gomez7
Santa Clara County Library
gomez7's Completed Shelf
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Added Jan 01, 2021
Catching Life by the ThroatCatching Life by the Throat, BookHow to Read Poetry and Why : Poems From Eight Great Poets
Book - 2008
Added Jan 01, 2021
Comment:
This is a book well worth reading; even the five-page introduction was interesting, informative, and useful – unlike many overblown, overlong, and dull introductions that I have read elsewhere.
The book is structured such that each poet has their own chapter beginning with a head-and-shoulders portrait photograph and vital information, such as: birth and death dates, identification of a few of the poet’s more important or popular works, and awards that they may have garnered.
Next comes a four or five page summary of the poet’s life, with insights into the influences on their life and work, and relevant observational quotes by others – contemporaries, editors, etc. This is then followed by a two- or three-page commentary and analysis on a specific poem, and may be followed by another few pages on another specific poem. Then come the poems thus discussed as well as others from the author’s canon.
The book contains source notes for every quote and observation, and an index of first lines.
A last feature is a compact disc (CD) with each poem being read by a famous individual such as Harold Pinter, Elizabeth McGovern, Bob Geldof, Sinead Cusack, Ian McDiarmid, Helen McCrory, et al.
I found the sole shortfall of the entire product to be the sound quality of the CD. I was expecting rich, full voices and instead heard thin, tinny, high-pitched readings that were very disappointing.
If you want to hear poetry being read, then I cannot praise this book. If you want to read short biographies of eight well-known poets, and an excellent sampling of their poems, complimented by observations and analyses, then I highly recommend this very worthwhile contribution.This is a book well worth reading; even the five-page introduction was interesting, informative, and useful – unlike many overblown, overlong, and dull introductions that I have read elsewhere.
The book is structured such that each poet has their…
Added Nov 12, 2020
Comment:
LOVE Don Knotts. Loved this movie as a kid and as an adult.
Disney's 2005 Rocketman is like a sequel, but funnier!! and with all the modern gadgets and gizmos. Highly recommend both movies.
Added Oct 01, 2020
Comment:
These comments of mine apply to the entire Ladybug Girl series.
I love the illustrations. They use bold colors. I like that the illustrations display good continuity, consistency in poses and colors from page to page. The series employs very clever designs for the front and back covers, spine and end papers.
The writing is good, the stories develop nicely within their short format. There is character growth - and not just of the protagonist, but other characters as well. Ladybug Girl's words have a definite voice that is identical from volume to volume within the series.
I particularly enjoyed the illustrations and the story in Ladybug Girl at the Beach.
When reading my fifth title of the series, my interest began to flag. I do believe, however, that younger readers (I'm nearly 67 years young) will thrill to each title.These comments of mine apply to the entire Ladybug Girl series.
I love the illustrations. They use bold colors. I like that the illustrations display good continuity, consistency in poses and colors from page to page. The series employs very clever…
Added Oct 01, 2020
Comment:
These comments of mine apply to the entire Ladybug Girl series.
I love the illustrations. They use bold colors. I like that the illustrations display good continuity, consistency in poses and colors from page to page. The series employs very clever designs for the front and back covers, spine and end papers.
The writing is good, the stories develop nicely within their short format. There is character growth - and not just of the protagonist, but other characters as well. Ladybug Girl's words have a definite voice that is identical from volume to volume within the series.
I particularly enjoyed the illustrations and the story in Ladybug Girl at the Beach.
When reading my fifth title of the series, my interest began to flag. I do believe, however, that younger readers (I'm nearly 67 years young) will thrill to each title.These comments of mine apply to the entire Ladybug Girl series.
I love the illustrations. They use bold colors. I like that the illustrations display good continuity, consistency in poses and colors from page to page. The series employs very clever…
Added Oct 01, 2020
Comment:
These comments of mine apply to the entire Ladybug Girl series.
I love the illustrations. They use bold colors. I like that the illustrations display good continuity, consistency in poses and colors from page to page. The series employs very clever designs for the front and back covers, spine and end papers.
The writing is good, the stories develop nicely within their short format. There is character growth - and not just of the protagonist, but other characters as well. Ladybug Girl's words have a definite voice that is identical from volume to volume within the series.
I particularly enjoyed the illustrations and the story in Ladybug Girl at the Beach.
When reading my fifth title of the series, my interest began to flag. I do believe, however, that younger readers (I'm nearly 67 years young) will thrill to each title.These comments of mine apply to the entire Ladybug Girl series.
I love the illustrations. They use bold colors. I like that the illustrations display good continuity, consistency in poses and colors from page to page. The series employs very clever…
Added Oct 01, 2020
Comment:
These comments of mine apply to the entire Ladybug Girl series.
I love the illustrations. They use bold colors. I like that the illustrations display good continuity, consistency in poses and colors from page to page. The series employs very clever designs for the front and back covers, spine and end papers.
The writing is good, the stories develop nicely within their short format. There is character growth - and not just of the protagonist, but other characters as well. Ladybug Girl's words have a definite voice that is identical from volume to volume within the series.
I particularly enjoyed the illustrations and the story in Ladybug Girl at the Beach.
When reading my fifth title of the series, my interest began to flag. I do believe, however, that younger readers (I'm nearly 67 years young) will thrill to each title.These comments of mine apply to the entire Ladybug Girl series.
I love the illustrations. They use bold colors. I like that the illustrations display good continuity, consistency in poses and colors from page to page. The series employs very clever…
Added Oct 01, 2020
Comment:
These comments of mine apply to the entire Ladybug Girl series.
I love the illustrations. They use bold colors. I like that the illustrations display good continuity, consistency in poses and colors from page to page. The series employs very clever designs for the front and back covers, spine and end papers.
The writing is good, the stories develop nicely within their short format. There is character growth - and not just of the protagonist, but other characters as well. Ladybug Girl's words have a definite voice that is identical from volume to volume within the series.
I particularly enjoyed the illustrations and the story in Ladybug Girl at the Beach.
When reading my fifth title of the series, my interest began to flag. I do believe, however, that younger readers (I'm nearly 67 years young) will thrill to each title.These comments of mine apply to the entire Ladybug Girl series.
I love the illustrations. They use bold colors. I like that the illustrations display good continuity, consistency in poses and colors from page to page. The series employs very clever…
MirageMirage, DVD
DVD - 2011
Added Sep 07, 2020
Comment:
Not a very good movie in so many ways. I love Gregory Peck, but in this film his character makes all the wrong moves. Maybe "we" are more cynical than in 1965. And he didn't display any of his usual charm.
She was just plain boring; not attractive, not believable, and predictable.
Walter Matthau was enjoyable.
I always enjoy Jack Weston! He character also failed to act in a believable manner.
George Kennedy was good, even though he was once again stuck in the "tough guy" role.
The role of the psychologist was very interesting.
The plot reminded me a lot of an earlier Peck movie, "Spellbound," (1945). That one had Ingrid Bergman - much better to watch than Diane Baker in Mirage.
I saw Spellbound in a movie theater in the early 1980's, and again, on TV in 2003. I wasn't much impressed by the film, the plot, or the resolution. My notes indicate that the only worthwhile thing about it was the psychoanalysis of symbols.
Both films were simply too long.Not a very good movie in so many ways. I love Gregory Peck, but in this film his character makes all the wrong moves. Maybe "we" are more cynical than in 1965. And he didn't display any of his usual charm.
She was just plain boring; not…
Ornamental hairpin [videorecording] かんざしOrnamental hairpin [videorecording] かんざし, DVDOrnamental hairpinOrnamental hairpinKanzashi
DVD - 2009 | Japanese
Added Jul 15, 2020
Comment:
I recommend this film as I found it to be very relaxing. Nothing much happens, except a degree of civility that sadly seems to be lacking in 2020 America (Silicon Valley). The story takes place at a mountain resort with lots of workers taking a respite from the busy Tokyo. I believe that this is a sort of sequel to The Masseurs and a Woman, which I found even more enchanting.I recommend this film as I found it to be very relaxing. Nothing much happens, except a degree of civility that sadly seems to be lacking in 2020 America (Silicon Valley). The story takes place at a mountain resort with lots of workers taking a…
Added Oct 24, 2019
Comment:
The performance artist known as Narcissister is a genius. Her genius is shown in the conception, symbolism, and execution of her art. The costume "evolutions" (too elaborate and creative to be mere costume changes) are amazing.
That said, Narcissister Organ Player is not for everyone. The DVD shows several different performance art pieces by a female artist who always wears a mask, and is usually topless at some point in each piece. One piece quite graphically depicts her birth; another shows her transiting the alimentary canal – first in one direction and then in the opposite! And there's even weirder stuff that I'm sure many would find too crude to view. One newspaper/magazine article asked if her performances were avant garde art or avant porn.
The counterpoint to the performance art is film and still photos of her mother and family, with a voice over narration of the family history. It even has a bit of the mother’s poetry, which I liked. Some pretty good music, too.
If you've an open mind to novel and controversial "art", you may agree when I say that I found this film to be worth a second viewing.The performance artist known as Narcissister is a genius. Her genius is shown in the conception, symbolism, and execution of her art. The costume "evolutions" (too elaborate and creative to be mere costume changes) are amazing.
That said,…
Added Sep 18, 2019
Comment:
This documentary is about the life and contributions of a woman named Gertrude Bell - but don't watch it for that reason alone.
Get this DVD to hear the beautiful music: cello; piano; and traditional Middle Eastern instruments.
Most definitely get this DVD to see the amazing photography from nearly 100 years ago. The film from that time is so rich in detail that I found myself frequently hitting the pause button so that I could have time to absorb what I was seeing.
If you're interested in the history of the Middle East, and/or a woman who died more than 90 years ago, this is an excellent visual source - as is the book on which it is based. If, like me, you're not that interested in this amazing woman, then simply ignore the dialog and let the music and photography envelop you. It is well worth the experience.This documentary is about the life and contributions of a woman named Gertrude Bell - but don't watch it for that reason alone.
Get this DVD to hear the beautiful music: cello; piano; and traditional Middle Eastern instruments.
Most definitely…
The masseurs and a woman = [videorecording] 按摩と女The masseurs and a woman = [videorecording] 按摩と女, DVDThe masseurs and a womanThe masseurs and a womanAnma to onna
DVD - 2009 | Japanese
Added Sep 15, 2019
Comment:
This film, The Masseurs and a Woman, deserves comment, so I guess I'll be the first.
I recommend watching this film. I liked it – but I’m not exactly sure why.
Everything about the film was interesting, but no individual component was truly captivating.
The plot piqued a mild interest – we see a few days in the life of fellow humans who chance to be together at the same place and time - though none of the story’s threads were resolved by the film's end.
The black and white photography is good, though not thrilling in any way. There was some good scenery, but nothing that could be described as featuring the majesty of nature.
There was a brief snatch of old-style Japanese singing, though it was in no way charming, and it didn’t last long enough to be entrancing.
The behavior of the blind men, the charm of the small mountain resort, the music, the daily habits of a bygone era and culture were all – interesting. Apart from the black and white photography, one could readily accept the film as being made in the current decade.
Perhaps I enjoyed it because it was relaxing; stress free. For a short time that felt timeless, it took me out of myself and out of the current, apparent world-wide madness.
Please do watch the film and post your opinions so that I can learn something about the nature of this film’s appeal – or lack of it.
I recommend watching this film and then The Ornamental Hairpin - very similar, may even be set at the same locale. Perhaps not quite as charming, but equally relaxing.This film, The Masseurs and a Woman, deserves comment, so I guess I'll be the first.
I recommend watching this film. I liked it – but I’m not exactly sure why.
Everything about the film was interesting, but no individual component was truly…
Added Aug 28, 2019
Comment:
This first entry in a new series, set in a Swedish police department, was a relaxing and easy read. It is mainly concerned with a police detective’s inner musings about the world around him and his place in it – much the same as the musings in McCall-Smith’s No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series.
What makes the Ladies’ Detective Agency series so special is that the protagonist exhibits a sense of love for the natural world and for all mankind around her, and this philosophy is often the substance of conversations and interactions of those book’s characters. The conversations among the Sensitive Crimes protagonist and the other characters, however, are filled with digressions that amount to trivia – and that makes all the difference.
I look forward to reading the next (future) entry in this series and hope that the characters and their musings will develop from mere distractions into thought-provoking substance.This first entry in a new series, set in a Swedish police department, was a relaxing and easy read. It is mainly concerned with a police detective’s inner musings about the world around him and his place in it – much the same as the musings in…
Frankie Drake MysteriesFrankie Drake Mysteries, DVDThe Complete First Season
DVD - 2019
Added Aug 19, 2019
Comment:
Imagine the Miss Phryne Fischer Mysteries series. Now imagine it with a younger, prettier, more exciting, less pretentious lead character who is not just a meddler, but the owner/operator of a private investigator's office. Now add another alluring woman, who is also an investigator; and add a female "morals officer," and a highly intelligent and fun female medical examiner. Then set the whole thing in Toronto, Canada, which I think makes it more relatable to U.S.A. audiences. Give it a very fast pace - the 45-minute episodes just fly by!
I wish that all television shows were are well put together as this.Imagine the Miss Phryne Fischer Mysteries series. Now imagine it with a younger, prettier, more exciting, less pretentious lead character who is not just a meddler, but the owner/operator of a private investigator's office. Now add another…
Two men in Manhattan = Deux hommes dans ManhattanTwo men in Manhattan = Deux hommes dans Manhattan, Blu-ray Disc
Blu-ray Disc - 2013 | French
Added Aug 19, 2019
Comment:
Loved this film - mostly for the jazz music, and in particular for the scene where actress/chanteuse Glenda Leigh sings Street in Manhattan. What a great, sultry, voice! Great tune. Excellent recording studio scene.
Apart from the jazz music throughout the film, I also enjoyed the photography whereby we get to view another era. The details are surprising - like the multi-story neon sign advertising an appliance store!
The film's plot is simple, and has very little tension, which in my opinion keeps the film from having the very highest rating. Still well worth watching.Loved this film - mostly for the jazz music, and in particular for the scene where actress/chanteuse Glenda Leigh sings Street in Manhattan. What a great, sultry, voice! Great tune. Excellent recording studio scene.
Apart from the jazz music…
The story of a cheatThe story of a cheat, DVDLe roman d'un tricheur
DVD - 2010 | French
Added Aug 19, 2019
Comment:
The catalog description of Story of a Cheat states: “A gambler and petty thief recounts his life and exploits.” That’s it exactly! - a recounting. The guy talks and talks and there is never any action. The first third of the film is like listening to someone read the newspaper.
The film opens badly (pre-story nonsense), it continues very badly (as explained), and ends badly - on a joke that just isn’t funny.
Don’t waste your time on this film. I enjoy watching Sasha Guitry, and adore Jacqueline Delubac, but this film does credit to neither. Skip this one and instead use your time more profitably and enjoyably in watching Sasha and Jacqueline in Pearls of the Crown (Les perles de la couronne) (see my review, Gomez7).The catalog description of Story of a Cheat states: “A gambler and petty thief recounts his life and exploits.” That’s it exactly! - a recounting. The guy talks and talks and there is never any action. The first third of the film is like…
Added Jul 22, 2019
Comment:
I know that it is nearly a sin, but I confess that I avoid reading books that are much longer than 325 pages. My ideal length is between 180 and 230 pages. That may explain why I read so many books from the juvenile (j) and young adult (ya or teen) library book collections.
Despite my predilection, I, nonetheless, borrowed the 441-page tome Pandora in the Congo. The title appealed to me, and I probably glanced at a favorable review.
I admit the set-up was good. And the six-page outline to writing a pulp fiction adventure “book” was new information. Throughout the remainder of the book, however, the author breaks the first rule of writing: show, don’t tell.
The author / translator are continuously telling me what is happening. There is so little emotion in the book that I, as the reader, feel no connection or investment in the characters or plot.
Can’t recommend this one – and the length of the book had nothing to do with that.I know that it is nearly a sin, but I confess that I avoid reading books that are much longer than 325 pages. My ideal length is between 180 and 230 pages. That may explain why I read so many books from the juvenile (j) and young adult (ya or…
The pearls of the crownThe pearls of the crown, DVDLes perles de la couronne
DVD - 2010 | French
Added Jul 16, 2019
Comment:
Very old film (1937) is surprisingly entertaining, amusing, clever, pleasing to look at. Good plot, (historical fantasy) excellent actors/actresses. Library owns four films featuring Jacqueline Delubac.
If you like movies of the era, foreign, black and white photography, witty dialog, attractive players, then be sure to catch this one.
Still on the fence? The quote I've posted may help you decide whether to watch the film.
PS: Be sure not to miss the 20-minute special feature on the art of subtitling. Did you know that there are standard for subtitles? (No more than 2 lines of 40 characters each.)Very old film (1937) is surprisingly entertaining, amusing, clever, pleasing to look at. Good plot, (historical fantasy) excellent actors/actresses. Library owns four films featuring Jacqueline Delubac.
If you like movies of the era, foreign,…
Quotations
- Wife (on telephone to husband): If the man speaks to me, I’m to answer him in adverbs only? Later… Man (aboard ship, seeing the wife): Pardon. Oh. You’re a lovely woman. Wife (to herself): Careful. I’m only allowed to use adverbs. Man: Are you French? Wife: Certainly. Man: Me, too. Does it show? Wife: Positively. Man: I’m from Marseille. Wife: Obviously. Man: If I woo you, you’ll react…? Wife: Stoically. Man: I’ve seen you eight times in two days. Wife: Similarly. Man: You find that normal? Wife: Perfectly. Man: Going to New York? Wife: Probably. Man: Are you alone? Wife: Heroically. Man: You’re quite young. Wife: Sufficiently. Man: A ravishing lady’s kiss would set me back…? Wife: Enormously. Man: And one kiss from you would set me back…? Wife: Inestimably. Man: How do you live? Wife: Conjugally. Man: So you’re saving your kisses for…? Wife: My lover-ly. Man: What about your husband? Wife: He is my lover-ly. Man: Ah.Wife (on telephone to husband): If the man speaks to me, I’m to answer him in adverbs only? Later… Man (aboard ship, seeing the wife): Pardon. Oh. You’re a lovely woman. Wife (to herself): Careful. I’m only allowed to use adverbs. Man: Are…
Added May 17, 2019
Comment:
An excellent story with excellent illustrations. A modern, but old Chinese woman tells her three granddaughters the story of her childhood experiences. The illustrations are vibrant and full of detail. Don’t miss this one!
Dress Like A WomanDress Like A Woman, BookWorking Women and What They Wore
Book - 2018
Added May 17, 2019
Comment:
Dress Like a Woman: Working Women and What They Wore, is not worth reading; it may not be worth consuming the paper it was printed on.
I agree with reviewer "sunnyfeline" that it has pretty pictures of women from all over the world - and so does every magazine at the dentist’s office! That’s the problem; the book's subtitle suggested that it would be so much more.
I was expecting to learn something about clothes, specifically working women's clothes; how and why they developed and evolved in the way that they did, according to the needs of a particular occupation/job/task. The components, the materials, the technology and techniques involved in their creation and manufacture. This book delivers none of that, and is instead very shallow.
Skip this book, and instead read another of the library's titles: Shoes: A Celebration of Pumps, Sandals, Slippers & More, by Linda O'Keeffe. This small-format book has big, bright color photos and illuminating text on the history, development, and social impact of sandals, heels, slippers, pumps, boots, platforms, and so very much more.
If you are less into the mechanics and more into the emotions of clothes, I suggest another library title: Love, Loss, and What I Wore, by Ilene Beckerman. The text ranges from a few lines to a half page and each facing page is a wonderful color illustration by the author. Here’s a typically entertaining example (sans illustration): “Copy of a Pucci mini-dress I bought on impulse at Bloomingdale’s. I was never comfortable wearing it. I thought it was too bright and too short and that I would run into somebody else wearing it who looked a lot better in it than I did. My therapist told me I shouldn’t feel guilty if I didn’t want to wear it.”Dress Like a Woman: Working Women and What They Wore, is not worth reading; it may not be worth consuming the paper it was printed on.
I agree with reviewer "sunnyfeline" that it has pretty pictures of women from all over the world - and so does…
Mumia, Long Distance RevolutionaryMumia, Long Distance Revolutionary, DVDA Journey With Mumia Abu-Jamal
DVD - 2013
Added May 12, 2019
Comment:
A very watchable film - well worth seeing.
Mumia is an extremely controversial figure, but this film focuses on his books and, to a lesser degree, his radio broadcasts.
Early on we learn that Mumia gave himself that name – much the same way that Mohammed Ali chose his moniker. We learn that at age 15, Mumia took charge of writing and publishing the Philadelphia Black Panther newspaper. We learn that he was convicted for the murder of a police officer, and given a death sentence. He spent 29 years in solitary confinement on death row, before his sentence was commuted to life in prison without parole. He continues to assert his innocence in this matter, and continues to work towards the goal of release from prison. His cause has become international, with a French street being named in his honor.
On screen, from prison, he appears calm, physically fit, intelligent, well spoken, educated, handsome. He displays that inner peace/serenity that comes from a deep-felt love for all of humanity.
The two-hour film is filled with interviews and commentary from the likes of Ruby Dee, Amy Goodman, Dick Gregory, Juan Garcia, Alice Walker, Angela Davis, and many others.
The thirty-minute special feature is also well worth watching, and is over before you know it.
The film has many historical quotes, including this one by long-time political reporter I.F “Izzy” Stone: "All governments are run by liars, and you can't believe a word they say."
The film has inspired me to read some of Mumia’s books, but I note that the county library system does not have the two highly acclaimed titles that I am most interested in: Live From Death Row, 1996; and Faith Of Our Fathers: An Examination Of The Spiritual Life Of African And African-American People, 2003.
Much of Mumia’s writing criticizes actions of the U.S. on both the international and domestic scene. In other hands, these matters could seem like lunatic ravings of some ultra-far-left communist wacko. His extensive factual support of his message makes his observations appear completely logical and reasonable.
BE FOREWARNED that there are, in passing, some gruesomely graphic images in the film.
My final observation: Why is it that the first comment posted on the 2013 film was done in 2019?A very watchable film - well worth seeing.
Mumia is an extremely controversial figure, but this film focuses on his books and, to a lesser degree, his radio broadcasts.
Early on we learn that Mumia gave himself that name – much the same way that…
お早ようお早よう, Blu-ray DiscGood morningGood morning
Blu-ray Disc - 2017 | Japanese
Added Apr 10, 2019
Comment:
Do yourself a favor and DO NOT watch this movie.
I love watching movies. I love seeing foreign movies. I've seen 40 movies from Japan. This film, Good Morning, takes the prize as the hands-down, absolutely worst Japanese movie - by far! - that I've ever seen. The reason is that it is so "un-Japanese."
There are two aspects to the story: How funny it is to make a noisy fart when your friend pushes your forehead (and how funny it is to hear adults fart); and about a pre-teen bratty boy who disrespects his mother and other adults, lies, deceives, fails to do his school homework, throws tantrums like a 2-year old in order to get the family to buy a television - and is then rewarded by his father actually buying a t.v.!!!
There are several other additional unpleasant aspects to the film. Besides all of that, it simply fails to be entertainment. The single positive thing to be said about an otherwise thoroughly miserable experience that is this film, is that the younger brother, about age six, is cute.
Let me repeat myself: this movie is so bad that I bet you not to watch it.Do yourself a favor and DO NOT watch this movie.
I love watching movies. I love seeing foreign movies. I've seen 40 movies from Japan. This film, Good Morning, takes the prize as the hands-down, absolutely worst Japanese movie - by far! - that…
Lives of Extraordinary WomenLives of Extraordinary Women, BookRulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought)
by Krull, KathleenBook - 2000
Added Nov 26, 2018
Comment:
A very good book to whet one's appetite. Biographical overviews of 3 to 5 pages each, with nice artwork and a bibliography. Very well done & worth reading.
Added Nov 26, 2018
Comment:
I love the illustrations, but can't recommend this. It is an uninteresting story, of a pampered young teen daughter, ignoring adult cautions, and thereby recklessly endangering herself. It sets a bad example regarding authority and safety.
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