Monday, October 23, 2006

[sublime noise] what is your fondest memory

"It must be generally admitted that Beethoven's Fifth Symphony is the most sublime noise that ever penetrated the ear of man," wrote E.M. Forster in Howard's End. Sublime … yes. But how about this: Leeds’ Lord Mayor, members of the Clothworkers’ Foundation and music enthusiasts from across the region heard Murray Perahia’s virtuoso performance of Schubert’s Impromptu in E flat. Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Sugden, said: “We are honoured and privileged to have witnessed such a sublime performance in this stunning hall.” So what is the most sublime noise you’ve ever heard, by whom and where? Brahms’ Trio for Clarinet, Cello and Piano or perhaps Juan Garcia de Salazar’s Dixit Dominus?

[political correctness] raising its ugly head in glasgow

More than surprised that the blogforce north of the border didn’t pick up on this one: I am delighted that Glasgow City Council is going to outlaw sexism. I really despise being referred to as 'hen' and feel there is no place for this level of offensive disempowerment. I'm actively involved in trying to rid the church of exclusive language, and would like to see certain words banned such as brethren.....and yes, I'd like to see the end of the word chairman. Chairperson is absolutely fine. That comes from some hen called Helen, in reaction to the GCC’s Lovely Liz and reported by, of all people, Vox Day in the US of A. Political Correctness. Excuse me one moment - I need to find a bucket.

[faces] mirror, mirror, on the wall ...

Let's face it, you can't hope to get anywhere today unless you're photogenic. So who's the most photogenic of these, in your opinion?

[windows] ie 7 is coming whether you want it or not

This article is important enough to run in full: Attention, Windows XP users! Big changes are coming to your computer, and if you’re not paying attention, the biggest one may come regardless of whether you want it. Last week, Microsoft made the latest version of its Web browser, Internet Explorer 7, available online. On Tuesday, the company will post to the Web its newest music and video player, Windows Media Player 11. You’ll be able to download Internet Explorer 7 at www.microsoft.com/ie and Media Player at www.microsoft.com/mediaplayer. Even if you don’t grab IE7, it’s going to come to you. More here.

[baseball] smudgy hands talk of the day

If you’re a Brit, then you might not see how smudgy hands could be a top headline: Twenty-three consecutive runless innings in the postseason have suddenly turned Kenny Rogers into a money pitcher. But televised images of a smudge on his left hand have some wondering whether the Gambler is playing with loaded dice. Then: A couple of the Cardinals' hitters said the ball was acting funny. Still mystified, then came this: Since 1988, there have been three instances of players being suspended for using pine tar. Finally I understand. Globe & Mail Article here.

[bush] george and his new world order

David and Robin Whitney’s The American Presidents [Guild America 2001] is seen as one of the definitive works on the US Presidents, widely recognized as taking a line as far down the centre as possible, even verging on the pedantic at times. Yet even within the documentary record, surprising things can pop up. "A new breeze is blowing, and a world refreshed by freedom seems reborn. The totalitarian era is passing, its old ideas blown away like leaves from an ancient, lifeless tree." This lyrical utterance was by GHW Bush on his inauguration, surprising really, coming from the slightly grey fuddy-duddy emerging from Ronald Reagan’s shadow. It was to prove to be more than a one-off anomaly. Read more here.

[obama barack] next us president or not

What’s with this Obama Barack [45]? He told NBC's Meet the Press: I am still at the point where I have not made a decision to - to pursue higher office but it is true that I have thought about it over the last several months. Obama entered the national spotlight as the keynote speaker at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, winning the Senate seat that November with 70 percent of the vote. Last month he was the main speaker at Sen. Tom Harkin's Iowa steak fry, an annual political Democrat event. "He took it by storm, like a rock star hit the place," said Trippi, who has been working in campaigns in Iowa since 1979. You felt it. It was not just his speech. It was the way the crowd surged around him ... You couldn't move if he was in the area. If he entered the race, you can’t help but think he might do well against Hillary and Condi. More here and here.

[famous enigmas] kaspar hauser

The story of the wild child who appeared from nowhere is interesting enough in itself but when coupled with the attempts on his life which could equally be explained as suicide, then the plot thickens. Add to that research suggesting he was a crown prince and there is indeed an enigma. I’ve grappled with this one for years and was reminded of it with my own attacks on the weekend – see what you think. Story is here.

[btq saturday] behind-the-quote

Ruskin had a dispute with Whistler over 'art' and said: I have seen and heard much about Cockney impudence before now; but never expected to hear a coxcomb ask two hundred guineas for flinging a pot of paint in the public's face [1877]. He was referring to Nocturne in Black and Gold. Whistler replied: No, I ask it for the experience of a lifetime. The winner is 'anonymous' and thanks for the entry.

[current enigma] why people refuse to respond

If you take your traffic and divide it by the number who respond to things like BTQ and various polls, it’s a very small fraction. One top blogger wrote about his own competition: I'm still waiting on a lot of you, waiting for your entries …Don't let me down. I don’t know why people won’t join in these things but they steadfastly refuse. It’s not that they won’t take the time – my blogging e-mails are about 200 in the week and the occasional comment is even left on a post but quizzes and polls – people just refuse to do ’em. Do you have a theory about this?