Apropos of 'Apropos of Nothing'

Apropos of Nothing, by Woody Allen (Arcade Publishing, 2020; First Paperback Edition 2021)

New York Times Bestseller “In this candid and often hilarious memoir, the celebrated director, comedian, writer, and actor offers a comprehensive, personal look at his tumultuous life. Beginning with his Brooklyn childhood and his stint as a writer for the Sid Caesar variety show in the early days of television, working alongside comedy greats, Allen tells of his difficult early days doing standup before he achieved recognition and success. With his unique storytelling pizzazz, he recounts his departure into moviemaking, with such slapstick comedies as Take the Money and Run, and revisits his entire, sixty-year-long, and enormously productive career as a writer and director, from his classics Annie Hall, Manhattan, and Hannah and Her Sisters to his most recent films, including Midnight in Paris. Along the way, he discusses his marriages, his romances and famous friendships, his jazz playing, and his books and plays. We learn about his demons, his mistakes, his successes, and those he loved, worked with, and learned from in equal measure.” – Amazon.

Not in the Archive, but it has been my daily reading for almost a week. I’ve been reading and enjoying Allen since I was in high school; watching his movies, too, until about Radio Days, after which his films became a little less ubiquitous. Then, of course, there was that Mia Farrow business, and things became more fraught.

 “In 1980, Allen began a professional and personal relationship with actress Mia Farrow. Over a decade-long period, they collaborated on 13 films. The couple separated after Allen began a relationship in 1991 with Mia's and Andre Previn's 21-year-old adopted daughter Soon-Yi Previn. Allen married Previn in 1997. They have two adopted daughters. In 1992, Farrow publicly accused Allen of sexually abusing their adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow. The allegation gained substantial media attention, but two judicial investigations and a custody trial did not find it credible. Allen was never charged or prosecuted and has vehemently denied the allegation.” – Wikipedia. The situation was not helped by the libidinous persona he had projected through the years.

Apropos of Nothing is a memoir, a little less formal than an autobiography, and most reviews emphasize its humorous aspect, and it does have that. But it’s hard to read it as anything less than an apology, in the old-fashioned Greek sense of the word, an explanation and a plea for understanding, if somewhat wryly put. While Allen gives all props to Farrow as to her talent and beauty, she comes across as less than a Supermom, as she adopts children almost as fashion accessories, and more like a Medea, striking back at Jason through the children.

Allen’s career cannot now be discussed without addressing this business, and the absolute truth may never be known. But he relates his narrative in a convincing manner, and I put down the book (which is hard to do in media res as there are no chapters throughout its 392 pages and few formal pauses) feeling more inclined to accept his side of things. He claims he does not care what anyone thinks of him or what his legacy will be when he's gone, but I think this may be the most disingenuous statement in the whole book.

Hidden Life

 

Wideo Wednesday: A Playlist I Made A While Ago

 

A few years ago I actually managed to make a playlist on YouTube. It has my nephew's name on it because we inextricably got our accounts merged when I tried to help him long ago. Anyway, here are a batch of songs, some of which may already have been posted.

 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJTZffb4rIT4KoF4umgX1VtCUM7j3OC1M

The Lord of the Rings: The Siege of Gondor (Part 2)

The Tale

After the 11^th hour, Pippin is released for a while to go get something to eat. In the ‘messes’ he meets Beregond again, who has just returned from an errand over the Pelennor fields to the Guard-Towers on the Causeway.

They stroll out to the walls, back to the embrasure where they ate yesterday, because Pippin feels claustrophobic even in the lofty citadel. They finally see a farewell gleam from the sun as it sets below the cloud cover, the same brief gleam that Frodo and Sam saw touching the head of the fallen king at the Cross Roads.

To Pippin, it seems years ago that he stood there. Yesterday he was just a wanderer passing through adventures; now he is one small soldier waiting in a besieged city. He might have been more pleased with his new array at another time, but his armor is somber and heavy, and he knows this is not playing. He yawns and sighs.

Beregond asks if he is weary of the day, and Pippin answers that he has been waiting on Denethor while the Steward confers with Gandalf and the Prince and other important people. It’s hard for a hobbit to watch others eat and stand by hungry. But under this spreading gloom even food and drink are no comfort. The very air seems thick; is it often thus when the wind is in the East?

No, this is no ordinary weather, but something brewed up by the Dark Lord to darken their hearts, maybe from the Mountain of Fire itself. Beregond wishes Faramir would return; he would not be dismayed.
Gandalf is worried about him too. And now Gandalf is off somewhere himself, having left the council before noon-meal in a bad mood. ‘Perhaps he has some foreboding of bad news.’

Bits and Bobs

The Guard-Towers on the Causeway are named Bered Ondrath (Sindarin: ‘?towers of the stone track’). They are a two-towered fortification on the north-eastern gate of the Rammas Echor, four leagues (12 miles) from the City gate.

The date is March 10, 3019.

Sorry about such a small snip, but I'm a little under the weather. I'm amazed I did this much.

 

Another Bad Argument Considered

However, “Abortion is currently banned in 14 states and many other states have attempted to ban or severely restrict access to abortion. All of these bans have an exception to prevent the death of the pregnant person and some bans include other exceptions that fall into three categories: when there is risk to the health of the pregnant person, when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, and when there is a lethal fetal anomaly.” - https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/issue-brief/a-review-of-exceptions-in-state-abortions-bans-implications-for-the-provision-of-abortion-services/

The article goes on to state that when deaths do occur from these exceptions it is because of the physician’s timidity or confusion about the existing law. The assumption this bit of bait-and-switch fearmongering post makes is not that the existing laws need to be made more precise and obvious but that all abortions must be legalized for any or no reason at any stage of development or health lest some fatality occur.

One thing is sure, that when such blanket abortions are allowed, a viable human offspring dies. They. Die. Basically murdered. For no real medical reason. The reason that some 'abortions' are allowed is not a reason all types of abortions must be allowed.

2020 Diary: The First Week of March

2020 Diary

3/1/2020: First Sunday of Lent. Up at 6 AM, prayers, Bible. Showered and off at 7 AM, on a complete fast (not even candy).  A rather austere service (the theme on temptation -Adam & Eve, Jesus and Satan in the wilderness). Gave every penny I have into the collection plate, and walked up to Communion without my cane, in penitence. Came home, the weather mild, and opened all the windows and had breakfast. All the movies not too engaging, so laid down and tried to nap off and on and read some Andrew Lang on dreams and ghosts. I realized he had written it about 120 years ago. Susan called about 12 and asked me to check the broccoli for freshness and we talked a bit about preparations for the week ahead; they leave by Friday. Didn’t do much but watch the animation line-up, and The Simpsons and Family Guy are just terrible, a string of gags with no storyline. Bed about 10:30 PM.

 

3/2/2020: Up about 6 AM, I think. Prayers and Bible and got dressed. Had a ramen and bread from my inside stores. Actually got my wash started at 7:30 AM, while the garage was still open; got 2 loads today. Started writing a bit; had a little over a page by 9 AM, so that’s a start to getting the machinery wound up.  Peeled Kameron an apple, then worked on getting the backyard in shape after the weekend with Jade, picking up wicker [the dogs loved to chew on the wicker furniture], sweeping the porch, herding together the dog toys. Rosary. Got Kameron off to the bus, changed the wash, then swept the guest house’s ledge and the back porch. Listened to GGACP while I went ahead and chopped the broccoli; I’ll put the salad together later. Wash done by 11:30 AM, and S&A not home yet (prolly sumpin to do wit her birthday). I feel on the ball so far this morning.

Well, not quite as on the ball as I thought. Andy came out to talk to me, and I realized I hadn’t boiled the Monday eggs or made the chicken salad! As it turned out it didn’t matter much as they had eaten out for Susan’s birthday. After they left, I made my lunch ramen, the chicken salad and eggs, and put the rest of the broccoli salad together. Watched my YT  and took my garbage out. Almost 4 PM, and nearly time for Kam to come home, and I must make supper and grass dogs. Fish rings, couscous.

 

3/3/2020: Up about 6:30 AM. Prayers and Bible, got dressed. Opened the window and turned the fan on and the wiring smelled funny and it wouldn’t turn in lowest gear, so I walked it out to the trash, and rolled the recycling bin in. On the porch Andy gave me the leftover roast chicken, so after I picked that I ran the bones and packaging out again. I’ve had that old fan since Loop Drive, and I think it even served to cool Mom, so it’s at least 20 years old. Why do I feel so sentimental about an old fan? A lot of the morning exploring why I didn’t agree with Kenny’s contention that Jesus was a socialist, so that took up a lot of real estate in my head, along with thinking about the Shanafelts going on a trip, Super Tuesday, the warm spring weather, and Lenten fasting (along with how to fit it into my diabetic condition). Didn’t write much until after supper (sausages, cabbage, taters) when I managed to squeeze out a page. [Breakfast and lunch of course on half my usual ramens and bread.] Reading now in Mrs. Andrew Lang’s Book of Strange Stories (edited after his death). Got this e-mail from John:

Finally got to read the last installment- sitting while Joey gets his hair cut! Very active last few days, for sure. I enjoyed the scene very much, it was a brilliant way to summarize the progress of the Kingdoms and also sketch in some good character stuff- also revealing the "stacked deck" of Ferrell, er, Keth family power. Can't wait to see what you bring next!

Made Kameron toast and a breakfast biscuit at 8 PM, then at about 8:30 PM Andy brought me out the leftovers of omelet and cheese and a salad. This after I had taken seconds on broccoli salad and taters and cabbage! My fast seems to be besieged from all sides! Biden edges out Bernie, including in Texas.

 

3/4/2020: Up about 6:30 AM. Prayers and Bible. Just as I was stepping into the shower, the rain suddenly struck. Got dressed, straightened the house. Caught up diary, and it’s now almost 8 AM and the rain seems petering out at last. Got Kameron off to schools.  Ramen. Notes on King Korm. Now at 11:30 it’s sunny, windy, some clouds, and oak leaves finally clattering down in the wind.

After I had a ramen for lunch, at 2 PM I began the stew for supper. A pork roast, onion, carrots, potatoes, and celery made a wonderous brew; the meat was very good, and bountiful. Cleaned up a little after 8 PM, then at 9:30 PM, said a rosary. Probably hit the hay soon. Only wrote some notes, but about a page, and invented the Morgish ‘flap’, a vestigial tail rather like a turtle’s or rhinoceros’s that covers most of the butt-crack. I don’t see any reason to reveal this anywhere any the stories.

 

3/5/2020: Got up a little after 5 AM, prayed some, then wrote down some dreams. Ready to finish prayers and read Bible. Did so, then started writing, and was able to finish this section by the time I got Kameron off to the bus. He was really worried about ‘the leprechaun [his nickname for a jobs trainer that he had]’ since he was working at HEB today. Did a few re-writes and sent it off to John, then nervously waited all day for a reply. Had leftover stew for breakfast AND lunch; it is really good! Kam got home after a GOOD day and I made supper: chili, corn on the cob, and rotini noodles. Talked to S&A about what needs to be done: the exterminator at 10 AM tomorrow, the cable bill, watch the pool, etc., etc. Washed up and made Kam supper. Bade them all bon voyage and came back to the guest House. Worked on “The Physical Description of the Morg Race”. John sent me this e-mail at 9:05 PM:

Very enjoyable installment; looks like things will be gearing up now for the big smackdown! I would press on and follow through with the tale as planned - so you can get it down, and keep the creative thread - but I think a scene - however brief - of the Kings directing their armies, and the relationship, attitude, etc., between them would go a long way in making the showdown really satisfying - it would be interesting to see how Korm performs,  and perhaps having lukewarm relations with his men while doing more conventional maneuvers - for character depth. I know this is a short story and you don't want to get too boggy, but - just a suggestion.  I hope to see you tomorrow afternoon before work - will give you a heads up.

Ready now to lay down at 9:45 PM.

 

3/6/2020: Got up at 5:30 PM, said prayers, read Bible. Got dressed. Started to dog-proof the house for later and began washing the covers; throughout the day I washed the spread, the comforter, and the pillowcases and sheets. Turned the safety-lights off at 7 AM. Got the mail (there was the Spectrum bill, just as Susan had said) and a package off the porch. Finished off the broccoli salad for breakfast. Grassed and fed the Chis. Put the Rotts in the guest house about 9:30 AM; went on the porch to wait for the exterminator. And waited. And waited. Until 2:30 PM. I took little 5-minute breaks to eat (lunch was the leftover chicken salad – MEAT! – but it was already 4 days old) and change wash, always with an eye out, and said THREE rosaries. Finally, I sort of gave up – always keeping an ear open – and let the Rotts out. Vader had enough time by himself to take a piece out of my plunger’s handle and tear some more splinters off the bathroom door. Then John, who I had been expecting, couldn’t make it after 3 PM because of washing machine problems. We’re thinking about getting together Sunday. About 5 PM I let the Rotts out again for the night and fed and grassed the Chis. Now we’ll see if Kelsey and Ryan don’t turn up today, either.

Loverly. The internet is not connecting, and some TV channels are fuzzing into static. Watched the new episode of Owl House at 8:50 PM; still can’t make up my mind about it. Sent John the Morg physical description document. He didn’t acknowledge, but it was a little later at night and he might be waiting to talk about it the next day.

When I put my bed together again, I decided it was time to part with the old stars, suns and moons comforter, another reminder of the old house. I took a picture of it on my phone, let the Rotts play with the old comforter a while (in hopes that they’d leave other things alone) then took it out to the bin. Squeezed the grapefruit for a very pulpy juice; they were very ripe and about to go off (one was black at the core; I threw it away)

Went to bed about 9 PM, music playing, and had a fairly peaceful night.

 

3/7/2020: Up about 5 PM. Got dressed, said prayers, read Bible. Feel tempted to go to store this morning, although there’s no real need, just boredom and a desire for sweet or salty snacks. The room feels better, just knowing the old sweaty oily bedclothes are clean. Don’t want to write over the weekend, either, but it might behoove me to get a page or two, to prime the pump, as it were. Ate the leftover stew for breakfast.

Wrote a partial outline for the next part of King Korm, where Korm goes through the cemetery and meets the Watchman, who is Mog Gammoth (not explicitly, but he is). Susan called about noon (at last) and told me that when they got to Kenny’s he was having plumbing problems, and they almost immediately went to see a NASA launch. Once after the phone call, I headed to DG. It was still kind of cold, and I went in shorts. Got Big Red, and some sweet snacks (pies, wafers, star clusters, cheese doodles) and came home by 1 PM. Ate the cheese doodles and cherry pies for ‘lunch’.

About 4 PM ate the boiled eggs (a lot of this eating is necessity eating, before it goes bad; next week should be easier as far as fasting goes) and fed and grassed the Chis. Tried to scrape cat-sick off the side bench (I think it’s Ditto, who seems ailing). The sun is finally showing itself. Tomorrow the clocks spring forward. I’ve already set my alarm clock. Listening to Mike Nelson (MST3K) on The Babylon Bee; he’s a Christian! Also doing some wash.

Listened to quite a few episodes and lay down trying to sleep. Somewhere around midnight I think I did.

Notes

I think I finally figured out where I hit the little hiccup in my Diary postings; I had gone back to 2019, forgetting I had moved on to 2020. No wonder it seemed familiar!

I was reading The Strange Story Book on Kindle, I'm sure. It was this collection that contains a recounting of Pliny's ghost story from ancient Greece.

All Broken-Hearted

I just realized today that one of the elements I had forgot for the 'Time It Was' post was the 1984 Showtime production of Shaw's Heartbreak House, with Rex Harrison and Amy Irving. It had a distinct influence on me at the time. Indeed, I've heard that George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart's You Can't Take It With You was a spin on the Shaw play, updated and transposed into an American key, and both these productions were thick in my personal stew in the Eighties. Here it is on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2P8z_YzQYmw

Heartbreak House