And So, As 2019 Sinks Into The Mire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                               Like Tawny in "The Wastwych Secret by Constance Savery, we have survived the marshes of 2019.  May the year ahead bring peace, health, and sense of national positivism that has been sorely lacking for years--and you know what I mean, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                  Love and kisses to all my readers, and I will see you back on here, next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                    And last but not least, a special New Year's wish to two couples, one gay, the other straight--Get the hell married!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                     You know who you are!

                                                       Till next year, gang!

                                                       With love from Gojira and Baby Gojira!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                               
                                                         Let's see. is there?

                                                          Well, there was the August 11, 2013 suicide of Daniel Fitzpatrick, which leaves a bad taste in my mouth every time I pass Holy Angels Catholic Academy in Bay Ridge, realizing how little they did.

                                                             The death of my childhood friend, Doug, on April 30, 2017, impacted me.

                                                               As did the passing of my father on February 12, 2018

                                                              The best film seen this year was my two screenings of Robert Altman's 44- year- old masterwork, "Nashville."

                                                               Lucas Hedges and Andrew Keenan-Bolger are still fine young men!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                I think that's it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And For Investigative Journalism, And Being A Fine Young Man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   Ronan Farrow is unquestionably a voice for his generation, and to whom others will be turning.  He put corporate America to the shame it deserves, which may not change things overnight, but will influence the course of things to come.

                                    Congratulations, Ronan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Activist Of The Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 Young Greta Thunberg is showing what youth can do.  Stepping up, and speaking out, Greta's was the impassioned voice of a crusader for her generation!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saddest Death Of The Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   Virginia Leith, who died this year, at 94, most memorable for playing the talking head in the 1962 film "The Brian That Wouldn't Die."  No actress got a more campy set of one-liners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What Were The Great Stage Performances Of The Decade?

Without question, the entire cast of 2018's "Carousel," especially Jessie Mueller, Joshua Henry, Lindsay Mendez, Renee Fleming, and Amar Ramasar.

Celia Keenan-Bolger in "To Kill A Mockingbird."  Nothing else comes close.

What Was The Theatrical Event Of The Decade???????????????????????????

                                           Let others go on about "Hamilton," and I know the Lin Manuel Miranda crowd will--for me, the 2018 revival of "Carousel" was the theatrical event of the decade.  Its cast was the Ensemble Of The Decade, and seeing it just months after my father's passing gave me plenty of opportunity to cry my eyes out.  When Jessie Mueller wept on Renee Fleming's shoulder, and she h held Jessie while singing, "You'll Never Walk Alone," I completely lost it, and so did everyone in the house.  Beautiful, exquisitely rendered and moving, it was the finest theater event of the decade.

You can feel this, just from the photo. Now, imagine it taking place live in front of you!

When It Comes To This, I Get Personal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                This decade offered several events I cannot overlook.

                                 1. May 8, 2010--Meeting my love, David Spegal.  Nothing else comes close.

                                 2. September 22, 2010--The tragic death of Tyler Clementi!  Never forget!

                                 3. May 23, 2012--After living separately, if not apart, David and I move into our Bay Ridge apartment, where we are still happily ensconced.

                                  4. October 22, 2012--The day we had our housewarming, and Super Storm Sandy hit the area!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 5.  January 10, 2017--David and I get married.

                                 6.  January 20, 2017-- I retire from my workplace, after 35 years!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  Really, what events could top these????????????  It was quite a decade for us!
                         

What Was The Stage Performance Of The Year????????????????????????????????

                                          Celia. CELIA!  Celia Keenan-Bolger.  It was all about her.

                                           Her iconic turn as Scout in the Broadway adaptation of "To Kill A Mockingbird" outshine everyone else in it.  If the show had been condensed to a one person play, and that was Celia, it would have been enough.

                                            Celia over rode the reservations I had about Aaron Sorkin's adaptation, and Jeff Daniels' egotistical turn as Atticus Finch, which did the show more harm than good.

                                              Thank you, Celia!  Keep it up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What Was The Book Of The Year???????????????

                                          Again, without question, it was "Big Bang," a kind of "Ragtime" for the Baby Boomer generation.  This was read so early in the year I thought some other work might eclipse it, but nothing came close.  Baby Boomers, and others who want to know more about this generation that I am a part of, are urged to read it!
                                   

What Were The Big Events Of 2019??????????????????????????????????

                                     I am far from a political or historical analyst, so what I have to say here will relate to the personal events surrounding me and others on that year.  Here they are.

                                      1. Starting the year with an 80th Anniversary screening of "The Wizard Of Oz."                                  


                                       2. Same, later that year, with "Gone With The Wind," despite poor management.

                                       3. A reviewing, after 18 years, of David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive."

                                       4. Seeing "To Kill A Mockingbird" on Broadway, in April.

                                        5. Seeing "Beetlejuice" on Gay Pride Day.

                                        6. Taking a magical Summer trip to Ocean Grove, NJ.

                                        7. Taking a Fall trip to Bushkill Falls, in the wilds of Pennsylvania.

                                        8. Dining at Positano's on my birthday.

                                         9. Celebrating the Holidays with my sister and family.

                                        10. Having David with me all the year round, and knowing such happiness.

This Is The Night Of The Big Question!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               Well, I can tell you what will happen at this end, darlings!   Not much, and that is how I like it.

                                 David and I will probably have a quiet dinner somewhere in the neighborhood, come back home, I will curl up with "Little Women" (which I am currently reading) and then we will watch the ball drop, and go to sleep.  Because tomorrow, we have to celebrate David's birthday!

                                    Times Square is best seen on TV.  And it is the only time folk like Ryan Seacrest and Jenny McCarthy earn any money during the year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      So whatever you do, and wherever you go, my best wishes to you for a Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  A great 2020!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         Here is Eydie Gorme's rendering of the evening's song.  I find hers is the best!

                                          Auld Lang Syne, everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Last Book Of 2019! Clocking In At 104 Books Read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   So impressed was I by Zink's "Doxology," that I was curious about her earlier work, and people had especially recommended "Nicotine to me."

                                     It is a big come down from "Doxology," but if you have more skill than I at maintaining objectivity, it may surprise you.

                                      Penny Baker is the only conformist in a family of non-conformists.  Her father, who was 35 years older than her mother, was part of a Satanic cult, her mother was not much, and her two brothers--or half siblings--are losers.  Nicotine refers to a house in Jersey City--the Bakers live in Morristown, NJ,--and Penny, homeless and jobless lives in there, where she becomes involved with a group of squatters, who are also activists of various sorts.

                                        That is all their is.  Zink makes pithy cultural references, and gives Penny an arc the reader can follow, but "Nicotine" is not the satisfying work, by any means, that "Doxology" was.  After reading it, I am sure if I want to read any more Zink.

                                           Pity the Book Year of 2019 went out with a whimper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here Is Book #103 For 2019!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     This book has been on my periphery for the past six years, but I finally happened upon a copy in early Fall, at the Sleepy Hollow Book Fair, in Westchester!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       Not only is this novel Catholic with a capital C, but it is also Irish Catholic--the most unforgiving and unyielding sect of the faith there is.

                                         It has everything--two sisters, Nora and Theresa Flynn, who comes from Ireland, to make new lives for themselves in America.  Remember the Olivia De Havilland film, "To Each His Own" (which won Olivia her first Oscar)?  The same thing happens--Theresa gets knocked up, and Nora and her husband, Charlie, agree to take and raise the child, while Theresa goes into a cloistered convent, where she transitions as Mother Cecilia.  Nora and Charlie raise Theresa's child, Patrick, and have other children of their own--a pretentious, elitist politico named John, a lesbian daughter--oh, my God!  In an IRISH CATHOLIC FAMILY????--who has a partner named Natalie, and--get this-- a pit bull named Rocco.  And a down and out former ball player, named Brian.  So many Irish names, so where the hell did Rocco come from?????????????????

                                          Every issue is covered--bar fights, abortions, funeral arrangements, church attendance versus not, clutching the Rosary, the Miraculous Medal, the vision of Saint Margaret--just about everything Catholic is crammed into this book which I found compelling.

                                            And yet, at its simplest, it is the story of the Flynn sister, who are torn apart!  Will they ever reconcile?  And what changes might that create?  For the answers you simply have to read this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            For Catholics, darlings, it is required!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            Ave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Remember When We All Wanted To Look Like This, Girls?????????? And Some Of Us Were Fortunate Enough To, Then????????????

                                     The person in question is actress Sue Lyon, best known for her debut performance in the title role in Stanley Kubrick's 1962 film version of Vladimir Nabokov's controversial novel, "Lolita," which made its lead character, Humbert, Humbert, the epitome of "dirty old man," and may have introduced the concept of pedophilia to American readers.

                                      Lyon, who died on December 26, at the age of 73, had a limited career, never being able to overcome her nymphet stage.  Her next best portrayal came two years later, in the 1964 John Huston film version of Tennessee Williams' "The Night Of The Iguana," where she played recalcitrant school girl Charlotte, whom Grayson Hall (Oscar nominated here!) portrayed repressed lesbian school mistress, Miss Judith Fellows.

                                          Sure, Lyon may have been a footnote in film history, but what a footnote.

                                           May she rest in peace.  No nymphets like her today, who can blend innocence and sexuality.

                                            Because they have much too much of the latter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Death Of A Working Actress!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                The obit dates read November 1, 1941, to December 14, 2019.

                                 Pamela Payton-Wright was a member of what is fast becoming a vanishing breed--the working actress.  That is, one who is not internationally known, but never ceases to stop working, and never forsaking the integrity of her craft.  Just like her good friend, Blythe Danner.

                                   When I think of Pamela, I think of her onstage at Circle-In-The-Square on Broadway.  If one goes in their lobby, which is adorned with photos of past productions, most of which featuring Pamela herself.  Though she did many of the standard playwrights' works, my association with her is Tennessee Williams.  I saw her do a wonderful Miss Judith Fellows, ("Charlotte!  You defied me!  You DELIBERATELY defied me!") holding her own with the great Grayson Hall, as the repressed lesbian school mistress, in "The Night Of The Iguana."  Years later, in Williams' "Garden District," I saw Payton-Wright and Myra Carter perform the Act One opener, "Something Unspoken.," where two affluent New Orleans women discuss everything over breakfast accept that which is what Williams makes clear--that they are in a lesbian relationship.

                                      She did television work, more times than I can count, and I am sure she was on her share of "Law And Orders."  But Pamela Payton-Wright will best be remembered among theater folk as a working actress.

                                        Rest In Peace, Pam!  Would that there were more of your kind still around!

"Are You Blind When You're Born? Can You See In The Dark?"

                                  If you answered "Yes" to either of these questions, you are at a distinct advantage, if you find yourself having to sit through the movie version of "CATS."

                                  The big surprise is the movie is not as bad as what one is led to expect.  It is not on a par with the worst film versions of a Broadway show, like Lucille Ball in "MAME," back in 1974, or Richard Attenborough's unknowing, uncaring adaptation of "A Chorus Line," back in 1985.

                                    It is what it is.  "CATS."  Never one of my favorites.  But, girls, I am telling you, it worked so much better on the stage.

                                     While one critic at its opening called it a "kitty 'Chorus Line,' " unlike that great, iconic musical, CATS did not allow the audience to connect with its characters or these stories. The junkyard setting was a great stage conception, perfectly fitting a collection of stray cats.

                                        The movie has no conception.  It starts with a cat being abandoned by a bitch (visible only by the high heels emerging from the car).  The cat is named Victoria, and she is danced by the marvelous Francesca Hayward, whose movements are some of the best in the film.
There is also James Cordon skillfully prancing about, as well as Judi Dench, playing, unbelievably, Old Deuteronomy, who has always been played by a man.  Jennifer Hudson delivers an emotionally charged "Memory,"  but cannot decide if she is still playing Effie in "Dreamgirls," or Fantine in "Les Miz."  In going for her own, she achieves nothing, though her delivery is superb.

                                          In visual perspective and editing, the film loses itself.  At one point, the actors stand alongside enlarged sets, giving them the illusion of being small cats.  Other times they are human sized amid human sets.  Make up your mind, Tom Hooper, especially after so fine a job with "Les Miserables."  The junkyard concept has been abandoned for picture posy shots of London amid sepia tones, suggesting a Victorian look!  Huh?  Who is the inspiration here., T.S. Eliot, or Dickens?

                                           As for Grizabella's ascent to the Heaviside Layer, hons, you gotta see it to believe it.  She floats upwards on what appears to be an inverted chandelier--or is it?--and one of the final shots, of her drifting off in the sky, looks like a bad outtake from "The Wizard Of Oz."  Have mercy on us all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            The movie is over produced, and stunted.  Had the concept been kept simpler, "CATS" might have had a chance.

                                              As is, the end result is kitty litter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Looking Ahead To New Year's Eve, How About Watching "Planet Terror???????????????"

                                     Twelve years before Rose McGowan became the poster child for the #MeToo movement, or tried to copy Sinead O'Connor, or a bull dyke, or bipolar, or whatever the hell she is, she starred in this Quentin Tarantino inspired and produced film.  She plays a Go-Go dancer, named Cherry, no less, who becomes lethal, when she loses a leg, and has it replaced with a machine gun, which she uses, at her convenience, to fend off anyone who would dare attack her?

                                       As I often say of actors' careers, how could I have known this would be a signature role for Rose McGowan?  Maybe her last good one.  And how prescient today with what she stands for--this film could stand, on its own, as her own feminist manifesto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        I can't wait to see how she fires that gun, darlings!

                                        Soon, I am sure, to be musicalized on Broadway, as "Cherry, Get Your Gun!"

Now That The Holidays Are Beginning To Wind Down....................

                                    It may be too early for Spring, but it's not too soon to look ahead, girls, with gatherings on the wraparound porch, and tea with cakes and dainties.

                                     May I suggest a Lady Baltimore Cake?  A perfect girls' concoction--a vanilla cake layered with fruits and nuts.  It sounds heavenly, and would go, in season, with iced tea?

                                       But during the Winter months, why not perfect the technique and try experimenting by making one indoors?  That way, by Spring, you will be the talk of the neighborhood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          Scrumptious cheers, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can You Believe It, Girls? The Last Bitch Of The Week Of 2019!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     Janelle Gericke, who is certainly no one's idea of a class act, is a perfect ending to Bitch Of The Week for this year, but she steeped pretty low to earn her distinction.

                                      She was a former sheriff's deputy--who chose to uphold the law!!!!!!!!--but was charged on December 18, when it was discovered she was going to people's houses, burglarizing them, while they were--get this!!!!!!!!--attending the funerals of friends and family members!

                                        How low you can get?  Grief upon grief!  This bitch must have been an expert on the local paper's obit section--she probably got some editor or copy boy to tip her off.

                                           Merry Christmas, Janelle!  The bars you now see will be metal, not the  kind that serve alcohol!

                                             She did it all to herself!  Not only Bitch Of The Week!  But dumb!

                                              Virginia Leith as the Talking Head in "The Brain That Wouldn't Die,"  had better sense and command of the English language, than Janelle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                 Not to worry, a Bitch Of The Year is coming soon!  Wait till you see who I have lined up for that!

A Black Day For Musical Theater, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  The dates on Jerry Herman's obit photo read July 10, 1931, to December 26, 2019.  He died in Miami from pulmonary complications.  He was 88.

                                    But that is not what he was known for.  He wrote my favorite musical, "MAME," not to mention classics like "Hello, Dolly!" and "La Cage Aux Folles!"  I actually saw and owned on disc "The Grand Tour," I cherished the Original Cast recording of "Dear World," an adaptation of The Madwoman of Chaillot" with Angela Lansbury--who won a second TONY, right after "MAME," for her performance in it.

                                      I was saddened to hear of his passing.  And I certainly hope, in days to come, the Broadway community thinks of dimming the lights, in his honor. Where would we be were it not for Jerry Herman???????????????????

                                       From the time I first heard it, the Overture to "MAME" was the most rousing epitome of a Broadway style overture I ever heard, and I could think of no better selection to show off Herman's writing style than this instrumental piece.

                                         I mean, girls, when was the last time musical theater got us this excited????????????????

                                           Now, I am obligated to see the "Mack And Mabel" at ENCORES! in February!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            Rest In Peace, Jerry Herman!  And "Open A New Window!!!!!!!!!!!!"

As Much Fun As Trash! But Well Written By A Fine, Young Man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   The material in "Catch And Kill" does not differ that much from Judith Krantz, Jackie Collins, and other trash writers.  The key difference it is all real, and Ronan, incorporating himself into the story, spills the beans on how disgusting, Harvey Weinstein, Matt Lauer, and Noah Oppenheim (who is still at NBC), truly are!

                                      It reads like a whodunit, a thriller, and is hard to put down.  Mr. Farrow is an excellent investigative journalist, and put himself in more danger than he realized, in trying to get this book written and published.  He should be commended!!!!!!!!

                                       As for the corporate culture, I agree, the death  knell needs to sound, but how? Unless scum like there are held accountable--and how come Oppenheim is at CBS, and who knows what is going on at the other networks--that knell will be a long time in coming.

                                         You know how often I read non-fiction, darlings!  Not much!  But the subject is so compelling, and the writing so disciplined, I cannot wait to see what Mr. Farrow writes next!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            And he is just so cute, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We Are Back, Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  A Christmas Miracle, of sorts!

                                  Since as long as I can remember, my mother had this set of angel chimes.  They were put out, every Christmas, with candles in place, but were never lit.  The idea was the flame stimulated the angels to turn, and the chimes picked up in sound.

                                    My sister took the set, and it had been put out at her house, where she lives, for over 40 years.  Still, we never saw it lit. This year, placing it atop the stove, fire extinguisher at hand, we lit the chimes, and they worked!  The first and only time I probably will ever see it!  It truly was a Christmas miracle.

                                      And speaking of miracles, our trip!  Oh, my God!  Getting from Brooklyn to Penn was no problem, nor was taking the Amtrak to Philly.  I have to say the Philly 30th Street Station is a lot cleaner than Penn.

                                        The scary part was the local Septa.  It took us to places I never dreamed existed, and I was afraid.  And it had its own special Wacko on board!  I am more comfortable in front of a Harry Winston store, than in the wilds pf Pennsylvania.

                                          We arrived, and had a marvelous time, receiving lots of wonderful gift. But then we watched this supposedly Christmas romcom from 2003--"Love, Actually!"--which I actually recalled, but never saw.  Oh, my God--boobies, boobies, boobies, simulated oral sex, and porn actors doing their job.  This was not PG, darlings, and we had a young child, there!  I was appalled.

                                             I kept crying silently, to get back to New York.  And we did, yesterday.

                                             Somehow, it was all worth it.  Another Christmas.  With the angel chimes!

                                               Hope yours was Merry, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally, The Nativity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  Which is what Christmas is all about, darlings!!!!!!!!!  This comes, courtesy of the 2019 Radio City Christmas Spectacular.  I say this, every year--their Nativity is so wonderful, and moving, with the hovering star ang angel--oh, my God!!!!!!!!!--I don't think the real thing could have been better staged.

                                     So, until I am back with you, post Holidays, I will bid farewell here.  Have a wonderful celebration one and all, don't go crazy over gifts or liquor, and I will have more to chat with you about before the year is out!

                                       Oh, for this I need what I consider the penultimate Christmas Carol--"O Holy Night!"  But whose rendition?  Let's see who I pick.

                                         I go with the tradition of my childhood--Andy Williams!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And, Now, The Penultimate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                I mean, what can top Judy Garland singing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," to Margaret O'Brien, in "Meet Me In St. Louis?"  That voice, alone!  No one can match her delivery.  And once this film was released, back in 1944, a Christmas classic was born.

                                Of course, I could not extend holiday wishes by not including it!

                                So, here it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                         

                                                                        Enjoy, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
                                                                           

OK, Let's Bring In The Music!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           One of the greatest secular Christmas songs, and Broadway show tune, to boot, is the classic "We Need A Little Christmas," introduced at the Winter Garden, in 1966, by Angela Lansbury and the original cast of "MAME."  To launch us musically, into the season, what better choice could there be?

                                            Here it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"When I Awake At Seven, I'll See You At The Angels' Gate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                  Here is the finish to my Christmas Advent theme--a gloriously Technicolored pic of a typical 1950's Christmas morning.  The kind that just warm the cockles of my still childhood heart, and live on in my memories for as long, as, hopefully, I do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    May this coming Wednesday bring this kind of happiness and joy to all my readers.

                                      And, girls, remember what Bel Kaufman said in "Up The Down Staircase--"  "How can you wish on a Turkey wishbone, with a man who is capable of correcting a love letter?"

                                        Happy, Happy, one and all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Leave It To Me, To Combine Judaisism And Christianity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 Of course, last night was the first one of Hanukkah, so David and I lit the candles, with Baby Gojira looking on, in his stylish Christmas outfit.  This followed an annual Hanukkah get together with friends at Chris' restaurant, a Polish place somewhere in Brooklyn, at 86th Street and 18th Avenue.  The address number is 1866!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     But then, but then!

We took a ride through Dyker Heights, and saw all the wonderful houses. I told David that, next year, we are going to have the company that does these houses decorate our front door.  This is a great house, but my favorite is the one with the whirling merry-go-rounds on both sides.

All the holidays, in one felt swoop--Hanukah and Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happiness, to one and all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Is The Shortest Day Of The Year, Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 Starting tomorrow, the days get longer, though it won't be felt, till around February.  Winter arrived yesterday, and this is the shortest day of the year.  So, cram in all you want to do while there is daylight.  This must be the best time for vampires, although  I don't know how they react to the cold. Or even if they do.

                                    I can tell you I do, darlings!  So, bundle up, if you go out today!

                                    I will have more on here tomorrow.  I have to, as I will be out of touch for the next several days!

"I'll Take A Look, In My Good Book! I'll See You On Christmas Eve!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                  These 1950s lovers had better get busy finishing or starting whatever it is they plan to do.  Because before they know it, Santa Claus will be here, and even adults want to be good, when he arrives.

                                   Ah, the cherished memories of Christmas past, the 1950's, when romance was an art in itself, and not just desperate groping.

                                      Let us cherish the memories of those bygone times!

                                       And, "Santa, Baby, slip a sable under the tree, for me!"

At Last! Here Are My Selections, Which Are Vastly Different From "The New York Times!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                             That is because my choices are better than what that so-called "paper of record" chose.  Let's get started, because I know you have been waiting over a month to hear this.

                                                                     

1.  "Big Bang," by David Bowman--As posted on 3/11/19--"Let me begin by saying that, while it is not altogether impossible for a Book Of The Year to appear this early, it has happened.  The genius of this novel demonstrates that, had Bowman lived, he might have gone on to be the next David Foster Wallace.  Every member of the Baby Boomer generation should read it, because it calls into play, as fiction, every mover, shaker, or event that shaped our generation, between 1950 and 1963.  Comprehensive, beyond scope for someone I have read or heard so little of, this is a stand out book, and I will be surprised if I am not singing its praises by year's end."

Verdict--Without question, The Book Of The Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2.  "City Of Girls," by Elizabeth Gilbert--As posted on 7/22/19--"The novel is a panoramic history of New York City, from about 1940 to the present.  The glamour and the tawdriness of it all are portrayed in great dramatic and descriptive detail.  Written in the form of a memoir to her sort of ( and you have to read the entire book to get what that meant) stepdaughter Angela, Vivian's story is for girls of all types, theater lovers, and not.   I am telling you, gay guys will just eat this novel up, not to mention that they will be actually absorbing genuinely good literature, because Gilbert is such an excellent and meticulous writer, who researched her subject thoroughly."

Verdict--The most entertaining of the lot!

3.  "The Old Drift," by Namwali Serpell--As posted on 6/14/19--"Sagas have changed since the days of Susan Howatch and James A. Michener, whom I devoured in my teens.  Today, they are less sprawling, more literary in narrative style, and less concerned with the aristocracy than in years past.

"The Old Drift" traces the history of Zambia, in Africa, from 1939, to, yes, 2023!  There is even a character named Lovenelle, which amounts to Loveless, because, darlings, she is the prime bitch of the novel.  Serpell's writing has grit, aggression, and a prose style that will sweep you on its way to the most explosive climax since the mud slide in Vikram Seth's 'A Suitable Boy' ."

Verdict--The Saga Of The Year!

4.  "The Other Americans," by Laila Lalami--As posted on 8/13/19--"The story, told from each characters' viewpoints--including the murder victim, Driss Guerraoui--enlightens the reader on the Muslim community, how it is regarded by those who call themselves "real Americans," resulting, by the end, that one is not sure whom the title refers to. Lalani's focus on character and narrative drive keep the story compelling, as well as socially prescient.  Give 'The Other Americans' a chance, girls!

It satisfies."

Verdict--The Surprise Of The Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5.  "Inland," by Tea Obreht--As posted on 10/31/19--" 'Inland,' Tea Obreht's second novel, is a Western, but with all the magical realism, mysticism, and equivocal doings that marked her first, 'The Tiger's Wife.'  ...For all the resemblance to Cormac McCarthy, 'Inland' is still as different from him as it can get.  There are no violent graphics, and the use of the paranormal is typical Obreht.  Her prose is still detailed and dense, but is worth slogging through.  In the end, the novel turns out to be something far from what the reader might have expected, and the last sentence leaves one stranded in ambiguity."

Verdict--Merits placement, because of Obreht.

So, those are my selections from this year.  See what you think, and whether you agree with me, or not.

But, before signing off, let me mention two honorable choices I so wanted to put on the list.

"Disappearing Earth," by Julia Phillips--As posted on 7/16/19--"It takes the reader awhile to realize what Phillips is doing.  At first, the chapter months seem to be a collection of short stories, with references to the abduction.  Eventually, another abductor's story, Lila, a teen aged girl, is introduced, and things come together and get going, especially in the last 100 pages."

Verdict--Great debut, but a near miss.  If only I could have included it!

"Doxology," by Nell Zink--As posted on 10/21/19--"This novel may not be loaded with religiosity, but a spiritual quality emanates from it.  Each issue is explored thoroughly by Nell Zink, with great objectivity.  The period--or periods--of life in New York are captured vividly, and with accuracy.  The emotional climate of 9/11 is chronicled wonderfully.  'Doxology' is one of the best layered and written novels I have read this year."

Verdict--If only I had room, but please...read it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is some food for thought for all my darlings.  Not to mention gift selections for your more literate friends, or yourselves.

Happy Reading, Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Belated Birthday, To Another Fine Young Man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 Currently, I am reading Ronan Farrow's  book, "Catch And Kill."  All I will say right now, girls, is that he is a fine writer and I will have much to report on this incredibly juicy tale of media show biz intrigue.  Who needs "Fifty Shades Of Gray?"

                                   In reading, I wondered when his birthday was, and discovered, to my chagrin, that it was December 19.  He is now 32, so, a happy belated birthday to Ronan Farrow.  Scrumptious as a cherry peach parfait, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     Seems lots happened on December 19.  Jake Gyllenhaal, as recorded here, celebrated his 39th birthday, on that day.  Back in 1957, "The Music Man"--the original production, with Robert Preston, and Barbara Cook--opened at the Majestic Theatre, and in 1991, someone who should still be here was born--Tyler Clementi.  The wheels of justice, in his case, grind exceedingly small, but, mark my words, they will catch up with Dharun Ravi and Molly Wei!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        But, Happy Belated Birthday, Ronan!  Hope your celebration was a blast, and I am just loving your book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           Simply scrumptious, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, Let's Get Something Straight!

                                       Today is December 21, which means it is the First Day Of Winter.  So, here we are.

                                        However, even radio broadcasters have the misconception that today is the Solstice; today being the shortest day and tonight the longest night.  Which time has been building toward, since June.

                                        But, as I always say, the way I was taught, these events take place on the 22nd.  So, going by what I say--and who wouldn't, least of all myself?--tomorrow will be the shortest day, so get what you need to do done, and fast!  There is not much time.  And for those who enjoy getting lots of sleep, go to bed extra early, tomorrow night!

                                          I always think of that Bugs Bunny cartoon, which he comes up from his hole on December 20, rips the calendar page to the 21st, then says, "December 21st--First Day Of Winter."  Immediately after saying this, an enormous pile of snow drops on him, to last out the season.

                                             Thank God the season does not start like that, in real life.

                                              Have a joyous and safe Winter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Don't Want A Doll! No Dinky Tinker Toy! I Want A Hippopotamus, To Play With, And Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                              Back in the 1950's, darlings, there were any number of children with a modicum of talent, who would be hauled into the recording studio, and sing silly songs.  Like Barry Gordon, with "Nuttin' For Christmas," Jimmy Boyd with "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, and, as pictured here, Gayla Peevey, with a recording I had and loved, as a child, "I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas."

                              I missed this time, because I was born too late.  To think what I could have done in that recording studio.  BARBRA would not have stood a chance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               Gayla's song has since become forgotten, so, in keeping with my Fifties Christmas Theme, I thought it would fit in perfectly, so now is the time to revive it!

                                 Here is Gayla, at ten, singing the song live!

                                 Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let's Talk Books, Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     Today, I shall deal with what The New York Times chose as their "Five Best Works Of Fiction."  Here are their selections--but what I thought of them

                                     1. "Lost Children Archive," by Valeria Luiselli--As posted on 3/16/19--" 'Lost Children Archive's'....form and structure is that of an archival box.  This is a multi-layered tale of an American family , present day, seeking out Arizona Indian material, in Arizona.  And when the children get lost--or do the flee? I leave that to you--their journey is as thrilling as anything in this book.  As is their capacity for resilience and survival.

                                           Verdict--Worth the time, but not one of the year's best!

                                                                                 

2, "Disappearing Earth," by Julia Phillips--As posted on 7/16/19--" 'Disappearing Earth,' Julia Phillips' fist novel, is hard to describe.  It starts out with a pair of pre-pubescent sisters, Aloya and Sylvia, living in a remote Russian peninsula, being abducted by a sicko.  The time span of the novel is a year, wherein the reader is given investigatory updates, insights into other characters, and the social mores of the community, and their class differences.  It takes the reader awhile to realize what Phillips is doing,  This novel aims high, and succeeds."

 Verdict--I so wanted to include this on my list.  But, with what I had already, there was just no room.

3 "The Topeka School," by Ben Lerner--As posted on 11/30/2019--"It does have potential.  The word 'school' in the title refers as much to schools of thought, as the building itself.  Lerner's thinking is muddled.  He does not successfully connect together all the ideas he is sending out, and his views on toxic masculinity seem mixed--is he for, or against?....I imagine Lerner himself is some sort of hetero, chest pounding, gorilla."

 Verdict--Greatest writer of his generation?  Are you kidding?

One of the best?  Not at all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4. "Night Boat To Tangier," by Kevin Barry--As posted on 12/3/19--"While the book is gritty as hell--two retired, down and out Irish drug dealers/addicts waiting for said boat of title, muse on their lives, in a style that is verse like and recalls Samuel Beckett--its strength is also its brevity. Mr. Barry should be congratulated on his achievement.  I recommend this for lovers of serious, and satisfying fiction.

Verdict-- Of all the books The Times chose, this is the one I felt most deserved it.  And "Disappearing Earth," with some reservations.

5. 'Exhalation," by Ted Chiang--As posted on 12/12/19--"The three days it took me to read this book seemed like three weeks.  The time I spent reading these nine stories felt like I was studying for an exam in one of my least favorite subjects.  The text is like a Physics book, structured around stories.  Still, be grateful to me, girls!  I saved you the trouble of reading this dreck!"

So, there you have it--my assessment of what The Times chose as the "Five Best Works Of Fiction."  I did not think much of what they chose overall.  Still, I urge you to consider the Phillips and Barry novels.

Mine will better, as should be seen tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Reading, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!