This is probably the best book ever written, at least that we know of, about the business of contemporary art. Loaded with great facts and tidbits, and just as interesting as it is informative. Don’t buy any more art until you’ve read this. Highly recommended. What is shows in factual depth is the process by which high end art is actually valued; whose opinion matters and how values are manipulated by insiders.
This is promoted as the greatest art book of all time, and it may well be. Originally listed at $200, I bought mine on Amazon for $100 and thought it was a tremendous value. You can now buy it for $70. It is mammoth, which is the point, but you need to be careful to make sure you have the room for this masterpiece. At almost 1,000 pages and over 18 pounds, 13.9 x 2.9 x 18.7 inches, it is HUGE. But a once in a lifetime acquisition.
What we like most about the book is that, as you are reading it, you know that everything is going to work out and come to a happy ending, but the writing/characters don't insult your intelligence in the meantime. It was a pleasure to read from beginning to end. We thought that the parallel relationships between Jane/Mr. Bingley and Elizabeth/Mr. Darcy were well constructed; the first couple perfectly matched because of their easygoing and non-judgemental characters, the second due to their feisty and proud ways. The nature of the Elizabeth/Darcy relationship allows us to enjoy their witty and playful sparring. Also good that they did not fall in love at first sight, that their love grew when they began to know each other well.
The insufferable natures of Mr. Collins, Mrs. Bennet, Lydia, Lady Catherine, etc., make you more appreciate the goodness and intelligence of Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Gardiner, etc. We don't usually, but we laughed out loud when we read what Mr. Bennet said to Elizabeth, after
You should read Dickens. Don't be put off by the fact that he was writing a long time ago, or that you were forced to read him in high school; this is easy, accessible reading, and every bit as entertaining today as when it was written.
We recommend starting with Bleak House, the most autobiographical of Dickens' novels. But there are many great novels by Dickens, such as The Pickwick Papers, Little Dorrit, A Tale of Two Cities. Dickens was a very prolific writer, and once you have discovered how easy he is to read, you will have discovered the source of a lifetime of entertainment.
Bleak House is the story of a lawsuit over an inheritance, and all the people involved in the inheritance; the good, the bad, and the ugly. Among other things, it is a savage indictment of the English legal system of the time - an indictment that is relevant to the American legal system today. But it's also a romance, a family drama, and more, filled with Dicken's usual assortment of fascinating characters.
More than anything else, this is an intelligent and moving romantic story. But its also a book about business, and about the early clashes between industrialists and the laborers who worked for them.
A brilliantly crafted work, just as easy to read today as in 1855. Gaskell pits the agricultural south of England against the industrializing north, and does a very fair job of contrasting the virtues and vices of each; she also has an excellent understanding of business, and gives a fair rendering of the issues for the working class, particularly through the character Higgins, and the "masters", in the form of her love interest, Mr. Thorton.
North and South is a mix of Austen, without the gentleness or humor, but Mr. Thorton is very much a Mr. Darcy character, hard and resolute in his class, but becoming gentler as the story develops. And as in Pride and Prejudice, the heroine, in this case M
Be glad that this book is 767 pages long; it's a great book, and you should savor the experience of reading it.
This is our favorite book by Anthony Trollope, one of the great Victorian novelists writing in the time of Dickens, Austen, Gaskell, and Thackeray.
At it's core, this book is about means versus ends; the way you get money matters more than the amount of money you get. The plot puts two very different characters in opposition in a way that is just as relevant today as it was when the book was written. One is a rich and very sleazy financier; the Victorian version of Madoff. The other is a young man who wants to work and create value; in this case, building a railroad in the American West, which was all the rage at the time.
The book is much more than this, of course, including romance, but The Way We Live Now refers to living in a time when wealth and appearances are all that matter, and substance and the means used to acquire wealth are ignored; as true today as in Trollope's time.
A very engaging novel, and might even have scored higher, except that it doesn't have any coherent philosophy, but to say that philosophy is not effective; people act the way they do according to passions, etc. The bondage probably refers to the hero's passion for Mildred, a worthless girl who is not even physically his type, has no character, class or intelligence.
Very well written, with a great blending of introspection and action.
A well done story of Goodyear's incredible and classic story to make rubbber impervious to hot and cold by the vulcanization process. Goodyear endured incredible suffering, including the death of 7 of his 12 children. However, he did have 2 excellent wives, the second one 20 years old when he was 54. A great deal of material about the various patent fights. He spent a lot of time in debtors prison, even after he was famous, due to his very sloppy money management skills. This was a man who was obsessed by the uses of rubber, but never focused on utilizing any one use enough to make money from it. Also, some classic evil guys in the form of Charles Day, who infringed the patent and generally tortured Goodyear. Good parts about this patent case being the last case for the famous lawyer, Webster.
An excellent book, and though very general, and focusing mostly on the US, with many comparisons to France, and a few to other Western European countries, it has some very profound observations about cultural differences. A few comments about Japan, but nothing at all about Latins or the rest of Asia.
Excellent book, crafted very well, with nicely interwoven stories of the people who crafted the 1893 Worlds' Fair in Chicago, and the story of serial killer HH Holmes, who used his hotel to lure people from the fair and kill them. Only reason it is not rated higher is because the book is a little shallow, and doesn't go into the head of any hero quite deeply enough. But a good read.
The only thing that Attitude Media and Barack Obama will ever agree on is that this was the best show on TV, and Omar our favorite character.
This is, simply, the best crime drama for TV. Ever. Set in the city of Baltimore, there is really nothing terribly different about it in terms of plot; cops vs. drug dealers. But it gives a brilliant and quite insightful view of the way local politics really works in a city like Baltimore. The show is harshly realistic in every way.
The acting and directing is superb. What is truly amazing about the acting is that some of the lead characters are British, and yet adopt perfect Baltimore accents, in particular Idris Elba. Many of the actors, Elba, Dominic West, Michael Kenneth Williams, Amy Ryan, have gone on to become major stars.
Don’t confuse this by comparing it to well done trash like The Sopranos. The Sopranos focused on a bunch of fictional thugs who aren’t worthy of attention. But the Wire is a morality tale, because, as in life, good and evil are so
Fine swashbuckling drama if you happen to be fond of pirates and the sea. For the ladies, some manly buffed pirate types, with suitable scars and tats. For the guys, quite a few fine looking lasses in scanty clothing, or none at all. This show is not going to replace The Wire on your top TV list, or replace Shogun as great drama, but it's well produced escapist TV, it won't (grossly) insult your intelligence, and sometimes that's all you really need. So put the kids in bed, pop the top on a Breckenridge Vanilla Porter, and enjoy.
Feeling down? If this doesn't add some pop to your step, and make you feel like putting one foot in front of the other, you need to make sure you still have a pulse. This Brit kid is a newbie, but very promising. Learn some new dance steps by watching the video.
This song was first released a few decades ago, but does it matter? The tune about those who are about to give up on life is as moving, and beautiful, today as it was then.
We listened to this song live performed by the Skip Castro Band, the house group at UVA back in the day. But if you’re in the mood to “boogie at midnight”, this version will do fine.
The only thing you really need to know is that the 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice, based on the Jane Austen novel, is one of the finest films ever made, despite originally being made as a miniseries for TV. Isn’t it amazing the difference that casting can make? The 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice is quite good – just not nearly as good as the original A&E version, despite the fact that the more recent one has some good stars, including superstars Keira Knightley, Judi Dench, and Donald Sutherland. And Knightley is a fine Elizabeth Bennet – just not with quite the edge that Jennifer Ehle plays in the AE version. Matthew Macfadyen is not bad as Mr. Darcy – but he does not define the role in the same convincing way that Colin Firth – far less famous in 1995. With the exception of Dench, every character in the 2005 version is fine, and you would think you had seen a fine movie – until you see the 1995 version. One thing is common to both versions is that they stay fairly constant to Austen’s text.
Why don't they make more movies like this? It's very simple, and thus cheap to make. No special affects, no car chases, no huge cast; just two people talking, but in such an intelligent, insightful way. And the idea; 2 people re-meeting after long periods of time, and comparing their lives, is such a good one. This may be the ultimate romantic movie for smart people.
Part of an excellent series that tracks the same relationship over time; Before Sunrise, made in 1994, is the first in the series, tracking the relationship between American Jessie (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) over time. 2004 Before Sunset is the equally romantic 2nd in the series. But the final version, Before Midnight, in 2013, is a disappointment, perhaps mirroring the real life course of romance?
Biography of the great Russian American novelist and philosopher Any Rand. Rand is a libertarian icon and author of the influential novels The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, as well as creator of the philosophy of Objectivism.
While she is a hero to many and a demon to others, this inspiring movie shows Rand's lighter side as well. Very sympathetic. Made me want to read the books again. Mostly interviews with people who knew Rand.
Based on the famous play by Oscar Wilde about name confusion between two brothers in 1890s England.
This is funny in a light but still amusing way. Has some big time stars including Colin Firth and Rupert Everett as the bothers, and Reese Witherspoon as the object of one brother's romance. Not deep, but very funny and well-done.
Plot: Physicist from West Virginia goes to Princeton; he searches for the big idea, but also goes becomes Schizo, under pressure, and invents imaginary friends. He later invents his role as a code breaker for the Army. His wife prevents him from being committed, and he slowly comes to terms with his delusions; he doesn't not see them, but he realizes they are delusions and comes to ignore them. Many years later, as he is slowly recovering, he wins the Nobel Prize for economics.
Comments: An inspiring, very well done movie. Based on a true story and a book about the life of John Nash.
Moral: Ignore the demons.
30-something bachelor, on the cusp of being unhappy with his singleness, begins to examine his lifestyle and goals with the unrequested aid of a fatherless, taunted, mature-beyond-years boy.
Comments: Interesting movie, very good. Hugh Grant stands out as complacent but redeemable Will. The child actor who played mature, sweet, introspective Marcus got it dead on. Also liked self-assured Ellie character. Nice to see female teen portrayed as smart AND nice (not witchy).
Moral: I don't know, really. Of course there's a lot to be said for goodness and treating others with respect, but this movie goes beyond that -- the Will character examines his life and does what few people do: is unhappy with it and actually makes changes. So, I guess, it's about reaching out, even to the most unlikely people, and following through, even though the path may be hidden.
Quotes: "When I hear you sing it's like sunshine." Marcus' mom to Marcus
Plot: Two men are involved in a morning car accident; uninjured, but frustrated and angry - they begin a feud that reveals their worst qualities. The movie doesn't end there, though, and the men force themselves to examine their lives and the way they live them.
Comments: One of the best movies I've seen. Intelligent, daring - brings to mind that "the unexamined life is not worth living". The characters are richly portrayed - they're realistic and stay true to themselves. There are no false notes in this movie.
Moral: I like the fact that the men don't play by life's rules -- that they bend and stretch them at the END without compromising their inherently good principles. They went to the edge of themselves, so to speak -- the most flawed parts of themselves -- and found the strength to return to their cores of goodness and justice. They didn't blindly accept their fates or others' perceptions of them.
Plot: Low-life sports better is given team to coach by Wall-street friend; kids are taught by Diane Lane, Keanu Reeve's romantic interest. He ends up coaching them, buying them uniforms, and joining the school as physical coordinator.
Comments: The little boy, G-man, who plays the youngest player on the team is very touching; he is the one who dies in the end. Also touching is when little fat boy gets beat up cause the game ended after dark.Good movie; well done, worth seeing again just to watch the kids.
The CIA takes the fight against terrorism to the world. One of the best TV dramas ever, and a rare case of killing off the first star (Damian Lewis playing Nicholas Brody) and continuing just as strong as ever, now staring (Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison). Much like The Wire, it shows the wild mix of motivations that is present in real life – a genuine desire to do good, greed, ambition, ideology – and how often it's pointless to try to engineer certain outcome given the unpredictability of the world.
There are a million TV dramas about married couples having affairs, so what makes this one different? First of all, it’s intelligent and thoughtful, but still has plenty of drama. Stars Dominic West who did a great job playing McNulty on The Wire. The man who is cheating on his wife is not a serial cheater, and the woman who is cheating on her husband is not in the habit either.
Next new episode is April 5, 2015 on AMC.
Everyone in the creative class has heard of Mad Men, the 60's based drama about Don Draper and his cohorts in advertising. Why has it been such a success? How few dramas really focus on normal office work, like this one, in a serious way? Most dramas are about cops, or drug dealers, or fireman, or English lords. But this one manages to create drama around a fairly ordinary business like advertising, and that’s not easy to do. And like many successful dramas, this one revolves around a basically good man that has more than this share of flaws and failings, expertly played by Jon Hamm. The supporting cast is great, and Christina Hendricks has done more her part in bringing into vogue the idea that sexy women don’t have to be pencil thin.
This is the kind of series that could have been so cliché, about a Mormon family living in Utah. But because of the excellent writing and directing, its truly original and generally excellent. What do Entourage, Big Love, and Breaking Bad have in common? All take men who could easily – and usually are – caricatures – a drug dealer, a big wheel entertainment agent, and a man with multiple wives – and provide nuanced views of masculinity. Instead of being a leach, Ben Henrickson of big Love is a loving and hard working family man who genuinely believes in the principles of Polygamy.
There are many versions of the Adoration of the Magi, but the one here by Raffaello Botticini is one of the most amazing; how many animals can you find in this picture?
This is based on one of our favorite characters in Breaking Bad, the sleazy lawyer Saul Goodman, played by Jonathan Banks. Saul embodied all that you hope to find in your local junkyard dog lawyer; sleazy TV ads, crowded waiting rooms of “sore neck” personal injury hopefuls, unregistered cash transactions, and very shady connections. But somewhere, deep down, we think that even Saul, like Omar, has a code.
Why was Mad Men successful? In part because it's one of the few shows that really focuses on work that is relevant to given time. The business of advertising was taking off in the 1960's; currently, technology startups dominate business news. This well executed comedy about a bunch of nerdy kids trying to launch a new tech firm in Silicon valley is amusing on a number of levels.
One of the great TV dramas of all time, about a high school football team in "football mad" Texas. This one has it all – the thoughtful coach trying to win – and mold good kids, the big hearted booster that cares to much about winning, the kids with their often touching romances. No matter your age, or whether you care about football or not, this is a fine show. It shows how much can be done with great writing and excellent casting and acting. One note that makes this one particularly mystifying is that the writer who wrote the original script for the movie on which the TV show is based is Buzz Bissinger, who later wrote of his bizarre clothing addiction in GQ magazine.
BoardWalk Empire – This is a period drama about the corrupt mobsters running Atlantic City in the 1920's. We think they could have done a better job of selecting a lead, Steve Buscemi playing Nucky Thompson, but the show has some of our favorite actors (Micheal Kenneth Williams from The Wire does a fine job as Chalky White) Also, the men’s clothing is spot on, thanks to Emmy nominated costume designers John A. Dunn and Lisa Padovani.
M*A*S*H Stands for Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, and this one is stationed in the middle of Korea during the Korean War, manned by US doctors and nurses who would much rather be somewhere else, not surprisingly as the makeshift hospital is near the front lines and frequently comes under enemy mortar fire.
At one time this comedy was the most popular show in the US, with Alan Alda, portraying Dr. Pierce, becoming an icon for the 1970s sensitive leading man. While the show has a generally liberal anti-war bias, it's still fun viewing even for conservatives. The humor here is of the sarcastic variety.
This is a fun show that was, for some reason canceled by HBO, despite continuing things of much less value (See "Girls") Two young guys living in New York City try to make a living with various ventures, including starting a fashion line. A fairly realistic, yet very amusing, look at the ups and downs of trying to get by, and have a life, while making your fortune.
Created by Ian Edelman. With Bryan Greenberg, Victor Rasuk, Lake Bell, Eddie Kaye Thomas.
Hugely popular series about New York based mobsters, focusing on mob boss Tony Soprano and his family. James Gandolfini is impressive in the lead role playing an unusually introspective and sensitive man - at least by mob standards. We think The Wire is much better, but millions loved the Sopranos.
This documentary is about the process that Edward Snowden went through working with the Guardian newspaper to release secret US government documents that revealed large scale spying on Americans and others throughout the world by NSA and other US government agencies. The documentary reveals Snowden to be an articulate, thoughtful whistleblower, motivated by the right reasons, rather than the greed for financial gain that so often motivates whistleblowers. The revelations became front page news around the world. The title refers to a code name Snowden used.
Even if you are not a fan of glass as an art form, it\\\'s hard to see how you cannot be somewhat awed by the work of glass master Dale Chihuly. If you\\\'ve looked at glass before its probably been on a smaller scale, and perhaps whimsical, so hard to take seriously. But many of Chihuly\\\'s works are massive in scale, larger than a person, and are exhibited in scenes around the world like the Phoenix Botanical Gardens, where we took these photos.\r\n\r\nIf you see his works at an outdoor exhibition, like one of these forthcoming exhibits, try going at night, when the works are lit up and especially beautiful. But any time of day they can be awe inspiring. His works can also be seen in books such as this one, which give you some idea of the art, but we recommend seeing them in person if possible.\r\n\r\nClick here for Chihuly\\\'s galleries.\r\n\r\n
The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable
