Well, the last week of school stuff before the summer. Both my classes write exams this week (tomorrow and Wednesday) and then I have to mark them. Might sound bad, but I'd take marking exams over essays any day. I'm marking essays right now (have to have them done for Wednesday) and it's making me suicidal! Exams you don't have to correct, comment and "justify" your mark like you do with essays. You read twice and give it a grade. Easy-peasy. I can't believe I just wrote "easy-peasy".
This weekend was amazing! The weather in Winnipeg has been unusually awesome. Maybe it's global-warming, I have no idea, but I like it! I've been wearing T-shirts and short sleeved shirts since Friday. My in-laws were in town and we spent a lot of time walking outside. Of course, it very well could snow again. Who’s to say?
The weather was just one part of a great weekend. As I said, the in-laws were in town (which was a good thing) and we got to spent a bit more time getting to know my brother-in-law’s girlfriend and her three year old daughter, Julia. Julia’s a riot. We played games, read to her, and went to the park. She dubbed my father and mother-in-law “Rabbit and little rabbit” (though I’m not quite sure why) and dubbed me “That guy”… which, unfortunately, makes perfect sense. After all, how many people in my life have referred to me as “that guy”? Not counting immediate family? Lots.
“Who’d you have for English?”
"Um, that guy. What’s his name? You know."
"Oh yeah, that guy!"
Awkward conversation number 405. Some people are so bloody hard to figure out. One day they're all chatty and friendly and everything's cool. The next day they're stand off-ish and weird. Then back to chatty again. Some people should come with instructions. Or flow charts.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Gimme hope, Jo'anna
Grunt...
It's a grunt sort of day. I'm tired, my head aches and I have a pile of work to do.
Plus the usual, "People are so very frustratating" thing (not you folks; you folks are great). Sometimes it amazes me how freakin'self-absorbed people can be. And some of you wonder about my misantrophy?
Last class at Prov. You'd think they do more than complain. *shrugs* It's not like I wanted a parade. Okay, a parade would have been cool. What about an old, "Hey, liked the class"? I'd planned on laving them with a final poem about how literature can mean different things to you at different times in your life, as an encouragement to continue reading good books. But, frankly, after the apathy and bored looks when reviewing for the exam, I figured, forget it.
It's a grunt sort of day. I'm tired, my head aches and I have a pile of work to do.
Plus the usual, "People are so very frustratating" thing (not you folks; you folks are great). Sometimes it amazes me how freakin'self-absorbed people can be. And some of you wonder about my misantrophy?
Last class at Prov. You'd think they do more than complain. *shrugs* It's not like I wanted a parade. Okay, a parade would have been cool. What about an old, "Hey, liked the class"? I'd planned on laving them with a final poem about how literature can mean different things to you at different times in your life, as an encouragement to continue reading good books. But, frankly, after the apathy and bored looks when reviewing for the exam, I figured, forget it.
Monday, April 10, 2006
I used to dream there were clouds in my coffee
Okay, the game is called "Two Truths and a Lie." It's pretty simple. You tell two truths and lie about yourself; other people (or me) try to figure out which statements are the truth and which is the lie.
Example: 1) I was born in Toronto. 2) Until I moved to Manitoba, only my grandmother regularly called me Michael." 3) I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die.
If your guessed #1 and #2 were true and #3 was lie, you're RIGHT. I did shoot a man just to watch him die, but it wasn't in Reno.
Wanna play?
Example: 1) I was born in Toronto. 2) Until I moved to Manitoba, only my grandmother regularly called me Michael." 3) I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die.
If your guessed #1 and #2 were true and #3 was lie, you're RIGHT. I did shoot a man just to watch him die, but it wasn't in Reno.
Wanna play?
It's too cold to be out walking in the streets
It's April and there's a smell in the air... and I'm not talking about the "farm" smell out in Otterburne. I'm talking about the smell of fear. It's exam time and here at the University of Manitoba, and the fear is so thick that you can taste it. it hangs in the air. Students are walking around jacked up on caffine, pencils stuck behind their ears, muttering formulas and dates to themselves. It's a beautiful sight. Sometimes I like to walk by the Multi-purpose rooms 20 minutes before the afternoon exam period. Students are crammed in to the hallways, sitting almost on top of each other to be early to, what?, get a seat? Trying desperately to cram just one more fact into their heads before the exam starts, they have every text book open and all their classnotes spread out in front of them.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
You probably think this song is about you
I finally took part in a major Winnipeg institution: today I ate at the Salisbury House. I've lived here for 7 years and I had never even been inside one. Oh, sure, I made the occasional joke (especially when the chain was purchased by a group of investors that included Winnipeg legend/joke, Burton Cummings). For those of you non-Winnipegger's Sal's is... well, like a combination of McDonalds-style fast food, 50s diner and a Perkins. They have burgers (which are called "Nips" for some reason no one seems able to explain) and all-day breakfasts. I had a crispy chicken wrap that was quite good and piece of pie. Yeah, so... Sal's... ate there.
It's spring, and spring in Manitoba means one thing: flooding. The banks of rivers are overflowing; people are sandbagging. I have to watch the news to see if the highway I use to drive to Otterburne will be underwater Wednesday. At the end of our neighbourhood there's a park and a creek that runs off one of the main rivers. I was by there today and the footbridge that crosses the creek is completely underwater. The only evidence a bridge exists is the life-saver bobbing up and down in the water.
Classes are over this week. And while this has been a good semester, I'm glad it's all coming to an end. Caught a student plagiarizing on a major paper the other day. That kind of sucks and means headaches for me (not least of which is being generally pissed off and angry). Blah! I still have a pile of papers still to mark, and now I have no desire to mark them. I just have this sick feeling in the pit of my stomach about this. Why would somebody do this? And do it so badly? I mean, I googled one questionable phrase and up popped the original article. And why do I take this all so personally?
It's spring, and spring in Manitoba means one thing: flooding. The banks of rivers are overflowing; people are sandbagging. I have to watch the news to see if the highway I use to drive to Otterburne will be underwater Wednesday. At the end of our neighbourhood there's a park and a creek that runs off one of the main rivers. I was by there today and the footbridge that crosses the creek is completely underwater. The only evidence a bridge exists is the life-saver bobbing up and down in the water.
Classes are over this week. And while this has been a good semester, I'm glad it's all coming to an end. Caught a student plagiarizing on a major paper the other day. That kind of sucks and means headaches for me (not least of which is being generally pissed off and angry). Blah! I still have a pile of papers still to mark, and now I have no desire to mark them. I just have this sick feeling in the pit of my stomach about this. Why would somebody do this? And do it so badly? I mean, I googled one questionable phrase and up popped the original article. And why do I take this all so personally?
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
I don't have to fight to prove I'm right
1. Do you still talk to the person you had your first kiss with?
I honestly have no idea who I had my first kiss with, so I'm going to say no.
2. What would you do with 1,000 plastic spoons?
Find a thosand plastic bowls.
3. What did you do when you were in school in the 2nd grade?
In grage two I learned to swear. My friend Beau taught me.
4. What is the best thing about your job?
Well, it's not marking, that's for sure. I guess something about expanding young minds and shaping the next generations thought? Oh and that I can wear jeans to work.
6. Are you against same sex marriage?
No.
7. Did you vote for Bush?
To do what?
8. Where are you going on your next vacation?
I have no idea.
9. Have you kissed any of your blogging friends?
Um, no.
10. Are most of your friends guys or girls?
Girls.
11. Do you own any furniture from Ikea?
Yes, Quite a bit I'm afraid to say.
12. Last book you read?
Superman: Birthright (graphic novel) or James Ellroy's White Jazz
13. If you could have one super power what would it be?
Fly.
14. Where have you lived most of your life?
Oshawa, Ontario... Canada
15. What was the last convo you had about?
Work. At lunch.
16. Where do you see yourself in four years?
Sitting at my desk with a big stack of papers still to be marked.
17. What's your favorite smell?
Fresh Nan bread.
18. What is your favorite sound?
The sounds of silence.
19. Are you moody?
Yes.
No. Yes. I mean, I don' know. I hate you.
20. Favorite movie of all time?
Casablanca
22. Have you ever gone to therapy?
No, but I really enjoy the therapy scenes on the Sopranos.
23. Have you ever played Spin the Bottle?
Yes, and I wasn't very good at it.
24. Have you ever toilet papered some one's house?
Not a house, but I did toilet paper my highschool one Hallowe'en
25. Have you ever liked someone and not told them?
All the freakin' time.
26. Have you ever gone camping?
Only by accident.
27. Have you ever had a crush on your siblings friend?
No. My sister is four years younger and had ugly friends.
28. Have you ever gone to a nude beach?
Only by accident.
29. Have you ever gone streaking?
Only... no I have never gone streaking. I have performed in front of people wearing almost nothing.
30. Have you ever had a stalker?
Nope.
31. Have you ever gone skinny dipping?
I don't think so. You'd think you'd remember something like that. Unless it was really traumatic and you repressed it. So... maybe?
32. Have you ever laughed so hard you cried?
Yes.
33. Have you ever gone to a party where you were the only one
Um, that's not a party then, is it?
34. Have you ever felt betrayed by your best friend?
Sure.
35. Have you ever lied to your parents?
Of course.
37. Have you ever been out of the country?
Yes, I have. Thank you very much.
38. Have you ever thrown up from working out?
No, but I always suspected I might. That's why I don't work out.
39. Have you ever gotten a haircut so bad that you wore a hat for a month straight?
No. Not a straight month. A couple of days maybe. If I had a haircut that bad, I'd just have my head again.
40. Have you ever eaten 3 meals from 3 different fast food places in 1 day?
Three meals? Doubtful. I'm not a big breakfast person. But two meals, I'm sure I have.
41. Last song you listened to?
A live version of "Tango to their Sore" by Tom Waits. It's my very favourite Waits song.
42. Have you ever spied on someone?
The Russians. You mean professionally? No.
43. Have you ever slept in the same bed with the opposite sex?
Yes.
44. Have you ever seen your best friend naked?
Yes.
45. Who was the last person who called you?
My mom (somebody shoot me)
46. When was the last time you slept for more then 12 hours?
Friday night to Saturday afternoon. Heavenly.
47. Have you ever been arrested?
Nope. They keep trying, but they just can't catch me. Suckers.
48. Most embarrassing CD you own?
Well, if we're counting cds my wife purchased and I therefore own too, probably something stupid like the Top Gun soundtrack. Of cds I purchased and therefore have no excuse... um...can't think of any. I think I sold all the embarassing ones.
49. Have you ever had surgery?
Only by accident.
I honestly have no idea who I had my first kiss with, so I'm going to say no.
2. What would you do with 1,000 plastic spoons?
Find a thosand plastic bowls.
3. What did you do when you were in school in the 2nd grade?
In grage two I learned to swear. My friend Beau taught me.
4. What is the best thing about your job?
Well, it's not marking, that's for sure. I guess something about expanding young minds and shaping the next generations thought? Oh and that I can wear jeans to work.
6. Are you against same sex marriage?
No.
7. Did you vote for Bush?
To do what?
8. Where are you going on your next vacation?
I have no idea.
9. Have you kissed any of your blogging friends?
Um, no.
10. Are most of your friends guys or girls?
Girls.
11. Do you own any furniture from Ikea?
Yes, Quite a bit I'm afraid to say.
12. Last book you read?
Superman: Birthright (graphic novel) or James Ellroy's White Jazz
13. If you could have one super power what would it be?
Fly.
14. Where have you lived most of your life?
Oshawa, Ontario... Canada
15. What was the last convo you had about?
Work. At lunch.
16. Where do you see yourself in four years?
Sitting at my desk with a big stack of papers still to be marked.
17. What's your favorite smell?
Fresh Nan bread.
18. What is your favorite sound?
The sounds of silence.
19. Are you moody?
Yes.
No. Yes. I mean, I don' know. I hate you.
20. Favorite movie of all time?
Casablanca
22. Have you ever gone to therapy?
No, but I really enjoy the therapy scenes on the Sopranos.
23. Have you ever played Spin the Bottle?
Yes, and I wasn't very good at it.
24. Have you ever toilet papered some one's house?
Not a house, but I did toilet paper my highschool one Hallowe'en
25. Have you ever liked someone and not told them?
All the freakin' time.
26. Have you ever gone camping?
Only by accident.
27. Have you ever had a crush on your siblings friend?
No. My sister is four years younger and had ugly friends.
28. Have you ever gone to a nude beach?
Only by accident.
29. Have you ever gone streaking?
Only... no I have never gone streaking. I have performed in front of people wearing almost nothing.
30. Have you ever had a stalker?
Nope.
31. Have you ever gone skinny dipping?
I don't think so. You'd think you'd remember something like that. Unless it was really traumatic and you repressed it. So... maybe?
32. Have you ever laughed so hard you cried?
Yes.
33. Have you ever gone to a party where you were the only one
Um, that's not a party then, is it?
34. Have you ever felt betrayed by your best friend?
Sure.
35. Have you ever lied to your parents?
Of course.
37. Have you ever been out of the country?
Yes, I have. Thank you very much.
38. Have you ever thrown up from working out?
No, but I always suspected I might. That's why I don't work out.
39. Have you ever gotten a haircut so bad that you wore a hat for a month straight?
No. Not a straight month. A couple of days maybe. If I had a haircut that bad, I'd just have my head again.
40. Have you ever eaten 3 meals from 3 different fast food places in 1 day?
Three meals? Doubtful. I'm not a big breakfast person. But two meals, I'm sure I have.
41. Last song you listened to?
A live version of "Tango to their Sore" by Tom Waits. It's my very favourite Waits song.
42. Have you ever spied on someone?
The Russians. You mean professionally? No.
43. Have you ever slept in the same bed with the opposite sex?
Yes.
44. Have you ever seen your best friend naked?
Yes.
45. Who was the last person who called you?
My mom (somebody shoot me)
46. When was the last time you slept for more then 12 hours?
Friday night to Saturday afternoon. Heavenly.
47. Have you ever been arrested?
Nope. They keep trying, but they just can't catch me. Suckers.
48. Most embarrassing CD you own?
Well, if we're counting cds my wife purchased and I therefore own too, probably something stupid like the Top Gun soundtrack. Of cds I purchased and therefore have no excuse... um...can't think of any. I think I sold all the embarassing ones.
49. Have you ever had surgery?
Only by accident.
Monday, April 03, 2006
I can't help it if I'm lucky
Did you know that golf season is starting up soon?
Neither did I.... until I found a helpful little email from Golfer's World in my Junk Mail folder this morning. And it must be a big deal, right? I mean, they took the time to email me – me, who has never golfed a round in his life!
Now ordinarily the only messages that I find in my Junk folder promise to make me "bigger." Lately there have been a disproportionate number from "females" with names like Candy or Sindy, calling me "Sexy" and looking to "hook up." My astute eye has judged these as fraudulent - no one who's actually seen me would describe me as "sexy".
My goodness, I've used up two whole weeks worth of quotation marks in that paragraph. My apologies, "gentle" "reader."
But today, instead of one of these typical messages waiting to be Trashed like a Frat-boy on Spring Break, I found this one telling me all about the advent of the new golfing season. Now I don't like golf, not even a little bit, but it was refreshing to have something different breaking the monotony of the Junk folder, like a breath of fresh air. Okay, maybe not "fresh" air, but definitely less stagnant.
Neither did I.... until I found a helpful little email from Golfer's World in my Junk Mail folder this morning. And it must be a big deal, right? I mean, they took the time to email me – me, who has never golfed a round in his life!
Now ordinarily the only messages that I find in my Junk folder promise to make me "bigger." Lately there have been a disproportionate number from "females" with names like Candy or Sindy, calling me "Sexy" and looking to "hook up." My astute eye has judged these as fraudulent - no one who's actually seen me would describe me as "sexy".
My goodness, I've used up two whole weeks worth of quotation marks in that paragraph. My apologies, "gentle" "reader."
But today, instead of one of these typical messages waiting to be Trashed like a Frat-boy on Spring Break, I found this one telling me all about the advent of the new golfing season. Now I don't like golf, not even a little bit, but it was refreshing to have something different breaking the monotony of the Junk folder, like a breath of fresh air. Okay, maybe not "fresh" air, but definitely less stagnant.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
"But the fool on the hill sees the sun going down
So it's April Fool's Day. I've never been a big fan of April Fool's Day, never much saw the point in jokes and japes and larks being tied to a specific day. But if it's one the same day year after year, don't people start to catch on?
I saw a show on television this afternoon that got me thinking about fooling people and being fooled. The featured an interview with Ray Manzarek, keyboardist for "The Doors." He was talking about (surprise, surprise) Jim Morrison's final days. The interview brought up some of the shadowy circumstances that have lead some fans to believe Morrison actually faked his own death: there was no autopsy, no death certificate, an Algerian doctor who diagnosed failed heart as the cause of death, a closed casket, and a quick burial. Though Manzarek says he believes Morrison's excessive lifestyle finally caught up with him and that Jim did indeed die and is buried in Paris, he also said that if there was anyone in rock and roll who could pull off a stunt like that it was the Lizard King. But some people still believe. Just like some people believe Elvis Presley's still alive somewhere. Or that Andy Kaufman faked his own death as a huge Kaufmanesque joke on the world and that one day he'll return. Or that Tupac faked his own death and is still alive somewhere (I gotta admit this one seems possible as Tupac has released more material since he died than he ever did in life).
Why is it so easy for people to believe that someone would take the time and care to stage their own death and hide out because they're too famous, or they're tired of the fame? Why do people show up at the Comedy Store on the eve of Andy Kaufman's death hoping he'll show up? Has anyone actually pulled this off? And why has no one actually tried it? I think that it's about time that someone actually tried the "fake your own death thing only to return." Could you imagine how big something like that would actually be? Someone we all thought was dead right there on telelvision presenting best Onscreen Kiss at the MTV Movies Awards. We'd all go bananas! I nominate a New Kid on the Block. Any New Kid on the Block. Joey, Jordan, Timmy, Alan… I don’t care. Draw straws. They could certainly use the publicity.
I saw a show on television this afternoon that got me thinking about fooling people and being fooled. The featured an interview with Ray Manzarek, keyboardist for "The Doors." He was talking about (surprise, surprise) Jim Morrison's final days. The interview brought up some of the shadowy circumstances that have lead some fans to believe Morrison actually faked his own death: there was no autopsy, no death certificate, an Algerian doctor who diagnosed failed heart as the cause of death, a closed casket, and a quick burial. Though Manzarek says he believes Morrison's excessive lifestyle finally caught up with him and that Jim did indeed die and is buried in Paris, he also said that if there was anyone in rock and roll who could pull off a stunt like that it was the Lizard King. But some people still believe. Just like some people believe Elvis Presley's still alive somewhere. Or that Andy Kaufman faked his own death as a huge Kaufmanesque joke on the world and that one day he'll return. Or that Tupac faked his own death and is still alive somewhere (I gotta admit this one seems possible as Tupac has released more material since he died than he ever did in life).
Why is it so easy for people to believe that someone would take the time and care to stage their own death and hide out because they're too famous, or they're tired of the fame? Why do people show up at the Comedy Store on the eve of Andy Kaufman's death hoping he'll show up? Has anyone actually pulled this off? And why has no one actually tried it? I think that it's about time that someone actually tried the "fake your own death thing only to return." Could you imagine how big something like that would actually be? Someone we all thought was dead right there on telelvision presenting best Onscreen Kiss at the MTV Movies Awards. We'd all go bananas! I nominate a New Kid on the Block. Any New Kid on the Block. Joey, Jordan, Timmy, Alan… I don’t care. Draw straws. They could certainly use the publicity.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Life's a laugh and death's a joke, it's true
So, I screened Monty Python's Life of Brian in class today. Wasn't excommunicated or burned at the stake, so I'll take that as a good sign. Of course, my student evaluation was given about 30 minutes after the films ended so if they wanted to blast me as a heretic or blasphemer I suppose they had that outlet too. But the discussion about the film was quite productive. People who have hardly said word one spoke up. Maybe next year I'll just teach Monty Python films.
Also, I have discovered a rather serious flaw in the whole Slow Club thing. I don't know if this is going to be a "might-as-well-pack-SC-in" flaw, but it'll take some figuring out. What do I do with people who are going slower than I want to go? I was in the bookstore at Prov this afternoon and there was a herd of elderly people shuffling along at a snail's pace. Whenever I'd get to the end of an aisle, where I could change my course and take a different path, there was another old person, cane in hand, shuffling in front of me. They were everywhere. Now I'm trying quite hard to incorporate this whole "slow down and enjoy the journey", but behind these octogenarians it was more "stand stationary". Maybe I'm not cut out for the whole Slow Club.
I was doing quite well with it too. I took my time driving to work today. Instead of doing 120 km down the 75, I drove the speed limit. Instead of cutting down sketchy dirt roads, I drove all the way out to the 59 and took paved roads to Otterburne. Sure it took an extra 10 minutes, but who cares? I wanted to enjoy the peace and quiet of the car ride. And then I run into the old people! Perhaps I should just avoid nursing homes, flea markets and McDonalds in the day time.
No one will notice? Ouch. That's my biggest fear. Seriously. I mean, people forget about me and I'm still alive.
Also, I have discovered a rather serious flaw in the whole Slow Club thing. I don't know if this is going to be a "might-as-well-pack-SC-in" flaw, but it'll take some figuring out. What do I do with people who are going slower than I want to go? I was in the bookstore at Prov this afternoon and there was a herd of elderly people shuffling along at a snail's pace. Whenever I'd get to the end of an aisle, where I could change my course and take a different path, there was another old person, cane in hand, shuffling in front of me. They were everywhere. Now I'm trying quite hard to incorporate this whole "slow down and enjoy the journey", but behind these octogenarians it was more "stand stationary". Maybe I'm not cut out for the whole Slow Club.
I was doing quite well with it too. I took my time driving to work today. Instead of doing 120 km down the 75, I drove the speed limit. Instead of cutting down sketchy dirt roads, I drove all the way out to the 59 and took paved roads to Otterburne. Sure it took an extra 10 minutes, but who cares? I wanted to enjoy the peace and quiet of the car ride. And then I run into the old people! Perhaps I should just avoid nursing homes, flea markets and McDonalds in the day time.
Your Deadly Sins |
Sloth: 40% |
Envy: 20% |
Greed: 20% |
Lust: 20% |
Gluttony: 0% |
Pride: 0% |
Wrath: 0% |
Chance You'll Go to Hell: 14% |
You will die while sleeping - and no one will notice. |
No one will notice? Ouch. That's my biggest fear. Seriously. I mean, people forget about me and I'm still alive.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
I had to phone someone so I picked on you
I've been trying to hammer out the prelimanary details of this brand new course I'll be teaching at Booth College next year. I was told it could be whatever I wanted, so my imagination's racing (kind of working against the whole Slow Club thing, I know). I love the freedom that affords me. I need to come up with a pithy title by the end of the week in order to be included in the course listings for early enrollment. I find the whole process exciting.
Showed an episode of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" today in class. Partly it was meant as break, partly to illustrate postmodernism. A few people skipped, so maybe there'll be a pointed Buffy question on the final. Overall people seemed to like it, I think. Tough to say. In the post-screening discussion there wasn't much... well, discussion. Hmmmm.
Showed an episode of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" today in class. Partly it was meant as break, partly to illustrate postmodernism. A few people skipped, so maybe there'll be a pointed Buffy question on the final. Overall people seemed to like it, I think. Tough to say. In the post-screening discussion there wasn't much... well, discussion. Hmmmm.
Monday, March 27, 2006
And the girls down by the strip tease show go
This weekend I went to a monastery for four days of quiet and peace. And I learned something very important. Actually I learned all kinds of wonderful things, but I think the best, or at least the easiest to communiate to other peoples, was that I learned to join the "Slow Club."
You see, there's a boy named Joseph who created something he called the Slow Club when he was just 5 years old. Even at five this little boy realized that the world moved far too fast. People were always in a hurry; rushing here, rushing there. Deadlines, appointments. Joseph didn't think this was a good way to life one's life.
To join the Slow Club is apparently pretty simple: you need to slow down. Sounds easy, doesn't it?
Take your time.
Look at your surroundings.
Appreciate the things around you: the melting snow, the bugs, the trees.
Now I'm learning how to view walks not so much as functional things (getting from point A to point B) but adventures.
Wanna join?
Michael Boyce
co-president, Winnipeg Chapter
The Slow Club.
We'll Get There... eventually.
You see, there's a boy named Joseph who created something he called the Slow Club when he was just 5 years old. Even at five this little boy realized that the world moved far too fast. People were always in a hurry; rushing here, rushing there. Deadlines, appointments. Joseph didn't think this was a good way to life one's life.
To join the Slow Club is apparently pretty simple: you need to slow down. Sounds easy, doesn't it?
Take your time.
Look at your surroundings.
Appreciate the things around you: the melting snow, the bugs, the trees.
Now I'm learning how to view walks not so much as functional things (getting from point A to point B) but adventures.
Wanna join?
Michael Boyce
co-president, Winnipeg Chapter
The Slow Club.
We'll Get There... eventually.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
We know Major Tom's a junkie
*wipes the sleep from his eyes*
Yesterday was a LONG day. I went out to Otterburne about 8:30 in the morning and didn't leave until 10 o'clock at night. And while I couldn't find anything to eat for supper other than a bag of Doritos and a bottle of Coke, I'm actually glad I stayed out. Last night was the opening night of the major production, An Inspector Calls. A former student of mine invited me (she's assistant director) and I had a really good time. There are some incredibly talented actors out there... in the middle of nowhere.
It's the middle of nowhere part that caused me all my problems last night. I wanted food. Something edible to put in my stomach. I couldn't recall any places to eat for the different ways I know to get into Otterburne. I didn't want to go driving around the country looking for someplace to eat (visions of a wintry Texas Chainsaw Massacre danced in my head). I settled on the little cubbyhole-sized variety store thing in the main concourse of campus. I was starving when I got home. In fact I'm still hungry just thinking about it.
Yesterday was a LONG day. I went out to Otterburne about 8:30 in the morning and didn't leave until 10 o'clock at night. And while I couldn't find anything to eat for supper other than a bag of Doritos and a bottle of Coke, I'm actually glad I stayed out. Last night was the opening night of the major production, An Inspector Calls. A former student of mine invited me (she's assistant director) and I had a really good time. There are some incredibly talented actors out there... in the middle of nowhere.
It's the middle of nowhere part that caused me all my problems last night. I wanted food. Something edible to put in my stomach. I couldn't recall any places to eat for the different ways I know to get into Otterburne. I didn't want to go driving around the country looking for someplace to eat (visions of a wintry Texas Chainsaw Massacre danced in my head). I settled on the little cubbyhole-sized variety store thing in the main concourse of campus. I was starving when I got home. In fact I'm still hungry just thinking about it.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
I feel so funny deep inside
Coffee jitters. Can't concentrate. Lunch soon. But not soon enough.
Was in the mall today. Talking with the soon to be Academic Dean of Booth College. Saw someone I hadn't seen in a few years. Almost didn't recognize her. She almost didn't recognize me. Didn't get to talk.
Reading Ellroy has made my sentences choppy. Too highly influenced. Blame him.
Name your top 10 most played bands:
1. Velvet Underground
2. Beatles
3. Miles Davis
4. David Bowie
5. Wolf Parade
6. Spoon
7. Elvis Costello
8. Tom Waits
9. Nick Drake
10. John Cale
Now answer the questions according to the numbers:
What was the first song you ever heard by 6? "Something to Look Forward to"
What is your favourite album of 2? "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"
What is your favourite lyric that 4 has sung? "Insanity laughs, Under pressure we're Cracking"
How many times have you seen 5 live? 0
What is your favorite song by 7? "Veronica"
What is a good memory you have involving the music of 10? Standing in the old GenX picking movies with friends
Is there a song of 3 that makes you sad? Kind of Blue
What is your favorite lyric that 2 has sung? "I am the eggmen, you are the eggman; I am the walrus"
What is your favorite song by 9? "Fly"
How did you get in to 3? Chris Beckett
What was the first song you heard by 1? That I remember, probably "Pale Blue Eyes"
What is your favorite song by 4? "Live on Mars"
How many time have you seen 9 live? 0 and I never will
What is a good memory you have involving 2? The air band of Twist and Shout in Grade 8
Is there a song of 8 that makes you sad? All of them. But a good sad.
What is your favorite album of 5? They only have one. "With Apologies to the Queen Anne"
What is your favorite lyric that 3 has sung? Miles doesn't sing; he plays
What is your favorite song of 1? "Pale Blue Eyes"
What is your favorite song of 10? "Paris 1919" from Fragments of a Rainy Season
How many times have you seen 8 live? 0
What is your favorite album of 1? the first three are all perfect
What is a great memory you have considering 9? I don't.
What was the first song you heard by 8? "Tom Traubert's Blues (Four Sheets to the Wind in Copenhaugen)"
What is your favorite cover by 2? "Twist and Shout"
Was in the mall today. Talking with the soon to be Academic Dean of Booth College. Saw someone I hadn't seen in a few years. Almost didn't recognize her. She almost didn't recognize me. Didn't get to talk.
Reading Ellroy has made my sentences choppy. Too highly influenced. Blame him.
Name your top 10 most played bands:
1. Velvet Underground
2. Beatles
3. Miles Davis
4. David Bowie
5. Wolf Parade
6. Spoon
7. Elvis Costello
8. Tom Waits
9. Nick Drake
10. John Cale
Now answer the questions according to the numbers:
What was the first song you ever heard by 6? "Something to Look Forward to"
What is your favourite album of 2? "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"
What is your favourite lyric that 4 has sung? "Insanity laughs, Under pressure we're Cracking"
How many times have you seen 5 live? 0
What is your favorite song by 7? "Veronica"
What is a good memory you have involving the music of 10? Standing in the old GenX picking movies with friends
Is there a song of 3 that makes you sad? Kind of Blue
What is your favorite lyric that 2 has sung? "I am the eggmen, you are the eggman; I am the walrus"
What is your favorite song by 9? "Fly"
How did you get in to 3? Chris Beckett
What was the first song you heard by 1? That I remember, probably "Pale Blue Eyes"
What is your favorite song by 4? "Live on Mars"
How many time have you seen 9 live? 0 and I never will
What is a good memory you have involving 2? The air band of Twist and Shout in Grade 8
Is there a song of 8 that makes you sad? All of them. But a good sad.
What is your favorite album of 5? They only have one. "With Apologies to the Queen Anne"
What is your favorite lyric that 3 has sung? Miles doesn't sing; he plays
What is your favorite song of 1? "Pale Blue Eyes"
What is your favorite song of 10? "Paris 1919" from Fragments of a Rainy Season
How many times have you seen 8 live? 0
What is your favorite album of 1? the first three are all perfect
What is a great memory you have considering 9? I don't.
What was the first song you heard by 8? "Tom Traubert's Blues (Four Sheets to the Wind in Copenhaugen)"
What is your favorite cover by 2? "Twist and Shout"
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Don't the hours grow shorter as the days go by?
On Friday night CBC showed LA Confidential. Man, I love that film. Too bad they ran it at 11:30 at night. I couldn't stay up that night (being an old man, I needs my sleeps!). I taped the whole thing, but wound up watching an hour or so anyway. Something about murder, drugs and whores cut to look like movie stars that makes me smile! That's likely a character fault.
Saturday I shaved my head again. This is something I do when I'm stressed or annoyed or unhappy. It's my version of cutting. I didn't Bic to the bone it this time, so I suppose I wasn't that stressed, annoyed, unhappy. It's just very short. Short enough that I've cut a good 10 minutes out of my "start of the day" routine.
Today's Sunday: honestly can't remember what I've done.
Senility at 30. Sad.
Saturday I shaved my head again. This is something I do when I'm stressed or annoyed or unhappy. It's my version of cutting. I didn't Bic to the bone it this time, so I suppose I wasn't that stressed, annoyed, unhappy. It's just very short. Short enough that I've cut a good 10 minutes out of my "start of the day" routine.
Today's Sunday: honestly can't remember what I've done.
Senility at 30. Sad.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
This is our last dance, this is ourselves under pressure
An open letter to the loud, loud man who rides the 36.
Dear Fathead,
Many years ago the good people at Winnipeg Transit did a great service for the people of Winnipeg: they created a useful bus route. The 36.
The 36 is magical. In twenty to twenty-five minutes, you can get from Maryland and Westminster to the University of Manitoba. Quite simply, and at the risk of sounding hyperbolic, it this best thing ever created. Ever.
But with all good things, there must be the bad. And you, sir, are the bad. You have turned the most enjoyable of bus rides into twenty minutes of knuckle chewing, headache inducing tedium. You see, you start talking as you get on bus and you don't stop, ever, until you reach your stop. You never seem to be talking anyone in particular, but you use a voice loud enough that all can hear. I know you have children - I've heard all about their first steps, current friends and that ever-so-interesting fascination with dinosaurs; have you lectured them about using "indoor voices"? I suggest you look over your notes for that speech.
Maybe you think that people enjoy your loud pontificating about every subject under the sun. Maybe you think we want to know about your theories of municipal infrastructure or the need for a drastic restructuring of the University Senate. You would be wrong. Very, very wrong.
As much as I want to be, I can't be too angry with you. Part of me believes you are married to a shrewish wife who shushes you as soon as you walk in the door after your long day at the University. Maybe you're made to be quiet all evening, and the bus is your last chance to say something, anything for the rest of the day. That's my theory. But it doesn't make me anymore interested in listening to you detail the in-workings of a medieval Norwegian fish village.
I want help you. I see people snicker and roll their eyes at you while you're going on about how you'd reorganize the Canada Council for Research Grants. I see people make that "Oh, God, please kill me" face when you're detailing your son's most recent swimming lesson and how he must obviously be gifted because he didn't drown. And I feel bad for you. So here are a few tips to help you out.
1) Indoor voice. I know the bus isn't technically "indoors," but it is an enclosed space.
2) Avoid words like "dichotomy" or "infused". People will want to punch you if you use them. And you want to avoid being punched. Frankly, looking you, I don't think you'd be any good in a fight.
3) Conversations tend to involve more than one person. Try to find a partner.
4) Bring a book on the bus. It'll give you something to do instead of talk. Resist the temptation to read passages aloud.
Sincerely,
On behalf of a number of people on the bus
Mike
Dear Fathead,
Many years ago the good people at Winnipeg Transit did a great service for the people of Winnipeg: they created a useful bus route. The 36.
The 36 is magical. In twenty to twenty-five minutes, you can get from Maryland and Westminster to the University of Manitoba. Quite simply, and at the risk of sounding hyperbolic, it this best thing ever created. Ever.
But with all good things, there must be the bad. And you, sir, are the bad. You have turned the most enjoyable of bus rides into twenty minutes of knuckle chewing, headache inducing tedium. You see, you start talking as you get on bus and you don't stop, ever, until you reach your stop. You never seem to be talking anyone in particular, but you use a voice loud enough that all can hear. I know you have children - I've heard all about their first steps, current friends and that ever-so-interesting fascination with dinosaurs; have you lectured them about using "indoor voices"? I suggest you look over your notes for that speech.
Maybe you think that people enjoy your loud pontificating about every subject under the sun. Maybe you think we want to know about your theories of municipal infrastructure or the need for a drastic restructuring of the University Senate. You would be wrong. Very, very wrong.
As much as I want to be, I can't be too angry with you. Part of me believes you are married to a shrewish wife who shushes you as soon as you walk in the door after your long day at the University. Maybe you're made to be quiet all evening, and the bus is your last chance to say something, anything for the rest of the day. That's my theory. But it doesn't make me anymore interested in listening to you detail the in-workings of a medieval Norwegian fish village.
I want help you. I see people snicker and roll their eyes at you while you're going on about how you'd reorganize the Canada Council for Research Grants. I see people make that "Oh, God, please kill me" face when you're detailing your son's most recent swimming lesson and how he must obviously be gifted because he didn't drown. And I feel bad for you. So here are a few tips to help you out.
1) Indoor voice. I know the bus isn't technically "indoors," but it is an enclosed space.
2) Avoid words like "dichotomy" or "infused". People will want to punch you if you use them. And you want to avoid being punched. Frankly, looking you, I don't think you'd be any good in a fight.
3) Conversations tend to involve more than one person. Try to find a partner.
4) Bring a book on the bus. It'll give you something to do instead of talk. Resist the temptation to read passages aloud.
Sincerely,
On behalf of a number of people on the bus
Mike
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Mister, catch me if you can
Another mildly productive weekend. Did some reading, some writing, no marking. Guess I'll have to work extra hard on that in the next couple of days.
Watched The Breakfast Club the other day. It was on Diva. It's probably the only time I've ever watched Diva. Still, despite being shown on such stupidly named station, I watched with glee. Actually, "glee" is too strong a word. Delight. That's better. And nostaglia. Nostaglia for a time when your whole world stood or fell on the opinions of a very small number of people.
I didn't really dig highschool myself. University was a far better experience. Highschool wasn't horrible or anything. I mean, I had friends. I was moderately well-liked. And while I don't think I would have been as easily definable as "jock" or "brain" (I totally wasn't a jock, I can tell you), but I vividly recall the sense of isolation and frustration of being labelled. In highschool I watched a number of friends, for whatever reason, drift into separate groups. Groups that didn't typically hang out.
Watched The Breakfast Club the other day. It was on Diva. It's probably the only time I've ever watched Diva. Still, despite being shown on such stupidly named station, I watched with glee. Actually, "glee" is too strong a word. Delight. That's better. And nostaglia. Nostaglia for a time when your whole world stood or fell on the opinions of a very small number of people.
I didn't really dig highschool myself. University was a far better experience. Highschool wasn't horrible or anything. I mean, I had friends. I was moderately well-liked. And while I don't think I would have been as easily definable as "jock" or "brain" (I totally wasn't a jock, I can tell you), but I vividly recall the sense of isolation and frustration of being labelled. In highschool I watched a number of friends, for whatever reason, drift into separate groups. Groups that didn't typically hang out.
Friday, March 10, 2006
You broke the boy in me, but you won't break the man
So, my misanthropic tendencies flared up the other day: I was waiting for a bus to take me downtown. Right before the bus pulled up, a class of about 20 Korean ESL students showed up out of nowhere. And they all had large cardboard stand-ups, like old science-fair projects displays. Their teacher, a frazzled-looking, hippie woman with large hoop earring and a babushka, tried to herd them towards the bus, "I hope we can all fit on." And fit on we did - if by "fit" you mean I got crammed between a pole and rather large (and rather smelly) man. What fun! (this is where I’d add the smiley face with the rolly eyes, if I knew how to do that here)
The bus was, sadly, not an express. There are about 10 stops between where I caught e bus and where I usually get off. I figured I'd be stuck next to smelly for a few stops, but that people would get off.
No one got off.
Lots of people got on.
I couldn't take it anymore. I got off a few stops early and, muttering under my breath, walked the rest of the way.
The bus was, sadly, not an express. There are about 10 stops between where I caught e bus and where I usually get off. I figured I'd be stuck next to smelly for a few stops, but that people would get off.
No one got off.
Lots of people got on.
I couldn't take it anymore. I got off a few stops early and, muttering under my breath, walked the rest of the way.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Hung with pictures of our parents' Prime Ministers
Another year, another Oscar ceremony.
Having seen only 10% of all the films nominated, I don't really know if I have any business commenting on who did (or didn't) win; but than again, I DID pick more winners than my wife (who saw 90% of the films). I won. I get to do the dance of superiority. I must limber up. And I while I fully intend to do said dance, what did I really do? Guess the politics of the academy? As George Clooney said in his excellent acceptance speech, it's not they all played the same part. Luckily for me choosing the winners is less about discerning talent and more about knowing the game.
I have no idea if Reese Witherspoon was better than Dame Judi Dench (who should learn how to act happy), but I do know that Dench has won before and is nominated all the time. Witherspoon is young, learned to do things for the role (singing and playing the autoharp), and portrayed a beloved American figure. I picked Reese and it paid off.
I didn't pick Philip Seymour Hoffman, but I should have. This was a category where I had seen one of the movies and went with my reaction to that performance instead of figuring out the game. Joaquin (or however the hell you spell his name) Phoenix was incredible as Johnny Cash. He, like Reese, learned things for his role (singing and guitar), and he played a beloved real-life American figure. That should have counted for a lot, but that beloved real-life American figure wasn't a) disabled or b) gay. The Academy loves marginalized figures: handicapped, homosexuals, mentally unbalanced. Yes, Johnny Cash was a drug addict and that was portrayed in the film, but beloved and drug addicted was trumped by the also real life Capote's sexual preference and overall bizarreness (like that voice!). Not that Hoffman wasn't incredible in the role, but he had more things going for him. I figure that one year an actor will be nominated for playing a gay, handicapped alcoholic. If that happens, the other nominees might as well save themselves the cost of the tux rental.
Okay: true, Felicity Huffman played a transgendered male, but that's still a little too extreme for Hollywood. Or at least that's my way of justifying not choosing her and her not winning.
As for the actual show itself, I liked it. Hang on. Perhaps I should rephrase that. I mean: I liked what little I saw of the Oscar show. I figured, why watch the whole show when I hadn't watched all the movies that the show was about? But what I did see was good. Jon Stewart is one of my favourite TV personalities of all-time. I love the guy to death, but he seemed a little out of his element. Maybe it was the strict run time, maybe it was that he was told not to do anything too political; he seemed uncomfortable. He was funny, don't get me wrong, but he wasn't as funny as he is night after night on the Daily Show. That said, I did LOVE the "defense" of the importance of heterosexuality in cowboy films. That might be the funniest thing I've ever seen on an Oscar show.
Some random thoughts:
Are they making dresses in negative sizes now? Could some of those actresses possibly be in more need of a sandwich? Jessica Alba's a beautiful woman, but dammit, girl, eat something.
In one crowd shot, I thought, "Man, Harvey Ketiel looks scarier than usual." I then realized that it was Heath Ledger. Is he playing Keitel in an upcoming movie? There's no excuse for looking like that.
Is George Clooney the coolest guy in Hollywood? And Jon Stewart's right: how much more can he get?
Who was that weird-assed guy who wrote Brokeback Mountain? I get the feeling he doesn't get out much.
Should Will Ferrell even be allowed in to the Oscars?
Jack Nicholson sat next to Keira Knightley. Can you blame him? I would have fought Jack Nicholson to sit next to Keira Knightley.
Having seen only 10% of all the films nominated, I don't really know if I have any business commenting on who did (or didn't) win; but than again, I DID pick more winners than my wife (who saw 90% of the films). I won. I get to do the dance of superiority. I must limber up. And I while I fully intend to do said dance, what did I really do? Guess the politics of the academy? As George Clooney said in his excellent acceptance speech, it's not they all played the same part. Luckily for me choosing the winners is less about discerning talent and more about knowing the game.
I have no idea if Reese Witherspoon was better than Dame Judi Dench (who should learn how to act happy), but I do know that Dench has won before and is nominated all the time. Witherspoon is young, learned to do things for the role (singing and playing the autoharp), and portrayed a beloved American figure. I picked Reese and it paid off.
I didn't pick Philip Seymour Hoffman, but I should have. This was a category where I had seen one of the movies and went with my reaction to that performance instead of figuring out the game. Joaquin (or however the hell you spell his name) Phoenix was incredible as Johnny Cash. He, like Reese, learned things for his role (singing and guitar), and he played a beloved real-life American figure. That should have counted for a lot, but that beloved real-life American figure wasn't a) disabled or b) gay. The Academy loves marginalized figures: handicapped, homosexuals, mentally unbalanced. Yes, Johnny Cash was a drug addict and that was portrayed in the film, but beloved and drug addicted was trumped by the also real life Capote's sexual preference and overall bizarreness (like that voice!). Not that Hoffman wasn't incredible in the role, but he had more things going for him. I figure that one year an actor will be nominated for playing a gay, handicapped alcoholic. If that happens, the other nominees might as well save themselves the cost of the tux rental.
Okay: true, Felicity Huffman played a transgendered male, but that's still a little too extreme for Hollywood. Or at least that's my way of justifying not choosing her and her not winning.
As for the actual show itself, I liked it. Hang on. Perhaps I should rephrase that. I mean: I liked what little I saw of the Oscar show. I figured, why watch the whole show when I hadn't watched all the movies that the show was about? But what I did see was good. Jon Stewart is one of my favourite TV personalities of all-time. I love the guy to death, but he seemed a little out of his element. Maybe it was the strict run time, maybe it was that he was told not to do anything too political; he seemed uncomfortable. He was funny, don't get me wrong, but he wasn't as funny as he is night after night on the Daily Show. That said, I did LOVE the "defense" of the importance of heterosexuality in cowboy films. That might be the funniest thing I've ever seen on an Oscar show.
Some random thoughts:
Are they making dresses in negative sizes now? Could some of those actresses possibly be in more need of a sandwich? Jessica Alba's a beautiful woman, but dammit, girl, eat something.
In one crowd shot, I thought, "Man, Harvey Ketiel looks scarier than usual." I then realized that it was Heath Ledger. Is he playing Keitel in an upcoming movie? There's no excuse for looking like that.
Is George Clooney the coolest guy in Hollywood? And Jon Stewart's right: how much more can he get?
Who was that weird-assed guy who wrote Brokeback Mountain? I get the feeling he doesn't get out much.
Should Will Ferrell even be allowed in to the Oscars?
Jack Nicholson sat next to Keira Knightley. Can you blame him? I would have fought Jack Nicholson to sit next to Keira Knightley.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
It's memories that I'm stealing, but you're innocent when you dream
For the second week in a row the best thing on television was the Best of Monty Python on PBS. This week's episodes (3 and 4 in and series of 6) featured the Best of John Cleese and the Best of Terry Gilliam.
The premise of Cleese's episode, that he's now a senile, cantankerous old man, started off as funny, but became a little tired by the end. Still, I really liked that the show began with a fake memorial to Cleese - showing, once again, that there's not much funnier than death. Again, the focus of the show's is not (necessarily) the most popular sketches, but the personal favourites of the individual members. Cleese has always been my favourite Python. He plays straight-laced authority figures so well - trying so hard to be proper, but seething with rage just beneath the surface.
Gilliam's all animated episode worked surprisingly well. Originally, the stuff that linked the sketches together, there's more than enough substance in these pieces to warrant a full hour. While he's had the most obvious success post-Python, Gilliam always seemed the odd Python out: American, an animator, absent from most sketches. The framing narrative of Gilliam's episode is Terry exposing the secret origins of "Monty Python's Flying Circus." The show was originally supposed to be all animation and that he'd hired these unemployed "University boys" to do voices and a bit of live action filler, who later kissed butt to the bigwigs at BBC to get bigger parts. Gilliam's animation was (and is) unlike anything before. In an age when major animation studios are turning their attention the possibilities of computer-animation, there's a lost magic about the found art and unique vision of Terry Gilliam.
The premise of Cleese's episode, that he's now a senile, cantankerous old man, started off as funny, but became a little tired by the end. Still, I really liked that the show began with a fake memorial to Cleese - showing, once again, that there's not much funnier than death. Again, the focus of the show's is not (necessarily) the most popular sketches, but the personal favourites of the individual members. Cleese has always been my favourite Python. He plays straight-laced authority figures so well - trying so hard to be proper, but seething with rage just beneath the surface.
Gilliam's all animated episode worked surprisingly well. Originally, the stuff that linked the sketches together, there's more than enough substance in these pieces to warrant a full hour. While he's had the most obvious success post-Python, Gilliam always seemed the odd Python out: American, an animator, absent from most sketches. The framing narrative of Gilliam's episode is Terry exposing the secret origins of "Monty Python's Flying Circus." The show was originally supposed to be all animation and that he'd hired these unemployed "University boys" to do voices and a bit of live action filler, who later kissed butt to the bigwigs at BBC to get bigger parts. Gilliam's animation was (and is) unlike anything before. In an age when major animation studios are turning their attention the possibilities of computer-animation, there's a lost magic about the found art and unique vision of Terry Gilliam.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
The chair next to you's free
Well, March came in like the proverbial lion. We got dumped with snow Wednesday, just in time for me to drive home from Otterburne through it. Whoopity do. Blizzards make me love driving even more than I do all the other time.
A student puts up her hand today and asks me if I've heard of some poet. I say, "I don't think so; why?" She informs me that I'd like him, 'cause "he's bitter about getting old." Now where did I put that grade book?
I just finished Phillipa Gregory's The Other Boleyn Girl. As far as historical fiction goes, very interesting: I highly recommend it.
Basically, it tells the story Anne Boleyn's younger (in the novel anyway - historians aren't sure who was older) sister, Mary and the events surrounding Henry's attempt to get his first marriage annulled by the Church. Before Anne married Henry VIII, Mary likely had an affair with the King, and possibly gave birth to two children by Henry. While the history is much murkier than Gregory suggests, the description of the politics of court are fascinating and deadly accurate. The deceit and conniving of Howard family (to who the Boleyns were connected on their mother's side) would make contemporary politicians green with envy. They decide to throw both daughters at the King in order to win the crown's favour. Henry, whose reputation for womanizing is well documented, takes the bait; he first beds Mary, then becomes infatuated with Anne. Gregory suggests that this infatuation leads to Henry's descent into tyranny. He challenges the Church, English tradition, even the support of his own people to get what he wants. People who stand in his way find themselves in the Tower of London or on the block. Of course, when Anne falls out of favour, the attitude and temperament she encouraged in Henry become directed at her and her family: trumped up charges, hearsay evidence, unlawful imprisonment and finally execution.
What was one part disturbing, two parts intriguing was the way things were done, particularly in regards to the manipulation of women for political gain. In order for Mary to be the mistress of the King, she had to be married so as to avoid scandal (?!) yet live apart from her husband; in case there was a child, paternity could not be questioned. As long as she was married Mary reputation was, for the most part, secure. Unmarried Anne must deny the King sex for fear of being labeled a common whore. And all the adultery and infidelity is not only encouraged but arranged by the Howard family.
Of course this being a contemporary novel, with contemporary sensibilities, both Mary and Anne have a few speeches about the unfortunate place of women and the role Anne's only child, a daughter, might play in the shaping of England. The daughter, Queen Elizabeth, would of course go on to rule England as one of its greatest monarchs
A student puts up her hand today and asks me if I've heard of some poet. I say, "I don't think so; why?" She informs me that I'd like him, 'cause "he's bitter about getting old." Now where did I put that grade book?
I just finished Phillipa Gregory's The Other Boleyn Girl. As far as historical fiction goes, very interesting: I highly recommend it.
Basically, it tells the story Anne Boleyn's younger (in the novel anyway - historians aren't sure who was older) sister, Mary and the events surrounding Henry's attempt to get his first marriage annulled by the Church. Before Anne married Henry VIII, Mary likely had an affair with the King, and possibly gave birth to two children by Henry. While the history is much murkier than Gregory suggests, the description of the politics of court are fascinating and deadly accurate. The deceit and conniving of Howard family (to who the Boleyns were connected on their mother's side) would make contemporary politicians green with envy. They decide to throw both daughters at the King in order to win the crown's favour. Henry, whose reputation for womanizing is well documented, takes the bait; he first beds Mary, then becomes infatuated with Anne. Gregory suggests that this infatuation leads to Henry's descent into tyranny. He challenges the Church, English tradition, even the support of his own people to get what he wants. People who stand in his way find themselves in the Tower of London or on the block. Of course, when Anne falls out of favour, the attitude and temperament she encouraged in Henry become directed at her and her family: trumped up charges, hearsay evidence, unlawful imprisonment and finally execution.
What was one part disturbing, two parts intriguing was the way things were done, particularly in regards to the manipulation of women for political gain. In order for Mary to be the mistress of the King, she had to be married so as to avoid scandal (?!) yet live apart from her husband; in case there was a child, paternity could not be questioned. As long as she was married Mary reputation was, for the most part, secure. Unmarried Anne must deny the King sex for fear of being labeled a common whore. And all the adultery and infidelity is not only encouraged but arranged by the Howard family.
Of course this being a contemporary novel, with contemporary sensibilities, both Mary and Anne have a few speeches about the unfortunate place of women and the role Anne's only child, a daughter, might play in the shaping of England. The daughter, Queen Elizabeth, would of course go on to rule England as one of its greatest monarchs
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