On this rock, a myth was built

In Provincetown, chipping at Plymouth’s Pilgrim preeminence
By David Filipov
Globe Staff / November 22, 2009

Anything Goes / Cole Porter /1934

Times have changed,
And we've often rewound the clock,
Since the Puritans got a shock,
When they landed on Plymouth Rock.
If today,
Any shock they should try to stem,
'Stead of landing on Plymouth Rock,
Plymouth Rock would land on them.

In olden days a glimpse of stocking
Was looked on as something shocking,
But now, God knows,
Anything Goes.

Good authors too who once knew better words,
Now only use four letter words
Writing prose, Anything Goes.

The world has gone mad today
And good's bad today,
And black's white today,
And day's night today,
When most guys today
That women prize today
Are just silly gigolos
And though I'm not a great romancer
I know that I'm bound to answer
When you propose,
Anything goes

When grandmama whose age is eighty
In night clubs is getting matey with gigolo's,
Anything Goes.

When mothers pack and leave poor father
Because they decide they'd rather be tennis pros,
Anything Goes.

If driving fast cars you like,
If low bars you like,
If old hymns you like,
If bare limbs you like,
If Mae West you like
Or me undressed you like,
Why, nobody will oppose!
When every night,
The set that's smart
Is intruding in nudist parties in studios,
Anything Goes.

The world has gone mad today
And good's bad today,
And black's white today,
And day's night today,
When most guys today
That women prize today
Are just silly gigolos
And though I'm not a great romancer
I know that I'm bound to answer
When you propose,
Anything goes

If saying your prayers you like,
If green pears you like
If old chairs you like,
If back stairs you like,
If love affairs you like
With young bears you like,
Why nobody will oppose!

And though I'm not a great romancer
And though I'm not a great romancer
I know that I'm bound to answer
When you propose,
Anything goes...
Anything goes!

Two New England Literary Lions Reside on My Nightstand

Image wraps around book's dust jacket. Inside flap is void of description.

Books of The Times
Stephen King’s Latest Cast Feels Real
By JANET MASLIN
Published: November 12, 2009
“Under the Dome” gravely threatens Stephen King’s status as a mere chart-busting pop cultural phenomenon.

I have not picked up a novel by King in some time. The review refers to his book, On Writing, that was a straightforward account of the writing process - a writing manual that was an informative, entertaining read. His subject and tone should be a nice contrast to the red and green festive seasons close at hand.

So, first book on my nightstand is set in Maine.

Books of The Times
Father and Son in a Vortex of Chaos
By MICHIKO KAKUTANI
Published: October 27, 2009
“Last Night in Twisted River” showcases all of John Irving’s biggest liabilities, but evolves into a deeply felt and moving story.

And the second book on my nightstand (and on commute home because it is not cinder block size like King's latest) is centered in New Hampshire.

Interesting line that caught my eye on pages 48-49: "He was so unflinchingly calm that he radiated a kind of acceptance that could easily be mistaken for pessimism."

What a hoot! Owl checks out Faneuil Hall - Local News Updates - The Boston Globe

James Egan of Egan Acres Tree Farm took this picture of the feathered visitor. Egan recently worked on the big Christmas tree at the marketplace for nearly an hour before realizing he had company, perched just five feet away. (Boston Globe, November 19, 2009)

What a hoot! Owl checks out Faneuil Hall - Local News Updates - The Boston Globe

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Kate Hudson in "Nine", Movies

Kate Hudson always bares a striking resemblance of her famous mom, Goldie Hawn but after seeing preview to Nine - I would say she is channeling her mom's Laugh In days down to the outfit and the moves. The film appear to be an energizing, impressive confection for adult audiences this holiday season.

Three movies in three separate genres include nine in their titles this year.

9
District 9
Nine

Ring Cranberry Mold | Williams-Sonoma

Ring Cranberry Mold Williams-Sonoma

I purchased one of these over the weekend thinking I may take my cranberry dish up a notch this year. The mold comes with a recipe that includes using Williams-Sonaoma Apple-Orange Cranberry Relish. Should the un-molding process prove tricky, I will simply use my back-up canned cranberry sauce and watch it jiggle in all its cylindrical canned glory.

The Roaring Twenties, 1939 James Cagney

Last night on TCM. A better example of a gangster film and from the golden year of 1939. A veteran reporter wrote the story based on actual events with details changed. It moves very fast and gives a very detailed portrayal of Prohibition era booze making and marketing. Gladys George portrays a well worn woman being the best lady she can be. I want to find more of her work.

NYT The Puppy Diaries

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/02/garden/02puppy.html

The Puppy Diaries
Scout Takes a Splash
By JILL ABRAMSON
Published: November 2, 2009 / The New York Times
Some people swim with dolphins. I swim with dogs.

Vistit to Acadia National Park 10/27/09

Picking a nice day to go off-season was like having the whole park to ones self. Maine also has a couple of great classical music radio stations, which make for a perfect soundtrack. I must purchase a better camera.

Acadia National Park

Ken Burns The National Parks, America's Best Idea

Yes, Martin and Baldwin are older Oscar hosts.

Yes, Martin and Baldwin are older Oscar hosts. But this won’t affect ratings.

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Oscar hosts are confirmed. The two star in a new film due out Christmas. They must have good chemistry and the Academy must be wishing for a hit.

To keep track of the Oscar horse race visit Awards Circuit.

Halloween 2009

Kitchen Fireplace Halloween 2009
Originally uploaded by Chadwick Land

Never know what you might find waiting for you in a large kitchen fireplace. Never know. The season passed too quickly but closed with a balmy Saturday Halloween.