Fool

23 Mar

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
Christopher Moore admits that he has been accused of awkward prose, and I am one in a long line of finger pointers. There is no mistaking his singular diction, a style I liken to tripping over pebbles. The errors are not huge, but the verbage a little ungainly. In Moore’s new book Fool, his bubbly delivery is entertaining. This re-telling of King Lear is not a new adaptation of Shakespeare’s masterpiece, and Moore does not advise a comparison. In this parody of Shakespeare’s King Lear, the Black Fool, named Pocket for his small stature, presents himself as author and actor – a sarcastic, horny, but all around noble and loyal jester to King Lear. King Lear is dying, and his failing health turns his thoughts to mortality, and in haste, he gives away his kingdom to two selfish daughters who, one fateful night, profess their love and devotion in boisterous display. When his third and youngest daughter fails to do the same, she is banished. Thus sets the stage for a dark tale told in a light-hearted way. Moore has taken the framework of King Lear and used it to determine how much mid-century shagging can be done during a five act show against the backdrop of bloody tragedy, love, deceit, forgery, war, bad marriages and regrettable children. Moore is unstoppable when it comes to comedic and bizarre twists throughout his narratives and Fool is no exception. Fool takes ultimate delight and pride in the sarcastic humiliation of its players. Finally, Moore leaves no ties undone and no hearts broken; you either die or live happily ever after. Overall, Fool is another fun book in Moores repertoire.

View all my reviews.

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Watchmen

17 Mar

Back at the Arclight for an evening movie…

I am always amazed at how small actors really are. They look statuesque on the screen, their costumes so perfectly matched to their form. For a movie like Watchmen, they appear godlike – each wrinkle ironed out, freely moving in latex and hard plastic. But these forms were human, Silk Spectre quite petite.

These costumes felt as they looked. Hardly wearable. I am disappointed that the visuals of Watchmen, which were spectacular, were overshadowed by it’s terrible plotline.

Sorry it’s so fuzzy…



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Supergraphic

6 Mar

Supergraphic Me!

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Free Art

6 Mar

Arts Day LA…a day of free seminars facilitated by successful professionals in several different fields, many of whom currently teach classes at UCLA. There are four seminars for each subject – Creative Writing, Design Communication Arts (Graphic Design), Film, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture – spanning instruction on inspiration, tools and finally your life and career. Although at times I felt I was watching an infomercial for extension classes at UCLA, the information provided was well worth sitting through a little PR. Although Arts Day LA is only held once a year, UCLA sponsors several similar events through Summer and Fall.

UCLA EXTENSION

Trueblood?

Writer Barbara Abercrombie & Playwright Leon Martell

Writer Jessica Barksdale Inclan, memoirist Diana Raab, mystery writer John Morgan Wilson & short fiction writer Victoria Patterson

Lunchtime: L.A. style

A closer look….

Goodbye UCLA!

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A Lilting Scent

3 Mar
For a Californian, seasons are a trivial and uneventful occurrence. Fall doesn’t come with falling yellow leaves, and winter doesn’t arrive in snowstorms – there’s simply a subtle change in temperature. Only cooler nights indicate that winter is ascending, but the days remain sunny and snowy peaks appear in the North (snowboarding is only a few hours away!). Since California’s weather is historically sunny and clear, with the exception of this year’s fifteen days of dripping clouds (and counting – crossed fingers for more rain so there’s no droughts!), there are certain occurrences that mark the changing seasons.

Instead of melting snow, I’ve got the new scent of Jasmines in the air to melt my chilly winter heart and turn my thoughts to beach volleyball and tan skin; unlike so many, I do not tan during the winter, I’m Nicole Kidman pale and scared to show any sort of leg at work for fear of scaring someone. Soon, the Jacaranda trees will start sprouting their purple flowers and rolling blackouts will become part of the regular routine.
Jasmines are the first sign that spring has come again, and if you don’t enjoy the sun, (because it gets redundant) at least you’ll have a nose full to be happy about.


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Bunny

26 Feb

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Lost A Feather

26 Feb

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Perfectly Pink

24 Feb
A breezy day of cool sun comes to an end in pink puffs.


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Little Gold Men…It’s Oscarmania!

19 Feb
Oscar is quietly pitching his tents and constructing bleachers during this cold L.A. week. The red carpet has gone up, tourists are gawking and Hollywood Boulevard has been shut down. This weekend, we’ll get to watch the actors and actresses we both love and hate walk down the red aisle to our chagrin or ecstasy. This is what it looks like:


On the way home…

(Memento Mori)


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Fracophilia

16 Feb
Hello everyone, I am a Francophile.What started as an introduction to language class in Middle School burgeoned into a lifelong obsession with the French, their language and a thirst for a European dream. L.A. is just a stop-over.

En route, I’m submerging myself in authentic French flavor. This is why I’ve ended up at Monsieur Marcel. This tiny grocery store sits within the historic Farmer’s Market, adjacent to their associated restaurant with the same name. Mr. Marcel offers familiar stock to any French expat, such as wine, cheese, cutlery, napkins, champagne, chocolates, baguettes and the ultimate, popular French cookie, the Macaron (in their traditional assorted colors). The restaurant has a charming candlelit wooden bar and has arranged it’s seating ‘dehours’ (outside), underneath a canopy. It’s a romantic, isolated spot among the bustle of the other vendors located within the Farmer’s Market precinct. I recommend the Fondue (the best I’ve ever had).

There is also Cafe Flore. A favorite of mine off of Robertson Boulevard, a high-end shopping district. It looks humble but their prices, cozy atmosphere (although admittedly corny thanks to water paintings and gold frames on the walls), great food (for both presentation – artistic, colorful and befitting much higher prices – and taste), perfect portions and French waiters are worth a visit. If you’re in Denver, Colorado, try Le Central.

L.A. is full of French restaurants that are very romantic but prices are high and you don’t get what you’re paying for. Spiritland Bistro is a quaint restaurant in Santa Barbara. On their menu is the lavender honey Creme Brulee. This twist on the classic dessert is noted in many reviews, but once it was in front of me disappointment set in. The usual crunchy blazed sugar crust was soft, the cream inside was marginal. I wanted my ten bucks back. There are a hundred French gourmet options in L.A., not all of them genuine but rather American interpretations of the authentic product. So we’re back to Mr. Marcel and his Macarons.

Below are some of my most recent purchases. Bought primarily for their whimsy and color – a quality I find prevalent in French products, fashion, television and movies. It’s fun to indulge.

The display case at Monsieur Marcel

I am in love with the Pistachio (on the far right). Although seemingly crunchy, these pieces are filled with cream, and are more like tiny cakes than a true cookie.


My Macarons!!

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