Well,
I don't know how this happens. Damn!
Here is the absolute best rendition of the 'My Fair Lady' song, written by Learner and Lowe. And, surprise, it is sung by one of my favorite singers, Dean Martin. This a video clip off of his long-running eponymous TV show - 'The Dean Martin Show'. This clip is priceless, so enjoy ... Especially listen to the phrasing. It is perfect! and knowing.
And think, what I am going through right now.
I can't provide a direct video link to this one, for copyright reasons, but here is a link to a YouTube clip of Dean in 'Artists and Models', one of his last films with Jerry Lewis. The song is 'Innamorata' (Beloved), and it is perfect. So, take the link and enjoy. And that is Shirley McLain with Dino. In her first film appearance. The subtitles are Dutch, so learn a little Dutch along the way - one of the hardest languages to learn on Earth!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rvc-pHgjsMc
For those who want to just see a YouTube clip of Dean singing the song, with some archival footage behind it, go to this. It is pretty good.
Rich
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The Dark Knight, and Baby Elephants
Well,
I just borrowed and watched the film 'The Dark Knight'. It was pretty good.
I have been a fan of the Batman as far back as I can remember - I guess I was a kid then. I don't remember being a kid, but I have photos.
The Batman was inked, oringinally, by Bob Kane. And the original story was written by Jim Finger. Of course, in the world of comic books, the inker is just as important, if not more so, that the story-line writer. So, only Kane is credited as the creator of the Batman.
Here is a photo of one of the first comics ...
Most who watch the latest series of movies are getting only a partial feeling of the character. In most of the comics, Batman is joined by Robin, his 'sidekick'. Kane intended Bruce Wayne to be modeled after Sherlock Holmes. And Robin was meant to be his Dr. Watson.
The recurring villains were his arch-nemesis, The Joker, The Penguin, Catwoman, and The Riddler. Of course, the Joker was able to hurt the Batman the most. Not physically in a direct sense, but by hurting those around him. Joker is responsible for at least one Robin's death - there were three Robins in all, and in crippling (hmm, is that politically correct) the Batgirl, Commisioner Gordon's daughther. She continues to appear in the story arcs as the Oracle, confined to a wheelchair, but is a computer wizard who assists the Batman in his fight against crime in Gotham City.
The current movie is somewhat accurate in having Bruce Wayne work out of a penthouse in the middle of Gotham City, not because Wayne Manor was still being rebuilt, but because he wanted to be 'in the thick of it', in the middle of the city.
All in all, the movie was pretty good. Heath Ledger, the junkie drug-addict who died soon after completing the filming, was accurate to the character of the psychopath Joker - although interestingly, he is never referred as a psychopath in the movie (and a better protrayal would be hard to find in filmdom of this personality disorder). Christian Bale is fine as the Batman, although I still keep seeing him as his character in the flick 'Metroland.' Hmm, I bet your thought I was going to say 'American Psycho'. And Gary Oldman is, as is always the case, superb as Gordon.
A little long on showing time, a little overly verbose, and a little short on action, but nevertheless, a great flick.
I also watched the 1945 version of Christie's 'And Then There Were None' last night, and I have commented on that in previous posts. It doesn't get any better, even with the Hollywood ending Christie used for her stage production of the novel. I still maintain that the 1987 Russian film is the best, and I have a trailer in a previous post to illustrate that fact.
Tonight, I will watch two John Wayne flicks - 'Donovan's Reef' and 'The Searchers', the latter being considered, all around the block, as the best Western EVER filmed. And I agree. "Donovan's Reef" is sort of in the family, fun type of Wayne film, much like 'Hatari'. And BTW, if you haven't seen 'Hatari' yet, RUN out and get a copy. Yes, it is directed by Howard Hawks - on of my favorite directors. And, it is that good. Elsa Martinelli, the Italian vixen (opps, see previous post) who is now 75 years old - I can't believe it - and lives in Tuscany, and the baby elephants ... it doesn't get any ... well, I have said that too many times here. Henry Mancini's score is alone worth the price of admission - hmm.. Baby Elephant Walk.
Ready? Time for a clip, you bet-cha??
And you would not believe the argument Wayne and Martinelli get into as this clip ends. Seems she didn't realize that a herd (or parade or crash - take your pick - and study previous post) of elephants would be stalking her and the babies. Wayne scares them off.
Rich
I just borrowed and watched the film 'The Dark Knight'. It was pretty good.
I have been a fan of the Batman as far back as I can remember - I guess I was a kid then. I don't remember being a kid, but I have photos.
The Batman was inked, oringinally, by Bob Kane. And the original story was written by Jim Finger. Of course, in the world of comic books, the inker is just as important, if not more so, that the story-line writer. So, only Kane is credited as the creator of the Batman.
Here is a photo of one of the first comics ...
Most who watch the latest series of movies are getting only a partial feeling of the character. In most of the comics, Batman is joined by Robin, his 'sidekick'. Kane intended Bruce Wayne to be modeled after Sherlock Holmes. And Robin was meant to be his Dr. Watson.
The recurring villains were his arch-nemesis, The Joker, The Penguin, Catwoman, and The Riddler. Of course, the Joker was able to hurt the Batman the most. Not physically in a direct sense, but by hurting those around him. Joker is responsible for at least one Robin's death - there were three Robins in all, and in crippling (hmm, is that politically correct) the Batgirl, Commisioner Gordon's daughther. She continues to appear in the story arcs as the Oracle, confined to a wheelchair, but is a computer wizard who assists the Batman in his fight against crime in Gotham City.
The current movie is somewhat accurate in having Bruce Wayne work out of a penthouse in the middle of Gotham City, not because Wayne Manor was still being rebuilt, but because he wanted to be 'in the thick of it', in the middle of the city.
All in all, the movie was pretty good. Heath Ledger, the junkie drug-addict who died soon after completing the filming, was accurate to the character of the psychopath Joker - although interestingly, he is never referred as a psychopath in the movie (and a better protrayal would be hard to find in filmdom of this personality disorder). Christian Bale is fine as the Batman, although I still keep seeing him as his character in the flick 'Metroland.' Hmm, I bet your thought I was going to say 'American Psycho'. And Gary Oldman is, as is always the case, superb as Gordon.
A little long on showing time, a little overly verbose, and a little short on action, but nevertheless, a great flick.
I also watched the 1945 version of Christie's 'And Then There Were None' last night, and I have commented on that in previous posts. It doesn't get any better, even with the Hollywood ending Christie used for her stage production of the novel. I still maintain that the 1987 Russian film is the best, and I have a trailer in a previous post to illustrate that fact.
Tonight, I will watch two John Wayne flicks - 'Donovan's Reef' and 'The Searchers', the latter being considered, all around the block, as the best Western EVER filmed. And I agree. "Donovan's Reef" is sort of in the family, fun type of Wayne film, much like 'Hatari'. And BTW, if you haven't seen 'Hatari' yet, RUN out and get a copy. Yes, it is directed by Howard Hawks - on of my favorite directors. And, it is that good. Elsa Martinelli, the Italian vixen (opps, see previous post) who is now 75 years old - I can't believe it - and lives in Tuscany, and the baby elephants ... it doesn't get any ... well, I have said that too many times here. Henry Mancini's score is alone worth the price of admission - hmm.. Baby Elephant Walk.
Ready? Time for a clip, you bet-cha??
And you would not believe the argument Wayne and Martinelli get into as this clip ends. Seems she didn't realize that a herd (or parade or crash - take your pick - and study previous post) of elephants would be stalking her and the babies. Wayne scares them off.
Rich
Flocks of critters
Well,
Here we have a post in which I am trying to regain the level of dignity that most of my previous posts have lacked. Hope it works.
We all know that, in English, groups, groupings, or flocks, of animals - living things - are given unique names. 'A gaggle of geese' comes to mind most quickly. Strictly speaking, a topic in etymology, as opposed to philology, here is a quick one for you ...
What is a group of female foxes called?
As is my usual wont, I will give both a hint, and the answer, hidden below. But, really, any full-blooded male should know this one without assistance.
It starts with a 'V' and has the letter 'x' in it.
Vixen - it is it's own plural.
Some other terms to know...
A kaleidoscope of Butterflies.
An exaltation of Larks.
I am not making this up. Yes, an exaltation of larks ...
Here is a video of the teenage Dutch violinist Janine Jansen playing Ralph Vaughn Williams 'A Lark Ascending', probably one of the greatest pieces of instrumental music EVER. Enjoy.
The video is outstanding for it's close-ups of clarinet, flute and horn work, but oh, the close-ups of Janine's 1727 Stradivari "Barrere" violin are precious. I have read this score, and it is just 'not easy' for the violinist. And no one does it better that here - even Tasmin Little's recording doesn't compare. So, again, enjoy. And yes!, those are triple stops she is playing during a cadenza.
I have only included the first half of a 15 minute video here. By all means, go out and buy, or download for free - Janine encourages this - the complete video. Janine is sometimes called the 'queen of classical downloads', so explore.
An exaltation of a single lark!
Rich
Here we have a post in which I am trying to regain the level of dignity that most of my previous posts have lacked. Hope it works.
We all know that, in English, groups, groupings, or flocks, of animals - living things - are given unique names. 'A gaggle of geese' comes to mind most quickly. Strictly speaking, a topic in etymology, as opposed to philology, here is a quick one for you ...
What is a group of female foxes called?
As is my usual wont, I will give both a hint, and the answer, hidden below. But, really, any full-blooded male should know this one without assistance.
Click here for the hint
It starts with a 'V' and has the letter 'x' in it.
Click here for the answer
Vixen - it is it's own plural.
Some other terms to know...
A kaleidoscope of Butterflies.
An exaltation of Larks.
I am not making this up. Yes, an exaltation of larks ...
Here is a video of the teenage Dutch violinist Janine Jansen playing Ralph Vaughn Williams 'A Lark Ascending', probably one of the greatest pieces of instrumental music EVER. Enjoy.
The video is outstanding for it's close-ups of clarinet, flute and horn work, but oh, the close-ups of Janine's 1727 Stradivari "Barrere" violin are precious. I have read this score, and it is just 'not easy' for the violinist. And no one does it better that here - even Tasmin Little's recording doesn't compare. So, again, enjoy. And yes!, those are triple stops she is playing during a cadenza.
I have only included the first half of a 15 minute video here. By all means, go out and buy, or download for free - Janine encourages this - the complete video. Janine is sometimes called the 'queen of classical downloads', so explore.
An exaltation of a single lark!
Rich
Monday, July 27, 2009
Photoshop - a dangerous tool
Ok, I putting this one here to illustrate the danger of Adobe Photoshop.
We all know Miley Cyrus - that adorable young teenager that so many youths adore.
Here she is at a recent photo opportunity - I don't know where, but somewhere.
She is wearing a tight outfit, perhaps a mistake on her part. But, whatever. Someone Photoshoped to modify the 'gamma' on the outfit she was wearing. It is not incorrect. This is a correct interpretation of her outfit at that time. There is nothing false about the photo. But, it is somewhat uncomplimentary.
BTW, 'gamma' refers to a complex set of parameters used to adjust the display of images, usually on PC screens. PC games, as well as web sites, have to be concerned with these values. Adobe Fireworks, for example, goes through a lot of effort to deal with this. Here a is basis 'gamma' relationship:
Yes, this is a differential equation. Get over it. It isn't that hard to understand.
Well, what can you do. This is Miley as she was dressed at the time.
And let's address the fact that Miley, conscientiously, was displaying a 'camel-toe'. Now, I will NOT go further into the meaning of 'camel-toe'. There are lots of places you could go to learn about that. Although I would prefer to thing my readers treat the term as 'obvious'.
Now, let's keep in mind that this is a fifteen year old girl.. So, stupid is as stupid does.
And I will probably remove this post soon. But I thought you should see what can be done in Photoshop. And exhibit caution in your photos.
Rich
We all know Miley Cyrus - that adorable young teenager that so many youths adore.
Here she is at a recent photo opportunity - I don't know where, but somewhere.
She is wearing a tight outfit, perhaps a mistake on her part. But, whatever. Someone Photoshoped to modify the 'gamma' on the outfit she was wearing. It is not incorrect. This is a correct interpretation of her outfit at that time. There is nothing false about the photo. But, it is somewhat uncomplimentary.
BTW, 'gamma' refers to a complex set of parameters used to adjust the display of images, usually on PC screens. PC games, as well as web sites, have to be concerned with these values. Adobe Fireworks, for example, goes through a lot of effort to deal with this. Here a is basis 'gamma' relationship:
Yes, this is a differential equation. Get over it. It isn't that hard to understand.
Well, what can you do. This is Miley as she was dressed at the time.
And let's address the fact that Miley, conscientiously, was displaying a 'camel-toe'. Now, I will NOT go further into the meaning of 'camel-toe'. There are lots of places you could go to learn about that. Although I would prefer to thing my readers treat the term as 'obvious'.
Now, let's keep in mind that this is a fifteen year old girl.. So, stupid is as stupid does.
And I will probably remove this post soon. But I thought you should see what can be done in Photoshop. And exhibit caution in your photos.
Rich
No comments ever!
I write these things, usually in the middle of the night. And they represent whatever is on my mind at that time. Not always good. I know that. And many times, you cannot imagine how often, I edit and modify the posts in the following days - to remove stuff I think is offensive after some thought. usually.
But, no one comments! I think I would be much more careful and thoughtful if some people would comment a bit. Now, I am not pointing a finger at any one person. If you just read and enjoy the posts, that is enough. So, don't stop doing that.
But this is just crap I come up with at 3 AM, and sometimes it is really shitty. So tell me so. That is what the 'comments' thing is for. And make up some ridiculous name so's I don't, or no one else, will know who you are. Is OK.
Well, I'll know, and probably hate you for negative comments, but WTF!
I'm writing my little weak heart out here. I woke up this morning with serious heart arrhythmia and shortness of breath and a bloody nose. Oh, I took one of those 'baby' aspirins and tried to calm down, but it sucked. I thought I was dead meat. Then, I just got over it. Well, I wrote a quick e-mail to Vyanna and felt better.
So, anyway, I hope you enjoy the postss. They come out of the blue mostly. Some are not appropriate, I realize that. Others are cute. But, I try not to edit them too much. They are thoughts - random thoughts - and always useless facts!
Rich
But, no one comments! I think I would be much more careful and thoughtful if some people would comment a bit. Now, I am not pointing a finger at any one person. If you just read and enjoy the posts, that is enough. So, don't stop doing that.
But this is just crap I come up with at 3 AM, and sometimes it is really shitty. So tell me so. That is what the 'comments' thing is for. And make up some ridiculous name so's I don't, or no one else, will know who you are. Is OK.
Well, I'll know, and probably hate you for negative comments, but WTF!
I'm writing my little weak heart out here. I woke up this morning with serious heart arrhythmia and shortness of breath and a bloody nose. Oh, I took one of those 'baby' aspirins and tried to calm down, but it sucked. I thought I was dead meat. Then, I just got over it. Well, I wrote a quick e-mail to Vyanna and felt better.
So, anyway, I hope you enjoy the postss. They come out of the blue mostly. Some are not appropriate, I realize that. Others are cute. But, I try not to edit them too much. They are thoughts - random thoughts - and always useless facts!
Rich
I love my cigar, too, but I take it out of my mouth once in a while
This post might be a bit risque, or at least at the time of the posts' quoted title.
During a filming of his TV and radio quiz show - You Bet Your Life - Groucho Marx was bantering with a young woman contestant. 'Tell me about your family.' 'Oh, I have eleven children!' was the response. Groucho responded 'Eleven Children ...' She answered 'Well, I love my husband.' Read the title of the post again to know Groucho's response.
Urban legend? Groucho denies having said it, but we all know better.
BTW, if you haven't watched a copy of 'A Day at the Races' yet, do so. As I mentioned earlier, not only is Alan Jones the father of pop singer of 80s fame Jack Jones - 'Lollipops and Roses' was the big hit song - I named that incorrectly in a previous post, but Maureen O'Sullivan co-stars with Jones. Well, Maureen is known for at least two things. One, she was 'Jane' to Weismuller's Tarzan in at least sx movies, and what else. Well, if you don't know this one, for shame.
She played Mom to Hannah in Woody Allen's flick 'Hannah and Her Sisters'. Yes, she played Mia Farrow's mom in that flick. And do you know why she was totally qualified to play thar role - I'm sure you know where this one is going ... Yes, she is Mia Farrow's real mom.
Six Degrees of Separation.
Tonight, I am going to watch 'Donovan's Reef' - Wayne. I also have a 'DVD of the 45 undre Rene Clair's direction of 'And There Were None' - the Christie flick I have lectured on extensively here. I haven't seen it yet. Can't wait.
Small pleasures.
So, take it easy.
There was a horrific accident on the local Taconic Parkway up here near Rhinebeck yesterday. Eight people, including five children died. That is hard to understand. Eight people, five children! Somethings is awry. I can only send my heart-felt condolences to all related to these families. I can't even imagine such devestation.
Merce Cummingham died at 91 last night. If you don't knon who he is, get with it. Spend a few minutes on the Internet - Wikipedia or Google. One of the progenitors of modern dance, in the WORLD.
If you want to be a rock, OK. Otherwise, read a bit.
Here is a cute motivational poster. Sometimes you really have to know where you stand in the food chain, to survive. I well remember walking down my little driveway in Red Hook one morning and coming face-to-face with a red fox. Now, we both were doing a 'stand-off' thing. I was staring at him, and he was staring at me. But I realized that, without a weapon of some sort, I was WAY below him on the food chain at that moment. So, I carefully backed-off. He had way bigger teeth and claws than me.
So, little Kitty, yes it looks like a tasty bird. But think! You are about to be someone's tasty lunch. That is a bald eagle, and it can easily pick up a cat, dog, or sheep, in it's talons, while ripping the animals head off.
You can click on the poster to see it bigger.
Well, OK, one more random drop ...
Mozart hated two instruments. The harp and the flute. Go figure. When he was finally begged to write something for these instruments, he wrote ONE concerto, for flute and harp. That's killing two birds with one stone. And of course the concerto is considered one of the best ever written, for any instruments. He just couldn't do wrong. Ah, if life were always like that.
Rich
During a filming of his TV and radio quiz show - You Bet Your Life - Groucho Marx was bantering with a young woman contestant. 'Tell me about your family.' 'Oh, I have eleven children!' was the response. Groucho responded 'Eleven Children ...' She answered 'Well, I love my husband.' Read the title of the post again to know Groucho's response.
Urban legend? Groucho denies having said it, but we all know better.
BTW, if you haven't watched a copy of 'A Day at the Races' yet, do so. As I mentioned earlier, not only is Alan Jones the father of pop singer of 80s fame Jack Jones - 'Lollipops and Roses' was the big hit song - I named that incorrectly in a previous post, but Maureen O'Sullivan co-stars with Jones. Well, Maureen is known for at least two things. One, she was 'Jane' to Weismuller's Tarzan in at least sx movies, and what else. Well, if you don't know this one, for shame.
She played Mom to Hannah in Woody Allen's flick 'Hannah and Her Sisters'. Yes, she played Mia Farrow's mom in that flick. And do you know why she was totally qualified to play thar role - I'm sure you know where this one is going ... Yes, she is Mia Farrow's real mom.
Six Degrees of Separation.
Tonight, I am going to watch 'Donovan's Reef' - Wayne. I also have a 'DVD of the 45 undre Rene Clair's direction of 'And There Were None' - the Christie flick I have lectured on extensively here. I haven't seen it yet. Can't wait.
Small pleasures.
So, take it easy.
There was a horrific accident on the local Taconic Parkway up here near Rhinebeck yesterday. Eight people, including five children died. That is hard to understand. Eight people, five children! Somethings is awry. I can only send my heart-felt condolences to all related to these families. I can't even imagine such devestation.
Merce Cummingham died at 91 last night. If you don't knon who he is, get with it. Spend a few minutes on the Internet - Wikipedia or Google. One of the progenitors of modern dance, in the WORLD.
If you want to be a rock, OK. Otherwise, read a bit.
Here is a cute motivational poster. Sometimes you really have to know where you stand in the food chain, to survive. I well remember walking down my little driveway in Red Hook one morning and coming face-to-face with a red fox. Now, we both were doing a 'stand-off' thing. I was staring at him, and he was staring at me. But I realized that, without a weapon of some sort, I was WAY below him on the food chain at that moment. So, I carefully backed-off. He had way bigger teeth and claws than me.
So, little Kitty, yes it looks like a tasty bird. But think! You are about to be someone's tasty lunch. That is a bald eagle, and it can easily pick up a cat, dog, or sheep, in it's talons, while ripping the animals head off.
You can click on the poster to see it bigger.
Well, OK, one more random drop ...Mozart hated two instruments. The harp and the flute. Go figure. When he was finally begged to write something for these instruments, he wrote ONE concerto, for flute and harp. That's killing two birds with one stone. And of course the concerto is considered one of the best ever written, for any instruments. He just couldn't do wrong. Ah, if life were always like that.
Rich
Sunday, July 26, 2009
The Giz' Mopper
OK, this one is touchy, but I can't resist to write it up.
So, here goes.
I used to work, as a consultant, as a certain giant in the computer industry, a company whose initials start with 'I'. And they have this facility in a Northeastern State, in what is generally considered part of New England. I worked there for a very long time. Hmmm, they have a fine cafeteria. Full of good things during the luncheon hours. Tasty sandwiches. I used to love their tasty Liverwurst sandwiches. So good!. There were two guys who manned this station in the cafeteria, and they were masters of the art of making tasty Liverwurst sandwiches.
Hmmm. So good! Let's solidify the concept of the tasty Liverwurst sandwich in your mind.
Now, half way between this facility and my home at the time was a small store. It was easy to pass by and not see. It was tiny. It was a peep show place!
Now, if you don't know what a peep show place is, and you don't see where is blog entry is going, there is something askew. But I will continue. - Read the title of the blog entry, please!
A peep show place is a store you go into, and in the rear there are several little booths. You go into a booth and sit on a little bench. There is a place to insert a nickel or dime or quarter, whatever. And then a video comes up on a screen. It is always of some woman displaying her 'private parts'. OK. In some fancier places, there will actually be a real woman on the other side of the screen, and you can actually touch her. But in this place, it was a video. Not even a very clear video.
Now, after a 'while', you finish your work, and leave.
There is a guy working there - the giz' mopper - who has the job of going into the booth after you leave, and mopping up the floor with a wet mop.
Well, surprise to me, I stopped there one night, and there was the giz' mopper - OK, all together now - the Liverwurst guy from the cafeteria.
OK, I don't know how to end this one. I am at a loss!
Rich
So, here goes.
I used to work, as a consultant, as a certain giant in the computer industry, a company whose initials start with 'I'. And they have this facility in a Northeastern State, in what is generally considered part of New England. I worked there for a very long time. Hmmm, they have a fine cafeteria. Full of good things during the luncheon hours. Tasty sandwiches. I used to love their tasty Liverwurst sandwiches. So good!. There were two guys who manned this station in the cafeteria, and they were masters of the art of making tasty Liverwurst sandwiches.
Hmmm. So good! Let's solidify the concept of the tasty Liverwurst sandwich in your mind.
Now, half way between this facility and my home at the time was a small store. It was easy to pass by and not see. It was tiny. It was a peep show place!
Now, if you don't know what a peep show place is, and you don't see where is blog entry is going, there is something askew. But I will continue. - Read the title of the blog entry, please!
A peep show place is a store you go into, and in the rear there are several little booths. You go into a booth and sit on a little bench. There is a place to insert a nickel or dime or quarter, whatever. And then a video comes up on a screen. It is always of some woman displaying her 'private parts'. OK. In some fancier places, there will actually be a real woman on the other side of the screen, and you can actually touch her. But in this place, it was a video. Not even a very clear video.
Now, after a 'while', you finish your work, and leave.
There is a guy working there - the giz' mopper - who has the job of going into the booth after you leave, and mopping up the floor with a wet mop.
Well, surprise to me, I stopped there one night, and there was the giz' mopper - OK, all together now - the Liverwurst guy from the cafeteria.
OK, I don't know how to end this one. I am at a loss!
Rich
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