Random Keats Sightings

[Malia]

Here's a great little site about Keats that I thought you all might enjoy--I did! There are some wonderful pics of Keats house and Hampstead Heath, a well-written short Keats bio, and some thoughts relating Keats to nature and to Hampstead Heath.

http://www.infobritain.co.uk/John_Keats_Biography_and_Visits.htm

[Malia]

I was scanning through the archives of the NPR program "On Point" and, being the English majorly-type I am, I clicked on an old (Jan 2006) program about the new 8th ed. of the Norton Anthology of English Literature--a tome with which every English major in America is extremely familiar. Anyway, they spoke to the new editor and the *original* editor, M.H. Abrams--who was 93 years old!--and they discussed what was kept, added, and dropped in the new edition. They read a few pieces and ended with a poem that Abrams (who is a Romantics scholar, btw) said would be included in the anthology as long as there is breath remaining in the English language. The poem he chose? Why, none other than Keats's "La Belle Dame Sans Merci". Abrams prefaced his reading of the poem by saying that, as he has grown older, he finds himself particularly attracted to Keats's works which remain so young, fresh and insightful. The show ended with the poem and Abram's comments about Keats--and it was, I may say, the perfect way to end the program (saving the best for last and all that!). Anyway, if you are interested in listening to the program--or even "fast forwarding" through the program to hear the bit about Keats at the end, I've posted a link:

http://www.onpointradio.org/shows/2006/01/20060119_b_main.asp

[Malia]

Here's an interesting perfumery website that my friend Danae just hooked me up with (as if I need to spend ANY more money!!) Anyway, many of the perfumes are inspired by literature, the muses, etc. Two of them (that I could find) are based on Keats poems! I've cut and pasted their descriptions below. When you go to the website and check out their inspirations link, you'll find quite a few of our Romantic poets are listed They have a whole collection of scents based on Shakespearian characters. Quite a few of the scents work well for men, so it's not all "girly stuff". Check it out!
http://www.blackphoenixalchemylab.com/welcome.html

Here are the Keats-inspired scents:

ODE ON MELANCHOLY
Beauty, joy, pleasure and delight: devastated. This is the scent of the hopelessness, torment and despair of love. Lavender and wisteria, heart-wrenching pale rose, desolate white sandalwood and thin, tear-streaked white musk.

LA BELLE DAME SANS MERCI
The name translates to "the beautiful woman without mercy", and is the title of an old French court poem that was later revamped by John Keats. A bewitching, seductive scent, rife with mystery and foreboding.

[AsphodelElysium]

I checked out the site. Totally awesome!

[Credo Buffa]

It appears that there is an Endymion scent as well:

ENDYMION
Selune, the Moon Goddess, fell in love with a beautiful shepherd named Endymion. She appealed to Zeus, asking him to cast Endymion into everlasting slumber so that she could be with him for all eternity. Her wish was granted, and every night the Goddess visited her love as he slept. A sweet, wistful blend of d'Anjou pear, Lily of the Valley, bois du rose and white musk.


I don't wear perfume too often, but some of these seem fabulous!

[Malia]

OK, I couldn't help myself, so I bought 6 trial vials/samples. Of course, Keats features in more than one. They are:

Ode on Melancholy
Endymion
Eclipse
Hymn to Proserpine
Psyche
I Died for Beauty

I'll be sure to write a review for you all when the scents reach my nose

[Credo Buffa]

Ooo, you can get sample sizes?! I might have to go for that, actually. I really love spicy, oriental kind of scents, but they're difficult to find, and a lot of these seem to have that kind of air to them. Definitely let us know how they are, Malia!

[Malia]

Ooo, you can get sample sizes?! I might have to go for that, actually. I really love spicy, oriental kind of scents, but they're difficult to find, and a lot of these seem to have that kind of air to them. Definitely let us know how they are, Malia!

Yes, their samples are called "Imp's Ears". I believe they are something like $3.95 each or you can get 6 for $19.95. Some of the categories of scents require that you buy samples of the entire category (can't pick and choose--such as with their chakra collection) but you can pick and choose within most of the categories.

[AsphodelElysium]

I actually kinda, sorta created a Keats sighting. I was surfing the net the other night and I came across a website that does astrological profiles of famous and historical figures. They didn't have Keats on their list, so I requested a profile. I got an email and the forum thanked me for the suggestion however because Keats was born before 1800 their system couldn't produce a report. Then they wrote, "However, let's just do his astrological profile for the sake of greatness and... Scorpios." So...here it is.


http://famous-relationships.topsynergy.com/John_Keats/

I put in a request for Fanny as well. We'll see what happens.

[Malia]

That's a pretty cool website! And the Keats profile was pretty much right on, in my estimation. I remember back in college, I had a roommate who owned a book on astrology and as an example of the quintessential Scorpio, they listed--of all people--our man Keats. He really fits the Scorpio profile to a T.

[Saturn]

I did this horoscope test thingy on Facebook and apparently I'm nothing like a Libran

[Malia]

I did this horoscope test thingy on Facebook and apparently I'm nothing like a Libran

Maybe it depends on what "house" your in--etc. I have a friend who does readings and he says it is necessary to know the hour (even the minute) of your birth--not just the day and the year--in order to get an accurate reading. I certainly don't know all the details, however. I am a pretty good example of a Libra. I certainly weigh everything I do before I make any decisions (makes my Gemini sister-in-law crazy ). I don't know if I'm as romantic as they say Libras are, but well, maybe I just haven't found that special someone yet

[Saturn]

I'm trying to loosen my obsession with horoscopes; I try not to read them anymore so I'm not too bothered - I'm not typical in anything never mind a typical libran

So you're a fellow Libran Malia when is your Birthday?

[Malia]

I just made a random Keats sighting. I was reading one of my school texts, a book entitled "The Search for the Real Self" and I came across these lines:

"We won't all become Olympic gymnasts, no matter how many years we practice. Nor will we all be able to take our places beside Shakespeare and Keats as poets."

Well, I'm sure Mr. Keats would have loved to have seen his name in a sentance side by side with old Will in a self-help psychology book! But man, what a shot to the ego. I mean, I may *never* become an Olympic gymnast??!!