Deb got sick on Saturday, and is still feeling somewhat tired and worn out. Tonight, as I write this, we should be boarding our flight to San Diego, CA. We cancelled, not knowing how she would feel by tonight, and whether or not I would come down with whatever she had. No fever, just extreme tiredness. I had some books waiting at the Dearborn mailbox, and Deb still didn't feel well enough to come with me, so I set off alone.
A book by Silverberg and another by Spinrad were waiting for me, as well as a slew of junk mail which we hadn't collected in some time. After collecting my books I headed to Midtown for lunch and some ale. Lunch was a bowl of borscht. Next, I headed to Hopcat and tried three 5 oz glasses of beer, two from Belgium, and one more local. They were very different from one another, and very delicious. The day was very mild, and it was a pleasure to be walking around a city again. Our home walks are very boring and suburban. And another note on the mild temps--we officially just had our 9th warmest winter on record. It was a pleasure, to be sure. Let's just hope that it isn't followed by the 9th warmest summer on record, or worse.
Next up was a quick visit to the DIA, to view a print and drawing exhibit on Dutch and Flemish art, all drawn from the permanent collection. It is a show worthy of something one might see at the Albertina in Vienna. I only spent a half hour here, and will return soon to spend more time. I concentrated on some of the landscape art, and was very happy with what was being shown. Here is one of the fine pieces I looked at today.
Landscape With A Square Tower, 1650, Rembrandt. Etching and drypoint, printed in black ink. it is tiny! 3 1/2" x 6 1/8th". Detroit Institute of Arts. This was one of the smallest pieces in the show. Imagine growing up as a child in that house, and having that tower in which to play.
Detail of left side.
Detail of central tower.
Detail of right side.
For some reason, this very tiny image totally captivated me. I wish I could have borrowed it for a while. Rembrandt kept total control of his prints, doing all the drawing, etching, and printing himself. Getting up close and seeing the squiggles that make up the composition was a revelation to this viewer.
After leaving the museum I headed to a new coffee shop, open with several other businesses in an area of Detroit that had been desolate and unloved for many decades. Ochre Bakery and Cafe is a true oasis. Though not that far from Wayne State University in distance, its actual situation could only be described as inner city rough. Some beautiful landscaping has also been done, and by summer it will be a true oasis. The coffee is roasted there, and they had vegan lemon pound cake.
In movie news, there is a lot of news. We watched three Zatoichi films over the weekend. Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold shows the misery and grief that peasant farmers had to contend with, at least when Ichi wasn't around. The body count in this one is very high. Everywhere he goes, Zatoichi decimates the local male population. There are some beautiful scenes involving lanterns at night, as well as more cruelty per minute than any other movie. In Zatoichi's Flashing Sword, he is shot in the back with a gun, and is nursed back to health by a family that controls a major river crossing. A rival gang, ruled by a greedy and evil boss, wants to take over the crossing and raise the fees considerably. As usual, there is humour in this film, as a bearer has to carry the solidly built blinds swordsman not once, but twice, across the river. The next was, #8 in the series, is called Fight, Zatoichi, Fight. This time he has to carry a baby to its father, after the mother is murdered while walking home with him. Another evil nest of vipers is uncovered, and some of the lowest breeds of humanity are on display. Fortunately for all concerned, they are sliced to ribbons by Zatoichi. He also has to take on two sumo wrestler bullies, after the baby pees on their heads from a balcony.
A still from Zatoichi and the Chest of Gold.
From Zatoichi's Flashing Sword. He encounters a pinwheel and candy seller on the road, and buys a sucker. Hearing children nearby, he offers to buy them candy thinking there are two or three of them. But there are 15 kids. They thank him and tell him to watch out for a hole in the road, on the right side. He thinks they are tricking him, so he keeps left. And falls into the hole. They watch him in silence as he crawls out.
Zatoichi's baby delivery service comes into play in
Fight Zatoichi, Fight!
And another Karel Zeman film has come on-line, his totally restored 1958 Invention For Destruction. Based on a story or two by Jules Verne, his unique mix of live action and fantasy is unparalleled in the world of cinema. Earlier we saw his Baron Munchausen, which was in colour. This one is in b & w, and couldn't be improved in any way. Spellbinding story telling from a master movie maker. These are his two major works; one other feature may appear someday. The two movies would make an incredible double bill.
Time to sign off. It is listening hour, and the cats are gathered on the couch. Tonight, it's a mass by Palestrina. Tomorrow, it's Op. 93 of Britten. Good night.
Mapman Mike
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