I loved watching Roman Polanski’s latest film,
Ghost Writer. I was mesmerized by its look–moody, haunting, and great visual metaphors. Mr. Polanski was clearly channeling Alfred Hitchcock in visual style, but also gave a wink and a smirk to his own life by placing Pierce Brosnan’s character, former British Prime Minister Adam Lang, under virtual house arrest after he is accused of war crimes. Mr. Polanski finished
Ghost Writer while under house arrest in Switzerland. A very good Ewan McGregor is the writer that Lang has hired to finish his memoirs after the original writer mysteriously dies. Pierce Brosnan is also very good. After appearing to be a pawn, Mr. Brosnan delivers a “checkmate” speech that galvanizes his performance and gives the movie perspective.
This movie is worth seeing for the performances and Mr. Polanski’s visual style; however, the writing is thin at best.
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If the stack of books on your bedside table is getting low, then consider picking up One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus. I read this book several years ago and enjoyed it so much I’m tempted to read it again. The premise of the story is based on an actual historic event from 1854 when an Indian chief asked the U.S. government to gift one thousand white women as brides for his young warriors. The goal was to help assimilate the Indians into the encroaching white culture. The protagonist, May Dodd is released from an asylum to go west and marry one of the young warriors. But make no mistake, May is not insane. This story mixes history, fiction, and passion in equal parts; a nice combination–enjoy!
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Well girls, I have good news and bad news.
The bad news: There was a study released this week that indicates that as women reach middle-age they need to work out moderately–walking or a leisurely bike ride– for an hour a day to keep from gaining weight. The old recommendation was for thirty minutes of intensely working out five days a week. Men only need a third of the exercise as women do to maintain their weight.
I know this doesn’t seem fair, but life’s not fair. Studies have shown that shoes and handbags do seem to help with the inequities…
The good news: I have the perfect thing to motivate you to get cracking on those workouts. Check out this new see-through handbag from Prada. I love the diamond shaped kiss closure, and it’s waterproof so you can take it to the beach.
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Did you see the picture of President Obama on the front page of the New York Times today? He’s in a bookstore holding up two books–one by Karl Rove and the other by Mitt Romney. I have to say I was put off by Mr. Obama’s big smile/laugh. In light of the huge success he has just had passing his legacy health-care bill, it looks like gloating to me. On the campaign trail Mr. Obama stated that passing legislation with only 51 votes was NOT how he wanted to do business in Washington and he also said that he wanted to change the tone of politics. He has to be aware of the deep divide this bill (that he passed with only 51 votes) has caused in this country. Mr. President, wipe that smile off your face, show some graciousness, put your head down and get back to work.
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1,000 White Women is one of my all time faves. What made you think of it now?
Some other faves are The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Barbery; Distant Land of My Father, by Caldwell; and The Shadow of the Wind, by Zafon.