I realize that the reader of this entry is perhaps pressed for time, or procrastinating from research on data from a chimp mind experiment being conducted in their lab.
So, I am offering a quick tour of three European museums. I have visited two of them. My sister Lale Lovell has been to all three!
The first one is the Istanbul UFO Museum in the historic Beyoglu district of town. I think aside from a museum of toilets in India this might be the strangest museum in the world. It has many sighting reports and photograph exhibits.
The museum, which was founded by Haktan Akdogan's UFO Space Sciences Research Center in 2002, is definitely geared towards the believer. Though it does not take itself too seriously. My sister and I saw a man dressed like an alien promoting the museum on the famed Istikal Boulevard in Beyoglu. I think there were women with head scarves walking around him. We just had to go!
On a much more serious note, The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is a place which brings the horrors of World War II and The Holocaust up close and personal. The museum is currently showing an interactive exhibit called Free2Choose which is dedicated to human rights and democracy.
Lastly, my sister and her husband Matt Lovell ventured to The Sherlock Holmes Museum in London on their honeymoon. I have never seen the place myself, but my brother-in-law who has a great fondness for the detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle took a liking to the museum, which is located at 221 B Baker Street.
The Sherlock Holmes Museum's web site has a pretty cool quiz. I did not fare too well, but I did guess that Doctor Watson's first name was John!
The Museum Links:
http://www.siriusinfo.org (great UFO photos!)
http://www.annefrank.org
http://www.sherlock-holmes.co.uk/
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Saturday, December 1, 2007
My top 10 Favorite Woody Allen Films
This weekend, well actually technically yesterday (Dec. 1), one of America's greatest filmmakers- Woody Allen celebrated his 72nd birthday. I have been a huge fan of Allen's work since I was very young. I think I watched a certain movie with a long title some 8 or 9 times during my teen years.
Allen's work was greatly influenced by the recently deceased Swedish film director Ingmar Bergman, who is the subject of an excellent article in the current issue of "Film Comment."
To celebrate Woody Allen's birthday, I have compiled a list of my 10 personal favorite Woody Allen films. Alas, "Radio Days" did not make the list!
I'm sure my friends Moviezzz (who is a real person!) and Bilge Ebiri will disagree. I am presuming Ebiri might say "Zelig?" I somehow recall him saying he loved the film, but I think we had that conversation some ten years ago.
Here they are:
1. "Manhattan" (1979)
2. "Bananas" (1971)
3. "Annie Hall" (1977)
4. "Zelig" (1983)
5. "Interiors" (1978)
6. "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex, But Were Afraid to Ask" (1972)_ this is the film I saw 8 or 9 times as a teen.
7. "Hannah and Her Sisters" (1986)
8. "Match Point" (2005)
9. "Purple Rose of Cairo" (1984)
10. "Sleeper" (1973).
http://www.woodyallen.com
Allen's work was greatly influenced by the recently deceased Swedish film director Ingmar Bergman, who is the subject of an excellent article in the current issue of "Film Comment."
To celebrate Woody Allen's birthday, I have compiled a list of my 10 personal favorite Woody Allen films. Alas, "Radio Days" did not make the list!
I'm sure my friends Moviezzz (who is a real person!) and Bilge Ebiri will disagree. I am presuming Ebiri might say "Zelig?" I somehow recall him saying he loved the film, but I think we had that conversation some ten years ago.
Here they are:
1. "Manhattan" (1979)
2. "Bananas" (1971)
3. "Annie Hall" (1977)
4. "Zelig" (1983)
5. "Interiors" (1978)
6. "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex, But Were Afraid to Ask" (1972)_ this is the film I saw 8 or 9 times as a teen.
7. "Hannah and Her Sisters" (1986)
8. "Match Point" (2005)
9. "Purple Rose of Cairo" (1984)
10. "Sleeper" (1973).
http://www.woodyallen.com
Kurt Cobain Documentary in Greensboro
It has been a while since I've mentioned anything that was happening in Greensboro, which is odd because according to my personal bit info bit here, it is the city where I live!:) Of course, I also say that I live in Roanoke, Va., and I don't mention that I also reside in Rockville, Md., Provo, Utah, and North Platte, Neb.
My good friend Joe Scott, who also lives in Greensboro, but none of these other places, is putting together a special screening of the film: "Kurt Cobain About a Son" at the Carousel Luxury Cinema on 1305 Battleground Ave. in Greensboro on Thurs., Dec. 6th at 9:30 p.m.
Scott is also the host of "The Movie Show" on the UNC-Greensboro student station WUAG-FM on Thursday nights.
The documentary is directed by Al Schnack.
Scott has put together many special screenings in Greensboro, and he wrote a great column in a local newspaper about his love for "The Sopranos."
This new film should not be confused with another documentary about Kurt Cobain by Nick Broomfield, who appeared at the Virginia Film Festival in Charlottesville this year (alas, I was not there this time). That film is entitled "Kurt and Courtney," and it actually alleged that Cobain's wife Courtney Love may have Cobain! This is something we are not endorsing here!
Cobain was the lead singer of Nirvanna, and he died at the age of 27 in 1994? (where is my fact-checker!)...............
Useful Links:
http://www.themovieshow.blogspot.com
My good friend Joe Scott, who also lives in Greensboro, but none of these other places, is putting together a special screening of the film: "Kurt Cobain About a Son" at the Carousel Luxury Cinema on 1305 Battleground Ave. in Greensboro on Thurs., Dec. 6th at 9:30 p.m.
Scott is also the host of "The Movie Show" on the UNC-Greensboro student station WUAG-FM on Thursday nights.
The documentary is directed by Al Schnack.
Scott has put together many special screenings in Greensboro, and he wrote a great column in a local newspaper about his love for "The Sopranos."
This new film should not be confused with another documentary about Kurt Cobain by Nick Broomfield, who appeared at the Virginia Film Festival in Charlottesville this year (alas, I was not there this time). That film is entitled "Kurt and Courtney," and it actually alleged that Cobain's wife Courtney Love may have Cobain! This is something we are not endorsing here!
Cobain was the lead singer of Nirvanna, and he died at the age of 27 in 1994? (where is my fact-checker!)...............
Useful Links:
http://www.themovieshow.blogspot.com
My Friend Christopher Knight is Running for Congress
It is official. Christopher Knight of Reidsville, NC, will attempt to do what former Winston-
Salem city councilman Vernon Robinson (aka the black Jesse Helms) tried to do and unseat incumbent Cong. Brad Miller (D-NC).
I feel in the ever-the-awkward disposition as I think Cong. Miller does an excellent job. I am oh-so-thankful that I am not in the district of avowed racist Cong. Virgil Goode (R-Va), just over the border. Last year, the Rocky Mount, Va., congressman said he would do everything in his power to prevent all Muslims from entering the country. As the son of a Turkish immigrant, I was sickened and disgusted by his comments- for which he never apologized for.
But, Miller is a different story entirely. Beyond partisan loyalty, I support Miller because he opposed a measure from the Armenian lobby that would have caused diplomatic tensions between Washington, DC, and the Turkish government in Ankara. The bill was pushed by House Speaker Cong. Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca)., who I am extremely disappointed by for this as well as her inability to stand up to Bush.
Knight's perspective run is interesting for a variety of reasons. He definitely has a "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" ideal that the common man should be able to run for Congress, and he correctly points out that this is not entirely possible any more.
Knight first ran for Rockingham County School Board, and he became well-known in the Triad (Greensboro area) for his school board ad which was a satire of "Star Wars." Knight dressed up as a Jedi knight back in July to protest the same school board's dress code violation. Knight did not win a seat, but Ron Price- who did win the seat- made local headlines for ironically stealing Brad Miller campaign signs.
Another unique aspect of Knight's efforts is the fact that he will be running as a Republican. Knight likes many of President George W. Bush's policies as much as I do, and I am one who feels that 13 of the 16 current presidential candidates would be effective from the Rose Garden- and that includes fringe candidate Cong. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio)!
Knight has openly expressed opposition to the War in Iraq, The Patriot Act and No Child Left Behind, among other things.
He made his 'official announcement' on his blog on Nov. 23:
"I am not entirely happy with what I'm going to have to do in order for this to be a legitimate thing," Knight wrote, citing that he will have to put together an exploratory committee just to be able to run for office.
I wish Knight the best. Perhaps, I can hold a house party for both him and Cong. Miller on the same weekend!
Useful Links:
http://theknightshift.blogspot.com
Salem city councilman Vernon Robinson (aka the black Jesse Helms) tried to do and unseat incumbent Cong. Brad Miller (D-NC).
I feel in the ever-the-awkward disposition as I think Cong. Miller does an excellent job. I am oh-so-thankful that I am not in the district of avowed racist Cong. Virgil Goode (R-Va), just over the border. Last year, the Rocky Mount, Va., congressman said he would do everything in his power to prevent all Muslims from entering the country. As the son of a Turkish immigrant, I was sickened and disgusted by his comments- for which he never apologized for.
But, Miller is a different story entirely. Beyond partisan loyalty, I support Miller because he opposed a measure from the Armenian lobby that would have caused diplomatic tensions between Washington, DC, and the Turkish government in Ankara. The bill was pushed by House Speaker Cong. Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca)., who I am extremely disappointed by for this as well as her inability to stand up to Bush.
Knight's perspective run is interesting for a variety of reasons. He definitely has a "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" ideal that the common man should be able to run for Congress, and he correctly points out that this is not entirely possible any more.
Knight first ran for Rockingham County School Board, and he became well-known in the Triad (Greensboro area) for his school board ad which was a satire of "Star Wars." Knight dressed up as a Jedi knight back in July to protest the same school board's dress code violation. Knight did not win a seat, but Ron Price- who did win the seat- made local headlines for ironically stealing Brad Miller campaign signs.
Another unique aspect of Knight's efforts is the fact that he will be running as a Republican. Knight likes many of President George W. Bush's policies as much as I do, and I am one who feels that 13 of the 16 current presidential candidates would be effective from the Rose Garden- and that includes fringe candidate Cong. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio)!
Knight has openly expressed opposition to the War in Iraq, The Patriot Act and No Child Left Behind, among other things.
He made his 'official announcement' on his blog on Nov. 23:
"I am not entirely happy with what I'm going to have to do in order for this to be a legitimate thing," Knight wrote, citing that he will have to put together an exploratory committee just to be able to run for office.
I wish Knight the best. Perhaps, I can hold a house party for both him and Cong. Miller on the same weekend!
Useful Links:
http://theknightshift.blogspot.com
A Great Play in Tuscaloosa
I have been meaning to post this all week. While looking into the possibility of eventually doing an extensive series on old movie theatres, I found out about Theatre Tuscaloosa in Alabama. The city is home to the University of Alabama where my friend Ilhan Tuzcu, formerly of Virginia Tech, now teaches. Tuscaloosa, Ala., is also home to the old Bama Theatre (as in cinema), which still shows old movies on its screen.
Theatre Tuscaloosa, a play venue, is now performing Romulus Linney's "A Lesson Before Dying" until Dec. 9. The playwright's daughter Laura Linney is a famous actress who was nominated for an Oscar in "You Can Count On Me" (the award that year went to Julia Roberts for "Erin Brockovich.")
According to the theatre's web site, the play is about the friendship of two black men_ one of whom is wrongly condemned to die for a murder he did not commit.
Stephen Woods stars as the troubled teacher in the Alabama production.
For more info, one can call (205)-391-2277. It runs through Dec. 9.
I had a chance to hear a production of the play through the LA Theatre Works web site. I particularly like this play because it is exceptional, and also because I am both morally and politically opposed to capital punishment.
Useful Link:
http://www.theatretusc.com
http://www.latw.org
Theatre Tuscaloosa, a play venue, is now performing Romulus Linney's "A Lesson Before Dying" until Dec. 9. The playwright's daughter Laura Linney is a famous actress who was nominated for an Oscar in "You Can Count On Me" (the award that year went to Julia Roberts for "Erin Brockovich.")
According to the theatre's web site, the play is about the friendship of two black men_ one of whom is wrongly condemned to die for a murder he did not commit.
Stephen Woods stars as the troubled teacher in the Alabama production.
For more info, one can call (205)-391-2277. It runs through Dec. 9.
I had a chance to hear a production of the play through the LA Theatre Works web site. I particularly like this play because it is exceptional, and also because I am both morally and politically opposed to capital punishment.
Useful Link:
http://www.theatretusc.com
http://www.latw.org
A Picture of Me (From the '70s!)
From Attila F. "Tilly" Gokbudak: I am the young boy with the Mickey Mouse belt and the white t-shirt. This photograph was taken in either 1977 or 1978. My mother is the American woman with the long hair. I think the baby might be my sister. The man standing beside my mother is not my late father Mehmet Gokbudak, but rather his good friend Nevres Bey. The photograph was taken in Kara Deniz Eregli (Black Sea Eregli), Turkey_ a factory town where we lived from 1977 to 1979. My father was assigned there in conjunction with the General Electric plant in Salem, Va.
There is an amazing story on how this picture, which is not in our collection, was obtained. In was sent to me by Reyhan Turkmen, an attractive woman from Istanbul, Turkey. As it turns out, Reyhan and I went to the same elementary school in Eregli circa 1978. She somehow knew who I was, and she found me through Facebook!
I was either seven or eight years old when this photograph was taken. It certainly brings back some long-forgotten memories.
My mother, Lila Sullivan, is now in Istanbul with a group of her close friends. They also intend to visit the tourist sites of Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia.
I noticed that I was not particularly fashion-coordinated back then!
There is an amazing story on how this picture, which is not in our collection, was obtained. In was sent to me by Reyhan Turkmen, an attractive woman from Istanbul, Turkey. As it turns out, Reyhan and I went to the same elementary school in Eregli circa 1978. She somehow knew who I was, and she found me through Facebook!
I was either seven or eight years old when this photograph was taken. It certainly brings back some long-forgotten memories.
My mother, Lila Sullivan, is now in Istanbul with a group of her close friends. They also intend to visit the tourist sites of Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia.
I noticed that I was not particularly fashion-coordinated back then!
1 Attached Images
A sneak peek at our Iowa organization (From the Barack Obama Campaign)
From Tilly Gokbudak: I decided to continue posting emails of interest from presidential candidates. I have posted some from candidates of both parties, though I would sincerely like to see a Democrat win The White House unless Ron Paul gets the Republican nomination:)
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Dear Friend,
The response was overwhelming -- more than 30,000 people donated more than $1.8 million online -- and we were able to reclaim two whole days from fundraising events and phone calls. Supporters like you made these days happen, so we selected two online donors to join Barack on the campaign trail and see our grassroots organization in person. Our original plan was to send one supporter to Iowa for the day, but your generosity means one person will travel with Barack on each of the two days you reclaimed. Here they are:
Helen is a retired music director for her church, and her husband Don is a pharmacist. They happened to be in Springfield, Illinois when Barack announced his candidacy, and Helen says, "It was so inspiring -- we were both in tears." Johanna and Helen will each spend a day attending campaign events, watching townhall discussions, meeting with supporters and volunteers, and seeing up close how our grassroots organization is building a movement that can win Iowa. What will they see? An operation with 37 offices that has recruited hundreds of precinct captains and signed up supporters in every corner of the state. Our operation is focused on motivating Iowans to turn out to caucus on January 3rd. We can't offer everyone an opportunity to travel with Barack like Johanna and Helen, but you can put yourself in the shoes of an Iowan and see what they see. We just finished putting together a video for our supporters in Iowa, and I thought we'd share it with you. It offers a sneak peek at our operation and the base of support that's growing every day: http://my.barackobama.com/sneakpeek When you watch it, you'll see that momentum is building in Iowa at just the right time. And it's thanks to you. Sincerely, David David Plouffe | |
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Paid for by Obama for America
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Johanna Pitts lives in Tarrant County, Texas, one of the most Republican counties in the United States. In fact, she has voted Republican all her life, until earlier this year when her granddaughter Noel told her about a candidate named Barack Obama.
Helen Marie Hurt grew up on a farm in Iowa, but she's lived in Colorado for the past 37 years. She and her five brothers got their education in a one-room schoolhouse.
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