avatarStuart Englander

Summary

The website content provides an overview of historical events, figures, and cultural moments occurring on August 21, including the work of film director Peter Weir, a performance by Barbara Streisand, and the birthdays of notable individuals like Count Basie and Kenny Rogers, while also reflecting on the enigmatic theft of the Mona Lisa and the legacy of Robert Moog in music innovation.

Abstract

The article titled "Day Tripping: August 21" delves into a variety of subjects, from the filmography of Australian director Peter Weir, known for his detached character narratives in films like "Picnic At Hanging Rock," to the cultural significance of days such as Poet's Day and Senior Citizens Day. It recounts Barbara Streisand's return to public performance after 21 years with an HBO special in 1994. The piece also touches on historical events, including Vincenzo Peruggia's theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre in 1911, and acknowledges the contributions of engineer Robert Moog to the music industry through his synthesizer invention. Notable birthdays on this day include those of jazz musician Count Basie in 1904 and singer Kenny Rogers in 1938. The article is part of a series that explores significant events throughout history, with past entries available for readers interested in a comprehensive look at these "Day Tripping" moments.

Opinions

  • Peter Weir's preference for ambiguous endings in films is highlighted, suggesting a dissatisfaction with the contrived resolutions often found in movies.
  • Critics' negative reactions to the unresolved ending of "Picnic At Hanging Rock" are mentioned, indicating a contrast between the expectation of clear conclusions and the artistic choice to reflect life's uncertainties.
  • The article implies that Poet's Day and Senior Citizens Day deserve more recognition, suggesting these observances are undervalued in society.
  • The mention of Barbara Streisand's 1994 performance being her first public appearance in 21 years underscores the significance of her return to the stage and its impact on her fans and the entertainment industry.
  • Vincenzo Peruggia's theft of the Mona Lisa is presented as an intriguing historical footnote, with the return of the painting after two years adding to its mystique.
  • Robert Moog's role in pioneering the Progressive Rock music age with his invention of the synthesizer is celebrated, emphasizing his lasting influence on music production and artistry.

Day Tripping: August 21

Real Endings

By Piotr Drabik, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15735418

Peter Weir was born in Sidney, Australia in 1944, and became a leading member of the country’s New Wave of cinema in the seventies.

“Movies tie things up in an arbitrary length of time, but I have always liked things that aren’t fully realised.”

The common thread that runs through Peter Weir’s work is the detachment of the lead characters. They seem out of place with their environment. His Hollywood filmography includes Witness, Dead Poets Society, and The Truman Show.

One of his earliest and best films, Picnic At Hanging Rock explores the story of 19th-century school girls who go missing during a day trip. Critics vilified the ending’s lack of resolution. But, as Peter states above, life doesn’t usually work that way.

Today is:

Poet’s Day Senior Citizens Day — both of these desrve much more recognition.

Musical Ride

In 1994, Barbara Streisand starred in a special broadcast by HBO. It was the singer’s first public performance in 21 years.

Interesting Notes

Vincenzo Peruggia was an employee of the Louvre in Paris when he stole the Mona Lisa in 1911. The famous painting was returned two years later.

Gone But Not Forgotten

Robert Moog was an engineer whose invention of the synthesizer pioneered the Progressive Rock music age. Moog died in 2005 at 71.

Notable Births

1904 — Jazz bandleader and piano player, Count Basie

1938 — Kenny Rogers knew when to hold them and when to fold them.

K. Barrett Maria Rattray Maryam Merchant Dr Mehmet Yildiz Tree Langdon Myriam Ben Salem Phil Truman Chelsea Mandler MAT Terry Mansfield Hollie Petit, PhD. Terry Trueman Dr Preeti Singh John Gruber Bill Abbate James G Brennan ScienceDuuude Marcus Liam Ireland Claire Kelly Noorain Hassan, BMS Amy Pierovich David Acaster Nora Thewriteyard David Perlmutter Joe Luca Holly Kellums Michael Burg, MD Lucy Dan Dave Logan

All previous Day Tripping entries are available at the following links:

The Story Of Day Tripping Through History What’s Past Is Often Present

A comprehensive directory for Day Tripping

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People
Out And About
Film
Music
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