‘Give Me Your Hands, If We Be Friends…’

 

After years of shameless freeloading, I was finally compelled to join the Ricochet community this weekend. Would that I could say this action was prompted by a particularly persuasive entreaty by Rob Long which rendered further avoidance inconceivable. While I could defensively insist that it has long been my intention to become a member, I will refrain from offering excuses. My ultimate motivation for joining Ricochet was a heightened need, brought about by recent events, to seek a level of ideological kinship not presently available to me.

Beyond my nuclear family (i.e., parents and siblings), the circles in which I travel are overwhelmingly left-leaning. As an introverted, lifelong resident of the Boston area employed in the Arts, there is little opportunity to make any connections of a right-of-center persuasion. It is my sincerest wish that this forum will assist in filling that void.

It is my intention to post with some regularity. In addition to conservative/libertarian politics, my main points of interest include opera/operetta/classic musical theatre, Gilbert & Sullivan, Shakespeare, and silent cinema, and I expect that I will feel motivated to expound upon these and other topics with greater frequency than on politics. I hope that some of my fellow Ricochetti will find my musings of sufficient interest to indulge me.

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  1. Kelly B Inactive
    Kelly B
    @KellyB

    Randy Webster (View Comment):

    RushBabe49 (View Comment):

    Hey, Xeno, the first thing I thought when I saw your screen name was “Xenophilius Lovegood”.

    Hm. The first thing I thought of was Xenophon and A March Upcountry.

    I thought of (sic) Xeno of Elea, but when I went to verify how to spell “Elea”, I learned he spelled it “Zeno”. Anyway, welcome – looking forward to your posts. And I vote for Harold Lloyd. 

    • #31
  2. Mark Camp Member
    Mark Camp
    @MarkCamp

    James Lileks (View Comment):
    Welcome! I’m looking forward to the silent movie posts. Let’s fight! Lloyd, Chaplin, Keaton: choose two! Do Arbuckle and Langdon deserve to be up there with the big three? Brooks or Bow? Why don’t we remember Fairbanks’ comedies – was his the Bruce Willis of the day?

    James,

    Let’s give Xeno here a minute to freshen up and unpack, shall we? Maybe stop down in the lounge for a drink?

    He just got here, for goodness sake.

    • #32
  3. Dan Pierson Inactive
    Dan Pierson
    @DanPierson

    Welcome, looking forward to more discussions on opera/operetta/classic musical theatre here.  Maybe there should be a group? 

    • #33
  4. Front Seat Cat Member
    Front Seat Cat
    @FrontSeatCat

    My friend in Stow MA and I will probably never talk again – my friends in Worcester in and around that area are conservative and very sweet. I hope you’ll share some of the better highlights of the area – it’s a beautiful town.

    • #34
  5. Mark Camp Member
    Mark Camp
    @MarkCamp

    Dan Pierson (View Comment):

    Welcome, looking forward to more discussions on opera/operetta/classic musical theatre here. Maybe there should be a group?

    I’d am looking forward to it, too.

    I have one request: Please don’t put it on a Group. Just create articles, and all those and only those who are interested will read.

    Conversations, quoting, and formatting are not supported on Groups, so they are inappropriate for conversations on topics. (“Things I learned Today” works because it is not a topic; it is a Group for quick notes, where the requirement is to cut off the possibility of conversation–beyond one single-level quick reply–to keep it light.)

    • #35
  6. Bethany Mandel Coolidge
    Bethany Mandel
    @bethanymandel

    Welcome!

    • #36
  7. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    RushBabe49 (View Comment):

    Hey, Xeno, the first thing I thought when I saw your screen name was “Xenophilius Lovegood”.

    Was that Kirk’s green girlfriend?

    Or perhaps Bond.  James Tiberius Bond.

    • #37
  8. RushBabe49 Thatcher
    RushBabe49
    @RushBabe49

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    RushBabe49 (View Comment):

    Hey, Xeno, the first thing I thought when I saw your screen name was “Xenophilius Lovegood”.

    Was that Kirk’s green girlfriend?

    Luna Lovegood’s father in Harry Potter introduced Harry and friends to the Deathly Hallows. 

    • #38
  9. Mark Camp Member
    Mark Camp
    @MarkCamp

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    RushBabe49 (View Comment):

    Hey, Xeno, the first thing I thought when I saw your screen name was “Xenophilius Lovegood”.

    Was that Kirk’s green girlfriend?

    Or perhaps Bond. James Tiberius Bond.

    It’s the guy with the Paradoz.

    TAGS: Figure it out yourself. I’m busy.

    • #39
  10. Xeno Coolidge
    Xeno
    @Xeno

    James Lileks (View Comment):

    Welcome! I’m looking forward to the silent movie posts. Let’s fight! Lloyd, Chaplin, Keaton: choose two! Do Arbuckle and Langdon deserve to be up there with the big three? Brooks or Bow? Why don’t we remember Fairbanks’ comedies – was his the Bruce Willis of the day?

    Interested in your thoughts on pre-Hollywood Lang as well; I think Metropolis is the most visually astonishing piece of art to come out of Europe in the 20s.

    Now I feel like a piker on the subject!  Of course, as a regular listener to the flagship podcast, I should have anticipated this possibility.

    I am delighted to know that there is the potential for impassioned conversation about silent films on Ricochet.  I will save most of my fire for future posts, but for the time being, I consider Chaplin to be the most highbrow of the big three, and I have a particular soft spot for Lloyd; that said, Keaton is no slouch, even if he has a tendency to slouch.  And, yes, Metropolis is indeed visually astonishing, and we should consider ourselves fortunate that it is (almost completely) preserved for posterity.

     

    • #40
  11. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Xeno (View Comment):

    James Lileks (View Comment):

    Welcome! I’m looking forward to the silent movie posts. Let’s fight! Lloyd, Chaplin, Keaton: choose two! Do Arbuckle and Langdon deserve to be up there with the big three? Brooks or Bow? Why don’t we remember Fairbanks’ comedies – was his the Bruce Willis of the day?

    Interested in your thoughts on pre-Hollywood Lang as well; I think Metropolis is the most visually astonishing piece of art to come out of Europe in the 20s.

    Now I feel like a piker on the subject! Of course, as a regular listener to the flagship podcast, I should have anticipated this possibility.

    I am delighted to know that there is the potential for impassioned conversation about silent films on Ricochet. I will save most of my fire for future posts, but for the time being, I consider Chaplin to be the most highbrow of the big three, and I have a particular soft spot for Lloyd; that said, Keaton is no slouch, even if he has a tendency to slouch. And, yes, Metropolis is indeed visually astonishing, and we should consider ourselves fortunate that it is (almost completely) preserved for posterity.

    Isn’t it completely restored now?  I thought someone found a complete print in a vault somewhere, not that long ago.

     

    • #41
  12. Xeno Coolidge
    Xeno
    @Xeno

    Mark Camp (View Comment):

    Dan Pierson (View Comment):

    Welcome, looking forward to more discussions on opera/operetta/classic musical theatre here. Maybe there should be a group?

    I’d am looking forward to it, too.

    I have one request: Please don’t put it on a Group. Just create articles, and all those and only those who are interested will read.

    Conversations, quoting, and formatting are not supported on Groups, so they are inappropriate for conversations on topics. (“Things I learned Today” works because it is not a topic; it is a Group for quick notes, where the requirement is to cut off the possibility of conversation–beyond one single-level quick reply–to keep it light.)

    I am encouraged to hear that there is interest in this topic.  At least at the outset, I will post my thoughts to the member feed.  If the efficacy of beginning a group on the subject becomes apparent, it can be addressed at a later time.

    • #42
  13. Xeno Coolidge
    Xeno
    @Xeno

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Xeno (View Comment):

    James Lileks (View Comment):

    Welcome! I’m looking forward to the silent movie posts. Let’s fight! Lloyd, Chaplin, Keaton: choose two! Do Arbuckle and Langdon deserve to be up there with the big three? Brooks or Bow? Why don’t we remember Fairbanks’ comedies – was his the Bruce Willis of the day?

    Interested in your thoughts on pre-Hollywood Lang as well; I think Metropolis is the most visually astonishing piece of art to come out of Europe in the 20s.

    Now I feel like a piker on the subject! Of course, as a regular listener to the flagship podcast, I should have anticipated this possibility.

    I am delighted to know that there is the potential for impassioned conversation about silent films on Ricochet. I will save most of my fire for future posts, but for the time being, I consider Chaplin to be the most highbrow of the big three, and I have a particular soft spot for Lloyd; that said, Keaton is no slouch, even if he has a tendency to slouch. And, yes, Metropolis is indeed visually astonishing, and we should consider ourselves fortunate that it is (almost completely) preserved for posterity.

    Isn’t it completely restored now? I thought someone found a complete print in a vault somewhere, not that long ago.

     

    My understanding is that the most complete extant print is still missing a couple of segments.  I saw a screening of this version in December of 2019, which was, at the time, recently restored.

    • #43
  14. RushBabe49 Thatcher
    RushBabe49
    @RushBabe49

    I am a supporter of Curtis Institute of Music, and I just got email notification of some free opera scenes they are offering online.  Curtis Opera Theater is excellent.  You have to register, starting January 22, for free tickets.  Performances run from January 29 through February 1.  Just search for Curtis Opera on Demand.

     

    • #44
  15. Xeno Coolidge
    Xeno
    @Xeno

    Bethany Mandel (View Comment):

    Welcome!

    A particular honor to be welcomed to Ricochet by @bethanymandel!  I never miss an episode of LadyBrains, even when the subject matter is abrasive to my masculine sensibilities.

    • #45
  16. Sally Member
    Sally
    @Sally

    I joined many years ago.   Way back when Mark Steyn was part of the gang.   I am about to leave.   Cannot imagine why you would join today.

    • #46
  17. Caryn Thatcher
    Caryn
    @Caryn

    Welcome!  Opera/operetta/classical musical theater/Gilbert & Sullivan/Shakespeare.  Woo hoo!  I’ll happily read and contribute to any discussion on any of those topics and you can count on my husband, too.  I went to grad school in Boston and loved living there.  South End, Worcester Square.  

    What kind of work do you do in “the Arts?”   

    • #47
  18. Shauna Hunt Inactive
    Shauna Hunt
    @ShaunaHunt

    Welcome! I followed Bethany Mandel here as well. I’m excited to read your articles! I don’t tend to write about politics. There are some amazing photographers, writers, singers, and overall, talented people here. I have only been here for about two years. I mostly lurk.

    The friendships I’ve made here are worth it. I hope you enjoy your experience!

    • #48
  19. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Sally (View Comment):

    I joined many years ago. Way back when Mark Steyn was part of the gang. I am about to leave. Cannot imagine why you would join today.

    It sure does seem like bad timing, really.

    • #49
  20. Steven Seward Member
    Steven Seward
    @StevenSeward

    Caryn (View Comment):

    Welcome! Opera/operetta/classical musical theater/Gilbert & Sullivan/Shakespeare. Woo hoo! I’ll happily read and contribute to any discussion on any of those topics and you can count on my husband, too. I went to grad school in Boston and loved living there. South End, Worcester Square.

    What kind of work do you do in “the Arts?”

    Welcome Xeno!  Not everybody in the arts is a lefty.  I happen to be a portrait painter (see avatar of Caryn and my own avatar) and there are several other artists on this site.   @michaelramirez is a political cartoonist,   @rightangles is a graphic artist and humorist, @arahant is a poet, @jimbeck is a sculptor, @painterjean is a nature painter, and her husband, whose name I forget momentarily, is an illustrator.

    • #50
  21. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Steven Seward (View Comment):

    Caryn (View Comment):

    Welcome! Opera/operetta/classical musical theater/Gilbert & Sullivan/Shakespeare. Woo hoo! I’ll happily read and contribute to any discussion on any of those topics and you can count on my husband, too. I went to grad school in Boston and loved living there. South End, Worcester Square.

    What kind of work do you do in “the Arts?”

    Welcome Xeno! Not everybody in the arts is a lefty. I happen to be a portrait painter (see avatar of Caryn and my own avatar) and there are several other artists on this site. @michaelramirez is a political cartoonist, @rightangles is a graphic artist and humorist, @arahant is a poet, @jimhicks is a sculptor, @painterjean is a nature painter, and her husband, whose name I forget momentarily, is an illustrator.

    Haven’t at least a couple of those left?  I seem to remember seeing posts/comments to that effect.

    • #51
  22. Steven Seward Member
    Steven Seward
    @StevenSeward

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Steven Seward (View Comment):

    Caryn (View Comment):

    Welcome! Opera/operetta/classical musical theater/Gilbert & Sullivan/Shakespeare. Woo hoo! I’ll happily read and contribute to any discussion on any of those topics and you can count on my husband, too. I went to grad school in Boston and loved living there. South End, Worcester Square.

    What kind of work do you do in “the Arts?”

    Welcome Xeno! Not everybody in the arts is a lefty. I happen to be a portrait painter (see avatar of Caryn and my own avatar) and there are several other artists on this site. @michaelramirez is a political cartoonist, @rightangles is a graphic artist and humorist, @arahant is a poet, @jimbeck is a sculptor, @painterjean is a nature painter, and her husband, whose name I forget momentarily, is an illustrator.

    Haven’t at least a couple of those left? I seem to remember seeing posts/comments to that effect.

    I don’t know.  I haven’t been active on Ricochet lately, but I’d sure like to know.

    • #52
  23. Goldgeller Member
    Goldgeller
    @Goldgeller

    Welcome! My friend circle is very liberal and so I also find Ricochet to be a valuable place to talk politics. 

    • #53
  24. E. Kent Golding Moderator
    E. Kent Golding
    @EKentGolding

    Welcome.  

    • #54
  25. Derek Inactive
    Derek
    @Derek

    Hi Xeno! I’d say welcome, but I only beat you by a week in subscribing, and I’ve been struggling to write my own first, introductory post. It’s encouraging to see you make it to the Main Feed within an hour of your very first post!

    • #55
  26. danys Thatcher
    danys
    @danys

    Welcome to Ricochet! I’m happy you’ve joined our motley crew.

    • #56
  27. Theodoric of Freiberg Inactive
    Theodoric of Freiberg
    @TheodoricofFreiberg

    Welcome. I look forward to your posts, especially on opera.

    • #57
  28. carcat74 Member
    carcat74
    @carcat74

    Quintus Sertorius (View Comment):

    Welcome!! I am in a very similar boat. I am a high school history and politics teacher in 100% liberal Lawrence, Kansas. Only 1 of 2 counties that went for Biden. My school…students and colleagues are 98-99% Democrat. Suffice it to say I bite my tongue quite a bit!! Ricochet has been a wonderful safe haven for me even if some have disagreed with my posts on President Trump.

    Welcome!!

    Oh, man—I feel for you! I’m in SE KS, 2 counties from the east border, and 4 (?) counties from the south one.

    • #58
  29. formerlawprof Inactive
    formerlawprof
    @formerlawprof

    Now that’s just unfair. I have more or less quit (or been driven off) Ricochet because of my unwillingness to tolerate fantastical Steal the Vote babble.

    But now you had me at Gilbert & Sullivan! (I spent a year in Old Blighty as a kid in the 1950s, and have seen and sung in many a performance.)

    • #59
  30. Rōnin Coolidge
    Rōnin
    @Ronin

    Welcome.  We are a fairly eclectic bunch around here – from art and music, to the finer points of a knife fight – you will find that we are inclusive with our own big tent.

    • #60
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