June 29th, 2012 → 8:10 am
“These nice sharp quillets of the law.” – Henry VI, Part I
First thing, welcome back everyone! Second thing, can you believe this Supreme Court ruling? Sure made for an interesting day listening to the news yesterday. ‘Quillet,’ by the way, is a subtlety, or quibble. The above quote refers to the subtle distinctions possible in the law. And for the first time in my life, I almost wanted to be a lawyer yesterday the field looked so interesting, dynamic, and exciting!
Filed under: Blog & Politics/Politicians
June 21st, 2012 → 8:01 am
“All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players.” – As You Like It
I’m leaving for New York City (yeah!) to see some shows and celebrate a friend’s 40th birthday. So I won’t be around this next week. But before I go let me note that this week is also the 1-year anniversary of this blog. Wow! It feels like I’ve barely even scratched the surface of all the cool Shakespeare quotes I hope to use…
Filed under: Blog & Literature/Theatre/Art
June 19th, 2012 → 8:03 am
“Nature teaches beasts to know their friends.” – Coriolanus
It probably is easier in nature to know who is your friend and who is your enemy. In “civilized” society, the backstabbing can be an utter surprise. I have got to remember that when I face the world every day…
Filed under: Blog & Stupid/Evil People
June 17th, 2012 → 6:24 am
“Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter;
Dearer than eye-sight, space, and liberty;
Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare;
No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honor;
As much as child e’er loved, or father found;
A love that makes breath poor, and speech unable;
Beyond all manner of so much I love you.” – King Lear
I realize that this speech is disingenuous, said by the conniving Goneril to her unsuspecting father the King. But pretending for a moment that it is real, it could be a nice homage to fathers. And on this father’s day, I wish I could say something as poetic (albeit genuine) to my own father. Happy Father’s Day to all the hard-working, caring, loving fathers out there!
June 15th, 2012 → 8:12 am
“For God’s sake, go not to these wars!” – Henry IV, Part II
I thought it was just me, until I found out that my friend and her husband do it too – they compete over the attention of their child! Mom gets excited when the baby asks for her in the morning; dad gets excited when the baby wants to play with his toys; both fight over who gets to push the stroller in the park. I’ve always called my husband a baby hog, but I swear, it’s true, and apparently he isn’t the only one!
Filed under: Blog & Self/My Life
June 13th, 2012 → 7:54 am
“Your tale, sir, would cure deafness.” – The Tempest
My husband is out of town right now, which is why I’ve been able to dominate the television with so much Shakespeare this week. Don’t worry, it won’t last much longer… In this, my latest installment of Shakespeare movie reviews, I comment on The Tempest as directed by Julie Taymor and wonderfully acted by Helen Mirren. From what I understanding this movie only got mixed reviews, but personally I found it delightful! I think Prospero as Prospera was a magnificent stroke, and all the cinematography, staging, costumes, etc. were an absolute joy to watch. Forget Rotten Tomatoes, I give it an unhesitating thumbs up!
Filed under: Blog & Literature/Theatre/Art
June 11th, 2012 → 7:27 am
“There lives not three good men unhanged in England;
and one of them is fat, and grows old.” – Henry IV
I finally got around to watching the famous – but hard to find – Orson Welles film Chimes at Midnight, that I first blogged about back in January. And all I can say is: 1) I need watch it again, and 2) Welles truly makes an amazing Falstaff.
Filed under: Blog & Literature/Theatre/Art
June 9th, 2012 → 8:02 am
“His nature is too noble for the world:
He would not flatter Neptune for his trident,
Or Jove for ‘s power to thunder.” – Coriolanus
I watched Ralph Fiennes’ Coriolanus last night. It was weird to see a character who so disdains the limelight. In this RealityTV, me, me, me generation, seeing someone actively shy away from attention and praise – even if he is also something of an ass – was rather refreshing. I would like to think that I’m not the type to falsely flatter Neptune for his trident either.
Filed under: Blog & Literature/Theatre/Art
June 7th, 2012 → 6:43 am
“Make war breed peace.” – Timon of Athens
The recall election in Wisconsin is over and Governor Walker has won. Whether that is good or not I don’t know (if I had lived in Wisconsin I honestly have no idea how I would have voted). But now that the war is over it’s the Governor’s job to make peace out of the pieces. I was glad to hear in his victory speech talk of inclusion and working together – we can only hope.
Filed under: Blog & Politics/Politicians
June 5th, 2012 → 7:57 am
“Britain’s a world by itself.” – Cymbeline
I have to admit that though I do not wish for a monarchy in the U.S. (thank you very much for trying Bushs and Clintons), I do enjoy following the British monarchy from time to time. Something about all that pomp and circumstance, I don’t know, maybe it reminds me a bit of the theatre. 🙂 Either way, congratulations on a 60-year reign Queen Elizabeth, and I’m sorry your husband got sick.