Eine Kleine Nachtmusik -Jazzy Blues with a Little Soul

When I am happy, jazz music raises me higher. When I'm down, I need me some blues. And soul, I like whatever my mood or season. With that in mind, here's eine kleine nachtmusik Mar-style, to take you through the night. We start off with "Miss Celie's Blues" from The Color Purple. Then, one of my favorite blues mamas Big Mama Thornton, "Hound Dog." Oh you thought the wannabe poser Elvis wrote it? Nah--he just sang it and nearly as good as Lady Mama. So here's everything from Deetroit Motown to New Orleans jazz funerals and some Bela Fleck funk sprinkled on top.Eine Kleine Nacht Music--Jazzy Blues with a Little Soul

Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock Season 3 Disappoints

I didn't watch Sherlock (with Benedict Cumberbatch) on matter of principle. I'm a real Sherlockian purist and was convinced modernizing would ruin the aura. I'm partial to period drama and feel like it's unfair to the author to change it up so much. I hated the Americanized Sherlock with Robert Downey Jr.



Well, I ran out of Agatha Christies and needed a Brit mystery fix. In desperation I tried Sherlock (being very prepared to hate it). And oh frabjuous day, I loved it. I liked the present-day twists on Victorian/Edwardian situations. I like the subtle but effective use of technology --texting, iPhones, internet. The substitution of blog for written biography works well. The metaphors, personalities, updated storylines retain the original flavour in the present-day. But on several levels,  Sherlock Season 3 is a Tad Disappointing

The Professor is Dead, Long Live Gilligans Island

Russell Johnson, better known to TV viewers as "The Professor" on "Gilligan's Island" passed away today. He was 89. Now doesn't that make you fellow 40-50 somethings feel old? I mean we grew up seeing the castaways every day after school. So it was schmaltzy? I've seen a lot worse today and that's just for little kids!  The Professor is Dead, Long Live Gilligans Island

Best Movies and Films to Watch for Chinese New Year

One of the best ways to learn about a culture and people is to read books and watch movies based in that country. Chinese New Year begins early in February. Here are best movies and films based in China to explore Chinese New Year.

"Mulan: Based on the story of Hua or Fa Mulan, a young Chinese girl who impersonates her father and leads her people in battle against the Mongols. The Disney movie is based on the Ballad of Mulan. Here are activities based on the Ballad of Mulan. Here is a transcript of the Ballad of Mulan in Chinese.

Since writing this, I would add "Snow Falling on Cedars" and "Memoirs of a Geisha." Those may not be appropriate for high school classes, but could be enjoyed at home with parental support. Best Movies and Films to Watch for Chinese New Year

Cool Old, Ahem Classic, Movie Suggestions for Couples

Got a date with your spouse or lover? Here are romantic (but not too schmaltzy) films from my husband's
and my day. I'm calling them old school. I won't say old. Because, well, we're not! They're technically classics, but don't you dare use that word. Makes me feel like a vintage car. Just timeless awesome movies!
  Cool Old Movies Suggestions for Thanksgiving Weekend

Help! I Need Period TV and Movie Recommendations

I'm in a quandary. I, who usually have my finger on the pulse of all that is quality period movie or TV, am at a loss. I've watched Poirot, Marple, Sherlock, Alleyn, Wimsey I can find. I've tried every PBS//BBC show I can get. I've done the Downton Abbey thing (meh). I watched Aussie TV. And I am out of ideas. I don't watch mainstream television so it's no good recommending those. And NO romance unless it's dysfunctional Virginia Woolf kind. Like Groucho, I want gaiety, I want hot chacaha. I want something above par.  And I WANT period mystery or drama!Help! Send Period TV Recommendations Quick

Watch Poirot Season 13 Free Online--Labours of Hercules, The Big Four

Raise your hand if you love Agatha Christie. I'm an addict, a Poirot-o-phile and Marple-ian. I've read all the books cover to cover, watched every film adaptation I can find. We were getting a steady supply of new Marple and Poirot movies (with Geraldine McEwan/Julia McKenzie and David Suchet) from BBC. Then poof. In about 2011, the Poirots dried up. No more films. We were tantalized with rumors of new Poirots, but none materialized. Then in Oct. 2013 they started being aired. But outside the UK, they were less available. So I'm pleased to share a site where you can Watch Poirot Season 13 Labours of Hercules, The Big Four Free Online