The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas Book and Movie Review

I don't pay much attention to movies and television. But I do look for educational and historically based films. I recently rented "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" (2008). It's about an unlikely friendship forged by two boys on opposite sides of a fence. A fence that contains a Nazi relocation (concentration) camp. Inside, is a Jewish boy Shmuel and outside, a German boy, Bruno. It's based on the book by the same name, by John Boyne.The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas Book and Movie Review - News - Bubblews

British History Murder Mystery TV Treasure--Whitechapel

I crave history mystery. Preferably with a juice murder. I just found a Brit series that fits the bill: "Whitechapel."Think Whitechapel and what comes to mind? Jack the Ripper. So the series begins with obligatory Ripper copycat murders.   British History Murder Mystery TV Whitechapel

Downton Abbey Mostly Downhill Abbey

Just my rant about the direction Downton Abbey is going, but a few words of praise for some stellar actors. Downton Abbey Mostly Downhill Abbey, with a Few Exceptions 

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