http://www.culturemaven.com/blog c d kaplan - observer of the passing scene, columnist, feature writer, film critic, curmudgeon Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:10:43 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Phil Rollins has been immersed in the University of Louisville hoops tradition for half a century. His playing days predate Freedom Hall. As a senior in 1956, he starred on Louisville’s team that ruled Madison Square Garden and has been a fixture at Freedom Hall since 1963 after his pro career ... http://www.culturemaven.com/blog/2010/03/09/a-fans-farewell-to-freedom-hall/ Of course, I went to see "Nine" in the movie house, though I'd never seen the musical on stage. And, what an odd choice of material to turn into, or try to turn into Big Broadway. Italy's Federico Fellini is one of cinema's great auteurs of all time. "8 1/2" is certainly ... http://www.culturemaven.com/blog/2010/02/22/film-i-love-part-xxix-8-12/ I believe it was 1968 when segregationist/ pragmatist/ power seeker George Wallace held a rally at Freedom Hall. He was the American Independent Party's candidate for POTUS. He even toyed with tabbing Kentucky favorite son Happy Chandler to be his running mate. Until Wallace's handlers pointed out to the Alabamian that ... http://www.culturemaven.com/blog/2010/02/09/sarah-palin-not-just-a-face-in-the-crowd/ "The Catcher In The Rye" is a resonant novel with staying power, if nothing else. Of course, there is plenty else. The book has spoken to and for disenchanted youth for decades now, each generation since its initial publication finding voice in the lucid expression of disengagement. J.D. Salinger went reclusive decades ... http://www.culturemaven.com/blog/2010/01/31/hes-really-gone-now-is-what-salinger-is/ We've all got that default music we need when stress hits. The tuneage that will calm the savage beast, keep the demons at bay, soothe the soul, provide ballast, reduce the nerve shimmer to serenity level. I've got a couple. "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" works more often than not. But when I have ... http://www.culturemaven.com/blog/2010/01/30/albums-i-love-part-iv-whats-going-on-marvin-gaye/ As usual I was more than a bit displeased with several of this year's Golden Globe winners. But I shan't commence a rant. I've come to praise Jeff Bridges. "Crazy Heart" doesn't open here in Louisville for another ten days. But I can't wait. Bridges is one of my favorite actors, and ... http://www.culturemaven.com/blog/2010/01/20/films-i-love-part-xxviii-rancho-deluxe/ There was a time -- and such a time it was -- when any band worth its salt would at some point during a concert, lead into a song with something like, "Let's do some Chuck Berry." Then they'd rip into "Maybelline" or, more than likely, "Johnny Be Good," and even ... http://www.culturemaven.com/blog/2010/01/13/songs-i-love-part-xvii-get-out-of-denver-bob-seger/