Author Topic: The Library (Read 2084336 times)

Frybabe · « **Reply #280 on:** November 22, 2009, 09:01:36 AM »

The Library

Our library cafe is open 24/7, the welcome mat is always out.
Do come in from daily chores and spend some time with us.

We look forward to hearing from you, about you and the books you are enjoying (or not).

Let the book talk begin here!

Everyone is welcome!

Suggestion Box for Future Discussions

I don't think I have ever read any plays other than Shakespeare until we discussed Oscar Wilde's The Portrait of Dorian Grey. This will be my second non-shakespeare play. I am not much for plays, especially musicals, but I do have two non-shakespeare favorites - South Pacific and The Importance of Being Ernest. Yes I know, South Pacific is a musical, but the story is SOOOOOO good.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #281 on:** November 22, 2009, 09:49:25 AM »

Fry: Check out George Bernard Shaw's plays. I started reading them after I saw the Wendy Hiller/Leslie Howard Pygmalion. Since then I've read many of Shaw's plays and they are wonderful.

Frybabe · « **Reply #282 on:** November 22, 2009, 12:51:35 PM »

I read a biography by Hesketh Pearson of GBS years ago but never read any of his plays. What an interesting man. The book is one of the treasured few I have from my Dad's small collection.

I'll tell you another one who had a very interesting life - Picasso. If I remember correctly GBS thought dancing was immoral, but Picasso loved to dance. Picasso was a little loose with his sexual morals, GBS was not (not that I remember). These two contrasts stick out in my mind particularly for some reason. I believe GBS was socialist. Picasso joined the Communist Party.

bellemere · « **Reply #283 on:** November 22, 2009, 03:46:10 PM »

Great suggestions for Donna. I will tell her about the website, maybe she will show up here. I am leaning toward the Tracy Kidder book, he lives in Donna's hometown. I am sure she would like it.
Ginny, I am a renegade from Latin 102. Just got caught up in son's wedding, daughter's divorce and other family doings. I will probably return to repeat the course, I am too far behind to ever get caught up.
Now I need some help. My son is taking 12 elementary school students to southern France to look at Roman ruins in March. they are ages 11 to 13. He is pressed for time and has asked me to research some activities for them. Both educational things and ourdoors-y things that will "have them tired out by the end of the day." (his words)
May I email you off the board with some questions? I think you have my email address, but I don't know if you keep gvinesc@gmail.com for just Latin students to use.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #284 on:** November 22, 2009, 04:14:51 PM »

Belle: I found this website; maybe it helps. http://www.slowtrav.com/france/provence/activities_children.htm

mrssherlock · « **Reply #285 on:** November 22, 2009, 04:27:50 PM »

Here's another site for kids in Provence: http://www.travelforkids.com/Funtodo/France/provence.htm

bellemere · « **Reply #286 on:** November 22, 2009, 06:59:06 PM »

Wow! Thanks Mssherlock, I have bookmarked both of those sites and will follow up onseveral of those events. The kids are actuallygoin g to be based in the town of Nimes, which is just across the province border from Provence, in Languedoc Roussillon, but they plan a trip to ARles. Their dates are March 6 to 16 not such a hot time for festivals. Re Provence, i enjoyed some of those Peter Mayle books, "A Year in Provence" etc. I have been to different places in France, but never Provence.
Haven't there been a slew of books about Americans or Brits who leave their world behind and buy a broken down old wreck of a house in Provence or Tuscany or someplace romantic and expensive_ and then turn it into an idyllic retreat? Are they for real?

mrssherlock · « **Reply #287 on:** November 22, 2009, 07:53:16 PM »

My secret indulgance is watching House Hunters on HGTV which is about finding a home in various cities in the US. There is also House Humters International which has traveled to many places. One recently was about a British couple who live in Portugal and decided that they could have more room if they bought a fixer-upper. Well, what an eye-opener. Its worth watching if you like to go see model homes and read house plan magazines, study architect's plans.

JoanK · « **Reply #288 on:** November 22, 2009, 07:54:15 PM »

Are you thinking of "Under the Tuscan Sun"? Can't remember the author, but it was made into a movie which reruns endlessly on TV.

Unfortunately, that's Italy.

marcie · « **Reply #289 on:** November 22, 2009, 09:25:56 PM »

PBS American Experience this week is broadcasting "Seabiscuit." The program blurb says: "He was boxy, with stumpy legs that would not completely straighten, a short straggly tail and an ungainly gait, but Seabiscuit was one of the most remarkable thoroughbred racehorses in history." He was a hero for a time when people felt beat up by the Depression. There is information about the program at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/seabiscuit, where you can also watch it online. If you do watch it, come talk about it in our PBS Programs discussion at http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=918

Also, the following program looks really good, especially if you're interested in the Arts and Crafts Movement. It will be showing on my PBS station on November 23. It's called "Elbert Hubbard: An American Original." From the program description:
"Today, the name Elbert Hubbard still incites passion among those who either love him or hate him, and the Roycroft Campus (the artisan community in East Aurora, New York) that he created still endures, inextricably tied to his character, his aspiration, and his passion. Roycroft is the legacy of a man who was, without a doubt, one of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century’s most eccentric, charismatic, and colorful characters."
See more at http://www.pbs.org/wned/elbert-hubbard/

maryz · « **Reply #290 on:** November 22, 2009, 10:50:38 PM »

marcie, I'd love to see the program on Elbert Hubbard, but it's not listed on either of the two PBS stations we get. I'll try one of the web sites. Thanks.

I finally found it rebroadcast at 4 a.m. Wednesday morning, and have set it up to record. I think our station is getting into its begathon.

marcie · « **Reply #291 on:** November 22, 2009, 11:41:24 PM »

I'm glad you're able to record the program, Mary. For those who can't see it on TV, it IS available online.

ginny · « **Reply #292 on:** November 23, 2009, 07:59:24 AM »

bellemere, sure, but it sounds as if he knows what he's doing, staying in Nimes, and good on him for taking elementary school children to look at Roman ruins. Why France, tho it's soaked with them, why not Italy?

Those are super URL's Mrs. Sherlock! I would not have a clue what en elementary school child would like, just suddenly realized that I'm a bit past that, I'm up on 3 years olds and under but elementary is a Country Not Explored by Me in many moons, how quickly we forget, so that's perfect!

I would say a day at the Pont du Gard, walking across it, a picnic on the opposite shore and the museum there should wear anybody out. Full of great stuff.

If he's traveling other than by train, he might like to try Carcassonne " famous for its unique Roman and Medieval fortifications." (With the best little film at that link I have seen). They also have a place to write but if you look at the little film, children of all ages are flocking in.

It's a pretty spectacular place, lots and lots and LOTS of walking, up on a high hill, fairy tale sort of ambiance, very pleasant townspeople, and exciting things to see, lots of shops, and at the end of one of the exhibits they have a huge room full of interactive computers mounted up on the walls in which you can research everything you've seen, every bit of history, and they are most anxious for you to enjoy the truly state of the art presentations. You could literally stand THERE all day and learn something.

Shows in a way how Roman towns gave over to the Medieval castle. And there's even a game for when they get back home:

The players develop the area around Carcassonne and deploy their followers on the roads, in the cities, in the cloisters, and in the fields. The skill of the players to develop the area will determine who is victorious. The game is for ages 8 and up and 2 to 5. Game looks so good I want one. hahahaa

Amazon Carcassonne Game Not sure the emphasis there is on Roman whatnot, but hey?

Sure, write, but I may not be much help with that age group, gvinesc@gmail.com. When he gets back, I'd like to hear what all they did and saw. I might pick up some hints!

I assume they will spend a day trip by train to Paris to see the Louvre's treasures, Greek and Roman, sarcophagi, including the Boscoreale Treasure, which is quite spectacular. That will wear them out.

I Interactive Film for Children on the Louvre

I think maybe some travel books on the region, like by Rick Steves, also might include bits on what to do with children. One thing, tho: I did not attend a bullfight at Nimes, because the idea is nauseating, but Rick Steves says they are different there, that instead of what you'd think, it's more put the flowers on the horns of the bull, a grand time by all. The Carcassonne tape clearly shows, however, a matador and cape so I'd be careful. '

One thing you do see a LOT all over Europe are school children on trips with papers, they've been given a sheet or two to fill out with specific things they've learned on the trip or to look for and they are very assiduous about it, that seems to me to be a perfect idea, lots of work for the teacher, but keeps them focused and apparently very interested.

Babi · « **Reply #293 on:** November 23, 2009, 09:31:51 AM »

Oops, forgot about Shaw. I have read some of his plays, too. Thanks for
reminding me,JACKIE.

Wow, BELLE. The mind boggles. Your son is, of course, NOT taking all those kids unassisted. Remembering how fast my own boy could disappear on his own adventures at that age, I'd be tempted to leash the lot. Brave soul, your son. He definitely has the right idea, tho'.
Burn up that excess energy during the day, for a quieter and more peaceful night.

marcie · « **Reply #294 on:** November 23, 2009, 03:37:35 PM »

FYI, everyone

The Teaching Company is offering a free 30 minute lecture on Memory & The Brain at http://ttcmailer01.teach12.net:80/track?type=click&mailingid=72501&messageid=12200&databaseid=18600&serial=1205781732&emailid=marciei@aol.com&userid=48689&extra=&&&2001&&&http://www.teach12.com/ttcx/brainlecture.aspx?ai=38836&WT.mc_id=FLSwmp20091119
Click the arrow under the video photo to start the video. You also can enlarge the window if you prefer.

It's taught by neuroscientist and award-winning Professor Jeanette Norden of Vanderbilt University. Dr. Norden is Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology at the university's School of Medicine, and Professor of Neurosciences at the university's College of Arts and Sciences.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #295 on:** November 23, 2009, 04:06:04 PM »

Marcie: That site is a wonder; if I had the money I would take everything, at least in science and probably some math and a little English to spice things up.

maryz · « **Reply #296 on:** November 23, 2009, 05:19:14 PM »

John has gotten 4-5 courses from The Teaching Company, and loved every one of them.

JoanK · « **Reply #297 on:** November 23, 2009, 06:23:10 PM »

WOW! That looks like a wonder.

marcie · « **Reply #298 on:** November 23, 2009, 10:58:32 PM »

Every once in a while The Teaching Company offers a free "lecture." They also frequently have sales up to 80% off their courses, which are usually available on DVD and audio CDs.
A current example is a 12-lecture course (30 minute lectures) on Black Holes taught by a UC Berkeley professor. Regular price for the DVD $200; now on sale for $40.

They say "Every course we make goes on sale at least once a year. This revolving sales approach allows us to provide you with great value and great service.

Producing large quantities of only the sale courses keeps our manufacturing and inventory costs down, and we pass the savings on to you. This approach also enables us to fill your order immediately: 99% of all orders placed by 2:00 p.m. EST ship that same day."

maryz · « **Reply #299 on:** November 24, 2009, 08:45:41 AM »

John has always gotten his on sale.

Thought for the day! (from A Word A Day)
A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading it.
-William Styron, novelist (1925-2006)

jane · « **Reply #300 on:** November 24, 2009, 08:56:02 AM »

Mary...I love the quote of the Day...and may borrow it to put up in the News line!

Perfect for this website.

A Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to ALL

jane

Gumtree · « **Reply #301 on:** November 24, 2009, 11:16:47 AM »

We were talking earlier about plays -I just saw on TV a production based on Oscar Wilde's Lady Windemere's Fan. starred Scarlett Johansson and Helen Hunt. For the life of me I can't work out why they didn't stick to Wilde's original text and also set it sometime in the 1930's - aeroplanes and cars - and verbal anachronisms too- even for the 30's . I don't know the play well enough to really nitpick but quite a few things really grated. Otherwise it was a good production - well cast and well acted.

ALF43 · « **Reply #302 on:** November 24, 2009, 11:46:14 AM »

I spent 3 hours in a book store yesterday while my son and my husband golfed 18 holes. I loved it! I sat with a big cup of cremebrulee coffee , surrounded 360 degrees by books and magazines. Now, I ask you what could be a better way to laze away a day?

The store is getting all geared up for a Sarah Palin visit next week. Ginny, I thought of you and wished I had your Christmas list, there was a huge table filled with Christmas stories of all kinds. I bought the Book Thief which Pearson and I are discussing in February. I was a little hesitant at first because I just cringe at the holocaust stories but this is one good story. Death is the narrator in the Prologue. It's very well written and now I'm going to buy it for my 13 yr. old grand daughter. I bought Julie Andrew's new book of poems that my DIL requested for Christmas, the new Scarpetta book (just out in paperback), Koontz'es Your Heart Belongs To Me (my bubble gum reading), a new KJV leather bound Bible, and a Beverly McCleary for my grandson. Oh yeah, and let us not forget the magazines; Self and the Vanity Fair.

maryz · « **Reply #303 on:** November 24, 2009, 12:48:46 PM »

jane, please do! After all, I stole it (borrowed it?) from A Word A Day (wordsmith) today. That's where I get a lot of my quotes. A wonderful site!
http://wordsmith.org/words/today.html

rainsmurder · « **Reply #304 on:** November 24, 2009, 04:02:55 PM »

My recent introduction post mentioned my home in Alaska. Subsequent posts by Gumtree and JoanK commented on the remoteness of this "Last Frontier" and asked for names of books about Alaska. My next post about the book "Land Of The Ocean Mists" by Francis E. Caldwell really needs special mention (in my opinion) probably because I have lived a portion of my life in the area and even enjoyed adventures similar to the ones he describes. We do not have hurricanes or tornadoes, but we often have unbelievable winds, extreme cold temperatures and (because we live in an area described as "The Ring of Fire") an occasional earthquake. Caldwell, in one chapter of his book, talks about the earthquake of 1958 that caused a rift in the side of 11,000 foot high Lituya Mountain and a massive slide. The resulting splash into Lituya Bay and the wave it created brought on one of the world's most awesome spectacles: it denuded a nearby ridge, "SWEEPING AWAY THE FOREST TO A HEIGHT OF 1,720 FEET ABOVE THE LEVEL OF THE BAY - THAT IS 470 FEET HIGHER THAN THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING." I have only flown over Lituya Bay. At my age, it is too difficult a place to visit - not a place for the weak of heart. But, if you like exciting history mixed in with great photographs of a remote area, then you should look for this man's book.

salan · « **Reply #305 on:** November 24, 2009, 05:42:29 PM »

Alf--I love your phrase "bubble gum" read. There are many times when I postpone my normal reading for what I call "fluffy" books. Light, humorous books with satisfying endings. When I can't seem to get into any of the books on my shelves or the many books on my to be read list; I go to the library and check out several of these books. Thank goodness for these books!
I read The Book Thief several months ago. Not a "bubble gum" read, but very good! I know it is listed as youth fiction, but wasn't sure whether to recommend it to my 13 year old niece.
Jane--thanks for the web site. I put in on my favorites.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Sally

ALF43 · « **Reply #306 on:** November 24, 2009, 08:18:31 PM »

thanks Sally, I will finish the book before I decide, then. Olivia is an advanced reader but maybe there is some "stuff" that I'd rather not have her learn, right now.

ginny · « **Reply #307 on:** November 24, 2009, 08:48:48 PM »

I love the turkeys running around the Library doors in the heading here, that's Pat doing some of her magic, thank you Pat. We have a gigantic flock of wild turkeys here and today they were crossing the driveway, and stopping to eat...? Acorns? They puff all up in the rain, BIG birds, and black, was quite a sight looking up the driveway.

Welcome rainsmurder, what a name! All the way from Alaska, thank you for that book recommendation, sounds like an interesting place.

Andrea, I wish you had had my list, too, I got two the other day which both look good, but time will tell.

Happy Turkey Day, Everybody!

Babi · « **Reply #308 on:** November 25, 2009, 09:12:20 AM »

RAINS, I was recently startled to learn that the Grand Canyon's depth
is greater than the height of five Empire State Buildings stacked on top
of one another. I have visited the Grand Canyon, just a short visit at
the top, and didn't begin to realize how really huge it was. On the whole,
we find nature so beautiful we forget how terrifying it can be.

JoanP · « **Reply #309 on:** November 25, 2009, 09:15:30 AM »

Thanks for the reminder, Ginny- to thank Pat for all the seasonal changes to the Library header. Love those wild turkeys. Run turkeys run!
I'd also like to thank each and every one of you for being here - and for all you bring to the table!

a Happy Thanksgiving, to ALL!~

ANNIE · « **Reply #310 on:** November 25, 2009, 09:50:47 AM »

Don't miss this video. Amazing and awe inspiring!

The Pink Glove Dance will bowl you over and make you cheer as hospital employees take up the fight against breast cancer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEdVfyt-mLw

bellemere · « **Reply #311 on:** November 25, 2009, 11:46:58 AM »

My thanks are for my brand new grandson, born at 4:30 this morning, a day before he was due! Can't quite get used to the name George, for Dad's best friend. does not sound like a baby. More like a tiny banker. Or member of the Rotary Club.
I get to see him this afternoon after Mommy has a nap. One hour drive up to the Berkshires, time to run to the bookstore and pick up Pat the Bunny and Goodnight Moon!
Wonderful article by Jill Lepore in this weeks New Yorker, how the term "right to life" came into our language and subsequenly into our politics.

ALF43 · « **Reply #312 on:** November 25, 2009, 11:51:56 AM »

Congrats to the brand new baby and grand mama. Belle, you're going to the Berkshires? Are you talking about VT? I thought you were in Virginia.

marcie · « **Reply #313 on:** November 25, 2009, 12:24:23 PM »

Congratulations on your new grandson, Bellemere. George is a "grown up" name :-)

mrssherlock · « **Reply #314 on:** November 25, 2009, 12:39:33 PM »

Belle: Congrats! Maybe he'll become a Georgie-Porgie. My grandmother's name was Mildred and that seemed to me to be a non-baby name also.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #315 on:** November 25, 2009, 01:35:35 PM »

Belle - congrats on the newest member of the family. We are also thankful for a new grandson as of Aug.

I'm very thankful for all who orginated the idea o,f first, SeniorNet, and now, SeniorLearn and Seniors and Friends. I have had so many good moments and motivations from all the suggestions of all of you for reading, eating, movies, music, seeing your pictures, and just plain new information. I'm an addictive learner and all of these sites have fed my addiction.

to all the originators and all of you contributors. I'm thankful that you are here everyday.........................jean

JoanK · « **Reply #316 on:** November 25, 2009, 08:29:51 PM »

Congratulations on your new grandson, Belle. Don't worry about the name being too grown-up -- you'll find a nickname in no time. Is this your first?

bellemere · « **Reply #317 on:** November 25, 2009, 09:02:23 PM »

I got to hold George. I think he likes me already! His middle name, llik his dad
s is Anthony. Maybe Tony? I read a Robert Burns poem once about "wee Geordie" Now that is a cute baby name.
I am in Massachusetts, right on theConnecticut River about a half an hour north of Hartford, Ct. and eighty miles west of Boston. the Berkshire hills are an hour to the west bordering on New York state.
This is grandchild number 10 but the next youngest is 15. I have lots of relearning to do.
I have been reading so many English/Irish authors lately, I feel unpatriotic. so I have Jim Harrison's "Returning to Earth" and am slowly warming up to it. And waiting for That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo, and just found out that the nice young woman who waits on me at the local bookstore is his daughter!

bellemere · « **Reply #318 on:** November 25, 2009, 09:11:38 PM »

Mentioning Hartford reminded me of this:
A couple of years ago, riding AMTRAK train home from New York City, quite late at night, everybody dozing when the conductor came on the P.A. system:
"Hartford Connecticut, welcome to Hartford, the home of Mark Twain and ....Louisa May Alcott."
A few people woke up, looked puzzled. Louisa May Alcott

?
P.A, system, not quite turned off, conductor's low voice: "she wasn't? really? Who wrote Uncle Tom's Cabin?"
Several raised voices from the coach: "Harriet Beecher Stowe."
Silence from the P.A, Then:
Welcome to Hartford, Connecticut. Home of Mark Twain and HARRIET BEECHER STOWE!

Mippy · « **Reply #319 on:** November 26, 2009, 10:18:14 AM »

Belle ~ Congrats on the newborn grandson !
We spend about 5 months not that far from you at Cape Cod, with frequent trips in to Medfield (near Walpole) to visit our #4 grandson and family.
Enjoy your New England Thanksgiving with the extended family!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone !!!
Bookies and all !!

News:

Author Topic: The Library (Read 2084336 times)

rainsmurder