Kalpa Imperial

peaseblossom and I both recently read Kalpa Imperial by Angélica Gorodischer, translated by Ursula K. Le Guin. I can't recommend this gorgeous little "mosaic novel" enough. Some excellent world building, and as many folks know I'm not a huge fan of most attempts at world building. Reading this has me salivating that we'll see mroe translations from this Argentinian fantasist. But unfortunately, given US publishing practices I may not see it for a long time.

Everyone should read this.

Indian Update

Sanskritboy has a good update and coverage on the Indian mob story.

Lawrence of Arabia

peaseblossom and I watched Lawrence of Arabia. the last two nights. She'd never seen the movie and it had been a long time since I last saw it. Some observations:

This movie is ripe for a remake. It could be well served by a modern cultural appreciation. A more critical view of Lawrence. And modern cinematography. Unfortunately the modern remake would be 2 hours long and they'd shoe-horn in some romantic interest.

Peter O'Toole's Lawrence is mad. Mad I say. All the Dune movies really should have chanelled him more for Muad'dib, since its obvious thats what herbert was striving for.

And Lawrence of Arabia is much different when viewing it through the Declare lense.