Coming Attractions
they're just around the corner...
I rarely go to the movies these days, which is a shame. But it’s hard to justify spending the time, money and gasoline on a trip to the cinema when, in most cases, the film I want to see will be streaming in short order, and I can then fall asleep watching it in the comfort of my own home.
Also, I’ve developed an aversion to the smell of popcorn, which obviously is a liability when attending a movie theater. I believe this olfactory quirk can be traced back to K-Mart; though I shopped there VERY infrequently, the overwhelming odor of their stale store popcorn would stay with me for days, long after their “blue light specials” had expired.
But there are things I do miss about “going to the movies.” There was the sense of community, a group of strangers united in a singular, engaging activity for two hours. And I miss the Previews of Coming Attractions—those slickly produced teasers for new films that will soon be onscreen. Granted, they went on too long and by the end I’d be all mixed up—is Robert Downey Jr. starring in the role of Barbie? How Fast and How Furious IS the latest installment of that franchise—and does it really feature Saoirse Ronan, Johnny Depp and Jack Black? But it was always fun to get a sneak peek at the future.
We’ve been getting a preview of coming attractions in world developments lately, and many of those I’d love to shut down production on—ever more strife in Ukraine and the Middle East, one climate catastrophe after another. But there are also many signs of hope and beauty, and here at “E-Musings” those are the coming attractions I like to spotlight!
MUSIC: GERSHWIN’S RHAPSODY IN BLUE (MICHELLE WU, PIANO)
Yeah, yeah, I know big city mayors don’t NEED to be fine musicians—but isn’t it nice when they are? Here’s a video of (pregnant!) Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s recent performance with the Boston Pops! Brava, Madam Mayor!
OUTREACH: JBJ SOUL KITCHENS
And another musical type with an unexpected gift—this time for philanthropy. Rock star/all around great guy Jon Bon Jovi (and his wife Dorothea) own and operate JBJ Soul Kitchens in New Jersey, where unhoused and hungry folks enjoy fine cuisine, served up with love. Jon is totally hands-on at his restaurants, even doing dishes. Talk about having great success in the world, and not losing your “soul”!
MOVIE: SUPER/MAN
This brand new documentary about the life of Christopher Reeve is one I can’t wait to see. The movie Superman was a real superhero—his courage in the face of tragedy, the way he inspired others (and helped make medical breakthroughs possible), his remarkable marriage…his was, by most measures, a short life, but what an impact this man made!
POET: BRIAN BILSTON
I discovered this very cool British poet’s work (note “Brian Bilston” is NOT his real name) online one day, and I’ve been enjoying his incredibly clever poetry ever since. Here are two examples:
You Took the Last Bus Home
you took
the last bus home
i still don’t know
how you got it through the door
but you’re always doing amazing stuff
like the time
when you caught that train
CHECK OUT MORE: www.brianbilston.com
He’s been doing poetry readings at venues in the U.K. but I really hope he makes it across the pond for some US appearances one of these days!
RECIPE: HUNGARIAN MUSHROOM SOUP
It’s been a balmy autumn so far, but at last the temps are starting to drop—which means hearty soups are a coming attraction!! Do give this pot full of deliciousness a try—and I LOVE The Modern Proper food blog in general:
https://themodernproper.com/hungarian-mushroom-soup
Note: I feel about dill the way I feel about popcorn. If you are like-minded, you can leave it out. It’s worth it to use genuine sweet Hungarian paprika for this recipe!
BLOG “COMING ATTRACTION”: MEMENTO MORI
Not to be morbid, but we all have a final date with destiny coming up at some point, right? The ultimate coming attraction? So why not make some plans now for your memorial? Check out my genius idea for a marker my kids just can’t avoid!
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
Leaving you all with a quote from our friend Jon Bon Jovi. I love the idea of pencilling in our futures (leaving our plans open to adjustment—even a little erasure!) May your coming attractions be all you wish for!