The New Corporation: an unfortunately necessary sequel

We singletons pay no attention to this maudlin day - though I did go to the Epicure to buy a ton of sourdough bread, Quebecois cheese, and a Dufflet lemon tart which is simply divine. Treats! And these tulips are a gift from my beloved friend Anne-Marie, glowing in my kitchen.

Saw a terrific if hard to watch doc, The New Corporation: an unfortunately necessary sequel, funded, I'm proud to say, by Telefilm Canada and made partially in B.C. An exposé of what corporations do to our planet and persons. But it ends with many shots of citizen movements worldwide. There is hope.

Last night, by my fire, I watched a truly terrible movie: Made in Italy, starring the wonderful, hulking, broken-nosed Liam Neeson with his actual son Michéal Richardson playing his son. Totally formula, full of clichés, and yet I watched because - Italy! Tuscany - beyond beautiful, even if the film is condescending toward the lively joyful Italians, with, yes, a gorgeous-woman-eating-spaghetti scene. Still, in the absence of travel, I watch Rick Steeves every week, and films like this. Ignore the script, watch the scenery.

It was interesting to see this offshoot of a famous movie star father. He's got a beautiful face and a lovely aura, but I felt he just doesn't have IT - that drive, that phenomenal ego necessary to rise through the slog and shit of show biz. It was also strange to watch a film about the aftermath of the tragic death of the lead characters' mother and wife, knowing that Michéal's mother and Liam's wife Natasha Richardson died tragically. 

I have not mentioned the verdict from the U.S. Senate. No point. Not a surprise. History will judge. 

My joys: a glorious sunny day. The blue jays, newly taking over my bird feeder now that I've upped the quality of the seed - so big and loud, what beautiful bullies. Right now, Eleanor Wachtel and some bread and cheese. Tonight, delicious Sunday night TV. But first, the rest of the lemon tart. Life is good.