Pride And Prejudice (1940) — movie review (update of 2017 review) | |
Starring Laurence Olivier as Mr. Darcy and Greer Garson as Elizabeth “Lizzy” Bennet, this is the black and white version which appears on cable channels periodically – which is where I first viewed it one afternoon while casually channel surfing. Because I enjoyed my previous viewing and the cost of a streamed copy has recently fallen, I picked up a copy to re-watch. The story is essentially: small village with landowner family of five female daughters is thrown in a tizzy over the arrival of a very “suitable” bachelor. Even better, the bachelor comes with a friend, who is also a very suitable bachelor (Darcy). Lizzy takes an immediate dislike to Mr. Darcy while the oldest sister (Jane) falls madly in love with the first bachelor (Mr. Bingly). Blah, blah, blah, happy ending. | |
In this version, I was left with a “satisfied” grin. It was enjoyable to watch, and, because I’m so familiar with the story, I’m always looking forward to my favorite parts. I read the original novel (and reviewed it) back in 2018. Unfortunately, while Olivier and Garson “seemed” good in their roles individually, to me, they lacked the chemistry to make the story believable. Also, while I realize Olivier is playing the role of an English landed-lord from a prior century, this is the only Darcy portrayal I’ve seen where he (Darcy) comes across as effeminate rather gentlemanly. I imagine this is Olivier’s attempt to be theatrical rather than masculine “method” acting. There are also a couple of changes in the film which I found curious. For one, the costumes seemed more modern and more American than British. This impression may be just in comparison to the 1995 version. Another difference was that Darcy’s aunt refuses the marriage to Lizzy as a test of her love, whereas in the other versions, the aunt is doing it for reasons of societal class difference and because the aunt believes Darcy to be “given / promised” to her own daughter since childhood. Basically, it makes the aunt a redeemable character, which I don’t believe she was meant to be. (Having read the original book (annotated version), neither it nor any of the other film versions portray the aunt as redeemable.) | |
LoL! At some point, I will have to sit down and binge watch through as many versions as I can manage. I still have to purchase the “Bride and Prejudice” and the “Zombies” versions. I have never seen the 1980 BBC version and, at the moment, it is both priced beyond my price point and I believe it’s still only in UK / European format, so even if I could find the DVDs, they won’t play on this side of the pond. There is also another “Utah” version set in the modern day, but I don’t know how much interest I really have in that one. I guess it’ll come down to “one in, all in”. | |
Final recommendation: moderate to strong (upgrade). It’s an okay version – better received on this second viewing. I guess anything with Olivier is considered a “classic”. I say this version has historical interest, particularly if you are a fan of the production period (1940), the lead actors, or a big P&P fan (like me). Just a final note: As mentioned above, I’m a P&P fan, and I wanted to “own” a copy of this for future / repeated viewing. I’ve priced it online and over various streaming services since my initial viewing (2017) and it always ran about $15US. I was not going to pay that amount for movie approaching 80 years old, particularly since it’s NOT my favorite version. Anyway, the price has fallen to $5US, on my preferred streaming service, so I bought this copy. The movie has not been enhanced. So it is still presented in “SD” (4:3 TV quality) format. Which seems to me to be a shame. | |
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On This Day In: | |
2022 | My Conservative View |
2021 | Are We Getting Close To Uncertainty? |
How It Could Be | |
2020 | Two Loves |
A Short Count | |
2019 | Don’t Forget: Fire Burns |
2018 | Especially In The Middle East |
2017 | A Good Local |
2016 | Life Unlimited |
2015 | Still Trying |
2014 | Destiny, n. |
2013 | No Apologies |
2012 | Utterly Convinced |
2011 | A Key To Effectiveness |
Archive for the ‘Reviews’ Category
More Pride (1940)
Posted in Movie Review, Movies, Reviews, tagged Elizabeth "Lizzie" Bennet, Elizabeth "Lizzy" Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Greer Garson, Laurence Olivier, Moderate To Almost Strong Recommendation, Pride & Prejudice (1940) -- movie review, SD Format on June 6, 2023| 4 Comments »
Everybody Has One…
Posted in Guitar Stuff, Philosophy, Quotes, tagged Character, Confession, Opinion, Philosophy, Quotes, Ralph Waldo Emerson on May 25, 2023| Leave a Comment »
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of their character. | |
― Ralph Waldo Emerson | |
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On This Day In: | |
2022 | Dozing In The Backyard Hammock |
10 (40) | |
2021 | Still Learning (And Practicing) Guitar |
Still Ain’t Quite Right | |
More Changes… | |
2020 | Remembering… |
You KNEW That Man Was Trippin’ | |
2019 | Kingslanding |
2018 | I’d Bet On Taxes |
Ooops! I Spoke Too Soon | |
2017 | A Cautionary Wish |
2016 | Slogging |
It’s About… | |
Man / Man | |
2015 | Memorial Day – 2015 |
Content People Love To Share | |
2014 | I Resemble That Remark |
2013 | Long Range Exploration |
2012 | UBI |
2011 | Opportunity |
Heart Update (+30 Days)
Posted in Cardiac Ablation, Disclaimer, Family and Friends, Health, Workouts, tagged Cardiac Ablation, Disclaimer, EKG, Exercise, Health, Health Insurance, Medicare on May 6, 2023| 2 Comments »
Back on 4 April 2023, I had a cardiac ablation procedure. I survived and am on the road to recovery… | |
A few days later I posted my “milestones to recovery” timeline. Here is my post-30 day update: | |
1) | Survive the procedure (check) |
2) | Survive the first 24 hours and go home (check) |
3) | 1 week post-op review and EKG with cardiologist / staff. (check) EKG results are normal sinus rhythm. |
4) | Survive the first 11.5 days. According to the NIH, this is the median point for fatalities in the first 30 days after the procedure. Fatalities for the procedure are “roughly” .46% – so 1 in 200, but the majority of those deaths are related to co-morbidity factors, which I do not / did not have. (check) |
5) | Survive 30 days post-op. Again, according to the NIH, this is the critical time frame after which fatalities from the procedure drop to near zero(0). (check) |
6) | 90 days evaluation of post-op medications and return to almost “normal” activity. |
7) | After 90 days, and assuming the procedure was successful, my “odds” of living a “normal” life expectancy (compared to those on or off of AFib medications) are the same. |
How do I feel at the 30 day milestone? So-so. My cardiologist told me it can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days for the heart to heal and I have to continue to go-slow and pace myself until then. I’m feeling it… I have a “weighted chest” at some point almost every day. This happens with or without exercise. I am also frequently finding myself short of breath – normally when walking. Most times, it passes quickly, but sometimes it can last for more than an hour, and this is with and without the weighted chest feeling. I am also popping into AFib most days, although these sessions tend to be of only a few minutes. (Yesterday, I had my first instance of weighted chest, tight chest and shortness of breath – combined – which lasted about 75-90 minutes.) | |
The bottom line is the external incision points have closed and are well on the way to being fully healed, but questions remain about my heart. Not so much about immediate consequences of the ablation procedure, but whether or not it’s helped with my AFib. So, I have begun light exercise to go along with my daily walk (increased from .4 to .8 mile) around our block. I do one lap with my wife (walking our dog) and then a second lap on my own. My resting HR is in the mid-to-high 60bpm range. Most of the walking is in the 80-90 HR range, but I almost always get a 30 second to 2 minute bump to 140 – 155 HR range. I’m not “doing” anything different to make it go up (walk faster) or down (walk slower). It just seems to happen on its own. | |
In addition to the walking, I’m also doing some light weights exercise – 40lbs pull downs, inclined pushups and pull-ups, body-weight squats and 25lbs dead-lifts for 10 reps (each exercise) of three sets (in cycles / circuit). I’ve been adding an exercise to each circuit about one per week. I have brief pauses between each exercise and each set and I have not experienced any significant HR issues during or immediately after these exercises (sets or circuits). (I originally started with at least one full hour rest between circuits, but I don’t do that anymore.) I was hoping to start some “Niko-Niko” jogging after the 30 day milestone, but given my walking HR issues, I don’t think I’m up to that level of aerobic exercise quite yet. Maybe in a week or so… Ah, well… Slowly, slowly, Inshallah. | |
Disclaimer: As always, I would like to remind anyone reading this that I am NOT a doctor, I am not recommending this medical procedure or exercise program to anyone, and you should ALWAYS consult with your own medical provider / primary physician if you notice any personal health issues and before beginning any diet or exercise regime. My “road to recovery” checklist is based on my conversations with my cardiologist and my personal research on the Internet. | |
For anyone who is interested… I just received my insurance statement for the ablation procedure / over-night stay. My hospital billed at $260,790!! Medicare paid $33,000 (rounded) and my insurance paid $1,600. My out of pocket cost is $0!! While I’m happy my cost is nil, I have to ask: Is this any way to run a health care system? I feel for those people / families too young for Medicare and without health insurance. Without both insurances, this procedure would have bankrupted us or burdened us with debt for the rest of our lives. | |
Finally, I (again) offer my thanks to anyone who has or is offering up a prayer or positive thought for me. I am and will remain extremely grateful. | |
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On This Day In: | |
2022 | The Edge Of Today |
2021 | Why I’m Wrinkled With Age |
Is There A Generic Available? | |
2020 | I Feel Noblesse Oblige |
2019 | Live For Something |
2018 | My Dogs Beat ‘Em Up |
Is Your Sky Falling? | |
2017 | Unseen Here, Too |
2016 | Criticized Anyway |
2015 | Sometimes The Truth Hurts |
2014 | All Agreed, Say “Aye” |
2013 | Two Books, Two Movies |
Just Because | |
2012 | God’s Requirements |
2011 | Greater Purity |
Heart Update
Posted in Cardiac Ablation, Disclaimer, Family and Friends, Health, Workouts, tagged Cardiac Ablation, Disclaimer, EKG, Health on April 16, 2023| 2 Comments »
Back on 4 April 2023, I had a cardiac ablation procedure. I survived and am on the road to recovery… | |
A few days later I posted my “milestones to recovery” timeline. Here is an update: | |
1) | Survive the procedure (check) |
2) | Survive the first 24 hours and go home (check) |
3) | 1 week post-op review and EKG with cardiologist / staff. (check) EKG results are normal sinus rhythm. |
4) | Survive the first 11.5 days. According to the NIH, this is the median point for fatalities in the first 30 days after the procedure. Fatalities for the procedure are “roughly” .46% – so 1 in 200, but the majority of those deaths are related to co-morbidity factors, which I do not / did not have. (check) |
5) | Survive 30 days post-op. Again, according to the NIH, this is the critical time frame after which fatalities from the procedure drop to near zero(0). |
6) | 90 days evaluation of post-op medications and return to almost “normal” activity. |
7) | After 90 days, and assuming the procedure was successful, my “odds” of living a “normal” life expectancy (compared to those on or off of AFib medications) are the same. |
I have not been able to find out the mean point for fatalities after the procedure – only the median. As such, I am hoping the “mean” is on the left side of the “median” and not the right. (LoL – I am still demonstrating my OCD personality type, seeking control / security where there is no certainty.) | |
The bottom line is that although the external incision points may have closed and are well on the way to being fully healed, this is not true for my heart. My cardiologist has said it can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days for the heart to heal and I have to continue to go-slow and pace myself until then. So, I have begun light exercise to go along with my daily walk (.4 mile) around our block. 40lbs pull down for 10 reps in three sets spaced at least an hour apart. Ah, well… Slowly, slowly, Inshallah. | |
Disclaimer: As always, I would like to remind anyone reading this that I am NOT a doctor, I am not recommending this procedure to anyone, and you should ALWAYS consult with your own medical provider / primary physician if you notice any personal health issues. My “road to recovery” checklist is based on my conversations with my cardiologist and my personal research on the Internet. | |
Finally, I offer my thanks to anyone who has or is offering up a prayer or positive thought for me. I am and will remain extremely grateful. | |
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On This Day In: | |
2022 | Widening The Moat |
2021 | Core Strength |
Thinking Of You | |
2020 | Rising Danger |
210 Day Health / Weight Update (Apr 2020) | |
2019 | Never Let ‘Em See You Sweat |
2018 | Just Two? |
2017 | Living Without Love |
Good News! | |
2016 | At This Moment |
2015 | Still Dreaming |
2014 | Good Wins |
2013 | Before |
2012 | Look To This Day |
2011 | One View Of Man |
And I Always Will
Posted in Disclaimer, Other Blogs, Philosophy, Quotes, tagged D'Arline Feynman, Death, Dr. Richard P. Feynman, Letters Of Note, Love, Other Blogs, Philosophy, Quotes, Tuberculosis on March 30, 2023| 2 Comments »
October 17, 1946 | |
D’Arline, | |
I adore you, sweetheart. | |
I know how much you like to hear that — but I don’t only write it because you like it — I write it because it makes me warm all over inside to write it to you. | |
It is such a terribly long time since I last wrote to you — almost two years but I know you’ll excuse me because you understand how I am, stubborn and realistic; and I thought there was no sense to writing. | |
But now I know my darling wife that it is right to do what I have delayed in doing, and that I have done so much in the past. I want to tell you I love you. I want to love you. I always will love you. | |
I find it hard to understand in my mind what it means to love you after you are dead — but I still want to comfort and take care of you — and I want you to love me and care for me. I want to have problems to discuss with you — I want to do little projects with you. I never thought until just now that we can do that. What should we do. We started to learn to make clothes together — or learn Chinese — or getting a movie projector. Can’t I do something now? No. I am alone without you and you were the “idea-woman” and general instigator of all our wild adventures. | |
When you were sick you worried because you could not give me something that you wanted to and thought I needed. You needn’t have worried. Just as I told you then there was no real need because I loved you in so many ways so much. And now it is clearly even more true — you can give me nothing now yet I love you so that you stand in my way of loving anyone else — but I want you to stand there. You, dead, are so much better than anyone else alive. | |
I know you will assure me that I am foolish and that you want me to have full happiness and don’t want to be in my way. I’ll bet you are surprised that I don’t even have a girlfriend (except you, sweetheart) after two years. But you can’t help it, darling, nor can I — I don’t understand it, for I have met many girls and very nice ones and I don’t want to remain alone — but in two or three meetings they all seem ashes. You only are left to me. You are real. | |
My darling wife, I do adore you. | |
I love my wife. My wife is dead. | |
Rich. | |
PS Please excuse my not mailing this — but I don’t know your new address. | |
[The above letter was written by Dr. Richard Feynman. To quote the origin site / blog: “In June of 1945, his wife and high-school sweetheart, Arline, passed away after succumbing to tuberculosis. She was 25-years-old. 16 months later, in October of 1946, Richard wrote his late wife a heartbreaking love letter and sealed it in an envelope. It remained unopened until after his death in 1988.“ | |
Disclaimer: The above (letter and quote) are posted here on my site without prior permission or approval by either the originating site or whomever may own the rights to the actual letter. My posting is being done without claim of ownership and without any attempt to solicit or obtain monetary compensation for myself. I just think both the letter and the site deserve a wider distribution and this is my small effort to “spread the word”. If either the letter owner or the originating site object to my post and request removal of this post, I will, of course, comply. | |
Found on one of the blogs I follow: Letters of Note | |
The specific post is located at: https://news.lettersofnote.com/p/i-adore-you-sweetheart | |
Please visit the original site if you have a few minutes. — kmab] | |
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On This Day In: | |
2022 | What You Know |
2021 | Some Doctors Are Better Than Others |
Lessons | |
2020 | A Liar As President Corrupts Us |
2019 | Is It Dark And Quiet For You? |
2018 | Undeniable Requirement |
2017 | Orange Corrosion |
2016 | Both Particle And Wave |
2015 | Deep In Debt |
2014 | The Difference |
2013 | My Heart Is Described |
2012 | Keen To Be Alone |
2011 | The Ideal Business… |
2010 | 55 |
Folk Guitar
Posted in 2023 Book Review, Book Review, Guitar, Music, Reviews, tagged 2023 Book Review, Folksinging, Guitar, Highly Recommended Book, Jerry Silverman, Learning Guitar, Learning Music, Music, The Folksinger's Guitar Guide -- Book Review on March 26, 2023| Leave a Comment »
“The Folksinger’s Guitar Guide” (1962©) — book review | |
This review is for the book: “The Folksinger’s Guitar Guide“, written by Jerry Silverman. Silverman is a prolific writer of music books (over 200 to his credit) with an emphasis on “folk” music. The interesting thing is his credits are not exclusively “American” folk music. He has also written about folk music from several European countries and Afro-Caribbean / Calypso, too. This book is one of his earliest and considered his most popular (at least in terms of sales). This book was given to me as an early birthday present and was purchased from the “1/2-off” bin at a local music store (Rockin’ Robbies). We got it for $3!! | |
As with all music tutorial books, this book must be evaluated by two standards: 1) is it a good book? And, 2) will it help you “master” the topics covered? For the second question, only time can truly tell… For the first… This appears to be an EXCELLENT book! | |
This is NOT a music theory book – but you will get “some” theory. The is NOT a “method” book (according to the author), but you WILL get A LOT of method. This is NOT a history of “folk” music book, but you WILL get considerable background and a list of historically significant guitarists and their works. This IS a short (79 pages) and very fast read – mainly because it’s mostly songs / music and lyrics. The writing style is as approachable as the music itself. I learned a host of details / nuances about topics I haven’t heard addressed in my two years of watching (and re-watching) YouTube guitar instructional videos and “reading” various books. For example: picks are “meant” for steel string guitars. Fingers are for nylon strings. Striking with steel strings sounds different and nylon string guitars are not “meant” to have the harsh sound of a pick. You are supposed to grow your right hand finger nails “a little” if you want the sharper sound, but it will still sound different than a pick. The author also suggests if you are going to use a pick, to use the most flexible one you can find – particularly for strumming. | |
Now, of course, the example is purely the author’s opinion, but (to me) it intuitively makes sense. I have noticed differences between plectrum (“pick”) types and fingers. I had settled on a stiffer pick, because I haven’t practiced strumming as much as I have picking and I’ve moved away from growing my fingernails because I don’t like how they feel. I believe it does give you that “almost” pick sound, but they simply don’t “feel” right to me and I spend most of my day living life, not practicing guitar. (You also have to have strong nails. I’m not sure I do. And you have to keep the nails trimmed “just so”. Yes, I’ve read the recommendations, but every individual has slightly different fingers – and nails – and I’m not sure it is worth the time and effort to experiment with all of the various lengths and angles / cuts until I can already play a LOT better than I do now.) | |
As for “playing”, I’ve been gravitating towards fingerstyle: Travis picking, “regular” fingering, classical style, Spanish / Flamenco style(s) and blues. Obviously, individually these various forms take considerable time to learn and years to master, but I’ve not found “my” sound / style yet, and playing (beginning) the various styles is tremendously interesting. So, this book is right in line with my current investigations / interests. | |
Although the author claims this book is not “really” a method book – it is… It covers all of the main beginner topics (holding a guitar, parts of a guitar, and tuning). It then introduces chords “D“, then “A7“, then keys (theory). (Remember how I said Silverman sneaks in a bit of theory.) He finishes the “D” key with the “G” chord. He quickly moves into “transposing” keys (more sneaky theory). Next comes right hand work: strumming, timing and alternating base; then, base runs and a few more keys (“G“, “E” and “C“). All of this is done with songs for / at the appropriate skill level. | |
Finally, there are advanced topics: arpeggios, hammer-ons, and a brief introduction to various styles of music at the border of “folk”: Blues, Boogie, Calypso, alternate tunings, barre-ing and the use of capos. Silverman wraps up with a chord chart and discography and bibliography. Whew!! | |
After completing the reading I asked myself: would I be further along in playing guitar if I had found and read this book two years ago – when I first started. I would have to admit, yes. I would probably be considerably further along in playing ability if I had started with this book. But there is a difference between playing and knowing / understanding. And, here, I’m not sure… | |
I’ve taken the road less traveled. That is true. I’ve explored multiple guitar types: classic acoustic, modern acoustic, semi-hollow, full-size and 3/4 size, nylon and steel string, and then there is the whole range of electric guitars I’ve also begun to explore… Am I a better guitar player for this experience. I would say: NO. I consider myself to be just slightly ahead of absolute beginner. But I think I am a better guitarist because of the roundabout method I’ve taken to get where I’m at in my ability. | |
The author proposes three main criteria for learning to play guitar: 1) listen to as much music as you can – over and over again, until you can feel the music you’ll be playing (what to play). 2) watch as much music being played as you can (how to play), so you can get ideas about playing from those who’ve gone before. And, 3) play as much as you can, at every opportunity (practice, practice, practice). Build a foundation and then add to it. | |
Final recommendation: This is a wonderful book for any potential guitarist who is trying to learn this historical style of music: folk music. I believe it would be of benefit to any type of guitarist, but if you have little or no interest in styles outside of your own favorite genre (hard rock or heavy metal with lightening fast solos), you may find the book too simplistic. As for me, “folk music” was never on my radar, but it definitely is now! Very highly recommended! | |
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On This Day In: | |
2022 | A Whole New Kind |
2021 | Yea, Spring! |
Smile On Your Brother | |
2020 | Spoken And Shared |
2019 | Real Tools |
Three Cruelties | |
2018 | United States |
2017 | Out Of Luck |
2016 | Wavelengths Of The Earth |
2015 | God Said What To You? |
2014 | Not Saying |
2013 | Ears And Tongue |
2012 | The Story Of Joe (Middle-Class Republican) |
2011 | Happy Birthday, Diana |
Depending On Kindness | |
A Baker’s Dozen
Posted in Disclaimer, Guitar Stuff, Music, tagged Acoustic Guitar, Classical Guitar, Disclaimer, Full-Size 4/4 Spruce Top Classical Nylon String Guitar, GAS, Guitar, Guitar Acquisition Syndrome, Idyllwild, Monoprice, Music, Nylon String Guitars on March 3, 2023| 3 Comments »
[Disclaimer: I have not received as a promotional consideration any guitar or music related product, nor am I mentioning anything in this post to secure compensation / income for myself or the manufacturer(s) of the products mentioned. I am only posting about this / these item(s) because I personally purchased it / them and am excited to be learning about music and playing guitar. This is a long post… You’ve been warned! — kmab] | |
Background: If you’ve been following this blog for the last two years, you are probably aware I’m trying to learn / teach myself how to play guitar. I began this journey in late 2020, when I decided to try, and, then in January 2021, when I purchased my first guitar. Since then, I’ve gone deep into Guitar Acquisition Syndrome (G.A.S.) and I now have thirteen! So, yes, after a brief 25-ish months, I’m averaging about one new guitar every two months. How’s that for “G.A.S.”?!! | |
My most recent purchase is: “Idyllwild (by Monoprice) Full-Size 4/4 Spruce Top Classical Nylon String Guitar with Accessories and Gig Bag“. This is the “bigger brother” of the “Idyllwild by Monoprice 3/4 Classical Guitar with Gig Bag, Natural“, which I bought back in June of 2021. The 3/4 cost me (roughly): $43 and this full-size version cost: $75. Despite the fact I feel like I’m pretty hooked on guitar at this point – “doubt I’d keep playing” was the main reason for buying “inexpensive” (re: cheap) guitars when I started out. I’m pretty happy with all of my purchases, but I’m STILL resisting the urge to splurge on an expensive “big-name” guitar. | |
This is my third “Monoprice” guitar and second “Idyllwild” brand guitar. I have the two already mentioned (this and the 3/4) and I have one “Indio” guitar (by Monoprice). That guitar is an electric “telecaster” style. I guess, their electrics are “Indio‘s” and their acoustics are “Idyllwild“. | |
Start of review: | |
So, this (4/4 size “classical” acoustic) is the latest guitar I’ve purchased – as of March 2023. It was ordered on 24 February and received on 1 March, so shipping was less than a week – an initial very good impression! The box had a couple of slight (1in x 1in) dents in it, so that was a negative, but they did not necessarily have anything to do with the manufacturer / seller, so it’s merely a comment on delivery status. (Note: Virtually every guitar I’ve purchased has come with a slight – or not so slight – issue with the shipped box / container and NONE have resulted in a damaged instrument. I may just be lucky…) | |
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Per their site, this is what I received for $75 and change – all-in (including tax and shipping). | |
Strings: 6 – nylon; the three bass strings are metal wrapped. The strings do not feel “real”. They feel like they should be on a $2 plastic, toy guitar, BUT though cheap feeling, they have held tune surprisingly well. By not “real”, I mean they feel VERY thick. They are BY FAR the thickest strings I’ve ever played on a guitar. I don’t know what gauge they are. | |
Electronics: N/A | |
Tuners: typical chrome (three to a side, linked) classical tuners, but they neither look nor “feel” flimsy. They also do not have dead spots (when you turn and nothing happens, then suddenly the gears seem to grab). The tuners on the 3/4 were a “brassy” looking color. I don’t know if they were actual brass. I doubt it. | |
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Neck Shape: I’m not sure how to describe it. It is WIDE. The top is flat; almost to the point of being concave. I have very wide fingertips and this is BY FAR the most string separation I have on any guitar I own. To be honest, I LOVE it!! I have virtually NO bleed over from my fingers in ANY chord. The down side, of course, is that any chord with a 6th string is much harder to reach. I had thoughts of buying a twelve-string guitar and removing the extra strings, just to see what it would feel like to have room for my fingers. This is no longer necessary. I now know what it will feel like… | |
Neck Material: Okume | |
Top Material: Spruce / Solid | |
Body Size: 4/4, 39in total length | |
Body Shape: Classical (no cut-away) Acoustic | |
Number of Frets: 19 (but the “upper range” 7 frets are virtually unreachable except for tapping) | |
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Note: the above image is from the Monoprice product site and I make no claim to ownership. | |
Fretboard: no idea (unspecified) Note: As with most “classical” style guitars there are NO fret markers inlaid on the face of the fretboard. Unlike, most classical style guitars there are “dots” on the upper side (the base strings side) of the fretboard. I don’t know if they are true inlaid or simply painted under the gloss varnish. | |
Frets Size: 2.2mm | |
Nut / Saddle: Plastic (Minor tuning adjustments make the strings “ping” at the nut. This means I need to “lube / graphite” the nut a little when I get around to changing the strings.) | |
Nut Width: not stated; but I believe it is “classical”: i.e. 2 inches wide | |
Bracing: not stated | |
Back / Sides: No idea. I am assuming it is Okume, like the neck, but I haven’t seen this documented. I don’t know if the back and sides are solid or laminate. | |
Bridge: no idea, but the saddle appears to be plastic (like the nut) | |
Pickguard: none | |
Finish: Natural gloss all over (including the full neck and headstock). Wonderfully smooth to the touch! | |
Included Accessories: Battery operated electric tuner, extra set of strings, 3 picks, strap, gig bag (Note: the picks were NOT received and the strap is useless as there are no knobs to attach a strap to. Most classical guitars are held, not strapped.) | |
Gig Bag: Included. This bag is ok considering the total price. It is more than a dust cover in thickness (but with no padding at all), and it seems tough, (but not waterproof). The zippers look medium weight and works smoothly. There is also a zippered pouch on the front of the bag. The bag is sufficient for most carrying about, but it is baggy (not form fitting) and offers only the slightest of protection. It does not have a super sturdy handle or padded shoulder straps, but the straps are adjustable, so that’s something. Lastly, the strap guides are metal – not plastic – as you would expect on a simple, unpadded gig bag. | |
Not mentioned on the site: | |
They give you an Allen wrench to adjust the truss rod which runs through the guitar’s neck. The truss rod is accessed via the sound hole, so there is no visible clue on the headstock. The neck is visibly straight; not bowed one way or the other. The top fret is 12, where the neck joins the body. I believe this is why the nut can be tuned and open chords sound good, but the top frets are all uniformly (still) sharp ended and will be a devil to round (if I decide to make the effort). (Note: it is my understanding that most “classical” style guitars do not come with a truss rod. Also, you cannot put steel strings on a guitar meant for nylon strings. They lack the physical support to hold steel strings and you will most probably either severely bend or outright snap the neck off the guitar body when you try to tune it.) As the intonation is already perfect, there is no need to adjust the truss rod. | |
Main Review – | |
First: the guitar is light weight. Even in the box, it feels weightless! | |
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Second: my first visual and hold – the finish is beautiful and the guitar does not “feel” cheap (or inexpensive) – except for the extreme light weight. The top is blonde and the sides and bottom (body and neck) are a beautiful, dark honey-yellow color. The fret ends do not extend past the neck edges (good), but they are not rounded, so they feel a little bit sharp. This is the same as was true for the 3/4 purchased earlier. The fret board surface seems slightly ash grey-ish – again, like the 3/4. I believe it is supposed to be black. Again, I think this means it is just overly dry. I will add some lemon oil to it when I get around the rounding the fret ends. The neck is good for relief (not bowed up or down) and is not warped. As mentioned above, the string action is high at the high frets which I would have thought would effect the intonation. It did / does NOT. Once tuned, this guitar is the best intonated guitar I have EVER received. It is PERFECT at open, 5th and 12th frets!! | |
Third: the strings are new and appear wrapped enough to hold without slipping, but they are not excessive – as was true for the 3/4. It is nit-picking, but the strings do not appear to be wound consistently – all left or all right. In practice, this means they could vibrate against each other. They don’t at the moment and it will be a simple thing to correct when I get around to restringing. | |
Fourth: There are two very minor blemishes on the finish. One looks like the side got a wide brush scratch and the other looks like a speck of something was caught under the varnish. Both are virtually undetectable without very close examination. There is no dip or lump in the varnish finish to provide a tactile clue there is any damage / fault. | |
Fifth: (exactly like for the 3/4) the “gig-bag” is a functional dust cover / carry-all. It will NOT protect the guitar from any but the most trivial bumps. Having said that, it is FAR better than one of the “gig-bags” I got for “free” with a more expensive guitar. It has a handle and un-padded shoulder straps. The straps are not long enough for someone my size to use, but I suppose they would be fine for a child or slender teenager. | |
Sixth: This guitar has very high action! Visually, it is off-putting. In practice, it is irrelevant! The intonation is perfect at open, 5th fret and 12th fret AND the strings are very flexible and easily pressed. Today was my second time using the guitar and I practiced for well over 2 hours with no discomfort to my fretting hand finger tips. There is no buzzing (high frets) and there are no dead frettings. | |
Finally: What this guitar reinforced was that nylon strings are extremely forgiving for longer (over one hour) practice sessions. The flat neck definitely has more room for my chubby fingers to practice scales and chords, but is only slightly more difficult to practice / play barred chords. | |
Recommendation: I would highly recommend this guitar to any adult thinking of beginning guitar lessons who would like to learn guitar with an inexpensive “starter” guitar. The fretboard may be too wide for children or adults with shorter finger lengths. You may outgrow this within a year or two, but you’ll keep it handy and pick it up frequently because if it gets a little banged up, it can be easily (and inexpensively) replaced. Like it’s little brother (the 3/4), I bought this specifically to keep laying around, for a quick pickup to practice (specifically finger-picking and classical style playing). It will certainly exceed those simple requirements. Caution: unlike my inexpensive electric guitars and LIKE my other acoustic guitars, you should NOT purchase this thinking you will be able to use it for a “mod” (modification) platform. Other than changing the strings and (maybe) polishing fret ends, there is almost nothing you can do to make this a “better” instrument. Just bite the bullet and shell out for a more expensive replacement guitar when you get past what this has to offer. Then, keep this one for when you go to the beach or camping. Please remember if you pay full retail price, it is STILL only a $75 guitar. Actually, “my” guitar was $75. The “normal” retail price is $99 as of March 2023. | |
One final “comment” – which may sound unfair – this is a “listeners” guitar, more than a “players” guitar. By that I mean if you play it, it feels good and sounds okay. Not great. Just okay. But if you turn the guitar face so the sound hole is to your ear, this guitar sounds fantastic. The difference is – to me – amazing and I repeat the exercise every time I pick it up. I have noted this effect on my other acoustics, too, but nowhere near this level of difference. | |
Because my impressions / opinions of the guitar may change over time, updates to my reviews will appear on the specific guitar review page and not in a daily blog post… | |
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On This Day In: | |
2022 | Putin Invades Ukraine To Recreate The Old Soviet Union |
2021 | Even If It’s A Nice View |
There’s A Calm Before The Storm | |
2020 | First Steps – The (California) Primary Vote |
#IncompetentTrump Administration Faces A Pandemic | |
2019 | Hearts Torn In Every Way |
2018 | Recently Seen On A T-shirt: |
2017 | Rhythmical Creation |
2016 | In The Beginning |
2015 | False Gods |
2014 | But Sometimes Careers Choose People |
2013 | Pretty Sure Of Uncertainty |
2012 | Face Reality |
2011 | Intelligent Luck |
Hanging On By My Fingertips…
Posted in General Comments, Guitar, Guitar Stuff, Music, Pictures, tagged Andrés Segovia, Anular, Finger Nails, Fingerpicking, General Comments, Guitar, Images, Indice, Medio, Merle Travis, Music, Pictures of Me, PIMA, Pulgar, Travis Picking on February 5, 2023| Leave a Comment »
In my continuing efforts to learn more about playing guitar and making music, towards the end of last year, I began trying some “finger-picking” styles. Before that I was either using a “plectrum” (guitar pick) or just casually strumming with my thumb / index finger. There is an obvious tonal difference between the two: using a pick tends to be louder and with individual notes better defined; no pick (to me) sounds “fuller” but softer (muffled isn’t the right word to describe the sound, but it’s all I can think of). | |
Finger-picking is used the most extensively (exclusively) in Classical and Spanish style guitar playing and frequently in Country (“Travis Style”) and Jazz. As these styles are all far beyond my basic skill set, I have (to date) paid little heed of the physical requirements of this / these style: Fingernails. | |
As I began exploring these styles (yes, my reach exceeds my grasp), I kept stumbling on advice for how to maintain appropriate nails – length and shape. And, in turn, I’ve tried growing my nails out… | |
Traditional “Classical” style uses the thumb (“P”) and three fingers (“I”, “M”, “A”). The “pinky” is unused. Traditional “Travis” style uses only thumb and index finger, but most guitarists nowadays use at least two fingers (and usually three). | |
The traditional “strike-zone / sweet-spot” for finger-picking is the point where the nail and finger join. This allows the guitarist to both deaden a moving string (using the finger pad) and get the most precise release point for the string (the edge of the finger nail). | |
Of course there are a variety of individual factors which determine how long and what shape your nails need to be, including: the shape of your fingers, the width of your nails, the shape of your nails, the distance from the join point (finger and nail) to the top of your individual fingers and the angle of “attack” you use to pluck each string. | |
Bottom line? Too much, too soon. Yes, I can feel the difference when playing, and yes, I can hear the difference, but this is a LOT of hassle. I have a LONG history of OCD with my fingernails. I don’t bite them, but I keep them VERY short and just going a few weeks to grow them out this far is driving me crazy! LoL!! | |
So, no, I won’t be keeping my right hand nails long… And, so, my dreams of becoming the next Andrés Segovia / Merle Travis must fall by the wayside… (Just kidding. I have NEVER dreamed that!) Now, where are my clippers? | |
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On This Day In: | |
2022 | Do People Know What You Stand For? |
2021 | The Republican Party Can Survive Trumpism (If It Wants To) |
Don’t You Ever Ask Them Why | |
2020 | Art Work |
One Person (Republican) Can Make A Majority | |
2019 | Hopefully, Closer To Noon |
Can You See The Bottom? | |
2018 | Stock Market Sets Another Record Under #DumbDonald |
#LyingDonald: About That Special Prosecutor Testimony | |
2017 | We Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet |
2016 | But You Have To Learn It Feels Good |
2015 | Never Stop |
2014 | Caution |
2013 | Treat Her Like A Lady |
2012 | Build New Worlds |
2011 | I Grok Elegance |
Standing Relish | |
Getting Called
Posted in Included Video, Music, Music and Concerts, Videos, tagged Eddie And The Cruisers, Included Video, John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band, Music Video, On The Dark Side, Vevo, YouTube on January 2, 2023| 2 Comments »
On The Dark Side |
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On This Day In: | |
2021 | More New Year’s Exercises |
7 Done, 12 Down | |
2021 | Another Public Service Message |
Greetin’ The Sun | |
2020 | From The Mountains To The Shores |
2019 | Watering The Trees And Seeds |
1221 | |
2018 | Take Care Of Me… |
2017 | Make Some Difference |
2016 | Still 99% |
2015 | Adolescent Opinion |
2014 | In A Big World |
2013 | Vacancy For God |
2012 | Sweat Equity |
Try It… You’ll Like It | |
2011 | Still Incomplete |
2010 | Happy New Year – 2010 |
Prairie Life
Posted in 2022 Book Review, Book Review, History, Reading, Reviews, tagged 2022 Book Review, American West, Annie Pavelka, Ántonia Shimerda, Bohemia, Columbo, Craig J. Carrozzi, Czech Republic, Hired Girl, Historical Fiction, History, James (Jim) Burton, My Ántonia, Nebraska, The Curse of Chief Tenaya, Very Highly Recommended Book, Viginia, Willa Cather on November 16, 2022| 2 Comments »
Today’s review is for the book: “My Ántonia” (1918©) written by Willa Cather. This book is considered her first masterpiece. The book was given to me by Craig Carrozzi, a high school friend / football teammate, who is himself a published author. I reviewed one of his books (“The Curse of Chief Tenaya“) and he felt this book had a similar “feel” to his work, so he gave it to me when we recently went to lunch. The work is loosely based on Cather’s own experiences growing up on the Nebraska prairie and those of a actual immigrant (Annie Pavelka) who worked as a “hired girl”. | |
The book revolves around two main characters: James (Jim) Burton – the books narrator, and Ántonia Shimerda. “Jim” is a recently orphaned boy from Virginia and Ántonia is a slightly older (by four years) girl recently immigrated from Bohemia (currently Czech Republic) with her family as they all start their new lives in a farming town in Nebraska at the end of the 1900’s and through the early 20th century. The narrator tells the tale of his growing up and his friendship with the “girl next door” and some of the changes they see in the American West. | |
The book begins with an introduction (narrated by the author) of Burton which (unknown to the reader) provides the framework and conclusion of the main narration – although I did not fully realize this until after the book was finished. It then reminded me of watching an episode of “Columbo” – a TV detective / police series from the 70’s / 80’s known for starting each episode of the show with the crime and the audience knows who the culprit is so the only question is whether the “bumbling” detective can figure out how the crime was done and who is the guilty party. Thematically, the author and the narrator meet on a train ride and spend time discussing their shared childhood. The discussion passes to Ántonia and the author asks the narrator to tell Ántonia’s story because he (Burton) knew Ántonia so much better. Ultimately, the boy grows up to be a wealthy New York attorney (we are led to believe unhappily married and childless) and Ántonia grows up to be a poor farmer’s wife and mother of almost a dozen kids. Having written and presented his version of events as instructed, the narrator gives his text to the female passenger who then decides not to write her version. | |
Post “Introduction”, the book is Burton’s narrated story(ies). The novel is divided into multiple(5) “books” and each of those broken into multiple chapters of – normally – two to five pages. My version of the book totals 136 pages, in fairly small print. The book is a very fast read, but I broke it up over several days because I was enjoying it and wanted to savor the words as much as the story. | |
So, is this book any good? Is it insightful or “just” entertaining? And, of course, do I recommend it? Yes, this book is good! It is both insightful AND entertaining. And, I highly recommend it! | |
This is not my typical taste in reading. Although nominally, describing the full lives of two individuals and a few other minor-characters, it doesn’t “really” have a build up and climax. It just kind of rambles on like the “Great Plains” themselves. This, in itself is interesting because the book supposedly describes the settling of the American “West”. In point of fact, this is what we (Americans) now consider the “fly-over” portion of the country – the plains and Mississippi-Missouri river valley separating the Rockies from the Appalachian Mountains. In any case, the natural beauty of the land is lovingly described in picturesque detail. As mentioned above, I enjoyed the vivid descriptions so much I slowed down my reading so I could dawdle over and savor the words and sentences. Every page is used to capture the sights, colors, smells and textures of whatever is being described – from mud holes, to linen sheets, to grains waving in the winds, to snow and ice turning to mush. | |
Final recommendation: Very highly recommended! Living in our current day and age, with all of our modern conveniences, it is near impossible to comprehend how difficult it must have been even just 100 years ago, to come to a new country / state and start (in some cases literally) from a cave dug into the ground and then to go on and make a life for yourself and your family. It was a bit transfixing to read about this struggle and think for that generation, there was nothing else to do but to get on with it – and they did… | |
Final Note: This book is out of copyright and available for free downloading at / from several web sites in several formats. | |
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On This Day In: | |
2021 | The Question Is Courage |
Never Change | |
2020 | Two Quotes Which Remind Me Of Our Lame Duck President |
Still Running | |
2019 | I’m Up For Trying |
60 Day Health / Weight Update (Nov 2019) | |
2018 | #PresidentBoneSpur |
2017 | My Staggering Confusion |
Zapped!!! | |
2016 | And Bloggers? |
2015 | Ethical Energy |
2014 | Are You Likely To Defend It? |
2013 | Might As Well |
2012 | The Long And Short Of It |
2011 | Bravery |
Discovering Humanity
Posted in Disclaimer, Guitar, Music, Other Blogs, Philosophy, Quotes, tagged Allen Mathews, Classical Guitar, Disclaimer, Guitar, https://classicalguitarshed.com/, Humanity, Music, Other Blogs, Personal Journeys, Philosophy, Quotes, Tuesday Quotes on November 12, 2022| Leave a Comment »
The joy of playing classical guitar extends beyond the prize (the perfect performance). It’s the daily journey and how we travel it. That’s where we find the gold. That’s where we discover the humanity, in both the music and in ourselves. | ||
— Allen Mathews | ||
Allen Mathews is a professional musician and classical guitar instructor who maintains a site located at: https://classicalguitarshed.com/ | ||
Every Tuesday, Allen posts a quote (which may or may not be specifically about music). He then goes on to tie the quote to a “teaching moment”. Allen’s “Quote page” is located at: https://classicalguitarshed.com/tuesday-quotes/ | ||
[Disclaimer: Although I have viewed many of Allen’s videos and subscribed to his emails for over a year, I have not personally purchased any of his packages of instruction as I am merely dabbling in “classical” guitar to see what it’s about. I have no other association with Allen or his site and have not requested permission to re-post this quote. If he requests it, I will remove or substantially edit this quote. — kmab] | ||
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On This Day In: | ||
2021 | Likely To Be Subtle | |
My Temp’s Pretty High | ||
Scratching A Persistent Itch | ||
2020 | A Word Of Assurance They Are Not Alone | |
Is #45 Still Crying? | ||
2019 | It’s Obvious | |
2018 | Passed Too Swiftly | |
2017 | On Our Wall (Part 1) | |
2016 | Or The Ripples From A Good Life | |
2015 | Titles And Reputations | |
2014 | Unfolding | |
2013 | Again | |
2012 | Needs | |
Damned | ||
2011 | Potter & Prejudice | |
Blink, Blink | ||
A Series Of Observations
Posted in Leadership, Philosophy, Reviews, Series (TV or Streaming) Review, TV Series, tagged Agent Teresa Lisbon, Amanda Righetti, California Bureau Of Investigation, CBI, Dr. Moriarty, Dr. Watson, FBI, Federal Bureau Of Investigation, Grace Van Pelt, I Love Lucy, Kimball Cho, Law & Order, Leadership, Moderate to Strong TV Series Recommendation, Moral Choices, NCIS, Owain Yeoman, Patrick Jane, Philosophy, Red John, Robin Tunney, Sherlock Holmes, Simon Baker, StarTrek, The Greater Good, The Mentalist, The Simpsons, Tim Kang, TV Series Review, War & Peace, Wayne Rigsby on October 22, 2022| Leave a Comment »
Today’s TV series review is for the seven season / 151 episodes / 115 hours total viewing time, drama / crime-police / mystery series: “The Mentalist“. The show stars Simon Baker as Patrick Jane (the Mentalist) and Robin Tunney as Agent Teresa Lisbon (his long suffering boss / side-kick”Watson”). There are three other “main” supporting characters: Kimball Cho (played by Tim Kang), Wayne Rigsby (played by Owain Yeoman) and Grace Van Pelt (played by Amanda Righetti). The series originally aired between 2008 and 2015. I viewed / “streamed” the series over several weeks in 3-to-4 episode chunks. Some spoilers follow, so if you are intending to watch this series, do so before continuing this review… | |
The basic premise is that a “reformed” con-man / fake psychic (Jane) assists law enforcement (the California Bureau of Investigation [CBI]) with solving crimes (mostly murders). Because the CBI is a state law enforcement unit, the crime is generally on California state property or CBI involvement is “requested” by someone with sufficient political influence to warrant the notice of the CA State Attorney General. Sometimes this aspect is a REAL stretch… and then has to be narratively explained away by dialogue. | |
The main character – Jane – has highly developed observational skill, exceptional memory skill and high intelligence which combined with his years as a con-man / magician / fake psychic allow him to “solve” each case in intuitive (sometimes illegal) ways – much to the discomfort of the supporting cast (professional law enforcement officers). Jane becomes involved with CBI after recovering from a nervous breakdown following the brutal murder of his wife and daughter by a serial killer (“Red John”). Red John’s modus operandi is “generally” a rape, disembowelment and then throat slitting of his (mostly female) victims. Red John is a cult leader type criminal, generally following the “Dr. Moriarty” character type from the Sherlock Holmes genre. Lisbon is Watson to Jane’s Sherlock. | |
The series has two over-arching series themes: the developing romantic relationship between Jane and Lisbon and the developing friendship(s) between Jane and the rest of the law enforcement supporting characters. Within this there are also three main seasonal story arcs: seasons one through three are single episode murder mysteries developing the two main arcs. Seasons four, five and half of season six are devoted to both episodic crimes and the hunt for Red John. Red John is revealed (and killed) and then the last half a season six and all of season seven is Jane assisting in various FBI cases. Season seven is an abbreviated season of only twelve episodes. All of the other seasons are twenty-one plus episodes. Most of the series is based in Sacramento. Post-Red John, the series moves from CBI to FBI and is then based from Austin, Texas. | |
So, is this series any good? Has it stood the test of time? How is the acting? Is the show realistic for leadership, psychology or law enforcement? And, finally, is it worth investing 115 hours of your life? In order: yes, mostly, poor to excellent, more often than not, so-so, “I sure hope not”, and yes. | |
More specifically, overall, this is a VERY good series. It is as predictable as any police procedural: crime, investigation, resolution. It is mostly predictable for character development – but at a surprisingly / interesting slow pace and then – bang – your in rapids, and then – back to slow pace. The series ends “happily” from a romantic perspective it is well rapped up – the two main couples wed. So, bottom line, the good-guys win and live happily-ever-after. | |
Test of time / acting / theme portrayals: As a police procedural – I hope not. As a romantic drama, yes. As a “Sherlock Holmes” genre, so-so. In practically every episode, some person’s rights are either ignored or aggressively violated. This is morally acceptable because the team is putting very bad people (mostly men) behind bars (or killing them). No matter how honorable the character starts in their role, they are always corrupted by Jane and the concept of acting for “the greater good”. On the romantic side, a big part of every drama is how long can you maintain the sexual tension between the main characters. Although obvious from the first episode, both main relationship arcs are well developed. As a super-sleuth / Holmes procedure series, the show has problems, but it (the show) still works because of the believability of the actors in their slowly developed / multi-layered character portrayals. The portrayals of most of the bad-guys are mostly flat and one dimensional, but there are notable exceptions. As the series progresses most of the other (non-super-genius) characters say: “This is what Jane would (would not) have us do…” For me personally, I found the various depictions of leadership styles / personalities to be one of the most interesting aspects of the series. The whole gamut of leadership from criminal to sainted is represented and the strengths and weaknesses of the various styles is examined, critiqued and accepted or rejected. | |
Investment: I feel there has been an on-going transformation in home entertainment happening over the course of my lifetime. The progress is roughly equivalent to that of written literature. In writing we have daily comics, short stories and comic books, short-moderate-long books (texts and novels), books series and encyclopedias. In TV, the corresponding genre would be animated / cartoon shorts (multiple stories in a half-hour show), episodic stories (half-hour to hour long shows), movie length (90 minutes to mini-series [sub-30 hours of total viewing time]), and seasonal arcs (episodic, but with 3-5 minutes devoted to long-term character / story development), and then generational shows / series. I consider “generational” series to be any series over 15 years / seasons – so, most day-time soap operas and multi-series franchises (“I Love Lucy“, “The Simpsons“, “StarTrek“, “Law & Order“, “NCIS“, etc). I (personally) do NOT consider game shows to be “generational” series, even though many have gone well beyond 20 seasons, because they are normally not re-watched after the initial viewing. Although, there is now some give on this characteristic, too, as you can “watch” some of the prior episodes (on TV-history channels). The point of the “re-run” (though) is to view the contestants (famous personalities from yesteryear) and not viewing the contests, themselves. At any rate, I would put a seven seasons series in the “War & Peace” – lengthy story grouping, but not in the generational level group. | |
Final recommendation: This is a moderate to strong recommendation for an initial viewing (see caution later), a low to moderate for re-viewing in its entirety and a strong to highly for individual episodes (if you develop a favorite character or mini-story arc during your initial viewing). For me, 100-plus hours is almost certainly too long to spend re-watching the entire series. I purchased my “series-bundle copy” on steep discount ($30 as I recall), at which price this a bargain for entertainment value – even if only viewed once – $.25 per hour or $.20 per episode. One note of caution: there is the occasional swear word used at least once per season and there are repeated scenes of victims injuries (almost one per episode), so this is not appropriate for viewers under 12 years of age. | |
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On This Day In: | |
2021 | Press On |
Mama Said There’d Be Days Like This | |
2020 | AMA |
Still Shiny | |
2019 | Things That Go Bump In The Night |
Hoping I’m Careful | |
2018 | I Must Be Truly Wise |
2017 | My Sensei |
2016 | The Worst Sin |
2015 | Rules Of Thumb |
2014 | A Prayer |
Orange October (IX) – Giants Lose Game 2 In Bullpen Collapse | |
2013 | Complacent Reality |
2012 | Two-minute Sex |
Just Staring, Why? | |
2011 | A World Of Difference |
A Life Well Lived, A Story Well Told
Posted in 2022 Book Review, Book Review, Disclaimer, Family and Friends, Reviews, tagged 2022 Book Review, Craig J. Carrozzi, Dancing With Wolves, Disclaimer, Friends, Grizzly Bear, Hetch-Hetchy Valley, Highly Recommended Book, Ireland, Jeremiah Ignatius McElroy, Northern California, Oakland, San Francisco, SF Giants, The Curse Of Chief Tenaya -- book review, The Deer Hunter, The Last Of The Mohicans, The Peace Corps, Yosemite on September 25, 2022| Leave a Comment »
“The Curse Of Chief Tenaya” (2002©) — book review | |
Today’s book review is for a historic fiction novel set in 1800’s. The author is Craig J. Carrozzi. It is about an Irish immigrant coming to the United States and making his life through the pre-, actual and post- “Gold Rush” in Northern / Central California. | |
Full disclosure: Craig (the author) was a member of the football teams I played on while in high school in San Francisco. After high school graduation, Craig joined the Peace Corps, returned to San Francisco to get his BA and then subsequently lived a good deal of his life in South America. Like me, Craig was raised in San Francisco. He is the author of five published books and numerous articles. Of his five published books – one is about attending a SF Giants baseball game as a youth; three are semi-autobiographical fictionalized stories about his time in South America; and, this book (being reviewed) is about earlier days in Northern California. | |
The book’s main character is Jeremiah Ignatius McElroy. He is born in Ireland, starts off as a hard life (potato famine and Yellow Fever), moves to the US (via Canada), travels across the country / continent and ultimately becomes a hunter and tour guide in the Sierra Nevada mountains. His main geographic expertise is the high-country of Yosemite Valley and it’s “cousin”, the Hetch-Hetchy Valley. He spends the winters in Oakland, CA with his widowed younger sister and her family. Jeremiah is hired by a wealthy landowner to track down and destroy a Grizzly bear. | |
This is basically a “man’s” action book with a couple of interesting twists (interesting to me, anyway). First, the current day action is interspersed with the growing-up portion of Jeremiah’s life. The author / publisher uses the “trick” of italicizing the historical narration so the reader can clearly “see” when the author is talking about the past. The second interesting aspect of the book is an obvious attempt to include “real” famous / historic literary figures in the story. Hence, Jeremiah reads Ambrose Bierce columns in the daily newspaper; drinks with Jack London in a bar; and, meets John Muir while up in the hills. | |
The “action” portion is the life of the growing up, becoming a man and then aging and preparing for old age; but within the specific confines of the plot, it is the pursuit of a giant Grizzly which has been terrorizing cattle ranches in and around the Hetch-Hetchy area. | |
So, is this book any good? Is it realistic in it’s character(s) and / or historic depictions? Is it entertaining and / or interesting? And, finally, do I recommend this book? | |
In short – the answer is YES, to all of these questions. The book is relatively short (225 pages) and the story is a fast and well paced read. I read it completely in one sitting and found it hard to put down for my own meals. (This despite a good deal of delicious sounding meals through-out the book.) | |
In general, the book seems pretty accurate to very accurate in describing both people and locations. I must admit, I felt the author let a bit of his own “politics” come into the attitudes and language used in some of the conversations. One example is when Jeremiah uses the word “deforestation” in an extended dialogue. I looked the word up. The word is cited as first used around 1870, so it is possible Jeremiah might know it, but it seems to me, unlikely a hunter / trapper / outdoorsman / tour guide would know the word, let alone use the word. But, these are very minor flaws in an otherwise well written work. A brief clarification: I haven’t spoken with the author in over 50 years, so I really have no idea about his “politics” or if they are reflected in the writing. It’s just how I felt while reading the book. | |
And, “the Curse” itself? Well, it created a “hook” and theme for the book, but I felt it could have been better fleshed out. I’m not sure why I feel that way or how I might have advised the author to improve the story during development, but it (the “hook”, not the book as a whole) made me feel like I was reading a poor mix of “Dancing With Wolves“, “The Last of the Mohicans” and “The Deer Hunter“. Very much like those movies, the ending is thought provoking rather than PollyAnn-ish uplifting. A “Good” or “Bad” ending will then depend on the reader’s individual reaction to the ending. The “curse” was from the last Native American Chief of the tribe (Chief Tenaya, a non-literary, but “real person” from the period) which lived in the Hetch-Hetchy Valley. He pledged to haunt those who would despoil the tribes sacred lands (the Valley). | |
I found the book to be between “hard to put down” and “can’t put down”. That’s quite a statement from this reviewer. The descriptions of the skies, mountains, valleys, flowers and animals filled my imagination and reminded me of earlier outdoor travels and adventures from my own youth. | |
Final recommendation: Very highly recommended if you are into “masculine” adventure type action stories with a historical setting. Given I was raised in Northern California, I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of “old world” San Francisco, Oakland and the towns from the Bay Area to Hetch-Hetchy. If you are prudish, be advised there is some minor sexual content, but I felt it was well within the boundary of character and story development. | |
Disclaimer: I purchased this book at normal / sale price (for an old / used book) and no compensation has been provided to me by anyone for my opinions in this review. | |
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On This Day In: | |
2021 | MAGA Choice: Reality Or Lies |
You Seem To Be | |
2020 | A Good Reason To Blog |
Finally Enjoying The View | |
2019 | Living Free |
2018 | Relative Imagination |
2017 | Thank You, Senator McCain (So Far Anyway) |
2016 | What About Friends? |
2015 | It Tastes Good To Me |
2014 | Others’ Footsteps |
The Not-So-Modern Samurai | |
2013 | Doin’ |
2012 | A Lover |
2011 | What Have We Found Here |
Words | |
Memorial Day 2023
Posted in Disclaimer, Faith, General Comments, Pictures, tagged Disclaimer, Images, Memorial Day - 2023, Philosophy on May 29, 2023| 4 Comments »
enjoying the freedom you sacrificed your lives to provide for us,
a grateful nation
remembers
and prays for you and your families…
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