Archive for September, 2009

A Hard Day’s Night – Terrific Movie Then and Now

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

The Beatles’ first movie, “A Hard Day’s Night” was released in the U.S. in 1964. It quickly became a huge success, both with audiences and the critics. The cinematic values and the music stand the test of time after 45 years.

I Love Rock-n-Roll & Jackson Browne: The Soundtrack of My Life

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Rock music is synonymous with the Baby Boomer Generation, starting in the 1960s with the Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, and the Beatles. A revered singer songwriter of the 1970s is Jackson Browne, a favorite of Boomers younger rock-n-rollers with great taste in music!

Elizabeth Gilbert – Part 2: Writer’s Block, Creativity & Writing

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Elizabeth Gilbert entertained an audience in San Rafael, CA on September 24, 2009 with her tales about writing the sequel to her blockbuster book, Eat Pray Love. She threw out the first manuscript and asked her publisher for a time extension to write a brand new book. The second manuscript is about the same subject of marriage but is a totally different story. Ms. Gilbert was pleased with her second attempt and consequently this book will be published in January 2010.

A Workplace Horror Story

Monday, September 28, 2009

Age discrimination and pay discrimination are alive and well in the America workplace today—according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in a report from July 2009. Women are paid 20% less than men for the same job. Older women are paid 30% less. Women need to stand up for themselves and demand equal pay for equal work.

Elizabeth Gilbert – Part 1: Previous Book and New Book

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Elizabeth Gilbert spoke about her new book: Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage at the Marin Center in San Rafael, CA on September 24, 2009. She entertained the audience with her charming personality and funny stories about her experience as a writer and her philosophies on life. She read from the first chapter of her book, which explained why she decided to marry again. She answered questions from the audience about writing, money, and creativity.

Change of Scenery = Change of Attitude

Friday, September 25, 2009

When I was seven my parents separated—of course no one told me at the time what was going on. My Mom informed the priest at St. Columbans in Garden Grove about our family’s situation. Father Judgmental told her that to divorce was a sin and he advised against it. My Mom replied, “That’s nothing, Padre, [...]

Fashion Update #1: Oprah, Mad Men, Donna Karan, Valentino, Burberry

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Fashion news about the Oprah Show hosting the cast from the TV show Mad Men and showcasing the clothing styles from the 1960s. Additional commentary about Donna Karan, Valentino, and Burberry fashions.

Roddy Doyle + Irish History = Literary Barn-Burner

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Supposedly there is no such thing as a perfect novel. If that’s true, then To Kill a Mockingbird is as close to perfection as it gets. IMHO, coming in second place is A Star Called Henry by Roddy Doyle, an Irishman (Dublin born and raised). This book dazzled me: the intelligent witty/funny writing; the superb [...]

Relating in the Classroom – and Reading in the Classroom (Part 3)

Monday, September 21, 2009

I helped my fifth grade teacher with an after-school activity and learned all the I.Q.s of the kids in my class. (Blog dated 9/10/09). A girl named Janet scored the highest on the test—well above the rest of us. I think this fact determined her seat assignment by our sixth grade teacher, Mr. Allen (the [...]

What NOT to Wear When Meeting Hippies

Friday, September 18, 2009

In 1966 a migration of hippies to San Francisco began—like a flock of free-spirited colorful birds wearing beads and goofy glasses. I found out about this from my neighbor and classmate, Jo Ella. She had found out about this from her older sister who lived near SF in Marin County. I was curious about this [...]