It's
grey, windy, and cool today, and our autumn leaf colour seems to be at
or near its peak. We were out yesterday for our haircuts, a
prescription pick-up, a new phone plan for our cell phone, and
groceries. We have left Bell cellular service, and are trying something
new. We have data, texts, and phone for $25 a month right now, and
might upgrade in a month or so. A former student working in the tech
department took care of us and steered into a very good deal. Thanks,
Mat!
In
astronomy news, it's been grimly cloudy this week. Deb came out with
me Tuesday night, and we had some clear skies, but it was mostly a
mess. However, we managed to view Jupiter and its moons, Saturn and its
moons, Mars, Neptune and its moon Triton, and Uranus, along with
several deep sky objects. The night wasn't a complete waste, but it had
many frustrating moments.
In
reading news, I recently finished and reviewed my 500th book related to
the Avon/Equinox series! It happened to be the first book of a trilogy
by Jack Williamson and Frederik Pohl, a very dark story but I quite
enjoyed it. Called The Reefs Of Space, it is the first in their Starchild series.
In
Meniere's news, things have not improved, and I am still having attacks
every few days. However, things are rolling. I go back to see my
specialist in three weeks, I have an MRI coming up (someday), and my own
physician gave me a prescription to help ward off the vertigo. I had
my first chance to use it last night, and it seemed to work pretty well,
even better than the Gravol I've been relying on up till now.
In movie news, we continue to watch all the films of the Brothers Quay that Criterion is showing. The Comb
seems to be another gem, rising high above many of the other films,
though not approaching their two masterpieces (see earlier blog). In
addition to the stunning visuals of their films, the music is always at
least as interesting.
I
have watched Part 13 of Berlin Alexanderplatz, and only have the 90
minute epilogue and about 7 hours of extras left to watch. Rather a
grim story, but it's nearly done.
Deb has had two movie picks recently. The first was Purple Noon,
from 1960, a Rene Clement take on the first Ripley novel by Highsmith,
where he takes over the identity of an acquaintance and essentially
steels his money, life, and girlfriend. The film is faithful to the
book right up until the end, when it substitutes a totally different
ending, as movies are wont to do. Alain Delon is quite good as the
heartless and ruthless Ripley, who is out for himself and faces many
challenges. But it all seems just a bit lifeless to me. There is great
location photography, and some exciting sail boat scenes.
Now showing on the Criterion Channel
Next she chose a 1941 George Cukor film starring Joan Crawford called A Woman's Face.
This is a melodrama in disguise, which begins as a crime film but
switches halfway through. Joan is scarred from a fire, and half her
face is deformed. She is currently a blackmailer, and sets out to trap a
young wife who has been unfaithful to her doctor husband. Lucky for
Joan that doctor is a great surgeon, and he might be able to save her
face. Afterwards, having come under the evil influence of Conrad Veidt
(who else), she is assigned as a governess to a small boy, who is the
way of Conrad's inheritance. All she has to do is kill the boy and they
are home free. Can she go through with it? Or with her new and
beautiful face, has her soul also been cleansed. Enjoy the tense ride
in a cart above a turbulent waterfalls to find out. Hokey at times, the
role is certainly different than any Ms. Crawford ever accepted, and it
made her a star, her part having been refused by some big name
actresses.
Now showing through October on Criterion.
I
had sent out invitations to my upcoming recitals a while ago, but my
Meniere's attacks are becoming so frequent and unpredictable that I have
had to postpone them, at least until I see Dr. Ling, my specialist.
I've had no alcohol for weeks now, and have cut back on caffeine. I had
gotten used to the hearing loss, but suddenly this new phase has
started up. With our weather so unsettled lately, and the barometer
bouncing up and down like a beachball, I wouldn't be surprised if that
doesn't have a lot to do with it. After all, with the pressure in my
right ear totally messed, rapid and deep changes in air pressure could
easily be causing my problems lately. Signing off for now. I am
currently in the process of writing an astronomy article for our club's
October newsletter.
Mapman Mike
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