Classical, Music

Ravel’s “Daphnis and Chlo

by:
I have heard the main piece of this synphony many times but never with the ears that were given to me tonight. It reminded me of the momentus transition in the history of life when animals moved from the sea onto the shore. I wonder if I will have same association after having listened to image [Read More]
Diary

Twins Reunite After 20 Years

by:
Here is a fascinating story I recently came across again as I started to read a book on what is known about the similarities in behavior of identical twins raised apart. New York. As soon as Tamara Rabi arrived at Hofstra University, she noticed the bizarre behavior. People she had never laid eyes on would smile, wave [Read More]
Diary

Science Diet Canine Food

by:
For some people going on a diet used to be a frightingly solitary affair. Do not despair! The end of solitude is here. Thanks to the Science Diet company, your dog can now go on a diet with you. This is a barrier-shattering moment in the relationship between the canine and human races. Canines finally [Read More]
Drama, Movies

On the Waterfront

by:
This movie directed by Elia Kazan holds up even 50 years after its making. Labor unions in America no longer enjoy the power they did after World War II when their struggles with management made the front page of newspapers almost every day.  If the movie were made today the corrupt union boss would be image [Read More]
Drama, Movies

In America

by:
  A young Irish family emigrates to Manhattan to start a new life. But first the old life has to be left behind, and this proves to be harder than anticipated. Although death seemingly looms behind every corner, life struggles mightily to get back on its feet. This is a wonderfully perceptive film. Jim Sheridan image [Read More]
Diary, Must Know

The Science of Love

by:
The Economist (print edition) Feb 12th 2004 published an interesting report about what scientists know about the chemistry of romantic feelings. I get a kick out of you Scientists are finding that, after all, love really is down to a chemical addiction between people OVER the course of history it has been artists, poets and playwrights who image [Read More]
Curious News, Diary

Mariage in 17th Century America

by:
Cynthia Rosen filed this interesting report in her Deva Vu column of the Wall Street Journal. Couples in the U.S. Used to Marry Early,Often and Informally In a Connecticut village in the 17th century, an unmarried couple moved in together. One day, while out for a stroll, they ran into the local magistrate. “John Rogers,” the magistrate [Read More]
America, Travel

Joshua Tree Park, California

by:
I have puzzled for some time about what attracts many people to a desert landscape. Driving through the Joshua Tree Park, I may have hit upon the answer: for the human eye this ecosystem gives the impression of order and peace. The eye has to look very hard before it finds one creature eating another.  image [Read More]
Drama, Movies

21 Grams

by:
How do you feel when your heart is failing you, but you don’t know if a donor heart is found in time to save your life? How do you feel when your husband and two little children are killed by an inattentive driver only a few blocks away from home? How do you feel when image [Read More]