Tag: Carl Sagan

A Musician and a Scientist

What movies or TV series have you watched more than 5 times?

There are a number of movies and tv series that I have watched multiple times over the years, however one from each category really stands out for me.

I have grown up with the James Bond franchise, as have many in my age group, and these films are still watched and enjoyed to this day.

But these are not my favourites. These are my favourites below.

Film wise I absolutely love the old James Stewart classic “The Glenn Miller story” this remains my favourite movie of all time and when it is on, that is my time, sit down, shut out all the noise and enjoy the wonderful story on how he created a unique sound that is still practiced to this day. And just like any good story it abruptly ends with his sad demise. A wonderful film in my eyes.

Glenn Miller

Secondly a tv series. That goes to the amazing Carl Sagan and his years ahead of its time “Cosmos” series. For a youngster brought up through the space race years there was a hunger for knowledge of our universe, that this series more than catered for. I have this entire series on DVD and it has even been updated from its original issue date in 1980. In 1986 more animations and commentary were added. Sagan passed away in 1996. He was the science teacher we all wished we had at school.

Carl Sagan

So that’s it for me, two of the finest televisual treats that I am aware of and still watch to this very day.

Have a wonderful day. Don’t let anyone take you down.

Thoughts 3/6/24

List three books that have had an impact on you. Why?

  • Cosmos – Carl Sagan
  • Cider with Rosie – Laurie Lee
  • The bitter lemons of Cyprus – Lawrence Durrell

I was a kid of the sixties, one of Apollos children as I lived through those heady days of the space race. Carl Sagan was one of those superb teachers that could bring a highly complex scientific process down to a level every one could understand and there haven’t been that many people who have followed him who can do the same. I have read the book and watched the series many times, I’m sure I will do the same soon.

I love Laurie Lees ability to be able to teleport you into his life as a child growing up in the country. I first read this book at school and then read it again about 30 years later. The things you notice in this book as an adult against what you read as a child shows how much our knowledge and attention grows as you mature. It’s a go to holiday read for me as it’s one of those comfortable books. His other books about the Spanish civil war are also very well written and insightful.

I love Cyprus and everything about it. This book by Lawrence Durrell gives a fascinating insight into the old ways of the island pre-invasion, as he travels around documenting the many people and ways of the island. I must have read this book a good six times now and I never tire of it. I suspect number seven will be coming up very soon.

You can’t beat a relationship with a good book.

Have a peaceful day everyone.