Classical Music at the Library, Part the Fourth

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Greetings and salutations!

During this Library Lovers’ Month, I’m returning with more on the Classical Music I hold so dear to my heart. I, your savant, and my trusty sidekick Philip Koro, will be coming at you with the rockin’ rambunctious raucous action that you associate with composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Brahms and others. At this point, I’m making the internationally-recognized sign for “metal” in the air. YEEEAAAAH.

In earlier blog posts, I had mentioned the library now has a collection of performances on DVD. Although you may think that us librarians live a life of bon-vivant leisure, I haven’t had much a chance to report back my findings–until recently.

If you like baroque music, you already love Johann Sebastian Bach. It’s impossible to miss him. The man was a machine–he composed over 1,100 compositions during his lifetime. He also had twenty children. In one of his last works, The Art of Fugue (Die Kunst der Fuge), Bach showboated his mad crazy compositional skills. I watched a performance of this work by Die Akademie für Alte Musik (which is based in Berlin) through the magic of the digital video disc. The recording, which gives an intimate view of the performance, also gives a sense of the work’s architecture, beginning with a simple theme played on the organ to its complex counterpoint played by strings, woodwind and keyboard.

Sure, The Art of Fugue isn’t exactly easy listening. The reward, however, is a better appreciation for the structures of baroque music and a greater understanding of perhaps the greatest composer ever (the greatest in this gent’s humble opinion). I must admit that The Art of Fugue is not for everyone–in fact, it was intended as a teaching aide for students of composition. This means that at times the music can be rather on the heavy side, like reading a complex multi-layered but well-structured novel–one that Bach never completed. The last piece in the cycle, Contrapuntcus XVIII, abruptly ends with the last note being played by a viola.

Until next time–may your larks always be ascending and your clavier be well-tempered!

 

Williamsburg Creative Writing Group

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Prompts for the week of March 21st, 2013

Prompt
Create short story using one or more of the following.
From sea to shining sea
I’m getting married tomorrow
You have what kind of a collection?
At Easter time we always

Five Words
Create a short story using these five words, have fun.
Tradition, classic, branch, commitment, armadillo
The Williamsburg Creative Writing Group meets Thursdays at 10:30am. Please join us! Email vogelam@oplin.org to let us know if you’ve written anything using these prompts.

This week let’s work on describing rather than defining words.
This week let’s describe types of love.

Warm Up With a Good Cozy!

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cupcakeA cozy mystery is just the thing when I’m looking for a fun, light read.  Cozy mysteries usually omit graphic violence and generally take place in a small community with likable characters.  Many of the cozy mysteries I enjoy are ones in a series of mysteries.  After reading a couple you feel like you know the recurring characters and they feel like old friends.

Elaine Viets has a couple of enjoyable series.  “Dead-End Job Mysteries” and “Josie Marcus Mystery Shopper”.  The author always combines a sense of humor and engaging characters into her mystery stories.

Think food and murder make a good combination?  Diane Mott Davidson, Joanne Fluke, Isis Crawford, and Sammi Carter are authors who include recipes in their stories

Do you have a soft spot in your heart for animals?  Give “The Cat Who Series” by Lillian Jackson Braun a try.  This is a series featuring KoKo, a delightful Siamese Cat. The human characters in this series are as endearing as the cat.  Miranda James’ “Cat in the Stacks” mysteries feature Diesel, a fantastic Maine Coon cat and his librarian owner. “Midnight Louie Mysteries” by Carole Nelson Douglas, “Dixie Hemingway, Cat Sitter Mysteries,” by Blaize Clement, and “Death on Demand Series” by Carolyn Hart all feature cats.

There are cozy mysteries for just about any interest;  gardening, crossword puzzles, quilting, pet stores, diners,  historical themes, and travel themes, to name a few.  So, next time you are looking to curl up with a book, a Cozy Mystery might be just the read you want.

Books about Popes – Past and Present

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popeWhile you are waiting for the selection of the new pope check out these fact and fiction books about the popes and the history of the Vatican:

Nonfiction

The Popes: Histories and Secrets by English Papi

Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy by John Julius Norwich
A comprehensive history of the papacy describes the defining relevance of papal authority to the Church, chronicling the unexpectedly violent and colorful historical events that have indelibly shaped the Pope’s authority and station.

Papal Sin by Gary Wills
An exploration of the papacy challenges the culture of deceit that surrounds the Vatican in modern times, which prevents the church from facing its own history.

Pontiff by Gordon Thomas
This book focuses on the period from 1978 (the year which saw the death of Pope Paul VI, the election and death 33 days later of John Paul 1, and the election of John Paul II) through to the assassination attempt of 1981, in which John Paul II survived four bullet wounds.

Mistress of the Vatican: the true story of Olimpia Maidalchini: the secret female pope by Eleanor Herman
Traces the story of a seventeenth-century mistress who significantly influenced the Catholic church and international policy in Rome during the reign of her lover and brother-in-law, Pope Innocent X.

Lives of the Popes: the pontiffs from St. Peter to John Paul II

All the Pope’s Men by John Allen
A guide to the inner workings of the Vatican reveals the beliefs and bureaucracies behind its decision-making processes, offering insight into the career path of the Roman Curia and challenging myths about the institution’s agendas.

Fiction

Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross
Berated for being intelligent and scholarly, Joan dons her dead brother’s clothes, assumes a man’s identity, and gains respect and authority as well as the title of pope.

White Smoke by Andrew Greeley
As the cardinals of the Church gather in Rome for the election of a new pope, Bishop John Blackwood Ryan, reporter Dennis Mulloy, and CNN correspondent and Mulloy’s ex-wife Patricia investigate a Vatican banking scandal and an assassin out to destroy the next pope.

The Secret Cardinal by Tom Grace
Called in by the Vatican to examine the workings of the Vatican Library, former Navy SEAL Nolan Kilkenny soon discovers that Pope Leo has another mission in mind–to rescue a “secret” cardinal, a Chinese bishop imprisoned by the Chinese for some thirty years.

The Confessor by Daniel Silva
In the wake of a Munich writer’s assassination, Mossad agent Gabriel Allon and Vatican priest Pietro embark on dangerous journeys that reveal long-buried secrets affecting the fates of millions of people.

DVD

Shoes of the Fisherman
Based on the novel by Morris L. West. The Shoes of the Fisherman describes the election and career of a Slavic Pope, a Russian cardinal who is also the youngest in the conclave. This was 15 years before the election of the relatively young Pole Karol Wojtyla as Pope John Paul II.

(information from BookBrowse and Novelist)

Williamsburg Creative Writing Group

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Prompts for the week of March 14th, 2013

Prompt
Create a story from one or more of the following prompts.
It is what it is, or, it was what it was
Just the smell of the new car
He was wearing a black robe when he opened the door
Sorry, this is personal

Five Words
Create a short story using these five words, have fun.
Voyage, calendar, warped, teacup, gold fish

This week let’s work on describing rather than defining words.
Ex: Rose, a beautiful flower given as a token of love, especially on Valentine’s Day. (definition)
(description)
Long flowing stem with soft red petals tightly twisted.
The sharp thorns only add to the beauty of the delicate flower with its many petals unfolding.
This Weeks word: ROCKING CHAIR

I can’t dance, but I can Gangnam.

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Last fall I went to my first college football game. Nothing big like Notre Dame or Ohio State but a Division 1 game featuring The University of Cincinnati Bearcats. Needless to say it, was a fun and great experience hanging out with some buddies and enjoying a Bearcat victory. Then all of the sudden, about midway through the first quarter, one of those dance music songs started playing during a timeout. You know, they do that sometimes to get people off their butts and shaking them in some way. I ignored it like all those other tunes because quite frankly I can’t dance and don’t want to. You will not see me doing the YMCA on the Jumbotron during a TV timeout at any sporting event. I am actually there for the game and not the music and dancing. But then I noticed everybody riding the pony during this song and thought, that’s a new one. I dismissed it and, quite frankly forgot it altogether.

So quietly this song, “Gangnam Style” (which I found out later is what it’s called from a coworker), is taking over my subconscious. It has now permeated through everything – MLB, NFL, Cyclones hockey, the library! – and is taking over my life. I find myself just randomly dancing “Gangnam Style.” If you don’t believe me, ask my family or even my coworkers. The song is stuck in my head forever, just like that classic, timeless Rebecca Black song, “Friday.”

The real question about this Korean music sensation is, is this only a Macarena-type fad, or is it here to stay like the YMCA or the Chicken Dance? It’s hard to say but the YouTube video has over a billion views -  that’s ONE BILLION – and if my information is correct, it is the first video to do so. I guess 1 billion people can’t be wrong. I say, long live PSY and “Gangnam Style.” I’m actually doing it right now and I’m terrible at it.

Books with Buzz

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Check out these recent releases that are generating buzz in the book world.

aviatorThe Aviator’s Wife by Melane Benjamin: Despite her own major achievements–she becomes the first licensed female glider pilot in the United States–Anne Morrow Lindbergh is viewed merely as Charles Lindbergh’s wife. The fairy-tale life she once longed for will bring heartbreak and hardships, ultimately pushing her to reconcile her need for love and her desire for independence, and to embrace, at last, life’s infinite possibilities for change and happiness.

Cover of Snow by Jenny Milchman: In the wake of her husband’s suicide in their otherwise peaceful Adirondack village, house restorer Nora Hamilton notices strange inconsistencies in her husband’s past and in the behaviors of his police force co-workers before stumbling on deadly local secrets.

The Dinner by Herman Koch: Meeting at an Amsterdam restaurant for dinner, two couples move from small talk to the wrenching shared challenge of their teenage sons’ act of violence that has triggered a police investigation and revealed the extent to which each family will go to protect those they love.

Ghostman by Roger Hobbs: A casino robbery gone wrong compels its orchestrator to call in a favor from a master criminal known only as “Jack,” who must test the limits of his considerable skills in order to protect his anonymity from a closely pursuing FBI.

The House Girl by Tara Conklin: A novel of love, family, and justice follows Lina Sparrow, an ambitious first-year associate in a Manhattan law firm, as she searches for the “perfect plaintiff” to lead a historic class-action lawsuit worth trillions of dollars in reparations for descendants of American slaves.

The Soundtrack of My Life by Clive Davis: The chief creative officer of Sony Music presents a candid assessment of his life and the past half-century of popular music from an insider’s perspective, tracing his work with a wide array of stars and personalities.

Vampires in the Lemon Grove by Karen Russell: A collection of stories features a pair of centuries-old vampires whose relationship is tested by a sudden fear of flying, a dejected teen who communicates with the universe, and a massage therapist who heals a tattooed veteran by manipulating the images on his body.

Best Cooking Websites and Blogs 2012

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barefoot If one of your new year’s resolutions is to cook at home and try new recipes check out these Saveur finalists and winners of 2012. Many of these sites also have apps that can be downloaded onto your phone or tablet.

Epicurious
An informational website with recipes from Gourmet, Bon Appetit, Self magazine, cookbooks, chefs and home cooks. Recipes and menus may be searched by categories such as quick and easy, dietary need or preparation method, cuisine, seasonal and ingredients. Recipes include a photo of the completed item, list of ingredients and preparation instructions. There is a conversion chart for English to metric measurements and technique videos including things like napkin folding, knife skills, grilling and wine pairings. Some recipes do include nutritional information. You can create a recipe box to store your favorite recipes.

There is an app for this site for Iphone or Ipad tablet.

Recipe Source
Recipe Source is a simple archive of recipes searchable by ethnic cuisine or type of dish (main dishes, soups, baked goods, desserts). When a recipe is selected you are taken to the recipe complete with ingredients and instructions. There are no photos and few have nutritional information.

Recipe Link

Offers a wide collection of recipes including sample recipes from cookbooks, daily menus and shopping links. There is also a place to swap recipes, and look up recipes by dish and daily meal planner. In the daily meal planner you are given several options for meals along with the recipe. One of the fun features of this site are the copycat recipes. If you are interested in making Magnolia Bakery cupcakes like the Magnolia Bakery in NYC you can find a recipe here. Or if you want to find a recipe from an old Betty Crocker cookbook you can search the cookbook here.

Recipes included ingredients and instructions but no nutritional information. Still it’s a fun site.

Butter Me up Brooklyn

This site won the award for the best baking and desserts blog in 2012. There are featured recipes on the homepage complete with clear, large photos with instructions underneath. The recipes are divided into seasonal, fruit, vegetable, sweet, savory, brunch, booze, gift idea, technique, travel and vegan. Recipes may be printed. You may also subscribe to the blog and receive new posts.

Joe Pastry
One of the 2012 finalist., this is a baking website and blog with recipes listed by category. Step by step instructions with easy to understand narrative and photos included every step of the way. Basic techniques and tutorials on a variety of baking topics are also available.

Willow Bird Baking

Recipes on this site are more involved so cooks who like a challenge may find some new ideas here. The photos are beautiful. I looked at the croissant recipe and fully expected that I could make something that looked that good. It has not happened yet! Many of the recipes come from other sources.

Joy the Baker
Recipes on this site are divided by booze, bread, chocolate, cookies, dinner, drinks, fruit, gluten free, savory, snack and vegan. Recipes may be printed and you can subscribe to the blog. Large, beautiful step by step pictures along with running commentary accompany the recipes. She has a cookbook out called Joy the Baker Cook Book: 100 simple and comforting recipes.

Peter Drinks
This site was rated as the best beer blog in 2012. Everything beer, coffee and wine are included here. Home brewing and reviews of beer and wine are included

Big Girls, Small Kitchen
Named the Best cooking blog and website by Saveur. The Recipe index is divided by type of food, course, season, occasion, holiday, dietary restrictions, cooking method, cuisine and main ingredients. The recipes include photos with instructions and narrative. Photos are appealing and clear. After the recipe there are suggestions for recipes containing the same ingredients. There is a newsletter that can be subscribed to, a recipe box and menu suggestions. The guide section covers topics such as getting started, how to serve a salad buffet, how to improve a stir fry.

Seven Spoons

One of the 2012 finalists this site includes recipes arranged by categories. There is a finished picture, ingredients and detailed instructions. Links to other blogs and websites are included on the left hand side of the page. You may subscribe to the blog to receive updates.

And don’t forget the many cookbooks that you can find on the library shelves. Check out what’s new:

Barefoot Contessa Foolproof by Ina Garten

The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook by Deb Perelman

Cooking Italian with the Cake Boss by Buddy Valastro

Tiny Food Party! Bite size recipes for miniature meals by Teri Lyn Fisher

Savoring the Seasons with Our Best Bites by Sara Wells

Wheat Belly Cookbook by William Davis

Forks Over Knives by Del Sroufe

Hungry Girl to the Max by Lisa Lillien

Williamsburg Creative Writing Group

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Prompts for the week of February 21st, 2013

Prompt
In honor of the recent Chinese New Year, we will pass out fortune cookies. Create a short story using the fortune you receive. Good luck and have fun!!!!!!!
For those of you who won’t be attending, this will be a good excuse to go out for a Chinese dinner!!!!!

Five Words
Create a short story using these five words, have fun.
Leadership, vista, event, process, firefly
As always, have fun!
The Williamsburg Creative Writing Group meets Thursdays at 10:30am. Please join us!

Sometimes, Some Things Make Me Cry.

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I’m a guy, so I never cry. But, as the title goes sometimes, some things do make me cry. It’s a natural human emotion and I am man enough to admit to it. This, however, is not going to be about all the things that make me cry; you don’t care about that and I certainly have no need to share my sensitivities that only occur when it’s raining. Nonetheless, it’s time we share a tender moment together and delve into our feelings over a nice, freshly brewed cup of tea.

For me, nothing gets me crying more than a good Bruce Willis movie, like the Die Hard movies or Red or even 16 Blocks, in which he sports an outstanding mustache.  In the grand scheme of things, a good Bruce Willis tear-jerker keeps it all in perspective for me. When poor John McClain gets sucked into another scenario where he is the only one that can be the hero and save the day, that just hits me right in the tear ducts man. The pain he goes through must really hurt – I mean emotionally, of course. Probably physically as well.

But, even more than that, sitting down next to the fireplace while sipping on some tea and reading a good emotionally gripping-novel with some historically accurate inaccuracies like Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith. This book is so emotionally gripping that my copy has several tear-stained pages. There is not a doubt in my mind that the library’s copy has some of the same problems…from many other patrons’ leaking eyes.

Then there is Justin Bieber. “I’ll be honest with you, I love his music. I do. I’m a “Justin Bieber” fan. For my money, I don’t know if it gets any better than when he sings “When a Man Loves a Woman”.” Bieber brings on a whole other level of sentimentality.  Every song he bellows from his velvety smooth vocal chords brings out emotions in me that I just don’t understand. He sends me to tears with one note. He’s just that good.

As you can plainly see, I’m an emotional fellow. I may not cry at every time a vampire shines like a diamond for me or for every lost love, but I have my moments and that is exactly what they are…my moments. Plus, I kinda lied; this did turn out to be about my times of tenderness.

P.S. I never Cry, never. I don’t care what you say…..never. Plus, I’m more of a Michael Bolton fan. He just gets me.