Book And Movie

Yesterday I watched the movie adaption of Robert Saviano's book 'Gomorrah'. Saviano's book is a who's who and what's what of Italy's mafia; Saviano is now in hiding.

From a cinematic standpoint, the movie is a little choppy and mostly provides visual snapshots of the more detailed stories in the book. From a real life standpoint, the mafia now sucks and I want The Godfather back.

Americans, the old movies are nothing but lies. The mafia is a bunch of sweaty, fat guys wearing mesh tops and hauling trash from northern to southern Italy. Children are regularly recruited. Charming. Just charming.

In terms of an underground 'army' taking over and becoming a serious threat to civilized life, Italy is little Mexico. Even though the country gives us great fashion (from mob controlled factories), Ferrari (probably mob controlled factories), Michelangelo (probably killed by the mob) and Rossini (probably a mob sell out); their spoiled little criminals are ruining everything.

Musical History

Last night I sipped wine and wandered through the wonderful new Schubert Club Museum. Attendees were serenaded by the piano, noshed on fine hors d'oeuvre and resisted the temptation to touch the ice sculpture. It was quite the event- attended by Mayor Chris Coleman and generous museum donor, Gilman Ordway. In retrospect the ice sculpture thing was probably just me.

Go immediately to this museum. It's free.

After undergoing extensive renovation the grand opening yesterday revealed a whole new look, new, and elegant. You may half-forget you're walking through a museum. If someone were to arrange a musical collection in their (grand) home they might take inspiration from this graceful display of pianos, instruments, manuscripts and photography. The whole collection feels quite personal, several pianos have been played by the likes of Schuman and Bach, and there's nothing like seeing one of Mozart's private letters. To top it all off the museum is located in the fantastic Landmark Center, a must visit St. Paul site.

Be still my fluttering heart

Last Saturday the Minnesota Opera presented the second show of the season, 'Casanova's Homecoming'. A newer opera, written about 25 years ago by local composer Dominick Argento, this was one of the more hilarious, clever shows I've seen.
Musically, I'll admit to a below average level of understanding. This opera doesn't have the usual signature, melodic arias and I base my good opinion principally on the fact that Beverly Sills loved it. After hearing maestro Vordoni comment on the complicated, challenging music I paid close attention to the orchestra and noticed some really beautiful melodies I would have otherwise missed.
As I mentioned the show is quite funny, full of the type of humor one might expect from a story of the legendary womanizer. After the opera, I loved seeing the composer come on stage for bows. Call me old-fashioned if you will, but my neither of my grandfathers ever made a joke about the 'thrust' of a battleship or an 'erect' soldier.

News 2

Continuing a track record of exciting politics, Haiti has ousted their fifth prime minister in five years for reasons that are unknown. After a nine hour debate, during which time Prime Minister Michele Pierre-Louis was apparently not mentioned, she was given the boot. Figuratively speaking of course since she wasn't at the Senate meeting. What? Not there? Well the senators spent a significant amount of time accusing each other of carrying weapons and stomping out of the room. They complain it's always harder to 'let loose' with the prime minister hanging around.

Interrupting several hours of no aviation disasters, the industry said, 'Wait, more news!' and a crash immediately occurred between a military aircraft and helicopter. Effective immediately the FAA has issued some memos.

1. 'No news is good news'.
2. Seriously. 'There is such a thing as bad publicity.'
3. Aircraft only permitted to touch another solid object while landing. Contact with buildings, the ocean or other aircraft is strictly prohibited.
   

In yet another heartwarming international business story, reports have surfaced of visits to the U.S. by Russian tycoon Oleg Deripaska, graciously arranged by the FBI. Deripaska needed to calm some investor confidence shaken due to his lack of a Visa. He doesn't have a Visa because he's suspected of Mafia connections. But he says these allegations are just part of a smear campaign by the U.S. When asked if he said that just because that's what Russia always says, he said, 'No.' The FBI later released a statement defending their actions: 'Deripaska does business here and everyone in Russia is... you know... I mean... it's not like we can just not talk to Russians.'

What I like

Dior is amazing. I love this blouse. When I first saw the movie 'Mrs 'Arris Goes to Paris' I thought Mrs. 'Arris was an idiot for spending her life's savings on a trip to Paris and a Dior dress. Clearly I was the idiot.

History

Get excited.

For older posts go here ----> http://www.myspace.com/iowafarmgirl

News Bulletin 1

Personal opinion: I realize this has become a tired topic over the past couple days but I'd like to go on record saying the Nobel Peace Prize should be scrapped. The other prizes are great, I was in awe reading about accomplishments I barely understood, but the Peace one doesn't make sense. Obama's award has sparked recent debate but this prize has a history of being not understandable. Let's recap:

Winners: Obama, Gore, Carter, Arafat, Mother Teresa
Losers: Gandhi

The idea that Arafat and Mother Teresa had anything in common has been proven impossible by science. Awards that are scientifically impossible should not be encouraged.

In an attempt to take a bite out of Apple (bahahahahaha!!!!), Microsoft is opening its first retail outlets in Arizona and California. The stores will feature a tech help desk, electronic objects on large white tables and a trendy all-white color scheme. In order to avoid any confusion the sign above the door will say 'Microsoft' and have a picture of an apple with a line through it. Store patrons will be able to play around on Microsoft Office as long as they want!

Those following the situation in Honduras will be glad to hear of progress made in talks between interim president Micheletti and ousted president Zelaya. We don't have details on the progress though so that might not be true. It seems everyone actually from Honduras is pretty cool with the outing. They say Zelaya was violating the constitution by trying to extend the term of his presidency. Everyone else in the world thinks it was a coop and Zelaya should be restored to power.