Today

Some of the things that happened today: a plane crashed in Istanbul--3 dead so far. Trump was acquitted--brings to mind a recent quote by John Oliver--"This is the week where we find out if it's illegal to break the law." Kirk Douglas died, at 103.  60 years ago today La Dolce Vita premiered.  And a bunch of other stuff, like more corona virus, less rain forest, and more good people killed.  As for good news, a new vegan bakery was announced in Detroit's near suburb, Ferndale.

We are amidst our 2nd snow storm of the winter, and 3rd of the season.  We have been snow free for most of December/January and early February, but are catching it good tonight.  Tomorrow is a designated shovelling day.

 Winter weather arrives in our area this evening. 

I began my newest piano pieces today, though not everything is firm yet.  Two Scarlatti sonatas, a very early Haydn sonata, which sounds a lot like Scarlatti, two Chopin Mazurkas, and some pieces by Edward MacDowell.  I am back to being a beginner again, for at least a month.  March practice will be interrupted by our trip to San Diego, and then it will be back at it.

In movie news, my choice this week was L'Atalante, a French oldie from 1934, directed by Jean Vigo.  I had seen it back around 1991, when it was first restored.  Further restoration makes it essential viewing once more.  I love the film, if for no other reason that I would love to live on a boat, travelling up and down a big river and canals.  Similarly, I would love to live on a train, having my private rail car towed across North America.  And Europe.  The movie is unfussy, romantic at heart, and is lifted to nearly surreal heights by some fabulous photography, and the character developed by Michel Simon, whom I really love in this role.  As per usual with Criterion, there were a ton of extras to accompany the film, lasting longer than the film.

 The Italian poster for the film. 

Two Weeks In Another Town was Deb's pick, a 1962 Hollywood emotional extravaganza starring Kirk Douglas (who is pretty good), Edward G. Robinson, Cyd Charisse, and George Hamilton playing a young movie actor heart throb (miscast).  Directed by Vincent Minnelli, 15 minutes were cut from the picture without his okay.  Kirk Douglas later said that the film was emasculated as a result.  Some of it is obviously inspired by Fellini's La Dolce Vita (lots of coincidences today--Kirk Douglas dying, and La Dolce Vita having its 60th birthday), including an orgy scene that was cut out.  Some of the film is quite good, but too much of it is way over the top.  I don't think Minnelli liked women very much, either, at least past a certain age.  Hollywood cinema once again displays the fact that it does not know the meaning of subtlety.

 Arrivederci Mr. Douglas.  Thank you for many wonderful appearances

in some unforgettable films, including Lust for Life, and The Vikings!   

It took two full days and nights, but I am over the worst of my Shingrix vaccination.  Fever, chills, aches and pains, and an arm that felt as if punched by Joe Louis.  But it was back to piano today, and likely a whole lot of shovelling on Thursday.

Mapman Mike