From: owner-aml-list-digest@lists.xmission.com (aml-list-digest) To: aml-list-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: aml-list-digest V2 #35 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 Wednesday, April 23 2003 Volume 02 : Number 035 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2003 00:10:09 -0500 From: "Thomas C. Baggaley" Subject: [AML] Box Office Report 18 Apr 03 Feature Films by LDS/Mormon Filmmakers and Actors Weekend Box Office Report (U.S. Domestic Box Office Gross) Weekend of April 18, 2003 Report compiled by: LDSFilm.com [If table below doesn't line up properly, try looking at them with a mono-spaced font, such as Courier - Ed.] Natl Film Title Weekend Gross Rank LDS/Mormon Filmmaker/Actor Total Gross Theaters Days - --- ----------------------------- ----------- ----- ---- 15 The Core 1,820,231 2,021 24 Aaron Eckhart (lead actor) 28,781,441 20 Piglet's Big Movie 959,580 1,373 31 Ken Sansom (3rd-billed actor) 20,685,800 53 Final Destination 2 52,182 69 80 A.J. Cook (2nd-billed actor) 46,628,334 62 Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure 31,953 10 801 Scott Swofford (producer) 14,467,692 Reed Smoot (cinematographer) Sam Cardon (composer) Stephen L. Johnson (editor) 65 The R.M. 27,415 27 80 Kurt Hale (writer/director) 869,526 John E. Moyer (writer) Dave Hunter (producer) Cody Hale (composer) Ryan Little (cinematographer) Actors: Kirby Heyborne, Will Swenson, Britani Bateman, Tracy Ann Evans Merrill Dodge, Michael Birkeland, Maren Ord, Leroy Te'o, Curt Dousett Wally Joyner, etc. 86 Cirque du Soleil: Journey of Man 5,784 3 1080 Reed Smoot (cinematographer) 15,158,190 91 Handcart 2,569 3 192 Kels Goodman (director/DP) 98,666 David Greenslaw Sapp (producer) Mark von Bowers (screenwriter) Eric M. Hanson (composer) Actor: Jaelan Petrie, Stephanie Albach Chris Kendrick, Shannon Skinner, Gretchen Condie 93 Jack Weyland's Charly 2,446 3 206 Adam Anderegg (director) 807,938 Jack Weyland (book author) Janine Gilbert (screenwriter) Lance Williams (producer) Micah Merrill (producer, film editor) Tip Boxell (co-producer) Bengt Jan Jonsson (cinematographer) Aaron Merrill (composer) Actors: Heather Beers, Jeremy Elliott, Adam Johnson, Jackie Winterrose Fullmer, Diana Dunkley, Gary Neilson, Lisa McCammon, Randy King, Bernie Diamond, etc. 106 China: The Panda Adventure 1,150 1 633 Reed Smoot (cinematographer) 3,010,243 107 Galapagos 1,130 4 1270 Reed Smoot (cinematographer) 13,992,472 RUTH HALE PASSES ON - Newspapers around the country, including California, Wyoming and Utah, are noting the passing of Ruth Hale. Sister Hale died of natural causes on 20 April 2003. She was 94. "Grandma Hale," as she was often called, was one of the great ladies of Utah theater and community theater in general. Editorials and obituaries in newspapers such as the Salt Lake Tribune and the Deseret News and other forums praised her contributions to live theater. She founded the Hale Center Theaters in Glendale, California, Salt Lake City, Orem and Souther Utah. Another is being built in Gilbert, Arizona. She wrote more than 80 plays, many of which have been performed around the country. She appeared constantly in stage plays, and had roles in films, such as in the recent feature film "The Singles Ward," directed by her grandson Kurt Hale. Thom Duncan, founder of the Nauvoo Theatrical Society and the Center Street Theatre in Orem, Utah, wrote about Sister Hale's passing: "They [Ruth and her late husband Nathan Hale] are true pioneers in the field of LDS theatre. Nathan and Ruth will be greatly missed but, as with all great pioneers, their legacy will live on after them." The Deseret News wrote: "Her legacy is secure. Finding a fitting tribute may be a problem, however. Often, when guiding lights of the theater pass away, the community will put their names on a theater. The problem is Ruth Hale has already got a bunch of those." HANDCART ENDS ITS THEATRICAL RUN - If you still wanted to see "Handcart" in the theaters, you may have missed your chance. The film may play in a few dollar theaters, but other then that, it is done, having grossed a total of $98,666 in theaters. Right now, Kels Goodman and company are aiming for a DVD and VHS release by Pioneer Day. Thomson Video will be distributing. (Thomson also distributes "Out of Step.") "THE PROMETHEAN" RATED TOP OVERALL FILM AT THE FLICKER FILM FESTIVAL - From BYU's TMAccess newsletter, regarding BYU student/LDS filmmaker D. Kohl Glass and his critically acclaimed short film "The Promethean": "The Promethean" was chosen by a jury composed of Chicago film critics as the Top Overall Film at the Flicker Film Festival. This award is given to only one film, regardless of category, that the jury decides is simply the best film. Congratulations to Kohl Glass and all those who worked on this film! CARMEN MOVES ON - On last week's results episode of "American Idol" Carmen Rasmusen was revealed as one of the bottom 3 vote-getters from the previous night's show, and was probably one of the bottom 2. But the lowest vote-getter was the typically immodest Kimberly Caldwell. The announcement seemed to surprise Carmen and much of the crowd, as Carmen had turned in the most criticized performance the night before. Carmen is now in the final 6, with most commentators predicting she can't last long against the talented men (Clay Aiken, Ruben and Josh the marine), and the largely unattractive women (Trencye and Kimberly Locke). No doubt about it, Carmen is the best-looking competitor left, but will she be able avoid downturns in her singing while going up against the more consistent performers? "MESSENGERS OF TRUTH" HAS COMMERCIAL THEATRICAL DEBUT - Brent Jones' missionary-themed movie "Messengers of Truth" had its commercial theatrical debut on April 18. The movie was previously shown at two different Sunstone Symposia (in 2001 and 2002) under the title "Missionary Position." Reviewers for both a reputedly conservative newspaper (Deseret News) and a more free-wheeling, more "liberal" newspaper (Salt Lake City Weeky) weighed in with fairly similar opinions about the movie. SLWeekly gave the film 1.5 stars out of 4, and said of the film: Writer/director Brent Jones had an idea for a slightly more irreverent take on LDS missionary life than "God's Army," and every gag probably looked hysterical on paper. An earnest young elder who gets a raging hard-on right before a home meeting? Funny. A mission president running a scam operation selling his testimonial video? Funny... But eventually Jones had to commit those gags to video, and the result is yet another piece of earnest bargain-basement Mo-movie silliness full of amateur hour acting and a nonexistent sense of pacing... Aiming a digital video camera doesn't make you a director, people -- either step away, or keep it in the family." Jeff Vice, writing for the Deseret News, called the film "really bad. Worse than bad. Excruciating even... executed so poorly and is so completely unfunny that you might think it's just a joke." Brent Jones, the director, served a full-time mission in Florida and graduated from BYU. The movie's official website includes an interview in which he describes himself as "raised Mormon." * * * NEW LDS-THEMED FILM ENTERS PRE-PRODUCTION - From a press release from CTR Productions: We are anouncing the production of a new LDS-themed major motion picture: Trial by Faith, from CTR Productions LLC and Elevation Entertainment Inc. Alan Stoddard and Allen Dial, the two producers of film both from Salt Lake, are currently in pre-production while finishing fund-raising for the film. Trial by Faith is slated for theatrical release in August 2003. Synopsis of the film: In the tense southern regions of the Philippines, two Latter-day Saint missionaries find their courage -- and their faith -- being tested to their limits when they are captured and held hostage by terrorists. LDS missionary Elder John Kimball is a hotshot BMX Dirt Jumper with plenty of attitude but a somewhat tenuous testimony. Through his ordeal as a hostage, he discovers both the strength of his Gospel convictions, but also the courage to act upon his newfound faith to save himself and his fellow captive Americans. Trial By Faith traces Elder Kimball's journey through desperation and redemption while maneuvering a compelling mix of intense drama and thrilling action. The film explores the key LDS ideal of salvation through active faith, while extolling virtues of patriotism and courage, as our missionaries and their fellow hostages work together to overcome their central ordeal; making Trial By Faith, not only the most compelling, but also the most poignant LDS-themed motion picture to date. * * * "R.M." OPENED ON SEVEN MORE SCREENS THIS WEEKEND - Here's the list of new openings: Anchorage, AK; Idaho Falls, ID; Rexburg, ID; Eugene, OR; Ogden, UT; Spokane, WA; Evanston, WY. Other cities where "The R.M." played this weekend: Mesa, AZ; Gilbert, AZ; Bakersfield, CA; Clovis, CA; Roseville, CA; Honolulu, HI; Laie, HI; Boise, ID; Pocatello, ID; Henderson, NV; Las Vegas, NV; Hillsboro, OR; Portland, OR; Layton, UT; Logan, UT; Provo, UT; St. George, UT; West Jordan, UT; Puyallup, WA; Redmond, WA; Renton, WA. ELIZABETH HANSEN SCREENWRITING SEMINAR - [Hansen is the screenwriter of "Eliza & I", directed by Richard Dutcher, "He Took My Licking", directed by Michael Mills, and "Sisters of Bethany", which she directed herself, as well as award-winning network television specials.] From her press release: Dear Friends, colleagues and everyone I've ever met: Due to popular demand, and my need to warp young minds, (and old alike) I am going to be giving a Screenwriting Seminar. It will be geared to Beginning and Intermediate writers and will concentrate on the basic elements of good, solid, mainstream Hollywood screenwriting. It will be on Friday, May 9, 2003, from 7:00pm until 10:00pm, and on Saturday, May 10, 2003, from 9:30am until 6:00pm at 1226 south 1480 west in Orem, UT, with a break for lunch when we all get cranky. We will be covering all the basics of Screenwriting: Structure, Scene construction, Character, Dialogue, Theme and premise, Screen Directions... Pretty much everything. The seminar is VERY AFFORDABLE. Go to my website... Yes, I actually have a website... And take a look at the bang you'll get for your buck. If you have any questions... Feel free to email me (ELIZ4VAMP@aol.com). I hope you can make it. And please, tell everyone you know. Bring someone with you, and I'll give you a discount. Love you, mean it, Elizabeth. Website: http://www.screenrighter.com LEHI'S LAND OF FIRST INHERITANCE - "Lehi's Land of First Inheritance," is now available on DVD. This David C. Asay documentary was directed and hosted by Chris Heimerdinger. It is one of a series of planned documentaries to be produced by The Book of Mormon Archaeological Foundation. The next film in the series, "The Land of Nephi", which features Sharlene Wells Hawkes as host and music by LDSfilm.com co-webmaster Thomas C. Baggaley, is currently in post production. ARTICLE ABOUT KENNETH COPE - A new article about Latter-day Saint composer and songwriter Kenneth Copy was published this week in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Cope's film credits include music for "The Light of the World" (2002), the Church pageant which was released as a video and DVD, and "The Goodman Family: Fortress of Love" (2000; V), as well as songs for the Richard Rich animated feature film "The Swan Princess: Escape from Castle Mountain." See http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Apr-18-Fri-2003/weekly/21109538. html ARTICLE BY ALAN WILLIAMS - New article in Meridian Magazine written by composer Alan Williams. See: http://www.meridianmagazine.com/arts/030421music.html. Williams talks about music in our personal lives, in church, and other topics. Williams, one of the most successful Latter-day Saint film composers working today, lives in California. He currently serves in his stake's Young Men Presidency. - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2003 23:21:48 -0600 From: Melissa Proffitt Subject: Re: [AML] Irreantum and Babies On Tue, 22 Apr 2003 19:30:58 GMT, daryoung@juno.com wrote: >Oh, by the way, I had a baby last week. Unexpectedly. In Salt Lake (NOT = my hometown of Pocatello). After just fifteen minutes in the hospital. We= are all well. This makes my fourth son. Hooray for you! Four boys. Wow. I can't imagine that many of one sex = in a row. >Speaking of babies, I wanted to ask Sharlee, Margaret, Marilyn, Linda = and all the other mothers/writers on the list if you experienced a = decreased interest in writing during the time you were pregnant and = nursing. Is it just exhaustion, or is it true that our creative juices = are flowing elsewhere (ewww, not such an appetizing metaphor) when we are= producing babies? I can't bring myself to even want to write, and I'm = worried the desire won't ever come back! It comes back. Think of it as a safety device, a blessed release to keep you from killing yourself on two kinds of creation at once. Physically, = I think it's a lot of factors combined, and I also wonder if different = women rebound at different rates. It takes me about a year and a half to be capable of any sustained literary work and about four months to be = capable of reading very complex literature. But then, I'm not having any more = kids, so it's more or less a moot point. Melissa Proffitt - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2003 01:31:01 -0700 From: "Richard B.Johnson" Subject: RE: [AML] NAIFEH, _Mormon Murders_ Review Available? When the book came out, I spent a ridiculous number of hours analyzing the book semantically, dealing with word meaning, context, structure, playing with the whole semantic differential thing, with a stated end of sending the result to- a publisher, scholarly journal, a newspaper, the AML list, somewhere. In the midst of those hours the silliness of what I was doing slapped me upside the head (If you're from Georgia, you know what that means). Doing serious scholarly work on a book that referred to the "eternal smile" of returned missionaries as if it were a facial expression rather than a clear underwear mark that labels said returned missionary as a "candidate" was one of the, if not THE greatest wastes of time in my short lifetime. Richard B. Johnson; Husband, Father, Grandfather, Actor, Director, Puppeteer, Teacher, Playwright, Thingmaker, Mormon, Person, Fool. I sometimes think that the last persona is most important and most valuable. Http://PuppenRich.com > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-aml-list@lists.xmission.com > [mailto:owner-aml-list@lists.xmission.com]On Behalf Of Robert Slaven > Sent: Monday, April 21, 2003 10:28 PM > To: aml-list@lists.xmission.com > Subject: Re: [AML] NAIFEH, _Mormon Murders_ Review Available? > > > From: Rich Hammett > > Does anybody know of a good, critical review of "The Mormon > > Murders..." by Naifeh? I mean one that examines factual > > problems, etc? It's being recommended to some friends of > > mine for its accurate portrayal of mormonism. > > - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2003 23:47:52 -0600 From: "Jacob Proffitt" Subject: RE: [AML] Mormon History Narratives from a Non-US Perspective - ---Original Message From: Jason Covell > And another side note. I can't let myself pontificate on=20 > Americans without allowing myself a little navel-gazing as=20 > well. I really want to tell Australian stories, especially=20 > about the early days of the Church, although for now I'm=20 > mostly wanting detail or substance to make a real go at it. =20 > I made an effort to bolster (or gauge) interest in Australian=20 > Mormon history when I produced the ward newsletter a while=20 > back and wrote a series of little articles covering the=20 > Church in Australia between 1840 and 1900. From the comments=20 > I got, precisely noone in the ward even read them. So that=20 > didn't bode especially well. I wouldn't let that stop you. For one, if you manage to write a truly Australian Mormon History, I wouldn't be at all surprised if you found a huge audience in the States. A couple reasons. First, those Mormons = who read have mostly read the usual stuff that so many others outside the = states seem to concentrate on (core doctrinal works that they feel obligated to read but don't think of much except to think that they wouldn't want to = read *other* LDS works before reading, say, Jesus the Christ). Second, they = have the disposable income. Third, they love church history. Fourth, we've = had a couple of years now of market bombardment stressing our world-wide membership and cultivating a taste for outside experiences. > I had one telling experience when I stayed in Utah, with a=20 > bishop's family who had a number of kids in their teens and=20 > early twenties. We talked about the Peter Weir film=20 > _Gallipoli_, which is an amazing film - certainly a landmark=20 > in Australian film-making. The two older daughters of the=20 > family had seen it and really liked it. Or really liked Mel=20 > Gibson in it. Anyway. The one thing they just hated was the=20 > ending - after spending the whole film getting to know these=20 > lovable Australian lads who get thrown into World War I, the=20 > final scene throws it all away by having them mowed down by=20 > Turkish machine gun fire. As an Australian, the ending made=20 > perfect sense; not just because the Gallipoli story is still=20 > the most potent national myth, but because it is consonant=20 > with all the others. But to an American, you just don't do=20 > that. The hero has to be triumphant. That's the only way it=20 > can go, right? I found _Gallipoli_ very powerful and moving. It did a better job of expounding the horror of war than anything I've seen before or since (haven't seen _Private Ryan_). I think it does a better job than more graphic movies would. It illustrated the true waste such killing = entails. It should be required viewing for anyone who imagines themselves to be pro-war. Jacob Proffitt - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2003 00:07:53 -0700 From: "Travis K. Manning" Subject: [AML] Re: Passion in Art Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2003 23:26:20 -0700 From: Robert Slaven Subject: Re: [AML] Passion in Art From: RichardDutcher@aol.com [sni] > > I am growing tired of timid art. >From Robert Slaven: On the one hand, Richard, bravo! Too much art in the world -- and *far* too much art produced by Latter-day Saints, IMHO -- is far too timid. Especially with Mormons*, it's "Will this offend anyone?" or "Does this go too far?" or "Will Deseret Book carry it?" [snip] But now I'm (more of) an adult, and I realise that I *can* be susceptible to what is portrayed in this or that piece of art. I have some weak spots w.r.t. certain forms of temptation that mean I can't watch many network dramas (or comedies, for that matter) any more without one of my 'triggers' being set off. I find that my spiritual well-being is precarious enough that I must avoid certain works of art, even if they're well-crafted with all the talent and passion their creators could muster. ************************************************** I fall into the same category as Robert Slaven, above. I have an "artistic threshold" I guess you could say. This artistic threshold only allows me to watch/view certain kinds of art. I purposefully haven't gone into film studies in grad school, for example, because I knew I would have to view a wide variety of films, films I wasn't willing to view because of the violence, sex, language, innuendo, and so forth. I too have "triggers" that influence my emotions, which influence me, my soul and spirit. I tend to be an emotionally-motivated individual and once my emotions are titillated, for example, and depending upon my spiritual preparation for that day or week, I may or may not be negatively influenced. But sometimes the approach to *my* artistic threshold is a roll of the dice. For any person to presume they are unaffected by art is blowing smoke out their keister. That's why I believe that some "Mormon art" will never affect all Mormons in exactly the same way, or its intended "agenda". As humans, we emote differently, we learn differently, we have been raised differently, we have sinned or not sinned with various vices differently, our testimonies of Jesus Christ are all formed and stabilized at various "levels" (for lack of a better word). "Timid art." Hmm. Timid to whom? Who defines timidity? Who should define timidity? President Hinckley? Brian Evenson? Janice Kapp Perry? Richard Dutcher? What if each of these individuals see and define art differently? Is one person's vision of art more courageous? less? more timid? less? And if consumers of "Mormon art" are consuming different types of art, in varying degrees, in varying amounts, at various "levels" ("line upon line, precept on precept, here a little, there a little") are all of their artistic thresholds the same? Are all their perceptions of art valid, for them, individually? for others? It's something to think about. I think the Mormon culture requires a variety of artistic endeavors and representations to meet the needs of the various needs of Mormon art consumers. 2 Ne. 2:11: "There must needs be an opposition in all things..." Perhaps we have to have "bad" Mormon art in order to know the "good" and everything in between. Travis Manning - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2003 08:08:49 +0000 From: "Andrew Hall" Subject: [AML] Irreantum and a Baby for me too I read Irreantum too, I just finished the Fall 2002 issue (they are slow in getting to me), and especially liked Darlene's story. Both of your stories so far have been fascinating looks at the neuroses and pain that can creep into individual's assumptions about how to live as a good Mormon. Great stuff. Congratulations on your baby, Darlene! We received a baby last week, too. We had been approved to be foster parents by Fukuoka City a few months ago, apparently the first time a non-Japanese couple has applied. But now since we are leaving to go back to the US in September, we were afraid that we would not get a baby in time. But just in time, we were told there is one available. A one-year old girl, who has lived in the city's child welfare home for her whole life (why didn't they give her to us before? They said something about that they consider one-year to be the best time to place babies). It takes 6 monthes after placement to start finalizing the adoption. They said they would do it a little quicker for us. My wife has a job at the University of North Texas starting in August, but I need to stay here until September, so for a couple of months it will be me and the two kids. We are re-naming her Kienne, nickname Kiki. She is a very sweet thing. Now that she has warmed up to us, she is full of smiles. She is a bit behind developmentally, she seems like a 9-month-old, she crawls, but not too much. Our first son, now four, and also adopted, looks basically like us. This is our first venture in the inter-racial adoption arena. It makes me think a lot about identity formation. It is interesting that many Japanese, when they find out she is a foster child, say that they think she is half-Japanese. Something about seeing us with her. We actually don't know, we only know the mother had no interest in raising her. We have been raising our son bi-lingual, but since we'll be living in the US for now on, I don't know if we'll keep it up with her. It'd be funny if in the long run he is the one who can speak Japanese, not her. So, what with trying to finish my dissertation this spring/summer, I'll probably be checking into the list less often in the coming months. Andrew Hall Fukuoka, Japan _________________________________________________________________ MSN 8 helps eliminate e-mail viruses. Get 2 months FREE*. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2003 03:07:33 -0600 From: "Thom Duncan" Subject: RE: [AML] The New List As one of the eight people who has already expressed interest, if we can't find another person willing to jump full-tilt into our world of frenzy, I promise to post twice as much as I normally would (I got a lot of pent-up agression ). Thom Duncan - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2003 03:11:36 -0600 From: "Thom Duncan" Subject: [AML] Hygiene in Literature (was: Temple in Literature) >-----Original Message----- >clark wrote: > >> I think you are in the minority on that - unless the details of >> personal hygiene really do interest you that much. >> >> The fact is that some stories are more appropriate than others. You >> might be interested in the story of a person's intestinal >track but I >> don't think most are. I just finished the novel _Aztec_ and was surprised to learn that, from the Aztec's POV, the conquering Spaniards had horrible personal hygiene practices. The Aztecs in the sixteenth century were taking hot baths and steam baths but the Europeans of that time (supposedly the civilized folk) were slobs. Details of the personal hygiene of the Aztecs was actually quite interesting (I mean, these folks even had water closets in the New World when the best that was being done in Spain was bed pans.) Thom Duncan - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2003 07:46:10 -0600 From: Cedar Fort/ Tammy Daybell Subject: Re: [AML] TWAIN & NELSON, _Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer Lee Nelson is co-owner of Cedar Fort. Tammy Daybell > From: Christopher Bigelow > Seems strange that a nat'l publisher wouldn't have wanted to pick this up, > if it really is so closely connected to a real Twain ms. Or why not the UC > Press itself? Is CFI really the biggest player they could find to do this? > There must be a story here; maybe no one else liked the way it turned out? > Anyone know anything more? - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2003 08:54:53 -0500 (CDT) From: Rich Hammett Subject: Re: [AML] _Chicago_ On Mon, 21 Apr 2003, Jamie Laulusa wrote: [snip] > If we don't celebrate evil, at the very least, we delight in shuddering at > it. If we didn't, than the media would find better things to report that > which celebrity is cheating on their spouse, in rehab for drugs, dating > Brittney Spears, ect. People like that stuff. Is this tongue-in-cheek? Is dating Ms. Spears really in the same class of evil as drug addiction and adultery? Of course, I think that wasting time following the subject might be evil, but only in the same way as following the Social Circle in SLC, or watching who's climbing the General Authority ladder. rich - -- \ Rich Hammett http://home.hiwaay.net/~rhammett / rhammett@HiWAAY.net To announce that there must be no \ criticism of the President, or that we are to / stand by the President, right or wrong, is not \ only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally / treasonable to the American public. \ -T Roosevelt - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2003 08:53:38 -0600 From: "Sharlee Glenn" Subject: Re: [AML] Irreantum and Babies Darlene, Congratulations on son #4! Now that's a new release to crow about. Are you still in Utah? Hope all is well. You wrote: "Speaking of babies, I wanted to ask Sharlee, Margaret, Marilyn, Linda and all the other mothers/writers on the list if you experienced a decreased interest in writing during the time you were pregnant and nursing. Is it just exhaustion, or is it true that our creative juices are flowing elsewhere (ewww, not such an appetizing metaphor) when we are producing babies? I can't bring myself to even want to write, and I'm worried the desire won't ever come back!" For the first three or four months of pregnancy, I just gritted my teeth and tried to survive, but by the second trimester I usually felt well enough to resume my normal writing schedule (which ranged from an hour or two a day down to nothing, depending on how many other little ones I was already caring for). For some reason, I always got an adrenalin kick during the third trimester and became way more productive than usual. I think I was propelled in part by the knowledge that once the baby arrived, that was it. For at least six months, I would be totally consumed by BABY. As those of us who have been there know, it takes intricate planning and impeccable timing just to get a SHOWER during this time. Who can worry about something so suddenly mundane and trivial as writing? :-) But, yes, the desire to write (like the desire for, er. . . other things) does return. I know you've heard this a million times before, but try to relax and just enjoy this baby. There will be many good years left for writing, and you'll be a better writer for having been truly present--fully aware and engaged--during all those little mother-baby moments. There is nothing, no publication, no review, no award, that can match the experience of holding your newborn. Nothing like the smell, the softness, the weight of that little body against yours. Pamper yourself, Darlene. I am so happy for you. And, yes, a little bit jealous too. Love, Sharlee glennsj@inet-1.com - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2003 10:20:42 -0600 From: "Eugene Woodbury" Subject: Re: [AML] Does Theory Matter? At least in terms of "literary fiction," the subject has been tackled, wrestled to the ground, and beaten to a pulp by B. R. Myers in "A Reader's Manifesto: An attack on the growing pretentiousness of American literary prose." Myers expanded his original essay in book form, which contains additional follow-up material to the follow-up material below. The original essay: http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/2001/07/myers.htm A follow-up interview: http://www.theatlantic.com/unbound/interviews/int2002-10-02.htm Eugene Woodbury - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2003 10:49:59 -0600 From: Barbara Hume Subject: [AML] A Commentary on Mormons http://www.unityspot.com/arthurs/index.html I found this site when I was trying to find the name of Daniel Defoe's novel before Robinson Crusoe--it was Moll Flanders. Anyhow, this site has a religious works section. The home page says it includes the Book of Mormon and "a commentary on the Mormons." Those who like seeing what other people say about us may want to check it out. >Barbara R. Hume >Provo, Utah > > > > >-- >AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature > - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2003 11:19:02 -0600 From: Barbara Hume Subject: Re: [AML] Mormon History Narratives from a Non-US Perspective At 03:17 PM 4/22/03 +1000, you wrote: >: I want to read and watch Mormon history told >from an English perspective (yes, Australian too, but I'll come to >that). I want to see Ken Loach, or his Mormon equivalent, do an >historical drama about the working class and middle class converts in >19th century Britain. I want to see this done from an _English_ >perspective. Everyone knows how well the English do period drama - and >that's everything from the tasteful Jane Austen pieces to the sordid, >harrowing recreations of life in the coal mines or dark satanic mills of >the industrial revolution. I want to see that. Whether sentimental or >not (there's plenty of room for both), I want to see how it was for the >converts themselves. Because what happened to them is a window into a >major, major part of English history. As a decided Anglophile, I love this concept. For example, I recently read a book titled something like The American Revolution through British Eyes. It was interesting and eye-opening. I was put into the midst of people who were seriously depressed rather than elated by Cornwallis' surrender. I saw the infighting among English generals more concerned with their own wealth and glory than with the needs of the English government. I saw great bravery on their side as well as ours, and I came to conclude that they lost the war more than we won it. And the whole Major Andre thing made me cry, it was so wrong. I also correspond with people who live in England, Australia, and South Africa. This is again eye-opening. And it makes me understand how much we are, as you say, steeped in our own mythology. For example, an Australian lad said to me, "Why are you determined to have things your own way? Why don't you just accept and go along with what your leaders tell you? After all, God gave them to you." A remnant of the divine right of kings notion, still extant? I told him that I refuse to blame God for foisting Bill Clinton on us, and he was shocked. But that and subsequent conversations pointed out to me that Americans talk about their rights, and Brits talk about their duties. Enlightening. I keep learning over and over again that my worldview is not universal. I love your idea. I'm not a big fan of pioneer stuff, or of the mid-nineteenth century in general. But the kinds of social history you're talking about are fascinating! My people came to America from England in the 1600s--for all I know, they could've been transported felons turned out of Newgate. Or they could have been an illegitimate branch of a noble house and therefore an embarassment. Or they could have wanted the opportunity to own land rather than work it for someone else. But whatever the circumstances were, I will always value my British heritage. Barbara R. Hume Provo, Utah - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2003 12:21:08 -0600 From: "Annette Lyon" Subject: Re: [AML] Validity of Memory and Nonfiction D. Michael, There might be nothing at all wrong with Sheila's characterization--Richard seems to agree with you. But I can't help but point out that like you, he's male. :) I'd be interested in seeing what other females say who have read it. (In defense of the Dr. Phil women--dropping his name and quoting his show might have been an attempt to help another man understand what they meant, not the crux of their argument.) Annette Lyon - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2003 14:07:53 -0600 From: "D. Michael Martindale" Subject: Re: [AML] Self-Indulgent Authors Justin Halverson wrote: > Some would even argue that placing more emphasis on the poetry of the > writing, and less on the specific message, would maximize one's audience > more effectively. That would be an interesting John-Henry type contest. Pit literary writing versus a good plot. I might even lay money on that one. - -- D. Michael Martindale dmichael@wwno.com ================================== Check out Worldsmiths, the new online LDS writers group, at http://www.wwno.com/worldsmiths Sponsored by Worlds Without Number http://www.wwno.com ================================== - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2003 11:17:24 -0600 From: "Clark Goble" Subject: RE: [AML] Does Theory Matter? ___ Clifford ___ | Of course that title and the interpretation is a nonsense. We all=20 | apply a theory or many theories in our study of literature, all=20 | academics do is publish theirs and teach it to anyone that will=20 | listen. To say there is no verifiable theory of literature misses=20 | the point. Or are Literary Academics lazy? ____ It doesn't so much miss the point. What happens is that you hear people constantly saying that there is "truth" in literature, even literature like fiction or poetry. (As opposed to straight factual reporting like a physics textbook) The question thus is "what does that mean?" Further if literature is true (with truth conceived of in a traditional way) then surely there must be some way to get at this truth in a clear fashion. That's partially where literary criticism developed. (I don't want to pretend that was the only drive in its formation) It arose out of what is called hermeneutics which in turn largely developed as a way for Protestants to interpret the Bible. The Bible was literature but was also perceived to house the truth of God's word. Thus to determine the truth you had to have a way of determining this truth in a fairly "objective" way. There was then "cross-pollination" with the development of law and legal theory. As all this was going on a lot of the principles and practiced that were developed for both law and the Bible were applied to literature in general. The problem then became refining the methods of reading texts. The humanist tradition brought in far more texts than the Bible and by the 19th century focusing in on the Bible as "truth" was rather out of fashion in intellectual circles. Still this tradition of literature of truth remained and the basic protestant "task" remained and excelled in academia. What happened this last century were many different forms of literary criticism, all claiming to be the method of truth. However a funny thing happened. They found they couldn't arrive at a fixed method for truth. Then the so-called postmodern tradition (going back at least to Nietzsche but accentuated by Heidegger) then more or less argued persuasively that the whole task of literary criticism as "truth" was impossible. The problem was that people who largely spent their academic career in literature mistook this as a criticism on truth in general. Which never was implied by any of the postmodern philosophers or main literary critics. So this then led to relativism (although relativism never really came from philosophers but from anthropologists going back to Margaret Mead - so this main thrust really was anthropology and *not* postmodernism) =20 What the article in question really is about is the fact that the task of literature as traditionally viewed was dead. No one quite knows what to do about it. AS you say, it doesn't mean literature somehow stopped functioning as literature. People still used "theory" (interpretive stances) when reading literature. It unfortunately doesn't mean people will stop talking about the "truth" of literature. (Although I wish it did) It does mean that the (in my opinion) rather pretentious claims within literature departments have been shown as the fa=E7ade they always were. Of course I'm a physics major. So perhaps I'm biased. Long before I studied deconstruction, postmodernism, or the like I always thought claims of "truth" in literature was the attempt by humanity departments to pretend they were doing science. Clark Goble - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ End of aml-list-digest V2 #35 *****************************