Movie reviewed: Greed (1924), starring Zasu Pitts and directed by Erich Von Stroheim
McTeague’s Gold
When Erich Von Stroheim started working on this project, he wanted to deviate from traditional cinematic chocolate éclair stories into a more realistic drama; the mystique of life, seen though one's sheer lust for gold and its consequences. Stroheim was notoriously known for over-spending the budget by several folds and doing his work in complete secrecy away from nosy studio executives. He started working when he moved from Universal Studio to Goldwyn Studio. When filming started, Goldwyn became a part of the new MGM Studio, and Stroheim came directly under the control of shrewd MGM producer Irving Thalberg. When the filming was completed, it had 42 reels, but Thalberg brought it to a respectable 10 reels that would rum for about 130 minutes. Erich Von Stroheim was visibly annoyed at the butchery of his masterful work and quipped that whoever cut his film has nothing on his mind but his hat.
It is an unremittingly realistic filming of a sordid novel of Frank Norris' McTeague. The leading characters are so obsessed with gold, they end up in squalor and Gibson Gowland as McTeague escapes to Death Valley, California, after murdering his wife played by Zasu Pitts, and stealing her money. The last ten minutes was shot in Death Valley amidst intense heat of the sun, no civilization nearby and no water to quench his thirst and handcuffed to a dead man with his horse being shot. A man's endless greed leads him take desperate measures and faces a slow and painful death. Louis B. Mayer, the head of MGM predicted that this movie will be a failure at the box office; he was right, it never recovered its cost. The highlight of the movie is the dramatic performance of Zasu Pitts as Mrs. McTeague. Jean Hersholt offers a good performance in the supporting role.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Book Reviewed: One Times Square: A Century of Change at the Crossroads of the World, by Joe McKendry
Book Reviewed: One Times Square: A Century of Change at the Crossroads of the World, by Joe McKendry
A fine illustration of Times Square
This book is written and brilliantly illustrated by the meticulous work of author Joe McKendry. The lush watercolors and revealing illustrations takes us into America's crossroads. It is a visual feast for the readers and certainly a national treasure that millions of tourists love to visit and enjoy. This is a place where people gathered during happy times and sad times, and in summers and winters. The Square witnessed 1929 stock market collapse, celebration at the end of WWII, and New Year Eve's celebrations.
Times Square is a monument that lies at the junction of Seventh Avenue and Broadway, and One Times Square is the only surviving building since its humble beginnings in 1904. In early 1800s, Broadway was dirt road called Bloomingdale Road and the Square was a part of Eden Farm. Later carriage builders, livery stables and few coal yards moved into the area. In 1899 there was one theater, but in 1915, a rapid growth yielded 22 theaters. The book has beautiful illustrations of its beginnings all in lush water color paintings; when it was just a farm, and later developments at end of nineteenth century; the building of Times Square in 1904, the subway lines below the Times Square; Wrigley's Gum massive billboard in 1917; a 1926 illustration showing Paramount Studios, Loew's State Theater, and Hotel Claridge; a 1940 illustration of soldiers and sailors enjoying the areas entertainment venues before shipping out, and tourists enjoying themselves at Times Square in 2000. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the rich history of New York City, especially Times Square.
A fine illustration of Times Square
This book is written and brilliantly illustrated by the meticulous work of author Joe McKendry. The lush watercolors and revealing illustrations takes us into America's crossroads. It is a visual feast for the readers and certainly a national treasure that millions of tourists love to visit and enjoy. This is a place where people gathered during happy times and sad times, and in summers and winters. The Square witnessed 1929 stock market collapse, celebration at the end of WWII, and New Year Eve's celebrations.
Times Square is a monument that lies at the junction of Seventh Avenue and Broadway, and One Times Square is the only surviving building since its humble beginnings in 1904. In early 1800s, Broadway was dirt road called Bloomingdale Road and the Square was a part of Eden Farm. Later carriage builders, livery stables and few coal yards moved into the area. In 1899 there was one theater, but in 1915, a rapid growth yielded 22 theaters. The book has beautiful illustrations of its beginnings all in lush water color paintings; when it was just a farm, and later developments at end of nineteenth century; the building of Times Square in 1904, the subway lines below the Times Square; Wrigley's Gum massive billboard in 1917; a 1926 illustration showing Paramount Studios, Loew's State Theater, and Hotel Claridge; a 1940 illustration of soldiers and sailors enjoying the areas entertainment venues before shipping out, and tourists enjoying themselves at Times Square in 2000. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the rich history of New York City, especially Times Square.
Book reviewed: Reading the Comments - Likers, haters and manipulators at the bottom of the web, by Joseph Reagle
Book reviewed: Reading the Comments - Likers, haters and manipulators at the bottom of the web, by Joseph Reagle
Communication in the digital world: A study of the online reviews and comments
In this book, Joseph Reagle urges us to read the reviews about product and services and readers’ comments below it. This tells us much about communication in the digital age, the social behavior and human vulnerabilities. The comments on reviews inform and improve things; it can also alienate, manipulate and shape things. In some cases it is bemusing. But we can also learn about the advantages of moving first, the challenges of communication and the science of rating systems. Hate and harassment are also a part of online comments for which there is no easy solution. Ignoring trolls and haters do not end the problems. Identify the abusive behavior as odious and unwelcome, and support the targets of abuse, says the author.
The author observes in his research that people traffic in the illicit markets of comment. Many restaurateurs give coupons in exchange for reviews; authors ask friends or family to write reviews of their work, sometimes they may do that themselves; sock-puppets edit Wikipedia biographies; pundits purchase fake followers and friends; sites profit by manipulating user’s praise and pillory. There is an obsessive desire to rate and rank everything; this is a part of “Review–Demand” dynamics in the digital world. At Amazon.com, a merchant offered a refund to customers who would write a product review for the Amazon community. If the reviews do not mention the refund, they are likely in violation of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission guidelines of 2009. This rule requires disclosure of non-obvious “material connections” such as payments or free products. Amazon Vine program is dangerously close to this area and there are material connections. This rule also applies effectively from 2013 to tweets on Twitter. In Sep 2103, NY State Attorney General’s Office compelled 19 companies to stop fake online reviews and pay more than $350,000 in penalties. Many companies are willing to post fake reviews on Yelp, Google Local, and CitySearch by way of freelance writers from Philippines, Bangladesh and Eastern Europe for $1 to $10 per review.
The immense value of user’s online comments is clear and visible in the market place. In 2013 Amazon purchased Goodreads website, a book review and discussion site for $150 million. TripAdvisor was purchased by Expedia for $200 million, and Google purchased restaurant rating guide Zagat for $150 million. In chapter 7, entitled “Bemused”, author Joseph Reagle visits communities of Amazon reviewers and find fan fiction authors, online learners, scammers, freethinkers, and adults with mean spirits. He also notes that the television actor George Takei is well known Amazon community reviewer with a very large following. There is a considerable humor embedded in Takei’s reviews weather it is about a sex lube or radioactive materials or Geiger counters sold at Amazon.com. Tuscan whole milk, Three Wolf Moon t-shirt, and banana slicer are few other products which carried tremendous selling potential for humorous reviews, and they sold like hotcakes. Incidentally, reviews and comments and like/dislike votes are protected from First Amendment. In 2013, The U.S Court of Appeals in Virginia ruled that mere liking of a post on Facebook is still a “symbolic expression” and a substantive speech protected by the First Amendment. This simply goes to tell the power of online reviews and the comments below it. This is fun reading and I would recommend it to anyone interested in communication in digital age.
Communication in the digital world: A study of the online reviews and comments
In this book, Joseph Reagle urges us to read the reviews about product and services and readers’ comments below it. This tells us much about communication in the digital age, the social behavior and human vulnerabilities. The comments on reviews inform and improve things; it can also alienate, manipulate and shape things. In some cases it is bemusing. But we can also learn about the advantages of moving first, the challenges of communication and the science of rating systems. Hate and harassment are also a part of online comments for which there is no easy solution. Ignoring trolls and haters do not end the problems. Identify the abusive behavior as odious and unwelcome, and support the targets of abuse, says the author.
The author observes in his research that people traffic in the illicit markets of comment. Many restaurateurs give coupons in exchange for reviews; authors ask friends or family to write reviews of their work, sometimes they may do that themselves; sock-puppets edit Wikipedia biographies; pundits purchase fake followers and friends; sites profit by manipulating user’s praise and pillory. There is an obsessive desire to rate and rank everything; this is a part of “Review–Demand” dynamics in the digital world. At Amazon.com, a merchant offered a refund to customers who would write a product review for the Amazon community. If the reviews do not mention the refund, they are likely in violation of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission guidelines of 2009. This rule requires disclosure of non-obvious “material connections” such as payments or free products. Amazon Vine program is dangerously close to this area and there are material connections. This rule also applies effectively from 2013 to tweets on Twitter. In Sep 2103, NY State Attorney General’s Office compelled 19 companies to stop fake online reviews and pay more than $350,000 in penalties. Many companies are willing to post fake reviews on Yelp, Google Local, and CitySearch by way of freelance writers from Philippines, Bangladesh and Eastern Europe for $1 to $10 per review.
The immense value of user’s online comments is clear and visible in the market place. In 2013 Amazon purchased Goodreads website, a book review and discussion site for $150 million. TripAdvisor was purchased by Expedia for $200 million, and Google purchased restaurant rating guide Zagat for $150 million. In chapter 7, entitled “Bemused”, author Joseph Reagle visits communities of Amazon reviewers and find fan fiction authors, online learners, scammers, freethinkers, and adults with mean spirits. He also notes that the television actor George Takei is well known Amazon community reviewer with a very large following. There is a considerable humor embedded in Takei’s reviews weather it is about a sex lube or radioactive materials or Geiger counters sold at Amazon.com. Tuscan whole milk, Three Wolf Moon t-shirt, and banana slicer are few other products which carried tremendous selling potential for humorous reviews, and they sold like hotcakes. Incidentally, reviews and comments and like/dislike votes are protected from First Amendment. In 2013, The U.S Court of Appeals in Virginia ruled that mere liking of a post on Facebook is still a “symbolic expression” and a substantive speech protected by the First Amendment. This simply goes to tell the power of online reviews and the comments below it. This is fun reading and I would recommend it to anyone interested in communication in digital age.
Book Reviewed: Old New York in Early Photographs, by Mary Black
Book Reviewed: Old New York in Early Photographs, by Mary Black
A rare collection of some of the oldest photographs of New York City
I am interested in the history of New York City, particularly Manhattan. There are several books on this topic that presents a good discussion of the history of the city, through photographs, as it evolved through 19th and 20th centuries. This book stands out as one of the few that goes as far back as 1853 with meticulously re-touched and upgraded pictures that are delightful for many enthusiasts like me. The book covers New York City from 1853-1901 with 196 wonderful photographs: You will find pictures of the great 1888 New York City Blizzard, Lincoln's funeral procession, historic buildings, and the whole works. French photographer Victor Prevost’s wax paper negatives made in 1853 and 1854, perhaps the oldest remaining view of the city, is included in this book. Some of my favorites include; Battery and East River waterfront area; the Broadway area north of 14th Street around Midtown Manhattan; East and West of Fifth Avenue area; Washington Square area and Central Park. In this book, you see people and life as the city passes through winters & summers, happy times & sad times. They are not just photographs but a cultural history of a city that never sleeps.
A rare collection of some of the oldest photographs of New York City
I am interested in the history of New York City, particularly Manhattan. There are several books on this topic that presents a good discussion of the history of the city, through photographs, as it evolved through 19th and 20th centuries. This book stands out as one of the few that goes as far back as 1853 with meticulously re-touched and upgraded pictures that are delightful for many enthusiasts like me. The book covers New York City from 1853-1901 with 196 wonderful photographs: You will find pictures of the great 1888 New York City Blizzard, Lincoln's funeral procession, historic buildings, and the whole works. French photographer Victor Prevost’s wax paper negatives made in 1853 and 1854, perhaps the oldest remaining view of the city, is included in this book. Some of my favorites include; Battery and East River waterfront area; the Broadway area north of 14th Street around Midtown Manhattan; East and West of Fifth Avenue area; Washington Square area and Central Park. In this book, you see people and life as the city passes through winters & summers, happy times & sad times. They are not just photographs but a cultural history of a city that never sleeps.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Book reviewed: China's coming war with Asia, by Jonathan Holslag
Book reviewed: China's coming war with Asia, by Jonathan Holslag
The rise of modern China and its ambitions in the 21st century
China's increasing assertiveness in Asia, its dominance in the global economy and confrontation with the United States is a very serious political issue in 21st century: It poses a significant threat to the peace and stability in the world. Author Jonathan Holslag discusses these views in this book with a large focus on China's long term economic strategy, deployment of resources, national defense, and its simmering border disputes with its Asian neighbors. Most threatened are the smaller South East Asian countries which are militarily and geographically at a disadvantage. China has successfully used "cut & divide" strategy to enhance local hostilities among other Asian countries.
China is altering the regional balance of power but it is behind United States. Its military capabilities have been modernized but technologically not superior. Its economy has grown but dangerously unbalanced distancing the rich from its vast poor population by a significant factor. In the long run, the popular uprising for social justice would be powerful enough to force the unfair communist regime to bring social, political and economic reforms.
Holslag's analysis is somewhat flawed in the sense he concentrates exclusively on China's economy and largely ignores how other major countries in the region, especially India and Japan are doing to combat the threat from China. The author's tone is fair but his conclusions are not unexpected.
The rise of modern China and its ambitions in the 21st century
China's increasing assertiveness in Asia, its dominance in the global economy and confrontation with the United States is a very serious political issue in 21st century: It poses a significant threat to the peace and stability in the world. Author Jonathan Holslag discusses these views in this book with a large focus on China's long term economic strategy, deployment of resources, national defense, and its simmering border disputes with its Asian neighbors. Most threatened are the smaller South East Asian countries which are militarily and geographically at a disadvantage. China has successfully used "cut & divide" strategy to enhance local hostilities among other Asian countries.
China is altering the regional balance of power but it is behind United States. Its military capabilities have been modernized but technologically not superior. Its economy has grown but dangerously unbalanced distancing the rich from its vast poor population by a significant factor. In the long run, the popular uprising for social justice would be powerful enough to force the unfair communist regime to bring social, political and economic reforms.
Holslag's analysis is somewhat flawed in the sense he concentrates exclusively on China's economy and largely ignores how other major countries in the region, especially India and Japan are doing to combat the threat from China. The author's tone is fair but his conclusions are not unexpected.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Movie Reviewed: Rasputin and the Empress, starring Ethel Barrymore, Lionel Barrymore and John Barrymore
Movie Reviewed: Rasputin and the Empress, starring Ethel Barrymore, Lionel Barrymore and John Barrymore
The Barrymore siblings star in this MGM’s memorable epic
MGM’s Barrymore idolatry reached its pinnacle when their movies started bringing big cash at the box office. For this movie, the studio producer Irving Thalberg enticed Ethel Barrymore into the movies for the first time in more than 14 years and for the first time with her two brothers. Despite their temperamental clashes, they worked together like good professionals. Screen writer Charles MacArthur had to do several screen writings and director Boleslawski let Lionel Barrymore do some scenery-chewing as Rasputin.
The story takes place in the Russian Empire during the last years of the reign of Czar Nicholas II and the Czarina Alexandra. Reform-minded Prince Paul has long been concerned about the plight of the common people and knows a revolution is brewing. Prince Alexei, heir to the throne is loved by the people but has hemophilia, and a slight fall turns out to be life-threatening. When royal physician is powerless to stop the boy's bleeding, Princess Natasha, Alexandra's lady-in-waiting and Paul's fiancée recommends Rasputin as a healer. He convinces the frantic Empress that he has been sent by God to cure the child. Left alone with Alexei, he hypnotizes the boy and relieves his agony but also gradually makes Alexei a slave to his will. The highlight of the movie is the brilliant performance of Ethel Barrymore as Czarina Alexandra.
There are at least six versions of this movie since 1932 and this was stuck with a libel suit brought against MGM by Prince and Princess Yousoupoff. They won record damages for a false piece in the story. MGM had to edit the film after the lawsuit and Diana Wynyard’s role in the movie becomes incomprehensible. Nevertheless she looks gorgeous and her performance is admirable.
The Barrymore siblings star in this MGM’s memorable epic
MGM’s Barrymore idolatry reached its pinnacle when their movies started bringing big cash at the box office. For this movie, the studio producer Irving Thalberg enticed Ethel Barrymore into the movies for the first time in more than 14 years and for the first time with her two brothers. Despite their temperamental clashes, they worked together like good professionals. Screen writer Charles MacArthur had to do several screen writings and director Boleslawski let Lionel Barrymore do some scenery-chewing as Rasputin.
The story takes place in the Russian Empire during the last years of the reign of Czar Nicholas II and the Czarina Alexandra. Reform-minded Prince Paul has long been concerned about the plight of the common people and knows a revolution is brewing. Prince Alexei, heir to the throne is loved by the people but has hemophilia, and a slight fall turns out to be life-threatening. When royal physician is powerless to stop the boy's bleeding, Princess Natasha, Alexandra's lady-in-waiting and Paul's fiancée recommends Rasputin as a healer. He convinces the frantic Empress that he has been sent by God to cure the child. Left alone with Alexei, he hypnotizes the boy and relieves his agony but also gradually makes Alexei a slave to his will. The highlight of the movie is the brilliant performance of Ethel Barrymore as Czarina Alexandra.
There are at least six versions of this movie since 1932 and this was stuck with a libel suit brought against MGM by Prince and Princess Yousoupoff. They won record damages for a false piece in the story. MGM had to edit the film after the lawsuit and Diana Wynyard’s role in the movie becomes incomprehensible. Nevertheless she looks gorgeous and her performance is admirable.
Movie Reviewed: The Great Man Votes, starring John Barrymore
Movie Reviewed: The Great Man Votes, starring John Barrymore
John Barrymore is outstanding despite his long absence from movies (five stars)
John Barrymore returned to RKO after a long absence to make this wonderful family drama in 1939. At this time, Barrymore’s health had deteriorated because of his addiction to alcohol. But his condition was ironically perfect to play the role of Gregory Vance, a former Harvard professor whose ambition in academics dissolved after his wife’s death. And since then, he has become lush. He works as a night watchman and takes care of his two children assisted by their teacher played by Katherine Alexander. The central part of the movie is the brilliant acting of his two children played b Peter Holden and Virginia Weidler, who inspire their father to regain his self-respect by casting the decisive ballot in the local election for a mayor. The movie made a loss of $10,000, but Garson Kanin demonstrated that he is a promising young director at RKO Studios. The heart-warming screenplay for the story was written by John Twist. This is a forgotten classic and a definite five star movie.
John Barrymore is outstanding despite his long absence from movies (five stars)
John Barrymore returned to RKO after a long absence to make this wonderful family drama in 1939. At this time, Barrymore’s health had deteriorated because of his addiction to alcohol. But his condition was ironically perfect to play the role of Gregory Vance, a former Harvard professor whose ambition in academics dissolved after his wife’s death. And since then, he has become lush. He works as a night watchman and takes care of his two children assisted by their teacher played by Katherine Alexander. The central part of the movie is the brilliant acting of his two children played b Peter Holden and Virginia Weidler, who inspire their father to regain his self-respect by casting the decisive ballot in the local election for a mayor. The movie made a loss of $10,000, but Garson Kanin demonstrated that he is a promising young director at RKO Studios. The heart-warming screenplay for the story was written by John Twist. This is a forgotten classic and a definite five star movie.
Book Reviewed: The silencing: How the Left is Killing Free Speech, by Kirsten Powers
Book Reviewed: The silencing: How the Left is Killing Free Speech, by Kirsten Powers
The left’s assault of conservative ideals
In this book, author Kristen Powers offer an interesting look at how “illiberal left” tries to delegitimize and demonize conservatives. The book notes offenses against speech, logic, and honesty routinely committed in the media and across American colleges. Women on the left quickly challenge sexism set against the feminist sisterhood, but remains silent when it is aimed at conservative women or when it is perpetrated by Islamists. Suppressing free speech, curtailing of academic freedom and intolerance to political incorrectness is far and wide when Islam, terrorism, and liberalism is growing at a tremendous pace. Specific examples are cited for liberals trying to silence those who disagree with them. The author provides the example of President Obama’s role in his attempt to diminish the Fox Cable News during the early years of his presidency. The wasteful liberal ideas practiced well over 50 years with trillions of dollars spent on unworkable social programs, to combat poverty and social injustices, has hurt the very people it was supposed to help and protect. The problem lies in the social agenda that is so clear to many conservatives. By wrongly interpreting the real issues, the liberal left has done irreparable damage to the society.
The left’s assault of conservative ideals
In this book, author Kristen Powers offer an interesting look at how “illiberal left” tries to delegitimize and demonize conservatives. The book notes offenses against speech, logic, and honesty routinely committed in the media and across American colleges. Women on the left quickly challenge sexism set against the feminist sisterhood, but remains silent when it is aimed at conservative women or when it is perpetrated by Islamists. Suppressing free speech, curtailing of academic freedom and intolerance to political incorrectness is far and wide when Islam, terrorism, and liberalism is growing at a tremendous pace. Specific examples are cited for liberals trying to silence those who disagree with them. The author provides the example of President Obama’s role in his attempt to diminish the Fox Cable News during the early years of his presidency. The wasteful liberal ideas practiced well over 50 years with trillions of dollars spent on unworkable social programs, to combat poverty and social injustices, has hurt the very people it was supposed to help and protect. The problem lies in the social agenda that is so clear to many conservatives. By wrongly interpreting the real issues, the liberal left has done irreparable damage to the society.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Book Reviewed: The origin of Ratha-Yatra, a compilation of lectures by Srimad Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja
The origin of Ratha-Yatra, a compilation of lectures by Srimad Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja
Commentary of Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja on Ratha-Yatra
In this book, Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja, a Vaishnava spiritual leader describes the origin of the festival of chariots (Ratha-Yatra) and its relevance in the practice of bhakti. The festival is celebrated for over five thousand years, when Lord Krishna with his elder brother Balarama and younger sister Subhadra came together in a chariot from Dvaraka to Kurukshetra. The gopis and Radha Maharani, the residents of Vrindavana visit the Lord at Kurukshetra and invite him to Vrindavana. This yearning to be together with the Supreme Lord is expressed in the celebration of the festival. The separation from the Lord is painful but togetherness with him is most wonderful experience of prema (love) and devotion. Pure bhakti is the theme of the Ratha-Yatra. During the festival the deities of Lord Jagannath, Baladev and sister Subhadra are worshiped in the sanctum of the temple at Puri. During the month of Asadha (June/July), they are brought out to the main street of Puri and travel to the Shri Gundicha Temple in three separate chariots. This is the festival of Ratha-Yatra. The meaning of the festival is reflected in the prayers of Gopis at Kurukshetra who pray the Lord to come and live in their hearts; a place similar to Vrindavana. Jagannath is identified with Purushottama, the primal Purusha of the RgVeda and the Supreme Brahman of the Bhagavadgita.
The appearance of Lord Jagannath given in Skanda Purana describes the sanctity of this festival as; “Gundicha mandapam namam yatrahamajanam pura Ashwamedha sahasrasya mahabedi tadadvabat.” Translation: Those who are fortunate to see the deities of the Srimandira in the Gundicha Temple, the final destination of the procession of the chariots, derive the benefits of a thousand horse sacrifices, an immensely pious deed. Various other interpretations include; the Lord comes out from his sanctum for participating in the Gundicha Yatra (Festival of Chariots) for redeeming the fallen devotees and pardoning the sins of participants of the festival. Sri Chaitanya, the great apostle of Vaishnavism in whom bhakti and unconditional devotion to the Lord saw its limits of rapturous expression, both physically and mentally provided strength and energy to the festivities. Chaitanya came to Puri in 1510 A.D. on a pilgrimage and eventually settled at Tota Gopinatha temple.
Commentary of Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja on Ratha-Yatra
In this book, Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja, a Vaishnava spiritual leader describes the origin of the festival of chariots (Ratha-Yatra) and its relevance in the practice of bhakti. The festival is celebrated for over five thousand years, when Lord Krishna with his elder brother Balarama and younger sister Subhadra came together in a chariot from Dvaraka to Kurukshetra. The gopis and Radha Maharani, the residents of Vrindavana visit the Lord at Kurukshetra and invite him to Vrindavana. This yearning to be together with the Supreme Lord is expressed in the celebration of the festival. The separation from the Lord is painful but togetherness with him is most wonderful experience of prema (love) and devotion. Pure bhakti is the theme of the Ratha-Yatra. During the festival the deities of Lord Jagannath, Baladev and sister Subhadra are worshiped in the sanctum of the temple at Puri. During the month of Asadha (June/July), they are brought out to the main street of Puri and travel to the Shri Gundicha Temple in three separate chariots. This is the festival of Ratha-Yatra. The meaning of the festival is reflected in the prayers of Gopis at Kurukshetra who pray the Lord to come and live in their hearts; a place similar to Vrindavana. Jagannath is identified with Purushottama, the primal Purusha of the RgVeda and the Supreme Brahman of the Bhagavadgita.
The appearance of Lord Jagannath given in Skanda Purana describes the sanctity of this festival as; “Gundicha mandapam namam yatrahamajanam pura Ashwamedha sahasrasya mahabedi tadadvabat.” Translation: Those who are fortunate to see the deities of the Srimandira in the Gundicha Temple, the final destination of the procession of the chariots, derive the benefits of a thousand horse sacrifices, an immensely pious deed. Various other interpretations include; the Lord comes out from his sanctum for participating in the Gundicha Yatra (Festival of Chariots) for redeeming the fallen devotees and pardoning the sins of participants of the festival. Sri Chaitanya, the great apostle of Vaishnavism in whom bhakti and unconditional devotion to the Lord saw its limits of rapturous expression, both physically and mentally provided strength and energy to the festivities. Chaitanya came to Puri in 1510 A.D. on a pilgrimage and eventually settled at Tota Gopinatha temple.
Monday, June 15, 2015
Book reviewed: Adios, America: The Left's Plan to Turn Our Country into a Third World Hellhole by Ann Coulter
Book reviewed: Adios, America: The Left's Plan to Turn Our Country into a Third World Hellhole by Ann Coulter
Fearless than ever
Ann Coulter lives up to her reputation as a fighter. In this book, entitled, Adios, America! Ann Coulter expresses her thoughts fearlessly about immigration that nobody else dares to speak.
Several specific cases have been discussed, which includes, the Tsarnaev family, the family of Boston Bombers. They were admitted into the country after phony claims of persecution and then cashed in for $100,000 in U.S. handouts. The trendy goal of "diversity” led to the dumping 100,000 Somalis on Minneapolis, Minnesota, who are more loyal to Islam than United States.
Ann Coulter has authored 11 books, many of which have appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list. She is known for her unique writing skills with a clear sense of humor. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
Fearless than ever
Ann Coulter lives up to her reputation as a fighter. In this book, entitled, Adios, America! Ann Coulter expresses her thoughts fearlessly about immigration that nobody else dares to speak.
Several specific cases have been discussed, which includes, the Tsarnaev family, the family of Boston Bombers. They were admitted into the country after phony claims of persecution and then cashed in for $100,000 in U.S. handouts. The trendy goal of "diversity” led to the dumping 100,000 Somalis on Minneapolis, Minnesota, who are more loyal to Islam than United States.
Ann Coulter has authored 11 books, many of which have appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list. She is known for her unique writing skills with a clear sense of humor. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Book Reviewed: Times Square Style, by Vicki Gold Levi and Steven Heller
Book Reviewed: Times Square Style, by Vicki Gold Levi and Steven Heller
A compendium of the colorful posters and promotion displays of Time Square
This is book is full of colorful posters, promotions, advertisements and billboards that appeared in and around the New York’s famed Times Square right from the Golden age of Broadway. There is energy, glamor and allure in its signs. The burlesques and Ziegfeld follies always had an element of eroticism in its depiction, but then again this is Time Square, ground zero for the promotion of the products of entertainment industry since its beginning. In 1915, D. W. Griffith opened his epic “Birth of a Nation” in Times Square and its success encouraged others to use this spot. The highlights of the book includes; front of Times Square subway station in 1904; the 1937 picture of New Year’s eve celebration; advertisement poster for the Broadway show, “Ghetto” in 1899; still photographs of the 1933 film “42nd Street” filmed at Times Square; song sheets and theatrical posters of “Ziegfeld Follies;” the front pages of Theater Magazine (1931); the front of Elting Burlesque Theater (1931); the 1936 movie poster of “The Great Ziegfeld” and the 1937 movie poster of star-studded “Stage Door;” and the unravelling of 40 feet figure of Elvis Presley for his show, “Love me Tender” (1956). There are quite a few colorful presentations of the posters and billboards that are worth looking into. This book certainly interests any reader interested in the history of Manhattan and Times Square
A compendium of the colorful posters and promotion displays of Time Square
This is book is full of colorful posters, promotions, advertisements and billboards that appeared in and around the New York’s famed Times Square right from the Golden age of Broadway. There is energy, glamor and allure in its signs. The burlesques and Ziegfeld follies always had an element of eroticism in its depiction, but then again this is Time Square, ground zero for the promotion of the products of entertainment industry since its beginning. In 1915, D. W. Griffith opened his epic “Birth of a Nation” in Times Square and its success encouraged others to use this spot. The highlights of the book includes; front of Times Square subway station in 1904; the 1937 picture of New Year’s eve celebration; advertisement poster for the Broadway show, “Ghetto” in 1899; still photographs of the 1933 film “42nd Street” filmed at Times Square; song sheets and theatrical posters of “Ziegfeld Follies;” the front pages of Theater Magazine (1931); the front of Elting Burlesque Theater (1931); the 1936 movie poster of “The Great Ziegfeld” and the 1937 movie poster of star-studded “Stage Door;” and the unravelling of 40 feet figure of Elvis Presley for his show, “Love me Tender” (1956). There are quite a few colorful presentations of the posters and billboards that are worth looking into. This book certainly interests any reader interested in the history of Manhattan and Times Square
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Book reviewed: New York in the thirties, by Bernice Abbott
Book reviewed: New York in the thirties, by Bernice Abbott
A pictorial history of Manhattan
This is an interesting book that documents the history of Manhattan through black and white pictures. Most pictures printed in this book are between 1935 and 1938. It is by no means an exhaustive work but it should be of interest for casual readers interested in the history of New York City. The financial district, New York harbor, East River, the Lower East Side and Fifth Avenue is prominently illustrated. Most notable parts of the city missing in this book are the Time Square and Central Park. However there are several photographs that are worth looking at, which includes; a 1938 aerial picture looking-down on Broadway from Wall Street to Battery Park; a 1938 aerial photograph of the Wall Street; the 1937 picture of Brooklyn Bridge with pier 21; a 1936 picture of Metropolitan Elevated Railway Company’s Lines at Second and the Third Avenue; a 1937 picture of Hester Street chicken market; the 1936 picture of Washington Square looking North (this is my favorite photograph in this book); a 1935 photograph of 32 Street and Third Avenue showing a street newspaper vendor; there are more than one hundred magazines on display in this photograph and the covers of many of magazine shows movie stars of the day that include; Jean Harlow, Greta Garbo, and Claudette Colbert.
A pictorial history of Manhattan
This is an interesting book that documents the history of Manhattan through black and white pictures. Most pictures printed in this book are between 1935 and 1938. It is by no means an exhaustive work but it should be of interest for casual readers interested in the history of New York City. The financial district, New York harbor, East River, the Lower East Side and Fifth Avenue is prominently illustrated. Most notable parts of the city missing in this book are the Time Square and Central Park. However there are several photographs that are worth looking at, which includes; a 1938 aerial picture looking-down on Broadway from Wall Street to Battery Park; a 1938 aerial photograph of the Wall Street; the 1937 picture of Brooklyn Bridge with pier 21; a 1936 picture of Metropolitan Elevated Railway Company’s Lines at Second and the Third Avenue; a 1937 picture of Hester Street chicken market; the 1936 picture of Washington Square looking North (this is my favorite photograph in this book); a 1935 photograph of 32 Street and Third Avenue showing a street newspaper vendor; there are more than one hundred magazines on display in this photograph and the covers of many of magazine shows movie stars of the day that include; Jean Harlow, Greta Garbo, and Claudette Colbert.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)