Author Topic: The Library (Read 2084501 times)

Frybabe · « **Reply #360 on:** November 30, 2009, 10:07:34 PM »

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 finally broke down and ordered several Dover Clip Art books with CDs. And of course I had to add a few books. The latest on my TBR pile(s) are: George Eliot's The Mill on the Floss, Henrik Ibsen's Peer Gynt, and D.G. Mowatt's translation of The Nibelungenlied (source for Wagner's Ring cycle).

PatH · « **Reply #361 on:** November 30, 2009, 10:24:38 PM »

Frybabe, let me know how you like the Niebelungenlied. It's in my TBR pile, but I can't tell you what translation, since I'm not at home.

JoanK · « **Reply #362 on:** November 30, 2009, 10:57:04 PM »

Don't get depressed, frybabe. That's some pretty heavy reading.

Frybabe · « **Reply #363 on:** December 01, 2009, 01:07:54 AM »

Among my favorite classical music pieces are Sigfried's Rhine Journey and Sigfried's Idyll.

Gumtree · « **Reply #364 on:** December 01, 2009, 03:22:15 AM »

Frybabe I'm a Wagner fan too ... You'll find the Nibelungenleid quite different in many respects from the storyline used for the Ring Cycle. Wagner made pretty free use of the old heroic legends. Would it be an idea to read it here - You, PatH and myself makes three for a start...interesting. My translation is by A.T. Hatto 1965.

ANNIE · « **Reply #365 on:** December 01, 2009, 04:16:49 AM »

"Sturm und drang"? How about "Ups and downs" for an American translation?
Just received a book in the mail entitled "Knickerbocker: The myths of NYC". Its ended up on the TBR pile because I am rereading "American's Prophet" before returning it to the library. Quite a lot of new historical and biblical chapters in this book. And it might bring you to tears when you read two of the chapters. And there is the "hagadah" at the end of it all. So many references fit into our monthly reads of the past year including "The Last Dickens" and "The People of the Book" plus others.

Babi · « **Reply #366 on:** December 01, 2009, 08:53:24 AM »

Odd. I've always associated "sturm and drang" with the Nazi blitzkrieg
attacks. That's where I first saw the phrase. Of course, that gave it a
much stronger impact than 'ups and downs'. I think 'thunder and lightning', tho' that is just the 'sturm' part.

maryz · « **Reply #367 on:** December 01, 2009, 09:10:59 AM »

For those of you who have Kindles and like to cook - check this out. It's free!

http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Cooker-Recipes-Entertaining-ebook/dp/B002H5GTH4/?tag=ebest

mrssherlock · « **Reply #368 on:** December 01, 2009, 12:50:44 PM »

"Sturm und Drang: has always meant figurative thunder and lightening to me.

bellemere · « **Reply #369 on:** December 01, 2009, 02:20:25 PM »

What about Schadenfreud and Weltschmertz ? I come across these terms all the time in Lterary Criticism. And I still dont know what
existential mens as regards literature. Everybody throws that around.

Frybabe · « **Reply #370 on:** December 01, 2009, 03:43:33 PM »

I remember that one of my psychology teachers was big on existential psychology. I could never quite get what it was about. It seemed to involve case study work rather than analysis of group studies. It focuses on the individual rather than a group.

JoanK · « **Reply #371 on:** December 01, 2009, 05:57:41 PM »

I never "got" existential either. I just know whenever I read an author who was supposed to be existential, I didn't have a clue. $:-\$

Frybabe · « **Reply #372 on:** December 01, 2009, 06:41:08 PM »

George passed this article, titled The War on the Book, on to me. I believe someone has already mentioned the HeadMaster who is doing away with his 20,000 library for an all computerized media center.

http://www.jewishworldreview.com/cols/greenberg120109.php3

I have some concerns about what he is doing, some of my speculations could be considered downright paranoid. I can see it all now: Visions of 1984 and NewSpeak and visions of a Star Trek episode where a computerized game was programmed to be addictive and to impart subliminal messages to the player.

All paranoia aside, I am sure there are pros and cons to do this but I haven't seen a list yet. Is he doing this for any reason other that he wants to be in the forefront of what he perceives as a big technology leap for library science and the written word? Who is footing the bill for all this HighTech change, and is it ultimately going to save the school money?

PatH · « **Reply #373 on:** December 01, 2009, 09:57:02 PM »

Frybabe and Gumtree, my translation of The Niebelungenlied is also the Hatto. Gumtree, do you think it would make a good discussion? You need a critical mass of people, which needn't be too large if everyone is interested and sticks with it. I'll see what I think after I've read some.

One can have odd reactions to translations. Everyone loves Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf, and it's certainly wonderful poetry, but I prefer the one I read in college English (J. Duncan Spaeth). It may not be as elegant, but I think it has more of the feel of the original--the relentless pounding rhythm and alliteration. Rougher, and more guts.

Frybabe · « **Reply #374 on:** December 01, 2009, 10:32:19 PM »

If we do think it is worth a shot, maybe Radioman will join us. Can we make a whole months' discussion out of it? Not having seen the opera, I can't comment on the differences. I've almost always preferred to listen to the music without the singing. That seems to go for plays and movies too. I don't generally care for musicals. There are a few exceptions.

Gumtree · « **Reply #375 on:** December 02, 2009, 01:06:59 AM »

Frybabe and PatH It was really just an idle comment...BUT - we would need a committed group. It's a long time since I read the Nibelungenleid. My first thought is that it would be a wonderful opportunity for us but I'll need to have another look at it before saying yea or nay. Radioman has a downer on Wagner so could be useful as the devils advocate on the composers use and misuse of the text

As for the Beowulf by Seamus Heaney - I agree, he's wonderfully easy to read but lacks the 'guts' My favourite translation is by Kevin Crossley-Holland which we read aloud to the children when they were very young. Lots of memories there!

Babi · « **Reply #376 on:** December 02, 2009, 08:19:40 AM »

How available would the Niebielunglied be? I've never heard of it or
come across it. I didn't realize Wagner's 'Rings' was based on it. My library certainly doesn't have it. And unless I am misspelling it, the county library doesn't have it either...and they have beaucoup books!

PatH · « **Reply #377 on:** December 02, 2009, 08:44:01 AM »

Babi, we were both misspelling it in different places (Gum of course had it right). It's Nibelungenlied. Several paperback versions are available from Amazon; the one I have is $8.45, and the Dover thrift edition is $3.50.

If we were to do this, it would have to be some time down the road, because I'll be tied up with "Kim" all of January, and probably need a break afterward. This sort of thing is definitely not everyone's cup of tea. A lot of people don't like it. (I'm guessing JoanK would be one.)

Babi · « **Reply #378 on:** December 02, 2009, 08:57:30 AM »

THANK YOU for both messages, PAT. First, because with the correct
spelling I found the County library does have the Nibelungenlied.

Second, for clarifying that KIM doesn't start until January. I was afraid
I'd missed out on that.
It's all good.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #379 on:** December 02, 2009, 11:59:40 AM »

My education didn't include it but Wikipedia gives an overview of its history. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nibelungenlied

JoanP · « **Reply #380 on:** December 02, 2009, 01:36:24 PM »

Why not put it in the Suggestion Box, with the explanatory link Jackie posted?

PatH · « **Reply #381 on:** December 02, 2009, 03:22:05 PM »

Quote from: JoanP on December 02, 2009, 01:36:24 PM

Why not put it in the Suggestion Box, with the explanatory link Jackie posted?

Let's wait a bit on that--chew it over here first.

winsummm · « **Reply #382 on:** December 02, 2009, 11:19:31 PM »

Quote

psychotherapy is partly based on the existential belief that human beings are alone in the world.[citation needed] This feeling of aloneness leads to feelings of meaninglessness which can be overcome only by creating one's own values

from wikipedia

we are each existing in our own world on our own terms. coming to terms with that can provoke anxiety which is why therapists are involved. but the nut is the complete and essential existence of each self.

this is o;ften the basis of "coming of age" themes. I like those.

claire

Gumtree · « **Reply #383 on:** December 03, 2009, 04:46:39 AM »

Quote from: PatH on December 02, 2009, 03:22:05 PM

Quote from: JoanP on December 02, 2009, 01:36:24 PM
Why not put it in the Suggestion Box, with the explanatory link Jackie posted?
Let's wait a bit on that--chew it over here first.

I agree - wait a little and hopefully a few more posters will show interest. mid 2010 might be a likely time for a discussion bearing in mind other books already mooted.

I'm thinking Nibelungenlied should be of interest to those who like reading about myths and legends - the history and the heritage they leave behind -in this case Germanic and Norse legends and Burgundian history. It's one of the great epics and has often been likened to and placed second only to the Iliad ahead of the Song of Roland and the Irish Cattle Raid of Cooley which are both superb.

mrssherlock · « **Reply #384 on:** December 03, 2009, 12:28:19 PM »

Music lovers and opera fans would may also be attracted. Maybe we could consider a parallel discussion of Wagner's Ring.

marcie · « **Reply #385 on:** December 03, 2009, 01:52:56 PM »

Speaking of music

, there is a free lecture online, from the Teaching Company, on "Masterpieces of Classical Holiday Music."

From the description: "Classical music has its own rich tradition of holiday works, harking back to the earliest recorded works of Christmas music: chants sung at Christmas Day Mass. Yet there are three works that stand out among the rest as sheer masterpieces of both classical music and holiday celebration: Johann Sebastian Bach’s sublime Christmas Oratorio of 1734, George Frideric Handel’s rousing Messiah of 1741; and Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable Nutcracker Suite of 1892.

In Masterpieces of Classical Holiday Music, you

* gain insights into these three powerful masterpieces;
* sample captivating excerpts of classical holiday works; and
* discover the season’s origins in winter solstice and early religious celebrations.

Masterpieces of Classical Holiday Music is delivered by composer, music historian, and veteran Teaching Company Professor Robert Greenberg. Professor Greenberg is music historian-in-residence with San Francisco Performances.

http://ttcmailer01.teach12.net:80/track?type=click&mailingid=77402&messageid=13300&databaseid=20300&serial=1205781833&emailid=marciei@aol.com&userid=9780&extra=&&&2001&&&http://www.teach12.com/ttcx/HolidayMusicLecture.aspx?ai=39080&cm_mmc=email-_-FLSwmp20091203-_-na-_-na

bellemere · « **Reply #386 on:** December 04, 2009, 11:34:45 AM »

I love Wagner's instrumental music; the overtures to his operas are enchanting. Unfortunately the curtain eventually goes up and they have to start singing. The absolute worst evening of my life was "Parsifal"
All that Gemanic bellowing just sounds too Hitlerian for me. Master race and all that crap.
Giggle scene in the Siegrfied opera when Siegfried opens the vest of the brave warrior he has just cold-conked in battle and voices his amazement: "Dies ist kein Mann!" Brunhilde wakes up and they fall in love.

Gumtree · « **Reply #387 on:** December 04, 2009, 12:06:06 PM »

-

Quote from: mrssherlock on December 03, 2009, 12:28:19 PM

Music lovers and opera fans would may also be attracted. Maybe we could consider a parallel discussion of Wagner's Ring.

I think a parallel discussion would be difficult as it would require a solid knowledge of both the Nibelungenleid and the Libretto of Wagner's Ring Cycle in order to draw meaningful comparisons but certainly the two works enhance one another.

The Parzival is quite different and deals with the legend or quest for the Holy Grail. The chief source for Wagner was Wolfram von Aschenbach's Parzival written around 1210 from which he took and adapted the chief elements of the story to incorporate into his music.

PatH · « **Reply #388 on:** December 04, 2009, 01:16:09 PM »

Coming Soon...KIM by Kipling ~ our January Book Club Online.
Let us know you'll be joining us in our discussion.

Babi · « **Reply #389 on:** December 05, 2009, 08:38:28 AM »

Am I right in thinking that much of the German idea of a superior 'master race' can be found in their literature? I've always
found both the literature and the music a bit on the heavy side.

maryz · « **Reply #390 on:** December 05, 2009, 08:57:50 AM »

Steph, are you able to check in? How are you doing? We think about you and worry about you. {{{{{{Steph}}}}}}

marcie · « **Reply #391 on:** December 05, 2009, 11:13:32 PM »

I too hope that Steph knows that we're thinking of her and are here for her.

Those of you interested in art and crafts might be interested in the following program on PBS. It sounds like those interested in science might enjoy it too.

This week, my PBS station is showing, on INDEPENDENT LENS, a program that looks fascinating.
"Between the Folds": Tuesday, December 8, 2009 10 - 11:00 pm
Think origami is just paper planes and cranes? A determined
group of theoretical scientists and fine artists has abandoned
careers and scoffed at graduate degrees to forge new lives as
modern-day paper folders. Together they reinterpret the world
in paper, creating a wild mix of sensibilities towards art,
science, creativity and meaning. (CC, Stereo, HD)

See the program website at http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/between-the-folds/

If you do watch it, join our discussion at http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=918.120

marcie · « **Reply #392 on:** December 05, 2009, 11:35:17 PM »

Oh, and look at this! The new season of Masterpiece Classic is starting soon. All of the programs are based (however closely or loosely) on books. The season will begin with a re-broadcast of "Cranford" starting on December 20 and will show a new program, "Return to Cranford," staring January 10.

This season, MASTERPIECE CLASSIC presents new adaptations of The Diary of Anne Frank, Emma (starring Romola Garai, Michael Gambon and Jonny Lee Miller), The 39 Steps (with Rupert Penry-Jones), Small Island, Return to Cranford (featuring Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton and Julia McKenzie) and the return of British soldier-hero Richard Sharpe in Sharpe's Challenge and Sharpe's Peril. Laura Linney hosts MASTERPIECE CLASSIC, premiering December 20, 2009 with an encore presentation of the original Cranford.

See the complete 2010 MASTERPIECE CLASSIC schedule at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/schedule/index.html

Gumtree · « **Reply #393 on:** December 06, 2009, 12:58:16 AM »

Thanks Marcie - that programme looks good. The 39 Steps with Rupert Penry-Jones screened here some time ago. It certainly was a new adaptation but was very well done. Emma with Michael Gambon should be a treat - I imagine he will play Emma's hypochondriac father - if he does it will be brilliant. The Cranford ladies are always a delight.

marcie · « **Reply #394 on:** December 06, 2009, 01:30:52 AM »

Gumtree, I agree that Michael Gambon should be great as Emma's father. I'll be interested to see Jonny Lee Miller (from PBS's recent ENDGAME) as Mr. Knightly. In previous movie versions of Emma that I've seen, it's taken me a bit of time to get used to the actor who portrays Mr. Knightly.

maryz · « **Reply #395 on:** December 06, 2009, 09:45:27 AM »

Thanks about the heads-up about the Independent Lens program, Between the Folds. Our PBS program is having its beg-a-thon, so I'll have to search to find out when they're going to show it. We and our girls have always loved origami.

maryz · « **Reply #396 on:** December 06, 2009, 10:57:25 AM »

I did finally find where they are rebroadcasting the Independent Lens - at 3 a.m. Thursday morning. The DVR is already programmed.

mabel1015j · « **Reply #397 on:** December 06, 2009, 12:16:37 PM »

Steph - we're missing you, but understand completely your not being w/ us. There are really no words that i can think to say that don't sound inane, but the heartfelt feelings are that you have treasured memories and even if they may be painful at the moment, i hope they will be helpful at some point. ....................jean

mabel1015j · « **Reply #398 on:** December 06, 2009, 04:10:33 PM »

Marcie - thank you, thank you, thank you for that link to the Teaching Company and Christmas music. I enjoyed the music history and the Christmas history and what a shock to hear him mention Temple Emanuel in Willingboro, NJ!!! That is about 8 minutes from my house and i have known sev'l people who have attended that Temple. In fact, i actually spoke there one time in the 70's. I don't remember exactly what the topic was, but it might have been when NJ was voting on a state ERA in 1976............................sorry to say, that referendum failed - remember 1976? NYC was bankrupt, Watergate had just ended, people were MAD at gov't. The only referendum of 5 that was on the ballot that yr that passed was to allow the lottery in NJ, all proceeds going to senior programs - the seniors made SURE that on passed!..........they did a better job than those of us who wanted the state ERA to pass! ...........altho, Burlington Co passed it - i was Director of the county YWCA at the time and we were coordinating the push for passage in Burl and Camden Co's..................oh, so looooong ago, when we tho't all the inequity problems would be solved by the yr 2000! And the environmental, poverty, population, etc. problems! ...............any way, Marcie, you helped take me back there.................plus, i liked the "lesson" on Christmas music...................jean

marcie · « **Reply #399 on:** December 06, 2009, 05:28:11 PM »

Maryz, I'm glad you're going to be watching the "origami" program.

Jean, wow, how interesting that you made that connection with the Christmas music lecture. It's great that you were so active in your local government. I watched most of the Watergate hearings. They were fascinating. I remember the chairman of the investigation committee, Senator Sam Ervin, who kept refering to himself as "just an old country lawyer."

News:

Author Topic: The Library (Read 2084501 times)