Monday, October 23, 2006

The Snowball Effect...


So: this is where a semester with three literature classes becomes intense. It feels like a reading marathon right about now, and although I am enjoying the reading list, it is also very stressful. It is the proverbial snowball rolling, steadfastly down the mountain. This along with publishing some small pieces for the alternative weekly where I intern, and editing student submissions for my schools' newspaper, you can certainly understand why I might have less time for BGPM.

I am reading a fascinating, sort of magical realist novel, which tells the story of the partition of India through the eyes (and nose) of one Saleem Sinai called, Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie. There are those who consider Rushdie a genius, and I am quickly becoming a believer, as this is one of (if not) the most clever stories I have ever read. I am also reading Black Boy, by Richard Wright, whose autobiography and life of growing up black and male in a world which is hostile and indifferent to black males is a testament to the strength and will of Africans in America. And, finally I am reading Song of the Lark, by Willa Cather, of whom I knew nothing about until now, but I take pleasure in learning that she lived life on her own terms at a time when that was not easy for women, and after becoming a big, powerful editor of McClure’s Magazine...she quit to follow her dream.

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Tamara Dobson, 1947-2006

What little black girl didn’t want to be the beautiful, statuesque Cleopatra Jones? I know I did. I wanted that hair (And, finally got it…at age 12 and 36!), and I wanted that jacket too, (but, they didn’t have it in the chubby section). She was beautiful, poised and classic; nappy hair and all. She didn’t have to conform to western standards of beauty to be a shero. Suffice it to say that my heart broke when I heard of her transition.

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Sunday, October 01, 2006

My Favorite St. Louis Website!


Built St. Louis , a website created and maintained by Rob Powers, is the place I began my journey back home. Its detailed, documented pieces (with pictures) brought back so many memories about growing up in the Gateway City, yes including trips to the top of the Arch, and breezy club nights on Laclede's Landing at Mike Talayna's and The Brass Rail. There are also links to some more very interesting sites about St. Louis. The site covers the demolition of architectural landmarks, the city's ever changing landscapes, and the unique composition of St. Louis neighborhoods. This site beautifully documents St. Louis' past and present from the POV of its architecture and cityscapes, and preserves it forever unlike any other source I've seen.

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