Today began as a productive day. I woke up a little before 8am and listened to the news on NPR for a while in bed, then I got up at 8 and turned on a dance workout dvd and did the 20 minute work out. I cleaned my room and drank some water.
I also planted some seeds of madagascar palm and strawberries in these little terrarium kits I got. Now they are on my window sills and I hope they will grow up big and strong.
I practiced accordion for 40 minutes, I watched a psychology/philosophy lecture at the U of M channel stream and it was VERY interesting, it was about how to measure and understand the influences of what makes a person's well-being.
I made an easy vegetable soup out of carrots and zucchinis i steamed last night, and the onions that I sauteed. I basically mixed that with vegetable broth, little nood's, and an egg. Quite tasty.
Besides that I read a little, but that's it so far. I sat on the computer for just a little while...
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Tuesday
I took a walk over the highway overpass today, into Mary Beth Doyle Nature Preserve, down the nature trail. I took a trail I hadn't before, and apparently every day is a new adventure (!). Today they were doing a controlled burning, it was really interesting. I've heard of these things, but I've never been in the midst of one.
From a distance I see a smoke cloud rising and I assume someone is burning leaves, when I started walking into the woods I saw yellow suited people walking around, and at the same time I saw the smoke was actually rising from in the trees. I thought maybe there was a forest fire, but they were actually lighting the fire and controlling the flames.
The trail I took today drew me straight from my 'hood to Packard where I was across the street from Cobblestone Farm, the historic farm and park house in Ann Arbor. The house was locked up today, but they have a little animal farm where I saw tiny, sturdy horses, chickens, goats, pigs (I've never been so close to a pig) and a funny little squirrel in the midst of it all. I don't usually see squirrels around other animals, so that was pretty interesting, and made me chuckle.
While admiring the animals I met a man who was also socializing with the barn mammals and he told me to come to his church, or his house.
The Ann Arbor Parks have a lot to offer including fitness classes, a swimming pool, an indoor and outdoor ice skating rink and all kinds of fun days at these places. I need to sign up for the email list.
In addition to this walk, I cooked dinner, and I made meatballs for the first time. I didn't eat them because I prefer not to eat meat unless I know the animals were treated well and unnecessary chemicals. So I didn't, but I learned a new cooking technique.
That's about it!
From a distance I see a smoke cloud rising and I assume someone is burning leaves, when I started walking into the woods I saw yellow suited people walking around, and at the same time I saw the smoke was actually rising from in the trees. I thought maybe there was a forest fire, but they were actually lighting the fire and controlling the flames.
The trail I took today drew me straight from my 'hood to Packard where I was across the street from Cobblestone Farm, the historic farm and park house in Ann Arbor. The house was locked up today, but they have a little animal farm where I saw tiny, sturdy horses, chickens, goats, pigs (I've never been so close to a pig) and a funny little squirrel in the midst of it all. I don't usually see squirrels around other animals, so that was pretty interesting, and made me chuckle.
While admiring the animals I met a man who was also socializing with the barn mammals and he told me to come to his church, or his house.
The Ann Arbor Parks have a lot to offer including fitness classes, a swimming pool, an indoor and outdoor ice skating rink and all kinds of fun days at these places. I need to sign up for the email list.
In addition to this walk, I cooked dinner, and I made meatballs for the first time. I didn't eat them because I prefer not to eat meat unless I know the animals were treated well and unnecessary chemicals. So I didn't, but I learned a new cooking technique.
That's about it!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Monday
- Made roasted (burned, actually) walnuts with sesame oil, little bit of honey, sesame seeds, salt, and curry powder. Turned out tasty, but overdone
- practiced accordion for about 30 mins
- exercised for about 45 mins
- read some anthropology essays
- crocheted afghan
- The day is only half over -- more to come!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
The Future: Goals and Aspirations
Future goals and aspirations are not something I have focused on a whole lot since the beginning, and I need to.
1. limit TV intake
2. read instead of watching TV most of the time
2.5. exceptions are educational TV (I include recipe/cooking TV shows, but note taking should be integrated to make this legit)
*includes cultural studies - which I must write a report (summary + analysis) following the study
*the occasional entertainment allotment - about 30 minutes a day.
3. read 1 book every 2 weeks, unless the book is long or dense, then it can take up to 4 weeks.
4. exploring the present - there is so much to take in, interpret, learn from, add to, give back by paying attention to the details of a space, or landscape. This is definitely unconventional education but I love it and I stand by the meaningfulness of exploration of landscape.
5. create - (music, word, art, yarn, cloth, beauty, food, positive energy (dance, meditation, exercise)) this is nearly a constant for me. really it is what fills up my empty time so I might do it less when I start working though I hope not.
7. exercise - this deserves it's own category; staying healthy is important
6. practice for GRE (30 questions a week)
1. limit TV intake
2. read instead of watching TV most of the time
2.5. exceptions are educational TV (I include recipe/cooking TV shows, but note taking should be integrated to make this legit)
*includes cultural studies - which I must write a report (summary + analysis) following the study
*the occasional entertainment allotment - about 30 minutes a day.
3. read 1 book every 2 weeks, unless the book is long or dense, then it can take up to 4 weeks.
4. exploring the present - there is so much to take in, interpret, learn from, add to, give back by paying attention to the details of a space, or landscape. This is definitely unconventional education but I love it and I stand by the meaningfulness of exploration of landscape.
5. create - (music, word, art, yarn, cloth, beauty, food, positive energy (dance, meditation, exercise)) this is nearly a constant for me. really it is what fills up my empty time so I might do it less when I start working though I hope not.
7. exercise - this deserves it's own category; staying healthy is important
6. practice for GRE (30 questions a week)
A Quick Update
I've been at Dad's since Monday. I practiced accordion Monday for 40 minutes, but I have not since then. I am lazy here. I sewed, but my sewing machine is acting weird and not working, so I have to muster the motivation to sit and attempt to repair the machine. I just need a little time...
I've done numerous unconventional things this week, like hiking, bowling, darts and great chats/ deep conversations with my wonderful friend Laura! Oh, and this morning I went to Detroit with Dad and wandered downtown amongst the Modernist architecture from the '20s. That is one thing that's great about, and unique to, Detroit. In many cities the architecture is mostly classical and Greek Revival. It is ornate and beautiful but very traditional (at least that is how I perceive it). Detroit has some very Avant-Garde architecture that is so startling for it's unique and unknown beauty. Like the Guardian building where my Dad had to go today and the Penobscot building across the street. Both are on Griswold near Jefferson. These buildings were inspired by the strength that the Native Americans represent, and so instead of Anglo models on the buildings, they have Indians. The Great Plains or Desert landscape of Indian reservations as well as a generic print of their facial features are the inspiration for the decorations on the exterior and interior. These buildings surprised me for all of these reasons, they were spectacular.
After that we ate lunch in Mexican Town, and got some Mexican sweet breads! The Bagley Street Pedestrian Bridge is open now. how exciting! That's such a great project, and I am glad the two halves of Mexican Town have been reunited. The introduction of the highway to the City of Detroit really did a number on the life of that place. This is one reason I resent American progress...
I've done numerous unconventional things this week, like hiking, bowling, darts and great chats/ deep conversations with my wonderful friend Laura! Oh, and this morning I went to Detroit with Dad and wandered downtown amongst the Modernist architecture from the '20s. That is one thing that's great about, and unique to, Detroit. In many cities the architecture is mostly classical and Greek Revival. It is ornate and beautiful but very traditional (at least that is how I perceive it). Detroit has some very Avant-Garde architecture that is so startling for it's unique and unknown beauty. Like the Guardian building where my Dad had to go today and the Penobscot building across the street. Both are on Griswold near Jefferson. These buildings were inspired by the strength that the Native Americans represent, and so instead of Anglo models on the buildings, they have Indians. The Great Plains or Desert landscape of Indian reservations as well as a generic print of their facial features are the inspiration for the decorations on the exterior and interior. These buildings surprised me for all of these reasons, they were spectacular.
After that we ate lunch in Mexican Town, and got some Mexican sweet breads! The Bagley Street Pedestrian Bridge is open now. how exciting! That's such a great project, and I am glad the two halves of Mexican Town have been reunited. The introduction of the highway to the City of Detroit really did a number on the life of that place. This is one reason I resent American progress...
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Halloweeen
Thursday night I practiced my salsa dancing skills at Cafe Habana's salsa night. I danced with an older French man, who knew how to salsa, bachata and merengue rather well. I like bachata, it's made up of quick little steps where the hips should also move back and forth quickly. I love going to those public salsa dancing nights because you get to dance with people who are very proficient at Latin dance.
Friday I worked, but at work I read John Waters Role Models. Amazing book. It's funny, and I just love hearing John Waters' impressions on life. He is one of my role models. Here is an inspiring excerpt:
"Have faith in your own bad taste. Buy the cheapest thing in your local thrift shop -- the clothes that are freshly out of style even with the hippest people a few years older than you. Get on the fashion nerves of your preers, not your parents -- that is the key to fashion leadership. Ill-fitting is always stylish. But be more creative -- wear your clothes inside out, backward, upside down. Throw bleach in a load of colored laundry. Follow the exact opposite of the dry cleaning instructions inside the clothes that cost the most in your thrift shop. Don't wear jewelry -- stick Band-Aids on your wrists or make a necklace out of them. Wear Scoth tape on the side of your face like a bad face-lift attempt. Mismatch your shoes. Best yet, do as Mink Stole used to do: go to the thirft store the day after Halloween, when the children's trick-or-treat costumes are on sale, buy one, and wear it as your uniform of defiance" (102).
He goes on with various details about not worrying about fitting in, and even try not to. Be what you like!
Anyway, I also read a little of Edgar Allen Poe - short biography and a couple poems. I found this book in our collection and I figured it was somewhat mandatory reading for the season.
The past few days are dotted with my daily routine didacting: practice music, cook (lemon squares made with whole wheat flour and honey, hummus, and pumpkin pancakes with cinnamon syrup), crochet, watch old movies (so many horror movies are on! I'm in heaven!), read, and take walks.
Saturday, after work again, I ended up on campus hanging with my dear friends. We went to Elk's Lodge and I had such a good time! Great DJ, great music to dance to. I need to go and practice my dancing skills more (how do I improve as a dancer in social, improvisations settings like this? Maybe I can record certain common movements, like they do in salsa which I believe arose as spontaneously as modern freeform dancing but has been broken into formal movements. This might be something to work on....). I love to dance, and they play great music there.
"Have faith in your own bad taste. Buy the cheapest thing in your local thrift shop -- the clothes that are freshly out of style even with the hippest people a few years older than you. Get on the fashion nerves of your preers, not your parents -- that is the key to fashion leadership. Ill-fitting is always stylish. But be more creative -- wear your clothes inside out, backward, upside down. Throw bleach in a load of colored laundry. Follow the exact opposite of the dry cleaning instructions inside the clothes that cost the most in your thrift shop. Don't wear jewelry -- stick Band-Aids on your wrists or make a necklace out of them. Wear Scoth tape on the side of your face like a bad face-lift attempt. Mismatch your shoes. Best yet, do as Mink Stole used to do: go to the thirft store the day after Halloween, when the children's trick-or-treat costumes are on sale, buy one, and wear it as your uniform of defiance" (102).
He goes on with various details about not worrying about fitting in, and even try not to. Be what you like!
Anyway, I also read a little of Edgar Allen Poe - short biography and a couple poems. I found this book in our collection and I figured it was somewhat mandatory reading for the season.
The past few days are dotted with my daily routine didacting: practice music, cook (lemon squares made with whole wheat flour and honey, hummus, and pumpkin pancakes with cinnamon syrup), crochet, watch old movies (so many horror movies are on! I'm in heaven!), read, and take walks.
Saturday, after work again, I ended up on campus hanging with my dear friends. We went to Elk's Lodge and I had such a good time! Great DJ, great music to dance to. I need to go and practice my dancing skills more (how do I improve as a dancer in social, improvisations settings like this? Maybe I can record certain common movements, like they do in salsa which I believe arose as spontaneously as modern freeform dancing but has been broken into formal movements. This might be something to work on....). I love to dance, and they play great music there.
Friday, October 29, 2010
White Zombie (1932)
Part of the first era of Talkies, this movie certainly belongs in the early 20th century. It takes place in Haiti, as a US colony, filled with American owned plantations, run by indigenious Haitian... zombies. Yes. It's great. The movie has lots of "Haitian music" though who knows what it really is. It is music made of chanting, intense, fast-paced drum beats.
I am not used to following story lines of subtle films from this era, so I could not get the entire plot of the film moment by moment. White Zombie is about an American man and woman who get married in Haiti in someone elses lavish plantation home. The woman dies on their wedding night, but in fact, she does not die, but is turned into a zombie. After various struggles, tears and conversations, her husband finds her in a castle up in the Mountains of the Living Dead, as the Haitians refer to it.
One thing that's great about this movie is Bela Lugosi, he is the man who has the potion that transforms people into corpses into zombies. The head honcho, if you will. He looks like Dracula, with slicked-back, shiny, black hair and a huge, defined widows peak 'do. Every so often, this is great, the camera focuses on his face. It is a clean head shot, with a blank background. Lugosi is featured every so often, with his shiny black widows peak, bushy eye brows, making a fierce face. It's pretty funny. haha; basically there are these scenes in the movie of Lugosi looking fierce, and scary. He's basically saying "grrrrrr roarrr!"
I am not used to following story lines of subtle films from this era, so I could not get the entire plot of the film moment by moment. White Zombie is about an American man and woman who get married in Haiti in someone elses lavish plantation home. The woman dies on their wedding night, but in fact, she does not die, but is turned into a zombie. After various struggles, tears and conversations, her husband finds her in a castle up in the Mountains of the Living Dead, as the Haitians refer to it.
One thing that's great about this movie is Bela Lugosi, he is the man who has the potion that transforms people into corpses into zombies. The head honcho, if you will. He looks like Dracula, with slicked-back, shiny, black hair and a huge, defined widows peak 'do. Every so often, this is great, the camera focuses on his face. It is a clean head shot, with a blank background. Lugosi is featured every so often, with his shiny black widows peak, bushy eye brows, making a fierce face. It's pretty funny. haha; basically there are these scenes in the movie of Lugosi looking fierce, and scary. He's basically saying "grrrrrr roarrr!"
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thursday
I just practiced my accordion. I am have graduated to the second section of the book. "Congratulations!" It says. Thank you. It's easy to get this far this fast because I have already made it this far a couple years ago, back when I was taking lessons.
Anyway, I've lost of bit of my freedom (in a sense) because I got a job! I don't start till Nov. 17 (day after the Metropark 2011 annual passes come out, can't wait to see the new ones and give patrons theirs!) And my new job, at U of M Rackham Graduate Admissions department, is only a temp job - just through January. I had to go in today to fill out paper work. Then I went to JoAnn Fabrics because if I am going to sew or collage I need some tools.
Once I start work at my new job, I am determined to continue to practice accordion with fervor.
As usual, yesterday I read and practiced accordion, and I watched a movie called The Lady Eve on TCM. I believe Henry Fonda is at his best in that film! It was very good, but more so at the beginning. And, of course, I went for a tremendous walk, and watched Queen of Outer Space, as I previously chronicled.
Today I just want to read more. But I also bought ingredients to make lemon squares, so maybe I'll do that too...
tata
Anyway, I've lost of bit of my freedom (in a sense) because I got a job! I don't start till Nov. 17 (day after the Metropark 2011 annual passes come out, can't wait to see the new ones and give patrons theirs!) And my new job, at U of M Rackham Graduate Admissions department, is only a temp job - just through January. I had to go in today to fill out paper work. Then I went to JoAnn Fabrics because if I am going to sew or collage I need some tools.
Once I start work at my new job, I am determined to continue to practice accordion with fervor.
As usual, yesterday I read and practiced accordion, and I watched a movie called The Lady Eve on TCM. I believe Henry Fonda is at his best in that film! It was very good, but more so at the beginning. And, of course, I went for a tremendous walk, and watched Queen of Outer Space, as I previously chronicled.
Today I just want to read more. But I also bought ingredients to make lemon squares, so maybe I'll do that too...
tata
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The Braeburn Bike Trail and Mary Beth Doyle Nature Preserve Adventure/Discovery
I went for a walk just now, this afternoon. I try to go on walk's every day that I'm not working. Today I decided to walk on the bike path that me and mum discovered on a walk last week. It was dark out then so we did not venture down, but today I went down it. OMG. It was incredible. I did not know such magic existed in this area of Ann Arbor. We're surrounded by major through-ways and highways. We are in the center of the industrialized area of the city. Everything out here is constructed! We've got Meijer, Target, apartments, neighborhoods, factories, liquor stores, many malls, theives, drug dealers, babies... We've got lengthy nature trails, bike trails, wetland preserve, disc golf course, high way overpass walk way. I've never been on one of those, and I have always wanted to. Always!
I found the bike trail in my hood, and ambled down. I came to a fork and I took the right one. Very soon I saw I was walking over the highway. My heart stopped, and then beat faster; I got all of those good chemicals rushing into my brain. I was there! I'd found it! It's incredible to be over the highway, it's so different than being on it. It's a completely new sensation. You're there, but you're not. You don't have to be in a hurry like those cars rushing below you. By the way, is it a hazard to stand and look out on one of those overpasses? What if I want to go down there and sit and watch the sunset and the twilight over the highway - is that hazardous and dangerous for drivers? There are no signs so I must assume it is not a big deal. But what if I try to make eye contact...? haha
A good start. The overpass walkway was over too soon, but I continued on and soon again I came to another fork, and one of my options was a f******* nature trail! Who knew?? I took that path, and it is maintained, you can tell by all the chopped down tree stumps, and the logs laid down on the ground as a trail. The trail isn't that well maintained though, because sometimes I couldn't tell which path was the trail! Maybe there are numerous paths, or maybe some are animal paths. I have to be honest, as I ventured down the trail I feared a homeless man would get me! Eek. No, that's no good. I saw nice sleeping areas for people desperate for shelter, like the huuuge tree, with huge splayed out limbs, where one limb had cracked off at the base, making this huge shell of the large trunk. A person could totally sleep in there and stay relatively protected. That was the most obvious one, but there were other things like that. Who knows if anyone stays out there, we're in domestic land here, I don't think people travel by foot to this area. I was scared though! I was reminded of the time that me and my friends were exploring abandoned houses in Brighton, off of Flint Rd. when we looked in the shed behind the house, and underneath a lawn mower instruction manual there was a pile of white powder. Wtf! That was scary. I felt the same way. What if I found some other drug lab out here in this lightly traveled trail?
Despite my (unnecessary) fear, I was happy to find a nature trail so close to my house, I was walking along side the highway (i could kind of see it through the trees), I was passing through all kinds of habitats and so many plants. I wanted to stop and examine all of the different ones, but I didn't, so I hope to get familiar with the plants in the future.
Next, as the trail kept going, and I was getting nervous that I would stay on the right path, and be able to find my way back (no trail markers), in the distance I could see this guy in an orange hat with a roaring chainsaw!! Aahhh! We made eye contact and he started to walk toward me - jk. But I was scared. It's Halloween season! People are all over the place (in fantasy lands) with chainsaws with the intent of murder. Bad time, man, where are your manners? Or maybe that is why he's out with the chainsaw, with a hankering for that sweet roar... I turned around though, he was blocking the path anyway, and believe me, I did turn around to watch my back until I couldn't hear the roar anymore. I don't even think he saw me, to be honest.
After that I came out to the bike trail, walked around in the adjoining neighborhood. Lovely little houses, respectable yards. I found out I was near Platt Rd, and I believe that highway is I-94. That park and nature trails are bigger even, I can't believe I live right near this big nature preserve. I'm very excited about this.
I found the bike trail in my hood, and ambled down. I came to a fork and I took the right one. Very soon I saw I was walking over the highway. My heart stopped, and then beat faster; I got all of those good chemicals rushing into my brain. I was there! I'd found it! It's incredible to be over the highway, it's so different than being on it. It's a completely new sensation. You're there, but you're not. You don't have to be in a hurry like those cars rushing below you. By the way, is it a hazard to stand and look out on one of those overpasses? What if I want to go down there and sit and watch the sunset and the twilight over the highway - is that hazardous and dangerous for drivers? There are no signs so I must assume it is not a big deal. But what if I try to make eye contact...? haha
A good start. The overpass walkway was over too soon, but I continued on and soon again I came to another fork, and one of my options was a f******* nature trail! Who knew?? I took that path, and it is maintained, you can tell by all the chopped down tree stumps, and the logs laid down on the ground as a trail. The trail isn't that well maintained though, because sometimes I couldn't tell which path was the trail! Maybe there are numerous paths, or maybe some are animal paths. I have to be honest, as I ventured down the trail I feared a homeless man would get me! Eek. No, that's no good. I saw nice sleeping areas for people desperate for shelter, like the huuuge tree, with huge splayed out limbs, where one limb had cracked off at the base, making this huge shell of the large trunk. A person could totally sleep in there and stay relatively protected. That was the most obvious one, but there were other things like that. Who knows if anyone stays out there, we're in domestic land here, I don't think people travel by foot to this area. I was scared though! I was reminded of the time that me and my friends were exploring abandoned houses in Brighton, off of Flint Rd. when we looked in the shed behind the house, and underneath a lawn mower instruction manual there was a pile of white powder. Wtf! That was scary. I felt the same way. What if I found some other drug lab out here in this lightly traveled trail?
Despite my (unnecessary) fear, I was happy to find a nature trail so close to my house, I was walking along side the highway (i could kind of see it through the trees), I was passing through all kinds of habitats and so many plants. I wanted to stop and examine all of the different ones, but I didn't, so I hope to get familiar with the plants in the future.
Next, as the trail kept going, and I was getting nervous that I would stay on the right path, and be able to find my way back (no trail markers), in the distance I could see this guy in an orange hat with a roaring chainsaw!! Aahhh! We made eye contact and he started to walk toward me - jk. But I was scared. It's Halloween season! People are all over the place (in fantasy lands) with chainsaws with the intent of murder. Bad time, man, where are your manners? Or maybe that is why he's out with the chainsaw, with a hankering for that sweet roar... I turned around though, he was blocking the path anyway, and believe me, I did turn around to watch my back until I couldn't hear the roar anymore. I don't even think he saw me, to be honest.
After that I came out to the bike trail, walked around in the adjoining neighborhood. Lovely little houses, respectable yards. I found out I was near Platt Rd, and I believe that highway is I-94. That park and nature trails are bigger even, I can't believe I live right near this big nature preserve. I'm very excited about this.
Queen from Outer Space (1958)
I just finished watching the film Queen from Outer Space (1958). This movie was incredible for it's period futuristic style. It was a story, set in the future: 1980s, about astronauts going into outerspace. At this time, going into space was relatively casual and frequently done. This movie was also incredible for the bright colors of the backgrounds and costumes, and exaggerated aspects that gave a fake feeling, like the large spider that attacked one of the astronauts, the rocking of the space ship, and the interactions between the astronauts and the women of the planet Venus.
This film was clearly a push against the women's lib movement. The astronauts called the women "dolls" and spoke disrespectfully towards the women, as if what they were saying was petty, even though what they spoke of was killing the astronauts.
The Venutians wore objectifying little dresses, and almost fully ran their society. Zsa Zsa, for example, is a scientist, but at the same time we can't forget that they keep some Venutian men (banned from Venus long ago) in a little space station next to Venus so they could keep mathematicians and other man professions around.
Democracy (can't forget this was made during the Cold War) and the importance of traditional physical beauty for women are also themes of this movie. The queen is bitter and evil because she is ugly. Her beautiful face was destroyed by men during the last war from radiation. Now she wears a mask but she is still so ashamed by her ugliness.
While the film did not suggest that women couldn't run a planet on their own, but did suggest that an evil totalitarian had no place in running a government, the film struggled with the idea that women and men are equal. The astronauts were stunned by the beauty of the Venutians, but at the same time they immediately felt a sense of superiority. They talked back to the queen as she imprisoned them. The captain tried to woo the queen, and he even de-masked her as no one had done before to reveal the ugliness of the most powerful woman on the planet. This move shows that even the foreign prisoner man has more power than the queen.
The astronauts were cocky, and had an attitude as if they could have any woman they wanted, and in fact they could! When they were together trying to escape the queen, the atronauts took the position of dominance, rather than the women. For example, the women had the guns, and pointed them, but the men easily grabbed the guns away from the women and took control of the situation, while the women stood behind them helplessly. This seems unnatural in the setting of a planet run by women.
The women in this film really were just bitter, angry women, who were just waiting to be the objects of desire, rather than an empowered civilization. This is so strange! Yet predictable from this era.
I laughed at the outrageousness of this paradox, enjoyed the exaggerations, and was entertained by this film.
This film was clearly a push against the women's lib movement. The astronauts called the women "dolls" and spoke disrespectfully towards the women, as if what they were saying was petty, even though what they spoke of was killing the astronauts.
The Venutians wore objectifying little dresses, and almost fully ran their society. Zsa Zsa, for example, is a scientist, but at the same time we can't forget that they keep some Venutian men (banned from Venus long ago) in a little space station next to Venus so they could keep mathematicians and other man professions around.
Democracy (can't forget this was made during the Cold War) and the importance of traditional physical beauty for women are also themes of this movie. The queen is bitter and evil because she is ugly. Her beautiful face was destroyed by men during the last war from radiation. Now she wears a mask but she is still so ashamed by her ugliness.
While the film did not suggest that women couldn't run a planet on their own, but did suggest that an evil totalitarian had no place in running a government, the film struggled with the idea that women and men are equal. The astronauts were stunned by the beauty of the Venutians, but at the same time they immediately felt a sense of superiority. They talked back to the queen as she imprisoned them. The captain tried to woo the queen, and he even de-masked her as no one had done before to reveal the ugliness of the most powerful woman on the planet. This move shows that even the foreign prisoner man has more power than the queen.
The astronauts were cocky, and had an attitude as if they could have any woman they wanted, and in fact they could! When they were together trying to escape the queen, the atronauts took the position of dominance, rather than the women. For example, the women had the guns, and pointed them, but the men easily grabbed the guns away from the women and took control of the situation, while the women stood behind them helplessly. This seems unnatural in the setting of a planet run by women.
The women in this film really were just bitter, angry women, who were just waiting to be the objects of desire, rather than an empowered civilization. This is so strange! Yet predictable from this era.
I laughed at the outrageousness of this paradox, enjoyed the exaggerations, and was entertained by this film.
Wednesday
I also watched another old film from the '40s called "The Forbidden Street" with Maureen O'Hara and Dana Andrews. That was a good movie too, somewhat humorous but also dark. This one was set in Victorian England, about a woman who marries below her social class, moves to the slums, and ends up very unhappy with her drunken, unaccomplished artist husband. That is only the first half, it has a happy ending. She winds up owning a profitable puppet theater with a man who looks like her dead husband.
I went for a long stroll, and inquired at clubhouses around the neighborhood if I could teach zumba. I hope to become a certified teacher in December.
Other thing I did yesterday include cleaning my room. I finally took books out of crates and piled them on my bookshelf. I also practiced accordion for about 40 minutes yesterday. I'll try and do that again this morning before I go to my dad's house for the next few days. I'll be sewing a dress while I'm there. Hope that works out!
So things on my agenda now include: sewing, beginning my long-term study plan for the GRE!, finishing Zelda book, watching Queen of Outer Space (1958) with Zsa Zsa Gabor. Can't wait! I have to watch it this morning because it's due back at the library in a couple days, and I won't be in town then.
Picture came from this blog, which also holds some good info on the film
This image is great for many reasons: women in fine clothing holding guns, men as their prisoners, wild jungle setting
This image is great for many reasons: women in fine clothing holding guns, men as their prisoners, wild jungle setting
That's all for now!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday
I just read this excerpt from a new book called Insurrection, historical fiction set in England, 1286 AD.
Today I baked a loaf of bread. Surprisingly it turned out well, except that I cooked it just a little bit too long and the bottom of the loaf is nearly too burned. The bread is soft though, and thoroughly cooked. I also brewed a batch of kombucha! Can't wait to see if it stays alive and breeds more kombucha fungi. I can't really think of a good place to keep it, I had my baby 'bucha on top of the fridge and it seems that the heat up there made the liquid evaporate. I'm storing this batch in one of our kitchen cupboards so hopefully that works. It's not supposed to get sunlight so this might be a good place. I just hope it doesn't taste like cupboard wood.
I practiced my accordion for about a half hour, re-potted my lavender and coleus, and hopefully the coleus will thrive in this new soil, because the plant was starting to die! The lavender is very healthy though. Good little lavender.
I read a little bit, but most of my culturing today came from a movie from 1961 titled "Goodbye Again" with Ingrid Bergman (Paula) and Anthony Perkins (Phillip); he's a cutie. It was a good movie. Set in Paris, Ingrid is in love and in a relationship with this dashing man, who has so many girls because he needs to keep his sense of freedom. He calls them all "Maisy." Anthony's character is a young man from a wealthy family, and he falls in love with Ingrid. She resists him for so long, but then he convinces her that Roger isn't worth it, he doesn't make her happy and he doesn't deserve her. She leaves Roger for Phillip, and they have fun together. Paula is such a strong character, she resists Roger over and over, until after months of seperation he comes to her house and "says please," as Phillip sums it up. Paula man's up and dumps Phillip, and she and Roger get married. Soon after, Roger resumes his old habits of staying late at the office (he's actually getting dirty with other girls), but now they are married, and Paula just wanted to be happy with a reformed Roger, but he can't change his old ways. She left the man who gave her happiness for the man that she can't live without. Tough stuff. Engaging film though.
Today I baked a loaf of bread. Surprisingly it turned out well, except that I cooked it just a little bit too long and the bottom of the loaf is nearly too burned. The bread is soft though, and thoroughly cooked. I also brewed a batch of kombucha! Can't wait to see if it stays alive and breeds more kombucha fungi. I can't really think of a good place to keep it, I had my baby 'bucha on top of the fridge and it seems that the heat up there made the liquid evaporate. I'm storing this batch in one of our kitchen cupboards so hopefully that works. It's not supposed to get sunlight so this might be a good place. I just hope it doesn't taste like cupboard wood.
I practiced my accordion for about a half hour, re-potted my lavender and coleus, and hopefully the coleus will thrive in this new soil, because the plant was starting to die! The lavender is very healthy though. Good little lavender.
I read a little bit, but most of my culturing today came from a movie from 1961 titled "Goodbye Again" with Ingrid Bergman (Paula) and Anthony Perkins (Phillip); he's a cutie. It was a good movie. Set in Paris, Ingrid is in love and in a relationship with this dashing man, who has so many girls because he needs to keep his sense of freedom. He calls them all "Maisy." Anthony's character is a young man from a wealthy family, and he falls in love with Ingrid. She resists him for so long, but then he convinces her that Roger isn't worth it, he doesn't make her happy and he doesn't deserve her. She leaves Roger for Phillip, and they have fun together. Paula is such a strong character, she resists Roger over and over, until after months of seperation he comes to her house and "says please," as Phillip sums it up. Paula man's up and dumps Phillip, and she and Roger get married. Soon after, Roger resumes his old habits of staying late at the office (he's actually getting dirty with other girls), but now they are married, and Paula just wanted to be happy with a reformed Roger, but he can't change his old ways. She left the man who gave her happiness for the man that she can't live without. Tough stuff. Engaging film though.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
End of the Weekend
I did not spend much time learning this weekend, and not having pressure to do so is one of the nice things of being out of formal schooling. Life is my playground; time is my friend. I'm just saying things, but really, I was busy, and if I were not doing things - like work and visiting boyfriend this weekend, I would have auto-didacted, but living is learning in itself.
However, this evening I was able to read some of the Wise Encyclopedia of Cookery. I learned about Bread, Beets, Scalding... I'm going to be baking bread tomorrow morning, and perhaps I'll cook my beets as well. Hopefully mother will eat them, I like when we can eat the same food. I plan to brew kombucha tomorrow night too if I have a gallon jar. I'll also repot my choleus, lavander and perhaps the fern I bought today. I will put them together in a larger pot. Oh, and I bought some bulbs so if it's nice enough I'll plant them next to the front door tomorrow. So that's two things, I'll also read about Zelda and crochet, hopefully there is a good classic movie on TV! As well as practice my accordion. I need to get more serious about doing this. At this rate I'll never play in a polka band.
Oh yeah, I'd like to go downtown to Pinball Pete's and play... pinball! Bryan and I rediscovered this excellent pastime during a walk in East Lansing last week. It's so much fun! One needs familiarity and skill to become a pinball player, and capable of really understanding the game. Pinball is so fun and I want to be a competent player Further, it's so interesting that this game was such a hit with people of my parent's generation, when they were my age, and today no one my age plays it. Pinball is a lost art. It's interesting because part of the game is in your head. there are images of course, but the world you are transported to is partially imagined, but they do a good job getting this imagined world going through the motion of the pinball, the lights, the swooshing sounds, loud voices and the still images of the game's world. I want to understand this game.
Also, I have been reading craft and artist blogs, and I am really inspired by these incredibly creative people.
tata
However, this evening I was able to read some of the Wise Encyclopedia of Cookery. I learned about Bread, Beets, Scalding... I'm going to be baking bread tomorrow morning, and perhaps I'll cook my beets as well. Hopefully mother will eat them, I like when we can eat the same food. I plan to brew kombucha tomorrow night too if I have a gallon jar. I'll also repot my choleus, lavander and perhaps the fern I bought today. I will put them together in a larger pot. Oh, and I bought some bulbs so if it's nice enough I'll plant them next to the front door tomorrow. So that's two things, I'll also read about Zelda and crochet, hopefully there is a good classic movie on TV! As well as practice my accordion. I need to get more serious about doing this. At this rate I'll never play in a polka band.
Oh yeah, I'd like to go downtown to Pinball Pete's and play... pinball! Bryan and I rediscovered this excellent pastime during a walk in East Lansing last week. It's so much fun! One needs familiarity and skill to become a pinball player, and capable of really understanding the game. Pinball is so fun and I want to be a competent player Further, it's so interesting that this game was such a hit with people of my parent's generation, when they were my age, and today no one my age plays it. Pinball is a lost art. It's interesting because part of the game is in your head. there are images of course, but the world you are transported to is partially imagined, but they do a good job getting this imagined world going through the motion of the pinball, the lights, the swooshing sounds, loud voices and the still images of the game's world. I want to understand this game.
Also, I have been reading craft and artist blogs, and I am really inspired by these incredibly creative people.
tata
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Early Morning, Before Work
I ended up baking yesterday. I had NO idea what to make! Soo many options, and also I wanted to make something of a certain level of complexity. I wanted to gain a new skill. I found just the right thing in a Turkish cookbook we have, and I hope to cook more out of that book now that I looked through it. They are like Turkish stuffed dumplings or ravioli. I had to make the dough, let it sit, roll it out (I didn't roll it out enough, it needs to be thinner still), then cut it into 2x2 squares. The recipe called for this beef filling, but I chose to make it out of cabbage. I was thinking of egg rolls, how they fill that with cabbage so I made sure to cut it up in really small pieces and I cooked it with onions, garlic, and oregano. I filled the squares and pulled the edges up and voila, the dough drop. I had to bake it then, of course. But it turned out well. Even my mom ate some!
That was my main lesson of the day. I also read about Zelda Fitzgerald for over an hour. I didn't read anything else or practice my accordion, which I intend to do in the near future. I went and socialized at 4pm for the rest of the night. Now I am going to work, then I am driving to Lansing to visit Bryan. I think I may stay at father's house during this week to work on sewing my dress. :)
tata
That was my main lesson of the day. I also read about Zelda Fitzgerald for over an hour. I didn't read anything else or practice my accordion, which I intend to do in the near future. I went and socialized at 4pm for the rest of the night. Now I am going to work, then I am driving to Lansing to visit Bryan. I think I may stay at father's house during this week to work on sewing my dress. :)
tata
Friday, October 22, 2010
The Next Morning
It's 8:30am. I just came home from taking mom to work. I have coffee in my hand, ready for the day. I already partially cleaned out the car. There is less in there than I thought - yay. The sun is beautiful out right now. Orange and bright.
I feel like curling up on the couch and turning on the Food Network or TCM, or even Fox News Morning, I like that program. However, I'm not sure if these things would combat my progress of life as an auto-didact. A little bit of leisure is ok, isn't it? Who knows. Maybe the morning is my time for leisure, rather than the night time like most people. So if I do it now it's ok because I won't do it later! Sounds good. Of course, my entire auto-didact plan is based on the fact that I have the luxury to spend time like this.
I feel like curling up on the couch and turning on the Food Network or TCM, or even Fox News Morning, I like that program. However, I'm not sure if these things would combat my progress of life as an auto-didact. A little bit of leisure is ok, isn't it? Who knows. Maybe the morning is my time for leisure, rather than the night time like most people. So if I do it now it's ok because I won't do it later! Sounds good. Of course, my entire auto-didact plan is based on the fact that I have the luxury to spend time like this.
The Beginning
I hope this is the beginning of something new. It was impulsive. I was looking for blogs and information of "adult homeschooling," and things about "reading." There was nothing to my liking in my quick and superficial search so I am making one.
I just graduated from college this past Spring. I loved what I was studying (anthropology and American culture), but I felt stifled, because all of the incredibly interesting books and essays I read had to be read fast, without time to ponder. This method allows for reading of more materials in a short amount of time, and also helps one to get a good participation grade in discussion, and seem smart.
Well, now I am FREE! I can do all of the things I've been dying to do the past four years. However, I am thrilled with the accomplishment of having something to show for my time and effort. On the other hand, I did not put myself as fully into school as I now realize I should have. I didn't study as hard as I could have, I didn't devote my whole self; I wasn't committed. I didn't know about commitment then, and now I know that it is hard for me.
So, my main structure as an auto-didactic is to finish a book every 2 weeks. This is hard! I know I can do it though, if that damn TV wasn't in my way! I also want to explore methods of self-expression, and gain skills in the creative realm, such as play music (accordion), write, crochet, cook/bake and sew (these things I engage in already). So I want to build concrete advancement of my skills in these areas, while also potentially venturing into others. Knitting, tatting and collaging are high on the list.
Other things I enjoy doing are: taking strolls to enjoy the scenery, smell the roses, and be observant of the present physical world (it's all that's real).
Since I don't have a full-time job yet (I'm looking), or any other full-time commitments, I am ready to be serious about schooling myself on the things I didn't learn in school. I appear to lack focus, however, the focus of this education is on the beauty and passion that life holds; the simple pleasures. It's about gathering resources from the everyday and mastering the lessons and skills. It's home-economics and the liberal arts. I'm making the most of my time now (maybe? haha), and this is the log to make schedules, and record events.
Tomorrow I am going to read for a couple hours, 2 books; practice accordion for 1 hour; clean the car thoroughly; bake something I've never made, and do it with precision and attention; yoga/stretch; then happy hour with Laura, hopefully(!). I love happy hour, it's the best time to feel that flow state.
love.
I just graduated from college this past Spring. I loved what I was studying (anthropology and American culture), but I felt stifled, because all of the incredibly interesting books and essays I read had to be read fast, without time to ponder. This method allows for reading of more materials in a short amount of time, and also helps one to get a good participation grade in discussion, and seem smart.
Well, now I am FREE! I can do all of the things I've been dying to do the past four years. However, I am thrilled with the accomplishment of having something to show for my time and effort. On the other hand, I did not put myself as fully into school as I now realize I should have. I didn't study as hard as I could have, I didn't devote my whole self; I wasn't committed. I didn't know about commitment then, and now I know that it is hard for me.
So, my main structure as an auto-didactic is to finish a book every 2 weeks. This is hard! I know I can do it though, if that damn TV wasn't in my way! I also want to explore methods of self-expression, and gain skills in the creative realm, such as play music (accordion), write, crochet, cook/bake and sew (these things I engage in already). So I want to build concrete advancement of my skills in these areas, while also potentially venturing into others. Knitting, tatting and collaging are high on the list.
Other things I enjoy doing are: taking strolls to enjoy the scenery, smell the roses, and be observant of the present physical world (it's all that's real).
Since I don't have a full-time job yet (I'm looking), or any other full-time commitments, I am ready to be serious about schooling myself on the things I didn't learn in school. I appear to lack focus, however, the focus of this education is on the beauty and passion that life holds; the simple pleasures. It's about gathering resources from the everyday and mastering the lessons and skills. It's home-economics and the liberal arts. I'm making the most of my time now (maybe? haha), and this is the log to make schedules, and record events.
Tomorrow I am going to read for a couple hours, 2 books; practice accordion for 1 hour; clean the car thoroughly; bake something I've never made, and do it with precision and attention; yoga/stretch; then happy hour with Laura, hopefully(!). I love happy hour, it's the best time to feel that flow state.
love.
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