Morris (Morrie) Schwartz was a professor of sociology at Brandeis University. He is the main subject of Tuesdays with Morrie, a bestselling book by Mitch Albom, a sports writer and former student of his.
The events held within this book were set in motion by a Nightline interview, in which Mitch saw Morrie for the first time since his time at university. The interview is embedded below, as supplementary material.
Following this interview, Mitch visited Morrie every Tuesday for the final three months of his teacher’s life. Each week, a new topic was discussed. At the end of the book, one gets a full picture of Morrie’s stance on life and death. This is a stance which has moved me greatly.
For this momentous podcast, I am joined by Rishi and Chris, dear friends of mine from my time at Warwick.
I hope you enjoy listening to the podcast (below) as much as I enjoyed making it.
PS: Small caveat: at 15.50 I say the latin for prejudice is ‘prejudicio’ when it is in fact ‘prejudicium’.
Nice Life BioBistrot is a classic case of ‘does what it says on the tin’. During my sojourn in this wonderful restaurant, everything was nice. This might be on account of being in my parents’ company. An all too rare phenomenon now I live alone. Those of you blessed with excessive youth are not aware of your luck.
Our first course, which I managed to photograph before it was torn to shreds, consisted of a taglio misto. Those two words are among my favourite in the Italian language. This one was no exception. I spent a great deal of its presence on the table talking. When I looked down, there was nothing left. So I can but vicariously tell you of its magnificence.
Next, the main course was a true treat.
I had my wonderful amatriciana. As I have mentioned before and shall mention to no end again, this is my favourite dish in the world. Naturally for my first meal in Rome after 5 months away, this had to be my choice.
Mother went for the gnocchi gricia.
This is the second of four staple Roman dishes. Each of which are suffused with flavour and deeply satisfying. This dish was no exception. NiceLife uses only fresh ingredients and enhanced this particular dish with crema al pistacchio, which is not something I had seen hitherto. Father tried the Filetto di cinta senese con funghi. This was by far the standout dish of the entire meal. It grieves me that I was unable to show you a photograph. You’ll just have to imagine it. A sort of Tuscan pork fillet and mushroom amalgamation, presented in medallion which just exploded with flavour. I was deeply impressed.
un secondo piatto d’effetto che vi conquisterà per il gusto ed il profumo intenso di sottobosco.
Dessert consisted of a Pastafillo pere e cioccolato and a limoncelo sorbet. Both are pictured above and both were stunning. My sorbet was especially rich and creamy, yet surprisingly refreshing. The Pastafillo was consumed so quickly, I did not have the chance to taste it. If you’d like to know the secret behind the flavour of this dessert, you have two options. Either go to Cipro, Rome, and taste it yourselves, or ask my mother. Personally, I’m unsure which is more terrifying a prospect.
Now, there are numerous ice cream places in Rome. Most of them aren’t worth going to. There are few ice cream houses which really stand out. Giolitti is one of them. One of the best is Gelateria Dei Gracchi, if you were wondering. But they have no place in this post.
Giolitti has always been a stand-apart ice cream house. Not only for their numerous flavours but also the quality of each one. It does not matter which one you go for, disappointment is virtually impossible.
Since 1900 has nutrured a taste for perfection.
Harmonies of flavors and great tradition for one
of the oldest and most renowned locations in Rome,
famous and appreciated in Italy and around.
I’ve tried many flavours over my several dozen visits. Personally, I would go for the peach; black cherry or banana as my top flavour. But each of them are unique in their own way. And the taste is phenomenal.
There isn’t much else to say about this historic establishment, so I’ll let the picture speak for itself. But always remember one thing at Giolitti: ask for extra cream.
Where to begin? S.M della Vittoria has to be in my top 4 churches in Rome, perhaps even my top 7 of all time. Those of you who have ears will have heard my podcast on heaven’s inherent contradictions. The cover photo for that most enjoyable podcast post was a Bernini sculpture from within this church. This remains the principle reason for this church’s high ranking in my list. I’ve pictured it for you below.
I’m not sure if you can see in detail the magnificent ode to Bernini’s genius. The sculpture is a representation of the ecstasy of Santa Teresa D’Avila in Spain. We were taught about her in philosophy class in sixth form. My first sight of it, some two years ago, came as quite a shock!
There it is in more detail. This work was created between 1647-52. To see it now, survived nearly 400 years in perfect condition is really quite impressive. It can be found in the Cornaro chapel. But you can’t miss it, there is always a queue.
The church was begun in 1605 as a chapel dedicated to Saint Paul for the Discalced Carmelites. After the Catholic victory at the battle of White Mountain in 1620, which reversed the Reformation in Bohemia, the church was rededicated to the Virgin Mary. Turkish standards captured at the 1683 siege of Vienna hang in the church, adding to the theme of the Virgin helping to lead Catholic armies to victory.
My advice to you would be to check the open times. It closes around 12.30 for three hours. I’ve never understood the European need to take 1/4 of their day off, but then again I seldom eat.
The interior of the church is adorned with triumphant themes. Every you look there’s a gilded stuccos and corinthian pilaster there, and even a fresco of The Virgin Mary Triumphing over Heresy and Fall of the Rebel Angels executed by Giovanni Domenico Cerrini in 1675.
In all, it would be silly not to witness this glorious ode to Bernini’s genius. Additionally, it’s right in the centre of Rome. No excuses! Via Veneto , nearby, is also very much worth seeing.
Purple Rain is big. From the first words… “dearly beloved, we are gathered here to talk about this thing called life….” you are cast into this deep, meaningful abyss of an album. At all material times, you feel an ominous je ne sais quoi. This is more than music. Purple Rain is cultural heritage. In fact, it was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry. The Registry comprises a list of sound recordings that “are culturally, historically, or aesthetically important”
Purple Rain is certified 13-times platinum and has sold 25 million copies. It is now the third best selling album of all time!
Given this, I am aghast that nobody is talking about it. In 2016, the album was re-released and became the 13th best selling album of that year.
But enough about this album’s achievements. No one more, it is currently 148 in Rolling Stones top 500 albums of all time.
Prince’s rock & roll is as authentic and compelling as his soul and his extremism is endearing in a era of play-it-safe record production and formulaic hit mongering. Rolling Stones
I could go on ad infinitum about the accolades of this album. But let us talk about my favourite tracks, because this is my blog, after all. Darling Nikki is my favourite track. It’s about a sex fiend and how she romanced Prince with her rough haphazard ways. There’s a freaky solo at the end which makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
Baby I’m A Star is also a standout track. Let’s Go Crazy and When Doves Cry reached Number 1 in the US charts. Usually one shouldn’t pay attention to what Americans think but they’re right on this occasion.
“Let’s Go Crazy” is a furious blend of metallic guitars, Stonesy riffs, and a hard funk backbeat; the anthemic title track is a majestic ballad filled with brilliant guitar flourishes. Allmusic
The tracks on this album are sharp and aggressive. They will send you to places you didn’t think music could take you. They shall open your eyes to the true extent of Prince’s prowess. There’s nothing quite like the total overwhelming brilliance of Purple Rain.
