They keep getting better. The lectures, the art presented.
Last Wednesday evening for 90 minutes Dr. Maria Massi-Dakake of the Department of Religious Studies at George Mason University described the history and practices of Muslims in Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia to a spellbound class, one of five presentations delivered by different professors in the Smithsonian Associates’ series, “Sacred Cities, Spiritual Journeys.”
Dr. Massi-Dakake said only Muslims may enter Mecca and Medina, the No. 1 and 2 holiest cities of Islam, and restrictions on entry into them have become far more restrictive since September 11.
A once-in a-lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca (“Hajj”) is one of five duties (or “pillars”) required of Islamic members. (The pilgrimage may be excused if one cannot pay for the journey and is in debt, which Islam reproves, or if a person is old and lacks energy, in which case, a child, who has already satisfied the Mecca pilgrimage for herself or himself, may travel for the parent after the parent’s death.)
According to the Qur'an, Abraham built the “Ka’bah” shrine (meaning “cube” in Arabic) with stones from around Mecca. Islamic tradition says the Ka'bah goes back to Adam and Eve, Dr. Massi-Dakake said.
The Ka'bah is the most sacred place in Islam, which lies in the heart of the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The Ka’bah is built in an almost rectangular shape and has been rebuilt several times.
When Muslims pray throughout the world five times daily, they turn in the direction of the Ka’bah of Mecca.
Inside the Ka'bah is the “black stone” which, according to tradition, God gave to Abraham when the Ka'bah was built. It is revered by Muslims who, when entering the Ka'bah, try to touch or kiss the stone like Muhammad did. Some believe it is part of a meteorite. Professor Dakake showed the class a 14th century illustration of the “black stone” which can be found at Wikipedia.com.
Mohammad was a follower of monotheism and established the true Islamic society in Medina. When he conquered Mecca in 630 A.D., he drove out paganism, including the idols at the Ka'bah. Mohammad is buried in Medina.
Between 1880 and the 1950 Mecca did not experience much change, however, during the 1930s the Saudis began major building improvements to the mosque surrounding the Ka'bah, and for the last 50 years vast expansion has occurred.
Before the 1940s probably 10,000 Muslims traveled to Mecca annually for the Hajj, but now, about two million Muslims make the journey every year, and many sleep in “tent cities” in the area. With so many visitors, it is not unusual for Muslims to die of the heat, and some are trampled to death.
Many countries have quotas of Muslims who travel to Mecca on special visas.
Mecca is more often associated with Abraham and his progeny since he founded it, Professor Massi-Dakake said. It is considered a “city of God.”
Islam does not have a “real purgatory." The word "Islam" means “submission” (to God) in Arabic, and is the newest of the major religions.
Muslims believe Jesus was a prophet but not the son of God nor do Muslims believe that he died on the cross.
The class members had lots of questions and interrupted Professor Massi-Dakake throughout her lecture, but she did not seem to mind. Responding to a question she recommended the following books for further study:
The Heart of Islam by Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Islam: The Straight Path by John Esbosito, and Islam and The Muslim Community by Frederick Denny.
The two final classes remaining are: Buddhism: Bodh Gaya, India and Christianity.
(Thanks to Wikipedia for some clarification.)
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Book reviews: 'Kite Runner' and 'Water for Elephants'
I tried; I really tried.
Rita Faye thrust Kite Runner upon me, and I got to page 72 before declaring “terminus”!
Ditto Water, however, I did not progress that far.
What is it about contemporary fiction that it is so bloody awful? I mean, do you suppose it’s because the intended readership is illiterate and is unable to comprehend more than two syllables?
Kite Runner is especially offensive, and is an affront to anyone having an education beyond the sixth grade. (I am sorry, Rita Faye.)
Several years ago the New York Times recommended The Alienist
Rita Faye thrust Kite Runner upon me, and I got to page 72 before declaring “terminus”!
Ditto Water, however, I did not progress that far.
What is it about contemporary fiction that it is so bloody awful? I mean, do you suppose it’s because the intended readership is illiterate and is unable to comprehend more than two syllables?
Kite Runner is especially offensive, and is an affront to anyone having an education beyond the sixth grade. (I am sorry, Rita Faye.)
Several years ago the New York Times recommended The Alienist
by Caleb Carr as one of its Top Fiction Books for whatever year it was. The few pages I managed to read convinced me that the book review pages of the Times are nothing more than pages given over to friends of the reviewer/the newspaper/the publisher/whatever in exchange for what? Let your mind soar.
A recent case in point: Last year’s Denis Johnson's Smoke Tree, whoops, Tree of Smoke. Rave reviews! Everywhere. Two friends rushed out and bought it (“I like the author so much,” said one). “Sniff” they both said afterwards. Not finished. Discarded. “So boring,” they said. “Nothing to it.” Hhmmmmm, what relationship, pray tell, does the author have to the reviewers? Do the reviewers even read half the garbage about which they write?
These books are so terribly written; it is a reminder of just how far the U.S. has sunk in terms of writing and English skills. And how meaningless book reviews generally are, as far as quality of content.
When there are so many “good” (i.e., classic, you know, the ones which e n d u r e ) books, all of which few have read? (List? You want a list?)
Can you imagine anyone even remembering The Alienist or Smokebomb five years from now, other than the sheer mediocrity of both? And the wasted money spent on them?
The last really good “contemporary fiction” book I read which has e n d u r e d was Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry, published only 23 years ago.
Is it any wonder that advertising in book sections continues to fall, along with the number of pages, the number of readers of book review pages, the number of readers, and, the decline in quality of the written word? How low can we go?
Must we all become part of the mass?
Please let me know your recommendations for “good” contemporary fiction.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Smithsonian Class II – Hinduism and Vrindavan
It was lots better than the class taught the first week about Jerusalem. Then, Professor Jonathan Ray of Georgetown University showed little, if any, preparation and no art, with only a meager handout to share with the class of mostly senior adults.
Last Wednesday's class, "Hinduism: On the Earth and in the Heart" was led by a passionate professor, Graham Schweig from Christopher Newport University, whose love affair with all things of India was palpable and welcomed.
It was part of a series of five lectures, “Sacred Space and Spiritual Journeys,” offered by the Smithsonian Associates, each led by a different professor, at the Ripley Center on the Mall.
Music from India and low lights greeted students upon entry to the class, setting a pleasant stage for Dr. Schweig’s presentation about Vrindavan, "the most famous holy place of Krishna. " The talk focused on pilgrimages, not just to earthy places but the places in and of the heart which, Professor Schweig said, Hindus believe is the holiest place of all. And I believe he does, too.
"We all are humans whose tendency is to be a pilgrim in search of one's heart."
What we do in the 'outside world' affects our inside world and our own hearts. This generally is the basis for the Hindu faith, partially symbolized by the blue lotus flower which Hindus consider the most beautiful flower, and the peacock, both with circulating patterns and magnificent colors representing the outer world, the inner world, the innermost world and "the presence of the divine."
Professor Schweig showed many landscape photographs of India, and paintings and art of the divinity of Krishna and the Hindu faith. He described the creation of the word "Hindu": When the Persians invaded the area in the ninth century, they could not pronounce a river's name and gave it one they could pronounce: “Hindu.”
About 900 million people consider themselves Hindus, Professor Schweig said.
The remaining classes are about Islam: Mecca; Buddhism: Bodh Gaya, and Christianity: Bethlehem, Galilee, and Jerusalem.
Last Wednesday's class, "Hinduism: On the Earth and in the Heart" was led by a passionate professor, Graham Schweig from Christopher Newport University, whose love affair with all things of India was palpable and welcomed.
It was part of a series of five lectures, “Sacred Space and Spiritual Journeys,” offered by the Smithsonian Associates, each led by a different professor, at the Ripley Center on the Mall.
Music from India and low lights greeted students upon entry to the class, setting a pleasant stage for Dr. Schweig’s presentation about Vrindavan, "the most famous holy place of Krishna. " The talk focused on pilgrimages, not just to earthy places but the places in and of the heart which, Professor Schweig said, Hindus believe is the holiest place of all. And I believe he does, too.
"We all are humans whose tendency is to be a pilgrim in search of one's heart."
What we do in the 'outside world' affects our inside world and our own hearts. This generally is the basis for the Hindu faith, partially symbolized by the blue lotus flower which Hindus consider the most beautiful flower, and the peacock, both with circulating patterns and magnificent colors representing the outer world, the inner world, the innermost world and "the presence of the divine."
Professor Schweig showed many landscape photographs of India, and paintings and art of the divinity of Krishna and the Hindu faith. He described the creation of the word "Hindu": When the Persians invaded the area in the ninth century, they could not pronounce a river's name and gave it one they could pronounce: “Hindu.”
About 900 million people consider themselves Hindus, Professor Schweig said.
The remaining classes are about Islam: Mecca; Buddhism: Bodh Gaya, and Christianity: Bethlehem, Galilee, and Jerusalem.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Smithsonian Class: "Sacred Spaces and Spiritual Journeys"
Content supplied by Q+A is almost always better than what comes in a presentation.
At least, that's my experience at countless author presentations and lectures in and around D.C.
Last Wednesday night's lecture in the first of five classes about holy cities of major faiths offered by the Smithsonian Associates was no different.
Jonathan Ray, professor of Jewish studies in the Theology Department at Georgetown University, presented "Judaism: Beyond the Holy City." But, alas, no art! None shown! No pictures, maps, graphics, or charts. So disappointing.
So many opportunities to show the class of about 35 mostly senior citizens, a look at Jerusalem: The Western Wall, the only remnant of the Second Temple, the Temple Mount, the Mount of Olives Cemetery. I cannot believe that I was the only one disappointed. Depending upon membership level, this series of classes starts at $76.
Professor Ray said that many Jews today believe they are secular Jews. He gave brief histories of Jerusalem and the Jewish faith.
He talked for almost an hour exactly and then answered questions for 30 minutes.
England and France continue to resist entry of Jews to attend conferences and conduct business, using the Middle East situation as the reason for the rebuff which Professor Ray said he doubts is the real basis for the rejection.
He said it was increasingly difficult for Jews to live in Western Europe; however, Spain and Czechoslovakia and Eastern Europe, especially Poland, are more welcoming. Many Jews are taking "spiritual journeys" to Spain and even New York City from the West Coast to see where their parents and grandparents once lived.
Answering a question, he said politics was part of religion (and vice-versa?) and includes culture, land, people. "What isn't included?"
About half the class members raised hands when Dr. Ray asked who had been to Jerusalem.
Different professors will lecture at each of the four remaining classes which are: Vrindavan, India (Hinduism), Mecca (Islam), Bodh Gaya (Buddhism) , and Bethelehem, Jerusalem, and Galilee (Christianity). They all meet at the Ripley Center on The Mall.
I hope the remaining professors have some art to share. Of any kind. The classroom is fully equipped for it.
At least, that's my experience at countless author presentations and lectures in and around D.C.
Last Wednesday night's lecture in the first of five classes about holy cities of major faiths offered by the Smithsonian Associates was no different.
Jonathan Ray, professor of Jewish studies in the Theology Department at Georgetown University, presented "Judaism: Beyond the Holy City." But, alas, no art! None shown! No pictures, maps, graphics, or charts. So disappointing.
So many opportunities to show the class of about 35 mostly senior citizens, a look at Jerusalem: The Western Wall, the only remnant of the Second Temple, the Temple Mount, the Mount of Olives Cemetery. I cannot believe that I was the only one disappointed. Depending upon membership level, this series of classes starts at $76.
Professor Ray said that many Jews today believe they are secular Jews. He gave brief histories of Jerusalem and the Jewish faith.
He talked for almost an hour exactly and then answered questions for 30 minutes.
England and France continue to resist entry of Jews to attend conferences and conduct business, using the Middle East situation as the reason for the rebuff which Professor Ray said he doubts is the real basis for the rejection.
He said it was increasingly difficult for Jews to live in Western Europe; however, Spain and Czechoslovakia and Eastern Europe, especially Poland, are more welcoming. Many Jews are taking "spiritual journeys" to Spain and even New York City from the West Coast to see where their parents and grandparents once lived.
Answering a question, he said politics was part of religion (and vice-versa?) and includes culture, land, people. "What isn't included?"
About half the class members raised hands when Dr. Ray asked who had been to Jerusalem.
Different professors will lecture at each of the four remaining classes which are: Vrindavan, India (Hinduism), Mecca (Islam), Bodh Gaya (Buddhism) , and Bethelehem, Jerusalem, and Galilee (Christianity). They all meet at the Ripley Center on The Mall.
I hope the remaining professors have some art to share. Of any kind. The classroom is fully equipped for it.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The Tennessee State Society on Capitol Hill
It was the Annual Congressional Reception in the Mansfield Room at the Capitol.
An elegant, tasteful room although not as large as the one where the 2007 event was celebrated. And a smaller crowd, and smaller number of Congressional representatives, too.
Last year most all of the Tennessee congressional representatives attended, including both U.S. Senators who are Republicans, Lamar Alexander and then, the newly elected Bob Corker, now tardy for failing to submit his annual financial disclosure statement due in May. (He got an extension since all his "ducks were not in a row.").
Marsha Blackburn (R-Middle, West, and Northern Tennessee (gerrymandering, you know) was also missing in action, likely working repair on her own financial woes, including trying to answer some of the 33 letters she has received from the Federal Election Commission about faulty reports of her campaign finances.
Last week Congressman John Duncan (R-Knoxville) and Congressman Jim Cooper (D-Nashville) were the only representatives who did show up, and both engagingly addressed those present (who numbered about 60). They spoke highly of each other and applauded the relationships among Tennessee congresspeople who actually get along (mostly) and work productively together, unlike some other states, they said, which they did not name.
John Duncan, a conservative, is admired and well respected by Democrats, too, for his sincerity and his always fierce opposition to the Iraq War, even when it was popular to support it six years ago.
Jim Cooper is a Blue Dog, but I shall not hold that against him. He well represents his constituency.
An important no-show! Steve Cohen (D-Memphis), the incoming honorary chair of the Society, replacing Congressman Duncan, the 2007 honorary chair. Perhaps Rep. Cohen was dealing with the Washington Post since it ran a big story the next day on him and his opponent, Nikki Tinker, whom Emily's List is supporting..
Attending: Mostly interns or intern alums.
Average Age: Under 30
Dress: Suits
Food: Some hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine
Caucasians: 97%
Cost: Membership in the Society is $20/year. A great value for several parties throughout the year, usually funded by lobbyists.
An elegant, tasteful room although not as large as the one where the 2007 event was celebrated. And a smaller crowd, and smaller number of Congressional representatives, too.
Last year most all of the Tennessee congressional representatives attended, including both U.S. Senators who are Republicans, Lamar Alexander and then, the newly elected Bob Corker, now tardy for failing to submit his annual financial disclosure statement due in May. (He got an extension since all his "ducks were not in a row.").
Marsha Blackburn (R-Middle, West, and Northern Tennessee (gerrymandering, you know) was also missing in action, likely working repair on her own financial woes, including trying to answer some of the 33 letters she has received from the Federal Election Commission about faulty reports of her campaign finances.
Last week Congressman John Duncan (R-Knoxville) and Congressman Jim Cooper (D-Nashville) were the only representatives who did show up, and both engagingly addressed those present (who numbered about 60). They spoke highly of each other and applauded the relationships among Tennessee congresspeople who actually get along (mostly) and work productively together, unlike some other states, they said, which they did not name.
John Duncan, a conservative, is admired and well respected by Democrats, too, for his sincerity and his always fierce opposition to the Iraq War, even when it was popular to support it six years ago.
Jim Cooper is a Blue Dog, but I shall not hold that against him. He well represents his constituency.
An important no-show! Steve Cohen (D-Memphis), the incoming honorary chair of the Society, replacing Congressman Duncan, the 2007 honorary chair. Perhaps Rep. Cohen was dealing with the Washington Post since it ran a big story the next day on him and his opponent, Nikki Tinker, whom Emily's List is supporting..
Attending: Mostly interns or intern alums.
Average Age: Under 30
Dress: Suits
Food: Some hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine
Caucasians: 97%
Cost: Membership in the Society is $20/year. A great value for several parties throughout the year, usually funded by lobbyists.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
B o r i n g: The Manhattan Transfer at the Kennedy Center
From the Queen of Free:
I just don't remember their music and I thought I did. Anyway, it was a mind nummer. (Is that a word?)
It was music my grandmother would have liked. Wait a minute! I am a grandmother!
I was so mad at the Washington Post. It seemed like every single day it posted a notice about the free concert by the Manhattan Transfer at the KC. What? Did it need more people to attend? And then, of all things, on Friday the Post ran a photo, the nerve, in the weekend section promoting the performance! What was it trying to do?
Whatever, the likelihood of my securing a seat grew dimmer and dimmer as the week wore on. Thank you, Washington Post!
At Foggy Bottom, the line for the shuttle to the KC was at least 60 deep one hour before show time. I was so mad at the Post.
I walked to KC, arriving at 5:15 p.m and discovered one million people had arrived just ahead of me. Not only were all the seats taken, but people were sitting on the steps at the other end of the the Millennium Stage six miles away.
The Post had mentioned KC was installing screens for the special event and that it would observe half off Happy Hour prices for alcoholic beverages until 6 p.m. N o t. On my hike I stopped to quench my thirst, and the bartender gleefully reported: "The Post got it wrong."
Looking for a seat (step seats are better than floor seats) I stopped to ask one woman sitting on the steps if she had come to hear the Manhattan Transfer from six miles away, and she said, while wiping the sweat from her brow, that she had given up walking and had just collapsed.
She pointed to some seats in the horizon at the far end of Millennium Stage, and I hailed a taxi and took off.
Sure enough, although it was 40 minutes until the free concert began, I managed to get a seat right under the facing (from six miles) stage. When the show got underway the screens worked fine, and I could hear, but hear what? Do you mean to tell me I braved all these elements and rushed to hear lacklustre music? That's what it was.
The best selections: "A Tisket, A Tasket" and "Groovin'". The female who performed "scat" stole the show, if it could be stolen. I nodded off and upon awakening, joined some others stealing away before the end.
The Crowd: 97 percent, Caucasian; Average Age (no joke): 60; Dress: Whatever plus
I just don't remember their music and I thought I did. Anyway, it was a mind nummer. (Is that a word?)
It was music my grandmother would have liked. Wait a minute! I am a grandmother!
I was so mad at the Washington Post. It seemed like every single day it posted a notice about the free concert by the Manhattan Transfer at the KC. What? Did it need more people to attend? And then, of all things, on Friday the Post ran a photo, the nerve, in the weekend section promoting the performance! What was it trying to do?
Whatever, the likelihood of my securing a seat grew dimmer and dimmer as the week wore on. Thank you, Washington Post!
At Foggy Bottom, the line for the shuttle to the KC was at least 60 deep one hour before show time. I was so mad at the Post.
I walked to KC, arriving at 5:15 p.m and discovered one million people had arrived just ahead of me. Not only were all the seats taken, but people were sitting on the steps at the other end of the the Millennium Stage six miles away.
The Post had mentioned KC was installing screens for the special event and that it would observe half off Happy Hour prices for alcoholic beverages until 6 p.m. N o t. On my hike I stopped to quench my thirst, and the bartender gleefully reported: "The Post got it wrong."
Looking for a seat (step seats are better than floor seats) I stopped to ask one woman sitting on the steps if she had come to hear the Manhattan Transfer from six miles away, and she said, while wiping the sweat from her brow, that she had given up walking and had just collapsed.
She pointed to some seats in the horizon at the far end of Millennium Stage, and I hailed a taxi and took off.
Sure enough, although it was 40 minutes until the free concert began, I managed to get a seat right under the facing (from six miles) stage. When the show got underway the screens worked fine, and I could hear, but hear what? Do you mean to tell me I braved all these elements and rushed to hear lacklustre music? That's what it was.
The best selections: "A Tisket, A Tasket" and "Groovin'". The female who performed "scat" stole the show, if it could be stolen. I nodded off and upon awakening, joined some others stealing away before the end.
The Crowd: 97 percent, Caucasian; Average Age (no joke): 60; Dress: Whatever plus
Friday, June 6, 2008
Bette Davis in Town All Summer
From the Queen of Free
OMGGS!
Bette Davis FOR FREE!
National Theatre at 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue is hosting a Bette Davis Film Festival all summer long. How gracious of it! (Why do theatres do this?)
But, hold on, you don't sit in the theatre. Read below.
"Now, Voyager" played June 2. Just divine, Ms. BD. Extensive, I mean, extensive notes on the movie were distributed beforehand along with a good one-page biography on Ms.D.
Upcoming: "The Little Foxes" (June 9), "Marked Woman" (June 16), "Jezebel" (July 7), "Dark Victory" (July 14), "The Letter" (July 21), "All About Eve" (July 28), "Mr. Skeffington" (Aug. 4), "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?"(my favorite when I was 13 years old) (August 11)
If you go thinking you'll be sitting in the theatre, do think again. The movies play in the mezzanine where seating is, the positively hardest you can imagine: on the plastic chairs found at CVS. Take a pillow!
Anyway, to BD aficionados, this is paradise, or almost. The screen's not full but me thinketh I doeth complaineth too much. After all, BD is free...on the screen.
Get there early (before 6 p.m when tickets are distributed) to stand in line and get your ticket. Open seating began around 6:15 p.m. for the show at 6:30 p.m. No food or drink. Sitting in the front is the best, at least, in my opinion since seating is not elevated.
The crowd: Mixed race and gender; average age: 50; dress: whatever.
About 60 persons attended. Some seats were empty. Thank you, National Theatre!
OMGGS!
Bette Davis FOR FREE!
National Theatre at 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue is hosting a Bette Davis Film Festival all summer long. How gracious of it! (Why do theatres do this?)
But, hold on, you don't sit in the theatre. Read below.
"Now, Voyager" played June 2. Just divine, Ms. BD. Extensive, I mean, extensive notes on the movie were distributed beforehand along with a good one-page biography on Ms.D.
Upcoming: "The Little Foxes" (June 9), "Marked Woman" (June 16), "Jezebel" (July 7), "Dark Victory" (July 14), "The Letter" (July 21), "All About Eve" (July 28), "Mr. Skeffington" (Aug. 4), "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?"(my favorite when I was 13 years old) (August 11)
If you go thinking you'll be sitting in the theatre, do think again. The movies play in the mezzanine where seating is, the positively hardest you can imagine: on the plastic chairs found at CVS. Take a pillow!
Anyway, to BD aficionados, this is paradise, or almost. The screen's not full but me thinketh I doeth complaineth too much. After all, BD is free...on the screen.
Get there early (before 6 p.m when tickets are distributed) to stand in line and get your ticket. Open seating began around 6:15 p.m. for the show at 6:30 p.m. No food or drink. Sitting in the front is the best, at least, in my opinion since seating is not elevated.
The crowd: Mixed race and gender; average age: 50; dress: whatever.
About 60 persons attended. Some seats were empty. Thank you, National Theatre!
Monday, June 2, 2008
The Lincolns' Marriage
Perhaps it's because they are writers and not broadcast journalists that some authors have about as much life in them at author presentations as Hummer sales.
Last Thursday night at Olssons at Penn Quarter, Daniel Mark Epstein, also a poet and dramatist, described his latest tome, The Lincolns: Portrait of a Marriage. He didn't paint Mary Todd Lincoln quite as negatively as most, although he twice mentioned without explanation her being "committed" to Bellevue Sanitarium in 1875 for three months, and since no one asked about it the "Q + A" session which followed, I guess everyone else there knew why.
Mrs. Lincoln "showed a lot of signs of being bi-polar"; she had headaches and was high strung. (Ed's note: Sounds like menopause to me.) She was quite outspoken and commanded quite a bit of influence on President Lincoln.who had obvious flaws in the "father" department and was often distracted when dealing with family matters.
President and Mrs. Lincoln really did love each other, and Shakespeare and Robert Burns. Mrs. Lincoln was keenly interested in his career and, quite ambitious herself, wanted to be married to a President.
Washington society was "very suspicious of her when she came to Washington." Mrs. Lincoln went over budget with White House decorating which became a scandal. By 1864 she had become a liability to President Lincoln. At one point she was nearly indicted for treason for purloining one of Lincoln's speeches (I believe that's what Mr. Epstein said) which she gave to a newspaper friend. "She created false invoices to get more money to decorate the White House."
Before they married, they broke up for two years which contributed to Lincoln's depression. Her family was not supportive of her marriage to him.
No evidence exists to support the theory President Lincoln was homoerotic. He is one of the most carefully documented Presidents in history.
Based on the blurbs, the "experts" give the book a big "thumb's up," and I can't wait to read it. Let's support independent bookstores, all right? They are dying fast. If you want them to survive, buy your books here and skip Amazon. Speaking of...Olssons looks tired and needs more revenue to spruce it up a bit and engender some life, but, wow! That gazpacho in the restaurant! For the money, the best around. (A dollop of sour cream on top would make it even better.)
I would love to see a book about the positives of Mary Todd Lincoln for which it seems from all the biographies about the Lincolns, there are none.
The audience: 90% Caucasian, 60% male, average age: 40. All 20+ seats taken.
Last Thursday night at Olssons at Penn Quarter, Daniel Mark Epstein, also a poet and dramatist, described his latest tome, The Lincolns: Portrait of a Marriage. He didn't paint Mary Todd Lincoln quite as negatively as most, although he twice mentioned without explanation her being "committed" to Bellevue Sanitarium in 1875 for three months, and since no one asked about it the "Q + A" session which followed, I guess everyone else there knew why.
Mrs. Lincoln "showed a lot of signs of being bi-polar"; she had headaches and was high strung. (Ed's note: Sounds like menopause to me.) She was quite outspoken and commanded quite a bit of influence on President Lincoln.who had obvious flaws in the "father" department and was often distracted when dealing with family matters.
President and Mrs. Lincoln really did love each other, and Shakespeare and Robert Burns. Mrs. Lincoln was keenly interested in his career and, quite ambitious herself, wanted to be married to a President.
Washington society was "very suspicious of her when she came to Washington." Mrs. Lincoln went over budget with White House decorating which became a scandal. By 1864 she had become a liability to President Lincoln. At one point she was nearly indicted for treason for purloining one of Lincoln's speeches (I believe that's what Mr. Epstein said) which she gave to a newspaper friend. "She created false invoices to get more money to decorate the White House."
Before they married, they broke up for two years which contributed to Lincoln's depression. Her family was not supportive of her marriage to him.
No evidence exists to support the theory President Lincoln was homoerotic. He is one of the most carefully documented Presidents in history.
Based on the blurbs, the "experts" give the book a big "thumb's up," and I can't wait to read it. Let's support independent bookstores, all right? They are dying fast. If you want them to survive, buy your books here and skip Amazon. Speaking of...Olssons looks tired and needs more revenue to spruce it up a bit and engender some life, but, wow! That gazpacho in the restaurant! For the money, the best around. (A dollop of sour cream on top would make it even better.)
I would love to see a book about the positives of Mary Todd Lincoln for which it seems from all the biographies about the Lincolns, there are none.
The audience: 90% Caucasian, 60% male, average age: 40. All 20+ seats taken.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
"Measure for Pleasure" at Woolly Mammoth Theatre
The best part? The scene changes: Lots of quick action, movement, cute costumes, new props and frills.
After that, the costume design and hair-dos. Live! On stage! Marge Simpson!.
The sets were outstanding: so many and varied, the color! The lighting was effective.
Which leaves the content. Yes, the content. Ahim (intentional). Not! Boorish, sophomorish, and just plain dull. Written by a male for a male audience only. Or, at least, that was the first act, since that's all we saw, leaving at intermission.
Thank goodness I was there for "pay what you can." Towards the end of the first act the audience laughter was minimal and what could be heard was stilted. Woolly can't win them all.
After that, the costume design and hair-dos. Live! On stage! Marge Simpson!.
The sets were outstanding: so many and varied, the color! The lighting was effective.
Which leaves the content. Yes, the content. Ahim (intentional). Not! Boorish, sophomorish, and just plain dull. Written by a male for a male audience only. Or, at least, that was the first act, since that's all we saw, leaving at intermission.
Thank goodness I was there for "pay what you can." Towards the end of the first act the audience laughter was minimal and what could be heard was stilted. Woolly can't win them all.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Rolling Thunder in D.C.
Willie Nelson was there! And there, and come to think of it, ..he was everywhere!
Or, at least, most of the riders looked like him: same age, hair, scarf, and gear. About half the motocyclists carried females on the backs of their bikes who waved and shot pictures of the bystanders, many of whom who cheered and waved back.
Many riders wore POW/MIA t-shirts to draw attention to forgotten soldiers.
Oh, what a glorious day it was! How could the weather, the temperature, the sky, have been any better?
One biker told me as many as 500,000 bikers , that's a half million, reader, were expected for the weekend. They came from all 50 states to commemorate the war dead, and it could be emotional, if you let your mind wander.
They rode fast and noisily up Constritution and around the mall to show their gratitude, sounding their horns and waving. From the south, the headlights came...non-stop.
As many as five flags streamed behind them, attached to their bikes, one, with ropes attached to the dash. Some of the flags were as large as billboards. Good thing the wind didn't blow the other way. Half a red Mustang and what looked like half a Hummer passed for motorcycles and were part of the parade.
Doesn't D.C. have a helmet law? Five riders or passengers, at least, were without helmets, including two children, riding with adults. Arms were uncovered. A Biker Mama told me a small accident could throw a passenger or a driver onto the pavement and rip off unprotected skin.
The scene on Constitution Avenue between17th and 15th had onlookers standing out in the street, unrestrained by police or fences (unlike between 17th and 18th), holding out their hands, hoping a biker or two would touch them. Unwary young teen males stood in one lane, their arms extended. Soon they were joined by adults wanting to pass the peace, and some riders slowed and did.
Looking up and down Constitution, north towards the museums and south towards the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the only visible traffic to be seen were rows and rows of hundreds of oncoming motorcycles, headlights flashing, moving north towards the museums, in the northbound lanes.
American flags on lampposts danced gaily in the wind: a modern-day scene reminiscent of Childe Hassam's flag paintings of New York City ("Fourth of July, 1916") which commemorates patriotism. where is our victory? Who are these supporting in the presidential race. They didn't strike me as Obama supporters, and I doubt many would support a woman, and even they, I hope, do not believe in a 100-years war, so who is their candidate? I hope they care and show their passion to end a war whose soldiers they honor are no more.
From the Rolling Thunder web site:
Or, at least, most of the riders looked like him: same age, hair, scarf, and gear. About half the motocyclists carried females on the backs of their bikes who waved and shot pictures of the bystanders, many of whom who cheered and waved back.
Many riders wore POW/MIA t-shirts to draw attention to forgotten soldiers.
Oh, what a glorious day it was! How could the weather, the temperature, the sky, have been any better?
One biker told me as many as 500,000 bikers , that's a half million, reader, were expected for the weekend. They came from all 50 states to commemorate the war dead, and it could be emotional, if you let your mind wander.
They rode fast and noisily up Constritution and around the mall to show their gratitude, sounding their horns and waving. From the south, the headlights came...non-stop.
As many as five flags streamed behind them, attached to their bikes, one, with ropes attached to the dash. Some of the flags were as large as billboards. Good thing the wind didn't blow the other way. Half a red Mustang and what looked like half a Hummer passed for motorcycles and were part of the parade.
Doesn't D.C. have a helmet law? Five riders or passengers, at least, were without helmets, including two children, riding with adults. Arms were uncovered. A Biker Mama told me a small accident could throw a passenger or a driver onto the pavement and rip off unprotected skin.
The scene on Constitution Avenue between17th and 15th had onlookers standing out in the street, unrestrained by police or fences (unlike between 17th and 18th), holding out their hands, hoping a biker or two would touch them. Unwary young teen males stood in one lane, their arms extended. Soon they were joined by adults wanting to pass the peace, and some riders slowed and did.
Looking up and down Constitution, north towards the museums and south towards the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the only visible traffic to be seen were rows and rows of hundreds of oncoming motorcycles, headlights flashing, moving north towards the museums, in the northbound lanes.
American flags on lampposts danced gaily in the wind: a modern-day scene reminiscent of Childe Hassam's flag paintings of New York City ("Fourth of July, 1916") which commemorates patriotism. where is our victory? Who are these supporting in the presidential race. They didn't strike me as Obama supporters, and I doubt many would support a woman, and even they, I hope, do not believe in a 100-years war, so who is their candidate? I hope they care and show their passion to end a war whose soldiers they honor are no more.
From the Rolling Thunder web site:
The major function of Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is to publicize POW-MIA issues: To
educate the public that many American prisoners of war were left behind
after all previous wars and to help correct the past and to protect future
veterans from being left behind should they become prisoners of war-missing
in action. We are also committed to helping American veterans from all
wars.Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is a non-profit organization. Members donate
their time because they believe in the issues we are working on.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Frida Kahlo Exits Philadelphia for San Francisco
Do not ever consider going to a "blockbuster" art show on the last day. The crowds, the lines, the time. Not worth it...uummmm, well, not every time.
Tickets were timed for entry, however, the museum still let in too many people at once, but since it was the end of the show, certainly “something” for viewers “rather than nothing” was welcomed.
On the final day of the Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art I took the Chinatown bus (another story) from DC to see Frida. A great, but it seemed, a small, show. Maybe the crowds and the jamming in front of each canvas distorted my impression: that and the tiny size of many of the paintings. Reading about the art beforehand in Hayden Herrera’s splendid biography, Frida, I expected bigger canvasses because they do become, at least to this reader, "bigger than life," like magnets pulling my heartstrings.
With hundreds viewing the paintings in the crowded galleries, it was impossible to stand back and view them, but given the small size of most, it would not have been productive. If you waited, you could get up close which was necessary to see many of the details.
The paintings depict Frida’s short, sad but quite passionate life in chronological arrangement. The largest, "Two Fridas," is huge in comparison and one she painted for a competition. One of the most fascinating, “Suicide of Dorothy Hale," has a gruesome history which Ms. Herrera explains from a description by Claire Booth Luce who commissioned it.
Other notables in the exhibit: "Henry Ford Hospital," "The Broken Column," "Frida and Diego Rivera," "A Few Small Nips," "My Nurse and I," "The Dream," "Without Hope," "Sun and Life," "The Love Embrace of the Universe."
Many small intimate family photographs of Frida and her husband twice, Diego Rivera, which have never been exhibited or published are displayed.
The exhibit includes between 40 and 50 paintings, many self portraits, but where was the "Trotsky" self-portrait owned by the National Museum of Women in the Arts? Did I miss it? The exhibit is the first in the U.S. of Frida Kahlo's art in 15 years.
At the end of the show, guests were “dumped” into a mad Frida retail shop, complete with almost everything one could imagine about, by, and "of" Frida including clothes. The clothes! Magnifico! Many, full length, and all, colorful and stylish in keeping with the star of the show. (Who shares the proceeds with the museum?) Nothing seemed exorbitantly priced. Long lines at the cashiers’ gave one reason not to purchase, especially for those in a hurry.
Anyway, next stop: The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art from June 14 - September 18.
Side bar: I am in love with Philadelphia: The magnificent fountains, the statuary, the Phlash! Bus, the not-to-missed Reading Terminal Market ! Yes, even to return on the smelly, grungy, dirty Chinatown bus which lived up to its horrible reputation with its repugnant mobile restroom and dirty, unkempt waiting rooms with barking Chinese operators who speak, likely, deliberately, incomprehensible English, but the price ($28 RT) and the time (2.5 hours, almost on schedule) are right. Even without Frida, Philadelphia is too good to miss, yes, even on the Chinatown bus.
Tickets were timed for entry, however, the museum still let in too many people at once, but since it was the end of the show, certainly “something” for viewers “rather than nothing” was welcomed.
On the final day of the Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art I took the Chinatown bus (another story) from DC to see Frida. A great, but it seemed, a small, show. Maybe the crowds and the jamming in front of each canvas distorted my impression: that and the tiny size of many of the paintings. Reading about the art beforehand in Hayden Herrera’s splendid biography, Frida, I expected bigger canvasses because they do become, at least to this reader, "bigger than life," like magnets pulling my heartstrings.
With hundreds viewing the paintings in the crowded galleries, it was impossible to stand back and view them, but given the small size of most, it would not have been productive. If you waited, you could get up close which was necessary to see many of the details.
The paintings depict Frida’s short, sad but quite passionate life in chronological arrangement. The largest, "Two Fridas," is huge in comparison and one she painted for a competition. One of the most fascinating, “Suicide of Dorothy Hale," has a gruesome history which Ms. Herrera explains from a description by Claire Booth Luce who commissioned it.
Other notables in the exhibit: "Henry Ford Hospital," "The Broken Column," "Frida and Diego Rivera," "A Few Small Nips," "My Nurse and I," "The Dream," "Without Hope," "Sun and Life," "The Love Embrace of the Universe."
Many small intimate family photographs of Frida and her husband twice, Diego Rivera, which have never been exhibited or published are displayed.
The exhibit includes between 40 and 50 paintings, many self portraits, but where was the "Trotsky" self-portrait owned by the National Museum of Women in the Arts? Did I miss it? The exhibit is the first in the U.S. of Frida Kahlo's art in 15 years.
At the end of the show, guests were “dumped” into a mad Frida retail shop, complete with almost everything one could imagine about, by, and "of" Frida including clothes. The clothes! Magnifico! Many, full length, and all, colorful and stylish in keeping with the star of the show. (Who shares the proceeds with the museum?) Nothing seemed exorbitantly priced. Long lines at the cashiers’ gave one reason not to purchase, especially for those in a hurry.
Anyway, next stop: The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art from June 14 - September 18.
Side bar: I am in love with Philadelphia: The magnificent fountains, the statuary, the Phlash! Bus, the not-to-missed Reading Terminal Market ! Yes, even to return on the smelly, grungy, dirty Chinatown bus which lived up to its horrible reputation with its repugnant mobile restroom and dirty, unkempt waiting rooms with barking Chinese operators who speak, likely, deliberately, incomprehensible English, but the price ($28 RT) and the time (2.5 hours, almost on schedule) are right. Even without Frida, Philadelphia is too good to miss, yes, even on the Chinatown bus.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Tom Hayden at Busboys and Poets
Hello Walls.
I hate to say it, but they were more interesting than Tom Hayden making an author's visit to Busboys and Poets Thursday night.
If his new book is anything like his delivery, throw out the sleeping pills. Zzzzzzzz.
Speaking in a monotonous tone with few dynamics or enthusiasm, Mr. Hayden, a name familiar to those who grew up in the 60s, read from his latest book, Writings for a Democratic Society: The Tom Hayden Reader which includes his works over the past 50 years. He spoke for about 15 minutes and then took questions from the 50 or so people gathered to see and hear an icon.
It was my first visit to the renowned coffee shop, and the walls were more intriguing than Mr. Hayden. Spread over one entire side is a mural of articles and images of revolutionaries (Bella Abzug, Nelson Mandela, and many others whom I could not see) plus framed art of more famous faces on the facing wall and three large drawings (Martin Luther King was one) facing the audience behind Mr. Hayden on stage. They were inspiring, enthralling and I felt rude staring so hard at them. My table mate, Glenn, told me the manager and owner, Andy Shallal, who was present, created the huge, fascinating mural. (Mr. Shallal in shirt and tie, stayed throughout Mr. Hayden's presentation, asking questions, and showing keen interest in the presentation.)
We sat in a carpeted "great room", the Langston Room, named after the venue's namesake, busboy and poet Langston Hughes. Wooden tables, low lighting, a tiled ceiling, and old-fashioned booths invited strangers to join strangers to carouse, drink, and eat before and during Mr. Hayden's presentation which made the evening all the more delightful. Table service was impeccable. I am always impressed by any restaurant which uses cloth napkins.
Mr. Hayden believes today's protests against the Iraq War are more effective than the ones during the Vietnam War (Ed's note: NOT), and likened the Iraq War to "an unspoken Christian crusade". Many evangelicals are embedded at the Pentagon, he said, and some call Muslims "wicked. They've taken over the chaplain's corps," he said. The Iraq War cannot be ended this year, and "it will probably take another five years" to get out. "Every five years there's a war."
Pressure to attack Iran is present in every possible way. "The neocons see this as their window of opportunity." If we don't (attack), the Israelis will. "We need to run the clock until November, but there's a danger between November and the inauguration. As it gets closer to the election, bombing (Iran) becomes more likely."
"The business of writing is to make people uncomfortable," Mr. Hayden said.
Crowd: 90% Caucasian, male and female in equal proportions more or less, average age: 32. All seats taken.
Tom Hayden was one of the "Chicago Seven", a co-founder of the radical group, Students for a Democratic Society, a member of the California state legislature (1982-2000), and the husband of Jane Fonda (1973-1990).
Busboys and Poets, a progressive, liberal, eclectic "think tank" bookstore and coffee shop is located at 2021 14th St. NW, between U and V streets, about a block from the U Street Metro Stop and also in Arlington at 4251 S. Campbell Avenue. There's a short, diversified menu with plenty of good food at reasonable prices. Its web site says sales proceeds go to a non-profit, "Teaching for Change". Ph. 202-387-7638
I hate to say it, but they were more interesting than Tom Hayden making an author's visit to Busboys and Poets Thursday night.
If his new book is anything like his delivery, throw out the sleeping pills. Zzzzzzzz.
Speaking in a monotonous tone with few dynamics or enthusiasm, Mr. Hayden, a name familiar to those who grew up in the 60s, read from his latest book, Writings for a Democratic Society: The Tom Hayden Reader which includes his works over the past 50 years. He spoke for about 15 minutes and then took questions from the 50 or so people gathered to see and hear an icon.
It was my first visit to the renowned coffee shop, and the walls were more intriguing than Mr. Hayden. Spread over one entire side is a mural of articles and images of revolutionaries (Bella Abzug, Nelson Mandela, and many others whom I could not see) plus framed art of more famous faces on the facing wall and three large drawings (Martin Luther King was one) facing the audience behind Mr. Hayden on stage. They were inspiring, enthralling and I felt rude staring so hard at them. My table mate, Glenn, told me the manager and owner, Andy Shallal, who was present, created the huge, fascinating mural. (Mr. Shallal in shirt and tie, stayed throughout Mr. Hayden's presentation, asking questions, and showing keen interest in the presentation.)
We sat in a carpeted "great room", the Langston Room, named after the venue's namesake, busboy and poet Langston Hughes. Wooden tables, low lighting, a tiled ceiling, and old-fashioned booths invited strangers to join strangers to carouse, drink, and eat before and during Mr. Hayden's presentation which made the evening all the more delightful. Table service was impeccable. I am always impressed by any restaurant which uses cloth napkins.
Mr. Hayden believes today's protests against the Iraq War are more effective than the ones during the Vietnam War (Ed's note: NOT), and likened the Iraq War to "an unspoken Christian crusade". Many evangelicals are embedded at the Pentagon, he said, and some call Muslims "wicked. They've taken over the chaplain's corps," he said. The Iraq War cannot be ended this year, and "it will probably take another five years" to get out. "Every five years there's a war."
Pressure to attack Iran is present in every possible way. "The neocons see this as their window of opportunity." If we don't (attack), the Israelis will. "We need to run the clock until November, but there's a danger between November and the inauguration. As it gets closer to the election, bombing (Iran) becomes more likely."
"The business of writing is to make people uncomfortable," Mr. Hayden said.
Crowd: 90% Caucasian, male and female in equal proportions more or less, average age: 32. All seats taken.
Tom Hayden was one of the "Chicago Seven", a co-founder of the radical group, Students for a Democratic Society, a member of the California state legislature (1982-2000), and the husband of Jane Fonda (1973-1990).
Busboys and Poets, a progressive, liberal, eclectic "think tank" bookstore and coffee shop is located at 2021 14th St. NW, between U and V streets, about a block from the U Street Metro Stop and also in Arlington at 4251 S. Campbell Avenue. There's a short, diversified menu with plenty of good food at reasonable prices. Its web site says sales proceeds go to a non-profit, "Teaching for Change". Ph. 202-387-7638
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Howard Fineman Promotes His New Book
Maybe it was the economy; or the location; or maybe it was the topic (Great American Debates); or maybe a surfeit of books about American politics in the Washington, D.C. area nowadays, but, whatever it was, Howard Fineman drew a crowd of fewer than 20 persons to his new book signing Wednesday night at the Tyson's Corner Borders bookstore.
When he spoke at Politics & Prose on Connecticut Avenue on the northwest side of town May 1, the crowd likely was double or even triple 20.
His title of his book is: The Thirteen American Arguments: Enduring Debates That Define and Inspire Our Country. Mr. Fineman is a columnist for Newsweek and a "pundit" who regularly appears on "Hardball" with Chris Matthews and "Countdown" with Keith Olbermann.
I got there too late for his book presentation. The Q+As are always the most interesting part, and I wasn't disappointed. The people who came were all senior citizens, average age, 65; all Caucasians, probably more males than females. The store was the least populated with customers that I've seen, and I'm a frequent visitor. Lots of empty seats.
Anyway, what did he say? No way, Hosea, that Condi Rice will be John McCain's running mate: Too much baggage and negative vibes which permeate the State Department, and lack of domestic policy experience.
George Bush is "too insecure intellectually and personally to listen to anyone who doesn't agree with him and who he doesn't know. I know him well and have covered him for years."
Obama appeals to a lot of Republicans.
The press went to sleep at the wheel after 9/11, and was bullied by the White House. The only Washington news outfit which reported events unafraid was Knight-Ridder: "Not the networks, not the New York Times." Mr. Fineman said an unnamed actress compared 9/11 for him to a "bad divorce" when judgment for several years afterwards was/is questionable.
Iraq: "I agree with Thomas Friedman with what he said this morning (in his column): We are in the Middle East where we are not loved, not respected. We're following Osama Bin Laden's play book."
"If we leave, the Iranians are going to come in and take over Iraq." (Ed's note: Well? So what if it does?)
"We were lied to. Colin Powell used up all his credibility at the U.N. He misled everybody. George Tenet is a buffoon. Cheney and all the others at the White House went to war against the C.I.A. No one asked about the consequences of our going 'in there' (Iraq)."
He reluctantly answered a question: "I know this sounds callous. I have to tell you, war is a great story" and it's much sexier (not his word) than no attack. When asked about the dwindling coverage of the war, Howard Fineman said: "The American people have become desensitized to it. They don't want to hear bad news."
I am as sure as rain that many, if not all the blurbs on the book jacket and most others, are written by persons who have never read the book which they acclaim. And when do these "authors" have time to write books? Not to single out Mr. Fineman, but I dare say many political books (and others) are written by "ghost riders" who sit down and slam something on paper just to get the damned things out to satisfy the publisher and earn money quicker. "Poor" Cindy McCain.
When he spoke at Politics & Prose on Connecticut Avenue on the northwest side of town May 1, the crowd likely was double or even triple 20.
His title of his book is: The Thirteen American Arguments: Enduring Debates That Define and Inspire Our Country. Mr. Fineman is a columnist for Newsweek and a "pundit" who regularly appears on "Hardball" with Chris Matthews and "Countdown" with Keith Olbermann.
I got there too late for his book presentation. The Q+As are always the most interesting part, and I wasn't disappointed. The people who came were all senior citizens, average age, 65; all Caucasians, probably more males than females. The store was the least populated with customers that I've seen, and I'm a frequent visitor. Lots of empty seats.
Anyway, what did he say? No way, Hosea, that Condi Rice will be John McCain's running mate: Too much baggage and negative vibes which permeate the State Department, and lack of domestic policy experience.
George Bush is "too insecure intellectually and personally to listen to anyone who doesn't agree with him and who he doesn't know. I know him well and have covered him for years."
Obama appeals to a lot of Republicans.
The press went to sleep at the wheel after 9/11, and was bullied by the White House. The only Washington news outfit which reported events unafraid was Knight-Ridder: "Not the networks, not the New York Times." Mr. Fineman said an unnamed actress compared 9/11 for him to a "bad divorce" when judgment for several years afterwards was/is questionable.
Iraq: "I agree with Thomas Friedman with what he said this morning (in his column): We are in the Middle East where we are not loved, not respected. We're following Osama Bin Laden's play book."
"If we leave, the Iranians are going to come in and take over Iraq." (Ed's note: Well? So what if it does?)
"We were lied to. Colin Powell used up all his credibility at the U.N. He misled everybody. George Tenet is a buffoon. Cheney and all the others at the White House went to war against the C.I.A. No one asked about the consequences of our going 'in there' (Iraq)."
He reluctantly answered a question: "I know this sounds callous. I have to tell you, war is a great story" and it's much sexier (not his word) than no attack. When asked about the dwindling coverage of the war, Howard Fineman said: "The American people have become desensitized to it. They don't want to hear bad news."
I am as sure as rain that many, if not all the blurbs on the book jacket and most others, are written by persons who have never read the book which they acclaim. And when do these "authors" have time to write books? Not to single out Mr. Fineman, but I dare say many political books (and others) are written by "ghost riders" who sit down and slam something on paper just to get the damned things out to satisfy the publisher and earn money quicker. "Poor" Cindy McCain.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Movie Review: "What Happens in Vegas"
Not exactly "Washington Speaks" but a lark of a film:
"What Happens in Vegas" is fun and lots of laughs! If you need a good escape, this is it. The only real negative is the schmaltzy ending which you begrudgingly anticipate, but up until the beach scene, and the kneeling, it is a hilarious film
I probably would have never seen it had I not read the Washington Post's great review. A friend said the New York Times panned it, but movie reviewers are usually old fuddy-duddies anyway, and who cares? I went, I saw it, I loved it.
How in the world can a male look better than Ashton Kutcher? He looks so much like JFK, Jr. I swear, girls, you can feel his arms wrapping around you, and that alone is worth the price of admission! (Demi: How did you do it? I want to buy your book!) I hesitate to label this a "chick flick", for it almost qualifies, but the males in the crowd will love it, too, for Cameron Diaz is eye candy for them ("treats for all").
Rob Corddry from "The Daily Show" and Lake Bell as sidekicks add tremendously to the movie. There's even "Saturday Night Live's" I can't think of his name who plays Cameron's significant other, and does a credible job, but Judge Dennis Miller seemed almost lifeless to me, but that's maybe the way he is anyway.
For a couple of surprises wait before leaving until the credits are rolling.
"What Happens in Vegas" is fun and lots of laughs! If you need a good escape, this is it. The only real negative is the schmaltzy ending which you begrudgingly anticipate, but up until the beach scene, and the kneeling, it is a hilarious film
I probably would have never seen it had I not read the Washington Post's great review. A friend said the New York Times panned it, but movie reviewers are usually old fuddy-duddies anyway, and who cares? I went, I saw it, I loved it.
How in the world can a male look better than Ashton Kutcher? He looks so much like JFK, Jr. I swear, girls, you can feel his arms wrapping around you, and that alone is worth the price of admission! (Demi: How did you do it? I want to buy your book!) I hesitate to label this a "chick flick", for it almost qualifies, but the males in the crowd will love it, too, for Cameron Diaz is eye candy for them ("treats for all").
Rob Corddry from "The Daily Show" and Lake Bell as sidekicks add tremendously to the movie. There's even "Saturday Night Live's" I can't think of his name who plays Cameron's significant other, and does a credible job, but Judge Dennis Miller seemed almost lifeless to me, but that's maybe the way he is anyway.
For a couple of surprises wait before leaving until the credits are rolling.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Pat Summitt and Friends at the Army/Navy Club
There she was...the line was not twice but three times longer than for any of the others. And the others were males! I fully expected it and why not?
Pat Summitt, head basketball coach for the University of Tennessee Lady Vols, with her team has won the NCAA championship eight times, the winningest coach in all of NCAA history. There she was... signing pictures for the 300 or so Tennessee alumni who gathered last week at the sold-out event to see and hear the top UT coaches tell a few stories, answer question from the "voice" of the Vols, Bob Kesling, and poke fun and glamour at each other at the Army/Navy Club.
Philip Fulmer, the football coach since 1992, and Bruce Pearl, the men's basketball coach who has brought the men's game up to almost par with the ladies, were there, too.
Although guests were warned by e-mail ahead of time that only one autograph would be made for each person by each coach, all three graciously agreed to sign whatever you brought to be autographed just as many times as you wanted! One lady, a design artist for Gannett, brought her 2 1/2 year old son and his Smokey Bear and a basketball which Coach Summit, who looks 20 pounds lighter and ten times better in person than on the tube, happily signed, all the while conversing with each proud alum.
And if you didn't bring anything to sign, no worries: Color photos of each coach were supplied to eager participants. And there was no mention about a wavering football team, hungry for a better year than we've seen in a long time.
If Coach Pearl can't make it as a coach and there's no sign of that since he took the men's basketball team to No. 1 for the first time in history, he could certainly earn big bucks as a comedian for he's as genuinely funny as anybody you'd hear on the late night shows. He just completed his third year for the Vols.
He said that the night before the wildly popular UT-University of Memphis game (when the teams were ranked No. 2 and No. 1, respectively) where some fans were paying thousands of dollars for tickets, he told two players he wanted them to go with him the morning of the game to St. Jude's, the renowned children's cancer hospital in Memphis, to visit some of the children. When Coach Pearl went out to the bus early the next day for the visit to St. Jude's, there already seated on the bus was the entire team waiting for him. He said it was that kind of a team, that kind of a year.
A surprisingly good dinner of bar-b-cue on china plates atop tablecloths added to a fun evening on top of a hill with a view looking towards a gorgeous sunset outlined by long fairways and even a fox which crossed the paths of UT alums on their way up to the clubhouse. Most everyone had orange of some sort in their apparel or running through their veins.
Pat Summitt, head basketball coach for the University of Tennessee Lady Vols, with her team has won the NCAA championship eight times, the winningest coach in all of NCAA history. There she was... signing pictures for the 300 or so Tennessee alumni who gathered last week at the sold-out event to see and hear the top UT coaches tell a few stories, answer question from the "voice" of the Vols, Bob Kesling, and poke fun and glamour at each other at the Army/Navy Club.
Philip Fulmer, the football coach since 1992, and Bruce Pearl, the men's basketball coach who has brought the men's game up to almost par with the ladies, were there, too.
Although guests were warned by e-mail ahead of time that only one autograph would be made for each person by each coach, all three graciously agreed to sign whatever you brought to be autographed just as many times as you wanted! One lady, a design artist for Gannett, brought her 2 1/2 year old son and his Smokey Bear and a basketball which Coach Summit, who looks 20 pounds lighter and ten times better in person than on the tube, happily signed, all the while conversing with each proud alum.
And if you didn't bring anything to sign, no worries: Color photos of each coach were supplied to eager participants. And there was no mention about a wavering football team, hungry for a better year than we've seen in a long time.
If Coach Pearl can't make it as a coach and there's no sign of that since he took the men's basketball team to No. 1 for the first time in history, he could certainly earn big bucks as a comedian for he's as genuinely funny as anybody you'd hear on the late night shows. He just completed his third year for the Vols.
He said that the night before the wildly popular UT-University of Memphis game (when the teams were ranked No. 2 and No. 1, respectively) where some fans were paying thousands of dollars for tickets, he told two players he wanted them to go with him the morning of the game to St. Jude's, the renowned children's cancer hospital in Memphis, to visit some of the children. When Coach Pearl went out to the bus early the next day for the visit to St. Jude's, there already seated on the bus was the entire team waiting for him. He said it was that kind of a team, that kind of a year.
A surprisingly good dinner of bar-b-cue on china plates atop tablecloths added to a fun evening on top of a hill with a view looking towards a gorgeous sunset outlined by long fairways and even a fox which crossed the paths of UT alums on their way up to the clubhouse. Most everyone had orange of some sort in their apparel or running through their veins.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Dave Brubeck on a Cultural Tour at GWU's Elliott School
A couple of weeks ago The Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University hosted a seminar on cultural diplomacy featuring Dave Brubeck in honor of the 50th anniversary of his State Department tour outside North America.
Back in the 1960s (or was it the 1970s?) I saw and heard the great Brubeck perform at
East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, and I was dumbfounded he was still living! Bravo, Mr. Brubeck (now, 87).
The seminar kicked off an almost week-long festival in Washington honoring the man, his music and his achievements (was there any press about it?) that was preceded by the other half of the festival in Stockton, CA, home of Mr. and Mrs. Brubeck's alma mater, the University of the Pacific which is home to the Brubeck Institute.
At the seminar four white males made up the panel and each presented a brief (10 minutes or so) current history of diplomacy including world events of the 50s and the direction another cultural musical tour could take today.
Mr. (and Mrs.? I was unsure) Brubeck sat in the middle of the front row in the audience, and Mr. Brubeck was recognized from the podium. He certainly appeared to be a lively fellow, but I did not see him at the reception afterwards..
After the panelists' presentations, questions were taken from the 150 or so members of the audience, composed mostly of Caucasian students, professors, alumni, and the curious who attended voluntarily, like me. Because so many responded to the seminar invitation, GW moved the locale to the Harry Harding Auditorium.
After a few moments of "questions" it became obvious that some audience members who spoke (all males) were actually more interest in making statements, and three of them came, appropriately enough, from the State Department, leading the moderator, Dr. David Grier, to twice applaud the "expansion" of the panel.
Anyway 50 years ago "State" sent Mr. Brubeck and his group to India, Europe, and the Middle East to be cultural ambassadors for the U.S.
Jazz was important to the cultural life of European people, said Professor Hugh Agnew who described the world in the late 1950s as "teetering on the brink of change". Not only was the world reeling from the psychological damage of World War II and the Korean War, but the rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union contributed to a European fear of another war.
Ambassador Karl Inderfurth (who served during the Clinton Administration) called the Brubeck trips abroad "clearly one of the best decisions the State Department has made." Dr. Marc Lynch whose enthusiasm and presentation made me want to sign up for his class tomorrow, said Adam Clayton Powell (denied a visa in 1955 to travel abroad) vigorously urged "State" to send Brubeck overseas so that people could begin through music to understand what America was all about.
Who was not sent to represent the U.S. in the 1950s? He shook his hips and gyrated and came from Memphis and was also serving in the Army (but probably would not have been tapped anyway, Dr. Lynch said.) Until 1957 and Little Rock, the late great Louis Armstrong was a "cultural ambassador". "He did not want to part of a government which allowed (Little Rock)", Dr. Lynch said.
He compared jazz to "hip hop": Both are loved by blacks and youth; both are mysterious, unpredictable and unique. "Music can build bridges," Dr. Lynch said, and suggested State might consider sending hip hopsters abroad like it sent Dave Brubeck to weave magic and try to convince others we are not as bad as they think. Hip hop is quite popular in the Middle East, and it "gives voice to the voiceless".
A handsome 32-page souvenir booklet was distributed to all, and a gala reception at the City View Room on the seventh floor of the 1957 E Street building followed the seminar and featured the current Dave Brubeck Quartet (namesake not included).
It is truly marvelous that GWU opens its doors to curious people who have no connection to the university whatsoever, other than a fondness for knowledge, a desire to broaden one's perspective, learn a little, and open minds and doors to the unknown. I am grateful.
Back in the 1960s (or was it the 1970s?) I saw and heard the great Brubeck perform at
East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, and I was dumbfounded he was still living! Bravo, Mr. Brubeck (now, 87).
The seminar kicked off an almost week-long festival in Washington honoring the man, his music and his achievements (was there any press about it?) that was preceded by the other half of the festival in Stockton, CA, home of Mr. and Mrs. Brubeck's alma mater, the University of the Pacific which is home to the Brubeck Institute.
At the seminar four white males made up the panel and each presented a brief (10 minutes or so) current history of diplomacy including world events of the 50s and the direction another cultural musical tour could take today.
Mr. (and Mrs.? I was unsure) Brubeck sat in the middle of the front row in the audience, and Mr. Brubeck was recognized from the podium. He certainly appeared to be a lively fellow, but I did not see him at the reception afterwards..
After the panelists' presentations, questions were taken from the 150 or so members of the audience, composed mostly of Caucasian students, professors, alumni, and the curious who attended voluntarily, like me. Because so many responded to the seminar invitation, GW moved the locale to the Harry Harding Auditorium.
After a few moments of "questions" it became obvious that some audience members who spoke (all males) were actually more interest in making statements, and three of them came, appropriately enough, from the State Department, leading the moderator, Dr. David Grier, to twice applaud the "expansion" of the panel.
Anyway 50 years ago "State" sent Mr. Brubeck and his group to India, Europe, and the Middle East to be cultural ambassadors for the U.S.
Jazz was important to the cultural life of European people, said Professor Hugh Agnew who described the world in the late 1950s as "teetering on the brink of change". Not only was the world reeling from the psychological damage of World War II and the Korean War, but the rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union contributed to a European fear of another war.
Ambassador Karl Inderfurth (who served during the Clinton Administration) called the Brubeck trips abroad "clearly one of the best decisions the State Department has made." Dr. Marc Lynch whose enthusiasm and presentation made me want to sign up for his class tomorrow, said Adam Clayton Powell (denied a visa in 1955 to travel abroad) vigorously urged "State" to send Brubeck overseas so that people could begin through music to understand what America was all about.
Who was not sent to represent the U.S. in the 1950s? He shook his hips and gyrated and came from Memphis and was also serving in the Army (but probably would not have been tapped anyway, Dr. Lynch said.) Until 1957 and Little Rock, the late great Louis Armstrong was a "cultural ambassador". "He did not want to part of a government which allowed (Little Rock)", Dr. Lynch said.
He compared jazz to "hip hop": Both are loved by blacks and youth; both are mysterious, unpredictable and unique. "Music can build bridges," Dr. Lynch said, and suggested State might consider sending hip hopsters abroad like it sent Dave Brubeck to weave magic and try to convince others we are not as bad as they think. Hip hop is quite popular in the Middle East, and it "gives voice to the voiceless".
A handsome 32-page souvenir booklet was distributed to all, and a gala reception at the City View Room on the seventh floor of the 1957 E Street building followed the seminar and featured the current Dave Brubeck Quartet (namesake not included).
It is truly marvelous that GWU opens its doors to curious people who have no connection to the university whatsoever, other than a fondness for knowledge, a desire to broaden one's perspective, learn a little, and open minds and doors to the unknown. I am grateful.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
A New Degas' "Dancers at the Bar"
About 150 persons attended the recent lecture at the Phillips Collection about the repair to this painting described in detail by Elizabeth ("Lilli") Steele. She is the head of conservation at the Phillips and addressed an audience of mostly young, female, and likely, conservators or students.
In the magnificent new auditorium at the Phillips, Ms. Steele said she had been intrigued by the painting for as long as she has worked at the Phillips: 20 years.
It's believed Degas began painting it around 1884 and "probably worked on it for 20 years", Ms. Steele said.
Degas kept the painting in his possession (likely in his studio: "probably the worst place") until he died in 1917 . His estate sold the painting the next year, and Duncan Phillips purchased it in 1944 for $18,000 ("and it's likely worth ten times that now, " Ms. Steele said.)
From 2002 to 2007 the painting went "on tour" to the Metropolitan Museum in New York and the Art Institute of Chicago, among other locations.
After it returned "home" and inflamed Ms. Steele with love anew, she inspected it closely and with approval by Phillips hierarchy no doubt, began a restoration of the painting which took 10 months.
Before any painting is repaired, an in depth study of the artist, the painting, and its provenance is conducted so that the conservator/archivist gains more information, background and knowledge of the artist's intentions, art, and its various locations, Ms. Steele said.
Microscopic inspection and an examination under ultraviolet light of every possible inch of the painting were made.
Once grime and dirt were removed and a "gentle vacuuming" was performed with small tools, including dental equipment and cotton swabs, brighter "almost different" colors became clearly evident and the painting's three-dimensional effect was restored. The "before and after" pictures of the painting shown on a large screen convinced the audience Ms. Steele was not exaggerating.
Her investigation uncovered a tear in the canvass, a thumbprint and two different inscriptions by two different people. Also, an infrared image of the painting revealed six, rather than four legs, and the change in skirt lengths Degas made. "Degas kept changing his mind about the (dancers') appearance," she said.
For Ms. Steele personally, "it was a lot of fun to work on," she said. "A big thrill!"
She spoke for about 45 minutes and answered questions before some audience members rapidly departed to go view the painting at another gallery at the Phillips. "Dancers at the Bar" is much larger than what I would have thought.
Lectures always add interest and background to the understanding of a painting, making original art all the more pleasing to see up close and personal.
Suggestion to Phillips: Refrain from permitting latecomers to interrupt lectures by directing them to rear seating only.
The Phillips Collection is located at 1600 21st Street, NW near the Dupont Circle Metro stop (north end). Admission on weekdays to see this Degas is free; weekends, $12 which includes admission to special exhibits.
In the magnificent new auditorium at the Phillips, Ms. Steele said she had been intrigued by the painting for as long as she has worked at the Phillips: 20 years.
It's believed Degas began painting it around 1884 and "probably worked on it for 20 years", Ms. Steele said.
Degas kept the painting in his possession (likely in his studio: "probably the worst place") until he died in 1917 . His estate sold the painting the next year, and Duncan Phillips purchased it in 1944 for $18,000 ("and it's likely worth ten times that now, " Ms. Steele said.)
From 2002 to 2007 the painting went "on tour" to the Metropolitan Museum in New York and the Art Institute of Chicago, among other locations.
After it returned "home" and inflamed Ms. Steele with love anew, she inspected it closely and with approval by Phillips hierarchy no doubt, began a restoration of the painting which took 10 months.
Before any painting is repaired, an in depth study of the artist, the painting, and its provenance is conducted so that the conservator/archivist gains more information, background and knowledge of the artist's intentions, art, and its various locations, Ms. Steele said.
Microscopic inspection and an examination under ultraviolet light of every possible inch of the painting were made.
Once grime and dirt were removed and a "gentle vacuuming" was performed with small tools, including dental equipment and cotton swabs, brighter "almost different" colors became clearly evident and the painting's three-dimensional effect was restored. The "before and after" pictures of the painting shown on a large screen convinced the audience Ms. Steele was not exaggerating.
Her investigation uncovered a tear in the canvass, a thumbprint and two different inscriptions by two different people. Also, an infrared image of the painting revealed six, rather than four legs, and the change in skirt lengths Degas made. "Degas kept changing his mind about the (dancers') appearance," she said.
For Ms. Steele personally, "it was a lot of fun to work on," she said. "A big thrill!"
She spoke for about 45 minutes and answered questions before some audience members rapidly departed to go view the painting at another gallery at the Phillips. "Dancers at the Bar" is much larger than what I would have thought.
Lectures always add interest and background to the understanding of a painting, making original art all the more pleasing to see up close and personal.
Suggestion to Phillips: Refrain from permitting latecomers to interrupt lectures by directing them to rear seating only.
The Phillips Collection is located at 1600 21st Street, NW near the Dupont Circle Metro stop (north end). Admission on weekdays to see this Degas is free; weekends, $12 which includes admission to special exhibits.
Monday, April 14, 2008
The Societies of the States Celebrate the Cherry Blossom Princesses
Last week I attended a fun event on the top floor (I think it was) of the Hart Senate Office Building where a combination of members (and others) of the state societies of Tennessee, Texas (most of the attendees), Alabama, and South Carolina met to carouse and see and congratulate the four state cherry blossom princesses.
You'd think it'd be a good time for congressional reps. to shake hands and build constituent strength among the activists but nary a one did I spy from Tennessee (my state). Most of the crowd was the young staffer set, and, gee, can they dress any worse? Just give them a plastic bag and watch them whine: : "Lady, can you spare a dime?"
Still, it was a delightful time, representatives or not.
I rode up the elevator with a handsome lad, Andy Rubert, III who formerly worked for Senator Frist and is now a "financial adviser". Although Republican, still so personable and friendly, I've almost a mind to call him for advice for my wee fund. And dressed for the occasion!
Anyway, there was Susan Chafin from Columbia, Tennessee, Cong. Bob Clement's daughter, Rachel, James from Texas, Marguerite from Texas, and an opthamologist, Dan ?, with his dad, scouring the environs for a place to land professionally. These are the names I can remember.
Plentiful alcohol (beer and wine) and good hors oeuvres which mostly lasted the entire evening. As usual, I am one of the first to arrive and the last to leave, but I do believe a good time was had by all. Oh! And the lobbyists paid for the whole blooming (they were) thing!
You'd think it'd be a good time for congressional reps. to shake hands and build constituent strength among the activists but nary a one did I spy from Tennessee (my state). Most of the crowd was the young staffer set, and, gee, can they dress any worse? Just give them a plastic bag and watch them whine: : "Lady, can you spare a dime?"
Still, it was a delightful time, representatives or not.
I rode up the elevator with a handsome lad, Andy Rubert, III who formerly worked for Senator Frist and is now a "financial adviser". Although Republican, still so personable and friendly, I've almost a mind to call him for advice for my wee fund. And dressed for the occasion!
Anyway, there was Susan Chafin from Columbia, Tennessee, Cong. Bob Clement's daughter, Rachel, James from Texas, Marguerite from Texas, and an opthamologist, Dan ?, with his dad, scouring the environs for a place to land professionally. These are the names I can remember.
Plentiful alcohol (beer and wine) and good hors oeuvres which mostly lasted the entire evening. As usual, I am one of the first to arrive and the last to leave, but I do believe a good time was had by all. Oh! And the lobbyists paid for the whole blooming (they were) thing!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Musing after the Newseum
WOW! For news junkies, yes! For others? Not sure $20 will be viewed as a good value by them.
Why, with all these news stories and adulations, has nothing been written about the high admission price? Does the hierarchy at the Newseum really think this fee is okay? How was it set? Why $20? Perhaps the Newseum is not non-profit, after all.
The museum (sorry, that's what it is) is phenomenal: seven floors of old newscasts and history and lots of front pages. There is part of the Berlin Wall and part of one of the World Trade towers and part of one of the planes which crashed that dreadful day engulfing the crowd, now silent..
Pictures taken by a photographer on his way to his death by the fall of a tower flash by. Video of his wife being interviewed suggest she still is numb for she speaks non passionately. His photo bag and equipment, damaged by the falling tower which took his life, are on display. Not to miss.
The Pulitzer Price photos are shattering. Two days later and the tragic shot of the little girl and the vulture both on the ground in Africa live vividly. The repercussions to the photographer are understandable. All the pictures are unforgettable and one tastes a bit of greatness. Video and comments by some of the photographers are shown.
The hosts recommend starting with a confusing film on the bottom floor and taking a glass elevator to the top and descending, not by stairs but by ramps like ones found at stadiums. (It does have that feel.)
Upon entering on opening ("free") day April 11, I immediately spied on the street level Senator Chuck Hagel being interviewed on the radio. Members of the crowd turned and asked each other "who's that? Who's he?" When told, some still had no idea who he is. Not everyone lives and breathes news and politics!
A spectacular building, a spectacular day, and the views! Must sees! Even when "full" (which is doubtful post-April 11) there is plenty of room to move around and witness. What fun the television reporting (additional fee) is for, mostly, the young at heart and body.
Why, with all these news stories and adulations, has nothing been written about the high admission price? Does the hierarchy at the Newseum really think this fee is okay? How was it set? Why $20? Perhaps the Newseum is not non-profit, after all.
The museum (sorry, that's what it is) is phenomenal: seven floors of old newscasts and history and lots of front pages. There is part of the Berlin Wall and part of one of the World Trade towers and part of one of the planes which crashed that dreadful day engulfing the crowd, now silent..
Pictures taken by a photographer on his way to his death by the fall of a tower flash by. Video of his wife being interviewed suggest she still is numb for she speaks non passionately. His photo bag and equipment, damaged by the falling tower which took his life, are on display. Not to miss.
The Pulitzer Price photos are shattering. Two days later and the tragic shot of the little girl and the vulture both on the ground in Africa live vividly. The repercussions to the photographer are understandable. All the pictures are unforgettable and one tastes a bit of greatness. Video and comments by some of the photographers are shown.
The hosts recommend starting with a confusing film on the bottom floor and taking a glass elevator to the top and descending, not by stairs but by ramps like ones found at stadiums. (It does have that feel.)
Upon entering on opening ("free") day April 11, I immediately spied on the street level Senator Chuck Hagel being interviewed on the radio. Members of the crowd turned and asked each other "who's that? Who's he?" When told, some still had no idea who he is. Not everyone lives and breathes news and politics!
A spectacular building, a spectacular day, and the views! Must sees! Even when "full" (which is doubtful post-April 11) there is plenty of room to move around and witness. What fun the television reporting (additional fee) is for, mostly, the young at heart and body.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Ovie and the Caps from Section 422
The greatest game! And nobody left...not even when the score was 4-1 and there were about 2 minutes left. Usually, in the last five minutes of any (not all) hockey games, the fans start streaming out, but the Caps v. the Hurricanes had the sold-out mob glued to their seats! Excitement for all. So many players scored, assisted, stopped, bumped, trunked and ground their way to a huge win!
If you think for one minute downtown Washington is only suits and black and blue clothes and conservative fashion, you have not for sure been to a Caps game where there are real macho macho men. Bravo! To think they actually exist in downtown D.C.
If you think for one minute downtown Washington is only suits and black and blue clothes and conservative fashion, you have not for sure been to a Caps game where there are real macho macho men. Bravo! To think they actually exist in downtown D.C.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Maj. Nicole Malachowski Speaks at the National Air and Space Museum
The best piece of advice she gave to the audience in the comfy surroundings of the IMAX Theatre at the
National Air and Space Museum?
"Surround yourself with positive people and choose your friends carefully."
Any negative people in your life? Rid your life of them.
Enthusiastic, vivacious and unrelenting in her patriotism, Capt. Nicole Malachowski, 33, described her upbringing and support from family members and teachers in her quest to become a fighter pilot. She gave much credit to her husband and parents, all of whom were present.
Wearing her Air Force uniform adorned with rows of ribbons, she barely mentioned the 180 combat hours she flew in Iraq but, instead, energetically told about her life as a Thunderbird pilot and the selection process which was, after all, what the approximately 250 people came to hear.
When she was 12 her family made a trip to Washington and visited the Air and Space Museum "which changed my life. I consider this 'hallowed ground'."
For a sixth-grade class project she announced to her class she wanted to become a fighter pilot which her teacher denounced since, at the time, female fighter pilots were not authorized. "I wasn't phased" by the teacher, she said.
"It's all about courage, confidence, and taking chances," she said. "If my parents had ever said 'no', I wouldn't be here," she proclaimed proudly.
In high school she joined the Junior ROTC and later, the Civil Air Patrol which she highly recommended to young people. She got her pilot's license at 16 and flew solo. Before she graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1996, Congress changed the law allowing females to fly fighter jets, and she was off to the skies.
While she talked at the museum, still shots and spectacular videos of her Thunderbird experiences played on the IMAX screen behind her. (We were in the pilot's seat with her!) Later this year she'll become a Legislative Fellow on Capitol Hill.
I can't recall the last time I attended a lecture where the crowd gave the speaker a standing ovation but that's what happened at the National Air and Space Museum one Thursday night. Check out its web site for more free lectures presented not only for aviation and military ethusiasts but also, for the plain curious made happy by the achievements of many, especially women. (Maybe some of their cues will rub off.)
The Air and Space Museum is the most visited museum in the world followed by its "cousin", the four-year-old Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles International Airport which recently celebrated the arrival of Visitor # 5,000,000.
Some information for this piece is derived from an article in the July 6, 2006 edition of the Stars and Stripes newspaper
National Air and Space Museum?
"Surround yourself with positive people and choose your friends carefully."
Any negative people in your life? Rid your life of them.
Enthusiastic, vivacious and unrelenting in her patriotism, Capt. Nicole Malachowski, 33, described her upbringing and support from family members and teachers in her quest to become a fighter pilot. She gave much credit to her husband and parents, all of whom were present.
Wearing her Air Force uniform adorned with rows of ribbons, she barely mentioned the 180 combat hours she flew in Iraq but, instead, energetically told about her life as a Thunderbird pilot and the selection process which was, after all, what the approximately 250 people came to hear.
When she was 12 her family made a trip to Washington and visited the Air and Space Museum "which changed my life. I consider this 'hallowed ground'."
For a sixth-grade class project she announced to her class she wanted to become a fighter pilot which her teacher denounced since, at the time, female fighter pilots were not authorized. "I wasn't phased" by the teacher, she said.
"It's all about courage, confidence, and taking chances," she said. "If my parents had ever said 'no', I wouldn't be here," she proclaimed proudly.
In high school she joined the Junior ROTC and later, the Civil Air Patrol which she highly recommended to young people. She got her pilot's license at 16 and flew solo. Before she graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1996, Congress changed the law allowing females to fly fighter jets, and she was off to the skies.
While she talked at the museum, still shots and spectacular videos of her Thunderbird experiences played on the IMAX screen behind her. (We were in the pilot's seat with her!) Later this year she'll become a Legislative Fellow on Capitol Hill.
I can't recall the last time I attended a lecture where the crowd gave the speaker a standing ovation but that's what happened at the National Air and Space Museum one Thursday night. Check out its web site for more free lectures presented not only for aviation and military ethusiasts but also, for the plain curious made happy by the achievements of many, especially women. (Maybe some of their cues will rub off.)
The Air and Space Museum is the most visited museum in the world followed by its "cousin", the four-year-old Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles International Airport which recently celebrated the arrival of Visitor # 5,000,000.
Some information for this piece is derived from an article in the July 6, 2006 edition of the Stars and Stripes newspaper
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Betty Bigombe at GWU's Elliott School
With a name like this, you know she's a star!
Last Monday evening she addressed about 100 mostly female, mostly graduate students in the City View Room at GWU's Elliott School of International Affairs on "The Art of Conflict Mediation". It was part of GW's "Distinguished Women in International Affairs" series, and spying the topic beforehand, I could only wonder: Can she supply her peacemaking skills honed during the Northern Uganda conflict to the Iraq quandary? I wish I had asked.
After hearing her, I could only wonder: What is anyone waiting for? Well, why not?
Articulate, attractive, sophisticated, and distinguished (but I don't want to go overboard), Ms. Bigombe became strategically involved with peace efforts in Uganda, her homeland, in the mid-1990s when she tried to end rebel activity. She got fed up with military action and believed peace was achievable through talk. (Sound familiar?)
She convinced the rebel leader, Joseph Kony, to communicate, leading to peace talks in 1993 and 1994 which later became known as the "Bigombe Talks".
She asked the crowd: "What do you put on the table when the rebel leader has no idea of what he wants other than to rule by the Ten Commandments? Why should rebels even talk if they (come out of hiding) to be arrested?"
In 2004 after a massacre in Uganda she returned to the country from a post at the World Bank to start peace talks anew. Although they were not successful, her efforts are credited with laying the base for later talks.
So what else did she say?
Around the world 20 to 25 national conflicts are constantly at play. Many children in Uganda have never known peace. Many are abducted as youths and over time, trained to become soldiers who kill their own families whom they have not seen for years.
"A boy is abducted at 11 and held in the bush for 18 years and kills his family. Is he responsible?" she asked the audience.
Mediation is not an art, she said. Lots of competition and rivalry exists among mediators driven by fame and fortune, and she sometimes mediates between the mediators.
Some "spoilers" do not want wars to end for they profit from them. (Ed's note: Can you think of any?) "War's end means cutting off their livelihoods."
"As a mediator you are always walking a tight rope and can easily become a punching bag." Intrastate wars require heavy confidence building: "You take one step forward and 10 steps back because of deep-rooted distrust which exists. (Mediators) must gain trust to protect interests," a point she emphasized repeatedly.
Often, mediators plead with the news media to be sensitive about issues.
"Extreme sexism" exists in the mediation world. "Be patient, don't bang the table, and take a lot of risks." Representing an institution in mediation is made more difficult by its rules and regulations which have to be followed and yet, "if you go in as an individual, you are very vulnerable."
"Patience is a virtue in mediation, and you really must be a good listener. Transparency is so important to avoid suspicion. You must show both parties their interests are protected" (which she repeated several times).
If anyone walks out at mediation, it is "very, very difficult to get them back to the table". Some "need to vent out their anger, and then they are ready to talk."
Answering a question, she said more than half of peace treaties ultimately fail. What can be done?
She was elected to Uganda's parliament in 1986 and served for 10 years. In 1994 she was named Uganda's "Woman of the Year". She has a master's in public administration from Harvard.
The venue of her talk was a room with a view on the seventh floor of the 1957 building on E Street which looks toward the Potomac River. With a backdrop of blue and pink dusky sky sometimes dotted by planes departing National Airport, Uganda was far away geographically yet Ms. Bigombe's talk reminded attendees of another land needing help.
She talked for about 30 minutes and answered questions from a serious audience for about the same length of time. She wore a white blouse, black jacket and black pants.
Other speakers in the series have been Dr. Paula Dobriansky of the State Department, Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa, president of the United Nations General Assembly, and Hunaina Al-Mughairy, Ambassador to the U.S. from Oman.
Biographical information from Wikipedia and the U.S. Institute of Peace where Ms. Bigombe has been a senior fellow was used for this posting.
Last Monday evening she addressed about 100 mostly female, mostly graduate students in the City View Room at GWU's Elliott School of International Affairs on "The Art of Conflict Mediation". It was part of GW's "Distinguished Women in International Affairs" series, and spying the topic beforehand, I could only wonder: Can she supply her peacemaking skills honed during the Northern Uganda conflict to the Iraq quandary? I wish I had asked.
After hearing her, I could only wonder: What is anyone waiting for? Well, why not?
Articulate, attractive, sophisticated, and distinguished (but I don't want to go overboard), Ms. Bigombe became strategically involved with peace efforts in Uganda, her homeland, in the mid-1990s when she tried to end rebel activity. She got fed up with military action and believed peace was achievable through talk. (Sound familiar?)
She convinced the rebel leader, Joseph Kony, to communicate, leading to peace talks in 1993 and 1994 which later became known as the "Bigombe Talks".
She asked the crowd: "What do you put on the table when the rebel leader has no idea of what he wants other than to rule by the Ten Commandments? Why should rebels even talk if they (come out of hiding) to be arrested?"
In 2004 after a massacre in Uganda she returned to the country from a post at the World Bank to start peace talks anew. Although they were not successful, her efforts are credited with laying the base for later talks.
So what else did she say?
Around the world 20 to 25 national conflicts are constantly at play. Many children in Uganda have never known peace. Many are abducted as youths and over time, trained to become soldiers who kill their own families whom they have not seen for years.
"A boy is abducted at 11 and held in the bush for 18 years and kills his family. Is he responsible?" she asked the audience.
Mediation is not an art, she said. Lots of competition and rivalry exists among mediators driven by fame and fortune, and she sometimes mediates between the mediators.
Some "spoilers" do not want wars to end for they profit from them. (Ed's note: Can you think of any?) "War's end means cutting off their livelihoods."
"As a mediator you are always walking a tight rope and can easily become a punching bag." Intrastate wars require heavy confidence building: "You take one step forward and 10 steps back because of deep-rooted distrust which exists. (Mediators) must gain trust to protect interests," a point she emphasized repeatedly.
Often, mediators plead with the news media to be sensitive about issues.
"Extreme sexism" exists in the mediation world. "Be patient, don't bang the table, and take a lot of risks." Representing an institution in mediation is made more difficult by its rules and regulations which have to be followed and yet, "if you go in as an individual, you are very vulnerable."
"Patience is a virtue in mediation, and you really must be a good listener. Transparency is so important to avoid suspicion. You must show both parties their interests are protected" (which she repeated several times).
If anyone walks out at mediation, it is "very, very difficult to get them back to the table". Some "need to vent out their anger, and then they are ready to talk."
Answering a question, she said more than half of peace treaties ultimately fail. What can be done?
She was elected to Uganda's parliament in 1986 and served for 10 years. In 1994 she was named Uganda's "Woman of the Year". She has a master's in public administration from Harvard.
The venue of her talk was a room with a view on the seventh floor of the 1957 building on E Street which looks toward the Potomac River. With a backdrop of blue and pink dusky sky sometimes dotted by planes departing National Airport, Uganda was far away geographically yet Ms. Bigombe's talk reminded attendees of another land needing help.
She talked for about 30 minutes and answered questions from a serious audience for about the same length of time. She wore a white blouse, black jacket and black pants.
Other speakers in the series have been Dr. Paula Dobriansky of the State Department, Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa, president of the United Nations General Assembly, and Hunaina Al-Mughairy, Ambassador to the U.S. from Oman.
Biographical information from Wikipedia and the U.S. Institute of Peace where Ms. Bigombe has been a senior fellow was used for this posting.
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