Stupendous news, fast-breaking this morning February 11, 2013. Benedict XVI has announced he will retire from the papacy! It will happen on February 28th, very prompt action on his part.
Category Archives: Blog
Amour
The current French film “Amour” ranks for me as one of the best I have ever seen. In the boldness of its subject matter, the beauty of its artistry, and the marvelous performances of its three main actors, Amour stands out for its excellence. As the Academy Awards celebration approaches, I hope for this film the prize as the best and that Emanuelle Riva, now 85 years old, will be honored as best actress.
Christine
Reading about cabaret shows in the arts section of the New York Times, I often feel frustrated in not being able to attend. I would love to see and hear in Manhattan some of the singers that are reviewed. Not a few of them, I have noticed, are highly experienced in show business, not to say no longer young or even middle-aged.
Myles/Miles
When I inquired, my student lifeguard at the swimming pool volunteered that his name is Myles. That set me thinking, during the next fifteen minutes, as I moved slowly up and down the lane.
On emerging from the water, I asked Myles if he had ever heard poetic lines that had been reverberating in my head. “And miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep.”
For Richard
This graceful verse, written many years ago by my father-in-law, shows how he welcomed me into his family.
A name meaning “strong” like a czar,
From a rhyme is impossibly far,
But it’s not such a wrench
If you say it in French,
So we’re shouting “Hurrah for Richard!”
Celebration, Inner and Outer
Yesterday, November 7, 2012, was a time of high emotion for me. The electoral outcomes I had feared might not happen, did happen. Barack Obama was chosen, both by the nationwide popular vote, and the electoral vote, for a second term as president. And Elizabeth Warren was elected U.S. Senator from Massachusetts by a margin of eight percentage points over her opponent, a sitting senator.
Barack Demise?
One candidate came prepared for a debate, the other for a discussion. Mitt thus scored big time while Barack lost out. I was appalled to see the president so ineffectual. It was enough to make me worry he was losing the election then and there.
Images ran through my head of what a Republican victory would bring. It would swing the whole country back into domination by the rich.
Can Barack recover from such a dismal start to the debate season of the campaign?