Poor Richard's Anorak

Kovacs, Poulenc, Bruch, Mozart, and Cahuzac

I hosted a lovely clarinet, viola, and piano recital Friday night. The visiting artists at St. Pete College's Music Center were Mark Gallagher, Frank Corliss, and Ken Kwo.

The program included music by Cahuzac, Kovacs, Mozart, Poulenc, and Bruch. They all played with artistry and sensitivity. Some of the finest chamber playing I have heard in a couple of years. Mark Gallagher teaches at Frostberg State, Frank Corliss at Bard College, and Ken Kwo is a member of the Florida Orchestra.

Paul Simon

I listened a lot of Paul Simon tonight, and am reminded again of what a masterful song writer he is. And he has always collaborates with great artists.

Alex Ross: The Rest Is Noise: Film score report

Alex Ross: The Rest Is Noise: Film score report.

Alex weighs in with his take on outstanding film socres.

Naomi Klein

Naomi Klein's The Shock Doctrine is the most insightful book I have read in years. Highly recommended.

Oddly enough, what she describes as having taken place in countries such as Chile and Poland is happening now in the US. It is happening at the federal level with the blind push for privatization, but it is happening at the state level because of the huge budget shortfalls caused by the Bush War Recession. It is Chicago School Economics taking place in states like Florida. Look out folks. We are the new banana republics.

New Yorker going easy on Repugs?

The New Yorker seems to have gone soft on Boehner and Gingrich

R.I.P. Pete Postlesthwaite

Oscar-nominated actor Pete Postlesthwaite has died at 64.