From: owner-aml-list-digest@lists.xmission.com (aml-list-digest) To: aml-list-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: aml-list-digest V1 #869 Reply-To: aml-list Sender: owner-aml-list-digest@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-aml-list-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk aml-list-digest Tuesday, October 22 2002 Volume 01 : Number 869 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 18:40:30 -0400 From: "Roberto Gomez" Subject: Re: [AML] Johnny Lingo >To quote Jeff Bridges as "the Dude" (not in Johnny >Lingo, BTW, in case you were wondering if I found some bootleg copy): You don't need to get a bootleg copy- you can order the real thing from the Online Distribution Center for six bucks. Go to www.ldscatalog.com and type item # 53147000 in the search box- "Johnny Lingo" is included on a tape called "The Worth of Souls." Roberto Gomez - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 16:46:30 -0600 From: "Thom Duncan" Subject: RE: [AML] Utah Names on Radio West Two of my grandsons are named Braden and Jaden (sigh). Thom >-----Original Message----- > >Radio West, KUER 90.1 (www.kuer.org) is doing a piece today on >Utah Baby Names, to kick off their Fall Fund raiser. They've >compiled a book called _Raising LaVon_ (or is that spelled >LaVaughan?) with Pat Bagley illustrations, to use as a thank >you gift. The show will be rebroadcast at 7:00 tonight. > >"Caden, Braden and Jaden are all popular Utah names just now," >a caller just said. We have all three in our ward. But there >still aren't too many . . ., uh, what was that long-winded >guy's name who sometimes goes by Hollow Cluck? - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 16:43:12 -0600 From: Barbara Hume Subject: Re: [AML] Single Bishops At 10:21 PM 10/16/02 -0700, you wrote: >Being widowed doesn't make Mormons single. (And >technically, neither does divorce.) Ewww! Then I'm glad I got divorced before I joined the church! That reminds me of something that disturbed me in some of Anita Stansfield's fiction. As I remember it, her main character's first husband was LDS, but he was a big fat jerk. After he died, she married a man who was not LDS, but a decent human being. Eventually, he did join the church and become active. But the story implied that the children he had with her were not his at all, but would belong to the jerky husband in the next life. I can't believe that. Is it folk culture, or what? A few things like this have kept me from enjoying her books. barbara hume barbara hume - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 15:51:33 -0700 From: "Aitken, Neil" Subject: Re: [AML] Utah Names on Radio West For those interested in "Utah Names", I stumbled across the Utah Baby Names site a while back. http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/3450/ Enjoy :) Neil ============================================================ Neil Aitken neil@lone-crow.com http://www.lone-crow.com - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 16:51:23 -0600 From: Barbara Hume Subject: RE: [AML] Johnny Lingo At 11:11 PM 10/16/02 -0600, you wrote: >What is one to do if one is unchosen? Well we get all kinds of talks from >church authorities telling us that our prince will come in the millenium, >but frankly I believe that is cold comfort. Well, my business partner has come up with the theory that my eventual husband was killed in the Napoleonic Wars. Since I have an obsession with noble, early nineteenth-century British officers, resplendent in their scarlet regimentals, heroically perishing as they save their entire regiment not to mention the entire free world from the depredations of the Corsican Monster, I kind of like that idea. If he took a ball to the heart before a female of his own time could get her hooks into him, he has been able to wait for me all this time. barbara hume - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 15:54:31 -0700 From: "Jerry Tyner" Subject: RE: [AML] I'll Build you a Rainbow - --Ivan Wolfe wrote: >> He said that he and his partner (I forget the name) knew that "I'll = build you a >> Rainbow" failed nearly every requirement for a good song. After it = was pitched >> to them, he had a dozen reasons in his head for why it was a lousy = song and why >> the church shouldn't buy it. His partner did as well. But before = they said >> anything to the guy pitching it to them, he and his partner looked at = each >> other, and they both had tears in their eyes.=20 >> >> His lesson - "Sometimes, even if your intellect tells you its a lousy = song - if >> it works, it works." I like what Ivan said here. Many might say this song exploits emotions = but what it did for me the first time I heard it (and most every time I = hear it) is remind me of my mother. I was not a child when she passed = away but my son was 18 months old and my wife and I had celebrated our = second anniversary. Before the song was over both my wife and I had = tears in our eyes. We are not music aficionados (at least I'm not) but = this song reminded me that my family had been sealed for Time and all = Eternity and we would be together again. Music, to me, brings into my mind things Heavenly Father wants to remind = me of (principles of the Gospel) and many times reveals things to me as = well. I do not have to look beyond those things. Sometimes it has no = effect and other times the same song brings things into my mind with = force beyond anything worldly. For that one thing I am grateful for = other people's musical talents, no matter how schmaltzy they may be. Jerry Tyner Orange County, CA - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 19:01:49 EDT From: RichardDutcher@aol.com Subject: Re: [AML] Single Bishops In a message dated 10/18/02 4:10:11 PM Mountain Daylight Time, dmichael@wwno.com writes: << In "Brigham City" both the wife and his child was killed so he (the Bishop) did not have any children to care for after he came out of his coma. As hard as it is there is potentially a reason for people to be left in these positions and at some point I'm sure the Stake President would council the Bishop to start looking for a wife. "Brigham City 2"? >> Odd that you should mention such a thing as BRIGHAM CITY 2. A few weeks ago I was playing a game with my brain. I tried to come up with a plausible, powerful, spiritually important sequel (to a story I thought was sequel-proof). And, man, I came up with a great idea, one of those that will be hard to let go of. It doesn't have much to do with Wes looking for a wife. It has more to do with the nature of evil. I doubt many investors will want to roll the dice on a sequel to a financially unsuccessful movie. I'd do it, though. Maybe I'll have to get wealthy and spend my own money on it. It would be worth it. I hear the lead actor is available. Richard Dutcher - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 17:15:44 -0600 From: Barbara Hume Subject: Re: [AML] Starship Mormons At 04:26 PM 10/17/02 -0400, you wrote: >One of the stories in this comic began with a >lengthy quotation from Joseph Smith, and the whole story was about a colony of >Mormons Heinlein apparently had warm feelings about Mormons; there are many favorable references to Mormons in his novels. However, I'm not sure how to feel about that, since the worldview he espouses more and more openly throughout his canon is basically disgusting. Wonderful storyteller, though. I used to pick up his novels vowing to analyze his techniques, only to find myself a few hours later at the end, having been carried along by the story. (After Stranger in a Strange Land, though, the ick factor becomes just too strong.) barbara hume - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 18:04:31 -0700 From: "Bill Willson" Subject: Re: [AML] Diversity in Mormon Literature > Quoting "Aitken, Neil" : > > > 1) Where are the writings of faithful Mormons of other ethnicities and > > cultures? Where is the literature of those converted to the faith? For the > > most part Mormon Literature as it is presently documented reflects the > > culture, tradition, and experience of those of pioneer stock and pedigreed > > names. While their voices are important, it raises a question as to whether > > the net is being thrown too close to the shore, or are there simply no > > Mormon writers of other backgrounds presently writing? > > I'm a product of the "mission field." I was born on the wrong side of town, raised in a dysfunctional home, with an alcoholic father and a codependent mom. I'm also LDS, and I Write. So I guess that makes me "a Mormon writer of other backgrounds." I haven't really been published yet, but I feel like I'm getting closer all the time. I have a problem with the definition of the word writer anyway. My take on the word is: "All authors are writers, but not all writers are authors-- YET!" I'm working to finish my first novel "Guardian Angel" about my alcoholic dad who dies in the first chapter and enters the third estate, in Spirit Prison. The rest of the book is about how he progresses in SP, becomes my GA, and how he is effected by, and how he effects my life as I slowly find my way into the church and learn to forgive and appreciate my parents. The conclusion will be when I eventually do their genealogy and temple work. I don't know if my book will ever be published, but I'm enjoying the journey as I write it. Regards, Bill Willson - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 19 Oct 2002 00:48:50 +0000 From: "Andrew Hall" Subject: [AML] Jericho Road, Charly CD reviews (Deseret News) Deseret News Friday, October 18, 2002 Jericho Road's new CD a great collection By Carma Wadley Deseret News senior writer JERICHO ROAD, "True North" (Shadow Mountain) 4 starts Jericho Road, the local guy-group composed of Bret Bryce, Dave Kimball, Abe Mills and Justin Smith, burst on the scene a year ago with a debut album that sold more units than any other in Deseret Book history. Now the group is back with a second album, "True North," that may be even stronger. The album features a collection of songs that fit squarely in the contemporary Christian genre =97 songs of faith and finding strength= in=20 belief. A number were co-written by Nashville songwriter Steve Siler, including the opening "Finding My Way Back to You" and the tender "You Melt the Madness." The group also infuses Kenny Loggins' "Conviction of the Heart" with deep feeling. But there are some substantial songs by local songwriter/ producer Tyler Castleton and a variety of collaborators. "Lift Me Up," by Castleton, Jerry Williams and John McVey; and "A New Day," by Castleton and Jenny Frogley, are particularly nice. The varied pacing, the mix of arrangements and background=20 accompaniments =97 from the a cappella "If I Lose My Way" to the keyboards= and=20 strings on "Let Me Reach You" to the piano and guitar on "All I Do" - give the CD a fresh and exciting sound. Some entertainers get by on looks and personality, some rely on good material and others have the musical ability to make any material sound good. Jericho Road is a complete package - - earning full points in all three areas. There's no question that the group's engaging stage presence and youthful energy win fans among teens - and their mothers. (They have recently released a backstage DVD especially for these fans.) But their songs have powerful messages that can be enjoyed on a number of levels. And their music is solid - filled with tight harmonies, good range and heartfelt emotion. "True North" takes Jericho Road in the right direction. VARIOUS ARTISTS, "Charly: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack" (Cinergy Records) 3 1/2 stars "Charly," the movie, may be getting mixed reviews. But "Charly," the album, has a lot going for it. The music, composed for the film primarily by newcomer Aaron Merrill (with some help from Cherie Call, Jeremy Elliott, Brett Raymond, Cassey Golie, Alex Boye and Alexander E. Jenkins), features a= =20 mix of styles and genres from pop to jazz, with a bit of rap thrown in. The CD is divided into two sections, the first part a collection of songs and the second of instrumental tracks. Jenny Jordan brings tender emotion to "A Heartbeat Away" in both the initial offering and the reprise. Raymond nails the bluesy/jazzy= =20 "Got a Thing for You." Same goes for his "This Craziness Is Love." Call's "Restless Soul" has a pretty melody, but her punchy delivery is also effective. "Living Out Loud" by Golie and "Cold Hard Streets" from Boye are filled with energy. The soundtrack section works nicely as a tone poem of sorts. Mostly, it has a fanciful feel, light and airy, but with some depth. The flow is interrupted a bit in a few places, but overall it makes for nice, easy listening. Knowing the movie's storyline can give the music a meaningful context, but this is also a CD that stands on its own. Copyright 2002 Deseret News Publishing Company _________________________________________________________________ Surf the Web without missing calls! Get MSN Broadband.=20 http://resourcecenter.msn.com/access/plans/freeactivation.asp - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 18:22:40 -0700 From: "Aitken, Neil" Subject: RE: [AML] Diversity in Mormon Literature Neil Aiken asked: >> 1) Where are the writings of faithful Mormons of other ethnicities and >> cultures? Jana Remy replied: >My husband's short story, Ojiichan's Funeral, might fall into this category. >It's about a Japanese/American missionary who attends his Japanese >grandfather's Buddhist funeral. Look for it in the next issue of Sunstone, >which should be out any day now. Sounds familiar to me. I had a similiar experience as a Chinese-Canadian missionary attending my uncle's Buddhist funeral. In my uncle's case, he had left the church for a time, but was in the process of returning when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. His mother was a devout Buddhist and his brother a Buddhist monk-in-training, so their wishes outweighed my aunt's desire to have an LDS funeral. I wonder if this type of experience is a common one for Mormons of two distinct cultures. The funeral as the meeting place between two cultures of seemingly divergent beliefs with the LDS member negotiating the roles of missionary and blood relation. Neil Aitken =============================================================== Neil Aitken neil@lone-crow.com http://www.lone-crow.com =============================================================== - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 23:33:48 -0600 From: "Jacob Proffitt" Subject: [AML] RE: Single Bishops - ---Original Message From: Barbara Hume > > BTW, no one has ever answered my question about how that > character could be > a bishop now that he's single. Am I wrong to think that > bishops must be > married? I've known Branch Presidents who were single. As far as I know the only requirement to be bishop is to be a High Priest in good standing. The bible says a bishop must be "the husband of one wife" (1 Tim 3:2) but I've heard that interpreted as "no more than" (mainly by Catholics come to think of it). I understand that Rabbi's had to be married during biblical times (and modernly as well if orthodox), but I don't recall what my source for that is and it could be wrong. Jacob Proffitt - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 19:50:43 -0600 From: "Scott Parkin" Subject: Re: [AML] Lee Benson on _Charly_ Thom Duncan wrote: > That doesn't mean a thing when it comes to whether a film, play, or book is > good. There are objective qualities by which these things can and should be > judged. There are objective qualities by which these things can and should be judged--*if* your goal in making judgment is to interpret the artistic quality of a thing. If your goal is to determine how much you enjoyed it as an individual, then objective qualities are completely and totally irrelevant. Why are we required to view all things through a single set of filters? Why do we spend so much energy "proving" that the cinema we dislike is artistically inferior, and thus unworthy of *any* sort of appreciation? Why can't people take their enjoyment in a film regardless of its adherence to a list of objective qualities? I'm a sucker for _It's A Wonderful Life_ even though the film is generally overwrought, sentimental, and at best adequate in its cinematography, editing, script writing, and portrayals of real human behavior. I agree with the objectivists who point out the flaws in internal logic and the cartoonishly evil Mr. Potter. I find its theology disturbing and its doctrine weak. And it still touches me every single time I see it (well over thirty times now), despite my recognition of all of its flaws. I cry every time George's friends show up at his house and contribute their gifts to him despite his own despair, because I envy that kind of unconditioned concern for the welfare of a good person. I cry when they sing that stupid song at the end despite my strong resolution not to. So I watch it and I appreciate it and I own it on video. Not because it's good by objective standards, but because it entertains me and moves me and touches me. Objective standards can hang for all I care; I like it anyway. I have my own reasons for liking or disliking a film. Why can't others have their own reasons? > Popularity should mean nothing. Why? Why should popularity be irrelevant? If a thing isn't at least marginally popular it languishes and eventually fails, ensuring that few such works are produced in the future. Isn't it the goal of most people producing for a commercial audience to find some level of popularity--even if it's a small popularity that speaks only to a selected target audience? The fact that a film is popular is not a reason to overlook its flaws. But there are more reasons to watch and enjoy a film than technical quality or artistic value. Flaws of craft may be irrelevant to people looking for a certain kind of story--even if that story is escapist, unrealistic, and sentimental. Heaven knows _xXx_ falls somewhat short of an artistic success, but people responded to it on an emotional level. _The Matrix_ was visually spectacular and almost completely devoid of actual content. Why is that so terrible? Popularity is part of the working artist's world--at least if that artist wants to keep working. > A poor film that speaks to people > says more about the sorry state of the people who are moved by it. I simply disagree. A poor film that speaks to people says only that people found something to like in the film other than its objective qualities. Since even the experts disagree on those qualities and how they're best offered, that leaves only the subjective individual response. Not all filmmakers are artists, and not all stories have to be important. I understand the concern that Mormon filmmakers seem to be settling for sentimental and manipulative rather than trying for important and well-made, and I agree with your concern. I think Mormon filmmakers have taken the easy way out far too often, and I wish they would choose the artistic high road more often. We will never develop a complete, well-rounded Mormon literature if we tell only one kind of story. What I disagree with is the notion that "unartistic" cinema has no right to exist and that the people who enjoy it are morally bereft. What value is there to declaring people morally inadequate because of their tastes in stories? What good does it do the greater Mormon market to create those lines in the sand and make exclusive judgments against each other? Any story that touches an audience has a right to exist, IMO, even if I can't understand why those people are touched (or is that "tetched?"). Even if it isn't art. Scott Parkin - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 21:20:44 -0500 From: lajackson@juno.com Subject: [AML] Re: Single Bishops > Barbara Hume: > [I]n 32 years as a member of this church, I've never heard > a satisfactory reason why a bishop has to be married. Has to be married? No. Much better if he is, yes. Would a single man be approved to be called? Probably not. Much of what a bishop does relates to strengthening families. A man who has never been married would have little ability to deal with the challenges coming his way in interviews concerning family matters. He would also be very vulnerable in other ways. Not that he couldn't. It would just have to be a very exceptional person to do so, IMO. The process of getting a bishop approved can happen within a week. Usually it takes several weeks. Unless it has changed, if the recommendation is in Salt Lake by Tuesday afternoon, it is considered Thursday morning. The letters go out Friday. So, add mail time each way, the decision making process up front, the call and time to get to a Sunday, and that's how long it takes to make a change. I know two bishops who received new callings one Sunday at a stake conference, creating two vacancies, and whose replacements were sustained the following Sunday. > Thom Duncan: > Anyone on this list have a Bishop who wears a mustache? I think I've told the story of the man who had a big red bushy beard who was called by the stake president to be bishop and asked to shave his beard. The man replied that he loved the Lord and was willing to serve, but that he and the beard were an item, and if the Lord wanted him to be the bishop, the beard came along. He was sustained shortly thereafter--with the beard. A few years later, he shaved his beard. He was running for election to a judicial position. The party told him they could get him elected as a Mormon, but they couldn't get him elected with the beard. So by the time he was released as bishop, he was the honorable clean-shaven bishop, a judge in Israel and a judge down at the county courthouse, bringing new meaning to the words of a famous professor on the occasion of a formal Church university function, "Here we stand in the robes of a false priesthood." (I paraphrase that last part, being too tired after a long week at work to actually look it up and see if I got the story right.) What I know, I know. And what I don't know, I just do the best I can. It's the only way to write. Bishops come in all stripes. There is a provision in the Church Handbook of Instructions pertaining to members who have a legal duty because of their occupations to report to government authorities facts that are likely to be disclosed in interviews and on other occasions. It doesn't mean they can't serve, and they often do. It just means that if you confess certain things to Bishop Wes in Brigham City, he might have to lovingly handcuff you at the conclusion of the interview. Whereas, if you confess those same things to one of the other 16 bishops in town, they will lovingly go with you to see Sheriff Wes, because they don't keep handcuffs with their scriptures. It all works out. It's a wonderful Church. The literary opportunities never end. It's just that everybody gets offended if you use names. Larry Jackson ________________________________________________________________ GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/. - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 19 Oct 2002 09:14:29 EDT From: OmahaMom@aol.com Subject: Re: [AML] Single Bishops I don't know if I have ever seen a scripture about the subject, but I know that ecclesiastical leaders in ancient Judaism had to be/have been married. (Which gives one pause when looking at the Savior, as it lasted through his time period as well.) And gaining knowledge of something shouldn't necessarily be considered off topic, because it gives background potentially useable in one's writing. Karen [Tippets] - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 19 Oct 2002 08:59:02 -0600 From: "Brown" Subject: Re: [AML] Starship Mormons Tony Markham wrote: A one-armed veteran of the bug > wars taught the class and explained to these peace-loving Mormons that sometimes you just had to kill bugs. Interesting! We don't talk about killers much in Mormon lit, do we? I just want to know if when anyone else pinches bugs they feel they are getting the experience of being a killer? I do. Marilyn Brown - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 19 Oct 2002 09:18:20 -0600 From: "Brown" Subject: [AML] Brigham City 2? All right, Michael, you're asking about Brigham City 2, so I have to say something on the list, although it's a big commitment and I'm aware I should probably keep my mouth shut. But I'm working on it. Richard Dutcher approached me at last year's writer's conference and asked me to write the sequel "Kirtland County." However, I told him I had to write "Brigham City" first. And he said, "Yeah, I can see that." And I have definitely found a "prequel" to include in that work. And I find it a fascinating and circuitous ride to write about a killer. I'm planning to discuss it at this year's writer's conference, and I will also write a paper for the AML meeting. Structuring a novel around this story has been an experience to die for! So now everyone knows! Kudos! Marilyn - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 19 Oct 2002 09:39:38 -0600 From: "Brown" Subject: Re: [AML] Single Bishops Margaret said: "So we just did the logical thing." In spite of the fact that I've used up my posts today (haven't talked for three days) I must put a word in for Margaret. My dear friend, I happen to know there were other reasons for your marriage besides the fact that Bruce Young needed to be married and you needed free tuition! (Grin) Marilyn Brown - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 13:05:50 -0500 From: Jonathan Langford Subject: [AML] Mod Message: List Overload Folks, I just want you to know that there are currently over 35 posts in my in-box (and I've sent out several already toward today's limit of 30). I know that I've been inconsistent recently, and even missed a few days, because of my own work commitments. I plan to work on that, when I get the time to set up a system of sharing the work... In the meantime, please be understanding if some of your posts don't go out in a timely fashion, or are "bumped" because they are either not on-topic or less substantive than others. If you have something that's time-sensitive, send it directly to me at jlang2@pressenter.com, with "urgent for AML-List" in the subject line. Thanks. Jonathan Langford AML-List Moderator - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 13:24:13 -0500 From: "Travis Manning" (by way of Jonathan Langford ) Subject: [AML] Criticism of Mormon Art (was: _Charly_ Film Review) Margaret Young wrote: >The truth is, I really wish good literature would sell better than it does. I know the truth of American culture, however (and of many other cultures I've participated in), and recognize that most folks want an easy escape and simply have not cultivated the taste for the finer fare available to them. Perhaps we need a smorgasbord of artistic Mormon art and text. As Mormon artists we purport to preparing (writing) and feasting (then enjoying well-written literature) as our vision of, say, a filet mignon with crab and jumbo shrimp, N.Y. cheesecake and an expensive drink, as the main course, as "the best" or tastiest dinner imaginable. But some people don't like steak or seafood, or they don't drink wine, or juice, or water, or whatever= it is. They may be content with a cheeseburger and side salad, a _Charley_. Perhaps there are those who stick with "the basics" because that's all they know, and they're content with their literary selections= becasue they haven't been schooled to critically examine "art." If this is so,= shouldn't all "levels" of Mormon artistry, be it the filet mignon level or= the cheeseburger level, be considered as vital incremental steps for the= maturing Mormon audience. Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a= little, there a little we move an audience along. =20 Critiquing art is not something we overtly teach in the Mormon church --= except for Don't watch rated R movies, and, once in a while the D & C is= quoted with regards to seeking learning out of the best books; and, there= are the occasional roadshows, concerts, plays, musicals, talent shows, and= other special programs that wards and stakes sponsor, some are well done,= many not. =20 I think improving the hunger for Mormon art comes down to what Wayne Booth= has been saying for years: Mormons haven't had the "critical community" necessary to= push most quality Mormon art. Booth has said a musically educated and= critically minded church has produced the Tabernacle Choir--because there= were enough talented vocalists and a high enough interest level, enough= "critics" or musicians to sustain the artistic medium. Today, I think we= are well on our way to amassing these "critical community" forces in music= and other artistic genres -- but we're in for the long haul en route. = There is much to pursue and improve within Mormon art. We may have to= begin at the bottom and feed the masses cheeseburgers, or _Charleys_(book= or film), to introduce them, then we move Mormon art consumers along the= this "food chain," teaching them to critically examine and connect with= their Mormon-ness and art at other levels of meaning and importance. =20 As Margaret Young states, we need to "cultivate the taste for the finer= fare." Idly accepting what we're spoonfed is not cultivating art. We need= to, as Gideon Burton has said, borrow critiquing tools from all literary= schools, taking the best from other critical communities to help build our= own so we don't have to reinvent the wheel. Perhaps another answer to the Mormon art dilemma lies with film, arguably= the most influential of the mass media for our time. Perhaps film needs= the *most* criticism, first and foremost, if we -- Mormon artists -- will= substantially alter the Mormon mindset, and thus art by and about Mormons. = Let quality Mormon art trickle down from quality Mormon film. Travis K. Manning Travis K. Manning=20 "Men and women die; philosophers falter in wisdom, and=20 Christians in goodness: if any one you know has suffered=20 and erred, let him look higher than his equals for strength=20 to amend, and solace to heal." (Jane Eyre)=20 - ---------- Surf the Web without missing calls!=A0Get MSN Broadband.= Click Here =20 - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 19 Oct 2002 17:22:53 -0600 From: "Alan Rex Mitchell" Subject: Re: [AML] Johnny Lingo I'm getting a little tired of all the dissing of Johnny Lingo, especially by seemingly anyone who has been through the BYU College of Fine Arts. (Please correct me if possible!) Yes, Lingo may be racist and offensive to specific Pacific Island cultures and to women in general, and probably to cows, but that just shows that great works of art can be interpreted on so many levels. Just remember, its Ugly Duckling storyline and message of kindness to homely women have made it a powerful cultural symbol. Do y'all think you can come up with a more memorable motto than "Mahanna-you Ugly! Come down from that tree!" I think if we all took its message to heart, and started dropping from our cultural trees (what a metaphor for Mormon Letters!) and became the beautiful brides that the Lord intended for us to be, then the world would be a better place and the second coming could happen and all that good stuff. More Lingo and his attitude about the expendibility of cows, and the inevitability of wife inflation. Come to think of it, if you don't like Lingo, you are probably anti-women and only spent a lame goat when your time came. Oh, yes, and hide the mirrors (last scene). Oh, and don't let the women go to the Lingo Movie when it comes out--they might start questioning what you offered. What kind of message is that to our Beehives? Alan Mitchell > Yes, Eric Samuelsen is correct: it's sexist, racist and an awful film. Very politically incorrect. > >> a commercial film based on Johnny Lingo depresses me more than I can say - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2002 08:34:33 -0700 From: AML Subject: [AML] LAST CALL: Mormon Writers Conference This Friday, Oct. 25, is the deadline for preregistration to this year's Mormon writers conference, sponsored by the Association for Mormon Letters. (Note: You can register at the door, but the price will be $10 higher and you will not be guaranteed a luncheon.) To preregister online with your credit card, visit http://www.wwno.com/register.htm. To preregister via snail-mail, visit http://www.wwno.com/regmail.htm. You'll need to mail the form within the next day or two! For complete details about the conference, including an updated schedule of events, visit http://www.wwno.com/aml.htm. If you have any questions, contact us at irreantum2@cs.com. For more information about the sponsoring organization, visit http://www.aml-online.org. ==================================================================== Update your profile here: http://topica.email-publisher.com/survey/?a84D2W.batlYA.YW1sLWxp Unsubscribe here: http://topica.email-publisher.com/survey/?a84D2W.batlYA.YW1sLWxp.u Delivered by Topica Email Publisher, http://topica.email-publisher.com/ - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2002 10:47:57 -0600 From: "Eric R. Samuelsen" Subject: [AML] WDA Readings To the List: I would like to invite you all to the first set of readings in the WDA = (Writers/Directors/Actors) workshop. You may recall that we workshop = three plays for the first half of the semester,and three more for the = second half, with readings following each working period. Anyway, the = first set of readings will take place this week, Tuesday through Thursday, = Oct. 22-24, at 5:00, in the Nelke Theatre in the Harris Fine Arts Center = (HFAC) at BYU. Admission is free. Tues. Oct. 22, we will be reading a new play by me, Eric Samuelsen, called = Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon is about the last day in the life of George = Washington. He's visited by a man from our time, an African American = history professor, who promises Washington a few more years of life in = exchange for . . . well, I'll let that be a surprise. =20 Wed. Oct. 23, we will read a new play by Melissa Leilani Larson, working = title A Play About A Movie. That's a lousy title, and will change. It's = about female film directors in the silent film era, and it's a comedy. = Fun piece. Thurs Oct. 24, we will actually read a screenplay. Last Dance in the = Heartland, written by Laird Roberts, to be produced and directed by Kirt = Strickland. It's a lovely movie about a small farming town facing a wave = of foreclosures from the local bank; the main character is the banker. =20 Anyway, hope you can make it to at least one of these readings. Thanks. Eric Samuelsen - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 13:35:15 -0500 From: Jonathan Langford Subject: [AML] Bishops with Facial Hair (Comp 1) [MOD: LOTS of responses on this (extremely marginal) topic. I'm trying to combine some here. And now, since the point has been established, perhaps we can move on...] - ----------------------------------------------- >From LSWeber@aol.com Fri Oct 18 06:43:14 2002 In a message dated 10/17/2002 11:58:45 PM Eastern Standard Time, ThomDuncan@prodigy.net writes: > Anyone on this list have a Bishop who wears a mustache? > No, but a counselor in our bishopric has a full, but trimmed, beard. Lloyd the Lurker - ----------------------------------------- >From russa@candesa.com Fri Oct 18 09:37:32 2002 Yes, so does the first councilor. Russell Asplund - ------------------------------------------- >From roy_schmidt@byu.edu Fri Oct 18 11:03:23 2002 I had one when we lived in California. Not as nice as mine, though . Roy Schmidt - ------------------------------------------ >From JenniferV@vmh.com Fri Oct 18 11:06:36 2002 I did--everyone in the bishopric had one--until a visiting high council speaker made some stupid remark about mustaches and the next week the first counselor showed up with a bald upper lip and a sheepish look. - --Jennifer - ----------------------------------------------- >From bmdblu2@attbi.com Fri Oct 18 14:29:06 2002 No, but I have known a lot of very fine men who had mustaches, and who would have made wonderful bishops. Back in the late seventies, I served in a bishopric as second councilor, and the first councilor had a mustache. He is still one of my very best friends. Regards, Bill Willson - ------------------------------------- >From fcp@email.byu.edu Fri Oct 18 15:17:12 2002 My bishop, in Orem, has a full beard. Regards Fred Pinnegar - --------------------------------------- >From adamszoo@sprintmail.com Mon Oct 21 14:32:47 2002 Our previous Bishop wore a mustache. Linda Adams - ------------------------------------- >From OmahaMom@aol.com Tue Oct 22 06:41:03 2002 I have a Bishop who served for a time with a long braid. He's Native American by lineage, and for sometime, wore his hair long. He's cut it since--though I am not a position to know if it was his idea, or if someone hinted. Karen Tippets - -------------------------------------------- - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ End of aml-list-digest V1 #869 ******************************