Doris Lessing (1919 – 2013) “was a British novelist, poet, playwright, librettist, biographer and short story writer. Her novels include The Grass is Singing (1950), the sequence of five novels collectively called Children of Violence (1952–69), The Golden Notebook (1962),” [and others]. Lessing was awarded the 2007 Nobel Prize in Literature… the eleventh woman and … Read moreWriting Social Change: Doris Lessing
(Self-released / Bandcamp) Seattle’s Cherry Red get straight to the point on this five track EP, which is such a perfectly formed little record that I refuse to believe it is a demo in the traditional sense. Lookin’ For Love is less an opener, more a manifesto, with its raucous guitars and punk energy powered … Read moreMusic Review: Demo – Cherry Red
Actor Naomie Harris [Pirates of the Caribbean 2 & 3; Moonlight and others] comments on the portrayal of women in movies: “Everything starts in the writing, and getting more and more women’s perspective in the writing will have a huge impact on the quality of films we get…” She has not yet been directed by a … Read moreNaomie Harris on filmmaking
Actor and musician Mandy Moore has experienced emotional challenges including depression, and has made comments indicating she may be among the 20% of us with the personality trait of high sensitivity. In an article years ago, she commented: “A few months ago I felt really low, really sad. Depressed for no reason. I’m a very … Read moreLike other artists, Mandy Moore experienced emotional health challenges, and may be a highly sensitive person
Music Reviews (Carpark) Known for their no holds barred freneticism, Ducks Ltd. opts to take things a little slower when Hollowed Out opens their second LP with an ode to ennui. “All we ever do is sleep/Eat, fuck, and sleep,” lead singer and guitarist Tom McGreevy sings with resigned acceptance, maintaining a calm demeanor against … Read moreMusic Review: Harm's Way – Ducks Ltd.
I wouldn’t call it as Western as much as an quintessentially American cautionary tale, through and through.
Some spoilers ahead, so drive slowly.
Referring to his role of Brick in the Broadway revival of Tennessee Williams’ “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (directed by Debbie Allen), Terrence Howard said: “I always tell directors, ‘The role I want is the role I can’t accomplish, the thing that’s going to make me fail.’ “Every warrior is looking for that fight … Read moreTerrence Howard: “to discover more truths”
What if you don’t get awards for your creative work? What if it isn’t even seen by others? Are you still an artist if you are doing something else for survival? How important is it to identify yourself as an artist – to others, and especially to yourself? Psychologist Robert Maurer has worked with many … Read moreDo You Call Yourself an Artist?
Janet Jackson on clothes Janet Jackson, asked about her “seriousness” about her clothes, says in an interview [Hollywood Life magazine, Nov/Dec 2006] – “It just looked that way. It wasn’t about pleasing myself. I was always too rushed and too willing to let someone tell me what to do.” She describes herself as “a chameleon. … Read moreFeminism and femininity and Janet Jackson
“Sometimes creativity is a compulsion, not an ambition.” Actor Edward Norton (in Entertainment Weekly ew.com), commenting on the documentary “The Devil and Daniel Johnston” (2006) – about a manic-depressive singer. The language we use to ourselves and others about having and pursuing creative talents can have a big impact on our attitudes and motivation. For … Read morePositive Obsessions