Anyone who has followed this column since its introduction in 2005 knows how much I like poems that describe places.
Here’s one by Joseph Hutchison, who lives in Colorado. This is the kind of scene that Edward Hopper might have painted. I especially love the way Hutchison captures the buzz of the neon sign.
Winter Sunrise Outside a Café Near Butte, Montana
A crazed sizzle of blazing bees in the word EAT. Beyond it,
thousands of stars have faded like deserted flowers in the thin
light washing up in the distance, flooding the snowy mountains
bluff by bluff. Moments later, the sign blinks, winks dark,
and a white-aproned cook— surfacing in the murky sheen
of the window—leans awhile like a cut lily . . . staring out
into the famished blankness he knows he must go home to.
American Life in Poetry is made possible by The Poetry Foundation ( www.poetryfoundation.org ), publisher of Poetry magazine. It is also supported by the Department of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Poem copyright 2012 by Joseph Hutchison, whose most recent book of poems is Marked Men, Turning Point Books, 2013. Reprinted from Thread of the Real, Conundrum Press, 2012, by permission of Joseph Hutchison and the publisher. Introduction copyright 2013 by The Poetry Foundation. The introduction's author, Ted Kooser, served as United States Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 2004-2006. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts.
This column has focused exclusively on the new television season for the last many weeks, as the major networks and cable outlets launched a slew of new series.
Judging the new lineup of TV shows is as difficult as trying to pick winners and losers during the baseball playoffs. Some shows bite the dust quickly in spite of high expectations.
I called ABC’s new series “Lucky 7” to be “potentially very interesting, maybe even rewarding, new drama.” I have to eat those words now. “Lucky 7” had the misfortune of being cancelled after only two episodes. Ouch, that hurts.
We’ll get back to TV later, so let’s look at a rundown of several movies released since Labor Day, some of them quite good for a period not usually optimal for new films.
Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer play mob-affiliated spouses in the Witness Protection Program in “The Family,” having been relocated at taxpayer expense to a small village in France.
Neither one of them can resist their old ways of doing business, causing frustration for the agents assigned to protect them from a hit squad. For one, De Niro terrorizes local officials into doing the right thing to improve the quality of the local water supply.
Their two children, enrolled in the local school, must adjust to being outsiders who don’t fit in. The entire family has difficulty adjusting, which of course is the source of comedy for “The Family.”
The youthful Joseph Gordon-Levitt wears three hats in “Don Jon,” serving as star, writer and producer of a decently offbeat and decidedly risqué comedy-drama about addiction to Internet porn and finding true romance.
Gordon-Levitt’s Jon is a New Jersey womanizer who develops unrealistic expectations from watching porn on his laptop, but whose ability to charm beautiful women turns him into a serial one-night stand lothario.
He finds intimacy and potential true love with Scarlett Johansson, only to find that his porn obsession interferes with commitment. “Don Jon” is an adult-themed film that may have limited appeal.
One of the most disturbing films of the year, and yet quite good, is “Prisoners.” As a parent with daughters, I find this one hard to watch, considering the story of child abduction and a father’s frantic search.
When Hugh Jackman’s daughter and her friend disappear, this distraught father takes matters in his own hands as the police pursue multiple leads but turn up nothing, even turning loose a suspicious person of interest.
Meanwhile, Jake Gyllenhaal is the methodical local police detective, so abrasive that his own colleagues tend to shun him. He understands Jackman’s pain but is nonetheless on a collision course with the self-styled vigilante as pressure mounts.
“Prisoners” is tough to watch for a lot of reasons, but the tension is superb and surprises lurk everywhere. Be warned that there is some very strong graphic violence and just general ugliness to the kidnapping business.
You don’t need to be a fan of Formula One car racing to enjoy “Rush,” the story of the 1976 racetrack rivalry between the German perfectionist Niki Lauda and British playboy James Hunt, who proved reckless both on and off the track.
Chris Hemsworth’s James Hunt strikes the right note as the handsome British racer who attracts legions of female fans, even marrying Olivia Wilde’s Suzy Miller, a fashion model who later runs off with Richard Burton.
But James Hunt is focused on defeating reigning champion Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl) as they battle for supremacy on courses around the world. The film vividly recreates Lauda’s fiery accident that horribly disfigures him.
Yet, after the horrific crash than nearly claims Lauda’s life, a grudging respect develops between the two racers as Hunt realizes just how devoted his greatest adversary is to the sport they both love.
“Rush” may be the best film that Ron Howard has directed, and the film score by Hans Zimmer has an excellent, propulsive beat fitting to the racing world.
I don’t believe there is gravity in outer space because it was not confirmed by Isaac Newton dropping an apple while floating outside a space capsule.
On the other hand, “Gravity” is the title of one of the best films of this fall season. Sandra Bullock stars as Dr. Ryan Stone, a medical engineer on her maiden space shuttle mission headed by the lively astronaut Matt Kowalski (George Clooney).
The garrulous Kowalski is a charismatic leader full of colorful stories that he shares with mission control and the tight-lipped Dr. Stone, who carries some deep emotional burdens that are revealed as the story unfolds.
Meanwhile, on a rather routine mission, Stone and Kowalski are warned by Houston that a Russian spaceship disaster is sending debris their way at a speed that threatens their safety.
While still on their space walk, the pair soon discovers they are detached from their ship and stranded in space, with not a lot of options other than to try to get to another shuttle floating nearby.
Ultimately, “Gravity” is a story of survival, dealing with personal pain and past regrets, while valiantly struggling to stay alive. In some ways, it is reminiscent of Tom Hanks being stranded on a remote island in “Cast Away” where he finds a volleyball as his only companion.
Sandra Bullock is spectacular in her difficult position as the neophyte in space who grapples with emotional issues. “Gravity” is a stunning piece of entertainment deserving of its many accolades. Try to see it in IMAX for the full effect.
Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Celebrate our American music heritage by joining the Old Time Fiddlers Association for their first of many jam sessions at the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum.
Starting on Nov. 3, jam sessions will be held on the first Sunday of the month.
Enjoy the music of the fiddlers and view our latest exhibits at the stage stop.
November will feature artwork in a variety of designs using the French beaded and beadweaving techniques, popular in the Victorian era, and created by Ellen’s Beaded Designs. Select pieces will be available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the museum.
Hot cider and kettle corn will be available. Bring your own wine and sip it in Ely Stage Stop wine glasses that will be available for purchase.
The fun begins at 11 a.m. with the fiddlers playing from 1 p.m. through 3 p.m.
Donations will be happily accepted to benefit the Ely Stage Stop and The Old Time Fiddlers Association.
The stage stop is located at 9921 Soda Bay Road (Highway 281) in Kelseyville (near Clear Lake Riviera, just north of Highway 29-Kit's Corner).
Current hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday.
LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The Lake Community Pride Foundation will present “An Evening with Three Deep” on Saturday, Oct. 12.
The show will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Lower Lake High School Little Theater, on the campus at 9430 Lake St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $10 with all proceeds going to promote youth performing arts.
Three Deep has established itself as a dynamic trio with a flair for harmony vocals.
Local musicians Sarah Ticheva, Jill Shaul and Anna McAtee combine their musical talents to form their own unique style that showcases each member's talents and provides a truly spectacular performance.
Three Deep recently completed its first EP titled “Feet First,” containing four original songs featuring Three Deep’s trademark harmonies and a crisp, clean organic sound.
Good friends lent their talents on mandolin, fiddle and accordion to create a rich, fun, “in your living room jam session” feel.
Each song tells a story in its own unique way, from a Louisiana Cajun to a tent revival in the Midwest. You’ll want to hear the stories again and again and sing along.
Come on down and listen to their various stories and the music they create.
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – In the first installment of her epic fantasy trilogy, “The Winged Warrior of the Gods,” Clearlake author Pamela McConnell showcases the adventures of a new Pegasus and a child princess with Amazonian ancestry.
“The Winged Warrior of the Gods” depicts the expeditions of the new Pegasus.
Raised in seclusion, the young Pegasus is groomed by his father and the spirit of his ancestor, the original Pegasus. He is being prepared to conquer the evil Bardama, who is spreading darkness across the world.
On his first mission searching for Bardama, Pegasus discovers a very young, frail girl – Caseama, the child princess.
Caseama cries out to the gods for a champion to be sent to conquer the dark forces that have taken her parents into captivity. Young Pegasus has come to answer her prayer by commission of the gods.
After the transformation bestowed upon her by Athena, Caseama is transformed into a hoyden warrior, given the courage of her mother’s Amazonian ancestors. Though her prayers were answered, she is surprised to find that she was to become the hero she so fervently prayed for.
McConnell artfully portrays the epic struggle of one horse and one girl who will fight to free their land. During their first battle, they will face their fears and learn to work together.
“The Winged Warrior of the Gods” is the first of a trilogy of the unlikely pair. They wonder why, with all the wondrous powers the gods have at their disposal, would they send two inexperienced souls to face such a powerful force.
Readers will embark on a mystical adventure with Pegasus and Caseama as they mature into their eventual responsibilities as demigods.
McConnell studied English literature at Santa Rosa Junior College. She overcame many difficulties to write the trilogy of Pegasus. She lives in Clearlake.
UKIAH, Calif. – The Mendocino College Theatre Arts Department will present the world premiere of “Shrewed!” Oct. 18-27 in the college’s Center Theatre.
The play, a rollicking spin off of Shakespeare’s classic “The Taming of the Shrew,” is a fast-paced comic romp set in San Francisco in 1927, and will feature music and dances of the period, as well as a modern twist on Shakespeare’s original plot.
The story involves two sisters, the attractive and pliable Bianca and the mean spirited and fierce Kate, the “shrew.”
When their mother announces that nobody may marry Bianca until a match is found for Kate, a hilarious effort ensues to “tame Kate.”
Celebrated local playwright Jody Gehrman has created an original script for this premiere production.
A professor of English at Mendocino College, Gehrman has published six popular novels, two of which have been optioned for film, most recently by Disney.
Her plays have been performed locally at Santa Rosa’s 6th Street Theatre, Mendocino College, and nationally in New York, Chicago, L.A. and San Francisco.
“Shrewed!” is told in Gehrman’s contemporary witty dialogue, while the plot mirrors Shakespeare’s original.
The play is being directed by Mendocino College theatre professor Reid Edelman, and showcases a cast of 18 wonderful student performers as well as impressive scenery and costumes.
The cast includes Maheanani Phillips in the central role of Kate. While Phillips, a resident of Lake County, has performed in many local productions, this is her debut on the Center Theatre stage.
The role of Kate’s sister Bianca is played by theater major Melany Katz. Katz, an accomplished dancer as well as actor, most recently appeared in the college production of The Music Man.
Veteran local actor Jason Davis plays the role of Pete Yaccarino, a down-on-his-luck gambler who sets out to marry Kate.
The play features Amanda Baguley as the adventurous poet Lucy Woods and Maria A. Monti as the family matriarch Arista Minola.
Monique Marmon, a former recipient of the college’s prestigious John Bogner theater and music award, plays the role of the socialite Millie Masters, while Liz Johnson plays the role of Chloe Simms.
Mathematics professor Jason Edington appears in the role of famous playwright Lester Lovejoy.
The cast also includes many talented newcomers to the Mendocino College stage, including Gabriel Suddeth and Charlie Sawyer as comic suitors to Bianca, and DonMike Chilberg and Dustin Wooley as bumbling sidekicks to Pete Yaccarino.
Other members of the outstanding ensemble cast include Janet Denninger, Liana Edington, Bianca Gayton, Megan Jones, Kaitlyn Vandewarker, and Erinn Yepiz.
The action unfolds in and around the elegant Minola family residence, as created by college set & lighting designer Larry L. Lang.
The elaborate period costumes have been created by resident costume designer and instructor Kathy Dingman Katz, with the help of her crew of enthusiastic and dedicated costuming students. The play is being stage managed by Gary Hudson.
“Shrewed!” opens on Thursday, Oct. 18. Performances will run for two weekends only, through Sunday, Oct. 27.
Performances are Friday, Oct. 18, and Saturday, Oct. 19, at 8 p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 24, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26, at 8 p.m.; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27.
Tickets ($20 general; $15 students and seniors) are available at the Mendocino Book Co., at the Mendocino College Bookstore, and online at www.ArtsMendocino.org .
The performance on Oct. 24 is a special discount night, with all tickets costing only $10.
Audiences are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance, though tickets may also be purchased at the door.
There also will be a special event associated with this production, Theatre and Jazz in the Center, on Sunday, Oct. 20, at 1 p.m.
This event will include a performance of Shrewed! as well as a very special Latin Jazz performance by acclaimed local pianist Elena Casanova and featuring special surprise musical guest artists.
This event will also include delectable appetizers prepared by the college culinary arts department and pouring of fine wines and beers.
Tickets for Theatre and Jazz in the Center are $60 each. For more information call 707-467-1018.
“Shrewed!” is recommended for ages 13 and older.
The Center Theatre is located on the Mendocino College main campus, 1000 Hensley Creek Road, Ukiah.
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