LINES OF THE DAY

". . . But the past does not exist independently from the present. Indeed, the past is only past because there is a present, just as I can point to something over there only because I am here. But nothing is inherently over there or here. In that sense, the past has no content. The past -- or more accurately, pastness -- is a position. Thus, in no way can we identify the past as past." p. 15

". . . But we may want to keep in mind that deeds and words are not as distinguishable as often we presume. History does not belong only to its narrators, professional or amateur. While some of us debate what history is or was, others take it into their own hands." p. 153

Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History (1995) by Michel-Rolph Trouillot

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Very Good Christmas Party + A Home Stabbing

Last night. May we mention again what a gentleman the actor Steve Bucemi is?  I'm not saying that only because I happen to really admire Boardwalk Empire, and how it shows fairly normal people caught up in the events of the day, from the women's vote and women's reproductive -- not even rights yet, but information --  the wireless, jazz and everything else, even the beginnings of home refrigeration, while Prohibition unleashes national law breaking at every level of society. I.e. people while living their lives create history.  It's also just gorgeous to look at.

But before leaving for the party we received some disturbing news, which the party took our minds off of, in such a classy matter, as well as providing relief from the terrible events of the weekend. All of us have been pretty beat up about that, el V no less than anyone else.  Such little children, for no reason, than as a bridge for a very disturbed person with guns no one should have access to find the adrenaline to put himself out of his own misery.

But the personal news from Saturday afternoon has kept el V extra jangled all day, along with the horrors of Friday.  And while making dinner, then, stabbed himself in his right palm.  It seems to be deep and painful, but, not a muscle or vein. It stopped bleeding pretty fast, though at first -- YIKES!  He had a tetanus shot before going to Africa this summer.  We have neosporin and gauze and antiseptics and so on. Doctor tomorrow to look at it.  I made the call that the emergency room wasn't necessary tonight, in the cold and the rain.

It's always something isn't it.

And here by Thursday I was feeling all warm fuzzies about it being the Christmas and holiday season.  I was so looking forward to this party too.  Well, thanks to the Host and Hostess and their very fine guests, an oasis of holiday cheer appeared.  We are -- still -- the lucky ones, the fortunate ones.  As Willie Nelson said a couple of weeks ago when asked what he thought his greatest achievement was, and he said, "I'm still here."

2 comments:

K. said...

I'm glad I stuck with BE -- the third season was by far the best. The first two suffered from the portrayal of Nucky as a corrupt but essentially nice guy who steered clear of violence. And Jimmy Darmody is unlamented, by me at least. Having said that, I tuned in every week because of the strengths that you cite.

There are some odd oversights. How could one-eyed Richard Harrow have the depth perception to be a marksman? (He couldn't.) Luckily, the character is compelling and complex. And Charlie Cox must weigh 120 pounds max -- not a real credible IRA enforcer.

But many of the touches were wonderful, such as the market for bootleg aquavit in Chicago's Scandinavian community. Who knew?

I hope that V heals quickly. Happy Holidays!

Foxessa said...

I agree with you on all points re Boardwalk Empire, especially that Jimmy's gone. I'm not liking where Gillians has gone too much, at least so far. But I've gotten through ep. 6, I think, so far, and have been too busy to watch more these last couple of weeks. Looking forward to getting back to it.

Thanks for the good wishes for el V. As of last night when he found he could play his guitar with no trouble, he's fine, very fine, indeed.

I'm trying to coax him into a Friday night date to view the Rockefeller Christmas tree. :)

Love, C.