Pete Seeger

One of my heroes passed away this week.  We watched this PBS program, American Masters and highly recommend it.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/episodes/pete-seeger/full-film-pete-seeger-the-power-of-song/2864/

Past Week's Activities

Today Jane and I viewed the excellent film, Nebraska. It is slow paced, in black & white, poignant, sad, and witty. It isn't for everyone but for me, it is among my favorites.
Thursday at a county library we attended a performance by William and Sue Wills in their series, Presidents and Their First Ladies, Dramatically Speaking portraying Woodrow, Ellen, and Edith Wilson. They are always so good, we highly recommend it.
Saturday we volunteered at Lake Worth Playhouse for their production of Ain't Misbehavin' running through Feb. 2. I recommend it.
Sunday we went to Art Palm Beach at the convention center. I recommend it.
Monday at the Mandel Library, Frank Cerabino comments on current news. We always enjoy that.
Tuesday evening, as always, we volunteered at the Kravis for Haifa Symphony Orchestra of Israel.
Wednesday, we volunteered at the Brown Theater for Palm Beach DramaWorks' production of Old Times by Harold Pinter running through March 2nd. Jane and I both enjoyed it a lot.

Busy Week

Pictured below are "Dining Out" on Saturday and on Sunday -- City Walk with eleven of us braving the coldest morning of the winter. Last week was plenty busy starting with Monday when at Kravis we attended the "Adults at Leisure" series with a delightful program called In the Mood -- a band with singers and dancers. Then, that evening at The Colony was a memorial for photographer, Mort Kay, where we could hobnob with the swells of Palm Beach society. Tuesday we had Martha Graham Dance Company at Kravis. Wednesday began a three night hosting of an Evergreener. Friday the South Florida Fair opened. We seldom miss a fair opening.

Evelyn Louane Grovenstein - 1926 - 2014

My sister, Louane, died today in Billings, Montana. Eleven years my senior, Louane was like a mother to me. She was the closest among my other siblings. She was generous and kind to me, and never scolded or criticized me. She was always a hard worker and a fixer of problems. Louane exemplified neighborliness and friendliness. I could never wish for a better sister. She will be long remembered and greatly missed.

 

Hear Ye, Hear Ye

Yesterday at The Society of the Four Arts we viewed the movie, Leonie, about the life and relationships of the early 20th American educator, editor, and journalist Leonie Gilmour, the mother of the acclaimed artist and architect Isamu Noguchi. It has beautiful cinematography, sets, costumes, wonderful actors and a strong script. It was slow and and a bit hard to follow. I recommend it to those who appreciate the artist's works but not to everyone.
Martin Scorsese's new film, The Wolf of Wall Street is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, from his rise to a wealthy stockbroker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government. I found it utterly disgusting, repulsive pornography. I don't recommend it for anyone. It may receive some positive reviews but don't be suckered in. I wouldn't even want to know anyone who could enjoy this film.* Read these reviews.
 Last Tuesday we ushered at The Kravis for the new theatrical adaptation of the opera, Porgy and Bess. I enjoyed it and recommend it. The singers were excellent. I didn't remember the story but the Gershwin's music must be known and fondly remembered by most of us.
* A week later after hearing discussion, I take back this declaration but the caution for others still stands.

Twenty-eight and Counting

Wedding anniversary #28. With much thanks to Jane and a lot of good luck, I've had twenty-eight blissful years. Who said you must work at it? I've made a few regrettable decisions, but for me, the marriage decision was my best ever. Let's make the next twenty-eight as happy. We're still counting our blessings and enjoying life.

     We enjoyed a pleasant evening on the avenue.

 

Entertainment Aplenty

The movie, INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS, is consistent with the Coen brothers excellent film-making reputation. I liked the movie but heard many negative comments. That's understandable because it wasn't "enjoyable" but rather an interesting study of one pathetic character. I found it engaging and was impressed with the acting, directing and cinematography. I recommend it as an almost "must-see" but with the caution of what has become too common for my taste -- ungenteel language.

Tuesday at the Kravis we ushered for our favorite show of the year. Holiday Prism Concert, presented by the music department of Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, is thrilling beyond words. It is really amazing and restores hope for the future. This was the second year for this concert.

Wednesday we attended an advance screening of American Hustle. This film is highly rated and pretty nearly universally praised. It is a complicated drama about con schemes. The cast and acting is good but It isn't my kind of film. It was just too unbelievable and the language spoiled my enjoyment.

December City Walk

  Monthly City Walk was a perfect Sunday morning.

                     Annual Dining Out holiday party

Two Movies

"Saving Mr. Banks" with Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson is a film about the difficulty Walt Disney had in acquiring the film rights to "Mary Poppins" from its author. I recommend it. 
"Philomena" with Judi Dench is about a woman's search for her son who was taken away at birth fifty years earlier.  It is a compelling drama with strong characters and great acting. I highly recommend this wonderful movie.

This Week

Saturday we went on a historical tour of Jupiter lighthouse park which focused primarily upon its role in submarine warfare in world war II. Then we went to see the holiday parade in Hobe Sound.
Yesterday at Dramaworks we attended Lee Wolf's interview of Sally Ann Howes.

Two Terrific Stage Shows

Last night we previewed the latest production of Palm Beach Dramaworks, The Lion in Winter, which runs thru January 5, is a wonderful production and I highly recommend it.
The night before last (Tuesday) at the Kravis we were dazzled by the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring The Rockettes. It's a super show running through December 8. I can't oversell this fabulous show. Even though we had to work two consecutive shows, we didn't mind a bit.

Two Movies

Last Vegas is one of  the worst movies I've seen in my life. Intended as a comedy, it is unfunny, tasteless, disgusting, stupid, and totally without a single redeeming feature. 
Gravity has breathtaking cinematography and brilliant visual effects that transport you into space which is the reason I'm recommend this film. Be sure and see it in 3D. If you can overlook the totally implausible, contrived story, bad dialog, and so-so acting you'll enjoy it.

Sunday Morning

It was such a beautiful morning for walking that even the logistical challenges of extensive construction failed to spoil our enjoyment.

Political Polar Opposites

Many sincere, well-meaning conservatives & liberals who have the best interest of our country's future are political polar opposites. I'm discouraged about our future. How will we ever overcome this challenge to governance?

Dallas Buyers Club

Last night at Muvico we viewed an advanced screening of Dallas Buyers Club. I wouldn't be surprised to see Matthew McConaughey receive an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Ron Woodroof. I recommend this film for the acting and depiction of the sad, gritty, depraved culture so unlike ours. If you're squeamish about being immersed in this culture with its shocking behavior and language, you won't enjoy it. It was stressful and left me pretty well wrung out. See it but don't expect it to be fun.

Back Again

We've just returned from our autumn driving vacation, having traveled 3,774 miles over 12 states in 3 weeks. I'm pleased to report that our good luck is still holding out and we had very good experiences. We spent 13 nights with 11 Evergreeners, 6 with friends, 2 at International Hostel in NYC, and 1 with Jane's son. Our primary intention, to enjoy the autumn colors, was fully realized. High points included walking in NYC and two days in Disney World when we were royally hosted by our good friends, Leslie and Larry Chlebeck.

Lucky Us

                     In Georgia, gracious host, Betty,
                     has always been there for us.

                        Benefactors, Les and Larry 
                        exceed expectations.

More Evergreen Hosts

Here are Evergreeners who hosted us in New Jersey, Virginia, and South Carolina. I was a little surprised and quite delighted to find their political persuasions matched mine.