http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=FolgerLibrary&view=videos Who knew that the Folger had a YouTube channel? This will take much of my time, I’m quite sure. I wonder if anybody’s considered something more downloadable, like a video podcast? I much prefer those. Wherefore makest me stream thy content, fair Folger?
Month: April 2009
Happy 400th, Sonnets
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/shortstack/2009/04/happy_400th_birthday_shakespea.html In celebration of the man’s birthday, we should not overlook the fact that 2009 is the 400th anniversary of publication of the Sonnets. I like this article which details the author’s visit to the Folger to see the actual physical publications of the sonnets over the years, including 
a one-of-a-kind treasure made for Mr. Folger in 1926. Clad in leather and studded with sapphires and 18-carat gold, it sits snug in a blue velvet box. When Dr. Ziegler opens it, I expect our faces to melt off like the climax of "Indian Jones." The pages are velum, with silk sheets between each one. The intricately painted scenes radiate off the pages, bright and rich.
Sourcebooks Shakespeare Contest : Something For Everybody!
Thanks to everybody who participated in our giveaway of Sourcebooks Shakespeare! Winners have been notified via Twitter DM, as specified in the contest rules. So go check out your Twitter account, if you’re not in the habit of doing so on a regular basis. For the curious, Hamlet was the runaway winner in the “favorite play” portion of the game, coming in with double the votes of the runner up, Midsummer Night’s Dream. BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! As a special thank you to everyone who participated, Marie has graciously offered up your choice of “consolation” prize for those who wish to purchase their own Sourcebooks : * Free Shipping (US Only) – enter code shakesfree at checkout time * 20% off (shipped anywhere, though international shipping costs are horrible Marie tells me) – enter code SS200509 Both coupons are good until the end of May. (If you have any trouble with either code, get in touch with Customer Support:
http://www.sourcebooks.com/support/contact-sourcebooks.html) Thanks again for playing, and thanks to Marie and Sourcebooks Shakespeare for the prizes!
If Shakespeare Had Been A Hamster (?!)
http://www.enotes.com/blogs/english-teacher-blog/2009-04/if-shakespeare-had-been-a-hamster/ That’s one for the “Okayyy….never really thought of that!” file.
8. Audiences would quickly grow bored and ignore him, but immediately upon his death would ask when they would get a new Shakespeare.
Also On This Day
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jhZfSZI4djl_MxnRykC5lZzlBMYQD97NUG9O4 Happy Birthday Mr. Shakespeare! And, you know, Happy Death Day, too….I guess. Quick AP link to other stuff that happened on this day. Some big, some small. Other folks who share this illustrious birthday:
Actress-turned-diplomat Shirley Temple Black is 81. Actor Alan Oppenheimer is 79. Actor David Birney is 70. Actor Lee Majors is 70. Irish nationalist Bernadette Devlin McAliskey is 62. Actress Blair Brown is 61. Writer-director Paul Brickman is 60. Actress Joyce DeWitt is 60. Actor James Russo is 56. Filmmaker-author Michael Moore is 55. Actress Judy Davis is 54. Actress Jan Hooks is 52. Actress Valerie Bertinelli is 49. Actor Craig Sheffer is 49. Actor George Lopez is 48. Rock musician Gen is 45. U.S. Olympic gold medal skier Donna Weinbrecht is 44. Actress Melina Kanakaredes is 42. Rock musician Stan Frazier (Sugar Ray) is 41. Country musician Tim Womack (Sons of the Desert) is 41. Actor Scott Bairstow is 39. Actor Barry Watson is 35. Actor Kal Penn is 32. Actress Jaime King is 30. Actor Aaron Hill is 26. Actress Rachel Skarsten is 24. Tennis player Nicole Vaidisova is 20. Actor Dev Patel ("Slumdog Millionaire") is 19. Actor Matthew Underwood is 19. Actor Camryn Walling is 19.