Monthly Archives: December 2017

“Ventura Highway” will never feel the same with all the fires there now. Plus all the other songs about California. Odd, LA has long geared itself for The Big One in the form of an earthquake, not wildfires.

The recurring thematic patterns of his serious novels: Early mistakes in life usually based on passion Secrets and Guilt–trying to make a new better life Information (many characters’ chief motivation and fears) Control and manipulation of others (often via knowledge … Continue reading →

“I will begin the world…”–Charles Dickens’ novel Bleak House “Begin the World…”–added finale spoken by Esther Summerson to Mr. Jarndyce as she hands him Ada’s baby son Richard; BBC tv series of Bleak House (1985)

(in Dickens’ Bleak House) Hope Joy Youth Peace Rest Life Dust Ashes Waste Want Ruin Despair Madness Death Cunning Folly Words Wigs Rags Sheepskin Plunder Precedent Jargon Gammon (deceptive nonsense, humbug; many preceding words also refer to Chancery) Spinach The … Continue reading →

Old woman sitting forlorn on this hospital bed gulping green pills left by a nurse Sedated and lost you don’t know my name and call for someone else (Circumstance does not permit us much clarity) Once I pretended you were … Continue reading →

Must have been about 8-9 years-old, an obvious step down from teenagerhood. I used to walk about five cold blocks in -20 Winnipeg winter to the rink at the nearest community club. The two boarded rinks were usually in use, … Continue reading →

“The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.”

is the month of feelings, family, memories, and true closeness.  

Wim Wenders’ classic is a must-see. Wings of Desire is about two angels Damiel (Bruno Ganz) and Cassiel (Otto Sanders) who spend their eternal lives (along with many other angels) tuning in to peoples’ most secret thoughts and desires. Most … Continue reading →

“The Republican Party in 2017 is a place where both Nazis and child molesters can feel at home,” –Mitch McConnell.