for Aunt Betty Lou
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Peace of the Orchard
I finally sat down to watch Cider House Rules last night (which, by the way, is a great story and movie) when onto the screen strutted my little sister. Well, someone who looked a whole lot like my little sister, only many years ago. She was sticking out her tongue at Tobey McGuire. (The actress, not my sister.)
As I watched, and thought about my dear sister, I began to think about my father's sister, whose light is sadly fading. And I remembered how tenderly she and father discussed the deaths of shared friends. I fear such tenderness is a dying art, as the world spirals into increasing meanness and war. I will miss basking in the light of these exemplars of our greatest generation.
After watching "Cider House", I did some research on the actress who so resembled my own sister, and soon found her name: Paz de la Huerta..."Peace of the Orchard".
May there indeed be peace in the orchard of the world, sisters. And may the light in which we have long basked, shine through us, the next generation.
Paz de la Huerta
My grandmother, shown here, looks astonishingly like my sister.
As I watched, and thought about my dear sister, I began to think about my father's sister, whose light is sadly fading. And I remembered how tenderly she and father discussed the deaths of shared friends. I fear such tenderness is a dying art, as the world spirals into increasing meanness and war. I will miss basking in the light of these exemplars of our greatest generation.
After watching "Cider House", I did some research on the actress who so resembled my own sister, and soon found her name: Paz de la Huerta..."Peace of the Orchard".
May there indeed be peace in the orchard of the world, sisters. And may the light in which we have long basked, shine through us, the next generation.
Paz de la Huerta
My grandmother, shown here, looks astonishingly like my sister.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Surprise! The billions in Drug Ad Sales works! But too well?
Ever see a Lunesta ad?
Ever spend an hour on TV where you didn't see a Lunesta ad?
The gentle butterfly will lull you to sleep...just as long as you ignore the small print.
The large print giveth, the small print taketh away...
(Any sleep medicine carries the risk of addiction.)
Now we see that there is a rash of sleeping pill addiction.
Oops Lunestacalypse!
Monday, February 06, 2006
Remnants of a Sunday Afternoon
On Sundays, we like to explore things unrelated to the mondial, quotidian, workaday world. But sometimes, midnight chimes with scores of screens gathering in huddle at the bottom of my browser. Rather than flushing them down the memory hole, today I will transfer them onto the blog for future reference. I shall let alt+tab determine the order...
"Clint Hall" CLINT, in the parish of Ripley, upper-division of Claro, liberty of Knaresborough; 2 miles from Ripley, 7 from Knaresborough, 8 from Ripon.--Pop. 412.This was anciently the seat of Sir William Beckwith, of Clint, Knight; part of the old house is yet remaining, called Clint-Hall, a very ancient stone building, with an arched portal, situated on a lofty eminence, commanding an extensive prospect. Some remains of the moat, that once surrounded this ancient mansion, are still discernible.
The Aldbrough Sundial
"Thorp Perrow"
"Thorp Perrow" images
"Millichope Park"
MASHAM:
Geographical and Historical information from the year 1890. Aldbrough Manor and estate, including Greens and Nutwith Cote, is the property of John Timothy D'Arcy Hutton, Esq., Marske Hall, The monks of Fountains possessed lands and had a grange at Aldbrough, which were seized by Henry VIII. at the Reformation. About the end of the 16th century, Aldbrough was sold to Sir Roger Beckwith, and it was purchased from this family by an ancestor of the present owner soon after 1743. The hall, situated on the banks of the Yore, about two miles from Masham, is a handsome stone building, consisting of a centre and two wings, refronted about 20 years ago. (Note: We think there is a difference between Aldbrough and Aldborough. Here we think it should be Aldborough, which is more westerly.)
Nutwith Cote, the residence of Mr. Thomas Phillips (see: Kenneth Phillips), is an ancient house, and has evidently once been the abode of some person of consequence. The walls of one room were hung with Spanish leather, bearing embossed devices and figures of angels, bacchanalians, grapes, &c., in gold, but a portion of this has been removed, and the remainder is hidden beneath coats of paint and paper. The house belonged to the Beckwiths, and was at one time the residence of Sir Patrick Mackie, a lieut.-colonel in the Scotch army, who died here in 1647. There was formerly a comb manufactory here; and upon the common is the site of a Roman camp.
The earliest provision for educational purposes was the bequest of Isabel Beckwith, of Well, who, by will dated 14th June, 1735, left the sum of £100 for the benefit of a Free School at Masham for teaching five poor boys, preference being given to such as bear the name of Beckwith.
"Duncombe Park" (Note the Palladian architecture, and its similitude wih Tayloe's Mt. Airy in Virginia. They also have Alcibiades' Dogs.
Duncombe Park images
Newby Hall from the River Ure
"Newby Hall" images
Basildon Park (note the dogs)
alcibiades dog
The Barberini Venus, Newby Hall
Sculpture Gallery, Newby Hall
Sterne's Coxwold - Shandy Hall (See "Tristram Shandy" by Laurence Sterne...soon to be released as a movie.)
The Borthwick Institute of Historical Research at the University of York.
"Clint Hall" CLINT, in the parish of Ripley, upper-division of Claro, liberty of Knaresborough; 2 miles from Ripley, 7 from Knaresborough, 8 from Ripon.--Pop. 412.This was anciently the seat of Sir William Beckwith, of Clint, Knight; part of the old house is yet remaining, called Clint-Hall, a very ancient stone building, with an arched portal, situated on a lofty eminence, commanding an extensive prospect. Some remains of the moat, that once surrounded this ancient mansion, are still discernible.
The Aldbrough Sundial
"Thorp Perrow"
"Thorp Perrow" images
"Millichope Park"
MASHAM:
Geographical and Historical information from the year 1890. Aldbrough Manor and estate, including Greens and Nutwith Cote, is the property of John Timothy D'Arcy Hutton, Esq., Marske Hall, The monks of Fountains possessed lands and had a grange at Aldbrough, which were seized by Henry VIII. at the Reformation. About the end of the 16th century, Aldbrough was sold to Sir Roger Beckwith, and it was purchased from this family by an ancestor of the present owner soon after 1743. The hall, situated on the banks of the Yore, about two miles from Masham, is a handsome stone building, consisting of a centre and two wings, refronted about 20 years ago. (Note: We think there is a difference between Aldbrough and Aldborough. Here we think it should be Aldborough, which is more westerly.)
Nutwith Cote, the residence of Mr. Thomas Phillips (see: Kenneth Phillips), is an ancient house, and has evidently once been the abode of some person of consequence. The walls of one room were hung with Spanish leather, bearing embossed devices and figures of angels, bacchanalians, grapes, &c., in gold, but a portion of this has been removed, and the remainder is hidden beneath coats of paint and paper. The house belonged to the Beckwiths, and was at one time the residence of Sir Patrick Mackie, a lieut.-colonel in the Scotch army, who died here in 1647. There was formerly a comb manufactory here; and upon the common is the site of a Roman camp.
The earliest provision for educational purposes was the bequest of Isabel Beckwith, of Well, who, by will dated 14th June, 1735, left the sum of £100 for the benefit of a Free School at Masham for teaching five poor boys, preference being given to such as bear the name of Beckwith.
"Duncombe Park" (Note the Palladian architecture, and its similitude wih Tayloe's Mt. Airy in Virginia. They also have Alcibiades' Dogs.
Duncombe Park images
Newby Hall from the River Ure
"Newby Hall" images
Basildon Park (note the dogs)
alcibiades dog
The Barberini Venus, Newby Hall
Sculpture Gallery, Newby Hall
Sterne's Coxwold - Shandy Hall (See "Tristram Shandy" by Laurence Sterne...soon to be released as a movie.)
The Borthwick Institute of Historical Research at the University of York.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
"Sunrise" over Super Bowl
If you're not planning on watching the Super Bowl, Turner Classic Movies has a wonderful option. Watch FW Murnau's "Sunrise".
"One would hesitate to call any film the finest of its era," wrote William K. Everson in his influential book American Silent Film, "though as a climax to the art of silent film, one could certainly defend that statement if it were applied to Sunrise."
As a rare gem, Sunrise also lends itself well to taping for your archives. Great film, great director.
"One would hesitate to call any film the finest of its era," wrote William K. Everson in his influential book American Silent Film, "though as a climax to the art of silent film, one could certainly defend that statement if it were applied to Sunrise."
As a rare gem, Sunrise also lends itself well to taping for your archives. Great film, great director.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
How to make Alec Baldwin out of Claude Akins and Roy Blunt
Women always ask me: "How can I make Alec Baldwin"? Usually I have no response, and throw up my hands...which is a lot better than throwing up on your hands. But today, I have discovered the answer: Morph trucking actor Claude Akins and Congressman Roy Blunt. (Some people claim they are the same person, so you may want to morph pictures of the two, rather than morphing their actual bodies, which may indeed be the same one.
Above is what happens when you morph their pictures...
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Democrats let Republicans Seize Alternative Energy, Innovation
Republicans Seize the Future, but is it a Snake Oil Symphony?
What could have been a winning formula for Democrats was usurped last night, and the result is that The Republican Party will now be synonymous with alternative energy, innovation, creativity. Yet another miracle is born in our topsy-turvy BushWorld.
You snooze, you lose. Poor Democrats. Poor Paddy Dignam.
Now, if the Democrats can hold Bush to his word, they too might be able to ride the coattails and be seen as at least marginally important in the development of alternative energy, innovation and creativity, as well as the future -- four categories that were once strongly identified with the Democratic Party.
Meanwhile, Democrats are busy becoming Republicans by embracing God, Guns and Goofiness.
For his part, Governor Tim Kaine gave a very good response with more substance and authenticity than Mister Bush, thus propelling this talented Democrat favorably into the national spotlight.
What could have been a winning formula for Democrats was usurped last night, and the result is that The Republican Party will now be synonymous with alternative energy, innovation, creativity. Yet another miracle is born in our topsy-turvy BushWorld.
You snooze, you lose. Poor Democrats. Poor Paddy Dignam.
Now, if the Democrats can hold Bush to his word, they too might be able to ride the coattails and be seen as at least marginally important in the development of alternative energy, innovation and creativity, as well as the future -- four categories that were once strongly identified with the Democratic Party.
Meanwhile, Democrats are busy becoming Republicans by embracing God, Guns and Goofiness.
For his part, Governor Tim Kaine gave a very good response with more substance and authenticity than Mister Bush, thus propelling this talented Democrat favorably into the national spotlight.
SOTU: Confident? Prepare to be challenged.
In his State of the Union Address, Bush vows to create an agenda that competes with confidence.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
BULLETIN! Bush/Abramoff Photos discovered by Anonymoses
Remember...I don't know you.
(See: "in the Biblical sense")
"I did not have verbal relations with that man." - GW Bush
BUSH’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS TO BE SIMULCAST IN ENGLISH
President Hopes to Reach Broader Audience, Aides Say
For the first time since he was elected President of the United States, George W. Bush’s State of the Union address tonight will be simulcast in English, the White House confirmed.
With the president’s approval ratings sagging, the decision to simulcast the speech in English was widely seen as an attempt by the president to make an appeal to a broader audience.
More on this breaking news from the Borowitz Report
(hat tip to Rah Bourbon)
For the first time since he was elected President of the United States, George W. Bush’s State of the Union address tonight will be simulcast in English, the White House confirmed.
With the president’s approval ratings sagging, the decision to simulcast the speech in English was widely seen as an attempt by the president to make an appeal to a broader audience.
More on this breaking news from the Borowitz Report
(hat tip to Rah Bourbon)
Mrs. Martin Luther King has died
Coretta Scott King
Coretta Scott King's Accomplishments Included a Syndicated Column
NEW YORK Coretta Scott King, who died overnight at age 78, lived a memorable life. But one thing many people may not remember is that she wrote a weekly column for the New York Times Syndicate during the mid-1980s.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Dark Dubya
Bush morphing into dark double
"Ah-mad-in-e-jad. Not to be comfused with I'm mad and in a jam."
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Yale finally comes clean
Infamous university finally discovers the wonders of soap
"I think it's great that people have soap."
After centuries of unclean living, Yale University has now decided to change its stripes, and join the ranks of Harvard, Haverford and Chapel Hill -- centers of higher cleanliness. We predict, however, that the change will have a detrimental effect on their sports teams, since it was usually the smell which facilitated any victory that might happen along. Here's to clean learning!
"I think it's great that people have soap."
After centuries of unclean living, Yale University has now decided to change its stripes, and join the ranks of Harvard, Haverford and Chapel Hill -- centers of higher cleanliness. We predict, however, that the change will have a detrimental effect on their sports teams, since it was usually the smell which facilitated any victory that might happen along. Here's to clean learning!
Music for a Sunday Midwinter Night
Sunday is a time for reflection. Or maybe it was refraction. I'll have to get back on that. Anyway, Sunday is good for something, I just can't remember. Oh yeah. Jesus. How could I forget? Music! Music for God's sake!
Or maybe it was for God's snake. The mad cow. Denny Crane!
Since you are not privy to my library, let me offer you a reasonable alternative.
It's called Echoes. And was probably named after the Floyd song with the same name.
And no, not Cramer. And not the barber. Except on T-shirts.
In Charlotte, it is on FM 90.7, WFAE. The station that caters to the ejikated classes.
Here are highlights from Echoes' playlist for tonight:
(Ignore that it says it's from Wednesday. They must replay it at night or something.)
-Thomas Newman (composer of the soundtracks for The Player, Jarhead, and American Beauty, among others.)
- Tinh
- R Carlos Nakai and Keola Beamer
- Dean De Benedictis
- Peppino D'Agostino and Stef Burns
- Takashi Kohgo
- Blue Stone
- Anja Lechner and Vasillis Tsabropoulos
- Bombay Dub Orchestra
- Bochum Welt
- Dungen
- Sophie Barker
- Richard Bone
- Harp 46
- Archetribe
Granted, not the most memorable of names. But soul-revivifying music, in the main.
Covering Morrocone at the moment...
Movies for a Sunday Afternoon
"Roman Holiday" and "It Happened One Night", two of the best movies of all time, will be on today at 2pm and 4pm. If you're not busy, you ought to watch them. They will make you a better person. Swear! You can catch them on the great Turner Classic Movies (TCM).
"Roman Holiday" stars Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn, as well as a young Eddie Albert, and features the famous scene of Peck putting his hand into to mouth in the wall, shocking Ms. Hepburn when he removes his arm...handless. My own father used to do this to us kids, and people say he looked a lot like Mr. Peck.
"It Happened One Night" stars Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert in surely their funniest roles. The movie won more academy awards than any since its own win in the late 1930s. It is said that the sale of T-shirts plummeted after this movie came out. (Clark strips at one point, and he is not wearing upper undergarments.)
Both movies are entirely 5-star affairs, and will surely become one of your own favorites. All four of the principals are sublime.
If you can...tape it. You'll want to share, just as I do...
"Roman Holiday" stars Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn, as well as a young Eddie Albert, and features the famous scene of Peck putting his hand into to mouth in the wall, shocking Ms. Hepburn when he removes his arm...handless. My own father used to do this to us kids, and people say he looked a lot like Mr. Peck.
"It Happened One Night" stars Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert in surely their funniest roles. The movie won more academy awards than any since its own win in the late 1930s. It is said that the sale of T-shirts plummeted after this movie came out. (Clark strips at one point, and he is not wearing upper undergarments.)
Both movies are entirely 5-star affairs, and will surely become one of your own favorites. All four of the principals are sublime.
If you can...tape it. You'll want to share, just as I do...
ABC's Woodruff, cameraman injured in Iraq
BREAKING NEWS
Bob Woodruff Injured in Iraq IED explosion
NEW YORK - ABC News anchor Bob Woodruff and a cameraman were seriously injured Sunday in an explosion while reporting from Iraq, the network said Sunday.
Woodruff and cameraman Doug Vogt were hit by an improvised explosive device near Taji, Iraq, and were in serious condition at a U.S. military hospital, ABC News President David Westin said.
The last time I saw Mr. Woodruff on Friday night, I remember him to have an apprehensive look on his face as he said he was going to be reporting from Iraq.
Was he prescient, or are things even worse than they are being portrayed, and Bob knew it?
Our prayers are with these brave gentlemen. May they have a speedy recovery.
Bob Woodruff Injured in Iraq IED explosion
NEW YORK - ABC News anchor Bob Woodruff and a cameraman were seriously injured Sunday in an explosion while reporting from Iraq, the network said Sunday.
Woodruff and cameraman Doug Vogt were hit by an improvised explosive device near Taji, Iraq, and were in serious condition at a U.S. military hospital, ABC News President David Westin said.
The last time I saw Mr. Woodruff on Friday night, I remember him to have an apprehensive look on his face as he said he was going to be reporting from Iraq.
Was he prescient, or are things even worse than they are being portrayed, and Bob knew it?
Our prayers are with these brave gentlemen. May they have a speedy recovery.
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