A Few Eclectic Links

Chinese acrobats, by Liu Zheng

Chinese Photography: Social transformation in China: an essay and exhibition of the work of seven Chinese photo journalists at Bates College; and the astounding, disturbing work of Liu Zheng  (also here) (via Conscientious , and wood s lot.)

Nothing to do Wednesday night? How about a reading by Gerard Depardieu at the Basilica Notre-Dame in Montréal? He's reading from...The Confessions of Saint Augustine. Well, a little surprising, but who am I to say? If you don't make it in time to get a seat, a giant screen will be set up so that overflow crowds can watch from the Place d'Armes. (Cyberpresse, via Montreal City Weblog)

Speaking of mercredi...there's a great story about French Canadian names over at Language Hat.

A rather sympathetic interview with Gene Robinson from The Times of London, following his appearance at St.-Martin-of-the-Fields.

And this Sunday morning addition: It's Great Up North, a look at Canada by an American on a book tour (including an account of the train trip from New York to Toronto.) (from the Observer)

Comments

[Brian]

As a frequent visitor to Canada, I have ot echo Mr Porter's sentiments. It is indeed refreshing to leave the devisive rhetoric behind me as I cross the border.

[Marja-Leena]

Thanks for some great links, Beth. Reading about Robinson reminds me again of the fractious history of Protestantism and how it still continues.

Porter's article must make Canadians feel good and remind them to try to keep it together and not get so divisive over politics. But which Porter is he? Googling gave me several answers such as this one, referring to a British author of the American magazine Vanity Fair: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/authors/Henry_Porter.htm

[Mary]

Well, Depardieu reading "The Confessions ..."! He actually does have the most beautiful speaking voice, but his visual appearance is so overwhelming that one can lose sight of the fact. I wish I could have been there ..

[language hat]

I too would have loved to see Depardieu reading the Confessions; I suspect he and the young Augustine would have had a great time together, and his voice is irresistible.

[qB]

After looking at Liu Zheng's photographs at the first link I was seized by the need to know their gender. I think I hoped the photographer was a woman, but it transpires (at the second link) that he's not.

I wonder why this is.

Great pictures.