Sunday, November 23, 2008

Still Without a Voice

Yeah, the hippo just didn't work. So I'm going crazy not being able to talk. I'm trying to when I should be resting my voice, but it drives me nuts when J. keeps saying "what?" when I try to tell him something.

Let's talk about something else. I've been watching a new show, or at least new to me, The Eleventh Hour. At first I didn't think I would like it because the main actor is kind of weird looking, or maybe I saw him in something else where he was weird, I don't know. But I like him. He has a great character, a genius biophysicist working for the FBI on strange cases. So, I like the characters and the stories, about strange phenomena, but the endings are always disappointing. It's like we're going along fine with this interesting biophysical event, and the relationship between Dr. Hood (the genius) and others is developing and holding my attention, and then poof! Scooby Doo ending. The obvious guy is the culprit, he tells all when caught, just like the villians in superhero movies, and I can almost hear him saying, "If it wasn't for you meddling kids!" Oh well, I guess you can only expect so much from network TV.

On a more upbeat note, I've started watching stuff on Ovation TV, which is like all art all the time. Last night I watched a 2-hour (well, yeah, I watched it over 2 nights, I do have a toddler) documentary about photographer Sally Mann. It was fascinating and her photos are beautiful and controversial, and they make you think. And it was just very inspiring to hear an artist talk about her philosophy about art, and about life, and to see how she works. Of course it's inspiring to see a really prominent woman artist, a woman with a family.

On a related note, I just read last week that David Foster Wallace is dead. I can't believe it. And he killed himself. Another genius commits suicide. He evidently suffered from severe depression. Is it our culture that sends some geniuses into such a pit of despair that they figure nothing is worth living for? I just think it's so sad. I loved some of his writing, it was so funny and full of sincere emotion and insight.

2 comments:

Chris said...

Yes, I kept meaning to read his Interviews with strange men, or whatever it is, and then I heard he did this and couldn't read him. I just read his article on depression, but it's hard to read him and know that all the great writing that makes me smile is gone.

Chris said...

How's your voice? I hope you are now able to talk and order John around. Otherwise, Thanksgiving is going to be a bigger challenge!
I love Ovation TV. Sometimes they get on a ballet or orchestra kick, and I don't watch.

I'm going to check out The Eleventh Hour.