Calliope
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Dinner and Schmoozing at Scoozi
Speaking of perks of JE. Last Thursday (sorry, life's been hectic, little time to blog) the master invited some famous sculptor/artist person to come do a JE master's tea. After laying awake in bed for several hours, trying to figure out how in the WORLD he could possibly go about spending some of the unparalleled amount of money in JE's bountiful coffers, the master decided to rent out Scoozi for dinner after the tea, in honor of our illustrious guest. Scoozi - the restaurant. The ENTIRE restaurant was closed all day in preparation for the dinner and associated open bar cocktail hour. All of the JE fellows (old people/professors affiliated with the college) were invited, and I signed up for one of the 10 undergraduate spots. Best. Decision. Ever. It was SUCH a good time. I was able to practice my already well-developed schmoozing skills in conversation with our many amiable fellows ("You were in South Africa, dear? That's lovely! Truly mazing! You must be a very accomplished young woman!"...blah,blah,blah), while enjoying my bottomless wine glass (which continued through dinner, I might add. And, not being able to decide between red and white, I opted for a glass of each). There was a splendid three-course meal (I had sweet potato ravioli with walnuts - FANTASTIC!) complete with dessert (best tiramisu ever) and cappuccino (best cup of cappuccino ever). All while conversing with the World Fellow from the Phillipines, who regaled me with tales of his amazing five-star eco-tourism resort back home. The open invitation to visit said resort was not least of the evening's spoils.
Our master is insane. And slightly (though pleasantly) alcoholic. He's Bacchus reincarnated. Love's his wine and haute cuisine and fine art and opera. He's such a character. I will always remember the sight of him, as the evening (which, I might add was 5 hours long from cocktails to cappuccino) drew at last to a close, conducting a restaurant full of drunken academics in a rousing (if hopelessly flat) chorus of our alma mater, Bright College Years. In the last refrain ("For God, for country, and for Yale!"), he so enthusiastically waved his white hankerchief from side to side that it was quite unsafe to be within three feet of him, and at least a few fellows paid dearly for their proximity. But nobody minded much, because it was such a splendid evening after all!
The Only Time I Am Ever Lucky
Is at the JE Art Draw. No seriously. Because my college (and here by "college" I mean JE specifically, and not in the broader of Yale) is so disgustingly wealthy, we have this fantastic collection of art that the master - in the interest of cultivating our cultural competancy - allows us to rent out and hang in our DORM rooms for the duration of the academic year. Most benevolent of him, really. The pieces of REAL, EXPENSIVE art rent for about $5 to $25 dollars, and selection of pieces is made once annually at the JE Art Draw. Which was today.
I repeat: I am not a "lucky" person. Yes, I am most certainly lucky in the sense that I am "blessed", but I, on the average, don't really win shit. I'm not one of those people (like my father) who goes through life as if he has a horseshoe stuck in some undisclosed location. The only time I am ever lucky, is at the JE Art Draw. Sophomore year I secured a beautiful old sepiotone map of ancient Roman ruins for the wall above our fireplace in the common room of our suite, after being one of the top five names called. BUT TODAY - my name was ACTUALLY called FIRST. This type of thing NEVER happens to me. Taking full advantage of my good luck, I quickly scooped up an excellent print of Renoir's "Dance at Bougival". I chose this one for a number of reasons. First, it is long and narrow and fits the spot just to the right of my desk as if Renoir had the place in mind when painting it. Also, probably as a result of my mother's influence, Renoir is my favorite painter (perhaps with the one exception of Delacroix; hehehe, as if I know ANYTHING about art....). We have several Renoir prints in our home, including the counterpart (Dance in the City) of the piece I lately acquired! I thought it only fitting that I should have its mate hanging in my bedroom here at school.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Liev Schreiber!!!
One of the best things about Yale is.....FAMOUS PEOPLE! Last night, Liev Schreiber came to Yale! (I know, I know, you're all thinking - who's that?!) He starred in the movie the Manchurian Candidate, as wrote/directed the film Everything is Illuminated. But the best part of his resume is that he graduated from Yale Drama School in 1992, which makes him one of us! The official title of the event was A Conversation with Liev Schreiber, and it was exactly that. Even though it was held at the University Theater, one had the impression of an intimate gathering, held in someone's living room. It was a very casual discussion between Liev and the Dean of the Drama School, about his life and career.
While I'm very familiar with his film credits, I didn't know that he was such an accomplished THEATER actor as well, particularly with Shakespeare. He's had a lot of starring roles in the productions of Shakespeare in Central Park in NYC - most recently the title role in Macbeth. The most interesting part of the night was the Shakespeare readings he did. First, he explained how he approaches the text (he's absolutely frickin' brilliant, by the way) with a close analysis not only of the language, but also the rhythm of the verse, and how he actually goes through and scans each line of iambic pentameter to find the rhytmic irregularities, using them as clues to the intricacies of his character. His dissection of the verse then shapes his delivery of the lines, and he explained that Shakespeare actually tells you where and when to breath in the delivery of a given passage. It was absolutely fascinating. He just gets SO close to the text.
One point he kept coming back to was that the problem with Shakespeare is that people assume they don't understand it. So his focus (and, as he sees it, his responsibility) as an actor is to concentrate on making the MEANING as clear as possible. Because the rhythm and the verse are so beautiful, it will SOUND good no matter what, so he uses his analysis of the text to shape his delivery of the lines (pace, emphasis, pauses) so that the meaning is as clear as possible. And - seriously - I've NEVER heard anyone do Shakespeare like that before. It's incredible. It's like he's actually possessed by the spirit of the character. Liev disappears, and all the sudden it's Claudio - AND you can understand exactly what he's talking about!
The highlight of the evening was when he and James Bundy (Dean of Yale Drama) were kinda of fooling around with different interpretations of certain characters, but making sure they were still consistent with the text. The scene they used was the famous "To be, or not to be" speech in Hamlet. Oh. My. God. Instead of the typically aggressive, almost belligerent tone that most actors adopt, he did it as a more vulnerable, subtlely wounded Hamlet. It was STARTLING. (I can't describe it any other way.) SO effective. It offered a COMPLETELY different perspective on the character. I've NEVER seen it done like that before. It was truly amazing.
So, in summary. Liev = Brilliant. He just has such a knack for Shakespeare - for the language, for the characters, everything. It's just remarkable. He is SO talented. Did I mention he was a Yalie????
Friday, September 08, 2006
This Blessed Plot
Yes, I realize that the title of this entry is a bit obesely poetic, but it also happens to be the title of a book I'm looking over for my senior essay. *GASP* Yes, that's right: SENIOR ESSAY. Which I have in fact decided to write first semester because the professor that I love, worship, and otherwise adore will not be at Yale second semester (how dare he ruin my life like that...). So, the working topic as of now is transatlantic relations, with a particular focus on the role of the United Kingdom. Maybe it's just my anglophilia rearing its ugly head, but I'm excited. I think it's a good topic for me, mostly because I get to read all the (non-fiction) books on my lengthy reading wish list as part of my research.
The semester is off to a good start. I've managed to weasel my way out of my American government requirements for my political science degree (because I have the best, nicest, kindest, most flexible director of undergraduate studies the world has ever seen) and as long as I can get into the two history seminars I'm looking at (already have email confirmation from BOTH professors that they'd LOVE to have me..I mean really, who wouldn't???), it will shape up to be an excellent semester. Intermediate Russian, a history seminar on Science, Arms, and the State and another one on Espionage and Economic Intelligence, and then my senior essay.
It is my great goal to scale back some of the academic stuff in order that I might more fully enjoy all the essential YALE stuff, in this my last year at this great institution. I can read all the Modern British Novels on my own time, but when else will I have the opportunity to meet the Belgian ambassador to the UN? Cleary, I need to make time for Master's Teas, free concerts and plays, improv comedy shows - all the things that actually cost MONEY to attend in the so-called real world, though they often aren't half as good as some of the stuff we've got going on here. *sigh* How I shall miss it....
Just to recap some of the (three-day-old) semester's more memorable events: Yesterday was the JE Wine Tasting. Apparently there's this winery in Connecticut called Jonathan Edwards that we've chosen (whether they like it or not, though I'm sure they DO like it very much indeed, seeing as my college is exceedingly weathly and my master is exceedingly alcoholic) to affiliate ourselves with. It was held at the Master's house, and it was the first event this year to gather the entire JE senior class together. It was a really lovely event, and the wine was actually pretty good (I liked the chardonnay - less dry and more sweet than most - and the petit syrah). I dazzeled my friend with my newfound proficiency in viticulture (courtesy of a semester in Cape Town and the numerous outings to wine country it entailed), and everyone was thoroughly impressed. It was also a good opportunity for me to catch up with a lot of people I haven't seen since last December, and to hear about their summer exploits and study abroad adventures as well. It was exactly the sort of cultured, somewhat supercilious event you'd expect from Yale, and it was absolutely delightful.
Then - at long last - this morning was the first session of Hot Coffee, Hot Issues, an event hosted by the World Fellows Program every Friday morning (unmercifully at 8:30am). I drag my lazy ass out of bed and walk ALL the way up science hill at the crack of dawn to go to this thing - that ought to be some indication of just how dedicated I am to this series. The program brings in a speaker - usually Yale professors, but sometimes other members of the Yale community or distinguished visiting persons - to lead a discussion on a weekly topic that's getting a lot of press, accompanied by an assortment of muffins, bagels, scones, pastries, fruit, and DELICIOUS coffee. The speaker talks for about 20 minutes, then opens up the floor for conversation. The coolest thing is, it's one of the few events that's not ENTIRELY dominated by students, particularly undergrads. A lot of professors attend, and other members of the Yale community, who actually have something worthwile to say; in addition, all of the World Fellows usually attend, and their diverse perspectives are invaluable.
This morning's topic was the recent (current?) conflict in Lebanon. I learned SO much! About the conflict itself, the regional dynamics, the politics of Hizbollah, international ramifications, consequences for the US in the Middle East, etc, etc, etc. SO enlightening. One of the best points was made by the Lebanese World Fellow. He explained that Hizbollah is not just a "terrorist organization"; it's also a community of people living in Southern Lebanon, so you cannot actually get rid of it, or bomb it away. It's roots run so much deeper than that. Hizbollah is a very effective, competant organization, particularly as a social services provider. They are already leading the reconstruction effort in Southern Lebanon, resettling people and fronting the cash for them to rebuild their homes. I learned a lot more about the relationship between Hizbollah and the (very weak) Lebanese central government. Also, about how countries like Iran, Syria, and Russia have come out as "winners" in this conflict. The US, as usually, skrewed things up in a way that boggles the mind. The cold, laissez-faire manner in which the US responded to the crisis and the calls for a quick cease-fire has seemingly proved that it doesn't care about the people in that region, and is only out to reshape a "New Middle East" according to its own (as well as Israel's) national interests. We are not doing a very good job of making friends in that region. We make it very difficult for more moderate, secular factions in governments across the region to succeed and make progress, because they are viewed as being aligned with us and working to further an American agenda.
Sorry, didn't mean to go off on a political tangent. Just wanted to share what I learned.
Then finally this afternoon, I went to the Welcome Back Reception for students returning from abroad. The crackers and cheese were lovely, even though they talked at us for like an hour. I did get the chance to talk to some other students at the end and hear about their experiences, and I'm thoroughly convinced that my experience was on average 75% cooler than all of theirs.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Quote of the Day
"Civilization is a race between education and chaos."
-H.G. Wells
I shopped a class today called Ethics and the Media, and the professor's main point was about the critical role that the press plays in educating the electorate.
The Illusionist
Nick and I had a really lovely evening together on Tuesday. After dinner, we went to the Criterion (a movie theater like the North Park or Amherst, that plays more independent productions and less mainstream stuff) to see the Illusionist. I was first drawn to the film because it has a fantastic cast: Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Rufus Sewell, and Jessica Biel. It takes place in turn-of-the-century Vienna, and it's about a magician who falls in love with the Duchess who is engaged to the heir of the Austrian empire. While the ending is perhaps predictable, the film nevertheless keeps you guessing along the way, and clever themes of magic and illusion pervade. The film also has a very attractive visual style, much in keeping with the feeling of that era - all brown, sepiotones. Edward Norton is, as usual, fantastic, as he plays an intense character with great measure and restraint. Paul Giamatti is the most interesting, pivotal character in the film, as he plays the chief of police in Vienna, and close confidant to the crown prince (Rufus Sewell, who also played King Marc in Tristan and Isolde). The story hinges on his sense of morality and justice, which is often challenged by the promise of power and rank. It's a beautiful film, particularly the visual aspects. The writing could have been a bit better, as it was a little cheesy in parts. Philip Glass did a good job with the music - it suited the film's period and themes well, and displayed the same admirable restraint as Edward Norton did with his portrayal of the lead character. Also, the film lingered with me long after we left, which is yet another sign of its charm.
PS: Edward Norton is a Yalie :)
Monday, September 04, 2006
A Rational Threat
I just came across an article that reminded me of a conversation I had with Aunt Rosemarie over the summer. My arguement was that labeling the terrorists as "crazy," "insane," or "irrational" does not encourage productive dialogue and calculated research as to WHY they act the way they do, and is counter-productive to the efforts of the "War on Terror." I just came across an example which I think usefully demonstrates some of the rational, logical elements of terrorism. It is these aspects that ought to be further explored.
Excerpt from "Rational Fanatics" in Foreign Policy Sept/Oct 2000 by Ehud Sprinzak, commenting on the 1983 attacks on US and French peacekeeping forces in Beirut:
"Whereas the press lost no time in labeling these bombers irrational zealots, terrorism specialists offered a more nuanced appraisal, arguing that suicide terrorism has inherent tactical advantages over "conventional" terrorism: It is a simple and low-cost operation (requiring no escape routes or complicated rescue operations); it guarantees mass casualties and extensive damage (since the suicide bomber can choose the exact time, location, and circumstances of the attack); there is no fear that interrogated terrorists will surrender important information (because their deaths are certain); and it has an immense impact on the public and the media (due to the overwhelming sense of helplessness). Dr. Ramadan Shalah, secretary- general of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, summarized the chilling logic of the new terror tactic: 'Our enemy possesses the most sophisticated weapons in the world and its army is trained to a very high standard. . . . We have nothing with which to repel killing and thuggery against us except the weapon of martyrdom. It is easy and costs us only our lives. . . human bombs cannot be defeated, not even by nuclear bombs.'"
On Iraq and Civil War
I was reading an interview with Yale professor Vivek Sharma in one of our campus publications (The Politic), and he made a REALLY good point (that I totally agree with) about who is fighting whom in Iraq right now. He said,
"I think the presence of the US, at this stage, is really a secondary issue. All of the actors understand perfectly well that the day will come, sooner or later, when the US withdraws. At this stage, all of the actors are preparing for the day that the US will be gone, or at least will stand down and become less relevant, and they will still be neighbors. This is why, I think, most of the violence is targeted against rival groups within Iraq. I do think they are trying to bleed the US, but at this stage the political objective is simple: withdrawal."
This assessment is consistent with a recent report published by the Pentagon, which detailed a dramatic increase in civilian deaths, as sectarian fighting has increasingly focused on civilian targets. Harper's published an article in August 2006 that came to similar conclusions. The article, "The Minister of Civil War", explains that civil war has in fact already begun in Iraq, and points to evidence of Shiite militias systematically attacking Sunnis. This is particularly concerning because these Shiite militas (i.e.: death squads) are highly integrated into the Iraqi government's security apparatus. The corpses of Sunni prisoners, tortured to death by these militias, have been discovered in detention centers run by the country's interior ministry. "The death squads, which have expanded their area of operations from the capital across much of the country, are now believed to be responsible for more civilian deaths than the Sunni and foreign insurgents who are the United States' ostensible enemies there."
Professor Sharma made another really good point that the Harper's article confirms, commenting that one of the consistent problems in US foreign policy is our failure to truly understand the people we are fighting. Ken Silverstein in Harper's says, "Shiites are the biggest single bloc in Iraq and were brutally repressed during Saddam's rule, so their rise to political dominance is in many ways a natural outgrowth of the war." As an example of the US's misunderstanding of the inter-group dynamics in Iraq, Silverstein says that Jabr [interior minister of Iraq's transitional government and the focus of Silverstein's piece] "appears to be merely the most ruthless of a class of Shiite leaders who have sought to engineer Shiite dominance behind the scenes, at times with direct U.S. sponsorship." Silverstein concludes that "the story of Jabr's role in postwar Iraq reveals how American blindness, incompetence, and cynicism allowed religious sectarianism to thrive after the downfall of Saddam."
In Mourning
I can't believe the news: Steve Irwin, Discovery Channel's beloved "Crocodile Hunter," is DEAD. He got stung in the heart by a stingray while filming a documentary. It's unbelievable! I mean, this man was like a GOD - I thought he was immortal! Invincible! SO sad. And to think that only just last year I was at his famous Australia Zoo in Brisbane. Crikey!
Friday, September 01, 2006
Some Thoughts on Cynicism
I had a lovely dinner on Wednesday night with Nick and my mom at Consiglio's in Wooster Square (the Italian section of The Have), and Nick brought up a very good point about cynicism. He remarked that cynacism is often confused or equated with pessimism. In his view, which I whole-heartedly agree with, being one of the most devoted practitioners of the art myself, cynicism is really a way of making light of the dark side of life and human nature. I just thought that was a really interesting point.
SO Good to Be Back!
At last, after nine long months, I have returned to Yale! And while it seems as though I never left, I have a newfound appreciation for this place. After my experience at UCT, I practically kissed the ground upon arrival. Seriously. It makes me really happy that Yale is not just hype and reputation, but rather lives up to all the expectations one would have of an Ivy League school.
I went for a walk yesterday in order to become reacquainted, and I swear I felt exactly like George Bailey as he runs through Bedford Falls on Christmas: "Hello Post Office! Good old Sterling Memorial Library! Hello Gourmet Heaven! Branford College, you ol' dog! SSS! Willoughby's! Clarks! The Bookstore! Atticus! And JE, you wonderful old dilapidated college! SO good to see you..."
