Last night’s opera was “The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny” by Kurt Weill. Weill died an American composer, but when this was written and premiered, he had never even cnsidered coming to America – he was still working in Germany with Bertolt Brecht. So I think it’s iffy to call this “by an American composer.” However, it is – sort of – set in the US (though you’d be hard put to figure out exactly where.) With the llibretto by Brecht (translated of course) it’s a stunning indictment of capitalism. But I don’t suppose RWNJ’s would watch opera much, and those who did wouldn’t get it. Over a decade ago, LA Opera put it on with Patti Lupone and Audra MacDonald, and that version was aired on PBS “Great Performances.” I think it plays best when the character of Jimmy is played by someone sweet and vulnerable, and that is hard to find. Here’s a small taste, without Jimmy, but with Patti Lupone.
Cartoon –
Short Takes – trying for good news so we can relax on a holiday.
Axios – FBI begins arresting individuals who attacked journalists on Jan. 6
Quote – The big picture: The government’s crackdown against attacks on reporters marks a changing of the tide, where journalists are starting to feel that there is some renewed protection after a year of attacks.
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A nice editorial from the Miami Herald
Biden’s small gesture toward DeSantis highlighted the president’s human touch
Quote – After almost 18 months of a highly politicized response — or maybe non-response — to the deadly coronavirus, in this state and others across the nation, it is breathtaking to see Florida’s Republican Gov. DeSantis standing shoulder to shoulder with political rival, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz one day, and Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava on another — both Democrats. But a photo of our governor, sitting next to our president who, as he talks to local leaders, lightly places his hand on DeSantis arm, is the most moving of all.
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The concert “A Capitol Fourth,” which is produced by the same people who produce the National Memorial Day Concert, will be broadcast today. My personal opinon is that the Memorial Day Concert is always better, generally much better, but that’s because the Memorial Day Concert goes so deep into the lives and issues of veterans, service members, and their families. the Capitol Fourth is more of a party. Parties bore me (except the Democratic Party OL). But if they don’t bore you, it should be excellent.
Click through for television listings, a trailer, a couple pf previews, a link to FAQs, a link to history, and more.
Food for Thought
In case anyone has been worried about Lynn Squance, after a few tries I was able to speak with her yesterday. We talked about an hour. She is – as fine as pretty much anyne in our age group can claim, and has been (and will be) very involved in political action regarding the events referenced in this article It’s very time consuming but we may eventually start to hear about it if and when it lets up enough to have writing time.
