tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580341071928963272024-03-10T13:27:53.454-07:00Stephen J. Groak ReviewsI love to read the written words of other authors, and have added Reviews to my website, including my own rating scale, the Kiwis: (1-5).
I also love the creative process in all its manifestations, so in addition to books, be prepared for reviews of comedians, doll makers--even how your Uncle Bruce milks his cows (a milk in progress). Cheers!Stephen J. Groakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09519016021232370758noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858034107192896327.post-1664672364421861792023-06-18T13:15:00.038-07:002023-07-05T18:20:06.516-07:00Seventeen Seconds<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span>How long does it take to get from Avondale, Auckland, New Zealand, to Chula Vista, California, USA?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I don’t know…thirteen hours and change.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Forty-one years, five months, and twenty-one days.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">What did you do—swim across the Pacific Ocean, with an extended holiday in Hawaii?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Correct that: Seventeen Seconds.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">1981: Orchard Street, Avondale, Auckland, New Zealand.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Side One</span></b><span>:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">“A Reflection”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I am an angst-ridden introvert, where reflection becomes a never-ending prison of internal criticism and self-doubt. I am lying on the floor of a living room flat, eyes closed, with two speakers on either side of my head, music blaring, listening to Robert Smith and the lads.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: times;"> "</span><span style="font-family: times; text-align: center;">Play For Today"</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">To escape the loneliness and emptiness I feel inside. I know, I know, not the most productiveuse of my time. “I don’t really care.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">“Secrets”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I have them…personal secrets, mates' secrets, family secrets. God knows.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">“In Your House”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Mark P.’s house/flat actually. He lets me sleep on his couch for five bucks a week in rent. Mate’s rates for this Kelston Boys’ High School student. Pretending, killing time, pretending.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">“Three”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Well? I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Side Two:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">“The Final Sound”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Don’t let it be a scream. The sound blasting out of the speaker by my right ear seems…different…behind the sound a final sound…in the beginning, the middle, and the end…always....<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">“A Forest”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Where is that girl? I am lost in a forest of melancholy. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">“M”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">M. Mmmm. Mmmmmmmm. So good. Fading away in the song.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">“At Night”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I open my eyes. Tense and relax the body as I reposition myself on the carpet. The sun that had hung in an Auckland sky is slowly dipping below the horizon, tracking a time and space shared with you, Robert Smith, Matthieu Hartley, Laurence Tolhurst, and Simon Gallup.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">“Seventeen Seconds”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">There’s a lot to experience in that time.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">May 21, 2023, North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, Chula Vista, California, USA.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">The Cure Tour: Shows of a Lost World<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b><span>Robert Smith and the band are on stage</span></b><span>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">“A Forest”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Wait, wait, wait…I recognize “the girl.” It’s you, Robert Smith, and the music of this album calling me “again and again and again and again.” Back then you were a broke teenager’s aural therapy…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">And now? I am not lost or alone. Not this time. I am at a Cure concert. There’s <i>mi esposa, </i>Teresa de Jesus—and over there <i>mi sobrino </i>Brian A. All around I see a forest of friends and fans packed within the amphitheater. My people. Singing in harmony, together, your lyrics.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">May 21, 2023: Driving home after the concert, past and present selves conversing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Cured?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">No. Work in progress. I can, however, see the forest and the trees.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Me too.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">🥝🥝🥝🥝</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwvZbcrwQOh3forNSdPxcxOalifCIqlXIH6DZLEdulxgHcjMy7mlRaY9MIs_uOpMOJRjJwZ-dBQp0a2jVISS0667LNt8i1GPXCpAYXlnR6T15_aOWwXlNB9HBs6V-PoVvFTZ-swKN4TfW-f2Nyh8N75AZZuI3JwsWxV1w4AiGZTV6GWBKKGUuTkaU/s4032/IMG_1670.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwvZbcrwQOh3forNSdPxcxOalifCIqlXIH6DZLEdulxgHcjMy7mlRaY9MIs_uOpMOJRjJwZ-dBQp0a2jVISS0667LNt8i1GPXCpAYXlnR6T15_aOWwXlNB9HBs6V-PoVvFTZ-swKN4TfW-f2Nyh8N75AZZuI3JwsWxV1w4AiGZTV6GWBKKGUuTkaU/s320/IMG_1670.heic" width="240" /></a></i></div><b style="font-family: times;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b style="font-family: times;"><br /></b></p>Additional Links:</b><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://www.thecure.com">https://www.thecure.com</a><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Seventeen-Seconds-Vinyl-CURE/dp/B000V7J81E/ref=tmm_vnl_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=">https://www.amazon.com/Seventeen-Seconds-Vinyl-CURE/dp/B000V7J81E/ref=tmm_vnl_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=</a><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://aucklandcentral.co.nz/suburbs/avondale/">https://aucklandcentral.co.nz/suburbs/avondale/</a><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.chulavistaca.gov">https://www.chulavistaca.gov</a><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.gohawaii.com">https://www.gohawaii.com</a><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.kbhs.school.nz">https://www.kbhs.school.nz</a><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://amphitheatrechulavista.com/index.php">https://amphitheatrechulavista.com/index.php</a><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span><a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-cure/2023/north-island-credit-union-amphitheatre-chula-vista-ca-4bb93bca.html"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-cure/2023/north-island-credit-union-amphitheatre-chula-vista-ca-4bb93bca.html</span></a><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></p>Stephen J. Groakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09519016021232370758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858034107192896327.post-27001504697393017962023-06-04T17:50:00.067-07:002023-06-18T13:02:53.127-07:00Magnolia and Van Nuys<p style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Magic mural on the wall, who’s the fairest one of all?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #2a2a2a;">Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs?</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #2a2a2a;">No. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #2a2a2a;">Call me Dopey; I have no clue.</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #2a2a2a;">City of Angels.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #2a2a2a;">Huh?</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Indulge me in some context…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Ride a Metro, drive, bike, bus, e-scoot, skateboard, or even jaywalk around Los Angeles (and the surrounding cities) and you will come across a plethora of visual public expressions, from graffiti smeared across a 7-Eleven convenience store wall to commissioned works of art. The range reflects the diverse communities that inhabit this great metropolis.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #2a2a2a;">At the corner of Magnolia and Van Nuys, adjacent to the ultimate German automotive eye candy—aka BMW of Sherman Oaks—I interviewed illustrator </span><span style="color: #2a2a2a;">Danielle Gro'ak<b> </b></span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #2a2a2a;">as she had just completed a commission to paint a City utility box.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">How did this project come about?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">As a Los Angeles native, I’ve always admired public art. When I moved to the Valley, I immediately noticed the painted utility boxes. I would take frequent walks in Sherman Oaks and admire all the designs. It’s amazing how much variation there is from block to block. I wanted to be part of this beautification initiative.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span>I sent a design to Let’s Paint Sherman Oaks. After some time, I heard back that my design was selected, and I was assigned a box. I was commissioned by the Sherman Oaks Chamber Foundation. Let’s Paint Sherman Oaks Website:<span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span></span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://www.letspaintshermanoaks.com/">https://www.letspaintshermanoaks.com/</a></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">What was your thesis/idea for submission?</span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">My goal was to celebrate the critters of Sherman Oaks. I thought about plants, animals, and insects I’ve seen in the area and focused on each one’s personality. In the city, it can be easy to forget how much we share space with creatures. But all it takes is a bit of observation. Urban places bustle with wildlife.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">During the process, what situations arose that surprised you or that you did not expect? </span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">My utility box is at the busy intersection of Magnolia and Van Nuys. I was surprised by how many strangers shared their enthusiasm and appreciation. People who drove past honked and yelled, “you’re so talented” or “thank you.” Some even parked to shake my hand and take a closer look. A bunch of students who came off the bus stopped to watch me paint. This one gentleman even asked if he could help with the primer. I would talk frequently with people who live and work in the neighborhood. I felt like I was a part of something much bigger. Art brings people together.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Name an artist who inspires you.</span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I'm inspired by multi-disciplinary artist </span><a href="https://www.mokshini.com/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span>Mokshini</span></a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">, a New Zealander who is based in Brooklyn. Her illustrations are fueled by the everyday eccentric personalities of New York. I admire that she is not removed from her subject matter. She lives and breathes her city. She even occasionally hides pieces in the streets for pedestrians to stumble upon and take home.</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Is public</b></span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span> art a genre and does it go by other names within the artistic community?</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I’d say, yes, it is a category. I’ve also heard it called community art or commissioned public art. Other visual artists who enliven city spaces are urban sketchers, street artists, on-site illustrators, reportage illustrators, painters, muralists, sculptors, graffiti artists, performance artists, photographers, chalk artists . . . the list goes on and on.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">What is your process when painting a utility box, i.e., how did you decide what image went on which side of the structure?</span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">When painting outside, the natural environment becomes part of the process. There was no shade where I was so heat was a big factor in when I’d decide to work and for how long. I found a natural rhythm of working for an hour, taking a break in the car, and working for another hour. When artmaking, I thrive on moments of spontaneity. When creating my design, I worked out which animals would go on the smaller versus bigger sides. Anything beyond that, I wanted to decide on-site. My sister, Raewyn, suggested that the dog should face the pedestrians walking dogs. We thought the hummingbird would give some peace to the noisiest side of the street and the mountain lion would energize people hustling in their cars. We thought the deer could be a surprise for people who walk past the box. Its colors also complemented the auto dealership in front.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Any messages to those driving past and viewing your work?</span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">There's beauty all around. Some of it is quiet, and some of it is loud. All it takes is a closer look.</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Any advice to those artists wishing to pursue this artistic journey?</span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Before I started this project, I reached out to artists in Sherman Oaks who had done it before. They were happy to share their experience. Know you’re a part of a larger artistic community, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">What value do you think public or street art brings to a community?</span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Art deepens our sense of place and connection to one another. When I drive past a utility box, the bright colors zap me out of my everyday routine. It brings out the personality and textures already in the city. Art strengthens joy, community, and dare I say, fun.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">What is your next public art project?</span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Right now, I am drawn to reportage illustration. </span><span>Reportage illustration is the act of drawing, observing, and recording on location. Artists call the viewer to a specific place at a specific moment in time. </span></span><span><span style="font-size: medium;">I am in my final year of an MFA in Illustration and Visual Culture program at Washington University in St. Louis, and I am interested in mapping out stories in various corners of the city.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">As Danielle says, “There’s beauty all around.” </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">When you drive past the utility box on the corner of Magnolia and Van Nuys let the “personality and textures already in the city” speak to you:</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Stop, says the red light,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Go, says the green.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Be careful, says the orange light<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Winking in between.</span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><br /></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjha6vmTr_hiqJuBbLOS8wmgBL9_yHmL4SjPtadB8TH98ykIlvhDHfNA3J7YYtncg9hteoVCI9BaDM-Sfc7pzDkbUO_EWdEoXRvEQfmPUeOgJTdS9ICG0sDoNcI7H9XtV0RYB5FRyjDVVcPuNVM_kd9JD9W1dXo57yapQEGBj5gI9lcGTx5_ZGCwo5n/s4032/IMG_2889.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjha6vmTr_hiqJuBbLOS8wmgBL9_yHmL4SjPtadB8TH98ykIlvhDHfNA3J7YYtncg9hteoVCI9BaDM-Sfc7pzDkbUO_EWdEoXRvEQfmPUeOgJTdS9ICG0sDoNcI7H9XtV0RYB5FRyjDVVcPuNVM_kd9JD9W1dXo57yapQEGBj5gI9lcGTx5_ZGCwo5n/s320/IMG_2889.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1MznB7CKXj_GsO7f0cBMobxED3Usvzh7xKqLf5vg192K4LXRLA9JI4zDHd9mq98moR32yE7_S8NWZEokzxKbD4OnU2W1I-g8mK97uLRnGQL9bZdqLfiiB1i4HF2IXWMT3y07_naknTiwlWHbFq6zfw_i8wOVuk3TCk_bJ7EMhp_Y0t_4_BmF6EfN/s1539/IMG_2996.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="1169" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1MznB7CKXj_GsO7f0cBMobxED3Usvzh7xKqLf5vg192K4LXRLA9JI4zDHd9mq98moR32yE7_S8NWZEokzxKbD4OnU2W1I-g8mK97uLRnGQL9bZdqLfiiB1i4HF2IXWMT3y07_naknTiwlWHbFq6zfw_i8wOVuk3TCk_bJ7EMhp_Y0t_4_BmF6EfN/s320/IMG_2996.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCpSI07-hDSqCF6o80sN3mQ4jcn7m5phkA1nELHrYNEa7DvsPoA3p3wx2JtHoXmiOS0PYGl_rOs86pD3dnZpmcWmu3pYMksATd-Yht-R3_3XhGO13OYnHkQZQsPvvIdcPBmHH1y4C9V6pWSIVayADWbXk60a7zQsBwrcXYbZkg-xQM_75acHERMFt/s1547/IMG_2997.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Additional links:</span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Magnolia+Boulevard+%26+Van+Nuys,+Los+Angeles,+CA+91403/@34.1648982,-118.448825,3a,75y,270h,77.58t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scvstbMcwnBbfgN3AteNtIQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m7!3m6!1s0x80c297b72b12e601:0xad3a5b4222e5dd47!8m2!3d34.1648615!4d-118.4487249!10e5!16s%2Fg%2F11f39kg9_4?entry=ttu">https://www.google.com/maps/place/Magnolia+Boulevard+%26+Van+Nuys,+Los+Angeles,+CA+91403/@34.1648982,-118.448825,3a,75y,270h,77.58t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scvstbMcwnBbfgN3AteNtIQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m7!3m6!1s0x80c297b72b12e601:0xad3a5b4222e5dd47!8m2!3d34.1648615!4d-118.4487249!10e5!16s%2Fg%2F11f39kg9_4?entry=ttu</a></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://movies.disney.com/snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs">https://movies.disney.com/snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs</a></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.metro.net">https://www.metro.net</a></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.ridester.com/lime-scooter-price/">https://www.ridester.com/lime-scooter-price/</a></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.7-eleven.com/">https://www.7-eleven.com/</a></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.bmwshermanoaks.com">https://www.bmwshermanoaks.com</a></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.daniellegroak.com">http://www.daniellegroak.com</a></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.letspaintshermanoaks.com">https://www.letspaintshermanoaks.com</a></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><a href="https://www.mokshini.com"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">https://www.mokshini.com</span></a></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><a href="https://samfoxschool.wustl.edu/academics/college-of-art/mfa-in-illustration-and-visual-culture"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">https://samfoxschool.wustl.edu/academics/college-of-art/mfa-in-illustration-and-visual-culture</span></a><br /></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #0000ee;"><br /></span></b></p><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Stephen J. Groakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09519016021232370758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858034107192896327.post-66319134518919354542022-07-16T07:14:00.003-07:002022-07-16T07:24:32.047-07:00Happy Birthday, Sis!<p>Today in New Zealand, it is Sunday, July 17.</p><p>It also happens to be my sister's birthday.</p><p>Join me in sending her some uplifting birthday vibes: Happy birthday, sis!</p><p>I first wrote the "Go-Cart Incident," in her honour, as a weekly assignment while attending SNHU.</p><p>It is now included in my book <i>Bubble 'N' Squeak.</i></p><p><i><a href="https://penmenreview.com/the-go-cart-incident/">https://penmenreview.com/the-go-cart-incident/</a><br /></i></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Stephen J. Groakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09519016021232370758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858034107192896327.post-77228429997203933562022-07-06T18:27:00.021-07:002022-07-07T13:27:31.221-07:00Rufus Eats Cheese<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-AU">It’s about time I came out of the kitchen pantry and declared who I am. Hmmm...</span><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;">caseophile, fromagophile, or turophile?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;">Huh?<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;">Do you like your cheese?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;">I do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;">Me too. Have so since I was a lad.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;">A little context…<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;">At Oratia Primary School in West Auckland, my mum would always pack me a Marmite and grated cheese sandwich. It lasted a few seconds as I devoured it during lunch break. We also had a potbellied stove in our kitchen, and on cold winter evenings, she would toast up, inside it, grilled cheese and onion sandwiches with a quicksie iron. As soon as the sandwiches had slightly cooled, we inhaled them (after Mum refereed the inevitable fight my sister and I would have over who would be first).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;">With my own daughters, cheese was also a part of their diet—quesadillas, sandwiches, melting on rice—and their entertainment too. Many an afternoon was spent watching VHS copies (VH what?) of <i>Wallace and Gromit. </i>Fans of this British stop-motion comedy show will know that Wallace was particularly fond of his Wensleydale cheese.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;">Of late, I have been on a cheese-consuming kick, and decided to wade through the “whey” too many videos on YouTube concerning this dairy product. I don’t know if it was because of the <i>fromage </i>gods, Little Miss Muffet, or a Swiss-cheese-like hole in YouTube metrics, but one of the first sites I came across was:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;">Rufus Eats Cheese.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;">I had taken enough Latin at Kelston Boys’ High School to recognize the source of the name, and was impressed by the unpretentioness of the channel’s title. However, the drunk monkey musings of my mind did come up with…while…playing the harmonica; riding a unicycle; singing songs in Yiddish.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><span style="font-size: medium;">No.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As Rufus states in the ABOUT section of his channel, “I am partial to odd crumb of cheese now and again and thought it time I launched a YouTube channel, well, basically about me eating cheese. It's riveting!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It is.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For me, part of that is due to the decorum I find so appealing in British people regardless of their position in society. I saw it in my nana (originally from Rotherham, UK; RIP), most famously in Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and I see it in Rufus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It is also the earnestness (we agree, Mr. Wilde) with which Rufus eats cheese. His cheese board might as well be a round table and he, Merlin engaging in some mystic experience.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His process is so captivating: cut a slice of cheese, many of which are recommendations from his audience; smell the cheese, describe it, taste it, and comment on it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For me, the “odd crumb of cheese now and again” is blue cheese, and the first video I watched was “Episode 7.” Thirty-five seconds in, I became a diehard fan when Rufus uttered the following words: “We are in the presence of aristocracy. This is the great Roquefort, a French cheese that we believe has been made since 1050.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1050. Cool, but the word-nerd, the writer, the logophile in me was on cheese board with that comparison. Never, ever would I have thought of combining the words “aristocracy” and “cheese” in the same sentence.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It’s riveting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It is.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For me, another experience that comes into play when I watch Rufus’s videos is I recognize when he is transported to “That Place.” We’ve all been there: for me it’s after the Air New Zealand plane has landed in Auckland and I immediately visit one of my favourite fish ’n’ chip shops. As soon as I take my first bite of fried fish, I close my eyes and surrender to the taste…“That Place.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When Rufus closes his eyes with a mouthful of cheese, my imagination starts to engage: he is transported to the pastoral region where the cheese is made. He sees the cow/sheep/goat from whom the milk will be taken to make the dairy product—the grass it’s eating—the gentle breeze flowing—the position of the sun—the birds flying overhead—even the barking of the farm dog in an adjacent paddock. “That Place.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There are also several charming episodes where Louisa, Rufus’s daughter, joins her father in the presentation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It’s riveting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It is.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;">After watching a video, I’m off to Erewhon Market, Studio City to purchase a cheese. My very first, post Episode 7, was an English Stilton.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, Rufus: also aristocratic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-AU">Oh, and for the record: </span><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #030303;">turophile.</span></span><span lang="EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;">🥝🥝🥝🥝</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcLbNNJC0iDumi7rspgz3Cw">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcLbNNJC0iDumi7rspgz3Cw</a></span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAV8T4b_ySMlHba4LAZhXPn5O_phFJzPSmT8Dq3327ydHLC_JqLpRGl6c0edTzFQVy-JL5KRe_yzNjxY9kod0mhUn-WQQY8CVlMYEEPOGdQqtNYlBCaHUlFi0W12NsQffoF6ISn_euvQXiEAlkHj_bv7ecfW2xz8BRmzuvLBClsUuENjvzxgDyPuv/s300/Unknown-4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="168" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAV8T4b_ySMlHba4LAZhXPn5O_phFJzPSmT8Dq3327ydHLC_JqLpRGl6c0edTzFQVy-JL5KRe_yzNjxY9kod0mhUn-WQQY8CVlMYEEPOGdQqtNYlBCaHUlFi0W12NsQffoF6ISn_euvQXiEAlkHj_bv7ecfW2xz8BRmzuvLBClsUuENjvzxgDyPuv/s1600/Unknown-4.jpeg" width="168" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303;"><br /></span><p></p><div><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303; font-size: medium;"><b>Additional links:</b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://www.oratia.school.nz">https://www.oratia.school.nz</a><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #030303; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://marmite.co.nz">https://marmite.co.nz</a><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.wallaceandgromit.com">https://www.wallaceandgromit.com</a><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.kbhs.school.nz">https://www.kbhs.school.nz</a><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.royal.uk/her-majesty-the-queen">https://www.royal.uk/her-majesty-the-queen</a><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/844/844-h/844-h.htm">https://www.gutenberg.org/files/844/844-h/844-h.htm</a><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.airnewzealand.com/?ef_id=CjwKCAjwiJqWBhBdEiwAtESPaLh6VFOwZOCh1sCsaQOhGelAjaVoCRimUs47OIB0lAHzZS4DZQ1CvBoCUBUQAvD_BwE:G:s&gclid=CjwKCAjwiJqWBhBdEiwAtESPaLh6VFOwZOCh1sCsaQOhGelAjaVoCRimUs47OIB0lAHzZS4DZQ1CvBoCUBUQAvD_BwE">https://www.airnewzealand.com/?ef_id=CjwKCAjwiJqWBhBdEiwAtESPaLh6VFOwZOCh1sCsaQOhGelAjaVoCRimUs47OIB0lAHzZS4DZQ1CvBoCUBUQAvD_BwE:G:s&gclid=CjwKCAjwiJqWBhBdEiwAtESPaLh6VFOwZOCh1sCsaQOhGelAjaVoCRimUs47OIB0lAHzZS4DZQ1CvBoCUBUQAvD_BwE</a><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://www.erewhonmarket.com"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.erewhonmarket.com</span></a><br /></div>Stephen J. Groakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09519016021232370758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858034107192896327.post-21967342031111950002022-06-28T12:40:00.019-07:002022-07-13T20:07:05.785-07:00Good Night, Mr. Donut<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I have a new illustrated children's book:</span></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Good-Night-Donut-Stephen-Groak/dp/1977251730/ref=sr_1_1?crid=293OMYW8OTK3P&keywords=goodnight+mr+donut+stephen+groak&qid=1656606802&s=digital-text&sprefix=good+night+mr+donut+stephen+groak%2Cdigital-text%2C129&sr=1-1"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.amazon.com/Good-Night-Donut-Stephen-Groak/dp/1977251730/ref=sr_1_1?crid=293OMYW8OTK3P&keywords=goodnight+mr+donut+stephen+groak&qid=1656606802&s=digital-text&sprefix=good+night+mr+donut+stephen+groak%2Cdigital-text%2C129&sr=1-1</span></a></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">What's it about?</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Girl meets dog. Well, nervous girl meets curly-tailed dog.</span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Any context?</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Every child deserves a best mate!</span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">And you're inviting your blog readers who have purchased a copy of "Good Night, Mr. Donut" to submit a review that you'll publish here.</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, including 1-5 Kiwis. For their efforts, I will send them a free signed copy of one my other three books.</span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">How do thet get in touch?</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://stephenjgroak.com/contact/"><span>https://stephenjgroak.com/contact/</span></a><br /></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfH9Vym1dswjSP-glDiIazLxigEtNsyLtMRd0TjTFMXFW99wkG12H-aF7HTeV-QrrRrm0ig4wjJIWtRH9BKrokmePTiPBaaw52JBWraEpt_bEfBRlWFLXgP1QMJvxJYqysZOzGAsNZgrt893jCtBfpwvbE6NdWjMiVD6IFcHFz_m12BHGqvVLrIFu/s211/cover-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="211" data-original-width="200" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfH9Vym1dswjSP-glDiIazLxigEtNsyLtMRd0TjTFMXFW99wkG12H-aF7HTeV-QrrRrm0ig4wjJIWtRH9BKrokmePTiPBaaw52JBWraEpt_bEfBRlWFLXgP1QMJvxJYqysZOzGAsNZgrt893jCtBfpwvbE6NdWjMiVD6IFcHFz_m12BHGqvVLrIFu/s1600/cover-1.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Reader Reviews:</span></b></p><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="m_5439112196514613737gmail-docs-internal-guid-b214fbca-7fff-faea-839f-9b4da7863161"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Goodnight Mr. Donut </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is a sweet tale about the friendship between a young girl and her emotional support puppy. This book does not shy away from the grueling anxieties of a young person: moving to a new city, the first day of school, making new friends. The author treats Ellie’s fears with genuine care, humor, and rhyme that makes you want to follow along. Ellie is able to face life’s challenges knowing Mr. Donut is by her side. Ellie’s connection with Mr. Donut prompted my daughter to think of when our dog (Buddy) greets her when she comes home from school. The lovable Mr. Donut character will help your young person feel giggly, at ease, and loved right before going to sleep.</span></p><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I rate this story five kiwis 🥝🥝🥝🥝🥝 </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Did I mention it takes place in New Zealand?</span></span><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Paula A. Saint Louis, MO</span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="ES-SV" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25.68000030517578px;"><i style="font-family: Arial;">Goodnight Mr. Donut </i>Mi experiencia con este libro es que yo siento que es una buena herramienta para guiar a nuestros hijos en la vida diaria. Todos los niños se benefician de una mascota y en mi experiencia con mi hija se de los beneficios de este libro que puede traer a las personitas que son el motor de nuestra vida. Yo que tuve en la vida un poquito de dificultad con mi hija me siento identificada con este
libro y como un perrito ayudo a mi hija y nuestra familia. Por eso</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25.68000030517578px;"> lo</span><span lang="ES-SV" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25.68000030517578px;"> recomiendo mucho</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25.68000030517578px;">.</span></span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: italic;">🥝🥝🥝🥝🥝</span></span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">M.C., Long Beach, CA.</span></span></div>Stephen J. Groakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09519016021232370758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858034107192896327.post-85520402216584201532022-06-13T19:47:00.017-07:002022-06-30T13:07:31.589-07:00Margarita Carmen Cansino<p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">Rita.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What comes to mind when you hear that name?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Whenever I hear "Rita," my mind automatically defaults to a "lovely" meter maid Sir Paul sang about on </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/blog/post/edit/858034107192896327/8552040221658420153" style="color: purple;"><i><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: Cambria; text-decoration: none;">Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band</span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: Cambria;">.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><span style="font-family: Cambria;">And quite frankly, I would be happy to be the third wheel (with extended pinkie) at any tea party they enjoyed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">Many an afternoon, after school was over for the day at Kelston Boys' High School, my fingers would skip through used records in Henderson, West Auckland, in search of her and the album she appeared in.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">Margarita. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">What comes to mind when you hear that name?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Cambria;">A drink.</span></i><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">Margarita Carmen Cansino?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Nah, mate—nothing.</span></i><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">You've heard of her: Rita Hayworth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Oh!!!</span></i><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">Indulge me in some context…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">In my apartment complex, there lives a twenty-something young woman who is the spitting image of Rita Hayworth—the hairstyle, hair colour, dresses, forlorn look in her eyes. When we pass each other on the grounds and no one else is around, I wonder if I am in some 1940s time loop. I half expect to see Glenn Ford, her co-star in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Gilda,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>to be in the laundry room attending to his wash.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">One day after perfunctory introductory niceties, we had the following exchange:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">Do you know you look and dress like Rita Hayworth?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Yeah.</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">Do you know who she was?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Yeah. An actress.</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">Have you seen any of her movies?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">No, just clips on social media.</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">In 2022, what draws you to dress and present yourself as she did?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Because I like her fashion better than modern fashion.</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">How did you discover her?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Instagram.</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">I am not surprised that this Gen-Z young woman accessed Rita Hayworth through social media. In her heyday as "The" Hollywood "Love Goddess," she was partially accessed on a poster, being the number one pinup model for GIs during World War II. In 1946, her image also appeared on an atomic bomb tested in the Bikini Atoll.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">In the multiverse platforms of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, YouTube—you only have seconds to make an impression. Rita Hayworth made sixty-one films in a career spanning nearly forty years. Who has time to watch all those films? (I will let you do the math.) Although for me personally,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Gilda<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>was worth my one-hour, fifty-minute entertainment investment. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">As a writer, I am always interested in backstory, so naturally the thought came to mind: How did Margarita Carmen Cansino become Rita Hayworth? One lives on in the public consciousness; the other is long gone from the worldly stage. For Fox Film Corporation she was billed as Rita Carmen. After Harry Cohn of Columbia Pictures suggested that the name sounded too Spanish, Rita’s first husband, Edward Judson, had it changed to Rita Hayworth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">Thankfully today, entertainers embrace their cultural background. No one would change their name to conceal their <enter a specific racial/cultural group> heritage. Such personal interest has been brilliantly explored by Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and his extremely popular PBS TV show <i>Finding Your Roots</i>, where he researches and shares the ancestry of the celebrities who appear. Today, it is gender that is much more fluid and changeable.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">Part of the reason the film star image "Rita Hayworth" continues to appear in the public's consciousness is through the homage other artists pay in their own works. Virgin<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>du jour, </i>Madonna (or past<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>jour)<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>mentions her in her 1990 hit song "Vogue," specifically her ability to give "good face." Rita also appears in Stephen King's novella<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>(later adapted as the film<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>The Shawshank Redemption).<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>I will let you read the story to see the reason for the inclusion in the title.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">For the flesh-and-blood Rita Hayworth who left this world on May 14, 1987, and whose final resting place is the Catholic Holy Cross Cemetery, in Culver City, California, two events struck a chord with me—one psychosocial; the other medical: firstly James Hill, Rita Hayworth's fifth and final husband, notes in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Rita Hayworth: A Memoir, "</i>It's amazing how many successful people grow up without having had a youth. If you take those childhood years and have to spend them doing five shows a day in a shabby place like Caliente [Mexico] with a man you have to pretend is your husband but is really your father, it becomes easy to understand why a person might well have a sad, faraway look in her eyes" (pg. 16).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">I attended Daddy/Daughter dances as my daughters grew up, but the roles were respected and propriety maintained.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">The second is Alzheimer's disease, a condition Rita Hayworth was diagnosed with in 1980. It robbed her of so much in her later years, and ultimately took her life. Her daughter Princess Yasmin Aga Khan founded the Rita Hayworth Gala to raise money to combat the disease.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">Perhaps a donation in memory of this great star.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">Rita.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">Margarita.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lovely Margarita.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">🥝🥝🥝</span></p><p style="font-family: Times, serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2z-H_iivXH8rcZHMJ0JuWV_BcEGrKWS5wHkpRVr_r_DLrZHnh1ss436zYMZ291Q188fyuZT2-doDqQ5KElCPiRKa64LbfuoxtdkDypgTQfuy7y2tt9kDvuDNE3KydZXYUtSnFM0vOD9kD0KEQN-yd_NC6EVuhFmnP36fJhTBRM-dESlJ8bxUm6iUM/s225/Unknown-4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2z-H_iivXH8rcZHMJ0JuWV_BcEGrKWS5wHkpRVr_r_DLrZHnh1ss436zYMZ291Q188fyuZT2-doDqQ5KElCPiRKa64LbfuoxtdkDypgTQfuy7y2tt9kDvuDNE3KydZXYUtSnFM0vOD9kD0KEQN-yd_NC6EVuhFmnP36fJhTBRM-dESlJ8bxUm6iUM/s1600/Unknown-4.jpeg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Additional links:</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.thebeatles.com/sgt-peppers-lonely-hearts-club-band-0">https://www.thebeatles.com/sgt-peppers-lonely-hearts-club-band-0</a><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.kbhs.school.nz">https://www.kbhs.school.nz</a><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.tourism.net.nz/region/auckland/auckland---henderson">https://www.tourism.net.nz/region/auckland/auckland---henderson</a><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038559/">https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038559/</a><br /></span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.pbs.org/show/finding-your-roots/">https://www.pbs.org/show/finding-your-roots/</a><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://youtu.be/GuJQSAiODqI">https://youtu.be/GuJQSAiODqI</a><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hayworth-Shawshank-Redemption-Different-Seasons/dp/0896214400">https://www.amazon.com/Hayworth-Shawshank-Redemption-Different-Seasons/dp/0896214400</a><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><a href="http://www.holycrossmortuary.com">http://www.holycrossmortuary.com</a></span><br /></span></p><p><a href="https://www.alz.org/events/rita-hayworth-gala-chicago"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.alz.org/events/rita-hayworth-gala-chicago</span></a><br /></p><p><br /></p>Stephen J. Groakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09519016021232370758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858034107192896327.post-63083507588101787632022-05-14T02:56:00.011-07:002022-06-13T19:50:36.157-07:00Andromeda<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Sometimes a review can be one word: listen...with your heart.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;">Okay, okay—four words.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p>🥝🥝🥝🥝</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Additional links:</span></b></p><p><b><a href="http://www.weyesblood.com"><span style="font-size: medium;">http://www.weyesblood.com</span></a></b></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/Aki1Xn36eJ8"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://youtu.be/Aki1Xn36eJ8</span></a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaEjrzP3RjTI8gur-CtaNyyVtQzij8K-G2RRR6-kslbMp9PcwQkqWjgYHhQ_n_4RAu4GpStIPui0FAEwlkn3xyt5LfYUJvHhCkKbGDqNXIqnSH62-ZZ1rb4G0QhZpOzj43rKDk31qZVgTFelHFn_cwPCnA2mQ07MbpFBdxH0e5PE5iJtGJqTEEHhW/s228/Unknown-4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="221" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaEjrzP3RjTI8gur-CtaNyyVtQzij8K-G2RRR6-kslbMp9PcwQkqWjgYHhQ_n_4RAu4GpStIPui0FAEwlkn3xyt5LfYUJvHhCkKbGDqNXIqnSH62-ZZ1rb4G0QhZpOzj43rKDk31qZVgTFelHFn_cwPCnA2mQ07MbpFBdxH0e5PE5iJtGJqTEEHhW/s1600/Unknown-4.jpeg" width="221" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Weyes Blood: American singer, songwriter, and muscian.</span></p>Stephen J. Groakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09519016021232370758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858034107192896327.post-47891828777087132302022-05-03T19:33:00.035-07:002022-06-27T18:35:43.915-07:00A Night at the Opera <p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I recently enjoyed a night at the opera.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;"><i>The 1935 Marx Brothers classic movie? Groucho, Chico, Harpo, and Margaret Dumont are hysterical!</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">No, <i>Otello.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Don't you mean<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Othello?</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">Well, that too.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;"><i>Really, I thought comedy was their schtick. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">It is—it was. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;"><i>Great. There’s not a lot of throwaway one-liners in jealousy—“it is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">Huh?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;"><i>Aeh…</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">🥝🥝🥝</span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">Let’s try this again.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">I recently enjoyed my first night at the opera: <i>Otello.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">Indulge me in some context…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">I was born last century in Auckland, New Zealand, 1960s, so have enjoyed quite a number of earthly orbits around the sun. Yet never in those fifty-something revolutions have I been to an opera.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;"><i>Why not?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">Not sure: I love art, enjoy art, support artists, consider myself an artist (writer/actor), can even spell it without the use of a dictionary—but no operas (one “p,” right?).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">As I introspect on the cultural omission, two things come to mind: firstly, we tend to dine at the artistic buffet visited by our parents, mentors, teachers, neighbours, and friends. If any of this group doesn’t list “opera” on the menu, then there is a good chance we will be starved of this essential creative art group.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">Secondly, a line from a Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young song: “teach your children well.” Wherever you feel comfortable on the “artometer,” if possible go beyond your comfort zone and take your sprog to see an opera.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">One of my teachers at Kelston Boys’ High School, Mr. Morgan (a man I adored) did teach me very well. He introduced me to some great works of art on phonograph records (a black, 12-inch polyvinyl chloride disc). He strutted and fretted “his hour upon the [classroom] stage and taught this schoolboy idiot, full of sound and fury” the majestic plays of William Shakespeare:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #202122;">From <i>Macbeth:</i>To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,</span><span style="color: #202122;"><br /><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Creeps in this petty pace from day to day…<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #343434;">From <i>Julius Caesar</i>: Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">From <i>Henry V</i>: </span><span style="color: #1d1d1b;">From this day to the ending of the world,<br />But we in it shall be remember’d;<br />We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;<br />For he to-day that sheds his blood with me<br />Shall be my brother;<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #1d1d1b;">But alas, for us, a band of Kelston Boys brothers—no opera, at least not in Mr. Morgan’s English class.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">For some, I know, I know, I know, opera is perceived to be only for hoity-toity (three “t”s, right?) geezers with money. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">Rubbish! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">For one night, dry-clean that tuxedo, “rattle your jewelry,” as John Lennon famously quipped at a Royal Variety Performance, knock back a couple of cocktails—stirred or shaken—before or during intermission, and immerse yourself in the experience. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">My wife, her sister, and I did when we recently went to see <i>Otello </i>at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California, and we loved it. There is a reason a four-act Italian opera by Giuseppe Verdi to a libretto by Arrigo Boito, first performed at the Teatro alla Scala, Milan, on the fifth of February 1887, is still being performed 135 years later in Orange County, California: The music, story, and lyrics stir the soul.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">My only concern after acquiring the tickets was how well would I access the libretto as it was being sung. My Italian is limited: <i>pizza, Lamborghini, Papa</i>. I could maybe come up with one sentence…<i>Il Papa ha usato la Lamborghini per ottenere la pizza</i>(the Pope used the Lamborghini to get pizza)…but insufficient to appreciate an entire opera. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">And then as I took my seat and glanced upward, an all-encompassing English expression, by way of a famous cartoon character, came to mind:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">“D’oh!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">There is a thin electronic screen above the stage that provided all the Italian lyrics in English subtitles. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">Who knew? Well, I didn’t.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">Access was granted, and I quickly formulated my personal operatic etiquette: glance up at the screen to get the line, then redirect my eyes to the stage to enjoy the set and stage directions while simultaneously allowing Verdi’s poignant music to wash over me, and be enhanced by the powerful and passionate voices of the opera singers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">Molto bene.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">As I began to relax into my routine, one epiphany washed over me: Opera is a perfect medium for powerful emotions and their employ: love, hatred, loyalty, and betrayal to cite a few. Not sure if one on the great toilet roll debate—up or down—has ever been written.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">Of course, <i>Otello </i>has one of the most famous characters ever conceived that we love to hate: Iago. Conductor Carl St. Clair and the Pacific Symphony, along with the Pacific Chorale, provided a concomitant companion to the singers, especially Baritone Stephen Powell, who, as Iago, quickly caught my eye and ire. I was soon swept away to the physical and emotional devastation that played out before me.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">I do recommend attending a theatrical staging of <i>Othello, </i>or seeing one of the many cinematic incarnations of Shakespeare’s play prior to attending Verdi’s operatic transcription.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">🥝🥝🥝🥝</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">And then one day shy of a fortnight and biggity, biggity, Bing—as in Bing Theatre, I was attending my second opera: <i>All The Truths We Cannot See: A Chernobyl Story. </i>This was a co-production between the USC Thornton School of Music and the Sibelius Academy of Uniarts Helsinki.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">According to Glenda Dawn Goss, the opera’s librettist, this work is “a story about fundamental conflicts of human existence: courage and cowardice, love and hate, past and future, life and death.” Again, a powerful emotional undercurrent that was enhanced by the fact that I saw the opera on Earth Day, and the setting is in Ukraine, which is experiencing right now the scourges of the maniacal political ambitions of a neighbouring president.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">After the stunning performance, I did cross paths and clink drinks with Adam Kerbel at Rock & Reilly’s. He played Deerheart in the opera. To a background of the pine-tree-tall Finnish cast’s hearty banter (all in their native tongue), Adam gave me his behind-the-curtain takeaway of the operatic art form: “Opera really is about oppositions, and oppositions in the biggest possible sense…everything in opera is huge—absolutely enormous, the music, the singing, the lights, the colours, the characterization, the costumes, the makeup, the room itself is big. And it’s through those elements and the size of the elements that opera begins to speak.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">Well stated.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">So, reader, wherever you are on this fragile planet, when the opera company comes to your town, what say you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Teach your children well!”</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">🥝🥝🥝🥝</span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RzUJRedHSvSFls-14xnhf2GLwuCZIpmryxkmabzkzYLDlxfGuGu_a5YKvAw-K6Ov5sRwLLhOltbRxrsJYAFOtoa_eFqNQ0RyXn7_GjZJpVECU3VO_z7dYw4m33QTvU9gCtychJ0yEcr9vjifS4OYo1TGNP-5MAheQvv9CQpysc_dWsg4wW0SvA0D/s960/279495996_10229394314221421_7029209510677458394_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RzUJRedHSvSFls-14xnhf2GLwuCZIpmryxkmabzkzYLDlxfGuGu_a5YKvAw-K6Ov5sRwLLhOltbRxrsJYAFOtoa_eFqNQ0RyXn7_GjZJpVECU3VO_z7dYw4m33QTvU9gCtychJ0yEcr9vjifS4OYo1TGNP-5MAheQvv9CQpysc_dWsg4wW0SvA0D/s320/279495996_10229394314221421_7029209510677458394_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Performance Artist Adam Kerbel</span><div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Kiwi Slang:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Sprog=kid<br /></span><p></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Additional links:</b></span></p><div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0026778/">https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0026778/</a></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0026778/"><br /></a></b></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://youtu.be/dQOaUnSmJr8">https://youtu.be/dQOaUnSmJr8</a><a href="https://instagram.com/adam_kerbel?igshid=YTM0ZjI4ZDI=">https://instagram.com/adam_kerbel?igshid=YTM0ZjI4ZDI=</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://instagram.com/adam_kerbel?igshid=YTM0ZjI4ZDI="><br /></a></span><a href="http://kbhs.school.nz">http://kbhs.school.nz</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/explore-shakespeare/shakespedia/shakespeares-plays/">https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/explore-shakespeare/shakespedia/shakespeares-plays/</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/TNDSejIpwvU">https://youtu.be/TNDSejIpwvU</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.scfta.org">https://www.scfta.org</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.fox.com/the-simpsons/">https://www.fox.com/the-simpsons/</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://music.usc.edu/opera/">https://music.usc.edu/opera/</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.uniarts.fi/en/units/sibelius-academy/">https://www.uniarts.fi/en/units/sibelius-academy/</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://instagram.com/adam_kerbel?igshid=YTM0ZjI4ZDI=">https://instagram.com/adam_kerbel?igshid=YTM0ZjI4ZDI=</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.rockandreillysusc.com">https://www.rockandreillysusc.com</a><br /></div><div><a href="http://kbhs.school.nz"><br /><br /></a></div></div>Stephen J. Groakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09519016021232370758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858034107192896327.post-21915940902977873822022-04-04T20:13:00.007-07:002022-06-15T17:10:32.375-07:00Old Town Music Hall<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">“Pipe it down!”<span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-AU">My sister—my </span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #555555;">best brother-sister-mate, my southern hemispherical Huckleberry Finn—and </span><span lang="EN-AU">I regularly heard this command screamed at us by relatives, teachers, and other grown-ups whenever we got a little too rambunctious at various family, social, or educational events.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">Then again, sometimes in the right setting, you just have to:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">“Pipe it up!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"><i>Huh?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">Indulge me in some context…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-AU">Two thousand, five hundred pipes, two hundred and sixty switches, four keyboards, ten-horsepower Spencer Turbine Orgoblo, pedals and controls, the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Pipe Organ located within the Old Town Music Hall in El Segundo, California, is a delight to see and hear.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">If it were a motorcycle, it would be a hog, for this wonderful instrument has a unique sound and look, and invites sing-along participation. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">The day my wife and I attended the theater, Mr. Randy Woltz was the organist in the rider’s seat, guiding the Mighty Wurlitzer through its paces. We as an audience got to heartily belt out “Happy birthday” to one grateful patron, as well as “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">Mr. Woltz also played organ music to a silent 1920s “Felix the Cat” cartoon, and enthralled us with some Henry Mancini classics, including “Moon River” and “The Pink Panther Theme.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">The “old” in Old Town Music Hall denotes an interesting history: the 188-seat theater was originally built in 1921. In the 1960s, musicians Bill Field and Bill Coffman bought the Mighty Wurlitzer from the Fox West Coast Theatre in Long Beach and relocated it to El Segundo. In 1968, the theater opened, and some fifty years later this cultural landmark awaits your patronage.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">In addition to silent films and classic Hollywood sound movies (we got to enjoy Aussie swashbuckler Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland’s on-screen chemistry in the 1935 film <i>Captain Blood</i>), the Old Town Music Hall offers live concerts from distinguished musicians in ragtime, jazz, and popular music.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">As a non-profit 501(c)(3), the Old-[fashioned family fun] Town Music Hall is well worth a visit and your support! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;">It’s second to none.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU">🥝🥝🥝🥝</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSBFQYb6HMBcGPZ86vgoHuzKZK7mdf8DVxkJQeaY2AgATYHW_ZV8ao9jmQHKgBoC2Mb33p4TjoK71WwoXYZZLvrVzEyKaF1QHznnA-YS9HD8LODWl0O0XYYMq7ARBRZW1VVcgFrtwwtrGzCQwjJkNboBVAwFqefQe8VW8GnkxYYx0fGsJbiQ73CUp/s4032/IMG-1786.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSBFQYb6HMBcGPZ86vgoHuzKZK7mdf8DVxkJQeaY2AgATYHW_ZV8ao9jmQHKgBoC2Mb33p4TjoK71WwoXYZZLvrVzEyKaF1QHznnA-YS9HD8LODWl0O0XYYMq7ARBRZW1VVcgFrtwwtrGzCQwjJkNboBVAwFqefQe8VW8GnkxYYx0fGsJbiQ73CUp/s320/IMG-1786.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-AU">Additional links:</span><p></p><div><span lang="EN-AU"><a href="http://www.oldtownmusichall.org/index.html">http://www.oldtownmusichall.org/index.html</a><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OldTownMusicHall/?fref=ts">https://www.facebook.com/OldTownMusicHall/?fref=ts</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Places to eat in El Segundo (after the movie):</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.thesliceandpint.com">https://www.thesliceandpint.com</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://esoldtownpatio.com">http://esoldtownpatio.com</a><br /></div><div><span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>Stephen J. Groakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09519016021232370758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858034107192896327.post-43587933927680247272022-03-08T20:37:00.011-08:002022-06-15T17:13:22.158-07:00Bubble 'n' Squeak<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><i>Bubble ‘n’ Squeak—it’s a book, right? </i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Yes!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"><i>And a dish? </i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">Yes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"><i>And this web post? </i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">A recipe. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"><i>Huh?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">Indulge me in some context…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">Way before “A long, long, time ago,” Don McLean’s immortal lyrics, forever imprinted in our collective ’70s song canon—18<sup>th</sup>-century American colonialists made a dish called “bubble ‘n’ squeak.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">Ingredients: 1 cabbage, white onions, fatty slice of beef, salt, pepper, vinegar, gravy.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">1. Prepare the vegetables: chop up a cabbage; chop up white onion(s).<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">I acknowledge and thank my daughter Raewyn for putting me on to Townsends, a company that through an extensive catalogue of merchandise and YouTube videos encourages its audience, patrons, and consumers (myself included) to “live history”—specifically 18<sup>th</sup>-century colonial American history.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">2. Place the cabbage in a pot of boiling water until it’s almost cooked.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-AU">When I was a lad growing up in Auckland, New Zealand, my dad would make a British-inspired version of this recipe </span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111;">on a Sunday morning from the leftovers of the previous evening's roast dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;">3. Cut up a piece of fatty beef. Season with salt and pepper and sear in a skillet containing melted butter.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;">A glaring absence in the colonial recipe from the concoction my father prepared is mashed potatoes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;">4. Strain cabbage and simmer with beef and onions.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;">Now that I lived in “these United States of America,” I was intrigued and motivated to try an American version of this beloved and simple meal.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;">5. Add/stir in vinegar and gravy.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;">Historical documents—letters, books, speeches, constitutions, recipes—do offer some restraint from the churning effects of time. However, often the meaning of words change: gravy in colonial America was the juices and drippings from meat being roasted in front of a fire.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;">6. Serve once cooked.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;">Our 21<sup>st</sup>-century palate is a sophisticated one. Every major city of the world offers cuisine from literally all over the globe. This simple colonial American recipe cannot compete with the international buffet that is our contemporary diet.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;">But it can offer a bubbling and squeaking culinary passage to times gone by.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;">Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;">🥝🥝🥝</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;">Additional Links:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://youtu.be/D5YfuN0AM4k">https://youtu.be/D5YfuN0AM4k</a><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0f1111; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><a href="https://youtu.be/BJE44WX0lf8"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://youtu.be/BJE44WX0lf8</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><a href="https://www.townsends.us"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.townsends.us</span></a></p>Stephen J. Groakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09519016021232370758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858034107192896327.post-61853985792832663602022-02-16T13:07:00.021-08:002023-06-04T18:43:50.052-07:00Tape Face<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Silence is golden. It’s also funny. Very funny. “The funniest show in Las Vegas.” </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Huh?</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: times;">Indulge me in some context…</span><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">When I was living in Auckland, whenever I would eat out, I could always spot American diners. Actually “hear” any American feasters may be more apropos: they were always loud, ready to engage the world, and they always exuded confidence.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">We had an expression for such overseas visitors: loudmouthed Yanks.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">Not the most polite term, I do admit, but one applied (at least in my case) from envy, and an unconscious desire to have a voice…a unique creative voice.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">Ironically, this past Saturday (February 5, 2022), in an American location, I observed silent Kiwi prop comic, busker, clown, and mime Sam Wills speak volumes. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">A loudmouthed Kiwi? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hardly. He has black duct tape over his mouth, and is the star of the Tape Face show currently playing in Harrah’s Las Vegas.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">For Christmas Past, I let Santa and his familial agents know that at the top of my wish list was a desire to see the Tape Face act. I had followed Tape Face on social media, seen the <i>America’s Got Talent </i>2016 videos, and wanted to experience the silent treatment <i>en vivo. </i>After making the Nice List and receiving two TF tickets, it was time for a Vegas road trip! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: medium;">Post show: The challenge in writing this review is, as the tapeface.tv website states, “simply mentioning any aspect of this diverse show would be a disservice—the less you know, the more you will enjoy this show.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: medium;">Sure.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333;">However, it would be remiss of me not to mention how much of the performance is fuelled by audience participation under the skilled and honed craftsmanship of Tape Face. It’s almost formulaic: a sprinkle of Kiwi ingenuity+household props you’d find in your kitchen, closets, and garage+engaged audience=<b><i>P</i></b></span><b><i><span style="color: #5f6368;">erdón</span></i></b><b>! </b><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333;">What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;">Okay, okay, no need to pack a sad. I will reveal that at the beginning of the performance I saw, as an air of anticipatory excitement surged through the crowd, an announcer did advise the audience of their esprit de corps responsibility, and encouraged those picked by Tape Face to play along and “not be a dick.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;">Fortunately, there were no mean-spirited patrons at the act I attended. I would say everyone, at some unconscious level, wanted to share the stage with Tape Face (projection, yes; you’re next).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;">This collective, “unspoken” desire was realized in a tension-building, race-against-the-clock final skit in which the entire audience did participate with Tape Face.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;">We all left the theatre engaged, enthralled, and entertained!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;">But wait—there’s more—at least for me.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;">For the past week since leaving Las Vegas, several thoughts have been playing in my mind as I reminisce about the show:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;">What was the creative process in which Sam Wills came up with the Tape Face character?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;">Secondly, as an author, one who frequently frolics in the world of make-believe, I’d like to ask Tape Face: “So, mate, what happened? The unkempt hair, the bulging eyes, the duct tape over the mouth? Two thugs jump you backstage? Your parents were old school and believed ‘children should be seen and not heard’? Or are you a punk-rock performer, silently raging against stereotype and conformity?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: medium;">“No comment.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;">Outspoken English television personality Simon Cowell did remark in AGT 2016, “But you’re like Mr. Bean, or Charlie Chaplin, so, so recognizable. I like the fact I’ve got no idea who you are, and I never want to know. I like that.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;">Agreed. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;">Some things are better left unsaid.</span><o:p style="background-color: #eeeeee;"></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieHUKZyL0_6C08fGM_pdNRPXU1WCch3LNLssqBSxvT5ZVo3myNIof1gvzbAdG8yxvTbcBGmyBoFMoYDKCSXYxODrmwxNvlrKcjOk2LUv9FnycuT7XJGp24mrUDnoVWM5V-1Mx5NovsgS_4twgyC4J-lpEVDRHsef6y6Hg2sk9DHT28zFgX_GBXGZod=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieHUKZyL0_6C08fGM_pdNRPXU1WCch3LNLssqBSxvT5ZVo3myNIof1gvzbAdG8yxvTbcBGmyBoFMoYDKCSXYxODrmwxNvlrKcjOk2LUv9FnycuT7XJGp24mrUDnoVWM5V-1Mx5NovsgS_4twgyC4J-lpEVDRHsef6y6Hg2sk9DHT28zFgX_GBXGZod=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333;">🥝🥝🥝🥝</span><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br /></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333;"><b>Additional links:</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333;"><a href="http://tapeface.tv">http://tapeface.tv</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; line-height: 32px; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333;"><a href="https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-las-vegas/shows/tape-face?utm_campaign=GMB&utm_source=google&utm_medium=local&utm_term=TapeFace&utm_content=Entertainer">https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-las-vegas/shows/tape-face?utm_campaign=GMB&utm_source=google&utm_medium=local&utm_term=TapeFace&utm_content=Entertainer</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p></div>Stephen J. Groakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09519016021232370758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858034107192896327.post-49340103958025644692021-12-06T18:55:00.012-08:002022-06-15T17:14:24.665-07:00Amigurumi Christmas Yve by João Stanganelli Junior<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Since it is now the holy-day season, my second review pertains to Christmas—specifically a doll.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Huh?</span><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> </span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">Indulge me in some context…</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">I had to wait fifty-seven years to receive my first doll. Oh, sure, as a father of four daughters, I frequented (with extended pinkie) many a doll’s tea party through the years, but, alas, no doll in attendance at these delightful occasions was ever mine to behold.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">Mini-me-lad growing up in West Auckland, New Zealand, did have a one-eyed teddy bear named Ted (great thought was put into the naming), but no doll ever shared my childhood escapades.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">And then for my birthday: hello, dolly!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">Upon opening my gift from my wife and girls, I was at first shocked. A doll? Wait?…what?…whoa? They have all been blessed with a sense of humour, but their body language, facial expressions, and tone did not telegraph that the crocheted doll I now held in my hands was some sort of bizarre joke, or prank.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">She was the real deal. She is the real deal. She is amigurumi Christmas Yve.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">As a writer, I am continuously fascinated by adaptations of an author’s original text. One of the most famous examples is J. K. Rowling’s <i>Harry Potter </i>fantasy series. It has been made into a play, video games, films, and a theme park! So this review is more a celebration of how a title character from a book can be reimagined in crochet. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting small, stuffed creatures, although artists all over the world now practise it. The word is a compound of two words—“<i>ami</i>” meaning “crocheted” and “<i>kurumi” </i>meaning “wrapping.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-AU">One such creator is Brazilian grandfather </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times;">João Stanganelli Junior. </span><span lang="EN-AU">What started out as a retirement activity is now a thriving international business. My wife and daughters contacted him to make an amigurumi version of Christmas Yve.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">Stanganelli has vitiligo (a disorder in which the skin loses its pigment cells in patches), and many of his dolls also reflect this condition. A personal philosophy of inclusiveness—especially for children—has manifested in other amigurumi creations that display many of the conditions that his customers experience: some dolls are in wheelchairs, or have alopecia, or use hearing aids, et cetera.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;">Since writing <i>Christmas Yve: A Kiwi Elf’s Dream to Join Santa, </i>I did adapt it to a Christmas play that our church teen group presented in 2015, but I never, ever imagined Yve as a crocheted doll.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span lang="EN-AU">Obrigado, </span></i><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times;">João Stanganelli!</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-AU"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo94C54gsy6FrXXgveKntcPuPYUM_1GRkn-C287vazy8uo92DjEpEkaSQIk6WFVoYs7j_uCaEk20ZoWsKATslwXEZTUw2WDAJ45cB70TUlh8w1pBnbZ3UQff4Q7CQXZCiyC66XA7s_HF-FrI5PYFIeBA4LhLSRmVQtIXWSJngIpwPZBbVaLqx_5AYF=s1046" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="1046" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo94C54gsy6FrXXgveKntcPuPYUM_1GRkn-C287vazy8uo92DjEpEkaSQIk6WFVoYs7j_uCaEk20ZoWsKATslwXEZTUw2WDAJ45cB70TUlh8w1pBnbZ3UQff4Q7CQXZCiyC66XA7s_HF-FrI5PYFIeBA4LhLSRmVQtIXWSJngIpwPZBbVaLqx_5AYF=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span>🥝🥝🥝🥝<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you are interested in acquiring one of Stanganelli’s amigurumi dolls, check out the Facebook page:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lenaamigurumi18" style="color: purple;">https://www.facebook.com/lenaamigurumi18</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-size: medium;">Merry Christmas!</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-AU"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjXJQm4Wz6ZK73C6q-f46tcEBxMkWFI6hOYG9Ij5W4tN_DQn3c6z-Uc2wcVkorrRpWyAJg8XNtZT4IT-Lh8ZLBOxg8Vg6I3gtfHDlPHvP-K0teEr-A9qA0ZacivVx-r0QYEMgUROLqdTWtU61EOQnOJibuNnjkAdKshDBsbCYHLsmCt9eO1VWxU-Cw=s647" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="565" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjXJQm4Wz6ZK73C6q-f46tcEBxMkWFI6hOYG9Ij5W4tN_DQn3c6z-Uc2wcVkorrRpWyAJg8XNtZT4IT-Lh8ZLBOxg8Vg6I3gtfHDlPHvP-K0teEr-A9qA0ZacivVx-r0QYEMgUROLqdTWtU61EOQnOJibuNnjkAdKshDBsbCYHLsmCt9eO1VWxU-Cw=s320" width="279" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p>Stephen J. Groakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09519016021232370758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-858034107192896327.post-47853185994996222822021-11-28T17:35:00.032-08:002022-06-15T17:15:03.027-07:00SPQR by Richard Blade<p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">First up is <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">SPQR </span>by Richard Blade, an artist I have admired for many years. </span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Indulge me in some context…</span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Three times in my life while living in Southern California, my path has intersected with world-famous DJ and best-selling author (<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">World In My Eyes</span>) Richard Blade’s arena of entertainment. In each encounter, I was always impressed with his British-infused decorum, good-natured wit, and talent.</span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The first time was in 1989. I was yet another wannabe actor schlepping pizzas around Westwood to UCLA students while I waited for my “fifteen minutes of fame”: tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock…</span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Melancholic, and missing all things New Zealand, I found great comfort in listening to Richard Blade on LA’s “The World Famous KROQ” (FM 106.7). Although we were born in different countries of the Commonwealth of Nations, he spoke my language and played my tunes: Billy Idol, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, New Order, The Cure, The Smiths, U2…</span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The second time I met Mr. Blade was Sunday, December 7, 2014. In honour of my LA-born-and-raised, “Latinalicious” wife’s fortieth birthday, I organized a surprise party for her. I will forever treasure the look on Teresa’s (<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">mi esposa) </span>face when we arrived at <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">la casa de su prima</span> for her to discover not only <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">la familia</span>, but also many of her childhood mates, and of course DJ <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">de la noche</span>: Richard Blade.</span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The third time was Christmas 2020, when during our annual work Kris Kringle gift exchange, I received a copy of <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">SPQR.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; text-align: justify;">Questions abound at a North Carolina archaeological site when a white ivory Roman staff with a golden eagle and the letters S.P.Q.R. is discovered by some North Carolina State University students in a Native American burial site. Professor Andrew Donaldson, who oversees the dig, recognises that the four letters are an abbreviation of a Latin expression…and the implications of Romans arriving in America hundreds of years before Columbus.</span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In his first novel, Richard Blade answers this stage-setting historical discovery with a heart-pounding, relentless tale. In <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">SPQR </span>(Latin for <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Senatus Populusque Romanus—</span>The Senate and People of Rome; impress your friends with that line at your next barbeque), the author goes Roman—hard! XLV (forty-five) page-turning chapters, including the brutal military practice of Decimation that Gaius Julius Caesar employs as punishment against Legio VII for their recent loss in the August 55 B.C. invasion of Britannia. High above the cliffs at Cap Gris-Nez in Gaul, six hundred and eighteen soldiers, the surviving members of the failed campaign, are commanded to strip naked as they await their fate. For those readers who experience acrophobia…beware!</span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Blade’s love of history permeates every page of the text. In fact, he’s up front about it. In the Acknowledgments section of the book, he credits this noble quality to his father, and we the readers are the recipients of a diligently researched and wildly entertaining story. </span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">An index of Latin words, curses (Roman sailors swore long before our current naval personnel), and expressions helps us navigate the text and acquaint ourselves with Praetorian Demetrius Marius Varinica, Tiberius, Sallus, Flavius, Aldamma, Claudius, and other larger-than-life characters of the novel. </span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The highly decorated and distinguished Varinica is “persuaded” out of retirement by First Consul Pompey. He is tasked with assembling a new legion—Fifteen—and sailing with them and their Roman steel to bring the infamous <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Pax Romana </span>to the rebellious Britons.</span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In a well-crafted novel (with some input from the indexed Roman gods), even the might of Rome can be thwarted: General Demetrius Varinica and the fleet never make it to Britannia. He and only a small portion of his legion ultimately end up crossing the dreaded <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mare Tenebrosum </span>(Atlantic Ocean) to an unknown world.</span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Of course, crossing this huge ocean is a transformative experience. Richard Blade made this journey himself when he moved from the United Kingdom to the United States. It is an epic crossing that has inspired countless artists and informed their work (Rod Stewart’s <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Atlantic Crossing </span>comes to mind). </span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Blade infuses his novel with a perspective born out of the encounter of the Old World with the New, of the traditions of the Roman Empire with that of the Native American Croatan tribe. As the main characters from each distinct cultural group engage, themes of honour, fulfilling one’s duty, the politics of conquest, possessions, and what we take with us to the next life are explored.</span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">SPQR </span><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">also has heart in all its many manifestations—bravery, fidelity, and romance. The blossoming relationship between Demetrius Marius Varinica, a widower, and Kaya, the widowed daughter of the Croatan chief, has overtones of a historical seventeenth-century meeting between a Native American princess and an English explorer (name that Disney movie). </span></span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In the Foreword of the novel, Richard Blade lays the storytelling seeds that will fully blossom in the crescendo of the tale. As a student of history, Blade is inspired by heroic last stands; of unrelenting acts of bravery by a group of warriors who face overwhelming odds, yet never waver, never surrender, and are willing to give all—including for many the ultimate sacrifice. Some examples he lists are King Leonidas at Thermopylae, the soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, Davy Crockett, and Jim Bowie at the Alamo. </span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Richard Blade’s <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>SPQR </i></span>captures the spirit of such examples of courage when Demetrius Varinica and a small band of Roman soldiers defend the Croatan people from a human plague in an apocalyptic final battle. His story delivers! </span></p><p style="text-align: left;">🥝🥝🥝🥝</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Additional Links:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.ucla.edu">https://www.ucla.edu</a><br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.audacy.com/kroq">https://www.audacy.com/kroq</a><br /></span></b></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081Y73XXT/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2ea3f2; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081Y73XXT/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1</span></a></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/7vV3q5jE7DSuKsnHr7OmmN"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://open.spotify.com/album/7vV3q5jE7DSuKsnHr7OmmN</span></a><br /></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></p>Stephen J. Groakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09519016021232370758noreply@blogger.com0