Another Sign of the Season

It's not too early for Thanksgiving planning at Macy's.

Sign Of The Season

Godiva's delicious milk chocolate Pumpkin Truffles!

Dan On Hitchcock

My latest theory on Hitchcock, the greatest film director. By R. Daniel Evans.

Among probably others there are 2 types of Hitchcock movies. One uses a basic setting in a very intimate way that becomes claustrophobic and creates part of the protagonists' fears and desires. Think of masterpieces like "Rope," " Psycho" and "Rear Window." Even better are the greatest of all Hitchcock films that use setting as part of the character's world, dilemnas and psychological impetus. These films include "The Man Who Knew Too Much" and "Vertigo." Last night I was watching parts of "North by Northwest," another great gem in this category. We, the viewer, go from Roger Thornhill's sophisticated if slightly constained life in Manhattan to another world of mystery in Glen Cove, then on to an erotically charged train (intimacy again) to the inner recesses of psychological fear on the vast Midwest plains (ironic) and Mt. Rushmore. If you take "Vertigo" it's similar: from the wild rush on rooftops that leads to psychological destruction of the protagonist's confidence to the mysterious and erotic world of old, Hispanic San Francisco. Even the very crooked streets of the city reflect the distortions and untruths of the hero's mind, as he falls in love with an imaginary woman, created by a fake assisted by a criminal. Later the changes of scene (the big Redwood trees, the cemetery and the old Mission) reveal further depths or layers, just like an onion peeled to reveal its heart. No doubt some film buff or student has already written a paper about how the settings in his films are major characters in his best works. How many other directors do this with such confidence and skill? At the present I can only think of Orson Welles with "Citizen Kane." There we go from an old, brash New York to political frenzy to a secluded world of zaniness at Xanadu, where both the hero's sexual and private lives have collapsed.

An Autumn Chore

Aluminum triple track storm windows installed decades ago at the beach house have deteriorated. The past several days I replaced them with new storm windows.

New Storm Windows

For the beach house...special order!

Lunch in Patchogue

At Sumou Japanese restaurant for a delicious lunch!

Fall Colors On Fire Island

It looks like fall has arrived on Fire Island.

One Of My Favorite Places

The Godiva chocolate shop at Liberty Place, Philadelphia.

Fire Island Wild Flower

These are tiny!

Not Another War!

I'm close to being a pacifist at this point in my life after living through the Vietnam and Iraq wars experiences. The Saudis have a standing army of 150,000 soldiers and state of the art military arms purchased with oil money. If they are not willing to take the lead in straightening out their own back yard why should we? Obama is clearly reluctant to get involved but lacks the political courage to just say no in the face of media hysteria over two dead journalists and Republican Party warmongering. There is so much to read explaining the disasterous path we're on. Here's a sample:

The United States, by agreeing to airstrikes without end in support of a corrupt and sectarian government in Baghdad; by championing a Shia and Kurdish invasion of Sunni lands; and by promising arms, munitions and money to rebel groups in the middle of the Syrian Civil War, the same groups that sold Steven Sotloff to his beheading, has adopted a policy that will exacerbate the civil wars in both Iraq and Syria and deepen the nightmare existence of their people.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matthew-hoh/isis-iraq-perpetual-war_b_5801952.html

Park Service Completes Repair Of Sailor's Haven Path

Hurricane Sandy caused severe bay side flooding on Fire Island. Two walkways on the path between Cherry Grove and Sailor"s Haven were destroyed. This summer a new walkway was built and it winds its way through the middle of the island rather than hugging the bay. It's really a beautiful new stretch through lush Fire Island greenery!

Bradley And The Full Harvest Moon

Relaxing Pose?

Loki seems to be trying to tie himself up into a knot.

September is Chest Aneurysm and Dissection Awareness Month

The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation observes Chest Aneurysm and Dissection Awareness Month in September. This same month is observed for brain aneurysms, which also occur in some individuals with bicuspid aortic valve disease (BAV.) BAV, which is genetic, is estimated to exist in 1 of every 50 people, predominantly in males. I am one of those with BAV. How many men are at risk from a bulging, weak aorta associated with BAV? No one knows.

Waiting For The Deluge

Expecting some severe weather here on Fire Island later this evening.

A Good Time With A Good Friend

Dan and I treated our friend Louise to dinner out the other evening. It was lots of fun!

Late Summer Sunrise

Sometimes the sunrise is prettier when you look to the west instead of the east!

Silverware Anyone?

At Macy's center city store for the noon Wanamaker Organ recital...admiring the display of silverware on the third floor.

Victory Building Starbucks

A great old building at 9th and Walnut in downtown Philadelphia has a comfy Starbucks in the bottom floor.

Historic Theater In Downtown Philadelphia

Downtown this morning for Dan's medical appointment.

Why The Upcoming Climate March In NYC Will Erupt

Chris Hedges at Truthdig:

I prefer incremental and piecemeal reform. I prefer a system in which we can elect politicians to represent the governed and thwart corporate abuse. I prefer a United Nations that serves the interests of people around the globe rather than corporate profit. I prefer a vigorous and free debate in the public arena. I prefer a judiciary that is not a wholly owned subsidiary of the corporate state. I prefer the freedom to express dissent without government monitoring of my communications and control of my movements. I prefer to have my basic civil liberties protected. But we do not live in such a system.