How Old Are You?

The message found in a fortune cookie:

"No one grows old by living, only in losing interest in living."

has made me think of a friend of mine. She often tends to say that she and her husband should not do this or that, "because we are not the youngest, you know." The lady is only a few months older than I am.

In my opinion, finding life as an extreme sport and giving up doing things means being old in spirit. Obviously, during all those years when we get more mature, our interests change and, even at a younger age, we also adjust things we do to our possibilities. However, one's attitude makes them actually older than their body/calendar age is. There are always things we can do, new things we can learn. Regardless the numbers (our age).

And how old are you (in spirit)? 

Photo: My latest creation - I got that shirt as a gift. Its dark color did not suit me so I made it a bit more colorful.

Everybody for Everybody?

I was brought up with the idea that everybody works for everybody. It means we are all affected by the results of each other's work, that is why everybody should do their job well.

Let's say a tailor makes clothes for bricklayers, doctors, drivers, and you name it. The tailor should work well not only to stay in business but also because he depends on the work and service performed by other professionals - bricklayers, doctors, drivers, car mechanics, and many others. And he wants their service to be of a good standard too.

 

 

I have been thinking about that for some time. Is the idea of mutual dependence lost totally, or is it maybe just an old-fashioned and extinct approach?

Recently, I had two pieces of jewelry repaired at Baublit Jewelers in Kerrville, TX. The items were not only very well mended at a fair price, but the old and dull-looking pieces were also made shiny and attractive again. The jeweler did a wonderful job fixing and restoring the lost beauty of my items. It seems the idea of trade honor still exists. Well, at least somewhere, and in some cases. 

About Happiness

A documentary about the search for Shangri-La made me think of the poem "A Bird is Sitting on A Tree" by Adam Asnyk (1838/1897), a Polish poet.

"Siedzi ptaszek na drzewie
I ludziom się dziwuje,
Że najmędrszy z nich nie wie,
Gdzie się szczęście znajduje. (...)
Trwonią życia dzień jasny
Na zabiegi i żale,
Tylko w piersi swej własnej
Nie szukają go wcale. (...)"

🐦

My free translation:

"A bird is sitting on a tree
And is surprised
That the wisest one of all people
Does not know where happiness is. (...)
They are wasting their time,
exerting themselves and complaining,
But in their own heart
They do not look for it (meaning happiness) at all.

The original words of the poem are "(...) But in their own chest...".

There are people who constantly need to go here and there, be part of a crowd to fill out the emptiness in themselves, or quiet down their thoughts. Wherever they go, they carry their problems as well, and wherever they are, it always seems to them the grass is always greener somewhere else. 

Even the above mentioned poet, who lived so long ago, realized that to find happiness we simply need to look into our inside.

Check out the video by Mr. Craig.

70s Inspired - Part 2

The topic has faded away a bit (and my interest in it), but since I did the post "70s Inspired Part 1", I complete it with part #2.

This time, just a few pieces of clothing that could be worn both on a regular summer day and a dance night (depending on what shoes and a head cover you choose). All the items which I have chosen are currently available at amazon.com.

Dress/ Top

I like this floral dress. Do not get discouraged with the word "Halloween" in its description. I guess it was probably added to increase the sale around the end of October. Who says it can't be worn in the summer? Perhaps the ones with little imagination? All the dresses on offer are pretty colorful, my choice is the last one in the second row. 

If you decide the dress is too short, you can wear it with the white denim shorts (Angerella Denim Shorts for Women/ Folded Hem Hot Short Jeans). The torn shorts version which they have on offer is not of my liking + it would not match the 70s style look.

Another match for the shorts would be R.Vivimos Floral Embroidered Off Shoulder Long Sleeve Short  (Yellow) Dress. The shoulders up/on would be my option, though.

Boots 

The ones similar to the picture included below were my first choice, but I waited too long with making this post and they are no longer available at the Amazon store.

 

Nevertheless, I have found a pair of similarly-looking boots with fringes. Maybe they are even better regarding the set of clothing presented above as they have a higher heel. 

For a more disco/evening look - white knee-high boots.

Head Cover 

A cute WETOO beige cap matches it all. FaLasoso leather cap would be more suitable for an evening look.

 A Simplicity Panama style straw hat (color A-natural) can be an option to wear on a sunny day as well.

 Other accessories

Bracelets

Beaded Pearl Bangle Wrap Bracelet - the beads are available in different colors and pattern options. The all-grey one seems to go well with silver-tone necklaces.

Riah Fashion Multicolor Bracelet  is a more colorful option.

Handwoven, quite an original bracelet with beads - here.

 

Necklaces

The one I like best is this sterling silver flower pendant.

Then goes this simple, but interesting silver-tone long necklace.

Another sterling silver one - Celtic Knot (triquetra) and Moon pendant.

If you like crosses, here is an elegant Miabella 925 sterling silver Italian cross + 18-inch chain.

The last one is a set of 4 cute and rather modest Heishi Surfer Choker 12 Pcs Beaded Layered Necklaces. They could look good as an everyday type of accessory. However, I would rather give the one with the smileys to someone else. 

Well, that's all for now regarding the 70s style.

To see all the items mentioned above, that I have found at amazon.com - have a look at my Pinterest board (below).

70s Inspired - Part 1

A friend reminded me of the "Fashion" section on this blog. Well. being involved in other projects, I had completely forgotten about that.

So, here it is. A totally different post to previous ones, inspired by the fashion trends of the 70s.

Among others, the 70s was the time of rock music and the bands which were later labeled as "classic". It was also the time of disco music and discos.

Below, is the set of clothing influenced by the 7th decade of the 20th century. It is my personal choice of course, items that I would wear. I found them on the amazon.com shelves. The prices of those pieces are rather moderate and affordable which, besides the design and look, has its meaning as well.
 

Part 1 - today's post is about an everyday and toned-down look.

Tops

The T-shirt and the sleeveless match both the jeans and a denim skirt. Both tops have graphic motifs related to the 70s.

• Black "Love & Peace" T-shirt - here. I most like the flowery pattern on the black shirt.
  
• Sleeveless "Dancing Queen" black top - here. Well, maybe it is not a spectacularly impressive piece, but I find it a good match to the rest of the chosen outfit. If one does not like to uncover their arms and expose them to the sun in the summer, the top has its T-shirt version as well find it here.

 A more interesting alternative to the plain tops is a colorful shirt.

• 3/4 sleeve shirt - my choice is D multi-color (the 1st one) - here. However, with the flowery jeans (see below), I would wear a one-color top - pink, white or black option on that page.
  

 

Vest - to go with jeans only.

 

• Faux Suede khaki vest with fringes - here.
  

Jeans

 

• Blue jeans (only non torn ones!) - here. My shade choice #1 is Blue 2402 (the third picture), then, Light Blue 2402.
  
• Light blue, embroidered jeans - here. All the three ones are cute - I prefer no.1 (Blue), though.
  

Skirts

Among the amazon.com offer, I have not found the type of skirt that was very trendy in the 70s. The akirt was most often two-toned and had wide stripes going across and down the piece. Well, it was commonly known as a "banana" skirt in Poland.

A regular denim skirt will certainly do instead. It is also more neutral regarding the style.
 

• (Dark) Blue denim buttoned skirt - here.

 

Shoes

Platform shoes were in then however, they would not be suitable these days considering my height. Well, it does not mean I did not have a pair of those years ago. Another type of shoe-ware that was popular in Europe in the 70s was the clogs. I quite like them. I did leave behind in Poland two pairs of those (with wooden bottom part) - black and white ones. Nowadays, I would still wear the clogs, if I had them here.

Clogs

•  A lighter option with a rubber sole - here,
•  A bit more expensive - genuine Swedish leather and wooden clogs here.

 

 

My other pick as an everyday style item are the sandals. In the 70s, their sole was made of wood. The modern version has it made of rubber.

• Brown sandals - here

 

Headcover

is a must. I might have lived in the times where all the adults wore hats, well, my head likes to be covered. Although it is a matter of style as well.

• Floppy hat - red or camel - here.

 

Accessories  

To complete the look.

• Flower Heart necklace - metal, glass, and plastic - here.  
  
• Metal, gold chain belt - here. To be worn on the hips (on the T-shirt for example).
  
• Hand-made bracelet, leather, and beads - here. I like the colors, not sure about the healing part, though.
• Optional - a set of metal bangles (worn instead of the bracelet of course) here. 
• Or plastic ones, if you do not like the metallic sound of the bangles here.

 

To see all the items, mentioned above, that I have found at amazon.com - have a look at my Pinterest board (below).

 

Movies Monthly: October

The shows which we enjoyed most.

TV Series 

The Collection - BBC - 2016 (drama) - the designers mother - her look remonds me of a lady I used to know.

Tracy Ullman's Show - 2016 (comedy) - BBC - funny but we are not always sure who is being portrayed in an episode (who that person is supposed to be). Thanks to the series we found out who the new husband of Jerry Hall's is. By the way, Jerry and my husband did go to the same high school.

The Doctor Blake Mysteries - 2013 Australian detective story

Murdoch Mysteries - the seventh season of the Canadian detective story - always enjoy watching it. If you do not know Murdoch was not only a bright minded detective but also a  smart inventor.

Documentary Series

The Civil War: Brothers Divided - 2017 - very informative shown with a presonal approach, naming the soldiers who took part in the battles on both sides of the war and what happened to them later.

Mike Judge Presents: Tales from the Touring Bus (cartoon) - quite a different type of documentary. I did not know much about those country singers. An Interesting way of presenting their music careers/life stories.

Our October Classics

The Killer Elite - 1975 (action, thriller) - I watched it for the first time in the 80s.


Magnum PI - 1980 (crime, action) - we watched a few episodes of that old but enjoyable series.

The Blues Brothers - 1980 (musical, comedy) - great music and good, funny stuff.


Catch 22 - 1970  (drama, war) - it is not really a comedy, more a movie that makes you think of certain things. I have heard that the book by Joseph Heller is no longer on the reading lists in some school districts. If it is true you may think - why. Anyway, it was even more interesting to watch the movie.


Mockery - 1927 (drama) - silent movie - the story and the actors' parts are still interetsing to watch. Also because they are different than the nowadays moving pictures and the acting as well.

The Devil's Rejets - 2005 (crime) - finally I know where the line "What's the matter kid, don't you like clowns?" comes from.

Other Movies

Momentum - 2015 (action) - we had never seen an action movie filmed in South Africa. Pretty areas and a good action plot.

Postman - 1997 (adventure, drama) - one of the movies with a deeper message. I am not sure how many such brave mail deliverers wold be found today if it was needed.


Victor Frankenstein - 2015 (SF) - quite a different version of the traditional Frankenstein's story.

The Accidental Spy - 2001 (action, comedy) - always funny and entertaining Jackie Chan.

Bang Bang Baby - 2014 (musical) crazy but entertaining + good singing.

Pineapple Express - 2008 (action, comedy) stupid but entertaining.

Road to Perdition - 2002 (crime, drama) - good movie and a mafia man's story.

The Young Messiah - 2016 (drama) - the only movie showing Jesus as a little boy which I had ever seen. Nice and interesting approach.

When Time Expires - 1997 (SF) - We did enjoy watching it - the slowly developing plot is intriguing and involving but totally different from the nowadays SF movies.

Our Halloween Night Shows

House of Dark Shadows - 1970 

Night of Dark Shadows - 1971

Ten Little Indians - 1965 - a clasic based on the novel by Agatha Christie.

White Zombie - 1932 - The first zombie film - the original meaning of 'a zombie' shown in the movie.

House of Wax - 1953 - an early 3D movie + in color

Movies Monthly: September

Here are the films and TV shows which we enjoyed watching most in the month of September.

Miniseries

Hatfields & McCoys - 2012 (history) - with the family connection to McCoys (which I had found during my ancestry research project) it was very interesting to rewatch the tragic family history. This time, we looked at all the events from a more personal angle. Our connection to McCoys was Ms. Barbara Trollinger (born in 1768). In 1796 she married William McCoy who was Asa Harmon McCoy's uncle.



Documentaries:

Beslan - Three Days in September - 2006 - school starts in Poland on September 1 as well. On that day in 2004, I started another school work year - everything at our school went smoothly, as usual. The opening school year ceremony and the all school gathering lasted for about a half an hour, then students went to the classrooms to meet their teachers and get their classes schedules. That was all. At the same time in Beslan, such horrifying things happened and lasted much longer than one school-day only. In my opinion, everybody should watch the documentary, maybe they could see then what appalling deeds are certain people capable of.

Expedition Texas - the episodes which we watched had been aired in 2016 (season 7) - little known but interesting facts about places and (old) buildings in Texas.

The Vietnam War  - 2017 - very informative and educational series. I was born when the war had already begun. I lived in Poland, I was little and Vietnam was far away in Asia. Never had I realized how long the war lasted and how very much deceived those men had been until I watched the series. They all were the victims of the war.

It is stunning how current some comments and slogans from the 70s, showed in the documentary, seem to be. "Our flag - love it or leave" for example. A lot of interesting facts and materials make the show quite a history lesson.

The last part of the series I found very moving. Our brother is a Vietnam veteran as well.

Our Classics of September

Platoon - 1986 (war) - we watched it as the post-final part of The Vietnam War series. Many historical facts mentioned in the documentary were included in the movie.


Cobra - 1986 (action) - another Stallone's film which is good to rewatch from time to time.

Dune - 1984 (SF)  - I used to have the book which the movie was based on. The book (original version in English) was thick, full of descriptive parts. It was interesting to see the visual version of it. Quite well-made, I did enjoy watching the movie.

Seven Years in Tibet - 1997 (biography, drama) - if you have not seen it, you should. Certainly worth sparing your time to watch the 1997 version of the film. I have not seen the original Austrian story made earlier in the 50s.

 Network - 1976 (drama) - it is sad how the movie TV premonition seems to be very much a reality right now. "I'm as mad as hell and I'm not gonna take this anymore!" feels still current too.


Other movies

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - 2016 (fantasy) - interesting, involving and entertaining + many nice computer effects.

The Lucky Ones - 2008 (drama) - unfortunately, as it was shown in the movie, many people neglect not only the ex and present service men and women as persons but their sacrifices as well.

Land of Mine - 2015 (war, history) - a tricky title - it meant something totally else than you could think.

Sister - 2016 (drama) - it is commonly known that a family environment has a great impact regarding child's development and life. That influence obviously may be positive or negative. The film shows an interesting example of it all + how the bond between siblings may change and grow.

Tremors 1- 4 (SF) - the original first part (1990) and the fourth "The Legend Begins" were the most enjoyable ones of the four.

Suicide Kings - 1997 (drama) - a weird but interesting story.


Eagle Eye - 2008  - a bit different action film.

Movies Monthly: August

In August we happened to watch quite a variety of interesting and entertaining movies.

TV series - only one that month (by BBC):

Mapp & Lucia - the two main characters who are quite full of themselves, provide entertainment to a small town social 'circle'. Another type of Ms. Bucket [bouquet] series.

Films

Collateral Beauty - 2016 (drama) - a movie with a deeper message.

Hell or High Water - 2008 (drama) - a contemporary Texas cowboy type film.


Rocknrolla - 2008 (drama, crime) weird but curious as well.

Nothing to Lose - 1997 (comedy) - funny and enjoyable, with well written and thought of plot. Made us lough loud.

Huntsman: Winter's War - 2016 (fantasy) - the previous Huntsman movie "Snow White" had more special cute, computer made effects. The newest film was worth watching anyway.

Stir of Echoes - 1999 (horror, mystery) - not a typical horror, quite engaging with action turns.


The Interpreter - 2005 (thriller) - We watched it because of the director's name: Sydney Pollack who is one of my favorite movie makers. There were also some other stars in it, including Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn. And we were not disappointed. 

Gran Torino - 2009 (drama) - with C. Eastwood whose appearance on the cast list always lets us expect it is going to be a quality movie. And it was. Eastwood plays an elderly veteran, a lonely man (despite having a family) who (a bit unwillingly at the beginning) helps his neighbors.  I admire the actor he keeps his class, does not pretend a superman in his current movies (like some other actor of his generation).

The Thomas Crow Case - 1999 (crime, romance), with  P. Brosnan - an intriguing plot.

Invincible - 2001 - (drama) - always remember who you are and where you are from.
I did not know the story about the 36 righteous people who are supposed to live among us.


In a Valley of Violence - 2016 (western) - a good cowboy movie with John Travolta as a bad guy.

Music

The Australian Pink Floyd Concert - 2016 - wish I had seen it live...

August Classics

The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima - 1952 (drama, biography) - A storm started while we were watching the film. When the crowd was calling: "Holy Mother, give us a sign! Give us a sign! Give us a sign!", a thunder struck very close to our house. It was so strong and loud like an explosion. It seemed strange and unexpected - we had our sign.

O, Brother Where Art Thou? - 2000 (comedy drama) - I love the movie and its music soundtrack. I have seen it quite a few times but it is always enjoyable seeking it again. The two main characters Delmar/Tim Blake Nelson (my favorite one) and Pete/John Turturro are fantastic. With their faces (great styling) and face expressions and acting, they seem so authentic, funny and likable at the same time. One of my all time movies.


Magnum Force - 1973 (action) - one of our Clint Eastwood August movies.

The Rookie - 1990 (crime) - well, we do like Clint Eastwood and the characters he created.

Destination Gobi - 1953 (WWII) - a side story of the war about 1st US Mongolian Cavalry. One of those less known WW2 fronts.


Total Recall -1990 (SF) - one of my most favorite SF movies. Always enjoy watching it again.

Movies Monthly: July

TV Serials by BBC:

Father Brown 5 - 2017 (detective story) - Lady Felicia has been removed from the character/cast list and substituted with a younger and more adventurous one.

Ashes to Ashes 3 - 2010 (detective story) - absolutely fantastic! The best of all seasons. Season 1 was the weakest/worst.

The Coroner - 2015 (crime story) - A coroner in England is a solicitor and criminal investigator. In Poland, it is a doctor who examines dead bodies, states death of a person and issues death certificates. Totally different positions, jobs and duties.

The Black Adder - 1982 (comedy) - Rowan Atkinson in Medieval settings and made up Medieval history plot.

Remember Me - 2014 (ghost story) - quite different to all the BBC series we have watched so far. A well written and an intriguing story.

Documentaries:

Penelope Keith's Hidden Villages - 2014/2017 - lovely villages of Great Britain. Picturesque landscapes and pretty gardens. We would not mind living in one of those places. We would very much enjoy local little festivities and the countryside environment.

Kangaroo Dundee - 2017 - the series presents the man (and his friends) who rescue abandoned kangaroo babies and wallabies, raise them and bring them back to nature. Their dedication to saving little animals is really amazing.

Movie Classics:

The films which we enjoyed re-watching

Jaws - 1975 (thriller)
Jaws 2 - 1978 (thriller)

Death Wish - 1974 (action) - the original Death Wish is the best according to us. Each of the sequels made later was worse and worse - each next one was worse than a previous one.

Predator - 1987 (action/SF) - when I saw the movie for the first time (in the late 80s/early 90s), it was a very, very bad copy of it - the fifth or sixth one possibly. The quality of the picture was very bad and the silhouette of the Predator (which originally is rather unclear) was more like a green stain on the TV screen. I did enjoy the plot of the film, but when it ended I did not know what the Predator was. Therefore, re-watching the picture was more like watching it for the very first time.

Other - Newer - Films:

Hacksaw Ridge - 2016 (biography, WW2) - A true and moving story of a man who despite the fact that he did not wish to carry or touch a gun because of his religious views, he appeared to be a true hero and saved many lives.

Nowadays, when the meaning of the word 'hero' seems to be lost, changed or twisted totally, the movie and its main character remind what a hero really means...


War of the Worlds - 2015 (SF) - an interesting version of the fiction novel by H.G. Wells.

Legacy - 2013 (drama, thriller) - set in 1974 - an ex-army man discovers the unknown facts about his father's past. All in all, quite a complicated story.

Australia - 2008 (drama) - there is no place like home, wherever it is.

Movies Monthly: June

Here are some notes on what we enjoyed watching most in the month of June.


Serials

The ones (by BBC) which came back with a new season:

• Grantchester 3 - (drama, detective story);
• The Tunnel 2: Sabotage - (crime story) - I enjoy watching the process of gradual development of Elise's social skills;
• Broadchurch 3 - (crime story) - the previous season was disappointing. We expected a new thread to be presented then. Instead of it, the old plot was munched. Good, it is not repeated as we would have stopped watching the series.

A new one:

Prime Suspect: Tennison - 2017 (detective story) - set in the 70s, with all the props from the decade, including the Grundig radio, the interior of the flats, fashion and car models. It all brings my childhood to my mind. The reality in Poland looked very similar then. Everyday stuff which we used and had was similar. All in all, we were not so much behind the rest of Europe as someone could think. A lot of the music of the 70s was included in each series episode. I watched them all with some sentiment, recalling the long gone era. On the other hand, the story was very interesting as well.

Mini series:

The Passing Bells - 2014 (WW1) - I have seen quite a few movies depicting WW1 events/times. In Passing Bells, the first time the partitioned Poland was mentioned.

To Your Knowledge: Poland was partitioned for the third time in 1795. Three empires Prussia, Austria, and Russia divided Poland into three parts and took control over it. It meant Poland no longer existed as a country and the Polish people automatically became citizens of the suppressant empires. They not only were forbidden to speak Polish but also, when WW1 began, had to serve in the Prussian, Austrian or Russian army, depending on where they lived. In that way, Poles fought against their own people as well. My great-grandpa was one of them. Anyway, Poland regained its independence after the war, when the peace treaty was signed in 1918.

A great series showing individuals and their families involved in the war. Personal tragedies which they had to face and deal with. Each episode includes testimonials of ex-soldiers, the war participants, the words of original letters written by the army men. What is more, parts of original documentaries are merged with the TV show scenes. There is no us and them in the series. Just people.

Movies of June

9 - 2009 (animation) - quite deep and dark for a cartoon. Lots of work and thinking (the plot, setting, and characters) included in making it.

Dirty Pretty Things - 2002 (drama) - at first I did not know which country the plot was set in as each character spoke English with a foreign, non-British accent. Soon, I realized it was contemporary London. Quite an Immigrant Song.

The Boy - 2016 (horror) - different than we thought it would be - with quite an unexpected plot turn.


Tale of Tales - 2015 (fantasy) - modern type fairy tales in which nothing tends to be beautiful, cute, characters are not good or bad only and there is no such a thing as a happy ending. They did not live happily ever after.

Slumdog Millionnaire - 2008 (drama) - horrible living conditions of slums in India, crime, love, brotherhood and more. I know the name of the third musketeer but if I was asked questions on India and its culture, I would most probably fail to answer.

Stage Beauty - 2004 (drama) - quite tragic was the faith of those male-female stage beauties when their acting was no longer needed/admired.

Classics of June

The Killers - 1946 (crime) - based on the novel by Hemingway. The movie is the origin of the Dragnet series. We learned something again as we had thought Dragnet was the original crime story serial but, as it appeared, it was just a sequel of a former idea.

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying - 1964 (comedy) - a bit weird as most of Kubrick's movies. Entertaining, though. Besides, Kubrick is one of my favorite film directors.

The Lost Patrol - 1934 (WW1) - with Boris Karloff - when you think WW1, you most likely associate it with France, Germany, Europe in general. Not a Mesopotamian desert. Another front of the war.

My Music ABC: T-Z

Writing about the letter 'S' I forgot to mention someone. I am going to write about all the missed musicians in the following post/posts of My Music ABC series.

Today - T

'Children of the Revolution' by T. Rex was probably their most often played song on the Polish radio. I like some other songs by the band as well but I learned about them later, after the 'Children of the Revolution' hit.



Thin Lizzy and their 'Whiskey in the Jar'. I guess quite a lot of younger music fans most likely do not know that it was the original version of the song, covered later by Metallica and others.

Tangerine Dream - a German electronic music band. Their Kiew Mission is one of # 1s on my Tangerine Dream list.


Classical T

I have always liked the music by Tchaikovsky. However, I first time watched a live ballet performance of his 'Nutcracker' when I came to Texas.

U

Uriah Heep - my all times number one music U.  Do you know that the name of the band has its origin in/was taken from the novel 'David Copperfield' by Charles Dickens? In that story, Uriah Heep was actually rather a lousy character, the band, however, wrote and sang so many songs which I really like. Great, epic ballads and more rock pieces too.

V

Vangelis, especially his works created with Jon Anderson. A superb duo and romantic compositions.



Andreas Vollenweider and his magical world of gardens, water falls and his Swiss harp music.

W

Wishbone Ash - wonderful tunes and my music W #1. I fell in love with their songs from the very first time when I heard them. It was 'Errors of My Ways' and others on a cassette with their first album Wishbone Ash. My friend gave that cassette to me when I told her I liked it a lot. She had bought the cassette for a kiss (a real story) from one of her (male) pals.



Jeff Wayne and his "War of the Worlds" - magnificent compositions (absolutely stunning in my opinion) based on the novel by H.G. Wells. I have always enjoyed listening to the musical version of that classic story. The music intro is totally amazing - the words of the novel read by Richard Burton, the string section and all the orchestra sounds, the lyrics of the songs give me goose bumps. It is so great! Jeff Wayne's "War of the Worlds" reminds me old radio theater shows. While listening to the music pieces, I can almost 'see' it all too. It makes my imagination work and makes me emotional as well. And I need to mention, no sooner had I seen the original concert version than I listened to the music on the radio and on a CD.


I wish I had been able to see it live when it was still performed. Well, Jeff Wayne has been retired now but there are still videos and my CD to enjoy.

Y

When I visited Birmingham, quite unexpectedly, I had a chance to see Yes at their concert rehearsal. I was with a small group of other people and our guide - a Birmingham lady - sneaked us into the concert hall where Yes were working. We watched them from a balcony for a few minutes, then we had to leave of course. It was quite amazing. To be honest, I was surprised that Yes had been still performing. I like their music but (as it is with other bands as well) I have never tracked their career.
The album by Yes which I like most is Drama.

Z

The only non-European band in this post is ZZ Top. I wrote about them in one of My Texas Alphabet pieces.

---

T.Rex - Jeepster, Hot Love, One Inch Rock, Children of the Revolution

Tangerine Dream - Stratosfear, Kiew Mission + the album Exit

Tchaikovsky - The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty

Uriah Heep - Lady in Black, July Morning, Gypsy, Look at Yourself, Easy Livin', Salisbury - album, Sympathy, Come Away Melinda, Tears in My Eyes

UFO - Doctor, Doctor

Jon & Vangelis - albums Short Stories, Friends of Mr. Cairo

Andreas Vollenweider - albums Caverna Magica, Behind the Gardens

Wishbone Ash - Errors of My Ways, Sorrel, Lullaby, Ballad of the Beacom, Warrior, Leaf and Stream, Throw Down the Sword, Persephone, Everybody Needs a Friend

Rick Wakeman - Six Wives of Henry VIII

Yes - Into the Lens/I am a Camera, Love Will Find a Way, album Drama, Owner of the Lonely Heart

ZZ Top - Legs,  Sharp Dressed Man, La Grange, Gimme All Your Lovin'

Movies Monthly: May

June is about to be over so it is time to tell you which movies and TV shows struck our fancy in May.

TV series

Detective stories by BBC:

DCI Banks - we did not watch much of the previous season which was presented a few years ago. It looks like this time the series may not be aired long again.

Ashes to Ashes - III season - 2010 - a new-look of the main female character and more music of the 80s - less new age and more punk rock tunes + some non-British music as well. I started liking the series mostly due to the DCI Gene Hunt role played Philip Glenister. The character seems very similar to Inspector Thomas Brackenreid (Thomas Craig) from 'Murdoch Mysteries' - another crime story series. The same type of man, the same type of inspector, similar behavior and personality, similar look even - different time setting only. At first, I thought the two parts might be played by the same actor but no, they were two different men. I also like the new image of Alex Drake and the entire detective crew - the bond they share (besides Jim Keats who seems rather slippery).

Scott & Bailey - although the serial has had many seasons, just a few episodes appeared on our local TV. Maybe because there was nothing special about it (besides some entertainment), just another detective TV show.

Documentaries

Plants Behaving Badly - an educating show about carnivorous plants.

Victorian Slum House - quite an illuminating series. The real life circumstances in the Victorian Slum House must have been one hundred times worse and much harder due to the omnipresent filth, diseases, malnutrition, lice and other nasty bugs, rats and so on. We really liked the tailor's family, most of all the ones who took part in the series. They were so integrated - the parents and two children working together and learning together, supporting each other. Not all the children worked so really hard. As it was mentioned in the series, some quickly got bored and did nothing. Maybe a reason of that was those kids were younger than the tailor family children and they did not understand the meaning of it all, why they were taking part in the show. Maybe it was something else but we disliked that attitude of being indolent and idle which made the parents work only. Luckily, it was just a TV show. If the children had lived in Victorian times, they would have not been able to skip the work.

Not long after watching the documentary series about the London slum house, I came across some interesting information - possibly, one of my distant relative's father (whom I had never heard about - neither the relative nor his father) was born in Whitechapel, London at the time depicted in the Victorian Slum House series.

Movies

As usual, we watched some older films/some classics + more current ones.

Absolute Power - 1997 (crime, drama) with Clint Eastwood - one of our this months classics. I had already seen the film but it was so long ago, I could not recall much of the plot.
Some actors' names make you expect a certain level of a quality of a movie. Clint Eastwood is one of those who do not disappoint you. 'Absolute Power' is a good movie indeed.

The Man Who Knew Infinity - 2015 (biography) - I had never heard of that math genius of India who had the 'visions with numbers' when he prayed/concentrated. Despite his brilliant mind, quite a tragic life he had.

Bat*21 - 1998 (war) - one of the Vietnam war movies - about a lost in action officer who is rescued in dramatic circumstances. Quite well-made and an involving story too.

The Day the Fish Came Out - 1967 (drama, SF) - a French production set on a Greek island - quite a weird film, interesting though.

The Whistler - series of movies - made in 1944 - 1948 (crime, thriller). An early version of The Twilight Zone.

Leon: The Professional - 1994 (crime, drama). Another classic in May. An outstanding part of Leon created by Jean Reno. The young actress who accompanied him did really well.

The Attack of Lederhosen Zombies - 2016 (horror style comedy) - totally silly but funny as well.

No Time for Sergeants - 1958 (comedy, war) - Andy Griffith as a very simple young countryman drafted into the Air Force + his comic adventures.

About Patriotism and Being A Patriot

When I worked as a school teacher, from time to time, I talked to my students about patriotism. Usually, it was around Independence Day, before all the school and state celebrations took place.

The kids studied the meaning of the term 'patriotism' given by a dictionary:
e.g. “Patriotism - the feeling of loving your country more than any others and being proud of it”*.

We also discussed whom we can call a patriot.

My mom's cousin served on a submarine during WW2. He and the entire submarine crew perished when the vessel was sunk by a torpedo. Those navy men were patriots, they died for their country.
All service men and women can certainly be called patriots. But what about us, who live at the time of peace and do not serve, can we be patriots as well?

Before answering that question, the students looked up the word 'patriot' in a dictionary.

"A person who loves their country and, if necessary, will fight for it".**

Furthermore, we also talked about Patriots and what local patriotism means (who a local patriot is).

When I was little, I was told by my parents how I should behave during official ceremonies when the national anthem is played. I learned I should stand still and solemnly till the anthem ended.
Years later, I explained the same to my students - no talking, giggling, jumping or dancing when the anthem is being played. Why? Because it means being disrespectful to our national symbol.

We are all proud when our national anthem and the flag are presented during the Olympics and other international sports tournaments. But what about when we are at home, in our country?

I used to have neighbors who lived not far from my place. On state holidays, they always hung the Polish flag on their balcony washing line. The flag was fixed to it with washing clips. I am sure the neighbors meant to express their patriotic attitude but the way they displayed the flag on their balcony was not proper or respectful according to me.

During the class the kids and I also talked about how the national flag should be treated/presented and how can we show our patriotism then.

Subsequently, the students, working in groups, brainstormed the answers to the following questions

#1. How can we express our patriotism / how can we be patriotic during the peace?

Some of their answers mentioning what patriots do:

• respect our national symbols,
• observe state holidays,
• work at community groups/organizations,
• do everyday duties/work well.

#2. What can we be proud of as citizens of our country/region of our country  - where we live - regarding places, things, and people?

The kids created great slideshows with their answers to both questions and presented them to their classmates.

In my opinion 'patriotism' was a really important but also an interesting topic to talk about in class. All in all, the meaning of 'patriotism' and 'patriot' is quite universal and applies not only to the Poles and their feelings. The children seemed to enjoy the class subject and the activities as well. I hope they will still remember what they learned then when they grow up.

Credits:
* Definition from: http://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/patriotism
** Cambridge International Dictionary of English, Cambridge University Press, 1999

My Music ABC: S

I skipped the letter 'R' on purpose as I have already mentioned some 'R' bands in my previous posts.

The letter 'S' is going to be all about European music which I like most due to my European roots. Non European artists (well at least one) will be mentioned some other time, not today.

Our S #1 is Sabaton - Swedish formation - one of the very few contemporary bands whom we enjoy listening to. Each and every song by Sabaton is a little story based on real facts and history. Each of them tells about a real event, battle, soldier/soldiers, king or a war. And we can learn something about them just listening to Sabaton records.

The very first songs by Sabaton which I listened to were the ones connected with WWII and history of Poland: Uprising (about the Warsaw Uprising 1944) and 40:1, inspired by the battle of Bzura and the heroic fight of the Polish soldiers. It was quite a few years ago. Anyway, I heard those pieces and loved them at once. They also made me interested in other compositions by the Swedish band. The music is from the 'hard and heavy side' but it is very pleasant to the ear. What is more, it is quite original with many interesting and nice melody lines. While listening to their songs you not only enjoy the tunes but at the same time learn about some (often rather forgotten or little known) history facts.

The music pieces by Sabaton sound very well also when they are enriched and supported by a classical orchestra. It may seem a bit wild - heavy metal and classical music mixed together but, according to us, it is a great compilation. Actually, our dream concert by Sabaton would be the one performed by the musicians in a small concert hall with some assistance - from time to time - of a classical orchestra. We could sit in the comfortable chairs of a music hall and enjoy two in one - what we really like - the 'Sabaton history music channel' tales and classical music as well.

On the other hand, the Swedish musicians create a great performance when they are on their own - they do not need any extra support. The band does very well on stage and their live music + songs are as good as the ones recorded in the studio. It is just our dream concert vision. Another reason for that is that regular heavy metal concert venue facilities are usually of a different sort of comfort comparing to a cozy concert hall. I guess, not too many fans of Sabaton would be happy about such a concert and the opposite - not too many classical music lovers would decide to buy tickets to listen to a heavy metal band. Well, that would be perfect to us.

🎸

I have always liked Scorpions (German band) and many of their songs - both ballads and the more heavy stuff. I saw them at a concert at the beginning of the 90s, in Poland. To be honest, I do not recall much of the event besides the fact that I did enjoy it.

Talking about Scorpions I need to mention Michael Schenker and his Group. At some point he was part of Scorpions, later he played with his own band. I do not know much of their career or music but I do remember the piece 'Into the Arena' - I loved the way Micheal played the guitar.

🎸

Status Quo are my number one English 'S' band. Lively, cheering music and very enjoyable guitar parts that is what I like about them most.

The band members, very skillful musicians, are also great stage performers. Their music is simply good stuff and fun. I could watch some of their concert pieces (such as Gerdundula) again and again.

🎸

Slade - another English band who played the music which I would call 'merry & fun'. The costumes they wore added to the fun part. My Slade hit #1 is 'Coz I Love You'.

Smokey and Sweet - I mention them here although, when they were most popular, I disliked them with all my heart. The guys looked too girly to me and, in my opinion, their music was too sweetened and boring. The time has passed and I am still not a particular fan of the bands but these days I am OK with listening to some of their songs once in a while. At some point, they were big in Europe anyway.

Sting - a class of his own. Shortly speaking - Art of music - no need to comment it at all.

Classical S

Schumann Robert - quite a coincidence - his birthday is today. He was born on 8 June 1810. Schumann liked playing with his seven children. Several of his compositions relate to children/childhood.

Strauss - both father and son - I do knot know if it is still a kind of tradition on Polish TV, at least it used to be. Every year on New Year's Day a live concert was transmitted from Vienna. The music by Strauss Senior and his Son was mostly played then. I did like those cocerts. It was a good way to celebrate the beginning of a new year.

Sabaton: too many songs which we really like to mention them all here - just some of them are
To Hell And Back, Attero Dominatus, Carolus Rex, The Lion from The North, Swedish Pagans, Poltava, Got Mitt Uns, Aces in Exile, 40:1, Uprising, Night Witches

Scorpions:
The Zoo, Holiday, In Trance, Life's Like a River, Fly People Fly, Can't Live Without You, Blackout, You Give me All I Need, No One Like You, When the Smoke Is Going Down, Yellow Raven

Slade: 
Far Far Away, Run Runaway, Coz I Love You

Smokey:
I'll Meet You at Midnight, Don't Play Your Rock'n'Roll to Me

Status Quo:
In The Army, Gerdundula, What You're Proposing

Sting:
Shape of My Heart, Fields of Gold, Moon over Bourbon Street, Russians, I'm Lost Without You, Desert Rose

Sweet:
Hell Raiser, Blockbuster

Classical S

Schumann: Scenes of the Childhood - opus #16 Dream

Johann Strauss Sr.: 
Radetzky March

Johann Strauss Jr.:
Tritch-Trach Polka
The Blue Danube
Pizzicato Polka
Vienna Blood

🎵

Credits

Photos

• Sabaton: By dr_zoidberg [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
• Scorpions: By Pablo BM from Plymouth, England (Flickr) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
• Status Quo photo: KevM at the English language Wikipedia [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons