I'm not frieda, but IMHO I would have ended it when they finished the exhibit and went home. No scandal, no DaVinci code/Mission Impossilbe ending. The only thing I might have included - and was surprised that she didn't - was the visit Lola's real life person made with David, the son of the family who took her in. That takes place in the NYer excerpt and was very surprised she left it out. I can well imagine an editor insisting on some thrilling ending, which is too bad because in a book like this its the last thing you need. >This sort of novel will lead me on to other readings, hopefully, about the history of Bosnia, the former Yugoslavia, the Ottoman Empire, and the "Convivencia" time period of Spain's history Ones I've read: The Fracture Zone by Simon Winchester (non fiction), Birds without Wings (fiction). I also have read lots of history of the areas because I read travel narratives. I would recommend the classic Black Lamb Gray Falcon by Rebecca West - however its dated, and you'll get lots of gripes from all sides of the story of her different take on situations. But its worth reading just for the travel sections. I don't know any from the Convivencia period, tho I've read bits and pieces about it in other books. I'd love to know some of those as well - pass them on when you find them.

Vee -- I'm sorry I didn't visit this site earlier, so that I could give advice ... since I live in NY City ! Anyway, Trinity Church is waaaay downtown; but, since your daughter's friend works on Wall Street, she'll know exactly where to go -- and I'd assume -- how to get to it. Trinity Church is usually open -- so maybe your daughter could go inside and find someone connected w/ that church who would know about a map of the graveyard -- something which shows the names of all the people buried there, and where their gravestone is placed. West 83rd Street is a very lovely residential part of the upper west side of Manhattan. It's right by Central Park ... and only 20 blocks north of Lincoln Center - home of the Metropolitan Opera, the NY Philharmonic, New York City Ballet (of George Balanchine fame)). The weather this weekend is going to be sublime - it was 72 degrees today! -- So your daughter couldn't have picked a better weekend! ... I would definitely recommend a long stroll through Central Park -- maybe even rent a row boat on the beautiful tree-lined lake ... Afterwards - go to the nice restaurant that overlooks it ... right next to the boat rental. If she loves art -- besides the Museum of Modern Art -- the Metropolitan Museum of Art ... On the fabulous upper East side -- most posh part of Manhattan. This museum is set into Central Park. There's everything there -- Ancient Egyptian to European Old Masters to Abstract. My personal favourite -- the Medieval Hall w/ armor, chapel rooms imported from Europe and reconstructed, etc. Oh -- almost forgot -- in far-upper Manhattan is the fabulous Cloisters Museum -- an adjunct to the Metropolitan Mus. It's totally Medieval. Really beautiful old castle brought over stone-by-stone by a Rockefeller -- Sits atop a hill overlooking the mighty Hudson River, facing the magnificent Palisades across ... the setting inside the lush verdant (this time of year) Inwood Park is fabulous! I could go on and on, but these suggestions (not just mine, but everyone else's) are enough for one weekend! Let us know what she saw and did ... I'm curious.

I watched a movie with Rebel Wilson the other night called "Isn't It Romantic." It was a spoof on romantic comedies, albeit not a very good one. Part of the appeal of the movie would have been the leading lady's sarcastic jokes about work, dating and her life. But honestly, I could not understand her most of the time, it's like she didn't want to extend the effort to enunciate. I've watched other Australian movies and programs before and had no problems. My biggest problem with hearing is the sound seems to be uneven. To have it loud enough to hear some characters, others are too loud, and then the reverse. Regular tv with commercials is the worst. Unless you are constantly working the mute button, it's not fun. Fast paced comedies with a lot of word play are the worst. I love "Modern Family" but I can never seem to find the sweet spot in the volume for that one. What is "A Very English Scandal" about? I like Hugh Grant as an actor, although maybe not a guy I'd love to have a pint with down the pub. He is quite "mannered" in his delivery, but many good actors have that feature, not necessarily bad but he sure was typecast for many years . . . I never liked most of the stammering twits he played in those romantic movies . . . He's the perfect character in that movie "Small Time Crooks" with Woody Allen and Tracey Ullman. Now there's a Brit I never have trouble understanding no matter what dialect she is using . . .

I hadn’t seen Faber before and thought he was a fine Jeopardy host. I hope he doesn’t have ”a history”. I’d like to see him as permanent host. eld, so right. Does anyone NOT have a history of some kind?