The Wolf of Wall Street

Martin Scorsese needs to find a new editor.  This film is waaaaaaaay too long.  But...and this is a real big but, you have to see this film for the performances by Leonardo Di Caprio and Jonah Hill.  OMG!!!  Absolutely breath taking work.  If you love seeing films as much as I do at this time of year (to keep it real) then run don't walk to see this film.  Just be prepared for shaking your head about some redundancy.
I really enjoyed being with my kids and Abe today.  Hooter's was a hoot as well!

NEBRASKA/AMERICAN HUSTLE

See these both.  They deliver truthful narratives and incredible performances by fine actors.  Now when I go to the movies I know just how difficult it is to deliver the truth.  Both of these films tell the truth.  If you love film go to the movies and see these films in an audience with other humans

CHARACTER PARTY 2013/In The Moment Acting Studio

All month Laurel Vouvray's students have assumed identities of historical figures representing Good and Evil in the world.  We researched, developed back stories, studied accents and walked in shoes of people who many of us knew little about.  The great finale is the coming together of all of these characters at a party where the first two hours we ate the most delicious Senagalese  food prepared by Iba, discussed among ourselves how to fix the world, plotted and schemed how to overthrow the monarchies, get rid of Hitler, and drank!  All this at Scoot Inn.

Dressed as Queen Victoria, wearing a tiara, a fur lined cloak, and walking with a staff I enter C Note and ask where the party is.  No one in the restaurant looked up from their laptops, the servers didn't laugh and told me it wasn't there.  Thank goodness Stefania Bellini answered my text because David Lee Hess was too busy being Thomas Payne ranting, raving and eating!

At Scoot Inn I walk into a room filled with the most unusually attired characters, beautiful women and men, talking, discussing in character and being so free to make reaches, laugh at ourselves, educate each other about who we are and provide support, affection and warmth.  Laurel keeps her students from different classes so connected and it was lovely to meet people who knew my name. Others I had met at auditions or a birthday party for another classmate.

The partying  began after two hours with Trent providing the most incredibly good dancing music.  He played some strings with his tongue!  For real!  And his teenage son was his drummer!  The best treat for me was being in a room of actors who love love love to dance. Unabashedly, rhythmically, fearlessly. Watching Michael Joplin as Sigmund Freud dance is a visual joy!!!

To quote my daughter  Liz who met many of my classmates the evening before :"Mama, you've found your community."  Yes I have.

UT Disappoints

I always had such pride that I sent my girl from Park Slope, Brooklyn  to UT not knowing a soul.  When I stepped foot on this university campus in 2005 the first thing that I noticed was it's diversity.  OK, not Brooklyn diversity with Black and White, but ethnic diversity.  Asian, Latino, East Asian and even kids raised in the suburbs of Houston!  But today I am saddened and ashamed.  To think that someone would think they could get away with pinning signs on students with "Illegal Immigrant" and rewarding a $25 gift card if you catch one.  I am married to a son of Holocaust survivors.  He and his sister were the first set of twins born in Berlin in 1946 that were not gassed for being Jewish. Their father was taken to Siberia when they were only ten weeks old. This after surviving the death camps. My in-laws wore Jewish stars identifying themselves as Jews to the populace. I will protest and be counted as someone who loves UT and volunteers her services to students but will criticize every racist behavior and action that occurs on this campus.

12 Years A Slave/Violet Crown

Steve McQueen's film is a harrowing and painful viewing experience.  The performances by so many of the actors are gut wrenching and truthful.  A special shout out to Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender and Lupita Nyong'o for their extraordinary work. The sadism of the slave owners and their slave masters is sometimes too difficult to watch so I covered my eyes and wept.  The beatings, the forced separations, the indignities, the cruelty to people is almost unbearable to take in.  This is what makes a great dramatic film.  This hammered my heart.

Austin Film Festival 2013 Day#6 and Day#7

Both days were filled with shorts and tonight ALL OF ME, a film about a group of morbidly obese women in Austin.  First supportive  friends, then a group of changing women as some choose surgical procedures to reduce their mass.  A human, sometimes painful, sometimes funny, and very real documentary about a serious issue in America.  I am preparing to be sad as AFF comes to a close tomorrow.

Austin Film Festival 2013 Day#5

Today was Shorts 5:A Day on the Job with the Austin made HARBINGER one of my favorites.  Tonight was the big blockbuster Coen Brothers film: INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS attended by practically everyone I ever met in the UT RTF program over the years and so many fellow actors and film lovers.  A beautifully acted and photographed film with minimal flaws about NY in the 1960's.  The story's lack of a conclusion left me wanting.  But not so for many others and that makes me happy.  I loved this entire day of community for film lovers in Austin.  Even though someone stole Lizzy's newly purchased scooter.  Poop!

Austin Film Festival 2013 Day#4

The morning was Family Shorts from all over the world.  Fabulous films!  And this evening was GIRL ON A BICYCLE.  French, Italian and German romantic comedy.  Beautifully cast and filmed.  Q&A with Jeremy Leven.  Looked like Abe from the audience.

Austin Film Festival 2013 Day#3

The day started with a spellbinding doc ICEBOUND about a relay of men and dogs fighting incredible terrain in sub zero weather to bring a vaccine to children in Nome Alaska.  Makes you fall in love with dogs and the collaboration of Americans in 1925! Next film was 120 DAYS about a man's last days in Rauleigh N.C. with his family before he's deported to Mexico.  He was stopped at a light by a cop who set this horrendous separation in motion by profiling. I sobbed audibly when he left his family.  The Q&A with the filmmaker and the Spanish speaking photographer was so informative and sensitive to the family. The last film was a terror/horror film THE MAID'S ROOM which had potential.  Scary moments but an overall meh!  Shorts finally tomorrow and a table read of Vince Gilligan's new script with a reading by the talented Paula Brooks. 

Austin Film Festival 2013 Day #2

This morning THE LIFE AND CRIMES of DORIS PAYNE, a well made documentary about an elegant and notorious jewel thief in her 80's was a great way to start the day. I learned a great deal about stealing jewelry. The short that opened the show THE REHEARSAL was an adorable film of a magician rehearsing in his side show theater in Coney Island.  We then walked back over the river to The Rollins to see John Tuturro's campy and zany musical, ROMANCE AND CIGARETTES, starring James Gandolfini, Susan Sarnadon and Steve Buscemi. Christopher Walken has a cameo as well. Tuturro and Buscemi are Park Slopers where lots of the film was shot. There's lots of humor, very well cast and Sarandon gave a thoughtful and intelligent Q&A about the film and her craft.  This evening we just came from Texas Spirit theater where we saw LITTLE HOPE WAS ARSON, a documentary about the burning churches of East Texas and the investigation that followed to solve the crime.  While we have heard much about East Texas since moving here, this film was a great glimpse into the social fabric of this area.  An informative Q&A followed with the first time filmmaker and the ATF guy who solved the crime (lone star boots kind of guy).  Waiting on lines, talking to film lovers from all over and giving hugs to UT RTF kids working as crew and volunteers makes this such a great event.

Austin Film Festival 2013 Day #1

I just love picking up our film passes at The Driskill, feeling the energy and anticipation of so many film lovers and creative writers and wannabe filmmakers who come to town to participate in this film festival.  I never mind all of the walking we do as we leave our car south of the River and run back and forth between theaters.  And now that we're here 4 years I just love running into all of the filmmakers and film lovers I've come to know.  I never mind waiting on line for an hour because the conversation is always so exciting.  Our picks today were quintessential NYC films.  No problems being seated at The STATE Theater or The Rollins.  The first film PUTZEL about a family's connection to a smoked fish store was heartfelt and amusing.  Wonderful memories for me the daughter of a smoked fish grocer.  Then we saw JACK, JULES, ESTHER and ME with a wonderful Q&A with the director, a private tutor of rich kids in NYC.  He captures the world of adolescents, both rich and ethnic working class in their unique worlds beautifully.  Tonight was a ride through NYC with some delightful films. And delightful conversations.

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS

Of course one cannot say enough about  Tom Hanks' performance.  He plays the "everyman" so naturally, respectfully and with enormous grace.  His humility and inner power comes shining through throughout this well shot film.  What I liked the best about this film (other than his performance) was the surprising story.  While the SEALS are presented as bigger than life hulks with brains (about rescue missions) had it not been for Captain Phillips' extraordinary bravery and personal choices we might have seen a different outcome.  To be able to fend off the gunshot from khat chewing terrorists who are crazed beyond belief required enormous survival tactics.  It was Captain Phillips who saved the day.  Do not miss this!

What Would Never Happen In New York #3

I would never ever be in a promo video for NYC Ballet.

 http://www.balletaustin.org/community/about.php

Short Term 12/Violet Crown

Anyone who has worked in a group home or residential treatment center with kids knows how this work changes you forever.  You will never ever assume that the world is a neutral place where kids grow up and can make the best of it.  You will have your eyes opened to the atrocities that occur within families and the evil that comes to fall on innocent kids.  The kids present you with so  much anger, mistrust, and  constant provocation and have such a hard time letting you get close. There are glimpses and moments of true affection.  But watch out.  Right after that moment they might steal money from you and you'll be pissed off again.  Destin Daniel Cretton, director of Short Term 12, spent two years working in a group home and has done a fine job of bringing you into that world.  So often the staff are young and idealistic just like I was in a group home for runaways in the Lower East Side of Manhattan many years ago. I come to films like this with a critical eye and Brie Larson and John Gallagher Jr. offer honest and gripping performances as the workers/lovers in this residence.  Keith Stanfield as an about to be aged out resident offers a wonderful performance as a brooding thoughtful and very hurt young man.  There is an original music score, fine photography and an important story to be told here.  Highly recommend this film to anyone interested in expanding their view of what happens in families.

Cutie and the Boxer/Violet Crown

We both loved this beautiful documentary shot in NYC for many reasons.  It portrays an 80y.o. man and his 59 y.o. wife as energetic, adorable, full of life with passion and strong opinions, and love of their art making careers.  Zachary Heinzerling shows us an imperfect marriage of 40 years whose foundation has persevered because of a wife's endurance.  We see a man whose desire to acclaim fame turns him into a narcissistic alcoholic who remains creatively productive, albeit an inadequate husband and parent.   I found this film exhilarating  because of it's honesty and more selfishly because I love and need to see older people living their lives free of all of the stereotypes we so often associate with older people.  There are no walkers, complaints about pain or non-visiting children. This is a beautiful portrayal of what happens in a marriage when people remain committed. More, more, more films like this say I.  Please?

Why you should see "The Butler'

If you weren't alive when this country was confronted by black Americans demanding their civil liberties in the 1960's then this is a film you should not miss.  The live footage of the confrontations, the freedom rides, the deplorable treatment of the brave souls who stood up to the violence of Jim Crow are all assembled here in this fictionalized account of a butler who made it to the White House.  You will cringe at the deplorable hateful behavior of southerners so threatened by integration.  You will see the seeds of anti-immigration sentiment and be aghast at the despicable behavior of Southerners when faced with a change in legislation ordered by the Federal government.  Oprah and Forest Whitaker perform beautifully.  Lee Daniels brings us our presidents from Eisenhower to Regan with humor and caricature.  For me this was not a creative or artistic endeavor.  This is a film about our history.  Sit back and become aware.  This is how I became a social worker.

'The Act of Killing' /Austin Film Society

AFS brought us a preview of Joel Oppenheimer's documentary last night prior to it's official opening in Austin next week with a very informative Q&A via SKYPE with Mr. Oppenheimer following the show. Having seen the executive producers Werner Herzog and Errol Morris discuss the film I was prepared for a powerful and painful to watch film about the death squads of Indonesia in the 1960's. The squads of gangsters hired by the military to rid the country of Communists. The ludicrous gangsters who perceived of themselves as the gangsters they knew from Western films.  Mr. Oppenheimer highlights these ruthless killers when he invites them to make a film about their experiences at the time.  These men continue to receive enormous notoriety and elevated social status in their country and have never been brought to justice despite the fact that a million people were killed.  We are also introduced to "respectable businessmen" with the same killer history who live highly respected lives elsewhere, return by plane, and discuss their involvement with great pride and defense of their acts.  Mr. Oppenheimer discusses his motivation to make this film with keen emotional intelligence and well thought out plans.  He is a humanist in the finest sense of the imagination.  And he uses filmmaking to explore the human condition and broaden our understanding of what is included in our capabilities as human beings.

Yet, what I was totally unprepared for was the feeling that I was watching  a horror movie.  The direction, staging, make-up, wardrobe, and use of non-actors including very small children to re-enact torture, death, terror, unbelievable fear all constituted the making of a horror film.  We hear Mr. Oppenheimer incredulously  pointing out to the lead subject who shall remain unnamed (I can't bear to see his name in print without a bounty on his head) that he is only acting his fear while the people he killed were really afraid.

This film was like returning to Germany and having the Nazi masterminds and murderers sitting in cafes, running for office, sending their children to college and being rewarded for their acts. For this family who came to exist because two people survived Hitler's death camps watching this film was particularly painful.  The comparison to Nazis who go unpunished is a very difficult concept for us.  I saw no remorse in any of the killers.  I thought the subject's dry heaving was dishonest and poorly acted. I hope this film infuriates the world and that the victims and survivors of these atrocities are alive to see justice served.

 It's not entertainment but go see this powerful film.  It's important.

Fruitvale Station

We both loved this film.  It deals an emotional punch to your gut and reawakens feelings of anger and dismay at the Trayvon Martin decision.  First time director Ryan Coogler has cast Michael B. Jordan perfectly for the role of Oscar Grant, an imperfect young man.  Yet a man with deep passion for life and his various roles as son, father, lover/partner. Melonie Diaz (his partner) and Octavia Spencer (his mother) are strong women who do not let Oscar get away with stuff and he is fully aware how these important connections keep him grounded.  His daughter played by Ariana Neal is just plain smart and delicious!  We left the Violet Crown moved and sad and disturbed by the series of events and the loss of life which was so unnecessary.  For any of you who have not been pushed by a police officer I can only say it makes your blood boil and rage fills your brain.  It requires enormous effort to not fight back.  It is reminding yourself that their gun can kill you that is the crucial element here. Do not miss this film.  A story about America.

HOW TO SURVIVE A PLAGUE (Documentary)

I lost too many friends in the 1980s-1990s to the AIDS epidemic.  I was busy having babies in the 80's so I didn't have a chance to lend my physical support to ACT UP, the group of brave, educated and passionate gay people who implored our government to provide healthcare to the thousands and then millions of people afflicted with this virus.  I remember so well the fear that hospital employees felt when working with AIDS patients.  All based on erroneous information and paranoia about contagion.  And President Bush asking for people to change their behavior! And watching people die lonely and pitiful deaths because of lack of services.  In the 1990's Abe was the AIDS Social Worker at St. Luke's Hospital on 112th Street and Amsterdam Ave. NYC.  We brought our children (ages 7 and 4) to that unit to see what their father did for a living and meet the patients who he cared about.  I will never forget that visit and neither have they!  Abe became seriously ill while working on that unit and was hospitalized himself for a couple of weeks and then a lengthy convalescence with visiting nurses for 2 months.  Yeah, we were scared.  But it wasn't the AIDS virus.  It was a curable liver abscess!  We were the lucky ones.  This documentary is passionate, revealing, informative and timeless.  See it on DVD like we did.

A Week-End With Janis and Graham

I'm not a lover of live music in Austin.  Film is my passion.  Sure the Symphony always works for me and some small bars where I go to hear specific musicians have been good experiences.  The SXSW and ACL events (tried them once) were just not my thing.  And most definitely not Abe's!  But this week-end music filled the air for us (not one film was seen) and it was perfect.  We celebrated our Anniversary with tickets to ONE NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN at the ZACH theater Friday night.  OMG what a powerful performance.  Kacee Clanton as Janis is just magnificent. I had seen Janis at the Filmore East every time she performed (1968-1969) and this performance just brought me right back.  I was 19 y.o. and remembered it vividly!  Wild child days with wild child boyfriend in the East Village.
Last night we saw the super talented and creative Graham Reynolds perform with others at the Continental Club.  Lizzy has always told me to check out that club on S.Congress thinking I would like it. She was right.  His interpretations of his original Bernie score and Duke Ellington were my favorites.  While I've seen Graham's quiet intelligence on display at Q&As at the Blanton or Long Center when he plays his music that wild child inside of him is in full display and it's great!  We both loved this performance.  A great show.  Looking forward to more.

Where Is Home?

I will never be a Texan.  No way.  Just got back from a Brooklyn visit that included an emotional roller coaster.  Not the visit I had planned. A solo 5 days with all of my women friends was what I had in mind.  Films, theater, restaurants.  I got that all in while tending to a husband who was in crisis mode caring for a very elderly Mom.  This experience enhanced me and I observed incredible loving and kind human behavior from staff and family all caring about a very old 96 year old woman.  It doesn't get better than this in life.  But I am not a Texan.  I am a transplanted New Yorker with NYC roots in my blood.  Bronx/Brooklyn to be specific.  I am happy to be back in Austin. I am happy to be in our home.

THE HEAT

Melissa McCarthy is a wonder to watch as she pulls off both physically and verbally a big woman detective with no filters or fears of what you think! Screenplay by Katie Dippold was filled with great comedy.  A scene in the station house early on where McCarthy describes the size of her captain's balls sets the stage for some great jokes about men.  This is clearly a great film about two women and offers so much fun for women to watch.  Truth be told Abe loved it and the audience seemed to love it as well. Of course there's some formulaic sentimental moments toward the end but you can forgive those as you laugh your head off.  Hats off to Paul Feig for using McCarthy in something so much more developed than Bridesmaids.  Go see this.  For me it was great preparation for the work that needs to continue on Monday at the Capitol.  Women working together to get something done!

Wendy Davis Filibuster

I got to the Capitol Senate at 10:30a.m. to stand up for Wendy Davis, a State Senator fighting to keep abortion clinics open in Texas and provide access to these facilities for all women.  She planned on a 13 hour filibuster to prevent Republicans passing a bill that would close down all but 5 of these clinics.  She's a tiny beautiful 50y.o. Harvard educated lawyer who was a 19y.o. single mother.  Talk about a journey! She spoke for 10 hours while twice being caught on violations from The Taliban Texans (Republicans) who were so mean to her.  One violation was when Sen. Ellis helped her put on a back brace! Hundreds of people lined up to hear her talk.  I stayed until 4PM when I left to pee and get something to eat and returned at 4:30 until the end.  The gallery EXPLODED at 10 P.M. when she was given her third violation.  The Dems held the stage as they argued rules and procedures because for sure The Taliban knew they'd have a riot on their hands if they stopped the session and called for a vote on the bill. We cheered and clapped from 11:40 when a female senator reminded the President (Dewhurst) that female senators are never heard when they make motions until past midnight when they did a quiet vote at the podium.  The "brown cops" tried to make us leave, many did.  I did NOT appreciate a brown clothed cop pushing me out the door, told him so and ducked inside.  Ugh!  I did not like him! And so we end this day with the Taliban getting their vote passed illegally (past midnight) and them getting the message:  "We're Here, maybe queer. a lot smarter and kinder than you."  The whole world was watching tonight.  When Wendy Davis becomes governor maybe then Abe will stop saying "Texas is an awful state."  I will work so hard to make Wendy Davis our next governor.  I want Abe to feel better about Austin being in Texas.  For my kids too.

Sometimes You Have To Make Your Own Community

It's no secret that Abe and I will never ever ever be Texans. So I try very hard to find those experiences and people that validate what I value, what I stand for, what's worth paying attention to and fighting for.  So much about Texas legislation is so oppositional to what we believe in.  So EVERY opportunity I have to share my voice and speak out about what I believe in as a tax paying citizen of Texas finds me showing up!  And I am always so pleased to find myself surrounded by Texans who share my value system, are well educated and heartfelt about the rights of women to have access to their constitutional right to reproductive healthcare.  Today's turnout at The Capitol was fabulous.  Hundreds and hundreds of men and women showed up  to let the Legislators know we were there and cared very much about their discussion of bills that would close down all but 5 abortion clinics.  Keeping reproductive healthcare out of the Legislators hands is crucial to the well being of all Texans, men and women alike.  I'll keep fighting the fight.  This is how I find my community.

REEFER MADNESS at the Dougherty Arts Center

This musical comedy which had a short run Off Broadway runs for  four more days at the Dougherty before it returns to Spiderhouse next week-end.  Don't miss it!  The direction by Michael McKelvey is excellent and his casting selections are flawless.  The choreography is challenging to cast and crew as this performance occurs in two different venues.  We loved the energy, the talent and the parody of the hysteria surrounding reefer.  The play is based on a propaganda government issued film made in 1938  warning parents of the harmful influence of marijuana.  It's what musicals are made for "You got trouble right here in River City."  Hats off to Sarah Marie Curry (whom I studied Improv with) and Joey Banks who are fabulously talented as the leads.  The costumes, sets, props all worked so well to produce a fun evening of fine tuned musical theater. Go Go Go!

Kurosawa Double Header at the Paramount

While RASHOMON has always been a favorite of mine with it's four different versions of a horrific event the real winner tonight was HIGH AND LOW.  This is an old fashioned crime thriller/cop movie filled with  social commentary and absolutely exquisite acting.  Watching a family in the early 60's whose lives are torn apart by a kidnapping and the ethical dilemmas presented them when they learn it's the chauffeur's son rather than their own who is kidnapped is riveting.  I learned more about Japanese culture, character, social strata from this film than any history lesson I'd ever received in school.  Kurosawa is a master filmmaker.  His shot of junkies in a heroin den was so authentic and gruesome, while shots of an upper class home were beautiful and stylized.  His actors wardrobes were meticulous and I just loved the shots of cops sweating in their shirtsleeves working hard to figure out a crime for the sake of bringing honor back to a man who felt shamed. We both loved this film and getting out on Congress to the ROAR of motorcycles and their drivers parading up the strip ended a perfect night of character driven experience.

'Singin' In The Rain at the Paramount

Truth be told I've seen Gene Kelly a bazillion times in the dance/song sequence while he's singin' in the rain  but I've never seen the entire film and it was absolutely wonderful.  The Paramount was filled with kids..tons of kids with their parents.  And they laughed their heads off at this film made in 1952 with Donald O'Connor offering stunts and facial grimaces and hysterical mimicking of characters.  None of the kids were disruptive, antsy in their seats or whining.  Proof that this is a fantastic film that hits it's mark.  I am not a lover of musicals or musicals on film.  But all of the dancing and singing  in this film  is meaningful and enhances the story.  Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor are multi-talented and not only do they dance and sing ...they can act.  This is surely a classical American film that should be held up as an example of a huge enterprise that enhanced the culture of filmmaking in America.  Just gorgeous!!!

Marilyn Monroe:The Immortal Goddess/Austin Film Society

Last night's Essential Cinema's pick began the series of Marilyn Monroe films.  This 1994 documentary was extremely informative and respectful.  A highlight was Gloria Steinem's intelligent reflections on Marilyn.  To have an educated activist feminist counter balance the perpetuation of Marilyn as an untalented sex object is what made this documentary so substantial.  Meeting Martin Mortensen, her first husband, a thoughtful and respectful man who married her when she was 16 and he was 21 was comforting in that he described her respectfully as a fine wife who enjoyed being married.  She had great domestic skills and he demonstrated little anger about her choice to be an actor rather than his wife.  We saw numerous scenes from many of her films and not only was she gorgeous she demonstrated a great talent for comedy and emotional depth in her characters.  Susan Strasberg described Marilyn's dependency on her mother (Paula) for constant coaching on set and what we see emerging is Marilyn's self doubt, her demons winning a battle and an extremely sad decline.  This is a powerful and truthful account of Marilyn Monroe's real life.

Mothers and Daughters

So my dearest friend of 25 years returns to NYC and within a few days we receive this photo of our girls, Samantha and Liz, 23 and 25 y.o., respectively, from the Big Apple.   It's been a few years since they've seen each other but those happy smiles tell it all.  These young women spent hours together when they were little girls.  They produced plays, thwarted their big brothers' attempts to over power them, had a shared active fantasy life, slept over each others homes, comforted each other, giggled until you laughed right with them.  Pam and I schlepped them to plays, films, shopping, restaurants, museums, different cities and created a history that brings smiles to their Moms' hearts..  Such nice memories brought to the surface by this spontaneous image.  I'm sure they were fully aware how happy Pam and I would be to see them reunited.

What Would Never Happen in Brooklyn #3

So when we realized we had a water pressure problem I called our regular plumber from ABC.  He comes out and checks and tells us rather than replacing a pressure valve for big bucks why don't I call the city and ask them to come check the water meter and make sure it's not clogged.  While he's here he takes off two hose heads we were unable to remove with numerous people trying all week.  He charges us $0 and of course I send him off with home baked cookies. So first  I call the 311# and get a courteous and helpful response and connection to  the City Water Dispatcher and another pleasant woman tells me someone will be out TODAY and will leave a note on my door.
So here's how this plays out in Brooklyn:  I make five calls to get the correct number never speaking with a live human.  When I get a live person she/he will be short, rushed, annoyed, take all of my personal info, put me on hold and then I'll get cut off.  Start the same process over again and repeat all of my info to be told someone will be out after I fill out forms and return them to some NYC Bureau.  After the forms are sent and lost and sent again someone comes out (3 weeks later) and leaves no written outcome.  It takes another week to get their determination.  The city will charge me $600 (approximately) for their review and then I'll hire a plumber who will charge me about $1500 or more.  Meanwhile I'm showering at the gym everyday and Abe takes twenty minutes each shower to get wet!

Today Austin may be the 11th largest city but it's the #1 BEST in overall helpfulness!

HARVEY at ZACH Theater

Pam asked that we see this production and both she and Ira were thrilled with the new renovation of the ZACH.  Hats off and much admiration for Martin Burke who brought us a fine interpretation of the sweet alcoholic and his imaginary 6 foot friend (a rabbit). We all noted how different his character was from Jimmy Stewart who played this role back in the 50's on film. Marijane Vandivier was absolutely perfect as the visiting aunt who is aghast at her nephew's antics.  It's always a pleasure to see MJ on stage.  She is an acting teacher at ACC who tried unsuccessfully to get me to lose my NY accent.  While Lauren Lane and Michael Stuart offered fine performances as Elwood's sister and psychiatrist and received some good laughs I found the performance to not engage me as I would have hoped.  I couldn't tell if it was the story or the truthfulness of the performances.  Once you study with Laurel Vouvray you never again approach actors with the same mind set.  I don't mind that.  It keeps me acutely aware of the importance of being truthful in an imaginary moment. A fine experience shared with Brooklyn friends who really liked the performance.

FLOUR AND VINE

The new restaurant on S. Lamar that replaced Hugo's is wonderful.  We had tickets for Zach theater and noticed a deal for free appetizers with tickets so thought we'd give it a shot with our Brooklyn buddies, Pam and Ira.  Wow!   Fried green tomatoes, bibb lettuce leaves wrapped around an awesome sauteed chicken and mushroom concoction, battered shrimp and the best fried green tomatoes I've ever tasted were our appetizers.  We ate veggie lasagne, black drum wrapped in parchment, a lamb pasta dish and we were all thrilled.  This is a great restaurant that deserves a very loud shout out!  Brooklyn was in the house and we were delighted.  Prices are very very reasonable.  Dustin our waiter provided warm, humorous, elegant service.  I always love showing my Brooklyn friends just how good life in Austin is.

'Tokyo Story' at the Marchesa Hall/Austin Film Society

Last night's Essential Cinema selection was one of the best films I've seen in my lifetime.  This film made in Japan  in 1953 by Yasajiro Ozu is considered one of the 10 greatest films throughout the world.  (Of course Chale Nafus'  program notes brings us so much information you don't even have to "google.")  This director brings us a view of "family" that will immediately defy any assumptions you have made about Japanese filial loyalty.  An aging couple from the countryside decide to visit their children in Tokyo and from there we are invited to see what really happens in many families.  Children have little time, little interest, and are incredibly self- centered.  When asked by other's  "aren't you looking forward to grandparenthood?" I will refer them to this film.  The daughter-in-law whose husband died in WWII is the touch of grace in this film.  She is kind, devoted, loyal and I just wanted to sit next to her to be in her grace.  We learn from the notes Ozu was a prolific director making 54 films in 35 years and fortunate to use the same cast and crew.  It is his story telling I loved the best about this film.  It is not flooded with dialogue.  The words spoken are important so you listen intently.  The message comes through loud and clear and is uttered softly and silently.

AFS will be bringing a new art house cinema to Austin.  That is good.  Damn, I wish an F train went there!

South Austin Gallery

A shout out to this incredibly professional, creative, artistic, vintage framing shop on South 1st Street. Located  in the same shopping site with Soup Peddler on Mary Street.  Their prices cannot be beat.  So affordable! Abe and I collect posters, graphic art and bring the stuff right there.  Liz and other photographers we know have their work framed there as well.  Vintage frames are brought in weekly so there is always a good selection.  And they do a terrific job of matting. There is Austin memorabilia art, vintage clothing and the most helpful women there to assist.  I promised them a post and I am so happy to recommend this wonderful Austin gallery.

Oy Vey Old Sport:'GATSBY'

Baz Luhrmann has created an extravaganza of visual beauty and excess based on an empty story.  Who cares a hoot about these characters?  Daisy Buchanan has no life, is pathetically empty, and you would never know she was a mother.  She wished she had a girl so the girl could grow up to be  foolish.  And that is what she is!  To watch a two hour film based on men's desire for her is painful!!!!  Nick Carraway, the writer is talented and would have done much better to write about people who matter.  Sorry, the story is flawed and I have no idea why it's required reading in High School.  Sometimes alcoholic writers do not deserve the acclaim we give them.  Sometimes they write personal drivel and we should leave it at that!

UT RTF Graduation 2013

Abe and I traveled up to Frank Erwin Center to watch tomorrow's filmmakers, journalists, speech pathologists, advertising Mad Men and Women graduate.  Special hugs and warm congratulations to Malina Panovich and Haley Elizabeth Anderson and their wonderful families.  These hard working young women have shown me just how diverse and intelligent and unique young Texans can be.  I love them and hats off to them!

Mother's Day 2013

For the first time in 11 years I spent Mother's Day with my kids.  I was so happy...over the moon happy.  We went up to campus to see MFA non-thesis films and the best was Lauren Kinsler's 'King Bling.'  A scholarship paying entry to film festivals was awarded to Lauren and very well deserved.  We then came home to delicious food from Central Market and my pleading for photos.  And for Mother's Day Abe had framed a wonderful print of an East Side door taken by Liz, my favorite  photographer.  Josh and Liz presented heartfelt words, well thought out gifts and themselves!  I am a lucky woman who feels great gratitude today.

UT RTF Undergraduate Thesis Films

I sat and watched like a proud mama the students whose films I've been in the last three years.  And oh, how they've grown and developed.  Haley Anderson's 'Smoke Ring' is a film about a brother and sister feeling their mother's absence painfully.  Jamaal Happens celebrates the inclusion of gay men  and "coming out" in a unique, funny  and sensitive film.  Malina Panovich (my very first director ever) writes, directs and stars in a sensual film about choosing one's road in life.  Amanda Yam captivates us with a film about a mermaid yearning to return home.  Oh, I loved all of these films.  There were so many others presented today as well that made me so happy to hear these young filmmakers want to pursue their passions and continue making films.  In Austin!  Oh yes!  Tomorrow's filmmakers.

ZUMBA at Ballet Austin

Needed to spice up my daily work-out schedule at Gold's gym so I opted to take a zumba class at Ballet Austin.  This class was goooood!  Phil Amador was  energetic, experienced, up beat, gave clear directions, and provided a good variety of sets.  There were 10 women in the class (in Brooklyn the same amount of studio space has 30 people and a security guard to keep people not signed up out of the room!) I just loved that a young woman in the class has a sister living in Brooklyn Heights and attending Medical School at Downstate in Brooklyn.  Love being reminded of my Brooklyn/Austin connections.
 Free parking underneath City Hall and across the street from LEAF, a great salad cafe.  I've already signed up for next Wednesday's class!

'The Wages of Fear'/Austin Film Society

The trek up to the Marchesa Hall was well worth it tonight for this classic French film directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot.  This 1953 thriller has it all.  Four European men in a desolate and impoverished Latin American town agree to transport nitroglycerine through an incredibly hazardous terrain for a nice sum of money.  Their task is to bring it to an American oil field which has a fire raging.  Yves Montand has a starring role and the three other leads are fabulous! Suspenseful, political, beautifully shot with intense dramatic scenes between the four men had the audience at the edges of their seats.  Copious program notes were given to us by Chale Nafus, Program Director which makes you feel like you've completed a course on Clouzot's films.  Only down side is that we really miss our Alamo South Lamar theater.  In the hood, fun, food, drinks and those great warnings telling you you'll be thrown out if you talk, text, or bother anyone. 

'THE COMPANY YOU KEEP' and Cinco De Mayo

I like being reminded of my activist days back in the sixties and miss the passion of the times. I was eager to see Robert Redford's film with a cast filled with 60+ year old actors and to revisit that time in my life.   So Redford's film about the Weather Underground and what has happened to it's members since is a good thriller about the consequences that come to follow us as we age.  There's a moral story here.  If you weren't at the bank where a security guard got killed then you're a good guy.  If you participated in a bank robbery where a security guard was killed then you're not good..guy or gal.  So here you have people on the run with new identities being brought back to their pasts and being forced to do the right thing when a young reporter (an adorable Shia La Beouf) comes nosing around.  Redford, Julie Christie, Nick Nolte, Susan Sarandon, Sam Elliott,et al have all aged...some better than others.  But it was good to see everyone working in great roles.  I can't leave without mentioning the awful hair on Redford and Christie...real or not...so unnatural and silly!
Cinco De Mayo on 2nd Street never disappoints.  Delicious margaritas, great music and tons of happy people dancing, singing and having fun.  So happy it was a totally safe day for all.

42

I am a sucker for films about what's right.  I get totally absorbed in the story, cry, laugh, and cheer when the bad folks get put down in any way possible (including murder.) Yesterday's film found me and two other women sitting alone in the huge Westgate 11 Regal cinema to watch this powerful film about the journey Jackie Robinson took as the first black baseball player in the Major Leagues.  I'm not a baseball person but I am a lover of desegregation history.  Nothing gets me more passionate than watching our history unfold and Jim Crow rednecks losing. Only 50 years ago students were hosed down and set upon with dogs when they walked out of classes in the south protesting segregated schools.  So watching this amazing story about a great couple, Jackie and Rachel Robinson, looking hatred straight in the face and stepping around it is a great reminder of our painful past.  Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey the Brooklyn Dodgers owner sees a market for including black players on his team because there are so many black fans in Brooklyn.  But his character develops and when asked again by Jackie "why are you doing this Mr. Rickey?" a more honest answer develops.  Chadwick Boseman and Nicole Beharie had me believing they were the real thing.  I LOVED this film and so did the three women in the theater who represented  black, white, the north and south.  When the credits came on we all applauded!!! 

What I Learned About Patti Smith Today

Patti Smith performed live today in Studio 1A at KUTX where I volunteered signing people in and welcoming them with their enthusiasm and mine!!  She entered the studio with a somber and pensive face.  And I waited outside for 10 minutes in case of latecomers.  And then I entered the sound booth to observe which is the best part of volunteering at KUTX.  Patti Smith has an extraordinary voice and plays a mean guitar.  She smiles a lot when talking to the audience and is very very optimistic about life and people.  When describing an encounter with the new Pope she discusses his spirituality, his goodness and her positive reaction.  She NEVER mentions the church's views on homosexuality or abortion or family planning.  She responds to the goodness in people.  She is a disciplined writer who writes every morning for 2 hours while she drinks coffee in a cafe.  She loves a laugh from her audience.  She wrote a song to Amy Winehouse which stuck me in my gut and she thanked Amy.  She thanked Richie Havens after she sang a song to him.  And she reminded me of everything in the 70's that was in my journey to become this 64 y.o. lady, a bit younger than her 66 years.  Oh yes.  Patti Smith and I are in our 60's and still kickin' and livin' a life.  Wrinkles and all.

'IN THE FAMILY'/Austin Film Society

Last night AFS brought us a remarkable film written and directed by Patrick Wang ( who also plays the main character).  Originally from Texas, now a New Yorker, he writes a film set in Tennessee.  A refreshing film about family (in this case two men and  a 6 y.o. boy), loss, friendship, and the importance of "talking about things."  Joey Williams, the  surviving Dad, is a most unusual and refreshing character.  He meets his challenges naturally by thinking, coming up with alternative solutions and most importantly "listening."  Various women and ultimately a retired aging lawyer help him in his fight to regain custody of his son.  He is given an opportunity to "talk about things" and in a beautiful monologue he is encouraged to tell all of the people at a deposition of this custody case what he is willing to give up to get what he wants. (Not really a custody case because he never adopted Chip). This monologue is just beautiful and it is a pleasure to meet Joey Williams.  At the Q&A Mr. Wang mentioned that this film is very popular with teenage girls.  Of course!  Who wouldn't want to meet a Joey Williams when you're surrounded by teenage boys?  You can still see this film tonight at the Marchesa Hall. 

TELLING:AUSTIN,TX @Mexican American Cultural Center

This performance piece written by Jonathan Wei and produced by the Creative Writing Department at ACC with The Telling Project is well performed, intelligent and emotionally powerful.  Eight Austin military vets and some family members stage the telling of their stories.  I knew one of the actors personally, and knew that when she decided to join the Army in between her Jr. and Sr. year of college in order to handle student debt, she had an incident where she was treated terribly by a  professor.  He closed the door on her when she came to say good-bye dressed in uniform.  I heard about that on NPR when she wrote a poem about the incident.  I always remembered that and wanted to honor her service.  And last night was a perfect opportunity.  All of the performers are articulate, literary and very connected to the impact the military has had on their inner worlds and how they've handled their challenges.  Some of the stories of rape and sexual abuse will enrage you and might make you cry.  I left feeling I was in the presence of survivors who were not afraid to share their struggles.  We have no idea the enormous sacrifice made by people who enlist in the armed forces.  There are 3 more performances May 2-May 4.  Don't miss this.  It will enhance your understanding of what happens to our soldiers.

'MUD'

Jeff Nichols has created a fine film here.  Character driven, beautifully shot and very well acted.  A journey that two young boys on a river take and along the way learn a great deal about themselves and life.  And to think one can watch a film about young people who don't have computer access.  How refreshing. 

Cine Las Americas closes tonight with '7 Cajas'

The last two days I have seen films that are so out of the ordinary and enjoyable.  Yesterday was 'Sosua.'  Liz Swados (the brilliant choreographer/playwright of RUNAWAYS) takes a group of Dominican  and Jewish teens and produces a theatrical piece about  the history of 800 German Jews being saved by the D.R. dictator Trujillo from Hitler's Germany.  The teens live in this culturally divided community in Washington Heights and come together at the YM-YWHA but don't interact much.  Liz helps form these kids into a community and they produce a heartfelt self written musical theater piece about  two cultures meeting, relating, helping and becoming strengthened by their co-existence.
Then 'Colegas' the most unusual film I have ever seen.  Three young adults with  Down Syndrome live in an institution in Brazil and work in the video library.  They steal a car and go off on a journey of a lifetime imitating the movies they have come to love.  They are stick-up guys and a gal; experience being circus performers, marry, have sex, dance, get drunk, and fly.  This is such an unusual and happy film with such comfortable performances by the three main actors.
Tonight I had the good fortune to watch the final film '7 Cajas' with UT RTF soon to graduate Malina Panovich, a filmmaker whose Route 22 was a short in this festival.  We both loved this film made in Paraguay. This is an action thriller that had the audience hooked.  Cinematography, music,and story had the audience applauding for ages at the end.  A 17 y.o. wheelbarrow driver  is asked to deliver 7 boxes to an unknown destination and his desire for a cellphone costing $100 takes him on an adventure that is packed with  humor, close calls, violence, a girl who loves him and life threatening escapades.  A great way to end this wonderful film festival.

Cine Las Americas/Austin's BEST Film Festival

Sorry, but I attend all of the film festivals in Austin and this is by far the best. It's so viewer friendly and the selection of films is so intelligent.  During the day all of the films at the Mexican American Cultural Center are free and MACC provides a parking pass.  Today I saw 'La Montana' an exhilirating documentary about three natives of the Dominican Republic who climb Mt. Everest.  This is  paralleled with 3 young boys (friends and surfers) hiking three miles to the tallest summit in the Dominican Republic inspired by the Mt. Everest climbers.  The Q&A with the filmmaker was informative, intelligent, and so inspiring.  The audience just loved this film.
This evening at the STATE I saw a remarkable documentary about Javier Bardem's personal struggle for the people of West Sahara who have been living in a camp of tents colonized by Morocco for 35 years!  Their struggle for their human rights has been thwarted by the U.N., USA and France until now.  This film has really brought about change for these nomadic people who have lost their homes, their lifestyles, their family members.  The Q&A was once again intelligent and informative.  No doubt in my mind that this festival is the best in town!  The subjects, the presentation, the ease to get into films and the intelligent audiences makes this my favorite film festival in Austin!

Cine Las Americas/Mexican American Cultural Center

The first feature documentary at MACC today combined both film festival and art festival, my two great loves.  'Calle Del Arte' is a documentary about the German based artist Clamencia Labin who returns to her native village Marcaibo, Venezuela annually where she stages a huge international art festival using  people's homes.  This tiny village which was once considered extremely dangerous houses an annual festival visited by 20,000 people.  And the villagers love it.  Even the very fussy lady who doesn't want nails in her walls (she is a hoot).  The artists are German, the villagers are Latino, and everyone benefits!
'Adios Padrecitos' is considered a short, but it's way too long to be considered that.  The subject matter is very engrossing...a group of priests who have helped Ecuadorian indigenous people to stand up to the mighty oil  Texaco company and wage a law suit are invited by the vatican to leave.  They don't listen and one father stages a hunger strike.  The subject matter was terrific, the editing needs much improvement.  All of the films at MACC are free and I was given a parking pass for the next three days!
Went to El Naranjo, had a glass of delicious Spanish wine, played with a huge Great Dane, and made it home to a house without Abe.

Unfathomable Grief X 2

Newtown was my first "Unfathomable Grief" post and now I'm back again.  My family lived through 9/11 in NYC.  Abe was in Harlem, Josh was in The Bronx at Bronx High School of Science, and Liz was in her new H.S. in Brooklyn named for Edward R. Murrow and I was in a hospital in downtown Brooklyn watching planes go into buildings across the harbor.  I am speechless today.  I have spent the day trying to do good deeds for everyone I have contact with.  Finding jobs, supporting projects, being thankful for Austin figures who have made our transition easier.  But today I am happy I am an older person.  Because I cannot bear to hear more of loss of life, limbs, and the possibilities of evil that innocent people can be victim to.  I cannot bear a lifetime of this violence.  I am happy I am 64.

'The Place Beyond the Pines'/Violet Crown

This is surely one of the most painful films I have ever seen.  It's a lengthy and complex  discussion of generations of relationships between fathers and sons.  None of the characters are simplistically developed, they all have elements of good/bad (except for the adolescent son played by Emory Cohen---he's pure "dick.") Derek Cinanfrance has done something unusual, creative and important here.  He's made a film about families, their men, the women who love and leave  them without resorting to the current trendiness of what's marketable. It was compelling to see young people in their real and painful lives in high school having real conversations with each other, their families, without the antics played over and over again in current cinema and television.  In some ways it reminded me of how I felt about 'The Deer Hunter' when I saw it a thousand years ago.  A different screenplay about real lives.  The setting in Schenectady, New York helps with the truthfulness.  For sure the performances are wonderful and I frequently was at the edge of my seat.  See this movie, not to be entertained, but to be drawn into the truthfulness of the human condition.  This film left me sad, thinking, and grateful for the father/son relationship in my own world.

Art City Austin

I cannot say enough good things about the amazing arts and crafts today we encountered at this arts festival.  And of course we love supporting artists and crafts people and talking to them about their visions so we purchased two new pieces for our round walls. Now  if I could only get Verizon to upgrade my phone to take photos we'd have been set and I'd post.  Back to my Canon film camera....Verizon you blew it!

John E. Dee and Chicken Marsala

My favorite KUTX program is Friday night with John E. Dee.  The music is back in the day soul and I know the sounds and I cook and drink wine having myself a hell of a good time.  So when the first born son asks "chicken marsala tonight?"  I am on it.  He's been traveling around the country pitching transportation sharing throughout the midwest and coastlines as well..so meeting his request is a no brainer for this Jewish mother.  So here's the recipe.  It comes from a really old edition of "The Not Quite Vegetarian Cookbook."  It is vintage!
 4 boneless chicken breasts
2 green or red bell peppers sliced
1/2 lb fresh mushrooms (I omit)
3 garlic cloves pressed
1 lemon
1 Tbsp parsley
1/4 tsp basil
1/2 cup tamari
3/4 cup marsala wine
1/2 cup flour
oil
Cut chicken into small pieces. Squeeze lemon over chicken. Shake flour mixture over chicken.  Brown on both sides.  Remove. Add garlic, onion,peppers,mushrooms, parsley and basil.  Saute 5 mins.  Add chicken, tamari, and wine.  Simmer 20 minutes.  I serve with whole wheat pasta except when first born son is here.  He gets white linguine.  Bon appetit!

4 Years in Austin

April 9, 2009 was the first time in my life I didn't sit down at a seder table to celebrate Passover.  Instead, Abe and I  sold our loft early in the day and went to our closing with lawyers, brokers, agents, new buyers.  There were 10 of us in the room.  Afterwards we walked the hood, said goodbye to store owners, neighbors, and then our neighbor drove us to JFK where I used our new lap top for the first time. Abe was silent and looked worried. We arrived in Austin and slept at the Garden Hilton.  The next morning we were picked up by our RE agent and met with a broker in an office and signed off on our new home.  There were 4 of us in the room (already Texas was telling me "I'm From Texas, Screw You.") We couldn't get into our new home because no one left keys for us.  Our RE agent called another agent and he had the garage code to let us in.  Someone finally brought us keys.  It poured the next day after we slept on the floor.  A Time Warner guy came out to set us up with cable and phone lines and told us our new home was going to explode because the gas was connected to the electricity.  After Abe had a semi heart attack we learned he was mistaken.  He has since apologized (I'm certain he's strung out.)  It was a rough beginning.  Abe's adjustment was rocky, rocky, rocky and I was in heaven.  Yep, a Woody Allen script here.  It's my blog so I can say it's been a great ride and I am so happy we're here.  Our lives are filled with a new culture, beautiful art, a garden that brings us enormous gratification, Foundation Communities, UT RTF, Cohen New Works Festival, AFS, AFF, SXSW, Paramount, Stateside, Polvo's, Roaring Fork, The Blanton, The Long Center, The Alamos, Laurel Vouvray's acting classes, tennis for Abe at the South Austin Rec Center, and most important Josh and Liz, our kids.  Home at last...far from home. 

Angelique Kidjo at the 2013 Wobeon Fest

A perfect evening to head down to this world music concert at Mexican American Cultural Center to see Angelique Kidjo, a Brooklyn neighbor and gym mate whom I haven't seen in 4 years.  Angelique as always was filled with energy, great African dance moves and oh that voice.  Everyone in the audience was upright and dancing and she had a crowd of twenty up on the stage dancing with her.  A real group of quintessential diverse Austinites.  I was over the moon thrilled when she pointed to me from the stage with recognition and when I reminded her "Brooklyn was in the house" she asked "why'd you leave me girl?"  This started off the audience calling out where they came from and Angelique responding with native languages and her global wisdom.  Oh what a night!

Ray Wylie Hubbard in Studio 1A/KUTX

When we first moved here from Brooklyn Ray Wylie Hubbard was one of the first sounds I heard on KUT.  He really spoke to me with 'Snake Farm' and 'Whoop and Hollar'.  Then we went to the Armadillo Crafts Fair where I heard him sing 'Mother Blues', introduce his son, a fine guitarist, and I was sold!  This guy is a poet and his words sink straight into the mind and heart of this Park Slope Brooklyn transplant.  So when Kim Cates, KUT Volunteer Coordinator sent out an email yesterday asking for 2 volunteers for the live Studio1A performance of Ray Wylie I was in heaven!  And fearful  for sure that someone else would get this opportunity.  I answered immediately and in 5 minutes I was told that I would be volunteering to sign people in and see the performance myself.
What can I say?  From the moment Ray Wylie entered the reception area he communicated warmth, happiness and when I opened the door for him he returned my  beaming smile with a good ol! smile.  I was speechless  (hard to imagine for those who know me.)  And when Kurt (my co-volunteer and wonderful to work with) and I entered the studio to sit down and listen we were in the midst of an extraordinary performance.  All of the audience was so happy to be there as we checked them in and Jay Trachtenberg asked the best questions and commented beautifully in that soft style of his.  He really knows how to talk to people.  I could go on and on and tell you what he played with his accompanying guitarist, but that's not needed here.  When the performance ended and he graciously took photos and shook hands I waited to let him know how much I admire him and I quoted a line from 'Mother Blues':  "On the days I keep my gratitude higher than my expectations, those are my good days."  Ray Wylie, you have brought me through some challenging moments with that thought, and for that I am eternally grateful.  Thank-you KUTX for this extraordinary opportunity.

Pam Is In The House

So Abe's been planning this lunch at the 4 Seasons for a week now...telling me he wants to take me out to celebrate my first live theater performance.  Not his usual style but I figure he's making an effort to be attentive.  He was weird about the time...like telling me I couldn't go to Body Pump because we had to be there at 12:45.  WTF?  Weird...but I went along.  And there I was in the Lobby Lounge when Pam appears.  I wish someone took a photo of my gaping mouth for 5 minutes.  And tonight she saw this wonderful play with Liz, Jared, Reed and Abe and I am dancin', dancin', dancin!  3 days with my Pammy!  Bliss!

Passover in Austin 2013

You know you're not in NYC when you walk into your local HEB, a market I love and visit regularly, and there is no matzoh, no farfel (matzoh crumbs), no overly priced fudgy brownie mix made with matzoh meal.  When staff looks at you curiously because they are so trying to be helpful when I ask where matzoh and Passover products are you feel "different."  And I am reminded that I have always elevated being different to a higher status than fitting in.  My choices have always been different given my culture growing up in the 50's in the Bronx.  I didn't become a teacher, I didn't marry a doctor, lawyer, or accountant, I didn't move to the suburbs but to Brooklyn where we lived in a loft half under street level.  When it came time to send Josh and Liz to public school we didn't have them tested for the "gifted" programs but allowed them to go across the street where being white and Jewish placed them in the category of "minority" big time.  Abe and I have hopefully communicated to them that it's not only OK to be different, it's preferable.  So in this context (and with some help from Central Market) we sat down to read the Haggadah (the story of Passover).  The story  of slaves in Egypt being freed with the help of an almighty God.  Abe is a true believer that these are "stories" and I have always been more mystical and accepting of "divine intervention."  So last night our family and Liz's boyfriend, Jared Kinsler sat down to read the story Jews have recited year after year, dipped parsley into salt water, hid the matzoh, opened the door for "Elijah", sang "Dayenu," recited the plagues, and of course ate!  There was matzoh ball soup, chicken, two kugels, pickles (a Jewish green vegetable), tsimmes (sweet potatoes, carrots and prunes) and Liz's favorite gooey brownies made with matzoh meal.  And the most important element in the night was that we were in a place, far from our roots, free to observe whatever it is we observe, free to be different, free to tell our story in our very different city.

Learning With Laurel Vouvray

I am 64 years old. I have had hundreds of teachers by this time in my life.  I have a Masters in Social Work and remember just a few teachers from those days (1970-1972).  My elementary school teachers in The Bronx at P.S. 108 were mostly Irish Catholic women who gave me the basics that I thank to this day.  I remember all of their names.  But when I left class with Laurel Vouvray today I was touched to my core.  I felt enlightened and opened by this master teacher who lifts you up to be a better you.  I love what she says to others.  She corrects and teaches in a way that doesn't diminish you.  She makes you eager to move forward and learn more about yourself, others, and the human condition.  The only downside for me is that I began this journey so late in my life.  And this from a person with years of therapy in my younger days.  I am filled with gratitude today.

SXSW Day #9 and It's A Wrap!

The last day of films was one of the best for us.  Two fine documentaries.  This morning was 'The Continental' about life in the 70's in NYC where gay guys met and partied at the steambaths in the gorgeous landmark Ansonia hotel, and where Bette Midler and Patty LaBelle had their starts in performance life. We always love these walks back in time to our very changed NYC home.  And this afternoon was the beautifully made documentary about the wrongly accused Michael Morton, 'An Unreal Dream.'  A good Q&A with a packed house of Texans who remembered this story well.
And so I ended my 4th SXSW film series as an Austinite.  Learned  how to better navigate this film festival, and how to better understand and watch films.  I am filled with admiration for the  filmmakers I have met at Q&As and on lines chatting about their work.  So many have  sacrificed so much to make their films and do what they love.  And for that I am filled with gratitude.  I have come away a more enlightened  and educated person.

SXSW Day #8

The highlight of my day was the people we met on line and our conversations with them.   Filmmakers, their spouses, UFT Communications professors and a student who reminded me he once met me when I read a part of a rabbi for an audition.  (I was cast as a homeless bicycle thief for that one.)
'12 O'Clock Boys' was a truthful documentary about three years in a pre pubescent boy's life in West Baltimore as he yearns to join an illegal dirt bike gang.  His transformation from 10-13 reminds me of how much work we have to do  to strengthen and support the lives of our kids and their families in this country.
'She Loves Her Gun' is a narrative feature about a traumatized Brooklyn young woman who leaves NY following a violent incident and relocates to Austin.  Once again we see the 20 something Austin crowd in their milieu with favorite spots and locales.  While I really enjoyed the performances I thought the screenplay did not support a feature length film.  Would have preferred this as a short.
'Scenic Route' a story of two life long friends who share a stressful "over the top" ride cross country while confronting their relationship did not speak to us at all. 
I've come away from all of this film viewing acknowledging that my preference for SXSW films was clearly in the documentary categories.  My favorite narratives were in the wonderful shorts programs. 
Tomorrow is two documentaries: 'The Continental' and 'An Unreal Dream:Michael Morton.'  And then it's a wrap until next year.

SXSW Day#7 with 'William and the Windmill'

The Grand Jury Documentary award was well deserved.  Every once in a while I see a film that changes me, touches deep into my core and today 'William and the Windmill' did just that.  It is an honest film about relationships between those that are given a great deal because they are exceptional and those that do the giving.  Ben Nabors has worked on this film for 5 years, beginning with a short.  It is about an extraordinary teen in Malawi who builds a windmill from scraps and library research in response to his family's hard times. What the filmmaker unabashedly shows through interviews and shared moments is the duality of need between William and his benefactors.  An extraordinary film that I highly recommend.
Then Lizzy caught up with me at the Violet Crown where the talented UT film student Amanda Yam assisted  mother and daughter in sitting together to see SNAP, a very scary film about a psychopath and a clinical social worker.  I was riveted and at the edge of my seat. 
Alas I was disappointed in THESE BIRDS WALK, a documentary about a 6 year old runaway in Karachi.  30 minutes of watching boys hit each other in a home for runaways with sad futures and painful longing for parents tapped me out.  Could be me so you might want to explore further.
MUSIC is in the house and Austin is hoppin'.  I love the throngs during the day and walking home is a hoot with people and music all around me.  I am delighted to be home!  More tomorrow.

SXSW Day #6/'The Network'

One film today (I'm fading) and tomorrow there will be three (I'm pacing).  Abe and I just loved this documentary "The Network' made by an Australian woman, Eva Orner. Her goal was to portray a positive view of Afghanistan, the most dangerous place in the world.  And while we never ever leave the horrific side of this torn apart place, Ms. Orner succeeds in making us see something different.  A family of expats who are successful business people return and develop a huge television network in the country.  First by radio, then by TV.  Most importantly they employ 900 Afghans and prepare to teach these young people the art of production.  The professionals that come from Australia for years become intimate friends, mentors, advocates and allies.  They just love what they are doing.  The role of women amongst them is remarkable in that these young women are so brave to begin to question their roles in their country and speak out about their rights.  All this while sending home all of their earnings to families that have not joined them in their march to more modern lives.  No one knows what will be when the special forces leave and the expats leave as well.  Security is a big issue as is the threat of civil war.  But one thing is for sure.  A seed has been planted and  television and the media has provided a vision to people who never ever knew there was a world outside their own.  A fantastic film!

SXSW Day #5

I started the day with Documentary Shorts 1 at Topfer. The initial film 'After' was haunting and very personal for me.  A day at Auschwitz with the camera  observing the visitors, the cleaning staff, and those who care for and restore the artifacts (shoes, boots) of the victims destroyed at this notorious concentration camp. Another favorite was 'Recollections' a Japanese film about a volunteer photography project that restores family  photos destroyed in the tsunami and returns them to their owners. 8 films were shown in this series. In the Q&A many of the filmmakers discussed their preference for shooting with film and that was a pleasure to hear.
I then walked to Long Center where I saw the Narrative Shorts 3 program.  My favorite here was made by an NYU student from France, titled 'Mobile Homes'. A dismal view of a sex trafficked mom and her son who are saved by a house on wheels. A heartfelt film was 'Dotty' about an elderly woman learning to send a text.  A number of films were about relationships ending and it was amazing to see how violence could make people laugh when the perpetrator is a sweet woman.  No films tonight...sometimes you just have to chill and cook and stay in with your husband.

SXSW Day #4

This morning the Paramount was filled with folks there to see  Paul Stekler's documentary about post Katrina life in New Orleans:  'Getting Back to Abnormal'.  He and 3 filmmakers direct this extemely well made film of life in this complex city as they follow a bid for re-election.  The councilwoman  is a white woman who is admittedly "loose lipped"  but passionate in her desire to do what is good for New Orleans. Her warmth and sincerity come right through and her campaign manager is an energetic born organizer whose authentic devotion to this candidate is a highlight of this film.  To be aired on PBS.  Don't miss it.
I didn't get into '12 O'Clock Boys' with my wristband (a film about West Baltimore kids in a dirt bike gang) but will try again Friday.  So I walked over the bridge to see Narrative Shorts at the Long Center where 'The Audition' was clearly my favorite.  A 3 minute film had us laughing our heads off at the length an actress would go to for a role.  Fabulous.  And 'Natives' about a relationship between two young women (one Native American and the other Jewish) and a failed visit to the family of the NA woman was handled maturely and beautifully.  I noticed the films coming out of Columbia University's film program this year to be really well made.
Abe and I saw 'Hawking' this evening.  A documentary about the life of the brilliant Stephen Hawking told in his own words.  The intro by the two British filmmakers was humble and lovely. A beautiful film about an extraordinary man who just loves being in the limelight.
Tomorrow morning I'll be at the Topfer for Documentary Shorts.  Then walk over to the Rollins for Shorts Program 3.  And in the evening try to get into the Violet Crown for 'These Birds Walk' a film about street youth in Pakistan.  And now I'm fading.

SXSW Day #3

Started the morning off with Documentary Shorts at the Rollins.  I am so happy there are two more doc shorts programs because these are clearly the best!  These shorts highlighted people who were optomistic about life, truly unique in their aspirations and willingness to  make daring choices to do what makes them happy.  My favorites were:  'The Roper'  about a young black man from Louisiana who taught himself how to be a rodeo cowboy roper ever since his father took him to a rodeo.  KRS ONE is about a Brooklyn to Bronx legendary rapper who has been a homeless nomadic rapper and writes the very best poetic raps imaginable. 'Slomo' is about a neurologist/psychiatrist who gives up his medical practice  and "being an asshole" in his 60's to do what he loves..in line skating daily on the boardwalk on Venice Beach. These folks are inspirational, and there were many more.
This evening at the Topfer theater was 'Holy Ghost People' a well acted psychological thriller about a young girl and a challenged marine who go looking for her sister involved with a cult church with a snake handling preacher.  Fabulous acting made this film get a thumbs up.
Stayed at the Topfer to see 'Hours' a gut wrenching well acted story about a young man stuck in an evacuated hospital in New Orleans with his newborn premature daughter during the infamous Katrina hurricane.  Good Q&A followed with this first time director and talented cast.

SXSW Day#2

We began the day with the very popular Bryan Poyser's latest film 'The Bounceback' at the Paramount. This is a quintessential  view of Austin's current popular scene for the mid 20-30 y.o. crowd.  Air sex competitions, clubs, booze, breakfast, creative performance, lots and lots of talk about sex (think GIRLS, but not in Williamsburg) and some very funny moments. While I enjoyed seeing Austin on film I unashamedly admit the storyline didn't work for me. Age roared it's head on this one.
We then went next door to The Stateside to see PJ Raval's documentary 'Before You Know It', a world premiere.  This is a fabulous film about the Senior LGBT community and the support systems they have created for themselves as they have grown older.  A fabulous look at three different men and their journey into self acceptance as they age.  The filmmaker takes us to Harlem, Galveston, Texas and Florida where we meet likeable men who speak so forthrightly about their experiences.  And age does not stop them from exploring further truths about themselves and living their lives energetically even while facing some serious limitations. We both just loved this film and I highly recommend it.
This evening it was 'Midnight Shorts' at the Rollins.  Brilliant short pieces of filmmaking with titles like 'Child Eater',' Root','Boyfriends',and 'Playhouse' to name my favorites.  These filmmakers take adventurous risks with subject matter and the audience seemed to just love these zany films.  Nothing was sacred:  father's chain wives to kitchen baseboards, people have their heads suddenly blown off while having an idea, and children SHOULD be afraid of the boogeyman.
We once again agreed that short films have always been our favorites at film festivals.  A look into the creativity of new filmmakers like a huge smorgasbord at a dinner you like being at. 

SXSW Day #1

We began the evening with unusual choices for me.  Big headliners, one a comedy and the other a horror film both at 'The Paramount'.  Truth be told I wanted to wait over an hour on the Congress Avenue  line to get into the rhythm and energy of this incredible event that overtakes Austin.  It  reminds me of the fun and safe city that I now call home.  So we began with 'The Incredible Burt Wonderstone' a thoroughly silly comedy about two Las Vegas magicians.  Steve Buscemi, James Gandolfini, Jim Carrey and Steve Carell must have had a lot of fun filming.  It's a truly silly film but I just loved seeing Alan Arkin as a famous magician living in a nursing home.  I am  reminded  of the great opportunity  we as viewers are given when older actors continue to perform.
Believe it or not I truly enjoyed 'Evil Dead.'  I picked it because of location (Paramount) and because Abe just loves horror films.  Fede Alvarez, director, and many of the actors were present and I enjoyed Mr. Alvarez's opening remarks.  What I really really loved about this film was the audience.  1200 people who just LOVE this genre and clap unabashedly at guts and gore and funny lines.  And so what I realized once again what I love about film is the community it draws together.  And so now I can actually say I appreciated a horror film.  And my husband was happy.  Walking back over the Congress Avenue bridge to retrieve our car and drive home is a perfect way to end a night appreciating Austin,  I welcome the visitors.

THE DIRTIES at the Stateside

Tonight we went up to the State with Liz and Jared  to see the winner of the Narrative Film at the Slamdance 2013 Film Festival. Slamdance was created 20 years ago for the films that did not make it into Sundance.   All four of us just loved this film.  A film shot in Canada by some very talented filmmakers who were present for the Q&A.  Matt Johnson (director, leading actor and editor) and Owen Williams are remarkably genuine and appealing  in this  film about bullying and the deadly consequences that occur.  The subject matter is frightening and the talented Mr. Johnson handles it with enormous empathy for the two young outsiders treated so painfully badly by their bullying counterparts. You laugh lots before you sober up and sense danger.  Much of it is shot in local Canadian high schools and Canadian streets with non actors on a teeny budget.  Crew was a camera person and actors.   Mr. Johnson's Mom (on film and real life) is presented as a human, kind understanding parent.  There are no evil witches in this one.  Just people dealing with their imperfect lives and situations.  We all agreed this independent film could never have been shot in Hollywood.  It's way too real.  Highly recommended if you're in Dallas where it will be shown at the Dallas Film Festival.

QUARTET at the Violet Crown

"Growing old is not for sissies."  Not if you do it with a lust for life and appreciation that you can REALLY say what you think and how you feel.  Dustin Hoffman has directed a wonderful film about a variety of old people in a nursing home for retired opera singers from the UK.  Many of the actors are now elderly famous opera singers and I beamed to see their earlier photos during the credit sequence.  Maggie Smith is the grande dame who has a much harder time accepting her aging than the rest of her quartet.  Pauline Collins is just brilliant and adorable as the Alzheimerish (I know that's not a word) Cissy and her husband played by Billy Connolly is adorable as the sex fueled Wilf.  I cried and laughed simultaneously throughout this film while I drank some wonderful concotion made with orange juice, cucumbers and oh yes!  vodka!!  For me "growing older" has been loads of fun.  And I welcome more films like this which will bring the world of aging into it's proper place called "life."

BREAKING SALSA TEXAS 2013

Last night we headed to Emo's on the East Side for a salsa dance competition and B Boy City breakers demonstrating their moves.  What a fun event!!  Also a fashion show of hot looking clothes and the highest of heels this writer would never ever be able to wear. Beautiful clothing from Etc. down on 2nd Street. Dancers came from as far as Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and a judge hailed from the Bronx!!  And he could DANCE!  The event was so well organized by Mely and Romeo Navarro (and others) and her husband gave her so much credit throughout.  I loved noting the competing dancing women wore sneakers!! Dancers on the floor were beautiful to watch and you could see the amount of practice spent learning their moves.  Gorgeous!!  People were friendly and loved to talk about their love of dance.  One young man, Minh, has been practicing bachata (a dance from the Dominican Republic) seriously and we could not stop watching him  with numerous partners.  He loved telling us about his journey into the world of dance.  What passion!  The highlight of my evening was Abe asking the Bronx born judge to dance with me, a Bronx born Austinite.   Bless his heart, he did!  So if your husband isn't a dancer make sure he has a heart of gold! 

TEXAS EXPERIMENTAL FILMMAKERS/AFS

Last night we headed on up to Austin Studios to catch Caroline Koebel, New Yorker transplant, who organized a group of experimental filmmakers for this event.  And we were thoroughly engaged and captivated by their visions, their creativity and passion for making film out of the box.  While every film did not speak to me some moved me to no end.  The best part of the evening was being with artists who view the world through their own unique lens.  Think about this:  one of the filmmakers worked temporarily in a hotel and looks at the carpets on each floor and is drawn to their image, their patterns.  Can you imagine?  I would have just walked on them and not noticed!  We are made so much better by creative people who interpret the world through their own unique vision.  When I told this to Abe,  and mentioned  how fortunate we are to have Beethoven, Mozart, Cezanne......, he said "and Liz Moskowitz."  Yes, and "Liz Moskowitz."

THE ONLY LIVING BOY IN NEW YORK

I've been in rehearsal the last few weeks for an original play that will be presented at the 'Cohen New Works Festival' on campus the week of March 25-29th.  This festival honors the memory of David Mark Cohen, a theater professor and playwright and occurs every two years.  It presents new works from the numerous artistic departments at UT and is well received by students, faculty and the Austin community.  This original play The Only Living Boy in New York by Haley Elizabeth Anderson really spoke to me.  The setting is Brooklyn, a cluttered apartment, the home of a father and a traumatized son whose mother has abruptly departed.  The son is painfully struggling and communicates through a typewriter.  My role is a zany, all over the place family friend/psychotherapist.  I was invited by Haley to play Kara.  I've only worked in film, never  live theater before and have been assisted by the director, Stephen Gerald (also a native New Yorker) and my acting teacher Laurel Vouvray (another native New Yorker) to embrace this role with heart and soul. (And of course my big personality). So think about it:  a Brooklyn social worker retires to Austin, begins to study acting and finds herself in a play set in Brooklyn, cast as a therapist, written by an extraordinarily talented playwright from Texas who has always loved "everything New York."  How sweet is life.

BALLET AUSTIN/The Rite of Spring

Each time we go to a performance of Austin's Ballet company accompanied by the Austin Symphony Orchestra we are delighted.  And that was our Valentine's gift to each other.  Yesterday's performance made for a wonderful mutual gift.  Choreography by Stephen Mills, conducting by Peter Bay and the company of dancers always always delivers!  And then there's a Q&A where Mr. Mills and the dancers enlighten you with their wealth of knowledge about music, the world and dance.  Coming from New York we have high expectations about the world of dance and music.  And Austin never ever disappoints.  Mr. Mills you are a gift to the world of culture in Austin.

Valentine's Day #3 in Austin

It's our 3rd Valentine's Day in Austin for me and Abe.  We've shared 30 as a married couple and two more than that.  If anyone would have ever told us that we'd be in Texas (yikes) when we met on a blind date in Brooklyn we would have laughed our heads off.  I couldn't think of a more unquintessential Texas couple than me and Abe.  But here we are, with both of our kids no less.  Just proof of the pudding that when someone loves you as much as Abe has shown me, just about anything can happen.  And you might even end up in Austin!  Feeling more grateful than ever!  Happy Valentine's Day!

SIDE EFFECTS

Rooney Mara and Jude Law are wonderful in this suspenseful thriller about medical management of mental illness.  Scary, truthful  performances.  Steven Soderbergh delivers here.  I highly recommend.

STAND UP GUYS

America's classic actors: Pacino, Walken, and Arkin come together in this character driven film to deliver performances that made me weep. I wept because they are in their twilight years and so many actors won't be able to know them and observe their talent.  This is an extraordinary film.  Like a foreign film.  No great story line here:  only characters/actors listening and responding.  It is exquisite.  I heard an NPR interview with the director, Fisher Stevens.  He said they were impossible to direct because they knew what wouldn't work and told him.  So he listened to what they had to say about what would work.  Smart director...it worked.  Better than he could ever imagine.

OPEN HEART by Elie Wiesel

Just finished this tiny book which one can read in a half hour.  It's lovely.  It's about Elie Wiesel's open heart surgery at the age of 82.  How he copes: physically, spiritually, intellectually, psychologically.  There is no doubt that this humanitarian's faith has provided him with an extraordinary capacity to love and empathize. He describes feelings for his family (current and lost) that zoom right into your heart.  His is so very different from what my own relationship to Judaism is, yet he exemplifies the goodness that comes from our faith.  Read this book, it's an extraordinary lesson in how to live a life when you're growing old.

WHAT WOULD NEVER EVER HAPPEN IN BROOKLYN

So I'm walking on Western Trails heading home and turn my head to see the bus coming.  I have no idea where the bus stop is but start to run hoping it will come soon.  I'd already been to the gym and walked to WESTGATE so a bus ride felt deserved.  The bus driver pulls up and says "get in, you'll never make it."  Bless this guy.  Nobody in Brooklyn would notice me running on city streets.  They're too crowded and you can't run.  Too many strollers in Park Slope and too many rushing workers and messengers on bicycles in Manhattan.  Don't want to get this guy in trouble for stopping so I won't mention the #.

ALMOST,MAINE/Trinity Street Playhouse

A delightful beautifully acted theater piece.  Nine vignettes of love all set in cold Maine. Cathy Jones brings together comedic actors to play multiple roles and the experience is just wonderful.  A black box theater, whimsical stage sets, terrific performances, and a well spent afternoon.  In time for Valentine's Day.  A truthful, realistic view of love.  This is a wonderful piece of theater (not frivolous at all)  that should not be missed.  Support your local artists.  And this is FREE!

BREAKING BAD

While finishing up the shoot Saturday for Lost In Austin I heard some of the crew discussing this series and how much they like it.  Of course my own kids  have told me how good it is as well.  So I finally broke down, needed a break from memorizing lines, and got the first 3 CDs from Vulcan.  A slow beginning for me (pretty typical) but it's caught my interest and is good.  Doesn't have me riveted like The Wire or Downton Abbey but I'm interested.  Abe loves it!  Good to have a series about a meth cooker with lung cancer on the horizon for future viewing.   Who thinks up these things????

AMOUR: A film by Michael Haneke

I anticipated seeing this acclaimed and highly regarded film with great expectations.  A film about old age and dying, acted by experienced and talented actors in their 80's, with no humor or comic relief.  At all.  This film can only be described as exquisite character driven cinema.  With flawless heartfelt honest portrayals of what happens between two people who have shared a life and face their increasingly  diminished faculties together. A stroke, a caretaker who is aged himself, further incapacitation, and the humiliation of dependency.  Neighbors who made me long for a world we do not live in; a student who communicates with his eyes his grief about his teacher's incapacitation; and a cruel home care nurse heighten the reality of this deteriorating process.  But I also found great comfort in knowing that my husband of 30 years, sitting by my side would be that person sharing this time with me.  We have begun this process of aging together, Abe and I.  This film did not make me afraid.  I have experienced first hand what happens to people as they age and change and lose their lives as they knew them. This film reminded me of what will occur and how blessed I am to have someone by my side who will offer his life to insure my safety, happiness and comfort for every day he lives.  And that is why this film is extraordinary and I am so grateful to have seen it.

MAMA

Guillermo Del Toro has brought us an exquisite film and  the talented and beautiful Jessica Chastain has delivered as always.  And the two children actors are unbelievably real   in their physical portrayal of two children raised alone after a heart wrenching removal from their life as they have known it. Del Toro does not take the easy way out with cheap shots about kids.  He knows child development and understands that when you're really really young and hooked up to anyone, yeah anyone, you will love them and choose to be with them.  I saw that over and over again with my work with abused kids.  And he has delivered much more than a horror film.  This is a visually exquisite film.  While Abe jumped out of his skin a couple of times I was able to feel empathy for Mama, a victim of life's wrongs.  A beautiful film, I highly recommend.

George Saunders at Book People

We have arrived here in Austin!  Saunders and Sotomayor back to back.  It was a standing only crowd to hear George Saunders last evening at Book People.  Liz, her boyfriend Jared, Abe and I all got a chance to hear this unique and talented short story writer read  from his latest book The Tenth of December.  Jared's brother-in-law has been mentored by Saunders at Syracuse University the last few years so we were prepared to be in the presence of a warm human being.  Last week's piece about him in the NYT confirmed that as well.  Saunders has a bit of the stand-up  in him which delighted the audience.  I am sure the H.S. girls we met who were there on class assignment just loved his choice of a very sexy tale.  Their teacher admitted to being a bit "boggled" but he reminded her that American H.S. students know what "f***k" means.  I can't write that word on FB I've learned so forgive the stars.  They are definitely not me.  I recommend the book, it's been rotating around my family for a while.  Saunders deserves all of the accolades he's been receiving.