Emily Cat 176

I'm talking about history today.  In 1629 present day Java was called Batavia. Also in 1629 the Dutch were sailing a ship called Batavia to the Batavia colony. The ship ran aground on a reef off the coast of Western Australia. They all had to abandon ship and make for small islands in the area. So began the true life story of what happened on those islands.  It's not good. Peter Fitzsimons has written a very good book about the Batavia. It's well written and you can feel the terror coming off the pages. If you like history and like reading non fiction can l recommend you read it. 5 out 5 stars 

Johann Sebastian Bach  Was he the greatest composer ever? This is the music l have been listening to this week. It's great music, but, l have one thing l don't like about it: the harpsicord. I know that's what was around then, no pianos in those days. Even knowing that l have to say l don't like the sound of a harpsicord. Bach came from a musical family and, in turn, several of his children also became composers. It's so much fun listening to all this music. Who said classical music was boring? Me and l was so wrong.

I'm talking about films today.  There seems to be a particular type of film that show constantly in the cinemas this year.  I like seeing films in a cinema. I also have a movie club. So far this year has been a disappointment. The cinemas have been full of, what l call, franchise films. You know the ones. Part3/4/5 of the same film. The Devil wears Prada 2 came out this year something like 16 years after the first one. Marvel and all those types of films. If you like that kind of film go and see them. I'm not saying that they shouldn't be made, but, what about the rest of us who want something different. It's like the film makers have run out of new ideas. I had such a good film year last year. This year is different, a complete disappointment.

Do you belong to a book club?  I keep hearing that people aren't reading books anymore, that there are more authors than readers. This got me thinking about book clubs. Are they still popular? I'm one of those who don't read anymore. Audiobooks is what l do. Instead of reading the book myself l listen to someone else read it. That's what l call reading now. It suits me as a non driver. When l'm out and about do l want to be carrying a heavy book with me? No l do not, and, l swear the book gets heavier the longer the day goes. So let me know if you are in a book club.  ** There is now a section where you can leave a comment. Please do as l would like to hear from you.

I need some names.  I love the jazz from the 1920's, but, don't know much about the current jazz scene. If you are a jazz lover you must know who the current names in jazz. Please let me know who they are so l can look into them. That's half the fun; listening to all this wonderful music. Lot's of names please. Let's start a conversation.

I had seen this flyer a few days before.  I was in Frankston on Thursday and thought why not. As it was l was late because l couldn't remember the start time. So l crept in 15 minutes late. It was a good crowd and they enjoyed the show. This choir was a U3A choir which means that the singers are older, but, they still all sang in tune. The human voice does change as we age, but, the program suited the singer's voices. There's something wonderful about hearing voices sing in unison. There was even a small interlude from a jazz band. All in all a good performance. All this cost me a gold coin donation. That's all they asked.  Can l suggest to you that you get out and look in your suburbs. The arts thrive in Melbourne suburbs, but, l'm sure you will be able to find something where you live. Music, and the arts, are all around us.