Last night’s opera was “The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny” by Kurt Weill. Weill died an American composer, but when this was written and premiered, he had never even cnsidered coming to America – he was still working in Germany with Bertolt Brecht. So I think it’s iffy to call this “by an American composer.” However, it is – sort of – set in the US (though you’d be hard put to figure out exactly where.) With the llibretto by Brecht (translated of course) it’s a stunning indictment of capitalism. But I don’t suppose RWNJ’s would watch opera much, and those who did wouldn’t get it. Over a decade ago, LA Opera put it on with Patti Lupone and Audra MacDonald, and that version was aired on PBS “Great Performances.” I think it plays best when the character of Jimmy is played by someone sweet and vulnerable, and that is hard to find. Here’s a small taste, without Jimmy, but with Patti Lupone.
Cartoon –
Short Takes – trying for good news so we can relax on a holiday.
Axios – FBI begins arresting individuals who attacked journalists on Jan. 6
Quote – The big picture: The government’s crackdown against attacks on reporters marks a changing of the tide, where journalists are starting to feel that there is some renewed protection after a year of attacks.
Click through for more
A nice editorial from the Miami Herald
Biden’s small gesture toward DeSantis highlighted the president’s human touch
Quote – After almost 18 months of a highly politicized response — or maybe non-response — to the deadly coronavirus, in this state and others across the nation, it is breathtaking to see Florida’s Republican Gov. DeSantis standing shoulder to shoulder with political rival, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz one day, and Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava on another — both Democrats. But a photo of our governor, sitting next to our president who, as he talks to local leaders, lightly places his hand on DeSantis arm, is the most moving of all.
Click through for more niceness.
The concert “A Capitol Fourth,” which is produced by the same people who produce the National Memorial Day Concert, will be broadcast today. My personal opinon is that the Memorial Day Concert is always better, generally much better, but that’s because the Memorial Day Concert goes so deep into the lives and issues of veterans, service members, and their families. the Capitol Fourth is more of a party. Parties bore me (except the Democratic Party OL). But if they don’t bore you, it should be excellent.
Click through for television listings, a trailer, a couple pf previews, a link to FAQs, a link to history, and more.
Food for Thought
In case anyone has been worried about Lynn Squance, after a few tries I was able to speak with her yesterday. We talked about an hour. She is – as fine as pretty much anyne in our age group can claim, and has been (and will be) very involved in political action regarding the events referenced in this article It’s very time consuming but we may eventually start to hear about it if and when it lets up enough to have writing time.
16 Responses to “Open Thread for July 4, 2021”
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JD, that opera sounds very interesting. Axios—GOOD! Looking fwd to more arrests coming soon, followed by REAL CONSEQUENCES, you know “personal responsibility”,LOL! Miami Herald—Biden proves “Nice guys DO NOT finish last.” Personally, I’m not getting all touchy-feely w/GQPs but will be civil to ones near me, when required to interact. A Capitol 4th—-have watched Memorial & 4th programs last few yrs. and liked them. FFT—-LOL! Re: Lynn S,,glad she is OK. How tragic for native children. Happy 4th, all. Stay safe—–someone in next county already hospitalized from fireworks last nite. Hoping tonite won’t escalate to GUNZZ!
Happy 4th!! to all who grace these pages, and Thank YOU, Joanne for your informational posts.
Gotta run, but here’s a few TJI’s for the day of festivities. Ya’ll have a great day, and celebrate!
This just in: “May we think of freedom, not as a right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what’s right.” ~ Peter Marshall ~
2. “America is known as a Country that welcomes people to it’s shores. ALL kinds of people.”
~ Ruth Bader Ginsburg ~
3. “When I grew up, we went to Coney Island and Central Park. We’d find our way to the water and watch the fireworks.” ~ Jimmy Smits ~
4. ‘It makes my heart melt like a Popsicle on the Fourth of July’. ~ A Little Rascals quote. ~
5. “I believe in America because we have great dreams, and becausewe have the opportunity to make those dreams come true.” ~ Wendall Wilkie ~
You’re welcome, Pat. You (and everyone who comments) and the wind beneath my wings.
TJI #1 and 5 – There you go, reminding us when there were Republicans who were human. (I’m assuming that of Chaplain Marshall just based on his other associations. Unless I have the wrong Peter Marshall and you meant the living one.)
TJI #@ – Not any more, sadly.
TJI #3 – George R.R. Martin never made it to Conel Island because they didn’t have a car. (Yes, I’ve been watching “Finding Your Roots” again. Just not this week.)
THI #4 – Aaaaaw. Sweet.
TJI#1: Wish someone who knock that into the rotten R’s.
TJI#2: She spoke wise words. Wish others would carry on with her words.
TJI#4: Nice thought. What a great group they were.
TJI#5: Sounds so nice, but since the first day tRump was in office, it’s become more of a wishful dream.
TJI #2 – Sadly, I can’t help but wonder if Notorious RBG were to return, given the current radical right-wing Rethuglican/Trump party, whether she would feel like she needed to amend her words.
Mahagonny!: I love it. In what now seems like another lifetime, the ’70’s?, in NYC, at the Anderson theater, on the Lower East Side, I saw the play in one of its something like 6 performances. Many may be familiar with the version of The Alabama Song, by the Doors. I may have to come back and watch the entire thing, here, later.
Brecht wrote a number of plays, including “the Caucasian Chalk Circle,” that are eminently worth reading.
‘Toon: Happy Fourth, to those who have not had it spoiled by the recent SCOTUS horrors.
Axios: Well, that brings some sense of hope! These sick “Patriots” need to learn that the time of their enabling is winding down.
MH: I can’t click through, but I saw them sitting together, on the news. Biden has more class in his pinkie than DeSlugis, and TOT together. Deluges has received some negative response from the deplorables for having consorted with POTUS. Sickness is still rampant.
“Capitol Fourth” is not my thing. I despise jingoism, and, after the SCOTUS garbage of the last week hardly believe that we are living in anything but a growing Banana Republic. The GQP used to rail against judicial legislating, but, oh my!, not when it advances THEIR deplorable agenda!
Lynn #1: Before I read it, I have been thinking of her, as I’v not seen her here, nor in response to the e-mails I send. Thanks for the update.
Not really Lynn#2; ALL in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost? So many religious organizations seem to feel that they can engage in the most inhumane activities, while claiming some form of ecclesiastical excuse. This brings to mind the time, in N.J., years ago, when I saw the sign outside a Lutheran church, on a local highway, not long after 9/11, that said something to the effect that “God accepts any actions that further His agenda; the end justifies the means.” I wrote to the pastor, saying that the terrorists who carried out 9/11 would be very happy with his drivel, and that he owes his congregation, and the broader community, an apology. I ended by saying I would not sign the letter, because if I did, I would be afraid of what kind of possible violent response I might get from someone like him.
I don’t think any other by them rises to the level of Threepenny Opera, but that’s just me. I have read Mother Courage and her Children) and would love to see It’s pretty dark though.
I was brrought up Lutheran and that is certainly not something I was ever taught (not that I was taught full Immenuel Kant either.) But there are Lutherans and Lutherans. The ELCA is pretty good. Some other “synods” not so much.
This minister just happened to be Lutheran, my comment was not a criticism of the religion, but, I think you know that.
I was born, baptized, raised and confirmed as a Missouri Synod Lutheran.
Once I was in college and more on my own, I stopped attending. And now when I do go (holidays) I attend an ELCA church. (One of my uncles and his son [cousin] are ELCA ministers.) They are really quite progressive.
While Missouri Synod is very conservative, I doubt (hope) that was not the denomination that posted that sign. No offense meant to anyone, but Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod is really quite far (fanatically?) right-wing. I think they’d be comfortable with the sign.
I agree with you on the synods – which is why I didn’t mention I also did all of thet in the Mossouri synod (and then over again as a Catholic – well, except the “raised” part. When Catholics are progressive, they are great. But so many aren’t. Sigh. (I don’t talk about it as a rule, because why, but I still have sneaking suspicions of a couple of papal deaths, and I was terrified to hear Francis is looking at surgery soon.
TJI#1: Ethics? Golden rule? “Treat oneself and others with loving kindness?” “Social contract?” Some 70 million of us have no use for such once vibrant concepts. Sorry, I’m on a bitching roll, today.
TJI#2: Ditto! Boy, I would give my right arm to bring her back.
TJI#3: Coney Island and Central Park! Okay…Yes, I love it/them!
TJI#4:
TJI#5: “…that opportunity,” seems to be on the verge of fading. The “Land of Opportunity” has been hijacked, despite the deaths of the Civil War, and those in all of the wars “To make the world safe Democracy.”
I’ll feel more hopeful when TOT gets busted for real, and the Dems can get some serious legislation passed to actualize the fulfillment of the dream.
Cartoon: Happy 4th to you and the rest of our group
Axios: Wonderful news. I thank the FBI for still going full speed ahead with arresting more of these individuals who committed evil acts of violence, plus who continue threatening them.
Miami Herald: Love the way President Biden shows respect to everyone. tRump on the other hand, was totally the opposite. He purposely ignored people like other house/senate members, being disrespectful to them and to all others who voice different opinions that wasn’t his way.
Concert: I already planned on watching a couple of them. I sent the DVR so I can watch one and then see the other ones another time.
Food for Thought: Glad to hear that Lynn S. is doing well. I remember seeing her comments in the past.
Hope you are having another pleasant day. Nice you’re able to enjoy all of your operas.
Take care. Thanks Joanne
Being 73 y/o, I have to admit I still get a kick out of the Capitol Fourth pyrotechnics. (The music is a lost cause for me.)
But I wonder if there are alternatives in our future that might be just as enjoyable – and much less dangerous.
But until then …
Well, I suspected, but now know I am the grand old lady of us at within a month of 76. Thanks for confirming it.
Kurt Weill is so interlinked with Bertolt Brecht in my mind that I could never think of him as an American composer.
Cartoon: Enjoy the 4th of July, everyone, or what is left it.
Axios: Excellent.Couldn’t come soon enough.
MH: Too kind.
Thanks for getting in touch with Lynn to put our worries to rest, Joanne. You’ve been busy enough without the extra work, as it is.
Weill and Brecht were quite a pair. But he came here in 37 and applied for citizenship in thr 40’s. I didn’t find when or whether he received it, but he considered himself an American composer in those days and up to his death, and nudged his style in that direction. “Knickerbocker Holiday” mad “September Song” a standard for decades, and “Lady i the Dark” was groundbreaking (and “My Ship” from it was also a standard.) And he only once that I know of departed from Broadway after calling himself American, and that was with “Street Scene” which I have seen exactly once. That was much less of a hit.