pontalba

Oh, sigh. I haven't read The Years yet, I think husband has....he's read more of VW than I have. They're on the list. heh Sorry it didn't pan out Kay.

Good grief, I had not heard.....hope all come through safely, and no flooding.

I have this on the shelf, glad to hear it's worth the read. Agreed, I have enough crap in my head. I actually bought it about 40 years ago, but couldn't bring myself to read it.

The other day I posted on the film thread that we'd gone to see The Counselor. Directed by Ridley Scott and screenplay written by Cormac McCarthy. We loved the film, although "love" in that context is probably the last thing to think of. It's an intense, scary movie with intense and very scary characters. Crooked lawyer, innocent girl, Mexican drug cartel, rip off artist(s). Everyone is conning everyone, and the last con is not totally apparent till the last of the film. Fantastic actors. Amazing direction, and the writing! The writing! Anyhow, I'm posting about this here because I just read a wonderful article, an interview with Ridley Scott in the New York Times. It's informative and laugh out loud funny. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/27/magazine/ridley-scott-most-novelists-are-desperate-to-do-what-i-do.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20131027&_r=0 I like Scott even more after reading it.

I've wavered between a two and three star rating for Livia: First Lady of Imperial Rome by Anthony A. Barrett. Finally, on account of his exhaustive research I've come down on a three star rating. Apparently there is not much in the way of hard evidence as to Livia's personality or actions. Barrett makes it very clear that historians Tacitus', Seneca and Suetonius et als are torn, and conflicting in their portrayal of Livia. The former being the most acid and hostile to Livia. Barrett begins his biography by devoting paragraphs to speaking of Robert Graves' portrayal of Livia in I, Claudius and Claudius the God, including the BBC filming of same. He states (correctly) that Sian Phillips's portrayal of Livia was so strong, it has taken over popular opinion as the "real" Livia. There is a great deal of truth in what he says. However as far as I am concerned, Barrett has done very little to counteract that picture. He states time after time (ad nauseam) that there is no verifiable proof of Livia being a poisoner as stated in Graves books. Every step of the way though, Barrett backs up the verifiable events as seen in Graves work. There is nothing to counteract those assumptions of being a poisoner. And, I hasten to admit, as far as I can tell, they are assumptions. We have no forensic proof that Livia poisoned the ones she was accused of poisoning in Graves books. As Barrett presents her Livia did in fact, have motive and opportunity to commit those crimes that she has been accused of. Livia is presented by Barrett as being the epitome of Roman Womanhood, an example to be followed in every way. Loyal, and doing everything possible to support her husband. Let us also remember that Octavian/Augustus ran roughshod over many to become Emperor, and was politically savvy and an opportunist. From the Preface: "One of the burdens shouldered by the modern historian is that of correcting false impressions created by the popular media, particularly dangerous when a production is distinguished and the performances brilliant. This process usually involves the thankless task of demonstrating pedantically that, contrary to popular belief, truth is rarely stranger than fiction, and is usually far less exciting." Barrett seems to have shot himself in the foot in my view, as he doesn't prove anything, and is far too repetitive, and far too (his word) pedantic. In fact, as far as I am concerned, methinks the historian doth protest too much.

Yeah, well, something has to get ya......

:rolol: Love it poppy!!!

Stacks. Stacks are good things. /evil grin/

I agree. I know I'll write a review, so I have to actually finish. It won't be pretty............

I know. Me too. There have been some great articles on the ending. But I think it mostly boils down to the fact the story was told from Tony's POV, and that guy that came in after his daughter is the one that came up behind Tony and shot him. Hence the going black. Tony was dead. Here's a great blog that talks about the ending.........scroll down a little to "Introduction". http://masterofsopranos.wordpress.com/the-sopranos-definitive-explanation-of-the-end/

Still reading, suffering along with Livia. She was a fascinating woman, I wish the book was. /sigh/ I'm about half way through. Also reading a borrowed on Kindle book, Henry and Rachel. Can't remember the author at the moment, kindle is upstairs. Will post later. It's ok, not riveting in the least.

Naturally, couldn't use puppies or kittens........ Just non cake or toast eating hu-mans.

That is where I remembered her from. Her character was based on Katherine Graham, who was the publisher of the Washington Post.......her family owned it.

We went to the show/cinema ( ) tonight, and saw the previews of Ender's Game, it didn't look so bad I have to say. My husband read the book, and thought it was a pretty simple sort of story, with a surprise ending. I believe the whole idea of the kids is that they are trained in that warfare, as they are quick with the computer/war games.....quicker reactions than adults are able to manage. I'm pretty sure we'll go and see it when it comes out over here.....November 1st or 2nd I believe. Anyhow. 'Nuff of that. We went to see the film The Counselor. It was directed by Ridley Scott and the screenplay was written by Cormac McCarthy. Man 'o Man! Intense. Unrelenting. Dark. Downright scary people. The main character, played by Michael Fassbender is the Counselor.....never named in the film, gets mixed up with a Mexican drug cartel. I'd read earlier in a review that the plot was difficult to follow, but it wasn't. Pretty simple actually. Double cross, and double cross. Murder, mayhem. Set between Juarez, Mexico, Southern Texas and London, the photography is absolutely gorgeous. Great cast.

With no relationship to any post above, only my finally remembering to post it.... My husband and I recently watched all seasons of The Sopranos. Loved it. One of the most wonderful characters was Tony Soprano's mother, Livia. She was played by Nancy Marchand, a wonderful actress that unfortunately passed away during the show's run. She had some very, er, expressive mannerisms about her and one of the best, IMO, was this. The gesture was accompanied by a rather guttural ennhhhhh! She was an interesting and, when younger, a beautiful woman. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Marchand

pontalba = ablatnop hmmmm, sounds a bit Egyptian, so not too science fiction-y. OTOH, who knows what/who built the pyramids............

No, my husband is the cryptographer in the family. He is very good at it.

Yeah, I've read several of Sallis's, plus have more on the shelf. Def worth a look. Oh, you are quite welcome, glad you are giving him a go! Hope the library still has it. A few more books to add to the stacks: The Cave and the Light by Arthur Herman The Hidden White House by Robert Klara JFK Conservative by Ira Stoll Ancient Greece, Everyday Life in the Birthplace of Western Civilization by Robert Garland Brain Workout Cryptograms

^ good show ^

Gorgeous muggle! How are you feeling after your fall? /fingers crossed/

Gaia, I know you are the best medicine for your BF, I'm happy to know that you are together now. You can catch up here anytime, but he needs your attention right now. Sending good vibes and hugs. Have a wonderful time!

Others of My Kind by James Sallis 5/5 Last night I read a James Sallis novel, in one sitting, Others of My Kind, I cannot say enough good things about it, or his writing. Poetic, spare, eloquent and hard hitting. It will break your heart, then revive your faith in humanity. His characters are complex, and straight forward at the same time. The more I think about the story, the more I love it. I found James Sallis through this very forum, and am very grateful to a poster that hasn't posted here since, that I know of, one sophiagia10. Here is that thread...just FYI http://www.bookclubforum.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/11107-top-10-books-of-2012-for-fans-of-new-orleans-and-louisiana-set-tales/#entry322873 I've read several of Sallis's Lew Griffin series, a PI based in New Orleans a few decades ago. Good stuff, accurate portrayal of Non-touristy New Orleans.

LOL I was puzzling over that....... /giggle/ Sorry you're not feeling well, hope you are better by now!

William Holden was indeed a Golden Boy.....and definitely one of my favorites as well Ruth. I remember when he died....how awful. Wasn't he in a long term relationship with Stephanie Powers?

Good grief! I had no idea about Clarke! She was a perfect Jane. What a bloody shame.