I'm sorry, I just don't buy it. If you want to backpack across Europe right after you graduate college, before joining the workaday world, what is stopping you, other than you?
I was listening to NPR the other day and one of the stories claimed it's no longer feasible for recent college graduates to undertake this right-of-passage. The stated reason? Economics. Oh baloney. Unless you put yourself hundreds of thousands of $$ in debt to go to college (and whose doing was that?) or you expect your parents to finance the trip, what is so radically different about the economic situation now than it was when I graduated? In constant dollars, youth hostels cost no more now than they did in 1971. Yes, inflation has made stuff cost more but that goes for everything, not just backpacking trips. So what's different? Work hard the summer after you graduate, save all that $$, and go. Come back when you're out of $$.
My wife's niece and her future husband did exactly this just a few years back. At the risk of sounding more cranky than I already do, I'm going to guess that the producers of this NPR story either talked to the wrong young people (maybe some whose version of backpacking includes hotels, foie gras, and other amenities?) or their research let them down. I recall several people telling me I was foolish to hitchhike across country in the late 70's. I didn't listen and I'm glad for having followed my own instincts vs. the conventional wisdom. When someone wants to indulge their wanderlust, they find a way.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Mr. Id & Caviar
Mr. Id has trouble when an enormously successful and popular artist whines about not getting unanimous critical respect. Does this annoy anyone else beside Mr. Id?
Ever since reading "The World According to Garp" in 1978, Mr. Id has spent many hours enjoying the subsequent novels of John Irving. But beginning with "A Widow For One Year" (1998), Mr. Id noticed how often Irving's characters snipe at literary critics. It got so annoying Mr. Id swore off Irving, returning in 2010 to read "Last Night At Twisted River" only because it was a book club selection. Had Irving grown up and stopped his sniping/whining in the ensuing years? He had not. The book was otherwise terrific, by the way.
Musical examples, especially in pop music, abound. Mr. Id will use Billy Joel, though he could just as easily use the Eagles, another bunch of whiners. It's easy to find plenty of music critics who liked Billy Joel's music in his heyday and even now he (and the Eagles) have no shortage of fans (including Mr. Id), and yes, money. But a few months ago, Mr. Id heard an interview with Billy Joel, who hasn't released an album of popular music since "River of Dreams" (1993). He's often stated since then that he's no longer interested in making that type of music. So what comes up in this interview? How "Rolling Stone" never gave him the musical credit he's due! And this is not the first time Mr. Id recalls hearing or reading this nonsense.
Is it fair to say that people like Irving, Joel, etc. want their caviar and want to eat it too?
Ever since reading "The World According to Garp" in 1978, Mr. Id has spent many hours enjoying the subsequent novels of John Irving. But beginning with "A Widow For One Year" (1998), Mr. Id noticed how often Irving's characters snipe at literary critics. It got so annoying Mr. Id swore off Irving, returning in 2010 to read "Last Night At Twisted River" only because it was a book club selection. Had Irving grown up and stopped his sniping/whining in the ensuing years? He had not. The book was otherwise terrific, by the way.
Musical examples, especially in pop music, abound. Mr. Id will use Billy Joel, though he could just as easily use the Eagles, another bunch of whiners. It's easy to find plenty of music critics who liked Billy Joel's music in his heyday and even now he (and the Eagles) have no shortage of fans (including Mr. Id), and yes, money. But a few months ago, Mr. Id heard an interview with Billy Joel, who hasn't released an album of popular music since "River of Dreams" (1993). He's often stated since then that he's no longer interested in making that type of music. So what comes up in this interview? How "Rolling Stone" never gave him the musical credit he's due! And this is not the first time Mr. Id recalls hearing or reading this nonsense.
Is it fair to say that people like Irving, Joel, etc. want their caviar and want to eat it too?
Not The Desert Island Scenario!
Just finished Jill Ciment's 2005 novel "The Tattoo Artist"; it's a riveting read by a talented author with a lot on her mind. Forgive me, Jill: The ideas in your book deserve serious attention and conversation. But when I searched out Ta'un'uu & Tarawa in my Atlas and saw how isolated they are, I'm afraid I got stuck on something much more frivolous. I thought about how much I'd miss listening to music if I were as stranded as your narrator. I'm guessing you won't be happy where that led me next, so Jill, please stop reading. All others -proceed (caveat emptor).
Yes, a terrific book has led this dunce to the infamous "desert island" scenario, updated for the I-tunes era. Like Ciment's narrator, you will be on this speck in the South Pacific for 30 years. Which 20 songs would you want on the one CD you're allowed? OK, here's a bonus - if you send me an actual CD with your choices, I'll send you my CD; we can be on the island together. For anyone needing my mailing address, post a comment here and we'll figure something out. But I'll also be happy just knowing your 20.
Sorry Jill; loved your book.
Yes, a terrific book has led this dunce to the infamous "desert island" scenario, updated for the I-tunes era. Like Ciment's narrator, you will be on this speck in the South Pacific for 30 years. Which 20 songs would you want on the one CD you're allowed? OK, here's a bonus - if you send me an actual CD with your choices, I'll send you my CD; we can be on the island together. For anyone needing my mailing address, post a comment here and we'll figure something out. But I'll also be happy just knowing your 20.
Sorry Jill; loved your book.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
That Greener Grass
What job has ever crossed your mind as one you think you might enjoy doing? What about it appeals to you? Since few jobs are without drawbacks, what might those be?
Probably because of my love of reading, I've sometimes fantasized about being responsible for writing the short descriptions on book jackets. Think how many good books I'd get to read! On the other hand, if I didn't like a book, I'm getting paid to write something that will entice others to read it.
Also thought being a radio disk jockey would be a blast. Listening to and talking about music all the time - whoa! But unless I could choose all the music, all the time, we're back to the same issue as with books. Even worse, suppose a station I worked at switched formats to one of those tight playlists? I'm already tired of many great songs because of serious over-exposure; if it were my job to play those songs...
OK, I also imagined myself writing movie reviews. But you get the idea now. How about that fantasy job of yours? Is your own grass maybe looking a little greener now?
Probably because of my love of reading, I've sometimes fantasized about being responsible for writing the short descriptions on book jackets. Think how many good books I'd get to read! On the other hand, if I didn't like a book, I'm getting paid to write something that will entice others to read it.
Also thought being a radio disk jockey would be a blast. Listening to and talking about music all the time - whoa! But unless I could choose all the music, all the time, we're back to the same issue as with books. Even worse, suppose a station I worked at switched formats to one of those tight playlists? I'm already tired of many great songs because of serious over-exposure; if it were my job to play those songs...
OK, I also imagined myself writing movie reviews. But you get the idea now. How about that fantasy job of yours? Is your own grass maybe looking a little greener now?
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Shirley On The Bell Curve
http://reflectionsfromthebellcurve.blogspot.com/2012/01/finally-payoff.html
I'm 8 films into the project I asked for help with in my January 24 post; thanks for your suggestions.
Following a conversation with a good friend about the somber nature of the questions sometimes posed in my blog, and with the voice of my mother ("Patrick, you are too serious!") echoing in my head, I just realized something. Of the films I've thusfar recommended to my daughter, only one has been a comedy ("My Cousin Vinny"). I hear both my friend and my mother saying - lighten up, Pat.
Admittedly, excellent comedic acting (the goal of the project being great acting) is not as easy to come by. The history of the Academy Awards is itself very spotty recognizing comedies. But surely ("My name is not Shirley"), I can do better than one out of 8. And although I've made numerous attempts at humor in this blog, surely (uh-oh), I can do better here as well. You let me know, OK Shirley?
I'm 8 films into the project I asked for help with in my January 24 post; thanks for your suggestions.
Following a conversation with a good friend about the somber nature of the questions sometimes posed in my blog, and with the voice of my mother ("Patrick, you are too serious!") echoing in my head, I just realized something. Of the films I've thusfar recommended to my daughter, only one has been a comedy ("My Cousin Vinny"). I hear both my friend and my mother saying - lighten up, Pat.
Admittedly, excellent comedic acting (the goal of the project being great acting) is not as easy to come by. The history of the Academy Awards is itself very spotty recognizing comedies. But surely ("My name is not Shirley"), I can do better than one out of 8. And although I've made numerous attempts at humor in this blog, surely (uh-oh), I can do better here as well. You let me know, OK Shirley?
Monday, March 5, 2012
Variations On A Theme/Names On Benches
Noticed how many public benches nowadays have names stenciled on them? What passes through your mind seeing one of these?
Over the last few years, while walking alone, I've found myself sometimes wondering about the story behind a name. Did the person ever sit there? Do they or did they live near by? What motivates someone to have their own name stenciled on a bench? If someone else was responsible, what was their relationship with the person whose name is on the bench?
I saw "Shawshank Redemption" for the 2nd time a few weeks ago. Passing several of these benches yesterday, a poignant scene from that film when the old convict (played by James Whitmore) carves his name on a crossbeam came to my mind. Notice the most common graffiti around us are names? Ever put your own handprint or name into wet cement? What other variations on this old theme have you noticed?
Over the last few years, while walking alone, I've found myself sometimes wondering about the story behind a name. Did the person ever sit there? Do they or did they live near by? What motivates someone to have their own name stenciled on a bench? If someone else was responsible, what was their relationship with the person whose name is on the bench?
I saw "Shawshank Redemption" for the 2nd time a few weeks ago. Passing several of these benches yesterday, a poignant scene from that film when the old convict (played by James Whitmore) carves his name on a crossbeam came to my mind. Notice the most common graffiti around us are names? Ever put your own handprint or name into wet cement? What other variations on this old theme have you noticed?
Saturday, March 3, 2012
When Too Much Is Too Much
Too much garlic! Too much oregano! Different for every person, you say? OK, how about technique? Is too much technique subjective like too much garlic or oregano? For which art forms can you have or use too much? For which art forms is there no such thing as "too much"?
I've heard people say things like "...if I notice a writer's technique it distracts me from the story..." But writing technique comes in many shades so, which type of technique is it that distracts? Too much dialogue? Too much exposition? Too much descriptive or metaphorical language? Or... are there too little of any of those (or other) techniques on display? Same idea, different medium. If you're engrossed in but then suddenly notice you're watching a movie because of technique (think of Alfred Hitchcock or the Coen Brothers), has that technique gotten in the way? Too much garlic?
An often re-told anecdote describes Duke Ellington's reaction to a pianist with dazzling technique. Duke was heard to say - "My, you play a lot of notes!"; supposedly the pianist didn't realize he'd been insulted. I've played with people with dazzling technique. Putting the Duke's bon mot aside, I've yet to hear anything except compliments paid to those musicians. So, how much technique is too much for a musician? How often have you said to yourself "he's so fast, I'm distracted?" Ever heard the expression "she was chewing up the scenery" to indicate an over-use of technique in acting? What equivalent expression have you heard or used for a musician? How about for a photographer? Visual Artist?
Lots of questions today. I'll weigh in when I get a reaction or two. Got jazz guitarist Joe Pass on my mind.
I've heard people say things like "...if I notice a writer's technique it distracts me from the story..." But writing technique comes in many shades so, which type of technique is it that distracts? Too much dialogue? Too much exposition? Too much descriptive or metaphorical language? Or... are there too little of any of those (or other) techniques on display? Same idea, different medium. If you're engrossed in but then suddenly notice you're watching a movie because of technique (think of Alfred Hitchcock or the Coen Brothers), has that technique gotten in the way? Too much garlic?
An often re-told anecdote describes Duke Ellington's reaction to a pianist with dazzling technique. Duke was heard to say - "My, you play a lot of notes!"; supposedly the pianist didn't realize he'd been insulted. I've played with people with dazzling technique. Putting the Duke's bon mot aside, I've yet to hear anything except compliments paid to those musicians. So, how much technique is too much for a musician? How often have you said to yourself "he's so fast, I'm distracted?" Ever heard the expression "she was chewing up the scenery" to indicate an over-use of technique in acting? What equivalent expression have you heard or used for a musician? How about for a photographer? Visual Artist?
Lots of questions today. I'll weigh in when I get a reaction or two. Got jazz guitarist Joe Pass on my mind.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Using The Signs
How easy it is to become used to things that are all around us. But while driving recently it suddenly dawned on me - I can make better use of signs to remind me of important stuff needing my attention.
STOP: Being judgmental
YIELD: To others with a different view
CAUTION: Ambiguity ahead
If I remember to apply this new concept only each third time I see one of these ubiquitous signs, I'm batting .333 - hall of fame territory. I'll be thrilled to succeed just that often. What other signs are worth paying more attention to? What would you add to the sign? I think I'm onto something here - join me.
STOP: Being judgmental
YIELD: To others with a different view
CAUTION: Ambiguity ahead
If I remember to apply this new concept only each third time I see one of these ubiquitous signs, I'm batting .333 - hall of fame territory. I'll be thrilled to succeed just that often. What other signs are worth paying more attention to? What would you add to the sign? I think I'm onto something here - join me.
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