the great pretenders

If you like historical mysteries, then you'll enjoy reading The Great Pretenders: The True Stories behind Famous Historical Mysteries by Jan Bondeson. I devoured this book over the past few days. Bondeson is a doctor who uses medical and DNA analysis to discuss some of the historical mysteries surrounding cases of disputed identity. For example, several people came forth in the 18/19th centuries, claiming to be the Lost Dauphin (the son of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI). Other people claimed that Alexander I of Russia faked his own death and became a hermit. There also is an interesting story about Kasper Hauser, a sixteen year old boy who claimed to have spent his childhood hidden in a subterranean dungeon. At the time, many people speculated that Hauser was the crown prince of Baden.

Each one of Bondeson's stories is interesting and compelling. Bondeson is an engaging writer and he recounts the historical mysteries in a very engaging way. Some of the claimants and their far-fetched stories are mind-boggling. It made me realize that there aren't just crazy people in the world today - there have been some pretty fantastic crazies throughout history.

concerning wolves

Last night I submitted my article for consideration to be published in this Brazilian journal! Phew! I'm so glad that I finished everything. I feel really good about what I've written, especially because I had helpful suggestions/editing from J, Ant Bee, and Renata. Thank you! If I get published, it will be because of your sound advice.

I have to admit, though - I'm a little nervous. I feel a quite exposed and vulnerable, since my work is about to be peer-reviewed by the forefront scholars in my field. What if they hate my argument? What if they let me get published, only so they can write a counterargument and debunk everything I said? Have I just sent myself to the wolves? Yikes. On the other hand, though, I realize that this vulnerability just comes with the territory, and I hope it proves to be a good learning experience.

Speaking of wolves, Sam's new favorite story is "The Three Little Pigs." J told Sam the story in an attempt to keep him quiet in the car, and now we have to tell him the story several times a day. He loves to huff and puff when we talk about the Big Bad Wolf. On Monday I decided to show him a YouTube clip from the Disney animation (so he could better visualize the story), and now he asks to watch it ALL. THE. TIME.

If it's been awhile since you've watched the Disney animation, you can see it below. It's funny to watch this clip as an adult. There are some clever things that I never noticed as a kid, like the pictures of hambone and sausages that hang on the wall of the third pig's house. Both pictures have a sign labeled "Father" underneath. Ha ha!

ellen to replace paula on American Idol

What do people think about Ellen DeGeneres as the new judge on American Idol? (If you want to see the news story, click here.)

I have to admit, I was a little surprised to hear the news. I think Ellen is a great entertainer and will add a lot of funny, witty commentary to the judge panel, but I'm surprised that she was selected. After all, she's not a singer.

Do you think it matters that Ellen isn't a singer? I think it would definitely be more helpful for the contestants, but on the other hand, maybe it isn't so important. After all, Paula is a singer and she never made many substantial comments about music or vocal technique. Ellen definitely will be an improvement from Paula: even if Ellen doesn't say something substantial, at least it will be funny.

I'm especially curious to see what kind of a dynamic is created between Ellen and Simon. Will they get along?

2009 "Emma" BBC version

My friend Julie recently posted about how the new BBC version of "Emma" is on YouTube. I've been watching some episodes this afternoon. It's a pretty good show, and I like a lot of things about it. I haven't made up my mind yet, but I might like the version with Gwyneth Paltrow better. I think actress Romola Garai is a little too informal when she's in character. I can't tell what exactly bugs me. Maybe it's her posture or the way that she waves her hand. I feel like her mannerisms seem too modern and don't quite fit the formality that existed during Jane Austen's day.

My other thoughts? Perhaps Mr. Elton (Blake Ritson) is a little too handsome? I've only watched a little over an hour of the show, but at this point I almost want Emma to end up with Elton. And Mr. Frank Churchill (Rupert Evans) is not handsome enough.

You can start watching the show here:

Any thoughts on the film? What screen adaptation of "Emma" do you like best?

be prepared

One of the benefits to living in our house is that we have full access to nostalgia items:

Behold J's old scout uniforms, still in prime wearing condition and still bedecked with badges/pins/awards.

We hope you had a happy Halloween!

woe is me

The stars have aligned, and they are decidedly against me. Tonight I sat down to make the final changes on my journal article (in hopes that I could submit everything tonight) and my computer would not start. At all. I have backup files of the article edits and revisions that I made this afternoon, but I'm at a loss without my computer (I'm typing from J's laptop right now). I don't even want to think about what would happen if I didn't have my computer or its files, especially all of my art history notes and lecture presentations. Yikes.

My future is in your hands, Computer Sonics repairman.

sam speaks

Sam is starting to use lots of different words. He often has his own little variation or interpretation of a word though, so he's best understood through an interpreter. One of his cutest variants is the word for "Papa," which he pronounces as "Bop."

Sam also creates his own variations of baby signs. Sometimes it takes awhile for us to figure out what he's trying to communicate. I think he's funniest variant is the sign for "thank you." Instead of doing the traditional ASL sign, Sam rests his hand on his cheek (and often squishes his cheek against his face).

It's fun to see Sam speaking and mimicking different sounds on command. Here's a clip that showcases some of his latest developments in phonology:



Sam got a little tired of my questions by the time I made this second clip. Our interview got cut short when he decided to bust out some dance moves: