying we see an administration that consults, leads with consensus and focuses on real issues, not my bedroom.
We'll see.. the ride is just beginning.
Monday, January 19, 2009
A Sunday Gathering
It the spirit of fellowship and friendship, Jerry and Paul, two fine fellows from my new church Country Club Congregational UCC, invited Greg, Jean, two old friends Russ and Helma and I to lunch yesterday afternoon.
As we sipped our drinks and chatted about our lives, renewed and made connections (Jerry and Greg both grew up on hog farms, and I knew one of Jerry's classmates), we all remarked on one interesting bond... we all grew up Methodist. We all quickly realized something else, we had all come to the conclusion we had to leave our Methodist traditions behind.
As Greg put it, "I didn't leave the church, it left me."
We are all (4 gay men, a straight couple with gay children and a widow who loves everyone regardless) people any church would love to have. We are faithful attenders, 6 of us sing or play instruments in the church, we have all served as leaders in the church and denomination, we financially support the church, 2 of us had made pilgrimages to Jerusalem, we have all done mission work to serve the poor and those in need. Jean and Paul have cared for sick and dying AIDS victims since the beginning of the epidemic. Greg and I had been to Nicaragua many times in service to others. Jerry has lead church choirs for years. Russ is a retired minister, Helma makes sure libraries are free from censorship. Saints we are not, but we keep on trying.
Yet the Methodist Church feels that 4 out the 7 people there are not deserving of full acceptance. Jerry and Paul have been together through thick and thin, moves and career changes for 33 years. Their relationship is meaningless in the Methodist Church.
Here is what the Methodist Book of Discipline (more important than the Bible for many Methodists) says:
Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.
Then there is this lulu:
Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. Although we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching, we affirm that God's grace is available to all. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons." Huh??? Can you say double speak? It is just whitewash for "love the sinner, hate the sin". I do lots of sinning, but expressing my God given sexuality is NOT one of them...thank you.
This sounds good until you read the last sentence, shades of "we love you, but you must sit on the back of the bus.":
Equal Rights Regardless of Sexual Orientation -– Certain basic human rights and civil liberties are due all persons. We are committed to supporting those rights and liberties for homosexual persons. We see a clear issue of simple justice in protecting their rightful claims where they have shared material resources, pensions, guardian relationships, mutual powers of attorney, and other such lawful claims typically attendant to contractual relationships that involve shared contributions, responsibilities, and liabilities, and equal protection before the law. Moreover, we support efforts to stop violence and other forms of coercion against gays and lesbians. We also commit ourselves to social witness against the coercion and marginalization of former homosexuals.
Then what about former heterosexuals, if we can change our orientation like our socks?
So, in light of all that, what does our little gathering say? It would say to me that those who are progressive, gay, gay supportive and in favor of inclusion are leaving and finding a home in the UCC. It says we are tired of beating our heads against the brick wall of oppression and intransigence. It speaks of our disgust over the hypocrisy of the church and its leaders, something Jesus and the Bible talk about more than homosexuality. It may brand us as quitters, someone has to work inside to change. I believed that for a long time. But the church does not want to change, and I grew tired.
It speaks that the United Methodist Church, in all its glorious history, its leadership in braking barriers, being in the forefront of change is sliding into a staid status quo.
How sad.
I think I'll be happy with the UCC.
As we sipped our drinks and chatted about our lives, renewed and made connections (Jerry and Greg both grew up on hog farms, and I knew one of Jerry's classmates), we all remarked on one interesting bond... we all grew up Methodist. We all quickly realized something else, we had all come to the conclusion we had to leave our Methodist traditions behind.
As Greg put it, "I didn't leave the church, it left me."
We are all (4 gay men, a straight couple with gay children and a widow who loves everyone regardless) people any church would love to have. We are faithful attenders, 6 of us sing or play instruments in the church, we have all served as leaders in the church and denomination, we financially support the church, 2 of us had made pilgrimages to Jerusalem, we have all done mission work to serve the poor and those in need. Jean and Paul have cared for sick and dying AIDS victims since the beginning of the epidemic. Greg and I had been to Nicaragua many times in service to others. Jerry has lead church choirs for years. Russ is a retired minister, Helma makes sure libraries are free from censorship. Saints we are not, but we keep on trying.
Yet the Methodist Church feels that 4 out the 7 people there are not deserving of full acceptance. Jerry and Paul have been together through thick and thin, moves and career changes for 33 years. Their relationship is meaningless in the Methodist Church.
Here is what the Methodist Book of Discipline (more important than the Bible for many Methodists) says:
Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.
Then there is this lulu:
Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. Although we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching, we affirm that God's grace is available to all. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons." Huh??? Can you say double speak? It is just whitewash for "love the sinner, hate the sin". I do lots of sinning, but expressing my God given sexuality is NOT one of them...thank you.
This sounds good until you read the last sentence, shades of "we love you, but you must sit on the back of the bus.":
Equal Rights Regardless of Sexual Orientation -– Certain basic human rights and civil liberties are due all persons. We are committed to supporting those rights and liberties for homosexual persons. We see a clear issue of simple justice in protecting their rightful claims where they have shared material resources, pensions, guardian relationships, mutual powers of attorney, and other such lawful claims typically attendant to contractual relationships that involve shared contributions, responsibilities, and liabilities, and equal protection before the law. Moreover, we support efforts to stop violence and other forms of coercion against gays and lesbians. We also commit ourselves to social witness against the coercion and marginalization of former homosexuals.
Then what about former heterosexuals, if we can change our orientation like our socks?
So, in light of all that, what does our little gathering say? It would say to me that those who are progressive, gay, gay supportive and in favor of inclusion are leaving and finding a home in the UCC. It says we are tired of beating our heads against the brick wall of oppression and intransigence. It speaks of our disgust over the hypocrisy of the church and its leaders, something Jesus and the Bible talk about more than homosexuality. It may brand us as quitters, someone has to work inside to change. I believed that for a long time. But the church does not want to change, and I grew tired.
It speaks that the United Methodist Church, in all its glorious history, its leadership in braking barriers, being in the forefront of change is sliding into a staid status quo.
How sad.
I think I'll be happy with the UCC.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Winter Storm 2009: The Pipes Come to KC
For a few days, Kansas City, or at least a part of it, was transformed into the Highlands of Scotland. It was Winter Storm 2009, the annual highland bagpipe and drum competition and festival. Some of the most phenomenal pipers and drummers (dancers too) from around the world converge to compete and then demonstrate their rare talent to a huge, enthusiastic crowd.
I tried to play the bagpipes one time in my life, still have my practice chanter and could get a tune out of it. That was not the hard part. The trick is getting the maze of pipes and bags to produce a recognizable tone, not a huge bleating fart. If that were the case, I'd be a champion.
Suffice to say the pipers and drummers here were world class; 8 gold medal pipers, 11 champion drummers and the winners of the 2009 competition turned the austere Community Christian Church (a Frank Lloyd Wright design) in to a wee bit of Scotland.
I had never heard such incredible playing. This was far and above "Amazing Grace" (thankfully not heard), it was like having Callas, Sills, Caballé, Domingo and Pavarotti on stage along with the newest talented singers just singing for the hell of it. Fred Morrison, equally adept on the small or lowland pipes, Irish uillean pipes and whistle, brought the house down with his bravura display on the small pipes, "a bit of Jimmy Hendrix on the pipes," as he described his performance.
Equally impressive were the snare, tenor and bass drummers. The tenor drummers impressed with the acrobatic twirls of their sticks, visually as well as aurally stunning.
The finale with the massed champions and newly crowned winners created a wall of sound and pageantry that resonated long after the show ended.
The ranks of the pipers and drummers and even the audience were filled with younger folks, boding well for the future of this ancient instrument and its colorful history and traditions
I tried to play the bagpipes one time in my life, still have my practice chanter and could get a tune out of it. That was not the hard part. The trick is getting the maze of pipes and bags to produce a recognizable tone, not a huge bleating fart. If that were the case, I'd be a champion.
Suffice to say the pipers and drummers here were world class; 8 gold medal pipers, 11 champion drummers and the winners of the 2009 competition turned the austere Community Christian Church (a Frank Lloyd Wright design) in to a wee bit of Scotland.
I had never heard such incredible playing. This was far and above "Amazing Grace" (thankfully not heard), it was like having Callas, Sills, Caballé, Domingo and Pavarotti on stage along with the newest talented singers just singing for the hell of it. Fred Morrison, equally adept on the small or lowland pipes, Irish uillean pipes and whistle, brought the house down with his bravura display on the small pipes, "a bit of Jimmy Hendrix on the pipes," as he described his performance.
Equally impressive were the snare, tenor and bass drummers. The tenor drummers impressed with the acrobatic twirls of their sticks, visually as well as aurally stunning.
The finale with the massed champions and newly crowned winners created a wall of sound and pageantry that resonated long after the show ended.
The ranks of the pipers and drummers and even the audience were filled with younger folks, boding well for the future of this ancient instrument and its colorful history and traditions
Friday, January 16, 2009
Chills Down the Spine
With death, injustice, war, famine and poverty running rampant, a local "Christian" decides to show his faith by making a royal to-do over a couple Buddhist statues at the Kansas City Zoo.
The man stated he felt a "chill down his spine" during an outing to wicked, infidel KC with his Cupcake land family.
So it goes, another "Christian", offended by all he sees, his narrow interpretation of the world scaring him to death. If this man felt a chill down his spine over a statue at a family oriented establishment, and felt he had to do something about it in the name of Jesus, then what does he do when he sees the homeless, war, unemployed, hungry, injustice... things that really send a "chill down your spine". So my friend, you might want to open your eyes and express your outrage at what is really going on in this world (or better yet act upon it) instead of complaining about a statue at a zoo.
Jesus would really be pleased then.
The man stated he felt a "chill down his spine" during an outing to wicked, infidel KC with his Cupcake land family.
Further making him boil, he watched as zoo visitors rubbed the heads and pot bellies of the two smiling statues located at the entrance of the Zoo's Tiger Trail. “We can’t have a cross or a nativity scene on public property,” he complained to zoo officials, “It is phenomenal to me that the zoo would put up Buddha statues.”
Guess what, Boo-Boo, they ain't even Buddhas! According to a local Buddhist leader, the statues are the common Ho Tai, the patron saint of children in China and Japan. Ho Tai is more like Santa Claus than a deity. He is also revered as being the patron of bartenders and restaurants, just look for him the next time you go to any Asian restaurant. Besides, the local Lama reported, Buddhists do not think of Buddha as divine, he was a simple human mortal who learned the secret of enlightenment and shared his philosophy with others.So it goes, another "Christian", offended by all he sees, his narrow interpretation of the world scaring him to death. If this man felt a chill down his spine over a statue at a family oriented establishment, and felt he had to do something about it in the name of Jesus, then what does he do when he sees the homeless, war, unemployed, hungry, injustice... things that really send a "chill down your spine". So my friend, you might want to open your eyes and express your outrage at what is really going on in this world (or better yet act upon it) instead of complaining about a statue at a zoo.
Jesus would really be pleased then.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Aquatic Life
One of my biggest life regrets is that it took me 40 years to learn to swim. I was deathly afraid of water, although I was paradoxically drawn to it as well. Rivers, lakes, oceans, pools, fountains all beckoned me with their siren call.
Moving to the Palace with a nice, warm, year round pool right across the hall, was just too much temptation. I had started getting used to water, actually getting in and walking around a pool, but no where near a deep end. Diving?? you have to be kidding.... NFW. Suffice to say, practice, a little courage and a not real deep pool conquered my fear a few years ago. Now this Pisces fish can barely stay out of the water.
Thus my dismay in November when the pool, usually kept at a nice warm 84 deg, got colder and colder. I turned the old heater up to boiling and should have been able to make tea in the pool water. It remained cool and was getting cooler. The smell of gas and carbon told me to shut the damn thing down before it blew. The pool grew colder, soon the North Atlantic was warmer.
The pool company that services the place took one look at it and said get rid of it. It was 20 years old and parts are scarce for the brand, no longer being made. A new one, smaller they said, would set us back a cool $2500. NOT! I knew the cheap asses here at the Palace would never swing that. So a second service was contracted and they proposed a restoration. "These old 'Tropic Isle' units are built like tanks, the technician told me, it probably just needs cleaned out." Did she ever...they finally came Monday and got her going again.
With the pool water at a nice frigid 52 and the old heater not exactly the most efficient, it has taken a couple of days to bring it up to a less testicle shrinking temperature. With some hose couplings I found, I managed to rig the hose to run hot water from the bathroom off the pool. Topping it off in the AM with some hot water has certainly helped.
Esther Williams supposedly liked a cool pool, temps around 70 deg. She didn't have body parts that shrank like men do. Finally, this AM, the temp was around 80, I ventured in. Damn it was great being back in my element. Floating, buoyant, gliding underwater, quiet and free. Great exercise too, I could feel the pounds coming back on.
Hopefully, the old heater will keep on chugging for a while. Most of the denizens of the Palace would rather fill it in and turn the place into an unused exercise room. They don't use the pool, so why would they use anything else? Spend money on a pool heater...nonsense!
Be that as it may, if you can't find me... look in the water. Esther and I have a date.
Moving to the Palace with a nice, warm, year round pool right across the hall, was just too much temptation. I had started getting used to water, actually getting in and walking around a pool, but no where near a deep end. Diving?? you have to be kidding.... NFW. Suffice to say, practice, a little courage and a not real deep pool conquered my fear a few years ago. Now this Pisces fish can barely stay out of the water.
Thus my dismay in November when the pool, usually kept at a nice warm 84 deg, got colder and colder. I turned the old heater up to boiling and should have been able to make tea in the pool water. It remained cool and was getting cooler. The smell of gas and carbon told me to shut the damn thing down before it blew. The pool grew colder, soon the North Atlantic was warmer.
The pool company that services the place took one look at it and said get rid of it. It was 20 years old and parts are scarce for the brand, no longer being made. A new one, smaller they said, would set us back a cool $2500. NOT! I knew the cheap asses here at the Palace would never swing that. So a second service was contracted and they proposed a restoration. "These old 'Tropic Isle' units are built like tanks, the technician told me, it probably just needs cleaned out." Did she ever...they finally came Monday and got her going again.
With the pool water at a nice frigid 52 and the old heater not exactly the most efficient, it has taken a couple of days to bring it up to a less testicle shrinking temperature. With some hose couplings I found, I managed to rig the hose to run hot water from the bathroom off the pool. Topping it off in the AM with some hot water has certainly helped.
Esther Williams supposedly liked a cool pool, temps around 70 deg. She didn't have body parts that shrank like men do. Finally, this AM, the temp was around 80, I ventured in. Damn it was great being back in my element. Floating, buoyant, gliding underwater, quiet and free. Great exercise too, I could feel the pounds coming back on.
Hopefully, the old heater will keep on chugging for a while. Most of the denizens of the Palace would rather fill it in and turn the place into an unused exercise room. They don't use the pool, so why would they use anything else? Spend money on a pool heater...nonsense!
Be that as it may, if you can't find me... look in the water. Esther and I have a date.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
We Have a New Neighbor
Welcome to a sweet little lady, born January 10, on a cold full moon night, sometime during the last movement of the Brahms Violin Concerto:
NORA ELIZABETH STERN
all 8 lbs 9 oz of her. Oh what your sister will teach you. Can't wait to see you and watch you grow.
Proud parents: Michael Stern and Shelly Cryer and big sister Hannon.
Proud parents: Michael Stern and Shelly Cryer and big sister Hannon.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Bye-Bye Boy Gov, for good!
Bye bye Boy Gov Blunt... and good riddance. And a week from now, Bush joins you. For the last 4 years, you and your arrogant, childish behavior have disgraced this state, wasted state money trying to discredit your opponents, cut services to poor, presided over the most partisan bickering I have ever seen, tried to dismantle a non-partisan system to appoint judges, just so you get your way. We have endured, Fred Ferrel, Ed Martin, email scandal and managed to live through Melanie's hideous fashion.
Bye. Now go away...permanently.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Kansas City Symphony, Jarvi's Debut
Kansas City Symphony Music Director Michael Stern was a bit occupied during last evening's concert. Awaiting the arrival of his second child (a girl, born last night), he, of course, was not on the podium but in New York at the hospital. Thus the Symphony's new Assistant Steven Jarvi (no relation I am told to Paavo and Neeme) took over a quite demanding concert: Haydn Symphony # 1, Brahms Violin Concerto with Midori as soloist, and the Sibelius 5th Symphony.
Jarvi is a well recognized conductor in his own right. Jarvi is currently a Conducting Fellow with Michael Tilson Thomas' New World Symphony in Miami Beach and also is an Associate Conductor for the New York City Opera at Lincoln Center. His teachers and mentors reads as a "who's who" in music today: James Levine, Stefan Asbury, Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, Kurt Masur, Claudio Abbado and of course Tilson Thomas.
The early Haydn was a delightful curtain raiser, light and fleet but lingering enough to bring out the abundant melodies. The KCS has made a name for itself with its elegant and charming Haydn performances.
Born in 1971 and making her debut at 12, violinist Midori has been a stage presence for as long as most of us remember. However, by quirk, this was the first time I had heard her. Now approaching 40, she teaches and carries a demanding concert load.
It takes a special effort by the performers to keep Brahms from sinking into a sprawling, turgid mass. Well chosen tempi helped us to digest this heavy German meal (think lots of roast veal, potatoes, cabbage and sour cream) and Midori's incredible technique and creamy tone were to savor. The sprawling first movement... I am at a loss to go on...oh lets face it, everyone knows I don't care for Brahms but those who do found this a satisfying, elegant performance. Midori certainly demonstrated that she survived her "wonderkind" years and has matured into a graceful, impressive artist. The orchestra and Jarvi did a fine job of accompanying but sometimes overwhelmed the subtle lines from the violin. The wonderful (sic) acoustics of the Lyric Theatre at play again, most likely.
The second half was devoted to the powerful Sibelius Symphony # 5. Jarvi's last two movements were outstanding, fluid and finely detailed, bringing out the organic flow of this incredible music and delivering some finely precise and decisive final chords. The first movement was slower to gel, a little choppy and less organic. I wished for a more physically exciting acceleration into the coda, but to be fair, few conductors other than Ormandy and Colin Davis have ever been equaled in this passage. The Andante, quasi allegretto central movement featured some wonderful wind work, especially from the flutes and oboes. The KCS brass did an outstanding job, but they frequently overwhelmed some of the important string passages. I was most disappointed by the distant, hesitant timpani. This is a work with many passages (opening and coda to first movement, end of final movement for example) that demand commanding timpani that stands out, not a part of the orchestral fabric. These quibbles aside, a fine and satisfying performance of a demanding work.
Bravo Maestro Jarvi for an overall impressive debut. I see that next year we hear you again in a concert featuring Mahler (sadly and disappointingly only the Adagio to the Mahler 10), Mozart and R. Strauss.
Jarvi is a well recognized conductor in his own right. Jarvi is currently a Conducting Fellow with Michael Tilson Thomas' New World Symphony in Miami Beach and also is an Associate Conductor for the New York City Opera at Lincoln Center. His teachers and mentors reads as a "who's who" in music today: James Levine, Stefan Asbury, Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, Kurt Masur, Claudio Abbado and of course Tilson Thomas.
The early Haydn was a delightful curtain raiser, light and fleet but lingering enough to bring out the abundant melodies. The KCS has made a name for itself with its elegant and charming Haydn performances.
Born in 1971 and making her debut at 12, violinist Midori has been a stage presence for as long as most of us remember. However, by quirk, this was the first time I had heard her. Now approaching 40, she teaches and carries a demanding concert load.
It takes a special effort by the performers to keep Brahms from sinking into a sprawling, turgid mass. Well chosen tempi helped us to digest this heavy German meal (think lots of roast veal, potatoes, cabbage and sour cream) and Midori's incredible technique and creamy tone were to savor. The sprawling first movement... I am at a loss to go on...oh lets face it, everyone knows I don't care for Brahms but those who do found this a satisfying, elegant performance. Midori certainly demonstrated that she survived her "wonderkind" years and has matured into a graceful, impressive artist. The orchestra and Jarvi did a fine job of accompanying but sometimes overwhelmed the subtle lines from the violin. The wonderful (sic) acoustics of the Lyric Theatre at play again, most likely.
The second half was devoted to the powerful Sibelius Symphony # 5. Jarvi's last two movements were outstanding, fluid and finely detailed, bringing out the organic flow of this incredible music and delivering some finely precise and decisive final chords. The first movement was slower to gel, a little choppy and less organic. I wished for a more physically exciting acceleration into the coda, but to be fair, few conductors other than Ormandy and Colin Davis have ever been equaled in this passage. The Andante, quasi allegretto central movement featured some wonderful wind work, especially from the flutes and oboes. The KCS brass did an outstanding job, but they frequently overwhelmed some of the important string passages. I was most disappointed by the distant, hesitant timpani. This is a work with many passages (opening and coda to first movement, end of final movement for example) that demand commanding timpani that stands out, not a part of the orchestral fabric. These quibbles aside, a fine and satisfying performance of a demanding work.
Bravo Maestro Jarvi for an overall impressive debut. I see that next year we hear you again in a concert featuring Mahler (sadly and disappointingly only the Adagio to the Mahler 10), Mozart and R. Strauss.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Dark Days
We have entered the dark days.
No, neither the end of civilization (that may still come) nor the darkest, shortest days of the year, but the days when the lights, glitter and bows get tucked away for another year.
Like many children, I would love for Christmas to last all year; lights on houses, gaily decorated trees in every home, candles, Christmas carols (!), presents and parties, egg nog and cookies with sugar and sprinkles. People are nicer, people are more generous, dour old fucks like me even don a Santa Hat and act like a fool. Did I say egg nog??
But now it is in a box. My Christmas paraphernalia is all packed, ornaments in boxes, tree all disassembled, lights in a bag. The building hallways are now bare of the fragrant, fresh wreaths on every door, the black wood doors look more foreboding and somber, less welcoming than they did last week.
But I would imagine if it were perpetual Christmas, we would get tired of it soon. The lights would burn out, the carols quickly grow stale, the egg nog as thrilling as a glass of tap water. We'd long for a little less glitz.
It is still a bit disconcerting to see the world doff its finery and return to bland normality. But remember how it feels getting out of your glamorous, formal, stud-buttoned tux or slinky, tight gown with stylish yet horribly uncomfortable shoes and back into a pair of old sweats, a T and slippers; it is relaxing and a relief as well.
No, neither the end of civilization (that may still come) nor the darkest, shortest days of the year, but the days when the lights, glitter and bows get tucked away for another year.
Like many children, I would love for Christmas to last all year; lights on houses, gaily decorated trees in every home, candles, Christmas carols (!), presents and parties, egg nog and cookies with sugar and sprinkles. People are nicer, people are more generous, dour old fucks like me even don a Santa Hat and act like a fool. Did I say egg nog??
But now it is in a box. My Christmas paraphernalia is all packed, ornaments in boxes, tree all disassembled, lights in a bag. The building hallways are now bare of the fragrant, fresh wreaths on every door, the black wood doors look more foreboding and somber, less welcoming than they did last week.
But I would imagine if it were perpetual Christmas, we would get tired of it soon. The lights would burn out, the carols quickly grow stale, the egg nog as thrilling as a glass of tap water. We'd long for a little less glitz.
It is still a bit disconcerting to see the world doff its finery and return to bland normality. But remember how it feels getting out of your glamorous, formal, stud-buttoned tux or slinky, tight gown with stylish yet horribly uncomfortable shoes and back into a pair of old sweats, a T and slippers; it is relaxing and a relief as well.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
The Mayor Of Castro Street: Harvey Milk
Seeing the new film "Milk", based on the life of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man ever elected to public office, allowed me to reflect exactly how much and at the same time how little has changed for gay rights in 30 years. Thus "Milk" has become an inspiration for GLBTs angered by California voters’ rejection in November of gay marriage.
Sean Penn gives us his greatest performance as Milk,indeed Penn deserves the hype one sees in Hollywood movie commercials from time to time that state So and So is Whoever. In this case it is not hype, Penn is Harvey Milk, a New Yorker who in the early ’70s moves to San Francisco to be more open and himself. He and his then boyfriend Scott (James Franco) open a camera shop on Castro Street, rally the growing gay community and through his charisma and energy and becomes the leader of the city’s gay community and "The Mayor of Castro Street". Milk unsuccessfully ran for office three times before being elected to the city’s Board of Supervisors.
Milk takes his position on the Board at the same time as former police officer Dan White (Josh Brolin). While Milk is effective, organized and a whiz at getting publicity, White fails in every respect as a Supervisor. Director Gus Van Sant and Brolin do not make White out to be a homophobic monster but more of a confused, in-articulate neophyte, angry at himself for being a failure, a victim of his upbringing and fearful of something he does not understand. But as so many do, he could not publicly blame himself, he had to have a scapegoat... and that was the flamboyant and public Milk.
Much of the film recreates Milk's campaigns, his strained relationship with Scott and then with insecure, suicidal Jack Lira an finally the battle to defeat California Proposition 6 which aims to ban gays and their supporters from teaching in California. Archival footage (including the despicable, pathetic Anita Bryant)is woven into the action, making this as much a historic document as it is a fascinating story.
The supporting cast is all excellent, the cinematography is suitably grainy to match the 70's vintage setting, the film well paced with doses of humor to lighten the path to the inevitable conclusion. As he does with White, Van Sant makes Milk as flawed, charismatic and energetic as he really was.
"Milk" is about the perseverance of the human spirit and the power that one person with commitment and involvement can unleash. White's victims, Milk and Mayor George Moscone were murdered in cold blood due to ignorance and fear of this power. I urge you to see "Milk"--it's an amazing and timely story.
Sean Penn gives us his greatest performance as Milk,indeed Penn deserves the hype one sees in Hollywood movie commercials from time to time that state So and So is Whoever. In this case it is not hype, Penn is Harvey Milk, a New Yorker who in the early ’70s moves to San Francisco to be more open and himself. He and his then boyfriend Scott (James Franco) open a camera shop on Castro Street, rally the growing gay community and through his charisma and energy and becomes the leader of the city’s gay community and "The Mayor of Castro Street". Milk unsuccessfully ran for office three times before being elected to the city’s Board of Supervisors.
Milk takes his position on the Board at the same time as former police officer Dan White (Josh Brolin). While Milk is effective, organized and a whiz at getting publicity, White fails in every respect as a Supervisor. Director Gus Van Sant and Brolin do not make White out to be a homophobic monster but more of a confused, in-articulate neophyte, angry at himself for being a failure, a victim of his upbringing and fearful of something he does not understand. But as so many do, he could not publicly blame himself, he had to have a scapegoat... and that was the flamboyant and public Milk.
Much of the film recreates Milk's campaigns, his strained relationship with Scott and then with insecure, suicidal Jack Lira an finally the battle to defeat California Proposition 6 which aims to ban gays and their supporters from teaching in California. Archival footage (including the despicable, pathetic Anita Bryant)is woven into the action, making this as much a historic document as it is a fascinating story.
The supporting cast is all excellent, the cinematography is suitably grainy to match the 70's vintage setting, the film well paced with doses of humor to lighten the path to the inevitable conclusion. As he does with White, Van Sant makes Milk as flawed, charismatic and energetic as he really was.
"Milk" is about the perseverance of the human spirit and the power that one person with commitment and involvement can unleash. White's victims, Milk and Mayor George Moscone were murdered in cold blood due to ignorance and fear of this power. I urge you to see "Milk"--it's an amazing and timely story.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Benjamin Button
I was going to re-title "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" "Forrest Gump Revisited" after my friend Bruce's comment that the new release starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett reminded him of that classic. Well, turns out "Button" is the son of Forrest; the screen plays written by the same person. Both films feature a child-like hero making their way through a scary, changing world with real historical events as a stage. In this film, Benjamin, born on WWI Armistice Day, lives through the depression in an old folks boarding house, gets involved WWII, post war Paris, the cruising 50's the hippy 60s, finds his nirvana in India and even, through the narrator, Hurricane Katrina.
Button is born backwards; at birth he is the size of an infant but with all the physical frailty of an old man, fated to grow younger not older. He meets a young girl, Daisy (Blanchett), falls in love and soon realizes their lives will intersect only for a brief moment in the future. The story unfolds on the screen as it is read by Daisy's daughter as Daisy lays dying in a hospital as Hurricane Katrina approaches New Orleans.
Fascinating premise played out in an overly long, detached film. Like the clock that inspires the whole convoluted tale, this is a love story based on inevitability and precise timing, not passion. I lost interest about 1/2 way through, basically when the real Brad Pitt (the strange man-child was basically some sophisticated computer work using real actors) emerges to portray a 20 something Button. If it had been a DVD, I would have switched to the weather channel, which is much less predictable and maybe caught a real Katrina.
Lot of Oscar talk is swirling around "Benjamin Button". If it wins, it is because the Academy still does not have the balls to give best film to a gay flick ("Milk", I saw that one too and will review it soon)and thus will settle on a safe epic.
Some fine moments, but not Oscar worthy.
Button is born backwards; at birth he is the size of an infant but with all the physical frailty of an old man, fated to grow younger not older. He meets a young girl, Daisy (Blanchett), falls in love and soon realizes their lives will intersect only for a brief moment in the future. The story unfolds on the screen as it is read by Daisy's daughter as Daisy lays dying in a hospital as Hurricane Katrina approaches New Orleans.
Fascinating premise played out in an overly long, detached film. Like the clock that inspires the whole convoluted tale, this is a love story based on inevitability and precise timing, not passion. I lost interest about 1/2 way through, basically when the real Brad Pitt (the strange man-child was basically some sophisticated computer work using real actors) emerges to portray a 20 something Button. If it had been a DVD, I would have switched to the weather channel, which is much less predictable and maybe caught a real Katrina.
Lot of Oscar talk is swirling around "Benjamin Button". If it wins, it is because the Academy still does not have the balls to give best film to a gay flick ("Milk", I saw that one too and will review it soon)and thus will settle on a safe epic.
Some fine moments, but not Oscar worthy.
Friday, January 02, 2009
Taking on the Prison Industrial Complex
Webb Sets Sight on Prison Reform
The above article is a must read. It is time to end the prison-industrial complex in the US. Crime is not down because we imprison everyone that violates a law, is homeless, mentally ill or sick; Kansas City had one of its most violent years ever.
Write Senator Webb and express your support:
Senator Jim Webb
144 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
On line you can contact here
I don't remember from my civics classes if you are to address a Senator as "Honorable", "Your Grace", or whatever...I don't think they really care.
It is the letter that counts.
The above article is a must read. It is time to end the prison-industrial complex in the US. Crime is not down because we imprison everyone that violates a law, is homeless, mentally ill or sick; Kansas City had one of its most violent years ever.
Write Senator Webb and express your support:
Senator Jim Webb
144 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
On line you can contact here
I don't remember from my civics classes if you are to address a Senator as "Honorable", "Your Grace", or whatever...I don't think they really care.
It is the letter that counts.
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