As someone who is fascinated with technology I continually seek a device which might suit me as a substitution for a good hand-held novel.
My passion for books goes beyond the good read. One who loves reading knows that the vessel of text disappears from notice as you immerse yourself into visions and experiences held within.
The ease on the eyes, the weight when held in the hand, and speed at which one can turn the pages must equal or exceed its paper sibling. I’ve tried a number of them. Although cool to contemplate, none have offered enough appeal for me to abandon the traditional bound novel.
Teasing me on the Web rumor mill right now is that of a Secret Tablet which just might be the device I have been waiting for. As a multi-use device, it opens in a landscape fashion with screens on both sides(it is reminiscent of an ancient waxed tablet). In the correct mode, it appears one can read and change pages from one side to the other as if experiencing an actual paperback, yet without the bother of “sticky” pages.
Akin to a cross between a Kindle, a netbook, and an IPod touch interface, this is one device I just might be willing to make the change for if they add the e-book capability. If the creators are listening out there – offer snap-on interchangeable, padded, jackets for this new discovery and it will be hard for those who love the feel and scent of paperbacks in their hands to say no.
Controversial is the only way to describe the debate over today’s entrepreneurial Independent authors. As with any uninvited change to established institutions, the mainstream publishing industry has been uncomfortable with this fast growing trend.
Similar to Indie films and Indie music, the mainstream publishing posse has their points. The checks and balances in place for selecting just the right media bubbles up what they believe will sell to the public. True, this insures a high standard of editing and formatting. Also true, it restricts incredibly rich choices for those whom have a passion for their genres.
An unbiased answer to the cry for quality and choice are industry respected publications such as Kirkus Discoveries, Midwest Book Review, Foreward Magazine, and others who specifically target services for independent authors. Consumers can be assured that reputation is foremost for these publications – ergo a strong review assures a reader of a quality story.
Also emerging to meet the demand for quality are reputable Independent book competitions to showcase the best of the best. As with the Sundance Film Festival and South by Southwest Festival, these competitions seek to uncover budding talent that has gone unnoticed.
Kudos to all of the finalist and winners of these prestigious awards, and a special thanks to the judges and organizers for supporting this growing trend in publishing!
When one cannot travel Europe in person, the next best thing is taking a ride with Rick Steves, one of my favorite northwest personas who has spent much of his life showing us “Europe through the Back Door” on his syndicated public television travel series.
In a recent post on his “Travel as a Political Act” blog, he articulates quite eloquently the repetitious nature of our European ancestors.
When visiting a small Catholic church in Spain he muses:
The theme: Re-creating for the audience, through music and song, the Goliard’s 12th century writings which portray peaceful satirical protest against the Papacy.
The evening began in a most appropriate setting. In the midst of the Seattle urban business center, I am swept back to a more simple artistic point in time upon entering the Town Hall venue.
Once a church constructed in the early 1900’s by the an affluent Christian community, the sanctuary-like setting inspires hushed voices as I weave my way among the curved wooden pews which encircle the stage — formerly the platform for a preachers pulpit. A central domed ceiling with Greek Corinthian-like pillars and fine stained art-glass windows filtering late afternoon light remind me of a quintessential European setting.
A friend from the Chorus recommends sitting close to the percussion section and I take her advice, delighted to be so close to the many instruments awaiting the musicians who command them.
The Chorus opens with 11th century anthems written by Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179). Between melodic movements a narrative is read which hints the current day mishaps in the Middle East, experienced by those of European decent, are remarkably similar to those encountered by their ancestors during the crusades – a point well taken.
Following 11th century Hildegard’s serenade, exuberant young musicians from Bellingham’s college in northern Washington enter the stage followed by the acclaimed Soprano and Baritone soloists who will be participating in this musical time travel.
. . .And these students are such appropriate participants in this performance of Carmina Burana. As social rebels of the time period, the Goliards, followers of a legendary Bishop Golias, were mainly clerical students at the universities of France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and England who protested the growing contradictions within the Church, such as the failure of the Crusades and financial abuses, expressing themselves through rather risqué song, poetry and performance.
The Carmina Burana opens as well as closes with Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi(Fortune, Empress of the World). Listening to the song via this YouTube link is worth 1000 words. . .
The overall performance was worthy of a PBS special. Sitting in such close proximity of the percussion section, the energy of these young musicians absolutely blew me away. It was if they were one with the music in body, spirit, and rhythm – such a complex performance could not be performed to such a moving degree of incarnation otherwise.
The Seattle Peace Chorus, guest soloists, and WWU students can be assured they would have made their 12th century spiritual kinsmen and kinswomen proud in this magnificent performance.
I walked away with an increased awareness of how the human spirit forever tends to repeat the same mistakes as well as successes, over and over throughout history. I carry with me a feeling of almost existing inside the Carmina Burana masterpiece for a short period of time, woven for my pleasure by these performing artists who portrayed the awe-inspiring tale. . . .
Featuring:
Alexandra Picard, Soprano
Stuart Lutzenhiser, Tenor
Charles Robert Stephens, Baritone
Special guest artist Linda Strandberg, Soprano
With Western Washington University Orchestra, directed by Arthur Shaw
Welcome to the Sixth Century Blog. I use this place to blog bits and bytes that I stumble upon related early Caucasian tribal traditions during the first millennium AD. . .and other topics or oddities that randomly cross my path.
