title: The Mack (soundtrack)

abstract: The Mack is the first soundtrack and fourth album by singer Willie Hutch released on the Motown label. It is the soundtrack of the 1973 film The Mack.

text:
# The Mack (soundtrack)

***The Mack*** is the first soundtrack and fourth album by singer Willie Hutch released on the Motown label. It is the soundtrack of the 1973 film *The Mack*.

## Reception

Professional ratings
| Review scores | |
| --- | --- |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |  |

Ron Wynn from AllMusic gave the album 4.5 out of 5 stars stating, When an act called Sisters Love were offered a cameo in the blaxploitation film The Mack, their manager suggested that Willie Hutch do the soundtrack. It came to be one of the great 1970s film scores, including a pair of classic funk tunes, "Brother's Gonna Work It Out" and the title cut.

On May 5, 1973, the song from the soundtrack, Brother's Gonna Work It Out, first appeared at No. 47 on the Hot Soul Singles chart. It peaked at No. 18, on June 21, 1973, as reported from Jet. On September 15, 1973, Slick, appeared at No. 65 on the same chart, as it did on August 25, 1973, at No. 81, and on September 1, 1973, at the same position. On September 22, 1973, it peaked at No. 23 on the same chart the next week shortly after peaking at No. 65.

## Track listing

Side one
| No. | Title | Length |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1. | "Vampin'" | 2:45 |
| 2. | "Theme of the Mack" | 5:36 |
| 3. | "I Choose You" | 3:42 |
| 4. | "Mack's Stroll / The Getaway (Chase Scene)" | 3:08 |

Side two
| No. | Title | Length |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 5. | "Slick" | 3:36 |
| 6. | "Mack Man (Got to Get Over)" | 5:10 |
| 7. | "Mother's Theme (Mama)" | 3:56 |
| 8. | "Now That It's All Over" | 4:31 |
| 9. | "Brother's Gonna Work It Out" | 4:46 |

## Personnel

Adapted from Discogs.com.

* Arranged By – Willie Hutch
* Backing Vocals – Carolyn Willis, Julia Waters Tillman, Maxine Waters Willard
* Bass – Wilton Felder
* Congas – Bobye Hall
* Drums – Edward Green
* Engineer – Arthur Stewart, Calvin Harris
* Guitar – David T. Walker, Weldon Dean Parks, Louie Shaldon, Willie Hutch
* Horns – A.D. Brisbois, George Bohanon, Joseph Kelson Jr., Keneth Shruyer, Paul Hubinon, Plass Johnson, William Green
* Horns, Strings – Ernest Watts
* Percussion – Jene Estes
* Performer – Willie Hutch
* Photography By – Jim Britt
* Piano, Clavinet, Organ – Clarence McDonald
* Producer – Willie Hutch
* Strings – Arnold Belnick, Assa Drori, Denzil Lauchton, Douglas Davis, Frederic Seykora, Gareth Nuttycolbe, Gail Vevant, Jerald Vinci\*, Israel Baker, Jack Shulman, Jacob Krachmalnick, Lou Raderman, Myron Sandler, Paul Bergstrom, Paul Shure, Henry Ruth, Samuel Boghossian

## Charts

| Year | Album | Chart positions | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | US | US
R&B |
| 1973 | *The Mack* | 114 | 17 |
|

### Singles

| Year | Single | Chart positions | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | US | US
R&B |
| 1973 | "Brother's Gonna Work It Out" | 67 | 18 |
| | "Slick" | 65 | 18 |
|

## InfoBox

| The Mack | |
| --- | --- |
|  | |
| Soundtrack album by Willie Hutch | |
| Released | 1973 |
| Studio | MoWest Studios (Hollywood, California) |
| Genre | Soul, funk |
| Length | 37:10 |
| Label | Motown |
| Producer | Willie Hutch |
| Willie Hutch chronology | |
| *Fully Exposed*
(1973) ***The Mack***
(1973) *Foxy Brown*
(1974) | |
|  | |
| Singles from  *The Mack* | |
| 1. "Brother's Gonna Work It Out"
Released: 1973 2. "Slick"
Released: 1973 | |
|  | |


title: The Magic City (Sun Ra album)

abstract: The Magic City is an album by the American jazz musician Sun Ra and his Solar Arkestra. Recorded in two sessions in 1965, the record was released on Ra's own Saturn label in 1966. The record was reissued by Impulse! in 1973, and on compact disc by Evidence in 1993.

text:
# The Magic City (Sun Ra album)

Professional ratings
| Review scores | |
| --- | --- |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |  |
| *The Encyclopedia of Popular Music* |  |
| *The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings* |  |
| *The Spin Alternative Record Guide* | 10/10 |

***The Magic City*** is an album by the American jazz musician Sun Ra and his Solar Arkestra. Recorded in two sessions in 1965, the record was released on Ra's own Saturn label in 1966. The record was reissued by Impulse! in 1973, and on compact disc by Evidence in 1993.

## Birmingham, Alabama

The title *Magic City* refers to Ra's home town of Birmingham, Alabama, and to a large metal sign with the words 'Birmingham, The Magic City' erected in front of the railway station, Birmingham Terminal Station, in 1926 (see .) The cover art, by William White (as noted on the back side), directly references the dome of the station. Ra grew up next to the post office and close to the main station, where, "as a child, Sonny could look out the window and see the big sign over the railroad tracks that greeted visitors to The Magic City". John F. Szwed explains:

> \[Birmingham was\] the earthly birthplace he steadfastly denied, and in the recording he reimagines the city without its grim, racist, smoke-choked past. By simply pointing to musicians when he wanted them to play, he proved it possible to collectively improvise an entire album on the strength of nothing more than a shared belief.

## Critical reception

*The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings* includes the album in its suggested “Core Collection” of essential recordings.

It is notable especially for the title track, on which "the Arkestra's range of feelings and sound is expressed in a design that's simply unprecedented in jazz." While it begins with use of tape echo recalling the experiments on *Art Forms of Dimensions Tomorrow*, the key features quickly emerge: Ra's simultaneous piano and clavioline intertwining with Boykins's bass as the underpinning for new long-forms of group music-making which draw on varying sub-ensembles from the Arkestra through the course of the piece. Lindsay Planer writes:

> The boundaries of Sun Ra's self-proclaimed "space jazz" underwent a transformation in the mid-'60s. The Magic City is an aural snapshot of that metamorphic process. Many enthusiasts and scholars consider this to be among Ra's most definitive studio recordings.

The *Spin Alternative Record Guide* wrote that the album title's significance "further muddies \[Sun Ra's\] myth and throws his most far-reaching and cohesive endeavor into poignant relief."

## Track listing

### 12" vinyl

All songs written by Sun Ra.
**Side A:**

1. "The Magic City" – (27:22)

**Side B:**

1. "The Shadow World" – (10:55)
2. "Abstract Eye" – (2:51)
3. "Abstract 'I'" – (4:08)

"The Shadow World", "Abstract Eye" and "Abstract 'I'" were recorded live at Olatunji's loft, New York, Spring 1965. "The Magic City" was recorded during rehearsals around 24 September 1965.

## Personnel

## InfoBox

| The Magic City | |
| --- | --- |
|  | |
| Studio album by Sun Ra | |
| Released | 1966 (1966) |
| Recorded | 1965 |
| Studio | New York City |
| Genre | Avant-garde jazz |
| Length | 45:16 |
| Label | Saturn, Impulse!, Evidence |
| Producer | Alton Abraham, Infinity Inc.
Jerry Gordon (1993 reissue) |
| Sun Ra chronology | |
| *The Heliocentric Worlds of Sun Ra, Volume One*
(1965) ***The Magic City***
(1966) *The Heliocentric Worlds of Sun Ra, Volume Two*
(1966) | |


title: The Looking Glass (song)

abstract: "The Looking Glass" is a song by American progressive metal band Dream Theater, from their 2013 self-titled album. It was released as a single on February 3, 2014. Musically, the song is a tribute to Rush, one of Dream Theater's biggest influences. The song was included in the setlist on Dream Theater's Along for the Ride Tour, and is featured on the live album Breaking the Fourth Wall.

text:
# The Looking Glass (song)

"**The Looking Glass**" is a song by American progressive metal band Dream Theater, from their 2013 self-titled album. It was released as a single on February 3, 2014. Musically, the song is a tribute to Rush, one of Dream Theater's biggest influences.

The song was included in the setlist on Dream Theater's Along for the Ride Tour, and is featured on the live album *Breaking the Fourth Wall*.

## Track listing

All lyrics are written by John Petrucci; all music is composed by James LaBrie, Mike Mangini, John Myung, John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess

| No. | Title | Length |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1. | "The Looking Glass" | 4:53 |

## Personnel

## Releases

* CD-R, Single, Promo – Roadrunner Records, US, February 3, 2014.

## InfoBox

| "The Looking Glass" | |
| --- | --- |
| Promotional single by Dream Theater | |
| from the album  *Dream Theater* | |
| Released | February 3, 2014 |
| Genre | Progressive rock |
| Length | 4:53 |
| Label | Roadrunner Records |
| Songwriter(s) |  |
| Producer(s) | John Petrucci |


abstract: The Looking Glass: Artist Immigrants of Washington was a curated invitational art exhibition held from June 18 through August 14, 2016 at The American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center in Washington, DC.

text:
# The Looking Glass: Artist Immigrants of Washington

**The Looking Glass: Artist Immigrants of Washington** was a curated invitational art exhibition held from June 18 through August 14, 2016 at The American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center in Washington, DC.

## Curator

This exhibition was an invitational curated exhibition which featured the work of ten Washington, DC area artists who were immigrants to the United States from Latin America. The work was selected by Jack Rasmussen, director and curator of the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center.

## Focus

The exhibition was curated to focus on the immigration, experiences, and views of ten Washington, DC area artists - all of whom were immigrants to the United States with "roots in Latin America." The curator noted that the artists came "from different generations and from different circumstances... but they brought with them artistic traditions and innovations that took root and bore fruit here in the United States—and in the Washington area."

## Notable artists

The artists in the exhibition were Joan Belmar and Juan Downey, originally from Chile; F. Lennox Campello, Ric Garcia and Jose Ygnacio Bermudez, from Cuba; Muriel Hasbun, from El Salvador; Frida Larios, from El Salvador/Honduras; Irene Clouthier, from Mexico; and Naul Ojeda, from Uruguay.

## Critical reception

The exhibition was widely reviewed, both at the regional and national level. The Washington Post art critic described some of the art as being "simultaneously mythic and as modern as a can of Goya black bean soup," while The Washington City Paper art critic observed about the artists, that "most, on some level, are confronting the various cultural aspects of migration, colonization, and imperialism."

1. "The Looking Glass: Artist Immigrants of Washington". *American University*. Retrieved 2022-01-25.
2. Service, Catholic News (2016-06-23). "Artists' work in Washington exhibit focuses on immigrant experience". *The Central Minnesota Catholic*. Retrieved 2022-01-25.
3. Housman, Patty. "The Looking Glass Visits the AU Museum". *American University*. Retrieved 2022-01-25.
4. Jenkins, Mark (2016-07-30). "In the galleries: Norman Rockwell would have recognized these socialist images". *Washington Post*. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2022-01-25.
5. John Anderson (2016-07-13). ""The Looking Glass: Artist Immigrants of Washington" At the Katzen Arts Center, Reviewed". *Washington City Paper*. Retrieved 2022-01-25.
6. Franco-Guzman, Ana (2016-06-23). "Artists' work in Washington exhibit focuses on immigrant experience". *The Boston Pilot*. Retrieved 2022-01-25.
7. "Through "The Looking Glass": Latin American Immigrant Artists in D.C." *The Kojo Nnamdi Show*. Retrieved 2022-01-26.
8. Herrera, Adriana (2016-07-07). "Artist Immigrants of Washington: The Looking Glass". *Arte al Dia*. Retrieved 2022-01-26.
9. oldtowncrier (2016-06-02). "Gallery Beat". *Old Town Crier*. Retrieved 2022-01-26.


title: The Masked Woman (1924 film)

abstract: The Masked Woman is a 1924 French silent crime drama film directed by Viktor Tourjansky and starring Nathalie Kovanko, René Maupré and Jeanne Brindeau. The film's sets were designed by the art directors Eduardo Gosch and Alexandre Lochakoff. The costume for Nathalie Kovanko was made by Lucie Schwob.

text:
# The Masked Woman (1924 film)

***The Masked Woman*** (French: ***La dame masquée***) is a 1924 French silent crime drama film directed by Viktor Tourjansky and starring Nathalie Kovanko, René Maupré and Jeanne Brindeau. The film's sets were designed by the art directors Eduardo Gosch and Alexandre Lochakoff.

The costume for Nathalie Kovanko was made by Lucie Schwob (Claude Cahun).

## Cast

1. *Restaurations et tirages de la Cinémathèque française, Volumes 3-5*. La Cinʹemathèque, 1988. p.32
2. Albera p.173
3. Krautz p.373

## Bibliography

* Albera, François. Albatros: des russes à Paris, 1919–1929. Mazzotta, 1995.
* Krautz, Alfred. *International Directory of Cinematographers Set and Costume Designers in Film: France*. Saur, 1983.

## InfoBox

| The Masked Woman | |
| --- | --- |
|  | |
| Directed by | Viktor Tourjansky |
| Written by | Viktor Tourjansky |
| Starring | Nathalie Kovanko
René Maupré
Jeanne Brindeau |
| Cinematography | Albert Duverger
Joseph-Louis Mundwiller
Nikolai Toporkoff |
| Production
company | Films Albatros |
| Distributed by | Films Armor |
| Release date | * 21 November 1924 (1924-11-21) |
| Running time | 97 minutes |
| Country | France |
| Languages | Silent
French intertitles |


abstract: The Love Suicides at Sonezaki The Love Suicides at Sonezaki is a 1981 near life-size Bunraku puppet film based on Chikamatsu's sewamono The Love Suicides at Sonezaki. Director Midori Kurisaki convinced Living National Treasure puppeteers Tamao Yoshida and Minosuke Yoshida to let her take their puppets outdoors for live action filming outside the traditional Bunraku theatre – the first time anyone had filmed such a performance in outdoor scenery.

text:
# The Love Suicides at Sonezaki (1981 film)

***The Love Suicides at Sonezaki*** (曽根崎心中, *Soneyaki shinju*) is a 1981 near life-size Bunraku puppet film based on Chikamatsu's sewamono *The Love Suicides at Sonezaki*. Director Midori Kurisaki (栗崎 碧, stage name as actress Satoko Minami) convinced Living National Treasure puppeteers Tamao Yoshida and Minosuke Yoshida to let her take their puppets outdoors for live action filming outside the traditional Bunraku theatre – the first time anyone had filmed such a performance in outdoor scenery.


title: The Love That Lives

abstract: The Love That Lives is a 1917 American silent drama film produced by Famous Players Film Company and distributed through Paramount Pictures. The film stars Pauline Frederick and was directed by Robert G. Vignola. The film is based on the story "Flames of Sacrifice", by Scudder Middleton. A copy of this film is preserved at the George Eastman House in New York.

text:
# The Love That Lives

***The Love That Lives*** is a 1917 American silent drama film produced by Famous Players Film Company and distributed through Paramount Pictures. The film stars Pauline Frederick and was directed by Robert G. Vignola. The film is based on the story "Flames of Sacrifice", by Scudder Middleton.

A copy of this film is preserved at the George Eastman House in New York.

## Plot

As described in a film magazine review, the life of Molly McGill (Frederick) has been a hard struggle since birth, and upon the death of her husband in a barroom brawl and her baby daughter in an accident, she offers herself to Harvey Brooks (St. Polis), a broker, to provide money for the education of her son Jimmy (Carroll / O'Malley). She keeps her life a secret from the boy. He grows to manhood, secures a position in the city fire department, and becomes engaged to Dora Palmer (Palmer). Molly breaks with Brooks and sinks to the slum's lowest level. One day while passing the engine room, Molly sees her son taking to his sweetheart. She gets a job as a scrubwoman and later saves Dora from Brooks by stabbing him. The office building catches fire and Jimmy saves Dora but is unable to save his mother.

## Cast

## Reception

Like many American films of the time, *The Love That Lives* was subject to city and state film censorship boards. The Chicago Board of Censors initially issued the film, due to its subject matter, an Adults Only permit. On further review, the Chicago Board required the following changes which altered the plot: Reel 1, cut two craps shooting scenes and flash three others, cut killing of man; Reel 2, after the vision of Molly in rich garb insert intertitle "If not for the boy she would be a desirable wife", cut vision of shooting; Reel 3, insert an intertitle where Molly and Brooks are talking "If you marry me, I will provide for you and the boy. If you don't, it means struggle and poverty for you both", add intertitle "Midnight" and clock indicating the same, on envelope change name from "Molly McGill" to "Molly Brooks", and insert subtitle "My marriage was a mistake, I should have remained with my boy" during an altercation between Molly and Brooks; Reel 4, cut all scenes in dance hall newsman sells Molly newspaper to include subtitle starting with "Cheer up, old girl"; Reel 5, cut entire sequence of girl's exposed legs, a man looking at them, and girl pulling down dress, cut man locking door, intertitle "You may go, but the girl remains", and the stabbing of a man with spindle. Some of the intertitle changes were to suggest that Molly was married to Harvey Brooks and not his mistress.

## InfoBox

| The Love That Lives | |
| --- | --- |
| Still with Pauline Frederick | |
| Directed by | Robert G. Vignola |
| Based on | "Flames of Sacrifice"
by Scudder Middleton |
| Starring | Pauline Frederick |
| Cinematography | Ned Van Buren |
| Production
company | Famous Players Film Company |
| Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
| Release date | * July 9, 1917 (1917-07-09) |
| Running time | 50 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | Silent (English intertitles) |


title: The Little Rebels

abstract: The Little Rebels is a 1955 French-Italian drama film directed by Jean Delannoy and starring Jean Gabin, Anne Doat and Dora Doll. It premiered at the 1955 Venice Film Festival before going on general release. It was one of the most popular films at the French box office that year, drawing over four million spectators. The film was based on the 1954 novel by Gilbert Cesbron. It was shot at the Boulogne Studios in Paris and on location around and near the city including Conflans and Provins. The film's sets were designed by the art director René Renoux.

text:
# The Little Rebels

***The Little Rebels*** (French: ***Chiens perdus sans collier***, Italian: ***Cani perduti senza collare***) is a 1955 French-Italian drama film directed by Jean Delannoy and starring Jean Gabin, Anne Doat and Dora Doll. It premiered at the 1955 Venice Film Festival before going on general release. It was one of the most popular films at the French box office that year, drawing over four million spectators. The film was based on the 1954 novel by Gilbert Cesbron. It was shot at the Boulogne Studios in Paris and on location around and near the city including Conflans and Provins. The film's sets were designed by the art director René Renoux.

## Synopsis

Judge Julien Lamy heads a tribunal sentencing juvenile delinquents. Despite his gruff exterior he takes a great interest in the young offenders who pass before him and the attempts to rehabilitate their lives.

## Cast

1. Harriss p.174
2. Faulkner p.36

## Bibliography

* Faulkner, Sally (ed.) *Middlebrow Cinema*. Routledge, 2016.
* Harriss, Joseph. *Jean Gabin: The Actor Who Was France*. McFarland, 2018.

## InfoBox

| The Little Rebels | |
| --- | --- |
|  | |
| Directed by | Jean Delannoy |
| Written by | Jean Aurenche
François Boyer
Pierre Bost
Jean Delannoy |
| Based on | *Chiens perdus sans collier* by Gilbert Cesbron |
| Produced by | Joseph Bercholz
Henry Deutschmeister
Edouard Gide |
| Starring | Jean Gabin
Anne Doat
Dora Doll |
| Cinematography | Pierre Montazel |
| Edited by | Borys Lewin |
| Music by | Paul Misraki |
| Production
companies | Franco London Films
Les Films Gibé
Continental Produzione |
| Distributed by | Cocinor |
| Release date | * 10 September 1955 (1955-09-10) |
| Running time | 93 minutes |
| Countries | France
Italy |
| Language | French |


title: The Little Red Caboose

abstract: The Little Red Caboose is a children's book by Marian Potter and illustrated by Tibor Gergely, first published by Little Golden Book in 1953. Hardcover book contains 24 pages.

text:
# The Little Red Caboose

***The Little Red Caboose*** is a children's book by Marian Potter and illustrated by Tibor Gergely, first published by Little Golden Book in 1953. Hardcover book contains 24 pages.

## Plot

It tells the story of a caboose who longs to be as popular as the steam engine at the front of the train, and gains the respect and admiration of all when it saves the train from rolling down a steep hill.

The book was featured in season 6 premiere of This is Us, in which Rebecca reads the story to her children when they are young, but is unable to remember the title late in life due to her progressing dementia.

## Book sources

* ISBN 0-307-02152-1

1. "The Little Red Caboose". *Goodreads*. Retrieved 2016-04-12.
2. "'This Is Us' Recap: Rebecca Says Goodbye and Reunites With Familiar Faces". *Us Magazine*. Retrieved 2024-04-01.

## InfoBox

The Little Red Caboose
| First edition, A Little Golden Book<br>(publ. Simon & Schuster) | |
| --- | --- |
| Author | Marian Potter |
| Illustrator | Tibor Gergely |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fiction |
| Published | 1953 |
| Publisher | Little Golden Books |
| Pages | 24 |


title: The Medicine (John Mark McMillan album)

abstract: The Medicine is the debut studio album by Christian singer-songwriter John Mark McMillan, released on July 6, 2010, by Integrity Music. McMillan is the producer on the album.

text:
# The Medicine (John Mark McMillan album)

***The Medicine*** is the debut studio album by Christian singer-songwriter John Mark McMillan, released on July 6, 2010, by Integrity Music. McMillan is the producer on the album.

## Critical reception

Professional ratings
| Review scores | |
| --- | --- |
| Source | Rating |
| The Blue Indian | 9.3/10 |
| *CCM Magazine* |  |
| *Christianity Today* |  |
| Cross Rhythms |  |
| Jesus Freak Hideout |
 |

*The Medicine* garnered acclaim from several music critics. At *CCM Magazine*, Andrew Greer rated the album four stars, writing that it is "full of heartbreaking hooks, provocative melodies and poetic verses." Peter Timmis of Cross Rhythms rated the album nine out of ten squares, stating, "The album's Americana vibe may come as a surprise to those who only know of JMM through his worship hit \["How He Loves"\] but sceptics will soon be won over by the big choruses, gritty vocals and gripping lyrics on offer here." At *Christianity Today*, John Brandon rated the album three stars out of five: "Pounding drums, soaring guitar solos, and a classic-rock vocal delivery make this an eclectic, but appealing, listen."

At Jesus Freak Hideout, Garrett DeRossett rated the album four and a half stars, affirming that "All in all, a listen through *The Medicine* is highly worth your money, time, and thought \[...\] in fact, you may leave the experience with more of the latter than you began." Roger Gelwicks of Jesus Freak Hideout rated the album four stars, noting, "All things considered, however, *The Medicine* is artistic, reverent, and accomplished, and is more than a significant step in the right direction both for McMillan and the modern worship scene as a whole." At The Blue Indian, Holly Etchison rated the album a 9.3 out of ten, proclaiming that the release "serves as a vibrant message to a weary people", and calling it "essential music for a time of nonessentials."

## Commercial performance

For the *Billboard* charting week of July 24, 2010, *The Medicine* ranked No. 185 on the *Billboard* 200 (out of all albums sold in the United States) and No. 8 on *Billboard'*s chart of Top Christian Albums.

## Track listing

All tracks are written by John Mark McMillan

| No. | Title | Length |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1. | "Reckoning Day" | 4:07 |
| 2. | "The Medicine" | 3:34 |
| 3. | "Skeleton Bones" | 7:09 |
| 4. | "Carbon Ribs" | 4:11 |
| 5. | "Dress Us Up" | 8:43 |
| 6. | "Death In His Grave" | 5:54 |
| 7. | "Belly of the Lion" | 3:45 |
| 8. | "Philadelphia" | 4:27 |
| 9. | "Out of the Ground" | 4:17 |
| 10. | "Ten Thousand" | 4:49 |
| 11. | "Carolina Tide" | 3:42 |
| 12. | "My Only" | 5:25 |
| 13. | "Between the Cracks" | 4:56 |
| 14. | "How He Loves (single)" | 4:46 |
| Total length: | | 69:45 |

## Charts

| Chart (2010) | Peak
position |
| --- | --- |
| US *Billboard* 200 | 185 |
| US Christian Albums (*Billboard*) | 8 |

## InfoBox

| The Medicine | |
| --- | --- |
|  | |
| Studio album by John Mark McMillan | |
| Released | July 6, 2010 (2010-07-06) |
| Genre | Contemporary worship music, contemporary Christian music, Christian rock |
| Length | 69:45 |
| Label | Integrity |
| Producer | McMillan |
| John Mark McMillan chronology | |
| *The Song Inside: The Sounds of Breaking Down*
(2005) ***The Medicine***
(2010) *Economy*
(2011) | |


title: The Men They Couldn't Hang

abstract: The Men They Couldn't Hang (TMTCH) are a British folk punk group. The original group consisted of Stefan Cush, Paul Simmonds, Philip "Swill" Odgers, Jon Odgers and Shanne Bradley.

text:
# The Men They Couldn't Hang

**The Men They Couldn't Hang** (TMTCH) are a British folk punk group. The original group consisted of Stefan Cush (vocals, guitar), Paul Simmonds (guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, keyboards), Philip "Swill" Odgers (vocals, guitar, tin whistle, melodica), Jon Odgers (drums, percussion) and Shanne Bradley (bass guitar).

## 1984–1991: Formation, controversy and success

The Men They Couldn't Hang came together in 1984 to perform at the alternative music festival in Camden Town alongside The Pogues and the Boothill Foot Tappers. Paul Simmonds, Philip 'Swill' Odgers and his brother Jon, veterans of the Southampton-based pop-punk band Catch 22, met Pogues roadie Stefan Cush whilst busking in Shepherd's Bush in London. Their early line-up was Stefan Cush, Philip Odgers, Paul Simmonds, Jon Odgers and Shanne Bradley. The band's name is inspired by "The Man They Couldn't Hang", and was originally coined by Shane MacGowan \- with whom Bradley previously played in The Nipple Erectors \- as a potential name for his own band, who eventually became The Pogues.

Their first single, a cover version of "The Green Fields of France", was released in 1984. Written by Eric Bogle (of "And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" fame), the song's protagonist imagined having a conversation with one of the fallen soldiers of World War I whilst sitting by his graveside. It received airplay on the John Peel show on BBC Radio 1, and finished at Number 3 in Peel's Festive 50 for that year. It became a No.1 hit in the UK Indie Chart.

The following year they were signed to the Demon label, which released their début album, *Night of a Thousand Candles*, and its accompanying single "Ironmasters", a self-penned number by main songwriter Simmonds, linking the Industrial Revolution to the present-day treatment of the working class. The original final line of the song, "and oh, that iron bastard, she still gets her way" (a reference to the then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher), had to be removed for the recorded version to ensure radio airplay. They were again named in Peel's yearly Festive 50, this time at Number 11. They followed this up with a new single not taken from the album, "Greenback Dollar", a cover of the song written by Hoyt Axton and recorded by The Kingston Trio. The single was produced by Nick Lowe.

In 1985, the band signed for MCA Records and released *How Green Is The Valley*. The record included "Ghosts of Cable Street", a political song concerning the Battle of Cable Street in 1936 and "Shirt of Blue", which referenced the miners' strike of 1984–85. At the end of promotion for the album, Shanne Bradley left to create music with Wreckless Eric and The Chicken Family; she was replaced on bass by Ricky McGuire (ex UK Subs).

In 1987 the band switched to Magnet Records and the new record released was *Waiting for Bonaparte*. "The Colours" told of an English mutineer sailor during the Napoleonic War and "The Crest" a stretcher bearer during World War II. Whilst "The Colours" was at Number 61 in the UK Singles Chart it was blacklisted by BBC Radio 1 because of the line "You've come here to watch me hang", which echoed the events happening in South African townships at the time, in particular the plight of the Sharpeville Six.

In 1988, the band were on the move again and signed for new label Silvertone. The band was joined by Nick Muir (ex Fire Next Time) at this time on piano, organ and accordion, who remained with the band during their time at Silvertone. Muir later found success as an electronic music producer and half of the duo Bedrock.

The band recorded two albums for Silvertone, the first being *Silver Town*. Highlights of *Silver Town* included "Rain, Steam and Speed", "A Place in the Sun" and "Rosettes". *Silver Town* was the only TMTCH album to reach the Top 40 of the UK Albums Chart, peaking at No. 39. They followed this up in 1990 with *The Domino Club*, which had a more conventional rock sound dispensing with much of the folk element. In August 1990, the band supported David Bowie in his concerts at the Milton Keynes Bowl, as part of his Sound+Vision Tour.

The band split in 1991 after releasing the live album *Alive, Alive-O*, a performance recorded at London's Town & Country Club that was later released as a DVD, *The Shooting*, by Cherry Red Records. Paul Simmonds and "Swill" Odgers then formed Liberty Cage who released an album, *Sleep of the Just*, in 1994 and an EP, *I'll Keep It With Mine*, in 1995.

## 1996–present: Reformation

The band reformed in 1996, but minus drummer Jon Odgers who had become Therapy?'s drum technician. He was replaced by Kenny Harris of The Screaming Blue Messiahs. Their new album was *Never Born To Follow*, released on the Demon label in 1996. The following year the band released the mini-album *Big Six Pack*. Two "Best Of" collections followed, *Majestic Grill* and *The Mud, The Blood and the Beer*, both in 1998.

The band again withdrew into semi-retirement, during which time Odgers and Simmonds again released new material together (this time under their own names), *Baby Fishlips* (originally released under the pseudonym Preacher Jethro Brimstone and the Watermelon Kid) in 1999 and *Folk at the Fortress* in 2002.

The band released a brand new CD in 2003, *The Cherry Red Jukebox*. In 2005 the band released two DVDs, *Shooting*, and *21 Years of Love And Hate* (released on Secret Records) to celebrate 21 years together. The latter was later released as a live double CD *Smugglers and Bounty Hunters*.

During further breaks from the band, Phil "Swill" Odgers released two CDs with his band The Swaggerband, which includes Ricky McGuire and Jon Odgers, plus lyrical contributions from Paul Simmonds: *The Day After* in 2004 and *Elvis Lives Here* on Irregular Records in 2006.

The group continue to play occasional live concerts. Their next planned release is an acoustic folk-orientated CD, including the reworking of several popular old songs from their back catalogue. In October 2006 the band announced on their website titles of five new tracks they are demoing for their new album: "Brixton Hill", "Jam Tomorrow", "Madelaine", "Man in the Subway" and "The Winter Wind". In January 2007 more song titles were announced: "Cocaine Housewife", "Love Tomorrow", "Pair of Shoes", "Lead Me to the Gallows", "Whisky & Wine", "Snow Is Falling" and "Call Me Darling". Although these were originally identified primarily as songs that would appear on the next TMTCH album this was not to be the case. All except "Jam Tomorrow" and "Man in the Subway" subsequently appeared on Paul Simmonds' solo country album titled *The Rising Road*, released in June 2008.

In January 2007, Paul Simmonds' book *A Bag of Songs* was published. It featured a personal selection of 50 songs with lyrics, chords and commentary. In March 2007, the band released a new CD through their website *Demos & Rarities Volume 1*. This album is a collection of rare unreleased TMTCH recordings from the *Silver Town* and *The Domino Club* albums. The band are joined by Tom Spencer (The Yo Yo's, Fastlane Roogalator, The Loyalties) bringing banjo to the line-up and additional guitar and backing vocals. They released a new album, *Devil on the Wind*, on Robb Johnson's label Irregular Records on 1 June 2009. As a prelude to the album the band released a six track EP CD *Devil on the Wind EP* via their website. The EP contains an alternative mixes of "Devil on the Wind" and "Aquamarine", plus four songs not available on the full album.

On 8 October 2009, almost 25 years since The Men They Couldn't Hang played their first proper gig in Camden Town at The Electric Ballroom, they returned for the official 25 Year Anniversary Celebration.

2012 saw the release of an album from Stefan Cush's new band the Feral Family, and Paul Simmonds was recording and touring with roots singer Naomi Bedford as well as numerous live dates for TMTCH. The latter including appearances at Mike Peter's "The Gathering", and festival appearances alongside Billy Bragg and Adam Ant. They headlined the 10th anniversary commemoration of Joe Strummer's Acton Town Hall show which also featured a special guest appearance by Hard Fi.

March 2013 saw the release of Phil (Swill) Odgers' solo album, *The Godforsaken Voyage*, produced by Mick Glossop. On the day of release of *The Godforsaken Voyage*, The Men They Couldn't Hang joined Stiff Little Fingers for three weeks on their UK tour. This combined with several festival appearances in UK and German acted as a prelude to TMTCH's 30th anniversary in 2014.

2014 marked the band's 30th anniversary, and they released their ninth album, *The Defiant*.

In 2019, the band won Best Live Band in Folking.com's annual awards, voted for by 10,000 registered subscribers to the folk website.

Co-lead singer Stefan Cush died on 5 February 2021, after suffering a heart attack.

## Discography

## Musical references

Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip make apparent reference to the band in the song "Bobcaygeon".

Shane MacGowan of the Pogues named an instrumental "Shanne Bradley", after the original bassist of The Men They Couldn't Hang and member of his previous band The Nipple Erectors. The track appeared on the 12" of "Fairytale of New York" and remastered versions of *If I Should Fall from Grace with God* CDs.

## InfoBox

| The Men They Couldn't Hang | |
| --- | --- |
| Playing at Rebellion Festival 2024. | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | London / Southampton / Portsmouth, England |
| Genres | Roots rock, folk rock, folk punk |
| Years active | 1984–1991, 1996–present |
| Labels | Demon, Diablo, Magnet, MCA, Silvertone, WEA, Jive, Fun After All, Twah!, Recall, Vinyl Star |
|  | |
| Members | Phil Odgers, Paul Simmonds, Ricky McGuire, Tom Spencer, John Odgers |
|  | |
| Past members | Stefan Cush, Shanne Bradley, Sputnik Weazel, Nick Muir, Kenny Harris, Simon Hanson |
|  | |
| Website | tmtch.co.uk |


title: The Men Who Built America: Frontiersmen

abstract: The Men Who Built America: Frontiersmen is a six-hour, four-part miniseries docudrama which premiered on March 7, 2018 on the History Channel. It is a complement to the 2012 docudrama The Men Who Built America. The series follows the lives of Daniel Boone, Lewis and Clark, Davy Crockett, Andrew Jackson, and others who blazed new trails across America's wilderness. The series is narrated by Campbell Scott, directed by John Ealer and executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio. It is the third installment of the That Built franchise.

text:
# The Men Who Built America: Frontiersmen

***The Men Who Built America: Frontiersmen*** is a six-hour, four-part miniseries docudrama which premiered on March 7, 2018 on the History Channel. It is a complement to the 2012 docudrama *The Men Who Built America*. The series follows the lives of Daniel Boone, Lewis and Clark, Davy Crockett, Andrew Jackson, and others who blazed new trails across America's wilderness. The series is narrated by Campbell Scott, directed by John Ealer and executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio.

It is the third installment of the *That Built* franchise.

## Cast

### Main

### Guest

## Episodes

**Note:** The series consists of eight one-hour episodes; for TV they were combined into four two-hour episodes.

| No. | Title | Original air date |
| --- | --- | --- |
|
| 1 | "Into the Wilderness" | March 7, 2018 (2018-03-07) |
| During the height of American Revolutionary War, the fighting spreads beyond the colonies into the wildness. Pioneer Daniel Boone establishes the settlement Boonesborough, Kentucky in Kentucky Territory. It is soon threatened by the Shawnee and their leader Blackfish who allied with the British to regain their land. When the war ends with the signing of the Treaty of Paris and the British surrender, the Native Americans do not. In 1783, in the Northwest Territory, warrior Tecumseh ignites the fight for the frontier out west. | | | |
| 2 | "Never Surrender" | March 14, 2018 (2018-03-14) |
| On the orders of President Thomas Jefferson, Army captains Lewis and Clark explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory, and with the help of their guide Sacagawea, they make their legendary expedition to the Pacific. After the Battle of Fallen Timbers, Tecumseh unites the Native American tribes by forming an alliance to resist U.S. expansion. When he learns about the Battle of Tippecanoe, the Shawnee leader aligns with the British in Canada and another war for America's independence begins; the War of 1812. | | | |
| 3 | "Live Free or Die" | March 21, 2018 (2018-03-21) |
| With the British and Tecumseh's Pan-Indian alliance broken in the north, the south is threatened by the Red Sticks of the Creek tribe when they massacre 500 settlers at Fort Mims. General Andrew Jackson joins the fight to defend the frontier, and becomes a national hero at the Battle of New Orleans. However, his methods at Tallushatchee starts a fierce rivalry with woodsman Davy Crockett who is against Jackson's Indian Removal Act when he is president. Crockett starts a new life in Texas, unbeknownst that a war is brewing with Mexico. | | | |
| 4 | "Empire of Liberty" | March 28, 2018 (2018-03-28) |
| In 1836, General Santa Anna and his Mexican army defeat the Texian uprising at the Alamo, along with Davy Crockett, who was one of the last survivors. This spurs on Sam Houston to form an army and avenge the celebrated frontierman's death. President James Polk wants to further expand the United States to the Pacific. In 1842, Polk assigns surveyor John Frémont and his guide Kit Carson to chart a path to the Northwest; creating the Oregon Trail. They are tasked to secretly incite a rebellion to take California, which later ignites a war with Mexico. Gaining this 31st state proves fruitful with the discovery of gold. | | | |

## InfoBox

| *The Men Who Built America: Frontiersmen* | |
| --- | --- |
| Genre | Biography, Docudrama |
| Written by | Adam Jonas Segaller
Brian Burstein
Stephen David
Zachary Herrmann
Jereimah Murphy
Jordan Rosenblum
Peter Sherman |
| Directed by | John Ealer |
| Starring | Jonathan C. Stewart
Gareth Reeves
Derek Charition
Joseph Charition
Robert I. Mesa |
| Narrated by | Campbell Scott |
| Theme music composer | "Born Ready" by Zayde Wølf |
| Original language | English |
| No. of episodes | 4 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Leonardo DiCaprio
Jennifer Davisson
Stephen David
Tim W. Kelly
Yoshi Stone
Russell McCarroll
Kristen Burns |
| Producers | John Ealer
Brian Burstein
Petra Hoebel |
| Production location | Wellington, New Zealand |
| Cinematography | Simon Baumfield
Johnny Staint-Ours |
| Editors | Joe Headrick
Tim W. Kelly
John Kilgour
Matthew Nelson |
| Production companies | Appian Way Productions
A&E Television Networks
Stephen David Entertainment |
| Original release | |
| Network | History |
| Release | March 7 (2018-03-07)
March 28, 2018 (2018-03-28) |
| Related | |
| *The Innovators: The Men Who Built America* | |


title: The Major Transitions in Evolution

abstract:
The Major Transitions in Evolution is a book written by John Maynard Smith and Eörs Szathmáry. Maynard Smith and Szathmary authored a review article in Nature. Maynard Smith and Szathmáry identified several properties common to the transitions:
  - Smaller entities have often come about together to form larger entities, e.g. chromosomes, eukaryotes, sex multicellular colonies.
  - Smaller entities often become differentiated as part of a larger entity, e.g. DNA-protein, organelles, anisogamy, tissues, castes
  - The smaller entities are often unable to replicate in the absence of the larger entity, e.g. DNA, chromosomes, organelles, tissues, castes
  - The smaller entities can sometimes disrupt the development of the larger entity, e.g. meiotic drive, parthenogenesis, cancers, coup d’états
  - New ways of transmitting information have arisen, e.g. DNA-protein, cell heredity, epigenesis, universal grammar. As stated by the authors, this book was aimed at professional biologists and assumes considerable prior knowledge. They have also published a summary of their arguments in Nature as well as a presentation of their ideas for a general readership under the title The Origins of Life — From the Birth of Life to the Origins of Language. Two decades later, Eörs Szathmáry published an "update" of his thesis in the original book, and this update involved demoting sex from a major transition as well as promoting new transitions, such as the origins of plastids, to the list. The major transitions generally involve the formation of new levels of units of selection, consisting of ensembles of pre-existing entities. Therefore, the evolution of the major transitions can also be seen as the framework for studying the evolution of the levels of complexity in biology. Their work has generated substantial interest and further research into major transitions, including a devoted issue of papers to the subject in 2016 in the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. Additional suggestions to the transitions concept include the inclusion of viruses as playing a role as major catalysts for evolutionary transitions in two ways. One, parasite-host arms race often leads to the formation of complex structures and levels of complexity to combat the threat of viruses. Two, gene transfer from viruses and virus-like elements may contribute important genes for the emergence of higher levels of organization. Others have noted that the concept of transitions in macroevolutionary history focuses on increases in the levels of complexity, whereas macroevolutionary events can also proceed through simplifications which undo these hierarchical increases in complexity. Furthermore, simplifications can also enable other macroevolutionary complexifications. Thus, incorporating simplification dynamics will help further elucidate the emergence of life's lineages.

text:
# The Major Transitions in Evolution

***The Major Transitions in Evolution*** is a book written by John Maynard Smith and Eörs Szathmáry (Oxford University Press, 1995).

Maynard Smith and Szathmary authored a review article in *Nature*.

| Transitions described in the book | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Transition from: | Transition to: | Notes |
| Replicating molecules | "Populations" of molecules in compartments | Can't observe |
| Independent replicators (probably RNA) | Chromosomes | RNA world hypothesis |
| RNA as both genes and enzymes | DNA as genes; proteins as enzymes |  |
| Prokaryotes | Eukaryotes | Can observe |
| Asexual clones | Sexual populations | Evolution of sex |
| Protists | Multicellular organismsanimals, plants, fungi | Evolution of multicellularity |
| Solitary individuals | Colonies with non-reproductive castes | Evolution of eusociality |
| Primate societies | Human societies with language, enabling memes | Sociocultural evolution |

Maynard Smith and Szathmáry identified several properties common to the transitions:

1. Smaller entities have often come about together to form larger entities, e.g. chromosomes, eukaryotes, sex multicellular colonies.
2. Smaller entities often become differentiated as part of a larger entity, e.g. DNA-protein, organelles, anisogamy, tissues, castes
3. The smaller entities are often unable to replicate in the absence of the larger entity, e.g. DNA, chromosomes, organelles, tissues, castes
4. The smaller entities can sometimes disrupt the development of the larger entity, e.g. meiotic drive (selfish non-Mendelian genes), parthenogenesis, cancers, coup d’états
5. New ways of transmitting information have arisen, e.g. DNA-protein, cell heredity, epigenesis, universal grammar.

As stated by the authors, this book was aimed at professional biologists and assumes considerable prior knowledge. They have also published a summary of their arguments in *Nature* as well as a presentation of their ideas for a general readership under the title *The Origins of Life — From the Birth of Life to the Origins of Language*. Two decades later, Eörs Szathmáry published an "update" of his thesis in the original book, and this update involved demoting *sex* from a major transition as well as promoting new transitions, such as the origins of plastids, to the list. The major transitions generally involve the formation of new levels of units of selection, consisting of ensembles of pre-existing entities. Therefore, the evolution of the major transitions can also be seen as the framework for studying the evolution of the levels of complexity in biology.

Their work has generated substantial interest and further research into major transitions, including a devoted issue of papers to the subject in 2016 in the journal *Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B*. Additional suggestions to the transitions concept include the inclusion of viruses as playing a role as major catalysts for evolutionary transitions in two ways. One, parasite-host arms race often leads to the formation of complex structures and levels of complexity to combat the threat of viruses. Two, gene transfer from viruses and virus-like elements may contribute important genes for the emergence of higher levels of organization. Others have noted that the concept of transitions in macroevolutionary history focuses on increases in the levels of complexity, whereas macroevolutionary events can also proceed through simplifications which undo these hierarchical increases in complexity (e.g. multicellular organisms losing adherence genes and so transitioning into unicellular organisms, or the animal and plant lineages with degenerated organelles such as mitosomes). Furthermore, simplifications can also enable other macroevolutionary complexifications (e.g. the bacterial endosymbiont that simplified into the integrated mitochondrial organelle). Thus, incorporating simplification dynamics will help further elucidate the emergence of life's lineages.


abstract: The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman is an American sitcom from World of Wonder Productions, co-written, executive produced by and starring Laura Kightlinger. The series premiered on IFC August 4, 2006. Season two began on August 5, 2007 on IFC.

text:
# The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman

***The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman*** is an American sitcom from World of Wonder Productions, co-written, executive produced by and starring Laura Kightlinger. The series premiered on IFC August 4, 2006. Season two began on August 5, 2007 on IFC.

## Main characters

* **Jackie Woodman** (Laura Kightlinger), a surly writer for a second rate indie film rag and aspiring screenwriter. Her refusal to be a part of the superficial world of Hollywood is at odds with her desire to be one of the successful elite.
* **Tara Wentzel** (Nicholle Tom), Jackie's best friend and an initially low-level employee at a film production company (she is promoted in season two). Sexually promiscuous, she embodies everything about Hollywood that Jackie loathes/loves.

## Recurring Characters

* **Skyler** (Azura Skye), Jackie's editor and a trendy, superficial bitch.
* **Mitchell** (Patrick Bristow), Skyler's sycophantic assistant, who is openly rude to Jackie.
* **Bobby Paterniti** (Jeremy Kramer), the seasoned and brash producer of the "Cat Demon" franchise at Night Sky.
* **Ray** (Steven Pierce), a security guard at Tara's production company Night Sky. Pierce also appears as a member of The Platform cult in the pilot.
* **Jeanette Woodman** (Mary Kay Place), Jackie's passive-aggressive mother. She is first heard in season one over the phone and embodied by a turtle during a peyote hallucination. In season two, she visits Jackie twice, annoying Jackie incessantly in the process.
* **Angela Birnbaum** (Colleen Camp), Jackie's occasional agent. She is quick to trust, love, and overestimate anyone she comes into contact with.
* **Cheryl** (Octavia Spencer), a wisecracking security guard at Night Sky.
* **Carol Rinaldi** (Suzy Nakamura), an executive producer at Night Sky.
* **Darryl** (Rashaan Nall), Jackie's apartment building handyman and occasional confidant (season one).
* **Ken** (John Kapelos), Tara's boss at Night Sky (season one).
* **Mike Ackerman** (Giuseppe Andrews), an aspiring writer who steals Jackie's script (season one).
* **Lars Ahlstrom** (Hugh Davidson), Tara's misogynistic boss at Night Sky (season two).
* **Jim Fig** (Jon Kinnally), Jackie's hunky downstairs neighbor who moonlights as a serial killer. He randomly appears throughout season two, usually in passing as Jackie sees him outside. His appearances are followed with non sequitur glimpses of him torturing abductees or disposing of bodies. His motives are never explained or brought to the attention of any character, although Jackie chooses to ignore one of his victims when she accidentally sees him writhing below her kitchen window.

## Episodes

All episodes were written by Laura Kightlinger & David Punch.

### Season 1 (2006)

| No. | Title | Directed by | Original air date | Production
code |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | "A Cult Classic" | Adam Kassen | August 4, 2006 (2006-08-04) | 101 |
| After their car is rear-ended by 1970s icon Sally Kellerman, Jackie and Tara are drawn into the world of "The Platform," a so-called self-help group spearheaded by a charismatic ex-agent. Tara embraces the "step up" way of life, leaving Jackie convinced it's a cult - but if Jackie is going to save her best friend, she has no choice but to join the cult herself. | | | | |
| 2 | "Mudlarking" | Adam Kassen | August 11, 2006 (2006-08-11) | 102 |
| Jackie meets a graphic novelist with boyfriend potential, Mike (Giuseppe Andrews). She promises to attend his book reading even though she has a much-sought-after party invitation for the latest auteur-du-jour. Will Jackie be able to juggle both or will she miss out at her chance for love? Andy Dick also makes a cameo as himself | | | | |
| 3 | "Pounded" | Adam Kassen | August 18, 2006 (2006-08-18) | 103 |
| Jackie discovers that Mike, her would-be boyfriend, stole her 1930s roller derby queen script idea and sold it to the production company where Tara works. Adding insult to injury, Jackie takes a job with the production as a writing assistant on her own screenplay, while Tara's love life "blossoms." | | | | |
| 4 | "Tumor Has It" | Adam Kassen | August 25, 2006 (2006-08-25) | 104 |
| Jackie unexpectedly gets elevated to co-writer status, but later finds out she was promoted only because the studio heads believe she has cancer. How far will she go to keep up the charade? Guest starring Suzy Nakamura as Carol Rinaldi. | | | | |
| 5 | "Turning Manure Into Soy" | Adam Kassen | September 1, 2006 (2006-09-01) | 105 |
| Kept awake by a neighbor’s unstopping car alarm, Jackie calls the cops and has the car towed. The next morning, she’s unexpectedly befriended by the car’s eccentric owner, Angela Birnbaum (Colleen Camp), a hotshot agent who decides to take Jackie on as a client. | | | | |
| 6 | "Peyote Ugly" | Adam Kassen | September 8, 2006 (2006-09-08) | 106 |
| Jackie receives a large filmmaking grant from a non-profit Native American organization to make a documentary on the sacred peyote ritual. But within hours, she and Tara spend all the money on overpriced boutique junk. Left without a budget, they are forced to produce and shoot the footage themselves. Featuring a cameo by Annie Mumolo as the boutique clerk. | | | | |
| 7 | "Nemesisyphus" | Adam Kassen | September 15, 2006 (2006-09-15) | 107 |
| Learning that an old enemy from film school (Gabrielle Fitzpatrick) signed an improbable deal to turn a book, on how to write a screenplay, into a movie, Jackie, in utter frustration, turns to the wisdom of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War." | | | | |
| 8 | "The Republicunt" | Adam Kassen | September 22, 2006 (2006-09-22) | 108 |
| Under the influence of a new designer drug, Jackie becomes an obsessive fan of right-wing radio host Ned Carter (Ray Wise). He crowns her “Carter’s Commando of the Week” and invites her to “Abu Ghraib Night.” | | | | |

### Season 2 (2007)

| No. | Title | Directed by | Original air date | Production
code |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 9 | "Dykes Like Us" | Russell Bates | August 5, 2007 (2007-08-05) | 201 |
| Jackie and Tara fake a lesbian dating scheme in order for Tara to get a good deal on a new car, which leads to a much-wanted job opportunity for Jackie at a television network if she can keep up the act. Cameo by Adam DeVine as Toby, a show writer at Jackie's "new" job. | | | | |
| 10 | "We're Number Two" | Russell Bates | August 12, 2007 (2007-08-12) | 202 |
| Jackie's mom Jeanette (Mary Kay Place) comes to town for a visit that coincides with the LA Film Market. Tara is thrust into hosting a panel for Night Sky, while Jackie is scheduled pitch her new screenplay. | | | | |
| 11 | "Bad Luck Brad" | Steve Carr | August 19, 2007 (2007-08-19) | 203 |
| Tara falls for Bobby P's (Jeremy Kramer) bad-luck new assistant and brings Jackie on board to help make phonisodes out of a homemade YouTube cartoon. | | | | |
| 12 | "Jackie Meets Her Match" | Steve Carr | August 26, 2007 (2007-08-26) | 204 |
| Tara meets a millionaire who can't satisfy her (Tuc Watkins) while Jackie meets her male double (Tom Stern), but both have bitten off more than they can chew. Cameo by Patrika Darbo as a card store clerk. | | | | |
| 13 | "Yoga Brain" | Steve Carr | September 2, 2007 (2007-09-02) | 205 |
| Tara takes Jackie to a yoga class, which has a positive impact on her. Cameo by Sally Kellerman reprising her eccentric fictional self and Sam Simon. | | | | |
| 14 | "The Carolina Moonshiners" | Jonathan Corn | September 9, 2007 (2007-09-09) | 206 |
| Jeanette surprises Jackie with a visit, only this time with her new husband (Madison Mason) in tow. He and Jackie instantly butt heads, as she tries to get used to her mother being married again. | | | | |
| 15 | "Straight Up Your Heart" | Mary Kay Place | September 16, 2007 (2007-09-16) | 207 |
| Tara gets a promotion while Jackie attempts writing a commercial love story. | | | | |
| 16 | "Good Times and Great Oldies" | Mary Kay Place | September 23, 2007 (2007-09-23) | 208 |
| Jackie and Tara are stuck at a bar with a very old clientele when the city goes on "red alert". Guest starring Paul Dooley as Major and Orson Bean as Chick, with a cameo by Lee Majors as the governor of Los Angeles. | | | | |

## Critical reception

Dana Gee of *The Province* rated the show "B", stating that "unlike most sitcoms, there are no morality plays and characters are not given a patina to make them seem a little more interesting."

## Home media

Season one was released on DVD as of July 17, 2007.

## International broadcast

An entire run of the series was screened in the United Kingdom on the now defunct channel, Film 24.

## InfoBox

| *The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman* | |
| --- | --- |
|  | |
| Genre | Sitcom |
| Created by | Laura Kightlinger |
| Directed by | Adam Kassen (2006)
Russell Bates (2007)
Steve Carr
Jonathan Corn &
Mary Kay Place |
| Starring | Laura Kightlinger
Nicholle Tom |
| Opening theme | "Sourpuss" by Jeff Moris Tepper |
| Composer | Randy Lee |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 2 |
| No. of episodes | 16 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Laura Kightlinger
David Punch
Evan Shapiro |
| Running time | 22-28 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | IFC |
| Release | August 4, 2006 (2006-08-04)
September 23, 2007 (2007-09-23) |


title: The Minnesota State Hymn

abstract: The Minnesota State Hymm is the institutional anthem of the Minnesota State University, Mankato. It is played at all graduation and official ceremonies. It was written by Richard Robbins and Roger Sheffer.

text:
# The Minnesota State Hymn

The **Minnesota State Hymm** is the institutional anthem of the Minnesota State University, Mankato. It is played at all graduation and official ceremonies. It was written by Richard Robbins and Roger Sheffer.

## Lyrics

**Minnesota State**, we hail; Hail the purple and the gold
All alumni, old and new, take you with them when they go.
From the hilltop, from the prairie
Where the river bends to lead them
We are walking proud and strong, Minnesota State on and on.
Racha Macha, MSU, now and always we'll be true
In the classroom, on the mall, by the fountain, spring or fall
In the cities, in their towers, in the nations far from home.
**Minnesota State** we hail to you.
Purple and gold we're ever true.


title: The Maid (Seinfeld)

abstract: "The Maid" is the 175th episode of the NBC sitcom Seinfeld. This was the 19th episode of the ninth and final season. It aired on April 30, 1998. In this episode, Jerry hires a maid and ends up having a sexual relationship with her, George tries to get people to give him a good nickname, and Elaine falls into a chain of phone problems after Kramer subscribes her phone number to an incessant fax service.

text:
# The Maid (Seinfeld)

"**The Maid**" is the 175th episode of the NBC sitcom *Seinfeld*. This was the 19th episode of the ninth and final season. It aired on April 30, 1998. In this episode, Jerry hires a maid and ends up having a sexual relationship with her, George tries to get people to give him a good nickname, and Elaine falls into a chain of phone problems after Kramer subscribes her phone number to an incessant fax service.

## Plot

Jerry hires a maid, Cindy, whom he then starts having sex with. On one visit Cindy leaves without getting around to any work, but still takes the money he left for her, which Jerry realizes could be considered prostitution. He stops leaving money for Cindy, and when she demands money on her next visit, he points out that she didn't do any work. Angered, she walks out on the job and the relationship. Cindy's boss Maxwell demands that Jerry pay Cindy for this last visit, threatening to publicly expose Jerry's fastidious cleaning requests and make Cindy pay for the visit. Wanting to avoid trouble, Jerry agrees to pay her.

George tries to get a nickname at work, T-Bone, by ordering a T-bone steak for lunch and talking about how much he likes T-bones, but a co-worker makes the same order and gets the nickname instead. George tries reasoning with T-Bone to get the nickname. When this doesn't work, George throws a fit, yelling, crying, and flailing around with a banana in his hand until T-bone agrees to surrender the nickname. However, after witnessing this scene, his coworkers nickname George Koko the monkey. George hires a woman named Coco as vice president of acquisitions; Kruger states there should not be two Koko/Cocos, and George goes back to being George again, much to his satisfaction. However, when Coco mentions her Gammy, Kruger is inspired to give George the nickname "Gammy".

Kramer signs up to receive restaurant menus by fax with a service called "Now We're Cookin'", but uses Elaine's phone number, mistakenly thinking she had a fax machine. Annoyed by the nonstop calls from the fax service, Elaine changes her phone number and gets one with the new 646 area code, so callers have to dial 1-646 in addition to her seven digit number. She gives her number to a prospective date, but when he sees the 646 area code, he says he is already in a relationship and walks off. When her neighbor Mrs. Krantz dies, Elaine gets Mrs. Krantz’s old 212 number. Krantz's grandson Bobby keeps calling the number, because his parents are reluctant to break it to him that his grandmother is dead. Elaine pretends to be Bobby's grandmother for a few weeks; then, fed up with his parents' irresponsibility, she tells Bobby she is dying and hangs up. Bobby dials 9-1-1 and firefighters beat down Elaine's door.

Kramer's girlfriend moves downtown, leading him to struggle with the drawbacks of a "long-distance relationship". He breaks up with her when she refuses to move, and he gets lost in the Lower East Side. Jerry goes to pick him up, spots Cindy, and slows down to give her her money. A patrolling NYPD unit mistakes her for a prostitute and arrests them. Still waiting for Jerry, Kramer is approached by Maxwell and talked into a maid job.

## Production

According to Alec Berg, Jeff Schaffer, and David Mandel, who wrote the teleplay for the episode based on a story by themselves, Kit Boss, and Peter Mehlman, "The Maid" was the last "normal" episode of *Seinfeld*, since "The Puerto Rican Day" was scripted as a writers' jam involving the entire *Seinfeld* writing staff and filmed entirely on location, "The Chronicle" was a clip show and largely a retrospective of the series's history, and "The Finale" was not written by any of the regular writing staff. As such, it became a sort of dumping ground for all of the writers' favorite ideas that they had been unable to work into an episode yet, since the writers all saw it as their last chance. One of the working titles for this episode was "The Long-Distance Relationship".

The story of George wanting a nickname was contributed by Kit Boss. Initially the story developed much differently: Irritated by another employee getting the "T-bone" nickname, George was to issue a stern office-wide memo forbidding the use of nicknames, but misspells his own name in the signature as "Gorge". The office staff would then assign him the nickname "Gorge". In an attempt to dispel the unwelcome nickname, George would get a copy of his birth certificate, only to discover that due to his father misspelling his name in the same exact way, his legal name is in fact "Gorge Costanza". Jerry Seinfeld vetoed this idea, arguing that "Gorge" was essentially just a fat joke. The writers replaced it with George being nicknamed "Koko", which was *Seinfeld* writer Steve Koren's nickname in the offices, due to the gorilla-like haircut he had at the time.

The Jerry/Cindy story was inspired by the real-life Jerry Seinfeld's relationship with his trainer, who he began dating. Seinfeld had commented to the other writers about the oddity of paying a woman to come to his house while also carrying on a sexual relationship with her. Seinfeld's voice was hoarse during filming, to the point where some of his dialogue had to be re-recorded in post-production.

The phone story grew out of the office trend where employees' phone numbers are almost inevitably mistaken by some other employee for a fax number. Elaine deleting a message from George, though it occupies just a few seconds of screen time, was originally intended to be an entire story. The writers wanted to satirize the practice of deleting messages from friends without listening to them, with the intent of simply calling the person back, but couldn't think up a way to develop the idea.

Jerry's line, "stay alive, no matter what occurs, I will find you," is an allusion to the 1992 film *The Last of the Mohicans*.

When Cindy tells George that one of the girls at the maid service she works at is named Coco, she mentions "That girl's all right." This is a reference to "The Dealership", where Jerry and Puddy discuss Koko, the gorilla that can do sign language, and Puddy says, "That chimp's all right." Mandel later commented, "I don't know why we thought that line was funny."

The table read for "The Maid" was held on March 8, 1998, with filming taking place on March 9, 10, and 12. Sequences which were filmed for the episode but deleted before broadcast include George and Jerry recounting George's first failed attempt at getting a nickname ("Crash" Costanza), Kramer saying he and Madeline did a jigsaw puzzle together over the phone, and Maxwell telling Jerry that the maids at his service are considered the best because they're willing to do anything.

## InfoBox

| "**The Maid**" | |
| --- | --- |
| *Seinfeld* episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 9<br>Episode 19 |
| Directed by | Andy Ackerman |
| Story by | Alec Berg & David Mandel & Jeff Schaffer and Kit Boss & Peter Mehlman |
| Teleplay by | Alec Berg & David Mandel & Jeff Schaffer |
| Production code | 919 |
| Original air date | April 30, 1998 (1998-04-30) |
| Guest appearances | |
|  | |
|
|


title: The Moon Is Disgusting

abstract: The Moon Is Disgusting is the second album by That 1 Guy, released in 2007.

text:
# The Moon Is Disgusting

Professional ratings
| Review scores | |
| --- | --- |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |  |
| *Las Vegas Weekly* |  |

***The Moon Is Disgusting*** is the second album by That 1 Guy, released in 2007.

## Critical reception

AllMusic praised the title track and the "wobbly funk" of "Bananas". *The Mercury News* wrote that the album's sound "suggests Nine Inch Nails backing They Might Be Giants at Les Claypool’s house." *Las Vegas Weekly* wrote that "this zouk-inspired sophomore CD pulses more thickly and confidently than his debut *Songs in the Key of Beotch* without losing any of the nonchalant innovation."

## Track listing

1. "The Moon Is Disgusting" – 5:44
2. "Bananas" – 4:31
3. "Mash" – 3:21
4. "Oranges" – 1:58
5. "Jigsaw" – 2:57
6. "Mustaches" – 3:13
7. "Dig" – 3:51
8. "Buttmachine" – 3:06
9. "How's 'Bout Them Holes in the Moon (Butter Side Down)" – 5:01
10. "Guava" – 3:07
11. "Rainbow" – 14:23

## InfoBox

| The Moon Is Disgusting | |
| --- | --- |
|  | |
| Studio album by That 1 Guy | |
| Released | May 8, 2007 |
| Genre | Experimental |
| Length | 51:12 |
| Producer | Karl Derfler |
| That 1 Guy chronology | |
| *Songs in the Key of Beotch*
(2000) ***The Moon Is Disgusting***
(2007) *Mustaches Remix EP*
(2009) | |


title: The Mysteries of Paris (1935 film)

abstract: The Mysteries of Paris is a 1935 French historical drama film directed by Félix Gandéra and starring Lucien Baroux, Madeleine Ozeray and Marcelle Géniat. It is based on the novel The Mysteries of Paris by Eugène Sue. The film's sets were designed by the art directors André Barsacq and Robert Gys.

text:
# The Mysteries of Paris (1935 film)

***The Mysteries of Paris*** (French: ***Les mystères de Paris***) is a 1935 French historical drama film directed by Félix Gandéra and starring Lucien Baroux, Madeleine Ozeray and Marcelle Géniat. It is based on the novel *The Mysteries of Paris* by Eugène Sue. The film's sets were designed by the art directors André Barsacq and Robert Gys.

## Synopsis

In the mid-nineteenth century, the Duke of Gérolstein returns to Paris to try and find his daughter who was taken from his by her mother sixteen years earlier.

## Cast

1. Goble p.880
2. https://www.unifrance.org/film/52265/les-mysteres-de-paris

## Bibliography

* Goble, Alan. *The Complete Index to Literary Sources in Film*. Walter de Gruyter, 1999.

## InfoBox

| The Mysteries of Paris | |
| --- | --- |
|  | |
| Directed by | Félix Gandéra |
| Written by | * Félix Gandéra |
| Based on | *The Mysteries of Paris* by Eugène Sue |
| Produced by | Félix Gandéra |
| Starring |  |
| Cinematography |  |
| Edited by |  |
| Music by | Georges Auric |
| Production<br>company | Productions Félix Gandéra |
| Distributed by | Les Films Osso |
| Release date | * 14 October 1935 (1935-10-14) |
| Running time | 110 minutes |
| Country | France |
| Language | French |


title: The New Schematics

abstract: The New Schematics is an indie and alternative rock band based in Nashville, Tennessee, founded April 21, 2015. The members include Cory Bishop, Michael Bare, and Shanan Lau. Rotating members include Jonathan Truman, Danny Pratt, John Briggs, Ayrton Gauerke, Eric Montgomery, and Andrew Bergthold. The band made their debut on October 2, 2015, with their self-titled EP The New Schematics. The EP consisted of 5 songs, including their most popular song "Born Without Borders." When the band first formed, they set out on a 15-month tour named after the hit single "Born Without Borders." They blazed through 42 cities and played 97 shows throughout the US and Canada, gaining the reputation as an act with the "crowd control skills of preachers". Since then, the band has released an unplugged EP with a bonus song called "Drug" along with the acoustic versions of songs from the original self-titled EP and released a new EP on 24 February 2017 entitled Your Year with five new tracks.

text:
# The New Schematics

**The New Schematics** is an indie and alternative rock band based in Nashville, Tennessee, founded April 21, 2015. The members include Cory Bishop (main vocals and guitar), Michael Bare (bass and vocals), and Shanan Lau (guitar and vocals). Rotating members include Jonathan Truman, Danny Pratt, John Briggs, Ayrton Gauerke, Eric Montgomery, and Andrew Bergthold.

The band made their debut on October 2, 2015, with their self-titled EP *The New Schematics*. The EP consisted of 5 songs, including their most popular song "Born Without Borders." When the band first formed, they set out on a 15-month tour named after the hit single "Born Without Borders." They blazed through 42 cities and played 97 shows throughout the US and Canada, gaining the reputation as an act with the "crowd control skills of preachers" (Cougar Microbes). Since then, the band has released an unplugged EP with a bonus song called "Drug" along with the acoustic versions of songs from the original self-titled EP and released a new EP on 24 February 2017 entitled *Your Year* with five new tracks.

## History

### Formation

In 2014, Cory Bishop ventured out to record his solo EP entitled *Cory Bishop* in Nashville, Tennessee. Drummer Ayrton Gauerke played the drums on this solo project and continued to act as the drummer of *The New Schematics - EP*. Shortly after starting the solo EP recording process, Bishop decided to turn the solo EP into *The New Schematics - EP* and the band members in The New Schematics came from that. Close friend Michael Bare, who Bishop met at another show in Nashville, became the second half of the duo when this EP was created. Drummer Gauerke played with The New Schematics until drummer Danny Pratt began to fill his place (among other hired drummers) in June 2015. Pratt played with the band more regularly August 2015 through September 2016 and also recorded the band's second EP, *Your Year* (released February 24, 2017). During the time Pratt was still drumming for the band, guitarist for opening band The Riflery, Shanan Lau, made the decision to join the band as a full-time member. They then met Jonathan Truman in January 2016 who began to play drums for hire in March 2016, June 2016, and again in October 2016. Truman has played with the band for the entirety of 2017, but is rumored to be splitting in late May.

### *The New Schematics - EP* (2015)

Released October 2, 2015, this EP was the first project for the new brand new band The New Schematics. The most popular song from the EP being their staple song for their first tour, "Born Without Borders." Produced, mixed, and mastered by Andrew Bergthold. Recorded at The Farm in Franklin, Tennessee.

### *The New Schematics (Unplugged+) EP* (2016)

Released March 18, 2016, *Unplugged+* features rearranged versions of songs from the self titled EP with a bonus track entitled "Drug." Produced by Eric Montgomery (except for "Drug" produced by Andrew Bergthold and John Briggs). Mixed and mastered by Eric Uplinger.

### *Your Year - EP* (2017)

Released February 24, 2017, *Your Year - EP* represents a new artistic direction for The New Schematics and simultaneously encourages listeners to claim the year they are given - no matter what month it is. Produced, mixed and mastered by Andrew Bergthold, except "Timeless Love" mixed by Eric Uplinger and "Your Year" mixed by Warren David and mastered by Jason Germaine. Engineering and editing assistance by Jake Wigal.

## Members

* Cory Bishop - lead vocals, harmonica, acoustic guitar, keys (2015–present)
* Michael Bare - bass, vocals (2015–present)
* Jonathan Truman - background vocals, drummer for *Your Year* tour (2016–present)

### Past Members/Contributors

* Danny Pratt - drums, percussion (2015–17)
* Andrew Bergthold - synths, programming, additional percussion (2015–17)
* John Briggs - guitars, high strung guitars, electric guitars, mandolin, vocals (2015–16)
* Eric Montgomery - keys, B3, additional percussion (2015–16)
* Ayrton Gauerke - drums, percussion (2015–16)
* Cara Fox - cello (2016)
* Matt Scibillia - shaker, tambourine (2016)
* Shanan Lau - lead guitar, vocals (2016-2017)

## Discography

| **Album / EP** | **Title** | **Writer(s)** | **Length** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| *The New Schematics EP*  (2015) | "Break My Heart" | Cory Bishop, Michael Bare | 4:36 |
| | "Midnight" | Bishop, Bare | 3:14 |
| | "Born Without Borders" | Bishop | 4:19 |
| | "All In" | Bishop, Bare | 3:58 |
| | "The Breakdown" | Bishop | 3:24 |
| *The New Schematics (Unplugged+) EP*  (2016) | "Break My Heart (Unplugged)" | Bishop, Bare | 4:40 |
| | "Midnight (Unplugged)" | | 3:18 |
| | "Born Without Borders (Unplugged)" | Bishop | 4:22 |
| | "All In (Unplugged)" | Bishop, Bare | 3:39 |
| | "The Breakdown (Unplugged)" | Bishop | 3:39 |
| | | "Drug" | 3:42 |
| *Your Year* (2017) | "Your Year" | Bishop, Bare | 4:40 |
| | "All of My Desire" | Bishop | 2:56 |
| | | "Sunday Morning" | 3:18 |
| | "Take Back My Soul" | Bishop, Bare | 3:20 |
| | "Timeless Love" | Bishop | 4:17 |

### Music videos


title: The Object of My Affection (novel)

abstract: The Object of My Affection is the debut novel of American author Stephen McCauley. It was first published in 1987 and was made into a 1998 motion picture of the same name starring Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd.

text:
# The Object of My Affection (novel)

***The Object of My Affection*** is the debut novel of American author Stephen McCauley. It was first published in 1987 and was made into a 1998 motion picture of the same name starring Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd.

## Plot summary

George Mullen is a 20-something openly gay man enrolled in the English literature graduate school program at Columbia University. Although somewhat good-looking, George has moderate self-esteem problems and deep commitment issues. The novel is told from his point of view. George begins dating Robert Joley, a handsome, 40-year-old literature professor at the college. Joley (George always refers to him by his last name) also has commitment issues, and George's relationship with him is poor. They attend a party where George meets Nina Borowski, a full-figured woman who counsels battered women and rape victims at a women's crisis center while striving for her Ph.D. in psychology. Joley tells Nina that George wants to move out, even though the men have not discussed this. Angry and hurt, George moves into Nina's Brooklyn apartment. George drops out of Columbia, and takes a job teaching kindergarten alongside Melissa, a trust-fund baby into alternative culture.

George and Nina swiftly become best friends, and in time their friendship comes close to approximating romantic love. They have a mutual appreciation for junk food, and both of them are highly disorganized, somewhat lazy, and tend to hoard things. They both enjoy movies, and they impulsively take ballroom dancing lessons. Nina is dating Howard, a feminist and legal aid lawyer.

The plot changes when Nina tells George that she is pregnant with Howard's child. Nina does not want to marry Howard, and asks George if he will raise the child with her. George agrees. Despite Nina's request that Howard remain unaware of the pregnancy for now, George unintentionally lets the secret out. After a few weeks, Nina begins to break up with Howard, who is devastated. Although a year has now passed since George and Joley dated, Joley contacts George and asks him to vacation at an inn in Vermont. George eagerly consents.

During the trip to Vermont, Joley reveals that he did not get tenure at Columbia, and asks George to move with him to Seattle, Washington. At last, George sees Joley as more pathetic than sexually attractive or mature. At the inn, George meets Paul Schneider, a Jewish newspaper reporter in Vermont. They spend the night together, and George meets Paul's adopted Salvadoran son, Gabriel. Joley returns to New York without George, and never contacts him again.

Having returned to New York City, George learns that his co-worker Melissa is dating Howard. During the Thanksgiving holiday, Paul travels to New York City to visit his mother, Molly, and spends some time with George. Molly takes a strong interest in Nina. Soon thereafter, George allows a mother going through a nasty divorce to take her son home at the end of the school day. In fact, the mother is abducting her own child, which enrages the child's father. Melissa breaks up with Howard. George is suspended from his job just before Christmas, then travels to Vermont to spend Christmas with Paul. As the vacation ends, George tells Paul about being fired, and Paul is angry that George doesn't trust him.

Back in Brooklyn, Nina is upset that George is falling in love with Paul. With Molly's encouragement, she has turned her life around by getting rid of clothes and mementos she has hoarded, and has begun work again on her dissertation. George and Nina's friendship becomes rocky, and they take up ballroom dancing lessons again. Frank, George's younger brother, invites George to his wedding. George's family is shocked to find Nina pregnant, and they had told Frank's soon-to-be in-laws that George was heterosexual. This leads to George and Nina deciding not to attend the wedding. The two travel by train back to New York City. They stop in Providence, Rhode Island, on the way home, get a room at an inn, and make love.

The act of sexual intercourse ruins George and Nina's intimate friendship, as George had long suspected it would.

The book ends with an epilogue, set about six months later. George has moved to Vermont to live with Paul, and taken a job as a kindergarten teacher there. Nina has had her baby, and named the child Emily. Melissa has gone to law school, and Paul's mother has moved in with Nina to help care for Nina's child. Nina has allowed Howard back into her life, to a limited degree, so that he can see his daughter.

### Main characters

* **George Mullen** \- narrator of the novel, and the 20-something protagonist. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, George has been out of the closet since college. George lacks self-esteem and is terrified of commitment, to his friends and to his boyfriends. George has several neuroses, is lazy, begins projects but rarely finishes them, and spends most of his free time listening to pop music from the 1950s.
* **Nina Borowski** \- A Polish American woman in her late 20s, and George's best friend. Nina is much like George (lazy, a hoarder, etc.), and rarely works on her doctoral dissertation. Like George, she is relentlessly cynical.
* **Howard** \- Nina's boyfriend. Howard is very liberal and a feminist, and often apologizes for things he says which he feels are offensive. He is a good cook, but somewhat slovenly in his attire. Howard is besotted with Nina, gives her suffocatingly saccharine pet names (such as Brisket, Butterbean, Munchkin, Pudding, and Puddle), and is somewhat overbearing.
* **Robert Joley** \- Referred to by George as "Joley", he is a handsome professor of literature at Columbia University. Joley is sexually promiscuous, and not committed to his relationship with George. When Joley does not get tenure, he shaves off his beard, which makes George realize how old, average looking, and sad Joley really is. George abandons Joley at the inn in Vermont, and Joley returns to New York City without George.
* **Paul Schneider** \- A tall, skinny, unkempt newspaper publisher and reporter in Vermont, Paul is Jewish and very liberal. A year earlier, he broke up with his lover, Robert. He has a six-year-old son, Gabriel, who is an orphan from El Salvador whom Paul adopted. Paul is immensely attracted to George, and although George's dissembling and attempts to push Paul away anger Paul, Paul patiently works to help George become more at ease with their relationship. Paul has a habit of attributing to Gabriel the feelings he himself has.
* **Melissa** \- George's co-teacher at the kindergarten, Melissa comes from a wealthy family and is very opinionated. She participates in alternative culture, and quits her job in protest when the kindergarten suspends George for nine months.
* **Molly Schneider** \- Paul's mother, she is a divorced woman who is a former member of the Communist Party USA. She spends most of her time as a political activist.
* **Timothy** \- George's best friend, and an architect. He is highly opinionated, critical of almost everyone and everything, and is so afraid of intimacy that he sets George up on blind dates with anyone who shows an interest in himself.
* **Gabriel Schneider** \- Nicknamed "Gabie", he is Paul's adopted son from El Salvador. He is very loud, and calls adults by their first name.

## Genesis of the novel

In 1983, author Stephen McCauley was a student in the graduate writing program at Columbia University. He wrote a short story about gay man named George and straight woman named Nina and their attempt to deal with Nina's pregnancy. Stephen Koch, a professor of literature at Columbia, suggested expanding the short story into a book-length novel.

The character of George shared many characteristics with McCauley himself, including his dislike of travel, his attendance at Columbia, and many aspects of McCauley's own personality. McCauley graduated from the University of Vermont (where George travels in the novel) and enrolled in several graduate programs in psychology (as Nina is enrolled).

McCauley said his novel was about how deeply selfish but generally good-hearted people must balance their needs against those of the people they love. "There is a sort of confusion in people's lives today—there are so many options," he said. "Perhaps my generation has been brought up to think you have a right to want what you want and to do it all, and I don't think you can. You have to give up some piece of yourself. You can't be selfish when you raise a child or are with another person. You can't act purely on whimsy."

## Critical reception

Susan Fromberg Schaeffer, reviewing the novel for *The New York Times*, called it "very funny" and "exceptionally vivid". She said that McCauley "brings his characters, his world astonishingly, captivatingly alive." Sarah Gold of the *Los Angeles Times* called the novel "warmly engaging". She found some of the characters too mannered rather than alive, while others were too thinly written. Although she found the ending disappointed, she also noted it was "a final, bittersweet encounter \[which\] rounds out \[a\] novel...full of wonderful moments, gentle humor, and a happily jaundiced view of contemporary attitudes and inanities." An anonymous reviewer in *The Washington Post* called it a "quaint and quirky novel" with "wry and witty thrust-and-parry writing", but felt that McCauley never explained the basis for George and Nina's love and that the ending left the reader without resolution.

The novel was named a "Bear in Mind" book by *The New York Times*, as one which the editors felt were of particular interest. *The New York Times* also named the novel one of its "Notable Books of the Year".

## Film

Playwright Wendy Wasserstein optioned the novel for the screen in 1990. The feature film, *The Object of My Affection*, was released in October 1998.

## InfoBox

The Object of My Affection
| Cover of the 2006 paperback edition. | |
| --- | --- |
| Author | Stephen McCauley |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Gay literature |
| Publisher | Simon & Schuster |
| Publication date | 1987 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (hardback & paperback) |
| ISBN | 0-671-74350-3 |


title: The Object (novel)

abstract: The Object is a 2024 hard first contact science fiction novel written by Joshua T. Calvert. It is about a scientist who discovers an extrasolar object which has entered the Solar System under mysterious circumstances.

text:
# The Object (novel)

***The Object*** is a 2024 hard first contact science fiction novel written by Joshua T. Calvert. It is about a scientist who discovers an extrasolar object which has entered the Solar System under mysterious circumstances.

## Plot

Dr. Melody "Mel" Adams is a scientist working at a NASA base in Hawaii. In January 2023, she discovers a strange object near Pluto, which is initially thought to be a comet due to a glow around the object and an elongation assumed to be the tail of the comet. However, Mel realizes that the object which she calls the "visitor" might be an extrasolar spaceship. She proposes this theory in a book titled *Extraterrestrial*, which becomes a best-seller. However, she is expelled from NASA due to her ideas.

Two years later, amidst a talk show, members of the Secret Service come to take Mel. She meets Jim Rothman, the Administrator of NASA, whom she secretly loves. He confirms that her hypothesis was correct, and NASA is planning to set up a combined mission with the ESA at Houston to research the object, which is named "Serenity". They receive the support of President Brosnahan. Mel is recruited back into NASA, but cannot become an astronaut, because years before, in the astronaut examination, another candidate named Bernard had cheated, stealing her spot. Serenity momentarily disappears behind Saturn's icy rings, but soon appears again.

Soon, a crewed mission to Serenity is planned, and a team of six astronauts including Bernard, Dr. Selena Rogerton, Gabriella Mancarella and Dr. Thomas "Tom" Ehrmann. Due to political reasons, the Chinese also decide to collaborate, and so two of the astronauts are replaced by Chinese taikonauts, Col. Ye Zhigang and Col. Wang Hongbo. Bernard is injured and is replaced by Melody, who is also the commander of the mission.

A spaceship called *Pangaea* or *Pangu Dalu* in Mandarin, is built, and is launched in 2031. It is designed to land on Serenity which is fast approaching Mars. During an EVA, Gabriella is killed by micrometeorites. Aboard the ship, Mel, Tom, Selena and Hongbo experience the same dream of floating in deep space. Pangaea lands on the rotating Serenity, and the astronauts begin studying its nature. Tom reveals that is covered by diatoms and polyps and appears to be bionic.

A hole is created on the surface. Mel, Tom, Selena and Hongbo enter the hole, while Zhigang stays aboard Pangaea. The astronauts are attacked by a black fluid and discover that the hole has been sealed by a callus. Selena dies due to impact after falling, and is covered by green snail-like pustules.

The astronauts explore the network of tunnels and realize that the black fluid flows with a periodic tremor and air-flow every 11 minutes 8 seconds. Mel slips and enters a large chamber containing a tree-like neural structure with slow blue-colored flashes of light. Hongbo reaches there too, but after cutting some flesh, is thrown into the network and dies. Her suit is damaged by the green snails which enter inside and cover her corpse.

Mel escapes from the chamber. She meets Tom and they fire a rope to the callus using a potato cannon. When the rope begins shaking, Tom boosts it up again, while the gas throws Melody into Serenity. They realize that Serenity is an organism with a brain, blood vessels, immune cells, etc., but a slow metabolism to facilitate interstellar travel. The dreams might serve as a form of communication from Serenity's side.

Mel enters the brain chamber and sees that Hongbo's suit and MMU have disappeared. She makes actions indicating greetings, and Hongbo's corpse appears to mimic those, while blue flashes flow through the network below her. Mel's mind is transmitted inside a virtual chamber in Serenity's brain, after the green "slugs" enter her body. She meets Serenity, who has assumed Hongbo's form to communicate with her. Serenity reveals that it is a living fully-conscious biological probe, developed by an intelligent species in the distant past to collect data about other intelligent species. This data is sent to a "Data Center" where the species shifted after a gamma ray burst destroyed their home. Serenity had traveled for eons, and had encountered many species, but due to the damage caused by humans, it had only fifty years to live. It reveals that for it, time appears to pass very quickly. Mel is given temporary control of her body, and she uses her spacesuit equipment to contact Zhigang and Tom, who are on the way back to Earth on Pangaea. They continue to monitor her audio and visual system. Mel returns to the virtual chamber and contacts Serenity in Hongbo's form, to ask it about the dreams. Serenity reveals that the dreams were a form of quantum entanglement communication system.

In the epilogue, it is revealed that Tom has lived to the age of 140 years. Fujao is the Secretary-General of the United Nations and has set up many "dream centers" based on knowledge received from Mel's audio and video system. He has set up a mission *Pangaea II* in honor of the astronauts who are regarded as heroes. The mission is launched from the Wang Hongbo Center in Texas. Finally, Tom dies peacefully, ending the story.

### Main characters

* Lt. Col. Dr. Melody "Mel" Adams - An American scientist and astronaut working at NASA, who discovers Serenity; Commander of Pangaea
* Dr. Thomas "Tom" Ehrmann - A neurologist and chemist from Germany
* Col. Wang Hongbo - A taikonaut from China
* Col. Ye Zhigang - Chinese taikonaut and colleague of Hongbo
* Dr. Selena Rogerton - An American astronaut and physician
* Bernard - A trained American astronaut
* Administrator Jim Rothman - Administrator of NASA
* Serenity - A biological alien probe, which enters the Solar System

## InfoBox

The Object
| Cover page of *The Object* | |
| --- | --- |
| Author | Joshua T. Calvert |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Hard science fiction |
| Publisher | Independently published |
| Publication date | February 1, 2024 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Pages | 392 (paperback), 380 (e-book) |
| ISBN | 979-8-8781-7592-0 |


title: The Minstrel Boy (novel)

abstract: The Minstrel Boy is a 1975 novel by A. J. Cronin.

text:
# The Minstrel Boy (novel)

***The Minstrel Boy*** (also published under the title ***Desmonde***) is a 1975 novel by A. J. Cronin.

## Plot

The story concerns the life of a young priest called Desmonde Fitzgerald. In his seminary he is noted for his magnificent singing voice, his practical jokes and his good looks which make him inordinately attractive to women. In his first clerical posting in Ireland, the lady of the manor falls in love with him, but he is seduced by her niece, whom he later marries. He becomes a musician and lives in poverty in Dublin, where his wife deserts him and later dies in Switzerland. After a period in Spain he is given a second chance and becomes a missionary to India, where he again risks becoming involved with a rich local woman but this time escapes. The book contains the classic Cronin features of human weakness and failure with ultimate redemption.

## Autobiographical references

The story's narration is by a character "Alec Shannon" who bears a close resemblance to Cronin himself. In the novel, reference is clearly made to his own alma mater, St Aloysius' College, as the description of the fictional school, St Ignatius', is clearly a description of the buildings and environs of the school Cronin attended. Reference is also made to his footballing exploits as Cronin was reputedly an excellent footballer and played in the College First XI . Cronin never specifically mentioned his own school in his books but does refer to another Jesuit school, Stonyhurst and a combination of Stonyhurst and Ampleforth called "Amplehurst". He also never refers directly to Glasgow, but to the fictional locale of "Winton", which often stands in for Glasgow in Cronin's novels.

## InfoBox

The Minstrel Boy
| First UK edition | |
| --- | --- |
| Author | A. J. Cronin |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Gollancz (UK) <br>Little, Brown (US) |
| Publication date | 1975 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 285 pp. (UK hardback edition) |
| ISBN | 0-575-01972-7 |