Pat Taub
Ukraine Horrors
As the war in the Ukraine escalates and brings all kinds of horrors, like the possibility of a nuclear plant being struck emitting dangerous levels of radiation, and untold numbers of innocent deaths, my heart is heavy. While we need to rally around the Ukrainians, I long for less war talk and more efforts at diplomacy.
Children taking refuge in a subway in the Ukraine
For me, a disturbing outcome of the war has been the government’s shutting down of the Russian news site, RT and the corresponding loss of programs hosted by Pulitzer Prize winner, Chris Hedges and the young American, Abby Martin. Both Hedges and Martin insist they are not pro-Russian, but were on RT because their allegiance to Palestine, made them objectionable to American news sites.
Chris Hedges show, “On Contact” that is no more after RT was cancelled. The irony is that he frequently reported on the Arts.
“Drive My Car”
Movies have always been a healthy escape for me when the world is in turmoil. Recently I watched two of the films nominated for an Oscar. “Drive My Car,” is a fascinating Japanese film adapted from the book, “Men Without Women” by the award- winning Japanese author, Haruki Marakami. The film quietly unfolds with minimal dialogue, long screen shots and an absorbing plot.
“The Power of the Dog”
This is Jane Campion’s first film in ten years and another Oscar nominee. You may remember Campion for “The Piano.” “The Power of the Dog” is a macho-themed film set in a ranch in Iowa in 1925. The plot twists are surprising and sometimes difficult to grasp. I watched this movie with friend. We discussed it for a long time afterwards, debating the outcome as we added to one another’s interpretations.
Hillary Mantel
Mantel is well known for her award-winning Wolf Hall trilogy about Thomas Cromwell, but she has written many other excellent novels, which frequently display her sense of humor. This week I finished her coming-of-age book, “An Experiment in Love,” about female college students in 1960’s England, who struggle with sex, gender identity and class differences. Her characters, set off against Mantel’s witty observations, felt very real and true to the times.
Gratitude
When my world seems to spin out of control, as it has with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, taking time to meditate and express gratitude for my good fortunes, helps to calm me and restore a sense of balance to my life. I need to return to a regular gratitude practice, like starting my day offering thanks for all I am grateful for.
