Columns

From Where I Sit – Observations from a Funeral

The other day I attended my uncle’s funeral. Even though we hadn’t seen each other for years, I had a soft spot for him. He was spunky and vibrant, in excellent health, and had a reputation as a straight talker who wouldn’t suffer fools. The photograph on his memorial booklet’showing him grinning with a line… Read more »

The Mindful Bard – Mozart’s Sister

Film: Mozart’s Sister (2011) Director: René Féret Cast: Marie Féret, Marc Barbé, Delphine Chuillot, David Moreau ?Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life, but define yourself.? Harvey Fierstein ?Artistic temperament sometimes seems a battleground, a dark angel of destruction and a bright… Read more »

From Where I Sit – My Job

In February 2013 I will make a presentation to a women’s conference. The topic is Stay-cations. I was approached by one of the organizers because of my work as a writer for a tourism guide. What I will aim for is a splendid mix of facts, humour, and helpful information?all the things I value in… Read more »

The Mindful Bard – The Artist

Film: The Artist (The Weinstein Co. 2011) Writer/Director: Michel Hazanavicius Cast: Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell, Penelope Ann Miller, Malcolm McDowell, Missi Pyle Genre: Romantic comedy ?Let me tell you what I just heard. Talk, talk, talk, I. Talk, talk, talk, I. Well, what about me?? Gena Showalter, The Darkest Seduction ?Love,… Read more »

Write Stuff – Cover Girls

Headlines about classic lit don’t usually include words like sexy, lure, and teens. But a recent ABC News article used just such provocative language in a piece about updating classic book covers. Are literary classics being sexed up to grab young readers? No, and any controversy in that headline is more like a fairy tale…. Read more »

Write Stuff – Glass Houses

For all that the Internet is awash with porn, dubious medical advice, and trolls, it can also be an unflinchingly moral place. Cross the unspoken ethical line and the masses will brandish their digital pitchforks without mercy. A recent case in point saw FunnyJunk get its share of jabs, but no one seems to have… Read more »

The Mindful Bard – Leaving Eden

Album: The Carolina Chocolate Drops, Leaving Eden (2012) Musicians: Dom Flemons (four-string banjo, guitar, jug, harmonica, kazoo, snare drum, bones, quills), Rhiannon Giddens (five-string banjo, fiddle, kazoo), Adam Matta (beatbox, tambourine), Hubby Jenkins (guitar, mandolin, five-string banjo, guitar, bones), Leyla McCalla (cello) Genre: Folk/Americana/Old Timey ?When you want genuine music?music that will come right home… Read more »

From Where I Sit – Let’s Make a Deal

After years of being patient and understanding, I snapped. I asserted myself. I made my case. I pointed out unfairness. I stated an ultimatum. Damned if it didn’t work. The only way you can buy another damn trailer is if I get my kitchen renovation. Now the mature Hazel knows that the flat deck trailer,… Read more »