- I try to steer clear of anything related to conspiracy theories, so I wasn’t immediately struck by the pitch for Alternate Realties from NPR’s Embedded: Reporter Zach Mack thinks his dad has gone all in on conspiracy theories, while his father thinks that Zach is the one being brainwashed. But it was recommended and I’m glad I stuck with it.
Zack and his dad showed admirable patience with one another across the three 30-min episodes. There were few dramatics (though the stakes were high). A lesson in remaining calm, to keep listening, and not to let your world view close off what may turn out to be an insightful conversation. A rewarding listen for anyone with inter-generational differences.
- I hadn’t heard of Sheila Fell, but the county of her birth and the landscapes she painted mean a great deal. The Tullie House in Carlisle had an open day in February, with an exhibition of her expressionist paintings. Stunning. Fell was born in Aspatria, Cumbria, the daughter of a miner. She moved to London, but always returned home to paint. Lowry was a fan.
Fell wasn’t an unknown, but neither was she a star. She died young. I’ve enjoyed learning a little more about her. Which then led to Eric Tucker, the ex-gravedigger who painted northern life, from factory to fuggy pub. A reminder that great work can be found all around.
- The Last Observers is not new, but it was showing at the Manchester Museum in February at an event sponsored by Patagonia. A Swedish couple’s 36-year commitment to watching the skies. Since 1987, they did not miss one of their now over 100,000 weather observations—through the births of their four children, snowstorms or illness. A lovely film, by their daughter, Maja. This last detail made it all the more special. The choice of storyteller matters.
