Monday Morning Museum: Pieter Bruegel The Elder

Pieter Bruegel The Elder – circa 1525 Breda, Netherlands to Friday 9 September 1569 Brussels, Belgium

Flemish Northern Renaissance Painter

One of Bruegel’s works that I find most interesting is – Netherlansish Proverbs, 1559 – a very overt display of meaning in art. If you have problems deciphering the images, here are the proverbs.




Last Monday’s Artist – Vincent Willem van Gogh
Next Monday’s Artist - Edward J. Steichen


Images:
Left: Winter Landscape with Bird Trap, 1565 from the website upload.wikimedia.org
Center: The Harvesters, 1565 from the website metmuseum.org
Right: The Wedding Dance, 1566 from the website upload.wikimedia.org
Below: “Monday Morning Museum” logo created by Adrean Darce Brent

Monday Morning Museum: Vincent Willem van Gogh

Vincent Willem van Gogh – Wednesday 30 March 1853 Groot-Zundert, Netherlands to Tuesday 29 July 1890 Auvers-sur-Oise, France

Dutch Post-Impressionist Painter

Although I do like van Gogh’s The Starry Night, 1889, I prefer this earlier painting – Starry Night Over the Rhone, 1888




Last Monday’s Artist – Cindy Sherman
Next Monday's Artist - Pieter Bruegel The Elder

Images:
Left: The Night Café, 1888 from the website upload.wikimedia.org
Center; Wheat Field With Cypresses, 1889 from the website metmuseum.org
Right: Houses At Auvers, 1890 from the website mfa.org
Below: “Monday Morning Museum” logo created by Adrean Darce Brent

Reel Rewind: “Rabbit Hole”

From whole to hole to (w)hole, family life for Becca and Howie devolves and evolves following the accidental death of their four year old son, Danny. The whole (which we see in video flashbacks), shows a happy and loving three-person family with lots of laughter. It is eight months after their child’s death and the hole is the disconnection between the now two-person family that seems to be increasing in distance each passing month – even group therapy does not help; at least not for both of them. Slowly Becca and Howie become (w)hole enough in a way that allows them to tentatively face the future. When Becca asks “So what are we gonna do?”. . . and Howie eventually answers “We’ll figure it out.”, you believe that they will.

Focus of “Rabbit Hole” is on how Becca deals with her grief in contrast to Howie’s approach. After eight months Becca takes down Danny’s artwork from the refrigerator and ends up donating his clothes to Goodwill. Becca makes an unsuccessful attempt to return to work at Sotheby’s, but unexpectedly finds comfort in conversations with Jason, the teen-age driver who accidently hit Danny when he darted into the street. Even talks with her mother (who went through a similar experience with her adult son – Arthur, a thirty-something year old drug addict), gives Becca insight to coping with her grief. Howie plays over and plays over and plays over a video of him and Danny at play. The images of his son brings smiles to Howie’s being and is his comfort in coping with the tragedy. Howie also finds connection with a kindred spirit from group therapy, Gaby, who has been going to group for years and can’t move forward.

Gradually, Becca and Howie work through their disconnection and come to a realization (occurring at the same time for both) that they can continue their life together and it will be all right. And perhaps it will be all right. For in their grief, they each blame themselves and not the other for what happened to Danny (though they do fear the other blames them). As hard as it is to forgive yourself for what you perceive as your fault, it is even harder to forgive someone on whom you’ve placed total blame for a tragedy. To me, the ending rings true as Becca and Howie commit to becoming (w)hole in hopes of someday returning to whole.


Film Facts: Director: John Cameron Mitchell, Writer: David Lindsay-Abaire, Cinematographer: Frank G. DeMarco, Editor: Joe Klotz, Musician: Anton Sanko, Producers: Caroline Jaczko, Nicole Kidman, Geoff Linville, Bill Lischak, Linda McDonough, Brian O’Shea, Gigi Pritzker, Daniel Revers, Per Saan, Leslie Urdang, Dean Vanech, Production Companies: Olympus Pictures, Blossom Films, Odd Lot Entertainment

Film Type: Drama, Cast: Nicole Kidman (Becca), Aaron Eckhart (Howie), Dianne Wiest (Nat), Miles Teller (Jason), Tammy Blanchard (Izzy), Sandra Oh (Gaby), Giancarlo Esposito (Auggie), Jon Tenney (Rick), Stephen Mailer (Kevin), Mike Doyle (Craig), Roberta Wallach (Rhonda), Patricia Kalember (Peg), Ali Marsh (Donna), Yetta Gottesman (Ana), Colin Mitchell (Sam), Length: 91’, Language: English, Country: United States, Year: 2010
Official Site
United States release date Friday 17 December 2010
Film Trailer



Images:
Left: Nicole Kidman as Becca from the website moviepicturedb.com
Center: Graphic interpretation of “Rabbit Hole” created by Adrean Darce Brent
Right: “Rabbit Hole” poster from the website movieposterdb.com
Below: “Reel Rewind” logo created by Adrean Darce Brent

Reel Rewind: “Kisses”

Once upon a time, with the songs of “musical god” Bob Dylan as the background theme, “Kisses” brings us into the explosive young lives of two neighbor children - eleven year old Dylan (a namesake?) and ten year old Kylie – living in a poor area outside of Dublin. The story is basic – they run away from home, spend a night in Dublin, and return home the next day. Why did they leave? How was their first experience of Ireland’s capital? Did they have to return?

Dylan is a lonely child who lives with his parents and is tormented by other boys for being quiet and liking electronic games. Kylie lives with siblings and a single mother and is teased by older girls about her feelings for Dylan. Their world is full of the ranges of abuse – emotional, physical, sexual. When Dylan’s father chases him in the house to do physical harm, it is Kylie who gets a ladder and rescues him from a sure beating. Off they run to the river and their means of escape is a passing dredger. Though the Captain refuses Kylie’s request for the children to join him, Kylie goes ahead and jumps on the dredger and after hesitation and a mishap, Dylan also comes aboard the dredger. Now their adventure begins.

It is the Captain who introduces the children to the music of Bob Dylan with a rendition of “Shelter From The Storm”. And shelter from the misery is what the Captain gives the children on the trip to Dublin, as well as the chance to play and laugh. On arrival in Dublin, the children set out on a quest – Dylan’s older brother Barry ran away two years prior and all they have is a name of a street to try and find him. Ultimately their quest fails, but along the way they experience good – new clothes, wheelies, musicians, adults who are helpful – and bad – hunger, separation, a dead body, adults who are harmful. From these adventures a closer connection between Kylie and Dylan is forged. In fact Dylan returns the rescue favor by saving Kylie from “The Sack Man”. Monsters also reside in Dublin. Morning comes and it’s time to return to the known horrors they can handle.

“Kisses” is structured as home – Dublin – home with both home segments shot in black and white, while the Dublin section is shot in color. The color delineation between the segments is subtle and you slowly realize you are viewing a new palette. Transitioning from one world to another doesn’t have definite boundaries. Kylie is fearless and keeps fighting for what she needs. Girl power. Dylan is assuredly the passive one and gives up easily. Even with the new bond between them, I am not sure that Dylan and Kylie would be together if we return to their story five years from now. One unexpected aspect of the film is the use of subtitles. The film is in English and so are the sporadic subtitles – guess it was thought the Irish accents would be troublesome. For the most part they weren’t. However, the use of language in the film is very direct and raw by all the characters. If hearing children speak adult language bothers you, then “Kisses” is not for you. But they are speaking the language of their lives. If “Kisses” is a contemporary fairy tale, I’m afraid there’s no happily ever after for Dylan and Kylie back in the environment from which they briefly left. Let’s hope there’s a fairy godmother/godfather in their future. Or perhaps they will leave again when they are truly ready to do so. Once upon a time. . .

Film Facts: Director/Writer/Producer/Cinematographer: Lance Daly, Cinematographers: Jake Corbett, David Grennan, Editor: J. Patrick Duffner, Musician: GoBlimpsGo, Producers: Donna Eperon, Macdara Kelleher, Les Kelly, Nial O’Brien, Production Company: Fastnet Films

Film Type: Drama, Cast: Kelly O’Neill (Kylie), Shane Curry (Dylan), Paul Roe (Dylan’s Da), Neili Conroy (Dylan’s Ma), David Bendito (Dredger Captain), Elizabeth Fuh (Gardiner street girl), Cathy Malone (Kylie’s Ma), Jose Jimenez (Busker), Willie Higgins (The Sack Man), Sean McDonagh (Uncle Maurice), Stephanie Kelly (Kylie’s sister), Gerry Moore (Roadie), Hilda Fay (Anita), Elga Fox (Ban Garda), Stephen Rea (Down Under Dylan), Length: 72’, Language: English, Country: Ireland, Year: 2008
Official Site
Ireland release date Friday 21 November 2008
United States release date Friday 16 July 2010
Film Trailer

Images:
Left: Kelly O’Neill as Kylie and Shane Curry as Dylan from the website outnow.ch
Center: Graphic interpretation of “Kisses” created by Adrean Darce Brent
Right: “Kisses” poster from the website movieclock.com
Below: “Reel Rewind” logo created by Adrean Darce Brent

Monday Morning Museum: Cindy Sherman

Cindy Sherman – Tuesday 19 January 1954 Glen Ridge, New Jersey to still living as of this post

American Photographer

Has not titled her works


I believe that if a work is worthy of being produced, then it is worthy of being named. So in that spirit I propose the following titles for the Cindy Sherman photographs above – Left: Comic Trinity, Center: The Innocent, Right: La Diva.

It is Cindy Sherman’s Untitled Film Still series that I really like and here’s another photo from the series – Untitled Film Still #58 – which I would title The Ingénue.

Last Monday's Artist - André Derain
Next Monday's Artist - Vincent Willem van Gogh

Images:
Left: Untitled, 2004 from the website metropicturesgallery.com
Center: Untitled Film Still #21, 1978 from the website arthistoryarchive.com
Right: Untitled, 2008 from the website metropicturesgallery.com
Below: "Monday Morning Museum" logo created by Adrean Darce Brent

Performance Poor Patriots Jerked Around By Jets

What is it about the post-season that destroys the New England Patriots? For the second post-season in a row, the Pats fail to advance after being in one playoff game. Granted this year’s loss was not as horrendous as the one to the Baltimore Ravens, but come on, the team with the best record in the NFL doesn’t make it out of the Divisional round – why? Plus losing to the New York Jets – ugh!! The sign that this was not going to be New England’s day came early when Brady had a pass intercepted in the first quarter – breaking his streak of three hundred forty passes without an interception. Although the Patriots end the first quarter with the lead, it was the only time they did.

This Sunday at Sonny’s had started out so promising. Met a fellow Sonny’s patron, Jason, on the bus, but he had to spend the day at UCLA (to think I felt sorry for him!) and arrived around 9:30 a.m. at the bar. Since the game did not start until 1:30 p.m., I was going to spend the morning doing some work on my computer. But first I had to get the new Wi-Fi password for Sonny’s from Grant, the new owner. No more Red Sox reference password. Jenny was working, but I didn’t see Andrew. While Sonny’s filled up with Pats fans, I managed to do some long overdue editing. Glad to see Stacie later in the morning – she’s doing well and looks so happy. Her Math teacher from high school is visiting from Rhode Island, so she and some friends are hanging out on the other side of Sonny’s. Before it became impossible to easily move around, I talked to Rich at the bar where, lucky for him, someone had saved him a place. The consensus on the game was that it would be a closer game than the Pats 45 to 3 rout of the Jets over a month ago, but that New England would win. If only it turned out that way.

Meanwhile, back at the booth, I was joined by two women and two men. One of the women was named Brittany, who works for the NFL, and I never got the other woman’s name. And the two men were both named Steve. Neither man had been to Sonny’s before and they were happy to be at the booth. During the first half of the unhappy game, learned that the CPA Steve from New Hampshire was visiting graphic character (Zen) creator Steve from Pasadena. Also while the Jets were taking the lead (never to relinquish it), a man I hadn’t seen in a long time, Roman, was here. What a surprise! Couldn’t really talk over the noise of the crowd and the table between us. Gather he is now living in Long Beach. Anyway, gave him the e-mail address and the site addresses for the blogs, but forgot to ask if he was on Facebook. Oh well, it was nice to see Roman again. Gave a wave to Steve B. (yes, another Steve) who came to watch the game before his evening shift. And we come to halftime, with the Jets leading the Pats by a score of 14 to 3.

Hope comes alive in the third quarter when the Patriots score a touchdown and complete a two-point conversion! However, between the sacks of Brady in particular and New England’s lackluster defense in general, hope dies in Sonny’s. The end of the New England Patriots was not the expectation of the day and its reality was numbing. Although the Pats score again in the fourth quarter, the hope is buried when the Jets score as well. Before the end of the game, the two Steves and a little later the two women leave the booth and Sonny’s disappointed. As usual, I stayed to the very end. The final score is the New York Jets 28, the New England Patriots 21. Despite the one touchdown difference, the game was never as close as the score indicates. It was the Jets all the way. Slowly pack away my computer and the peripherals and depart Sonny’s in disbelief. As I go out the door, I say good-bye to Jenny and I realize (barring anything special) I probably won’t back at Sonny’s until April – when another New England sports team begins its season. Next time - “Play Ball!”


AFC Divisional Playoff Game – Sunday 16 January 2011 – Patriots lost – Home

New England Patriots: 3 0 8 10 - 21
New York Jets: 0 14 0 14 - 28

Total game points equal 49. Patriots 42.86% of the points. Jets 57.14% of the points.

The New England Patriots 2010-2011 season has ended.


New England Patriots logo is from the website wikipedia.org

King’s Day At “A Window Between Worlds”

Today would have been Martin Luther King, Jr.’s eighty-second birthday and although the tradition has developed to do a work of service on the day of official celebration (this year Monday 17 January 2011), I was able to do service on his actual birthday by attending the Volunteer Day at A Window Between Worlds.

I was the first of the volunteers to arrive and the Volunteer Coordinator, Lonnie, did remember me from the last time I volunteered, several months ago. Today’s main project was the making of Sculpey balls, hands, and rocks. This AWBW art activity was a new for me. However, my task was to clean already made Sculpey balls so that they could be reused. Working with the clay balls was a bit trying because they resisted becoming completely clean. While the volunteers at the other end of the table were making hands and rocks, four people at my end of the table were making the Sculpey balls. They were Amanda, a new intern at AWBW (she started yesterday), who is studying psychology at Cal Poly Pomona; Kris, an AWBW board member; Mike, Kris’ fiancée and the lone male of the day; and Jean, a volunteer from the last time I was at AWBW. While I cleaned away, the four of them broke off and shaped pieces of clay of various colors (red, orange, green, blue, yellow, purple, brown, black, white) into approximately half inch balls. The balls were arranged in clear plastic trays in rainbow order plus the neutral of five balls for each color. The goal set by Lonnie of five trays was exceeded by one! Part way through the morning, Kris and Mike went upstairs to work on the other volunteer projects with a friend of theirs who was already there.

Met Kris and Mike’s friend Dustin (who, despite the name, is a woman) outside during our pizza lunch. She commented on my Red Sox cap and said she dumped a former boyfriend who was a Yankees fan. Good for her! Chatted with the three of them while enjoying bar-b-que chicken pizza and diet coke. Seem like fun people. Mike is from Massachusetts, though he left when he was two years old; Kris commutes from Arcadia to Beverly Hills for work; and Dustin is an actress. Another of their friends is doing marketing for the Golden Globes. And to keep the industry theme going, I talked with two other women, one of whom is named Barbara, about films and actors we like. I mentioned the screeners I’ll get for the Spirit Awards, but drew a blank on titles other than “The Kids Are All Right” and “Winter’s Bone”. Oh well…

After lunch I finished the cleaning of the clay balls and then went upstairs to cut up magazines. There were a couple of other people cutting up magazines and the others were painting small envelopes. Kris and Mike recounted how they met and how they got engaged on airplanes. Mike’s pick-up line was “Are you coming or going?” They’re planning on getting married at the end of June. The other people upstairs were Dustin and Barbara (women I talked to during lunch), Fran, who was at AWBW last time I volunteered, and a couple of other women whose names I didn’t get. A small, but lively group. Managed to get halfway through the magazine before Lonnie came to tell us it was time to begin cleaning up. Another Volunteer Day that passed very quickly. Lonnie had placed the leftover pizza in plastic bags for the volunteers to take home and someone else had dropped off a bag of lemons. So I took a bag of pizza and a few lemons on my way out. Pizza for dinner, but not sure about the lemons – perhaps some tea with lemon. An unexpected treat for the day.

Happy Birthday Martin!!!


Image is of AWBW’s website header from the website awbw.org

Reel Rewind: “Mademoiselle Chambon”

Sounds within the silence. Stirrings within the stillness. Wonderings within the winds. The story of Jean and Véronique unfolds slowly in “Mademoiselle Chambon” with the accompaniment of Franz Von Vecsey’s composition “La Valse Triste” and Edward Elgar’s violin and piano piece, “Salut D’amour”. Their story is one of romantic feelings born with music, a touch and kisses. In films (and I suppose as in life), most beginnings of romance demonstrate some level of passion between the people involved. It is rare to see such quietness in a new romance and it is presented to great effect in the film - Véronique sitting still in her apartment and Jean at his kitchen table at 3:00 a.m. There is no outward intensity when they are together and I don’t feel that passion is happening beneath the surface, though that may have been the director’s intent. It seems that neither one knows where to go with whatever feelings they have.

The one tangible evidence that there are feelings is the note Jean slips under Véronique’s door in which he writes - “Je pense à vous”, (“I think of you”). In addition, the music creates a soothing atmosphere – nothing that would evoke the manifestation of emotions, just reflection in the silent scenes, of which there are many. Even the eventual lovemaking is quiet. Only Jean’s one-sided argument with his wife Anne-Marie over his father’s eightieth birthday party and his fight with a co-worker mar the idyllic atmosphere of “Mademoiselle Chambon”. The music of the film is what binds these two different people. Jean is a builder with a wife, son and simple life in Provence, while Véronique is a teacher whose home is Paris and apparently has a less-than-fulfilling family life. One wonders if Véronique was going to be a concert violinist and what happened to turn her towards teaching.

The slow pace of “Mademoiselle Chambon” does contribute to the overall ambience being projected of life in the countryside, but it is too slow and the non-Jean and non-Véronique short scenes without dialogue really don’t add anything to the viewer’s understanding or help move the story along. Jean and Véronique are nice people and the start of their romance is sweet, but the viewer (at least this one) becomes impatient for the development of the relationship. And not until the end of the film is the resolution revealed. It is ironic that the title of the film is “Mademoiselle Chambon”, as she is the lesser known of the two main characters and questions remain regarding her history. Perhaps more is presented in the novel. The film seems to be Jean’s story. As much as the music and movie mesh together, it is fitting that the song, “Quel Joli Temps (Septembre)”, closes out the film over the end credits. Anyway, if you do see this film, be sure to be well-rested and fully awake. For me, “Mademoiselle Chambon” is un peu sucré et un peu triste (a little sweet and a little sad).


Film Facts: Director/Writer: Stéphane Brizé, Writer: Florence Vignon, Novelist: Eric Holder, Cinematographer: Antoine Héberlé, Editor: Anne Klotz, Musician: Ange Ghinozzi, Producers: Jean-Louis Livi, Amélie Melkonian, Milena Poyloi, Gilles Sacuto, Production Companies: TS Productions, F Comme Film, arte France Cinéma, Canal+, TPS Star, Centre National de la Cinématographie (CNC), Rézo Films, Sofica Soficinéma 4, Région Provence Côte d’Azur, Procirep, Angoa-Agicoa, Porgramme MEDIA de la Communauté Européenne

Film Type: Drama, Romance, Cast: Vincent Lindon (Jean), Sandrine Kiberlain (Véronique Chambon), Aure Atika (Anne-Marie), Jean-Marc Thibault (Le père de Jean), Arthur Le Houérou (Jérémy), Bruno Lochet (Collégue de Jean 1), Abdellah Moundy (Collégue de Jean 2), Michelle Goddet (La directrice de l’école), Anne Houdy (La commerciale des pompes funèbres), Geneviève Mnich (La mere de Véronique), Florence Hautier (Soeur de Jean 1), Jocelyne Monier (Soeur de Jean 2), Jean-François Malet (Le beau-frère), Maxence Lavergne (Elève classe de Jérémy), Philomène Pagnier (Elève classe de Jérémy), Length: 101’, Language: French, Country: France, Year: 2009
Official Website
France release date Wednesday 14 October 2009
United States release date Friday 28 May 2010
Film Trailer


Images:
Left: Sandrine Kiberlain (Véronique Chambon) and Vincent Lindon (Jean) from the website thecia.com.au
Center: Graphic interpretation of “Mademoiselle Chambon” created by Adrean Darce Brent
Right: “Mademoiselle Chambon” poster from the website critic.de
Below: "Reel Rewind" logo created by Adrean Darce Brent

Monday Morning Museum: André Derain

André Derain – Thursday 10 June 1880 Chatou, France to Wednesday 8 September 1954 Garches, France

French Fauvist Painter and Sculptor

Although I am not all that familiar with the works of Derain, I do like this painting - Still Life, 1913

Last Monday's Artist - Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Next Monday's Artist - Cindy Sherman

Images:
Left: Landscape With a Boat at the Bank, 1915 from the website tendreams.org
Center: The Palace of Westminster, 1906-07 from the website metmusuem.org
Right: Portrait of Madame Guillaume, 1928 from the website tendreams.org
Below: "Monday Morning Museum" logo created by Adrean Darce Brent

Silence. . .Forever

Top row: Christina Taylor Green, 9 - Dorothy Morris, 76 - John McCarthy Roll, 63

Bottom row: Phyllis Schneck, 79 - Dorwin Stoddard, 76 - Gabriel Zimmerman, 30

Photo from the website nydailynews.com

Tragedy In Tucson

Today an attempted political assassination took place in the United States. The target of this terror, Democratic House Representative Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona, is in critical condition after being shot in the head by a twenty-two year old male. As of this writing, six people have died as a result of this despicable act.


Christina Taylor Green, 9 years old – Student Council Representative

Gabriel Zimmerman, 30 years old – Director of Community Outreach

John McCarthy Roll, 63 years old – U. S. District Judge

Dorothy Morris, 76 years old – Constituent

Dorwin Stoddard, 76 years old - Pastor

Phyllis Schneck, 79 years old – Constituent


In addition to Representative Gabrielle Giffords, thirteen others are injured, including Giffords’ staff members Ron Barber and Pam Simon.


The political divide in the United States has now taken lives and unless leadership renounces the trend of apartness, Tucson may only be the beginning of further tragedies. The country is at the precipice. Which direction people, which direction?



Gabrielle Giffords photo from the website bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com

Monday Morning Museum: Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Pierre-Auguste Renoir – Thursday 25 February 1841 Limoges, France to Wednesday 3 December 1919 Cagnes, France

French Impressionist Painter

Father of film director Jean Renoir

Here is one of my favorite Renoir paintings - Le Dejeuner Des Canotiers, 1880-81 - which to me evokes the joy of French life.

Next Monday's Artist - André Derain

Images:
Left: Portrait of Charles and Georges Durand-Ruel, 1882 from the website upload.wikimedia.org
Center: Two Young Girls At The Piano, 1892 from the website metmuseum.org
Right: The White Pierrot, 1901-02 from the website dia.org
Below: "Monday Morning Museum" logo created by Adrean Darce Brent

Patriots Redown: December 2010 / January 2011

Game 12 – Monday 6 December 2010 – Patriots won - Home

New England Patriots: 17 7 7 14 - 45
New York Jets: 0 3 0 0 - 3

Total game points equal 48. Patriots 93.75% of the points. Jets 6.25% of the points.


Game 13 – Sunday 12 December 2010 – Patriots won – Away

New England Patriots: 7 26 3 0 - 36
Chicago Bears: 0 0 7 0 - 7

Total game points equal 43. Patriots 83.72% of the points. Bears 16.28% of the points.


The New England Patriots obtain the first playoff berth for the NFL postseason.


Game 14 – Sunday 19 December 2010 – Patriots won – Home

New England Patriots: 7 7 7 10 - 31
Green Bay Packers: 3 14 7 3 - 27

Total game points equal 58. Patriots 53.45% of the points. Packers 46.55% of the points.


Game 15 – Sunday 26 December 2010 – Patriots won - Away

New England Patriots: 7 17 7 3 - 34
Buffalo Bills 3 0 0 0 - 3

Total game points equal 37. Patriots 91.89% of the points. Bills 8.11% of the points.

The New England Patriots have the best record in the AFC East, they have obtained a bye for the first round of the playoffs, and they have home field advantage during the playoffs.


Game 16 – Sunday 2 January 2011 – Patriots won – Home

New England Patriots: 14 10 14 0 - 38
Miami Dolphins: 0 0 0 7 - 7

Total game points equal 45. Patriots 84.44% of the points. Dolphins 15.56% of the points


Regular Season totals: New England Patriots: wins 14, losses 2. The New England Patriots have the best record in the NFL. They play their first game of the postseason on Sunday 16 January 2011 in the Divisional round at home.


New England Patriots logo is from the website wikipedia.org

Patriots Pounce And Dominant Dolphins

The timing of my arrival at Sonny McLean’s this morning is so precise that Jen is opening the door as I reach the bar. There are three guys already waiting at the door and as I follow them inside, I wish Jen and Andrew a “Happy New Year”. The guys go to one of the high tables and I head towards the booth. The bar is still decorated with a Christmas tree, lights, wreaths, and garlands. A nice festive atmosphere. Settling into the booth and Jen brings me a Diet Coke. Soon more people arrive, including two older guys who, as usual, sit two booths away from me. And the two guys who sit in the darts area decide to stay there for the game. But I’m happy there’s fruit with my Sonny’s breakfast today. Some guy stops by and asks where Maurice is and I tell him he’s at South, a bar down the street. The bar fills up and it’s a good crowd. And the final regular season game for the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins begins. The Patriots come out strong and score fourteen unanswered points in the first quarter – excellent! At some point during the second quarter, a guy comes and asks to sit at the booth – no problem. New England continues scoring in the second quarter and Miami still has not produced any points. At halftime, the score is Patriots 24, Dolphins 0. During halftime, Rich comes over. He finally bought his new television. It’s a thirty-two inch, High Definition, LED one, but the only problem is that he now has to get an HD cable box! That will happen tomorrow. Glad Rich finally has the television he wanted. The second half begins and the theme of New England scoring keeps on – another fourteen points in the third quarter. During the third quarter the guy in the booth leaves. And while I’m paying my bill during the fourth quarter, a couple, Chris and Heather, think I’m leaving, but they do join me for the rest of the game. Alas, the scoring stops for the Patriots in the fourth quarter, but begins for the Dolphins. However, Miami does not score enough in the available time to be a threat to New England. And the final score for the final regular game is the New England Patriots 38, the Miami Dolphins 7. Highlights of the game were that Tom Brady’s no pass interception streak continues and that Green-Ellis ends up with a thousand rushing yards for the season. With the wrap up of this game, the New England Patriots have the best record in the NFL at fourteen wins, two losses and with a playoff bye next week, will not play again until the 16th in the Divisional round at home. Congrats Pats on a terrific season and I’m looking forward to a spectacular postseason with a trophy at the end! Wish Chris and Heather a good rest of the Sunday and it is raining as I leave Sonny McLean’s, but I’m feeling only the sunshine of the victory and the upcoming postseason.


New England Patriots logo is from the website wikipedia.com

Happy New Year 2011!

Well, it’s the start of the second decade of the Twenty-first century and the day finds me in a different place than I was at the start of the first decade. Then I was living in Paris, France and fulfilling a long-time desire to call that city home. And home it was and, in reality, home it will forever be. I’m a New Englander who lives in California and whose heart is in the City of Light. I long to return to Paris, but I know I was fortunate to live in the place that so long ago captured my heart and refused to return it. Not everyone has that joyous experience and if there is some place you know that will give you unbelievable happiness, do whatever you can to obtain it. If where you are now is that special place, then you are indeed fortunate. I may never live in Paris again, but I know the wonder of having a dream fulfilled.

So, in this first year of a brand new decade, I wish you much happiness, excellent health, meaningful work, and most of all, the courage to seek your dreams and know the wonder. Happy New Decade!


“Happy New Year! 2011” graphic created by Adrean Darce Brent