Seven Quick Takes

1.

The New York Times did a video shoot with 14 well-known actors, acting. It's interesting to watch these two-minute clips of action with no context and see how each actor has created a story, even if we don't know what the story is. I would not have guessed, for instance, that Tilda Swinton was playing Joan of Arc, and yet she is just riveting in her visionary state.

2.

Speaking of actors, acting, here's Alan Rickman making tea:

 

The concept is fascinating, and Alan Rickman is one of those actors who could read the phone book with subtext, but I eventually found myself unwilling to suspend disbelief. I mean, he puts the tea bag in the water.  Everyone knows you're supposed to pour the water over the tea bag, and then leave it to steep, not stir it. Still, Alan Rickman.

3.

 Speaking of tea.

One does, indeed.

4. 

Brandon introduced me to the Swingle Singers, and now I can't stop listening.

5.

Yesterday I heard Piazzolla's Libertango on the radio, and lo and behold, the Swingle Singers cover that too.

6.

I am so happy to have some excellent music to listen to, because what's driving me nuts is that I have Maroon 5 stuck in my head.

I can't stand this song, and yet I find myself in the kitchen wailing, "I've got the mooooooooves like Jagger!" What's worse, my girls can sing that bit with me. And don't even get me started on This Love (NSFW -- I mean it), which is just appalling, and yet the tune sticks in my head. It's just so stupidly catchy. And then I waste even more time trying to pick it out on the piano.

7. 

Speaking of piano music stuck in my head, here what I've been playing lately, though with nowhere near this speed and regularity.